Disneyland Resort at Dawn: Big Thunder Trail
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Shannon Swanson, Senior Publicist, Disneyland Resort
The inspiration for this “Disneyland Resort at Dawn” video came from my son. When he was younger he wasn’t quite ready to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, so while the older kids went on the attraction we would go check out the fish near Big Thunder Trail. I heard that fishing is best in the early morning, so I had to see for myself if they were jumping.
Do you know the name of this pond, where the fish jump under the shadow of Big Thunder Mountain? Leave your answers in the comments, and I’ll post the answer later today.
See more of the Disneyland Resort at dawn in the posts below:
- Disneyland Resort at Dawn: Pirate’s Lair
- Disneyland Resort at Dawn: Mickey’s Toontown
- Disneyland at Dawn: Sleeping Beauty Castle Time Lapse
Disney Fanatics Receive a Dream-Inspired Backyard
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Tony Shepherd, Producer, Broadcast Marketing
From your enthusiastic response, we’re thrilled to see how much you’ve enjoyed the first two episodes of “My Yard Goes Disney”. The inspiration for tonight’s backyard makeover didn’t come from Walt Disney World Resort…or Disneyland Resort, for that matter. This week’s episode took its cue from the biggest “dream” of all: the Disney Dream cruise ship.
Tonight’s lucky family is the Farrells. They’re all Disney, all the time, on land and at sea. They told the show’s producers they have 3,000 Disney related family pictures, with 600 from their Disney Dream cruise in January alone! They were on the ship in its first month of sailing on a cruise that they describe as “the most amazing four days of their lives.”
What I think you’ll find amazing is the truly extraordinary backyard the designers built for them. You know by now that I love to bring you sneak peeks, so check it out. Mickey Mouse-shaped pool, anyone?
The episode required filming with the family aboard the Disney Dream in the luxurious staterooms, Senses Spa & Salon, Palo and even on the AquaDuck water attraction. It was a tough assignment. (See? I told you I have the best job at Disney Parks).
Speaking of the AquaDuck, we developed this incredibly cool camera mount just for this attraction and captures in-the-moment reaction of the family riding. Check it out in tonight’s episode.
Here’s one more picture. The show’s designers created a cool backyard addition inspired by a statue at a Disney destination other than the Disney Dream. Who has the first correct guess?
What’s ‘In Store’ for You at D23 Expo 2011
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Alright, Disney fans! How excited are you that we have fewer than 60 days left until the start of the D23 Expo 2011? What are you most looking forward to? Presentations by the Walt Disney Studios? Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives? The latest information from Disney Parks and Resorts? Or finding out what’s “in store” for you at the D23 Expo Dream Store? There’s so much happening, it’s hard to choose just one.
So let’s kick off our Disney Theme Park Merchandise D23 Expo series with a behind-the-scenes look at “Remember… it all started with a Mouse.” As part of this year’s D23 Expo, local artist Noah was commissioned by Disney Consumer Products to create the iconic graphic celebrating this year’s themes. Noah has captured in exquisite detail the joy and laughter that comes from Walt Disney’s ever-familiar and contagious smile and has carefully selected a palette of colors that cleverly reveals this year’s celebrated film anniversaries including “101 Dalmatians,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Dumbo.” Surrounded by color, the piece allows you to share in the spirit and magic of Disney animation while remembering that it all started with a mouse. Take a look!
Another exciting offering at this year’s D23 Expo will include a Live and Silent Auction, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 20. Those of you who attended the last Live Auction know just how exciting it was and how many different items there were to bid on. This year, expect to see experiences, tours, artwork, props and more on the auction block. I’ll definitely share more with you as details on these lots become available. You will need a separate ticket in addition to your Expo admission to take part in the Live and Silent Auction – do you really want to miss out on bringing home a piece of Disney magic?
Tip: Tickets to the D23 Live and Silent Auction are $45 and will be available to purchase on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
What else are you excited to see from Disney Theme Park Merchandise at the D23 Expo? The logo merchandise? Disney pins and Vinylmation? Art and collectibles? New merchandise debuts? Let me know in the comments.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
My eye is always drawn to the number six. Who knows why, but being born on June 6 could have something to do with it. Chances are that’s not the case for you, so this week’s big, green mystery image could be a most difficult image to identify. It can be found somewhere at Disney Parks, but where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Read the rest of this entry »
Exclusive Bottle of Cognac Delivered to the Disney Dream via Limousine
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
If you’re a wine enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur or are celebrating a special occasion and really want to treat yourself while sailing on the Disney Dream, we have something just for you!
Rémy Martin’s most exclusive bottling ever was created with the Louis XIII Rare Cask Cognac. Out of only 786 bottles in the world, two of them belong to Disney Cruise Line. One was even delivered to the Disney Dream in a limousine! And we’re saving the second bottle for the Disney Fantasy. Watch the video to learn more about this unique beverage experience for our adult guests.
Cheers!
Receive a Free Dining Plan with Purchase of New Memories Vacation Package at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on June 20th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Today, I’m happy to present a Disney Parks vacation offer that may pique your interest.
For a limited time, get a free dining plan when you buy the new Walt Disney Travel Co. Memories Vacation Package for 5 nights/6 days at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels for arrivals most nights between Aug. 28 and Sept. 24, 2011. This package includes room, theme park tickets and a 20-page Disney’s PhotoPass Photo Book to preserve and share your family memories.
This offer applies to vacations booked now through Aug. 27, 2011, on trips that take place Aug. 28-Sept. 24, 2011.
In case you’ve never vacationed the Walt Disney World Resort during this time of year, it’s a great opportunity to visit. One of our most popular hard-ticket events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, kicks off Sept. 13. This event offers families some great Halloween fun – Disney style – at Magic Kingdom Park. Not to mention there are a lot of other new offerings that have debuted so far in 2011, including the new Mickey Mouse meet-and-greet at Magic Kingdom Park, the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and interactive queues at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and The Haunted Mansion.
Now, who’s ready to book?
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on June 19th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Did you mark your calendar? This week, we announced a world-first ceremony to welcome Rapunzel as our tenth member of the Disney Princess Royal Court. It’s happening on October 2, 2011 at Kensington Palace in London, UK.
All ten Disney Princess characters will be there, joined by VIPs, celebrities and little princesses from around the globe. Check back here for more details in upcoming months.
And how about that, we have some new friends coming to Disney California Adventure park this summer. Next weekend, the Wilderness Explorers’ Camp will open at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, featuring Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar film, “Up.” Check our original post for details.
Now, here’s a look at some of the other stories we’ve been working on.
Raiders of the Disney Parks Merchandise – Steven Miller shares an exclusive look at the latest Indiana Jones-inspired merchandise coming to Disney Parks.
Dumbo Isn’t the Only Flying Elephant at Disneyland Park – Watch as one of the Jungle Cruise’s African bull elephants travels high above Disneyland park.
The Scoop on the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – The Epcot Food & Wine Festival returns for its 16th year, featuring celebrity chefs, wine tasting seminars and the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series.
Video: New Travel Series Explores Disney Parks – Travelocity travel expert Genevieve Shaw Brown breaks down Walt Disney World’s resort categories and offers some of her own recommendations for you and your family.
Lightning McQueen Joins the Cast at Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – We share some exclusive details before Lightning McQueen speeds in to the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this summer.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Royal Guest Rooms Now Available for Booking – Beginning in 2012, guests can enjoy Walt Disney World Resort hotels in brand news ways at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
Take 5: Disney Parks Merchandise
posted on June 18th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Whether you’re a fan of “The Little Mermaid” or Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney Parks Merchandise has something for everyone! Check out our top posts below featured on the Disney Parks Blog to find the latest new items from both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Take 5: Disney Parks Merchandise
- Raiders of the Disney Parks Merchandise – “Raiders of the Lost Ark” celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 12. Here’s the latest merchandise from the Disney Design Group.
- The Force is Strong with Star Wars Weekends Merchandise – Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World Resort promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever, and we have some new items for the loyal fans.
- ‘Cars 2’ Merchandise Races into Disney Parks – In early May, we released information about select “Cars 2” merchandise to prepare for Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend.
- Add a Splash of Color with New Disney California Adventure Park Merchandise – Just before the opening of Disney California Adventure park’s newest attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, we shared some of the treasures, thingamabobs and whatchamacallit’s that Guests can look forward to finding in some of the park’s nearby stores.
- Tides Turn on New Pirate Merchandise at Disney Parks – To celebrate the release of ”Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides” earlier this spring, we featured a few ‘treasures’ for every pirate wannabe.
Like Father, Like Son: Imagineers Rolly Crump and Chris Crump
posted on June 17th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
This weekend we honor our fathers – their love, their support, and the impact they’ve had on our lives and the people we’ve become. At Walt Disney Imagineering, father and son Imagineers Rolly Crump and Chris Crump have each brought to life iconic figures at Disney Parks – Rolly with “it’s a small world,” the Haunted Mansion and the Enchanted Tiki Room (to name just a few), and Chris with “a bug’s land” at Disney California Adventure park, Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! at Tokyo Disneyland and most recently The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Chris shared with the Disney Parks Blog his memories of growing up with – and then growing up to become – an Imagineer.
What was it like to have an Imagineer as a dad?
Being a kid with Dad working for Disney in the 1960s, getting to go to Disneyland for free whenever we wanted – are you kidding?
Rolly would share stories of working with Walt when our family was eating dinner. It was an exciting time, and the stories were inspirational. Watching Rolly and Walt on TV together talking about “it’s a small world” was a real highlight of that period of time.
Did your father ever take work home with him, or were you ever involved in any of his projects when you were a child?
I used to visit my Father at WED (original name of Walt Disney Imagineering) in the mid-sixties. I got to walk around the model shop, see what everyone was working on.
Rolly was working on the show models for “it’s a small world.” So I was aware of model building – the tools that were used. I started building model kits at home, and Rolly would bring me supplies – paints. One of the first Xacto tool boxes he bought me, I still have a pair of tweezers from that tool box to this day.
Did you always want to be an Imagineer as well, or was it something you were drawn to later as an adult?
I started working with Rolly on a project for Knott’s Berry Farm (Knott’s Bear-y Tales) in the mid-seventies. Coming to Imagineering didn’t really hit me until the late 1980s.
While shopping in Century City, I ran into (now former Imagineer) Eddie Sotto – and Eddie had just started to work at Disney. It was a seed that Eddie Sotto planted that just got me thinking about coming to WDI.
What does your father think of your work as an Imagineer?
When I shared with him the 3-D models that we generated to design “The Little Mermaid” attraction, Rolly realized that I am working in a completely different environment than he was back in the day. He is very impressed with the technology that we have now, and has shared with me that he is very proud of what I am doing with the company.
What did you learn from your father that you’ve used in your career as an Imagineer?
What I observed was that Rolly had really great relationships with the people that he worked with. What we do every day is work together in the spirit of collaboration. It is important to know the skills of your co-workers, and to trust and respect them. I watched Rolly interact with his peers, and was impressed with how well-respected he was then, and is to this day. Being respected is earned, and it’s something that I work at all the time.
Which of the attractions that your father worked on is your favorite? Does he have a favorite of yours?
“it’s a small world” has been built five times over the last forty-some years. All around the world people keep lining up to go on it. There are only a few attractions in our history that have had that kind of appeal and staying power. I’m guessing he will like The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure the best. It’s going to be the family attraction that will entertain guests for years to come – as close to an “old school” style attraction, in the classic dark ride tradition.
Has there been a project that you’ve worked on together?
It was Wonders of Life for Epcot. I had just started at WDI, and Rolly was freelancing. I called him up and told him there was something in the pavilion that was right up his alley. He stopped me as I was talking and said, “Are you offering me a job at Disney?” It was just for a few months, but we had a good time working together – we always have.
Disney Legends Award Honorees to be Celebrated at D23 Expo
posted on June 17th, 2011 by Jeffrey Epstein, Manager, Marketing
Hi everyone! We are thrilled that the prestigious Disney Legends ceremony will be returning to the D23 Expo this year. Taking place on Friday, August 19, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney Legends honors those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy.
Among this year’s honorees are many creative and inspiring individuals who have helped shape Disney Parks around the world. For example, this year’s group of worthy recipients include television icon Regis Philbin, previously featured in the “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire: Play It!” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Jim Henson, whose masterful work can be seen at that park’s Muppet•Vision 3D; Disneyland Hotel creators Jack and Bonita Wrather; Ray Watson, whose vision helped lead the expansion of Walt Disney World including the opening of Epcot; and Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, who recently attended the opening of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park.
Other soon-to-be Legends include former Disney Consumer Products Chairman Bo Boyd, Guy Williams who embodied Zorro, and Disney Princesses Paige O’Hara, Linda Larkin, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose.
The ceremony will be hosted by Tom Bergeron of “Dancing with the Stars” and will take place in the Convention Center Arena. For more details about the “Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families”— including an exclusive advance screening of “The Lion King” in 3D, visit D23Expo.com.
