Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on July 24th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Look at that. This week, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort hit a major construction milestone when Walt Disney Imagineers and crews working on the project held a “topping out” ceremony for the resort. The special moment is a tradition in the construction and engineering fields and takes place when the highest piece of steel is placed on a building’s frame. There’s more in the original post and keep an eye out for some new video coming soon.
And we also shared new video of the “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party” now jamming at Disney California Adventure park. The Disney Channel stars appear throughout the day at Paradise Pier to perform some of their biggest hits. But the real star of the show is you! Tell us about your favorite part.
Now, here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.
Ear Hats Off to the Holidays at Disney Parks – Steven Miller gives readers an exclusive preview of some of the holiday ornaments coming to Disney Parks this fall.
First Look: Jasmine’s Flying Carpets Makes Royal Debut at Tokyo DisneySea – Take a magic carpet ride on Tokyo DisneySea’s newest attraction, Jasmine’s Flying Carpets.
It’s a ‘Carousel of Projects’ from Disney Parks at the D23 Expo – From the “Carousel of Projects” pavilion to must-see presentations, take a look at the out-of-this-(Disney)-world line-up for this year’s D23 Expo at Disneyland Resort.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland Resort This Summer – What’s the best way to enjoy a visit to the parks? Watch as cast members and guests share their top tips.
Goofy Jams On Drums at Walt Disney World Resort – If you liked “Dancing Mickey,” you’ll love watching Goofy show off his unique drumming skills during the 2011 Vex Robotics World Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Inside Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel – You might have tasted some of Trader Sam’s famous concoctions, but do you know the story behind this adventurer, entrepreneur and jungle legend?
Take 5: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
posted on July 23rd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
A little over a month ago, Guests were able to begin booking rooms for the brand new, one-of-a-kind Disney Art of Animation Resort that is scheduled to open in early spring of 2012 at Walt Disney World. This resort will feature family suites designed around four themes: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. Below are updates we’ve shared on the Disney Parks Blog regarding the resort’s progress. Are you planning to stay at this new resort?
Take 5: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Topping Out Ceremony Held at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Check out this exciting update about the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which is set to open at the Walt Disney World Resort next year.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Royal Guest Rooms Now Available for Booking – In June, “Disney Story Rooms” at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort became available for guests booking vacations in 2012.
- New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Last Decemeber, we shared some artist renderings to help give readers a better idea of what to expect when the resort opens in 2012.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Scheduled to Open in 2012 – Take a look at the first artist rendering we shared on the Disney Parks Blog showing the one-of-a-kind resort.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Unveiled – Last spring we officially announced plans for the new resort at Walt Disney World that will bring to life some of Disney’s most beloved characters and stories.
Disney’s ESPN The Weekend Update
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
One thing that’s always struck me is our commitment to regularly reviewing the experiences we provide to our guests and challenging ourselves to bring new opportunities to life. Occasionally, this results in something coming to an end, as is the case with what I’m sharing today. In order to focus our efforts on ESPN’s growing year-round presence at Walt Disney World Resort, we have decided to no longer host ESPN The Weekend.
As you may know, the event was first created in 2004 in support of ESPN’s 25th anniversary and, along with ESPN Club, served as ESPN’s first significant presence here. While the event has continued for seven more successful years, our relationship with ESPN has evolved significantly and positively. This has resulted in new branding for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, new opportunities for millions of athletes, coaches and fans, and hundreds of hours of ESPN programming, making our guests part of the show. In addition, the sports complex has become home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, which is the official development hub for ESPN’s 3D network.
Moving forward, our focus will be on creating events like the new ESPN RISE Girls Showcase and the ESPN RISE Games, which provide a stage for tens of thousands of athletes from around the country, and providing opportunities for guests to be part of events they’ve only before watched on television, such as the Home Depot College Football Awards and the Old Spice Classic.
We have just scratched the surface of what Walt Disney World and ESPN can do together and look forward to sharing information about new projects as they progress.
A Look ‘Below the Surface’ at Aulani
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
Rainbow Reef, the unique interactive snorkeling experience in the Waikolohe Valley recreation space, will be one of the fun adventure highlights of a vacation at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i. The 3,000-square-foot lagoon contains numerous fish found around Hawai‘i, including Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish and Tangs, all living in Rainbow Reef and available for up-close viewing by snorkelers.
Assistant Curator Marjorie Awai talks about Rainbow Reef in the video below. Notice that an additional feature of the lagoon will be the underwater rock formations which, like the rocks of the Pu‘u Kilo (Remember? The lava outcropping/water slide in Waikolohe Valley) take on some striking shapes when you look at them closely.
Can you spot all the shapes – shark, octopus, etc? Pretty sure I spotted a turtle down there as well.
Next week on the Disney Parks Blog, I’ll be visiting Aunty’s Beach House, the one-of-a-kind Kids’ Club at Aulani.
Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Celebrates ‘Half Way to Paddy Day’
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
September is a relatively quiet month, kids are back in school, the perfect excuse for a party – and Saturday, Sept. 17, just happens to be the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day. So the folks at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney are throwing a party with live music, Irish dancing, zany competitions and plenty of giveaways.
No cover charge and we’re betting it’s all the fun and way less hectic than the real deal in March. (And kids are welcome!)
The four-piece traditional ballad group, Na Fianna, a four-piece Irish trad and ballad group hailing from the heart of Ireland, will start the fun at 5 p.m. with songs from “Galway Girl” to the “Rocky Road to Dublin.” And the Raglan Road Dancers will show off traditional jigs and energetic new “reels” (Irish dance steps). Get ready to dance.
The popular Elevation band, considered the most successful U2 tribute band in the world, returns for the party with their expansive repertoire, ranging from U2′s first album “Boy” to 2009′s “No Line On The Horizon.”
Of course, for us it’s an excuse to order the Dalkey Duo (fried cocktail sausages with mustard) … crispy fish and chips … Kevin’s heavenly ham (glazed loin of bacon) … and a cold brew or two.
Mark your calendars, get your green on and join the fun!
It’s Christmas in July at the Disneyland Resort!
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
The hot days of summer are here and though we love basking in our glorious California sun, our cast members already have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads!
That’s right, with 157 days left, holiday preparations have begun at Disneyland Resort. We recently checked in on the talented artists from the Resort Enhancement team who have started working on the detailed decorations that will create a winter wonderland for guests later this year.
Check out this video to meet Dave Caranci and see how the Resort Enhancement team is getting ready for our merriest time of year!
The Disney Vinylmation Robot Invasion Has Begun!
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I love robots! My love for these machines probably comes from countless hours of watching science-fiction films like The Black Hole. I even dressed as a robot for Halloween when I was 4 years old. While I love robots, I certainly don’t want them taking over the world. Unfortunately, I think it is too late! Today, the robot invasion has begun at select Disney Stores across the United States and online with the release of Vinylmation – Robots #1. I spoke with Donald Ferro, Product Developer for Vinylmation at Disney Parks, about this unique partnership with the Disney Stores.
“The Disney Theme Park Merchandise development team is excited to partner with the Disney Stores as Vinylmation has become a focus for the entire Walt Disney Company,” explained Donald. “I believe at the heart of Vinylmation is creativity, great design and fun storytelling. The Robots series is actually the third set designed by the Disney Store team and the figures look great!”
This new series follows the limited-release model first introduced at Disney Parks. The series will feature 11 known three-inch figures and one mystery chaser figure. I can’t decide which figure is my favorite. When I showed my son the images above, he said he wanted them all (that’s my boy!).
The artwork for these figures was created by Disney Artists on the Disney Store art team. Donald explained the key to success has been good partnerships.
“We meet regularly with the Disney Store team,” continued Donald. “Their art team works closely with our lead Vinylmation artists, Thomas Scott and Eric Caszatt, to review artwork, discuss designs and share best practices. The meetings have helped us create consistent products and experiences for both Disney Parks and Disney Stores.”
There will also be limited edition nine-inch figures released with a robots theme. I think my favorite is the robot who is driving another robot.
The Disney Store team produced a pretty incredible video staring these new robotic creations. After watching it, I’m hungry for a cheeseburger and vanilla milkshake from the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The video seems like something you would see there.
Will these robots be invading Disney Parks?
“The first Robots series will only be released at the Disney Stores,” said Donald. “But I advise that you start making preparations now. I’ve heard reports that a second wave of robots could be making their way to Earth.”
Sounds just like one of those sci-fi movies I love.
Today in Disney History: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Scares Up A Crowd
posted on July 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Today I get to celebrate the anniversary of one of my favorite attractions – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened July 22, 1994.
The attraction’s storyline is this: On Halloween night in 1939, a thundering storm descended on Hollywood hills, trapping several guests in the lobby of the star-studded Hollywood Tower Hotel. A party of five entered the elevator – a couple, a bellman, a child actress and her governess – and with one crack of lightning, each of them vanished. Now, on a night “much like this,” guests are welcome to follow in their footsteps and take a ride in a service elevator that leads “directly to … The Twilight Zone.”
In honor of the attraction’s anniversary, Photographer Gene Duncan explored some of the details in the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel up close – many of which were acquired by Walt Disney Imagineering at Hollywood auction houses.
Here’s a look at what he found.
Oh, the stories these chairs have to tell! They’re actually authentic antiques that date back to the Renaissance. (Similar sets can be found at the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London).
Several French bronze statues can be seen throughout the lobby, including a few fashioned by the famous 19th-century artist Moreau. His work ornamented many luxury hotels during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
If you look closely, the sheet music under this trumpet is actually a copy of “What! No Mickey Mouse? (What Kind of Party Is This?),” which was composed by Irving Caesar in 1932.
Got goose bumps yet? Here are some additional shots.
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Topping Out Ceremony Held at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
posted on July 21st, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Have any of you been clamoring for details on the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which is set to open at the Walt Disney World Resort next year? If so, we’ve got an exciting update to share today on the progress of this highly anticipated guest offering.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will bring to life famous Disney and Disney•Pixar films, including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, hit a major construction milestone earlier today when Walt Disney Imagineers and various crews working on the project held a “topping out” ceremony for the resort. This special moment is a tradition in the construction and engineering fields and takes place when the highest piece of steel is placed on a building’s frame. The tradition dates back to the Vikings, who would place an evergreen tree on the top of a building to celebrate and wish for good luck.
Today’s ceremony took place atop a wing of the resort that will be themed after The Lion King.
Disney Parks Blog author Tom Smith previously shared a look inside this resort, which will feature elaborately themed building exteriors and room interiors.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set to open in early Summer 2012 and is already available for booking. Standard rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort start at $94 per night and family suites start at $248 per night.
For more information on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, visit disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639).
Inside Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel
posted on July 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Listen travelers, and I’ll tell you the tale of a unique man. He’s an adventurer, an entrepreneur and a jungle legend. For 56 years, Disneyland park guests have crossed paths with him, the “Head Salesman” of the jungle, Trader Sam, as they sail toward the end of the classic Jungle Cruise attraction. Peddling shrunken heads, spears, masks, beads and trinkets, Trader Sam is famous for his special offer: two of his heads for one of yours.
After a successful career as a witchdoctor, Trader Sam’s talents for brewing head-shrinking potions naturally gave him experience in mixing exotic elixirs. Ultimately, requests from thirsty jungle visitors inspired Sam to search for a more convenient, yet still exotic locale. Finding this tropical oasis at the Disneyland Hotel, he set up camp. With help from his friends at the Jungle Cruise Navigational Company, he decorated every inch of the place with his collection of artifacts and photos from his many adventures around the globe.
This vast collection of personal artifacts adorn the interior of Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar and are influenced by the adventurous characters and lore found in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Indiana Jones Adventure, the Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea and the 1954 Disney film classic, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Prior to opening his bar, Trader Sam traveled the world to find rare and exotic ingredients for his specialty drinks and secret mix of juices and spices he calls “Sam’s Gorilla Grog.” From the deepest, darkest jungles of the Lost River Delta and the piranha‐infested waters of the Amazon to the hidden temples of South America and the enchanted island home of the tiki gods, Sam faced many dangers to collect everything he needed for his drink recipes. Some of his concoctions even have mystical powers – ordering one of these specialty drinks can awake the tiki gods themselves, triggering special effects that bring the room to life.
Take a look inside this exotic watering hole yourself!
And the next time your travels take you to Trader Sam’s, be sure to look for some of these items from his collection:
- A coat check ticket from The South Seas Club, used in the Disney film, “The Rocketeer.”
- Messages in bottles from famous Disney film characters, including Lt. Robin Crusoe (“Lt. Robin Crusoe”), Lampy (“Pete’s Dragon”), Lincoln Costain (“Castaway Cowboy”) and Captain Jack Sparrow (“Pirates of the Caribbean”).
- The Orange Bird, a popular Magic Kingdom Park Adventureland character from the 1970s.
- San Francisco Evening Bulletin newspaper and a whaling harpoon from the Disney film, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
- An ancient scroll from Indiana Jones Adventure.
- A replica bullwhip sent to Trader Sam from fellow adventurer, Indiana Jones.
- Sketches from Indiana Jones’ journal.
- A life ring from the Magdalena Maiden, one of the retired Jungle Cruise boats.
- A collection of real photographs of The Jungle Cruise from the 1950s.
- An authentic 1927 pin celebrating Charles Lindberg’s flight from New York to Paris.
Safe travels, adventurers!
