Tradition and Magic at the Grand Opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
posted on September 23rd, 2011 by Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Last night, in a ceremony filled with Hawaiian tradition and Disney magic, Bob Iger and I had the privilege of officially opening Aulani, our new resort and spa on Oahu. We shared the stage with dozens of Hawaiian performers, scores of Aulani cast members and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, to celebrate another milestone in the incredible story of Aulani.
With invited guests, local Hawaiian officials and members of the media in the audience, the Grand Opening Ceremony took place on the beach of Aulani’s lagoon with the resort itself serving as the backdrop. It opened with an “oli pale,” a Hawaiian blessing, which was followed by a powerful performance by drummers, dancers and singers, including Keali’i Reichel, one of Hawai`i’s most popular artists who wrote a beautiful chant specifically for Aulani.
Then came time for the official dedication of the resort so Mickey and Minnie joined Bob and me onstage to do the honors. To symbolize the joining of the Hawaiian culture and the magic of Disney, we placed some sand from our beach into an ‘umeke, a ceremonial wooden bowl, and mixed it with – what else – some pixie dust.
From the very beginning we have committed ourselves to ensuring that Aulani embraces and celebrates the unique Hawaiian culture and traditions. We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the local community and I’d like to thank the Imagineers, cast members, construction teams, local artists and everyone who had a hand in bringing Aulani to life. Their passion, commitment and talent can be seen in every detail of this spectacular resort and I can’t wait for our guests from around the world to experience it themselves.
Disney Gift Card is Your ‘Passport to a World of Flavors’ at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
posted on September 23rd, 2011 by Virginia Scanlon, Alliance Manager, Disney Gift Card Services
For the past three years, exclusive Disney Gift Card designs have been featured as part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year, we’re excited to introduce our newest design in two formats to complement the 2011 festival theme, “Passport to a World of Flavors.”
The Disney Gift Card is a convenient way to carry your money right on your wrist during the festival. Simply load the card for as little as $5 and start exploring all the unique culinary and merchandise offerings around the World Showcase at Epcot without the hassle of digging through your wallet for every purchase. And don’t forget, you can reload your card as many times as you wish.
Keep the magic at your fingertips with our mini wristlet card or our traditional-sized card. When the festival is over, save your Disney Gift Card as a unique souvenir!
Disney Gift Cards are available throughout Epcot at Main Entrance Ticket Booths, Festival Welcome Center, Festival Gift Shop by Canada boat dock, World Showcase Merchandise Shop, Craft Beers, Port of Entry, Disney Traders, World Traveler at International Gateway, Bridge Kiosks, and around World Showcase. Get yours starting on September 30 for the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!
A Halloween ‘Treat’ from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on September 23rd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Halloween has arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort! Last week, my husband, son (dressed as a young Jack Sparrow) and I attended one of our favorite events of the year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
The parties, which require a separate ticket, take place after the park closes and features attractions, trick-or-treat stations, special entertainment and more. By far, one of my favorite offerings is Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, which is led by the Headless Horseman and his sturdy steed. The parade also features Disney characters in colorful costumes, characters inspired by The Haunted Mansion, and floats themed after Disney villains, pirates, Goofy’s Candy Co., and more.
This year’s parade features the addition of three new Disney characters: Angelica (from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Christopher Robin (Winnie the Pooh), and Doctor Facilier (The Princess and the Frog). In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a little “treat” for you!
Parties run throughout September and October. All entertainment is subject to change.
Disney Cruise Line Doubles the ‘Aloha’ with Second Hawaiian Cruise
posted on September 23rd, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Pack your bags, don your lei and get ready to say “aloha” to Hawai’i. Today we announced the addition of a second Hawai’i cruise to our 2012 Disney Cruise Line schedule!
Earlier this year we told you about our first-ever cruise to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands sailing April 29, 2012. With such an overwhelming response, it was clear our guests wanted more options to visit “The Aloha State.”
Departing Oct. 14, 2012, from Los Angeles, the Disney Wonder will sail through the breathtaking Hawaiian Islands, calling on Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; and Hilo. Plus, this special 14-night voyage includes a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, and eight fun-filled days at sea.
Guests will experience the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu, see the views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui, take in the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai and, on the Big Island, explore the natural wonders of the world’s most active volcano.
With so many West Coast sailing options in 2012, including cruises to Hawai’i, the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Coast and Alaska – which destination will you choose?
Final Preparations for Aulani Grand Opening Celebration Underway
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Aloha from Aulani! In just a few short hours, the Grand Opening Celebration will be underway, and there is a lot of activity going on here as the amazing cast of this beautiful resort prepares for the big night with what I believe is one of the most remarkable opening ceremonies you will ever see.
During a break yesterday from all the preparations, Mickey Mouse showed Walt Disney Company President and CEO, Bob Iger, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs, just how inviting the Waikolohe Pool really is!
Party Like a Pirate at Mickey’s Halloween Party
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
If Monday’s Disney Parks Blog pirate takeover got your pirate flag flying, you should check out the new Piratepalooza Dance Party during Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland park.
Each night of Mickey’s Halloween Party, “Pirate” Goofy and his pirate pals will take over Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante and enlist guests into their pirate crew. Dance a pirate jig, join in a “yo ho” sing-along, and play swashbuckling pirate games. Young pirates-in-training can take home a special Pumpkin Pirate souvenir coloring sheet. It’s a pirate’s life for everyone! Arr!
First Look at the Freaky Gingerbread House in Haunted Mansion Holiday
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Here’s a shot of the fabulous gingerbread confection that’s the centerpiece of the table in the ballroom in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. It may look fancy, but there’s a dark side to all that sweetness and 500 pounds of gingerbread.
The six-foot-tall house is on display through Christmas, thus the “Jack Skellington Meets Santa Claus” theme. The holiday-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday opened Friday, so take a ride through and let us know what you think!
Spend Halloween at Fort Wilderness With Disney Characters
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Forget tricks, we’ve got a real treat this Halloween – an all-you-care-to-eat supper and an evening with favorite Disney characters, in the fun outdoor setting at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness.
Dress up and head for the Halloween-themed dance party from 5-7 p.m. on October 31. The Disney characters will be in Halloween costumes, with plenty of time for fun photos.
The generous buffet features baked chicken, barbecued pork ribs, hot dogs with all the fixins, cheeseburgers, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, watermelon and frozen treats. Beer, wine, lemonade and iced tea are included. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of candy for trick-or-treaters.
Cost is $50.99, $29.99 ages three to nine. Reservations can be made by online at www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining, by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463) or visiting any Guest Relations theme park location or Guest Services desk at a Disney resort.
A Disney Vacation Club Memory-Making Experience Just for You
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you love how Disney creates great family memories and that’s one of the reasons why you became a member. You wanted to experience the magic as much as possible and pass the legacy on to those you love. For those of us in our “mature years” (wink wink), we watched “The Wonderful World of Disney” on our black-and-white TV sets on Sunday nights. Remember? And we’d also keep an eye on the local paper for the latest Disney movie at the local theater.
Back then, Walt Disney World Resort was just a dream and videos, DVDs and the Internet didn’t exist. But for me, as a kid growing up in Medina, Ohio, a weekly TV show and those great Disney movies – shared with my family – provided such great experiences and memories that it left indelible impressions on my heart.
Now, years later, I have the best job in the world. As the Manager of Dream Making I spend my day making dreams come true for you. At Disney Floral & Gifts when we had the opportunity to create something special for DVC Members; we opened the storybook and enjoyed writing the chapters of this new experience. A few weeks ago, I shared that I had a special secret for you. Today, I’m tickled pink to share that we’ve just released a DVC family memory-making experience that will hopefully leave an indelible impression on your heart.
Today we announce the premiere of our new DVC Welcome celebration, which creates an experience that feels like Mickey, Minnie and Pluto have come to your room to create a personalized welcome just for you. A “welcome home” sash hangs from your resort room door that provides the opportunity for personalization of the year you became a member. When you open the door, there are Mickey footprints that lead to a large Mickey and Pluto plush. You’ll also discover cookies Minnie Mouse baked for your family, a personalized matted illustration of Mickey and more. The price for this family experience is $295.
So here’s to creating family memories just for you. Hopefully this experience will warm your heart – much like “The Wonderful World of Disney” did for us – to provide you with cherished memories you’ll be able to recall for years to come.
Vintage Walt Disney World: Remember the Magic
posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
Sure, there were 25 candles signifying the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort for all to see, but it’s not what guests remember the most.
This 185-foot-tall birthday cake as big as a castle (Cinderella Castle if we’re getting specific) was the centerpiece of this celebration that had guests talking for years. It was estimated the cake weighed in at 40 million pounds. That’s a lot of cake mix!
With 55,040 tablespoons of pink paint in three different shades (who kept count? I lose count after counting out five tablespoons!), this cake was rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth with its 50 gumballs, 30 lollipops, 4 Life Savers, 12 gum drops, 16 red candy hearts and 16 green candy stars.
During the 25th anniversary, guests knew it was Time to Remember the Magic and the transformation of Cinderella Castle is one memory no one is soon to forget.
