Taro Patch at Aulani Entrance Goes Back to the Roots of Hawaiian Culture
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
Not only is there a lot to do at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, but I found out on a recent visit that there is a lot to learn as well. Brimming with Hawaiian culture, the resort is a treasure trove of knowledge.
One of the first things guests see when they arrive at the resort is a large patch where taro plants grow. Once mashed and pounded, a taro plant yields poi, one of the most sacred dishes in Hawai’i. It’s high in vitamins, low in fat and easy to digest, making it a favorite baby food as well as part of the main dish for family dinners.
In fact, taro and poi are considered to be a member of a traditional Hawaiian family. When poi is served at the table, all conflict must immediately cease because the spirit of the family’s ancestors is present in the dish.
One of the island’s legendary taro farmers, Calvin, took time to show me how to pick the perfect taro plant from the resort’s patch, then pound it into poi using traditional tools. It was my first taste of poi and the first time I heard the storied history of the plant.
And here’s a fun fact about Calvin: he’s such a legend in the area that he is actually a part of Aulani. Calvin and his son are two of the people featured in the massive, painted mural that encircles the resort’s main lobby.
Frightful Fun at Disneyland Resort!
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Can you believe it? Halloween is just a month away. The questions of what kind of treats to buy, what costumes to wear and how to make your home décor look more spook-tacular this year are starting to fill the air. Get your “To Do List” ready and let me give you a few tips on how you can make this Halloween more fun and less frightful.
Many locations throughout Disneyland Resort are set to meet all of your Halloween needs including World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District and Disney Showcase in Disneyland park. Make your way to Port Royal if your Halloween should suddenly turn into a “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Visiting Disney California Adventure park? Then consider Treasures in Paradise as your one-stop shop for costumes and Halloween accessories.
Just in time for Mickey’s Halloween Party, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland park, best known for their princess dresses, tutus and tiaras, will offer an assortment of Halloween headwear that can be added to any transformation package. With a little Disney magic and a Halloween touch, your princess can have a “boo-tiful” new look. Cool Knights are in this Halloween season, too, ready for battle with a sword and shield in hand.
If your inner rock star is crying out, don’t let the ghostly spirits haunt you away from Studio Disney 365 in the Downtown Disney District. Experience “Stage Fright” on an entirely different level with a selection of “mini” character inspired hats, including Tinker Bell, Cheshire Cat or the Mad Hatter. Add a braid, a twist and a pop of color, and voila! Your rock star makeover is complete. Not only are you ready to make your debut, but you’ll dazzle other trick-or-treaters with your super star looks.
Let us “transform” you from head to toe this Halloween season. Halloween treats at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Studio Disney 365 will debut September 30, while other offerings are available in stores now. Cross a few things off your “To Do List” and plan on having fun this Halloween!
Learn to Hula at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Did you ever have one of those days at the office? When you wonder how you’ll muster the resolve to put on those bermuda shorts, trudge out to the beach and hula. Being a Disney Parks Blogger, I do what I can. This week, I’m reporting to you from Aulani, a new Disney resort and spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i. One of the many diverse experiences offered for guests here is a fun and informative hula lesson – where you can not only learn a few steps but also the history and meanings of the dance.
As you’ll see, I’m no dancer – but my instructors Ulu and Tori made sure I learned the basics. The most important part? As Ulu told me, “Smile! Hula is fun!”
Be sure to follow @DisneyParks on Twitter for live updates all week from Aulani as we prepare for the Grand Opening celebration tomorrow evening. Aloha!
Wildlife Wednesdays: Guests Help Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Set Record
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Kim Sams, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Conservation Programs, The Walt Disney Company
It’s my honor to announce today that, with help from our guests, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) is awarding $2 million to conservation projects around the globe—the highest amount we’ve ever contributed in a single year.
The National Audubon Society, the Jane Goodall Institute, the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy are among the more than 70 nonprofit organizations to benefit from the largest DWCF annual grants distribution to date. These organizations are helping to preserve habitats, protect endangered species, foster children and family’s connections to nature, and ensure that future generations can enjoy wildlife and wild places.
I’d like to add my heartfelt appreciation to that of Dr. Beth Stevens, Senior Vice President, Disney Corporate Citizenship, Environment & Conservation, who said about this accomplishment, “We are grateful to the many scientists, educators and community conservationists who devote their lives to conservation and are very proud to work with our guests, fans, employees and cast members to help ensure a better future for our planet.”
DWCF is funded by Disney and contributions by Disney guests. Guests help to support the fund in a variety of ways from adding a dollar or more to their purchases of food and gifts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and select resorts, to participating in special animal experiences on Disney Cruise Line and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, to purchasing reusable shopping bags and other items and at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
Highlights of the nearly 100 projects supported in 2011 include:
National Audubon Society “Shorebird Conservation in The Bahamas”: Working with local communities in The Bahamas on environmental education about the importance of conserving one of the most critical sites for migratory shorebird nesting.
The Jane Goodall Institute “Release of Wild Born Mandrills”: Re-introducing mandrills into the wild in the Republic of Congo to study and track the species.
The Nature Conservancy “Establishment of the New RCW population”: Increasing population of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Florida.
World Wildlife Fund “Chimpanzee Conservation Goes to School”: Organizing education and outreach activities among local communities in West Africa to protect chimpanzees.
International Crane Foundation “Safeguarding Poyang Cranes and Wetlands”: Conducting research to support science-based conservation strategies for the Siberian crane, a critically endangered bird.
Since 1995, DWCF has awarded nearly $18 million to support conservation programs in 111 countries. For a complete list of grant recipients and to view The Walt Disney Company’s most recent Conservation Report, visit www.disney.com/conservation. Learn more about Disney’s citizenship efforts at www.disney.com/citizenship
Magic Kingdom Parking Lot Welcomes Heroes and Villains at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Are you a “hero” or a “villain”?
Pretty soon, that’s all guests at Magic Kingdom Park will need to remember in order to find their vehicle in the parking lot at the end of the evening – or at least, doing so will help narrow down the location.
Earlier this week, work began to split the parking lot into what will be two main sections, “Heroes” and “Villains,” and then smaller sections within each, including: Woody, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Simba, Mulan and Rapunzel (Heroes lot), and Zurg, Jafar, Hook, Scar, Cruella and Ursula (Villains lot). Each lot also will have its own color, so essentially, all you have to remember is one of these three characteristics (hero, Rapunzel or blue) and you can find your car.
If only Disney could help you remember what your rental car looks like!
(Note: The time completion of these parking lot changes may be influenced by weather).
Meet Up & Eat Up for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Hosted by Training Experts Jeff Galloway and Brooks Johnson and Disney Chef Gary Jones
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
UPDATE: Click here for a complete list of attendees. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at wdw.sportsmeetups@disney.com.
Please note that we will not be responding to questions via this email address. If you have questions, please ask them on the Disney Parks Blog and we will do our best to answer them.
UPDATE: We have reached capacity! Thanks for everyone’s interest in the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Meet-Up Event, and appreciate your quick responses. At approximately 2 p.m. ET, we will send the meet-up attendees a confirmation email. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at wdw.sportsmeetups@disney.com. By 3 p.m. ET, we will post a link to the complete list of attendees. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for additional unique opportunities in the future.
If you’re looking to gain tips and training advice from Galloway, he will also be available at the upcoming Expo on Friday at Noon and 7 pm ET, and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 3 pm ET. Also, there is additional Galloway training information at www.runDisney.com.
A year ago, runDisney hosted its first-ever meet-up event during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This year we’re going to uncork another one, this time featuring renowned track coach Brooks Johnson – the 2010 USATF Coach of the Year who trains Olympic track stars such as former world record holder Justin Gatlin, David Oliver and Tiffany Ross-Williams – at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex here at Walt Disney World Resort.
And since it’ll take place Friday, Sept. 30 during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend again, we’re spicing it up with a culinary twist – a healthy living segment with Disney Chef Gary Jones. Jones is a tri-athlete when he’s not serving as Dietary Chef at Walt Disney World Resort and will undoubtedly whip up something special while also offering nutrition tips.
That’s just the start. There will be plenty of other cool elements for the 25 selected participants, including appearances by Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon defending champions Anton Van Zyl and Melissa Wisner, and runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway, plus a chance to go on a specially-designed 2-mile training run with them. In addition, the selected participants will have early exclusive access to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo before it opens to the general public that day.
Of course, there will be more surprises along the way, so for this opportunity to Meet Up and Eat Up, hurry up and RSVP right now to wdw.sportsmeetups@disney.com. Remember, only 25 qualified applicants will be selected to participate, so be one of the first to apply ASAP!
If you’re not one of the 25 selected this time, post your training questions for Galloway here and I’ll get him to answer a few of them on a future Disney Parks Blog post. Also, you can see Galloway at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Expo and at future runDisney events.
For more information on the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend or to sign up to run a future runDisney race, visit www.rundisney.com. Also, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest runDisney race information and for behind-the-scenes access to all things runDisney.
In the meantime, here are a few things you should know about the Meet Up and Eat Up:
- Qualified applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A valid ID is required. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Valid RSVPs must include your name. RSVPs that include more than one person or are missing information (e.g. incomplete names) will not be accepted.
- Admittance to the event is non-transferable and limited to the selected applicant; no additional guests please.
- The event and individual appearances are subject to change or cancellation.
- Because this is a running-oriented event, we ask that applicants be experienced runners, able to maintain a 12-minute per mile pace.
- Selected applicants attending the meet-up are not required to purchase admission.
We will send an email to selected applicants who sent their valid RSVP via e-mail before we reached capacity to confirm their attendance for Friday. We plan to send this email at approximately 2 p.m. ET today and we will also post a link on the Disney Parks Blog that will include a list of names of all selected runners. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of selected applicants, your RSVP was not selected.
Cake Boss Coming to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
UPDATE 9/26/2011: All “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro events have filled to capacity. Be sure to check the schedule for a listing of other chefs attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year.
WOW, the line of fans stretched down the block in Hoboken, N.J., at Buddy Valastro’s bake shop, all for a sweet treat from the Cake Boss. We were lucky enough to get a peek inside the bakery, where Buddy spent a few minutes telling us about his upcoming demo at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. He’ll be making his famous tiramisu at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8 and you also can catch him at the Sweet Sundays event on Sunday, Oct. 9 in the Festival Welcome Center.
To book either event, go to Disneyworld.com/foodandwine. Epcot theme park admission is required. You also can call 407-WDW-FEST.
Cooling Off on New York Street at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on September 21st, 2011 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
While on assignment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week, I came across this little girl having the time of her life while playing in a very leaky fire hydrant.
Looks like two-year-old Alexys Grace Tomlinson found a sure-fire opportunity to cool off. She and her family are vacationing from Claysburg, Pa., where I doubt there are many fire hydrants that are so entertaining.
Take a look back at more picture-perfect moments from Walt Disney World Resort:
- Celebrating Fall Color at the Disney Tree Farm at Walt Disney World Resort
- Two Princesses Meet at Magic Kingdom Park
- Discover Lotus Blossoms at Epcot’s China Pavilion
Answering Your Questions About AVATAR at Disney Parks
posted on September 20th, 2011 by Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
I’d like to thank all of the Disney Parks Blog followers who left comments or sent in questions regarding our AVATAR announcement today. We got a lot of great questions and while I won’t be able to answer all of them, I’ll do my best to get to as many as possible.
1) TIMING
We got quite a few questions about the timing of our first AVATAR experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including this one from Adam, “Any idea when the experience will be open to guests?”
We’ve just begun the design phase on our Animal Kingdom project and we expect to begin construction in 2013. From start to finish, a project of this size and scope takes about 5 years to design and build. We can’t give you an exact date but we know that when it’s complete, it’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.
2) IS THIS A PARK EXPANSION OR WILL “LAND” REPLACE SOMETHING?
Several of you asked a similar question, including Doug from Utah – “Will it replace any existing attractions in Animal Kingdom, or will it be built in a new parcel of land within the park’s boundaries?”
Well, Doug, we’re just beginning the Blue Sky process so I don’t have much to share about how we are going to execute our vision for our first AVATAR land but we’re focused on this being an important addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I look forward to sharing more details as our plans progress.
3) SPECIFIC ATTRACTIONS
Jenna from Winnetka, Ill., asks, “What types of attractions will be in AVATAR land?”
This was hands-down one of the most popular questions we got and understandably so. While we’re still in the very early stages of design and planning, we expect this land to be anchored by multiple attractions, entertainment, merchandise locations, restaurants and other immersive elements. Our AVATAR lands will give guests the chance to see, hear and touch the world of Pandora and we can’t wait to dive in with James Cameron and his team as we create new experiences that will delight and thrill our guests.
4) FILM IS PG-13, HOW DOES THIS MATCH W/FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK?
Some of you, including Logan in Carnesville, Ga., asked about whether AVATAR was a good fit for a family-friendly brand like Disney.
Thanks, Logan, I appreciate your candor in asking this question. At its core, AVATAR is a film that embraces strong, positive themes of family, loyalty, living in harmony with nature and belief in oneself – all values that we share at The Walt Disney Company. You can be sure that these are the same themes that we will explore throughout our AVATAR lands. They will be places where friends and families can spend time together getting lost in a fantasy world, one of the true hallmarks of any Disney theme park experience. And with two sequels in the works, we feel this is a creative property whose potential is limitless.
5) AVATAR AT OTHER DISNEY PARKS?
We got several questions about whether there will be AVATAR experiences in parks/sites other than Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Kyle from Ontario asks, “Are there plans to add Avatar attractions at any other Disney parks?”
Well, Kyle, the only land we are announcing today is at Walt Disney World Resort but AVATAR is a possibility at any of our other locations. The first film AVATAR is a franchise with massive global appeal and its success at the box office both inside and outside of the U.S. – I should also note that as we determine our future locations, we look forward to working with our international theme park partners as our plans evolve.
6) ATTRACTION THEMING
Many of you, including Justin from Orlando, want to know, “How does AVATAR fit in with the Disney theme?” and more specifically, how does it fit in with the Animal Kingdom?
As I mentioned in a previous answer, AVATAR is a uniquely powerful franchise that has global appeal with audiences of all ages. With its spectacular settings, intriguing characters, imaginative creatures and strong themes of family and loyalty, it’s a great fit for the Disney brand and our parks.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect place for our first AVATAR land because at its core, the park gives guests the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature – real and mythical – in whole new ways. With AVATAR, we’ve found the perfect opportunity to let our guests explore one of the most compelling mythical worlds ever conceived. Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure, living in harmony with nature and environmental stewardship – themes that are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR.
7) WHY BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S IDEA INSTEAD OF LETTING WDI COME UP WITH SOMETHING?
Some of you asked why we would choose to collaborate with an outside partner rather than use our own Disney characters and stories to expand the parks. We are as committed as ever to creating attractions and entertainment around favorite Disney characters and stories – with Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park and our expansion of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park being two great examples. At the same time, we like to look beyond our own walls at non-Disney properties, like STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES, creating some of our most popular attractions. At the end of the day, we are focused on creating a great experience for our guests and I truly believe that this unique partnership with James Cameron and AVATAR gives us an entire world of imaginative creatures, fascinating locations and intriguing characters with which to do that.
The Wicked Gooey Apple Awards Celebrate Your Favorite Disney Villains
posted on September 20th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Last Halloween, we asked you to vote for your favorite Disney Villain. Even though, in the end, Maleficent reigned supreme with the most votes, the other nominees are demanding a rematch. But this year instead of one prize, we’ve got five! Each week we’ll ask you which Disney Villain deserves to win in a different category.
This week we start with the “Your Highness of Hissy Fits” (Shortest Temper) Category. With a tick-tock of a crocodile’s clock, a temper is a time bomb just waiting to explode. This Wicked Gooey Apple will go the Disney Villain you think is the overlord of outbursts, the ruler of rage or the maharaja of huffiness. Vote now at Disneyland.com/Halloween and we’ll post the winner next week, along with the next voting category.
