Black Friday Deals at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and while some people are prepping for the big turkey dinner, others are prepping for the big shopping day: Black Friday. Here at the Disneyland Resort, we’ve got some great deals at the Downtown Disney District for you Black Friday warriors! Don’t miss these specials:
- Spend $99 and get an exclusive LEGO holiday set
- Shop early on Black Friday to get surprise savings on your entire purchase
- 40% off Quiksilver, Quiksilver Men’s and Roxy fleece, jackets and sweaters
- 2 for $30 tees
- Build one RIDE and build a second RIDE for FREE*
Also, don’t miss these other great specials throughout the holiday season:
- Apricot Lane: Spend more than $100 and receive a free gift
- LEGO Imagination Center: From 11/1 – 12/24, spend more than $75 and receive a Free Pick a Brick Box
- Quiksilver: Shop in November and receive $10 to spend in a Quiksilver or Roxy store during the months of December and January (can’t combine cards or receive cash back)
- RIDEMAKERZ:**
- Spend $50, earn a $5 Gift Card
- Spend $75, earn a $10 Gift Card
- Spend $100, earn a $15 Gift Card
*Body of equal or lesser value. Free RIDE includes freewheel street chassis, stock wheelz, and treadz. Additional accessories not included. Offer not valid on line. Offer valid 11/25/2011 only. Offer may not be combined and cannot be bought, sold or exchanged for cash or coupons. Not valid on prior purchase, a RIDEMAKERZ BASH® or RIDEMONEY® gift cardz. Not valid with any other offer. Local and state taxes, as applicable, are payable by bearer. Valid in the U.S. only. Limit one per person, per visit. Nontransferable. Offer good while supplies last. Void where prohibited or restricted. Where required cash value 1/100 or 1 cent.
**Offer valid in-SHOP only from 11/26 – 12/24. Promotional gift cards are not valid for use until 12/25 and can be used in-SHOP or online. Offer may not be combined and cannot be bought, sold or exchanged for cash or coupons. Not valid on prior purchase, a RIDEMAKERZ BASH® or RIDEMONEY® gift cardz. Not valid with any other offer. Local and state taxes, as applicable, are payable by bearer. Valid in the U.S. only. Limit one per person, per visit. Nontransferable. Offer good while supplies last. Void where prohibited or restricted. Where required cash value 1/100 or 1 cent.
A Disney Parks Blog Author Makes Virtual Memories in New York City
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
As you saw on the Disney Parks Blog last week, Mickey and his pals visited New York City and made quite a splash in Times Square. Guests from all around the world were able to stand in a certain spot and many of the famous Disney and Disney•Pixar characters would magically appear next to them.
The special event utilized augmented reality technology and the guests could not see the characters until they glanced at the 60-foot tall digital board that towers above The Disney Store in Times Square. That’s where the real magic happened.
With a dash of pixie dust, guests appearing larger-than-life on the giant screen could help Buzz Lightyear save the galaxy, dance with Princess Tiana, duel Captain Hook or play drums with Elvis Stitch, to name a few experiences. And they even let me join in the fun, too, as you’ll see in this video.
The images of the guests and characters were then projected on a video version of Cinderella Castle that was featured on a 25-story tall LED display across the street from The Disney Store.
And while the temperatures were a little colder than those at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, Mickey and the gang were able to bring warm smiles to thousands of guests and passers-by who enjoyed the virtual video fun in The Big Apple.
Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: Getting ‘Muppety’ with Production Designer Steve Saklad
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Greg Ehrbar, Writer/Author, Disney's Yellow Shoes Creative Group
On Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, if you hear a loud “CRASH!” followed by riotous laughter, it may be because Disney’s The Muppets has arrived at your neighborhood movie theater. The new comedy spectacular stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams, a “who’s-who” of celebrity cameos – and of course, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and a gaggle of other madcap Muppets – on a cross-country search reuniting the ol’ gang.
Disney’s The Muppets production designer Steve Saklad (Spider Man 2) told us that the new movie straddles the real world and what he and director James Bobin (writer/director of TV’s Flight of the Conchords) call a world of “Muppety-ness.” “James and I pin-pointed what makes something ‘Muppety;’ it will have have a richer color palette, a sense of period. We really wanted to capture the spirit of the original TV show and the traditions of American comedy.”
Disney’s The Muppets was made for fans, by fans. Thanks to star/co-screenwriter Segel, director Bobin and other Muppetphiles, the movie brims with “inside” jokes and clever references. “James can cite almost every scene in every Muppet TV show and movie, at a moments notice,” said Steve. “The new movie is peppered with Muppet lore from top to bottom.”
As a top Hollywood production designer, Steve appreciates the artistry of Disneyland Resort. “Each new iteration has been an amazing dream come true – New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland – there are so many great ideas that keep coming through.”
Steve’s also blown away by Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks. “I think if I had to pick one favorite, it would have to be Epcot. The presentation of the different countries is so full of wit, so full of magic. I love the idea of taking the essence of each nation and presenting it in its own ‘space.’ As I walk through those streets, I also feel as if I’m walking on what might be Mary Poppins’ street in the United Kingdom Pavilion or a street from Ratatouille in the France Pavilion. It’s like crossing over into the movie world – a fantasy version of these places.”
And of course, you can cross into the wacky world of The Muppet Show – so lovingly celebrated in Disney’s The Muppets – by experiencing the uniquely immersive Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure park.
Inside Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Many Disney Parks Blog readers already know that Blue Sky Cellar is the place to get a behind-the-scenes peek at what’s coming to Disney California Adventure park. The space is periodically updated with new photos, videos and models – the latest refresh, which was installed in September, focuses on Buena Vista Street which will be completed next year. The video below, from Walt Disney Imagineering, takes you inside Blue Sky Cellar for a look at the latest updates. If you haven’t been yet, check it out!
Wildlife Wednesdays: Rare Pigs Ham It Up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
Our animal care experts love to talk about how great (smart, cute, etc.) the animals in their care are – and there’s even friendly competition among the various teams. The team at Conservation Station has something new to brag about with the arrival of three kunekune pigs, a rare breed that has just made its debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
To help with the pigs’ care and to acclimate them to the up-close experience with guests at Affection Section, keepers have been training the kunekune pigs in a variety of behaviors. When Gene Duncan stopped by to take these photos, animal keeper Jennifer Le Beau had everyone smiling as they watched the pigs ham it up during their training session. Since the pigs are domestic animals—and very smart—they are trained to sit, stand, spin and even in agility, similar to what you might teach your dog. This training helps keeps the pigs fit, intellectually stimulated and comfortable around our guests.
Guests who visit Affection Section can see and learn about the kunekune pigs and the other rare domestic breeds that make their home there. Conserving rare domestic breeds is important because these breeds can have valuable characteristics such as disease resistance, extreme climate tolerance, and the ability to use poorer pastures. Valuable characteristics of the kunekune pig include their suitability for a range of climates, ease of management, and a lack of inclination to roam.
Found in New Zealand, but believed to be of Chinese descent, kunekune pigs were almost extinct by the 1980s. In 1984, a breeding program was begun with 18 pigs – most kunekunes today are descended from these animals. By 2004, it was estimated that there were 5,000 kunekune pigs in New Zealand.
Fun facts about kunekune pigs:
- Kunekunes are a small breed that usually weighs from 90-120 pounds when fully grown. They have a round body, a short up-turned snout and a curly tail. Some have a wattle (a fleshy growth hanging from the neck). The pigs can be black, white, ginger (red), brown or gold tipped, and their coats can be spotted, striped, marbled, solid, curly, smooth, rough, long or short.
- They are grazers and foragers. They eat shrubs, weeds, bird eggs, snakes and mice, and usually don’t root.
- Kunekunes also are known as Maori pigs after the first people of New Zealand.
- “Kunekune” means “plump” in the Maori language.
Please Pass the Turkey Leg…Rice Krispies Treat from Disney Parks!
posted on November 23rd, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
Arriving just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, the consumables team at Disney Theme Park Merchandise has introduced a Rice Krispies treat that is shaped like an iconic turkey leg found at Disney Parks. You may recall that a few months ago I experienced eating my first turkey leg based on a dare from my fellow author Jennifer Fickley-Baker. This time, Jennifer didn’t have to dare me. The turkey leg-shaped treat is covered with frosting that fortunately does not taste like gravy or turkey (my entire menu would have changed if it had).
The treat is currently being offered at locations like Candy Cauldron at Downtown Disney West Side, Goofy’s Candy Kitchen at Downtown Disney Marketplace or the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park.
I wonder if my fellow author Gary Buchanan has discovered this delicious dessert.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Disneyland Resort Engages in National Family Volunteer Day
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Kevin Rafferty, Jr., Communications Specialist, Disneyland Resort
Last Saturday, Disney VoluntEARS celebrated National Family Volunteer Day by helping assemble 26,341 food boxes at the Orange County Food Bank for local seniors in need this holiday season.
That is 421 tons of food – a record for both the amount of food and the most food boxes assembled at the Orange County Food Bank in one day!
Created six years ago in partnership with the Disneyland Resort, the event has grown into one of the largest National Family Volunteer Day events in the country, inspiring employees from companies across Orange County to volunteer with their families.
More than 1,200 volunteers participated this year, including Disneyland Resort cast member Mary Cobb and her family, who are hard at work in this photo!
Bake it Yourself: Recipe for Disney Cruise Line’s Crispy Roasted Duck Breast with Marquise Potatoes
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
One of the things I associate most with the holidays is food, food and more food! And I bet that’s one of the reasons why cruising during the holidays is so popular. Where better to enjoy delicious meals with your family than on a Disney ship?
But even if you aren’t able to sail this holiday season, it doesn’t mean you can’t eat like it! Impress your family by preparing Crispy Roasted Duck Breast, one of the most popular dishes served at Lumiere’s on the Disney Magic and Triton’s on the Disney Wonder. Coupled with a side of marquise potatoes, this mouthwatering dish is a favorite of mine!
Ready to make something different than turkey or ham this year? Here’s how…
Crispy Roasted Duck Breast
Serves 4
Duck
6-8 pound fresh or frozen duck
1 tablespoon olive oil
Marquise Potatoes (Potato Cakes)
4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
4 strips bacon, finely diced
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onions
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 egg
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, divided
Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
Pomegranate Jus
1 cup beef stock
1/4 cup pomegranate syrup
For duck:
- Preheat oven to 300° F.
- Roast duck for 25 to 35 minutes, or until medium rare. Rest until cool enough to remove breast, thighs, and legs, keeping the skin intact.
- Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add duck breast, skin side down, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until skin is crispy.
- Place thighs and drumsticks, skin side up, back in oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until skin is crispy.
- Transfer duck to cutting board and let stand 15 minutes before carving.
For marquise potatoes (potato cakes):
- Boil potatoes until tender, drain and cool on a perforated pan. Shred the potatoes with a box grater; set aside.
- Sauté bacon until crisp in a medium skillet. Add onions and cook until translucent.
- Add bacon and onions to the shredded potatoes. Mix in parsley, egg, and 1 tablespoon flour. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Form into eight 3-inch cakes. Dredge the cakes lightly in remaining flour, coating both sides.
- Heat the butter in large skillet over high heat. Cook the cakes until golden brown on both sides.
For pomegranate jus:
- Heat beef stock in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour in pomegranate syrup and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
To serve:
- Place 2 potato cakes on 4 entrée plates and serve with duck breast slices, thighs and drumsticks.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of pomegranate jus over duck and serve remaining jus on the side.
What’s your favorite holiday dish?
A Bounty of Holiday-Themed Sweets at Disneyland Resort
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Winter holidays are the perfect excuse for indulging – especially with sugary treats that you just know you can’t find any other time of the year in the theme parks. So, while they’re available, try some of these delicious creations. Remember, they won’t be back for another year!
The popular Mickey Mouse demitasse dessert is back at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in several locations – a mini candy cane chocolate pot de crème peppermint cake. Yum!
Other extra-special holiday goodies:
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At Disney California Adventure park:
- Warm San Francisco white chocolate and cranberry bread pudding at Pacific Wharf Café
- Sweet dulce de leche dessert nachos with fruit topping at Cocina Cucamonga
- Homemade almond cookie sandwich with strawberry crème or mango parfait at Lucky Fortune Cookery
- Brownie skewer with fresh strawberries and marshmallows and chocolate Yule log with chocolate hazelnut mousse or at Paradise Garden Grill
In Disneyland park:
- The flourless chocolate coffin cake with “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” Jack Skellington candy garnish at the French Market
- Gingerbread beignets with eggnog Anglaise at Café Orleans
- Classic Yule log spice cake with pumpkin mousse (in November) and with chocolate cake and chocolate hazelnut mousse (in December)
Adventures by Disney Invites You to Our New Virtual Event!
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Josh D'Amaro, Vice President, Adventures By Disney
As some of you may know, I just got back from Adventures by Disney’s first trip to Egypt; it was amazing. Our group had so much fun! I learned about some of the most incredible things I have ever seen.
Today, I invite you to attend a special Adventures by Disney virtual event to learn more about my trip as well as some of our other exotic destinations.
Join us as we explore some of our most unique and exciting destinations. From China to South Africa and Australia, with the wild island Tasmania, to Egypt, this virtual event will take you whizzing around the globe – through beautiful landscapes and distinctive cultures, past fascinating animals and into time-honored histories. You will hear from some of our guests as they visit new places and you’ll see some of the exciting experiences that Adventures by Disney vacations are best known for. This special event ends Dec. 2, 2011, so click here and watch it today. Enjoy and see which one of these destinations will be your next family vacation.
