Caption This: Mickey’s View of Epcot
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Today’s “Caption This” is an unbelievable photo of Mickey that was shot at Epcot in 1993. Here, he’s truly on top of the world. Can you imagine the view?
What’s he looking at? More importantly, how is he going to get down? Go ahead and “Caption This!” in the comments section below.
Waffle Sammie the Perfect Magic Kingdom Park ‘Street Food’
posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Who says waffles are only for breakfast? We’ll be eating waffles sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner if we have our way at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park – messy good, bona fide street food.
“We saw waffle sandwiches in California and decided they’d be a perfect fit for the Magic Kingdom,” says Executive Chef Robert Adams. “Guests love them!”
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Crisp and light, the fresh, hot waffles are the perfect packaging for generous fillings – starting with the breakfast creation, a prosciutto egg omelet waffle sandwich. On to lunch, with our favorite, the fried chicken with an Asian kick, creamy slaw and peppery arugula. Fans of Nutella, the gooey, Italian hazelnut-chocolate spread, will enjoy the fruit and Nutella sandwich – strawberries and chocolate folded into a perfect sweet combo. If you’re a ham-and-cheese fan, the ham, salty prosciutto and cheese sammie satisfies.
Hmmm, what’s next? Chef Adams is firing up the waffle iron and working on a PB&J version, plus a few others that he’s keeping under wraps. What would you like to see on the waffle sammie menu?
See the posts below for more dining and snack options at Walt Disney World Resort:
- On Top of Spaghetti at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…
- Reservations Open This Week for Expanded Donald’s Dining Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Kakigori Cart Expands with Savory, Sweet Bites
Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Hey Disneyland Resort fans – an interesting opportunity has come across my desk, and I wanted to share it with you. It is a limited-capacity event that combines some rare Disney Parks experiences, and is unlike anything we’ve ever offered – especially here on the Disney Parks Blog. Take a look below.
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Disneyland Candlelight Experience
December 4–5, 2011, $1,250* per person based on double occupancy, includes:
- One-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011; valet parking for one vehicle included.
- An evening of holiday elegance beginning with a private reception and dinner at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
- Reserved seating for the 8 p.m. performance of Candlelight on December 4.
- Exclusive 2011 Candlelight mementos.
- A sunrise breakfast at The Plaza Inn, one of Walt Disney’s favorite dining locations, on his 110th birthday, December 5. Breakfast will be followed by a pre-opening walk through Disneyland park.
- A visit to several locations in the park with Disney Legends and Creative Staff as they share their stories about Walt Disney, Disneyland park and the magic of the holiday season. Guest speakers currently scheduled include Dave Smith, Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and David Caranci. Speakers are subject to change.
- A visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Reserved viewing of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
- Theme park entrance for both days.
To reserve this special opportunity, call 866-309-9683. Full payment is required at time of booking, and bookings must be made by November 25, 2011. You must be at least 18 years old to RSVP for this event, but your guests may be younger. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
*Package rate shown is based on double occupancy and standard accommodations. Single occupancy, standard room rate is $1,500. For groups of three (3) to five (5), a charge of $1,000 per person applies for each additional guest occupying the same room, with a maximum of five (5) occupants within the same room. Excludes applicable taxes and fees.
Offer is limited and restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. No items in this package may be redeemed for cash, and all items (and portions thereof) are non-refundable and non-transferable. No credit or compensation will be given for unused portions of this package and such unused elements will be forfeited if not used in conjunction with the Candlelight Experience. No substitutions, refunds or credit for any package element that is canceled for any reason including, but not limited to, inclement weather. Please do not bring any items to be signed by the guest speakers. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50.
All elements of the event and the package are subject to change and cancellation without notice.
Join Us for the ‘Celebrity Disney Dreaming Twitter Party’ on Dec. 3
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
UPDATE 12/1/11: Food Network Star Chef Jeff Henderson has just been added to the Celebrity Twitter Party line-up.
Sometimes, part of the responsibilities of my job here with The Mouse involve working with celebrities. Believe me; it’s not as glamorous as you might think! I don’t have a million dollar, custom trailer or my own “Green Room.” They are famous. I am not. But what we do have in common is that we have incredible drive and stratospheric dreams. We are the typical “Type A Personalities.” When we chat, my questions usually land on the same subject. “How do you follow your dreams, reach your goals and keep your life in balance?” I think that’s a challenge a lot of people have, so I had an idea! What if instead of just lil’ ole’ me having conversations with the celebrities, next time, I invite you to join us!
This Twitter Party is the first in what I hope will be a series. The first “Celebrity Disney Dreaming Twitter Party” will feature “Family Feud” host and comedian Steve Harvey, Grammy-award winning gospel star Yolanda Adams, co-host of “106 & Park” Terrance J, noted educator Dr. Steve Perry and ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith. On Dec. 3, they will be at Steve Harvey’s home picking the final 100 students who will attend next year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy.
This is the time to ask your favorite celebrities how they reached their amazing levels of success and what they are dreaming about now. It’s something I always talk with them about and today I am officially inviting you to join one of our private chats! It’s a party that you can go to in your pajamas and slippers!
Celebrity Disney Dreaming Twitter Party
Location: Where you are!
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST
The Host: Me!
How You Attend: For those of you new to Twitter, here are some tips on attending:
- If you don’t already have a Twitter account, sign up for one at Twitter.com. All you have to do is fill in your contact information and create a username and password to join. It’s super simple and a great way to connect with friends, family and – on Dec. 3 – some celebrities!
- Make sure you follow the party’s Twitter sites, @DreamersAcademy and @MomTalkRadio. Those are the blogosphere “living rooms” for the party.
- You can only ask questions during the party by using the official hashtag, #DisneyDreams. Make sure you include it in your tweets so that the celebs and I can see your questions and chat back with you!
Your Tweets should look like this:
Remember, follow and use the hashtag #DisneyDreams so we can see your questions and you can see the celebrity responses! I will see, I mean Tweet you there!
Stitch Gets in on Gingerbread Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
There’s no place like Walt Disney World Resort for sugar fans during the winter holidays, with six spots for ogling amazing gingerbread creations: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and the Liberty Inn at American Adventure at Epcot.
Joining this year’s line-up is a fantabulous new creation in the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. The gingerbread and chocolate gazebo is back but now you can also see Stitch’s Bakery Store Front, a miniature replica of the BoardWalk Bakery that Stitch has taken over (Lilo’s there too) – 10 feet tall and 14 feet wide. Disney cast members will be inside the creation decorating gingerbread houses.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can purchase mini gingerbread houses, stollen bread and gingerbread “shingles” (cookies).
Disney Pin collectors can head to Dundy’s Sundries on the BoardWalk for the limited edition pin that features Stitch and the gingerbread display.
What’s your favorite gingerbread creation?
Alabama Football Recognized for Inspiring Rebuilding Effort
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
So often we hear stories of fans and communities going to extraordinary measures in support of their team.
In the case of this year’s Disney Sports Spirit Award recipient, we’re proud to recognize the Univ. of Alabama, who came together to support its community – the same people who have supported them religiously year after year – following the EF-4 tornado that ravaged much of western Alabama.
The team’s student-athletes and staff immediately leaped into action following the April 27 disaster. The storm packed 195-mph winds and demolished 7,000 homes, 600 businesses and took 50 lives, including the life of Alabama football player Carson Tinker’s girlfriend, Ashley Harrison.
In order to help the region take its first steps towards recovery, Courtney Upshaw raised nearly $20,000 in relief funds in his hometown of Eufaula, Ala., while Preston Dial loaded up an 18-wheeler and drove in supplies from Mobile, Ala. Barrett Jones lugged a chain saw around Tuscaloosa to remove debris from homes and yards. And the Univ. of Alabama Athletic Department contributed $1 million to the UA Acts of Kindness Fund, which provides relief to faculty, staff, and students of The University of Alabama who are experiencing hardship.
Each year, Disney Sports strives to recognize the most inspirational figure or team in college football, and in this year’s recipient we undoubtedly found a story of selflessness, compassion and recovery.
Tinker will formally accept the award on behalf of his teammates and school during The Home Depot College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort on Dec. 8. The 21st annual awards show is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. ET and will be televised live on ESPN.
Disney Parks Blog Exclusive Photo: Matt Lanter of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Visits Disneyland Park
posted on November 21st, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
When the actor who voices Anakin Skywalker on the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars visits Disneyland park, you just know that he’s going to check out Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and that is exactly where we caught up with Matt Lanter.
Here is what Matt had to say when I caught up with him inside the Star Trader, moments after exiting his Starspeeder 1000.
“Star Tours is amazing – so awesome. The 3-D is incredible! I mean you can come and experience this more than 50 times in a row and have a different experience every time. That is pretty unique from any other ride.”
I then asked Matt if he’s able to experience Star Tours as other fans do, or does being a part of the Star Wars universe make it different somehow for him?
“It’s really weird for me. I’m such a fan of Star Wars. So on one side I experienced it just like a fan – just in awe of being in these worlds that I’m such a fan of. But at the same time, because I’m part of Star Wars: The Clone Wars I felt like I was watching other people to see their reactions. Like everyone at Lucasfilm, I have such pride and passion for Star Wars, it’s so great to see people enjoy it as much as we all enjoy being a part of it.”
New Holiday Disney Gift Cards with Pins Arriving at Disney Parks
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
One item I have learned to give as gifts in recent years are gift cards – they are the perfect item for someone who can’t decide what to give. This year, there are some new Disney Gift Cards that feature one of my favorite holiday decorations – the nutcracker – in pin form. I spoke with Annie Lin, business development analyst with Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about the creation of this year’s cards.
“This year’s Disney Gift Card series was inspired by a visit to the seasonal showroom at Disney Theme Park Merchandise,” said Annie. “Similar to previous years, we wanted a series of four cards that, when assembled, made a complete picture. During my visit, my leader and I saw some artwork featuring Mickey Mouse nutcrackers and thought they would make great pins.”
Annie partnered with Katie Meehan from Disney Gift Card Services and artist Angela Connelly to create the background image for the cards. There are four different cards, each containing one of four limited-release pins. Katie shared with me the complete image of all four cards placed side by side. One card contains a nod to some real merchandise found at Disney Parks.
“We thought it would be fun to add some images of real merchandise to one of the cards,” Annie said. “If you look carefully on the ‘Happy Holidays’ card you will see the Goofy holiday Vinylmation created for this year, a Duffy the Disney Bear, and Chip and Dale as plush.”
The new cards are scheduled to arrive at Disney Parks toward the end of November. They will be carried in select locations in the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and at Downtown Disney in Florida, and they will be sold at select locations at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney in California. The nice part about Disney Gift Cards is they are good for practically all-things Disney. That’s wonderful news for when I visit Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. That’s a hint, Santa; I promise I’ve been good!
An Early Thanksgiving Treat: Download Our Main Street Electrical Parade Wallpaper
posted on November 21st, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and one of my family’s most beloved traditions is gathering together in the morning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. With the holiday (and parade) on the way, I thought this was the perfect chance to launch our next Disney Parks Blog desktop wallpaper, which happens to feature one of the most beloved Disney parades of all time – the Main Street Electrical Parade!
This wallpaper is a tribute to the “Alice in Wonderland” section of the parade, which features Alice, the Cheshire Cat and Caterpillar, as well as the famous spinning turtle and snail from the parade.
Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on November 20th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week, we’re not only shared some special moments from inside the parks but also a few from New York City. In case you missed it, hundreds of people joined in the fun on Times Square as we launched our first ever augmented reality event. Take a look.
Yes, it all took place on the huge 60-foot tall digital board towering high above the Disney Store on Broadway at 45th Street. Did you recognize anyone?
And did you see how we officially kicked off Holidays at the Disneyland Resort this week? Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Poteat, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s S-6 communication platoon, and his family “flipped the switch” on more than 300,000 lights blanketing “it’s a small world” Holiday. You can read more about this special moment in our original post.
Here’s a list of other stories we worked on this week.
A Taste of Epcot Food & Wine Festival for Thanksgiving – Are you in need of the perfect Thanksgiving dessert idea? Well, you’re in luck! We’re sharing the recipe for one of our favorite sweet tastes from this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Video Recap: Veterans Day Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disneyland Park – Take a look at the special flag retreat ceremony at Disneyland park celebrating veterans, reservists and active duty members of the armed forces.
New Muppets Merchandise Coming To Disney Parks – The Muppets are on their way to Disney Parks, arriving in Spring 2012 with exclusive pin sets, an Animal-inspired Disney Parks Racer and more.
A Conversation with Disneyland Resort Cast Member Nate Lord – Grandson of Disney Legend Ward Kimball – Meet Nate Lord, one of our steam train engineers on the Disneyland Railroad and grandson of one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” Ward Kimball.
The First Tree is Planted in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – We shared a peek behind the walls as the Walt Disney Imagineering team brought a little life into the New Fantasyland area at Magic Kingdom Park.
Things You Might Not Know About Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – You might know your favorite sweet treat or holiday-themed attraction, but can you name how many lights are used in the finale of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle?
