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Vintage Walt Disney World: Nate’s Favorite Disney Milestones

posted on December 27th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center

Another year, another 52 blog posts (give or take a few). It is difficult to choose my Top 5 (they’re like children … do you really ever have a favorite?). Who am I kidding? One was my favorite; let’s count them down.

#5: A Huey, Dewey, and Louie Milestone. I love when I learn something new. Even after working here for over 12 years, I had no idea that until Ducktales starting airing, Donald’s nephews didn’t always wear the same color shirt. Cool Disney fun fact!
“Huey,

 
#4: Filming the ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s always fun to reminisce about items from childhood, and just the fact that the MMC was filmed here in Florida makes it all that more cool.
Production of 'The Mickey Mouse Club' at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort

 
#3: Pooh’s Hip, Hip Pooh-Ray! This year’s presidential race seemed to last forever. If only Winnie the Pooh was running, it would have been a lot more fun. That’s one campaign trail I would have liked to follow!
Winnie the Pooh Runs for President in 1972 at Magic Kingdom Park

 
#2: Introducing Dreamfinder. I love when I write something and it resonates with fans. Dreamfinder did just that with 7,400 Facebook likes – a record for Vintage Walt Disney World. (The only post to get more comments was about Figment. Imagine that.)
Dreamfinder, from the Original Journey Into Imagination Attraction at Epcot

 
#1: Making 24 Memories in 24 Hours at Magic Kingdom Park. Magic Kingdom Park open for 24 hours? I’m in. If you haven’t seen this yet, enjoy my spin on the teacups around 5 a.m. I’m clearly in need of sleep!
“Making

There you have it, my Top 5. Thanks for reading all year long.

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2013 Rose Bowl Teams Wisconsin Badgers and Stanford Cardinal Visit Disneyland Park

posted on December 26th, 2012 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print, Disneyland Resort

Wisconsin Badgers and Stanford Cardinal at the Rose Bowl game ceremony at Disneyland park

Prior to their January 1 face-off, 2013 Rose Bowl rivals Wisconsin Badgers and Stanford Cardinal took a break to celebrate their achievement here at Disneyland park. A tradition since 1959, Disneyland has welcomed the Rose Bowl teams each year for a special ceremony in the park.

The teams were welcomed by Mickey Mouse, Disneyland park Vice President Jon Storbeck and the Disneyland Band. Coach Barry Alvarez and players from the Wisconsin Badgers joined Coach David Shaw and players from the Stanford Cardinal in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the ceremony.

Players from the Wisconsin Badgers pose at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure park

After the ceremony, the players and coaches visited the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park …

Players from the Stanford Cardinal ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland park

… and took a ride on the newly reopened Matterhorn Bobsleds.

Please join me in wishing both teams good luck in the 99th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2013!

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Most ‘Pinned’ Disney Parks Blog Posts of 2012

posted on December 26th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Are you a fan of Pinterest? I know I am, with my Pinterest account boasting several boards – including one devoted to Disney vacations.

If you wanted to jump start your own “Disney Parks” board in Pinterest, here’s a list of our most “pinned” posts of the year.

    Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Carnation Café at Disneyland Park

  1. Carnation Café Closes Thursday for Renovations at Disneyland Park – This post has been super popular due to the recipe for the cafe’s Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

  2. Exclusive First Look: Disney Parks Unveils New Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portraits – Earlier this year, Disney Parks Blog author George Savvas shared the first look at two new images by photographer Annie Leibovitz. One of comedian Russell Brand as Captain Hook and another of Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Jason Segel as The Haunted Mansion’s Phineas, Ezra and Gus.

    3. New Ear Hat Ornaments Coming to Disney Parks

  3. Cool Ear Hat Ornament Collection Expands as Summer Heats Up at Disney Parks – Here, Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller offered a look at new Christmas ornaments coming to Disney Parks. Did you add one to your tree this year?

  4. Shirts Are Perfect Companions When Visiting Disney Parks – Here are some of the latest T-shirts available at Disney Parks, perfect to wear in pairs.

    5. A Winning Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe from Downtown Disney District - Just in Time for Big Game Parties

  5. A Winning Recipe from Downtown Disney District – Just in Time for the Super Bowl – This recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Dip, shared by foodie Pam Brandon, was a huge hit in 2012.

  6. Top 10 Disney Wedding Cakes – Who doesn’t love weddings? Or fancy cakes? Check out some of these creative Disney-inspired wedding designs.

    7. Shirts Commemorating the Grand Opening of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park on December 6

  7. Commemorative Grand Reveal Merchandise for New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park on December 6 – The debut of New Fantasyland was a highlight of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of the treasures that the area’s first guests took home.

  8. All in the Details: New Fantasyland Opens One Month From Today at Magic Kingdom Park – We shared some great sneak peeks inside the New Fantasyland area throughout 2012. Here’s one of the most “pinned” by Pinterest users.

    9. “Cars

  9. Cars Land at Night Through a Photographer’s Lens at Disney California Adventure Park – Cars Land, the newest addition to Disney California Adventure park, looks amazing at night. See for yourself.

  10. ‘The Road to Cars Land’ Coming to Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar on February 29 – The debut of Cars Land was a huge hit for Disney California Adventure park. Here’s one of our most popular sneak peeks.
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Top 5 Entertainment at Disney Parks in 2012

posted on December 26th, 2012 by Shawn Slater, Communications Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment

It’s been a big year for our worldwide Creative Entertainment team at Disney Parks! Here are just a few of the new experiences they brought to life in 2012:

    Tom Staggs, Mariah Carey, Bob Iger and Mickey Mouse at the Christening Ceremony of the Disney Fantasy

  1. Launch of Disney Fantasy – Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened in March with a star-studded gala in New York City. Sailing on Disney Fantasy, our guests are treated to an extensive shipboard entertainment program, including children’s and family activities, as well as the new stage shows “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” and “Disney’s Wishes.”

    2. “Disney

  2. Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary – Disneyland Paris celebrated their 20th anniversary in April with the debut of “Disney Magic on Parade” and the incredible new nighttime spectacular “Disney Dreams!”

    3. “Walt

  3. Reopening of Disney California Adventure park – In June, the openings of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park introduced a wealth of new entertainment experiences, from the Red Car News Boys and Five & Dime to DJ’s Dance & Drive and the Citizens of Buena Vista Street. The Disneyland Resort also welcomed the Mad T Party, Voices of Liberty and “Glow with the Show” Ears, interacting with everything from “World of Color” to “Fantasmic!”

    4. New Fantasyland Grand Opening Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort

  4. Opening of New Fantasyland – Dec. 6 marked the grand opening of New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park. Whether you’re attending Knight School with the Royal Majesty Makers, sharing “Enchanted Tales with Belle,” swimming down to Ariel’s Grotto to meet the Little Mermaid herself, laughing along with the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang or joining favorite Disney characters on stage at Pete’s Silly Sideshow, New Fantasyland presents immersive entertainment experiences unlike any other. And it’s all topped off with “Celebrate the Magic,” our new nighttime projection show on Cinderella Castle.

    5. Tinker Bell and Her Sister Periwinkle Are Now Greeting Guests at Disney Parks

  5. New Members of the Disney Character Family – Throughout the year, new storytelling environments debuted across Disney Parks, providing the perfect settings for visits from the newest Disney characters. Merida rode in from the Scottish Highlands of “Brave.” Periwinkle joined her sister Tinker Bell for “Secret of the Wings,” and Ralph and Vanellope invited us into the video game world of “Wreck-It Ralph.”

All this, plus the recent expansion at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, which brought all-new guest entertainment and activity programs and a permanent new home for the evening Starlit Hui, and the opening of Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland, a new area of the park where the story comes to life with Disney characters and atmosphere entertainment.

So I guess that’s more than five, but the team isn’t stopping there! They are already hard at work, preparing to bring you even more fantastic entertainment in 2013. Just wait until you see what they have in store for Tokyo Disneyland’s 30th anniversary, Limited Time Magic, Fantasy Faire at Disneyland park and… well, I wouldn’t want to give everything away!

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Lights, Parades and Other Holiday Fun Continue at Walt Disney World Resort Through January 8, 2013

posted on December 26th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Happy holidays, everyone!

Well, Christmas Day may have come and gone, but the holiday fun is still going strong here at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Cinderella Castle Dream Lights at Magic Kingdom Park

Gallery

Lights, Parades and Other Holiday Fun Continue at Walt Disney World Resort Through January 8, 2013

view all
Candlelight Choir at Epcot – Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Castle Dream Lights – Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade – Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

Here’s a schedule of holiday offerings that you can still enjoy over the next few days:

 
Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.

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Wildlife Wednesdays: Get a Glimpse of New Rafiki’s Planet Watch Film – Showing Now at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

posted on December 26th, 2012 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

Endangered Baby Sea Turtles- Featured on the New Rafiki's Planet Watch Film

Throughout the year, we’re very proud to share on the Disney Parks Blog stories about our conservation efforts and how we’re connecting families with animals and nature. Some of these stories are now featured in a new film that Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests can see when they visit Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

The film, which is hosted by Disney’s Animal Programs Conservation Director Dr. Anne Savage, has four segments. The segment shown here focuses on conservation projects to protect coral reefs in The Bahamas (in partnership with Disney Cruise Line) and two endangered species: Puerto Rican crested toads and sea turtles.
The next time you visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch, be sure to stop by and view some of the other segments, which feature animals that live on the land and those that make their home in the sea, including gorillas, elephants, manatees, cotton-top tamarins and tigers. Here’s to a new year filled with nature’s magic!

Conservation Efforts to Protect Coral Reefs in The Bahamas, In Partnership with Disney Cruise Line Puerto Rican Crested Toads- Featured on the New Rafiki's Planet Watch Film
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Merry Christmas from Disney Cruise Line

posted on December 25th, 2012 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, Disney Vacation Club

On behalf of myself and Disney Parks Blogger Jonathan Frontado, all the Disney Cruise Line cast and crew and your favorite Disney friends, we wish you a very Merry Christmas today!

Merry Christmas from Disney Cruise Line

Would you like to return the holiday greeting to our shipboard team? I’ll be sure to pass along your comments. Have a magical day!

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Merry Christmas from the Disneyland Resort

posted on December 25th, 2012 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print, Disneyland Resort

It’s Christmas Day, so I wanted to share a bit of Disneyland Resort magic with you as you celebrate with your friends and family. This lovely rendition of “Carol of the Bells” comes from the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers, performing this holiday season at Disney California Adventure park.

Merry Christmas from your friends at the Disneyland Resort!

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A Coast-to-Coast Christmas at Disney Parks December 25 on the ABC Television Network

posted on December 25th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

For a holly jolly dose of cheer, tune in this morning, December 25, for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special on the ABC Television Network.
“Cast

The 29th annual telecast takes guests on a coast-to-coast holiday celebration at the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Some of today’s top stars join the party, with dozens of sparkling floats and a sleigh-full of Disney and Disney•Pixar characters bringing good tidings to you and your family.

Tune-in times are as follows, on the ABC Television Network (check local listings):

  • Eastern Standard Time: 10 a.m.-noon
  • Central, Mountain, Pacific Standard Time: 9-11 a.m.

The show also will air in Canada on CBC Network, and across the globe on the American Forces Network.
“Ross

Viewers can visit disney.go.com/christmasparade to view some online video features about the show, and join the social media conversation before and during the telecast using the hashtag #DisneyParade.

Also, take a look at these recent Disney Parks Blog posts with celebrity photos, videos and more information about this year’s holiday TV special:

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Merry Christmas from the Disney Parks Blog

posted on December 25th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Let us be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas. All of us at the Disney Parks Blog hope your day is filled with happiness and joy. And this year, we have a special treat to share. Enjoy “Joy to the World” performed by the Voices of Liberty.

We’ll have more holiday stories to share later today, including something special from the Disneyland Resort. Merry Christmas!

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