A Personal Look Back: When Major League Baseball Came to the Mouse House
posted on March 28th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
As you read in Darrell’s post, 15 years ago, a new era was launched at Disney Parks when Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex opened at Walt Disney World Resort. To answer the question Darrell posed in his post, I was fortunate to attend the game and watch the Braves and Reds play under the stars. I was asked to jot down some memories that stuck with me from the event — an event dubbed a “Grand (Slam) Opening.”
Even though I was working that evening, I was excited as any sports fan as I walked into the pristine stadium. I bent down and touched the grass in front of the dugout and was instantly reminded of my own Little League days.
I was one of the PR cast members assigned to gather quotes to provide to visiting news media in the press box. I remember talking to legendary Braves manager Bobby Cox in the dugout. I listened as he likened the facilities to a brand-new luxury automobile about to be driven for the first time. I heard the crack of a bat and looked behind me to see Braves star Chipper Jones (pictured above during the evening’s introductions) fielding ground balls right outside the dugout. I remember talking with Braves starting pitcher Greg Maddux as he warmed up in the bullpen. Soon, skydivers descended onto the field and fireworks filled the night air. It was time to “Play Ball.”
A capacity crowd watched the Braves beat the Reds 9-7. Reds outfielder Deion Sanders, one of the greatest athletes in pro sports, holds the honor of recording the first hit, stealing the first base and scoring the first run in the complex’s history. Fred McGriff of the Braves smacked the complex’s first home run that night as well.
Fifteen years later, a lot has changed. Cox and Maddux, both future Baseball Hall of Famers, have retired. McGriff, who hails from nearby Tampa, also has retired. Sanders was enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2011. The Reds shortstop in that 1997 game, Barry Larkin (pictured above, prior to the inaugural game), will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer. And just last week, Chipper Jones announced his retirement at the very same stadium he helped open 15 years ago.
The biggest changes, though, have come with the growth of the sports complex. Now known as ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, there are more sports, more fields and courts, more athletes and more competitions than ever before. Athletes of all ages come every year to “play at the next level.”
I can only imagine what memories young athletes have when they train and compete at the 270-acre facility. For me, my greatest memory was 15 years ago as I watched the boys of summer first play in Mickey’s backyard.
If you were at the Grand (Slam) Opening in 1997, be sure to let us know in the comments.
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Kathy Ireland Meets Minnie Mouse at Epcot
posted on March 17th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
In a nice twist to the St. Patrick’s Day theme seen often on the Disney Parks Blog this week, Kathy Ireland had the opportunity to visit with Minnie Mouse in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot. In fact, Minnie brought out her special St. Patrick’s Day polka-dotted dress to meet Kathy.
Kathy, who first gained fame through her work as a supermodel, is making her mark worldwide through her philanthropic efforts and as CEO and Chief Designer of “kathy ireland Worldwide,” a global design and marketing firm. Kathy founded her hugely successful company in 1993. Very active online at kathyireland.com and also in the social media world, her company has a mission of “…finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.”
Disney photographer and Disney Parks Blog author Gene Duncan snapped this photo of the two famous ladies at the U.K. Pavilion. And as excited as Minnie was to see Kathy, the feeling seemed quite mutual as Kathy sent a tweet following the meet-and-greet that read, “Minnie is an ICON!”
We couldn’t agree more.
The Best of Authentic Irish Dance at Raglan Road: A Disney Parks Blog Author Digs a Fleet-Footed Jig
posted on March 15th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
I admit it: I am green with envy every time I see the amazing, fleet-footed talent on display at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort. Moving in swift synchronicity, this troupe of professional Irish dancers bring the very best to guests visiting Raglan Road.
The true authenticity of Raglan Road is what makes it special to me – the building’s fixtures, furniture, bars, the Chef and the owners all came to Walt Disney World direct from Ireland. The dancers are Irish too, and are some of the best to come from The Emerald Isle.
So, as yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration post by Jennifer featured the Raglan Road band “Creel” performing “Lord of the Dance,” I was inspired to try and become a “Lord of the Dance.” And despite the wonderful lesson from Sarah, one of the Raglan Road dancers, I think it’s best for me to leave it to the pros.
As Jennifer detailed in her post, today marks the beginning of Raglan Road’s three-day St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. So if you’re looking to fete the luck of the Irish, step on over and marvel at the fleet feet onstage at Raglan Road.
NBA All-Star Chris Paul and His Son ‘Team Up’ with The Three Caballeros at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on February 23rd, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
While the hoops spotlight is on Orlando this weekend for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, Central Florida will see a few more stars as pro basketball’s best begin arriving for the weekend festivities.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, one of the starters for the Western Conference All-Stars in Sunday’s game, didn’t waste any time during the All-Star break to bring his family to Walt Disney World Resort. After leading the Clippers last night with a season-high 36 points in the team’s 103-95 victory over the Denver Nuggets, Paul hopped on an overnight flight from L.A. and made a beeline to Walt Disney World Resort so he could enjoy some Magic Kingdom Park fun today with his young son, Chris.
Paul and his son posed for this picture with The Three Caballeros, a nod to Paul’s famous nickname, “CP3.”
Paul and the Clippers hit this year’s All-Star break with a 20-11 record and currently stand alone in first place in the NBA’s Pacific Division.
It could be a sign of foreshadowing that he posed in front of Cinderella Castle for today’s photo. If he and his team keep playing like they are, at the end of the season the Clippers just might be wearing a slipper – as in glass slipper – as the NBA’s “Cinderella story” team.
Belle, Beast Receive Visit from Pop Royalty at Magic Kingdom
posted on February 20th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
It’s been quite a February to remember for multi-platinum music star Kelly Clarkson. On Feb. 5, the Grammy Award-winning singer performed “The Star Spangled Banner” at the NFL championship game in Indianapolis. Just a few days later, her newest single – “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – soared to the coveted number one spot on the “Billboard Hot 100” songs chart. Then, on Feb. 12 she joined country music artist Jason Aldean to perform their hit song, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” during the 54th annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.
What did she do next? She went to Disney World!
Kelly joined family and friends in our theme parks yesterday, pausing for a moment to pose in the famed Magic Kingdom “Rose Garden” with a couple that knows a thing or two about roses – Belle and Beast. And from the looks of this snapshot, it seems that Belle, Beast and Kelly all enjoyed “A Moment Like This.”
Paula Abdul Celebrates Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on February 14th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
Valentine’s Day brought a special guest to Walt Disney World Resort, as entertainer Paula Abdul spent the picture postcard-perfect day enjoying the theme parks. Minnie Mouse donned her special Valentine’s Day dress (notice her famed white polka dots on her red dress have been replaced with hearts) and smiles reigned all around.
Everything is Just Ducky for Uma Thurman at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on January 17th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
I think most everyone has a soft spot in their hearts for Donald Duck. He loves the spotlight but doesn’t always get to bask in it. And that causes him to get slightly frustrated (and perhaps even a bit impatient) at times. But this past Saturday was different, as Donald was center stage to pose with award-winning actress Uma Thurman. Uma visited Magic Kingdom Park and Donald was a wonderful host. They took this picture in the famed “Engine #71” fire engine on Main Street, U.S.A. Uma seemed quite honored to pose with Donald, so everything was just ducky.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Gets Off to a Running Start with ‘Survivor’ Winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca
posted on January 6th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
If you were in Disney’s Hollywood Studios bright and early this morning, you might have spotted a glimpse of Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, two former winners from the hit TV show “Survivor” and past competitors on “The Amazing Race.” Avid runners and athletes, the real-life couple came to Walt Disney World Resort to take part in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA. They are both running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon tomorrow to raise awareness for the “Survivor Stand Up 2 Cancer” project. The couple also greeted athletes and guests today in the runDisney booth at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the event’s annual Health & Fitness Expo.
And what better way to start the weekend than with a training run through the park and a chance to high-five Mickey Mouse himself?
We’d love to hear which Disney character you’d most like to high-five in a runDisney event. Let us know in the comments.
Would You Trust Goofy to Trim the Tree at Disney Parks?
posted on December 20th, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
Last week, we watched our pal Santa Goofy dream about his own snowfall at Disney Parks. This week, he plans to put the final touches on his Christmas tree with a few ornaments.
Goofy + fragile ornaments? You probably can guess where this is going.
Goofy Dreams of Snow at Disney Parks
posted on December 13th, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
When you dream at Disney Parks, most anything can happen. Always in the holiday spirit, Santa Goofy dreams of starting his own snowfall. Can he? Let’s take a look.
