As ‘LIVE!’ Spends the Week at Aulani, Kelly Ripa and Her Family Enjoy the Resort
posted on February 21st, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
As you know, “LIVE! with Kelly” is at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, this week. On Monday, host Kelly Ripa took a few minutes to talk with me about the show and her family’s experience at the resort.
How’s the “LIVE! with Kelly” shoot been going at Aulani?
Incredible! Really, really incredible. The hospitality of the Hawaiian people is like no other. You just feel hugged all the time. You really do. It’s just a gorgeous culture and a beautiful, warm people.
Have you had time to enjoy Aulani just as a resort experience?
I have to tell you, Aulani has hit on every mark. It’s one of these places that caters to small children, and grade school children and teens and tweens and adults, individually and as a family. It really is extraordinary because we’re at that teen-tween-child stage ourselves. So we have three kids with three different interests and this is the place that really caters to all of them.
What sorts of things have they been doing?
Well, they’ve fed stingrays. They’ve gone to Aunty’s Beach House. They’ve gone to teen video game and stargazing nights. They literally read that newsletter, the “Daily Iwa” I think it’s called, that’s put in the rooms at night and they choose what they want to do and it’s been spectacular for them. They’ve been on the Waikolohe Stream 17 hours a day. They tumble down those slides I’m terrified to go down. And this is the first trip we’ve taken where they haven’t kind of said, “I’m bored.” I mean, they’re having so much fun, it’s just really great!
Has everyone been looking forward to the upcoming Aulani wedding on “LIVE!”?
They really have. I think the wedding couple (Eileen Bellew and Kevin Houston) has been just blown away by the level of hospitality. They keep saying, “Wow, they just can’t do enough for you here,” and it’s really true. Just today – it was pretty funny, it happened on the air – it was very hot and the sun had come out and I said, “If only these people at Aulani could make the clouds move over,” and as I said it, literally that very moment a cloud moved over. And I said, “They’re very good here.”
That kind of Disney magic does tend to happen at Aulani. Did you know we actually had a rainbow on the Opening Day?
Well, I don’t know if you heard about our wedding couple when they got here. They both lost their previous spouses very tragically. They believe rainbows are sent to them by their former husband and former wife. And when they got here, there was a double rainbow over the property. They really felt like it was a message. This whole thing has been very beautiful, very emotional even for people who don’t know them personally, people who are viewers of the show. We’re all very invested in this couple.
The beautiful beachside wedding of Eileen Bellew and Kevin Houston will take place on “LIVE! with Kelly” this Friday, Feb. 24.
Add a Comment
‘LIVE!’ from Aulani – Greetings from Kelly Ripa
posted on February 20th, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
“LIVE! with Kelly” is at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, this week leading up to the wedding of the winning couple of “LIVE’s Hawaiian Dream Wedding Giveaway” on Friday. Daniel Dae Kim from “Hawaii Five-O” co-hosts with Kelly today, and other co-hosts this week will include “Glee” star Matthew Morrison on Tuesday, Honolulu native and “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba on Wednesday, and Mark Consuelos on Thursday and Friday.
Each “LIVE! With Kelly” broadcast will be set against the backdrop of Aulani’s beautiful beachfront lagoon, and throughout the week “LIVE!” will showcase the best of the island of O‘ahu and highlight all that Aulani has to offer.
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.
First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates Second Anniversary of ‘Let’s Move!,’ Disney Magic of Healthy Living at ESPN Wide World of Sports
posted on February 11th, 2012 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Taking a cue from Perry the Platypus from the Disney Channel series “Phineas and Ferb,” First Lady Michelle Obama, Disney Channel and Disney XD stars and nearly 1,500 local children and families got their groove on this afternoon at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
With the goal of showing how fitness can be fun, the First Lady joined pro athletes and Disney Channel stars Debby Ryan (“Jessie”), Roshon Fegan (“Shake It Up”), and Disney XD stars Doc Shaw and Kelsey Chow (“Pair of Kings”) and Olivia Holt (“Kickin’ It”) to inspire attendees to live healthier lifestyles by taking simple steps every day.
From “The Platypus Walk” (a new dance inspired by Perry the Platypus) to soccer drills to cooking demos with healthy foods, the event was jam packed with activities that can easily be done at home. Kicking, sprinting and jumping were par for the course and the kids seemed to enjoy the challenge.
These efforts mark the second anniversary of Let’s Move!, the First Lady’s initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation, and Disney Magic of Healthy Living, an initiative designed to partner with parents in their quest to raise healthy, happy kids.
‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ Visits Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
posted on February 10th, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
The fun of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” met the fun of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, recently when AFV went on location at the Hawai`i resort.
AFV host Tom Bergeron took time during the shoot to slide down Tubestone Curl into Waikolohe Stream …
…and to join the dancers of the “Starlit Hui.”
Looks like he had a great time! Aulani will be featured in two upcoming episodes of AFV, airing May 6 and May 13 at 7 p.m./6 p.m. Central.
Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning Answers Your Questions From Walt Disney World Resort
posted on February 7th, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Yesterday, Eli Manning made true on his statement to go to the Walt Disney World Resort after winning the Super Bowl. Today, we’re following through, sharing some of the questions that you asked and he answered.
What did he say was his favorite memories of Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts? Check it out here:
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions via the Disney Parks Blog and Twitter.
Walt Disney World Resort Parade Celebrates Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning
posted on February 6th, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
After telling the world Sunday night after the Super Bowl that he was coming to Walt Disney World Resort, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning did just that today.
Manning flew here straight from Indianapolis and arrived at the Magic Kingdom Park where he celebrated the Giants’ super victory with a grand parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Afterward he played around with Mickey and Minnie and some NFL Youth players. If you didn’t catch a glimpse of him, here are some photos from his visit this afternoon.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Eli Manning is Coming to Disney World!
posted on February 5th, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
UPDATE: Eli Manning is planning to celebrate the big win at the Walt Disney World Resort on Monday. What question would you like to ask the Super Bowl MVP before the grand parade scheduled for 1:20 p.m.? Let us know in the comments and then watch the Disney Parks Blog for your answer.
As I stood there inside Lucas Oil Stadium while Eli Manning reveled in his team’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, I knew that he was also thinking about being somewhere else. As the confetti and hoopla swirled around us, Eli let the rest of the world in on his private post-game plans, so now I can tell you too: Eli Manning is planning to come to Walt Disney World Resort!
Eli stared into a TV camera and shouted those famous words – “I’m going to Disney World!” It was the 45th time a superstar athlete or celebrity has screamed that line that will be part of the now iconic Super Bowl commercial airing nationally over the next several days.
Eli will be whisked to Walt Disney World Resort on Monday to toast the team’s 21-17 win with a grand parade down Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park. He will also interact with some NFL Youth kids and maybe experience an attraction or two, creating some lasting Disney memories just like millions of guests at Disney Parks all around the world. Then he’ll jet back home where undoubtedly the Super Bowl celebrations will continue.
So how do we pull this whole thing off? Well, that’s one secret I’m going to keep to myself.
Exclusive Interview: Lesley Ann Warren Celebrates Her Disney Roots at Disneyland Park
posted on January 23rd, 2012 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Lesley Ann Warren recently visited Disneyland park with her family and there was something special I thought she would like to see in New Orleans Square. Costume sketches from the 1967 Disney film, “The Happiest Millionaire,” in which she made her motion picture debut, have been added to the art collection on display inside Club 33 and we arranged for her to come take a look and share some of her own special Disney memories.
Lesley Ann and her family were greeted warmly by Mickey Mouse when they arrived. Then, in the middle of all the hugs and laughter, she caught a glimpse of the costume sketches hanging on the wall behind her and instantly recognized her character, Cordy, in the upper left corner, excitedly telling her family, “That’s me! This was my very first movie!”
Sketches of Bill Thomas’ Academy Award-nominated Costume Design aren’t the only nod to “The Happiest Millionaire” inside Club 33. Emil Kuri, who personally helped Walt Disney select antiques and decorative items for the Club, was also the Set Decorator on the film, so it should come as no surprise that the telephone booth in the Club was adapted directly from the one in the Biddle’s foyer from the movie. While the phone booth in the movie appears larger than the one in Club 33, certain pieces such as the beveled glass windows and parts of the carved wood molding are identical, and were most likely taken from the original film prop.
Lesley Ann graciously agreed to sit down with me for a brief chat about her memories of making “The Happiest Millionaire,” working with Walt Disney, and of her (almost) first visit to Disneyland park.
George Savvas: What was it like to be cast by Walt Disney in your first film?
Lesley Ann Warren: When I did “The Happiest Millionaire,” I had a two-week Hollywood screen test with costumes and make-up and hair and learning the choreography and the music and the songs and then he (Walt Disney) picked me to do this which was an incredible honor.
George Savvas: What were your impressions of Walt Disney?
Lesley Ann Warren: He was the ultimate. He was very quiet on the set when he would visit, but you always knew when he was there. He knew everything – he knew what color hair ribbon I had on, as well as what they were serving in the commissary, as well as what the animators were doing with their projects, I mean his influence and inspiration and taste, was everywhere. I was invited to his home for dinner one night with his wife and some of the cast. I was so awe struck I don’t think I said three words during the whole evening!
George Savvas: After “The Happiest Millionaire” you had another project with Disney, and that was during a difficult time at the Studio. What can you tell me about that period?
Lesley Ann Warren: I was under contract to Walt Disney and the Studio, and I was supposed to do my second film which was, “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band,” and he passed away just before we began. It was an enormous tragedy, obviously for the world, but for those of us who were so involved with him, the loss of him put a pall over everything. There was such a sadness, you know, it was pervasive, but because we were all so dedicated to fulfilling his vision we threw ourselves into the making of that second film and had a glorious time in the making of it because we were carrying on his tradition.
George Savvas: What was your first Disney film premiere like?
Lesley Ann Warren: I mean it was a crazy time for me. They did this monumental opening for “The Happiest Millionaire” with a red carpet down the entire Hollywood Boulevard starting from Highland to the Pantages. We arrived in carriages you know the same kind of carriages that were in the film. It was so much for such a young girl.
George Savvas: Do you remember the first time you visited one of our parks?
Lesley Ann Warren: I remember my first experience coming here to Disneyland. I was married to Jon Peters at the time. I was making “The Happiest Millionaire,” and we got invited to come to Disneyland, and they wouldn’t let him in because his hair was too long! (Laughs)
They wouldn’t let him in and he was, you know, very stubborn. He wouldn’t pull his hair back. He wouldn’t cut his hair, so it was an interesting conversation that ensued, but, yeah, that was my very first time! (Laughs)
About 10 years ago, you did a musical celebration here honoring Walt Disney’s birthday and I was here for that. Of course I’ve been back many, many times, but that was also a wonderful memory for me because I brought my whole family and we stayed at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
George Savvas: What memories are you looking forward to making during this visit?
Lesley Ann Warren: Well, I’m here with my husband and his daughter and her fiancé and his two young children, so… we want to do everything! This is the little ones’ first time at Disneyland, so we’re seeing it through their eyes. It’s really exciting.
