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.
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‘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.
‘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.
Moms Panel Monday: Meet a Mom Who’s in on Disney’s Best Kept Secret, Disney Vacation Club
posted on February 6th, 2012 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Whether she is organizing a Disney vacation for hundreds of high school students or a gathering for 50 of her closest loved ones, Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Andrea Houston-Lingman says planning the perfect pixie-dusted vacation is her true passion.
New to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel this year, Andrea is a teacher and busy mom of two whose specialty is helping others learn about Disney vacations with Disney Vacation Club. She has a knack for planning trips with teen travelers in mind and with more than 25 trips to Walt Disney World Resort under her belt, Andrea can answer just about any question you can dream of!
Some of Andrea’s favorite Disney Vacation Club Resorts include Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. She loves Saratoga Springs Resort so much that she even remodeled her bathroom at home to resemble the villa’s bathroom!
Q: What do you recommend for families who are planning their first stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort?
A: Plan ahead! You can get a sense of what each Disney Vacation Club property has to offer just by looking on the website before you go so you will spend less time planning and more time playing once you get there.
Q: What’s a tip for families vacationing with tweens in tow?
A: It depends on your comfort level, but if you have little ones who aren’t ready for the ‘big kid’ rides, splitting into groups for a few hours while you’re at the parks gives your teens or pre-teens a little independence in a safe environment. For example, my 13-year-old daughter brought one of her friends along on our last trip to Walt Disney World and they were allowed to play on their own for two hours before we all met for lunch. Just that little bit of flexibility in the plans made them feel like they had a special part of the vacation that was just for them.
Q: What is your advice for setting up a large group visit to Walt Disney World Resort?
A: This March will mark the sixth year in a row that I’m serving as a chaperone on my school’s senior class trip with more than 400 high school kids. One thing I’ve learned from big groups is that you can’t please everyone but you can still have a great experience. There is something for everyone at Walt Disney World and making sure you sit down with your group before your trip to create a list of everyone’s “must sees” will help you decide what to focus on.
Q: Can you share one of your favorite memories during a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort?
A: There are so many! One of them has to be when my daughter was three years old and we took her, along with my in-laws, to have breakfast with the princesses for the first time. I will never forget watching her meet each princess and then seeing the smiles on her grandparents’ faces. My mother in law cried her eyes out that day!
Want to ask Andrea a question about your next vacation? Visit DisneyWorldMoms.com.
Welcoming Home New Disney Vacation Club Merchandise
posted on February 2nd, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I love hearing the phrase “welcome home” every time I visit a Disney Vacation Club Resort. It makes me feel like the cast members are truly glad I’m visiting (I wish someone would greet me like that every time I return home to my place). Disney Theme Park Merchandise recently welcomed a new assortment of Disney Vacation Club Member items. The introduction of a re-imagined Disney Vacation Club logo last year was a driving factor in creating these items. Product Developer Lindsay Voigt told me that guest feedback also played an important role in the development process.
“We are introducing approximately 40 new items,” explained Lindsay. “We worked closely with the Disney Vacation Club team and guest research to find out what [Disney Vacation Club members] really wanted. It was a great collaboration that helped with the design direction.”
Lindsay said that members were looking for a few things when it came to merchandise including subtle branding, simplistic left chest embroidery, polo shirts and jackets. Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell were also important.
Lindsay worked with Bob Holden from Disney Design Group to create a “key” piece of artwork featuring Mickey Mouse. A variety of items use that artwork including shirts, mugs, automobile magnets and more. She said one of her favorite items was the hoodie which has that subtle logo that members were seeking.
Other favorite items with members are Disney pins. We first introduced an annual collection of pins in 2004. This year’s collection features an open edition pin shaped like a key. There is a series of four limited-edition pins that have a “vacation your way” theme. Jeanne Lewis, developer for Disney Pins, said that she was inspired by 500 Member Getaways vacation options across the globe for members. A new limited-edition pin will be released in February, May, August and November.
Finally, Lindsay shared with me four new merchandise logos that were designed by Bob Holden and another artist named Jeff Granito. I love the vintage style and colors used in these logos. Bob said he purposely chose pie-eyed Mickey and Minnie to match the vintage style of the logos (that’s awesome!). Look for this artwork to be used on items arriving this spring.
Aulani Excursions Showcase Hawai‘i With a Touch of Disney Magic
posted on January 31st, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
Although it’s tempting never to leave the Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, grounds and adjoining beach, the resort offers an appealing lineup of off-property excursions to illuminate the wonders of Hawai‘i for all ages and tastes. Many of the excursions have been specially designed by Adventures by Disney and feature knowledgeable Adventure Guides weaving stories and magic into the experience.
I haven’t had a chance to experience all the excursions on offer – it’s a lineup that includes Hawaiian cooking lessons, hiking to Waimea Falls, horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch … and I’ve heard especially good things about the Hawaiian Fire Surf School conducted by Honolulu City Firefighters.
I did get a chance to go on a catamaran excursion with some visiting travel writers the last time I was at Aulani, and it was great! We spotted a couple of pods of dolphins (or maybe it was just one playful bunch, trying to fake us out) and, after getting a terrific distant view of Aulani from its ocean side, we went snorkeling a bit further up the coast. The waters off the coast of Oahu offer a sensationally colorful array of fish and other sea life and, while we were snorkeling close to the surface, members of the crew dove deeper and brought up sea urchins, sea cucumbers and an unusually chunky starfish for us to look at.
Catamaran Captain Doug also told us that his craft is rated as dolphin-and-whale friendly, consciously keeping a safe distance from these fun and fascinating creatures while still giving us the opportunity to view them. It’s the kind of thing that helps make a Disney Aulani excursion special.
A Goofy Milestone for Disney Legend Bill Farmer
posted on January 27th, 2012 by Ryan March, Editor, Disney Vacation Club’s Disney Files Magazine
Some kids take offense at being called goofy. Bill Farmer took it as professional advice.
Born with the gift of comedic gab, Bill has turned his ability to channel stars both real and imagined into an illustrious show-business career involving a colorful array of animated characters. None are nearer or dearer to his heart than Goofy, the iconic character to whom Bill has lent his voice for decades.
As this week marks the milestone 25th anniversary of Bill’s career going Goofy, I sat down with the Disney Legend for an interview that’ll appear in a special Goofy-tribute issue of Disney Files Magazine scheduled to begin mailing to Disney Vacation Club members next month.
Here are three of my favorite Bill quotes from our visit:
On his skeptical father-in-law finally respecting Bill’s decision to quit his “real job” to focus on a career in comedy: “Well, fast forward a few years [after landing the Goofy gig], as I’m getting him backstage access to Walt Disney World Resort attractions and inviting him to private parties with celebrities, and the tide definitely turned. I’ll never forget going with him to an event at his church in Melbourne, Fla., and having him introduce me to his friends. Here’s exactly what he said: ‘I’d like you to meet my son-in-law, Bill…and his wife, Jennifer.’ I had arrived!”
On being Goofy at home: “One story that’s quintessentially Goofy unfolded when I was outside our house hanging Christmas lights. To set the scene, you had me, a bunch of tangled lights, a ladder and a pair of thorny rose bushes. Perfect setup for a Goofy moment, and you can probably see where this is going. But I didn’t just slip and fall into a rose bush. That would be too easy. I managed to snag my sweatpants on the first rose bush and fall bare-butted into the second. That, my friend, is taking your work home with you.”
On his favorite film project: “Of all the great projects I’ve been fortunate enough to take on in my career, “A Goofy Movie” has been my absolute favorite… The movie wasn’t just about Goofy’s goofiness. It was about a father struggling to connect with a son who wasn’t so little anymore. I remember taking my son, Austin, to an advance screening of the film for Disney executives in Walt’s old screening room on the lot in Burbank. Austin was pretty little at the time, and he seemed to be a bit shaken as we left the theater. I said, ‘What’s wrong, buddy?’ And he answered, ‘When you and Max were about to go over the waterfall, I thought you were going to die.’ So either we’d created a film of such emotional depth that even my own son had suspended disbelief, or my kid just couldn’t tell the difference between Dad and Goofy.”
On behalf of all Disney fans, Disney Vacation Club congratulates Bill on 25 years of the goofiest career in Hollywood.
When Five Nights at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa are Not Enough…A Special Offer
posted on January 24th, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
Visiting Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on O`ahu, is definitely one of the top benefits of my job. And each time I visit, I’m reminded of how much there is to do at the resort – pools and water slides, restaurants and lounges, entertainment, excursions, Aunty’s Beach House kids club, Laniwai spa, etc., etc.
So how many days do you need to take it all in? If your guess is somewhere in the vicinity of a week, I’ve got news for you. From now through February 29, Aulani is offering a sixth night free, plus daily continental breakfast (in the fun ‘Ōlelo Room lounge), for guests booking a five-consecutive-night stay.
To take advantage of the offer, visit DisneyAulani.com or call toll-free (800) 824-1146 and mention offer code E7D. The offer is available for stays most nights* from March 1 through March 17, 2012, and April 15 through May 31, 2012.
And here, for your enlightenment and enjoyment, is some additional information:
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and three-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers for other lengths of stay. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and subject to room occupancy limitations. Advance reservations required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Breakfast entitlements expire upon checkout, and are for guests ages 3 and older in the traveling party.
Show How You and Your Family Live Healthy and You Could Win a Trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!
posted on January 17th, 2012 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
If your New Year’s resolution was to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ve got to check out the TRYit! Photo Contest from Disney Magic of Healthy Living, a program aimed at creating healthier generations by inspiring kids and families to discover a healthy new world full of flavor and fun! Show how you and your family strive to be your best by TRYing new foods, fun moves or incorporating simple changes in your everyday life and you could win a trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!
Do you and your family get together once a week to try new, healthy recipes? Or maybe you’re waking up early on the weekends to learn a sport you haven’t played? Whatever you and your family are doing to stay healthy, Disney Magic of Healthy Living wants to hear about it!
Send photos and explain in the caption the ways you and your family are TRYing to stay healthy and active. And as if getting in shape, spending time with your family and being healthy isn’t enough of a motivator to TRY something new, how about a grand-prize that will send you and your family packing to a tropical paradise?
Disney Magic of Healthy Living will choose five families from all the photo submissions to serve as “Magic of Healthy Living Ambassadors” at the first-ever TRYathalon at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Families will compete in a two-day competition filled with fun obstacles, thrilling challenges and special surprise guests.
And each Grand Prize-winning family will also have the opportunity to give others greater access to healthy living by helping to select a community who will receive a grant from KaBOOM! for Imagination Playground in a Box, a breakthrough mobile play space designed to encourage child-directed, unstructured free play in communities.
Five runners-up will also receive a Disney Consumer Products Healthy Gift Basket, and $100 Disney Store gift certificates will be awarded to five families selected as “Voter’s Choice” on the Family.com website.
Time is of the essence – the TRYit! Photo Contest from Disney Magic of Healthy Living is only open until March 12! For details on criteria and eligibility, and to enter, visit Family.com/TRYit.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of Entry, the age of majority, and who are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. and who are the parent/legal guardians of at least one child between the ages of 6 and 14. Entries must be received between 12:01 a.m. (PT) on 1/17/12 and 11:59:59 p.m. (PT) on 3/12/12. Click here for Official Rules.
Why We Do What We Do at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on January 2nd, 2012 by Ryan March, Editor, Disney Vacation Club’s Disney Files Magazine
Not every great gift this holiday season came wrapped in paper and topped with a bow. Some arrived by email, attached to a photo.
That was certainly the case when I opened a recent email sent by a Disney Vacation Club member from Kansas named Mike. A proud and grateful father of three, Mike thanked cast members for the powerful role they played in the life of his son Brandon, born with Cerebral Palsy and confined to a wheelchair. Brandon passed away this year at the age of 16.
“For the past 9 years, my family and I have visited Disney World at least once and sometimes twice a year,” Mike wrote. “Every time we would go to Disney World, something magical would happen. From Mickey pushing his wheelchair … to Pluto dancing with him or Minnie kissing him … I have so many thoughts and stories that I could go on for days … Brandon only lived 16 years, but he had a great life. Thirteen trips to Disney, and he never got tired of it. He kept our family young at heart, and we learned to take nothing for granted.”
Addressing Walt Disney World Resort cast members, Mike wrote, “You should be very proud of the work you do and how you impact more lives than you probably realize. I am crying right now (tears of joy) as I think of all the hard work and dedication you show to everyone. At Disney World, Brandon truly was treated just like everyone else. Well, maybe a little better than most. We are saddened by his passing but grateful to have such warm memories. I have two other children, and our return to Disney is inevitable. We have so many great memories, and Brandon LOVED the Parks. How can we top that? I just wanted to say thank you for giving him dignity, honor and respect. I hope you know the value of your work and how it makes a difference in the lives of many. With much love, I thank you again.”
Brandon’s photo will appear prominently in a Member mosaic on the spring 2012 cover of Disney Vacation Club’s Disney Files Magazine as a small tribute to an enormously inspiring young man.
