Take 5: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Disney Parks
posted on March 17th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This year at Disney Parks, we have lots going on to celebrate one of our favorite holidays. Take a look at the posts below to see all the action taking place this weekend, along with some exciting Irish-themed treats and goodies.
Take 5: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Disney Parks
- Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Style at Disney Parks – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the parks with new ear hats, pins, T-shirts and more!
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World March 15-17 – Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney celebrates St. Patty’s day with live music and entertainment this weekend – check out who will be performing!
- Kick Off St. Patrick’s Day March 15 at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort – You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without a rich Irish feast. Disney Parks Blog author Pam Brandon gives us a peek at what’s on the menu at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant.
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – Check out these St. Patty’s Day hot spots in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.
- The Best of Authentic Irish Dance at Raglan Road: A Disney Parks Blog Author Digs a Fleet-Footed Jig – The St. Patrick’s Day celebration kicked off this week with an authentic Irish jig at Raglan Road – watch as Disney Parks Blog author Gary Buchanan gave it a try himself.
Live 2 Dance in the Downtown Disney District with ‘Shake It Up’!
posted on March 14th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
There’s so much taking place this month in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. So what else is shaking? Well I’m glad you asked because this next event is bound to “shake things up” quite literally! On March 24, Bella Thorne and Zendaya from the cast of Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up,” will make a special appearance at Studio Disney 365 as we celebrate the release of the new “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” soundtrack.
Also on March 24 at Studio Disney 365, Bella and Zendaya will participate in a Q&A hosted by Radio Disney On-air Personality Jake, giving them the opportunity to answer some of their fans’ most-requested “want to know” questions. Following the Q&A, Bella and Zendaya will take part in a special CD signing as we celebrate the release of the new “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” soundtrack from Walt Disney Records.
The signing will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. for the first two hundred (200) guests who have purchased a “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” CD or “Shake it Up” tee shirt at Studio Disney 365. Limit TWO (2) “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” CDs per guest, while supplies last.
Here’s How It Works!
Purchase a “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” CD or “Shake it Up” tee shirt at Studio Disney 365 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort beginning Saturday, March 24 at 8 a.m., while supplies last, and receive a voucher to return for the signing experience. Limit ONE (1) voucher per guest.
Limit TWO (2) items signed per guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Appearances are subject to time and availability and are not guaranteed. Restrictions apply. Event and information are subject to cancellation or change without notice including, but not limited to, dates, times, release dates, appearances and retails. “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance” CDs and “Shake It Up” tees for the signing must be purchased at Studio Disney 365 on or after, 8 a.m. on March 24, 2012. Valid Disneyland Resort Studio Disney 365 sales receipt and event voucher will be required.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
posted on March 12th, 2012 by Janet Knox, General Manager, Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort
Dress up in your festive green attire and join us in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort to share a little luck of the Irish as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! The district will be alive with celebration, and some of the festivities to enjoy will include:
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen – Celebrate with green beer and Executive Chef Darrin Finkel’s corned beef and cabbage, and then relax with a delicious Irish coffee. Celebrate the Creole way with Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans performing 7–11 p.m. in the Flambeaux Room. Jazz Kitchen Express will also feature corned beef and cabbage slaw Po’boys.
- Uva Bar – Enjoy Irish-inspired fare and fun with pints o’ Irish beer and delectable pub-inspired menu items, including Guinness beer and Irish cheddar dip, potato leek soup, black-and-tan battered fish and chips, corned beef boxty, and a mouth-watering milk chocolate Guinness cake! Indulge in some tasty Irish drink specials such as Finian’s “Five Provinces” whiskey, Redbreast pot still whiskey, Harp Draft, Murphy’s Stout Can, and Murphy’s Red Bottle.
- House of Blues – Stop by for the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Slam featuring Street Dogs w/ Devil’s Brigade, Muder the Stout, and Old Man Markley. Find out more details about show times and admission prices by visiting www.HOB.com. Feast on some delicious Irish fare – House of Blues style – such as Irish nachos, Lucky Fish Tacos or Guinness Stew, and top off your meal with a scrumptious Bailey’s Irish marble cheesecake; and be sure to toast the night with a “Kiss Me, I’m Irish Martini”!
Remember – as the Irish say, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.” I hope to see you in the Downtown Disney District on St. Patrick’s Day!
UPDATE: SIGNin’ in the Street at the Downtown Disney District and Your Chance to Attend ‘Switched at Birth’ Finale Preview
posted on March 9th, 2012 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
UPDATE: All of the Disney Parks Blog special invitations to the “Switched at Birth” finale preview have been taken! Selected entries will be confirmed via email. Remember – you still have another chance to grab a ticket! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, guests may line up at AMC Theatres for tickets to the event, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m.
Just a couple of weeks ago I told you about a great event coming to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort next weekend – SIGNin’ in the Street, a celebration of creativity in the deaf community. We want to welcome all of you to join us at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17, for a fun kick-off moment and throughout the weekend for all the fantastic offerings and performances.
We are excited to announce that both event days will conclude with a special performance by Sean Berdy, from ABC Family’s hit series “Switched at Birth,” who will sign the song, “Hero.” Berdy, who played a young deaf actor in “The Sandlot 2,” has toured the country performing renditions of popular songs entirely in American Sign Language.
I mentioned in my last post to check back for details on how to grab a seat to the sneak preview of the spring finale of “Switched at Birth,” well – I am excited to announce that the Disney Parks Blog has been given the opportunity to invite a limited number of readers to this special event on Saturday, March 17. The screening will take place at AMC Theatres from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Space for the event is limited and you must RSVP to meetups@disney.go.com, following these directions carefully:
- Valid RSVPs must include: 1) “Switched at Birth Sneak Preview” in the subject line and 2) your name, email address and phone number in the body of the email. All confirmed RSVPs will be for the person who responds, plus one guest. Incomplete RSVPs will not be accepted.
- Valid photo I.D. will be required to pick up tickets.
Guests whose valid RSVPs are received before we reach capacity will be sent an email to confirm their attendance for the event on Saturday, March 17, along with instructions for picking up tickets. I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
If your RSVP is not received before we reach capacity, you’ll have another chance to grab a ticket. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, guests may line up at AMC Theatres for tickets to the event, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m.
Admission to the Downtown Disney District, as always, is complimentary. The Downtown Disney District parking lot is conveniently located next to the action and offers free parking up to 3 hours – or up to 5 hours with validation from AMC Theatres or other participating locations.
Please visit http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/signin-in-the-street/ for more details.
We hope to see you there!
Spring Merchandise is a ‘Scream’ at Disneyland Park
posted on March 8th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Getting the opportunity to see some of the new merchandise before it hits store shelves is a dream, but in this particular case, it’s more of a “nightmare”…not literally, of course.
Luckily, Product Developer Summer Bloomfield gave me the inside scoop and a look at some of the “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” art that you can expect to see on a variety of apparel, headwear and accessories this spring.
“We all know that Jack Skellington loves his dark side – black of course being one of his favorite colors,” says Summer. “But he also has a bright, humorous side that I don’t think everyone gets to see all of the time. So for this collection, it was kind of fun to show this side of Jack. We infused fun hues like purples and blues, and added new treatments and embellishments to the merchandise that really makes it stand out, of course all the while keeping it cool and edgy.”
Now that you’re in the know, be sure to check out some of these new offerings at Le Bat en Rouge in New Orleans Square and at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District.
And of course, let me know what you think!
Special Guests and Merchandise Coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort for SIGNin’ in the Street
posted on March 5th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Some very exciting events are taking place this month in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, so here’s the inside scoop on a few things I suggest you keep on your radar.
As Betsy announced in February, SIGNin’ in the Street, an event celebrating creativity in the deaf community – in the arts, in technology and in society – will be March 17-18, at the Downtown Disney District. A close friend has given me some exposure to the beautiful language of signing, and I am truly inspired and amazed. It will be wonderful to bring awareness to a culture and a language with such a rich and interesting history, with so much to offer. I’m truly looking forward to this special weekend!
I am especially excited about the American Sign Language (ASL) “I Love Mickey” tee – going to have to get one of those!
A couple other things to watch out for… Academy Award-winning actress and author Marlee Matlin will be available to sign copies of her memoir, “I’ll Scream Later,” on March 18, from 1:45-2:45 p.m. We will also have Disney Consumer Products artist Mary Rappazzo on hand to sign a special deluxe print featuring Mickey Mouse and ASL, March 17, from 1-3 p.m. and March 18, from 2:30-4 p.m. Both of these events will take place near the merchandise kiosk located adjacent to ESPN Zone.
Details on this event are still being finalized, so be sure to check out ArtofDisneyParks.com for information. Hope to see you out there!
‘The Official Blues Brothers Revue Live’ Viewing Party at House of Blues Anaheim in the Downtown Disney District March 5
posted on March 2nd, 2012 by Janet Knox, General Manager, Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort
On Monday, March 5, House of Blues Anaheim at the Downtown Disney District will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the passing of John “Joliet Jake” Belushi with a viewing party of the special memorial concert, “The Official Blues Brothers Revue Live” from The Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill. The viewing party is free for all House of Blues Anaheim restaurant guests.
“The Official Blues Brothers Revue Live,” presented by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi, will feature special original Blues Brothers band guests Paul Shaffer, Tom “Bones” Malone, “Blue” Lou Marini, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Otis Day (“Animal House”), and will be hosted by Father Guido Sarducci.
If you can’t make it to the viewing party at House of Blues Anaheim on March 5, the event will be webcast live on Facebook! Just go to the “Blues Brothers Live” tab on the House of Blues Anaheim Facebook page to RSVP for this once-in-a-lifetime event. The live broadcast will be available for $5 via Facebook Credits, PayPal or credit card. All proceeds from the webcast will benefit International House of Blues Foundation.
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more Downtown Disney District events!
OC Roots & Hops Reggae Fest 2012 at House of Blues Anaheim in the Downtown Disney District Tomorrow
posted on February 24th, 2012 by Janet Knox, General Manager, Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort
Calling all reggae fans in the Southern California area! Tomorrow, February 25, House of Blues Anaheim in the Downtown Disney District will feature “Local Brews Local Grooves presents OC Roots & Hops Reggae Fest 2012.” Starting at noon, local reggae bands like Seedless, Micah Brown, Pilot Touhill and more will perform at this family-friendly, all-day music festival.
Guests will also be able to enjoy local beers from Hangar 24, Anchor Steam, Bootleggers and Lost Coast and an open-air grill featuring Caribbean cuisine designed by House of Blues Executive Chef Jeffrey Meyer.
Tickets are $20, which includes a $10 voucher for food and beverage. Come join the fun and enjoy the sunshine, reggae grooves and California’s best brews!
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Disneyland Resort Celebrates Creativity in Deaf Community
posted on February 22nd, 2012 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
I am excited to announce a very special event coming to Disneyland Resort. On the weekend of March 17 and 18, Downtown Disney District will host a celebration of creativity in the deaf community – SIGNin’ in the Street.
The event will spotlight top performers, interactive workshops, film screenings and appearances by the stars of ABC Family’s hit series, “Switched at Birth”: Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, Lea Thompson, D.W. Moffett, Lucas Grabeel, Sean Berdy and Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin.
In addition, two episodes of the show, including an exclusive sneak preview of the spring finale, will be screened at AMC Theatres on Saturday, March 17. Tickets to the screenings will be limited, so make sure to check back here to find out how you might grab one!
The “Switched at Birth” cast will be on hand earlier in the day for panel question and answer sessions, as well as autograph signings.
Throughout the weekend, AMC Theatres will show two feature films, “The Hammer,” based on the life of triple NCAA champ and professional mixed martial artist Matt Hamill, and the award-winning documentary “See What I’m Saying.” Stars from the films will host question and answer sessions, sign autographs and perform live.
Other highlights of this fun, interactive weekend include:
- Musical performances by Tony Award-winning Deaf West Theatre, including a sneak preview of the group’s upcoming world premiere, and workshops for guests interested in learning American Sign Language and acting.
- Drum Café, the internationally acclaimed drumming crew, will super-charge the audience through interactive performances and workshops.
- Nighttime concerts by popular deaf performers including
singer-signer TL Forsberg, rock band Beethoven’s Nightmare, and comic CJ Jones. - Specially created Disney merchandise featuring American Sign Language.
The high-energy entertainment kicks off at 1 p.m. both days and continues until 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday.
Please check back here in the next week or so for a full schedule of events and how you might grab a seat to the sneak preview of the spring finale of “Switched at Birth”!
It’s Time to Celebrate and … Eat! Come on Down to Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney District for Fat Tuesday
posted on February 17th, 2012 by Janet Knox, General Manager, Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort
Join us on Fat Tuesday at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen as “New Orleans Mardi Gras comes to Downtown Disney!”
Fat Tuesday is famously celebrated on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but here in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, we have our very own taste of New Orleans! Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will offer a festive celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21, where guests will enjoy special New Orleans entrees by Executive Chef Darrin Finkel featured all day, including:
- Red Beans & Rice
- Gumbo
- New Orleans Jambalaya
- Be sure to enjoy the famous Jazz Kitchen Beignets!
And don’t forget these terrific drink specials:
- Abita Draft Beer Specials – $3.00
- Hurricanes – $5.00
Special entertainment will feature:
- Performances by Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans, playing Mardi Gras favorites from 7 – 10 p.m. in the Flambeaux Room. Get your beads and napkins ready to start a 2nd-line parade when they play “When the Saints Go Marching In”!
- Magician performing table-side tricks from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
- Authentic Mardi Gras beads for sale – bring your own beads or add to your collection!
Plus, fans of Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen on Facebook can “Become Jazz Kitchen Royalty for a Day!”
- “Like” Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen on Facebook and enter to win.
- One lucky fan will be crowned King or Queen on Fat Tuesday at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen!
- Winner gets VIP Seating for you and your Royal Court, Specialty Beads, AND $100 to spend on Fat Tuesday at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
- For complete rules, visit rbjazzkitchen.com.
We look forward to seeing you at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen for a night of fun for the entire family!
