Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

Celebrating 15 Years of ‘The Ultimate Interactive Adventure’ in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on May 21st, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


I started my Disney career as part of the Walt Disney World Resort College Program in the fall of 1997. In those days, my roommates and I spent a lot of time at Downtown Disney, mostly at Pleasure Island. I remember hearing about something new coming to the West Side – a giant five-story building filled with virtual reality games, arcade classics and cool interactive experiences you couldn’t find anywhere else.

It seems like just yesterday, but in a few short weeks, we celebrate 15 years of DisneyQuest. (Wow, does that make me feel old!) I’ll admit, when I joined the Downtown Disney team three months ago, I hadn’t been to DisneyQuest in while. (Like, years.) I’m happy to report, I had a blast. I had the most fun playing Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold. I’m competitive by nature, so luckily, I scored the most points! And I loved CyberSpace Mountain and the classic arcade games I remembered from my youth.

While some of the games have been there since opening, new experiences have been added over the years, and many have been updated with higher-resolution screens and graphics. Check out virtual Jungle Cruise and Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam to see for yourself!

Something else that’s been there since the start? Two special cast members, Jessica and Jackie, who’ve been part of the DisneyQuest team since day one.

Jackie, a 43-year Disney cast member this September, opened Walt Disney World Resort (She remembers seeing Walt from afar during construction and met Roy on Opening Day; can you imagine?) and she’s been at Downtown Disney since 1983. She says DisneyQuest is “like one big happy family in the ‘big blue box.’” She loves her role as a QuestKeeper and plans to stay on until retirement.

Jessica, an Attractions Coordinator who was nearly nine months pregnant when DisneyQuest opened, echoes the sentiment, saying, “I don’t have any plans of leaving; I like it here. It’s my home.” Her daughter, the first “DisneyQuest baby,” is now 14 years old. No surprise here, she loves the indoor interactive playground where her mom has worked for a decade and a half.

Though the lobby hasn’t changed much over the years, the fashions certainly have! Red denim overalls (as seen in the archived Marketing shot below) may have been all the rage in the late ’90s, but today it takes a special person to pull off that look. Luckily, a great smile never goes out of style – and after 15 years, I’m so happy to see that it’s still the accessory of choice for Jessica, Jackie and their fellow DisneyQuest cast members.

An Archived Marketing Shot of the Lobby of DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney Cast Members Jessica and Jackie in the Lobby of DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney

Have you visited DisneyQuest during its 15-year history? If so, what did you enjoy most? (I’m sure there are a few fellow “Pirate” lovers out there!)

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A ‘Picture Perfect’ Tradition at the Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on May 10th, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


On more than one occasion, I’ve been accused of being “old-fashioned” and “sentimental” (I take both as compliments, by the way!), so when I heard the story of Vincent from Silhouette Portraits and the family from Strongsville, OH, I was instantly enamored.
A 'Picture Perfect' Tradition at the Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort
Imagine coming to Downtown Disney for nearly a quarter of a century (starting back when it was called “The Disney Village”) every single year and encountering the same magic-maker. That’s exactly what happened for Marketplace guest Mark and his family. In a letter Mark wrote to silhouette artist Vincent, he shares, “Over the past 24-year period, our family has grown from one child to five. YOU have been the only artist, over this 24-year period, to cut silhouettes of my children. What are the chances of visiting at different times of the year and finding you each time? This has to be a world record!”

Mark goes on to thank Vincent, and to share that soon, they’ll be adding grandchildren to their collection of silhouette portraits – which now covers a complete wall in their home!

From one child to five … with grandchildren coming soon, this guest letter completely touched my heart!

It also inspired me to check out Vincent’s cart and get a portrait of my own, which you can see below. (So fun! And for once, I didn’t have to find the “perfect” lighting!)
Artist Vincent's Portrait of Author Darcy Clark at Silhouette Portraits at the Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort
Want to make this a tradition for your family? Stop by Silhouette Portraits the next time you visit the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Single sitting portraits are $12; doubles are $20; triples are $24; or you can capture a family of four for $27. Each portrait comes with three copies and you can buy optional frames for $8.95/each.

If you time things right, like Mark’s family did, there’s a good chance you’ll see Vincent. If you do, let him know how much you enjoyed this story!

Has your family encountered the same cast member year after year during your Disney Parks vacations? Share your story in the comments below; I’d love another warm and fuzzy moment!


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Interchangeable Chamilia Jewelry Featured at Tren-D Trunk Show in Downtown Disney Marketplace on May 3-4, 2013

posted on April 29th, 2013 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager


“Chamilia

With Mother’s Day only a few weeks away, I’ve been thinking about what to get my mother (sorry Mom – this is when you should stop reading). One thing she likes is interchangeable jewelry by Chamilia. Disney Parks have carried a variety of their interchangeable beads and bracelets for a few years now. We even offer some Disney Parks-exclusive beads inspired by Disney Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. I spoke with Denise Edelmaier, merchandiser for jewelry at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about the appeal of Chamilia jewelry at Disney Parks.

“I think guests enjoy Chamilia jewelry because they can mix and match bracelets and Disney-inspired beads to match their moods,” said Denise. “We offer a lot of beads, so the combinations are many. It’s also easy to add beads, which become a great way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a Disney vacation.”

If you are unfamiliar with Chamilia, we are holding a trunk show at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort on May 3-4, 2013. Representatives from Chamilia will be at this show each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“Chamilia

One cool thing that the jewelry team is introducing at the show is a unique Disney Parks starter bracelet. The bracelet will contain a few beads, which can jump start a bead collection.

I’m excited to see they are introducing a red Minnie Mouse-inspired bow along with a cupcake bead that has a Minnie Mouse-inspired bow (she is my mother’s favorite character, and, with that, Mother’s Day shopping is done!).

Finally, Denise shared that she is working on a few additional Disney Parks-exclusive beads for later this year (fans of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be happy).

If you can’t attend this event, you can find a small selection of Chamilia jewelry on our Disney Parks online store.

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Big Fun for Little Ones at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on April 23rd, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


When my mom and sister told me that they wanted to spend the day at Downtown Disney during their Spring Break visit, my first thought was “Yes! I can show off my newly discovered favorites!” My next was “What the heck will we do with Harper?”
Disney Parks Blog Author Darcy Clark's Niece at Downtown Disney

Harper is my adorable, perfect, curly-haired, 2-year-old niece. Since I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve never had to think about how to entertain a toddler during a Downtown Disney afternoon. Luckily, I didn’t have to work too hard to figure it out. Turns out, there is plenty to keep little ones entertained here.

Below, in no particular order, were a few of Harper’s favorites:

The Marketplace Train Ride – My mom tells stories about how much my sister and I loved train rides as kids; it must run in the family. Even though I was a little bigger than the other passengers, I was happy to oblige when Harper asked to ride with “Auntie.” (Tip: Adults riding with small children get to accompany them for free. Score!)

The Marketplace Carousel – Her smile says it all, but Harper loved picking out her favorite horse and climbing aboard. I loved watching her, taking photos and waving from the sidelines. She enjoyed it so much, she had to ride twice – the spinning teacup was just too enticing to pass up.

Browsing at World of Disney – Since she’s only 2, Harper is still too young for a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but she’s the perfect age to find her favorite friend (this week it’s Minnie!) and pick out a new princess nightgown (she’s a huge “The Little Mermaid” fan at the moment). Lucky for her, I’m the perfect age to pay for everything.

Building Masterpieces at LEGO Imagination Center – This was, by far, the best 30 minutes of Harper’s day. I think she would have stayed and played all day if we let her. She has LEGO toys at home, but this was a treasure trove of unlimited bricks. I adore the look of intense concentration on her face!

Other highlights included a free chocolate sample at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, getting a Mickey sticker from a nice Cast Member and watching the Characters in Flight balloon go up and down. The lesson? If you’re worried about bringing a small kid to Downtown Disney, don’t be. There are lots of fun to be had, no matter your age.

Do you have a favorite Disney vacation memory or tip on traveling with toddlers? Please share in the comments below. (Harper will be back this summer and I can use all the suggestions you’ve got!)

Want more from Downtown Disney? Follow us on Twitter at @WDWDowntown.

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‘Star Wars’ Droid Factory Expands to New Locations at Disney Parks

posted on April 12th, 2013 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager


“‘Star

In May 2012, we opened the first Star Wars Droid Factory experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I’m delighted to announce that we’ve expanded the build-your-own droid experience to new locations at Disneyland park in California and Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. I spoke with toy merchandiser Cody Hampton at Disney Theme Park Merchandise about what’s in store for fans.
“‘Star

“The Droid Factory has been an incredibly popular experience with our fans,” explained Cody. “After the initial launch, we heard our fans loud and clear that they also wanted this interactive experience in California. I’m beyond happy that guests are able to exit Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park and be able to build their own droids.”
“‘Star

A Droid Factory build station opened at Once Upon a Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace earlier this month. For California, the new build station can be found in The Star Trader in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park starting April 13.
“‘Star

Guests are able to build “astromech” droids from the Star Wars galaxy. (Here’s a closer look at this series of droids from the official Star Wars website)
“‘Star

The new experiences will feature more build stations for guests to make their own droid action figures. They were designed as a square, which can accommodate up to four guests at one time (that’s two more build stations than the current version at Tatooine Traders in Disney’s Hollywood Studios).

May the Force be with you … and your droids!

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A Most Special Sunday Lunch at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

posted on April 11th, 2013 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer


After a family trip to Ireland, we jumped at the chance to re-live the experience over a shared meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Downtown Disney – and not just any “order-off-the-menu” experience, but a traditional Sunday roast, much like families enjoy so much on the Emerald Isle.
“Sunday

With a minimum of six guests, Raglan Road’s “Host the Roast” is one of a kind in Central Florida – there are plenty of Sunday brunches and buffets, but Raglan’s is the only one that lets your host do the honors and carve tender prime rib, roast pork, roast chicken or roast leg of lamb (OK, you can just relax and let the chef do it).

My husband played along and put on the toque and apron to carve the perfectly roasted rib of beef served with Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream and rosemary jus that we chose for our Sunday lunch. The food flows to the table – generous cast-iron bowls of balsamic-glazed carrots, tiny potatoes roasted super-crisp in duck fat, crunchy green beans, gooey potatoes au gratin with an extra bit of Dubliner cheese. If a side runs out, the server quickly replenishes. No one goes hungry.

Irish Dancers at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Irish Dancers at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

Best of all, the champion Irish dancers and Creel, the house band imported from Ireland, bring a real joy to the place, a happy combo of tradition and flair. It’s hard to imagine such skilled, synchronized movement, especially while you’re sitting still, enjoying crispy potatoes and thick cuts of meat. Beautiful costumes and engaging Irish tunes are like a fancy bow around the family gathering.
“Sunday

We could have chosen the roast pork loin with cider port jus, applesauce and apple chutney (with an added side of decadent pork cracklins’). Or the roast leg of lamb stuffed with sage and onion, served with mint sauce and red wine jus. Or roast lemon thyme chicken with chicken and wild mushroom pie.

But that prime rib was just right – and the traditional Irish Sunday lunch favorite. And we finished with a generous Gran Marnier fruit and custard trifle (a strawberry and apple crumble is the other option, offered gluten free if desired). But the whipped cream and cool fruit seemed like the perfect ending – and segue to an afternoon nap!

Cost is $55 per person for roast rib of beef, $47 per person for roast pork loin, $45 per person for lamb and $35 for chicken. An 18 percent gratuity will be added.

To reserve a table for your family and friends, call 407-938-0300 at least 24 hours in advance. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

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New Disney Fine Art Debuts at the Walt Disney World Resort

posted on April 4th, 2013 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort


Heading to the Walt Disney World Resort April 13-14? If so, be sure to add Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to the list of places you will want to visit during your stay.

Disney Fine Art artists Rob Kaz, Tim Rogerson and Michelle St. Laurent will be on hand for special appearances and signings, Saturday, April 13, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and again on Sunday, April 14, from 1-4 p.m., to sign artwork published exclusively by Collectors Editions.

Here’s a look at some of the new art heading your way.

Rob Kaz - Flight Over Fantasyland, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace Rob Kaz - Our Royal Kingdom, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace Tim Rogerson - Dapper Dans, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace
Tim Rogerson - Fantasia, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace Michelle St. Laurent - Forest of Friends, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace Michelle St. Laurent - Hitchhiking Ghosts, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace

 
For information on this merchandise event, Art in the Garden, Ridley Pearson and more taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort this month, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

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The ‘Art’ of Guest Show at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on April 2nd, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


I’m a big believer that good ideas can come from anyone. That’s why, when I got the green light to write for the Disney Parks Blog, I asked my co-workers to come to me with any story suggestions they had. (My theory is: if they think it’s cool, you will too!)

My friend Louis told me about the talents of a few cast members on our Guest Show Team. Not only do they keep Downtown Disney nice and tidy, they also entertain our guests with their amazing artistic skills. Take a look:

Hayes is One of 15 or so Cast Members Who Has Learned to ‘Paint’ Mickey, Minnie and Other Classic Disney Characters Using Nothing More Than His Broom and Water

Hayes is One of 15 or so Cast Members Who Has Learned to ‘Paint’ Mickey, Minnie and Other Classic Disney Characters Using Nothing More Than His Broom and Water Hayes is One of 15 or so Cast Members Who Has Learned to ‘Paint’ Mickey, Minnie and Other Classic Disney Characters Using Nothing More Than His Broom and Water

Hayes, featured above, is one of 15 or so cast members who has learned to “paint” Mickey, Minnie and other classic Disney characters using nothing more than his broom and water.

Hayes told me that it’s not uncommon for guests to gather around and snap photos of his work. I’ll admit, I was mesmerized watching him do this! Though I would have guessed he’d been doing it forever, Hayes has only worked at Downtown Disney since January. As part of the Disney College Program, he jumped at the chance to attend an optional training class to acquire this unique skill. (I think I would have too … if you ask me, it’s the ultimate “party trick”!)

The moral of the story is this: the next time you visit Downtown Disney, be on the lookout – that friendly custodial cast member you see just may be more than meets the eye!

Has a cast member ever dazzled you unexpectedly? Share your story in the comments below – I’d love to hear it!

(And if you want to be wowed by a daily dose of Downtown Disney news, follow us on Twitter at @WDWDowntown.)

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Flying High at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on March 21st, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


Hey everyone. I’m Darcy, former Community Manager for the Walt Disney World Resort Facebook page and the newest Disney Parks Blog author, sharing updates from the heart of Downtown Disney. (Literally, my office is smack-dab in the middle of the property. I love my job!) Just over a month ago, I accepted a brand-new position here, and with the recent Disney Springs announcement by Tom Staggs, I couldn’t have come at a better time.

From day #1 in my new role, I knew I wanted to share some of the “hidden gems” of Downtown Disney with all of you. I’m discovering many of them alongside you, so we’ll be finding fun from the West Side to the Marketplace – and everywhere in between – together. Additionally, as there are new updates on Disney Springs, check back here on the Disney Parks Blog.

Flying High With Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney

First up? Characters in Flight, Operated by Aerophile. I’ve seen the balloon in the sky a million times, but I never tried it. Until last week. And you know what? It was way cooler than I expected. I naively thought I wouldn’t be able to see ‘that much’ from the sky, but I was wrong. And I loved every minute of it. Here’s why:

I got lucky and went up on a really clear day. No joke, I could see from the top of La Nouba all the way to the outskirts of Disney property. Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, The Contemporary. – I saw them all, and from a totally different vantage point. (After 10+ years at Disney, I thought I had seen the parks from every angle but boy, was I wrong!)

Flying High With Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney

The ride wasn’t scary at all; it was actually sort of calming. When I got all the way up to 400 feet, I felt like I was taking a short break from reality. Even though it was a full flight, it was really quiet up there, and peaceful. You know that feeling you get when you’re in an airplane and you look down to see tiny houses and highways – like you’re part of it but somehow removed? – It was like that, but instead of a strange town, I was looking at one of my favorite playgrounds.

It was just the right amount of time. My flight lasted about 10 minutes and it was perfect – I got to walk around and check out the 360 degree view, plus had a few minutes to snap some photos (digital photography is one of my hobbies!). I didn’t feel rushed, which is always a nice feeling when you wait in line for something you’re excited about.

Flying High With Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney

One of these days I’d love to go up at night. Maybe start with a margarita from Paradiso 37, take a ride, and then top off the evening with a sweet treat from Candy Cauldron. (And if you’re more of a morning person, you’ll be excited to hear that right now – when you purchase tickets and ride before 10 a.m. – you pay only $10!)

Have you experienced Characters in Flight? Tell me how you liked it in the comments below – it’s always fun to compare notes!

For a daily dose of Downtown Disney news, follow @WDWDowntown on Twitter.

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Vintage Walt Disney World: Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village Opens

posted on March 21st, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


This week back in 1975, shopping took on a whole new meaning as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (you might know it as the Downtown Disney Marketplace) opened.
Vintage Walt Disney World: Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village Opens
The LBV Shopping Village was home to shops such as Toys Fantastique, The Flower Garden and The Pottery Chalet pictured below. What I wouldn’t give to purchase a treasure offered at The Pottery Chalet today!
Vintage Walt Disney World: Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village Opens
Although the area has grown and changed over the years, it’s still a great place to spend the day shopping, dining, and playing at Downtown Disney.

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