New Star Wars Character Action Figures Arrive in March at Disney Parks
posted on February 22nd, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
New action figures featuring Disney characters playing characters from the Star Wars universe are due to arrive at Disney Parks in March. We first showed artwork of these figures in August 2010 (good things come to those who wait!). I spoke with Cody Hampton, developer for Toys and Games, to learn about their development.
“We’ve been working on the wave five figures for more than two years,” explained Cody. “We originally wanted to release them last year at Star Wars Weekends. With so much great new development for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at that time, we pushed out [the action figures] release date to spring 2012. I’m thrilled to see these figures arriving soon as they are some of my favorites.”
Cody has been involved with development of the Disney character Star Wars action figures since series three. His favorite figure in the series is Donald Duck as the Clone Trooper, Commander Cody (how fitting!). I like Donald Duck’s nephews as Jawas (probably because I dressed like a Jawa for Halloween when I was five – still my favorite costume of all time).
Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan drew the first sketches for the characters in this series. Then senior character artist Casey Jones used those sketches to create the technical drawings shared with the manufacturer. Cody explained that collaboration between Disney and Lucasfilm was a key ingredient for success.
“The Lucasfilm team was great collaborative partners,” said Cody. “We first thought Stitch would be perfect to play the bounty hunter Cad Bane from ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ animated series because he had blue skin like Bane’s character. The Lucasfilm team suggested turning Goofy blue to play Bane and save Stitch for General Grievous. In the end, this worked better from a character design since Stitch has four arms like Grievous’ character.”
The figures will be released at locations in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Unfortunately, they will not be available via the Disney Parks Online Store. If you aren’t visiting the parks soon, you can also contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or email merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com once they are released.
May the Force be with you!
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‘Be Our Guest’…Once Again at Disney Parks
posted on February 22nd, 2012 by Stacey Thomson, Global Public Relations Manager, Disney Institute
In honor of Disney Institute’s 25th anniversary, Disney Publishing Worldwide has released an updated edition of Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service, the quintessential guide to Disney’s legendary customer service. Authored by Disney Institute and writer Theodore Kinni, the updated book outlines how customer service continues to provide a competitive edge for a company that, as Walt liked to say, “all started with a mouse.”
Exceeding expectations rather than simply satisfying them is the cornerstone of the Disney approach to customer service. Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service outlines how Disney Parks consistently delivers quality service to tens of millions of guests each year. How do we do this? By focusing not just on task, but also on “purpose.” The task of a custodian at Magic Kingdom Park is to keep the park clean, but his purpose is to make guests happy. That’s why you’ll see him providing directions, making small talk with families or even leading impromptu parades.
Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service gives many examples of Disney Institute clients that have used Disney best practices to improve the way they do business. It’s pretty compelling to see the results they enjoy when they find a common purpose – making customers happy.
Wildlife Wednesdays: Leap to Help Frogs on Leap Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on February 22nd, 2012 by Kathy Lehnhardt, Curator of Education, Disney’s Animal Programs
While guests are celebrating One More Disney Day at Magic Kingdom Park here in Florida and Disneyland park in California, some of our Walt Disney World Resort guests will be leaping, hopping and jumping at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during a Leap Day event aimed at helping guests learn more about frogs, toads and other amphibians.
During their visit to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, children and families can make toad abodes (special homes for frogs and toads) for their backyards, try leaping like a frog, listen to frog calls, examine amphibian adaptations, and meet some cool amphibians and their keepers on the Conservation Station stage.
Guests also can learn about the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad, which we are raising at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and releasing in their native habitat to re-populate the species in an area where these toads once thrived but are now considered extinct.
Did you know that, according to some estimates, as many as one-third of the known amphibian species are threatened by extinction because of loss of habitat, climate change, pollution and disease? The good news is that every one of us can help amphibians leap ahead of extinction. Here’s how:
- Invite a bug-zapping amphibian into your backyard by placing an overturned pot (toad abode) as a home
- Use fewer chemical pesticides on your lawn to keep amphibians healthy
- Build a pond, plant native shrubs, and leave leaf litter and logs in your yard to create a habitat for frogs
- Plan a family outing to a local pond to hear different species of frogs sing their love songs to one another
- Find natural alternatives to household chemicals so these toxins don’t end up in amphibian habitats
- Take part in a local pond or stream clean-up to ensure that native amphibians will have a clean home
- Find books on frogs to discover why they sing loudly, hear well and stay up late
Beyond their beautiful chorus, frogs also provide a free pest-control service. Frogs eat billions of harmful insects annually, including mosquitoes and their larvae. Frogs also provide valuable scientific and medical benefits to humans. The skin of amphibians contains substances that can protect them from some microbes and viruses, which can offer possible medical cures for a variety of human diseases, including AIDS.
Upcoming 2012 wildlife conservation events at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (as always, dates subject to change):
- Apr. 13-22: Party for the Planet for Earth Day
- May 12: International Migratory Bird Day
- July 18: Pollinator Day
- August: Cotton-Top Tamarin Month
- Sept. 5: International Vulture Awareness Day
- Sept. 26: Elephant Awareness Day
- Oct. 31: Bat Day
Florida Residents: Go Wild for Spring Break Savings at Disney Resorts
posted on February 21st, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Attention theme park goers: We’ve got two new Florida resident deals to share with you today that will help you make this year’s spring break the most magical one yet.
Florida residents can purchase the Wild for 3 Pass (a three-day Disney theme park ticket) for just $99, plus tax. The purchase must be made now through May 21, and the tickets must be used by May 24 (excluding block-out dates).
Florida residents can also book great room rates at select Disney Resort hotels for most nights March 9 – June 14. For example, rates start at $114 per night, plus tax at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for stays most nights Sunday-Thursday, March 9 – 31, 2012. Be sure to check for other rates on weekends and at other resort hotels.
Visit the Walt Disney World Special Offers site for more details.
A Marquee Milestone at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on February 21st, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
I’m happy to start off the week by sharing a fun update on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Last week, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) put the finishing touches on the new resort’s marquee. Measuring in at 46 feet, six inches, the resort’s sign now holds the record as the largest freestanding marquee at Walt Disney World Resort. (Incidentally, it’s 18 inches taller than the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign in Los Angeles, Calif.).
The photo, supplied by WDI, shows three layers of development the marquee went through in its creation – from digital design, to model, to full-scale installation.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will feature four wings dedicated to popular films Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, will open in phases beginning May 31.
Kick It with MLS Stars at the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic
posted on February 21st, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
If you’re a soccer fan, you’re going to love this event. The third annual Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic kicks off at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday and it’s one of those rare opportunities to see pro soccer in a more intimate and up close setting than at a cavernous stadium where they normally play games.
At the sports complex here at Walt Disney World Resort, fans will get to see eight pro soccer teams, including Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup finalist the Houston Dynamo and reigning USL Champion Orlando City Soccer. That’s twice as many teams competing as last year. The other MLS league teams are Sporting KC, FC Dallas, Montreal Impact, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who will be joined this year for the first time by Sweden’s B.K. Hacken.
This pre-season event starts Friday with an MLS Eastern Conference rematch between Houston and Sporting KC – the first time the two have faced each other since last season’s playoffs. The championship game is Saturday March 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the sports complex box office.
If you can’t make it out to the sports complex for the games, check out the action online as all games will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com except for the championship game which will be shown on ESPN3.com, ESPN’s new broadband channel.
Are You A Disney Performing Arts Alumnus?
posted on February 21st, 2012 by Tim Hill, Director of Disney Youth Programs
What do television star Jennifer Morrison, “School of Rock’s” Caitlin Hale and renowned musicians Jessy J, Mike Scheuchzer of MercyMe and Jerry DePizzo of O.A.R. have in common?
The answer is easy. They all are part of the Disney Performing Arts family, having performed at a Disney park with a music, dance or theatre ensemble!
Today we’re launching a search for Disney Performing Arts Alumni who want to share how the experience affected their goals and helped them find success in the performing arts or other careers.
Disney Performing Arts played an important role in my career. I performed with The Central Davidson High School Band at Walt Disney World Resort back in 1979. I still have the newspaper story about our band’s trip and remember how that performance cemented my passion for music and education. I never dreamed back then that I would one day lead the team responsible for the Disney Performing Arts program. It’s proof that you never know how life-changing a single Disney experience can be!
Mine is one of countless stories from participants since the first student group performed at Disneyland park on opening day in 1955.
Since then, millions of student performers have marched, danced and made music in Disney parks around the world. They’ve come from every state in America and from six continents. If you or someone you know has a great story about how performing at a Disney park helped further a career or realize a dream, tell us about it at disneyyouth.com or visit us on Facebook.
Top Five Reasons to Visit a Disney Resort for Spring Break
posted on February 20th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Have you ever spent spring break at the Walt Disney World Resort?
I did. Several years ago, when I was a student at the University of Pittsburgh, my mom surprised me with a trip to Walt Disney World Resort and a room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. It was five days of theme park adventure in the afternoon, and relaxation by the resort pool in the evening. To this day, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is one of my favorites – it was such a welcome change from the cold Pennsylvania weather and so much fun!
That said, here are my top five reasons you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for spring break this year.
- Test out new theme park offerings (before the summer crowd hits) – Think of all the new guest offerings that recently debuted or will begin this spring here at Walt Disney World Resort: Habit Heroes at Epcot; The Exotic Car Experience at Richard Petty; the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game; The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; and Major League Baseball spring training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
- Theme Park Benefits – Guests receive plenty of benefits when they stay at a Disney Resort hotel, including complimentary theme park transportation, and Extra Magic Hours, which gives them additional time to spend together and explore one assigned Disney theme park per day.
- Award-Winning Dining Options – Cape May Cafe. ’Ohana. California Grill. I could go on and on with the delicious dining options our resorts offer. There really is something for everyone, whether you like family-friendly character breakfasts, amazing steakhouses, or late-night romantic dinners.
- Resort Recreation – Aside from theme parks, Disney resorts offer a lot of fun during the day, too. Some resorts offer kids’ activities during the day and poolside movies at night (weather permitting). Other resorts offer golfing or boating onsite.
- Resort Relaxation – The spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers pampering treatments for guests of all ages – they even have treatments designed for kids ages 4-12.
For more information on spring break vacations at Walt Disney World Resort, click here.
A Patriotic Vinylmation Salute on Presidents’ Day
posted on February 20th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
A few weekends ago, my son visited the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Park for the first time. The attraction is a Walt Disney World Resort classic originally opening in 1971. At first, I was unsure if he would enjoy the show as much as I do. A few weeks later he asked me to name the presidents, which was his favorite part of the attraction (so it appears he liked it). We’ve recently featured a few of the presidents as Vinylmation. On this Presidents’ Day, I thought a closer look at some patriotic Vinylmation was in order.
The image above features two figures released late last year – George Washington from Holiday #3 and Abraham Lincoln from Park Starz #1. This year, we will be releasing additional patriotic figures including a copper-colored Abraham Lincoln. He is part of the Park Starz variant collection, and will have an edition size of 2,500. Look for him to be released in June at the D-Street locations. There will also be a nine-inch figure designed by Casey Jones and a three-inch Uncle Sam figure for Independence Day.
I think one of my favorite new Vinylmation sets salutes the America on Parade celebration. The three-figure set was designed by Disney Design Group Artist Monty Maldovan and has an edition size of 5,000. The set is only being sold via the Disney Parks online store.
Some of you may recall that the American Bicentennial celebration was held from June 1975 to September 1976 at both Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort (sadly, I didn’t visit during that time). The celebration had a parade with special floats and costumes with oversized heads (those costumes later made an appearance in my all-time favorite Disney television special – the grand opening celebration for Epcot Center). The parade was led by Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck which have been recreated as three-inch Vinylmation figures for that limited edition set.
A photo of those three characters will also appear on a new navy-colored tee-shirt arriving this March at Disney Parks. While the shirt isn’t Vinylmation related, I love the retro look and plan to be sporting it soon!
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.”
