Every once in a while, inspiration for a blog post seems to find me – and that was surely the case with this one!

Earlier this month, I was digging for photos in our company photo archive to run with a completely unrelated blog post when I came across these shots, which were taken at Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in the mid-1970s (exact date unknown).

Those of you Disney history fans may be familiar with Orange Bird, the friendly little Disney character who was created to promote Florida citrus products at Walt Disney World Resort. Orange Bird originally greeted families at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland, where guests could also buy citrus drinks and Orange Bird merchandise. The character disappeared from the park in the early 1980s – until last spring, when Walt Disney Imagineering and D23 partnered to return a historic Orange Bird sculpture to its original place at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.

 
So, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a cluster of photos of Orange Bird taken in the mid-1970s not in Adventureland, but at Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now Downtown Disney). From what we can tell, the location was a shop formerly called Captain’s Tower, which is now home to Disney’s Pin Traders. At some point in this shopping area’s history, it featured a fresh citrus display highlighted with a sizeable Orange Bird statue and signage.

It’s okay, my fellow Orange Bird friends. Go ahead and geek out.


Read these posts to learn more about Orange Bird:

• Happy Little Orange Bird Lands on New Merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort
• Citrus Swirl is Back at Walt Disney World Resort!
• Historic Orange Bird Returns to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Florida Orange Bird Merchandise Returns to Walt Disney World

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

What better way to celebrate the holiday here at Walt Disney World Resort than at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop? The Downtown Disney shop, which also celebrates its 15th anniversary today, offers delicious candies, hot chocolate drinks, and a mouth-watering selection of chocolate sundaes. Here’s a look inside:

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Video, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, I spent some time at Magic Kingdom Park getting ideas for gifts. I found three unique necklaces at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A., which I had never seen before. They didn’t have traditional neck clasps; instead, they used magnets to pull the two sides together. I later discovered these necklaces were designed by Petra Azar from Studio Petra Azar. I spoke with her about her inspiration for these designs.

“I always admired Walt Disney’s vision to invent an oasis of romance, imagination and adventure,” explained Petra. “When asked to create a jewelry collection for Disney Parks, I saw it as my challenge to invent something unique and innovative. This was a tall order because to capture the Disney spirit, it had to be a piece of jewelry nobody else had made before.”

Petra’s favorite design is the “River of Love” pendant. It is half black resin and half sterling silver with a row of white cubic zirconia stones in the shape of a winding river down the heart’s center. The “Heart of Disney” pendant is solid sterling silver and contains an extendable chain (you can adjust it to either 18 inches or 36 inches). Finally, “Minnie Bow” is a medium-sized sterling silver pendant that features sparkling polka dots in white cubic zirconia stones. There is also a genuine onyx drop dangling from the center.

Being someone who struggles with those tiny traditional clasps (my fingers aren’t that small!), I asked Petra about the magnetic clasps.

“I received a ‘utility patent’ for the [magnetic clasps], which is quite rare in the jewelry industry,” continued Petra. “The philosophical and emotional thoughts I put into my designs are important to me, but I think most women will appreciate the practicality of the magnetic clasp just as much.”

These necklaces are currently available at select locations in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They are also currently being sold on the Disney Parks online store.

I invite you to attend a special event with Petra Azar on February 9-10 in Tren-D at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. She will be meeting with guests from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Leave it to the high-energy team at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant to come up with an unbeatable combo for Sunday brunch: deliciously authentic Irish cuisine and foot-stomping Irish dancers with live music. It’s an experience we can’t wait to repeat.

If you’re tired of quiche, bacon and eggs, Chef Kevin Dundon has a menu that carries you across the pond to Ireland. Start with the Raglan Road version of a Bloody Mary topped with a Guinness floater, or a bubbly Elderflower Fizz with St. Germain and prosecco, then dig into the classic Full Irish Breakfast with sausage, black-and-white pudding, bacon, roasted tomato, mushrooms, fried eggs and potato roasties (tiny potatoes cooked with a touch of duck fat). We recommend Kevin’s Ham Schnitzel, a plate full of breaded, pan-seared ham topped with a fried eggs and a side of chips (fat potato fries). Or a stack of thin pancakes layered with mixed berry compote and topped with crème fraîche and maple syrup. If you must count calories, there’s a simple smoked salmon omelet or steel-cut oatmeal. But since brunch so often is about indulging for the day, there’s also a rendition of Eggs Benedict with a rich hollandaise and prosciutto.

Entertainment starts at noon with Creel, the Raglan Road house band – a fantastic duo that wows with the fiddle, flute, guitar and vocals. And the energetic Raglan Road Dancers show off their quick, intricate footwork with stepdances.

Hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, with entertainment from noon until 4 p.m. Brunch entrees range from $8 to $19. Call 407-938-0300 for reservations (or just stop by).

Tagged: Dining, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disney Dining, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ll be changing my name to “Cupid” in February, because I know all of you procrastinators out there are still in search of the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. Here are a few events, artist signings, product releases and more, that are sure to keep you out of the dog house and on everyone’s good list.

Here’s the breakdown of when you need to go and where you’ll need to be.

Disneyland Resort

February 2: Meet miniaturist Robert Olszewski from 9–11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park as we celebrate the release of the Main Street Electrical Parade “To Honor America” sculpture.

February 2–3: Artisan M. Andonia is back, with some of the newest releases in her collection. See her from 1–4 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: Be there for the launch of the HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs. Evil Princess Seatbeltbag Collection along with Dana and Melanie Harvey from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: WonderGround Gallery “Kimono Minnie” artist signing with Sean D’Anconia, 3–5 p.m.

February 14–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts with a special appearance by Precious Moments doll maker Linda Rick at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District from noon–10 p.m., each day.

Finally, artist in residence Sean Chao will appear every Friday–Saturday from 5–9 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

Walt Disney World Resort

February 1: Meet Disney Design Group Artist Patty Landing from 5–7 p.m. at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace for the release of the second 2013 Poster Series pin and Vinylmation, as well as the 2013 calendar.

February 9–10: Robert Olszewski is back for the release of “The Plaza Restaurant ~ Plaza Ice Cream Parlor” sculpture, first at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park, February 9 (10 a.m.–noon and 3–5 p.m.) and then February 10 at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace (noon–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.).

February 9–10: Jewelry Designer Petra Azar is making a special appearance at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, both days from 10 a.m.–10 p.m., as we debut Symbols of Love from the Studio Petra Azar collection.

February 9–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts at Once Upon a Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 13–18: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson will be at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, throughout the week during store hours.

February 15–17: Duncan® Yo-Yo Professionals will show you the strings as they perform fun and amazing Yo-Yo tricks at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 19–24: David E. Doss will appear to debut some of his newest works at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

For more information on all of these events and more, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney World Resort

The Super Bowl is less than two weeks away and if you haven’t decided where you’re going to watch the big game, I’ve got the perfect suggestion for you: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney.

Sure, it’s normally all about family-friendly bowling, food and entertainment, but come Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3), it’s going to be one of the hot spots to catch the game. That’s because Splitsville is hosting what it calls the Clean The World Super Bowling Party that day. It’s a fun way to watch the game while also helping impoverished areas around the world.

Here’s how it works: Admission is $75 per person (must be 21-and-up) and that includes complimentary appetizers and open bar from 6 pm-9 pm (open bowling is an additional $20) and part of the proceeds from the event will go to the Orlando-based Clean The World Foundation, a non-profit organization that collects and recycles soap and shampoo products from the hospitality industry and distributes them to impoverished communities worldwide.

And Splitsville has plenty of TVs – 40 flat-panel screens total – to watch the game, plus there are three full bars and indoor/outdoor seating.

The only thing left for you to decide is whether the 49ers and Ravens are going to win the Super Bowl. If you ask me (and I know you aren’t), I say go with the Falcons/49ers.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Our tour of seasonal entertainment continues today with a look at performer Mitch Corbin, a unique “triple threat” who plays the guitar, mandolin and violin at Downtown Disney.

Mitch not only plays holiday tunes on these instruments, but uses technology to combine the sounds of each one together right before an audience.

See for yourself just how he does it in this video.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Holidays, Video, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort