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!
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‘With Love’ From Epcot
posted on February 14th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Isn’t this an amazing photo? And we couldn’t wait to share it with you on this lovely Valentine’s Day.
Here’s the story behind the shot, as told to me by the photographer, Yellow Shoes Creative Director Will Gay:
“My son, Owen, and I had just walked away from the Garden Railway Miniature Train in the Germany Pavilion (one of his favorite things to see at Epcot), and he pointed up at the sky and said, ‘Dad look!’ I looked up to see the word ‘LOVE’ in the sky, framed up perfectly by the Italy Pavilion and it just seemed to fit,” Will said.
“I think interesting photos are about being in the right place at the right time. That happened the day my son and I were walking through Epcot. I think Italy is so known and associated with love that it just makes the picture of the skywriting with Italy in the foreground all the more perfect!”
Habit Heroes Exhibit Debuts at Innoventions at Epcot
posted on February 3rd, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
A new interactive exhibit, Habit Heroes presented by Florida Blue and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, debuted at Innoventions at Epcot today.
This new experience encourages children of all ages to learn healthy lifestyle habits and become more active. Guests can join forces with Habit Heroes Will Power and Callie Stenics to fight off villains like Sweet Tooth and The Snacker.
Two Habit Heroes even made a special in-person appearance today for the kick-off of the exhibit.
Can’t make it to Epcot? Kids can visit www.HabitHeroes.com to create their own avatar and learn how to fight bad habits.
Dynamic Deal for Duffy the Disney Bear Costumes
posted on February 1st, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
When Duffy the Disney Bear returned to the U.S. Disney Parks in October 2010, we introduced a series of costumes for the 17-inch plush bear. These costumes were designed by Disney Design Group Artist Monty Maldovan and featured different outfits inspired by places at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. A dynamic deal for these costumes was recently introduced where you can get three costumes for $30.00.* The promotion gave me an excuse to visit my favorite home away from home, World Showcase at Epcot, to photograph Duffy sporting his themed outfits. I spoke with Denise Edelmaier, product developer for Duffy, about the promotion.
“We have a lot of exciting things coming for Duffy in 2012,” explained Denise. “This promotion helps us do two things – give a great deal to fans of Duffy and helps us keep our assortment fresh.”
Luckily, it was another beautiful day (though slightly windy) when I visited Epcot to capture these photos. During this expedition, I also captured some images that will be used on his official Facebook fan page (look for them coming soon).
You have a few options if you’d like to take advantage of this deal. I invite you to visit Treasures in Paradise at Disney California Adventure park or Disney’s Traders in Epcot to see the largest assortment of Duffy items. The promotion is also being offered at other locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts that carry Duffy merchandise. Finally, you can shop from the convenience of home and enjoy the deal on the Disney Parks online store.
I would love to see your photos of Duffy on his Facebook page.
*Buy 3 and save pricing only applies when you purchase eligible promotional items in quantities of 3. Valid on select merchandise only. Regular prices apply when purchasing a single item or in odd-numbered quantities. Merchandise must be exchanged for identical item or returned at discounted price with valid packing slip. No adjustments to prior purchases.
Just a Walk in the Park (with ‘Cousin Betty’) at Epcot
posted on January 27th, 2012 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
I was at Epcot recently and couldn’t help but notice the colorful diversity of footwear guests wore as they hurried along the promenade. Footwear from around the globe inspired me to do a little time-lapse piece just for fun and I happened upon a fantastic piece of music – a kind of Cajun-Bop tune titled “Cousin Betty.” I think it captures some of the excitement that was so obvious to me on that day. I hope you enjoy this whimsical study as much as I do, and I really thank my pal Bryan Smoker for the awesome editing job.
Vintage Walt Disney World: IllumiNations Blasts Off at Epcot
posted on January 26th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
While nighttime at Epcot has become synonymous with watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth around World Showcase Lagoon, it wasn’t until Jan. 30, 1988, that the original IllumiNations made its debut.
When IllumiNations was first performed, it was described as a nighttime spectacle that captured the glitter of Times Square, the fantasy of Paris at night and the splendor of Piccadilly in an international music and light show.
This first version of IllumiNations used 13 special-effects projectors (as seen above in the Germany Pavilion), 11 searchlights, 12 wire/mesh grids (as seen below in the France Pavilion), 180 nozzles which created the fountains, 783 fireworks pieces, and 550 theatrical lights – that’s enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times.
Over the last 24 years there have been three different versions of IllumiNations performed, and even today, an Epcot evening isn’t complete without the spectacular ending of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to close out the night.
President Obama Visit Adds to Walt Disney World Presidential History
posted on January 19th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
President Barack Obama is making Disney history today by becoming the fourth sitting president to ever visit a Disney theme park.
The President will appear at Magic Kingdom Park on official business to make a special announcement regarding U.S. travel and tourism before a crowd of invited guests and media. His visit will add him to the list of the few U.S. presidents who have visited a Disney park while holding office.
Here’s a look back at some of those historic moments.
In November 1978, President Jimmy Carter became the first sitting president to visit a Disney park when he attended the opening session of the 26th World Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce meeting at Magic Kingdom.
President Ronald Reagan made two visits to Epcot during his presidency. The first took place March 8, 1983, where he appeared at the park to address international students who would work at World Showcase. The President returned in 1985 to hold his second-term inaugural celebration at Epcot, which included a parade around World Showcase.
President George H.W. Bush also visited Epcot, where he presided over the first Points of Light ceremony honoring volunteers for their service work, at the America Gardens Theatre in 1991.
You can watch a live-stream of President Obama’s visit today at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live. Be sure to check the Disney Parks Blog later on for a recap of the event.
Vintage Walt Disney World: Epcot’s Imaginative Disney Dragon
posted on January 19th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
Monday marks the Chinese New Year with 2012 being the Year of the Dragon. According to the Chinese zodiac, dragons are passionate in all they do and often do things in grand fashion. I know of a particular Disney dragon for which the same could be said – Figment, the dragon of curious mischief and childlike naivety, who has been the mascot of the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot since 1982.
Dreamfinder combined the body of a lizard, the nose of a crocodile, big yellow eyes, the horns of steer, two tiny wings and a dash of childish delight to create the infamous figment of his imagination that materializes as a pint-sized dragon.
In Journey into Imagination, the original attraction (as seen above and below) at the Imagination! Pavilion, Dreamfinder and Figment took guests into the hidden worlds of Art, Literature, Theatre, Science and Technology.
Over at the Imagination! Pavilion you don’t have to wait every 12 years for a Year of the Dragon. Figment ignites little sparks of imagination every day.
Official Debut of Katsura Grill This Morning at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
posted on January 17th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
All sorts of dignitaries gathered early this morning to officially open Katsura Grill, including Mickey and Minnie; Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot; and Hideaki Morooka, general manager International Business Operations for Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., partners with Disney in the Japan Pavilion.
Following warm welcomes, everyone gathered in the gardens – inspired by the strolling gardens at the historic Katsura Imperial Villa near Kyoto, Japan – and inside the pretty new restaurant. Early-morning tempura, sushi and other Japanese small bites, and sake served in a ceremonial cedar cup were part of the festivities.
Have you tried the new menu? Tell us your favorites – we’re partial to the okonomi yaki, a sort of fried Japanese pancake made with veggies.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on January 17th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
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Let’s kick things off today with three faces you may have seen before. They’re a trio of serious looking knights that can be found somewhere at Disney Parks. All are easy to spot and if you look close enough, you’ll see a Hidden Mickey on one of them. Do you know where to find these three? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
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