Galactic Food Fun at Star Wars Weekends: This is the Droid You’ve Been Looking For!
posted on May 18th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
There are some tasty treats at Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with R2-D2 being “the droid you are looking for” each weekend.
Darth Vader is featured on a special cupcake, which goes to the “dark side.” This chocolate confection is $4.99 and is available at Darth’s Mall (the special merchandise location set up just for Star Wars Weekends 2012), ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Pizza Planet and Starring Rolls Cafe.
Known for carrying secret plans in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, R2-D2 carries some yummy treats for Star Wars Weekends. The loveable droid is featured with his own bucket that holds churros with chocolate dipping sauce available at the Herbie’s Cart, Fantasmic! and the churro cart in front of The Great Movie Ride.
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In the mood for something savory? Try a corn dog and chips served in an R2-D2 Bucket from Herbie’s Cart, or treat your little Padawan or Jedi to an R2-D2 Kids’ Power Pack from Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co, ABC Commissary, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare or Rosie’s All-American Café.
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R2-D2 also can be spotted holding frozen lemonade in a special souvenir cup from Anaheim Produce, filled with a tasty shake at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner and 50’s Prime Time Café, or stuffed with a hot fudge sundae at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.
Check out these posts for more of the latest on Star Wars Weekends 2012:
- The Sequel: Debuting More Behind the Scenes Videos, Photos for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- New Behind-the-Scenes Video Looks at Star Wars Weekends 2012 Debut to Celebrate Launch of Event-Themed Mobile Website
- Build Your Droid at the Droid Factory Coming to Tatooine Traders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: A Little Bit Micky, a Little Bit Mickey
posted on May 18th, 2012 by Greg Ehrbar, Writer/Author, Disney's Yellow Shoes Creative Group
When you’re part of a family, you try to take care of things for one another. Forty-five years ago, four young performers changed from complete strangers to a literal band of brothers, named Micky, Davy, Mike and Peter. The Monkees were a lightning-in-a-bottle international entertainment phenomenon. And in Epcot’s World Showcase, where great nations of the world share culture, flavor and fun, it became a tradition for Davy Jones to perform during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival’s Flower Power Concert Series.
After he learned of the untimely passing of the Manchester, England-born song and dance man, and how it rocked his legions of fans, Micky stepped up to continue the Epcot tradition. He will perform live on the America Gardens Theatre stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18–20, at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Micky is the first to agree that there is no way to replace his friend. “David was the brother I never had,” he says. “I only wish I didn’t have to appear in his place, but rather perform beside him — which I did as a surprise last year during a few of his concerts.”
This weekend marks Micky’s first solo engagement at Epcot — though it’s far from his first Disney project. “I was a Disneyland kid, growing up in Southern California,” he recalls. “I went there all the time with my parents, my sisters and friends. During The Monkees, we performed in the Disney Parks in Florida and California, more times than I can remember.”
In fact, when The Monkees were experiencing perhaps the greatest pop band reunion in history, Walt Disney World Resort was celebrating its 15th birthday. Micky joined Peter Tork and Davy Jones for some Monkees songs from Magic Kingdom Park on a splashy network TV special, co-hosted by Betty White.
Micky’s numerous Disney connections don’t stop there. When Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida toured the country, Micky became so successful as the villainous “Zoser” that he joined the Broadway company. Musical theater has become one of his passions, in addition to being an accomplished director, producer and, of course, multi-million selling recording artist. (Micky’s most recent albums include a spectacular tribute to Carole King called King for a Day.)
Cartoon fans know him as the voice of “Arthur”—a.k.a.”The Moth”—on The Tick, “Skip” on Hanna-Barbera’s Funky Phantom, and many more. “I was even considered to become the voice of Mickey Mouse!” he smiles, adding a spot-on “Hi folks! Ha, ha! Gosh, that’s swell!”
Micky as Mickey? Maybe when we see this versatile artist live during this, the final weekend of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, we might find ourselves humming, “M-I-C… K-Y-D… O-L-E-N-Z!” After the concerts, we’ll be checking in with Micky about his Epcot adventures, so watch the Disney Parks Blog for our follow-up report. Anything you want us to ask him?
Moms Panel: Melissa Joan Hart Live!
posted on May 18th, 2012 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
So if you remember last week (remember the word “remember”!) I talked about how Disney Parks kicked off our “Summer to Remember” with a huge media event, announcements of new attractions, world-wide itineraries, and new ships. There are zillions of ways to make the few summers we have to spend with our kids before they grow up, magical and memorable!
Melissa Joan Hart, former star of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and current co-star of Melissa & Joey on the ABC Family network, will join Moms Panelists Amanda Ficili and Jill Cooper for a live web chat next Tuesday, May 22nd, at 9:00 p.m. ET.
What will they be chatting about? You! Well, not exactly you, but they will be answering guest questions right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Did I mention that it will be live?
Melissa is no stranger to traveling to Disney Parks with her two little ones. She is currently planning an upcoming Disney vacation herself after the stork visits her home with her third prince or princess!
For a chance to participate in the live video chat with Melissa, email Disney@vidicom.com.
You can also ask me your questions right here below! I will be printing them out this weekend and picking some of your Disney Parks vacation planning questions on my way to the studio.
What do you want to know about how to make this summer’s vacation one of your summers to always remember? Ask me now!
HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder Appearing at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
posted on May 18th, 2012 by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, Manager
Wow! I can’t believe it’s the last weekend of the 19th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival already. Seventy-five days go by pretty fast!
We’ve had a wonderful time, with all the seminars, colorful plant and flower displays, beloved Disney topiaries, brilliant botanicals, unique gardens, and especially the appearances by stars from our favorite shows on HGTV, our presenting sponsor. They’ve just been fantastic!
This weekend features an appearance by Genevieve Gorder, who, along with her thriving professional design business in New York City, is the star of not one, but two hit HGTV shows: Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star.
Earlier this year, we caught up with Genevieve in Los Angeles where she was filming this season’s “Design Star,” new episodes of which start airing Tuesday, May 29. The producers of the show graciously allowed us to tape on the actual Design Star “judging” stage. It was very exciting to be in the place where HGTV favorites like David Bromstad, Antonio Ballatore and current champ Meg Caswell all became household names.
Genevieve talked with us about how her discussions this weekend, titled “Turning Your Landscape Inside Out,” will focus on using the aesthetics of creating a great landscape in your home decorating.
Genevieve was just great. If you get a chance, you should really come see her at the Festival. Today, Saturday, and Sunday, she will lead seminars at the Festival Center, presented by HGTV.
You can also catch her on the new season (Season 6) of Design Star, on Tuesdays this summer at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, starting on May 29, and on Dear Genevieve, Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT.
For more information on the 19th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by HGTV, you can check out disneyworld.com/flower.
‘Poster Art of the Disney Parks’ Arriving Soon at Disney Parks
posted on May 18th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I recently visited California, where I had one of the most amazing experiences of my Disney career. Imagineer Vanessa Hunt gave me a tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library vault in Glendale. This place houses the original art of the most iconic images from Disney Parks’ history. Incredible! Vanessa shared that fellow Imagineer Danny Handke and she have written a book for Disney Editions called “Poster Art of the Disney Parks.” This hardcover book, with cover designed by Imagineer Glendon Lee, is coming to Disney Parks at the end of May. I asked Danny about the role that attraction posters have played.
“Attraction posters entice, excite and educate guests with a preview of the adventures and experiences inside the Disney Parks,” explained Danny.
“When Disneyland park opened in 1955, it was difficult for guests to understand what a ‘theme park’ was. The Disney Imagineers needed a solution to portray their attractions to a diverse audience. The idea to use posters at Disneyland’s Main Entrance was the perfect solution.”
The book was in development for four years! They conducted extensive research by interviewing close to 20 people, including current and former artists. Vanessa said that they put extra effort into making a beautiful book that all Disney fans could enjoy.
“We made an extra effort to ensure the posters in the book were printed as color accurate as possible,” continued Vanessa. “We even found a box containing several poster concepts that had never been published until now. The most challenge part was identifying artists. While many unidentified posters artists were later identified during our interviews, there are some that remain credited to ‘Unknown Artist.’”
I asked Danny about his favorite poster.
“I love the Tokyo DisneySea posters,” said Danny. “They are interesting because they reflect an overall cohesive design, but are stylistically individual to each land. Not many fans are familiar with the Tokyo DisneySea posters, so we hope everyone will appreciate this unique chapter in the book.”
Vanessa said her favorite poster comes from the Disneyland Resort.
“I love all of them, but the one that catches my eye every time I open the drawer is the Grand Canyon Diorama poster from Disneyland,” explained Vanessa. “The colors are absolutely beautiful and the train design is fantastic!”
Which is your favorite attraction poster? I vote Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room!
New Twists and Turns Coming to 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Course
posted on May 17th, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
The countdown has begun to the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon on Jan. 13, 2013, and not surprisingly, our runDisney folks are hard at work putting their creative juices together to come up with some fun new twists for the race.
So far they have added some special entertainment along the 20th mile to commemorate the 20th anniversary and added a post-race party at Downtown Disney. They are also working on the creation of a special 20th anniversary medal, which I’ll reveal later.
But the latest development that I can share with you now involves some unique twists to the course. Here’s a hint: the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon is going to have some “high-speed’’ elements that will knock this race “out of the ballpark.’’
Think you have it figured out?
Well, just check out this video for all of the new details about the fun enhancements to the 26.2-mile course that will go through the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks – and a few other places you probably never dreamed about.
If you want to get in on the fun, just sign up at runDisney.com for the marathon or any of the other family-oriented races taking place here during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, Jan. 10-13.
Check out these posts for more runDisney news:
Vintage Walt Disney World: Looking Back at the Debut of Fantasia Gardens
posted on May 17th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
This weekend Fantasia Gardens celebrates its 16th year of being the only miniature golf course inspired by Walt Disney’s “Fantasia.” The 36 holes of golf at Fantasia Gardens are split up into two courses – Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways. And when the courses opened on May 20, 1996, a few famous friends were on hand to try their luck at the courses.
Fantasia Gardens is themed to five “Fantasia” sequences “Toccata & Fugue,” “The Nutcracker Suite,” “The Pastoral Symphony,” “The Dance of the Hours,” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Below Minnie does her best putting on hole four themed to “The Nutcracker Suite.”
Pluto was up for challenge of Fantasia Fairways where you can see the 40-foot tall Mount Olympus from Fantasia Gardens and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios behind him.
While I’ve never played a round of real golf in my life, I’m not too shabby at miniature golf. I’m thinking about going pro.
Look below for more Vintage Walt Disney World posts:
Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: A Frog, a Pig and a Dream
posted on May 16th, 2012 by Greg Ehrbar, Writer/Author, Disney's Yellow Shoes Creative Group
Do something completely madcap today to celebrate. Why? Two decades ago, Muppet*Vision 3D opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a new dimension in deliciously demented daffiness was born — in an attraction that blended Fozzie’s “cheap 3-D tricks” with Audio-Animatronics characters, a live-in-person loony, little tiny bubbles and great big explosions. In other words, the perfect Muppet storm!
Muppet*Vision 3D was also the grand finale project to benefit from the creative touch of Jim Henson himself. “Jim was involved in every aspect,” Emmy-winning writer Jim Lewis says. “He worked with all of us and directed the film. After Jim’s passing, Frank Oz came in to help put the finishing touches on it.”
The West Coast version of Muppet*Vision 3D opened almost a decade later at Disney California Adventure park. The two attractions differ mostly by the almost endless little gags that abound inside and outside. “In California, there’s a Swintrek spaceship crashed outside the show building,” said Jim. “But Florida’s the only place where you can find the net full of jello!”
“That’s my favorite gag of all,” says acclaimed writer Craig Shemin, who is today Vice President of The Jim Henson Legacy. Craig was a key member of the creative team, along with Jim H., Jim L., scriptwriter Bill Prady (co-creator of TV’s “The Big Bang Theory”) and Jim Henson Productions Creative Director Michael Frith. “A few feet from the theater doors, if you look up, you’ll literally see a net full of jello. If you say it fast, it can make you giggle.” (Hint: It’s the name of our own Queen of Walt Disney World Resort.)
Muppet*Vision 3D also ushered in one of the pioneering advances in computer-generated animation, the spirit of 3-D himself, Waldo C. Graphic. Fun facts: Waldo made his debut on The Jim Henson Hour in 1989.One of his Muppet*Vision 3D co-stars, Bean Bunny, first appeared in the 1986 TV special, The Tale of the Bunny Picnic (thanks to Fred from CA for helping me get my Muppetology right!).
Muppet*Vision 3D is also a treasure in that it combines talent and artistry from both Jim Henson Productions and Walt Disney Imagineering. “What an incredible, brilliant, creative individual Jim Henson was!” recalls Kathy Rogers, Senior Show Producer-Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “He always acknowledged everybody’s value and talent around him, while he always kept the focus going forward. I was in awe of that.”
For more Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks, see below:
A Mouseketeer Homecoming Lets ‘New Mickey Mouse Club’ Member Share New Memories with Her Family at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on May 16th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
Many generations have grown up with “The Mickey Mouse Club.” From its debut on black-and-white television in the 1950s through the pop-driven cast of the late-80s and early-90s (when the cast also called Disney’s Hollywood Studios “home”), the show has long been a part of our world’s rich culture.
In the late-1970s, “The New Mickey Mouse Club” hit the TV airwaves and featured segments shot at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Recently, Julie Piekarski, one of the Mouseketeers from the show’s 1970s revival, vacationed at Walt Disney World Resort — a visit that was loaded with fond memories of her days in the club that’s made for you and me.
And while the series was short-lived (Julie would go on to star on the premiere season of “The Facts of Life”), her memories are ones she re-lives each and every time she visits a Disney theme park. And she still even remembers the lyrics to a song she and her fellow Mouseketeers sang about “River Country.”
We caught up with Julie and asked her about her memories of the show. Be sure to keep a lookout for some classic Mickey Mouse Club memorabilia, as well as a few special guests who pop in to be a part of the homecoming.
One special guest even misses a cue and I give him some good-natured ribbing about it. But don’t worry, while he’s been known at times to lose his cool, he knew I meant it all in good fun.
Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure Coming In Late June
posted on May 16th, 2012 by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, Manager
Just wanted to give you a quick update on the new Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, including showcasing some new renderings of the experience we debuted at our Summer to Remember press event in April.
Starting in late June, Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Although just a simple pet to Phineas and Ferb, Perry turns into Agent P in each episode to help stop the misguided plans of his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
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Epcot guests will transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents will use a high tech detection device called a “F.O.N.E.” or Field Operative Notification Equipment to receive clues for each case. Solving the clues will take agents to different places throughout seven World Showcase countries at Epcot – Mexico Pavilion, France Pavilion, Germany Pavilion, Norway Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, China Pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion. Agents will scour each country for clues, evil “Inators,” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
The current Disney Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will close this Friday, May 18.
