50th Anniversary of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Cruise Over to Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney This Father’s Day

posted on June 11th, 2013 by Darcy Clark, Marketing Manager, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort


One of the things I love most about my role is the chance to be involved in our Downtown Disney events, like the upcoming Car Masters Weekend taking place June 15-16, at Downtown Disney West Side. We start planning months (and months!) in advance, and even though we may change gears (pun totally intended) during that time, we always end up with an amazing offering for our guests.
“Car

It’s my first year working on Car Masters Weekend, and while I’m not a huge car buff myself, I couldn’t be more excited about this one! I’ve gotten the green flag to share the details with you, so get ready to get revved up – here’s what’s in store:
“Car

  • Character Meet ‘n’ Greet with favorite “Cars” characters, including Lightning McQueen and Mater – I hardly ever see them outside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Cars Land, so this is huge! Bring your own camera or take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass service, just be sure to capture the moment.

“Car

  • Over 150 exotic, muscle and classic cars on display – This is the most cars we’ve ever had at this event. I’m jazzed that it gets bigger and better every year! Personally, I love the old ones … they make me want to put on a poodle skirt and doo-wop. Anyone else?

“Special

  • Special Guest Appearances by legendary car designer Chip Foose – Yeah, he’s sort of a big deal; in spite of not being a car aficionado, even I know who Chip is! Not only is he taking part in some of the entertainment (so you may get to see him onstage), but he also designed merchandise items especially for this event!
  • Father’s Day Weekend offers and discounts at a variety of Downtown Disney retail and dining locations – I can’t pass up a bargain and I love to eat; need I say more?
  • Limited Time Magic” Treats – This just in! We’ll be offering a Berry Blast Sorbet “Cars”-themed Push-Pop exclusively during the event weekend. Yum!
  • More Interactive Action – I loved remote control cars as a kid, so I’ll be testing out the RIDEMAKERZ models at the event. I’m also pumped to play “Disney Infinity,” the highly-anticipated new game from Disney Interactive. Plus, rumor has it that our friends at Walt Disney Studios are planning to showcase “Monsters University,” “The Lone Ranger” and “PLANES” in some cool, unique ways. I can’t wait to see for myself!

Visit the official Car Masters Weekend website here.

Want even more Cars-themed fun over Father’s Day Weekend? Splitsville Luxury Lanes is hosting a first-of-its-kind Sock Hop on Saturday, June 15th, with food, drinks and lively entertainment; plus, I hear Chip Foose will be there! And AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatre will be offering a “Cars” movie marathon throughout the weekend. Get more details and find out how to purchase tickets here and here, respectively.

Not sure about you, but I’ll be parked at Downtown Disney June 15-16. I hope to see you there! (Be sure to honk if you see me!)

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The Aqualillies Celebrate the Start of Summer at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on June 11th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


How can you tell when summer is really here?

When I was growing up, it was the day our community pool finally opened and the kids in our neighborhood could show off their new swimsuits, take their first dives off of the diving board and start the summer-long competition to see who could do the best cannonball with the biggest splash.

The Aqualillies Celebrate the Start of Summer at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

If swimming means summer to you, too, then check out this performance by The Aqualillies, a synchronized swimming team that recently stopped by Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. In it, they show off their skills in the resort’s Big Blue Pool – the largest pool we have at the entire the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Retelling a ‘Tale as Old as Time’ with New Vinylmation Series Debuting at Disney Parks on June 21

posted on June 10th, 2013 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager


“New

The Vinylmation series featuring “Beauty and the Beast” is set for release on June 21 at Disney Parks and the Disney Parks online store. I recently spent time in New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort with some of the 3-inch figures (what a great backdrop for photos!). Upon returning to the office, I spoke with the Disney artists, Caley Hicks and Maria Clapsis, who designed this beautiful new series. While gathered in Caley’s office, I learned that both Maria and she are long-time fans of this classic Disney animated film.
“New

“When lead Vinylmation artist Thomas Scott gave us this project, we jumped at the opportunity, as we’ve both loved the film for years,” explained Caley. “Stained glass became a common theme for this series. At first, I knew I wanted to use stained glass-like designs for the packaging. We ended up adding that element to the figures’ ears. This tied the whole collection together from a storytelling perspective.”
“New

Like previous limited release mystery series, this set contains 11 known figures and one mystery chaser figure. There are some variant figures in the series as well. Guests can purchase this series either as individual mystery boxes or as a complete tray. I love the little details on the packing including Belle’s image on the underside of the tray.

New 'Beauty and the Beast'-Inspired Vinylmation Series Debuting at Disney Parks on June 21 New 'Beauty and the Beast'-Inspired Vinylmation Series Debuting at Disney Parks on June 21

I’m amazed at how vibrant the series looks. Maria said the series looks that way because they chose vivid base colors for the figures, which really made the designs pop.

Caley told me her favorite figure is Philippe the horse.

“I enjoyed including Philippe as he’s not often featured on merchandise,” continued Caley. “When I was younger, I would always save Philippe’s image as my last page to color in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ coloring books [laughs].”

While Maria also liked Philippe, the Beast is her favorite character.

“I think Beast was my favorite character,” said Maria. “When I first saw Glen Keane’s animation for the Beast on the big screen, I knew I wanted to be a Disney artist. I guess you could say the Beast was my inspiration for my career today.”

If you are in Florida on June 21, you can meet Caley and Maria at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side. They will be signing figures and meeting with fans from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are encouraging guests to wear favorite “Beauty and the Beast” attire.

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Finish That Disney Parks Sign: A ‘Tangled’ Poster at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on June 10th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


This week’s Disney Parks Sign can be found in the “Tangled”-themed rest area at Magic Kingdom Park. The sign advertises a chance to see a prestigious collection of something that will be on display in the Lavender Tea Room. Just what will be on display has been blurred out of the sign below – any idea?

This Week’s Disney Parks Sign Can be Found in the 'Tangled'-Themed Rest Area at Magic Kingdom Park
Read the rest of this entry »

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Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

posted on June 9th, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


This week, we shared a fantastic photo from our friends in Walt Disney Imagineering showing one of the last pieces of track being added to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Track Completed at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family coaster that’ll take New Fantasyland guests on a journey through the mine where the Seven Dwarfs spend their days digging for gems. It’s scheduled to debut in 2014 at Magic Kingdom Park. Check Jennifer’s original Seven Dwarfs Mine Train story for some art from the attraction.
‘World of Color’ at Disney California Adventure Park
And we also shared some tips for viewing a Disneyland Resort favorite, “World of Color.” If you haven’t seen it yet, “World of Color” features more than 1,000 water jets that bring Paradise Pier to life in a dazzling spectacle of color and light. Erin offered some of the best ways to enjoy the show in her original post. Let us know your tips too.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Get Ready to Rock: Sounds Like Summer Returns To Epcot June 9 Are you ready to rock the Walt Disney World Resort? “Sounds Like Summer” is returning to Epcot starting June 9!

Disneyland Resort Chef Shares Secrets for Perfect Eggs Benedict – Start your day with eggs Benedict! Chef Alle Thiam from Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Resort shares his delicious recipe.

Game On! Check Out the Wii U Tour at Downtown Disney Marketplace Through June 23 – Calling all gamers! If you’re visiting the Walt Disney World Resort soon, don’t miss the Nintendo Wii U Tour now through June 23.

Voice Artist Jim Cummings Bounces His Way from the Hundred Acre Wood to a Galaxy Far, Far Away for Star Wars Weekends – Jim Cummings, the voice behind such Disney characters as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck and Outer Rim pirate Honda Ohnaka in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” visited Walt Disney World Resort during Star Wars Weekends!

New Duffy the Disney Bear Items Coming to Disney Parks in Summer 2013 – Check out some of the new and cute Duffy the Disney Bear items coming to Disney Parks this summer!

Caption This: Dino Gertie Overlooks Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Jenn asks us to caption this photo of Gertie, of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction as she overlooks Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort.

Celebrate Dad with Some ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney California Adventure Park – Show your dad he’s incredible this Father’s Day with the help of some “Limited Time Magic” at the Disneyland Resort.

Readers Enjoy ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ and More During Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up at Disneyland Park – Disney Parks Blog readers enjoyed their own showing of “Mickey and the Magical Map” and more during the Magical Meet Up at the Disneyland park.

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Take 5: Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on June 8th, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


Exploring the Queue at Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Become part of Ariel’s world at Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction dives beneath the sea to relive many of the famous scenes and musical numbers from “The Little Mermaid.” Read the posts below to find out how you can travel below the waves on an interactive and musical adventure of a lifetime. Have you been to Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid? Tell us your experience in the “comments” section below.

Take 5: Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

  1. ‘The Little Mermaid’ Star Pat Carroll Visits Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid at Walt Disney World Resort – ”The Little Mermaid” actress Pat Carroll shares what she loved about voicing Ursula in the film, what she thinks of the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction, and more.
  2. All in the Details: Exploring the Queue at Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – Take a photo exploration of the external/internal queue area of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid.
  3. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea History Is Celebrated at New Fantasyland Event – Did you know that the area occupied by the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction was formerly the location of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, an attraction that closed in 1994?
  4. New Merchandise Goes Under the Sea For New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – Steven Miller shares a look at the merchandise created for this musical attraction.
  5. A Floridian’s Top 10 for a Disney Summer: Discover Some Walt Disney World Resort Summer Favorites – Check out this list of the top ten activities and events happening this summer at Walt Disney World Resort, including a visit to New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park to check out Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.
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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: A Magical Meet-Up, Construction Milestones, Additions to the Disney Magic & More

posted on June 8th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


This week on the Disney Parks Blog, we showcased some of the latest things happening at our parks, including our Magical Meet-Up at Disneyland park, a construction milestone at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park, the opening of a new ice cream shop at Epcot, and a few sneak peeks at what’s to come for the Disney Magic cruise ship.

Check out the full gallery below for a look.

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There’s A ‘Lot’ Happening at the D23 Expo 2013 Silent Auction

posted on June 7th, 2013 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort


A couple of weeks ago, I shared the first look at D23 Expo 2013 official merchandise. When I did, it seemed to me there were a lot of you out there anxious to see what we have up our sleeves for this year’s D23 Silent Auction. Any interested bidders, better get ready.

There are more than 70 lots in the mix, which include everything from experiences and artifacts to attraction vehicles, signs, pin sets, props and more.

Here are a few I knew you just had to see!

Matterhorn Bobsleds Tandem Vehicles
Remain Seated Please! Permanecer sentados por favor! Why? Because, these vintage Disneyland park Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction tandem vehicles will let your mind race thru Alpine passes, around ice caverns and past an abominable snowman.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Attraction Tandem Vehicles Will Let Your Mind Race Thru Alpine Passes, Around Ice Caverns and Past an Abominable Snowman

Mickey Mouse Club Drum
If people often tell you that you march to the beat of your own drum, then have I got the ticket for you. Check out this Mickey Mouse Club drum prop which was previously displayed at Mickey’s of Glendale at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Mickey Mouse Club Drum Prop Which was Previously Displayed at Mickey’s of Glendale at Walt Disney Imagineering

Siamese Cats – Si and Am Props
Don’t be so catty about this next set! The cats in this lot are Siamese, if you please. For years, these two felines were used as display pieces in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you are wondering why I chose to show you Si and Am, it’s because first of all, they’re troublemakers, and I can relate, but mostly it’s because “Lady and the Tramp” is one of my favorite animated films.

Siamese Cats - Si and Am Props from 'Lady and the Tramp'

100 Mickeys – Pin Set
Calling All Pin Traders! This one’s for you! Developed in 2002 in celebration of the 100th birthday of Walt Disney, this framed commemorative pin set includes one-hundred limited-edition pins inspired by the artwork of artist Eric Robison and featuring American icon, Mickey Mouse.

Developed in 2002 in Celebration of the 100th Birthday of Walt Disney, this Framed Commemorative Pin Set Includes One-Hundred Limited-Edition Pins Inspired by the Artwork of Artist Eric Robison

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Oversized Chair
Finally, take a seat and let us help you get to the heart of the matter. This oversized metal chair, once used as a photo opportunity at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort, features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who are bound to bring loving comfort and a ‘heart-y’ décor to your home. When I say oversized … I’m not kidding. This chair actually measures 16’ ft tall by 6’ wide.

This Oversized Metal Chair, Once Used as a Photo Opportunity at the Walt Disney World Resort, Features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Silent Auction tickets are $23 per guest. The ticket includes the opportunity to participate in the silent auction, a mini-catalog, commemorative pin and credential. The auction is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 10. Tickets for the auction will go on sale June 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. Pacific via ArtofDisneyParks.com. Ticket information is available now. View this year’s D23 Silent Auction lots online at ArtofDisneyParks.com. Separate D23 Expo admission is required.

Remember the ultimate Disney event for fans and families takes place August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center. To find out details on D23 Expo 2013, visit D23expo.com.

As they say in the auction world… Going Once… Going Twice… Gone!

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Making Time for Dad This Father’s Day at Disney Parks

posted on June 7th, 2013 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager


“Making

A few weeks ago, I turned the spotlight on timepieces for Mother’s Day. With Father’s Day only a few days away, it’s now time (pun intended) to focus on timepieces for Dad. Here are a few of my favorite watches released this spring at Disney Parks.
“Making

There is a variety of styles available for dads including some classic silver toned watches that have subtle Disney hints. I liked the blue watch with a pop art-style Mickey Mouse (mostly because blue is my favorite color). I also like the slightly tilted square watch featuring Mickey Mouse. I guess I have a thing for contemporary designs.
“Making

I was particularly excited to see Disney Design Group artist Darren Wilson’s artwork used for Disney Villains watches of Jafar, Captain Hook and Scar. There is also a new Chernabog watch that was designed by long time Disney Design Group Artist Mark Seppala. I asked Darren about his unique designs.

“A few years ago, I created an image of Maleficent using a caricature or anime style as I thought it would be something different for merchandise,” explained Darren. “In 2006, the pin team released a limited edition, jumbo-sized pin using the artwork which was titled ‘Big Head Villain Roundup.’ I was happy to see the artwork featured again this spring on watches.”
“Making

Finally, there are two more watches that have a Star Wars theme. They were introduced at Star Wars Weekends a few weeks ago at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (at time of press, only a handful remain). On June 10, we will release some additional quantities of these designs at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace and at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park.

While the Star Wars watches won’t be offered via the Disney Parks online store or at Disneyland Resort at this time, other select watch designs are currently being offered on the Disney Parks online store.

Happy Father’s Day!

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‘Monsters University’ Bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Next ‘Limited Time Magic’ Surprise

posted on June 7th, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


Our Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks continues next week with a new “Limited Time Magic” experience celebrating the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated feature, “Monsters University.” The Monsters University School of Scaring is hosting a campus bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and we’re sharing a first peek at the fun.
“‘Monsters

The Monsters University Homecoming celebration begins on June 14 and will continue for the entire Monstrous Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fun starts at 6 p.m. in the park and will feature our DJ “Monster of Scaremonies” spinning the hits while you take part in games and activities across the quad.

During the party, the monsters of rock, Scare Supply, will be on stage playing a medley of monster mash-ups before they’re joined by Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan. The Monsters University Cheerleaders will also lead the Monster University Fight Song to keep the energy up during the bash.

Join us for this “Limited Time Magic” pep rally of enormous proportions, evenings from 6 p.m.–10 p.m. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning next week.

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