Dream Makers

D23 Members Save on Tickets to The Muppets at the El Capitan Theatre

2011-11-29T12:02:00.000-02:00

See The Muppets at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for $11 (an adult general admission ticket, $6.00 savings).

Valid for any Monday through Thursday show date and time during the run of The Muppets (December 23, 2011 through January 8, 2012). Limited to four tickets per D23 Membership Card. Guest must show valid D23 Membership Card to receive the special-rate tickets.

“It’s funny, upbeat, and full of laughs for everyone… frogs, pigs, bears… even people,” says Kermit. “For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans it’s a chance to get together with old friends… and get a little crazy together.”

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter—the world’s biggest Muppet fan—his brother Gary (Jason Segel), and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, U.S.A., discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary, and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.

Making of Magic Kingdom Park Tilt-Shift Video

2011-11-22T11:23:00.000-02:00

posted at the official Disney Parks blog on October 8th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

When we posted last week’s Magic Kingdom tilt-shift video, the hope was that a few of you would enjoy the experiment. But oh my…were we surprised. Response was overwhelming.

Some Disney Parks Blog commenters said they were moved to tears. Others cheered and described it as a mini vacation. And yes, we heard those of you who asked for more. So, we immediately found the creative “eye” and champion of the project — David Roark, manager of creative photography for Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. David sat down with us and shared how he did it.

Thomas Smith: This type of project has never been attempted at Disney Parks. How’d you make it work?
David Roark: It was a lot of trial and error. My first two or three trips out of the box I was like, ‘This is not going to work.’ It’s a combination of your height on the scene and in the Magic Kingdom Park there’s just not a lot of fixed platforms where you can lock a camera off for five minutes without it moving. But there’s also lightning and consistency of exposure. We started this in the middle of summer and if you start a sequence and a little cloud comes by, you need to start it over again because the clouds darken the scene so much. So, it was very trial and error. This was on the job training for me.

TS: Was it difficult to find the perfect shots?
DR: In the case of this one, nobody really knew what we were doing. (I said) “just trust me and work with me here, this will all make sense.”

TS: What lenses did you use?
DR: Nikon makes three tilt-shift lenses, they’re basically architectural lenses and we’re using them in a diametrically opposed application than what they’re built for. They’re built to actually allow you to increase the focal plane in a scene and make everything in focus. For tilt-shift, we turn them the opposite way and back tilt the focal plane so that hardly anything is in focus. And that creates that miniaturation effect.

TS: What was on your mind while putting this together?
DR: For me, it became as much a transportation story – the story of getting to the park and all the things that happen because that activity of parking your car and coming through the toll plaza. I had to think about what scenes have that kind of repetitive motion. It was a lot of fun and it’s different. For me it became a little bit of an escape.

TS: Did you notice Guests wanted to see Wishes Nighttime Spectacular?
DR: Everyone wants Wishes, but Wishes is so bright and because we shoot one frame a second, there were just too many flash frames in it. But, Epcot and Illuminations, I’ll make work. We’ll get the fireworks.

How the ambient sound at Walt Disney World works

2011-11-13T15:04:00.000-02:00

Noah sez, "An interview with the man who designed the ambient sound at Disney World,ensuring a constant experience rather than one that ends with the end of the ride. It wasinitially a little uneven, with sound changing volumes depending on where you stood, sothey used algorithms to position 15,000 speakers around the park so that the levels wouldnever change.

"I like the way there's often running water or waterfalls between different soundscapes toact as a white-noise buffer. It's subtle but incredibly effective. You almost never hear twocontrasting soundscapes at once.In the mid 1990's, the park started researching the problem. It would eventuallyfind no existing solution, so the engineers had to design and construct, on theirown, one of the most complex and advanced audio systems ever built.

The workpaid off: today, as you walk through Disney World, the volume of the ambientmusic does not change. Ever. More than 15,000 speakers have been positionedusing complex algorithms to ensure that the sound plays within a range of just acouple decibels throughout the entire park. It is quite a technical featacoustically, electrically, and mathematically.As we land, I ask Mr Q what he considers the highlight of his career. He describeshow he wrote some software for "manufacturing emotion" with the thousands ofnew speakers in the park.

The system he built can slowly change the style of themusic across a distance without the visitor noticing. As a person walks fromTomorrowland to Fantasyland, for example, each of the hundreds of speakersslowly fades in different melodies at different frequencies so that at any point youcan stop and enjoy a fully accurate piece of music, but by the time you walk 400feet, the entire song has changed and no one has noticed.

Mission: SPACE from the Disney Newsreel, October 17, 2003

2011-11-11T04:37:00.000-02:00

04.02.11 - It took more than 650 Walt Disney Imagineers more than 350,000 hours (that equals about 40 years of time) to develop Mission: SPACE. And there were just as many decisions — some big, some bigger — to be made.

Imagineers mocked up nearly 100 shades of red before deciding on the color of the red planet that dominates the attraction's dramatic facade.

All systems are go. Mission: SPACE presented by HP officially blasted off October 9 at Epcot... and with the thundering roar of rockets and the gravity-defying exhilaration of liftoff, Walt Disney World guests are launching into an out-of-this-world adventure.

Decades "in the dreaming" and some five years "in the making," the new attraction, uses a first-of-its-kind, custom-designed ride system based on actual NASA astronaut training techniques to engage guests in a one-of-a-kind astronaut experience. So believable is the deep-space mission to Mars that some Epcot guests ponder whether they have left the building during the adventure. "Walt Disney Imagineers have combined our tradition of storytelling with the latest in technology to create an experience that our guests can get nowhere else in the world," says Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "As a technology company, HP is the perfect partner to present this attraction, and Epcot is the perfect setting, continuing the park's dedication to the explorer in all of us." The new attraction is, in fact, the most technologically advanced ever created by Disney. It also marks a continuation of the collaboration with HP that began with the sale of a specially modified version of Bill Hewlett's first invention to help fine tune theater acoustics for the motion picture Fantasia.

The International Space Training Center, several decades into the future, provides the setting for Mission: SPACE. As the crew selected for this ultimate space mission, guests head to the dispatch area and then move to the Ready Room, where they receive a history of astronaut training and are given the role they will assume during the mission. Invariably, post-mission guest chatter includes "wows" for the launch and the visual representations of space. Mission: SPACE taps existing principles of centrifuge technology to generate the true-to-life sensation of launching vertically. The integration of pitch and roll movement adds, by all accounts, an incredible realism. As for the visuals, the challenge of creating a believable "view out the window" resulted in Imagineers' development of a unique virtual imaging system that includes a state-of-the-art video flat screen using components not yet available in the marketplace.

"[It's] a good combination of reality and looking ahead to what things might be like," says former Shuttle astronaut Rhea Seddon. "I knew intellectually it was a centrifuge and that's how they were generating the feeling, but it doesn't feel like a centrifuge." And that's the point: It feels like the real thing.

From the Disney Newsreel, October 17, 2003

Create Your Own Disney Halloween Pumpkins

2011-10-18T08:25:00.002-02:00

These are the steps to successfully carving your Halloween pumpkin using the Disney character templates:

These instructions work for both artificial and real pumpkins.

Chose your Disney character template.
Enlarge or shrink your template to fit the size of your pumpkin.
Cut around the template, reducing the paper size to include only the features to be sculpted.
Tape or pin the template on to your pumpkin.
Draw over the template with a pencil, pen or store bought template tool.
Remove template from pumpkin.
You should see indentation lines on your pumpkin highlighting the features to be sculpted.
Using a safe pumpkin sculpting tool, slowly begin to sculpt your Disney character face.
As you sculpt, stop and look often to ensure eyes, nose and mouth are in proportion.
Remember to sculpt a hole under your pumpkin to insert a LED candle.

Haunted Mansion - Holidays, Wallpaper, Gingerbread House and More

2011-10-15T15:59:00.000-03:00

Celebrating Ten Years of Haunted Mansion Holidays at Disneyland Park – As this year marks the tenth anniversary of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park, see how every year some very different teams from across Disneyland Resort gather for a very special project: the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house.

Want an Early Halloween Treat from Disney Parks? Download Our Haunted Mansion Wallpaper – Earlier this month, we introduced the Haunted Mansion-inspired desktop wallpaper.

First Look at the Freaky Gingerbread House in Haunted Mansion Holiday – Check out a shot of the fabulous gingerbread confection that’s the centerpiece of the table in the ballroom in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. It may look fancy, but there’s a dark side to all that sweetness and 500 pounds of gingerbread.

Things You Might Not Know About Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park – As we were preparing to open Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park, we shared a few fun facts with our readers.

More Room For Haunted Mansion Event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – This Fall marks the 40th anniversary of the attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, and to celebrate, we held a Haunted Mansion-inspired merchandise event called “Room for 1 More.”

My First Disneyland Resort Experience by Jennifer Fickley-Baker

2011-10-13T05:15:00.002-03:00

Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif. The trip was a great deal of fun – I heard updates on New Fantasyland, saw an amazing rendering of Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle, and oh yeah, visited Disneyland park for the first time.

I grew up vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort and have been lucky enough to visit Disneyland Paris twice, but I’d never been to the Disneyland Resort, so I jumped at the chance to attend this year’s D23 Expo.

I promised my team I’d share some of my first-trip highlights with all of you, so as we like to say at Disney Parks, “Let the Memories Begin!”

Visiting Disneyland Park – Each Disney park is uniquely wonderful in its own way, but in this case, there’s just something about being at the first park, the one that Walt Disney himself introduced to the world and forever changed the way many of us vacation, imagine and dream. I had the best time just strolling through the park, enjoying the attractions Walt would’ve seen, and trying to pick out buildings that looked familiar from park’s opening-day broadcast.

Experiencing the original Pirates of the Caribbean – I was lucky enough to try out several of the park’s classic attractions on this trip, including The Haunted Mansion, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, “it’s a small world” and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, but I just fell in love with this version of Pirates. It starts out a bit differently, with a gentle coast through the Blue Bayou, then a drop underground through caverns brimming with pirate treasure. A second plunge brings you to the scenes that Magic Kingdom Park fans would recognize – pirate ships, blasting canons, the bride auction, and of course, Captain Jack.

Hosting a live-chat from Club 33 – Last Thursday night, my fellow authors, Thomas Smith, Jim Ames, Erin Glover and I were very fortunate to do a live tweet from Disneyland park’s Club 33. While I was amazed with every aspect of this unforgettable dining experience, I was equally pleased to see our messages get retweeted in Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. (I think the photo above was the only time my hands weren’t on a computer).

Attending “World of Color” – On the last night of our trip, Thomas and I were able to break away from the D23 Expo for a viewing of “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park. As you can see from the photo above, it was simply amazing! And Mickey’s Fun Wheel makes one heck of a background to the show.

Gaining at least five pounds – I have to admit I’m a quite a foodie, so when Disney Parks Blog Food Author Pam Brandon sent me a list of must-try restaurants for my first trip, I was up for the challenge – to hit all of them! Pam sent me on a true tour through culinary destinations big and small that ranged from Corndog Castle (best crispy corndogs ever, according to Pam), to Napa Rose (best wine selection), Blue Bayou (best New Orleans-style chow), and beyond.

Walt Disney at Café Orleans and Plaza Inn [1966]

2011-08-02T01:05:00.014-03:00

Shortly after New Orleans Square opened in 1966, Walt posed for this photo with Cast Members at the Creole Café. Later renamed Café Orleans, you can still find delicious desserts, and of course, espresso there.

Nowadays, you can go to Café Orleans to see the very same espresso machine pictured with Walt after all these years.

These little connections to Walt Disney are always a special treat to discover at Disneyland park. Do you have a favorite place or item in the parks that especially reminds you of Walt?

And we have one more picture! This one was taken at the Plaza Inn, in 1966, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share a cup of coffee with.

Have a Soundsational Summer with New Disneyland Resort Special Offers

2011-07-26T21:49:00.002-03:00

Have a Soundsational Summer with New Disneyland Resort Special Offers

posted at the official Disney Parks Blog on July 26th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

With Disney Soundsational Summer underway here at the Disneyland Resort, it’s the perfect time to come check out some of our great new attractions and entertainment. And new special offers are coming that will make your trip planning even easier.

Beginning tomorrow and through September 24, you could book can enjoy these great offers for Disneyland Resort hotel stays:

Save up to 30% for most Sunday – Thursday nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel (for hotel stays from 8/14 – 10/01)*, or
Save up to $450 on a 4-night/3-day Disneyland Resort Vacation Package and receive one free Character Dining meal for each person in your party (for hotel stays from 8/14 – 9/28).*

See all of the details on these offers here.
*Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel. The $450 savings based on a 4-night stay for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child [age 3-9]) at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is restricted. Offers, including Character meals, are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

New 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks

2011-07-26T15:33:00.003-03:00

New 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks

posted on July 25th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

I can vividly recall sitting inside the Nautilus during my first visit to Walt Disney World in July 1983. I remember hearing the echoes of Captain Nemo’s voice yelling, “Dive, dive!” as I embarked upon my journey through liquid space. The attraction quickly became one of my favorites; I even drew a picture for a book my mom and I made after that first trip. I’m happy to share that new Vinylmation and Disney pins celebrating this classic attraction are coming soon to Disney Parks. I spoke with Disney Design Group artist Caley Hicks about her work on the new Vinylmation figure set pictured above. During our conversation, I discovered she also had fond childhood memories of the attraction.

“When I was younger, I visited the Magic Kingdom each month with my dad,” explained Caley. “I loved the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction, particularly the mermaids. I was eager to design something for Vinylmation to pay tribute to the attraction.”

Caley, whom you may recall from Vinylmation – Flags fame, chose the iconic squid attack for the nine-inch figure. She explained the difficulty in capturing the details of the squid on the Vinylmation form.

“I learned that getting the squid to wrap around the Mickey Mouse shaped form was more difficult than I first thought,” continued Caley. “I used countless sheets of tracing paper to get the image correct. The finished figure looks wonderful, so it was worth the effort.”

Caley shared the artwork for the deconstructed nine-inch figure. Wow! I wouldn’t even know where to begin as I can’t draw a straight line. This limited edition 1,000 set also has a 3-inch figure designed by Disney Artist Jason Zucker that resembles a diver. Look for it to be released via the Disney Parks Online Store only on Aug. 12, 2011.

Since the introduction of Disney Pin Trading in 1999, the Disney Pin Team has featured 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea on a variety of pins. One of my favorites was released in January 2005, and featured a piece of an actual porthole from the attraction ride vehicle. It was the first in a long line of the “Piece of Disney History” pins, and is still one of the most sought-after pins today.

There are new pins on the horizon including two pins that will be released at The Florida Project in September. I think my favorite from the upcoming event is the cast member costume replica pin designed by Chris Chapman. It will be part of a boxed set of icon pins inspired by Fantasyland. The Classic “D” pin featuring the squid attack scene will be released on Oct. 27, at the Walt Disney World Resort.

By the way, I took the photograph above of the submarines as seen from the Skyway in 1983! I never imagined back then I’d be sharing it with you today. I would love to hear your memories from that great undersea voyage.

Mickey’s ‘Spooktacular’ In-Room Celebration Returns to the Walt Disney World Resort

2011-07-26T15:31:00.002-03:00

Mickey’s ‘Spooktacular’ In-Room Celebration Returns to the Walt Disney World Resort

posted on July 26th, 2011 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG

Last fall, guests at the Walt Disney World Resort chose Mickey’s “Spooktacular” In-Room Celebration as one of their favorite offerings from Disney Floral & Gifts. This experience begins when guests return to their resort room to find that Mickey Mouse has surprised them by placing a sash with Halloween accents and cobwebs on their room’s door. Once inside, they find a not-so-scary personalized Halloween celebration waiting for them.

This over-the-top celebration was so popular last year that it sold out before Halloween. Many guests said they enjoyed it because there was something in the experience that appealed to family members of all ages. They also felt like Mickey and Minnie had come to their room for a personalized “spooktacular” surprise just for them.

If you’re coming to Walt Disney World this fall, now’s the time to book this exclusive experience. It costs $375 and can be set up in any Walt Disney World resort room. You can book your Mickey’s Spooktacular Celebration here or call a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT.

Hop on Board! Changes Are Underway at Disney California Adventure Park

2011-07-26T15:30:00.002-03:00

Hop on Board! Changes Are Underway at Disney California Adventure Park

posted on July 26th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort

I’m sure most of you know by now either from reading the Disney Parks Blog or visiting the Disneyland Resort, that the new entrance to Disney California Adventure park debuted just a few weeks ago. And I have to say it looks spectacular! A new entrance also means new stores… so I want to make sure that you have the latest and greatest information as we prepare for changes in the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise.

Hop on board at Engine-Ears Toys before July 31. That’s right, in a little less than a week this “Engine-Ear” will leave its station and hit the tracks as we pave the way for an entire new set of stores set to debut in Summer 2012. So for those of you who love to create your own Mr. Potato Head, you better keep an “eye” out and a “nose” to the ground so you don’t miss out. But I’ll be around to lend you a “hand” and tell you where you can find them.

That’s not all… on August 28, we will also bid a fond farewell to our friendly store location, Greetings From California. While we are sad to see it go, I assure you that the stores taking its place, set to debut next year, will be the hit of the street and the talk of the town. But you’ll have to wait a few more months to find out more.

While I know it seems like there are a lot of changes underway, I promise you that we have many great things “in store” in the coming year. I look forward to sharing these great offerings with all of you in the coming months.

Interview with a Keeper from Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

2011-07-26T01:46:00.000-03:00

From private balconies and public viewing areas (even from the pool), Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge can observe 20-plus species of African animals. Keeper Kerry Kennedy has been at the lodge since before it opened in April 2001. She talked to us about the best parts of her job (early-morning savanna runs) and the worst (Well, no one really enjoys picking up poop).

Disney Magazine: I was in my room for about two hours before coming down to talk with you, and I think I checked off every animal on the field guide. Is that possible?
Kennedy: Well, we have three savannas and we stagger the animals through them starting mid-morning. So if you time it right, sure.

DM:Where do the animals go at night?
K:They stay out all night. We call them in to a barn around midday so they can eat and we can get a look at them. They're all back out by mid-afternoon.

DM: What are the absolute best places and times to see the most animals at once?
K: Arusha Rock, right when the sun starts to set. The animals walk right toward the viewing area where the guests are standing. Also, any of the viewing places are good early in the morning, just as it's getting light, which is when we go to put out enrichment.

DM: What is enrichment?
K: Anything that enriches the environment for the animals and the guests. Often it gets animals to mimic their behavior in the wild. We hang browse in the trees, for instance.

DM: Browse?
K: Stuff to browse on. The horticulture staff grows a variety of things: acacia, mulberry vine, banana leaves.

DM: The stuff in the trees must work for the giraffes, but what about the no-necks?
K: We have all kinds of camouflaged feeders. Near the pool, there's one for browse that looks like a fallen tree. The bongo (a kind of antelope) love it, and it brings them really close to the guests in the viewing area.

DM: Do you have a favorite species?
K: I love the giraffes. They're more intelligent than people give them credit for. They come running as soon as we give them their audio cue.

DM: What's an audio cue?
K: Each savanna has a different sound [to call in the animals]. It's any sound the animal is trained to respond to.

DM: What advice do you have for Guests who want to see the animals behaving wildly?
K: The Guests here are really guests of the animals. This is their space. If you're quiet, just sitting back observing, you're gonna see the best animal behavior.

DM: You must see some pretty wild human behavior, too -- I mean watching the humans watching the animals?
K:Oh, yes. You should know that we can see you when you're standing on your balcony in your underwear!

DM:Any other advice for Guests?
K:Talk to the savanna guides, all of whom come from different parts of Africa. They have great stories from home, and a few have even worked for safari outfits in their country.

From Disney Insider 2002

Case Study from Disney Institute

2011-07-25T01:27:00.001-03:00

Barton Memorial Hospital Case Study

Humana Case Study

Parker Hannifin Case Study

Siemens Case Study

Webster Bank Case Study

World Cup Case Study

Behind the Scenes with a Disneyland VIP

2011-07-24T00:46:00.006-03:00

What's another name for "Guest jockey," mind reader, event planner, storyteller, and camp counselor? A VIP Tour Guide! Dean Baladad, Senior Tour Guide at Disneyland, is the latest in a long line of VIP Guides that began with Walt Disney in 1951. That's right! Walt was the very first Tour Guide, and personally led heads of state, business leaders, and celebrity Guests throughout the Park while it was being built.

Sixty years later, Disney's VIP Tour Guides continue to deliver magical moments to Disneyland visitors. We sat down with Dean and asked him to share some of his most memorable experiences.

After five years working in the Parade department as a Cast Member dancer and then as a Disney store clerk, Dean recognized an opportunity to join the department. "I wanted to share with others how special Disneyland is – the fun, magic, history, and heritage ... and especially remembering Walt Disney."

For 15 years Dean has been making VIPs' every wish come true – his enthusiasm for the job is evident when describing a VIP Guide's role. "The most important job is to make the VIP's visit as normal as possible. Disneyland is the show – we don't want to detract from that. If we're with a celebrity and can get on the attraction and out of there with no one noticing, then we've done our job."

One of the most important aspects of the job is to keep the VIPs' identity a secret. Since many of his Guests attend the Park incognito and anonymity is part of the attraction, we ask Dean if he can drop any names. "The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, Cindy Crawford, Kristi Yamaguchi," he fondly reveals, "and Art Linkletter, who hosted the opening of Disneyland in 1951, returned for the Park's 50th anniversary." Heads of state, government officials, corporate executives, royal families, and first-time foreign visitors are also frequent VIP Tour Guests.

But his most memorable tours are with families who return year after year and personally request him. Dean recalls one family in particular. "The child was three and now he's ten. It's so neat watching them grow up – you get to know them and they get to know you."

When asked if any one event stands out, Dean quickly answers, "I was chosen to be part of a small group of five VIP guides from the U.S. (from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World) that supported our task force team during the Grand Opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. I was so excited and honored to be selected – I couldn't believe it! It was such a privilege sharing Disney history, traditions, and training practices with our new team of Hong Kong Disneyland VIP guides. For most, it was their first exposure to a Disney Theme Park experience. We worked alongside each other hosting executives and Chinese celebrity entertainers. It was also a very surreal experience working in the Hong Kong Disneyland City Hall. It looked and felt like a familiar place since it was an exact replica of the original in Disneyland ... except that I was halfway around the world and our Guests and Cast Members were speaking Cantonese or Mandarin!"

Celebrities, gold medal-winning Olympians, politicians – it's all part of a magical day's work for Dean. "Our job is so unique," he says. "We create lasting impressions – it's more than 'Hello, how are you?' It's hard work. I meet so many wonderful people ... that's what keeps me here."

From Disney Insider

A Princess of Mars

2011-07-23T03:20:00.000-03:00

Keeping It Real on the Red Planet

A Civil War veteran seeks his fortune in the California gold rush – and ends up on a strange planet, surrounded by four-armed green warriors, savage monsters, and fetching princesses. It's the plot of Edgar Rice Burroughs' early science-fiction pulp classic "A Princess of Mars," which was penned nearly 100 years ago – and it's the basis for next year's hotly anticipated film adaptation "John Carter." Eventually stretching to 11 books, Burroughs' Barsoom series (Barsoom being the Martian name for Mars) captivated readers with nonstop adventure and thrills, and set the stage for the epic science-fiction of the 20th Century. The books have been wildly popular since their first publication but have never been filmed – until now.

Director Andrew Stanton co-adapted the book to film and directed as well. The director of "Finding Nemo" and "WALL●E," Andrew gave us a tempting peek at world and peoples of Barsoom, and talked about making Carter's mind-boggling voyage to Mars a story we could believe.

Right off the bat, Andrew wants to get one thing straight – "Nobody's a bigger fan of the books than I am!" He first discovered John Carter at around age 10 through a short-lived Marvel comic-book adaptation, and went on to devour the novels. And he wasn't alone – when the time came to begin work on the script for John Carter, Andrew and his co-adapters, Mark Andrews and Pulitzer-Prize winning novelist Michael Chabon, found that each of them had loved Burroughs' John Carter books. In fact, each had been so obsessed as a boy that he had drawn fan art inspired by the books ... and could bring in the drawings to prove it!

That said, they all realized that bringing the story to the big screen would involve a lot of adaptation to make a satisfying epic film. "I've always treated [the creative process] like an archaeological dig – stories are out there, and you just have to uncover them," says Andrew. "You don't have a say about when you find a bone, or which bones you're going to find. You have to face the music that you dug up a different dinosaur than you thought, and are you going to have the intestinal fortitude to admit that, instead of forcing it to be what you want. I knew the book so well, and so did Mark and Michael, that we just looked at it in a story analysis. This is the character's arc, and this is where they have to go, so how do you make that work? I didn't let myself look at the book, because I wanted to go 'What's best for this story, this theme, this character line?' But I was shocked that when the script was finished, I'd look back at the book and go 'I thought we came up with that!' All the elements were there."

Asked whether his 12-year-old self, the one who loved the books and drew the pictures, would like the film, he laughs, "The 12-year-old is so easy to please! It's the nearly 50-year-old that has now seen way too many movies and read way too many books – can I appease that person? I'm always thinking, how can I not exclude anyone? How can I make this satisfying on as many levels as possible?" And the key to that satisfaction? Depth and realism, in both the characters and the world of Barsoom.

To begin with, a few plot holes have been plugged. While in the books Carter's mysterious journeys to Mars are never fully explained, Andrew assures us that in the film there's a compelling reason why the hero is drawn there – and no, he won't spill beans about what it is!

Also making Carter's adventure feel real is Stanton's insistence that the actors playing the Tharks, the towering four-armed green-skinned denizens of Barsoom, be present on-camera as their scenes were filmed, rather than shooting their motion-reference work separately and splicing the characters in later. (Since stars Willem Dafoe and Samantha Morton have only two arms apiece and no tusks, their characters will be computer-generated based on the actor's facial and body movements). To give his Tharks the appropriate height and capture the nuances of their expressions, the actors were placed on towering stilts on location in the remote deserts of Utah and Arizona, with small cameras projecting in front of their faces. Although it required real troupers to achieve, the result is that the actors are directly reacting to each other's performances ... and the human-sized cast always knew exactly where to look and how to interact. Similarly, actors riding the mightly Thoats – the beasts of burden and transport on Barsoom – were set on electrical carts atop saddles programmed to move with the animals' own body motion, creating a highly believable effect.

Finally, the world and artifacts of Barsoom were designed with an eye toward the plausible. The great ruined Martian cities were not simply matte paintings or computer models – the crew filmed actual natural rock formations and layered the columns, pillars, and crumbling balconies of Barsoom over them. The result is a solidity and realism that makes it easily to believe we are seeing another world. The weapons, airships, ornaments, and artifacts of the various Martian cultures were meticulously designed to suggest a complexity that goes beyond the adventure in the film – that these beings built complex cultures with long histories, and we are being given a peek into simply one moment on Mars. As Andrew explains, "It's like a period film from a period we just don't know about!"

With the film still nearly a year away from release, much remains to be done and there are many hurdles to cross before the finish line. But Andrew is thrilled with film so far, and eager to take audiences to Barsoom. "We only had one mantra: "Just keep it good." Everything else will come. Really all you have control over is quality," he explains. It's a hallmark of Disney's house style, and a valuable lesson to take anywhere – including to the far reaches of Mars.

From Disney Insiders

The Marcio Disney Network

2011-07-19T01:22:00.000-03:00

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Lee DeWyze and Guy Kawasavi Visits Magic Kingdom Park

2011-07-18T19:50:00.001-03:00

Apple chief evangelist and co-founder of Alltop.com, Guy Kawasaki

“American Idol” season nine champion Lee DeWyze (right), and his girlfriend, actress Jonna Walsh (left), pictured here with Minnie Mouse

1955 Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast]

2011-07-17T15:56:00.002-03:00

And Then Disneyland

2011-07-17T01:03:00.001-03:00

And Then Disneyland - Tribute Video to 56th Anniversary

Getting Ready for Disneyland Park to Debut – A Look Back at July 17, 1955

posted on July 17th, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

Fifty-six years ago today, Walt Disney read the inspiring words on this plaque during the official dedication of Disneyland park. Across the country, an estimated 90 million television viewers were watching an unprecedented live broadcast of the day’s festivities on ABC.

Around the time of our anniversary each year, I see a photo of Walt which is often erroneously described as a photo taken during the opening ceremony. Perhaps you have seen this photo too.

Have you ever noticed that Walt is not wearing his necktie in this picture? That’s because this is actually a photo taken during a rehearsal for the telecast. The photos we have that were taken during the official dedication were taken from the side.

Now, it’s been said that practice makes perfect, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching our opening day television special, “Dateline Disneyland,” you know this isn’t always true. The live broadcast was the largest of its kind ever attempted and included 24 separate cameras. Naturally, in such a huge undertaking, there had to be some rehearsal to ensure things would run as smoothly as possible, and we have some more fun photos from the earlier “run-through” of the day’s festivities to share.

These next pictures show Walt with California Governor Goodwin Knight, parading down Main Street, U.S.A. Can you guess which one was taken during the rehearsal?

In this rare photo, Walt practices the dedication of Fantasyland in the area just southwest of Sleeping Beauty Castle. I think his pride is so obvious in this photo. Don’t you just love the smile on his face?

Among others rehearsing for their part in the the big show were television host Art Linkletter, and “Davy Crockett” stars Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen, shown here in Frontierland before the broadcast.

Meanwhile, outside the entrance to Frontierland, actor and television personality Ronald Reagan was getting ready for his part in the landmark TV special.

Finally, a “prequel” photo of sorts. We’ve all seen the photo of children entering Fantasyland for the first time during the opening day broadcast. In this rare photo, those same children are seen from the other side of Sleeping Beauty Castle as they prepare for the big moment.

Disney Mouseketeers

2011-07-16T19:56:00.007-03:00

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on July 16th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Do you remember the classic TV show, “Mickey Mouse Club?” Those child stars were known as Mouseketeers and we’ve featured the original group on the Disney Parks Blog a number of times as they helped establish Disneyland Resort as the “Happiest Place on Earth” since its inception in the 1950s. Did you watch this show as child?

Take 5: Disney Mouseketeers

Sights & Sounds of Disney Parks: A Mouseketeer’s Visit – Recently, original “Mickey Mouse Club” Mouseketeer Sherry Van Meter (née Alberoni) visited Walt Disney World Resort. Check out what she had to say!

Interview with the Mouseketeers at Disneyland Resort – Last fall we had the unique opportunity to sit down with a few colleagues and some very special guests, who were all “ears” when it came to talking about the 55th Anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club. Here are some of the highlights.

Fifty-Five Years of Magic at Disneyland Park – See how the Mouseketeers have contributed to 55 Years of Magic at Disneyland Resort.

Vinylmation ’55 – The Mickey Mouse Club – Check out this interview with Susan Foy of the Disney Design Group about a few figures from the “Vinylmation 55″ series – a 9” plus 3” set celebrating the 55th Anniversary of The Mickey Mouse Club.

Mouseketeers March Down Main Street, U.S.A., in 1955 – Their First Public Appearance – In this post, we shared a photo of the Mouseketeers’ first official public appearance on July 17, 1955, during the opening day festivities at Disneyland park.

Disneyland Celebrates 56 Years Tomorrow

2011-07-16T03:16:00.001-03:00

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on July 15th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

Search July 17 as a famous historical date and the year 1955 often pops up as opening day for Disneyland park. The park’s anniversary ranks alongside prominent moments in history, such as great sports achievements and the birthdays of important political figures. Disneyland has become a cultural icon, and the park’s opening day marks a milestone in family entertainment.

This year, Disneyland celebrates its 56th anniversary on July 17. It’s a very special day for cast members as well as guests, and the resort has commemorated it over the years with a variety of slogans and salutes, with celebrations big and small. Here’s a brief look back:

1965: “Tencennial Re-Dedication Day” featured the “Disneyland Tencennial Celebration Parade.”

1980: “I Was There!” birthday buttons were given to guests who attended the 25-hour anniversary party. (Those buttons are now collector’s items.)

1985: “Thirty years of Magic… the Best Has Just Begun” was the theme of a new parade. A theme song thanked Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck for “30 Happy Years.”

1990: Disneyland turned 35, “proof that the good things in life get only better.”

2005: “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth” paid tribute to the 50th anniversary, and the park handed out nearly 100,000 cupcakes during the huge celebration.

One of my favorite anniversary stories is from the park’s 10th Anniversary. Guests of an employee party said that Walt Disney congratulated them and offered this perspective: the first 10 years were a “dress rehearsal,” and anyone thinking about resting on their laurels could “just forget it.”

This year on July 17, a celebratory moment will be held at 2:30 p.m. to commemorate the 56th anniversary of opening day. An audio recording of Walt Disney’s original dedication speech will be heard throughout Disneyland park. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and a cast of characters will gather in Town Square to sing “Happy Birthday” to Disneyland with guests and cast members.

Top 10 - Ice Cream Treats at Disney Parks

2011-07-16T03:13:00.000-03:00

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on July 15th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month (so proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984)? And National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July – the 17th this year.

It’s the perfect opportunity to daydream about our favorite ice cream treats at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. And while we love the simple, choco-dip Mickey Mouse ice cream bar from a street cart, or a double-dip cone, these are the treats that go far, far beyond – decadent and worth every calorie.

Any list has to begin with the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. So, you need a few pals to share, but it’s only eight scoops, every topping imaginable and a whole can of whipped cream.
Hands-down favorite shake is the peanut butter and jelly shake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’ve been known to skip the meal and just sip a tall shake at the bar at the adjacent Tune-In Lounge.
At Epcot, we head to Fountain View Ice Cream for a classic hot fudge sundae – whipped cream and a cherry, served in an edible waffle bowl. Need we say more?
Scoops are an easy parade treat, but we go all out with the Original Banana Split at The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom park: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with hot fudge, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. Yum!
When we’re shopping (or taking an intended detour) to Downtown Disney Marketplace, we make a beeline for Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and order The Haight AshBerry Very Berry Sundae with strawberry cheesecake ice cream smothered with sliced strawberries under a layer of vanilla ice cream with blueberry topping, whipped cream, chocolate-covered blueberries and a chocolate dipped waffle roll. Well, at least there’s fruit.
The old-fashioned root beer float (we used to call it a “black cow”) quenches our thirst on a hot summer afternoon at Camp Soft Serve at Camp Mickey-Minnie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The smooth vanilla soft serve ice cream melds with the kicky root beer and takes us back to childhood.
In Disneyland park, we always stop at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor for the Firehouse Dalmatian Mint Sundae – two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips and a cherry. Sometimes this is lunch!
At Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, we love playing at ESPN Zone then ordering the chocolate chip cookie sundae – a Nestle Toll House cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce and whipped cream. One more trip up the rock wall!
At PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, we eat light and then order the Splitsville Sundae with banana, three scoops of ice cream, caramel syrup (or you can choose chocolate), nuts or sprinkles. Plenty to share.
Our final pick, perhaps saving the best for last, is the Farmer’s Market Sundae at Catal at Downtown Disney District, an exquisite creation of balsamic ice cream with mint granita and mascarpone mousse. The sweet-tart ice cream, bracing granita and buttery mascarpone is a heavenly match.

Take a look at the video below to see how the world famous Kitchen Sink is done:

Walt Disney World is cutting operating hours for its monorail

2011-07-12T06:27:00.001-03:00

Walt Disney World is cutting operating hours for its monorail, a move designed to give maintenance crews more time to work on the aging transportation system.

Disney plans to begin shutting down monorail service one hour after regularly scheduled park closings in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the two theme parks served by the resort's trains. In addition, Disney will no longer run the trains during evening "Extra Magic Hours," the late-night period during which only guests staying in Disney hotels are allowed in the parks.

Monorails Face to Face inside Contemporary Resort

Disney had previously kept its trains running until at least one-and-a-half hours after park closing or through any extended hours. The changes are effective beginning today at Epcot and Aug. 1 for the Magic Kingdom.

"There are definitely more monorails going down" because of service interruptions, said John Frost, publisher of the Disney Blog, a popular website. "I think it's been pretty obvious that [transportation maintenance] is one of the areas they cut back on during the recession."

In addition, Disney World's monorail fleet has been operating shorthanded — with 11 trains instead of 12 —since a July 5, 2009, train collision that killed a 21-year-old monorail driver. Disney salvaged one train using cars from each of the two involved in the crash, but it has not replaced the second train.

Frost predicted Disney will face a backlash from guests staying at the three Disney hotels on the monorail route: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort.

"Those are the most-expensive hotels on the property, and those are your clientele who expect the most preferred treatment," Frost said.

Click Here to Learn More!

Ariel’s Undersea Adventure Special Efects

2011-07-12T06:18:00.000-03:00

Building Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom Park

2011-07-11T15:53:00.000-03:00

Click Here to Learn More!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Lineup

2011-07-11T15:50:00.001-03:00

“Design stars from the network will talk about home entertaining,” said Michael Jenner, festival manager. “Think about the way interior decorators design a room … and imagine that same creative process brought to the dinner table. It’ll be a great way to get ready for all the holidays coming up.”

Here’s the lineup (subject to change):

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Vern Yip, “HGTV Design Star” and “HGTV Urban Oasis”

Oct. 7-9 – Monica Pedersen, “Designed to Sell”

Oct. 14-16 – Erin Loechner, “Design Happens”

Oct. 21-23 – Taniya Nayak, “Designed to Sell”

Oct. 28-30 – Kim Stoegbauer, “On-line Party Inspiration”

Nov. 4-6 – Lisa LaPorta, “Designed to Sell”

Nov. 11-13 – Emily Henderson, “Secrets From a Stylist” and “HGTV Design Star” winner Season 5 “Design Star” (pictured above)

Disney on ‘Extreme Makeover: Weight-Loss Edition’

2011-07-11T15:48:00.001-03:00

Click Here to learn more!

Disney Weekly Recap for July 3 - 10

2011-07-11T15:45:00.000-03:00

New Look, New Authentic Tastes at San Angel Inn at Epcot – Open daily for lunch and dinner, San Angel Inn at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion has a new look inspired by the original San Angel Inn in Mexico City.

Paddock Pool Opens in Time for Splashtacular Holiday Weekend at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – The long-awaited themed pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened just in time for folks to take a dip over the Fourth of July weekend.

Behind the Scenes: SHAG’s 40th Anniversary Art at Walt Disney World Resort – Watch as SHAG gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired him to create his 40th Anniversary artwork.

Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: More Movie Mirth on Main Street, U.S.A. – Take a look at how Walt Disney Imagineers go out of their way to create an infinite plethora of meticulous details and set the Disney Parks experience apart from anything else.

All Aboard Fort Wilderness Railroad for a Trip Down Memory Lane at Walt Disney World – Do you know the history of this once functioning train that shuttled guests around the resort?

Vintage Walt Disney World: Legend of the Lion King – Debuting at Magic Kingdom Park on July 8, 1994, the Legend of Lion King featured “Disney Humanimal” versions of the famous characters from the hit animated movie.

Snapshots From Under the Sea

2011-07-11T03:37:00.000-03:00

D23's Heather Ikei reveals additional photos from her pre-opening visit to The Little Mermaid — Ariel's Undersea Adventure with the animators — Andreas Deja, Mark Henn, and Glen Keane — who first made the film a part of our world.

I've spent a fair amount of time in the expansive lobby of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. It's my haven and resting point at the resort, a place to break away during a day of running from one attraction to another during a visit to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. And it's also my pick for an ideal space for meeting co-workers as we prepare for a day in the parks.

On this very special trip, I have the honor of meeting with the creative masters behind one of my favorite Disney films — The Little Mermaid — in the hotel lobby. Glen Keane and Mark Henn, both the supervising animators behind Ariel, and Andreas Deja, the supervising animator of King Triton, are gathered there. When I meet them they are chatting together as old friends. And after working together on The Little Mermaid more than 20 years ago and now getting to see their characters all come to life as a Disney park attraction, they have plenty to talk about. Since The Little Mermaid, the three animators' work can be seen just about everywhere, from films such as Aladdin and Tarzan to Tangled and the upcoming Winnie The Pooh.

After our introductions and a conversation about the traffic congestion on the 5 freeway from Burbank to Anaheim, we make our way into Disney California Adventure and wait outside the construction walls of The Little Mermaid — Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Even before we step into the construction space, the animators are already in awe by the architecture of the building. "King Triton!" Andreas yells, as he points to the large Triton statue that is centered on the attraction's arched entrance. A few minutes later, Larry Nikolai, show designer and creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering, donning Imagineering's signature hardhat and vest, pops his head out of one of the construction walls and motions for us to go inside. We're about to go fathoms below and into an under-the-sea world in the making.

You can the read about the whole attraction walk-through with the animators in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three, written by Tim O'Day. Below are some additional photos that did not make it into the spring issue.

Ethan Reed, senior show animator, gives master Disney animators Glen Keane, Mark Henn, and Andreas Deja a first glimpse at the "Kiss the Girl" scene in the The Little Mermaid — Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Ethan worked countless hours on getting the movements between Prince Eric and Ariel just right.

Imagineer Larry Nikolai guides animators Andreas, Mark, and Glen through the still-under-construction attraction.

Andreas, Mark, and Glen in awe with how beautifully the Imagineering team translated their carefully crafted and beloved animations into an immersive attraction.

Glen, Mark and Andreas share stories about the production of the animated feature with the Imagineering team.

Mark Henn holds one of the Imagineer's early renderings of the attraction.

Glen Keane is all smiles during the behind the scenes tour of the attraction. He looks forward to taking his granddaughter on the ride as soon as it opens.

Andreas meets an old friend, shouting, "He's alive!" Andreas was the lead animator of King Triton and was thrilled to see the character come to life off the screen and paper.

Photos by D23's Heather Ikei

Happy Birthday U.S.A.

2011-07-04T10:33:00.003-03:00

In honor of today's holiday, we have a treat for you -- Voices of Liberty singing the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The Voices of Liberty have performed for five U.S. presidents and countless Epcot guests. If you've never heard their amazing harmonies, they're great on video, but the best way to experience Voices of Liberty is in person.

The Liberty Tree’s Patriotic Roots

posted on July 4th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

I couldn’t think of a better story to tell on this lovely Fourth of July than that of the Liberty Tree at Magic Kingdom Park. This tree, which many rush past on their way to Hall of Presidents or The Haunted Mansion, is actually modeled after a real symbol of American history and also has ties to the film that inspired Walt Disney to create a Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park.

Our Liberty Tree, which sits across from Hall of Presidents, is based on the original Liberty Tree in Boston that served as a gathering place for the Sons of Liberty in the months leading up to the Boston Tea Party.

The events of this time period (and the tree) were featured in the 1957 Disney film, “Johnny Tremain,” which follows Johnny, a young silversmith’s apprentice, in the days before the start of the Revolutionary War. In one scene, Johnny and his friends parade through the streets singing the song “The Liberty Tree” and stop to hang lanterns on its branches.

During the making of this film, Walt Disney became excited at the possibility of adding a similarly themed Liberty Street to Disneyland park. His vision eventually grew into a whole “land” that was added to the plans for Magic Kingdom Park.

Today, our Liberty Tree illuminates each evening with the light from 13 lanterns. Each light represents one of the 13 original colonies.

Fun fact: Walt Disney’s youngest daughter, Sharon, had an uncredited role in the film, “Johnny Tremain,” playing a friend of Johnny’s. (Pictured above, right).

American Traditions at Disney Parks

posted on July 4th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

I recently visited the World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace to take some photos for a project. Before leaving the store, I saw a table with all sorts of Americana-themed merchandise, like Duffy the Disney Bear, a colorful Mickey Ear hat and more. I particularly liked the way the mugs pictured above were displayed. The image got me thinking about the patriotic things I enjoy when visiting Disney Parks.

There is one place at Disney that makes me “red, white and blue at times” – The American Adventure at Epcot. I once worked as an attraction manager at the American Adventure Pavilion. I’ve seen that show countless times, and I once watched it with Dallas McKennon who provided the voice for Benjamin Franklin for the attraction (incredibly awesome!). I love the rotunda area inside the Pavilion that displays artwork from some of my favorite artists like the late Robert McCall or Disney Legend, Herb Ryman.

Have a wonderful holiday and go U.S.A.!

June 23, 1956 - Skyway Opens at Disneyland

2011-06-23T18:32:00.000-03:00

June 23, 1956
Skyway Opens at Disneyland

Beginning on this day in 1956, guests were able to get a bird's eye view of Disneyland, for a quarter mile stretch between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland in the Skyway attraction. The new attraction debuted less than one year after the park first opened as part of a massive park enhancement. More than just a ride, this attraction served the purpose of saving the footsteps of guests as they were transported from one land to another. In later years, the Skyway was a welcome shortcut during parades, which made it more of a challenge to travel by foot. The Main Street Electrical Parade was a particular favorite site to see from above. Over the years, many guests would mistakenly refer to the attraction as the "sky buckets," but from this early photo above, it's easy to see the logic behind that. Future generations of the Skyway saw more modern gondolas, and when the iconic Matterhorn opened in 1959, guests literally traveled through the mountain, and decades later were able to get a peek at the "Abominable Snowman" character that continues to reside inside the attraction. In 1994, the Skyway took its last flight after transporting an estimated 150 million guests.

30 Days Walt Disney World Challenge

2011-06-16T08:57:00.000-03:00

DAY 1: Favorite Park (NOT including Water Parks)
MAGIC KINGDOM

DAY 2: Favorite Water Park
BLIZZARD BEACH

DAY 3: Favorite Hotel/Resort
GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA

DAY 4: Favorite Ride at Magic Kingdom
MICKEY’S PHILHARMAGIC

DAY 5: Favorite Ride at Hollywood Studios
TOWER OF TERROR

DAY 6: Favorite Ride at EPCOT
SOARIN’

DAY 7: Favorite Ride at Animal Kingdom
EXPEDITION EVEREST

DAY 8: Favorite Show at Hollywood Studios
FANTASMIC

DAY 9: Favorite Show at Animal Kingdom
FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING

DAY 10: Favorite Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
CINDERELLA’S ROYAL TABLE

DAY 11: Favorite Restaurant at Hollywood Studios
SCI-FI DINE-IN THEATER

DAY 12: Favorite Restaurant at EPCOT
CORAL REEF

DAY 13: Favorite Restaurant at Animal Kingdom
YAK & YETI RESTAURANT

DAY 14: Favorite Quick Serve/Snack at Magic Kingdom
PECOS BILL

DAY 15: Favorite Quick Serve/Snack at Hollywood Studios
BACKLOT EXPRESS

DAY 16: Favorite Quick Serve/Snack at EPCOT
ELECTRIC UMBRELLA

DAY 17: Favorite Quick Serve/Snack at Animal Kingdom
RESTAURANTOSAURUS

DAY 18: Favorite Land at Magic Kingdom
MAIN STREET U.S.A.

DAY 19: Favorite Country in EPCOT
CANADA

DAY 20: Favorite Continent/Area in Animal Kingdom
ASIA

DAY 21: Favorite Restaurant in a Resort
VICTORIA & ALBERT'S AT GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT

DAY 22: The Castle, Tree of Life, Sorcerer Hat, or Globe?
THE CASTLE

DAY 23: Best Rollercoaster
EXPEDITION EVEREST

DAY 24: Scariest Ride
TOWER OF TERROR

DAY 25: Best Place to be at Downtown Disney
T-REX

DAY 26: Favorite Fireworks Show
HOLIDAY WISHES – MAGIC KINGDOM

DAY 27: Best Parade
DREAMS COME TRUE PARADE

DAY 28: Best Special Event (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween, EPCOT Food and Wine Fest, Star Wars Weekends.. ect.)
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

DAY 29: Favorite store / gift shop inside the parks
EMPORIUM

DAY 30: Favorite Spot in All of the ‘World’
THE CINDERELLA CASTLE

Webcast: The Adventures Continue as Star Tours Opens at Disneyland Park

2011-06-03T14:23:00.000-03:00

posted at Disney Parks Blog on June 1st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

UPDATE: At 9:30 a.m. Pacific, we’ll be bringing you the Star Tours opening ceremony from Disneyland park. Check back later today for photos and updates from the event.

Last month, we brought you the grand opening of Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this Friday the Disney Parks Blog will bring you the grand opening ceremony of Star Tours, as it happens live at Disneyland park! The live stream will begin right here, Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. Pacific.

We’ll also be live-tweeting the event from @Disneyland, so be sure to log in on time to catch all the action as Star Tours opens at Disneyland park on June 3.

Disney News for May 2011

2011-05-28T03:47:00.000-03:00

New Pool Area Opening This Weekend at the Disneyland Hotel

posted on May 27th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

The enhancements at the Disneyland Hotel continue to take shape, and on Sunday, May 29, a new, immersive water play area will join Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, which opened earlier this week.

As we first told you about last year, the centerpiece of the new pool area will call to mind past Disneyland park iconography. Classic Disneyland block signage will combine with replica Monorail trains to create an experience that is both fun and nostalgic.

Also coming to the Disneyland Hotel pool area will be a new D-Ticket themed pool. Guests will have fun finding the subtle D-Tickets in the pool, which are reminiscent of the ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland. This will be followed in late 2011 by an E-Ticket themed pool, in the area which previously featured the Never Land pool.

The new pool space will also include Mickey and Minnie themed spas located at opposite ends of the pool area. Also, when the pool area is completed, six new cabanas will be available, featuring flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, safes, phones and ceiling fans.

The New ‘Mickey’s Soundsational Parade’ Officially Starts Today at Disneyland Park

posted on May 27th, 2011 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

Starting today, guests can jam with Mickey Mouse as he leads “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” down Main Street, U.S.A, at Disneyland park. The new parade runs daily and includes a syncopated drum line, nine whimsical floats and an array of musicians and favorite Disney characters. We give you a front row seat in the video below. Enjoy!

(“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” is part of “Disney Soundsational Summer,” an exciting summer of offerings that kicks off June 3 and includes the premiere of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park, the debut of “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” at Disneyland park and an unveiling of new enhancements to the Disneyland Hotel.)

‘Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular’ Will Take the Stage on the Disney Fantasy

posted on May 26th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line

We hope you’ve been enjoying our updates about the exciting new elements you’ll find on the Disney Fantasy.

Today, I want to share some details that are sure to make you sing and dance with excitement…a new Broadway-style production will take the stage in the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Fantasy. This show brings to life the story from a classic animated Disney film – “Aladdin.” New to Disney Cruise Line, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is a fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin, the “street rat” of Agrabah, meets a wise-cracking Genie who grants him three wishes.

Along the way, Aladdin battles the evil Jafar and falls in love with Princess Jasmine, who by the way is my daughter’s favorite Disney character. Kids and adults alike are all going to love this entertaining show!

If you’re hoping there will be a flying magic carpet scene, your wish is coming true. With the help of mechanical wizardry and state-of-the-art projections, Aladdin and Jasmine will perform “Whole New World” as they soar on a romantic magic carpet ride.

If only I could rub a magic lamp and have a Genie pop out – I would wish to be on a Disney cruise right now! Who’s with me?

Joe Perry from Aerosmith Rocks at Disney

2011-05-26T01:01:00.017-03:00

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry made a surprise visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios Rock 'n' Roller Coaster bearing his band’s famous name.

Joe Perry, who recalled riding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith dozens of times with guests on its opening day in 1999, posed with Goofy in the attraction’s courtyard. Disney Parks photographer Gene Duncan, who took pictures of Perry and the rest of Aerosmith at the grand opening ceremony in 1999, also was on hand last week to shoot this photo of Goofy and his new rock-and-roll pal.

Whitehead and Morgan McGaugn, visiting from Mississippi

F U N F A C T

During planning for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Imagineers wanted to select one of the world's greatest bands around which to build the back story for the attraction. They decided Aerosmith would be the perfect fit. But initially Imagineers were unable to reach singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry. Why? Because they were vacationing with their families at the Disney-MGM Studios Park!

Star Tours II - The First Day

2011-05-22T18:49:00.001-03:00

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UPDATE: Hi everyone, we’re now replaying today’s Star Tours grand opening ceremony. Also, be sure and check back later for images and highlights from the celebration.

Star Tours Meet-Up: Recap of our First Meet-Up at Walt Disney World

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on May 20th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Wow, what a first meet-up. Hundreds of Star Wars fans and Disney Parks Blog readers joined us at midnight for a first experience on “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” at Walt Disney World Resort.

Meet-up attendees got the red carpet treatment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before a galactic welcome by Bree Starlighter and other favorite Star Wars characters.

There were also a few extra-special opportunities, including a discussion and Q&A with Walt Disney Imagineers Steven Speigel and Kathy Rogers. Both answered questions about the attraction and shared behind-the-scenes details on how it was created. Senior Character Artist Casey Jones and Senior Design Manager Jonathan Bishop also signed special posters.

Sure, there were some unique experiences but it was you who really made our meet-up extra special. We made many new friends, including Adam Pitzer and Stephanie Weis, who traveled here from Jersey City. Both are getting married on Saturday and decided a Star Tours Meet-Up was the perfect way to kick off a special weekend.

Kevin and Jennifer Thomas also traveled from Illinois for the experience and during the night, their daughter Zoey learned the ways of a Jedi Knight. Of course, we met too many people to name in this post but take a look at who else joined in the party.

Thank you to everyone for an amazing meet-up. If you attended this morning, please let us know what you thought. Did you meet someone new?

The Force is Strong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on May 20th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Anyone who has been lucky enough to witness the opening of a major Disney attraction isn’t likely to forget the experience anytime soon. This was exactly the case for the Disney Parks Blog team and thousands of spectators earlier today when “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – in a way that was truly out of this galaxy.

The celebration kicked off with a procession of Star Wars characters through the park. Bree Starlighter, host of the ceremony, welcomed the crowd and introduced actor Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3P0 in the films.

The fun was suddenly interrupted by a team of stormtroopers, followed by Darth Vader, who vowed to stop the opening at all costs by placing a force field over the attraction. Two brave Jedi Knights stepped in to fight back – and later revealed themselves as Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger and Star Wars creator George Lucas.

With some help from R2-D2, the forcefield was removed and the attraction opened to all guests.

Based on the Star Wars film franchise, the attraction takes guests on a wild 3-D adventure to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with famous faces from the film series.

Disney Parks Blog Readers Among First to Experience Star Tours at Disneyland Park

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on May 20th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

We had a great turnout early this morning as Disney Parks Blog fans gathered for the “Star Tours Early Departure” at Disneyland park. As we announced earlier this month, 1,200 randomly selected readers had the opportunity to bring a guest for the special event to celebrate the upcoming Star Tours relaunch on June 3.

As you can see, hundreds of fans lined up to be among the first guests to experience the new 3-D attraction. They sipped coffee and hot chocolate in the early morning hours, then made their way into the park and the attraction queue.

Just before 3 a.m., Samantha and her father, Ramon (pictured above) were the very first guests to arrive at the event. Samantha was excited to be the very first guest to experience Star Tours this morning, and she said her father was the reason she became a Star Wars fan.

Just behind Samantha and Ramon was another Star Wars fan, Joel (also pictured above, right) who traveled from Flagstaff, Ariz., for this event. Joel’s older sister kindly agreed that he should be the one to attend the event with their mother, since he was such a huge fan and so excited to experience the attraction.

Miki, from Covina, Ca., truly arrived “in character” – wearing an Ewok costume that she made herself. Beverly and Steve traveled from Vancouver, Wa., to celebrate their anniversary (and Steve’s birthday) at the “Star Tours Early Departure.” They were encouraged to attend the event by their daughter, Jessica – Disney fan and loyal Disney Parks Blog reader. (Hi Jessica – thanks for reading!)

Check out the video below for even more highlights from this morning’s “Star Tours Early Departure” at Disneyland park.

Flashback to the 80s: Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald Recalls How Star Tours Began

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on May 22nd, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

In the final episode of her series of inside-look videos featuring “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” Star Wars: The Clone Wars star Ashley Eckstein sits down for an interview with Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald. As he has outlined throughout the year with his posts on the Disney Parks Blog, Tom worked closely with Star Wars creator George Lucas on the original Star Tours attraction. And he’s been working since that time with George and the talented teams at Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd. to create the new 3-D, multi-sensory attraction for Guests visiting Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Join us as Ashley takes Tom on a trip back in time to recall the original idea for Star Tours and how the “galaxy far, far away…” came to life.

A Look Inside ‘Star Tours – The Adventures Continue’ with Ashley Eckstein and Some Star Wars Friends

posted at the Disney Parks blog on May 21st, 2011 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

Our good friend and former Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cast Member Ashley Eckstein returns today to take us on a quick video tour behind the scenes of “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.”

Ashley, the voice of Anakin Skywalker’s eager Padawan Ashoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has had quite a busy and exciting week in the Walt Disney World Resort galaxy. In addition to shooting a series of “Star Tours” sneak peek videos for you and other Disney Parks Blog readers (keep a lookout for the next one, an interview with Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald), on Friday she stood alongside fellow Star Wars celebrities and characters, Star Wars creator George Lucas and Walt Disney Co. president and CEO Bob Iger Friday for the gala Grand Opening Ceremony. Then she began her month-long duties as Celebrity Host of Star Wars Weekends 2011 and prepped for the premiere of the newest designs from her popular “Her Universe” line of Star Wars-themed fangirl fashion (she’s debuting new designs that will be available exclusively for a limited time for Star Wars Weekends Guests).

Let’s join Ashley inside the attraction as she talks about some of the exciting new additions to the Star Tours Spaceport. And look for some cameos by some of your favorite Star Wars characters.

Disneyland Resort Sounds

2011-05-18T01:01:00.001-03:00

posted on May 17th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

Recognize these sounds?

Since the opening of Disneyland park in 1955, the strategic and clever use of sound has transported guests from frontier America to the jungles of Africa; from turn-of-the-century America to edge-of-the-galaxy Tatooine. We’ve been haunted, romanced, humored, enchanted, and sung to, with the many and varied sounds of the theme parks. And it’s not just about music.

Joe Herrington is a Principal Media Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and a big advocate of sound, as was Walt Disney. According to Joe, the role of sound at the Disneyland Resort, or any Disney park for that matter, tells half the story of any land, attraction or entertainment you experience.

“Walt understood that,” says Joe in a Disneyland Podcast interview. “Walt incorporated sound and always tried to find new ways to use it. He was so proactive in sound technology, and in all kinds of ways, to utilize sound.”

Which distinctive Disneyland Resort sound transports you to another place?

New Disney California Adventure Updates Coming to Blue Sky Cellar

2011-05-16T20:02:00.000-03:00

posted at the Official Disney Parks blog on May 16th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

On this week there are a lot of updates coming to the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar.

Starting May 18, additions will include a new aerial view of the park, above. In this photo, you can see the incredible progress being made in Cars Land (bottom right) as well as the soon-to-be complete Paradise Pier (bottom left). At the top, you can also see the park’s new entrance taking shape.

Also set to debut this week at Blue Sky Cellar are new attraction posters for The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Goofy’s Sky School and Grizzly River Run. Designed in the style of the traditional Disney theme park attraction posters, these three are sure to become instant classics.

I’m sure many of you are anxious to add these to your attraction poster collection, along with previously released images for California Screamin’, Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Silly Symphony Swings, so look for many of these attraction posters and much more when they become available in Spring 2012.

There is so much to see at Blue Sky Cellar, from models and artist renderings to concept drawings and more, all crafted by Walt Disney Imagineers.

Which changes at Disney California Adventure park are you most excited about?

May the Fourth by Tom Fitzgerald

2011-05-04T13:01:00.000-03:00

May the Fourth Be With You!

posted on May 4th, 2011 by Tom Fitzgerald, Executive VP & Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

Today, May 4, we unveiled a stunning new piece of Star Tours art which serves as the attraction poster at Disneyland park and the marquee at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Designed by Imagineer Scot Drake, the piece features the new Starspeeder 1000 surrounded by many of the planets, vehicles and characters from the show. Look for Darth Vader lurking in the shadows.

The photo below shows the new marquee as it was being installed just this morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Adventures Continue – only weeks away!

It’s ‘Time to Add the Magic!’ at New Disney Hawaii Resort

2011-04-23T01:25:00.000-03:00

KO OLINA, Hawai'i, April 21, 2011 – Today, in a ceremony on the lagoon fronting the site of Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai'i, local crew members from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., joined with Disney cast members (employees) to celebrate the completion of major structural work on the Disney resort and the beginning of Disney’s “time to add the magic.”

The event was a symbolic representation of the shared efforts of Disney and Hawaiian Dredging in building the new resort, which will welcome its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. The construction crew and Aulani Disney team met on the beach to exchange gifts – lei from the construction workers to the Disney cast, and Mickey Mouse ears from the Disney cast to the construction workers. As part of the milestone moment, Hawaiian Dredging “handed over the keys” to the people who will add final detailing, theming, landscaping and all the other magical touches guests expect to find at a Disney resort.

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai'i, joined with Eric Hashizume, vice president of Hawaiian Dredging and Elliot Mills, managing director of Aulani, to bring the construction workers and Disney team members together to begin “adding the magic” to Aulani. They gathered on the sand to form the image of the trademark Aulani arch and then transformed it into the familiar silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey, Minnie and their Disney character pals joined in the celebration.

As Walt Disney Imagineers continue adding the magic to Aulani, they are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort with the help of local architects, artisans and historians. The celebrated Disney magic, storytelling and service will create wonderful family vacation memories at the resort, drawing on the beauty, fun, enchantment and traditions of the islands.

Remodeled Lego Store at Downtown Disney - Walt Disney World

2011-04-23T01:00:00.000-03:00

Thanks to Orlando Attractions Magazine for this one :-D

Visit http://AttractionsMagazine.com for more information.

Earth Day, April 22, 2011. SeaWorld debuted its new Shamu show "One Ocean". Special guest, Jungle Jack Hanna, opened the show with Sea World Park President Terry Prather. Here are the Higlights. Watch Episode 22 of Orlando Attractions Magazine The Show for more coverage and interviews.

Follow Orlando Attractions Magazine on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/attractions
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/attractionsmagazine
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/attractionsmagazine

Today begins the 1964 New York World's Fair

2011-04-22T13:03:00.002-03:00

The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair was the third major world's fair to be held in New York City.
The fair ran for two six-month seasons, April 22–October 18, 1964 and April 21–October 17, 1965.
The theme was symbolized by a 12-story high, stainless-steel model of the earth called Unisphere.

The Disney Influence and the 1964-1965 World's Fair

The longest lines at the 1964-1965 World's Fair (in New York City) were for the 4 attractions created by Disney. Walt took some of the attractions and elements of others to his Anaheim park when the Fair closed.

The fair also is remembered as the vehicle Walt Disney utilized to design and perfect the system of "audio-animatronics", in which a combination of sound, mechanical electronics and computers controls the movement of lifelike robots to act out scenes.

The Walt Disney Company designed and created four shows at the fair:

ºoº In the "it's a small world" attraction at the Pepsi pavilion, animated dolls and animals frolicked in a spirit of international unity on a boat ride around the world. The song was provided by the Sherman Brothers. Each of the animated dolls had an identical face, originally designed by New York (Valley Stream) artist Gregory S. Marinello in partnership with Walt Disney himself.

ºoº General Electric sponsored "Progressland" where an audience seated in a revolving auditorium viewed an audio-animatronic presentation of the progress of electricity in the home. The Sherman Brothers song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" was composed for this attraction.

ºoº Ford Motor Company presented Disney's "The Magic Skyway," the second most popular exhibit at the fair, using Ford cars in an early prototype of the Omnimover system to move the audience through scenes featuring life-sized audio-animatronic dinosaurs and cavemen. The Walt Disney Company had earlier been asked by General Motors to produce their exhibit, but they declined.

ºoº At the Illinois pavilion, a lifelike President Abraham Lincoln recited his famous speeches in "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln".

After the fair, there was some discussion of the Disney company retaining these exhibits on-site and converting Flushing Meadows Park into an east coast version of Disneyland, but this idea was abandoned. Instead, Disney relocated several of these exhibits to Disneyland and subsequently replicated them at other Disney theme parks; Walt Disney World is essentially the realization of the original concept of an "east coast Disneyland" with Epcot Center designed a "permanent" world's fair in 1982 and was expressly built as a tribute to the World's Fair.

Two attractions from the fair exist at Walt Disney World, including a variation of the original "it's a small world" and the updated Carousel of Progress. The two remaining attractions currently exist as evolutions of the originals: The Magic Skyway inspired the PeopleMover, and later the Tomorrowland Transit Authority; and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was expanded into The Hall of Presidents.

Today begins the 1965 New York World's Fair

2011-04-21T14:13:00.002-03:00

April 21, 1965

Today begins the 1965 New York World's Fair

The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair was the third major world's fair to be held in New York City.

The fair ran for two six-month seasons, April 22–October 18, 1964 and April 21–October 17, 1965.

The theme was symbolized by a 12-story high, stainless-steel model of the earth called Unisphere.

The Disney Influence and the 1964-1965 World's Fair

ºoº In the "it's a small world" attraction at the Pepsi pavilion, animated dolls and animals frolicked in a spirit of international unity on a boat ride around the world. The song was provided by the Sherman Brothers. Each of the animated dolls had an identical face, originally designed by New York (Valley Stream) artist Gregory S. Marinello in partnership with Walt Disney himself.
ºoº General Electric sponsored "Progressland" where an audience seated in a revolving auditorium viewed an audio-animatronic presentation of the progress of electricity in the home. The Sherman Brothers song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" was composed for this attraction.

ºoº Ford Motor Company presented Disney's "The Magic Skyway," the second most popular exhibit at the fair, using Ford cars in an early prototype of the Omnimover system to move the audience through scenes featuring life-sized audio-animatronic dinosaurs and cavemen. The Walt Disney Company had earlier been asked by General Motors to produce their exhibit, but they declined.
ºoº At the Illinois pavilion, a lifelike President Abraham Lincoln recited his famous speeches in "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln".

The 1964 New York World’s Fair – A New Disney Technology is Born

posted on April 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

As a new member of the Disney Parks Blog team, I will be updating readers on some of the latest events and news from the Disneyland Resort. Today, I’m excited to share a special piece of Disney history with you.

As Michelle Harker shared yesterday, we’re marking a historic time for Disney Parks this week with the anniversary of the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair, which opened on April 22, 1964. The Fair featured four spectacular attractions, produced by Walt Disney and his creative team, which went on to become the beloved Disney Parks experiences.

In a 1964 episode of “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” Walt Disney previewed the attractions being developed for the Fair, featuring a new, innovative form of animation. He explained that “…Disneyland gave us a new art and a new type of artist – one that works with a slide rule and blow torch instead of pencil and brush. Just as we had to learn to make our animated cartoons talk, we had to find a way to make attraction figures talk, too. We created a new field of animation.”

This new form of animation was so advanced, a name had to be developed for it: “Audio-Animatronics technology.”

Walt Disney and his team of Imagineers from WED Enterprises (the original name for Walt Disney Imagineering) developed this breakthrough technology for the creation of what would become legendary Disney Parks attractions:

“it’s a small world” was the centerpiece of the UNICEF pavilion and took visitors to more than 100 countries with child-like Audio-Animatronics figures singing the tune written by Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman.
“Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was Walt Disney’s personal tribute to the 16th president. “Ever since I was a small boy in Illinois, I’ve had a great personal admiration for Abraham Lincoln,” said Walt Disney in his introduction for the attraction, created for the State of Illinois pavilion.
The Carousel Theater of Progress was developed with the assistance of General Electric and told the story of man’s progress and the rise of “push-button living.” The Carousel of Progress was a Disneyland park attraction from 1967 to 1973. The show then moved to Magic Kingdom Park in 1975, where it was rewritten and restaged with the new name, “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress,” in 1994.
Ford’s Magic Skyway took audiences back in time to the world of the dinosaur, populated by enormous Audio-Animatronics figures. Guests of Ford’s Magic Skyway travelled through the vignettes using technology that would later be the inspiration for the PeopleMover, a Tomorrowland attraction in Disneyland park from 1967 to 1995.

Take 5: Walt Disney World Resort 40th Anniversary

2011-04-18T03:43:00.001-03:00

posted at the official Disney Parks blog by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

This October, the Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate its 40th anniversary. As we prepare for our celebration, we’ve shared some first looks at limited edition 40th anniversary park merchandise. Here are some of our top ways to sport Disney gear and celebrate with us.

Take 5: Walt Disney World Resort 40th Anniversary

Colorful Merchandise for Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary – What’s your favorite color? Check out the colorful, retro-inspired merchandise created for the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Cinderella Castle Collage: Celebrating 40 Years of Magic at Walt Disney World – As we get ready to celebrate 40 years of magic and wonder at Walt Disney World, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created something special – a pattern that represents both Cinderella Castle and the iconic attractions that have comprised our magical kingdom since 1971.
Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Ear Hats – Take a look at the 1970s map printed on the underside of the 40th anniversary limited release ear hat.
Celebrating 40 Years of Walt Disney World Magic in Style with Dooney & Bourke – Here’s a peak at the new Dooney & Bourke 40th Anniversary Collection for Disney Parks.
Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Merchandise Collage – Check out this 40th anniversary collage created by the Disney Design Group, which is now prominently featured on some 40th anniversary merchandise.

Epic Creation Contest

2011-04-13T04:48:00.003-03:00

The Epic Creation Contest is your chance to be part of the adventure!

Begin your own epic journey of creativity and discovery in the world of Disney Epic Mickey just as Mickey explores an alternate Disney world ruled by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Show your creativity and love of Disney in either of two ways! Write your very own epic adventure taking place in the world of Disney Epic Mickey. Create your epic piece of art inspired by your favorite character from the game. Two grand prize winners will be selected to each receive one of two epic fan prize packages, and 8 runner-up prizes will be awarded.

Submit a 500-700-word essay describing an original epic adventure within the world of Disney Epic Mickey (see official rules below for full details) no later than May 11, 2011. No more than one (1) essay may be submitted by each Guest. Work will be judged by a panel of Disney Cast Members.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY

Submit an original work of art (see official rules below for full details) no later than May 11, 2011. No more than one (1) piece of artwork may be submitted each Guest. Work will be judged by a panel of Disney cast members.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK

The two winners whose work has been chosen by the panel will be notified by e-mail on or before May 26, 2011.

Art Submission Grand Prize package includes:

(1) Nintendo Wii console

(1) Disney Epic Mickey video game for Nintendo Wii

(1) Mickey Mouse Lithograph

(1) Replica of the Snow White program from the film premiere

(2) Tickets to the Sci-Fi Trading event at Disneyland (tickets only, does not include park entry)

(3) Tickets to Destination D at Walt Disney World (tickets only, does not include park entry)

(1) Package consisting of assorted pieces of vinylmation and pins

(1) Oswald plush toy

Essay Submission Grand Prize package includes:

(1) Nintendo Wii console

(1) Disney Epic Mickey video game for Nintendo Wii

(2) Tickets to the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center

(1) D23 Silver membership

(1) Walt Disney Family Museum individual membership

(1) Package consisting of assorted pieces of vinylmation and pins

(1) Oswald plush toy

Eight Runner-Up Prize packages include:

(1) Plush toy

(1) Package consisting of assorted pieces of vinylmation and pins

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

WDIG Terms of Use