Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Lineup
“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 Weekly Recap for July 3 - 10
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
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.
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
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.
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
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Birthday U.S.A.
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).
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.!
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.!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 23, 1956 - Skyway Opens at Disneyland
June 23, 1956
Skyway Opens at Disneyland
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.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
30 Days Walt Disney World Challenge
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
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
Friday, June 3, 2011
Webcast: The Adventures Continue as Star Tours Opens at Disneyland Park
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.
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