Halloween Costumes At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park

Video: Stitch gets MINDstyle'd

MINDstyle teams up with Disney artist to create crazy interps of Stitch using funky materials and inspirations from past memories.

Video: Disney Dream to Include First-Ever Shipboard Water Coaster

When Disney Cruise Line debuts the new Disney Dream in early 2011, the ship will include multiple innovations never seen before in the industry.
The AquaDuck water coaster will sweep guests on a 765-foot high-speed flume ride with uphill acceleration and a swing-out loop letting you look down to the ocean 150 feet below.

Guests staying in inside staterooms will enjoy views of the ocean and sky through Virtual Portholes with hi-def views, live from cameras on the Disney Dream's exterior. Guests may also see Peach (the starfish from the Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo") or Mickey Mouse pop by the Virtual Porthole. The Disney Dream will also cater to the unique vacation needs of individual family members.

While young children play in interactive spaces recreating Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc.", teens and tweens each enjoy their own high-tech clubs, and parents indulge in The District - an adult-exclusive entertainment area of sophisticated bars and lounges.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011 and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. Guests can book their Disney Dream cruise beginning Nov. 9, 2009. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line, visit disneycruise.com.

The Best of Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris HD - The Best of Christmas Part 1



Disneyland Paris HD - The Best of Christmas Part 2



Disneyland Paris HD - The Best of Christmas Part 3

Celebrating Service to Conservation: Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Names 2009 Heroes

BURBANK, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2009) – Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has announced the recipients of the "Disney Conservation Heroes" award for 2009. The award program recognizes heroes who have made a positive impact on the environment and their communities.Eight award recipients from around the globe were nominated by non-profit environmental organizations for their tireless efforts to save wildlife, protect habitats and educate communities.

"Disney recognizes that these heroes are role models who hold the keys to successful conservation initiatives in areas of critical concern," said Dr. Beth Stevens, Senior Vice President for Disney’s Environmental Affairs. "Conservation efforts around globe and in our own back yard rely substantially on support from the local community and direct involvement of people like our Disney Conservation Heroes."

Each award recipient and their nominating organization will share a $1,000 award from the DWCF. This year’s recipients include:

Houssein Rayaleh, nominated by Bird Life International in Djibouti:

Rayaleh works with Djibouti communities and government to help protect Djibouti’s extraordinary wildlife and precious habitats. He conducts workshops with community leaders to raise awareness about the plight of the Djibouti Francolin bird and the juniper forests; and worked to establish a demonstration tree nursery that will produce 1,000 plants per year to provide community members with firewood.

Salim Khamis Haji, nominated by Fauna and Flora International in Tanzania:

Haji works with the Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forestry, to conserve the Pemba Flying Fox, a critically endangered fruit bat on Pemba Island. He works with local communities to educate and establish groups to care for and monitor the flying fox populations, leading to more than tripling the bat population from approximately 5,000 in the early 90’s to about 22,000.

Rikapo Lentiyoo, nominated by Grevy’s Zebra Trust in Kenya:

Lentiyoo helped save a remaining population of fewer than 900 endangered Grevy’s zebra after Kenya suffered a severe anthrax outbreak. Lentiyoo traveled hundreds of kilometers by motorbike to locate the animal carcasses, collect samples for analysis, coordinate mortality reports and dispose of the carcasses to avoid spread of the disease. His work helped the Kenya Wildlife Service locate the remaining population for vaccinations.
Willie Tucker, nominated by Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance in Sierra Leone:

Tucker was appointed by the Sierra Leone government in 1995 to help create and lead the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In 2006, when 31 chimpanzees escaped, Tucker heroically seized control of the situation by calming the staff and local citizens, worked with the media, coordinated with police and military forces, and developed a plan to search for and recover the terrified chimpanzees.

Sam Han, nominated by Fauna and Flora International in Cambodia:

Han worked with other members of FFI and the Cambodian Forestry Administration to save an estimated 250 remaining critically endangered Siamese crocodiles. He regularly travels throughout the country conducting biological surveys, investigating reports of crocodile sightings, and educating the general public about crocodiles and their habitats. He is responsible for leading field expeditions to some of the most remote places in the country.

Jackson Kamwi, nominated by International Rhino Foundation in Zimbabwe:

Kamwi works around the clock to protect rare black rhinos. For two decades, he has conducted field operations and helped capture and relocate nearly 1,000 rhinos from poacher-infested high-risk areas. With no formal training in wildlife management and limited schooling, Kamwi has demonstrated specialized skills that include driving transport vehicles, flying helicopters, radio tracking and digital photography.

Artati "Tati" Nengah, nominated by Save Our Leatherbacks Operations in Indonesia:

Nengah is the nucleus of all Save Our Leatherbacks Operations (SOLO) in Indonesia, serving as the main translator between SOLO staff and Indonesian communities. Nengah’s efforts are vital in creating plans to protect the endangered leatherback turtles which are declining at an alarming rate due to egg harvest, fishery by-catch, coastal development and highly-variable food availability.

Diego Ezrré Romero, nominated by Northern Jaguar Project in Mexico:
Romero sets out to improve the standards for better education and to build a deeper respect for jaguars and nature conservation among his neighbors and fellow ranchers. Romero works to influence nearby mining operations and those who hunt or poison carnivores. With Romero’s help, the Feline Photo Project, a local fundraising and conservation initiative, has become the Northern Jaguar Project’s best opportunity to establish a higher level of local tolerance for jaguars.
In the last five years, DWCF has honored 42 Conservation Heroes for their extraordinary conservation efforts around the world. To learn more visit www.disney.com/conservation.

The Walt Disney Company has a longstanding commitment to conservation, dating back to Walt himself. Today, that legacy is carried forward through initiatives, like the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, that positively impact the planet and inspire a conservational spirit in others. Other examples include Walt Disney Studios’ nature documentary film label, Disneynature; Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green campaign which helps kids help the planet; and Disney’s Planet Challenge, an environmental competition for the classroom. For more information, visit www.disney.com/responsibility.

Christmas Sparkles This Year At Disneyland Paris

Where better to kick off the Christmas season than at magical Disneyland Paris? The spirit of Christmas comes alive this year from 8 November 2009 to 6 January 2010. Celebrate the most joyous time of year with your family and create some magical memories in the company of the Disney Characters in their Christmas costumes.

For the first time this Christmas, a stunning show is to be held every evening around the majestic Christmas tree in Town Square. With enchanted illuminations orchestrated by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the spectacle promises to dazzle young and old alike with lots of magical Christmas surprises, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Also new for Christmas, Walt Disney’s first masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will magically come to life on the Castle Stage in the Disneyland Park. And for a guaranteed white Christmas, snowflakes will fall from the sky on Main Street, U.S.A.® giving everyone the special Christmas memory they have always dreamed of. What’s more, in the heart of Santa Claus Village children can find the Santa Claus Post Office where they can post their Christmas wish-lists in time for a Christmas Eve delivery. And with the help of a little Disney magic, the children will receive Santa’s response directly to their homes!

Christmas season festivities include:

• Meet Santa Claus in his village at the Disneyland Park – Children are invited to enter Santa’s winter wonderland to meet the man himself and pose for a memorable photo

• Disney’s Once Upon a Christmas Dream Parade – Santa Claus appears at the end of this magical procession to wish everyone Merry Christmas

• Belle’s Christmas Village – With picturesque taverns and snow-covered stalls, Fantasyland transforms into an authentic medieval village at Christmas time

• Sleeping Beauty Castle Lighting Spectacular – Over 400,000 lights transform the Castle into a shimmering Crystal Palace before guests’ very eyes every night

• Disney’s Fantillusion Parade – Princes, Princesses and other Disney characters emerge on Main Street, U.S.A at nightfall to host a magnificent parade where Disney’s best-loved fairytales are retold

• It’s a small world Celebration - With specially made costumes, music and decorations, the celebration pays tribute to the different traditions of countries around the world

• Mickey’s Winter Wonderland – Mickey and his pals put on their ice skates for a winter spectacular the whole family will love

• Meet Goofy Santa – Lovable Goofy dressed as Santa Claus in his sleigh will welcome children for a souvenir photo

• It’s Party Time… with Mickey & Friends – To celebrate Mickey’s Magical Party, the Disney heroes take the new Central Plaza stage by storm and perform their show in 360°

• Happy New Year! – On 31 December, the Disneyland Park welcomes guests until 1:00 a.m. for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party with a dazzling fireworks display

• Mickey’s Christmas Dinner* – A unique dining experience where guests can join the Disney Characters for a huge Christmas buffet feast, complete with sparking lights and sing-along music that will make hearts warm and spirits soar! (Ticket event only)

And last but not least, the celebration continues with lots of additional new interactive fun for Mickey’s Magical Party. Guests can learn the “Mickey Dance” with Mickey and friends on the new stage in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Whilst Minnie Mouse hosts Minnie’s Party Train which will enchant guests several times a day in Main Street, U.S.A.®.

Meanwhile in the Walt Disney Studios Park, the new attraction Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! will thrill little ones and their parents. The Playhouse Disney Characters jump right out of a giant storybook to throw Minnie Mouse the most beautiful birthday party ever. And to top off a perfect day your favourite Disney characters will salute the crowd from aboard their handsome custom cars for Disney’s Stars ’n’ Cars: an ultra colourful Hollywood-style parade.

For families booking by 15 November**, prices are from only £175 per adult with children under seven staying free. And everyone’s meals are free!

For further information about a family Christmas holiday to Disneyland Paris call 08448 008 111 or visit www.disneylandparis.com

Tinker Bell and Friends Return to Nintendo DS' in Disney Fairies

October 27, 2009

Last year, Disney Interactive Studios invited girls and fans everywhere to grab their Nintendo DS' and fly away to Tinker Bell's enchanting Pixie Hollow to play as a Disney Fairy. The follow-up to that rich and immersive experience is available today in retail stores nationwide. Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure for Nintendo DS comes to North America this holiday season on the same day as the all-new Blu-ray and DVD release from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, the second in a series of direct-to-DVD computer-animated adventures.

'Working closely with the filmmakers, we've been able to once again extend the beautiful environments, whimsical character animations and engaging tale of discovery seen in 'Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure' onto Nintendo DS,' said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. 'The video game sequel allows players to mix creativity with gameplay, recreates memorable film moments and gives players more ways to connect with the online world of Pixie Hollow, the center of the Web-based universe for Disney Fairies. This cross platform synergy is indicative of how we are able to introduce compelling new ways to play every year.'

Unique to this year's game is the ability for players to create and personalize up to five of their own fairies, from facial features to hair accessories, each with different talents focusing on tinkering, light, water, animal and gardening. One of those fairies can be uploaded onto the Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow (PixieHollow.com) virtual world from Disney Online, where visitors worldwide have created more than 22 million fairy avatars. Players are then able to use their DS fairy to go on quests, play talent games and gather items within the PixieHollow.com world.

The film-based Story mode opens as the Disney Fairies prepare for the Autumn Revelry, and Tinker Bell is chosen to create the prestigious Fall Scepter that can rejuvenate the Pixie Dust tree. But when her good friend Terence offers to help, Tinker Bell's stubbornness and temper get the best of her, causing her to shatter the scepter's fragile moonstone, as well as her friendship with Terence. To make things right, Tinker Bell must now embark on a perilous quest north of Never Land to find the Mirror of Incanta, which will grant her one wish.

Players will notice that similar to the film, Tinker Bell's wardrobe has been updated to reflect the Autumn season and her evolution. In addition to the iconic green dress, she will be seen in-game sporting a jacket, leggings, boots and belt to carry all her tinkering tools. Other delightful activities in Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure are mini-games that involve fun tasks such as sewing, collecting water drops, balloon making and unscrambling puzzles.

Players can also embark on an online quest that ultimately unlocks a special item on both platforms and they can add ingredients gathered in the DS game to their collection on PixieHollow.com. The two platforms are now linked through up-to-date news and polls, dispatched from the online world directly to DS.

In addition, Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure includes DGamer, the online community exclusive to Disney gamers on Nintendo DS, allowing players to connect with others and unlock Fairy-themed items in their DS game.

Developed by Hyde and published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), with a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.disneyfairiesvideogame.com.

Also available for iPhone and iPod touch is Disney Fairies Fly. Fairies Flylets players pick their favorite character and glide with the wind as Tinker Bell, Iridessa, Silvermist, Rosetta or Fawn, tackling the many challenges that await them in five magical worlds. Players can tilt and move their iPhone to dodge obstacles and grab customized pick-ups and pixie dust to unlock the next levels. Latest version available now for $4.99, includes new video and over 20 new Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure images and more.

Disney Fairy, Tinker Bell, Named Honorary Ambassador of Green

She is one of Disney's most popular cartoon characters. Created by J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author best remembered for creating Peter Pan, Tinker Bell the well-loved fairy is reaching new heights with her new designation of "Honorary Ambassador of Green" to help promote environmental awareness in children.

Tinker Bell

Her new title was announced on Sunday by Kiyo Akasaka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, at the launch of the world premier of Walt Disney's animated film, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, which took place at UN Headquarters.

Among those who attended the event will be Tinker Bell Director Klay Hall, Producer Sean Lurie, and voice cast members Mae Whitman (Tinker Bell) and Raven Symoné (Iridessa).

Protecting the environment is an underlying theme of the Tinker Bell movies. The Walt Disney Company uses its storytelling to inspire a love of nature and spirit of conservation in its audience. Tinker Bell lives in harmony with the environment and her popularity plays a key role in inspiring children.

The blonde-headed fairy who is dressed in green has already played a role in the United States Department of Energy's Public Service Announcement campaign to inspire kids to be more energy conscious and was featured in Daylight Savings programmes in Italy and Australia, to highlight energy conservation.

This premiere event, hosted by DPI under the Creative Community Outreach Initiative is intended to promote environmental awareness in the lead-up to the Copenhagen conference on Climate Change in December. The United Nations is leading the Seal the Deal! campaign to garner public support and encourage world leaders to sign an effective climate agreement when they meet in Copenhagen from 7 - 18 December 2009.

Cartoon characters working on behalf of the environment are not new to the UN system. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has Ozzy Ozone: Defender of our Planet who educates children about the causes and effects of the depletion of the ozone layer. In his latest adventures, Ozzy Ozone goes island hopping to learn about the effects of climate change on small islands and low-coastal states and the need to phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the gases used to replace ozone depleting substance but which themselves can contribute to climate change.

Video: Princess Tiana Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Magic Kingdom

Girls visiting the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World now have the opportunity to be made over into Princess Tiana.

Disney Vacation Club Opens ‘Doorway” to New Way to Purchase Future Vacations

GARDEN CITY, NY and CELEBRATION, Fla.,– The recently opened Disney Doorway to Dreams offers Roosevelt Field shoppers and New York-area residents a convenient and interactive way to discover the excitement of Disney Vacation Club, an innovative vacation-ownership program that allows families to enjoy flexibility and savings on decades of future vacations.

Disney Doorway to Dreams showcases the spacious, family-friendly accommodations featured at Disney Vacation Club resorts. Through Disney Vacation Club, families can relax and spend quality time together, either at Disney destinations worldwide or at more than 500 other popular vacation locations around the world. Disney Doorway to Dreams’ convenient mall location gives visitors a chance to explore the many vacation choices they have through Disney Vacation Club, including magical stays at the Walt Disney World Resort, relaxing cruises aboard Disney Cruise Line and family-friendly, interactive Adventures by Disney trips where families can choose to travel to one of six different continents.

“Disney Doorway to Dreams gives us a chance to reach one of the top markets for our rapidly growing membership base and help Roosevelt Field visitors discover the many benefits of becoming a Disney Vacation Club member family,” said Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis. “We aim to duplicate the popularity of our original Disney Doorway to Dreams location in Chicago with our new location on Long Island, sharing the vacation-ownership experience with a whole new group of people.”

To help families envision the ways Disney Vacation Club Membership can enhance the way they vacation, Disney Doorway to Dreams features a full-scale, two-bedroom model of a vacation villa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Central Florida, one of Disney Vacation Club’s newest resorts. Located on the second floor near Nordstrom, Disney Doorway to Dreams presents a variety of interactive features, including a wall lined with doors that open to display videos, photos and even touch-screen activities. There’s even a kid-sized door that allows children to look through a portal into the kid’s clubhouse, where they will discover a dry-erase mural they can color.

Once visitors have spent time in the interactive entryway, they will have the opportunity to view a brief video about Disney Vacation Club in a twelve-seat theater. Guests then have the opportunity to meet with a vacation guide to learn about the options available to Disney Vacation Club members.

“Disney Vacation Club has always been both a leader and an innovator in the timeshare industry,” said Howard C. Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). “Offering full-scale model vacation villas in a mall setting is uniquely Disney and this new Disney Doorway to Dreams location makes it fun and exciting for families to learn about new and memorable ways to vacation.”

Video: Boston - Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. Tour Highlights!

Highlights from the Disney Parks "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." tour stop in Boston. For rules and information about the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program,

Video: Princess Tiana's special Magic Kingdom welcome castle show

Disney characters welcomed Princess Tiana to the Magic Kingdom on Oct. 26, 2009 with a special processional and show at Cinderella Castle.

Video: Tiana's Showboat Jubilee at the Magic Kingdom full show

Here's the full show of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The show officially premiered on Oct. 26, 2009 and will run for 10 weeks leading up to the release of The Princess and the Frog film to theaters.

The show features Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Dr. Facilier, and Louis the jazz-singing alligator and begins with a processional through the park streets.

The Princess and the Frog interviews at the Magic Kingdom

We spoke to Show Director for Creative Entertainment at Walt Disney Parks Tara Anderson, Supervising Animator for Dr. Facilier at Walt Disney Feature Animation Bruce Smith, and Merchandise Manager for Walt Disney World Resort Dara Trujillo about bringing The Princess and the Frog to the parks.

Watch our other videos to see the Magic Kingdom welcome Princess Tiana to the park and the full show of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee.

Video: West Coast Welcome for Mickey's Virtual Train Tour

A group of pre-schoolers welcome Mickey Mouse to Griffith Park's Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles to conclude Mickey's Virtual Train Tour. Mickey also paid a visit to Walt's Carolwood Barn to see some of Walt's most precious train artifacts.

Mickey Helps Fill Paradise Bay Lagoon for World of Color

Video: ESPN Innovation Lab debuts at WDW

The ESPN Innovation Lab is officially open at the soon-to-be-renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The Innovation Lab provides ESPN a real-world testing ground to continue developing new ground-breaking on-air products. The mission of ESPNs state-of-the-art facility is to utilize the world-class playing fields and the 300,000 youth and pro athletes who use them annually to develop new products during actual game conditions that will enhance the viewers experience.

Video: Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival - Downtown Disney

The Second Annual Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival was held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

The Dragon Boat Races, which involve 1,100 athletes, was on Village Lake with most activities taking place on the West Side. The races included approximately 50 teams with 20 paddlers per team. Each team includes a steersperson and a drummer who work in unison.

In addition to the fun of the races, there was also a small food court set up with food from House of Blues, Bongos, Wolfgang Puck's Grand Cafe, and Capt'n Jack's Restaurant.

Here's a look at the end of a couple of races.

Recorded by Bret Roseboom

2009 CHOC Walk at the Disneyland Resort

More than 12,000 walkers participated in the 19th annual CHOC Walk in the Park, hosted by the Disneyland Resort. The walkers raised more than $1.5 million dollars for the hospital during this years event that took place on October 18th.

DISNEY’S THE LION KING TO OPEN AT MARINA BAY SANDS Singapore, SEPTEMBER 2010

SINGAPORE (October 21, 2009) – Disney Theatrical Group and Marina Bay Sands®, together with BASE Entertainment, are proud to announce that the award-winning Broadway musical The Lion King will come to the Marina Bay Sands Theatre in September 2010. This extended engagement will join the seven other highly successful companies of The Lion King around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo, Las Vegas and a US National Tour.

This Southeast Asian premiere in Singapore will be a duplicate of the other shows performing around the globe with the same Broadway quality standards, spectacular music, dance, sets and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon. The production will feature a new company of performers auditioned around the world. Ticket prices, on-sale dates and performance schedules will be announced in 2010.

“We’re gigantically proud to bring The Lion King to the audiences of Singapore,” said Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions. “BASE Entertainment and Marina Bay Sands are making an extraordinary commitment to bringing Julie Taymor’s glorious production to life in the very best way possible. When we decided to bring The Lion King to Singapore we knew that this was the right show at the right venue at the right time.”

Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi said, “Marina Bay Sands will be the destination with a world-class production like The Lion King. This is the first time this acclaimed musical has come to Southeast Asia and this just adds to the line-up of attractions at Marina Bay Sands including the Sands SkyPark®, the best celebrity chef restaurants and Asia’s most fashionable shopping.”

Scott Zeiger, co-CEO of BASE Entertainment, said, “We are thrilled to open the state-of-the-art theater at Marina Bay Sands with Disney Theatrical Group’s The Lion King, one of the most spectacular Broadway shows in history. The show has a tremendous reputation throughout the
entertainment industry and we anticipate a strong demand for The Lion King in Singapore from locals and visitors alike.”

Marina Bay Sands will feature two theatres with a total of 4,000 seats, large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, a luxury hotel, the breathtaking rooftop Sands SkyPark®, a museum, Las Vegas-style gaming, the Paiza Club for premium players and Celebrity Chef restaurants and cuisinest hat allow visitors to eat around the world in one destination.

ABOUT THE LION KING

Julie Taymor’s internationally acclaimed stage adaptation of Disney’s 1994 animated film premiered on Broadway in November 1997, winning the Tony Award® for ‘Best Musical’ and since that time, the show has been seen by more than 50 million people around the world. In addition to recordbreaking productions in London and New York, THE LION KING can currently be seen in Paris,Tokyo, Hamburg, Las Vegas and on tour in the USA.

The score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the animated film along with three original songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from an album inspired by the animated film,"Rhythm of the Pride Lands," written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING score is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, embracing the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and the haunting “Shadowlands.” Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irenem Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING.

Video: Night Dancing Fountain Shows at Epcot's Fountain of Nations

Watch the fountains dance and the lights change to the music for two nighttime performances at Epcot's Fountain of Nations.

The first song is from "The Rocketeer." The second song is "Standing in Motion" by Yanni.

The Innoventions Fountain Shows are rotated every quarter hour in no specific order. There are seven different shows.

Video: What's New at the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Go behind the scenes to discover whats new at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. Check out The American Idol Experience and the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party, and explore two of the newest Disney Resorts - Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort and The Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Video: Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. Philadelphia Tour Highlights!

Highlights from the Disney Parks "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." tour stop in Philadelphia. For rules and information about the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Two Baby Giraffes

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 19, 2009 -- Walt Disney World Resort recently welcomed two male calves to the giraffe herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Weighing 153 pounds, Bolo was born Oct. 12 to second-time mother Big Girl, who first birthed a female calf in November 2005. On Oct. 5, the Disney’s Animal Programs team helped to deliver 166-pound calf Bruehler from third-time mother Aibuni. As newborns, both male calves stand nearly six feet tall and could grow to be as tall as 15 – 18 feet as adults.

Both calves and mothers appear to be doing well according to veterinarians and animal care managers. The young males, who began nursing successfully soon after birth, are already feisty and very active.

“The next important milestone is for the calves to continue the bonding process with their mothers who will teach them important lessons and guide them as they are introduced to the herd in the coming weeks,” said Matt Hohne, Animal Operations Director at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

These two latest bundles of joy represent the 13th and 14th giraffes born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening in 1998. Giraffes at Walt Disney World Resort are bred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Plan, which is a consortium of zoos and wildlife parks working together to conserve and breed animals.

Other Fun Facts about Giraffes
· The typical gestation period for a giraffe is approximately 15 months.
· An adult giraffe’s neck alone can measure up to 7-feet, and their tongues can be as long as 18 inches.
· Each giraffe has a unique set of skin markings, similar to a human fingerprint.
· Same as people, giraffes have seven neck vertebrae bones.

Video: Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. New York Tour Highlights!

Highlights from the Disney Parks "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." tour stop in New York. For rules and information about the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program

Video: Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary dinner show at Disneyland

The 40th anniversary of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion was celebrated on 9/9/09. Guests attending the special event were treated to a dinner show featuring Constance the bride, George (her groom), the hitchhiking ghosts, Madame Leota, and plenty of other characters.

This is the full dinner show. See our other videos for the dinnertime panel discussion featuring Walt Disney Imagineers and Legends.

This was recorded in Anaheim, Calif. at Disney's California Adventure inside the former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Play It theater.

ESPN Innovation Lab Opens at ESPN Wide World of Sports

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 16, 2009 - The ESPN Innovation Lab officially opened today at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The Innovation Lab provides ESPN a real-world testing ground to continue developing new ground-breaking on-air products.

“The ESPN Innovation Lab is an extension of ESPN’s commitment to being a leader in technology,” said Chuck Pagano, executive vice president, technology, ESPN. “This cutting-edge production house will foster creativity and the development of new tools to provide fans the best on-air coverage of sporting events.”

The mission of ESPN’s state-of-the-art facility is to enhance the viewer’s experience by utilizing the world-class playing fields and the 250,000 youth and pro athletes who use them annually to develop new products during actual game conditions. This working research facility will also be open at certain times of the year for visitors to view the company's emerging-technology staff at work and get a sneak peak at upcoming technological advancements.


This past summer, the lab produced two innovative production elements, Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom. Ball Track is a Doppler radar hit-tracking system that has the ability to track home runs showing the distance and height of the ball in-flight, updating continuously during the balls flight. It debuted on the 2009 MLB Home Run Derby telecast on July 13. ESPN Snap Zoom debuted on Monday Night Football on Sept. 28 and is a freeze-frame technology that brings the fan closer to the play by zooming in an area of interest and providing insight to a current action on the field thus giving the viewer a different view on a particular focus of play.

The ESPN Innovation Lab is the first major piece of a re-imagining project involving ESPN and the Disney sports complex, which is already the leading multi-sport venue in the nation. The project aims to create an immersive and entertaining sports experience for athletes, coaches and fans by incorporating the signature elements of ESPN in ways that will connect athletes and coaches with their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. The project is expected to be completed early next year and will provide a one-of-a-kind experience that athletes, coaches and fans can’t get anywhere else except Walt Disney World Resort.

“The versatility of the complex and the enormous diversity of sports events we have there make it the perfect place for ESPN or any company to develop and test their latest product innovations,’’ said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “We are thrilled to provide our athletes and coaches with the opportunity to potentially be a part of the development of ESPN’s newest and most exciting on-air products. It’s just one of the many ways this ESPN re-imagining project will help take our youth sports experience to a new level.’’

The Disney sports complex has hosted more than 200 annual events in 60 different sports involving athletes from more than 70 countries since opening in 1997. Among those events are the Atlanta Braves spring training season, Chelsea Football Club events, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, AAU National Championships, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions, USSSA events, ESPN RISE Games, Old Spice Classic and the Walt Disney World Marathon, one of the top marathons in the nation. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Video: HalloWishes fireworks, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Here is the complete Happy HalloWishes fireworks show from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Check out our other videos from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and photos at http://www.AttractionsMagazine.com

Video: Boo To You parade from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The complete Boo To You parade from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Check out our other videos from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and photos at http://www.AttractionsMagazine.com

Video: Cadaver Dans sing at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The Cadaver Dans sing a few songs in Liberty Square at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Check out our other videos from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and photos at http://www.AttractionsMagazine.com

Disney's Paradise Bay Water Refill Process Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

To perform the detailed work needed to prepare for “World of Color,” a new nighttime spectacular that will debut in spring 2010 at Disney's California Adventure® Park, the water was drained last year from Paradise Bay. Rather than releasing the water to the ocean through storm drains, the Resort partnered with the Orange County Water District (OCWD) to find a more environmentally conscientious process.

The water was sent through OCWD's new state-of-the-art Ground Water Replenishment System, where it went through an extensive purification process before it was stored in Orange County's underground water basin, adding to the county's overall water reserves. The lagoon will be refilled with clean water from the aquifer.

“Disneyland Resort proactively reached out to us to determine the best way to drain and refill their lagoon and together, we came up with a solution that minimized impact on the local water supply,” said Stephen Sheldon, president of OCWD. “We commend its effort to recycle water and its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.”

“Although this process took additional time and resources, it allows us to refill the lagoon in a manner that is respectful of the environment and mindful of the community’s future needs,” said Dela Vara.

Video: The Sum of All Thrills ride opens at Epcot's Innoventions

The grand opening for The Sum of All Thrills ride at Epcot's Innoventions was held on Oct. 14, 2009.

This video gives you a look at the process of designing your own ride and then experiencing it via the KUKA RoboCoaster arm. You also get to hear from the designers of the attraction.
Category: Travel & Events

Children’s Miracle Network Classic Creates Innovative Wine & Dine Walk Along Walt Disney World Fairways

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2009) – This year’s Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World Resort is sure to leave fans with a good taste in their mouths.

Literally.

The 2009 Classic, taking place Nov. 12-15, will feature a culinary twist distinctive among PGA TOUR events. In addition to watching exciting golf action, spectators can sip, sample and savor elaborate dishes, unique wines and select beers along the fairways of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.

The Wine & Dine Walk runs Friday through Sunday of tournament week, with food, beer and wine stations positioned on key holes along the back nine of the Magnolia course offering fans the best flavors of New England, Africa and India. Cuisine from some of Disney’s newest and most popular restaurants will be featured, including The Wave (Disney’s ContemporaryResort), Sanaa (Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) and The Turf Club Bar & Grill (Disney’s Saratoga SpringsResort & Spa). The wine, beer and cuisine offerings will range from $3.25 to $7.50. For more information, visit www.childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com.

“The Wine & Dine Walk will offer fans an enhanced golf experience that makes enjoying the tournament as easy as a ‘walk in the park,’” tournament director Kevin Weickel said. “We are bringing together the culinary expertise of our various Disney resorts to create a potpourri of cultural experiences intertwined with the drama of the final PGA TOUR Fall Series event.”

The 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Classic, the season finale of the PGA Tour Fall Series, will mark the 39th year of the PGA TOUR at Walt Disney World Resort. Davis Love III is expected to battle a marquee Fall Series field in an effort to defend his title from 2008 when he joined the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart and Raymond Floyd as winners of the prestigious Disney tournament.

Pre-event ticket sales are available exclusively through www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket booths will be located on site during the tournament where weekly badges ($20) or daily tickets ($10) can be purchased.

Golf Channel will provide its signature wrap-around news coverage of the Children’s Miracle Network Classic live and in high definition from Nov. 12-15. Coverage kicks off Thursday, from 1-4 p.m. ET.

Disney Volunteers Receive Top Honors from United Arts

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 12, 2009 – Several Disney Cast Members are in the spotlight for their stellar performances both on and off stage, thanks to special recognition from United Arts of Central Florida. The cultural organization has given 2009 Arts + Awards top volunteer honors to the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, an ensemble of Disney Cast Members, and Disney Entertainment Cast Member Cid Stoll.

United Arts’ Arts+ Awards program highlights individuals, businesses, and cultural organizations for their extraordinary contributions to the local arts community and outstanding efforts to bring the best of arts and culture to Central Florida.

Encore! Cast Choir & Orchestra: 2009 Arts + Awards Volunteer Organization of the Year

Known for performing spectacular concerts, the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra is a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 Disney Cast Members who use their talents to benefit local charities. Over the past two years, Encore! has raised more than $60,000 for United Arts of Central Florida.

“Every member of Encore! already makes millions of people happy through their work at Walt Disney World Resort,” said United Arts President and CEO Margot H. Knight. “Their willingness to share their creative talents to raise money and awareness for a variety of worthwhile causes in Central Florida during the last decade is a community gift worthy of respect and recognition.”

Since its inception in 2002, Encore! has raised more than $115,000 for local charities.

Cid Stoll: 2009 Arts + Awards Volunteer Individual of the Year

As an active member of the Central Florida arts community since 1982, Cid Stoll is hands-on in her support of cultural events. She has been a resident company member of the Orlando Theatre Project for six years, where she produces shows, coordinates volunteers, writes grants, organizes fundraising events and runs the box office. Stoll has also given a wealth of volunteer time to other local arts organizations including the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando Fringe Festival, the Orlando Rep, Central Florida Ballet and Orlando Youth Theater. By day, Stoll works for Walt Disney World Entertainment.

“Cid is the kind of volunteer every non-profit dreams of,” said United Arts President and CEO Margot H. Knight. “Her quiet professionalism, reliability, passion and selflessness are rare and valuable assets to the arts community.”

United Arts of Central Florida is a dynamic collaboration of businesses, governments, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, school districts, artists and individuals. This partnership works to enhance the quality and variety of cultural experiences available throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Since its inception in 1989, United Arts has invested more than $107 million in local cultural organizations and cultural education.

Video: New Trailer for The Princess and the Frog - Trailer [2]

The new Trailer from the new Disney's movie in 2-D, The Princess and the Frog this Holiday season.

Video: New Trailer for A Christmas Carol

A new Disney's movie, A Christmas Carol coming in this Holiday season.

Video: All New Toy Story 3 - Trailer

More adventures from Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of Andy's toys as they go on the road and out of Andy's room.

Disneyland Resort names new president

George Kalogridis, who previously oversaw Anaheim theme parks’ operations, today took over as the new president of the Disneyland Resort — the largest private employer in Orange County, Disney announced today.

Kalogridis, 55, is replacing Ed Grier, who announced his retirement last week and had his last day Friday.

Kalogridis most recently worked as the chief operating officer for the Disneyland Resort Paris.

But he served at the Anaheim resort at a crucial time — serving as senior vice president of Disneyland Resort operations from 2000 to 2002 when Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney opened.

Kalogridis was brought in specifically for the addition. Now, California Adventure is in the middle of a $1-billion expansion, which began two years ago.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Disneyland, particularly during this exciting time of significant expansion,” said Kalogridis in a prepared statement.

“I look forward to working with the cast who make the magic for our guests every day and partnering with the Orange County community to ensure the Anaheim Resort Area continues to thrive,” he said.

For 38 years, Kalogridis has worked at the company, starting as a busboy at the opening of the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World in Florida and rising up to EPCOT’s vice president. He has also served as a general manager of the Grand Floridian Beach Resort, in human resources at Walt Disney World and on the development team for the Paris park.

“George is a proven strategic thinker whose operational expertise and strong leadership skills will serve him well in leading the Disneyland Resort,” said Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a prepared statement. “We are excited to welcome him back to California and look forward to his leadership as we continue to expand and grow this beloved place.”

About 20,000 employees work at the Disneyland Resort, which includes two theme parks, Downtown Disney and three hotels on 560 acres in Anaheim. The resort contributes about $3.7 billion annually to the local economy, according to a Disney press release.

Video: Mickey Mouse Rides the Rails: From KC to LA

Mickey Mouse paid a visit to Kansas City as he celebrated the unveiling of the latest Mickey Mouse-inspired toy train set, Mickeys Magic Choo Choo. Mickey boarded a train departing Union Station bound for Los Angeles, where he will arrive in time for the Disney Channel primetime special, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express airing Sunday, October 25th (7:00-7:45 p.m. ET/PT).

Video: Look inside the New Disney Gallery

The Disney Gallery reopened October 2 in the former Bank of Main Street in Disneyland. The Disney Gallery will feature Walt Disney Imagineerings cherished concept art and Disney inspired artwork by current and former Imagineers and Disney Artists.

Video: Disney Parks' JaMMitors Tour Crew!

The JaMMitors Percussion Tour Crew from the Disney Parks Give a Day, Get a Disney Day Tour.

Nominate a UK Twinned Town with Walt Disney World, Florida.

Find out how your town, village or city could be twinned with Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. And if you win this fantastic competition, you could be whisked off to twinning ceremony in the Magic Kingdom! For more information, visit www.waltdisneyworldtwinnedtown.co.uk

Video: THE LION KING - Tokyo Production

Get a peek at THE LION KING in Tokyo -- with song lyrics in Japanese! Subtitles coming soon...

Video: Mickey Mouse: Then & Now from Disney Living

Disney Living gives you a fresh look on Mickeys evolution, where hes been and where he's going. We bet you'll learn something new about the world's most loved mouse.

Disney Cast Member's Steps Up for Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2009 – Nearly 300 Disney VoluntEARS slipped on sneakers Saturday morning to put their best foot forward in the Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk at Loch Haven Park. Taking the three-mile walk in stride, Disney Cast Members raised more than $8,000 for research and education to help fight heart disease and stroke.

“When you combine a fitness activity with a great cause, everyone wins,” says Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises, who serves on the board of directors for the Central Florida chapter of American Heart Association and participated in the morning stroll.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the nation's No.1and No.3 killers and claim about 870,000 lives a year. Furthermore, each year Americans suffer 1.2 million heart attacks.

Like many of the participants, Disney Entertainment Cast Member John Gardner has a personal connection to the cause and was walking “in memory” of a family member.

“My mom died of heart-related disease caused by stress, so I want to help raise money and awareness,” said Gardner.

As the signature fund-raising event for the American Heart Association since 1994, the Start! Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family-friendly environment. More than 10,000 walkers participated in the 2009 Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk and raised funds to save lives from heart disease and stroke.

Brian Wilson Signs with Walt Disney Records

Beach Boys Co-Founder to Record Two Albums, Including Covers of George and Ira Gershwin Classics

Wilson to Craft Collaborative Compositions from Previously Unpublished Music from George Gershwin

Two giants of popular entertainment have come together as Brian Wilson, the pioneering musical genius who co-founded the Beach Boys and wrote many of the band's greatest hits, has signed with Walt Disney Records.

In the months ahead, Wilson will record two new solo albums for the label's Disney Pearl imprint, including one featuring covers of classic songs by great American songwriters, George and Ira Gershwin.

Ed Grier To Retire as President of Disneyland Resorts

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier plans to retire effective Friday after three years of leading a major theme-park expansion and weathering a stormy debate over housing near theme parks.

Grier today announced he would leave his job overseeing Orange County’s largest private employer with about 20,000 workers at two theme parks, three hotels and a retail-entertainment complex. A replacement has yet to be named, said Lisa Haines, vice president of Disneyland Resort communications.

“I have been humbled and honored during the past three years as I’ve watched your hard work create smiles and laughter, and delight our Guests. The power of Disney magic never ceases to amaze me, and your passion will always be a source of inspiration,” Grier wrote in a memo to employees.


He declined interview requests today (To learn more abut Grier, click here for a short bio).

The Disneyland Resort job concludes a 28-career with the company, where he started as a senior auditor at Walt Disney World and ended up working in nearly every Disney theme park.

Grier, 54, stated that he has been considering the move for about a year in the memo. Haines said Grier has been discussing the possibility over the last few months with his superiors.

“One defining moment came when my wife and I moved our youngest son into his dorm at Stanford this fall. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past and consider the next chapter of our own lives,” said Grier, who has three sons. “I have had a long and rewarding career with the Walt Disney Company, and am excited to explore what’s next.”

Grier plans to help his son, Michael, who is in film school at Chapman University, with a post-production company that he recently started in Orange.

During Grier’s tenure, the resort began a $1-billion expansion of Disney’s California Adventure and constructed the company’s first West Coast timeshare units at the Grand Californian Hotel, which opened last month. Grier also helped lead Disney’s fight against the Anaheim City Council, which was considering a major housing development near Disney property. The developer eventually backed out of the proposal.

Grier’s retirement comes at a time when Disneyland Resort’s theme parks have experienced a 10-percent hike in attendance in the most recent quarter compared to the prior year, faring better than other Disney parks. However, revenue at all parks has dropped, according to the company’s most-recent financial report.

Disneyland had about 14.7 million visitors last year — the second-highest at a theme park in the world, according to the Themed Entertainment Association.

Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, said he was surprised Grier is leaving, but that Grier made a major impact with the expansion efforts.

“Ed is a crucial guy to the city of Anaheim and the whole economic fabric,” Ahlers said. “Those are big projects with lots of money and lots of ramifications to the marketplace. He clearly was in a powerful position.”

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said Grier cooperated with the city on major issues, including transportation, housing and venue expansions, during his tenure.

“There have been a lot of critical points that we worked directly with Ed on. And he has been a very good partner in that whole process,” Pringle said.

Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ worldwide operations, lauded Grier for his efforts both at the park and in the community.

“Ed’s leadership style has facilitated a culture of collaboration that has earned him the respect of the community and the Cast,” Weiss stated in a memo to employees.

Al Lutz, editor of MiceAge.com, a Disney watchdog blog, said Grier was known more as a behind-the-scenes leader, instead of regularly going to the theme parks like his predecessor.

Grier’s departure comes as a shake-up is underway at Walt Disney Studios, where chief Dick Cook left last month. Lutz said he expects other shake-ups will come in other Disney divisions.

The Disney Gallery Reopens in a New Location; ‘Enchanting the Classics’ is the Theme of the Inaugural Show in Former Bank of Main Street

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2009) – The Disney Gallery reopens Oct. 2 in its new home near Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland. The first art exhibit, “Enchanting the Classics,” will focus on how the artists of Walt Disney Imagineering have kept beloved Disneyland attractions, such as Jungle Cruise, Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean, fresh and exciting over the years with enhancements and surprises.

NEW GALLERY LOCATION: The relocated Disney Gallery is now in the former Bank of Main Street. The design maintains elements of the bank – select pieces will be displayed inside the vault – while building on the charming turn-of-the-century atmosphere of Main Street, U.S.A. Kim Irvine, director of Concept & Show Design for Walt Disney Imagineering, Anaheim, notes that the gallery now features an elegant Victorian interior with chandeliers, fancy moldings and hand-woven carpets.

THREE ROOMS: In addition to the bank vault with its special highlighted artwork, The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. will feature three large display rooms.

· One room will feature historic Walt Disney Imagineering conceptual art created during the development and enhancement of attractions.
· One room will showcase Disney-inspired art by current and former Disney artists and Imagineers.
· One room will feature prints (including on-the-spot Print on Demand), sculpture, books and other items for sale to guests and collectors.

“It’s great to be able to exhibit the work of our Imagineers and new artists,” Irvine said. “Many of them are still working in traditional media – water color, oils, sculpture – and I think it’s wonderful to showcase all of their talents.”

‘ENCHANTING THE CLASSICS’: The inaugural show in The Disney Gallery will focus on the enhancements that keep classic Disneyland attractions fresh and surprising. Irvine explains: “When we temporarily close one of our popular attractions for refurbishment, our guests expect that there will be some ‘new magic’ added. In the past five years, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, the Enchanted Tiki Room and “it’s a small world” have all undergone planned enhancements, which our guests have really enjoyed.”

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE DISNEY GALLERY: Two special events for guests and collectors are planned for The Disney Gallery in October. Both are free with park admission.

· Disney artists and Imagineers whose commissioned work appears in “Enchanting the Classics” will appear in a Disney Gallery signing event on Saturday, Oct. 10.
· An event showcasing art that celebrates Haunted Mansion Holiday and “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” will take place in The Disney Gallery on Saturday, Oct. 17.

‘ART HISTORY’ OF THE DISNEY GALLERY:

· The Disney Gallery originally opened on July 11, 1987, in the rooms above the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean.
· The rooms were originally designed as a private apartment for Walt Disney, who passed away before the work was completed.
· The first show in The Disney Gallery in 1987 was “The Art of Disneyland.” It featured many one-of-a-kind pieces created in planning Disneyland attractions. Highlights included Herb Ryman’s iconic paintings (created before construction began) of the proposed Sleeping Beauty Castle and a bird’s-eye view of the lands of Disneyland, along with Mary Blair’s concept art for “it’s a small world,” Sam McKim’s ghostly Haunted Mansion exterior and Eyvind Earle’s elegant paintings of scenes for the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough.
· In the ensuing years, exhibits in The Disney Gallery included concept art for proposed attractions that were never built (“The Disneyland That Never Was”); art, props and costumes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and films; and an offbeat display of illustrations originally created for Little Golden Book versions of classic Disney tales.
· The Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square closed on Aug. 7, 2007, to make way for the Disneyland Dream Suite, a realization of Walt Disney’s original concept of a private apartment in New Orleans Square.
· On Main Street, U.S.A. The Disney Gallery will have a new neighbor: President Lincoln. When the refreshed “Disneyland Story featuring Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” opens in December, guests will be able to enter The Disney Gallery from the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, and vice versa.

The Disneyland Resort features two theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The resort’s three hotels are the luxurious, newly expanded 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 970-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Video:The Disneyland Story TV Show From 1990 with Harry Anderson

1 of 5. The Disneyland Story is hosted by Harry Anderson and was aired around the 1990's. You hop aboard the Disneyland railroad for a time traveling trip back into Disneyland history. The special covers the history of Disneyland from its conception to the future projects in store.

Note: This special is not to be confused with "The Disneyland Story" from 1954 where Walt introduced his plans for Disneyland.

Video: WDW - Mickey's not so scarry Halloween Party

WDW - Mickey's not so scarry Halloween Party

Video: Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. Launch Highlights!

Highlights from the Disney Parks "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." official announcement. For rules and information about the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program, visit http://www.disneyparks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) or http://www.disneyparks.ca (for Canada).

Video: Waldorf Astoria Orlando & Hilton Orlando grand opening

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek held their official grand opening on Oct. 1, 2009. In attendance was Governor of Florida Charlie Crist among other government representatives from Central Florida.

This is the only other Waldorf Astoria location outside of New York.

Vol. 2: From Screen to Shelf, Disney*Pixar Toy Story

Disney toy designers discuss the inspiration behind their desire to create toys.

Video From Disney: A Day at the Magic Kingdom

A stop-motion video, from sunrise to sunset, day at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida. It looks like the footage is being taken from a miniature model of the park, but actually it is fast slides of photos taken live. One of my favorites DIsney has released.

Video: Five-City "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" Tour

Beloved Disney characters traveled to Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and Toronto, Sept 30, 2009, announcing a new program celebrating the spirit of volunteer service - Give a Day, Get a Disney Day. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park. For rules and information about the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program, visit www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) or www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada).