Posts
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Video: The Disney Team found 25,000 pieces of colored paper and a 10-foot wall to create “Mickey Notes”
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Yan Chai Hospital and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort celebrate ‘Chinese Birthdays’ with more than 100 senior citizens and Disney friend Tigger
(February 20, 2010－Hong Kong) Volunteers from Yan Chai Hospital, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Tsuen Wan District Council, District Administration (Tsuen Wan District) and Social Welfare Department (Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing) today celebrated the seventh day of Chinese New Year, which is known as “everyone’s birthday”, with over a hundred senior citizens. They enjoyed a delicious pun choi, a traditional banquet which symbolizes a joyous and meaningful Chinese New Year.
Energetic Disney friend Tigger, joined the event bringing “Year of the Tiger” surprises to the elderly by presenting them with a huge Chinese birthday bun.
“With the belief of ‘Care for the Senior with Love and Respect’, Yan Chai has been developing her elderly services for nearly 30 years. Today, we would like to celebrate the traditional Chinese big day with the elders and hope that they would enjoy the ‘pun choi’ as well,” highlighted by Mrs. Christy Tung, Chairlady of Yan Chai Hospital
“Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is dedicated to community service and caring about those in need,” said Peter Lowe, Vice President, Hotels Operations, Food & Beverage, Business Solution & Events Operations, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, “Today the Resort extends our best wishes to the elderly with a huge birthday bun, a great Chinese dinner and the appearance of our Disney friend Tigger.”
This birthday party was jointly organized by Yan Chai Hospital
The oldest guest in the party, Leung, enjoyed cerebrating her 88’s birthday with all of her friends, together with the lovely Disney friend Tigger. Kim-wan Leung, who born in Year of Tiger 72 year ago, did love the huge Chinese Birthday Bun.
US Navy joins hands with Disney VoluntEARS in Hong Kong to celebrate Chinese New Year with local elderly and children
Children who participated in the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service‘s ‘Hey! Green!’ project volunteered to teach the crew how to make these Chinese specialties. Under the guidance of the children and Disney VoluntEARS, the crew enjoyed the cooking process.
To show their gratitude towards the crew, two of the elderly people from the Grace Nursing Home taught the crew Chinese calligraphy in order for them to write Chinese “fai chuns”.
One of the Disney VoluntEARS, Noble Coker, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s Park Operations Vice President, was glad that he had the chance to spread the blessings of the Year of Tiger to the community. “Although we have a special event at the Resort to celebrate the Year of Tiger, we want to share some Disney magic with the Hong Kong community. I wish you all a very happy Chinese New Year!”
An 88-year-old grandpa called Tsang Ho learnt Chinese calligraphy when he was small but this was the first time that he had taught his skill, “I am very proud! I never imagined that I would have the chance to teach foreigners Chinese calligraphy during Chinese New Year. I am glad that I can promote this Chinese tradition.”
“It is difficult to write Chinese words, but the experience was great and very meaningful” said Chelsea McCray. Ed Agustin from the crew was taught how to make dumplings. He said, “It’s been great to learn how to make dumplings. I will try to make these for my sons in the US, they will love them!”
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Video: Toy Story 3 Toys Drop In at Toy Fair
Green Army Men, Buzz, Woody, Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, John Lasseter and Lee Unkrich show off the new Toy Story 3 toy line at the 2010 American International Toy Fair in New York City. Lasseter gives us some insight to Lotsos history as he smells his strawberry tummy.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Video: Disneyland Resort Window Display Designers
At the Disneyland Resort, every role is a starring role! The Resort's window designers have the unique job of designing, theming, fabricating and installing window displays located throughout the property. Designers are part of the Resort Enhancement team. Their job takes place behind the scenes, but their work impacts Resort guests every day.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
FunFacts: a salute to volunteerism in a sculpture that will feed thousands
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – To dramatize the spirit of giving, Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday (Feb. 11, 2010) unveiled a mammoth wall of canned goods – destined as a donation to food banks in Orlando, Miami and Atlanta. Here are some fun facts about the sculpture:
· A team made up of Disney VoluntEARS and project leaders devoted more than 500 “man hours” over a four-day period to construct the sculpture.
· More than 115,000 cans of food – plus assorted boxes and bags of food items – were used in the sculpture, anchored by a larger-than-life Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto.
· Mickey’s famous head was shaped from cans of black olives, and cans of sliced pineapple made up Pluto’s eyes. Containers of Atlantic salmon were used to construct a portion of Goofy’s face while cans of tuna made up Donald’s hat. Common to each character: pupils made from pans of popcorn.
· If all the cans making up the sculpture were stacked on top of one another, the topmost can would be more than a mile above the 29,035-foot summit of Mt. Everest.
· The sculpture contains approximately 44 tons of food – everything from albacore tuna and apricot halves to spaghetti, stewed tomatoes and mixed vegetables – destined to become more than 70,000 meals for the needy.
· Guinness World Records, the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement, on Thursday authenticated the structure as the Largest Canned Food Structure ever created. The previous record for a can sculpture was 54,527 cans, set in June 2009 in New Zealand, Guiness said.
· Following a “Kodak moment,” the sculpture was to be disassembled Thursday afternoon – a process expected to take approximately six hours and involve as many as 200 people led by 25 Disney VoluntEARS and project leaders.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Disney Parks Celebrates Volunteerism!
On Thursday, February 11th, Disney Parks celebrated the spirit of giving with the "Celebrate Family Volunteer" event. Enjoy the highlights, and if you'd like to learn more about the "Give a day. Get a Disney Day." program, please visit: http://www.disneyparks.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Walt Disney World Resort Showcases New Entertainment, Fantasy and Family Fun By Land and By Sea
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2010) – The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. A wave of new ships, entertainment and activities at sea. A relaunch that brings together the world’s top family destination with the worldwide leader in sports.
Disney executives Wednesday released new details on exciting additions coming to Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line and newly renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Fantasyland Expansion (groundbreaking 2010) – This three-year construction project will result in the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. For the first time, guests will be able to step into their favorite Disney fairy tales to have more magical and immersive encounters with Disney princesses. Each princess will have her own themed village within Fantasyland Forest. At Dreams Come True with Cinderella , guests can meet Cinderella face to face in her country chateau, share a dance or train to be one of her Royal Knights. At A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty, it is party time inside the Briar Rose Cottage, nestled in a lush, forest setting. The three good fairies give Aurora the Sweet 16 party she never received, and everyone’s invited to join in the surprise celebration. And an enchanted mirror will transport guests from Belle’s father’s cottage to Beast’s castle for an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle.
The new district will invite parkgoers to the Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted dining rooms inside Beast’s castle. And just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed eatery. Meanwhile, in the new Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.
The big top comes to Dumbo’s Flying Circus with a magical flight high above brand-new circus grounds, twice the size of the classic attraction. Inside a stylized tent, guests enjoy midway games and other fun-filled experiences.
Perfecting Paradise – A Magical Makeover for Castaway Cay (2010) – Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Enhancements include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas for guests to cool off, a new teen retreat and 20 new private rental cabanas offering the ultimate in beachside luxury. The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010.
New Sailings for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder (2010, 2011) – In 2010, the Disney Magic will sail to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises. Book-ending the summer season of 12-night Northern European Capitals cruises, theDisney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean for 10- and 11-night cruises, with three new ports of call – Tunis in northern Africa, the island nation of Marta, and Ajaccio, Corsica. In the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will sail four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In the summer of 2011, the Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
Disney Cruise Line Expanding Its Fleet (2011, 2012)– The Walt Disney Company is expanding its successful cruise vacation business by adding two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, to set sail in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 1,250-passenger liners will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Now under construction, the Disney Dream will offer magical innovations, engaging children’s spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Relaunch (February 2010) – A re-imagining project involving ESPN and the Disney sports complex, the leading multi-sport venue in the nation, aims to create immersive and entertaining sports experiences for athletes, coaches and fans by incorporating signature elements of ESPN in ways that will connect athletes and coaches with their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. Guests will discover a new welcome center, a digital center where video captured by 56 high-definition robotic and handheld cameras across the 220-acre sports campus is edited for display on 40 video screens and two “jumbotrons” throughout the complex as part of a veritable Wide World of SportsCenter, and the new ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, technical staff will continue work in the Innovation Lab to develop ground-breaking ESPN on-air products – using the action throughout the complex as a real-world testing environment.
That’s not all. Exciting coming attractions for Disney include new dining, retail – and even extend to a “galaxy far, far away.” An all-new 3-D version of the popular Star Tours attraction launches in 2011 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the “Star Wars” galaxy.
Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again as Walt Disney World Resort Launches ‘Summer Nightastic!’
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2010) – The “Main Street Electrical Parade” lights up the streets of Magic Kingdom and headlines a season of after-dark excitement coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
“After the sun goes down, our Walt Disney World parks will light up the night with ‘Summer Nightastic!’, ” announced Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort, at a media event Wednesday.
Disney magic will shine and shimmer in a whole new light. Here’s a look around:
- With floats and characters appearing for the first time at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” returns with its joyous sights and sounds. Direct from Disneyland and marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the cherished parade will be led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White join the parade this summer, aboard bright new floats. Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” is set for its summer-long nighttime premiere in early June at Magic Kingdom.
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The Twilight Zone ™ Tower of Terror welcomes “drop-ins” this summer with even more pulse-racing surprises. New lighting effects and the addition of a new drop sequence, created especially for “Summer Nightastic!”, will bring unexpected frights to guests who step into that infamous service elevator. If they dare. - What could be more summery than fireworks on a star-studded night? Magic Kingdom will treat guests to a special summer fireworks spectacular. The night sky will explode in vivid colors and brilliant visual effects as whimsical music fills the air.
- Other fun! The return of the Sounds Like Summer concert series to Epcot and extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom several times a week add up to summer fun as only Disney can do – at all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Video: Walt Disney Signature Dream Home
Disney Living takes you on a tour of the Walt Disney Signature Collection. From office furniture to wallpaper to a surround sound home theater system!
Disney Cruise Line Brings Fun in the Sun, Water Play For Little Ones and Goofy’s Golf on the Disney Dream
These additions, announced today, one year from the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream, offer new experiences for guests of all ages.
Goofy’s Sports Deck
On Goofy’s Sports Deck, the magic tees off on deck 13 with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead guests through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist. Lessons include:
• “Handling a dog leg” – Guests avoid a fire hydrant and use Pluto’s dog bone to guide them to the hole.
• “Stuck in the rough” – Goofy shows golfers how to avoid the tall turf and steer clear of a lawn mower.
• “Reading the green” – Stacks of books and a large magnifying glass are obstacles to circumvent on this undulating green.
• “Attacking the green” – Yo ho, yo ho! Golfers and landlubbers take a swashbuckling approach to sinking their putt on this pirate-themed hole.
Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with guests and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.
Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball, golf and more. With the simulators, guests can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.
Max’s Courts are two mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.
Nemo’s Reef
Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney•Pixar film, “
Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet-deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).
Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main guest entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar
Reserved exclusively for guests 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar is a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.
One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. A series of connected circular pools includes a 4-foot-deep plunge pool and a 6-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.
Nearby, on the sides of deck 11, guests can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.
AquaDuck and More!
The Disney Dream will feature the world’s first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.
Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.
As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo’s Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.
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“Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” is launched Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
(February 7, 2010 – Hong Kong) Hong Kong Disneyland Resort today spreads blessings to the community for the Year of the Tiger by enlisting the help of around 600 volunteers to kick off the all new “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” community program.
“Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” is aimed at promoting volunteer participation and has the support of the 18 District Councils. From now until late March this year, all Hong Kong residents who have participated in eight hours of volunteer work coordinated or supported by the District Council can have a one-day complimentary park ticket for Hong Kong Disneyland.
Today, the program was officially launched in a very special way. Volunteers were joined by Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ip Kwok-him, Legislative Council Representative of District Council Functional Constituency, representatives from the 18 districts and Andrew Kam Min-ho, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Managing Director to make 500 beautiful mandarin trees with colorful towels to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. To share the New Year joy, volunteers then presented the mandarin trees to elderly people living alone in the Yau Tsim Mong District.
“Hong Kong Disneyland's generous donation to recognize the service of family volunteers is an exemplary undertaking of corporate social responsibility that merits warm commendation,”said Guest of Honor Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare. “The offer not only gives our volunteers a chance to spend an enjoyable day at the Park during Chinese New Year, but also helps strengthen ties between family members.”
As one of the leaders of the event, Legislator Ip Kwok-him said, “We are delighted to join hands with Hong Kong Disneyland to encourage families to participate in volunteer activities. We hope that the 18 District Councils can continue to co-operate with the Park to bring happiness to local people. Together we can make Hong Kong more harmonious.”
‘Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is delighted to be launching the “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day: 18 Districts Volunteer Program” in Hong Kong,’ said Andrew Kam Min-ho, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Managing Director, “The program promotes volunteer work by offering more than19,000 complimentary park tickets to 18 district, echoing the government’s call to build happy families.’
“Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” has been launched to encourage Hong Kong residents to participate in volunteer work, contribute to the community and care about the environment. The program will offer charities support with their volunteer work throughout the year.
* Limited complimentary tickets distributed on a first come, first served basis. The complimentary tickets are non-transferable.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Disney Animal Experts Say Farewell to Flippered and Furry Friends
During the next few weeks, animal managers, veterinarians and behaviorists will wish farewell to dozens of endangered animals that will return to their native Florida habitat after spending weeks, months or even years with members of the Disney team. The animals range from a tiny, 11-ounce endangered rodent to a recently rehabilitated four-pound sea turtle to an eight-foot, 828-pound manatee. Whether flippers or feet, the common thread is that each one has received top-notch care as a reflection of Disney’s commitment to animal conservation and wildlife rehabilitation.
CRACKING THE CODE ON WOODRAT LOVE
Most recently, the animal care team collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Lowry Park Zoo on the first-ever reintroduction of 14 Key Largo woodrats to the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The woodrats were bred at both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa as part of a recovery plan to augment the existing population found only in Key Largo. Scientists estimate that this native species has dwindled to about 500 after years of habitat loss, drought and the invasion of non-native animal species, such as the Burmese python.
“Although small in size, the Key Largo woodrat plays a larger role in the circle of life,” according to Anne Savage, senior conservation biologist at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Through diligent study, we may be able to link these tiny rodents to the distribution of essential sources of food for other animals. That activity could facilitate the growth of fungus, trees and other fauna. That’s an important reason to be concerned about saving them.”
Prior to their release at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Key Largo woodrats were placed in individual enclosures with nest structures designed and built by refuge volunteers. Supplemental food was provided for nearly a week while conservation biologists observed the animals in their new environment and felt comfortable removing the animals’ protective enclosures. Each animal has been fitted with radio-collared transmitter which will help scientists track their movements once released.
Breeding this elusive species was a challenge since scientists had very little information about social structure, reproductive biology or ecology. Through diligent research, Disney animal experts studied the behavior of this nocturnal animal and found ways to successfully breed 30 of the native species. Since June 2006, 18 litters have been born in Disney’s colony with litter size ranging from one to three pups.
Aside from scientific discovery, researchers develop special attachments to many of the Key Largo woodrats. “It feels similar to sending children off to college,” said Savage. “As scientists, we hope the woodrats have cultivated the skills to survive on their own and they will be successful in their natural habitat. It’s exciting to be part of this conservation effort and see them move on to their next chapter.”
Facts on Key Largo Woodrats
· Key Largo woodrats share little in common with the average city rat.
· The rodents make their homes in the forested areas to avoid human interaction.
· Gestation period is estimated between 37-40 days.
· In the wild, males and females live separately and only come together for breeding.
“SEA”KING HELP FOR SEA TURTLES
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, Disney Animal Programs supports the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 1,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. During the past month, hundreds of Disney Cast Members rallied to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in their efforts to rehabilitate as many as 4,500 sea turtles impacted by cold temperatures around the state. Because turtles are cold-blooded, frigid waters slow their metabolism which may lead to life-threatening comas.
As part of this rescue effort, Walt Disney World Cast Members logged over 10,000 miles throughout the state carrying more than 500 rescued turtles to warmers waters or rehabilitation facilities. They also delivered much-needed equipment and critical medical supplies including towels, bedspreads, syringes, ointments and pharmaceuticals to areas in need.
To assist efforts in South Florida, Disney sent a team of veterinarians and hospital staff on a proverbial “house call” to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. Working alongside several other surgeons, technicians and volunteers, the Disney veterinarians performed delicate surgeries to remove tumors from the eyes and fins of the green sea turtles in a makeshift, M*A*S*H-like field hospital along the beach. While still recovering from their surgeries, the sea turtles will eventually be released back into the warm waters off South Florida’s coast.
At Walt Disney World Resort, engineers and water science experts quickly prepared for an incoming group of animal guests and converted a backstage area into a temporary rehabilitation facility – setting up heated, salt-water pools for 14 critically injured sea turtles that may require months of care. Once rehabilitation is complete, the sea turtles will be released back into the wild in the same area where they were rescued.
“Some of these sea turtles will require intense medical treatment over a prolonged period,” according to Mark Stetter, DVM, Director of Animal Health at Disney’s Animal Programs. “We want to be sure that we provide top-notch medical care wherever we can –whether it’s on a Florida beach, an African savannah or a state-of-the-art veterinary facility. Ultimately, our intent is to contribute to the world’s knowledge base of animals through research conducted in a broad spectrum of disciplines, all intended to improve care for animals in zoological habitats and conservation efforts in the wild.”
Since 1986, Disney animal care teams have nursed more than 250 endangered sea turtles back to health. Many of the turtles have been rescued from cold northern waters, nursed back to health at Disney and released in Florida.
MANATEE GETS EARLY RELEASE
With one team focused on sea turtles, another group of Disney marine mammal experts are getting ready to return a manatee to its natural habitat in Brevard County later in February. With only 5,000 around the state, manatees are considered an endangered species around Florida.
This particular manatee, named “Kringle” was rescued from the Indian River in 2008 as part of a manatee rehabilitation program managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kringle arrived at The Seas with Nemo & Friends after suffering cold stress and missing his right front pectoral flipper from an earlier, unknown incident. During his 14-month rehabilitation, Kringle received treatment and therapy from marine mammal experts and now weighs more than 800 pounds.
Kringle will be fitted with a satellite tracking belt to follow his movements and allow for behavioral observation after his release. His progress will be monitored by the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) in which Disney’s Animal Programs has been involved since 2001 when the MRP was established. The MRP is a cooperative group of nonprofit, private, state and federal entities that monitors the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees.
“After caring for an animal like Kringle for several months, it’s easy to become attached,” said Jane Davis, curator at the Seas. “While it’s often hard to say farewell, there’s also a lot of joy to see an animal return to his natural home.”
Disney guests also play an important role in the rehabilitation of wildlife through their contributions to The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, (DWCF). Through its Rapid Response Fund, DWCF recently donated $50,000 to help facilities rescue and care for sea turtles and other animals affected by the cold weather.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Opening of IBM SmarterPlanet exhibit in Epcot's Innoventions at Walt Disney World
The IBM SmarterPlanet exhibit in Epcot's Innoventions held its grand opening on Jan. 29, 2010 with a ribbon cutting featuring Mickey Mouse.
SmarterPlanet offers visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how technology is helping solve the worlds most complex problems. Hands-on interactive kiosks offer guests a match game that reveals societal and technological implications of creating a smarter planet.
The exhibit also features Runtime, created by Walt Disney Imagineering, which transforms guests into personalized avatars as part of the video game experience. Players run, jump and dance through a timeline of IBM's achievements in the history of computing, journeying from the Babbage computer, through vacuum tubes and chips and bits, to the Internet. Guests can also e-mail their personalized version of the game to any computer, extending the Runtime experience to their home.
The exhibit is powered by a new Smarter Data Center.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Year of Tiger Celebration Begins Today
(Hong Kong, February 4, 2010) To welcome the arrival of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is presenting the Year of the Tiger Celebration to media today. From February 5 to 28, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals in their stylish new costumes are ready to greet visiting Guests from across the region. Hong Kong Disneyland Managing Director Andrew Kam, along with singer Kelly Chen joined Mickey to present the first showing of the all-new Disney’s Jumping Jam.
Managing Director Andrew Kam hopes to bring a truly relaxing family vacation to Hong Kong residents and tourists this Chinese New Year. “The Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals for the Chinese community. Our entire Cast is dedicated to providing our Guests with unique festivities presented in Disney’s truly creative style. We also want to ensure everyone will enjoy their visit and bring home the very best holiday memories, no matter how old you are,” he said.
Guests can take a leisurely walk along Main Street U.S.A and be immersed in the festive spirit as they meet their favorite Disney Friends in new costumes; take photos along the lucky trail; check out the new merchandise in the stores or enjoy delicious traditional cuisine. There are multiple shows of the all-new Disney’s Jumping Jam and the popular Celebration in the Street ready for Guests to enjoy throughout the day. Flower lovers will be delighted with the all-new Lucky Trail.
Kam added, “When we create the new year celebration activities, we want to make sure we are offering our Guests the very best of good wishes for the new year. . On behalf of Hong Kong Disneyland, I wish everyone the best of luck and happiness in the Year of the Tiger!”
In the all-new Disney’s Jumping Jam, a 360 degree stage has been placed in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle for the first time ever, allowing Guests to view the show from all angles. The various levels of the stage are filled with Chinese drums in different sizes, the drum which takes pride of place at the centre of the stage is 2.5 meters tall and 7 meters wide. Mickey leads over 30 drummers, acrobats and cast members in their festive costumes to show off their talents in this one-of-a-kind performance, inviting everyone to join and clap along.
The Park’s Entertainment Team has invited a renowned percussion group based in Xian, China, to collaborate in this new show. Led by An Zhi Shun, an 80-year-old percussion master who has received great acclaim internationally and is known as the “Beethoven of Chinese Percussion” in mainland China, the group has arranged and will perform the percussion part of the Jumping Jam show together with other dynamic performances by acrobats, dancers and everyone’s favorite Disney characters. While Disney is well-known for its attention to details, the whole show is a feast for the eyes and ears with its unique combination of stage design, musical arrangement, art direction and costume design.
Lisa Tsang, Senior Producer at the Park feels that it is a fabulous opportunity for her team to work with An Zhi Shun’s percussion group. “We are thrilled about this collaboration as it has brought a new dimension to our production. Mr. An told me that he is delighted to see how the percussion group and all performance elements are weaved seamlessly into the show. As they usually perform on a theater stage, the experience to perform on a 360 degree audience facing stage while enjoying the interactive experience with Guests has become one of his most memorable productions.”
The popular Lucky Trail will bring even more good luck with its brand new look this year. Eight Disney Character figurines made with over 18 types of flowers symbolizing Happiness, Wealth, Longevity, Romance, Success in Studies, Harmony, Achievement, and Prosperity are featured in gorgeous settings. Before embarking on the journey along the lucky trail, Guests can pick up a Lucky Trail Sticker Card at the Sticker Card Collection Counter. After playing games at each stop on the Lucky Trail, Guests can return to the Sticker Card Collection Counter and redeem special edition stickers.
Mickey and Minnie will be capturing the spotlight this year with their stylish Year of the Tiger outfits, specially designed by superstar Kelly Chen thanks to her inspirational taste in fashion. The themes of their outfits are prosperity and luck, with gold as the main color. Mickey’s outfit is tastefully decorated with lucky traditional Chinese symbols such as plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo with jade green patterns. With fine gold-colored plum detailing, Minnie’s lovely dress (qi pao) is embroidered with a large, red plum blossom. Disney Friends including Donald Duck, Daisy, Pluto, and Chip & Dale will also dress in the festive spirit with new costumes. And Goofy will appear as the God of Fortune on Main Street U.S.A. to take photos with Guests and wish them a happy Chinese New Year.
Mickey will be the ‘maestro’ leading the Celebration in the Street on Main Street U.S.A twice every day. This colorful procession includes Chinese Drummers in an energetic drum routine, and also features a magnificent golden dragon along with an elaborate display of giant puppets, fantastic costumes, and many more. Guests will get into the New Year spirit as Minnie presents a beautiful fan dance and Goofy dresses up as Disney’s God of Fortune!
Main Street U.S.A. will also be filled with other live entertainment throughout the day, with traditional and modern Chinese New Year-themed performers including Drummers and Lion Dancers spreading joy and happiness all around.
Hong Kong Disneyland will offer a complete Chinese New Year experience with delicious specialty food items from traditional Chinese snacks to the most elaborate sit-down dinner, available throughout the Park and at the two Disney-themed hotels. Guests can bring home the best of luck with 88 “Mickey Family in the Year of Tiger” merchandise items, and 18 exclusive items from the “Hong Kong Disneyland Exclusive KxM collection” designed by Kelly Chen including unique clothing and accessories for women. The Park will also offer a range of Valentine items to celebrate the season of love!
The Park will transform into the Happiest Land of Fortune with decorations in colors that symbolize good luck. The Gods of Prosperity, Happiness and Longevity will be in the Park to wish everyone a good beginning to the Year of the Tiger. Those who want to challenge their artistic talents can go to the Animation Academy to draw Mickey, Donald and Tigger in their Chinese New Year costumes.
From February 5 to 28, Guests can make their very own Chinese New Year Decorations at the Kids’ Zone in Fantasyland every Saturday and Sunday. From the first day of Chinese New Year (February 14) to February 18, everyone will receive a Laisee with a large chocolate gold coin upon entering the Park.
To take part in the lucky Year of the Tiger Celebration, Guests can purchase tickets at the Ticket Booths in the Main Entrance of the Hong Kong Disneyland Park, front desks of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland at Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at MTR Hong Kong Station, selected Circle K outlets and online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com.
Please call (852) 1-830-830 or visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com for more ticketing details of the Year of the Tiger Celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland.
2010: New Generation Festival arrives at Disneyland Paris
January 2010 LONDON: From Princess Tiana to Buzz Lightyear, Remy, Stitch and Sulley, the newest generation of Disney’s much-loved Characters arrives in fantastic shows and parades next Spring 2010 at Disneyland Paris.
The year-long new generation festival will kick off 2 April and continue through March 2011 with innovative Character experiences in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. And in Summer 2010, the all-new Toy Story Playland premieres at Walt Disney Studios Park with three interactive attractions starring favourites from the blockbuster animated films Toy Story.
“The Disney Characters are a timeless international symbol of joy, and these immersive new experiences, starring the latest generation of Characters, continue our rich history of telling stories in a highly creative way,” said Philippe Gas, chief executive officer of Disneyland Paris. “Disney new generation festival will create a year full of memorable moments and surprises as our guests become part of their favourite adventures for all the family.”
Packed with all-day fun for the whole family, the celebration brings to life the stories and heroes from the Walt Disney Pictures’ animated films The Princess and the Frog (in theater beginning 2010), Lilo & Stitch and Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 1 & 2, Ratatouille,
Disney new generation festival. Starting 2 April 2010
Putting the newest stars in the spotlight, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Walt Disney Pictures’ The Princess and the Frog join the legendary “Disney’s Once Upon a Dream Parade” in Disneyland Park, and Ratatouille characters Remy and Emile ride in an all-new car during the “Disney’s Stars ‘n’ Cars” cavalcade at Walt Disney Studios Park. Everyone’s all time favorite Disney character Mickey Mouse is also part of the festivities, dancing and singing daily with the new generation characters in an extravaganza “Disney showtime spectacular” on Central Plaza Stage in Disneyland Park, while Minnie will be on board the “Disney All Stars Express”.
At certain times in the Walt Disney Studios, everyone gets permission to be as loud as monster-possible, and screams of delight will fill the air several times daily at “
Toy Story Playland. Opening Summer 2010
Opening At the new Toy Story Playland at Walt Disney Studios Park, Buzz Lightyear invites guests into Andy’s “back yard” to be shrunk to the scale of toys on an enormous playground, with plenty of interactive fun and photo opportunities.
Toy Story Playland includes three all-new attractions:
• Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, simulating a dive from the sky with Andy’s Green Army Men;
• the family-friendly Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, a whimsical coaster attraction;
• RC Racer, featuring an exhilarating 25-meter half pipe on a U-shaped race circuit.
For further information about Disneyland Paris call 08448 008 111 or visit www.disneylandparis.com
-ends-
For further press information, please contact the Disney Destinations International Press Office on 020 8222 2829 or email alix.vonk@disney.com / alexia.scherer@disney.com. For images, video and press releases, visit our media website at www.dlrppressinternational.com
Video: What go's on after Disneyland Closes
Some of you may think that when the gates of the Disneyland Resort close, the park goes dark and silent. Not true. Making magic is a 24-hour operation. There are about 1,500 cast members who work the overnight or “Third Shift.” Some have worked this nocturnal schedule for several years. In celebration of all they do, Disneyland Resort is taking time on February 3 to shine a spotlight on the Third Shift. We are also re-releasing a video podcast that originally debuted on Disneyland.com in 2006. It’s a “private” look at what happens at the Resort when you’re asleep.
Video:Hand-Painted ‘Disney’ Basses Will Be Auctioned Off To Benefit Music Education
So, want one? The instruments will be auctioned off by Julien’s Auctions after they’re showcased at music and art museums across the nation – with proceeds benefiting the music education programs of GRAMMY Foundation. More details on the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Disney Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World and an event calendar now live at www.disneyartformusic.com.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
Video: Whoopi Goldberg Makes a Surprise Appearance in THE LION KING
ABC's "The View" goes behind the scenes when Whoopi Goldberg makes a surprise appearance in
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
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