N.J. Six Flags to make safari ride more like Disney's Animal Kingdom

Taking a page out of the Disney playbook, New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure entertainment complex announced today it is transforming its Wild Safari animal park from a personal drive-thru experience to a safari adventure like Disney's Animal Kingdom.

And in 2013, it will merge the animal park with the theme park to create the world's largest theme park at 510-acres. Disney's Animal Kingdom is 500 acres.

Six Flags photo of the safari ride vehicle

For 38 years guests have been able drive their own vehicles through the New Jersey animal park to get the up-close and personal look. Earlier this month, Six Flags announced it was closing down the current set-up on Sept. 30.

Over the winter the animal park will be transformed as habitats are altered, and a storyline will be created to go with the new Safari Off Road Adventure ride. In addition, the two parks will merge into one, featuring 13 roller coasters, three children's areas, shopping and entertainment. It will not merge with its 45-acre water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, where a new slide complex called Big Wave Racer will be introduced next year, according to a news release.

Six Flags boasts that the new safari adventure features 1,200 animals from six continents. Guests will enter the fictional world of "the Wilds Family, who have traveled the globe to bring the most interesting and exotic creatures to their home in Jackson, New Jersey. Once through the rustic loading station filled with artifacts from the Wilds' global journeys, guests will load a rugged, open-air, Safari vehicle to begin their unique adventure," according to the news release.

Similar to Disney's Animal Kingdom, a driver will take guests "off-road and up close to the animals as they splash through ponds, climb hills, cross bridges and venture over rugged terrain," the news release said.

Six Flags has been offering something like this at the park, but the VIP off-road tour had a hefty price of $150 per person.

There will be one stop along the drive, a new area called Camp Aventura where people will be able to feed and pet animals as well as go on a zip line (for an additional fee) over the animals.

"Never before have guests been able to experience a journey so close to that of a true African safari here in the U.S.," John Fitzgerald, park president, said in the release. "By combining the world's most exotic animals with Six Flags' signature entertainment, the Safari Off Road Adventure will be the most incredible animal adventure anywhere."

The Safari ride will open Memorial Day Weekend 2013.

By comparison, there are more than 1,700 animals from 250 species living at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Read More

Disney and Barneys New York team up for a new Holiday window display

Disney's high fashion push continues as the windows for Barneys New York will will be dressed for Christmas with a Disney fantasy Paris runway show.

Disney already has partnered this year with DSW for a new line of Cinderella inspired shoes, Christian Louboutin and his remake of Cinderella's glass slippers, Ashdon Inc. for prom dresses and other renowned designers for a high-end Minnie Mouse collection.

Photo from Barneys New York.

Now with Barneys, a Disney model will be dressed in a one-of a-kind exclusive look created by some of the most influential fashion designers in the world, including: Nicholas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, Oliver Rousteing for Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Peter Copping for Nina Ricci, Proenza Schouler, and Rick Owen, according to a Disney news release.

On Nov. 14, the windows outside Barneys New York on Madison Avenue will be unveiled to show the 2012 Electric Holiday campaign. Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino is creating an original score for the display, the released stated.

"The legendary characters and world created by Disney live in the active mind and memory of virtually every citizen of the world," said Mark Lee, Barneys New York CEO, in the release.

"The Electric Holiday moving art will feature models inspired by Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse as well as other iconic Disney characters as they star in a fantasy Paris runway show, capturing the essence of the high-fashion world along with the electrically-charged colors and brilliant lights of the magical world of Disney. Minnie and Mickey are transported into a fantasy world where they are transformed from their traditional Disney form into dream-like fashion-forward runway models, and are joined on the Paris runway by five other models evocative of other iconic Disney personalities: Goofy, Daisy Duck, Snow White, Princess Tiana, and Cruella de Vil," the news release touts.

Read More

Details announced for Disney's Aulani expansion

A new pool and more dining options are part of the new details coming out for the expansion to take place at Aulani, Disney's resort in Hawaii.

Celebrating its first anniversary, Disney plans to start expansion in September and finish in mid-2013, according to a company press release. The 21-acre resort is located in Ko Olina, which is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and 30 minutes from Waikiki.

Disney publicity photo

Part of the expansion will be a new family pool and kids’ splash zone. The pool will be a misty grotto where swimmers can view the sunset and after dark the grotto ceiling and pool floor will turn into a starscape with glimmering light, Disney said.

The kids’ splash zone will be designed to resemble tidal pools and have rainbow water jets, images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floors, "and hidden Menehune, the legendary little people of the islands, who may be spotted through chinks in the rocks." according to the news release.

The pool and splash zone will use the idea of coral and lava, sea and earth, in the surrounding rockwork.

There will be more to eat at the resort as two new food locations will open. One will be adjacent to the new water play are. The existing Wailana Pool,will serve continental breakfast and offer a lunch and dinner menu with a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. A second quick-service eatery will be located beachside, offering grab-and-go snacks.

Read More

A look at the new Test Track at Epcot in Disney World

The re-imagined Test Track in Epcot at Disney World will be a new kind of virtual//physical experience, Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick said during a live chat on the Disney Parks Blog yesterday.

Disney rendering of new Test Track sign.

From what Jeselnick said this sounds as if Disney has taken the concept of Sum of all Thrills from Innoventions -- where you design your own thrill ride through an interactive touch screen and then get into a simulator to test the ride -- and incorporated it into an E-ticket experience. But it also sounds as if it is still a redressing of the physical space.

Jaselnick walked everyone through the ride -- which is scheduled to re-open Dec. 1 -- from start to finish. The queue area has changed its focus from testing to design. This area will look at Chevrolet’s Automotive Design process. "We'll have actual items, sketches, cars, models from GM that have never been seen before by anyone outside the Chevrolet family," she wrote in the chat.

Next you come to the Design Studios where you will use an interactive kiosk to design your own vehicle based on the concepts of Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Speed.

Then you get into the sim car (which is the physical ride itself). There are four "show scenes" in which there is interaction. "Capability is where your car is tested for rough road and weather conditions. Efficiency tests your car design's environmental footprint. The Responsiveness phase tests maneuverability, and finally, Speed is tested," she said in the chat.

Now, these show scenes sound a lot like the scenes used in the original Test Track, so how much is going to be "virtual" and how much "physical" is something we will have to see. However, there is definitely one physical area which will remain, she said: the high-speed loop.

Remember those cars you designed? Jaselnick said that as you go through each scene you will be able to see how your design stacks up against the sim car. And once the ride is over you'll be able "to keep interacting with your ride vehicle," she said.

The post-show area will show off the scores from everyone throughout the day and you'll be able to "play with your design with multiple interactive elements," she wrote. "The show room space will still be there with the Chevrolet cars, and we'll have our own photo ops with different concept cars."

Other things will remain the same: This will be a FastPass ride and there will still be a single-rider entrance.

Read More

Disney releases video showing how they take your daughter's face and put it on figurine

I wrote a few weeks ago about how Disney is now putting the faces of girls, ages 3-12, on princess figurines at the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney in Disney World.

A Disney publicity photo

The process comes from the D-Tech Me experience Disney unveiled earlier this year when they "placed" people into frozen carbonite as part of Star Wars Weekends.

Cameras capture a guest's face from various angles and reconstruct a computer model which then prints the face on one of seven different Disney Princesses, including Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana. Hair, skin and eye color of the figurine are customized to match the guest.

Well, Disney has released a video now showing how this process works.

Read More

'Enchanted' dresses for prom, inspired by Disney

Who's the fairest at the prom?

Perhaps next year whoever it is will be rocking a dress inspired by "Snow White."

Ashdon Inc. -- maker of gowns that have shown up on the Teen Choice Awards and "The Vampire Diaries" -- has teamed up with Disney to produce a line of prom dresses based on the story of Snow White. It's meant to be the beginning of a tradition: Each prom season, Ashdon said it will unveil a collection inspired by a different Disney princess.

"Launching our new Disney Forever Enchanted collection with a Snow White-inspired line seemed only fitting, since she was Disney's first princess," Ashdon CEO Nick Yeh said in a news release. "The dresses are fun to wear yet elegant, and offer young women a way to realize their own fairytale inspired dreams."

Snow White's seven dresses will range from sweet to just a little bit wicked. From the news release: "To truly capture the story of Snow White depicted in the film, the seven design themes range from sweet and demure to dramatic and intense, from the color red of the poisoned apple to prints inspired by the flora and fauna found in the woods."

The Disney Forever Enchanted prom collection will be available in time for the 2013 prom season. Prices range from $350-$800.

A few more examples from the collection:

Read More

Disney DVD-Blu-ray release schedule for remainder of 2012

Here's a look at what's coming out the remainder of the year on DVD and Blu-ray from Disney.

SEPTEMBER 4: "Hocus Pocus" on Blu-ray.

SEPTEMBER 11: "Ghosts of the Abyss" on Blu-ray.

SEPTEMBER 18: "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3" on DVD and Blu-ray, and "The Great Mouse Detective" on Blu-ray and Movie Download.

SEPTEMBER 25: "The Avengers" on Blu-ray, DVD and Movie Download.

OCTOBER 2: Cinderella Diamond Edition on DVD, Blu-ray and Movie Download; and "Pete's Dragon" on Blu-ray.

OCTOBER 16: "Jake and The Never Land Pirates: Jakes Saves Bucky" on DVD; The Santa Claus 2," "The Santa Claus 3-Movie Collection" and "The Santa Claus: Special Edition" all only on Blu-ray.

OCTOBER 23: "Secret of the Wings" on DVD and Blu-ray.

NOVEMBER 6: "Prep and Landing Totally Tinsel Collection" on Blu-Ray and "The Muppet Christmas Carol Special Edition" on DVD and Blu-Ray

NOVEMBER 13: "Brave" and "Pixar Short Films Collection Volume 2" both on DVD, Blu-Ray and Movie Download.

NOVEMBER 20: "Cinderella II & III Special Edition 2-Movie Collection" on DVD and Blu-ray and "Santa Paws 2 The Santa Pups" on Blu-ray.

DECEMBER 4: "Finding Nemo" on DVD and Blu-ray.

Read More

Disney develops 30-second 'feel good' Winnie the Pooh videos

Disney has developed a series of short "feel good" moment videos using the characters from Winnie the Pooh to promote some of its new products coming out this Fall.

The Disney Consumer Products division created "Smackerel" videos. "Named after Pooh's word to describe a snack or small amount of honey, the Smackerel shorts feature our favorite plush bear in live action puppetry and post effects.," according to the Disney Consumer Products website.
Four of the six videos launch this week featuring themes such as, "It's so much friendlier with two" and "Accidents – you never have them till you're having them."

The products being touted are the Bounce Bounce Tigger from Just Play ($39.99), Disney Baby's new "Peeking Pooh" nursery collection anda free app series will launch October, allowing parents and toddlers to connect with Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood "through an interactive experience of bright colors, sounds, and action," according to Disney

Read More

What's happening this week at Disney - Aug. 26 - Sept. 1

This week in the Disney Universe we should learn more about the new Test Track in Disney World as a live chat is going to take place Monday, Aug. 27 about the attraction.

Test Track concept drawing by Disney

There are two major celebrations taking place this upcoming Labor Day weekend. One in Disneyland with the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend and one in Disney World with the Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.

AUGUST 27: The Disney Parks Blog holds a live chat about the Test Track at 1:15 p.m.

AUGUST 31 - SEPT. 2: The Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. This 13.1-mile course winds through Anaheim, Calif., and the Disneyland Resort.

AUGUST 31-SEPT. 3: The Great Irish Hooley Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney in Disney World.

To find out what's happening this Fall and Holiday season check out our Complete Disney Guide to Fall and Holiday Season.

Read More

Smile of The Day: Haunted Mansion during the day

In the light of day, the Haunted Mansion at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World doesn't look all that scary. In fact it looks beautiful. Here's another photo from the archives, 1998.

                                  © Steven Liebman

Read More

New line of shoes from DSW inspired by Disney's "Cinderella"

If you don't win a pair of Christian Louboutin's Disney-inspired glass slippers this fall, you're in luck. 

DSW this week announced a line of dressy shoes inspired by Disney's "Cinderella." Prices for the shoes are just right for us commoners, ranging from $59.95 to $89.95. They will be available at stores and at DSW.com Oct. 1, just in time for the release of Disney's "Cinderella Diamond Edition" on Blu-ray Oct. 2.

The five styles will come in a range of colors, from wedding white to a sassy hot pink.

Taking another page from Christian Louboutin -- famous for his red leather soles -- the DSW shoes will feature an embossed carriage logo and a "signature blue jewel" on the sole, according to the DSW announcement.

“The inspiration for the line came from the vision of Disney artist Mary Blair’s original art for the film,” Debbie Ferrée, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer for DSW, said in the company's press release. “We took a close look at the film’s aesthetic details—the rich textures and fabric, the beautiful blue in Cinderella’s dress—even the French rococo-inspired scenery. Every little whimsical touch featured in the footwear collection came right out of the film.”

Here's a closer look at three of the Cinderella-inspired shoes:

Read More

Disney launches new corporate blog: Disney Post

In addition to the Disney Parks Blog, The Disney Store Blog and some others out there, Disney has created the official blog of The Walt Disney Company.

Called the Disney Post, the blog is supposed to provide a glimpse into the various brands in the Disney portfolio, including: ABC, Disney, ESPN, Marvel and Pixar.

Heather Hust Rivera, who wrote the first post, explained that the company's team of bloggers "will show you how the creativity of our products and experiences drives the company’s growth around the world, how our various businesses use technology to reach new audiences and the impact of our corporate giving."

Read More

New Goofy attraction opens at Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland opened its newest attraction this week, giving guest the ability to redecorate Goofy's room.

A Disney publicity photo of Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House

Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House opened Aug. 24. After entering Goofy's home, guests are given a "Toontone Splat Master," according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Once in hand, guests then turn a handle or pull a string to make different colors come out of the Splat Master which you can aim at the floor and walls to "paint" the room. (I'm sure more parents would prefer to have used this to redecorate their kid's room instead of the real stuff.)

Painting theme options also include jungle and beach areas.

Read More

DVC extends Top of the World Lounge perk through December

The Disney Vacation Club has extended the complimentary access to the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort to its members until Dec. 29.

This was a summer perk which DVC decided to extend because of the popularity.

Bay Lake Tower in a photo from the official Disney news site.

According to the DVC website, the access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. The lounge is popular because of the view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

"This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership," according to the website.

The lounge operates from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Read More

Latest on all of the Disney races

As the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend comes closer, it's time again to update the status of the  various runs taking place at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World. Many of the half-marathons are booked up and all other events look to be filling up fast. Here is a quick update on the status of the various races.

For complete information and registration head to rundisney.com.

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend - Aug. 31 - Sept. 2: Sold out

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend - Sept. 28-29: The newly created 10-mile race takes place in and around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The weekend includes the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, kids’ races and a family fun run 5K at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The 10-mile race is sold out. The family fun 5K is 78 percent full.


Disney Wine and Dine Half-Marathon Weekend - Nov. 9-10: This nighttime race through the theme parks ends with an exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This is sold out. Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K race is 54 percent full.

A Disney photo of the start of the Princess Half Marathon last year.

Walt Disney World Marathon - Jan 12-13, 2013: The weekend includes the half marathon on Jan. 12, 2013, and the marathon Jan. 13. Those who are especially ambitious can choose to run the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, in which participants complete the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday to qualify for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge medal. Many celebrities will be on hand including comedian Drew Carey, actor Gilles Marini, Access Hollywood co-host Kit Hoover, reality TV stars Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca and actor Sean Astin. There is a special marathon medal to be presented.  The Marathon is 84 percent full. Half marathon 79 percent full and Goofy's Race is 90 percent full.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend - Jan. 18-20 2013: The weekend starts with a Family 5K and kids races and then the half marathon through the Disneyland Resort. The 5K run is 76 percent full. The half marathon is sold out.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Feb. 22-24, 2013: This is the 5th anniversary of this event at Disney World includes a Family 5K event as well. Registration is open and there are plenty of spaces.

Expedition Everest Challenge -May 4, 2013: The race starts after sunset when individuals or teams take off to run the 5K trek, then go through an obstacle course and then a scavenger hunt. After that is an exclusive after-hours party at the theme park. The date has just been announced. Registration has not started yet.

Read More

New nighttime Cinderella Castle show to unveil in Disney World

A new nighttime projection show on the Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World will begin in November, Disney has announced.

                                                     © Steven Liebman
The current "The Magic, The Memories
and You!" show at The Magic Kingdom.

Called "Celebrate the Magic," the show will "takes us on a journey to the heart of the most beloved Disney stories and characters,” Show Director Katy Harris tells the Disney Parks Blog.

The show will take some of the elements of the current show "The Magic, The Memories and You!" and will add new scenes and new music.

“The Magic, The Memories and You!” will be shown for the last time on Sept. 3 at the Magic Kingdom and at Disneyland. “Celebrate the Magic” will be exclusive to the Magic Kingdom. “it’s a small world” holiday will return to Disneyland later this year and Disney promises something new in the Fantasyland Theatre opening in the summer of 2013.

Read More

Disney Parks Blog to hold live chat to discuss new Test Track at Epcot

For those wanting to know more about the newly revamped Test Track at Epcot, the Disney Parks Blog will hold a live chat on Aug. 27 to answer many questions.

The 1:15 p.m. chat will be with Melissa Jeselnick an assistant project manager with Walt Disney Imagineering. She has been with Disney for 8 years and has worked on Phineas and Ferb Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Toy Story Midway Mania, Pixar Street and Soarin', according to the Disney.

The Test Track closed on April 15 and is supposed to re-open on Dec. 1.

Under a new long-term commitment from GM, the Test Track will be highlighting Chevrolet cars.

As part of the makeover, there will be a “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” immersing visitors into automotive design. Amid Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests will be able to work at interactive design and styling stations, where they will be able to create their own custom concept vehicles.

The guests will then buckle into a 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put the design through its paces on the hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit. When complete, riders then move to a post-show area filled with special effects and be scored on how well the custom concept vehicle did.

Read More

Segway tour is returning to Epcot in Disney World

                                                                                                              ©Disney

The Segway tour is returning to Epcot starting Sept. 17.

The revamped 3-hour “Keep Moving Forward: See the World, Share the Dream Segway Tour” includes a Segway training lesson, breakfast at Sunshine Seasons, a tour of the World Showcase and a Disney pin.

According to the Disney World website, the first portion of the tour is a training session with Segway instructors. Then you head along the 1.3-mile World Showcase Promenade where Disney says "you will get spectacular views of the 11 international pavilions along the way—each pavilion is a meticulously detailed representation of a host country."

There are ways to test your skills along the way.

I took the Segway tour when it was offered a few years ago and thought it was a lot of fun. Using the Segway is a lot easier than you think and the tour around the World Showcase was great. We took the early tour so it was before the public was allowed to walk around. We went through the paths in Japan, the ramps in China and when through the winding path in the miniature train exhibit in Germany. In addition the tour guide provided behind-the-scenes stories about Epcot.

Some specifics: You need to be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100-250 pounds. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for participants age 16-17. The cost is $99 (plus tax) Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members will receive a 15 percent discount. Information is available at (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

Read More

Disney unveils latest Gingerbread House for Halloween Haunted Mansion in Disneyland

Every year when the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland is transformed into the holiday home for Jack Skellington and the gang from "Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas," a gingerbread house is created for the centerpiece of the ballroom scene.

                                                                                                      © Disney

The latest design, unveiled on the Disney Parks Blog ahead of the Sept. 14 opening, shows a house perched on a skinny mountain. The snowy cliffs are covered with pounds and pounds of sweet fondant, a simple sugar-water-cream of tartar mixture that is pliable (and edible). Jack’s pet ghost dog Zero is also covered in fondant, with a small glowing nose that looks like a jack-o-lantern as he flies in circles around the top tower, according to the blog.

At nine feet tall, it will be one of the tallest centerpieces ever created, Brian D. Sandahl, Senior Designer for Disney Entertainment Creative Development, tells the blog.

“Jack’s house, candles eerily flickering in the windows, is perched atop a steep, snow-covered peak, with gingerbread steps to his door,” Sandahl explains. “Along the way, there are lighted pumpkins in the ‘snowy’ cliffs."

A train will appear on the cliffs as a ghost train. And as the train travels its course, "the ‘ghost lady’ at the right end of the ballroom table blows out the candles on the cupcake,” he said.

Read More

Smile of The Day: Mickey and Minnie in front of the Cinderella Castle

I've recently been going through old albums and scanning in some photos from trips from a few years ago. Here's one from 1999 at the Cinderella Castle with Mickey and Minnie topiaries welcoming all to The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

How often do you take out the old albums and look at photos?

Read More

Update: Shanghai Disneyland building two hotels

There will be two hotels at the Disney resort in Shanghai when it opens in 2015, according to the ShanghaiDaily.com.

Each hotel will be seven stories. The first will be close to the south gate of the new Disneyland Park, will overlook an artificial lake and have a ballroom and parking for 300 cars. The second hotel will be on the west side of the resort and have parking for 400 cars.

The Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first Disney resort in mainland China. The Disney characters will blend with Chinese customs and celebrations to create a unique experience for guests in Shanghai, according to Disney.

The park will consist of several themed lands, each with its own distinct attractions, entertainment and experiences. At the heart of the park will be Storybook Castle, what Disney is touting as its most interactive Disney castle yet, complete with entertainment, dining and performance spaces.

An 11-acre green space will welcome guests and feature Chinese seasonal plants and flowers.

Read More

Aladdin is Broadway bound

Tony-winning composer Alan Menken recently debuted a new song called "Somebody's Got Your Back," a new song for the stage version of Aladdin, according to Playbill.

If you've ever seen the Aladdin show in Disneyland then you know that the show already looks Broadway worthy. The last production of the show was this summer at The Muny in St. Louis featuring Tony nominees Robin De Jesus and John Tartaglia as Aladdin and the Genie. Utah's Tuacahn Theater is presenting the musical through October.

The movie, released in 1992, was written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. The music was written by Menken and features six songs with lyrics written by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

 

Read More

What's happening Aug. 20-Aug. 31 in the Disney Universe

The next two weeks around Disney feature open reservations for a new restaurant, the refurbishment of a favorite attraction, a good run and a Labor Day weekend festival.

AUGUST 20: Reservations open for Be Our Guest Restaurant.
  
AUGUST 22-OCT. 16: Country Bear Jamboree is closed for refurbishment.  The show, at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World is supposed to get shortened by about 5 minutes. A rumor going around a number of Disney boards is that the one segment “Mama don’t shoot little Buford” being cut. Now, I have never been a fan of the regular Country Bear Jamboree show, but have always preferred the special Christmas version of the show. It will be interesting to see what the new show will look like.

AUGUST 31 - SEPT. 2: The Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. This 13.1-mile course winds through Anaheim, Calif., and the Disneyland Resort.

AUGUST 31-SEPT. 3: The Great Irish Hooley Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney in Disney World.

Read More

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hosts its own Food & Wine Classic

At the same time the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is taking place the Third Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be held on Oct. 12-13.

The event will include an outdoor festival featuring culinary selections from the hotel's restaurants and lounges, a series of beverage seminars taught by the hotel's certified experts, and opportunities to meet with celebrity chefs Todd English and Michael Mina, according to a news release from the hotel.

The two-night event will be held with chefs from the hotel's 17 award-winning restaurants and lounges. This year's selections will include free-form lasagna, presented by Il Mulino New York Trattoria and shrimp cocktail steam rollers, an event favorite, from Todd English's bluezoo.

Beverage stations will offer mini-learning experiences and feature offerings such as wine, sake and beer, according to the hotel. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can choose from a variety of hour-long beverage seminars taught by certified wine sommeliers and beer and cocktail specialists from the hotel's team.

According to the hotel, this year's event is the appearance of Chef Mina, as he joins Chef English to meet with guests and serve a special sampling of his cuisine.

Tickets are available as part of a hotel package or individually and can be obtained through  www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or by calling  1-800-227-1500.

Read More

Be Our Guest Restaurant menu released

The full menu has been released for the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

You can start making reservations starting on the phone at 7 a.m. EDT tomorrow by calling 407-WDW-DINE and you'll be able to make reservations up to 180 days in advance. The first day for reservations will be Nov. 19. You will bee able to stat making the reservations online starting at noon on Aug. 22 at www.disneyworld.com/dine.

Disney concept art for Be Our Guest Restaurant

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, the restaurant will count as a quick-service entitlement for lunch,and one table-service restaurant entitlement for dinner.

The restaurant has three dining rooms which will seat more than 500 people
Here is the menu:

Lunch Menu

• Tuna Niçoise salad
• Croque Monsieur sandwich with carved ham, Gruyere cheese, béchamel and pommes frites (French fries)
• Carved turkey on a warm baguette with Dijon mayonnaise
• Grilled steak sandwich with garlic butter spread
• Braised pork
• Vegetable quiche
• Quinoa, shallot and chive salad

For kids 9 and under:

• Carved turkey sandwich
• Roasted pulled pork
• Mickey meatloaf
• Seared mahi mahi
• Whole-grain macaroni topped with marinara and mozzarella

Dinner Menu

Appetizers

• Charcuterie plate with cured meats and sausages
• Mussels steamed in white wine
• French onion soup
• Potato leek soup
• Salad with champagne vinaigrette
• Salad trio with three mini tastes of roasted beet, raisins and orange; green beans, tomatoes and roasted shallots; and watermelon, radish and mint.

Entrées

• Thyme-scented pork rack chop with au gratin pasta
• Rotisserie rock hen with roasted fingerling potatoes
• Pan-seared salmon in leek fondue
• Grilled strip steak with pommes frites
• Sautéed shrimp and scallops with veggies in puff pastry with creamy lobster sauce
• Oven-baked ratatouille

Dessert

• strawberry cream cheese cupcake
• triple chocolate cupcake
• chocolate cream puff
• passion fruit cream puff

Dinner

• Grilled steak
• Grilled fish of the day
• Grilled chicken breast
• Whole-grain macaroni

For kids 9 and under

• grilled steak
• grilled fish of the day
• whole grain macaroni
• grilled chicken breast

Read More

Performance scheduled released for Night of Joy at Disney World

The lineup has been released for the Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, which will take place Sept. 7 and Sept. 8. 

 For the past 30 years the Magic Kingdom in Disney World has been home to the Night of Joy, a contemporary Christian musical festival. The after hours event, from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. requires a special ticket. While the artists perform many of the Magic Kingdom rides remain open.

Here is the performance schedule.

Friday, September 7
Cinderella Castle --  Forecourt Stage

• 7:45 p.m. – NEEDTOBREATHE
• 9:50 p.m. – Chris Tomlin
• 11:55 p.m. – Casting Crowns

Galaxy Stage

• 7:30 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
• 8:50 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
• 10:25 p.m. – Red
• 12:10 a.m. – Brandon Heath

Rockettower Plaza Stage

• 8:15 p.m. – Disciple
• 9:40 p.m. – Disciple
• 11:20 p.m. – Royal Tailor

Saturday, September 8
Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

• 7:35 p.m. – Gospel Music Association Winner Theresa Bailey
• 7:55 p.m. – Lecrae
• 9:55 p.m. – Third Day
• 11:55 p.m. – MercyMe

Galaxy Stage

• 7:30 p.m. – Kutless
• 8:50 p.m. – Kutless
• 10:25 p.m. – Thousand Foot Krutch
• 12:10 a.m. – Yolanda Adams

Rockettower Plaza Stage

• 8:15 p.m. – Chris August
• 9:40 p.m. – Chris August
• 11:20 p.m. – Dara Maclean

Read More

Smile of The Day: Cinderella Castle 25th anniversary

Do you remember this look?

To commemorate the Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary the Cinderella Castle was turned into a 18-story birthday cake.

This was not the most popular look the Imagineers ever created. The reaction by many was moans and groans and the castle became a punch line for years after.

More then 400 gallons of pink paint was used to convert the castle and contained 26 candles, ranging in height from 20–40 feet, 16 5-foot candy bears, 12 5-foot gumdrops, four 6-foot stacks of Life Savers, 30 3-foot lollipops and more than 1000 feet of inflatable "icing."

Read More

Disney launches special Minnie Mouse fashion line

                   Top Photo ©Steven Liebman; Bottom ©Disney

Only one mouse can pull off the full red-with-white-polka-dot dress -- that, of course, is Minnie Mouse.

This fashion diva is known to have more than 200 outfits in her closet, everything from formal evening wear to a cheerleader costume -- plus the matching shoes and bows.

So it is no wonder that a number of international designers will create some "Minnie Mouse Must Haves," one-off garments and accessories, to be unveiled at London Fashion Week and auctioned together with eBay to support the BFC/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation, according to Disney.

Renowned designers including Giles, Michael van der Ham, Richard Nicoll, Piers Atkinson, Bunney, Husam el Odeh in collaboration with Luke Hersheson, Katie Hillier, Lulu Guinness, Tatty Devine and Terry de Havilland will interpret her signature bows and trademark polka dots, according to a news release.

“Minnie Mouse and her unique style continue to inspire fans across the world," said Marc Low, vice president of Fashion and Home for The Walt Disney Company EMEA. “London Fashion Week is the perfect stage for Disney, one of the world’s largest apparel brands, to put a spotlight on Minnie Mouse.”

The "Minnie Mouse Must Haves" will be showcased to international buyers and media at London Fashion Week and then will be available at an exclusive auction on eBay. The proceeds from the auction will be donated by Disney to support the BFC/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation, a British Fashion Council initiative to nurture relationships between the creative industries and maintain a reputation for fashion innovation

Read More

New Fantasyland restaurant will start taking reservations Aug. 20

UPDATE: Reservations can be made over the phone starting at 7 a.m. Eastern Time and online starting at Noon.

The Be Our Guest Restaurant, the newest place to dine in the New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, will start taking reservations on Aug. 20.

The first seating for dinner will be on Nov. 19

Starting at noon on Aug. 20, reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE and you'll be able to make reservations up to 180 days in advance, Disney has announced. Online reservations will be available starting Aug. 22 at www.disneyworld.com/dine.

Disney concept art for Be Our Guest Restaurant

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, the restaurant will count as a quick-service entitlement for lunch,and one table-service restaurant entitlement for dinner.

The restaurant has three dining rooms which will seat more than 500 people.

Lunch will be fancier quick service than in other restaurants. Guest-activated terminals will be used for ordering. After ordering, you head to a seat and food is delivered on china.

Dinner will be table service with "diverse starters such as a charcuterie plate with cured meats and sausages, mussels steamed in white wine, French onion or potato leek soup, and a salad with champagne vinaigrette," according to Disney.

Entrées include a thyme-scented pork rack chop with au gratin pasta, rotisserie rock hen with roasted fingerling potatoes, pan-seared salmon in leek fondue, grilled strip steak with pommes frites, sautéed shrimp and scallops with veggies in puff pastry with creamy lobster sauce, and oven-baked ratatouille.

Desserts will include cupcakes, a chocolate cream puff and a passion fruit cream puff.

Read More

Disneyland expands Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional and Ceremony at Disneyland will be expanded for the first time to 20 nights, Disney announced.

There will be two performances each night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 20. The first two night will be invitation-only events. The Dec. 3-20 dates will be available to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders and those booking special, to-be-announced dining packages.

No special narrators have been announced, nor anything about the dinner packages. The Disney Parks Blog, will be making the announcement later.

The Candlelight Ceremony and Processional has been a Disneyland Resort tradition since 1958 and has featured stars such as Cary Grant, John Wayne, Dick Van Dyke and, in 2011, Gary Sinise. The performance includes music and the telling of the first Christmas story in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.

Read More

Walt Disney World Marathon Medal revealed and update on the race

The much anticipated 20th anniversary commemorative Walt Disney World Marathon medal has been unveiled.

The design features a circular shape with two spinning elements, including a medallion with classic and modern Mickey Mouse images and quotes from Walt Disney.

                                                         Disney photo

“For 20 years runDisney medals have set the standard in the running industry,” Faron Kelley, Director of Marketing and Communication for Disney Sports, said in a news release. “This medal builds on that rich tradition and is an extraordinary keepsake that celebrates the 20 years of marathon experiences for people from around the world who have run in this time-honored event.”

Those running in the marathon during the big weekend, Jan. 10-13, 2013, will go past some new sites.
The event will start at Epcot and go through the three other parks, but for the first time runners will go through the Walt Disney World Speedway track and later go to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and through Champion Stadium, where the Atlanta Braves hold spring training.

There will also be special entertainment placed around mile and a post-race party at Downtown Disney.

The special Marathon Weekend will also have events for the family such as the Kids’ Races, including the Mickey Mile, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday.

As of today: The marathon is 82 percent full, the half-marathon is 73 percent full, the Family Fun Run is 51 percent full and Goofy's Race and Half Challenge is 88 percent full. Registration can be done at runDisney.com.

 

Read More

Great Irish Labor Day festival at Disney World

Disney's Pleasure Island in Disney World is planning a hooley for Labor Day.

Hooley is a Irish slang for part of celebration and Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant (one of my favorite places to eat) is planning on the Great Irish Hooley Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

The band Full Set will appear at the First Great Irish Hooley.

The weekend, according to a Disney news release, will feature six Irish bands, Irish Dance Workshops, Celtic face painting and the food and drink. Musicians will perform inside the pub and outside on the patio.

Performers include: Full Set, which will play Friday through Monday;Elevation, the popular U2 Tribute band, plays on Saturday and Sunday; The Raglan Rogues, Danny Burns, Johnny “Snaggs” Norton and house band Creel. The six-member Raglan Road Irish Dancers will perform throughout the weekend. Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast will lead Irish Dance Workshops from Saturday through Monday.

For more information check out: www.raglanroad.com.

Read More

Final phase of Disney's Art of Animation resort opens Sept. 15

The last phase of Disney's new Art of Animation Resort will open Sept. 15.

Disney photo of a room inside The Little Mermaid wing by Kent Phillips,

The Little Mermaid wing will feature 864 standard hotel rooms that can sleep up to four guests. The area is inspired from the undersea kingdom of the movie "The Little Mermaid" including the characters of Ursula, King Triton and Sebastian.

The Flippin’ Fins pool, one of three pools at the resort. This is the last section of the resort, joining the Finding Nemo, Cars and Lion King sections.

Rates start at $94 for The Little Mermaid rooms.

Read More

New Phineas and Ferb experience coming to Disney World

You will soon be able to interact with with Phineas and Ferb in a virtual experience at Walt Disney World for a limited time.

Starting Sept. 1, guests at Downtown Disney West Side will will be able to play with the animated characters in  “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality,” according to a Disney news release.

Up to three guests at a time will be invited to stand inside the virtual experience set.  Phineas and Ferb, Agent P or Dr. Doofenshmirtz will appear to play and dance alongside them. There are 20 random animation segments so each experience should be different.

It's a 30-second experience but you'll be bale to save it and download it and share it with others.  The new experience is located next to Bongos Cuban Café  and will be open daily 2 p.m to 9:30 p.m. from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1.

Read More

Update on makeover taking place in France Pavilion in Epcot

                                 © Steven Liebman

The renovation at the Bistro de Paris in the France Pavilion at Epcot should be complete by mid-December and open with a new name. There will also be some changes to the Boulangerie Patisserie bakery shop.

The Disney Parks Blog recently held a question and answer session with Jerome Bocuse, president and owner of the company that runs the Bistro, the bakery shop and the Les Chefs de France restaurant. Here are the highlights:

Bistro de Paris: For the first time in 25 years, this restaurant will change with a new menu, new dining experience and new costumes for the staff. Nothing more on the new name yet. The less formal atmosphere means no tuxedos. It will be based on his family's two centuries in the food business with a chef from a Michelin 3-Star restaurant in France.

Boulangerie Patisserie: There is a new building under construction which will house the bakery which will now contain about 90 seats so you can finally have a place to sit down. The menu will also expand to include salads and sandwiches. The old bakery will be turned into an ice cream parlor.

Read More

Swampy from 'Where's My Water' is coming to Disney World

It looks like Swamy the Alligator will try to find his water at Disney World.

A new mobile site Where's My Water at Disney's Water Parks has been put up by Disney and states the hero of the hit app is planning on coming to Florida.

The "Where's My Water" star has soared to popularity on the game app front becoming one of the most popular downloads on iTunes. Swampy has become so popular that Disney started its own line of merchandise. 

Now, this new website is touting: "For the first time Swampy is leaving his subterranean home for a vacation in the human world. There were a lot of water parks to choose from, but Swampy has settled on two of the crown jewels: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach at the vacation capital of the human world, Walt Disney World. Humans haven't made it very easy for alligators to travel freely, but Swampy is finding that getting there is at least part of the fun!"

So could Swampy be coming or a meet and greet or could it be something more? Only time will tell. 

Read More

Disney will place your daughter's face on a princess doll

We just put up an item looking at how Disney is trying to make animatronics look more real, but they can already capture your face and put it on a figurine.

Starting Aug. 26, at the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney in Disney World, young girls, ages 3-12, will be able to get their faces placed on a princess figurine.

A Disney publicity photo

The process comes from the D-Tech Me experience Disney unveiled earlier this year when they "placed" people into frozen carbonite as part of Star Wars Weekends.

The new technology takes about 10 minutes, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Cameras capture a guests face from various angles and reconstructs a computer model which then prints the face on one of seven different Disney Princesses, including Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana. Hair, skin and eye color of the figurine are customized to match the guest.

The completed figurine is then shipped home within six weeks. The price $99.95 (plus $15.95 shipping. Canadian and International shipping begins at $75.00).

Read More

Disney research comes up with face cloning process

For years Audio-Animatronics has been a staple at Disney attractions. (Here's a quick history.) But one of the problems the company has had to deal with is how to exactly duplicate facial expressions. Much of the time this has been hampered not by the mechanical process, but by the "skin" placed over the mechanics.

Now, Disney Research Zurich has come up with a process for designing, simulating, and fabricating synthetic skin that mimics the face.

According to the research abstract, the process begins with capturing 3-D facial expressions of a person by high definition cameras and then analyzing the expressions by using a simulation program to predict the facial behavior of a face when it is placed on top of robotic frame. Then the program determines how thick silicone (which is used as skin) should be in various spots to mimic all facial expressions and predict how the soft tissue around the face, including the forehead, looks.

Then a mold is created and silicone is injected. Seven days later, the skin is ready to be placed on the animatronic device.

This video gives a look at how it all comes together.

Read More

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin starts its own dining plan

One of the attractions of staying on Disney property is the use of the Disney Dining plan. That works everywhere except if you stay at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

Now, the Swan and Dolphin have instituted its own dining program called the Dining Passport Program. The two resorts have 17 different restaurants and lounges, ranging from formal dining to a 24-hour self-service buffet to a poolside café.

According to the Swan and Dolphin loyalty website, members earn Loyalty Points for their purchases at participating Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin restaurants (including Todd English’s bluezoo, Shula’s Steak House, IlMulino New York Trattoria and Kimonos). 1 Loyalty Point is earned for every $1 purchased.

Here is how the points can be redeemed:

• 250 Points $20 Resort Dining Gift Certificate.
• 500 Points $75 Resort Dining Gift Certificate.
• 750 Points $100 Resort Dining Gift Certificate. 
• 1,250 Points $200 Resort Dining Gift Certificate.
• 1,500 Points Coach Don Shula’s Autographed Football.
• 1,700 Points Sushi and Beverage Pairing for 4 with Our Sushi Chef at Kimonos. 
• 2,000 Points Wine and Cheese Experience for 4 in Coach Shula’s Private Dining Room at Shula’s Steak House.
• 3,000 Points 3 Course Tasting Menu and Wine Pairing for 4 at Il Mulino New York Trattoria. 
• 4,000 Points Private Tasting Menu and Wine Pairing for 4 Presented by Our bluezoo Chef.
• 5,000 Points One Night Hotel Stay with 1-Day Disney Park Tickets for 4 and a $100 Dining Gift Certificate. 
• 8,000 Points Two Night Hotel Stay with 1-Day Disney Park Tickets for 4 and a $200 Dining Gift Certificate.
• 12,000 Points Ultimate Dining and Fireworks Experience Including Dinner for 4 at One of Our Signature Restaurants of Your Choice(preset menu) and Private Dessert Reception Aboard our Fant-A-Sea Boat with an Unmatched View on the Water of the EPCOT Fireworks Spectacular.

Read More

Disney celebrates the 'punk rock primate' this month

This is Cotton-Top Tamarin Month at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This tiny, endangered primate is found only in Colombia, but have been on exhibit at the  Animal Kingdom since 1998.

A Disney publicity photo of a cotton-top tamarin

“We created this celebration as a way to highlight the effects that humans have on natural habitats,” said Anne Savage, Conservation Director for Disney’s Animal Programs, in a news release. “Conservation celebrations are important because it helps people of all ages understand and appreciate these amazing animals and learn what it takes to protect them for future generations.”

Sometimes called the “punk rock primates” because of their wild manes of white hair that outline their black faces, guests to the Animal Kingdom will be able to participate in a variety of activities from learning how scientists track tamarins in the forest, what cotton-tops like to eat, and how people in Colombia are helping to recycling plastic bags into amazing tote bags called eco-mochilas, according to Disney.

You can see the cotton-tops in Discovery Island in a habitat in front of the Tree of Life and also at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Habitat Habit!, the wildlife trail between the Wildlife Express Train and Conservation Station.

Read More