WDW News & Notes

Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Disney Launches Global Research and Development Labs

Disney announced a major Research and Development initiative to engage top technology universities to conduct research and development for its Parks & Resorts division, Disney Media Networks, ESPN, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Disney Interactive Media Group and Pixar Animation Studios.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich ), known for their leading-edge work in computer science and technology, are to establish collaborative labs with Disney in Pittsburgh and Zurich .  

“Creating the next generation of sophisticated technologies requires long-term vision and collaboration with world-class innovators,” said Ed Catmull, president, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, making the announcement at SIGGRAPH, the world's largest computer graphics conference. “We are strengthening our commitment to R&D throughout Disney by establishing labs with Carnegie Mellon University and ETH Zurich ,” he said.  

The labs will connect Disney with renowned academic partners who have world class science and technology talent. The labs will engage in R&D on computer animation, computational cinematography, autonomous interactive characters, robotics and user interfaces, among other initiatives. They will be located at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh and ETH Zurich . Each lab represents a five-year commitment from Disney to fund a Director and seven to eight principal investigators. Additional staff will include professors, academic interns, scientific consultants and collaborators.  

“Extending our R&D efforts to these top-notch university partners will take our internal initiatives to a new level,” said Joe Marks, Vice President of R&D for Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. Marks is leading the Disney launch of the project and will oversee the labs for Disney.  

Carnegie Mellon University is home to some of the world’s leading researchers in computer science and engineering, entertainment technology and robotics, areas of particular interest to Disney.  

Jessica Hodgins, CMU professor of computer science and robotics and Director of Disney Research, Pittsburgh , said one of the lab’s first projects will be developing methods for people to interact with autonomous characters, either virtual or robotic. “We’ll be looking for ways to sense what a person is doing or thinking so that the character can respond appropriately,” she said. “Whether the character is a robot or a virtual creation, the interaction issues are the same. We need to figure out what sensors to build and how to interpret and respond to human behavior.”  

The Disney Research lab’s offices are situated little more than a block away from Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science complex. Hodgins said she expects that most projects will include faculty and student collaborators from Carnegie Mellon. Staff members also will be encouraged to teach classes at the university.  

“The access Disney provides to real-world problems and data will enable us to do research with greater impact than is typically possible within a purely academic environment,” Hodgins said. “At the same time, Disney Research in Pittsburgh can tap expertise at Carnegie Mellon that can be applied to problems that cut across all of Disney’s business units.” In addition to work on autonomous characters, she anticipates projects involving databases, machine learning and visualization.  

ETH Zurich has a strong tradition of research in computational methods and computer systems. It is one of the most renowned locations for research in computer science, and as such, a strong partner for Disney. Professor Markus Gross, Head of ETH Zurich ’s Computer Graphics Laboratory in the Department of Computer Science calls the collaboration with Disney “on the cusp of the cutting-edge”.

“We have been looking for a partner like Disney to create synergies that will open up a wide spectrum of different fields in entertainment technology”, he says. He adds that “Our research will explore novel algorithms to bring both traditional animation and 3D computer animation to the next level of perfection. We will investigate how artistic knowledge and rules can be incorporated into computer-assisted production and content creation. Additionally, we plan to design the next generation of cinematographic technology.” The applied research and joint intellectual properties that will result from the technology transfer will offer new and creative opportunities to strengthen ETH Zurich ’s talent, potential and ability to make an impact on industry.  

The Disney Research lab in Zurich will work with faculty members from the Department of Computer Science, specifically with Visual Computing and the Computer Graphics Laboratory, to conduct the highest level applied research in areas including computer animation, image synthesis, computational photography, and artificial intelligence.  

Joint Ph.D projects and research contracts, as well as teaching services from senior Disney researchers, are part of the advantages and synergies to be drawn from the collaboration. Professor Markus Gross will head Disney Research in Zurich .   

The individual R&D programs at Disney Parks & Resorts, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios, Interactive Games, Disney‘s television and motion picture studios and ImageMovers Digital and their existing university alliances with schools throughout the globe will continue. The Pittsburgh and Zurich labs will focus on areas of research that span multiple business units across the company.

Sunday, April 13, 2008
Disney Announces FREE Dining Plan with Purchase of Late Summer Package 

Walt Disney World Resort announced today the return of an exceptional "free dining" offer for guests purchasing select "Magic Your Way" packages on certain dates in August and September.

Now through June 22, guests can buy one of these five-night/six-day packages for stays most nights Aug. 24-Sept. 20, 2008, and receive the Disney Dining Plan at no additional charge.

Packages for families of four start at $57 a day per person in a standard room at select Disney Value Resorts, $73 a day per person in a standard room at select Disney Moderate Resorts and $104 a day per person in a studio at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. These prices are based on two adults, one junior and one child. The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. No group rates or other discounts apply. Other packages are available for larger and smaller families, as well as other lengths of stay.

In addition to the free dining offer, guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels get an extra dose of pixie dust with great perks and services including Disney's Magical Express, which offers complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery and -- on participating airlines -- check-in at their hotel for domestic return flights; also Extra Magic Hours, where each day, one of the Walt Disney World theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later, providing extra time in the parks to experience select attractions.

Fall 2008 is also a great time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, with guests being able to experience exciting new attractions like Toy Story Mania! an interactive 4-D attraction (opening in late May 2008 at Disney's Hollywood Studios) which features favorite characters from the hit Disney-Pixar films. Guests can also enjoy "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, continuing through Dec. 31, 2008.

To book this fall's "free dining" offer, guests can call Walt Disney Travel Co. at 407/W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent and ask for booking code AYG, or for more information visit www.disneyworld.com.

About the Disney Dining Plan

The plan includes one quick-service meal, one select snack and one table-service meal for each night of a guest's package stay. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included. Children ages 3-9 must choose from the children's menu, if available.

More than 100 restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World Resort are currently participating in the Disney Dining Plan.

Guests are encouraged to make arrangements as far in advance as possible and book dining reservations at table service restaurants (which can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE).

Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pleasure Island, Raglan Road Irish Pub Plan St. Patrick's Day Fun

The St. Patrick's Day fun will last longer than a weekend at Downtown Disney as Walt Disney World guests are treated to a variety of special entertainment at Pleasure Island beginning March 14 and at Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub beginning March 16.

• Pleasure Island's Sham-Rock 'n' Roll features street-party fun for the whole family March 14, 15 and 17. The island will "turn green" with live music featuring Seven Nations, videos by Irish artists, leprechauns and stilt walkers. Club admission is not required to experience the fun beginning at 7 p.m. each day. For additional information, guests can call 407/WDW-2NITE (option 4, option 1) or visit www.downtowndisney.com.
  
• For everyone interested in celebrating St. Patrick's Day "the Irish way," the Irish owners of Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub have lined up a program of Irish music, song and dance for March 16 and 17. Featured will be U2 Elevation, the world's most popular U2 tribute band, playing a mix of the band's songs. In addition, Tuskar Rock, Raglan Road's imported house band, will present their unique mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music accompanied by award-winning Irish dancer Danielle Fitzpatrick. The fun begins at 11 a.m. on March 16. On March 17, there is a $15 cover charge. For more information, call 407/938-0300 or visit www.raglanroadirishpub.com.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Park Map Times Guides Now Printed In Color

On Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, Aronda visited Walt Disney World. During her visit, she discovered that the Times Guides given with the glossy park maps are now printed in color. After noticing this with the Animal Kingdom edition, she took a quick look at the Guides in Guest Relations to find that all four park Times Guides as well as the one for Downtown Disney are printed with what appears to be a four-color process. The paper stock is still the thick, dull white. 

The new Times Guides are much easier to read than the one-color design. 

Monday, January 14, 2008
WDW Marathon Not Just a Jog Through the Park!

"ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET...": Pyrotechnics light the sky at the start line at 6 a.m. Jan. 13, 2008 
to mark the beginning of the 15th annual Walt Disney World Marathon in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 
A record 18,000 athletes registered for the 26.2-mile trek through all four Walt Disney World theme parks. 
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

A HIGH FIVE AFTER 26.2!: Andrew Crump (left), of Wheeling, Ill. (# 17693), high-fives a Disney character Jan. 13, 2008 
as he prepares to finish the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. At right are Angelina Crump 
(#17692) of Wheeling, Ill. and Sharon Stewart (far right, #6820) of Addision, Ill. They were among the 18,000 
athletes registered to run the annual 26.2-mile race through all four Walt Disney World theme parks. 
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

THE THRILL OF VICTORY: Amidst showering confetti, Adriano Bastos celebrates after crossing the finish 
line Jan. 13, 2008, to win his fifth Walt Disney World Marathon. Bastos, 29, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has now won 
five Disney Marathons. He posted a winning time of 2:20:58. With the victory, Bastos has now won five 
of the 15 total Disney Marathon events and four straight. More than 18,000 athletes, an event record, 
registered to run the 26.2-mile race through all four Walt Disney World theme parks. 
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Search For First-Ever Disney Parks CMO Is On
Chief Magic Official Will Oversee Magic in Disney Parks During The Year of a Million Dreams

Do you wish your M.D. really stood for “Magic Director?” Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they’ve been waiting for!

To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today (January 8, 2008--Aronda) launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams.

The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more!

“We’re looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers,” said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. “The CMO will serve as an ambassador of dreams to help create the magic that only Disney can bring to its guests.”

"Whatever you dreamed of being when you were growing up, chances are some of your plans hit a snag along the way," said Richard Castellini, a spokesperson for CareerBuilder.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of over 6,000 workers, only 15 percent said they were actually in their dream jobs. The Disney Parks CMO will have the unique opportunity to live out his or her dream and bring a little magic to the lives of others."

Do You have the Character to be the CMO?
Beginning May 1, 2008, the part-time CMO will help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney Parks and meet Disney’s real “masters of magic” – the Imagineers.

The ideal CMO candidate must be happy, never grumpy; able to easily befriend dwarfs, dogs, monsters and mice; have good manners – but also be able to pillage and plunder with pirates when necessary. Also required: pockets full of pixie dust, an aversion to poisonous apples, an interest in oversized teacups and flying elephants and, most importantly, a belief in all things magical.  

The position will require travel, including travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, during the week and some weekends and holidays. While traveling as the Disney Parks CMO, he/she will receive an hourly rate of compensation for hours spent performing the CMO role, as well as airfare, accommodations and a spending allowance.

“The CMO position is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has always wanted to be part of the Disney family,” said Dezern. “We will look for the ideal candidate to be naturally outgoing and optimistic, and have a great sense of humor as well as a passion for spreading Disney magic to our guests.”

Show Your DISNEY Magic
Beginning January 8 and continuing through January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and take the “Magic Aptitude Test” (M.A.T.) to see if they have what it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60 second video resume – online at www.DreamCMO.com – which captures their personality and visually and verbally supports why they would make the ideal CMO.

Mickey’s Apprentice
A magical panel of judges will select the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America. The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.

For additional information about the CMO search and to apply, please visit www.DreamCMO.com.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

New Series of Photography from Annie Leibovitz Puts More Stars in 
More Fantasies as Disney Parks Extends ‘Year of a Million Dreams’

As reported on Thursday, September 6, 2007 by WDW's press dept.

Framed through the lens of renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, more stars are playing out their fantasies, living out their Disney dreams.

Actress Rachel Weisz is Snow White, tennis star Roger Federer is King Arthur from "The Sword in the Stone" and actress Julie Andrews is the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" with actress Abigail Breslin as Fira from "Disney Fairies" in a new wave of celebrity images celebrating "The Year of a Million Dreams" at Disney Parks.

They join Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé as "Alice in Wonderland" twirling in a teacup and David Beckham atop a steed as Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty" in a 14-page insert appearing later this year in several Condé Nast publications. Johansson, Beyoncé and Beckham also starred in the first flight of Leibovitz images last January.

The new photographs, placing stars in classic Disney fairy tale settings, continue the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" of celebrity images produced by Leibovitz as Disney Parks announces an extension, through 2008, of its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.

Elaborate sets and costuming went into the transformation of Weisz, Andrews, Breslin and Federer. Soundstages morphed into pixie-dusted spectacles as Leibovitz clicked away.

"It's thrilling to have an opportunity to re-create the characters we all loved as children," Leibovitz says. "The stories are real to my own children now, and their belief inspires me."

Dreamlike images in a year of dreams was a natural, added Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

"Putting celebrities right inside their fantasies reinforces the power of dreams, where anything is possible," he said. "Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all. Through the lens of Annie Leibovitz, these dreams and fantasies come alive. It's the perfect fit."

For Weisz, slipping on the familiar hair band and dress of Snow White was a dream come true. Her finished image, "Where You're the Fairest of Them All," is a soft, sylvan scene in which she is surrounded by forest friends.

"I think you always want to be Snow White, it's every little girl's dream," Weisz said.

Federer traded his tennis racket for a regal sword, posing on a rock as the gallant King Arthur.

The finished photo, entitled "Where You're Always King of the Court," shows Federer, red cape flowing, beside a roiling sea.

In another photo, Breslin as Fira (from the "Disney Fairies" series) reposes on a giant leaf while the wand-waving Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy of "Pinocchio" showers her with pixie dust. "Where the Magic Begins," reads the photo.

The special insert will be unveiled in the December editions of Cookie, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Glamour, GQ, Men's Vogue, New Yorker, Self, Vanity Fair, Vogue and W.

On Oct. 1, Disney announced its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration would be extended throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The celebration is filled with new attractions and entertainment plus more "dream-come-true" moments for guests than ever before.

For information about "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, visit www.disneyparks.com.

KING OF THE COURT: Tennis ace Roger Federer, who has been the #1 ranked men's 
tennis player in the world for four consecutive years, portrays King Arthur and pulls a 
sword from the anvil that holds a magical grip upon it in a new image created 
by world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.

SNOW WEISZ: London-born Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz 
portrays the 'Fairest of them All' -- Snow White -- in a new image created 
by world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.

A 'FAIRY' TALE PAIR: Academy-, Emmy- and Tony-Award winning actress Julie Andrews 
portrays the Blue Fairy from Disney's 'Pinocchio' with her 'apprentice' fairy Fira, portrayed by 
starlet Abigail Breslin, in a new image created by world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Walt Disney World Resort is Looking for a Few Good Moms
Disney searches for park-savvy parents for first-ever Walt Disney World Moms Panel

As reported on Thursday, September 6, 2007 by WDW's press dept.

Calling all moms: Is a trip to Walt Disney World Resort your idea of the perfect family vacation? Do you know where to find the one and only campfire marshmallow roast at Walt Disney World Resort? Have you ever been to one of the resort's baby care centers to change and feed your little one? Or maybe you and your family have visited so often that others have said you could write a book filled with travel tips? If so, Disney wants to hear from you.

As part of "The Year of a Million Dreams," Disney announced today the launch of a nationwide search for moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Twelve finalists will be selected to serve on the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Those twelve parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience will have the opportunity to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering this magical vacation experience. In exchange, the twelve panelists will receive a 6-day/5-night vacation to the Florida resort for themselves and three other guests.

"Through our consumer research we know that there are aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation that can be challenging to the primary vacation planner, most often that means mom," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "We could not think of a better way to provide vacation planning advice than to create an online forum. This will assist guests who are looking for real and reliable vacation recommendations that fit their family's travel needs."

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel will be found online at www.disneyworldmoms.com and feature content provided by the panel. It will also offer guests the opportunity to pose specific questions and have them answered by the panelists. The site, which goes live in January 2008, will host valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for those parents planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

Are you right for the panel?

Disney realizes that the person who serves the "mom" role differs from family to family. Whether you pride yourself on knowing insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, or are popular among friends and family for planning fabulous vacations on a budget, you may be right for the panel.

From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why they should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney will select 12 panelists with children of various ages.

"For families interested in taking a Walt Disney World vacation, the interactive site will feature a wealth of helpful planning information, expert tips and advice about various topics related to visiting the Walt Disney World Resort," said Crofton.

For more information on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel search, please visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Disney is conducting a nationwide search for parents who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. From Sept. 6, 2007, through Oct. 5, 2007, interested guests can apply to be one of 12 people who will be selected to serve on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights from parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience.  Set to launch in January 2008, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel will allow guests to pose questions and have them answered by the panelists, as well as gain access to other valuable park insights and vacation planning tools. For more information, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Disney-MGM Studios to be Renamed
(and additional info regarding Studios updates)

As reported on Thursday, August 9, 2007 by WDW's press dept.

In the Walt Disney World theme park famous for all things Hollywood, it's curtain up on the launch of new attractions, new looks, new breakthrough experiences...

...and a brand-new name.

Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios, effective January 2008, announced Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in music, television, movies and theater," she said.

Framed by the park's supporting cast of classic Hollywood architecture are shows and attractions straight from contemporary Hollywood, such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" and many more. Disney's Hollywood Studios is also the place to meet favorite character stars of today including Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar's "Cars," Power Rangers and Little Einsteins.

With exciting coming attractions and experiences, the best and brightest of Hollywood is about to emerge for park guests, Crofton said.

"As Disney continues to grow and invest in our family entertainment business, we constantly explore new ways to deliver high-quality, immersive experiences for our guests," she added. "As a park all about entertainment, Disney's Hollywood Studios will deliver like never before. Now we can say that Hollywood is literally our middle name."

• Toy Story Mania! Guests get sporty in a new, interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story" films and hosted by characters like they've never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite "Toy Story" characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Once inside "Andy's Toy Box," the competition heats up. Who can rack up the most points? Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity -- and beyond. (summer 2008)

• "Block Party Bash." Play, party and dance as the Disney-Pixar Film Pals present "Block Party Bash," the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. New to Disney's Hollywood Studios, "Block Party Bash" will invite guests to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." (spring 2008, replaces "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade)

• "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. ("Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" will be dark most of January 2008, reopens February 2008)

• "Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out!" With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical 2" comes to life on the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (fall 2007, replaces "High School Musical Pep Rally")

• Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny. And what would a Disney theme park be without characters? Disney's Hollywood Studios is center stage for character meet and greets. Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard next to "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (November 2007)

Part of the Disney's Hollywood Studios magic includes events for which the park is famous. To a stellar lineup including ABC Super Soap Weekend, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, ESPN the Weekend and Star Wars Weekends, the park reprises the Playhouse Disney in Concert series with dynamic concerts and special entertainment for little ones.

Headliners include favorite children's acts The Doodlebops, Imagination Movers, Dan Zanes and Friends, and Johnny and the Sprites. The fun happens on select dates Aug. 30-Oct. 28, 2007, during Little Ones Travel Time in a 10,000 square foot, air-conditioned performance venue. For the complete show schedule: disneyworld.com/pdic.

In addition, holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios will have a special sparkle this year as the park hosts the Harlem Gospel Choir Nov. 30-Dec. 25, 2007.

"This is easily one of the most ambitious attractions rollouts in the 18-year history of the park," Crofton said. "With so many great coming attractions, we are thrilled to be launching a Studios year unlike any other. Wrapped in a brand-new name...Disney's Hollywood Studios."

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Construction Updates from WDW

On Saturday, August 4, Aronda stopped by several construction sites around the Walt Disney World Resort, snapping pictures everywhere she went (as usual!). Check out the photos of the progress at the Contemporary Resort expansion, the Yak-n-Yeti at Animal Kingdom, and the Mickey Avenue closure at Disney-MGM Studios:

Several views of Contemporary Resort construction

The first vertical construction begins at Contemporary

Spaceship Earth wand removal as seen from parking lot

Mickey Avenue closure and construction progress

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Lots of Disney Dining Updates
this material reported by Disney's PR Department

More changes for Epcot dining

Japan, China and Mexico pavilions are all updating their dining experience. The three pavilions have been open since 1982.

Japan's Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge will be replaced in the fall with a new spot, Tokyo Dining, showcasing traditional cuisine and ingredients of Japan with an emphasis on sushi and innovative presentation. The popular teppanyaki dining room is renamed Teppan Edo, but the concept remains.

In China, a new Joy of Tea outdoor cart features hot and cold teas, frozen green tea concoctions and alcoholic choices such as plum wine and wine green tea slush. The pavilion's Lotus Blossom Café has been renovated and features a new menu that includes Beijing barbecue chicken, sesame chicken salad and rou jia mo, a popular Chinese sandwich made with sliced beef stuffed in toasted wheat-flour flatbread. Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 for renovations that include an exhibition kitchen where guests can interact with the chefs.

In Mexico, a 50- to 60-seat tequila bar replaces a retail shop in the pavilion's spacious indoor courtyard in summer 2007. And the pavilion's waterfront Cantina de San Angel is expanding with more seating with optimal views of World Showcase, and will offer a new menu by summer 2008.

Il Mulino newest dining at Walt Disney World Swan

New York City's Il Mulino has expanded around the globe in cities from Tokyo to Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. The newest outpost at the Walt Disney World Swan features family-style dining with fish, chicken, fresh pastas and meats, with seasonal ingredients inspired by Italy's Abruzzi region, and a wine list with more than 250 selections. With 220 seats, Il Mulino has intimate dining rooms that are available for special occasions or smaller group events.  Open seven days a week for dinner.

Two new themed restaurants

Walt Disney World guests will have two new restaurants to choose from when they visit Disney's Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.  The restaurants will be operated by Landry's Restaurants, which operates the Rainforest Cafés at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney. 

In early 2008 at Downtown Disney, guests will be able to dine face to face with a dinosaur at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, which combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. 

This November, guests who travel to the land of Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom will get a real taste of that exotic part of the world with Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Inspired by the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, this Asian-fusion establishment will offer table-service dining and a full-service bar, as well as quick-service food and beer-garden options, and retail offerings from Pan-Asia ranging from silk purses, incense and saris to fine teapots. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a quick-service courtyard.

More dining changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tusker House Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom reopens in November, converted to a buffet restaurant that includes a character breakfast, Donald's Safari Breakfast. Hours are 8-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. until the park closes. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating. (Donald's Breakfastosaurus at the park's Restaurantosaurus closes Nov. 5, but Restaurantosaurus remains open daily from 10:30 a.m. until park close as a quick-service restaurant.)

Kids' menus get a makeover

Kids' menus at Disney slowly have been evolving, but recent changes make healthier choices the standard instead of the "alternate." Carrot sticks in place of French fries and 1 percent milk or bottled water instead of soda, for instance. Guests must request fries and sodas.

"The new healthful menus expand the options for our guests," said Ed Wronski, director of Product Development for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage. "The reaction, both from the chefs and the guests, has been very, very positive." During the test phase, about 80 percent of parents chose the healthier option in the quick-service restaurants in the parks.

The revised menus require that no more than 35 percent of calories can come from fat--saturated fat and sugar must account for no more than 10 percent of the meal's calories.

The whole idea behind the new meals is simply to introduce more balance while focusing on smaller portions and fewer calories, said Wronski.

Out with added trans fat

Over the next year, Walt Disney World Resort is removing all added trans fats from food served in parks and resorts. All partially hydrogenated oils also will be phased out.

Constantly looking for ways to improve the nutritional profiles and tastes of popular entrées, Disney instituted other changes including a new guest-tested hamburger with fat content less than 20 percent and buns with 10 percent whole wheat, and new pizzas with lower bread and lower-fat cheese.

Disney is working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for candy, packaged food and bakery items sold in the parks, or identifying replacement products. Portion-controlled snacks and treats and packaging to promote nutritious food are part of the changes.

New kind of tea party at Disney restaurants, lounges

Restaurants and lounges all across Walt Disney World Resort have a new way to enjoy tea: in trendy cocktails.

The tea-infused cocktails were created by Disney's beverage team, and are offered in most of the lounges and table-service restaurants. Exotic combinations include the Zen-tini with Skyy citrus vodka and green tea liqueur; the Lemon Verbena Martini with Ketel One Citroen and lemon verbena tea, and the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Malibu coconut rum, chai tea and half & half. After-dinner tea drinks are served hot, like the Cassis Infusion with cassis tea and Chambord, or the Vanilla Rooibos Soother with Navan vanilla cognac and vanilla rooibos tea.

Disney Dining Plan saves vacation dollars

A popular new way to save up to 40 percent on dining, the Disney Dining Plan lets resort guests pay in advance (including gratuities) for snacks and meals at selected restaurants. The plan includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal for each night of a package stay.

Cost is $38.99, $10.99 ages 3 to 9, and kids under 3 can share from an adult plate at no additional charge. Guests can use the meals and snack in any order and in any amount through the package stay.

Diners have flexibility with the plan, as meal usage is tracked electronically, and a receipt shows the remaining balance. Dining at Disney's "signature" restaurants, dinner shows, Cinderella's Royal Table or room service require two table-service vouchers, for instance, so guests can plan ahead to include a variety of dining experiences.

Approximately 120 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World parks and resorts currently are participating in the Disney Dining Plan.

The plan can be added to a Magic Your Way Package up until three days prior to arrival, but guests are encouraged to make arrangements as far in advance as possible so they can book dining reservations at table service restaurants (which can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE).

Chef Tim Keating takes helm at Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk

Chef Tim Keating most recently was executive chef at the Biltmore in Coral Gables, Fla., and prior to the Biltmore was executive chef for eight years at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston, Texas.

New Jersey-born Keating began his culinary career in his early teens. Early on, he mastered his craft at several top California hotels, including Le Meridien in Newport Beach, La Valencia in La Jolla and Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Laguna Niguel and Rancho Mirage.

Throughout his career, his restaurants have received numerous awards, and Keating was nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation awards for the American Express Best Chef-Southwest in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

He also is a founding member of the Chefs Collaborative, a nationwide group that supports local farmers and inspires their customers to choose nutritious and sustainable foods.

Chef Jens Dahlmann moves to California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Chef Jens Dahlmann moves from Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk to the award-winning California Grill high atop Disney's Contemporary Resort. Dahlmann oversees a team of chefs in the onstage kitchen, where his "Creative American" cuisine offers a "contemporary and light approach with European basics."

Born in Germany, Dahlmann's father was a chef, and his grandfather was a master pastry chef. He was a chef at Le Cirque 2000 in New York City and Café L' Europe in Palm Beach before coming to Walt Disney World Resort.

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