Tokyo Disney Announces New Castle Projection Show, Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Show
The Oriental Land Company, owner and operator of the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Chiba, Tokyo announced entertainment additions, changes and termination of several entertainment opportunities in both its Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea theme parks.
Following in the footsteps of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle will become the focal point of a new night-time projection-mapping show titled ‘Once Upon A Time.’ With an investment of approximately 2 billion yen (US $21.1 million), the fifteen minute show will open mid-2014 and will include special effects such as on-stage pyrotechnics while using music and imagery from many of Disney’s animated classics such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland.
At DisneySea, the Mermaid Lagoon Theater will see its final performance of its ‘Under the Sea’ spectacular on April 6, 2014. After the closure, the theater and the Little Mermaid-themed show will be revamped and reimagined with a new show using upgraded stage and lighting technology, along with display screens installed in the rear of the audience seating area. The new show (no title specified) is expected to open in spring of 2015 and will center on King Triton hosting a musical concert and will feature appearances by Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and others, presenting a ‘mesmerizing world under the sea — just as in the movie — with lively music, songs and dynamic performances.’
Also announced at Tokyo DisneySea is the closure of the popular ‘Legend of Mythica’ show, which will see its final performance on September 7, 2014.
Categories: Theme Parks, Tokyo Disneyland Tags: Ariel, little mermaid, TDL, TDR, TDS, The Little Mermaid, Theme Parks, Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea
‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ Screening and Panel for Disneyland Passholders
The Disneyland Resort has announced it will be hosting a 25th Anniversary screening and panel for Who Framed Roger Rabbit for its Annual Passholders at the AMC Theatre located in its Downtown Disney district on Tuesday, June 18 at 8:00 pm PT.
The panel will be moderated by associate producer Don Hahn and is expected to include Director of Special Projects at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Dave Bossert, Visual Effects Animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit.
Registration and wristband distribution for the event will begin at 12:00 noon on the day of the event at the AMC 12 Theaters in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. All participating Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid Annual Passholders on the day of the event. Guests under the age of 3 do not need an Annual Pass, but will need a wristband to attend the event.
For more information, visit the official event page.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Movies, Theme Parks Tags: Animation, Annual Passholders, AP, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, DLR, Downtown Disney, DTD, Events, Films, Movies, Passholders, WFRR, Who Framed Roger Rabbit
‘Independence Week’ Limited Time Magic, Fourth of July Events Announced for Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World today announced its celebration plans for July 4, 2013, as well as what it calls ‘Independence Week’ (July 1-7), part of its year-long ‘Limited Time Magic’ campaign.
All week long, Walt Disney World will present its special fireworks program, ‘Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky’ at the Magic Kingdom, described as a ’15-minute 360-degree fireworks spectacular.’ Prior to the daily afternoon parade, ‘Celebrate a Dream Come True,’ Goofy, Donald and Pluto will lead a spirited procession down Main Street, U.S.A. The rousing pre-parade also features the Main Street Philharmonic, Citizens of Main Street and Walt Disney’s historic horse-drawn calliope. Patriotic-themed merchandise and tasty treats inspired by Americana will also be on the menu all week long.
Plans for the individual parks for Independence Day only include:
Epcot: Discovery Experiences at American Adventure spotlight American history and heritage. Guests can meet with Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress. An afternoon of live entertainment kicks off at 12:30 pm in the America Gardens Theatre with the Voices of Liberty Fourth of July concert. This holiday special is a harmonizing partnership of the eight-part, a capella Voices of Liberty, Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters. The Heartbeat of Freedom, a special tribute following IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky at 10 p.m.
- Characters in patriotic dress are on set from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and from 3:30 – 6 p.m. outside near Kidcot (under the porte-cochere)
- Voices of Liberty showtimes at America Gardens Theatre are 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m. They are also doing two sets inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m.
- Special showtimes for Slippery When Wet (Sounds Like Summer concert series) on the Fourth of July are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m.
Disney Hollywood Studios: Enjoy a twist on traditional fireworks with the all-new ‘Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.’ The party begins at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ at 6 pm. At 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m., Mulch, Sweat & Shears will take you on a musical road trip through America. Everything leads up to a special rock ‘n roll fireworks presentation at 10:15 p.m.
Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
Categories: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney World, Fireworks, Fourth of July, Holidays, Independence Day, July 4, Limited Time Magic, LTM, Walt Disney World, WDW
Disney Increases Ticket Prices at Theme Parks; Charges More for Magic Kingdom
Effective tomorrow, June 2, 2013, your Disney Parks vacation is likely to get a bit more expensive, particularly if you haven’t yet purchased tickets. That’s because — as it should come as little surprise — the theme parks are once again raising the price of its admission.
Different this year, however, is that for a single day ticket, admission to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is now more expensive than at its other three parks, at $95 per adult as opposed to $90 for the latter.
There is some silver lining to the cloud, however, if you haven’t yet purchased your tickets. Third party, authorized ticket dealers such as UndercoverTourist.com are usually permitted to continue selling their existing stock at the previous price while supplies last. In addition, these tickets are usually even cheaper than they would have been at the gate and include free shipping.
In addition, Walt Disney World will be raising its parking rates to $15 per day per car and $16 per day per camper/trailer.
Prices have been raised across the board. The full rate schedule is as follows as per the official Disney Parks blog:
| Magic Your Way Ticket Options(*) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days On Ticket | Base Ticket | Optional Add-Ons | ||||
| Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 | Park Hopper® | Water Park Fun & More | Park Hopper® & Water Park Fun & More | No Expiration | |
| 10 days | $339($33.90/day) | $320($32.00/day) | $59 | $59 (10 visits) | $84 (10 visits) | $325 |
| 9 days | $329($36.56/day) | $310($34.45/day) | $59 | $59 (9 visits) | $84 (9 visits) | $280 |
| 8 days | $319($39.88/day) | $300($37.50/day) | $59 | $59 (8 visits) | $84 (8 visits) | $245 |
| 7 days | $309($44.15/day) | $290($41.43/day) | $59 | $59 (7 visits) | $84 (7 visits) | $220 |
| 6 days | $299($49.84/day) | $280($46.67/day) | $59 | $59 (6 visits) | $84 (6 visits) | $190 |
| 5 days | $289($57.80/day) | $270($54.00/day) | $59 | $59 (5 visits) | $84 (5 visits) | $145 |
| 4 days | $279($69.75/day) | $260($65.00/day) | $59 | $59 (4 visits) | $84 (4 visits) | $95 |
| 3 days | $262($87.34/day) | $244($81.34/day) | $59 | $59 (3 visits) | $84 (3 visits) | $45 |
| 2 days | $184($92.00/day) | $172($86.00/day) | $59 | $59 (2 visits) | $84 (2 visits) | $35 |
| One Day Theme Park Ticket Options(*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| 1-Day Magic Kingdom® Ticket | $95 | $89 |
| 1-Day Epcot® or Disney’s Hollywood Studios® or Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Ticket | $90 | $84 |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper® Ticket | $129 | $123 |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Water Park Fun & More Ticket | $149(2 visits) | $143(2 visits) |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper® & Water Park Fun & More Ticket | $174(2 visits) | $168(2 visits) |
2-10 Day Base Ticket admits guest to one theme park each day of use. Park choices are: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Park Hopper option entitles guest to visit more than one theme park on each day of use. Park choices are any combination of Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom on each day of use.
Water Park Fun & More option entitles guest to a specified number of visits (between 2 and 10) to a choice of entertainment and recreation venues. Choices are Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Disney’s Winter Summerland.
No expiration means unused admissions on a ticket have no expiration date. All tickets expire 14 days after first use unless No Expiration is purchased.
| Theme Park Annual Pass Options (*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| Annual Pass | $609 | $609 |
| Annual Pass entitles guest to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except activities/events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as complimentary parking. | ||
| Premium Annual Pass | $729 | $729 |
| Premium Annual Pass entitles guest to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except activities/events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Disney’s Oak Trail golf course, DisneyQuest and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, as well as complimentary parking. | ||
| Attractions Outside the Theme Parks (*) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 | |
| Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach | 1-Day 1-Park / Annual Hopper | $53 / $104 | $45 / $85 |
| DisneyQuest | 1-Day / Annual Pass | $45 / $90 | $39 / $72 |
| DisneyQuest + Water Parks | Annual Pass | $132 | $102 |
| ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex | $14.95 | $10.28 | |
| Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba | $61-$144 | $49-$117 | |
Water Parks subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures.
| Florida Resident Theme Park Tickets and Options (*) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hopper® | Water Park Fun & More | Park Hopper® & Water Park Fun & More | |||
| Ages 10+ | Ages 3-9 | ||||
| Florida Resident 4-Day Ticket | $199 | $187 | $29.50 | $29.50 | $59 |
| Florida Resident 3-Day Ticket | $179 | $167 | $29.50 | $29.50 | $59 |
Florida Resident 3-Day Ticket and Options and Florida Resident 4-Day Ticket and Options expire 6 months from first use or 12/17/2014, whichever comes first. Block-out dates apply (6/8/13-8/15/13; 12/19/13-1/3/14; 4/12/14-4/25/14; 6/7/14-8/14/14; 12/18/14-1/2/15).
| Florida Resident One Day Theme Park Ticket Options(*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| 1-Day Magic Kingdom® Ticket | $95 | $89 |
| 1-Day Epcot® or Disney’s Hollywood Studios® or Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Ticket | $90 | $84 |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper® Ticket for Florida Residents | $109.50 | $103.50 |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Water Park Fun & More Ticket for Florida Residents | $119.50(2 visits) | $113.50(2 visits) |
| 1-Day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper® & Water Park Fun & More Ticket for Florida Residents | $139(2 visits) | $133(2 visits) |
Valid proof of Florida residency per adult is required for purchase and use.
| Florida Resident Theme Park Annual/Seasonal Pass Options (*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| Florida Resident Annual Pass | $464 | $464 |
| Florida Resident Annual Pass entitles residents to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus complimentary parking. | ||
| Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass | $584 | $584 |
| Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass entitles residents to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, plus complimentary parking. | ||
| Florida Resident Seasonal Pass | $309 | $309 |
| Florida Resident Seasonal Pass entitles residents to admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom except for “blockout” dates around Christmas/New Years, Easter/spring break, and peak summer vacation period; the pass expires 365 days after activation. | ||
| Theme Park Miscellaneous Options (*) | |
|---|---|
| Parking | $15 (tax included) ($16 camper/trailer) per day |
| Single Stroller | $15 per day ($13 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| Double Stroller | $31 per day ($27 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| Locker | Theme Parks: $7 per day (large lockers $9 per day) + $5 refundable depositWater Parks: $8 per day (large lockers $10 per day) + $5 refundable deposit |
| Wheelchair | $12 rental per day ($10 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| ECV | $50 rental per day + $20 refundable deposit |
| Walt Disney World Resort Options (*) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Resort Category | Disney Resort | Rate Range (**) | |
| Value | Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort | $85-$192 | |
| Disney’s All-Star Music Resort | $85-$192 | ||
| Disney All-Star Music Family Suites | $202-$392 | ||
| Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort | $85-$192 | ||
| Disney’s Pop Century Resort | $95-$206 | ||
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Standard Rooms | $100-$191 | ||
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites | $252-$433 | ||
| Children under 18 stay at no additional charge in Value Resort rooms with parents; additional charge $10 per adult over two in room. | |||
| Moderate | Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | $162-$283 | |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Pirate Rooms | $196-$327 | ||
| Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | $167-$338 | ||
| Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort | $162-$288 | ||
| Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort | $162-$288 | ||
| Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort – Royal Guest Rooms | $192-$328 | ||
| Children under 18 stay at no additional charge in Moderate Resort rooms with parents; additional charge $15 per adult over two in room. | |||
| Deluxe | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | $279-$654 | |
| Disney’s Beach Club Resort | $350-$853 | ||
| Disney’s BoardWalk Inn | $360-$936 | ||
| Disney’s Contemporary Resort | $330-$950 | ||
| Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | $480-$1,253 | ||
| Disney’s Polynesian Resort | $422-$1,093 | ||
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | $284-$911 | ||
| Disney’s Yacht Club Resort | $350-$1,040 | ||
| Children under 18 stay at no additional charge in Deluxe Resort rooms with parents; additional charge $25 per adult over two in room. | |||
| Deluxe Villas(Disney Vacation Club units available on a nightly basis) | Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | $431-$2,640 | |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | $360-$1,284 | ||
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | $360-$2,380 | ||
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | $327-$1,822 | ||
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | $327-$1,822 | ||
| The Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | $313-$2,380 | ||
| The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | $368-$1,279 | ||
| Camping | Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground | Wilderness Cabins | $289-$481 |
| Campsites | $48-$132 | ||
(*) – Prices are subject to Florida sales tax except as noted; accommodations also subject to appropriate County resort tax.
(**) – Rates are per-night in 2013 and vary based on room/campsite location and time of visit; suites in moderate and deluxe hotels extra (Disney Vacation Club rates span range of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas and Grand Villas)
Categories: Business, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney World, Disneyland, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World, WDW
‘The Circle Sessions (Piano Performances from Carthay Circle)’ to be Released June 4
On June 4, Walt Disney Records will digitally release The Circle Sessions (Piano Performances from Carthay Circle), a new soundtrack that highlights some of the music that can be found at the Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort.
This is the second title from the popular restaurant whose background music consists of Disney favorites with styles that transition seamlessly as diners move between seating areas. The first title, The Circle Sessions (The Music of Carthay Circle) was released online last year after being available in the park.
While the two albums have a few tracks in common, the followup contains tracks from fan favorites such as Mary Poppins, Enchanted and Newsies.
1. Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf
2. True Love’s Kiss
3. Cruella De Vil
4. Once Upon A Dream
5. King Of New York
6. Let’s Go Fly A Kite
7. Married Life
8. Winnie The Pooh
9. Some Day My Prince Will Come
10. Alice In Wonderland
11. Ev’rybody Wants To Be A Cat
12. I Wan’na Be Like You
For more information, visit Amazon.com.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland Resort, Music, Theme Parks Tags: Carthay Circle, DCA, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, DLR, Enchanted, Newsies
Adventures by Disney Announces New Itineraries for 2014
New for 2014, Adventures by Disney® will offer a new vacation to Central Europe. The 9-day, 8-night vacation invites your Clients to uncover the hidden treasures of Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, traveling off the beaten path in the enchanting cities of Prague, Salzburg and Vienna and spending three nights at a majestic resort in the Alps. Also new for 2014, Adventures by Disney will enhance its current Italy itinerary and add teen-focused activities to existing journeys.
2014 itineraries are now available to book for Clients who are Adventure Insiders (those who have traveled with Adventures by Disney in the past). Bookings for all other Guests open on May 23, 2013.
New Itinerary: “Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic”
Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Vienna – The journey begins in Prague and Cesky Krumlov, where parents and children alike will make their very own marionettes with local craftsmen and embark on a picturesque walking tour of the city’s most historical landmarks. In Germany, soak in the scenic Bavarian Alps and visit the Ice Cave of Eishole before slipping into a village bakery to make pretzels. Guests take in the sights and sounds of Salzburg with a tour of Hellbrunn Castle and a performance from Duo Mozart Violinists. As the trip concludes in Vienna, families partake in private Quadrille lessons, learning the timeless art of waltzing from those who know it best. Finally, Guests will enjoy a private dinner at an emperor’s pavilion in the Vienna Zoo.
Enhanced Itinerary: “Viva Italia”
Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany – This enhanced itinerary is perfect for families looking to explore the splendor of one of Europe’s most iconic destinations, with newly added VIP experiences. The journey begins in Rome with a private experience at the Colosseum and a rare after-hours visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel and a stop in Tuscany to learn the art of pasta in a private cooking class. Become immersed in the city with a step back in time to the wonders of the Renaissance on a special tour of the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio. Finally, unmask the mysteries of Venice with Carnevale, a mask-making activity and a detective game at the Doge’s Palace.
Special Teen-Focused Departures in 2014:
Peru: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lima – This South American adventure will now include authentic experiences for teens including taking a spin at salsa dancing with the locals and horseback riding through the rugged landscape. The tales of ancient civilizations will come alive during a bonfire and stargazing.
Costa Rica: San José, Tortuguero, Arenal National Park, and Guanacaste – An exotic journey through the lush rainforests and thrilling wildlife of Costa Rica are enhanced with a teen-centric beach party on the country’s pristine sands. The jungles, volcanoes and waters of the region will be forever with families as teens partake in photography classes.
Arizona & Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Arches National Park and Moab – Venture into the heart of the Southwest with a bike ride through Boynton Canyon in Sedona and an exhilarating hike through the Grand Canyon at sunset.
Categories: Theme Parks Tags: ABD, Adventures By Disney
Walt Disney World Beta Testing Review and Community Website
After formally shutting down its Insidears website earlier this year, Walt Disney World has been quietly testing a new open community/ratings website, we have learned. The website, which can be found quiet easily at http://disneyworld.com/reviews (or http://reviews.disneyworld.disney.go.com) uses the Bazaarvoice platform to allow anyone with a Disney.com account to connect and share their own personal reviews of Walt Disney World attractions, dining and lodging as well as ask and respond to questions in the community.
In its current incarnation, when you first enter a review, question or response, you will be prompted to choose a community screenname as well as fill out a brief form which helps provide additional information to other readers: family size, number of children, last vacation date and length, etc. You can also choose to identify yourself as a Disney Vacation Club member, an Annual Passholder and even a Disney Cast Member (an additional badge is provided for members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel). With exception to the screenname, this information can be modified with each post to help keep things current. The platform even allows the ability for contributors to upload associated photos with each of the reviews, as demonstrated in the screen shot here. At this time, reviews and responses are moderated, with a warning that it may take up to 48 hours for them to appear online.
Currently the Walt Disney World web site makes use of the independent TripAdvisor review system to provide reviews for items such as dining, but that may very well be replaced by this or another platform when the website is ready for launch.
Via anonymous source
Categories: Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney World, Walt Disney World, WDW
Golden Oak Marceline Neighborhood Now Open for Home Sales
Following brisk sales of homesites, Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort announced plans for its newest neighborhood, Marceline. Sale of the first 19 homesites will begin today.
As part of the Golden Oak community, Marceline residents will enjoy a lifestyle surrounded by the Walt Disney World Resort. This quiet, luxurious enclave is located in close proximity to Disney theme parks and recreation. Taking advantage of its natural setting, more than half of the Marceline homesites will offer water views and others will border on a nature preserve. Each homesite is approximately one-quarter acre in size and is within easy walking distance of Summerhouse, the private clubhouse for Golden Oak residents and their guests.
Marceline will showcase the same quality custom home building found throughout Golden Oak today, with residences drawing design and architectural inspiration from European and Caribbean influences. Buyers can select from three prestigious homebuilders to create custom homes ranging in size from approximately 3,800 to 4,500 square feet.
Golden Oak homes start at $1.6 million. Prices, inclusive of homesite, in the Marceline neighborhood will start at $1.7 million.
“We’ve been delighted by the positive response over the past 24 months,” said Page Pierce, vice president of Disney Resort Real Estate Development. “Our first four Golden Oak neighborhoods are nearly sold out, so Marceline quite literally builds on that success.”
Marceline is named after the Missouri town where Walt Disney grew up in the early part of the 20(th) century. Memories from those formative years profoundly influenced creative directions he took throughout his life.
Walt’s animation legacy has roots in Marceline, where he first picked up a pencil and sketchpad to try his hand at drawing. The new Golden Oak neighborhood pays homage to that history with a planned sculpture park that will feature enchanting life-size sculptures of characters from Walt’s animated masterpiece Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The sculptures are part of the exclusive Golden Oak “Disney Friends in Nature” sculpture series. Sophisticated interpretations of classic Disney animation will be found in parks and other common areas throughout the community.
“The sculpture series is just one example of subtle Disney touches artfully woven into the luxurious character of Golden Oak,” Pierce said. “Our Disney Imagineers poured their talents into creating a community that’s thoughtful in design, rich with details and home to a lifestyle like no other.”
Marceline is just one of many new additions to Golden Oak. The recently opened Summerhouse, the private residential club facility, is the centerpiece of community activities and events. Reminiscent of a large Tuscan farmhouse, it offers delightful spaces for indoor and outdoor gatherings, a pool, fitness facilities with locker rooms, and a family game room. The Summerhouse restaurant and private lounge will debut later this year, offering dining in a casual, yet sophisticated environment.
Summerhouse is also home to Golden Oak Resident Services, the team that brings Disney’s guest-service culture directly to residents. Resident Services can arrange personal, residential and resort requests. Services include assistance with travel and private transportation arrangements, tickets for Disney theme parks and special events, private VIP tours, golf tee-times, dinner reservations, and planning parties. It’s like having a Fairy Godmother to handle every detail.
Golden Oak residents can also take advantage of “Disney Connection” amenities. These special services include door-to-park transportation to select locations at Walt Disney World Resort, Extra Magic Hours (at one Walt Disney World Resort theme park each day to enjoy select attractions), merchandise delivery from most Walt Disney World retail locations and discounts at all Walt Disney World golf courses.
For more information about Golden Oak, visit www.disneygoldenoak.com or call (407) 939-5593.
Categories: Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney World, Golden Oak, Walt Disney World, WDW
Epcot Food and Wine Festival’s New Experiences for 2013
Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney chefs will debut the authentic tastes of Scotland at the celebrated 46-day festival known for innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment. The sizzling aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces including Africa, Brazil and Florida Local will tempt guests strolling the World Showcase Promenade. Celebrity chefs like Warren Brown and Jamie Deen will bring culinary cachet to special festival events and demonstrations.
Festival planners will present a delectable menu of premium programming, plus daily wine tastings and mixology seminars. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts will keep the party rockin’, and five bands will make their festival debut this year. In Future World, the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
- New marketplace debuts; favorites return -Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival. The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus. Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.
- Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts. Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29. Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
- Celebrity chefs cook and dish – Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.
- Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars. Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.
- Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
Other festival highlights include:
- More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country
- A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
- Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
- Premium events including “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.
Categories: Epcot, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Disney World, Epcot, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Festival, Walt Disney World, WDW
PHOTOS/VIDEO: Merida Royal Coronation Event at Magic Kingdom
Hundreds of fans gathered early this morning at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World to celebrate the induction of Princess Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave into the Disney Princess Royal Court. An honor bestowed to just ten before her, Merida arrived at Cinderella Castle in style atop her faithful steed Angus before receiving the crown from none other than her own mother, Queen Elinor, who made an exceptionally rare appearance. The pair were joined by the other members of the Disney Princess Royal Court along with emcee U.S. Gymnastics 2-time Olympic champion, Gabby Douglas, who was joined on stage by her own mother, Natalie Hawkins.
Other VIPs spotted included ‘Jessie’ star Debby Ryan, who was filming a segment for Disney Channel’s Disney365 news segments. Child entertainers/reporters Sophia Grace and Rosie, of the Ellen Degeneres show, were also at the event, warming up the crowd with a special rap performance created especially for the event.
Below you will find some of our photos from the event as well as some video (with more coming). Be sure to click on any of the thumbnails to see a larger version.
Here’s a quick video we uploaded on site of the royal procession featuring Merida and Angus. Sorry that it was flipped.
Categories: Magic Kingdom, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Animation, Brave, Characters, Disney Princesses, Disney World, Events, Magic Kingdom, Merida, Merida Coronation, Pixar, Queen Elinor, Walt Disney World, WDW

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