WDWNT Podcaster Anthony Yacullo has just returned from his trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and has a number of great photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:
Magic Kingdom from a distance
Read More about Anthony Yacullo’s 9/27-10/3/09 WDW Photo Report
Disney has released a video showcasing their community involvement from the September 29th launch day events of the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” promotion. Please note that the speakers not labeled in the video (in chronological order) are “Disney Parks” own Jay Rasulo, Meg Crofton, and Rilous Carter:
We told you earlier today that The Muppets would be featured in the national marketing campaign for the 2010 “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” promotion, so here are two of the commercials featuring Kermit and the gang you’ll be seeing on your television real soon:
This morning on ABC’s Good Morning America program, the “Disney Parks” announced their new promotion for all of 2010, a second year of “What Will You Celebrate?” subtitled “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day”. As was rumored, the promotion will give a free day of admission to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park for a day of community service. Through the updated “What Will You Celebrate?” website beginning January 1st, guests can search for an approved volunteer opportunity in their area, get involved in their community for a day, and then enjoy the reward of a day at the place “Where Dreams Come True”. The campaign is aiming to give away one million one-day tickets for one million days of community service from January through December of 2010.
NOTE: If WDW/DLR annual passholders or valid multi-day ticket holders participate, they can choose from one of the following special rewards:
• Special Fastpass cards for certain attractions for up to five additional members of your party
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins
• Donate the free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney
Here is more informtaion on the promotion that was posted today on the Disney Parks Blog:
Breaking news…as we just announced on Good Morning America, if you give a day of volunteer service to a participating organization, you’ll get one day of free admission to a Disney Park. It’s a first-of-its-kind program we’re calling “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.”
And yes, it’s that simple — a free one-day ticket to a Disneyland or Walt Disney World theme park for guests who volunteer a day of service to a participating organization. We’re celebrating you and the good things you do for your communities.
Our program officially begins on January 1, 2010. When it’s live, you’ll be able to visit www.DisneyParks.com or www.DisneyParks.ca and search for an eligible volunteer project. After completing the volunteer work, an e-mail will be sent from Disney with a link to print out a certificate to redeem at a theme park for a free one-day, one-park admission. And if you’re unable to use the ticket, it can be donated to a charity designated by Disney.
With this announcement, we’re looking for 1 million people with a passion to make a difference. And we’re working with HandsOn Network to do it. They’re helping make sure you find the perfect volunteer work. And many of the program’s volunteer opportunities will be for the family.
Also, you’ll notice that we’re raising awareness for grass-roots community volunteerism in more cities than just Chicago. Disney VoluntEARS are joining local volunteers in cities across the United States and Canada today. Work projects involving more than 1,000 volunteers are happening in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and across Canada — Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver.
We’ll be posting more details about the program and how it may involve your city on the @DisneyParks Twitter account and right here.
Of course, there are some official details you should know about: Must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see disneyparks.com in the United States and Puerto Rico. In Canada, see disneyparks.ca.
The campaign website also finally explains why we saw so much in-park filming with The Muppets at Disneyland a few weeks ago. The Muppets are the stars of the marketing for 2010, you’ll be seeing the Jim Henson creations on a special North America tour and on nationally televised ads. The website for the tour (sponsored by Southwest Airlines) is definitely worth checking out for all the Muppet insanity and free downloads you can currently enjoy. Soon the site will have more details on the tour (including dates) that will run throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada to spread the word about helping you community. The promotion has even garnered some star power beyond the beloved Muppets. Commercials featuring James Denton, Taye Diggs, and Teri Hatcher working along with their furry friends to help the community are also available on the official site and will probably begin airing on Disney-owned television networks starting this week.
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on the 2010 promotion, “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day!”.
From The Orlando Business Journal:
Stitch’s Supersonic Adventure, an interactive stage show that opened May 5 (Actually, it was May 3rd) at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, will close on June 27.
Disney officials wouldn’t say why the show, which opened with much fanfare just six weeks ago, is on the way out. Postings on blog sites by Disney fans suggest that park patrons complained about having to form queues in the late spring heat without shelter or seating.
A Disney spokeswoman didn’t say what is planned next for the Stitch site.
While I personally saw a lot of promise in the Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration show, it was quite clear that it needed a little work, but no one could have expected a permanent closure. The news that the show won’t perform for the remainder of the summer isn’t all that surprising, since guests have already been complaining about sitting and standing in the bright Florida sun in front of the Tomorrowland stage during the daily performances. With average summer temperatures like they are, the show could have caused some major legal trouble for Walt Disney World. You can expect a re-worked stage area and some various seasonal shows to debut beginning this Fall. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available on this breaking story.
Our good friend Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net has provided us with a few photos from his latest trip to the World, so let’s see what’s new and exciting at the Magic Kingdom:
“They’re ripping the top off of Space Mountain!!!” More on that later…
Some Main Street U.S.A. facades are under refurbishment
Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 5/13/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
In usual fashion, Walt Disney World put out a number of new press releases all at once, giving us a lot to talk about after what has been a rather quiet period. The first piece gives us an official time frame and some already announced details about the Stich’s Supersonic Celebration show coming to the Magic Kingdom:
Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.
Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation.
The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in “Turtle Talk With Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Shows will take place six times daily.
Looking for some sweet fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
There’s a lot “s’more” new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the “stars” – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.
The line-up for this year’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot has been released and includes WDWNT’s favorite group, Bjorn Again:
The whole family will be rockin’ and rollin’ to legendary music this summer at Epcot when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre.
Seven tribute bands will recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Concerts, which are included in regular Epcot admission, are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. (except July 4, when show times will be 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.).
Here is the lineup (subject to change):
June. 15-21 – Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 22-28 – Hotel California – A Tribute to the Eagles
June 29-July 8 – Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
July 9-19 – Bjorn Again – A Tribute to ABBA
July 20-26 – The Sounds of the Supremes – A Tribute to the Supremes
July 27-Aug. 2 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
Aug. 3-9 – Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty.
Even though it has been runnign for a few week’s now, Disney is finally publicizing the new farwell show at Animal Kingdom:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests get so involved in adventures with birds and beasts of many kinds that they tend to put off one of their priorities all day long: a little quality time with Disney characters.
“So when guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters,” said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing.
Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.
“We’ve created a way for our guests to experience our characters … and it’s a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom,” Ambrose said.
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on all of these items as it becomes available.
The good people over at LaughingPlace.com have reported two interesting news bits from around the Walt Disney World Resort that I feel are of interest. The first piece concerns a new dining option at Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom has introduced a new program – Picnic in the Park. The following is from the brochure:
Turn your meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into an adventure with Picnic in the Park!
Tier 1 – Sandwiches
Select from Turkey Focaccia, Chicken Wrap, Ham Grinder or Tuna PitaMeal for Three – $24.99 + tax
3 Sandwiches, 1 side, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Four – $32.99 + tax
4 Sandwiches, 1 side, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Five – $40.99 + tax
5 Sandwiches, 1 side, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Six – $48.99 + tax
6 Sandwiches, 1 side, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dasani waterSides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad
Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange
Tier 2 – Rotisserie Chicken or Ham
Meal for Three – $29.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 lb of Ham, 2 sides, 3 desserts, 3 bottles of Dasani waterMeal for Four – $38.99 + tax
8 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/4 lb of Ham, 3 sides, 4 desserts, 4 bottles of Dassani waterMeal for Five – $47.99 + tax
10 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/2 lb of Ham, 4 sides, 5 desserts, 5 bottles of Dassani waterMeal for Six – $56.99 + tax
12 Pieces of Rotisserie Chicken or 1 3/4 lb of Ham, 5 sides, 6 desserts, 6 bottles of Dassani waterSides: Chips, coleslaw, corn medley, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, orza pasta, oven-roasted potato wedges, seasonal fruit salad, tomato & cucumber salad
Desserts: Apple, brownie, cookie, cornbread, crisped rice treat, orange
Note: No substitutions allowed
Details
- Stop by the Picnic in the Park podium, located in front of Guest Relations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to place your order, or visit the Tusker House Restaurant podium in Africa. Orders must be placed between the hours of Park Opening and 1:30pm.
- Select which tier of entrées you would like and your choice of sides and desserts.
- Each order comes in a reusable bag packed with plates and utensils, plus a map to help guide you to picnic spots throughout the Park.
- When placing your order, you’ll also be able to select a pick-up time at least two hours after the time the order is placed.
- You may pick up your order at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant in Africa (indicated by H on the map on the reverse side). Payment is due upon pick-up.
- If you are on a Disney dining plan, Picnic in the Park may be used as a Quick Service Meal. Requires one
Adult entitlement per meal ordered. For example, a Meal for Three will require three Adult entitlements.There are 14 picnic locations spread throughout the park
The picnic prices seem very reasonable and it sounds like a great dining option for Animal Kingdom, which only offers a short list of eateries. The second piece of news leads us to believe Pleasure Island is coming back to life (sort of):
Downtown Disney has introduced “Celebrate Tonight!”, a high-energy street party focusing on guest celebrations. Guests are invited to join in with the DJs (spinning party hits), stilt walkers and party crew for group dances and sing-alongs to celebrate anything and everything. Celebrate Tonight! is now running 5pm-11pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm-Midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
From the sounds of this, the Pleasure Island clubs will remain closed as guests party in the streets rather than indoors. A strange decision, but it will certainly be interesting to see how many guests actually attend these nightly parties. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on both of these breaking stories.
WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber has provided us with two excellent videos (both available in High Definition by hitting the “HD” button at the bottom of each window) from his latest trip to the Magic Kingdom on Monday. The first video features a look at construction of Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration in Tomorrowland and the second features a look inside Space Mountain from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority while the interior lights are on (a view that may no longer be possible come November). Enjoy:
Our good friend Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net visited the Magic Kingdom on a less-than supernatural Friday the 13th and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us:
Posters for Disney-Pixar’s “Up” and Disney Channel’s “Sonny with a Chance” at the Transportation and Ticket Center
Some exterior work on the Exposition Hall on Main Street U.S.A.
Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
