Take 5: Vintage Walt Disney World

Last week, we traveled back in time to the construction of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As you can see, a lot has happened at Walt Disney World Resort over the years to make it what it is today. Let’s take a look at some more Vintage Walt Disney World memories. You might even remember some from growing up with Disney!

Take 5: Vintage Walt Disney World

1. Vintage Walt Disney World: America Goes on Parade – Back in 1975, America on Parade took place at Magic Kingdom Park. This parade featured larger-than-life sized characters representing American achievements that took place in our first 200 years as a nation.
2. Vintage Walt Disney World: An ‘A’ Attraction or an ‘E’? – Take a look at how attractions at Magic Kingdom Park used to be categorized and how different tickets were used for each one.
3. Vintage Walt Disney World: Growing Character at Epcot – See how the infamous topiaries at Walt Disney World Resort have changed over the years!
4. Vintage Walt Disney World: Building an Animal Kingdom – See how far Disney’s Animal Kingdom has come since opening its doors in 1989.
5. Vintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Opens Its Doors – See the construction process of Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort and how the iconic Dig Site was created!

Take 5: Vintage Walt Disney World by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Disney Cruise Line Cruises Through Alaska

This week, some of our most compelling vacation images came from Disney Cruise Line, which took our readers along for the ride on one of the ship’s final Alaskan voyages for 2013.

First off, how amazing does the ship look surrounded by icy seas and glaciers? This shot alone makes me want to head up north for a cruise (just imagine all of the cool photo possibilities!).

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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Disney Cruise Line Cruises Through Alaska

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Check out the gallery of images above for more shots of previous Disney Cruise Line voyages to Alaska.

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Disney Cruise Line Cruises Through Alaska by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland Annual Passholders: Your Seasons’ Greetings Card Could Be Part of ‘World of Color – Winter Dreams’ at Disney California Adventure Park

Last month, Steve Davison, vice president of Parades and Spectaculars, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, announced a new seasonal show coming to Disney California Adventure park this holiday season – “World of Color – Winter Dreams.” And today I’m excited to tell you that Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can have their own seasons’ greeting cards become part of the show!

One segment in the new seasonal show will feature reproductions of seasons’ greetings cards created by guests – like you! Find out how to design and submit a winter-themed card that could be considered and, if selected, included in this special segment of “World of Color – Winter Dreams.” Just visit this page for important information such as eligibility requirements, card size requirements, artwork restrictions and submission guidelines. Then create an original card with what you think the winter holidays bring … What is your favorite part of the winter season? How does your family celebrate? Use your imagination, draw from your own inspiration – and have the chance to show everyone as part of “World of Color – Winter Dreams”! The submission deadline is September 20, 2013.

Information and program elements are subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice.

Read more about “World of Color” in the posts below:

• Special ‘World of Color’ Announcement from Imagineer Steve Davison at Disney California Adventure Park
• Taking it Slow: ‘World of Color’ at Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort
• Disneyland Resort Viewing Tips: ‘World of Color’

Disneyland Annual Passholders: Your Seasons’ Greetings Card Could Be Part of ‘World of Color – Winter Dreams’ at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week in Disney History: Document Outlining Early Concept for Disneyland is Shared, 1948

Sixty-five years ago tomorrow, on August 31, 1948, an important document was shared with Disney Studio artist Dick Kelsey, outlining Walt Disney’s vision for a new kind of amusement park. One of the earliest detailed descriptions of the concept, it gives wonderful insight into what he envisioned for what one day would become Disneyland. I’ve received some excerpts of the actual memo from my friends at the Walt Disney Archives, which I’m excited to share with you on this anniversary.

In this excerpt, we can see that the park was intended to be a welcoming place where guests of all ages could have fun together. And of course, we know that from the beginning, Walt intended for there to be a railroad surrounding the park.

Notice the detail in the document. Three hundred seats in the Opera House – years away from construction, and already there was a vision for how many people should fit in there. And a repair shop in the toy store? How convenient!

Perhaps most fascinating are the ideas that came to life in Disneyland when it opened years later in 1955. The magic shop, the Town Hall, the horse-drawn cars … Pastoral elements from rural experiences were envisioned from the beginning.

Here you can see a vision for Frontierland starting to develop. It’s called “The Western Village” here, but the Stage Coach and Donkey Pack Train (which would later materialize as the Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches and Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules) are there. And the pack train would “take ten kids.” Again, amazingly detailed thinking.

The project went through many working titles, the most well-known of which was “Mickey Mouse Park,” and at one time it was even referred to as “Kiddieland.” I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that Disneyland was the best choice.

See the posts below to learn more about Disneyland history:

• Then and Now: Celebrating 58 Years at the Disneyland Resort, Part 1
• This Week in Disney History: Buena Vista Street Opens at Disney California Adventure Park
• This Week in Disney History: ‘The New Fantasyland’ Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983

This Week in Disney History: Document Outlining Early Concept for Disneyland is Shared, 1948 by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Night of Joy 2013 Artist Profile: Moriah Peters and For King & Country

Today’s Night of Joy blog post profiles two newcomers to Night of Joy stages: Moriah Peters and for King & Country.

At first, it might not seem like California-born beauty Peters and Aussie duo Joel and Luke from for King & Country wouldn’t have much in common. But, interestingly enough, even while we were with them for the KLOVE Fan Awards in Nashville this past June, Moriah and Joel were already planning an early July wedding! A huge congratulations to them; and we’re really looking forward to hosting the newlyweds at Night of Joy next month!

Moriah, one of the newest artists from the Provident Music Group, began writing songs at age 13 in a small town outside of Los Angeles and recently came to the wilds of Nashville to pursue her heart for Christian music. Her debut record, I Choose Jesus, showcases a breezy music style with very powerful lyrics. When we caught up with Moriah in June, she told us about coming to Night of Joy as a guest last year and some thoughts on her first Night of Joy performance, including a favorite Walt Disney World Resort treat that she’s already anticipating.

For King & Country brothers Joel and Luke are no strangers to the Christian music industry. Forming their own group in 2008, the two went through various artistic states and had some moderate success. That all changed last year with their latest record Crave and the single “Proof of Your Love,” whose haunting melodies and simple but profound lyrics struck a chord with Christian music audiences around the world. At the KLOVE Awards, we sat down with Joel – Luke was feeling under the weather that morning – and he told us about the origin of their band’s name and offered some great advice for our Night of Joy youth groups.

2013 marks the 31st year for Disney’s Night of Joy, two nights where the best in Contemporary Christian music meets the fun and fantasy of the Magic Kingdom Park. In addition to their favorite Christian artists, guests can enjoy beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain – along with New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history.

The complete line-up includes:

• Friday, September 6: Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W. Smith, Skillet, Mandisa, Audio Adrenaline, For King and Country, Moriah Peters, We As Human and City Harbor
• Saturday, September 7: TobyMac, Francesca Batistelli, Newsboys, Matthew West, Group 1 Crew, Building 429, Plumb and Jamie Grace

One-day tickets to Disney’s Night of Joy are $55 plus tax in advance and $65 plus tax the night of the show (if available). Two-night tickets are $99 plus tax (advance purchase only) and group discounts are also available.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, visit www.nightofjoy.com.

Disney’s Night of Joy 2013 Artist Profile: Moriah Peters and For King & Country by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Limited Time Magic’ Brings Celebration of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney California Adventure Park

More than 85 years ago, on September 5, 1927, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit made his debut in the short film, “Trolley Troubles.” To celebrate, “Limited Time Magic” is bringing all things Oswald to Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort.

For one week only, you can hop on over to Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream for a delicious Oswald Ice Cream Sundae in a souvenir Red Car Trolley cup.

Also be sure to stop by Oswald’s and Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street to pick up your Oswald the Lucky Rabbit-inspired merchandise, including apparel, artwork, vintage signs, the ever-popular Oswald ear hats and more.

Come join the celebration of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from September 2–8 at Disney California Adventure park!


Check out more posts about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at Disney Parks:

• Make Time for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit with Two New Timepieces from Disney Parks
• New Oswald The Lucky Rabbit Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks
• This Week in Disney History: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Debuted in 1927

‘Limited Time Magic’ Brings Celebration of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Limited Time Magic’ Fall Trolley Show Begins at Walt Disney World Resort

For more than 10 years, the Trolley Show has been a favorite at Magic Kingdom Park. And next week, as part of “Limited Time Magic” at the Walt Disney World Resort, we’re launching a new Fall Trolley Show. You’ll be able to join the young citizens of Main Street, U.S.A., as they celebrate the magic that can happen when it’s autumn.

Our new show begins on Monday, September 1. Let us know what you think.

You can find updates on our latest extra sprinkle of pixie dust on Twitter using hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic and on our LimitedTimeMagic.com web page.

‘Limited Time Magic’ Fall Trolley Show Begins at Walt Disney World Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Drawn’ to Each Other – A Magical Proposal at Downtown Disney Marketplace

I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for a good love story. Every time I hear about a proposal in the Magic Kingdom Park Rose Garden, or see a photo of a bride stepping from Cinderella’s Royal Coach at the Disney Wedding Pavilion, I’m reminded that even in real life, fairytales can come true.

That’s probably why I was so smitten when I heard about a proposal that recently took place at Airbrush Caricatures here at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Guest Ben Landaal orchestrated everything to perfection to surprise his girlfriend of a year and a half, Paige Lawton. A few days before the big night, Ben made arrangements with Airbrush Caricatures, sharing his “perfect proposal” vision. Fast-forward to engagement night: Paige thought they were simply having a regular caricature created, but instead they were capturing one of the biggest moments of their lives.

As Ben tells the story, “I sat down by the artist right away, so that he could draw my head first. He then had Paige sit down and proceeded to draw her face and both of our bodies while she was still sitting. As you can see in the picture, the artist had me on one knee holding the ring out, and he wrote on the picture, “Will you marry me?” When the caricature was complete, he told Paige that she could get up. She immediately turned around and looked at it. At this point, I went down on one knee and pulled out the ring.”

Based on the smiles, I think you can guess what she said?

Sure, magical Disney moments will always happen under castle archways or beneath glowing fireworks, but it makes me happy to know they can happen in sometimes-unexpected places, like Downtown Disney, too!

I love a happy ending and couldn’t be more thrilled for Ben and Paige. (Did I mention that I love love?)

Have you been lucky enough to witness a “dream come true” moment during a previous Disney vacation? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

‘Drawn’ to Each Other – A Magical Proposal at Downtown Disney Marketplace by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Learning to ‘Hang 10’ at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Have you ever tried surf lessons at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park?

The park offers both group and private surf lessons at the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which take place in the morning just before the park opens to regular guests. Each surf school session includes the chance to catch 100 waves, broken up into sets of 25, so new surfers can get a ton of practice.

Check out the video below for a look inside the experience. Looks like fun!

For more information, book online here or call (407) 939-7873.

Learning to ‘Hang 10’ at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Disney Gift Cards Fly in This Summer: Planes, Star Wars, Princess Designs Have Arrived Online

This summer Disney Gift Cards has released 14 new designs.

From above the world of “Cars” comes Disney’s “Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty, a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. The new “Dusty in Flight” Disney Gift Card has now landed on DisneyGiftCard.com and is available for purchase.

Originally only available in park, new Disney Gift Cards from Star Wars Weekends featuring Skywalker Mickey, Darth Goofy, Stitch Yoda, and Darth Donald are now available for purchase online.

Treat your princess to this new Disney Gift Card that includes Aurora, Jasmine, Cinderella, Belle, and Rapunzel.

Choose your favorite Disney Princess design from the new Royal Debut Series. In this new series each princess is showcased with an identifiable icon and color scheme that reflects her character.

New Disney Gift Cards Fly in This Summer: Planes, Star Wars, Princess Designs Have Arrived Online by Virginia Scanlon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Dreamlights’ Light Up The Night At Tokyo Disneyland

Anyone up for a parade tonight? Then check out this view of Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade ‘Dreamlights’, the nighttime parade at Tokyo Disneyland.

This shot shows Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and the Three Little Pigs atop an illuminated steamboat. Other characters who appear in ‘Dreamlights’ include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Genie from “Aladdin” and many more.

Have you ever seen this after-dark spectacular? If so, tell us what you loved about it in the “Comments” section below.

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Disney Parks After Dark

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Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Dreamlights’ Light Up The Night At Tokyo Disneyland by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Sponsors Panel to Give Students Sports Business Career Advice

Hi, I’m Bernadette, Manager of External Communications at Walt Disney World and a fan of HBCU football. Ever since my college days, I’ve loved watching the bands, spending time with my family and cheering my favorite team.

For the past few months, I’ve been part of the team preparing for the 9th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, which gets underway this weekend. Televised on ESPN and tied to the start of college football season, the game will feature a gridiron battle between the Florida A&M Rattlers (MEAC) and Mississippi Valley State Devils (SWAC) at the Citrus Bowl in Downtown Orlando. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.

While the game is certainly at the center of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, it really is more than just a game.

The four-day celebration includes a full weekend of activities, ranging from a Legends Reception that recognizes Historically Black College and University alumni to a Bands Showcase at Epcot. What I love most about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is how it underscores the importance of diversity and higher education.

Today, Evans High School got the first taste of MEAC/SWAC activities with the ESPN 101 Career Panel. More than 900 students received career advice from prominent sports personalities and executives who had one clear message: “You don’t have to be ‘on’ the field to be successful ‘in’ the field of sports.”

Panelists, including Jay Harris from ESPN and Latonya Johnson from Walt Disney World Resort shared their personal stories and advice on how students who are passionate about sports can pursue a career in sports business, journalism and broadcasting, among others.

Read on for additional posts about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge:

• ESPN 101 High School Career Panel Offers Students a Glimpse at Potential Futures
• Disney-Sponsored Football Game Celebrates Diversity and Inspires Youth
• College Football Season Kicks Off with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Sponsors Panel to Give Students Sports Business Career Advice by Bernadette Davis: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Celebrating the Second Anniversary of Aulani with a Look at Resort Expansion, to be Complete October 19

Aloha! Today is our second anniversary here at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. It’s a beautiful day here in our Hawaiian paradise, as we celebrate two years of sharing Hawai`i with our Disney Vacation Club members and guests who have had the opportunity to join us. Here’s Vice President and General Manager Elliot Mills with a special message of aloha, and a look at our new pool and dining areas, Ka Maka Landing and Ulu Cafe, opening October 19.

Celebrating the Second Anniversary of Aulani with a Look at Resort Expansion, to be Complete October 19 by Todd Apo: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Cruise Line Alaska Voyage Report: Part 2

Disney Cruise Line’s social media team is off on an Alaskan adventure this week, sailing today through the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord. They are working hard, getting answers to our fans most popular Alaska cruise questions, but I think we’d all agree the views from their “office” today are pretty amazing!

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Disney Cruise Line Alaska Voyage Report: Part 2 – Vancouver

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For the Alaska cruises, Disney homeports in Vancouver, which understandably is a very popular destination for visitors around the globe. The team started their adventure high atop Grouse Mountain, taking in the beautiful views of the mountains and city, and next stopped off at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Stanley Park for more scenic landscapes.

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Disney Cruise Line Alaska Voyage Report: Part 2 – Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Stanley Park

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When you’re planning a Disney cruise to Alaska, be sure to schedule time to explore Vancouver before or after your voyage. Disney Cruise Line offers ways to see area highlights, including a tour after your cruise that picks you up at the ship and drops you off at the airport.

Tomorrow the Disney Wonder arrives to Skagway, the first opportunity for cruisers to set foot on Alaskan soil. If you’ve been to Skagway, do you have fun recommendations for our team?

Stay tuned for more Alaska voyage reports on the Disney Parks Blog this week, and join the fun with real-time posts on Facebook and on Twitter with #DCLAlaska.

Disney Cruise Line Alaska Voyage Report: Part 2 by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog