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2013 Walt Disney World Ambassador Announced in Ceremony

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Around the time that Walt Disney was first presenting the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, Mary Poppins was about to be released, and he was also trying secretly buying up land in a mosquito-ridden swamp land we now know and love, he realized he needed a little help in representing the Company at all the events where he was asked to appear. Thus the Disney Ambassador program was born and has been in place ever since, 47 years later.

Today at Epcot, a ceremony was held to choose and announce the two new Ambassadors from five finalists for the 2013-2014 season. On hand were Vice President of Epcot Erin Youngs, President of Walt Disney Parks and Operations, United States and France, Meg Crofton, current Ambassadors Norman Vossschulte and Jennifer Mason, and 65 former Walt Disney World Ambassadors to welcome the new team members.

Ambassadors

Ambassador Finalists 2013-2014.The five Walt Disney World Ambassador finalists with Meg Crofton

In a twist a little like a Miss America pageant, all five finalists were called to the stage and were able to say a few words about themselves and their journey, while their fellow Cast Member friends and family cheered on. World Showcase Cast Members stood behind them with giant posters featuring their faces and names as we waited with anticipation for the announcement. Mickey and Minnie joined in, carrying the Ambassador pins and scroll featuring the Ambassador pledge. The scroll was read aloud before the names were chosen, while the Voices of Liberty sang softly in the background. Meg Crofton had the honor of announcing that Tye Arnold and Richard Tamayo were to be the newest Walt Disney World Ambassadors as confetti and applause filled the American Gardens Theater.

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What’s Next for Disney Parks

Update: Clarified which attraction opening dates were announced for later this year. This morning I attended the annual What’s New, What’s Next presentation for Disney Parks. Among the presenters were Meg Crofton, president of Disney Parks and Resorts, Chris Beatty, lead Imagineer on the New… Read More »What’s Next for Disney Parks

DVC Really is Disney World’s Worst Kept Secret, Grand Floridian Now Official

It’s become something of a running joke at Walt Disney World, the company files papers, clears land, and even begins work on the next Disney Vacation Club (DVC) hotel before they ‘officially’ announce it. By that time, anyone who wanted to know, already knows that… Read More »DVC Really is Disney World’s Worst Kept Secret, Grand Floridian Now Official

SeaWorld Orlando to Announce New Attractions, Offers Florida Resident Deal

SeaWorld fans mark November 8th on your calendar, the Orlando park has announced plans for new attractions. As you can see from the press invitation above, the plans appear to center around three islands. SeaWorld has also announced the return of the Florida Resident Fun Card for 2012. Although it doesn’t include parking, it’s basically a whole year of fun for one day’s admission, more than a year if you buy it in November or December of 2011.

More details on the Fun Card below, but first lets try and prognosticate about what these mystery announcements may be.

We know there is a new ‘island’ area being added to Discovery Cove. Construction is already underway and it will feature fresh water swimming area and various rainforest themed animal exhibits. Sort of like a zoo you float through.

So that’s one island. The other two islands are back across the street at SeaWorld. One will be a new turtle themed exhibit and movie. SeaWorld is known for its rescue and care of the Loggerhead Turtle, and yet it has none in the park. They’ll fix that with a version of the Turtle attraction at SeaWorld San Diego and a shortened version of the Turtle movie they just released.

The third island is a bit chillier, as you can see in the invite. The feeling is this will be an expanded Penguin attraction with a new ride-through experience. That’s definitely needed as the current facility is aging.

I am hoping that there is still an even bigger, still secret, announcement to be made. That’s because, as nice as these three ‘islands’ sound, none of them will convince the Jones Family from Kansas to add a day at SeaWorld if it means one less day at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or even Legoland. That’s the real need.

Okay, more details on the 8th. Remember more details about the Fun Card for Florida below the jump:

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Contest Winners: Tangled Pie

Happy to announce the winners of our recent contests here on The Disney Blog. For the Tangled DVD package say congratulations to Blaine C. of Orlando, FL and Cheryl G. of Woodland Hills, CA. The Great American Pie Festival Family Four Pack Winner is Carolyn… Read More »Contest Winners: Tangled Pie

Twin Announcements from SeaWorld Parks today

Stay tuned to the Facebook pages of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove for a big announcement today. Both will be announcing new attractions via social media channels today. Let’s congratulate them, not just for expanding, but for taking a risk with… Read More »Twin Announcements from SeaWorld Parks today