As fans of Walt Disney’s theme parks, we know the joy it brings to families of all shapes and sizes. That’s why many Disney fans support Give Kids The World, a top-rated non-profit whose sole mission is to grant magical Central Florida theme park vacations… Read More »O-Town MacDown this Saturday, fantastic food for a great cause
In a ceremony broadcast live to all three of its parks, SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. just announced that it plans to build new, first-of-its-kind killer whale environments at all three of its SeaWorld parks. It will also fund new programs to protect ocean health and killer whales in the wild. The new projects will build on SeaWorld’s legacy of providing state-of-the-art, innovative homes for its animals, and will offer park guests unique and inspiring killer whale encounters for generations to come. As part of its vision for the future, the company also pledged $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research and is embarking on a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, the leading concern for all killer whales and marine mammals.
“For 50 years, SeaWorld has transformed how the world views marine life. The unprecedented access to marine mammals that our parks provide has increased our knowledge of the ocean and inspired generations,” said Jim Atchison, Chief Executive Officer and President of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Our new killer whale homes and research initiatives have just as bold a vision: to advance global understanding of these animals, to educate, and to inspire conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the wild.”
Here’s a video of the announcement and an interview with SeaWorld Orlando park president Terry Prather:
Much more on this expansion including my thoughts on whether it will make a difference for SeaWorld, the animals, and guests below the jump:
Summer break is winding down and teachers from across Central Florida are preparing to receive a fresh crop of eager young students for the year. For the eleventh time since 2003, Mickey Mouse and VoluntEARS from Walt Disney World Resort are helping kids and teachers… Read More »Disney and its Cast Members donate 2.5 million back-to-school supplies in Central Florida
It was four years ago today that the Patina group brought its first restaurant to Orlando. For years, the team at Patina Group has been a bastion of tasty food and excellent service in New York and Los Angeles; Via Napoli brought that same high… Read More »Patina Group’s Via Napoli celebrates 4 years at EPCOT
Each year Disney’s community of volunteer cast members head back to the communities where they live and play and help charities and nonprofits that are near and dear to their hearts. These “VoluntEARS” spend countless hours on community initiatives such as mentoring students, organizing donations… Read More »Disney VoluntEARS work leads to real dollars for local charities
Last weekend I went on a brief walking tour of the new Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Orlando. This location will serve as a testing ground for new store concepts for Disney. If it is popular, a concept could eventually get its own store elsewhere in the resort.
The tiki corner. This is my favorite section of the store by far
Here are the six original concepts:
Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for women featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories;
Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry;
D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories;
The Trophy Room – Vintage-inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles;
Disney Centerpiece – Home products offering a splash of Disney in room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware;
Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination with the latest trends.
Now join me on a walking tour:
I’d love for them to do the same thing with food, come to think of it.
Disney’s Magic Band and the related MyMagic+ and Fastpass+ are just three elements of a skunk works type division charged with creating Next-Gen experiences for guests at Walt Disney World. Just how revolutionary are these changes? One Tampa Bay Tribune business columnist has gone so… Read More »Is Disney’s Magic Band the Future of Retail
Voices of Liberty, EPCOT’s talented acapella group, sing a variety of shows daily inside the America Pavilion. It’s one of my favorite stops in the park. With songs arranged by Derric Johnson, they have a unique sound that wraps itself in the harmonies of Americana.… Read More »Voices of Liberty sing “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen