Yesterday the Magic Kingdom… …major sections of the New Fantastyland expansion opened for a dress rehearsal. Technically, they could close it again at any time before the official opening in December, however the history is once a section opens they don’t close it again except… Read More »New Fantasyland Dress Rehearsal Photos
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.
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.
Read More »2013 Walt Disney World Ambassador Announced in Ceremony
A short video from Walt Disney World highlights their important efforts at keeping a diverse supplier pipeline. Eugene Campbell, Vice President Domestic Minority Business Development, helps explain why Disney places such a high value on having a diverse group of suppliers. The video also has… Read More »Walt Disney Parks Displays Importance of Supplier Diversity
I think we can all agree that it makes perfect sense for a walk-around Gaston to appear in Belle Gaston’s Village outside Gaston’s Tavern and next to Gaston’s Statue… and Disney World today confirmed that would happen with the photo below: Via the Disney Parks… Read More »Gaston Announced to Appear in Belle’s Village
Congratulations to everyone at the Magic Kingdom and especially those involved in the Fantasyland Expansion. With every major area of Storybook Circus now open to guests, I think we can safely say they have a real hit on their hands. The last section to open… Read More »Pete’s Silly Sideshow Meet & Greet Opens As Final Storybook Circus Area
Storybook Circus was the first area of the expanded Fantasyland area to open a few attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The backstory for the area is that a small circus has come to the small midwest town of Carolwood Park. Over the last few weeks, many of the final details have been added, but the land wasn’t completely open yet.
It’s still not completely open, but yesterday they opened Big Top Souvenirs and the new Fastpass distribution tent for the land. All that remains now is a little landscaping and Pete’s Silly Sideshow, the character meet and greet for the land.
When Imagineering originally wanted to redo the Toontown Fair area, the numbers folk at the park asked that they keep the large tent store since it’s one of the best performing stores per square foot in the park. So the imagineers compromised, give us the budget to really make the tent themed to a circus and we’ll redo our plans for the area to keep the tents.
Read More »Storybook Circus opens Big Top and Fastpass Distribution
Former Panel Members and fans pose for photos
We’re currently in the 5th year of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel social media outreach effort from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. It started as a small panel of terrific travel planners (including a few Disney Dads) and has grown to really represent a large portion of Disney’s social media efforts. The whole experience now includes an expanded Disney mom’s network, a yearly convention and other events to go along with the online travel advice forum.
Before the event about 300 fans checked in and got acquainted on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary
I believe this is the fourth year for the Fan Appreciation event. It happens around the weekend of October 1st and is usually a small affair. But this year they brought in over 50 current and former members of the Disney Moms Panel and invited around 300 fans to the top of the Contemporary Hotel for a luncheon.
Today is my first chance to get out and explore the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. I’m here as an invited media guest, which means I get access to a few places the day guest isn’t allowed. I’ll be sharing those and updating this post throughout the day with highlights of our excursions.
This the 17th annual International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT and it includes more than 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces with tantalizing new drinks and flavors to explore around the World Showcase. The culinary event has even been named one of the Best Food and Wine Festivals by Travel Channel.
Foodie will celebrate with these new experiences: a new chocolate tasting, fresh Florida Local flavors, and the first marketplace with vegan cuisine. The festival also introduces its first watermelon patch, brings back the popular cranberry bog experience, and continues the nightly “Eat to the Beat” concert series — this year, featuring acts including Smash Mouth, Blues Traveler, Boyz II Men, and the Pointer Sisters.
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