WDW Daily News

As a reflection of recent growth, Walt Disney World Resort has begun construction of a new, state-of-the-art laundry facility that will create new jobs and be a model for the textile industry.

Scheduled to open in spring, 2015, this new facility will support the expansion of resort hotel rooms and accommodate adjustments in the type of linens used at the resort hotels.

Located near Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the new laundry facility is expected to create 400 new jobs, including 200 construction-related jobs and 200 additional Cast Member jobs with roles ranging from linen handlers and maintenance personnel to managers. Upon completion, this fourth laundry at Walt Disney World Resort will be one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the United States.

“The new facility will showcase some of the textile industry’s most cutting-edge features including conveyors and air suction tubes that quickly move linens and machines that automatically sort, separate and fold,” said J.R. Garcia, director of textile services at Walt Disney World Resort.

Recognized for its consistent efforts to promote supplier diversity in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort recently received the Corporate Leadership award presented by the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (cnFMSDC).

cnFMSDC is a corporate member organization that connects companies with minority-owned business enterprises to enhance supplier diversity efforts.

“Our suppliers have told us that the Disney team goes above and beyond when working with diverse-owned companies,” said Malik Ali, president of the council. “The supplier diversity team at Disney helps companies understand the process and follows up to ensure suppliers are connected with the right decision makers.”

Disney received the Corporate Leadership award based on the feedback of 650 certified local suppliers.

“At Disney, we recognize how important it is to reflect the diversity of our community,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Supplier Diversity at The Walt Disney Company. “A diverse workforce and supplier base delivers business value that keeps us relevant as a company and promotes innovation and a richness of perspectives.”

Walt Disney World collaborates with hundreds of minority-owned businesses in areas such as construction, commodities, and professional services in its longstanding efforts to add value to the Disney brand. Over the past decade, the company has spent over $1 billion with diverse suppliers.

MyMagic+ is reshaping the Walt Disney World Resort vacation experience in ways that will make it more customized, more magical and easier than ever for guests to create lasting memories with their families and friends.

Guests will be able to design the Disney vacation they want – personalizing everything from at-home planning to in-park experiences to capturing memories to share and relive. MyMagic+ takes renowned Disney guest service to a new level — more customized, more seamless and aimed at delivering the best Disney World experience ever.

“MyMagic+ is a fantastic new way for our guests to experience even more of the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vision is simple: To be the most trusted provider of shared family travel and leisure experiences throughout the world. And with MyMagic+ we are taking that experience to a new level.”

As the “test and adjust” phase continues to ensure every aspect is ready for guests, three major components will help define MyMagic+:

MyDisneyExperience.com
The already-popular new web site MyDisneyExperience.com and free mobile app provide Walt Disney World vacationers the ease of one-stop shopping for every aspect of their vacation. They can plan as much or as little as they wish – right from their home computer, tablet or smartphone. In creating their own personal guide to the magic, guests access their most valued experiences and get assistance along every step of the way to make those must-do’s a reality. There is even the option of making changes on the go.

My Disney Experience features for guests include:

• Complete information about Walt Disney World Resort attractions, experiences, dining and resort hotels becomes easier than ever to access.
• Interactive maps, videos, itinerary tools and more, all in one easy place.
• The ability to lock in some of their must-do experiences in advance through FastPass+.  Make show, ride, fireworks or parade viewing or Disney Character Greeting reservations in advance or on the day of their visit. With no worries about experiencing favorite attractions and shows, everyone can relax and focus on their time together.
• Find restaurants of every flavor (more than 80 to choose from) and make dining reservations direct from their mobile app or MyDisneyExperience.com
• Connect with family and friends to coordinate plans and share photos.
• Access all Walt Disney World Resort details from a smart phone, tablet or other portable device. Now, guests can take their Disney vacation with them and have the plans they created at home – along with interactive maps, character moments, dining reservations and wait times – at their fingertips as real-time info.

Disney FastPass+

• For the first time, Disney-bound guests can reserve their special slice of Disney magic right from home. With a simple click of the mouse on MyDisneyExperience.com guests will be able to select up to three FastPass+ experiences at one park per day.
• The menu of choices is bigger and better than ever. In fact, more than double the number of experiences will be available as FastPass+ choices. Depending on the park selected, guests can secure not only their spot on Space Mountain, Soarin’, Expedition Everest or Toy Story Midway Mania! and many other choices, but the date and time as well. And for the first time, by using FastPass+ guests will also be able to reserve Disney Character Greetings, fireworks and parade viewing areas, shows and spectaculars.
• Not sure where to start? Disney will recommend FastPicks, a set of three FastPass+ selections to get guests started.
• Selections can be changed at any time until they are redeemed. When an experience is unavailable, an alert on the My Disney Experience mobile app will notify the guest.
• Access to FastPass+ is included in theme park admission for all Walt Disney World guests.

MagicBand

• MagicBand, an innovative and colorful wristband, is an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects guests to all the vacation choices they made online with My Disney Experience.
• It’s a room key, theme park ticket and optional payment system rolled into one. With just the touch of their MagicBand, guests can enter the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and water parks (ticket required), enter their Disney Resort hotel room, purchase food and merchandise and experience Disney Character Greetings.
• The MagicBand also provides FastPass+ access so guests can walk right onto their favorite attraction or other experience during the time they pre-selected. MagicBand technology also connects the guest to Disney’s PhotoPass+.
• MagicBands consist of hypoallergenic material that is flexible, durable, waterproof and comfortable to wear. Easily scaled to fit any user, it has ridges that help air circulate between the band and the wrist.
• Extensive measures are in place to protect the privacy of guests and the security of the personal information they choose to share. MagicBands store no personal information – each contains only a randomly assigned code that securely links to an encrypted database and associates the guest’s MagicBand or card with the Disney experiences they’ve selected.
• MagicBands can be disabled remotely if lost or stolen.
• MagicBands are mailed to families well ahead of their departure date or waiting for them at their Disney Resort hotel. Mom, dad and the kids can each choose the color of their individual wristband right at home, with seven colors to choose from: pink, blue, green, red, gray, orange or yellow. Bands can be personalized with the family member’s name etched inside it.

High-flying elephants and spinning teacups usually take center stage when a guest is thinking of Walt Disney World Resort.  But did you know that 9-pound lemons flourish at The Land pavilion at Epcot, or that safaris explore Africa-inspired savannas in the middle of Florida?  Guests who take a second – or third – glance will come across countless undiscovered gems within the 40-square-mile Vacation Kingdom.  Here’s a sample of “the unexpected” (prices subject to change):

Experiences:

• Embark on a Wild Africa Trek – Guests wanting to venture off the beaten path at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have the chance during a new, immersive, add-on experience, Wild Africa Trek, that takes a small group of adventurers on personalized, guided excursions that include a bushwalk through unexplored areas of the forest along with over-landing in customized vehicles across an animal-filled savanna. On these expert-led treks, extended time is spent observing and learning about the wildlife. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek (ages 8 and up) can be arranged by calling 407/939-8687. The experience starts at $189 per person. More information: Disneyworld.com/disneyafricatrek.

• Find treasure at The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom – This buccaneer experience in Adventureland features makeovers that turn guests ages 3 and up into savvy swashbucklers.  Guests who want to join Captain Jack’s motley crew will receive a pirate identity, be transformed into a pirate by a sea-sailing Pirate Master and gain access to a secret treasure room.  Packages include a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace and a personalized pirate oath.  Packages are $29.95 plus tax (407/WDW-CREW).  Pictures and costumes are also available for an additional charge.

• Take a spin on a Segway Personal Transporter –The Segway PT, originally the “Human Transporter” first displayed to the public at Epcot Innoventions in 2002, is the world’s first self-balancing personal transporter that uses advanced technology, gyroscopes and tilt sensors to emulate human balance.  Guests can put these high-tech machines to the test at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a two-hour beginner’s tour that allows guests to experience the outdoors first-hand on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter.  The program also includes a product overview and training ($95.85/person including tax; tours are daily, 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.).

• Harmony Barber Shop a cut above the rest – Sit back in the barber’s chair and experience a good old-fashioned haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.  Located near the Emporium and with a signature candy-striped pole outside, the shop transports guests to a simpler time when barbershop quartets entertained and getting a haircut was a real treat.  Haircuts are $15 for children age 12 and under; $19 for adults; first-come, first-serve.  ”First Haircuts,” the establishment’s specialty, treats young’uns to pixie dust, bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers and an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears; price is $19.

• Everybody’s Gone Surfin’ at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon– Adventurous guests can catch a wave and feel like they’re sitting on top of the world at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Its 2.75-million-gallon wave pool provides consistent waves every 90 seconds that can range from three to six feet high — and no sharks! Cocoa Beach Surf School invites guests to learn from professional surfers how to cut, carve and “hang 10.” The program is available by reservation for $165 on selected mornings prior to regular park hours. Guests may call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for more information.

• Make a Splash with Watercraft Rentals – Walt Disney World Resort offers a fleet of motorized and non-motorized watercrafts for vacationers looking to make a splash around Vacation Kingdom. Sea Raycers by Sea Ray® boats ($30.08/30mins, $42.60/45 mins., $47.93/60 mins.), Boston Whaler Montauk boats ($47.93/30 mins.), sail boats ($21.30/60 mins.) kayaks ($11.72/60 mins.) and canoes ($6.93/30mins.) are just a few of the available options for rent at various Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

• Take a High-Speed Chase Around Walt Disney World Speedway – Race fans and adventure seekers can enjoy the ultimate thrill of riding in or driving a racecar around the one-mile tri-oval speedway. The Richard Petty Driving Experience takes motorsports fans out of the grandstands and behind the wheel of a stock car, offering several ride and drive programs to race enthusiasts, thrill seekers and corporate groups. Several driving experiences and a ride-along program are offered at the Walt Disney World Speedway location, including:
  • Rookie Experience: A 3-hour program that includes eight laps of driving thrills. Cost is $449.00.
  • King’s Experience: Features 18 laps of driving. Cost is $849.00.
  • Experience of a Lifetime: Participants work on establishing a comfortable driving line and building speed in a series of three 10-lap sessions. Cost is $1,299.00.
  • Ride-Along Program: A 3-lap thrill ride as a passenger at a top speed of 145 mph. Cost is $99.00.

• Sunset Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers up-close encounters with exotic creatures – Guests staying at the lodge can enter a serene animal reserve for an up-close encounter on the Wanyama Safari.  Just before sunset on Wednesday through Monday nights, guests board a specially designed vehicle that explores the resort’s three savannas.  Guests get picture-perfect views of more than 200 mammals and exotic birds and then partake in a savory South African feast at the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko-The Cooking Place.  The 3 ½-hour experience, including dinner, is $190.64 (tax included).  For reservations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, call 407/W-DISNEY.

• A Fisherman’s Dream Come True– Even sport fishermen’s dreams really do come true at Walt Disney World Resort, where trophy-sized largemouth bass in the 14-pound range sometimes lurk in lakes and canals almost within casting distance of Cinderella Castle. But this fish story gets even better: “Wannabe” sports fishermen’s dreams also come true. On BASS fishing excursions led by expert guides, guests with lots of experience — or with little or no fishing experience — can enjoy the exhilarating thrill of a feisty largemouth “striking.” The two-hour catch-and-release excursions are for a party of up to five people and are on a boat stocked for the excursion with Bassmaster rods and reels and other fishing gear, cold drinks, and a camera to prove you’re not telling “fish stories.” All guests receive a one-year membership to BASS, the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, and other benefits. The 2-hour excursion is $270 and the 4-hour excursion is $455, both can accommodate up to 5 guests. Additional information and reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529)

• Parasail Around the ‘Kingdom’ –The sky is the limit when guests take a parasailing adventure high above Bay Lake. Single and tandem fliers can have a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom at altitudes nearing 600 feet for 8 to 10 minutes. Instead of the traditional water approach, the uniquely designed boat enables a “dry” take-off and landing from the back of the boat. The cost for a single sailor is $95 – $130, tandem is $170- $195. For “flight” times guests may call 407/939-0754.

• You’ll Feel at Home on the Range! – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground invites adventuring “trail” seekers to discover the beauty of Bay Lake Beach, relax on horse-drawn carriage rides, tell tales and catch all at fishing spots, explore running and biking trails, and much more. Take the reins for a 45-minute Horseback Trail Ride ($46) through the natural wonders of the resort and you’ll feel right at home on the range!

• The Land at Epcot mixes science and entertainment to grow one-of-a-kind plants – Behind the brightly colored, mosaic façade of The Land pavilion at Epcot sits offices where greenhouse magic takes place.  “Horti-tainment,” a mix of horticulture and entertainment, creates some of the most visually interesting fruits and vegetables found under one roof anywhere in the world.  Among the highlights: a world-record harvest from a single tomato vine (see below); Mickey Mouse-shaped cucumbers, watermelons and pumpkins; 9-pound lemons, and more.
• ‘Tomato Tree’ sets record with 32,000 tomatoes – The Tomato Tree at The Land pavilion at Epcot has blossomed into a record-setting plant.  The tree was recognized as an official Guinness World Record Holder, with a one-year harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes and a total weight of 1,151 pounds.  Guests can spot the tree during the pavilion’s Living with the Land boat ride.

• Take the ultimate dive in a 6-million-gallon indoor aquarium with more than 65 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, eagle rays and diverse tropical fish.  DiveQuest at Epcot offers guaranteed calm seas, no current, unlimited visibility, incredible marine life and bright coral structures.  Additionally, you become part of the show.  Your family members and friends (with Epcot admission) can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends.  Guest must be at least 10 years of age and must provide proof of SCUBA certification to participate.  Price of $186/person (not including tax) includes a limited edition T-shirt, refreshments, dive certificate and a dive log stamp.  Call 407/WDW-TOUR for information.

• Build your own roller coaster at the DisneyQuest CyberSpace Mountain attraction – Bill Nye the Coaster Guy walks guests through the design process where they choose from three different speeds, three world settings (fire, ice or outer space) and an infinite number of track combinations.  The roller coaster of your dreams (or nightmares!) can do flips, corkscrews and even wild maneuvers such as a loop that flies off the tracks.  A digital card tracks guests’ personal coasters and the simulator re-creates it both visually and physically.  Downtown Disney guests must be 51″ to ride, 407/W-DISNEY for more information.

• Learn to hula dance at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary classes take place most days in the resort’s lobby.  Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer and instructor with 50 years experience, leads most of the classes offered Monday through Saturday at 3:45 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon.  Weekday classes are geared toward the younger set, with leis and grass skirts aplenty, while the Saturday morning lessons encourage guests of all ages to do the hula shake.  And whether guests stay for five minutes or the full two-hour Saturday classes, they’ll learn a variety of chants and dances from such tropical locales as Hawaii, Tahiti and more.

• The Archery Experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide offers training and tips on how to hit the bulls-eye.  Open to resort guests (ages 7 and up) and non-guests alike, the 90-minute experience costs $39.00 per person not including tax, and includes equipment and instruction and can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/939-7529.  Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon.
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