The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run from September 19 – November 10, 2014. Stay tuned for more details about the event.
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ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Quick Facts
- § ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 350 events and 350,000 athletes from more than 70 countries each year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports. The 230-acre complex is where youth athletes get to experience the “I’m Going to Disney World” moment.
- § Home to AAU National Championships, Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championship, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, as well as Disney-created events, open registration tournaments and training camps.
- § The complex has multiple indoor and outdoor competition venues, including Champion Stadium, HP Field House, Jostens Center, Hess Sports Fields, New Balance track & field facility, a newly resurfaced tennis complex and a baseball/softball sportsplex.
- § The ESPN brand becomes tangible through a Production Center that provides competition footage to various ESPN media platforms such as ESPN, ESPN.com and ESPN3.com. Also the ESPN Innovation Lab, ESPN’s development hub for 3D telecast technology, where new ground-breaking on-air products are developed and tested utilizing the athletes and events taking place at the complex.
- § The complex features a 20-zone audio system, 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 handheld and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including 3 jumbo screens, that can capture any competition at the complex and display live action, game highlights, player interviews and ESPN programming.
- § A full-service sports-theme eatery called ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill and the PlayStation Pavilion which features 17 PlayStation 3 systems and a collection of just-released sports-themed games and other titles.
- § The Welcome Center is an information hub for traveling teams and their families looking for sports event information as well as theme park information, dining reservation and team service. They offer on-site planning services based on the teams’ competition schedule.
- § For more information, visit www.disneysportsnews.com for press releases, photos and videos. Follow us on Twitter at @DisneySports and like us on ESPN Wide World of Sports Facebook and YouTube.
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Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiaries, Urban Farm Eats Outdoor Kitchen Debut March 5 at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Kermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 5 to May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display.
Urban Farm Eats will be the new Outdoor Kitchen on the promenade with a sustainable garden featuring tilapia, eggplant and other farm-raised treats. Guests can try new menu items including the Land-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce, Ghost Pepper Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Salad and Mango Chutney, plus red and white vegan wines and gluten-free beer.
The festival’s nearly 100 whimsical topiaries and its 11 tantalizing Outdoor Kitchens with sweet and savory indulgent bites are reason enough to visit the 75-day flower and garden extravaganza. Yet the park will be packed with so much more as it transforms to a rainbow-hued wonderland of sweeping gardens and exhibits. Stars of HGTV, including Alison Victoria of “Kitchen Crashers” and Matt Blashaw of “Yard Crashers,” will appear each weekend at the Festival Center, Audubon will debut its new Hummingbird Garden and Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden opens as a fun-filled play land.
More Festival News . . .
- Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck topiaries will appear in a new Epcot front entrance garden vignette celebrating spring with a butterfly hunt adventure. The topiaries will have a new computer-generated look while telling an entertaining story. Goofy’s butterfly net will prove useless as topiary butterflies light on the back of his floral garb. A topiary bee buzzes on an exasperated Donald’s head. The garden will feature a real waterfall and pond with water lilies.
- Now in their second festival year, the festival’s 11 food and beverage garden marketplaces have been dubbed Outdoor Kitchens, where chefs will be cooking a variety of new and popular returning menu items, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, in 2014. At The Smokehouse BBQ Outdoor Kitchen, Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and Smoked Turkey Ribs are on tap with a lineup of great brews. Last year’s top menu picks like the Watermelon Salad with local baby arugula, feta cheese, pickled red onions and balsamic reduction will be back for an encore at the Florida Fresh Outdoor Kitchen.
- A new Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden welcomes families with a whimsical play land of activities. Dozens of additional character topiaries, including Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan will surprise guests beyond the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth.
- The Flower Power Concert Series welcomes two new acts in 2014: Gary Lewis and the Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) March 14-16, and The Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”) May 16-18. During opening weekend, the series kicks off at America Gardens Theatre with fan-favorite band The Guess Who (“American Woman”) March 7-9. Other pop acts set to perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People and Paul Revere & The Raiders. (Entertainment is subject to change).
- Hummingbirds at Home, a new exhibit presented by the National Audubon Society, will feature walk-through hummingbird gardens and tips on how to attract the magical creatures that migrate to Florida from Central America each year.
- For the second year, illuminated gardens will cast a festive glow across the park when the sun sets each evening.
- Mater of the Disney-Pixar “Cars” film hit is back by demand with the new Mater’s Parts, Plants and Play Garden. Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House will be aflutter with hundreds of the winged beauties and a fairy topiary of Tinker Bell.
- At the Festival Center in the park’s Future World, twice-daily interactive gardening workshops will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and gardening guest speakers will appear daily. Fridays through Sundays, HGTV design celebrities will host home, garden and design seminars.
As they sample from marketplace menus, guests can wander among multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. Disney’s garden gurus estimate 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat. Several special weekend happenings, including the popular Art in the Garden Weekend, will be scheduled.
While Disney guests celebrate spring, they also can explore the reimagined, design-centric Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, the hang-gliding sensation of Soarin’ and other high-tech Future World marvels. In World Showcase, the spotlight will shine on topiaries of Disney princesses, storybook characters and even pandas and trolls, guests can discover the attractions, shops and restaurants that represent cultures and cuisine of 11 countries. Spice Road Table, which debuted in January at the Morocco showcase, will be open for lagoon-side noshing on tasty tapas.
For more information about the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit www.epcotinspring.com. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.
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Disney In-home Release Schedule 2014
February 2014
2/4 THOR: The Dark World (3D & HD Digital) (Rated: PG-13)
Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.
2/11 THE JUNGLE BOOK: Diamond Edition (Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & Digital) (Rated: G)
Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray with glorious digital high definition, Disney’s Jumpin’ Jungle Classic has never looked so lush or sounded so good! Beloved characters, swinging music and new behind-the-scenes bonus features make this Diamond Edition Blu-ray a must-have for every family’s classic collection!
2/11 MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: Minnie-Rella (DVD) (Rated: TV-Y)
Our pals need to get Minnie a surprise present, so they keep her busy with plenty of chores to do at the Clubhouse. Tired from so much work, Minnie falls asleep and dreams that she is MINNIE-RELLA! Inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, the story of Minnie-rella sparkles with music and fun as we recognize our favorite Clubhouse characters in familiar roles.
2/25 FROZEN (Digital HD & Digital 3D) (Rated: PG)
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a chilly twist on one of the most humorous and heartwarming stories ever told. “Disney Animation’s best since The Lion King” (William Bibbiani, CraveOnline) will melt your heart.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
2/25 THOR: The Dark World (3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD & On Demand) (Rated: PG-13)
Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.
March 2014
3/11 WINNIE THE POOH: Springtime With Roo (Blu-ray & Digital Hi-Def) (Rated: G)
Now on Digital High Definition and Blu-ray™ for the first time, Springtime With Roo leaps out to enchant a whole new generation!
Each year, Rabbit plays Easter Bunny, but this year, he’s decided it’s “Spring Cleaning Day,” and he orders everyone to hop to it: scrubbing, dusting, and mopping. All his pals are disappointed – especially little Roo – until Rabbit learns that putting others first and showing friends how much you care turns every day into a precious gift. Sparkling with unforgettable songs and a never-before-seen bonus treat, this delightful “egg-stravaganza” shows why love, hope and friendship are always in full bloom in the Hundred Acre Wood!
3/18 THE JUNGLE BOOK II (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital) (Rated: G)
Experience the wonder of this timeless tale as you reunite with your favorite characters and meet new friends. Disney’s beloved movie classic continues in this new digital master of The Jungle Book 2 – on Blu-ray for the first time, and wilder than ever in breathtaking high definition!
3/18 DEVIOUS MAIDS: The Complete Fist Season (DVD)
Sex. Lies. Murder…It’s all in a day’s work. From Executive Producer Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives, comes Devious Maids: The Complete First Season. Meet five women bonded together by their jobs, their dreams and the dirt they sweep under the rug: Aspiring singer Carmen; Rosie, who longs to be reunited with the child she left back in Mexico; Marisol, whose outward identity masks a desperate hidden agenda; and Zoila and her daughter Valentina – both employed by the delightfully unhinged Genevieve Delatour (Susan Lucci).
3/18 FROZEN (Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On-Demand) (Rated: PG)
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a chilly twist on one of the most humorous and heartwarming stories ever told. “Disney Animation’s best since The Lion King” (William Bibbiani, CraveOnline) will melt your heart.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
3/25 DELIVERY MAN (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital & On-Demand) (Rated: PG-13)
In this heartwarming comedy, underachiever David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) learns he’s actually an overachiever — he’s fathered 533 children via donations made twenty years earlier! David soon discovers that the shock of his life might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Along the way he discovers not only his true self, but also the father he could become. Also starring Chris Pratt and Cobie Smulders — and complete with bonus materials, including behind-the-scenes footage — it’s a feel-good movie that really delivers.
April 2014
4/1 THE PIRATE FAIRY (Blu-ray) (Not Yet Rated)
From the world of “Peter Pan” comes “The Pirate Fairy,” a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina’s wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (voice of Tom Hiddleston), who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook himself. With laughter, heart, magic and thrills, “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail April 1, 2014.
4/8 SOPHIA THE FIRST: The Floating Palace (DVD) (Rated: TV-Y)
Do YOU believe in mermaids? You will – when you set sail on a magical full-length adventure under the sea with Sofia the First! After Sofia helps a young mermaid named Oona, Sofia’s amulet grants her the power to transform into a mermaid and visit her new friend’s secret underwater kingdom. But when Cedric (disguised as a sea monster) plots to steal Oona’s enchanted Mermaid Comb, danger surfaces for both worlds. With a little help from special guest, Princess Ariel, Sofia embarks on an adventure to rescue Oona. Overflowing with oceans of song-filled fun – plus three more exciting episodes – Sofia the First: The Floating Palace proves that when families and friends work together, they can weather any storm and save the day!
October 2014
Oct 2014 SLEEPING BEAUTY (Blu-ray) (Rated: G)
The ultimate Disney fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY, once again awakens to exquisite new picture and sound on Blu-ray in the U.S. in October 2014. Heralded by audiences and critics alike, SLEEPING BEAUTY was one of the final fairy tales to be that Walt Disney himself worked on. Fully restored with revolutionary Blu-ray technology, this animated classic’s dazzling colors, spectacular action, and Academy Award®-nominated orchestration (for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture) shines brighter than ever. With wondrous new bonus features families will love, SLEEPING BEAUTY charms like never before on Blu-ray Diamond Edition!
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New LEGO® Star Wars™ Building Sets Inspired by Upcoming Star Wars Rebels™ Television Series Land on August 1
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR – LEGO Systems, Inc. today announced new LEGO® Star Wars™ products based on the new Star Wars Rebels™ animated television series scheduled to premiere on Disney Channel this fall before it appears regularly on Disney XD. The action-filled series will introduce a cast of exciting new characters in the Star Wars universe. The new building sets were unveiled at a Disney Consumer Products event Monday, February 17 by Freddie Prinze, Jr., who stars as “Kanan Jarrus” in the new Star Wars Rebels series. The company presented him with a custom 2-foot tall replica of his minifigure made completely out of LEGO bricks by Master Builders.
LEGO Star Wars Rebels Building Sets Launch August 1
LEGO Star Wars The Ghost building set is based off of the Rebel heroes’ starship, The Ghost, which has dual cockpits, a 360-degree rotating turret, two spring-loaded shooters and ejecting escape pods. The building set features 929 pieces and several new LEGO minifigures with assorted tools including Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Hera Syndulla, Zeb and a Stormtrooper. Designed for ages 9 and up, the kit retails for $89.99.
The second building set, LEGO Star Wars Phantom, is an attack shuttle that works in conjunction with The Ghost set. The two models can be combined and the Phantom model features 234 pieces and includes folding wings, tools and a detachable cockpit with cargo hold where pilot Ezra Bridger can store his cadet helmet and blaster. Ezra Bridger and his grumpy Droid companion Chopper are also brought to LEGO minifigure form. The set is designed for ages 7 and up and will retail for $24.99.
The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm Celebrate 15 Great Years Together
The introduction of LEGO Star Wars Rebels coincides with the 15th anniversary of the LEGO Star Wars collection, the first licensed property ever to come to life in LEGO form. The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm collaboration has produced a wide variety of iconic construction sets since the first toys were released in 1999. Through the years, the LEGO Star Wars toy co-brand has offered more than 400 unique building sets from the original trilogy and newer storylines.
The two LEGO Star Wars Rebels models join 23 other new LEGO Star Wars building sets that will be introduced throughout the anniversary year, including such icons as the Snowspeeder and the Imperial Star Destroyer. A new collection of Microfighters builds mini versions of Star Wars icons and each includes a collectible minifigure.
Interesting Facts about LEGO Star Wars
- More than 200 million LEGO Star Wars products have been sold in 15 years; last year, nearly 16 million sets were sold worldwide, equaling an average of 43,397 boxes per day, 1,808 boxes per hour and 30 boxes per minute.
- 323 LEGO Star Wars sets have been created to date
- 600 LEGO Star Wars minifigures have been introduced to enhance creative fun and collectability
“The 1999 introduction of the LEGO Star Wars collection marked the first time we collaborated with a studio to bring someone else’s stories and characters to life, and our co-produced line of toys constitutes some of our best-selling and most beloved products around the world,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president of licensing and entertainment for The LEGO Group. “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 15th year of our successful relationship with Lucasfilm and we look forward to continuing to deliver a creative LEGO building experience for Star Wars fans of all ages for years to come.”
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Disney Consumer Products Ready To Capture Boys’ Imaginations and Dominate Toy Aisles in 2014
During an action-packed event at the 2014 American International Toy Fair, Disney Consumer Products unveiled its dynamic product lines that will dominate boys toy aisles this year with offerings inspired by highly anticipated content: Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue, Star Wars Rebels, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 from Sony Pictures Entertainment and inspired by Marvel’s iconic web-slinger. Special guests Dane Cook, voice of “Dusty Crophopper” in Planes: Fire & Rescue, Freddie Prinze, Jr., voice of “Kanan” in Star Wars Rebels, and Andrew Garfield and Jorge Vega of Amazing Spider-Man 2 introduced content that debuted exclusively at the event and revealed never-before-seen toys to retailers, toy and industry influencers. Chris Pratt of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy made a special appearance via video to share his excitement about how his character’s stories are being brought to life through the action packed Guardians toy line.
“Disney Consumer Products is firing on all cylinders across our diverse franchise portfolio, and at this year’s Toy Fair we’re building off a successful 2013 to showcase the best of our new and storied properties that will heat up toy aisles in 2014,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing at Disney Consumer Products. “We’re excited to see these four properties take off at retail as we know these innovative products will resonate with kids and fans who want to create their own heroic stories.”
Disney Consumer Products, the world’s leading licensor of entertainment properties, understands how kids today play, and is working with best-in-class licensees such as Hasbro, Huffy, JAKKS Pacific, Just Play, LEGO, Mattel, Thinkway and more to deliver character-driven, storytelling-infused toys across play patterns. From classic action figures and vehicles, to expertly crafted playsets and creative technology-infused products, this epic lineup encourages kids of all ages to recreate key moments from these properties and imagine new ones.
Product highlights from these exciting toy lines include:
(For an extended toy list, please visit: http://bit.ly/DCPToyFairFactSheet)
Planes: Fire & Rescue
Planes: Fire & Rescue is a new high flying comedy-adventure that debuts a dynamic new crew of elite firefighting aircraft that will fly into theatres in 3D July 18, 2014. Products take flight at mass retail starting in June.
- Planes Fire Blastin’ Dusty Crophopper toy by Mattel (SRP $49.99, available June 2014): Help world famous air racer Dusty Crophopper save the day and put out the blaze by scooping up “water” balls and racing to the rescue. Take aim, pull the lever and shoot the “water” balls at the “fire” targets to take them out. Comes with multiple targets and “water” balls that store in plane pontoons. Realistic sounds and phrases triggered by “Smart Sound” technology enhance the play.
Star Wars Rebels
The animated television series Star Wars Rebels introduces a new audience to the epic generational franchise with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures that will release in the fall of 2014 on Disney XD. Beginning in February, fans will be able to find exclusive and licensed Star Wars products in Disney Store locations and on disneystore.com, with Star Wars Rebels items arriving this fall; all other Star Wars Rebels inspired products will be at mass retailers in September.
- LEGO Star Wars Rebels The Ghost (SRP $79.99, available August 2014): Get ready to battle the Empire with the Rebel heroes’ awesome starship – The Ghost – as seen in the thrilling Star Wars Rebels animated TV series! Stay on course with Rebel minifigures in the two cockpits and put Zeb on patrol in the 360-degree rotating turret. Land the Phantom starship (not included) in the docking area at the rear. With 2 spring-loaded shooters and storage for a spare missile and a Lightsaber, this ship has plenty of tools on board. In an emergency, hurry to the escape pods and eject! Includes 4 never-before-seen minifigures with assorted tools.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
The action-packed space adventure Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy unveils a ragtag group of heroes on a quest to save the cosmos on August 1, 2014. Fans can find products inspired by the film in mass retailers starting in July.
- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Quad Blaster by Hasbro (SRP $19.99, available July 2014): Create your own epic space adventure with the Star-Lord Quad Blaster! Lead the galaxy’s newest team of Super Heroes with the blaster based on Star-Lord’s signature weapon in the film. The Quad Blaster expands to reveal double blasters and fires four included NERF darts.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 by Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 follows Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Spider-Man as his greatest battle begins as the new film hits theaters in the US on May 2, 2014. Products for web-slinging kids and fans of all ages will be available at mass retailers in April.
- Amazing Spider-Man 2 Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man Figure by Hasbro (SRP $29.99, available Fall 2014): Kids will have a blast slinging webs and defeating villains just like their favorite masked hero with the Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man! The amazing, 14-inch scale figure blasts either Spidey Shot Web Fluid or water by activating the button on Spidey’s back. Figure includes water canister and one 3.8-ounce can of Spidey Shot Web Fluid.
For more information on Disney, Lucasfilm and Marvel products, visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com.
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New Magic Kingdom Parade To Include Characters from “Frozen”
A fire-breathing dragon… a pirate ship with smoking cannons… a music box that’s a seashell… sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy hair… a mega-sized bagpipe.
Classic Disney fantasies soar to new heights with the all-new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade set to hit the streets of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this March. The tribute to Fantasyland will highlight several new classic Disney and Pixar stories on a grand scale with nearly 100 performers and larger-than-life floats.
Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is the first of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks featuring never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats will soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes crafted at ten different design houses across the country.
“The parade celebrates and pays homage to what the Magic Kingdom is all about,” said Randy Wojcik, senior show director Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment. “It has the most beautiful floats, enchanting characters, vibrant costumes that come to life; and the choreography is just glorious. Yet, it is also very kinetic, relevant and powerful on a scale never seen before at Walt Disney World.”
Seven unique units comprised of nine spectacular floats will march down Main Street, U.S.A to the beat of an original soundtrack inspired by favorite Disney films, composed by Mark Hammond, known for his work on World of Color at Disney California Adventure and the Flights of Fantasy parade at Hong Kong Disneyland. The parade has its own voice with a theme song customized for each float followed by a medley of songs woven throughout the cavalcade.
“It’s visually stunning, like mini Broadway shows rolling down the street,” said Wojcik.
Here’s the float-by-float lineup:
The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”
Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.
Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.
Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.
Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”
Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.
Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.
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Disneyland Paris is awarded the number one prize in the Tourism category
Disneyland Paris was awarded yesterday the 1st prize in the Tourism category, at the Relation Client® Podium. In 2003 BearingPoint and TNS Sofres created these prizes to be awarded to companies by consumers in
appreciation for the quality of their client relationship. It has been the number one
reference in the field ever since.
Among the 150 competing organisations, Disneyland Paris was awarded the first prize in the Tourism category. This is a well deserved award for the number one European tourist destination, for which the quality of the experience is at the heart of their strategy.
This prize clearly reflects the client’s opinion and demonstrates the daily commitment of the 15 000 Cast Members -the employees- at Disneyland Paris. They each pay special attention to guest satisfaction at every different moment of their visit.
Our teams work daily to maintain those quality standards and innovate. To do so they have continuous training, various studies and audits are run and the guests’ comments are closely and systematically recorded.
‘We aim for excellence throughout our business in order to offer our guests a unique experience. The feedback from our clients has always helped our teams improve our product. Our Cast Members can be very proud of being awarded the first Client Relation prize, in the name of Disneyland Paris’, Julien Kauffmann, Vice President Revenue Management and Analysis, declared.
One of the company’s priorities is guest satisfaction. To ensure it the company has invested €510 million over the last five years to develop and refurbish the park and the hotels at Disneyland Paris. These investments have already given results:
• the satisfaction rate of guests who have stayed in Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch,
Disney’s Sequoia Lodge and Disney’s Hotel Sante Fe increased 9 % after their
renovation;
• the ‘Disney Dreams!’ show, awarded the best show of the year in 2012 by the
professionals in theme parks, hit a record satisfaction rate at 93 % in 2013;
• the satisfaction rate for catering gained 5 points these last two years.
The 1st Prize in the Podium de la Relation Client (Podium for Client Relation) in the Tourism category is one of the many distinctions Disneyland Paris has recently been awarded for its service quality. At the end of 2013 for example, Euro Disney was awarded the Grand Prix de la Relation Actionnaires (Investor Relations) by Les Echos, Investir and Mazars, and the Trophée de la Clientèle for the Disneyland Hotel during the Colloque National des Directeurs d’Hôtels (National Symposium of Hotel Directors).
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New Fantasyland Coaster Fun, A Parade Spectacular and Much More Add to the Magic For Walt Disney World Guests in 2014
Heigh, Ho, Heigh, Ho – into another magical year we go for Walt Disney World Resort guests in 2014.
New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom adds its crowning centerpiece in spring 2014 with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, completing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Also this spring, New Fantasyland inspires an all-new parade set to roll down Main Street, U.S.A.
Meantime, 2014 sees the official rollout of MyMagic+ taking the Disney guest experience to an exciting new level. Downtown Disney continues its magical, multi-year re-imagining to Disney Springs. New for 2014 will be an exotic — and aromatic — addition to the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. And to make smiles even wider, the call will go out to all Disney guests to “Show Your Disney Side.”
These highlights and more add up to a merry menu of magic for guests in 2014:
1. Nothing sleepy about it! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will crown New Fantasyland with family coaster fun.
2. Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street U.S.A.
3. Fit2Run, the Marketplace Co-Op, new Starbucks and more kick off the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs.
4. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens a luxury resort hotel within the Golden Oak community.
5. The Orlando City Soccer Club makes ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex its home for 2014 regular season games.
6. New races welcome runDisney enthusiasts and first-time runners alike.
7. New 2014 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line will include an expanded collection of European sailings.
Here’s a closer look around:
The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.
After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.
New Fantasyland also inspires a new daytime parade, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, scheduled to march into Magic Kingdom in spring 2014. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A. through fantastic and innovative parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song. There will be no shortage of fantasy, either, according to the float-makers. Ariel and friends will grace a larger-than-life music box showcasing a colorful musical party “Under the Sea” while Scottish dancers and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida. Other floats celebrate Disney Princesses; Peter Pan and Wendy soar above a pirate galleon; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear on a longship in search of another “Best Day. Ever.”
While Downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, there are exciting changes guests can experience now. Newly opened in Downtown Disney West Side: Fit2Run serves both recreational runners and athletes. In 2014, Starbucks will add two locations: a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Also in 2014: new retail–from women’s accessories to electronics, sportswear to girl’s fashions, home design accents to salon products–will open as the Marketplace Co Op (replacing Team Disney). And there’s plenty of valet and self-parking as the Disney Springs expansion continues. Disney Springs will be a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues, to more than 150.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts plans a 2014 opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.
As anticipation for the 2014 World Cup builds around the world, soccer fans vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to more professional soccer options at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2014. In addition to the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and the Disney Soccer Academy, which both feature pro soccer players, the Orlando City Soccer Club will play its 2014 regular-season home games at Disney in the spring. The team will play its 14-game home schedule inside a soon-to-be expanded soccer venue at the sports complex, providing fans with a more intimate viewing experience than ever before. The Orlando City Soccer Club recently became an official MLS soccer franchise.
runDisney is expanding two of its most popular race weekends in 2014. There will be a 10K race added to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The new 10K races mean there will also be new “challenges” – the Dopey Challenge during Marathon Weekend (running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon) and the Glass Slipper Challenge during Princess Weekend (5K, 10K and half marathon). Both of these new “challenges” come with a special new medal awarded to anyone who completes the challenge.
In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, DCL will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From May to August, the re-imagined Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, offering a rich array of itineraries, cruise lengths and ports of call. New for the season, the Magic will homeport in Venice and will call on the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time. In fall 2014, Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan for four Southern Caribbean cruises. Disney’s first cruise ship now boasts all-new experiences and re-imagined spaces including AquaDunk, a body slide dropping three decks, and Marvel’s Avengers Academy transporting kids 3-12 into magical worlds of brave superheroes. In summer 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Alaska; a special nine-nighter calls at Sitka, Alaska – a first for DCL. Joined by Disney Magic in January, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Bahamas including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Disney Parks is encouraging guests to let their inner selves come out to play during “Show Your Disney Side” in 2014. Disney Side is the exact flip of the everyday, work-centric lives we lead – the more fun-loving, adventurous side that washes over anyone who sets foot inside a Disney Park. In Disney advertising and marketing, Disney Parks will make the call for all guests to “let out the fun” and show their Disney side in 2014. The program got off to a magical start in the fall of 2013 when all-stars in the social media realm showed their Disney side to the delight of millions of followers.
Epcot guests are being treated to an exciting addition to the Morocco pavilion. Inspired by the whitewashed, outdoor cafes found along the Mediterranean, Spice Road Table offers a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks – along with scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. A collection of shops arranged “souk” style stretches along the front of the building. There is even a henna tattoo artist on hand to create temporary body art from traditional and modern designs. The space is finished in cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Beber tribes.
There is so much more to round out the fun in 2014 for Walt Disney World Resort guests including returning favorites runDisney events led by the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Star Wars Weekends, Car Masters Weekend, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and much more. Another guest favorite, the hugely popular Festival of the Lion King show, relocates by mid-summer to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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Meet Kanan, the Cowboy Jedi in Star Wars Rebels
Not every guardian of peace and justice was lost to the tragedy of Order 66. Introducing Kanan, a survivor of the Emperor’s Jedi purge and one of the main characters of Star Wars Rebels. (http://starwars.com)
Kanan, voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr., is a less traditional Force-wielder than fans are used to seeing. He carries a blaster, is a little sarcastic, and keeps his past a secret. “I like to call Kanan ‘the cowboy Jedi,’” says executive producer Dave Filoni. As shown in this video, his Jedi robes are long gone, replaced with armor and a holster, though a samurai-like ponytail hints at his Jedi Knight origins.
In Star Wars Rebels, set between Episode III and IV, Kanan has been underground for years, evading the Empire. If the Imperials become aware of his existence “he’s going to get killed,” says art director Kilian Plunkett. He still has his lightsaber but no longer uses it for fear of revealing his true identity – and has ultimately forsaken the ways of the Jedi Order.
Star Wars Rebels will show Kanan’s journey as he rediscovers himself, just as a rebellion begins to form against the Empire. According to Filoni, “He’s a gunslinger that needs to put the gun away and pick up the sword again, and fight for noble causes and selfless causes.” But what will happen when he chooses to reignite his Jedi weapon, fighting once again for a greater purpose?
The video closes with a tease of what’s to come: an encounter with the nightmarish Inquisitor, the Empire’s Jedi hunter.
Star Wars Rebels is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel and will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.
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