Archive for August, 2009

Characters in Flight, New Tethered Balloon Experience at Downtown Disney, Serves Up Tinker Bell Views of Walt Disney World and Beyond

Aug 29, 2009 in Walt Disney World
charinflightLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The fun soars to exciting heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes Walt Disney World guests soaring up to 400 feet above the waterfront.
           
Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring hand-painted silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s famous “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo.  The vibrantly colored balloon can take up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute flight – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas.  The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and for miles beyond.
           
Guests board a gondola beneath the bright yellow balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights aboard the attraction seven days a week, under the control of a licensed pilot.  Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while liftoffs Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight, weather permitting.  Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on-site.  Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.
Based in Paris, Aerophile S.A. was founded in 1993 by engineers Matthieu Gobbi and Jerome Giacomoni, known for reinventing the tethered gas balloon following an 80-year absence.  Aerophile is recognized as the world leader in tethered gas balloons.  Aerophile’s relationship with Disney began with the launch of PanoraMagique in Disney Village at Disneyland Resort Paris in 2005.  The whimsical balloons, offering panoramic views, are visible in major cities including Paris, Berlin, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubaï.
           

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ROYAL DEBUT: Princess Tiana makes her Disney Parks debut

Aug 20, 2009 in Walt Disney World
princesstianaROYAL DEBUT: The newest theme park character scheduled to soon make her debut in the Disney theme parks, Princess Tiana (back, center), made her very first public appearance Aug. 6, 2009 at the 2009 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention in Tampa, Fla. Princess Tiana is featured in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Pictured at the convention with Princess Tiana are young fans (L-R, back row): Diana Alfonso, age 7, from Coral Springs, Fla.; Erin Howard, age 7, from West Palm Beach, Fla.; Amanda McKendrick, age 8, from Orlando, Fla.; and Madison Meadows, age 8, from Dallas, Texas. Also joining in the fun are (L-R, front row): Ryleigh Lawton, age 3, from Clermont, Fla. and Mia Wood, age 4, from Orlando, Fla. “The Princess and the Frog” film will premiere in theaters nationwide Dec. 11, 2009. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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New La Cava del Tequila Serves Up Tastes of Mexican Tequila Heritage

Aug 15, 2009 in Walt Disney World

tequilabarLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.

Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.

Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.

Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.

The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.

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Bay Lake Tower Opens Aug. 4, Bringing Disney Vacation Club Conveniences to Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Aug 04, 2009 in Walt Disney World
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Spellbinding Views — Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower boasts some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering panoramas of an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront beyond or one of the most beloved theme parks on Earth, Magic Kingdom. The 15-story, ultra-modern Disney Vacation Club resort combines elegant accommodations with home-like conveniences ideal for families. The sleek new property, scheduled to open in August, is connected to the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort via covered walkway allowing guests to enjoy the hotel’s restaurants, merchandise locations and monorail station. Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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DREAMS COME TRUE: Tyler Perry makes Disney dreams come true for Philadelphia children

Aug 01, 2009 in Walt Disney World
tylerperry300DREAMS COME TRUE: Tyler Perry poses with Disney characters and more than 70 campers from Creative Steps in Philadelphia July 31, 2009 at DisneyQuest, an indoor, interactive theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.   Earlier this month, the campers were the subject of a story that they were turned away from a local Philadelphia pool. Perry sent each child who was turned away, along with a legal guardian, to Walt Disney World to enjoy the theme parks and other recreational activities at the resort. Perry said he wanted to do something kind for the children to let them know that for every person out there who treated them poorly, there was someone else waiting with an act of kindness.  During a surprise appearance July 31 at DisneyQuest, Perry addressed the children and spoke of racism and challenged each child to live their life to the betterment of the community.  (Quantrell D. Colbert, photographer)
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