Archive for the ‘ Walt Disney World ’ Category

28th Annual Night of Joy Sept. 10-11 in Magic Kingdom

Sep 03, 2010 in Walt Disney World
Christian ‘Artists of the Year’ Casting Crowns, Third Day, mercyme, Chris Tomlin  Top Star-Powered 16-Act Lineup
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – 2010 Christian music Artist of the Year Casting Crowns and past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin head a star-powered 16-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.
Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole.
From 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. each night – after regular Magic Kingdom hours – the special-ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park.  In addition, guests can experience some of the park’s most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.
Musically, the acts add up to a lineup that runs the spectrum from Rock, Hip Hop and R&B … to Pop, Adult Contemporary and Gospel – continuing a tradition that has been a hallmark of Night of Joy since 1983 when the event began.
It’s also a lineup laden with accolades.  Eleven of the artists have amassed a combined 90 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and six The Recording Academy Grammy Awards. Notable honors in 2010 include: Casting Crowns (Artist of the Year Dove), Tenth Avenue North (Song of the Year Dove – “By Your Side”), Sidewalk Prophets (New Artist of the Year Dove), Third Day (Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album Grammy – “Live Revelations”), David Crowder*Band (Praise & Worship Album of the Year Dove – “Church Music”), Smokie Norful (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year Dove – “Justified”), Group 1 Crew (Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year Dove – “Movin’”) and Red (Rock Album of the Year Dove – “Innocence and Instinct”).
Six artists are new to Night of Joy, bringing the event’s all-time talent list to 145 Christian music acts. The newbies: Tenth Avenue North, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Sidewalk Prophets, Lecrae and Thousand Foot Krutch.

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TAIL WAGGER! Best Friends Opens Luxury Pet Resort at Walt Disney World Resort

Aug 30, 2010 in Walt Disney World
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Sept. 1, 2010) – Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort. Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Mickey Mouse’s favorite dog Pluto to welcome the first guests.
The one-of-a-kind pet resort offers 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends clients and their pets.
“Best Friends is thrilled to open the doors of this special, luxury pet facility,” said Dolan.  “We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time and we are very excited to finally be ready to open the doors and show off this special facility. It incorporates the very best concepts from our other Best Friends facilities with some imaginative ideas that we think will delight and surprise our Walt Disney World guests.

The facility, which already has many pet guests booked for the Labor Day weekend, is able to accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding. Dog owners can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from a standard 32-square-foot all-indoor suite, to an expansive 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suite with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard. Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate “Kitty City” pavilion – away from the dogs – in two- and four-room condos. There also is a special area for the boarding of pocket pets, small mammals and birds.
“At Walt Disney World Resort, we are focused on providing the highest quality entertainment experiences for all guests. Working with Best Friends Pet Care, we are pleased to be able to extend that commitment to pets traveling with their owners,” said Bernard. “Our mutual appreciation for even the slightest detail is reflected in this one-of-a-kind facility and its unique services and amenities.”
The facility offers a private dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends guests. It comprises a walking trail overlooking natural wetlands and several large areas of varying terrain for running and playing, including a 1,300-square-foot “canines only” splash-and-play water feature. There also are sitting areas where owners can relax and watch their dogs play. The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.
Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets, and two 1,100-square-foot camp rooms for play group and doggy day-camp, each opening onto an outdoor play-yard.
Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.  Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites, and treats such as ”Cookies and Milk” or “Tuna on a Ritz.”
Best Friends Pet Care resort is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830.
Best Friends Pet Care resort at Walt Disney World Resort was designed by Mateu Architecture of Palmetto Bay, Fla. General contractor for the project was Synergy Group of Bloomfield, Mich., and Orlando, Fla.
About Best Friends Pet Care
Best Friends Pet Care Inc.  is privately held by Brynwood Partners of Greenwich, CT. Founded in 1991, Best Friends is a long-time leader in the U.S. pet hospitality industry, providing high-quality boarding for dogs and cats as well as day care, grooming, training and related services. The Company redefined pet boarding in 1996 with the opening of its first full-service pet resort in Norwalk, Conn. Since that time, Best Friends has expanded to more than 40 pet care centers in 18 states, always innovating and providing new offerings based upon the needs of pets and feedback from clients.

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Actor/Comedian Steve Harvey poses with Mickey Mouse at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Aug 23, 2010 in Walt Disney World

Actor/Comedian Steve Harvey poses with Mickey Mouse at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Harvey is at Walt Disney World for the third annual “Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey,” which took place Feb. 11-14. During this years event, 100 high school students from across the nation participate in a career-inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational seminars, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

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THE FUN OF THE FORCE: Legendary filmmaker George Lucas visits Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Aug. 14, 2010

Aug 18, 2010 in Walt Disney World

THE FUN OF THE FORCE: “Star Wars” creator George Lucas meets Jedi Mickey Mouse, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy and the lovable Disney droid R2-MK, Aug. 14, 2010 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The legendary filmmaker attended a special event at the theme park in honor of the “Star Wars”-themed thrill attraction, Star Tours. (Todd Anderson, photographer)

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New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort

Aug 10, 2010 in Walt Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Patina Restaurant Group has opened a new casual pizzeria, called Via Napoli, adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, its restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park.

Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York which was awarded the coveted certification of “La Vera Pizza Napoletana.” While in Naples, Valenti spent time studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon.  At Da Ettore, he discovered the art of pagnotiello, a folded round of pizza dough filled with mozzarella, ham and mushrooms.

“I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza,” Valenti says.  “It’s a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Disney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests visiting Epcot.”

Via Napoli features a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita. Famed Pizzaiolo Charlie Restivo serves as executive chef at Via Napoli, where he crafts the pies using simple and delicious Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, handmade fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, crumbled sausage and water calibrated specifically to the pH found in Naples.

“We’re excited to be working with the Patina Restaurant Group once again on this significant expansion project,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “Via Napoli will certainly enhance the guest experience and the architectural landscape of World Showcase just in time for our 15th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival.”

A unique feature at Via Napoli is the wood-burning ovens, which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli.  Each oven is sculpted with the “face of the volcano” — reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history.

The architecture and design of the new pizzeria is based on a mix of traditional Italian styles, with the Florentine architect Stefano Nardini (of Magris & Partners) working in conjunction with Rick Swisher Architect to build it.

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POP PRINCESS: Teen Pop Star Jessica Jarrell at Disney — Aug. 3, 2010

Aug 03, 2010 in Walt Disney World

POP PRINCESS: Teen pop star Jessica Jarrell poses Aug. 3, 2010 with Minnie Mouse at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For the occasion, Minnie Mouse even traded in her signature polka-dotted dress for one adorned with hearts. Jarrell, currently one of the opening acts on Justin Bieber’s “My World” tour, visited the Walt Disney World Resort with friends and family. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Will Open Doors to the Wonders of Hawaii for a Family Vacation Experience Only Disney Could Deliver

Jul 24, 2010 in Walt Disney World

KO OLINA, Hawaii (July 22, 2010) – Beginning in fall 2011, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii will draw on the celebrated Disney magic, storytelling and service to create wonderful family vacation memories drawing on the beauty, fun, enchantment and traditions of the islands.

“Aulani celebrates the best of Hawaii and represents a new way to enjoy a family vacation with Disney,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  “We believe the tremendous beauty of Ko Olina provides the perfect opportunity to create a uniquely Disney experience for our guests in a way that is true to Hawaii.”
Aulani draws its inspiration from the traditions and heritage of the people of Hawaii.  Walt Disney Imagineers, with the help of local architects, artisans and historians, are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort.
“There are so many wonderful stories to tell in Hawaii,” Staggs said, “and with the help of local experts we’re excited to bring them to life for guests in our new resort.”
Each day of their stay, Aulani guests will be able to customize their experience – relaxing on the beach, playing in the pools, discovering the island on a specially planned excursion, gathering at the fire pit for storytelling, or spotting the statues of Menehune, the legendary island little people, hidden throughout the resort.
“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it.  The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Aulani traditionally means “a messenger of a chief – one who delivers a message from a higher authority.”  The name Aulani was chosen to position the resort as a messenger of the “higher authority” that is Hawaii, its spirit and its culture.  “As the history and heritage of Hawaii are the inspiration for Aulani, we are committed to using our skills in design to put guests into these stories,” says Rohde.
Aulani is being built on 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach.  Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Upon its completion, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring angled rooms offering thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent grounds that Disney is creating.  Family-friendly resort amenities will include an 18,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants, a kids’ club (Aunty’s Beach House), a wedding lawn, a conference center, and a spectacularly themed pool area complete with swimming pool, wading pool, tube slides, sunset-facing hot tubs and a snorkel lagoon.
When Aulani opens its doors next year, it also will offer adventures that invite families to discover the island.  Guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind excursions that blend the wonders and excitement of Hawaii with the Disney tradition of storytelling.
Disney’s first resort in Hawaii, Aulani has been under construction since its blessing and groundbreaking ceremony in November 2008.  In April, the resort celebrated a major milestone: the end of its vertical construction.

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It’s a Dog’s World, After All, at Luxury Pet Resort to Open Aug. 27 at Walt Disney World Resort

Jul 12, 2010 in Walt Disney World
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Gourmet dog and kitty treats, plush pet bedding and all the creature comforts of home are on tap for Pluto wannabes and other pet pals at Best Friends Pet Resort, opening Aug. 27 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Best Friends Pet Care Inc. will operate the one-of-a-kind, 27,000-square-foot luxury facility complete with cat “condos,” doggy suites, and special accommodations for smaller “pocket pets.” Park and resort guests, as well as visitors staying off property, can reserve the pet hospitality services to include overnight boarding for pampered pups, cats and pot-bellied pigs.
The new resort, built to accommodate 270 dogs, 30 cats and a small menagerie of pocket pets including hamsters and guinea pigs, will replace the five existing pet care facilities now operated by Best Friends Pet Care Inc. throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Services and amenities offered at the resort are designed to create a fun and comfortable environment for all pets. Dogs staying overnight and accustomed to curling up with a child for bedtime stories will be all ears when they settle down for staff-read “tuck-in” tales. Discriminating cats with a taste for tuna can get their own custom treats. TVs will be tuned to favorite pet films like “Milo and Otis” or “Homeward Bound.”
Guests also can board pets by day and take advantage of services like the resort’s doggy day camp and grooming services.
Best Friends Pet Care’s luxury pet resort includes:
  • 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space
  • 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas
  • A full-service grooming salon with lobby view
  • Two 1,100-square-foot doggy-day-camp rooms opening onto a play-yard
  • Nearly a quarter-acre private, nature-scaped play park with water-play area and protected trail
  • Accommodations for 270 dogs in standard and luxury indoor-outdoor suites. Oversized luxury suites include raised bedding (hop up Fido!) and TVs
  • A separate “Kitty City” pavilion accommodating up to 30 cats in “purr-fect” two- and four-story cat condos
  • A special room for boarding of pocket pets that include birds and hamsters

As guests and their pets approach the resort, located at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830, across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, they’ll drive beneath a stylized porte cochere canopy. From the airy lobby, they can watch grooming experts at work on pets of all shapes and sizes.

The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking trail that borders the natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, a 3,300-square-foot play area is covered in artificial turf, and another 4,500-square-foot area is dotted with shade trees for owners who want to sit and watch their pets play. Dogs even can enjoy a 1,300-square-foot water park in their own splash-and-shake zone. Several park spaces are equipped with benches where guests can sit and watch their pets play. The park is secured for guests and their pets only and is illuminated for use after dark.

Directly off the resort’s lobby, a grooming salon offers “go-home-fresh” baths and haircuts for pets. A la carte activities for dogs range from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroups to “cuddle time” and bedtime stories with resort staff. Dog owners also can choose from pet amenities that include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding. Cat owners can treat their feline favorites to private playtimes or gourmet snacks like “Tuna on a Ritz” or Cookies and Milk.”

Guests who wish to book accommodations for their pets can visit www.wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or call 877/4-WDW-PETS.

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“I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!”: Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade wraps up big week with Disney Celebration – July 11, 2010

Jun 20, 2010 in Walt Disney World

“I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!”: Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade prepares to take a three-point shot as he is guarded by Mickey Mouse July 11, 2010 during a short 3-on-3 game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Wade joined the Disney character and members of two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams that are currently competing in a national championship tournament for girls 16-and-under. The Disney World visit ended a week which saw Wade re-sign with the Miami Heat, where he will be joined next season by newly signed stars LeBron James and Chris Bosh. (Todd Anderson, photographer)

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SHE’S GOT A TICKET DEWYZE: Season Nine ‘American Idol’ Lee DeWyze celebrates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: May 31, 2010

Jun 02, 2010 in Walt Disney World

SHE’S GOT A TICKET DEWYZE: Newly crowned “American Idol” Lee DeWyze (right) autographs a “Dream Ticket” poster for fan Ashley Lowe (left) from Orlando, Fla., May 31, 2010 at “The American Idol Experience” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Following his win on the “American Idol” season finale last week in Los Angeles, DeWyze looked into TV cameras and shouted “I’m Going to Disney World!” as part of Disney’s famous television commercial. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

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