Deb's Digest

I attended the last 2008 Party for the Senses in November. This year, as others have reported, the Cirque entertainers were replaced.

Here is one of the entertainment groups. These 2 gentlemen were AMAZING! I couldn't stop watching them. The photos won't do their strength justice, but at least you'll get a flavor of their performance.

If anyone knows their name, please let me know.

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Recently, Disney Vacation Club members who purchased Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa points as Founding Members received a beautiful gift in the mail.

No explanation came with the gift so I contacted DVC and received the following information:

Given to each Founding Member at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, these traditional Masai collars were handmade by African tribeswomen and incorporate various natural elements found around the women's village. Created especially for Founding Members, each collar was custom designed and no two pieces are exactly alike as the colors, patterns and adornments reflect the artisans' mood and whimsy at the time of creation.

In addition to their ties to the themes and design elements of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, these collars also complement the resort's Founding Member ceremonial robes, which will be displayed in the resort lobby. Inspired by and modeled after traditional ceremonial robes worn by African tribal leaders, each robe will feature intricate stitched patterns that incorporate the names of every Founding Member in a unique and unexpected way.

Please send me a photo of your Founders Gift at allearsnet@yahoo.com I'll include them in a future blog!

In the October 28, 2008 issue of AllEars®, the monthly Step Back in Time featured a writeup on the LiMOUSEine! I asked for folks to send photos and Ted Knapp kindly sent some to AllEars. Here's the Step Back in Time feature followed by Ted's Photographs!

Ever heard of a LIMOUSEine?

Well, in the spring of 1989, a 40-foot LIMOUSEine traveled around America to announce the opening of the Disney-MGM Studios. "Complete with cheese cabinet, soda fountain and video and sound equipment..." the LIMOUSEine departed Orlando on March 5 for a 20-city tour.

The Orlando debut of the LIMOUSEine took place on February 27 when the burgundy stretch limo stopped at the Orlando City Hall to pick up then-Mayor Bill Frederick. He joined Walt Disney World President Dick Nunis and Mickey Mouse for a ride to the Studios. During the late February tour at Walt Disney World, the LIMOUSEine stopped at the Grand Floridian Resort and Mickey's Birthdayland. Mickey and Ambassador Kathleen Sullivan headed to Indianapolis to begin the tour.

The above information and photograph are from the March 16, 1989 issue of Eyes and Ears, a Walt Disney World employee newspaper.

Here are Ted's Photographs! He explains that the photos were taken at the Orlando Auto show in 1989.

Many thanks for the photos Ted!!!

If anyone else has photos of the LiMOUSEine, please send them to us!

Earlier this month I told you about a fun activity for kids at the Contemporary called Artist of the Day. Several of you wrote and told me of your experiences and I want to share them.

It also turns out there are some other resorts with an Artist of the Day activity including Saratoga Springs and the Grand Floridian. So, be sure to ask at check-in if your resort offers this fun program!

Joe and Beth Thrash

We just got back from staying at the Contemporary. Our children (ages 2, 5, and 7) saw the Artist of the Day and all picked up pictures to color. We dropped them off that evening. The next morning the first thing they wanted to do was to go and check out who had won. To their surprise, all three were selected as Artist of the Day and had their pictures displayed. They were very excited and one of the cast members from the Grab and Go came over to congratulate them. They were all given special certificates and Mickey Rice Krispy treats as a prize for winning. We took photos of each one with their picture and we were also able to pick up the coloring page the next day. It was something very special for them.

Leslie McElroy

We stayed at the Contemporary this summer and our kids colored an "Artist of the Day" picture one day during our trip. They dropped them off on our way to dinner and raced down the next morning, to find they'd both been selected as the Artist of the Day. They were thrilled to have their work hanging on the wall. I thought it was a really great and inexpensive way to bring a little magic to kids.

Julianna Farleigh

Our daughter (now age 9) enters each day of our vacation until her coloring is chosen. Last year, when the Food 'N Fun Center chose her coloring, they displayed it in a table-top frame and placed it next to the coloring supplies. She received a certificate with her first name, date and location typed on it. This year, the Tempo Grab and Go displayed her coloring on the wall you have pictured, and she also received a Mickey Rice Krispy Treat and the Disney's Artist of the Day certificate. She has also entered at the Grand FL. Cafe where the coloring sheets are at the reception desk. At Disney's Contemporary, the chosen artwork is displayed for one day, and is then given back to the artist when they pick-up their certificate. We have never been notified that our daughter's artwork was chosen, we have always had to return to where they display the artwork to see if hers has been displayed and then ask a cashier for her "award."

Cindy

The 'Artist of the Day' at the Contemporary Resort has been a part of the Food and Fun Center (former Quick Service Eatery) for quite a while and we were happy to see they're continuing with it at the new Tempo Grab and Go. My daughter has colored many pictures but alas has never been chosen as 'Artist of the Day'. It is fun for the kids to check every morning to see if they were picked and fun to see the kids who are picked as they are so excited!

Christina

We stayed at the Contemporary in April of 07; and the Artist of the Day Was there. I was 15 at the time and did it with my brother and sister who were 9. We never did win; but everyday they allow pictures until after around lunch time and then they switch it the next morning.

Lori Posey

We stayed at the Contemporary Resort back in February 2007. They had the Artist of the Day then also. It was located on the 1st floor where the Quick Serve counter was. My daughter Allie was very lucky and got selected as Artist of the Day. She loved having her pictured framed for all to see! They keep it up for the day. The next day we picked it up at the cashier and they also gave her a Year of a Million Dreams certificate stating she was the Artist of the Day! It was such a little thing but to a child it was like receiving gold!

Beth DiSalvo

Just wanted to leave you a comment regarding the "Artist of the Day" at the Contemporary. As far as I know, this has been going on for quite some time. My son did this when it was at the "original" quick service location (now the Wave). He recieved a "Magical Moment" certificate - and I think they gave him a cookie.

I also know that Artist Palette in Saratoga Springs has the Artist of the Day as well.

Disney's Wide World of Sports® hosted the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort, October 18th 2008.

Dragon Boat Racing is currently the world's fastest growing water sport. Dragon boat festivals bring together teams of 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer who work in unison to accomplish a common goal. Embraced by social groups and businesses worldwide, the sport of dragon boating builds camaraderie, and a sense of "team" through participation in sport.

For more event information visit www.gwndragonboat.com.

Here are some photos from the event. Certainly looks like it could be an entire day of fun and excitement!! From what I have read, the group is hoping to make this an annual event at Disney World.

As I meandered around Future World during my recent trip, I heard a commotion and turned around to see what it was. My initial thoughts were that it must be the JAMMitors!

They've been entertaining guests in Epcot for many years. Hmm. I 'm not sure when they began in Epcot. Does anyone know?

Here's an early photo of them that I still have on the website on the Epcot Entertainment Page:

But, I digress. So as I turned around, it wasn't the JAMMitors, but it must have been relatives of theirs known as the JAMMin Chefs (I think that's the right title). They were making special appearances during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.

They were having a grand time making music on a variety of pots, pans, and boxes. They also entertained the crowd with a variety of "corny" jokes. All in all good fun and just another one of Epcot's great Live Entertainment acts!!!

The JAMMitors have their own page on the Walt Disney World website.

While exploring the Contemporary recently, I found a little area entitled Artist of the Day. It is located on the 4th floor near the entrance to Tempo Grab and Go.

The sign reads: “Artist of the Day” If you would like to participate, please choose a coloring page located below, and be sure to get a package of crayons.

When you have finished, please write your name and room number on the back of your page and place art work in the space provided below.

If your page is selected it will be framed and placed on display. Thank you for participating. If you have any questions, please ask a Cast Member.”

The photos below show 2 framed pieces of art.

Also, you can see the areas to obtain the drawing, crayons and place to deposit your completed work.

If anyone has their child try this, please let me know how it worked!

I couldn’t find anyone that seemed to know how long this would be here. Perhaps until the construction walls are removed?

The sign doesn’t say you must be staying at the Contemporary to participate. However, the request of your room number on the coloring sheet pretty much narrows it to resort guests.

Whenever I am wandering around Animal Kingdom, I always try to look for new species or better yet, little babies. I've been pretty fortunate over the years to see a number of the park's offspring. I've seen baby elephants, giraffes, spoonbills, gibbons and this time a baby West African Crowned Crane.

It took asking several Cast Members before one was able to identify the bird for me. I had taken digital photos in the morning and then showed them to Cast Members during the day. When you have animal or bird questions, try to find a Cast Member in a green shirt. They are usually the ones who work with the animals. Although on the Pangani Forest Exploration and Maharajah Jungle Trek trails, the Cast Members will sometimes be in costume.

Here are some photos of the 6 week old male West African Crowned Crane. You can find him in the Discovery Island trails. He's various shades of brown. I was told he would develop his "crown" and turn colors as he gets older. The 2 adults were very close to him and seemed to be watching things very closely!

The sign in Discovery Island (photo above) says:
"We live in flocks of a hundred or more,
When not in the breeding season.
And Stamp on the ground with our feet as we walk,
It seems odd but we have good reason.

We stamp on the ground to make the bugs jump,
Then eat them before they fall.
At sunrise we haid the start of the day,
With a powerful trumpeting call."

The Field Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park says this about the West African Crowned Crane: "Balearica pavonia - Highly social, pair off usually for life, assume joint responsibility with their mate for offspring".

You also may be able to find the West African Crowned Cranes during your Kilimajaro Safari Ride.

Additional information can be found at the following website:

Philadelphia Zoo

I had the opportunity to wander around the Contemporary Resort a few days ago (September 26, 2008). Here are some construction updates for the Disney Vacation Club Bay Lake Tower.

For more information visit:

Bay Lake Tower Information Sheet and Photographs

Photographs of the Studio Model for Bay Lake Tower

Photographs of One Bedroom Model for the Bay Lake Tower