Disney News Blog

The world's most beloved fairy, Tinker Bell, poses with her friend Terence inside Pixie Hollow at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The pair star in the new motion picture "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure." Terence is the newest character that Disney Parks guests can greet in Pixie Hollow at the Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland park in California.

A vibrant and festive atmosphere abounds with the spirited sounds of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou in "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" -- a new, live musical production that takes place on board the "Liberty Belle" riverboat in the Magic Kingdom. The 15-minute performance features an energetic cast of musicians and singers, as well as characters from the Walt Disney Pictures' animated film, "The Princess and the Frog." The limited-engagement show will be presented in the Magic Kingdom from Oct. 26, 2009 to Jan. 3, 2010.

Led by Donald Duck, a host of Disney and Disney-Pixar characters welcomed Princess Tiana Oct. 26, 2009 after her horse-drawn carriage ride to Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The R&B group "Boys II Men" (L-R): Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman and Nathan Morris, poses with Princess Tiana Oct. 26, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Starting Oct. 26, Walt Disney World guests will be treated to first-ever appearances by Princess Tiana, star of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film “The Princess and the Frog.”

Besides meet-and-greets with guests, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and other characters from the motion picture will star in “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!,” a rousing, colorful procession with a jazz-filled Mardi Gras theme. The good times will roll as festively dressed, bead-tossing revelers lead Magic Kingdom guests to the Liberty Belle Riverboat dock.

The party moves onboard and the Liberty Belle paddlewheels her way along the river with singing and dancing to the sounds of a six-member jazz band. Nearly two dozen Disney dancers join 30 randomly chosen park guests to be part of each show. Original songs composed by Randy Newman for the film liven the production, which will be performed three times daily. Daytime pyrotechnics and whimsical puppetry round out the spirited, 15-minute production.

The 10-week experience at Walt Disney World Resort will run through Jan. 3, 2010. “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” also will dazzle guests at Disneyland Park in California, beginning Nov. 6.

A hilarious movie adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana, “The Princess and the Frog” will open in limited release in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25, 2009, before expanding nationwide on Dec. 11, 2009.

Beginning Oct. 15, little princesses can enjoy a new Princess Tiana makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at both the World of Disney store and Magic Kingdom locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Fairy Godmothers-in-Training sprinkle their pixie dust on aspiring princesses with three makeover packages ranging from a combination of hair, nails and makeup to the royal transformation complete with Princess Tiana costume, tiara, wand and more. All children must be at least three years or older to receive the regal treatments.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; theme park admission is required. The Downtown Disney Marketplace salon is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. There is no admission or self-parking fee required at Downtown Disney.

Advance reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (407/939-7895).

When guests age 10 or older enter a Disneyland theme park or Walt Disney World theme park from Oct. 5 through Nov. 22 and present their valid theme park ticket at select merchandise locations, they will receive a special card with details on how to get an admission voucher good for up to $8 toward the purchase of one child’s movie ticket when they purchase an adult movie ticket to see “The Princess and the Frog” at participating theaters from Dec. 11 through Dec. 31, 2009, or until “The Princess and the Frog” is no longer in theaters, whichever comes first.

Card quantities for this promotion are limited. Limit one card per adult ticket or annual pass. Admission voucher toward the purchase of a child’s movie ticket to “The Princess and the Frog” is valid for use from Dec. 11 through Dec. 31, 2009, at participating theaters in the fifty United States and District of Columbia. Guests must activate the code printed on the card by registering at www.activaterewards.com/frog to obtain an admission voucher. Only persons 18 or older may activate the code. Parent or legal guardian must activate certificate held by persons ages 10-17. Card, code and admission voucher may not be sold, traded, copied or replaced, or redeemed for cash. Admission voucher may not be transferred. The promotion is not valid for complimentary cast member theme park tickets. Offersubject to restrictions and change without notice. Visit www.hollywoodmoviemoney.com for a list of participating theaters and further conditions and details.

Magic Kingdom Attraction Reopens July 4

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that reopens July 4 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

The recently installed figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is only part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:

A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.

For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.

Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.

“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”

True to Walt Disney’s vision, Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president – life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.

Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, says the show pays particular tribute to the strength of the bond between the people and the president “that led us through the most troubling times in our nation’s history.

“We still present that ‘mighty cavalcade of history’ that Walt Disney originally envisioned,” Rogers says, referring to “headline moments” of America’s past that are depicted in the film, “but it is viewed through the lens of the presidency.”

The 25-minute show begins with the story of George Washington and the struggle to build a new nation. It continues through today, highlighting presidents who have reached out to the people during times of strife. Disney senior show writer and director Pam Fisher, who worked closely with Kearns Goodwin to develop the story, describes the revised Hall of Presidents as “a very human story – one that we hope strikes a chord with all guests.”

A soaring new musical score written by Emmy-winning composer Joel McNeely adds another emotional dimension to the experience.

The show’s impact is bolstered by the stirring performances of actor David Morse, who voices Washington, and the late veteran actor Royal Dano, who voices Lincoln. Morse played Washington in the award-winning HBO miniseries, “John Adams.” Dano was selected by Walt Disney himself to voice the first animated Lincoln figure, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later became part of the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California. Obama’s speech, recorded in the White House Map Room, includes the presidential oath of office and his thoughts about “the American dream.”

In the tradition of earlier versions of the show, the rewritten story begins with a large-format movie, but this time it is projected in crystal-clear, high-definition video. Imagineers digitized many of the huge scenic paintings of historic America made for the original movie by Disney legends including Herb Ryman and Sam McKim. In addition, the team combed through the National Archives, Library of Congress, museums and private collections to acquire more than 130 new images ultimately woven into the show.

Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.

The new Hall of Presidents experience begins in the pre-show lobby, which has been transformed into an expanded gallery of presidential artifacts. The inaugural exhibit showcases the women behind the presidents. Large display cases exhibit dresses and personal objects worn by several First Ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan. The historical gallery also displays presidential portraits of Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other chief executives, plus two cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington.

Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.

The Pirates League is the newest buccaneer adventure in the Magic Kingdom, featuring makeovers that turn theme park guests into savvy swashbucklers. Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates, buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable teeth, hats, bandanas and other costume accessories.

Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates, buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable teeth, hats, bandanas and other costume accessories. Included in each of the three packages offered: a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait.

Here, a young boy receives the "Cursed Pirate" makeover.

Here, a young boy admires his "Cursed Pirate" makeover.

Here, a young girl receives the "Empress" makeover.

Here, an adult guest receives the "Empress" makeover with glitter, makeup and pink bandana

Here, an adult and young guest admire their "Empress" makeovers.

Here, an adult guest receives the "Multi-Eyed Jack" makeover. (Note that his eyes are actually closed in the picture.)

Pictured inside the Pirates League are a few of the trained "Pirate Masters" that transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into buccaneers and maidens.

Packages start at $49.95 plus tax. Guests can make reservations by calling 407/WDW-CREW (939-2739). Theme park admission is required

A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers also are updating a broad array of show elements.

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES – Disney Imagineer John Cutry programs an Audio-Animatronics likeness of President Barack Obama in preparation for the July 2009 re-launch of the Hall of Presidents attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The attraction in the Magic Kingdom Park features Audio-Animatronics representations of all the United States Presidents. President Obama’s likeness will have a speaking role, along with “George Washington” and “Abraham Lincoln.”

Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne'er-do-wells - Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want YOU.

Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom for The Pirate League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers.

Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name. Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures.

After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Guests can chose from three daily pirate packages:

First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects – scars, tattoos, fake teeth, earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7 inch photo and personalized pirate oath - $49.95 plus tax

Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup – face gem, tattoos, nail polish, earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5x7 inch photo and personalized pirate oath - $49.95 plus tax

Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection: choice of facial effects - scars, tattoos, fake teeth, earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; three 5x7 inch photos and personalized pirate oath - $124.95 plus tax.

Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures. And for mateys who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the Captain himself during “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.”

Boys, girls, and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by calling 407-WDW-CREW beginning May 11.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 4, 2009 -- The Walt Disney Company has announced the creation of the Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University in recognition of the passion and energy Dr. Randy Pausch brought to his work at both Carnegie Mellon and Walt Disney Imagineering. Pausch is best known for his life-affirming "Last Lecture," which he delivered to his students and colleagues a few weeks after learning he had just months to live. Intended as a roadmap for his three young children, the lecture included his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously.

“Randy Pausch lived his life inspiring his students, colleagues and co-workers. Now, the vitality and energy he brought to his classroom lives on and serves as an inspiration to millions of people he never had the chance to meet,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “We are proud to honor Randy’s passion by supporting the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow with these fellowships.”

Pausch fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Walt Disney Imagineer in 1995 when he joined the Imagineering Virtual Reality Studio during a sabbatical from his university teaching position. Imagineering, with its collaborative teams of artists, engineers, sculptors and software developers, proved the perfect environment for him. After his sabbatical was complete, Pausch continued as a consultant to Disney, and began nurturing a relationship between Carnegie Mellon and Disney through Imagineering’s internship program. Pausch earned his PhD in computer science at Carnegie Mellon in 1988 and was a professor in Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Department, Human-Computer Interaction Institute and School of Design from 1997 until his death in July 2008.

The Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship will support two graduate students, one in the School of Computer Science (SCS) and one in the College of Fine Arts (CFA), reflecting Pausch’s enthusiasm for the interplay of arts and technology. His fascination with this type of synergy at Disney led to the development of Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center, a program designed specifically to foster collaboration between technologists and fine artists on projects intended to entertain, inform, inspire, or otherwise affect audiences. The Entertainment Technology Center’s Masters of Entertainment Technology degree is jointly conferred by Carnegie Mellon’s College of Fine Arts and School of Computer Science.

“Arts and technology are two pillars of strength at Carnegie Mellon,” said Jared L. Cohon, president of the university. “Randy Pausch was tireless in his efforts to bridge the gap between them by creating innovative classes and graduate programs, as well as through his own research. Disney’s generosity in sponsoring graduate fellowships in computer science and fine arts further establishes Randy’s educational legacy by benefitting talented students who share his passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.”

To mark Pausch’s achievements, a specially-themed medallion will be placed in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and inscribed with words from his lecture: “Be good at something; it makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.” The unique artistic element is located near the Mad Tea Party (“tea cups”) ride, which was celebrated in a photo that Pausch displayed on his desk, showing his niece and nephew enthusiastically enjoying the attraction.

The relationship between Disney and Carnegie Mellon that Pausch nurtured continues to evolve. In August 2008, Disney announced a major Research and Development initiative to engage top technology universities to conduct research and development for many of Disney’s divisions. Disney Research, Pittsburgh, and its sister lab, Disney Research, Zurich, connect Disney with Carnegie Mellon and other renowned academic partners who have world-class science and technology talent. The labs will engage in research and development on computer animation, computational cinematography, autonomous interactive characters, robotics and user interfaces, among other initiatives.

Everywhere you look in Walt Disney World, the holidays are coming to life, starting with the 200,000 lights that decorate Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and cover it with sparkling ice from top to toe. See how the Disney Imagineers make this phenomenal transformation take shape.

Each holiday season, the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida sparkle with five million lights. In 1995, Walt Disney World® Resort adopted the displays from Little Rock's Jennings Osborne after his neighbors grumbled. Now, Disney crews start work in March to get ready for guests in November and December.

For more information about how Walt Disney World celebrates the holidays, visit www.disneyworld.com/holidays

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- To celebrate the animated film “Tinker Bell,” Disney’s most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in a meet-and-greet experience in Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

To meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends, guests enter a magical forest called “Pixie Hollow,” a special place deep in the heart of Never Land.

Tinker Bell, made famous in the 1953 Disney animated classic “Peter Pan,” for her “hostess” role in Disney television specials and for “flying” above the Disney theme parks, is joined inside Pixie Hollow by four fairy friends: Fawn, an animal fairy; Iridessa, a light fairy; Rosetta, a garden fairy; and Silvermist, a water fairy.

In addition to meeting the Fairies at Magic Kingdom, guests can learn more about the Disney Fairies at www.disneyfairies.com.

And if Tinker Bell doesn’t “ring a bell” or jog a memory, here are some “fun fairy facts” about the sprightly pixie:

-- Tinker Bell debuted at Walt Disney World Resort in 1971, as the classic attraction Peter Pan’s Flight opened in Fantasyland. The beloved attraction immerses guests in the “Peter Pan” story as passengers board flying pirate ships bound for Never Land.

-- Tinker Bell began “flying” from high atop Cinderella Castle in 1985. Since then, she has taken her flight thousands of times to light the sky with magical fireworks.

-- Tinker Bell made her Walt Disney World parade debut in 2007. She made that premiere appearance atop a float in “Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade,” an entertainment extravaganza during Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party.

-- Tinker Bell merchandise continually ranks among the top sellers of character-based merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort.

Michael Phelps Wins Record-Setting Gold in Beijing… What's He Doing Next? "He's Going to Disney World!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 29, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Direct from the Beijing Games where he won a record eight Gold Medals, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World Resort.

In a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps was honored for his record-setting wins and for the spirit in which he captivated the world in his quest for Gold.

The 23-year-old from Baltimore beamed as he rode through the park alongside Mickey Mouse, waving to fans who chanted his name. Magic Kingdom guests joined in "America's Homecoming Parade" for the swimmer who broke records in each event he entered in Beijing.

For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing.

"I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me," said Phelps. "It's great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world. To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible."

During his celebration in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps also took time to meet a group of local swimmers from the central Florida area. The aspiring young swimmers had the chance to talk with Phelps, ask about his record-breaking experiences and see the Gold Medals he won in Beijing.

Phelps' celebration at Walt Disney World is planned to be the next feature on his wildly popular Facebook.com page. Phelps, one of the most popular public figures on the social networking site, has nearly 1.5 million Facebook "fans" who have subscribed to receive his latest news and updates. Phelps said he plans to offer photographs and video of his Walt Disney World visit on his Facebook.com site.

Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14).

New Grand Marshal Vehicle Accommodates Wheelchair Users

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 23, 2008 – A new Grand Marshal vehicle has debuted at Magic Kingdom, carrying guests of honor down the daily Main Street parade route in grand style. It’s most impressive feature: enabling guests who use wheelchairs to board easily and ride in the main seating area.

This new automobile will be the primary vehicle for all Grand Marshal guests at every Magic Kingdom day parade, with the wheelchair lift built into its underside for use when needed.

To fit the theme of Main Street, USA, the vehicle was designed after a 1912 touring car and carries up to 11 Grand Marshal guests. Also an added touch of the new vehicle -- Mickey Mouse tread designs on all four tires and the spare tire attached to the rear.

“The unique and innovative design of this vehicle, which is also available at Disneyland in California, will provide all guests, including those with mobility disabilities an opportunity to participate and serve as Grand Marshals in our parade as well as other special events,” said Mark Jones, operations manager for Services for Guests with Disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort.

(Garth Vaughan, photographer)