Disney News Blog

Singer Jon Bon Jovi poses with Goofy Nov. 16, 2009 on the New York Street backlot set at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Bon Jovi and his band, who have sold more than 120 million records in a career that spans 26 years, released their newest album, "The Circle." The group will begin a world concert tour in early 2010.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 5, 2009 -- Glimpsing into the future, Walt Disney World Resort today provided new details about ongoing efforts to re-imagine Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand.

With an expected grand re-opening on February 25, several signature ESPN elements will be added throughout the 220-acre facility, providing new entertainment and immersive experiences for guests and athletes. As part of the plan to take youth sports to a new level, the soon-to-be named ESPN Wide World of Sports will include:

* 20 video screens, including two JumboTrons that will include customized videos, highlight reels featuring the daily competitions and interviews involving ESPN sports personalities.

* A new 2,500 square foot state-of-the-art broadcast center with eight edit bays and a direct uplink to ESPN in Bristol, Conn.

* A new ESPN Innovation Lab facility where the ESPN Emerging Technology Group will develop ground-breaking on-air products and test them with the hundreds of sports events and athletes at the complex.

* A redesigned and renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill, a sports-themed eatery with high-definition TV screens and live radio remote capabilities.

* Complex-wide audio system.

“The collaborative re-branding of Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with ESPN is part of an aggressive growth strategy for our sports business aimed at leveraging the power of sports with the leisure travel business,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises.

By aligning the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports, Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN will create an entertaining and immersive experience for the nearly 2 million athletes, coaches and spectators who come through the Disney sports complex each year.

Although he had appeared in the animated short Plane Crazy six months earlier, November 18, 1928 is widely recognized as Mickey Mouse’s birthday as it was the day that Steamboat Willie—the first Mickey Mouse cartoon with synchronized sound—was released.

Explore the galleries and discover the Earliest Known Drawings of Mickey Mouse and so much more, including vintage Mickey merchandise, the creation of Mickey’s friends, an interactive station that demonstrates how sound is synchronized to animation, and a special section dedicated to the Mickey Mouse Club. Come celebrate and learn about the birth, history and life of the leader of the club that’s made for you and me: M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

The Museum is open from 10AM to 6PM, Wednesday through Monday. For more information, visit www.waltdisney.org or call 415-345-6800.

WEBSITE: waltdisney.org

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/TheWaltDisneyFamilyMuseum

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – If you think photo-realistic art is across the spectrum from abstract art and “ne’er the twain shall meet,” then you haven’t seen the works of Jeannie Maddox, an artist from Dothan, Ala., who has been making Disney’s Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort a kind of home-away-from-home virtually every fall since 1975.

When the 2009 Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie takes place Nov. 13-15, Maddox will be among the nearly 150 award-winning artists who will be participating. Some work in clay. Others wood, metal or mixed media. Others watercolors.

Maddox’s specialty is oils on canvas. And while she depicts her style as “photo realistic,” her husband, Sam, isn’t quite sure that’s an accurate description. “She’s an abstract painter who paints realistically,” he says.

To explain: Maddox’s topical passion is swimmers – in the water. Thus, reality is a visually distorted view of the body beneath the surface, with ripples and bubbles adding to the abstract quality of the painting.

As she has done 32 previous years – including the very first Festival of the Masters in 1975 –Maddox will be showing off her works at Downtown Disney. Five of those previous festivals, she claimed a first-place award in painting. Her dream? “Best in show, of course,” Maddox says. For a preview glance at her work, visit www.jeanniemaddox.com.

Festival hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information about Festival of the Masters, guests can contact 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/artfestival.

CONCERTS

December 12th - String Circle Quartet4:00pm, Special Exhibition Hall, 122 Riley Avenue
tickets available online at www.waltdisney.org

Concerts in our Special Exhibition Hall continue to shine light on composers of Fantasia with Schubert’s String Quartet in G. Henry Purcell’s delightful Suite from The Faery Queen—a bit of musical fantasy—is also performed. Joseph Edelberg, Anthony Martin, and Kati Kyme, violins, and Thalia Moore, cello.

December 19th and 20th - Artists’ Vocal Ensemble Concert: A Candlelight Christmas4:00pm, Special Exhibition Hall, 122 Riley Avenue
tickets available online at www.waltdisney.org

Nothing is more magical than a choir performing classic Christmas songs and carols. Our candlelight program will include European Renaissance motets and carols, contemporary American carols and anthems, and an audience sing-along led by Jonathan Dimmock.

FILM

Film of the Month: Christmas with Walt Disney
Christmas with Walt Disney runs until January 4
12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm, Theater

(except Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, and December 5th at 12:30pm and 3:30pm)
tickets available online at www.waltdisney.org

This special holiday screening includes The Nutcracker Suite from Fantasia (1940), Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952), scenes from the television Christmas specials, and rarely seen home movies of Walt and his family. See how Walt celebrated Christmas at the Studio, at Disneyland, and at home.

LECTURE

December 5th - Memories of Walt: A Conversation with Legends
2:00pm, Theater
tickets available online at www.waltdisney.org

Join us on Walt’s birthday as we hear from Disney Legends Blaine Gibson, Rolly Crump, and Richard Sherman as they share special memories of Walt. Blaine is the sculptor behind the Hall of Presidents, Rolly is one of the Imagineers behind “It’s a Small World” and “Haunted Mansion” and Richard wrote such Disney music classics as “It’s a Small World” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee”. It will be an extraordinary afternoon filled with stories, laughter, and reflection.

December 25th – Christmas Day
Museum is closed

WEBSITE: waltdisney.org

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/TheWaltDisneyFamilyMuseum

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Dream staterooms were designed with style, comfort and a dash of Disney magic. Immaculately appointed, staterooms feature a contemporary, Art Deco-inspired design and provide a welcoming environment.

Eighty-eight percent of the 1,250 staterooms on the Disney Dream are outside rooms, and of those, 90 percent have a private verandah. To accommodate larger families and groups traveling together, there are 500 connecting doors adjoining staterooms.

For groups wishing to sail in ultimate luxury, the Disney Dream provides adjacent, concierge-level accommodation for up to 25 guests with four suites and two staterooms – all joined by connecting doors.

On the Disney Dream, stateroom luxury comes in a range of categories:

(2) Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah (Category R) 887 and 898 square feet, sleeps 5.

(19) Concierge One-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category T) 536 square feet, sleeps 5. Queen-size bed, living area with double convertible sofa, Murphy bed, walk-in closet, whirlpool bath tub, rain shower, private verandah, concierge service.

(20) Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category V) 263 square feet, sleeps 5. Queen-size bed, double convertible sofa, pull-down bed, privacy divider, split bath, round tub, private verandah, concierge service.

(317) Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 4-A,B,C,D) 256 square feet, sleeps 4-5. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed, Murphy bed (in most), privacy divider, split bath, round tub, private verandah.

(543) Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 5-A,B,C,D,E, 6-A,B) 203 square feet, sleeps 3-4. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down (in most), privacy divider, split bath, private verandah.

(108) Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category 8-A,B,C,D) 241 square feet, sleeps 3-5. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down or Murphy bed (in most), privacy divider, split bath, round tub, window view, “sit in” porthole seat.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms have a “sit in” porthole window seat – nearly five feet in diameter and accented with teak wood, stainless steel and a comfy cushion.

(91) Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (Category 9-A,B) 204 square feet, sleeps 3-4. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed, privacy divider, split bath, window view.

(19) Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Category 10-A) 200 square feet, sleeps 3-4. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in most), privacy divider, split bath.

(131) Standard Inside Stateroom (Category 11-A,B,C) 169 square feet, sleeps 3-4. Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in some), privacy divider.

(25) Staterooms equipped for guests with disabilities, in a variety of categories.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Catering to the unique vacation needs of families, Disney Dream staterooms offer comfort and style synonymous throughout the Disney fleet. Designed specifically with families in mind, accommodations are luxurious and spacious, and most staterooms feature a split-bath – a concept that Disney introduced to the cruise industry.

Virtual Porthole

The Disney Dream carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all inside staterooms: Virtual Portholes that offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship, corresponding to stateroom location – either port or starboard. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole.

As guests are observing the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise. Periodically, animated Disney characters may pop by the Virtual Porthole. Characters may include Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo,” a haunted pirate ghost ship or even Mickey Mouse.

Staterooms

Nearly nine out of 10 of the 1,250 staterooms on the Disney Dream are outside rooms, and of those, 90 percent have a private verandah. To accommodate larger families and groups traveling together, there are 500 connecting doors adjoining staterooms. On connecting verandah staterooms, the partition between verandahs may be opened to create a larger shared balcony.

Well-planned design features allow guests to stretch out in comfort and luxury:

The Disney Cruise Line signature bath-and-a-half design is featured in nearly every stateroom on the Disney Dream. Conveniently, one bathroom includes a vanity, sink and full tub/shower, while the “half” bath has a vanity, sink and toilet.

Both luxurious and practical, a number of staterooms have round tubs with a built-in seat, a rain shower head and a hand-held shower – perfect for giving children a bath.

Recognizing that families tend to travel with more luggage, Disney Cruise Line elevated bed frames to provide generous under-bed space to store suitcases and other items.

For an added pinch of pixie dust, pull-down beds open to uncover a celestial scene overhead. Spanning the entire ceiling directly over the bed, original artwork depicts an enchanted tableau of Peter Pan, his fairy pal Tinker Bell and Wendy soaring through the night sky.

Staterooms on the Disney Dream feature a contemporary, Art Deco-inspired design. Remarkable attention to every detail is evident in the elegant nautical theme with beautiful wood finishes, custom fabrics and carpets, stylish furnishings, original artwork, crown molding and genuine teak accents.

First-class features and amenities in all staterooms include a 22-inch LCD flat screen TV on a swivel arm, iPod docking station, roomy closets, mini refrigerator, full-length mirror, mini safe, premium toiletries, plush bath towels, fine bed linens and feather duvets.

Suites

The Disney Dream has 21 suites, each lavishly appointed and designed with upscale furnishings. Most suites can connect to another stateroom, creating an exceptionally spacious living area for larger groups and families.

Each suite has two bathrooms designed with opulent granite and marble finishes. The master bathroom features a whirlpool bath tub, a rain shower, double sinks and a television built seamlessly into the mirror.

Suites have a generous private verandah, walk-in closet, living room and Blu-ray disc player. Both the living area and master bedroom have a 42-inch, high-definition LCD television.

Suite amenities include deluxe bed linens, feather duvets, plush bath towels, sublimely soft bath robes and slippers. Suite guests may choose from a selection of hypo-allergenic, goose down and therapeutic memory foam pillows.

Disney Cruise Line’s signature royal suites – the Walter E. Disney Suite and the Roy O. Disney Suite – are located at Deck 12 forward of the Disney Dream. The Art Deco glamour of the 1920s and 1930s is prevalent in the décor of the suites. Extravagant details of the signature suites include a whirlpool hot tub on the private teak wood verandah, master bath with whirlpool tub, rain shower and double sinks, media library, large living area, kitchenette and sweeping ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows lining the main living quarters.

Concierge Service

On the Disney Dream, all suite and concierge stateroom guests enjoy the benefit of the ship’s Concierge Level providing special services and exclusive access to dedicated areas.

The Concierge Lounge is located among the concierge suites on Deck 12. Guests may relax in quiet comfort, sip a cocktail, access the internet, watch news on a large screen TV and enjoy complimentary food and beverage presentations offered throughout the day. From the lounge, concierge guests have private access to Senses Spa & Salon.

The concierge team will provide guests with personalized service and assist with a variety of shipboard requests such as making reservations for spa treatments, Palo dining, shore excursions and nursery care for children.

One deck up on the private sun deck, concierge guests can soak up the sun in an exclusive area. This private oasis offers tranquil breezes, misters to keep cool, comfortable, cushioned lounge chairs and refreshments.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Like her sister ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream continues the Disney Cruise Line tradition of blending the elegant grace of early 20th century transatlantic ocean liners with contemporary design to create one of the most stylish and spectacular cruise ships afloat.

Signature Design
Distinguished by beautiful sweeping lines and magnificent details, the Disney Dream celebrates sea travel with modern features and unmistakable Disney touches.

The ship’s exterior color scheme matches the iconic Mickey Mouse with a black hull, bold red funnels and vivid yellow striping and lifeboats. Small touches, such as silhouettes of Disney characters scrolled into the cruise line’s signature yellow filigree ornamentation that stretches from bow to stern, are subtle reminders that this is one of the most magical ships at sea.

Carrying the modern classic design inside, the elegant interior décor on the Disney Dream is influenced by the Art Deco style with a dash of Disney whimsy.

Atrium Lobby
For guests sailing on the Disney Dream, the magical voyage begins upon entering the expansive three-deck atrium lobby. Reminiscent of splendid ocean liners from 1920s and 1930s, the stylish sophistication of the atrium is highlighted by a sweeping grand staircase, oversized portholes and stunning, three-story fluted columns with glowing capitals. An exquisite marble floor inlaid with an intricate Art Deco pattern and hand-tufted custom rugs in rich blues, reds and golds span the atrium floor and staircase.

Decorative bronze friezes featuring Disney characters line the balconies, and a keen eye may notice Disney characters in the bronze balustrade rising up the grand staircase. Panoramic elevator columns that face into the atrium feature elaborate metal work crafted in an Art Deco pattern with a hint of a familiar Mickey Mouse outline.

Opulent furnishings complement the atrium design, with a grand piano providing atmosphere, Original art work in bronze, bas relief and tile mosaics add elegance. Overhead, a dazzling chandelier, more than 13-feet wide and descending more than 13 feet from the ceiling, sparkles with hundreds of hand-crafted crystal beads.

The Disney Dream atrium lobby would not be complete without an iconic Disney character statue. Cast in bronze and standing nearly 5-foot tall atop a marble pedestal, Admiral Donald Duck graces the Disney Dream atrium lobby.

Enchanted Art
Around the atrium lobby and throughout the Disney Dream, Enchanted Art immerses guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. A special surprise that only Disney could deliver, Enchanted Art magically comes alive as guests pause to admire individual art pieces. For instance, a piece of art that appears to be an animation cell from the Disney classic film “Bambi” springs to life as Bambi’s friends Thumper and Flower scamper and a butterfly flits through the scene. Another piece, featuring a vintage photo of Walt Disney at his drawing board, creates a magical moment for guests as the character Walt is creating becomes animated.

Enchanted Art looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present. As a guest stops to view a piece of Enchanted Art, several seconds of animation in the picture are activated. Guests may see new and different animation as they come back and visit the Enchanted Art another time.

Lobby Café & Bar
Two venues extending off the atrium provide the perfect respite for guests gathering in the atrium lobby for activities or to socialize prior to evening events. Mirroring the Art Deco style and rich wood tones of the atrium lobby, the Bon Voyage lobby bar on Deck 3 is a central gathering place for guests looking to relax and sip a refreshing beverage before heading off to various onboard activities. The Vista Café on Deck 4 overlooks the atrium and provides great views outside. It is an ideal place for families to come together, enjoy a quick snack, latte, espresso, cappuccino or cup of herbal tea. A nearby seating area features a series of portholes, providing breathtaking vistas out to the sea.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Breathtaking ocean views, rich décor and epicurean excellence create the setting for a romantic mealtime aboard the Disney Dream in a redesigned version of the Disney Cruise Line signature specialty restaurant, Palo.

Named after the colorful poles that line the canals of Venice, Palo offers a superlative dining experience in an upscale atmosphere reserved exclusively for adults. At this elegant restaurant, guests are invited to indulge in a menu of delectable Northern Italian cuisine, classic reserve wines and superior service.

Palo provides an unforgettable dinner experience at sea. Every seat offers beautiful ocean vistas. A pianist softly serenades guests. Stylish furnishings, custom art, warm wood tones and a color palate of rich red, green and gold jewel tones create a refined, Italian-inspired décor.

For an entirely new Palo experience on the Disney Dream, guests may dine al fresco on Palo’s private outdoor teak deck, with picturesque views and warm ocean breezes further tantalizing the senses.

Palo’s nightly culinary journey includes starters to tempt the taste buds, tantalizing antipasti, hand-made pastas, succulent seafood and prime meats. Diners saving room for a delicious finale can indulge in Palo’s signature dessert, chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce.

The sommelier is pleased to recommend the perfect wine pairings to make an extra special meal extraordinary. Palo’s extensive reserve wine list features award-winning selections from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the world.

In addition to romantic dinners, Palo offers an exquisite adult-only champagne brunch featuring made-to-order entrées, seafood, a selection of international cheeses, fresh breads and pastries, desserts, champagne and mimosas.

New on the Disney Dream and located next to Palo is Meridian. With décor inspired by the early days of sea travel, this adult-exclusive lounge has inside seating and an exclusive outside deck.

At Meridian, guests can enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif or an after-dinner cocktail. Meridian’s outside teak deck is the perfect place to watch a romantic sunset or relax with a cigar selected from a fine assortment available at the bar.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Imagine a playground exclusively for adults where the sun sets over a different big city each night, champagne is sipped in chic surroundings and guests dance the night away at a dynamic night club designed to rival any on land or sea. On the Disney Dream, guests are transported to a world all their own at The District – an extraordinary adult-exclusive nighttime entertainment district that features trendy and sophisticated bars and lounges. Spectacular venues include…

Skyline

Skyline is an ever-changing venue that celebrates some of the world’s most famous cities. Tall “windows” along one wall give guests a birds-eye view of stunning city skylines such as Paris, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The chic setting is metropolitan sky bar-meets-luxury high-rise penthouse, complete with a digital fireplace. Lustrous woods and metal finishes are the backdrop to the seven 65-inch LCD screens that depict a different locale each day.

Skyline’s “windows to the world” are ever-changing as the spectacular city skylines transform from day to night, in real time as each day progresses.

Signature cocktails, inspired by the city of the day, will be offered at the full-service bar.

Pink

Elegant and upscale, Pink is an intimate cocktail bar serving top-shelf wines and liquor as well as the bubbly beverage of choice…champagne. Inspired by French art nouveau style and characterized by flowing, fluid forms, the entire venue makes guests feel as though they are immersed in a bottle of France’s finest.

As guests sip some of the world’s preeminent champagnes, sparkling wines and proseccos, they are enveloped in the enchanting, playful feel of the venue. Back-lit inset glass “bubbles” covering the walls create the effect of cascading, effervescent champagne. The famous pink elephants from the Disney animated classic “Fantasia” appear to dance in the bubbles.

A feature wall behind the bar with dew-drop shaped glass in pink and gold gives the impression of champagne bottles bursting with bubbly. Light fixtures of sculpted glass are reminiscent of champagne flutes, bar chairs seem as if they are made from sparkling glass and designs along the bar fascia resemble the cage around the top of a champagne bottle.

Pink is the ideal setting for a pre-dinner apéritif or late-night toast…and all romantic moments in between.

Evolution

The premiere venue in The District and the main club for adult guests, Evolution brings a piece of big-city nightlife to the high seas. Inspired by the evolution of the butterfly, the design is contemporary with an edge.

Butterfly wing patterns on the walls and trails of light effects along the ceiling impart the feeling of butterflies in flight. Pulsing to the beat of the music, lights lead guests to the heart of the club – a dynamic, lighted dance floor that changes with the intensity of the music and a colorful butterfly-shaped feature light on the ceiling above.

The bar is backlit and features strata of layered acrylic and glass in vibrant, translucent tones of orange, yellow, green, pink and purple. Tiered, banquette seating wraps around the perimeter of the room, providing an excellent view of the entire club, the stage and the dance floor. This will be the primary venue for large-scale evening events such as comedy acts, cabaret shows, themed dance parties, live musical performances and other entertainment just for adults.

Metro Pub

Adjacent to The District, Metro Pub is a warm and welcoming environment – a modern interpretation of a traditional pub. Rich detail, wood finishes, a stamped-metal ceiling, modern furnishings and soft leather chairs comprise the stylish décor. Two banquette seating niches, each with its own LCD screen, are hideaways for small groups of four or five.

The casual setting is perfect for guests to kick back and watch live sports and major broadcast events on one of several flat screen televisions, including a 103-inch plasma screen with digital surround sound.

Metro Pub will be the location of choice for beer-lovers, serving a wide range of international and domestic brews along with a full selection of fine wines and cocktails. A friendly pub master will serve as host at Metro Pub and lead guests in a variety of interactive games and activities.

District Lounge

District Lounge is the first entertainment venue encountered when entering The District. Here, guests will find a stylish, relaxed atmosphere with comfortable, contoured seating and an open floor plan. The District Lounge is an ideal gathering place for guests to meet before beginning their journey into The District. Guests can unwind with their favorite cocktail from the full-service bar and enjoy live piano music and entertainment before moving further through The District.