News and Rumors
Tim Burton Profile
Going to see Alice in Wonderland this week? Then bone up on your Tim Burton with a great career recap from FlickeringMyth.com. The first three parts of the four part story are now live.
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Tim Burton Profile
The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans
03/10/10 - Review of the Walt Disney Family Museum
03/10/10 - Disneyland - Review of Harbor Galley
03/10/10 - Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, Princess Marathon, Richard Sherman interview
Mickey Ears-Disney Podcast Review 3-8-10
A Window to the Magic (iTunes) Episode #227 Guest Host TJ shares with us a tribute to Harriet Burns. In an NPR ‘This American Life’ type format, we hear from many people who relate anecdotes about Harriet, including several Disney Legends as well as her daughter. We are relayed details from her early days at the Walt Disney Company (the new girl on the block) to her recent death. You have to hear the stories of her in the model shop maintaining her pristine demeanor at the same time working with power tools. But, it wasn’t all work and no play, as evidenced by the handstand races and minor bird indiscretions. I can picture in my mind the excitement her daughter had at receiving remnants of the Candy Mountain, being able to share with her classmates. And her having some of the most detailed Halloween costumes around must have been a sight. It is truly such a loss to no longer have with us such a proper lady with a ‘wicked sense of humor.’ Needless to say, with all of the WTTM shows, this is a must listen!
Mousetalgia (iTunes) Episode #70 Starting off with ‘Disney’s Scene it’ game, our team reveals a gap in their knowledge. (LOL ) Dining at Club 33 lately? Talk about detail, they discuss the authenticity of some of the artifacts found within the club. But the conversation goes deeper, discussing the ‘morality of excess’ in having such an expensive club in this economy. On a more pleasant note, some informed hearsay on why the Mr. Lincoln attraction is not named President Lincoln is relayed. Bob Gurr relates details on how that animatronic operates, and how Walt ‘tricked’ Royal Dano as he recorded the audio. Also discussed, is it OK that Mickey is being portrayed as a graffiti artist in the latest merchandise trend?
Netcot (iTunes) Episode #158 Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln This is probably one of his most controversial top 7 lists ever! How dare you sir, take three months off, and come back with a show that suggests anything wrong with the theming of these attractions! Or that all the technical work that went into Mr. Lincoln didn’t pay off. I say again, how dare you!J
Dave’s Disney View (iTunes) Episode #3 An Overview of the Pavilion that was “Horizons” in EPCOT-This first part discusses the history, design, detail and makeup of the Horizons pavilion. The initial sponsors and their decadent lounge with its roof top camera (cool). Dave relates his time enjoying that lounge, including many details that we would never have seen ourselves.
Remember the Magic (iTunes) Episode #21 We are introduced to Mikey from Magic City Mayhem and his youtube channel. He tells of his first meeting with Lou Mongello (oh Lou!!), and how he likes to tour the parks spoiler free. The hidden Mickey this week is from Mickey’s Philharmagic. We also meet Marc Silverman of the Discast. And he tells of the inspiration behind the perspiration of his own podcast. Concluding the show they chronicle this week in Disney history and give some shout outs. (Thanks for the @dis_pod_review props guys-had to rewind and hear it a couple of times!)
Running to Disney (iTunes) Episode #50 50th episode-Congrats on 50: Gordon you’re as lean and trim as you were when you graduated! But he repines the idea of how much time we have spent listening and that he has ran talking. He relates side effects of his weight loss-being cold all the time and clothes falling off of him. He presents an idea every runner has had, turning the tables on the dogs, maybe running after them or even worse. His accent is further scrutinized, with conclusions that he doesn’t have the accent, everybody else does. But on more serious notes, the importance of the being fitted and having the right shoe is emphasized. And not letting your race schedule rule your running. Thinking beyond the here and now, and more so for the long term running life.
The Season Pass (iTunes) Episode #115 Tim Delaney Part#2 Disneyland Paris and Space Mountain 3/1/10 More of his fascinating work on DLRP. I loved the story of how drawings he created, all but got tossed in the trash, are now in many of the imagineers guides. Also, we really don’t know everything that goes into an attraction. There is no cookie cutter attitude to design at WDI. Michael Eisners’ 2:30 AM visits during construction and Frank Wells even picking up trash are all stories that astound. The new technology used in their Space mountain, the surprise dinner in the Nautilus all amazing! Did you know they used Thumper to test Space Mountain? The ending conclusion: Delaney brings the project in under budget! Eisner even sends him a letter stating: “Thank you for saving Disneyland Paris.” Of course Tim was hoping for more in that envelope. LOL
WDW Radio (iTunes) Episode #159 February 28, 2010 ESPN branding of the sports complex was so much more than just slapping up a new sign. Lou shows us how ESPN the weekend at Hollywood Studios is a great venue for any sports fan. Even some sports you wouldn’t usually equate with WDW: archery, car racing, sports fishing or horseback riding are all highlighted. A new segment: Listener Fact or Fiction gave us another reason to yell at our ipod with our answers to his trivia questions. (Ed: Mongello! The Monge, Jello!)
The DisUnplugged (iTunes) 3/2/10 Gatorland, Rose and Crown Dining Review Pete is back, for good! (insert applause here) Was the Sea World accident preventable? I appreciated and agreed with their conclusions. Pete’s rant du jour is regarding monthly payments for annual passes. Kathy reviews the beloved Gatorland; detailing the history, prices, the featured reptiles, birds and the shows. The Rose and Crown review reveals the drastic decline in this restaurant, so bad they attempted to make a reservation at another restaurant while still there!
Keys to the Kingdom (iTunes) Episode #125 A Disney Cruise Special Part 4-A Post Disney Cruise Review The entire clan (yes the whole clan) relate their awesome cruise trip from the airport, to the terminal to the ship. They expand on the service aspect of a Disney cruise, detailing how it is different from any other cruise line. They let us know how the whole ‘spa’ cruise thing went (hint-started well enough). I love the comment that the parents want to spend more time with the kids, but the kids wanted to stay at the clubs.
The Disney Brit (iTunes) Episode #36 Boy you think it’s cold in the parks lately? How about DLRP where the Rivers of America has been frozen over lately? Day 19 of Adam’s Daily Disney Diary relates the benefit of a late breakfast at Chef Mickey’s. Blizzard Beach and Indy racing experience with a washout and Cirque Du Soleil with seating tips fill out this day. Around the world in 80 segments bring us dining and shopping options in Adventureland. The Bazaar, the Pirate’s League and Dole Whips are underscored. And they give us some direction to plan your trip DIY style, showing how with a little work you can save hundreds of pounds (or a few bucks).
All About the Mouse (iTunes) Episode #151 Planning a Trip for a first time WDW Visitor A DL regular plans a trip to WDW for the marathon. They help him plan to get the most out of both aspects of his trip from lodging, food (it always gets back to the food) and transportation. One thought that they gave me, Why is the dining plan so difficult? Also attractions that you should not be missed, even if they are already at DL. Another DL regular talks about the return of Captain EO. Why do they hope that it doesn’t stay long in the park? And Disney’s admittance of the dated nature of this film, calling at a ‘tribute’ is clearly seen. And in conclusion a heavier cover of the Mickey Mouse March.
Mouse Travel Tips (iTunes) Episode #4 Fast Passes, Disneyland, Alice in Wonderland & Mad Tea Party Minimize wait time with fast passes and Rachel tells us how with some great . . .tips how to make best use of these. She also relates some down sides to be careful of. A nice overview of DL with ties to Walt is relayed. And in tribute to the new Alice movie, she shares all the references of Alice in the parks with their interesting history.
WDW Today (iTunes) Episode #689 Listener Questions Are Layoffs affecting park performance? With latest changes to the Dining Plan, is service affected? They relate memories of their first trip to WDW (pop-up camper? And losing your brother?) A math question is asked about using multiple ‘no hopper’ passes to hop park to park. How many photopass cards can you put on a photopass cd? Any information on the Venetian Resort? Any tips to obtain hard to get ADR’s, get on the phone and online at the same time? And the infamous question about becoming a glitzy glamorous travel agent is asked with tips for success in that field.
PassPorter Moms Podcast (iTunes) Episode #6 The School that Walt Built An interview with Keely Hutton on her authored books and the educational value of the parks. The team has some intriguing ideas to make a fun family trip into a way to teach your children. Also the controversial topic of taking kids out of school is discussed with some reasonable recommendations. Questions regarding tipping, Kim Possible, and babies around costumed characters round out this episode.
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Mickey Ears-Disney Podcast Review 3-8-10
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Disney's deal with University of Oregon is done
Disney’s Give A Day, Get a Day promotion ends
The promotion that aimed to get people volunteering in their local communities in exchange for a free ticket to a Disney theme park has come to a close with the 1 millionth volunteer. Give A Day, Get A Disney Day reached that number in just over two months, quite a bit faster than they expected I hear. Disney was coy if the program would actually end with the 1 millionth participant, but that was the original goal and they stuck to it.
If anyone in The Disney Blog community participated, please leave a comment with your experience in the program.
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Disney’s Give A Day, Get a Day promotion ends
The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans
Disney's volunteer program has closed
Behind Disney’s Tilt-Shift Videos
This morning’s must read story is the interview with Todd Heiden, International PR Director, Disney Destinations LLC. He tells the story of how the Tilt-Shift videos Disney Parks have been deploying have increased customer engagement… plus they’re just damn cool.
So how did Disney start to use them, well let’s let Todd explain:
I was first introduced to tilt-shift by my sister-in-law who is an avid photographer. She shared an example of a video by a gentleman in Australia and I was mesmerized by the effect. Tilt-shift is first and foremost a photographic technique, but when the individual images are stitched together the resulting video works particularly well with motion and people. I thought, since so many of our ideas start out as models, how fun would it be to revert to a model-like look and incorporate both motion (trains, monorails, busses, boats, etc.) and moving people?
You can check out the latest tilt-shift video on Youtube. (Correction: my bad… not tilt-shift, just time lapse… still cool though) Do you have any favorites among the tilt-shift videos?
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Behind Disney’s Tilt-Shift Videos
The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans
Downtown Disney St. Patricks Day Dining Specials
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. The following Downtown Disney restaurants have put an Irish twist on a few of their signature dishes:
Fulton’s Crab House is offering a hearty and delicious meal fit for an Irish King! Start out with Irish Potato and Leek Soup followed by sliced corned beef brisket with braised Fulton cabbage, red wine marinated roasted shallot and caramelized tent peg carrots. The meal is $18.95 excluding tax and gratuity.
Although Portobello serves the tastiest Italian fare, they are celebrating the luck of the Irish with a special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail! The Café Irlandese is a mix of triple olive espresso vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Liquer 43 finished with a scoop of smooth whip cream. A perfect Irish-inspired addition to one of Portobello’s signature pasta dishes!
At Wolfgang Puck Café, Chef Sinclair Thorne is offering a special Irish-inspired St. Patrick’s Day menu in the dining room. The three-course menu includes a Potato Pancake with Smoked Salmon; Asparagus Salad, locally grown albino asparagus and pencil asparagus with spicy hazelnuts, shaved parmesan cheese and finished with 5 yr old aged balsamic Vinegar; Corn Beef and Vegetables, house-made corned beef with seasonal vegetable medley over smashed potato and served with a Guinness mustard sauce and finally White and Dark Chocolate Bread pudding. The menu is $40.95 per person excluding tax and gratuity.
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Downtown Disney St. Patricks Day Dining Specials
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‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches Goal – 1 Million People Inspired to Volunteer in 2010 through the Disney Parks Program
Since the program started just 10 weeks ago, on Jan. 1, a million people already have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities, according to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network and a facilitator of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.”
To celebrate the good deeds of these individuals, Disney Parks offered each volunteer who completed an eligible project a free one-day admission to one theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California. Although registration is now closed and the program has ended, those who volunteered have until Dec. 15, 2010, to redeem their free park ticket (certain block-out dates apply).
“By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These one million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands. Their commitment to service is truly worth celebrating, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Disney Parks.”
Volunteerism has been a part of the Disney culture since the beginning. Through Disney VoluntEARS, cast members have been giving back to communities for more than a quarter century. More than 5.5 million hours of volunteer service worldwide have been donated, and Disney’s commitment to volunteerism will continue even as “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” draws to a close.
Officials at HandsOn Network credited the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program for increasing volunteer activities this year.
“The innovative nature of this program has exponentially increased our capacity to both invite and excite people about volunteerism,” said Michelle Nunn, co-founder of HandsOn Network and CEO of Points of Lights Institute. “The overwhelming participation of families – and youth especially – is a testament to a growing trend. Many of these volunteers are serving for the first time, and some will develop into service leaders who help change the face of our nation.”
Encouraging that kind of commitment was one aim of the Disney program, Staggs said.
“The goal of the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program was to lay the groundwork for a new spirit of volunteerism,” he said. “The need for volunteers across the country is ongoing. We look forward to more people, especially families, carrying on the momentum and giving back to their communities through volunteerism.” Neighborhoods in need were the big beneficiaries of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – from San Juan to San Diego, Vero Beach to Vancouver.
In Puerto Rico, 500 volunteers cleaned the beaches of Vaciatalega and La Perla located in the vicinity of Old San Juan. In Oakville, Ontario, a neighborhood center got new shelving and a spruced-up mural.
In Boston, volunteers served meals to people in need, knitted and crocheted scarves and mittens for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses and helped as caregivers at an animal adoption center. In California, San Francisco Bay-area volunteers helped with basic English lessons, painted park benches and planted flowers.
In Jacksonville, Fla., volunteers painted murals and spruced up rooms at a home for women and children, while in Pittsburgh they took on construction tasks – tiling, sanding, staining and painting – to help create affordable housing.
Although the program has ended and a free Disney theme park ticket will no longer be provided, those still interested in volunteering may search for opportunities through HandsOn Network at HandsOnNetwork.org (or in Canada, at govolunteer.ca).
-30- NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Walt Disney World Public Relations – 407/566-6397 Media-only news site: www.wdwnews.com Disneyland Resort Public Relations – 714/781-4500 Media-only news site: www.disneylandnews.com HandsOn Network (Points of Light Institute) – Meredith McPherson (mmcpherson@pointsoflight.org)
Volunteer Canada – Volunteer Canada, 613-231-4371
GDDWRAP/3-9-10 FINAL
Gina Aalgaard Kelly Takes the Crown at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon
More than 13,000 participants race to a finish in weekend’s signature event; Women-centered weekend brings in more than 18,000
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Mar. 7, 2010) – In a tight race, Gina Aalgaard Kelly bested over 13,000 runners from around the world at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. Kelly (Lisbon, ND), 33, and second place finisher Heather Schulz of Orlando, Fla. overtook Nicole Falvo, of Grand Blanc, MI, who led most of the race, as the women entered Disney’s Epcot theme park. Kelly crossed the finish line in 1:23:58 and Schulz, 35, came in with a time of 1:24:21. Falvo, 35, crossed only 4 seconds later (1:24:25) to finish third.
In the Masters Division, Mary Pardi (Falmouth, ME.), 40, won in a time of 1:25:10. Tricia Brookover-Brau from Palm Harbor, Fla. crossed at 1:27:51 to claim second place.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the signature moment in a weekend full of events that saw more than 18,000 runners compete in various races that included Disney’s Princess and The Frog Royal Family 5K and Disney’s Kids’ Races, making the event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.
The weekend also involved Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo that was open to the general public. The expo, geared toward women’s health and wellness, featured celebrity runner appearances, Disney characters and seminars on training, racing and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment. While the weekend is designed for women, more than 400 men participated on behalf of the princesses in their lives.
Registration for the 2011 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon begins this summer at www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com.
About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is part of the Endurance Series at Walt Disney World Resort, which gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are Expedition Everest Challenge (June 12, 2010), Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 1-2, 2010), Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 6-9, 2011) and Champion 5k at ESPN the Weekend (February 2011).
Timelapse: 17th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Earlier than Ever – Now through May 16, 2010
The 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back in a burst of color and outdoor family fun – starting earlier than ever and continuing through May 16, 2010. “The advantage of starting earlier is that we’ll be able to feature more brilliant color than ever, with richly hued petunias, violas, snapdragons and other hardy flowers,” says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden.
Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate The Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. Each year, dozens of Walt Disney World horticulturists install the giant display in a single night, starting once Epcot guests depart and finishing before sunrise. This year’s display includes a live waterfall and pond, Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and Pluto in his “pup tent.”
- Special gardens, events and children’s play areas include:
- The new Community Garden - featuring topiary Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy tending tomatoes, beans, peppers and herbs in a salute to community gardens being planted across the country.
- Expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ latest DVD release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden for kids, now including the popular live butterfly garden.
- Flower Power concerts – Nationally-known bands play every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Scheduled performers include Jose Feliciano, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and former Boston lead singer Fran Cosmo.
- Home gardening presentations – Both Disney horticulturists and visiting gardening celebrities and authors share tips and secrets.
Timelapse, B-Roll & Soundbites: 17th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Earlier than Ever – Now through May 16, 2010
The 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back in a burst of color and outdoor family fun – starting earlier than ever and continuing through May 16, 2010. “The advantage of starting earlier is that we’ll be able to feature more brilliant color than ever, with richly hued petunias, violas, snapdragons and other hardy flowers,” says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden.
Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate The Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. Each year, dozens of Walt Disney World horticulturists install the giant display in a single night, starting once Epcot guests depart and finishing before sunrise. This year’s display includes a live waterfall and pond, Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and Pluto in his “pup tent.”
- Special gardens, events and children’s play areas include:
- The new Community Garden - featuring topiary Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy tending tomatoes, beans, peppers and herbs in a salute to community gardens being planted across the country.
- Expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ latest DVD release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden for kids, now including the popular live butterfly garden.
- Flower Power concerts – Nationally-known bands play every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Scheduled performers include Jose Feliciano, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and former Boston lead singer Fran Cosmo.
- Home gardening presentations – Both Disney horticulturists and visiting gardening celebrities and authors share tips and secrets.
Tron Legacy Trailer Hits the Internet
Without any further ado… the first trailer from Tron Legacy.
Open. Open. Open.
This looks a little different from the ‘proof of concept’ trailer that was shown at Comic-Con, but it’s still good. What do you think?
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Tron Legacy Trailer Hits the Internet
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Walt Disney World chefs to cook at White House
Mickey Ears – Disney Podcast Review
The Disney Dudes Podcast (iTunes) #4-Wayne continues to report on his Christmas time solo trip. And I gotta say, “People, stop being so rude to Wayne!” He encounters a lady who runs him over, lies to him, but he still gets his Soarin’ Fast Pass before her. Another strange twist to his trip involves being bushwhacked on a water taxi. But it wasn’t all bad; he praises the ease of traveling around property by car. And Yee Haa Bob provided hilarity. Plus, he was able to enjoy the many decorated camp sites at Fort Wilderness. Downtown Disney at Christmas time though. . . well you know. His opinion on the changes to Space Mountain rounds out another lively dude discussion.
All About the Mouse (iTunes) Episode #150 A Guide to Disney Artwork-OK kiddies grab your books, because it’s time to be schooled on Disney animation artwork. The syllabus includes: definition of terms-production drawing, production cell, three way set up, serigraph, sericel, lithograph, in betweeners. Discussion essay-what things decrease the value of cells, what to look for to be sure of authenticity and an inexpensive way to start collection.
Be Our Guest (iTunes) Episode #206 Where to be inspired at Walt Disney World-What inspires you? Even without Rikki they present heart tugging areas of the parks. Political arenas, images of Walt, even dealing with Space exploration all are discussed in detail. The people, the scenery, the attractions that inspire us. . . to go deeper into the jungle.
The Mouse Droppings (iTunes) Episode #23 Do I Smell Bacon? Another Innoventions attraction visited this episode. This time it’s the Piggy Bank Adventure. “He’s so cute, I want to keep him.” Of course this refers to the piggy bank used as you wind your way to the goal and the ‘Ultimate Vacation.’ And Matt concludes with some initial screen tips for Toy Story Mania.
Coaster Buzz (iTunes) Episode#171 March 1, 2010-The Disney topic discussed is the return of Captain EO and their lackluster enthusiasm. Of course it doesn’t help that the effects are missing. The Sea World tragedy is also referenced, downplaying the recent animal rights outcries.
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Mickey Ears – Disney Podcast Review
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Holiday Inn – ReBuild at DownTown Disney Complete
Editor: Please enjoy this special review from my wife Stacey.
The Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista reopened for business on February 12th after a period of ‘rebuilding’. Over 18 months they took the interior of building down to the bare concrete and replaced nearly everything from pipes to fixtures on every floor and the main guest areas. I was pleased to be invited to a special tour of the new hotel.
The airy lobby
When you walk in the front door it’s very airy, very light, you hear background music and enjoy a welcoming smell. The sound and scent is pumped into the area. The whole design is aimed to be inviting to the entire family. The dad sees the bar, the kids see the pool and mom sees that everyone is happy and she has somewhere to sit and watch her kids, or perhaps get a drink from the bar.
an ‘ah-ha’ moment
This hotel is one of the 1800 Holiday Inns that have been remodeled to the new brand standard. That has given them a lot of “ah-ha” moments including a hook under the bar for a woman’s purse or that bag of souvenirs you’ve brought back from the parks.
Outside of the bar next too the pool will be an outdoor bar specializing in Tapas called Aqua Luna. Those couches look very comfortable.
Future tapas bar area
The pool has three regions designed to make it as family friendly as possible. The odd looking shape has luxurious entry steps, a lap pool and a toddler friendly zero entry all in one.
A totally new pool for the property
We saw two different rooms. 1/3rd of the rooms have King beds that can accommodate a sleeper. Those rooms feature a glass door shower with no tub. Most of the rest are two queens, which come with a bathtub. Another ah-ha moment was to include lots of extra outlets in each room for all the modern toys and tools travelers bring with them these days.
All the rooms have a safe big enough for a 17 inch laptop, complimentary fridge, 32 hdtv with hd signal, a cordless phone, premium bedding, and local & 800 calls are free. The rooms and bathrooms were well lit, with extra care to the makeup counter and mirror so you won’t miss a details as you get ready for that night on the town, or that important business meeting. 75% of the hotel’s rooms have balconies.
The rooms feature Internet plug-in ethernet to meet with government business requirements. There is wi-fi available in the lobby and business center.
The hotel amenities also include a fitness room, a restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine, a 6000 sq ft ballroom and various conference rooms, and buses direct to each of the Disney theme parks. Kids 2-12 eat free at the restaurant with each paying adult and care is taken to address any food allergies. Soon a Disney operated store will be opening in the lobby area which means package express will be available to guests staying at the hotel. A nice bonus.
the main restaurant
I liked the open, light, clean, and welcoming feel of the hotel. It was so quiet. Even in the room looking over the I-4 freeway you couldn’t hear a thing, that’s due to the airport quality noise suppression glass. It was all those little details that will make the Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World Resort the new gem of the Downtown Disney resorts.
view of Downtown Disney
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Holiday Inn – ReBuild at DownTown Disney Complete
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PETA plans SeaWorld protest
