Ellen’s Energy Adventure and the Great Movie Ride aren’t the only things going away this year. Say good bye to the red cards handed out by cast members used to calculate wait time sign accuracy. They are officially called FLIK cards and they are the size of a standard credit card with a shoelace style lanyard. Disney is phasing them out and will now be using MagicBands (MB) to calculate wait times. Mission Space is already using the new system and Test Track is reportedly switching over soon. Eventually all Walt Disney World attractions will use the new MB tracking system.
Author: disneytalkblog
Disney’s Coronado Springs Previews
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has been going through a transformation since the start of the summer season. Guests staying or just visiting the resort can now see the model along with attitional concept art.
Coronado Springs Resort opened on August 1, 1997. It was Disney’s first and only resort in the moderate catagory to include convention space. In fact it boasts the largest convention hall on Disney property at 220,000-square-feet. It also has the largest hot tub on property.
The new 15 story high rise tower will add an additional 500 rooms. Looking at the model the new construction will address one of the resorts biggest criticism since its opening which is the long walk around the 22 acre center lake know as Lago Dorado. New construction includes the “Floating Gardens and a Oasis” which connects to the rest of the resort via a series of bridges.
A rooftop dining venue will offer views of fireworks which weren’t specifically announced from where but it is suspected to be Epcot given the buildings location.
Disney Night of Joy 2017: Entertainment Schedule
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will host Disney Night of Joy
Here’s the schedule of entertainment (Times/Artists subject to change):
Friday, September 8, 2017
CHAMPION STADIUM
6 p.m. – Danny Gokey
6:50 p.m. – Natalie Grant
8:15 p.m. – Zach Williams
9:30 p.m. – tobyMac
11:45 p.m. – MercyMe
HP FIELDHOUSE
6:30 p.m. – Rend Collective
8:30 p.m. – Matt Maher
10:45 p.m. – Colton Dixon
Saturday, September 9, 2017
CHAMPION STADIUM
6 p.m. – Jordan Feliz
8 p.m. – Kirk Franklin
10:15 p.m. – Steven Curtis Chapman
11:15 p.m. – Amy Grant
HP FIELDHOUSE
6:30 p.m. – Tye Tribbett
8:30 p.m. – Jeremy Camp
10:45 p.m. – Crowder
Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017, starting at $45 plus tax for single day concert tickets. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits.
Changes Coming to Walt Disney World
Now that the dust has settled about the additions and changes coming to Walt Disney World from the D23 Expo let’s take a look what it all means.
TRON coaster
Well it is exciting to see the TRON coaster coming to American soil and I for one am glad that Chip & Co. and WDWNT (Ya I’m calling them out) got it WRONG on reporting the speedway will be replaced by it. There is a lot of land between the edge of the Magic Kingdom and World Drive. They just need to get past the train tracks. The artist rendering clearly shows the speedway still in there. They may have to modify the layout but heck they have already done that so many times I am starting to lose count. I think they are up to three times. The longest the track ever was, was in 1974. They lengthened it from the 71 opening. They shortened it twice since then. They did it for Mickey’s Birthday Land (which became Starland and then Toontown Fair) and had to shorten it again for Dumbo’s Circus.
New theater on Main Street.
Did anybody see this coming? Even the savviest WDW rumor sites and bloggers like Jim Hill didn’t say a thing. I have to say it makes sense given the success of the Hyperion Theater over at Disney’s California Adventure (DCA). If you have never been to DCA let me tell you that their theater is a top notch, purpose build, full production facility that could rival anything on Broadway. The question I have is where is it going? The artist’s rendering appears to put it where the existing theater is. If that is the case say good bye to Tony’s. I know Tony’s isn’t world class dining but I love it there. The place has a lot of sentimental value to me and it would be awful to see it go.
The Star Wars Hotel
This story broke a while ago when someone at Disney inadvertently leaked artwork for it. Out of all the things that were announced this is the riskiest, and in my opinion the most likely to not get done as announced. The Star Wars Hotel as it is being described now isn’t going to be a standard themed run of the mill Disney hotel. First it is going to be stupid expensive. Second it is an experience not just a place to stay. It is not meant to spend a week there while park touring. It is supposed to immerse the guests into the Star Wars universe and dovetail into the new Star Wars Land. You would only spend a couple of days there. There is a mention of appropriate attire and there is a mention of leaving earth which sounds a bit restrictive in how you may be spending your day. Given the costumes and characters needed to pull it off the price per night will probably be out of this world. The other thing I wonder about is this going to suffer the same fate as the Disney Institute? It was a great idea that did OK at first but its demise came from the fact people come to Disney World to visit the parks and don’t want to take time out to do other things. Star Wars the hotel may be the same way. As crazy as the following is for the franchise will people be willing to fork over a pile of money to live the experience and carve out a few days of their vacation to devote to it? Time will tell but this to me sounds like one of those Disney announcements that may fade into the sunset or get heavily scaled back as time goes on.
Guardians of the Galaxy
At this point Ellen’s Energy Adventure needs to be burned with fire. The ride has been there so long Ellen had a career, fell off of the planet, only to reappear and be more popular than she was when the ride opened. She is so young in it though that it dates the ride. Think about Phylicia Rashad AKA Dr. Marsh over at the Dinosaur Attraction. That ride is almost 20 years old. Dr. Marsh is now 69 but she isn’t on our TV every afternoon so we kind of forget how long that installment of the attraction has been in place. And Bill Nye the Science Guy has simply become a cliché of himself getting more into political agenda than science. It is time for Bill to go too. I wouldn’t be too happy to see GotG in Epcot a year or so ago but the fact it means Ellen is going bye bye is a plus and the redo of the Tower of Terror over at DCA looks awesome so I’m OK with a Star Lord takeover. I guess I have to accept that EPCOT Center, now Epcot was indeed dying a slow death since it opened and I am one of the few that miss and loved the original attractions and concept but it is time to move on. The downer is the park will be losing one of the prime hobo napping spots in all of Walt Disney World.
Ratatouille Attraction over at Epcot.
Man, talk about letting the wind out of my sails. I hate the characters invading Epcot but the writing was on the wall when they did over the Mexico Pavilion so many years ago. I was excited about this attraction coming to Epcot when the rumor started popping up. When this attraction opened at Euro Disney, I mean Disneyland Paris, I went on YouTube and fell in love with it. I really like the movie and when I saw the ride on YouTube I wanted it in Florida. So why am I disappointed? Well, if you read between the lines we were told “based on” the attraction at Disneyland Paris. So are we going to get some watered down half version of the attraction? The pessimist in me says yes. Hell, Florida didn’t even get the exploding mountain upgrade for Big Thunder Mountain from the Disneyland version. I hope this doesn’t disappoint me so I am keeping my expectations low.
New Space Restaurant (Can’t they just open the Odyssey up again?)
It looks like they will need the Odyssey to rent out and keep for the festivals because this restaurant appears to be going into the Wonders of Life Pavilion. That would be the big gold dome we aren’t supposed to notice is there 99% of the time we are in Epcot for those too young to remember what that building was used for. The location is now rented out for private functions and used as exhibit space for festivals like Flower and Garden as well as Food & Wine. A space themed venue makes sense there with the redo of Ellen’s over to Guardians and Mission Space just a short walk away. Future World needs another sit down restaurant especially on that side.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Direct from the Disney Parks blog; Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience we’re calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required. Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are inventing new technologies that turn the flat world of a colorful cartoon short into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”
“This is one of the boldest…most impossible things I’ve ever worked on in almost 40 years of being an Imagineer. And you know what? That’s what I love about it. Well, that, and Mickey,” Kevin said. “This is not going to be a small attraction, it’s going to be game-changing.”
OK, so it sounds like they are going to put some work into this. It is believed to be replacing the Great Movie ride and this rumor has been around so long that the ride can’t be the same one that is going to be built. I am disappointed the the Great movie ride is going away. I love it even though over the years so much of it doesn’t work anymore I wish they would keep it. The movies are such classics they seem timeless. The other thing I hate about this attraction is they are modeling the characters after the ones used in the Disney Channel shorts. I call them the Ren and Stimpy look. For those that don’t know Ren and Stimpy was an adult cartoon and the two main characters were drawn with thin arms and legs, using sharp lines and angels. Optimistically it does sound like they will be using visual effect never seen before and it doesn’t look like they will be using any AA figures so once the building is prepped it shouldn’t take too long to get the new show in. I will have to keep an eye on Ebay for a shot of owning the Wicked Witch or the West or maybe a floating Mary Poppins.
New Transportation
The often talked about but never officially announced sky-way gondola system was unveiled. They already started building it and the company they are buying the system from wasn’t that quiet about it. Probably the worst kept secret until it’s unveiling since the DVC put up Bay Lake Tower. I hate this because I hate the fact the new generation of Imagineers don’t seem to give two craps about site lines. This thing will break theming continuity and will be seen from many angles. Riders will no doubt also be able to see things that were originally built in a way knowing guests would never see them (aka backstage areas). We can see the Four Seasons from the Contemporary’s beach. Before that no buildings could be seen and it really was great to look out over Bay Lake and feel isolated. Towers are being added to the Caribbean Resort and Coronado Springs resort so what can be seen from where no longer seems like a concern to the powers to be at Walt Disney World.
I always liked the Epcot entrance in the back known as International Gateway. For most of the day it is quiet with needing only a small turnstile and bag check area. The bathroom there is never crowded and the foot traffic light enough to enjoy the background music. Well forget that now. The gondola system will bring guests from Caribbean Beach, the Animation Resort and Pop Century to Epcot dumping them off at international Gateway. Have fun waiting for that Beach Club guests.
Disney also announced a new private car service. I have used taxis to get around property and Disney’s quasi partnership with Mears kept out any competition because Mears owns about every taxi in the surrounding counties but then came Lyft and Uber. Poor Lyft and Uber have been battling the transportation juggernaut Mears but Mears has a lot of money and power that reaches all the way to Tallahassee. I SUSPECT (don’t know for sure) Mears will be running the new “Minnie Vans” which will be an Uber style car service that guests can use to get from point to point. The goal seems more about stopping Uber while making money than guest convenience because if that were the case why wasn’t this offered decades ago? For those of you changing resorts mid-stay I think the new “Minnie Vans” are going to be great for you.
New DVC Resort
Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, also announced the next planned development for Disney Vacation Club will be an entirely new resort near Epcot called Disney Riviera Resort and that the new sky-way transportation system will also connect with that resort. I have to say I’m not suprised that a new resort is coming. DVC needs to sell to keep active and raking in the dough and they are running out of room to add on to existing hotels. There was a rumor that the New Caribbean Beach Resort tower will include DVC but no announcement has been made yet including at this years D23. With a resort being built it looks like the rumor mongers got it wrong again as I can’t imagine them trying to sell DVC at a moderate along with a new separate resort being available.
I have to say that just looking at the proposed front I am underwhelmed. It also looks a little high so once again sight pollution may be an issue. Hopefully the pool area and the addition of a great restaurant will win me over.
Added info
Other than that there were some details about things already announced. Toy Story land will be opening next summer and the Star Wars model was unveiled. I suspect the model was more for Walt Disney World but it said they were for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. I didn’t see any AT-AT walkers in the model but there are some clearly being built at Disneyland and in Walt Disney World, although the Walt Disney World pictures of the steel work looked as though the walkers will be inside under cover. It looks like there will be two “experiences” (Disney’s new fancy word for attractions which replaced rides decades ago) in the new Star Wars land. One is a ride through attraction. Based on the ride vehicle it looks like it might be similar to Universal’s Spider-man attraction. There is one more minor change at Epcot. The china Pavilion will be getting a new movie. Join the discussion on the new announcements on our Facebook Page.
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What is new and what is coming to Walt Disney World this summer
This summer season, guests can discover a magical mix of new and unforgettable experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort, with an all-new land and evening show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a dazzling new show at Magic Kingdom Park, epic entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and world-class dining at Disney Springs.
Here are the exciting new ways guests can explore Walt Disney World Resort this summer:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Guests can travel to an otherworldly destination this summer: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When it opens May 27, this new land will give guests the chance to explore a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR.
Guests will discover two main adventures. Avatar Flight of Passage sends guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee, and Na’vi River Journey, is a family-friendly boat ride that sails down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.
Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location in Pandora, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.
And after the sun sets, Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests can discover rich new experiences throughout the park, starting with the new nighttime show, Rivers of Light. This visually stunning after-dark experience celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans. It’s a dramatic visual blend of water, fire, light and imagery all choreographed to an original musical score.
Magic Kingdom Park
Starting May 12, guests will be treated to one of the most elaborate fireworks displays ever created – a brand-new show called “Happily Ever After.” It will feature the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection technology, plus fresh animation, and a new musical score and theme song.
“Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor, as Cinderella Castle itself becomes part of the story. Dazzling projections bring heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic castle. The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”
“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly, with show times varying based on park hours.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new limited-time concert event debuts May 26. “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” will showcase memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios films, with appearances by beloved Disney•Pixar characters. A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this 40-minute concert that will be presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars (following regular daily performances of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage”). The show also will include appearances by Woody, Jessie, Mike and Sulley, the Incredibles and more.
Day or night, new Star Wars experiences are immersing guests in the world of this iconic saga. Guests can now interact with BB-8, the loyal droid from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” as well as other Star Wars characters inside Star Wars Launch Bay. New authentic props from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” are also featured in Star Wars Launch Bay, and the new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One” now appear in the daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”
Disney’s Water Parks
Guests can cool off on a whitewater adventure aboard Miss Adventure Falls, a brand new family-style raft attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Guests are immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a treasure hunter who roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her ship and treasures at Typhoon Lagoon.
At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, the “Frozen” Summer Games return from May 26 – Aug. 13. Kristoff and Olaf will be available for a special character greeting and photo opportunity, making Blizzard Beach the only place where guests can meet Kristoff at Walt Disney World Resort. During the friendly competition, guests will be able to participate in ice-pail relays, a snowball toss and much more snowy fun.
Disney Springs
The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales, including The Polite Pig and Paddlefish, both open now.
Featuring modern barbecue cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, The Polite Pig serves up Southern sides like mac-and-cheese and smoked corn and a hearty selection of craft beers and cocktails. There’s also a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections. The Polite Pig is the newest concept from award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis who own local favorite restaurants The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons.
Guests can also step aboard Paddlefish, Disney Springs’ iconic 1800’s paddleboat that’s been reimagined into a modern yacht experience. Paddlefish offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops for lunch and dinner, as well as a delectable Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.
Disney Resort Hotels
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort opens as the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort on July 17. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, guests will come “home” to rustic elegance with these new studios, villas and waterfront cabins.
At Disney’s BoardWalk, there’s an enchanting new dining experience at Trattoria al Forno, the Bon Voyage Breakfast, featuring beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. Guests can make reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Cost is $34 for adults and $20 for children.
Pirate Adventure Cruises out of Port Orleans Closed!
The Bayou Pirate Adventure Cruise one of four pirate based cruises ran for the last time yesterday. This shutdown only affected the one at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. The following Pirate Cruises are still available.
Disney’s Pirate Adventure
Crossing Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, this pirate cruise treats kids to a reading of “The Legend of Gasparilla”—a real Florida pirate. Departs from the Marina at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise
Buccaneers sail the Ports of the Caribbean waters, as they hear the story of Old Port Royale and its pirate-laden past. Departs from Barefoot Bay Bike Works at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Albatross Treasure Cruise
Kids hear “The Legend of the Albatross” and search for pirate booty across Crescent Lake and Epcot park’s World Showcase Lagoon. Departs from Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
The Walt Disney Company To Webcast Its Annual Meeting Of Shareholders
The Walt Disney Company To Webcast Its Annual Meeting Of Shareholders
BURBANK, Calif., March 1, 2017 – The annual meeting of shareholders of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), including remarks by management regarding the Company, will be available live via audio webcast at www.disney.com/investors beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST / 12:00 p.m. EST on March 8, 2017. The presentation will be archived.
CONTACT:
Lowell Singer
(Investor Relations)
818.560.6601
Zenia Mucha
(Corporate Communications)
New Attractions, Experiences and Dining Debut This Spring at Walt Disney World Resort
It’s an exciting spring season at Walt Disney World Resort, one filled with new fun that spans all four theme parks, Disney’s Water Parks and Disney Springs.
From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before.
Here’s a closer look at what is in store:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Opening May 27, Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will transport guests to a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR.
Guests will discover two main adventures in this breathtaking new land. Avatar Flight of Passage, sending guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly boat ride that sails down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.
Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.
Also coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Rivers of Light. Debuting Feb. 17, this new nighttime show will take guests on a magnificent journey with a mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark experience on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world.
Magic Kingdom Park
Starting May 12, Magic Kingdom Park guests will be treated to the most spectacular fireworks display in the park’s history with a brand new show called “Happily Ever After.”
Featuring more lasers, lights and projections than any Magic Kingdom Park show before it, “Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor. Cinderella Castle itself will become part of the story, with dazzling projections bringing more than 25 heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic castle.
The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”
“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly. Show times vary based on park hours.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Several new Star Wars additions have recently taken center stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting with new displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay that feature authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One” are also now appearing in the daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”
For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate experience: the all-new Star Wars Guided Tour. Guests are treated to a seven-hour immersion with character greetings, themed dining, attraction experiences, insider’s tours, a dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular. Offered for an additional fee, the tour is available Mondays and Saturdays and can be booked at DisneyWorld.com.
And coming later this year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will be immersed in new scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” while onboard the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction.
Epcot
Epcot celebrates 24 years of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring, kicking off March 1 and running through May 29. Guests can sip and savor their way around Epcot enjoying new Outdoor Kitchens while taking in the sights of phenomenal topiaries designed after Disney characters.
Anna and Elsa topiaries will enchant the landscape at the Norway Pavilion in celebration of the new Frozen Ever After attraction, while colorful gardens will line the path to The Land Pavilion where guests can discover Soarin’ Around the World. The favorite attraction now takes guests to new heights with scenes from Sydney, Australia, the Great Wall of China and other destinations around the globe.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Miss Adventure Falls, the newest family attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, splashes onto the scene this spring. Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon.
Guests gently ascend to the top of the attraction in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep-sea treasures.
When it opens, Miss Adventure Falls will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.
Disney Springs
The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales, including Paddlefish and Planet Hollywood Observatory, both open now.
Board an iconic paddleboat at Paddlefish, which offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops for lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.
Or, dine amongst the stars at Planet Hollywood Observatory, the newly reimagined restaurant serves up a new menu that includes amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.
Getting to Know the 2017-2018 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team
As they embark on their two-year term representing Walt Disney World Resort and the 74,000 Disney Cast Members who call Central Florida home, Ambassadors Ken Facey and Brandon Peters share their Disney memories, favorite aspects of the resort and outlook about their new roles.
Name: Ken Face.
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Years of Disney service: 9
First Disney role: Bringing to life classic attractions such as Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Most recent role: A leader at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa supporting the housekeeping and custodial team.
Favorite Walt Disney World attraction: Can’t choose! What I love about our attractions is that each offers a unique story. For example, The Haunted Mansion gives guests a tour of Master Gracey’s mansion and is brought to life with spooky, funny and amazingly detailed elements.
Name: Brandon Peters
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Years of Disney service: Four official, but I’ve been a Cast Member for 10 years.
First Disney role: My first role with Disney was as a performer in shows and parades, bringing our magical stories to life for our guests!
Most recent role: My most recent role was as an Equity actor in such shows as “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial,” “A Frozen Holiday Wish” and “The Royal Majesty Makers.”
Favorite Walt Disney World attraction: All of our attractions have a special appeal, but I’ve always loved Pirates of the Caribbean. As a kid, I imagined how fun it would be to live in the houses if I somehow got locked in the park overnight!
Describe your feelings the moment George announced that you’d been selected as a Walt Disney World Ambassador last fall.
Ken: I was very surprised and humbled! I couldn’t believe I was selected to represent Walt Disney World Cast Members – the people I’ve looked up to since I was seven years old. I remember being inspired by the way Cast Members created happiness for guests during my first visit to Walt Disney World. I couldn’t help but think about my first visit in that moment. It was surreal!
What have you learned since that time?
Brandon: I’ve learned a great deal about The Walt Disney Company since selection day. Being on the Corporate Citizenship team, we’ve been able to see firsthand how Walt Disney World supports the Central Florida community in a variety of ways. During global training, we had the opportunity to meet fellow ambassadors from around the world and hear what makes their sites so special. I’m proud of our company’s goal of creating happiness, and how we at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of that goal through our immersive experiences and exceptional guest service.
As you look ahead to the next two years, what kinds of events and activities are you most excited about?
Ken: I’m excited for Pandora – The World of Avatar to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Of course, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Epcot will be wonderful, too. But most of all, I’m looking forward to spending time with our Cast Members, not only at our resort, but out in our community as we work alongside them to make Central Florida an even better place.
Share your thoughts on Disney’s role in Central Florida’s community.
Brandon: As the largest single site employer in the country, Walt Disney World plays a key role in the Central Florida community through economic impact and employment opportunities. Many of our 74,000 Cast Members participate in the Disney VoluntEARS program, giving of their time and talents to support local organizations. Through the EARS To You grant program, Disney VoluntEARS donated more than $1.3 million last year, benefitting over 500 nonprofit organizations. Our Cast Members also raise millions of dollars every year in support of the Heart of Florida United Way. But overall, Disney’s most important impact on the community is our continued investment in the lives of Central Florida’s children and families.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Win Awards Around the World in 2016
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received more than 150 awards and accolades this year as a result of the incredible commitment of our cast, crew and Imagineers. Through our rich legacy of creativity, cutting-edge innovation and exceptional quality, we continue to strive to deliver the best guest experience, and these awards inspire us to work even harder toward that goal.
In the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, we were honored to receive a total of 15 awards for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club properties, as well as for Disney Cruise Line and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. To date, Disney properties around the world have been recognized more than 60 times by Condé Nast Traveler.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was recognized with six prestigious awards from two industry organizations, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Shanghai Disneyland’s “Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light” and Disneyland Paris’s “Mickey and the Magician” both received 2016 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards. Shanghai Disney Resort also received three Thea Awards for outstanding achievement from TEA, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure and Camp Discovery, and a fourth Thea Award was given to Disney Parks’ Ghost Post.
TripAdvisor travelers voted to give Walt Disney Parks and Resorts more than 40 awards this year, encompassing parks, hotels and dining experiences across the globe. Highlights include top marks for Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World, which also received a AAA five-diamond designation; Hong Kong Disneyland, soon to open a Marvel-themed area; and Tokyo DisneySea, celebrating its 15th anniversary with new shows and experiences.
In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was honored with numerous awards from outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Fast Company and Cruise Critic.
Disney Talk Blog 