Going to the Disney Parks? There’s an App for That

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

The Disney Parks Blog has unveiled the first official information on the long awaited phone applications that Verizon customers will soon be able to purchase, making it easy to conquer lines for attractions, meet and greets, and much more:

Earlier this year, we announced our first official Disney Parks mobile application – Mobile Magic. Now, we’re sharing details and screen shots.

You’ll recall that Mobile Magic is bringing attraction wait times, FASTPASS return times, extensive information on character locations and more for Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks to your Verizon Wireless phone. Development work has been ongoing but the team recently offered a walkthrough of the app and it’s looking great.

Attraction wait times on your Verizon Wireless device will be unique. There’s been an investment in the backend infrastructure to support Mobile Magic and offer actual wait times based directly on Disney Parks information.

As for FASTPASS, you’ll be able to check if it’s still available for specific attractions. And if FASTPASS is available, the app will deliver information about the next return time. So, if you can still get a FASTPASS, the application will show, for example: FP: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Also, mobile maps are GPS-enabled. While wandering the parks, your location will be indicated by a white circle. Then it’s simple to scroll through content and find it on the map via a “getting there” option. The map zooms out and allows you to see your location and exactly where the character greeting or restaurant can be located.

It’s important to note that actual wait times, FASTPASS return times and detailed character appearances are only available in the park you are in. When you’re out of the park or on the soon-to-be-launched mobile Web site, you’ll see scaled-down wait time descriptions (now – moderate – high demand) FASTPASS availability (yes – limited availability – not available) and the list of character appearances will be limited.

If you are not a Verizon Wireless subscriber, you can still use your mobile phone to access select information via text and on the Disney Parks Mobile Web site. It’s just better from our friends at Verizon Wireless.

There’s more to this offering but we wanted to share these screen grabs and let you know that the app is coming soon. So, how’s it looking?

Of course, there are some official details you should know about: The downloadable Mobile Magic application for Verizon Wireless subscribers is available for purchase. Message and data rates also may apply. Coverage not available everywhere. Availability subject to handset limitations. If you’re under 18, get your parent’s permission first.

2009 CHOC Walk at the Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

More than 12,000 walkers participated in the 19th annual CHOC Walk in the Park, hosted by the Disneyland Resort. The walkers raised more than $1.5 million dollars for the hospital during this years event that took place on October 18th

Myrna Litt’s 10/17-10/18/09 Disneyland Resort and CHOC Walk Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

After coming back from the Disneyland Resort on Friday, Myrna Litt returned Saturday morning to spend the weekend there so she could participate in the CHOC Walk in the Park today. Here’s her photo report from the CHOC Walk, as well as other happenings around the Disneyland Resort:

An old-fashioned Disney Vacation Club car stationed outside the entrance to the Grand Californian Hotel

Read More about Myrna Litt’s 10/17-10/18/09 Disneyland Resort and CHOC Walk Photo Report

Disney’s Doorway to Dreams Opens in Long Island, NY

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

On Saturday, Tom Corless attended the grand opening of Disney’s Doorway to Dreams store operated by the Disney Vacation Club inside the Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, New York. This is just the second Doorway to Dreams Disney Vacation Club sales location to open (the first is located in Chicago) and the grand opening events included continuous tours of the store, character meet and greets, and live entertainment. Here is a video taking a short look at all of the festivities, embedded via the WDWNTube:

Hail to the Chief!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

George Kalogridis, who previously oversaw Anaheim theme parks’ operations, today took over as the new president of the Disneyland Resort — the largest private employer in Orange County, Disney announced today.

Kalogridis, 55, is replacing Ed Grier, who announced his retirement last week and had his last day Friday.

Kalogridis most recently worked as the chief operating officer for the Disneyland Resort Paris.

But he served at the Anaheim resort at a crucial time — serving as senior vice president of Disneyland Resort operations from 2000 to 2002 when Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney opened.

Kalogridis was brought in specifically for the addition. Now, California Adventure is in the middle of a $1-billion expansion, which began two years ago.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Disneyland, particularly during this exciting time of significant expansion,” said Kalogridis in a prepared statement.

“I look forward to working with the cast who make the magic for our guests every day and partnering with the Orange County community to ensure the Anaheim Resort Area continues to thrive,” he said.

For 38 years, Kalogridis has worked at the company, starting as a busboy at the opening of the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World in Florida and rising up to EPCOT’s vice president. He has also served as a general manager of the Grand Floridian Beach Resort, in human resources at Walt Disney World and on the development team for the Paris park.

“George is a proven strategic thinker whose operational expertise and strong leadership skills will serve him well in leading the Disneyland Resort,” said Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a prepared statement. “We are excited to welcome him back to California and look forward to his leadership as we continue to expand and grow this beloved place.”

About 20,000 employees work at the Disneyland Resort, which includes two theme parks, Downtown Disney and three hotels on 560 acres in Anaheim. The resort contributes about $3.7 billion annually to the local economy, according to a Disney press release.

The folks at the Around Disney blog also have a Q&A with George up.

Chris Lastrapes’ 10/9/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

WDWNT’s Chris Lastrapes was at the Disneyland Resort briefly on Friday, and he was kind enough to share some of his photos with us:

This promotion allows you to get a free child ticket to see “The Princess and the Frog” when an adult presents their paid admission ticket or Annual Pass at a select merchandise location. The child ticket will be valid only when an adult purchases an adult ticket to see the movie from December 11th through December 31st

Read More about Chris Lastrapes’ 10/9/09 Photo Report