WDW Marathon Finishers Get New Medal & Free Day in the Parks

WDWNT on June 1, 2010

New 2011 race enhancements include reward of complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World theme park for marathon finishers, plus first-ever online voting to select new race medal; race registration well underway after record marathon weekend exceeded 55,500 in 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 1, 2010) – In addition to a tremendous sense of accomplishment, a magical reward will await everyone who completes the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna in 2011: a new Mickey Mouse race medal and a free day at Disney.

As part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to encourage guests to celebrate the milestones in their lives at a Disney park, finishers at the Disney Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, will receive complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World theme park the Monday after the race.

And for the first time ever, runners and fans can choose the official 2011 Disney Marathon medal, which will be their unofficial “ticket’’ to Disney on “Marathon Monday.’’  Through online voting this summer, fans can vote for their favorite from three medal designs, all created by Jostens Inc., which has designed Super Bowl rings and college football’s prestigious Heisman Trophy.  The medal with the most votes will become the official medal of the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon.

Voting is underway now and runs through July 28 at disneyworldmarathon.com.  The winning medal will be announced in early August.

“Running 26.2 miles is quite an accomplishment even if you’re energized by Disney entertainment along the way, so what better way to celebrate such an achievement than a complimentary fun-filled day at Disney where you can show off your new medal,’’ said Faron Kelley, director of marketing for Disney Sports.  “These new features are just more ways runners and their families can combine their passion for running with a memorable trip to their favorite vacation destination.’’

Registration remains open for the 2011 Walt Disney Marathon Weekend (Jan. 6-9), which is approaching 50 percent of capacity.  The Disney Marathon Weekend (typical race start temperature 48.6 degrees) will once again include a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, the Goofy Race & a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.  To sign up for any of the weekend events, go to disneyworldmarathon.com.

Last year’s Disney Marathon Weekend, which drew a record 55,500 registered runners from all 50 states and 50 countries, was highlighted by Adriano Bastos’ sixth consecutive Disney Marathon victory and Lisa Mizutani’s second straight women’s title.

New World of Color TV Spot and DCA Logo

WDWNT on May 28, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Everyone seems to be interested in “World of Color,” and Mickey Mouse is no exception. In this never-before-seen TV spot, you can see Mickey mischievously handling a magical baton and trying to conduct this water spectacular all by himself! It won’t appear on television until Monday, May 31, but we’re treating you to a rare first glimpse of the “World of Color” spot.

Did you notice the fun, new logo for Disney California Adventure park in the spot? It’s so new that if you touch the screen, you just might get paint on your fingers.

What do you think of the TV spot and new logo?

Hoop Dee History by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on May 26, 2010

When thinking about a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, there are almost as many planning strategies as there are attractions.  But in addition to planning your schedule around attractions, shows, and parades, many guests also plan their days with an eye to meals and dinner shows.

Having presented over 35,000 performances to more than 10 million guests, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is one of the most popular dinner shows at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Located in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Campground, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is performed three times a night, seven days a week, at 5:00, 7:15, and 9:00 pm.  Guests call months in advance for reservations to try to get one of the coveted seats, and there is almost always a line of people hoping for cancellations at each show.

Whether you are a loyal follower of the show or one of those who haven’t yet seen it (but will), we are going to explore the history and creation of this loveable wilderness goofball of a vaudeville dinner show.

One the creators and writers of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue was Ron Miziker, who also created many classic pieces of entertainment for the Walt Disney World Resort (see our previous Main Street Electrical Parade article).

The show is considered the longest continuously running musicals in American theatre history.  It holds a special place for everyone who has seen the show.  Often when you first try to describe the show to someone, they will typically be skeptical, but interested.  It’s not until someone experiences the show for the first time do they understand the undying love and affinity for the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue.6

Despite its longevity, the evolution of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue has just as many do si dos as a square dance.

Read More about Hoop Dee History by Chuck Mirarchi

Meet Miniaturist Robert Olszewski

WDWNT on May 22, 2010

From Art of Disney Website:

Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing
Date: June 12, 2010
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland® Resort

Event Information:
Renowned miniaturist, Robert Olszewski will be on hand for a special appearance and signing for the launch of his latest pieces, including the third unit in the Main Street Electrical Parade section, which he has captured in exquisite minute detail. A special plaque will be adhered to the bottom of the base for the first day of release. Sculpture comes complete with certificate of verification. In addition, also available will be the two new Gallery of Light piece featuring a scene from the ever-popular Jungle Cruise and Mad Tea Party attractions.

Main Street Electrical Parade – Section 3 – Special Features:

This is the third set in the series of five sculptures representing the Main Street Electrical Parade.  This set focuses on the following parade units, from the Cinderella and Peter Pan section of the parade. Pieces include the Cinderella Coach and Clock Tower, Smee in the row boat, as well as the final snail and centipede from the Alice in Wonderland section. Each parade float is removable from its base so it can be placed on the Main Street road in the platform (for those collectors who are collecting the entire Main Street) When lit, multi-color changing lights illuminate these floats similar to the way the actual floats light up in the parade. The on/off switch is the trash can that can be found on the top of the base. The set can be run on 3 “AAA” batteries (not included) or can be plugged into the wall with the enclosed transformer.

The Main Street Electrical Parade – Section 3 sculpture will be available for $125, plus tax.  Dimensions: 11″L x 2.75″D x 2.75T.  A limited number of sculptures will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) sculpture per Guest.

Online Opportunity:
We will offer a limited number of the Main Street Electrical Parade sculptures via online ordering at www.ArtofDisneyParks.com beginning on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. To Order, Please Click Here. Excludes applicable taxes and shipping charges. A ground service shipping and handling fee per piece will be added to all online orders. Maximum order: 2 sculptures per Guest.

Gallery of Light Sculptures

The Disney Theme Park Gallery of Light Jungle Cruise sculpture features the Jungle Cruise boat as it encounters hippos.  This piece will be offered for $85, plus tax. Size: 4.5″H x 3.75″W x 3.5″D A limited number of Gallery of Light Jungle Cruise pieces will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) Gallery of Light pieces per Guest.

The Disney Theme Park Gallery of Light Mad Tea Party sculpture features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they take a spin in an oversized teacup from the beloved attraction.  This piece will be offered for $85, plus tax. Size: 4.5″H x 3.75″W x 3.5″D A limited number of Gallery of Light Mad Tea Party pieces will be available on the day of the event. Limit TWO (2) Gallery of Light pieces per Guest.