Disneyland Resort Restaurants Win 15 Awards At Southern California Restaurant Writers Banquet

WDWNT on March 13, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 12, 2009 – Disneyland Resort celebrates 15 new awards for its restaurants and chefs as it prepares to launch the 2009 Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, a six-week “World Celebration” that features delicious food and wine from Disneyland chefs and celebrity chefs and winemakers.

The 2008-09 awards were presented to Disneyland Resort restaurants and chefs at the recent Southern California Restaurant Writers Awards Banquet at the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California. A highlight for Resort restaurants was the recognition of Alex Flores and Francisco Origel, sous chefs at the perennially popular Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, as co-winners of the “Sous Chef of the Year” award.

Napa Rose was honored further with a Golden Bacchus Wine Award and a Golden Sceptre (Five Star) award, the highest, in the continental category. Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel also received highest honors, with a Golden Bacchus Wine Award and a Golden Sceptre (Five Star) award in the American category. The awards reflect Disneyland Resort’s commitment to guest service, which has been enhanced under the guidance of Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and his wine education program. The Resort has 300 certified sommeliers who assist guests with the pairing of wine and food.

Andrew Sutton, the executive chef who has helped guide the culinary success of Napa Rose since it opened in 2001, lauded the success of his sous chefs, saying, “This is a tribute to their hard work and dedication to the Napa Rose. Alex and Francisco have been instrumental in the restaurant’s success, contributing to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”

Francisco Origel worked with Sutton for five years at Auberge du Soleil in the California wine country. He was promoted to sous chef at Auberge du Soleil in 1997 following a rigorous selection process. He joined the Napa Rose culinary team in fall of 2002. “Francisco has amazing plating and cooking skills that he loves to share with his fellow chefs,” Sutton said.

Alex Flores was part of the opening culinary team for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in 2001, working in Storytellers Café. He moved to Napa Rose in June 2002 and worked his way through the culinary training program at all stations in the restaurant, being promoted to sous chef in 2007. “Alex is a self-starter and dedicated to his craft,” Sutton said. “He is incredibly imaginative and has the culinary disciplines to back it up with sound cooking and flavor combinations.”

Napa Rose showcases California wine country cuisine with menu options that change seasonally to follow the holistic dining philosophy of Executive Chef Sutton.  The restaurant features a 16,000-bottle wine cellar, more than 1,000 vintages and 80 wines available by the glass. At Steakhouse 55, which also earned top honors for the Disneyland Resort, guests experience classic and delectable American fare while enjoying the feel of vintage Hollywood through the restaurant’s retro décor.  The restaurant is also home to the posh Lounge at Steakhouse 55 that features an extensive wine list and light menu of new and old American classics.

With a total of 15 awards going to 12 restaurants – seven in Disneyland Resort hotels, two in Disneyland, two in Downtown Disney and one in Disney’s California Adventure – Disneyland Resort guests have a vast array of outstanding dining options.

Guests will be able to meet some of the Disney chefs and enjoy hundreds of complimentary demonstrations at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, which runs April 24 through June 7 inside Disney’s California Adventure. For details and information, go to www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

The complete list of Disneyland Resort awards:

Special Award Category
•    Sous Chef of the Year:  Alex Flores/Francisco Origel (Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)

Golden Bacchus Wine Award
•    Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
•    Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)

Golden Sceptre (Five Star):
•    Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
•    Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)

Gold (Four Star)
•    Ariel’s Grotto (Paradise Pier, Disney’s California Adventure park)
•    Blue Bayou (New Orleans Square, Disneyland)
•    Café Orleans (New Orleans Square, Disneyland)
•    Hook’s Pointe & Wine Cellar (Disneyland Hotel)
•    Storyteller’s Café (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
•    Yamabuki (Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel)

Sterling (Three Star)
•    Goofy’s Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel)
•    Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Downtown Disney)
•    Tortilla Jo’s (Downtown Disney)

Silver (Two Star)
•    PCH Grill (Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel)

The Southern California Restaurant Writers, Inc. has operated for 35 years as a non-profit seeking to improve the quality of restaurants in the region.  Award winners are chosen from Santa Barbara south to the Mexican border.

Celebrating the Launch of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans

WDWNT on March 13, 2009

We recently reported on a D23 related product release and signing happening this Saturday at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street USA, but we didn’t then know what the merchandise would be. But now that D23 has been officially announced by Disney, we know what the merchandise will be, and it looks pretty darn spectacular:

Dave Pacheco Product Release & Signing Celebrating the Launch of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans

Special Guest: Disney Master Artist, Dave Pacheco
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A.

Join us as we welcome Disney Master Artist Dave Pacheco for a very special appearance and signing on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Dave will be on hand to sign a selection of artwork, a t-shirt and a pin featuring some of Disney’s most beloved characters, which he created for D23’s stunning new advertising campaign. D23 – Disney’s first official community for fans – celebrates the wonder and excitement that begin in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his studio in Hollywood.

The following items will be available as part of the product release & signing:

Deluxe Prints with D23 matte

Bandleader Mickey Deluxe Print – $40 (Dimensions: 14″x18″)

Jiminy Cricket Deluxe Print – $40 (Dimensions: 14″x18″)

Tinker Bell Deluxe Print – $40 (Dimensions: 14″ x 18″)

T-shirt

“Made For You and Me” T-shirt – $24.95

Pin

Bandleader Mickey Pin – $12.95 (Limit TWO (2) per Guest)
(Specially created to celebrate the launch of D23. See Wristband Guidelines Below. Available while supplies last.)

D23 Membership Exclusive Charter Member Certificate Custom Matte & Frame – $89.95
See Cast Member for Details

D23 Disney Twenty Three Magazine Premiere Issue – $15.95

You do not need to be a member of D23 to attend this event. For more information regarding D23, please visit Disney.com/23.

Walls Under the Sea

WDWNT on March 3, 2009

Well, we’ve know about this refurbishment for a while, but now we finally have solid dates. King Triton’s Carousel will be closed from March 9th to May 20th. While there are no official details on what will be done to this attraction, models in the Blue Sky Cellar show that a covered structure will be added, as well as similar architecture to Toy Story Midway Mania and the Games of the Boardwalk.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for more information on this upcoming refurbishment.

Celebrate at the Celebration Point

WDWNT on February 28, 2009

“Celebration Point” on Main Street, U.S.A offers guests a new place to take photos and mark their special occasions while celebrating at Disneyland. In 2009 guests will find a variety of ways to make their celebrations even more memorable at Disneyland, including street parties, behind-the-scenes tours, specialty foods and free admission on their birthdays.

The World is a Carousel of Color

WDWNT on February 28, 2009

Honor over at Blue Sky Disney has posted some new information on the upcoming World of Color show at Disney’s California Advenutre. Among the things he’s mentioned include the pretty obvious opening of the show being very colorful opening just like the opening to the original Wonderful World of Color TV show. The show surprisingly will be themed to emotions, such as love, anger, happiness, sadness, etc. An example he gave is that you will see Simba watching his father die. Sounds like some very powerful and emotional stuff. The highlight of the show sounds to be the giant Chernabog figure that will rise from the lagoon presumably for the “fear segment”. Finally, the only bad thing about the show will be that the Silly Symphony Swings, California Screamin’, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and the Golden Zephyr will all close early due to the show, which will truly make World of Color a great end to your day at Disney’s California Adventure!

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for more information as we get closer to the debut of World of Color.

Celebrate Mr. Lincoln’s Return

WDWNT on February 25, 2009

In a major press release, Disneyland has announced that Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will return before the end of 2009 with a revamped show, the Disney Gallery will open where the Bank of Main Street now stands, and Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion later this year. Here is the announcement:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 25, 2009) – A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.

Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.

The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as we get more information on this breaking news on the return of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”.

Jungle Cruise Skippers Ship Out to Tokyo

WDWNT on February 25, 2009

Here’s more information and background on the two Jungle Cruise skippers heading to Tokyo Disneyland according to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

Kevin Lively and Mickey Wright are two wisecracking men who take their craft seriously –- so much so that they’ve been vetted by Disney executives to represent the Anaheim operation at a Tokyo summit.

This professional conference –- Friday through March 6 –- will be a lot more entertaining than most.

Disneyland is sending Lively and Wright, two of its Jungle Cruise skippers, to Tokyo for a nine-day round-table forum on “jungle humor” with skippers from three other Disney theme parks.

The Jungle  Cruise, of course, takes passengers in a boat around a winding, vegetation-shrouded river filled with animatronic jungle animals and spear-wielding residents. The skipper spouts off a continuous stream of corny jokes.

“You can’t lose with cannibalism,” Lively said on picking the right note of humor for the ride. “I like when we have kids on board, because to them, the ride is 100-percent real.”

Lively, 23, of Fullerton has worked at the park since summer 2007. He said he likes working with kids — he helped direct childrens theater in college.

Wright, 58, of Lake Forest started in November 2007 after he got hired at a Disney job fair. Though he said his friends figured he’d be a natural when they found out he got the job, Wright struggled with the script at first.

“The truth is, I actually had a hard time with the spiel,” he said. “I have a little ADD and all the distractions were hard to deal with.”

He’s a pro, now though, as evidenced by his selection for the Tokyo visit.

In Tokyo, skippers from Disneyland, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland will tour the park there and trade tips on the best spiels and practices for running the Jungle Cruise.

The trip is part of a promotion by the company that operates Tokyo Disney — it’s the 25th anniversary of that park. The company decided to fulfill 25 employees’ wishes this year. This conference is a result of Kenichi Ito, a supervisor for the Tokyo Jungle Cruise.

The competition began in January from among the 60 skippers. Feb. 6, the six finalists had to do their act before a panel of execs, including Pixar chief John Lasseter and Imagineering chief Tony Baxter.

The majority of the skippers speak English, but a translator will be available for those who don’t. Also, the skippers will get to experience the Tokyo Disney Ride in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese.

The Disneyland Jungle Cruise is one of the park’s original rides — it opened with the park in 1955.

Slumdog Millionaire Cast Has a Blast at Disneyland

WDWNT on February 24, 2009

According to the OC Register’s Around Disney blog:

The seven child actors who played in Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” spent the day in Disneyland today.

Their trip down the red carpet at the Academy Awards ceremony last night, and then their jaunt to the “happiest place on earth” today was a far cry from their typical days living in the slums of India.

The kids’ handlers wanted the event to be private, and therefore Disney put a strict ban on media.

They did agree, however, to send the photos above. To read more about the “Slumdog Millionaire” cast, click here.

Celebrate! Dreams Come True at Disneyland

WDWNT on February 24, 2009

Some exciting news for you Disneyland entertainment fans. Remember Dreams Come True, Disneyland’s fireworks spectacular will be permanently returning to Disneyland on Sunday, March 8th and will be showing for all of March, and we presume up through early November. As previously reported, parades will return to Disneyland in the form of the new “Celebrate! A Street Party” on Friday, March 27th (at least that’s the current date, subject to change as with anything).

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as I will be at the Resort for both the return of Remember Dreams Come True and the debut of “Celebrate! A Street Party”.