Not Sure What to Celebrate?
In case you weren’t sure what you can celebrate at Disney Parks in 2009, here are some promotional videos recently released by Disney:
Disneyland Resort Restaurants Win 15 Awards At Southern California Restaurant Writers Banquet
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.
Sanaa Restaurant Coming with Kidani Village
When the Kidani Village building containing the villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens on May 1, 2009, so will a new Walt Disney World table service restaurant:
Sanaa Restaurant serves African cuisine with Indian flavors for lunch as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village in Walt Disney World Resort. Just as its name – in swahili – means “artwork,” Sanaa offers its Guests beautifully prepared food in an artistic atmosphere.
Before dinner, relax in the comfortable lounge beside the spacious dining room. Once you are seated, choose from an array of delectable dishes that are slow-cooked, grilled over a wood fire or roasted in a traditional Indian clay oven.
Reservations are available now by calling (407) WDW-DINE
Celebrating the Launch of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans
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 DetailsD23 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.
“What Will You Celebrate?” How About A Holiday Party?
WDWinfo.com is reporting the following as the dates for the two Magic Kingdom Park after hours parties in 2009:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
September: 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 2009
October: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 2009Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November: 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29, 2009
December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 2009
Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009 for both parties. These dates are not official yet, but are highly likely. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.
TrenD Information
Disney has now released a formal press release concerning the new TrenD store coming to the Downtown Disney Marketplace that we have been telling you about for a few weeks now. This should answer any questions we have prior to the March 19th opening of the shop:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of TrenD. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.
“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. TrenD speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”
Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.
Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry – blending it with Disney-inspired creations.
“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think TrenD will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta.
TrenD is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.
Jose Eber’s 3/10/09 Supersonic Photo Update
WDWNT Reporter Jose Eber was visiting the Magic Kingdom yesterday and took some pictures of the continuing construction for Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration in Tomorrowland:
The main stage now has the large metal canopy that can be seen in the concept artwork
The structure across from the stage now also has some futuristic accents being added to it
You can see some futuristic pylons that will hold speakers being added to the side of the stage in this picture
A little blurry, but you can make out the box where the speaker is located within the pylon
Disney Fans are 23
Disney has made all available details public (including photos and a video) concerning D23: the Official Disney Fan Community:
Oakland and Burbank, CALIF. – March 10, 2009 – Disney today announced the launch of D23 (www.Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
“We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”
As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.
A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:
- Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.
- Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year — feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.
- Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.
- D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo – to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 — will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.
Disney Twenty-Three Quarterly Publication: Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
DISNEY.COM/D23: The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twenty-three, Expo & Events, and Boutique23. Highlights include:
NEWS & FEATURES
Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.
“Twilight Bark” – inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians – offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
“This Day in Disney” – A daily walk down memory lane.
“What’s Old Is News” – Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.
“Ask Dave” – Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.
“Archives Library” – helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
Expanded stories, interviews and imagery.
“D Society: Online Edition” – regularly updated photo gallery.
“The Funny Page: Daily Edition” – a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
“Making Magic” – An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twenty-three.
“Disney Dish” – Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twenty-three.EXPO & EVENTS
“D23 Expo” – The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
“D23 Member Special Events” – Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.BOUTIQUE 23
D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
Hosted by Disneyshopping.com
D23 membership
D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.
About D23: The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic.
Fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, www.disney.com/23 which features up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them. (Disney)
Probably the most exciting news is that concerning the D23 Expo coming up in September:
Imagine a place where every step you take immerses you further into the Disney movies, magic and memories that live so deeply in your heart.
That place will become a reality from September 10–13, 2009, when the D23 Expo comes to life at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Expo is the single largest gathering of all things Disney — so huge, in fact, it couldn’t fit at the Disneyland Resort just across the street!
The incredible experiences, exhibits and presentations at the Expo are another way D23 will connect fans to the timeless stories, characters and amazing worlds that we create here at Disney. Guests entering the main showroom floor of the recently renovated Convention Center will discover exciting pavilions from every part of The Walt Disney Company. Each will offer unique immersive experiences the whole family can enjoy. Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Records, Disney Consumer Products, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering — to name a few — will all be featured. There will be surprising gallery events, author appearances and signings and even a beautiful Disney Home to walk through. Radio Disney will rock the Expo every day, and you can expect favorite Disney talent to make appearances throughout the event. (We hear there may even be a wedding!) And please stay tuned!… the D23 Expo micro site, coming soon, will give up-to-the-second breaking news about the Expo, including ticket information and online ordering, the latest event information and everything you need to know about the ultimate Disney fan experience!
One complete hall will be devoted to the eye-popping Disney Dream Store, an unbelievable shopping experience bursting with products from every corner of the Company. The Dream Store will also house merchandise that’s exclusive to the Expo, including magnificent pieces created just for D23 members from the Walt Disney Archives Collection.
Also nearby is the expansive Collectors Forum, where fans can buy, sell and trade from their Disney collectibles. The Forum will feature a massive Pin Trading headquarters — perfect for both casual collectors and ardent enthusiasts.
The Center’s spectacular 5,000-seat arena, one of its most visually striking and iconic features, will feature top Disney executives delivering keynote addresses, as well as fantastic fashion shows and live performances. Upstairs from the main halls, Walt Disney Studios are also combining the Center’s five enormous ballrooms into the giant Studio Theater, where they will offer continuous presentations and screenings of thrilling upcoming fare from animation, live action, Disneynature, Muppets and more. Expect filmmakers and talent to drop in for sneak peeks at movies from A Christmas Carol and Prince of Persia to The Princess and the Frog and Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.
While Expo show floor hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, there will be a number of screenings in the evening. D23 members will receive a discount on Expo tickets, as well as special early entry to the event starting at 8 a.m. Tickets for the Expo will go on sale this spring, so stay tuned for details. The event is open to both D23 members and the general public. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Expo Highlights!
Here are just a few of the happenings you won’t want to miss at the D23 Expo. Check out D23Expo.com for more details!Keynote addresses from Bob Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company; Dick Cook, chairman, Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide; Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts; Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering — and many more!
Stunning fashion shows celebrating new Disney Couture and Disney bridal gowns.
Watch your favorite Disney classic films on the big screen once again at The 50 and Fabulous Film Festival. A panel of special guests will discuss their memories and the significance of these beloved films. At the first D23 Expo, we will celebrate those that reach the half-century mark this year. On the roster: Sleeping Beauty, Darby O’Gill and the Little People and The Shaggy Dog!
There is certainly a lot more to this club than we originally imagined, so congratulations to the Walt Disney Company on a job well done and for finally offering an official Disney Fan Club for those of us who have been waiting such a long time. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available in the coming months regarding D23.
D23, Now Available at DisneyShopping.com
Today D23, the Official Disney Fan Community, was announced and you can purchase your official D23 membership kit for just $74.99 a year. Here are the details:
D23 – Disney’s first official community for fans – celebrates the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney’s stories, characters and experiences have captured the imagination of fans everywhere, and now D23 places you in the middle of the magic. Go backstage, behind closed doors, and get the inside scoop, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
A one-year D23 Charter Membership* includes:
- Disney ”twenty-three” Quarterly Publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s exquisite collectible magazine, filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. It’s your all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future!
- Membership Card and Certificate: Your membership card and personalized, suitable-for-framing charter member certificate feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters drawn by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco.
- Surprise Collectible Gift: A collectible just for D23 members. You’ll receive a gift you’ll cherish from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection.
- Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise: D23 offers its members unique special-event opportunities throughout the year, as well as access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
- D23 Expo: It’s the ultimate Disney fan experience, taking place in Anaheim, California from September 10-13, 2009. This can’t-miss event will feature guest speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and so much more! Admission will be discounted for D23 members.
- Subscription to bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFareafter your first e-newsletter arrives.)
Plus, stay connected to D23 every day at Disney.com/D23, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info, merchandise and more.
*Join by December 31, 2009 to be a D23 Charter Member
D23 memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information as D23 unfolds and more is unveiled. To purchase your D23 membership kit, visit this link.
Robert Ashburn’s 3/6/09 WDW Photo Report
Our good friend Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net has provided us with photos from his trip to the Walt Disney World Resort on Friday. Let’s take a look at some of his pictures:
Robert began the day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park