February 2015 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
Feature Article
This article appeared in the January 27, 2015 Issue #801 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)
Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
STEP BACK IN TIME
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
by Deb Wills
Each month, we rummage around in our archives for this featurette, which indulges in a bit of nostalgia, taking you back in history for a glimpse of Walt Disney World and The Walt Disney Company through the ages. This coming month, as we prepare to celebrate Presidents' Day, we take a look back at The Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom.
The Hall of Presidents is one of the original attractions of Walt Disney World, opening on October 1, 1971. It is located in Liberty Square, which is themed to U.S. Colonial times.
When this attraction opened, Richard Nixon was president, and the show paid homage to 37 presidents of the United States. Since that time, the Audio-Animatronics figures of Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have been added to this distinguished cast.
Disney Legend Blaine Gibson sculpted every president in this group except Obama. Gibson's protege, Disney sculptor Valerie Edwards, sculpted Obama under the supervision of Gibson, who was 91 years old at the time.
Valentine Huerwaas and his partner Shlacou, who designed costumes for Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplan, created the costumes for all the presidents from Washington to Nixon. The clothing that each president wears is accurate to the time period in which he lived. They didn't just make period suits, they reproduced every stitch and seam in the apparel worn by the president in his own time. The wigs were handcrafted in Guatemala.
The Lincoln figure is capable of 47 different functions, including 15 head motions and facial expressions. The figure of President Barack Obama is the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who've been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures.
The date above the door of the building's entrance is the year the Constitution was ratified.
The Hall of Presidents was closed between October 31, 2008, and July 1, 2009, to undergo an extensive renovation to upgrade its audio and visual effects and systems before the installation of the Obama figure.
In addition, the entire show was rewritten and re-recorded to tell the moving story of the bond between the presidents and "We, the People," focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times. The attraction was officially renamed: "The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders."
Fun Facts:
-
The animated Lincoln figure debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair.
-
Although Obama is the 44th president, only 43 men stand on the Hall of Presidents stage. Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms, so he is both the 22nd and 24th president.
-
The Hall of Presidents building recalls the Federal-style civic buildings of Philadelphia.
-
The theater seats 700 guests, with expanded seating areas for guests using wheelchairs.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
RELATED LINKS
The Hall of Presidents Welcomes Barack Obama
WDW Chronicles: The Hall of Presidents
A History of the Hall of Presidents
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
THE MAGIC OF THE FIRST TIME
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Back in December, we re-ran a feature article written several years ago by our friend Zamgwar about remembering the Magic of your first Disney visit. Quite a few of you have been motivated to share your stories about your "first times" — in turn, we thought we'd share them with all of you from time to time over the next few months:
Robert A. Curtis: I remember my first visit to Disney World. April 2000 it was, by way of tour bus. Epcot was to be the Park of the Day, and I tell you, when that giant gleaming "golf ball" first came into view, I felt like a 10-year-old boy all over again. I may not have been bouncing up and down in my seat, but I certainly thought about it. That was in 2000… in a few days from now, I'll be traveling by way of that same tour bus company back to Walt Disney World.
Sue Pletsch: My first time — My husband was a high school teacher, his seniors were going to California in 1975. I was able to go along. We flew to San Francisco and bused down to Anaheim. At that time there were coupons for the rides. My husband and I had a group of 11 kids with us and we all had fun. My son's first time was in Disney World in 1988. He was 2. The first park we went to was Epcot and to this day that is his favorite. Our daughter was almost 2 in 1990 when she first went to Disney World. Her first experience with a character breakfast was terrifying to her. She did not want those characters near her. As a family we've been back multiple times to Disney World, visited EuroDisney in 1999, and Disneyland and California Adventure in 2002. At California Adventure we were on Grizzly River Run with a family from France and they asked which park was our favorite. We said Disney World in Florida. There is no contest in our opinion — so many things to see, you never can see it all.
Kathy Johnson: My first trip to the World was when there was just the Magic Kingdom! OK, so I'm that old. And every visit since still holds the magic.
Joan and Bill Bertini: My wife and I and our two daughters made our first trip to Disney World in April 1986, during Easter recess. We had purchased a package through the Magic Kingdom Club that included lodging at a local hotel near the World and tickets. Upon arriving at the crowded lobby of the hotel we were upset that our tickets were not available at the front desk. Calling our travel agent was of no use as well. The next morning the tickets were still not at the front desk and the staff was unable to help us. I looked very closely at the ticket voucher and found the local travel agent's name and address. Not being familiar with the area, I had a problem finding them, so I stopped at a hotel, thinking they might know where the place was. I entered the lobby and asked how to get to the agent's office, and they directed me to the elevator and the floor they were on. Minutes later, I was leaving the hotel with our tickets in hand. My wife still remembers me holding the tickets above my head telling the kids, "We're going to see Mickey Mouse right now!" We have been back many times, several of those without the children.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys books and webmaster of www.HiddenMickeyGuy.com, informs you of a few cool Hidden Mickeys to search for in Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Castaway Cay.
1.In California Adventure, walk past the entrance to Grizzly River Run to the fence overlooking the raft stream. A classic (three-circle) Hidden Mickey made of rocks is embedded in the pavement under the right side of the fence, close to the "Grizzly Peak Recreation Area" cabin. (Thanks to Bobby Naus, Tamera and Mari.)
2.Back at Walt Disney World, a classic Hidden Mickey at the BoardWalk hasn't disappeared after all! A lost BoardWalk sign has reappeared in a photograph inside the Seashore Sweets shop. In the sign, a fluffy white cloud classic Mickey is in the sky between two ladies and next to the head of the lady at the left. Find the sign in a photo on a wall inside the shop. (Thanks to The Beesinger Family.)
3. Now let's sail to Castaway Cay and stroll over to the In-Da-Shade Game Pavilion. A classic Mickey made of colorful bicycle wheels hangs inside the separate covered area on the left side of the pavilion area. The Hidden Mickey is near the front and under an entrance opening. (Thanks to Patti Boyle.)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
You can find a selection of past Hidden Mickey Alerts HERE.
And check out our latest Searching Disney with Steve blog.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MONTHLY REMIND-EARS
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
EVENTS
Through March 21, Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts an exclusive preview of the live-action film Cinderella (due in theaters on March 13, 2015) at the ABC Sound Studio. The preview will start on the half-hour, from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes before park closing. The original golden coach used in the film will be outside the movie theater facade on Streets of America from February 1 – April 11, 2015.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic will be held February 1 through March 1, 2015 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Entering its sixth year, Disney's premier four-week soccer event is designed to boost interest in soccer throughout Central Florida and establish the area as a prime training and competition destination for professional soccer clubs. The event traditionally features eight pro teams — including six Major League Soccer squads — competing in 16 games. In 2014, the Columbus Crew defeated the defending MLS Cup Champions, Sporting Kansas City, to earn the Disney Pro Soccer Classic title. After the tournament schedule is released, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by visiting ticketmaster.com or calling (800) 754-3000 or through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex box office.
The Atlanta Braves will hold their 18th consecutive spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2015. Champion Stadium will play host to a number of Braves spring training games against other Grapefruit League clubs in February-March, including marquee teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers. Guests will be treated to unique game-day entertainment and additional fan experiences, including character appearances and an exclusive on-field spectator experience. Information on the Braves' Spring Training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling (407) 939-GAME (4263) and online at espnwwos.com/atlantabraves. After the Braves' spring training schedule is released, individual game tickets will be available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or visiting ticketmaster.com, as well as at the sports complex box office.
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, one of the largest women-specific half marathon weekends in the nation, takes place February 19-22, 2015. There will be races for all ages and levels, including runDisney Kids Races and the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge, which includes a 19.3-mile adventure over two days. Also, runners who complete the Princess Half Marathon in February and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon presented by PANDORA Jewelry in May at Disneyland Resort will earn a special pink version of the runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge Medal. Runners can combine one Princess Half Marathon Weekend race with a Castaway Cay 5K on Disney Cruise Lines' private island in the Bahamas the following week to earn a specially designed Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Check our Events page for a full schedule of upcoming events.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
REHABS AND CLOSINGS
Several enhancements to the Central Plaza area between the end of Main Street and Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom are coming over the next few months. Among the changes being made: the addition of sculpted gardens and pathways, expanded restaurant seating and even a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
Cinderella's Royal Table is closed for renovation through March 6, 2015. Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts a Princess character breakfast and brunch while Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom is undergoing refurbishment. For reservations call 407-WDW-DINE.
The Harmony Barber Shop will be closed beginning February 16. It is scheduled to reopen March 31, 2015. (This is a slightly later timeframe than reported previously.)
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid will be closed for refurbishment February 2 – March 6.
The Maelstrom attraction and Spirit of Norway movie have closed to make way for a new attraction based on the animated film, "Frozen." The new attraction will take guests to the film's land of Arendelle and is expected to open in early 2016. The Norway pavilion will also again host a royal greeting location where the characters Anna and Elsa can meet guests.
The LA Prop and Cinema Storage Shop at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney's Hollywood Studios will reopen in early 2015 as The Trolley Car Cafe, a new food and beverage location serving Starbucks coffee and Disney favorites.
Walt Disney World is in the process of removing the iconic Sorcerer Mickey Hat. No word yet on what, if anything, will take the Hat's place, or what will become of the Hat.
Kali River Rapids is closed through February 2.
Flame Tree Barbecue is closed through March 31.
Creature Comforts has closed to become a Starbucks location. It is set to open June 14, 2015.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is currently undergoing refurbishment, scheduled to be completed in spring 2015. During this time, all rooms (with the exception of King Bed rooms and Pirate Rooms) are being upgraded to queen beds. Many rooms (but not all) will then accommodate up to five, with the addition of a bunk-size, fold-down bed. These rooms will be located in all of the resort's villages.
The Nanea Volcano Pool closed July 26, 2014, and will not reopen until sometime in 2015. Several enhancements are scheduled, including a new aquatic playground with children's slides, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more guest seating. As an alternative, resort guests will receive free, single-day admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Transportation will be provided to the water park, where a dedicated Polynesian guest check-in is available, at which you can receive your complimentary tickets and towels. The Polynesian's leisure pool remains open during the Nanea pool refurbishment.
The previously announced Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will not open until sometime in 2015.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently undergoing the largest renovation in its 25-year history. The Swan rooms will be completed in 2015. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel room renovations will not begin until 2016, with the entire room project currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
The multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs will treat guests to more shopping, dining and entertainment amid open-air promenades, springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, from boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores. The Landing section of Disney Springs will open and be rededicated in early 2015.
Road work on Buena Vista Drive will continue in phases through Spring 2016. The roadway will be widened to 10 lanes, adding a dedicated bus lane. In addition, two pedestrian bridges will be constructed, which will allow guests to safely cross over Buena Vista Drive. Visitors to the Downtown Disney area should plan for extra travel time due to construction and lane closures.
Read HERE for more on Disney Springs.
Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for its annual refurbishment through March 14, 2015. It will reopen March 15.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A complete list of rehabs can be found HERE.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MAGICAL MOMENTS
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Pamela West: My brother-in-law, James, insists on celebrating his birthday every year at Disney World. My magical moment, as well as his, happened in 2010 on his 41st birthday. During dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe, our server noticed James' birthday button and asked if he had been able to visit any of the princesses on this special day. He answered that he had not as the lines were too long for him. She smiled and walked away. As our dinner ended, she returned and asked James to meet her in the foyer right outside the restaurant entrance. James, who has Down Syndrome, followed her and was introduced to Sleeping Beauty! She curtsied. He bowed. They whispered to each other. I cried. I tear up every time I think of this and thank the cast members who go out of their way to make such incredible memories for all of us.
Tricia M. Landi: After eight long years of scheduling and canceling various trips to Walt Disney World, my husband decided it was time to just do it! We called on Saturday, December 20, for a quick stay over Christmas. When booking the trip we were asked if we were celebrating anything. I informed them that this would be my husband's first trip. I was reminded to keep an eye open because Magical Moments happen all the time. When checking in again we were asked what we were celebrating. I explained the situation and we were given our buttons and reminded about Magical Moments happening all the time. We finished checking in and didn't think about it again. We headed up to our room. When we walked into the room I started to say to my husband, "This isn't our room," because it only had a king-size bed. Then my daughter pointed out that we had a connected room with double beds. My husband couldn't understand what had happened. I had to remind him that Magical Moments happen all the time.Thank you, Disney World. My husband just informed me that he is now planning our next trip!
Nathan F.: I booked the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom for my 3-1/2 year old daughter (my princess). We had a 8:30 a.m. appointment and we picked out the dress (she chose Cinderella) shoes, wand, hairstyle, etc. After they were done "transforming" her, we were off across the hall for our reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast. We waited to get our picture taken with Cinderella, one pose with her and my daughter, and one pose of her with all six of us. After we ate, a cast member came to the table with two photos nicely framed in a folder, each with a picture of the castle beside it, and four 4×6 photos underneath. My daughter was in heaven, to say the least, and so was I (maybe even more than she was!). A few days later, we drove to Miami to visit family and of course we showed everyone the pictures. We flew home, unpacked everything… and could not find the pictures anywhere! I called my family and asked them to search their homes to see if we had left the photos behind, but they didn't see them anywhere. I started to panic, but then realized we used Disney's PhotoPass service. I went to the PhotoPass site, but those pictures weren't there — then I remember that they had told us, "We don't put these on the PhotoPass." If you never saw a grown man cry, you should've been with me at that moment.. The next day, I called Disney Dining to ask if they could help. They transferred me to the main switchboard, which then transferred me to Cinderella's Royal Table. Within 15 minutes, after describing to them who was wearing what, THEY FOUND THE PHOTOS! Both of them! To top it off they said they would send them to me in the same type of beautiful folders the originals had been in. If I could have, I would have jumped through the phone and hugged the lady that was helping me. I told her that when people talk about Magical Moments, THIS IS WHAT THEY MEAN and that this one tops them all.
-=-=-=-=-=–=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
We just bet you have a story to tell about an unforgettable moment during your Disney vacation! Please send your favorite memory for inclusion in a future AllEars® to: [email protected] Thank you all for sharing!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.
