Caring for the Antique Horses on King Arthur Carrousel

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on April 23rd, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Social Media, Disneyland Resort

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The preservation of the King Arthur Carrousel horses – each of which is a genuine antique, older than Disneyland itself – involves pulling horses off the Carrousel, replacing them with “alternates,” repairing them, sanding them, refinishing them and repainting them. It’s why they always look “new,” even though they’re decades old. Not only are they antiques, they’re probably among the most well-maintained antiques in the world, considering they have guests bouncing up and down on them for hours a day, every day of the year.

You might be surprised to learn that….

• The original fleet of horses came from Canada.
• All the Carrousel horses are made of wood.
• There is one cast member whose sole responsibility is to take care of all 85 horses.
• There are 72 horses on King Arthur Carrousel at a time.
• Horses are rotated whenever they need maintenance.
• In 2008 Jingles, a very special horse, was redesigned and decorated in the theme of “Mary Poppins” as a dedication to actress Julie Andrews.

A Disneyland Resort cast member, Rick Temple, tells us how King Arthur Carrousel is more than just an attraction – it’s a piece of history that he’s happy to preserve.

‘World’s Fastest Painter’ Creates Mickey Mouse Art at Downtown Disney

posted at the official Disney Parks Blog on April 21st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

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The recent grand opening of D-Street at Downtown Disney in Florida included some surprises…like a speed painter creating his interpretation of Mickey Mouse. It took artist Rock Demarco only minutes to paint Mickey but here it is in 60 seconds.

Demarco, who is known as the world’s fastest painter, was also commissioned to design some Vinylmation figures at the D-Street event.

The Stage is Set for World of Color

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on April 30th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

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It’s very exciting around Disney’s California Adventure park these days. In this video we take you inside the control booth as Walt Disney Imagineers work overnight testing lights, fire and nearly 1,200 fountains for the new nighttime spectacular “World of Color.” You’ll also see some exclusive footage from our time lapse camera and more glimpses of the show. “World of Color” is set to debut on June 11. Enjoy!

Sherman Brothers Honored with Window on Main Street, U.S.A.

The Disney Dream Ship Horn Delights Guests with Six Familiar Melodies

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on March 9th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line

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There’s something magical about a Disney Cruise Line ship. Whether it’s the elegant design reminiscent of classic 1920s and 1930s ocean liners or the subtle touches of Disney whimsy sprinkled throughout, our guests love the uniqueness of the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream. And, there’s nothing more unique than the ships’ horns.

In particular, the Disney Dream features six different melodies. During our energetic deck parties and upon departure from a port of call, the horn loudly resounds – getting everyone excited for the voyage ahead.

Are you wondering which six songs the Disney Dream horn plays? Even if you haven’t sailed on the newest addition to our fleet yet, you can hear them all today in this special video we created just for you…click below to listen!

Time-Lapse Video: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

posted at the Official Disney Parks blog on March 8th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

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It takes 24,000 cast member hours to make the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival happen. But that’s just a number until you’re able to actually see the work behind it all — so, how about an exclusive peek? Take a look at overnight time-lapse video featuring the creation of an area containing three of the more than 70 Disney character topiaries in the park this year. Notice how many hands touch it.

Every year, I learn something new to take home at the Festival and you can too. In fact, there are nearly 200 hands-on gardening demonstrations and seminars being presented in the upcoming weeks.

Take a look at: http://marciodisney.blogspot.com/2011/03/epcot-international-flower-garden.html

Finding Inspiration at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

posted at the Official Disney Parks Blog on April 6th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

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Whether you’re a serious gardener…or someone who dabbles in the yard from time to time (like me), there’s a good chance something will stick out and inspire you during a walk around the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Disney Horticulture Manager Eric Darden and his team make sure there’s something for everyone. And today, Eric is sharing what’s updated and new at this year’s event.