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Former Bush aide Brian Besanceney to Lead Public Affairs at Walt Disney World Resort

Former Bush aide Brian Besanceney to Lead Public Affairs at Walt Disney World Resort

Brian Besanceney has been named senior vice president, Walt Disney World Public Affairs and Worldwide Government and Industry Relations. Besanceney will oversee all media relations, internal communications and community relations for Walt Disney World Resort as well as all government and industry relations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide. Additionally, Besanceney will retain the responsibilities of his previous position as vice president, Public Affairs for Business Development, overseeing all public affairs efforts for business development at existing Parks and Resorts businesses and new projects.

“I am excited by the talent and experience Brian will bring to our senior leadership team and thrilled to welcome him and his family to Central Florida,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Brian’s strong track record and his genuine desire to become part of the fabric of our community will enable him to quickly add value to our work here at Walt Disney World and our efforts throughout the region.”

Besanceney joins the Walt Disney World senior leadership team, working closely with Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton, and reports directly to Kristin Nolt Wingard, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Wingard added, “With his tremendous public affairs experience both here at Disney and in his previous roles in Washington, D.C., Brian will prove to be an invaluable asset for our government and industry relations efforts in the coming years as we expand and grow our businesses across the globe.”

Besanceney joined The Walt Disney Company in February of 2009 as vice president, Public Affairs for Business Development at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Prior to that, he served as deputy chief of staff to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the U.S. Department of State. He also served as assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, deputy communications director at the White House, communications director for former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and as a public relations and government relations consultant.

Former Bush aide Brian Besanceney to Lead Public Affairs at Walt Disney World Resort

Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational Handbags

Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational Handbags

So versatile, this Kermit Muppets Crossbody Bag converts from shoulder bag to crossbody before you can say ribbit. The perfect size to carry all your essentials, it features a piano keyboard art on the adjustable strap for an fashionable graphic look.

Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational Handbags

Animal unchained! The Muppets drummer is wildly happy to carry all your essentials. So versatile, this Animal Bag converts from shoulder bag to crossbody before he can yell ”eat drums!”

I saw these new products on the Disney Store website and thought with Christmas coming these would be some good gift ideas for the Muppets fans like my wife.

Click here to see more.

Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational Handbags

Disneyworld Character Changes for November 2010

Disneyworld Character Changes for November 2010

Our monthly Character Changes as always comes from WDW Character Hunt. This month seems very light on changes compared to previous months. For the most current character news be sure to check out their website.

CONFIRMED CHARACTER CHANGES

  • Duffy the Disney Bear is appearing at Epcot as a regular character.
  • Rapunzel and Flynn are appearing in the Fairytale Gardens at the Magic Kingdom.
  • Block Party Bash is getting a make over. Updates indicate the Green Army Men and jumping acrobatic Cast Members are going to be removed. In their place, additional Pixar characters are being added; including Ratatouille Characters (Remy and Emile) and Up Characters (Carl and Russel). The current parade will end on Jan 1st. The updated parade is scheduled to begin Jan 16th. It’s assumed that the new parade will not include show stops, but only time will tell.

RUMORED CHARACTER CHANGE

  • Phineas, Ferb and Perry are rumored to be the replacement to the Power Rangers on DHS’s Streets of America. A source indicates the Power Ranger vehicle is being re-purposed for this new experience. Opening date is expected in calendar year 2011.

Click here for more.

Disneyworld Character Changes for November 2010

Disney Dream Nears Completion at Meyer Werft Shipyard

Disney Dream Nears Completion at Meyer Werft Shipyard

After 20 months of construction, the Disney Dream cruise ship floated out of the enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard today, completing a major construction milestone.  The ship was greeted by thousands of visitors lining the shore to see the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, which features the first water coaster at sea and other cruise industry firsts designed to build upon Disney’s commitment to delivering unparalleled family cruises.

The “Float Out” is a special maritime event that celebrates the ship’s final stages of construction, where exteriors become complete and final touches are assigned to interiors. In true Disney-style, the celebration was punctuated with a fireworks display and the appearance of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.  The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage on January 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla.

“Today marks a monumental milestone and begins the first of the finishing touches for the Disney Dream as we prepare to welcome guests aboard our newest ship,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “Our guests are counting down to the maiden voyage, and in just 88 days, they will get to experience all that the Disney Dream has to offer.”

The Disney Dream is the first of two new ships being built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.  The Disney Fantasy is also currently in production and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.

“Today is a day of great pride for all of us at the Meyer Werft shipyard,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft.  “To finally see the largest ship this yard has ever built floated out and nearly complete is an inspiration within itself, and that coupled with the pixie dust Disney is known for, made this a truly magical moment for all involved.”

The Disney Dream will remain alongside Meyer Werft’s outfitting pier in the shipyard harbor for about two weeks, while testing is completed on the ship’s stabilizers, rudders and other functional features, and work on the ship’s interior areas continues. The ship is scheduled to leave the Meyer Werft shipyard and be conveyed down the River Ems, the second weekend in November, where its destination is the North Sea at the port of Eemshaven, The Netherlands.

Disney Dream Innovations
Known for establishing the family cruise market when the Disney Magic debuted in 1998, Disney Cruise Line continues to build upon this success with a focus on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service. In addition to all of the features Disney Cruise Line is known for, the Disney Dream will have several new notable innovations for guests to enjoy.

  • AquaDuck a first-of-its-kind water coaster, is an exhilarating, high-speed thrill ride that combines all the ups and downs of a roller coaster with all the twists and turns of a water slide.
  • Magical Portholes offer a “virtual window” to the world for inside staterooms, with a real-time view outside the ship where high-definition cameras feed live video to each stateroom.
  • Enchanted Art immerses guests in Disney storytelling and looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present.
  • Remy, an exquisite top-deck restaurant, only for adults, with incredible ocean views and French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs.
  • New Itineraries

    With the addition of two new ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to more formally expand its itineraries to new destinations, including Alaska, while continuing to offer cruises to some of the line’s most popular itineraries.

    The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., while sister ship Disney Fantasy, is set to sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral, beginning in 2012.  The Disney Magic will continue sailing seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises, before returning to the Mediterranean for another summer of cruising in this region in 2011.  The Disney Wonder will begin 2011 by repositioning to the West Coast of the U.S., sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, while spending the summer sailing first-ever Alaskan itineraries from Vancouver.

    Based in Celebration, Fla., the Disney Cruise Line experience is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.  Most recently, the company was recognized as the top cruise experience by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.  Disney Cruise Line was voted the No. 1 cruise experience in the magazine’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards in the mega-ship category.

    To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.  Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

    Disney Dream Nears Completion at Meyer Werft Shipyard

    New Seasonal Programming on Disney Channel & Disney XD

    New Seasonal Programming on Disney Channel & Disney XD

    Disney Channel and Disney XD spread the holiday cheer with all new seasonal episodes of “Sonny With A Chance,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Zeke and Luther,” “Handy Manny” and “Special Agent Oso” beginning SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28. The season includes Joe Jonas guest starring in a new special, “So Random!,” based on the sketch comedy show seen in the hit series “Sonny With A Chance,” and a multi-platform presentation of the holiday classic in the making, “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation” (in an extended edition), on Disney Channel, Disney XD, ABC Family and the ABC Television Network. Last year the premiere of “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation” set all-time high ratings records for Disney XD, delivering 2.88 million Total Viewers and series ratings highs on Disney Channel, where it delivered 5.21 million Total Viewers.

    Just in time for the holidays, DisneyChannel.com and DisneyXD.com will launch new holiday sites with themed content and games. Throughout the month of December, viewers can visit DisneyChannel.com/holiday or DisneyXD.com/holiday to unwrap daily virtual gifts including printable holiday cards, wallpapers and screensavers. Users can also create a personalized “Phineas and Ferb” holiday card to send to their friends and families by directing the characters to perform in various holiday activities in the “Winter Wonderland – At Your Command!” application, or place their favorite Disney Channel and Disney XD characters into a virtual snowglobe.

    Disney Channel and Disney XD’s special holiday programming line-up is below:

    SONNY WITH A CHANCE

    The cast of “So Random!” perform in various holiday-themed sketches, including “Holiday Cooking with Roadkill McGill” and “Bad Holiday Jobs.” Chad Dylan Cooper (Sterling Knight) hosts the holiday special and Joe Jonas guest stars as himself, in “So Random Holiday Special,” premiering SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    HANDY MANNY

    A fierce Christmas Eve storm forces Santa to make an emergency landing in Sheet Rock Hills, and Manny and the tools team up with Santa in order to make all of the deliveries and save Christmas, in “Flicker Saves Christmas,” premiering MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (9:30-10:00 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    “HANDY MANNY”

    In “The Ayalas’ Christmas Extravaganza,” the Ayala family accidentally causes a power outage when they decorate their house with elaborate holiday decorations, so Manny and the tools work together to get the electricity turned back on and convince the Ayalas that a smaller holiday display is just as festive. This episode of Playhouse Disney’s “Handy Manny” airs THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 (9:30-10:00 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    “THE SUITE LIFE ON DECK”

    Cody and Bailey approach their friends to help out with their charity event, but London refuses. But when her magic mirror takes her to her past, present and future, she learns the importance of giving and being a good friend, in “A London Carol,” premiering FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    “PHINEAS AND FERB”

    In the special extended edition of “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation,” Phineas and Ferb want to show Santa how grateful they are for the work that he does every year at Christmas time by transforming the city of Danville into a giant shimmering thank you card and building a rest stop for Santa to relax in between delivering presents. However, when Dr. Doofenshmirtz develops a Naughty-inator that coats the entire Tri-state area in a cloud of naughtiness, Christmas is threatened to be cancelled, so it’s up to Phineas and Ferb to convince Santa’s elves that they really have been nice and save Christmas. The extended edition featuring the new song “What Does He Want?,” performed by Candace, premieres FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 (8:30-9:10 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel. Disney XD will air the special extended edition of “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation” on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT). Dates for its telecast on ABC Family and ABC-TV will be announced shortly.

    SPECIAL AGENT OSO

    In “The Living Holiday Lights,” Oso travels around the globe to help three kids prepare for three different holiday celebrations – Celeste in France celebrates Christmas, Noah in Israel celebrates Hanukkah and Brayden in Washington, DC celebrates Kwanzaa. Along the way, Oso learns that family and friends are the most important gift of all. This special 45-minute episode of Playhouse Disney’s “Special Agent Oso” premieres MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 (9:00-9:50 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    “ZEKE AND LUTHER”

    Zeke and Luther get jobs as a mall Santa and his elf and inadvertently antagonize a bitter elf who assumes that they’re after his job. Meanwhile, Ginger unknowingly employs the real Santa Claus as her star gift-wrapper and learns the true meaning of Christmas. “Bro Ho Ho” premieres MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney XD.

    “SPECIAL AGENT OSO”

    Oso teaches Liam how to make snow angels in “For Angels with Snow.” Then, in the second story, “Dr. Snow,” Oso helps Ethan learn the three special steps needed to make a snow globe. This episode of Playhouse Disney’s “Special Agent Oso” premieres MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 (10:00-10:30 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

    “SPECIAL AGENT OSO”

    In “License to Sled,” Oso helps Henry and Hailey learn how to sled in time for their cousins’ visit. Then, in “Snowflakes Are Forever,” Oso teaches Gabriella how to make paper snowflakes for the Winter Festival. This episode of Playhouse Disney’s “Special Agent Oso” premieres MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 (8:30-9:00 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.


    New Seasonal Programming on Disney Channel & Disney XD

    Flying Fish Café – Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner

    Flying Fish Café - Chef's Wine Tasting Dinner

    The Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner at the Flying Fish Café is a unique opportunity to savor flavorful seafood selections along with expertly chosen wines.

    Take your seat at our chef’s counter, directly in front of the onstage kitchen, and watch as the evening’s special dishes are prepared right before your eyes. Displaying the culinary expertise for which they’re well-known, the Flying Fish chefs create 5 delectable courses using the freshest ingredients of the season, and the manager selects wines that perfectly complement each course. As you enjoy your sumptuous feast, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the chef.

    Dinner seatings for this experience – which is designed for Guests ages 14 and older – are at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Groups of up to 6 can be accommodated and reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

    Guest Policies

    • There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if canceling within 48 hours or no show of the reservation.
    • This experience is designed for Guests ages 14 and older. This is a multi-course meal and features discussion that may not appeal to younger children.
    • All Walt Disney World Resort table-service restaurants that accept reservations offer balanced menu choices and can accommodate lifestyle dining options (such as no sugar added, low-fat, low-sodium, vegetarian or vegan). Please advise a Cast Member of your request at the time you place your order and he or she will be happy to assist. For dinner shows, 24-hour notice is required for any lifestyle menu request. Our quick-service locations also offer balanced menu choices and can accommodate most lifestyle dining options.
    • This location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary need at time of reservation booking. Learn more about how we can help accommodate special dietary needs.
    • Dress Code Guidelines:
      Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts.  Sport coats are optional.
      Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.
    • Full payment is due at time of reservation.
    • Menu items and prices subject to change without notice.
    • Same-day reservations are not available for this event.
    • A party size of 7 or more cannot be accommodated at this experience.
    • This location does not accept the Disney Dining Plan.

    Click here to learn more.

    Flying Fish Café - Chef's Wine Tasting Dinner

    Disney’s 2010 Christmas Day Parade Ticket & Event Info

    Disney's 2010 Christmas Day Parade Ticket & Event Info

    Now that Halloween is over and the Christmas Season is fast approaching, many people have been emailing us and asking about Disney’s 2010 Christmas Day Parade Ticket & Event Info. Here is what we know so far:

    • Taping begins December 3rd.
    • Rain Makeup day is December 5th
    • If past years are any indication, the celebrity song portions will take place in front of the castle on the Friday, December 3rd. The parade portion will likely take place the next day.
    • No news on tickets as of yet

    In previous years, Disney announced ticket availability sometime in October, but so far this year there has been no announcement.  We’ll keep you posted and update as soon as the process for getting tickets is announced.

    If you want to be added to our email list, send an email to Chris at [email protected] and she will respond to everyone on the list with more information as she receives it.

    • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Lights Up Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
    • Chip and Company Facebook Friend Giveaway! (chipandco.com)
    Disney's 2010 Christmas Day Parade Ticket & Event Info

    DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS!: New rock-concert style show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS!: New rock-concert style show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

    DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS: Guests can sing and dance along to their favorite songs from Disney Channel Original Movies and Series during the high-energy, interactive “Disney Channel Rocks!” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

    The live, rock-concert style show features songs from the “High School Musical” series, “Camp Rock,” “StarStruck” and more. And, as a shout-out to the movie that started it all, the grand finale features a rockin’ remix of the “High School Musical” hit “We’re All in This Together.”

    Gene Duncan, photographer

    DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS!: New rock-concert style show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

    Video: DCA’s Carsland Time Elapsed Video

    Video: DCA's Carsland Time Elapsed Video

    Marking a milestone in the overall expansion of Disney California Adventure, the highest piece of steel was installed on the frame of “Ornament Valley”. Topping Out is a long-standing tradition which takes place when the highest piece of steel is installed on the frame of a building.

    The final beam is painted white and signed by the workers. It’s said that the tradition dates back to an ancient Viking custom which includes hoisting an evergreen to the top in celebration. The evergreen, which is still part of the tradition, is said to signify growth and bring good luck.

    Opening to guests in 2012, the 12-acre Cars Land will include Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.

    For more check out the OC Registers Coverage here.

    Video: DCA's Carsland Time Elapsed Video

    Photos: Disney Dream cruise ship makes first public appearance in Germany

    Photos: Disney Dream cruise ship makes first public appearance in Germany

    SMOOTH SAILING: The Disney Dream cruise ship makes its first public appearance Oct. 30, 2010 in Papenburg, Germany as it begins to exit an enclosed building dock, pulled by a tugboat, at the Meyer Werft shipyard. Thousands of local residents gathered to see the “float out” ceremony. The new ship is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011 from Port Canaveral, Fla.

    Diana Zalucky, photographer

    Photos: Disney Dream cruise ship makes first public appearance in Germany

    DREAMS COME TRUE: As pyrotechnics light the sky, the Disney Dream cruise ship makes its first public appearance Oct. 30, 2010 in Papenburg, Germany as it exits an enclosed building dock, pulled by a tugboat, at the Meyer Werft shipyard. Thousands of local residents gathered to see the “float out” ceremony. The new ship is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011 from Port Canaveral, Fla.

    Kent Phillips, photographer

    Photos: Disney Dream cruise ship makes first public appearance in Germany

    Goats Hurry Home at Disneyland

    Goats Hurry Home at Disneyland

    I had never seen this before until yesterday. The goats at Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch run back home to the Circle D Ranch at a certain time. It’s so cute! Luckily I was there and quickly thought to ! It’s posted on my personal YouTube page.

    Goats Hurry Home at Disneyland

    Video: Hallowishes Halloween Fireworks show at Walt Disney World

    Video: Hallowishes Halloween Fireworks show at Walt Disney World

    A video from the Hallowishes Halloween Fireworks show in Walt Disney World. We were close to the castle so unfortunately some of the fireworks were outside the camera view. It was interesting to see the detailed lights on the castle. Enjoy!

    Video: Hallowishes Halloween Fireworks show at Walt Disney World
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