June 28, 2010

Exceptional Disney VoluntEARS Earn Recognition

Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the accomplishments of Disney VoluntEARS by recognizing top standouts with awards and charitable donations. Last week, Cast Member Steve Luttrell, a member of the engineering services team, was named VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney's Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team was named the VoluntEAR Team of the Year. Click here to see which local charities they chose to give $2,500.

Handheld Device Offers New Service for Guests with Disabilities

Guests with visual disabilities can now explore Walt Disney World theme parks in a whole new way through an enhanced Disney-designed device that provides detailed audio descriptions and fits in the palm of a guest's hand. “Disney Parks have long been at the forefront of providing accessibility for guests with disabilities,” said Greg Hale, chief safety officer and vice president of Worldwide Safety and Accessibility for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “We are pleased to build on this legacy with new technology that enables us to do something that has never been done before – provide rich audio description in moving rides and outdoor environments.” Click here to learn more.

VoluntEARS to Perform Concerts to Benefit Make-A-Wish

Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 Disney Cast Members, is currently in rehearsals for their next production, Dream Our Dreams, A Musical Tribute to the Legacy of Disney. Known for staging spectacular charity concerts, Encore! has chosen Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida as their 2010 beneficiary. Performances are scheduled for July 30 – Aug. 1 at Epcot World ShowPlace. Tickets are $15 and are available through www.encorecentral.org.

Disney Supports Teen Center at New Osceola Boys & Girls Club

The Tupperware Brands Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida officially opened its doors earlier this month to the delight of hundreds of kids in Osceola County. The new facility, which features a Disney-sponsored teen center, is a dream come true thanks in part to the collaborative efforts of the local business community. Disney has a long history of supporting Boys & Girls Clubs that dates back to when Walt Disney was invited to be an honorary member. Read more here.

Chef’s Gala Raises $170,000 for United Way

The numbers are in: this year’s Chef’s Gala raised nearly $170,000 for Central Floridians in need. More than 20 top chefs from the region’s finest restaurants joined forces at Walt Disney World Resort for the 18th annual event, which is the premier fundraiser for the Heart of Florida United Way. Walt Disney World Resort has served as host and sponsor of Chef’s Gala since its inception. Read more here.

Students Develop Musical Gifts with Disney’s Support

More than 40 student musicians recently showcased their talents at Rollins College as part of A Gift For Music’s (AGFM) annual spring concert. AGFM brings the arts to economically disadvantaged students by providing them with stringed musical instruments and instruction at no cost. Walt Disney World Resort has been the primary sponsor of AGFM since the program’s inception in 1999. Learn more here.

Disneynature’s “Oceans” Helps Save Coral Reefs

More than 35,000 acres of coral reef in The Bahamas will be protected on behalf of moviegoers who saw Disneynature’s motion picture “Oceans” during its opening week. Filmmakers worked with the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy to establish the new marine protected areas. “We appreciate Disney’s commitment to help protect marine areas in The Bahamas, which is home to 30 percent of all coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean,” said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. Read more here.

World Cup Broadcasts Feature Locally Developed 3D Technology

As soccer fanatics around the globe watch the FIFA World Cup, fans across the United States may be able to feel a little closer to the action because of new technology with Central Florida ties. Recognizing the need for a real-world testing ground, ESPN is using the ESPN Innovation Lab at Walt Disney World Resort as the hub for testing 3D technology in broadcast production. Learn more here.

Safety Video Wins Prestigious Education Award

The popular Disney Safety DVD, Wild About Safety with Timon and Pumbaa: Safety Smart About Fire!, won an Association of Educational Publishers’ (AEP) Distinguished Achievement Award. Featuring characters from Disney’s The Lion King, the DVD is the fourth in a series that teaches students in kindergarten through third grade the importance of always keeping safety top of mind. Click here to learn more.

Disney Unveils Unique Residential Resort Community

Golden Oak, a one-of-a-kind luxury residential resort, was recently unveiled at Walt Disney World Resort. Designed for resort living, Golden Oak will offer a limited collection of single family custom homes. “Golden Oak will be a place where families can come together and make memories for generations to come - with Disney World right at their doorstep,” said Matt Kelly, vice president, Disney Resort Real Estate Development. For more information, visit www.disneygoldenoak.com.

Disney Cruise Line Adds Final Building Block to New Cruise Ship

The final building block for the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, was recently placed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, signaling completion of a major milestone in the ship’s overall construction. On January 26, 2011, the Disney Dream will set sail from its base of Port Canaveral for its maiden voyage. Learn more here.

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