Three rare kunekune pigs have made their debut at Conservation Station in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
From the official Disney release:
Found in New Zealand but believed to have originated in China, kunekune pigs also are known as Maori pigs after the first people of New Zealand. "Kunekune" means "plump" in the Maori language. Kunekunes nearly became extinct in the 1980s before breeding efforts increased their numbers.
To help with the pigs' care at Disney's Animal Kingdom and to acclimate them to the up-close experience with Guests at Affection Section, animal keepers have been working with the kunekune pigs on a variety of behaviors. This training, which is similar to techniques used with pets, helps keeps the pigs fit, intellectually stimulated and comfortable around Guests.
"Most people have heard about endangered species in reference to wild animals, but many domestic animals are at risk of extinction as well," Jackie Ogden, vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks, said in a news release. "By showcasing rare domestic breeds, like babydoll sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats and kunekune pigs at Affection Section, we are helping our Guests learn more about them and how they can help."
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
WDW New Year's Eve lineup
Walt Disney World has announced the follow New Year's eve plans:
-- Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: "Wishes" nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and "Fantasy in the Sky" at 11:51 p.m.
-- Epcot's "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
-- At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular "Fantasmic!" that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular "Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!" fireworks display at midnight.
-- At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney, there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. There's a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda. Price is $45 advance purchase – or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.
-- At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT.
-- Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee's restaurant (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
-- Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year's Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.
Four Seasons breaks ground on WDW resort
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts earlier this month broke ground on a 444-room resort on land it acquired from Disney in 2008.
The new resort will incorporate the Osprey Ridge 18-hole golf course, to be renovated and managed by Four Seasons, and is located within the Golden Oak residential community, which Disney designed.
"Travelers around the world know and trust Four Seasons, and Walt Disney World is the world's premiere family vacation destination," Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations U.S. and France, said in a news release. "Together, our two companies offer a brand-new reason to visit and experience Central Florida."
The new resort is expected to open in 2014 and will include, among other amenities, a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Magic Kingdom.
"Each of us is dedicated to creating a product of the highest quality and standards, something that will become a landmark here in Orlando and a destination unto itself for travelers from all over the world," Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said in a news release. "It is truly a one-of-a-kind project and Central Florida will be a valuable addition to our family of resorts, particularly since this is a destination our guests already enjoy."
In June 2010, Disney announced plans to build 30 houses as part of the first phase of its Golden Oak community. The single family custom houses were expected to sell for between $1.8 million and $8 million.
The new resort will incorporate the Osprey Ridge 18-hole golf course, to be renovated and managed by Four Seasons, and is located within the Golden Oak residential community, which Disney designed.
"Travelers around the world know and trust Four Seasons, and Walt Disney World is the world's premiere family vacation destination," Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations U.S. and France, said in a news release. "Together, our two companies offer a brand-new reason to visit and experience Central Florida."
The new resort is expected to open in 2014 and will include, among other amenities, a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Magic Kingdom.
"Each of us is dedicated to creating a product of the highest quality and standards, something that will become a landmark here in Orlando and a destination unto itself for travelers from all over the world," Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said in a news release. "It is truly a one-of-a-kind project and Central Florida will be a valuable addition to our family of resorts, particularly since this is a destination our guests already enjoy."
In June 2010, Disney announced plans to build 30 houses as part of the first phase of its Golden Oak community. The single family custom houses were expected to sell for between $1.8 million and $8 million.
Friday, December 9, 2011
WDW: Vacation Club coming to Grand Floridian
Disney is expanding the Grand Floridian resort to include a Disney Vacation Club timeshare.
The new Vacation Club option will be across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, a timeshare Disney opened in August 2009. The expansion is expected to include 147 villas and will open in 2013, according to a Vacation Club news release USA Today posted on its website
"We continually look for ways to expand Disney Vacation Club by creating resort experiences that our members will love," WESH-TV quoted Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, as saying in a news release. "With the continued popularity of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, we are thrilled to offer our members and guests a new resort option along the monorail system with easy access to the Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a variety of shopping, dining and recreation experiences."
The Grand Floridian, a Magic Kingdom resort, opened in 1988. The new Vacation Club will be located near the resort's spa and the wedding pavilion.
For more: http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/29959507/detail.html#ixzz1g3yqJu3M
For more: http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance/destinations/mouseplanet/post/2011/12/Disney-Vacation-Club-confirms-Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Villas-to-open-in-late-2013/581715/1
The new Vacation Club option will be across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, a timeshare Disney opened in August 2009. The expansion is expected to include 147 villas and will open in 2013, according to a Vacation Club news release USA Today posted on its website
"We continually look for ways to expand Disney Vacation Club by creating resort experiences that our members will love," WESH-TV quoted Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, as saying in a news release. "With the continued popularity of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, we are thrilled to offer our members and guests a new resort option along the monorail system with easy access to the Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a variety of shopping, dining and recreation experiences."
The Grand Floridian, a Magic Kingdom resort, opened in 1988. The new Vacation Club will be located near the resort's spa and the wedding pavilion.
For more: http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/29959507/detail.html#ixzz1g3yqJu3M
For more: http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance/destinations/mouseplanet/post/2011/12/Disney-Vacation-Club-confirms-Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Villas-to-open-in-late-2013/581715/1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
