Donald Our Favorite Duck

Donald Duck - Main Street WDW
(click images to enlarge)

Happy 84th Birthday Donald

Happy Donald Duck Day

Donald Duck’s first appearance on screen was in the animated short film “The Wise Hen”, on June 9, 1934.

Although Donald’s birthday is said to be on March 13th in the 1949 short film “Donald’s Happy Birthday”, Disney later decided that Donald’s official birthday is June 9th, the day he first appeared in film. Thus, June 9th is Donald Duck Day.

The character Donald Duck came about after Walt Disney heard Clarence Nash reciting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in his “duck” voice, and Nash went on to voice Donald until 1984. Tony Anselmo started voicing Donald in 1985, and is still Donald’s voice as of 2017. Donald’s full name is Donald Fauntleroy Duck, and he is known for his sometimes temperamental personality, and is many times associated with his nephews Huey, Louie, and Dewey, and his girlfriend Daisy.

You'll typically see Donald dressed in a sailor shirt with a flat cap, red bow-tie, and no pants! The statue on the right was captured at Walt Disney World theme park, Magic Kingdom.
He looks pretty good in bronze too, don't you think.

Donald Duck - Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Disney Art

If you are a fan of Disney, you won't want to miss the art collections onboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

 This image of Donald Duck splashing his way through the Aqua Duck was seen onboard Disney Dream during one of our cruises. It might not be there any longer, since many of the art works are for sale. You can return from your vacation with one of your favorite characters.

  The Magic of Disney at Sea

Donald Takes to the Water

It makes sense that you'd see Donald Duck at sea.   The image on the left was seen onboad Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Dream.  Donald was among the characters greeting passengers during the welcome aboard show by the main pool area.

"It All Started With a Mouse" but this lovable duck has certainly captured the hearts of children of all ages since 1934.

You can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Walt Disney at one of the theme parks, at the movie theater, or onboard one of Disney's ships. We can help you plan two of the three. Check out the links above to get an idea of how you could become a part of the magic.

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Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Donald Duck Day 2015

Donald Duck Day 

Donald Duck Day commemorates the debut appearance of Donald Duck on June 9th 1934, when he was featured in the Silly Symphony cartoon The Wise Little Hen.

Today Donald Duck turns 81, but he never looks a day older.  Happy Birthday old fella - thanks for all the years of memories.

Disney cartoons have been a part of the lives of millions of childhoods and will continue to be for many a generations to come. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy and quick-tempered Donald make up the classic Disney gang.

You'll typically see Donald dressed in a sailor shirt with a flat cap, red bow-tie, and no pants! The statue on the right was captured at Walt Disney World theme park, Magic Kingdom.
He looks pretty good in bronze too, don't you think.

Donald Takes to the Water

It makes sense that you'd see Donald Duck at sea.   The image on the left was seen onboad Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Dream.  Donald was among the characters greeting passengers during the welcome aboard show by the main pool area.

            The Magic of Disney at Sea

Walt Disney World

"It All Started With a Mouse" but this loveable duck has certainly captured the hearts of children of all ages since 1934. You can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Walt Disney at one of the theme parks, at the movie theater, or onboard one of Disney's ships. We can help you plan two of the three. Check out the links above to get an idea of how you could become a part of the magic.

May the Force be With You

Star Wars™ Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney World® Resort every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015.

During this galactic event, you can encounter out-of-this-universe entertainment, favorite attractions and more!

James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will return to host the Stars of the Saga talk show – including everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow – at a new larger location in the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard.

Darth’s Mall is moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America where you can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

Plus, Star Wars characters assemble and “Summon the Force” each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at greatest moments throughout the day on social media.

And, at the end of the day, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as “Symphony in the Stars” salutes the saga’s most dramatic stories and brings you as close to the Force as you can get.

Plan a Trip to Florida Today

If you are Star Wars fans, you'll also want to ask us about Disney Cruises with your favorite Star Wars characters.

Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

New 3D Characters at Walt Disney World

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 

Opens May 28 at 

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs announced that the “crowning jewel” of New Fantasyland, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, will officially open on May 28.  A special dedication ceremony was held today at Magic Kingdom Park, in which invited guests got a sneak peak at the new ride.   

Imagineers Bring Full 3D Audio-Animatronics to Life

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Imagineers working on some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics ever created!

Watch this video to see how they’re bringing them to life at the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at Magic Kingdom Park.

Photos and videos are courtesy of Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney would be proud to see his dreams coming alive in this new edition to WDW.

   

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special,” Tom Staggs said. “The attraction appeals to everyone in the family and provides just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill while keeping with the charm of this special land.” 

We found this video on YouTube - you are on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train thanks to  Attractions Magazine:


The exterior portion of the train ride reminds us a lot of Big Thunder Mountain, but once inside, there is no comparison. According to Walt Disney Company, "the family-style coaster features an innovative new ride system that allows cars to swing back and forth as they travel down the track. The cars are even designed to reflect similar vehicles that appear in the film, handmade of wood by the Dwarfs, shaped by an axe, and used to haul rocks and jewels."

The attraction opens on May 28, so be sure to keep checking here and the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

2013 Summer Celebration Now History

Streamwood Summer Celebration
A Success  

 We've just completed our eighth annual appearance at the Streamwood Summer Celebration's Business Expo sponsored by the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce.

The Summer Celebration runs the last weekend of July each year and is well attended.  We've had all sorts of weather over the years.  This year we had the coolest temperatures with highs in the low 60's with a gentle breeze Friday and Saturday.   There was a downpour on Friday night which concluded with a gorgeous full rainbow.   It reminded us of some we've seen onboard a cruise ship after the storm had passed. Sunday was a little warmer, but it was still more like Fall than Summer.

In addition to show-casing local businesses in the expo tent, there were plenty of activities for families. Local bands performed throughout the weekend, there was a parade on Saturday with over 100 entries this year, rides for the children and young at heart, bingo, face-painting, ice cream eating content for the children and lots more.  Many volunteers from the village make this a special event each and every year.

Lots of Interest in Land & Sea Vacations

We spoke to many couples, families, and individuals that were interested in getting away for a vacation.   As usual, we had a large supply of brochures, which we call "wish books" on hand.  One of the most popular brochures was the Royal Caribbean Oasis-class brochure which highlights this marvelous cruise ship. The most popular destination was Alaska.   Coming in second was Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the site of our National Convention last year.

Unfortunately, I couldn't talk with everyone personally this year because I was splitting my time between my booth and the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce's booth.   I still devote a lot of my time to the Chamber as past President, Board of Directors Member, and Chairman of the Streamwood Summer Celebration Chamber of Commerce Committee. On Friday, I was kept busy getting the businesses setup.  Saturday and Sunday I was busy answering questions at the Chamber booth, making announcements, and  judging contests.  I'd like to thank my Executive Assistant, Donna Lenhardt, who was invaluable in getting the event setup and assisting me throughout the weekend. 

Special Promotion Continues

We had a special Royal Caribbean promotion with up to $200 onboard credit for select sailings now through 2014.  The exclusive offer runs through July 31st - so be sure to see our website and Facebook Fan Page for complete details or contact us directly.

There are many other promotions - see our website for complete details.   For those looking for a Resort Getaway, see our current Resorts & Tours Specials.

Downtown Disney Transformation

Walt Disney World

Florida

Downtown Disney Springs to Life

The image to the left was taken during our National Conference last year.  It is one of the stores in The Marketplace, a popular shopping spot in the WDW Resort's Downtown Disney.


What does the Disney Imagineering team have in store for us?
More shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

 

Four Neighborhoods

This area is about to undergo a multi-million dollar remake which will add 4,000 jobs when completed in 2016 and over 1,200 jobs during construction.  The project will be completed in phases with the area remaining open during the entire construction period.

For those who have visited Downtown Disney, you are aware of the water running through the complex. This will now become the focal point and is incorporated in the new name, Disney Springs. Perhaps borrowing on an idea started by Royal Caribbean on the Oasis-class ships, they will have 4 "neighborhoods": 

• Town Center - a Spanish Revival retail area & dining venue with a promenade
• The Landing - world-class dining with view of waterfront
• Marketplace - familiar family-friendly retail & dining with  over-the-water pedestrian causeway
• West Side - featuring an industrial building with a lounge area with lively entertainment

Watch the Announcement Live

On March 14, 2013, Walt Disney World announced Downtown Disney would be renamed to Disney Springs, nearly doubling the size with new shopping and dining to be completed by 2016. This digitally animated model was displayed to the press during the announcement, narrated by Walt Disney Imagineer Kathy Mangum and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.

        Here is a video showing artist renderings of the new Disney Springs.

    Source: Official Disney Press Release & InsideTheMagic

Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas

Holidays are about families, and what better example of a happy family then the characters of Walt Disney's imagination.

One highlight for us this year was our National Conference which was held at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Dream.  During this conference, our hosts, Disney Destinations, showed us how they entertain families both on land and at sea.

It All Started With a Mouse 

As the saying goes, Disney's success started with a mouse. Today Disney provides families with great value at the resorts and ships from coast to coast. We were fortunate to be able to sail on one Disney's newest ships during our conference.

There is something for everyone that loves Disney characters during a Disney land and sea vacation. Greet your favorite characters, get an autograph or a photo with them, have some Mickey Mouse pancakes or waffles for breakfast, zip around the ship on a raft in the Aqua Duct. Get welcomed aboard the ship by your cast of Disney characters. Watch out for pirates during the Pirates in the Caribbean party.

 Most importantly, spend some time together as a family enjoying all the entertainment that the Disney staff has in store for you from the time you arrive at the resort or board the ship.

We hope that your Christmas tree was filled with many special gifts this year.   Perhaps one of them contained a gift certificate for a cruise or resort stay at one of Disney parks or ships.

Even if you didn't have a Disney vacation wrapped up in a box under your tree, there's still plenty of opportunity for you to surprise your family in the New Year with a trip that they will remember for years to come.

Make some memories in 2013 with your family and friends.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives this holiday season and throughout the year.  We hope that you've enjoyed our gift of stories and photos from our cruise and land trips.

We would be happy to help you plan for your next vacation.

Make-A-Wish Receives $60K from Conference

National Conference Raises More Than $60,000 for Make-A-Wish^®

Dreams really do come true at Disney^®. And that was the case at this year’s CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. National Conference as they surpassed their $60,000 fundraising goal for our signature charity, Make-A-Wish.

From Oct. 14-21, our Home Based division held their land/sea National Conference themed “Creating Magical Memories” at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and on the Disney Dream. There were more than 760 attendees at the annual event. The money was raised through a silent auction, 50-50 raffle and generous donations. One anonymous donor gave $25,000 while Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines also gave donations.

Conference participants gearing up for the 5K on
Castaway Cay to raise money for Make-A-Wish

During the General Session on Monday, October 15, WTH employee, Allison Daly shared a heartfelt story of how Make-A-Wish helped bring joy to her family over the past couple of years. Allison’s daughter, Caroline, was diagnosed more than two years ago with Leukemia. Today, Caroline is in the final stages of her treatment and is doing well.

“Knowing that the money raised at this year’s National Conference will be able to grant even more wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions is so gratifying,” said Dwain Wall, Senior Vice President of our Home Based division. “It is such a great feeling to see our franchisees and independent agents rally behind our company’s signature charity.”

One of the raffle items was a quilt made out of T-shirts from past National Conferences. Judy Raikes with CruiseOne, the winner of the quilt, so graciously donated the quilt back to the company where it will be proudly displayed in the Ft. Lauderdale office.

Last year’s conference raised $53,000, which helped Make-A-Wish grant 21 wishes.

A huge thank you to Make-A-Wish representative Ashley Gartland and everyone involved in the CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. National Conference fundraising efforts for Make-A-Wish.

Go On a Safari in Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

"Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn."

Dedication by Michael D. Eisner,
April 22, 1998

Have You Ever Wanted to Go on Safari But Couldn't Afford To?

Thanks to the imagination of the Walt Disney creative staff, you don't need to leave the country to go on a safari.  One of your highlights of a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, will be the time spent exploring Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, which opened in 1998.

It is the largest of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort.  Here you can experience the attractions, adventures, and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney's dedication to nature and conservation.  The parks is home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and sprawls across 500 acres of lush landscape making Disney's Animal Kingdom park the biggest animal-themed park in the world!

Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition

Witness the exotic animals of Africa up close as they traverse the savanna as you ride in a rugged open-sided safari vehicle. No two safaris are the same as giraffes, lions, antelope, rhinos, warthogs, zebras and other stunning species roam the land.  This tour is included in your admission price to the park.

Once-In-a-Lifetime Experience

For those that want more than the normal visit to Pangani Forest, join the ultimate animal adventure! Spend 3 hours on a privately guided expedition, featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species. Get closer than you ever dreamed possible to Nile crocodiles and massive hippos. Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with native African creatures!  A photographer will journey with you and provide a CD that captures your experience upon you return home.

We'd be happy to help you plan a memorable visit to Walt Disney World Resort.  There is something for everyone in the family from fantasy rides to educational experiences, such as those described here. 

Enjoy pictures of our most recent visit to Animal Kingdom 2012

on our Facebook Fan page.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween came early for us this year. In fact it occurred  in the midst of our National Conference at Walt Disney World Resort on Tuesday, October 16th.  Following a day of meetings, it was time to unwind in the Magic Kingdom.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Welcome Reception at Epcot

Disney Welcomes Us in Style

Our 2012 Creating Magical Memories National Conference kickoff was a Welcome Reception at Disney's Epcot Center.  Disney Cruise Line buses picked up the 700 conference attendees at Coronado Springs and whisked us away the back way into Epcot.

We had a fantastic buffet meal and then were greeted by executives of various Disney Destinations organizations including Disney Cruise Line of course.

Wandering around the room, we wondered where they dessert was hidden.   We soon learned that we would have dessert outside in a private area of Epcot that had an excellent view of the spectacular nighttime highlight IllumiNations.

We had a short walk from the banquet room to the dessert stations.  The first table had various pastries such as eclairs.  Walking a little further we found two Epcot employees making fresh churros, sometimes referred to as a Spanish doughnuts.  Complementing the fried-dough pastries there was brown sugar coating and vanilla ice cream.  These soon became the hit of the party as more and more agents discovered them.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth


Seen from anywhere in Epcot with a view of the World Showcase Lagoon, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular 14-minute, live pyrotechnic show that brings together the past, present and future of our planet and its colorful nations.

The show features breathtaking fireworks, brilliant bursts of fire, laserlight effects, dramatic fountain barges, a stirring musical score, first introduced in 1999 for the Millennium Celebration, and the world's first spherical video display system—the 350,000-pound Earth Globe.  The show can be intense for young audiences, so be sure to select a viewing location with that in mind.

It wasn't long before the announcements began, warning that the lighting would be dim during the show and encouraging everyone to find a location and plan on staying there for the duration of the entire show.

We've seen the show before, but never from this private vantage point.  This is a show that you never grow tired of seeing.


When planning your day at Epcot Center, we'd suggest that you conclude your visit in World Showcase, perhaps with dinner in one of the authentic restaurants of a country that you'd like to visit.  After dinner complete your visit to the other countries and head over to the lagoon to select your spot for the show.

Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered what it is like behind the scenes at Epcot Center?  Check out our album on Facebook to get a glimpse behind World Showcase as well as some images from the show.

Epcot IllumiNations Fireworks (Click to view Video)