The last day of the press event, the Media was invited to the Fantasia H room in the Contemporary Resort to hear Disney executives tell of new attractions, services and products coming soon to the parks and resorts. Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort opened the event, speaking about all the new technologies, services, shows and the commitment the Disney Company has towards it's guests. She than introduced the Head of Walt Disney Imagineering, Creative Executive, Tom Fitzgerald. Tom introduced the new and exciting attraction that will replace the MGM Studios Who Wants to be a Millionaire Play it! The new attraction is "Toy Story Mania". He describes it at the "Next Generation interactive ride" The new attraction, based on the movie "Toy Story" and it's characters will be for kids and adults. The games are inspired by classic midway games such as Ring Toss, Darts, etc. The big difference is the characters are manning the games. Even the carnival barker will be Mr. Potatoehead, a next-generation six foot tall audio-animatronics figure. This new animatronics figure will be able to do what no other can, like take off one of his ears and hand it out to you. And just like Crush, he will know what you are wearing and be able to talk to you.
And since the new attraction will be in 3D, you will feel wind in your face, water spray etc. Objects will look like they will hit you, there will be 3D glasses to wear and each midway game will different, one time you will throw eggs, darts the next and even a ring toss is added. Right now the game development is still in the early stages, but Tom stated that both Disneyland's California Adventure and Disney World's MGM Studios will received the attraction at the same time, in 2008.
Next Jay Rasulo announced that the Disney Vacation club will add new Destinations to it's itinerary, and a new resort in Animal Kingdom, in the works now, the "Animal Kingdom Villas, the first phase to open in the fall. The Disney Magic Cruise ship will be re-positioned to the west coast for cruises to the Mexican Rivera. Disney cruisers will now be able to cruise the Mediterranean with 11 nights and 8 ports of call.
Mr. Rasulo than announced that World renowned celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz will be partnered with the Disney Company to tell it's story as only she can. Her interpretation of Disney in photos will enhance the Year of a Million Dreams.
After the announcements, on display in the rear of the room was a one-of-a-kind custom made Cinderella Glass slipper which was crafted by Steuben Glass and will be a featured piece in the Castle suite. This piece is made entirely by hand, and it was made in several pieces. Also on display is a Harry Winston Princess Tiara valued at $325,000, made of platinum and 18K white gold and has 366 diamonds, more than 62 carats. It was worn by Actress Scarlett Johansson for the picture of Cinderella by photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Also new in guest amenities is the new Hotel concierge services, with PC's located in all Contemporary Hotel rooms where guests can, free of charge customize services and entertainment in their room right from the computer. This pilot program which can arrange valet service, pick up their car, housekeeping etc. The hotel can even send personalized messages to the families in the room, updating them on park conditions and weather. There is also a customized map program. Just go to Disneyworld.com. I spoke to cast member Jen who explained with an easy interface, you can order customized maps for your family, favorite attractions, favorites types of food and these maps will be mailed free of charge in 2 or 3 weeks to your home. These maps will reflect your choices and be clearly marked for your vacation. The maps will give a brief description of the attraction and you can decide if it's right for your children.
Another service that has been in effect for a few years, but is a great timesaver and makes getting those memories of your park visits painless is the Photopass service. When you have you pictures taken by a photopass photographer, and they are in all the parks, Downtown Disney, even in the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located there, you will receive a photopass card, looks like a credit card. All photos taken can be see with that card in any of the parks. You can go to Disneyphotopass.com, see you pictures on your own computer. There is no limit as to how many photos on the card. You can pick up as many or little pictures as you want, or you can even have them put on a photo CD. Even at home, you can order your pictures online and have them sent to your home.
As this press event is now ending, you can see why Disney, with all the new technologies, guest services, amenities and brand new shows and attractions is the premier vacation spot in the World. With other new shows like "Woody's Cowboy Camp" in Frontierland, "The Family Fun day Parade" down Main St. Adventureland's "Pirates Tutorial" With Jack Sparrow and Mac or the new "Pirate and Princess Party", The Disney Theme Parks, and Cruise Lines will always be the benchmark others will strive for.
