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Disney Named “Corporation of the Year” by National Minority Supplier Development Council

From Leonard Spencer, Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity

Earlier this year on the Disney Parks Blog, we shared the tremendous passion that The Walt Disney Company’s Supplier Diversity team has for positively impacting the diverse supplier community. Now, I am thrilled to share that this hard work has been recognized as Disney has been named as a “Corporation of the Year” by The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)!

This award is NMSDC’s highest honor to a major corporation for the utilization of ethnic minority-owned suppliers, specifically those with Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native-American owners. Our Supplier Diversity team works hard to create an inclusive supply chain where we identify diverse suppliers that help the company deliver world-class entertainment experiences to our guests in our theme parks and resorts around the world. When we identify and work with diverse companies, not only do we contribute to their growth, but we also gain marketplace insights that enrich our content, enhance our offerings and make a difference in the communities where we live, work and play.

Disney Named “Corporation of the Year” by National Minority Supplier Development Council

The Supplier Diversity team also recently showcased the story of Badia Spices on the Disney Parks Blog. The inspiring story highlighted the business who supplies spices and seasoning blends to our restaurants and has been one of our leading suppliers since 2005. Thanks to the variety of the spices that Badia supplies to our parks, we’re able to create magic through fan-favorite culinary delights. We are proud of our work in ensuring a pipeline of opportunity where minority businesses can participate and thrive in Disney’s economic system, and I am thankful for the entire team’s efforts in making this possible.

I had the honor to accept this award on behalf of Disney and could not help beaming with pride for my team and the immeasurable support and passion that they have for this line of work. Stay tuned for even more stories on our diverse suppliers in the months to come!

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Buena Vista Street Opens Nov. 19, 2020, Extending Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Beginning November 19, 2020, there will be even more distinctively Disney dining and shopping to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort, when the Downtown Disney District extends to Buena Vista Street.

Recently, the Downtown Disney District expanded to introduce the Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop at Stage 17. This store is currently showcasing an array of seasonal merchandise.

With Buena Vista Street soon opening select shopping and dining experiences, guests can find even more places to enjoy a memorable meal or a fun shopping excursion during their visit.

Here’s what guests will discover:

  • Elias & Co. is divided into distinct sections for men, women and children, so shoppers will find something special for the entire family. Julius Katz & Sons has a selection of holiday merchandise and Disney-themed home décor. Kingswell Camera Shop offers gift-giving ideas such as frames, photo albumsand more.
  • Fora memorable snack, Trolley Treats offersclassic candies, old-fashioned confections and all kinds of freshly made treats. Vending carts will offer popcorn, churros, ice cream and other “must-bite” treats.
  • At Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, guests can enjoythe enchanting sights and sounds of Buena Vista Street—and a cup of coffee or an artisan sandwich.
  • Sit-down dining options include Carthay Circle Lounge – Al Fresco Dining, where visitors can unwind in an expanded outdoor seating area to experience an all-new menu of cocktails and dining.
  • Smokejumpers Grill is serving up tasty American classics for lunch and dinner with a streamlined menu of burgers, fries, onion rings and craft beer, located just around the corner from Buena Vista Street. The primary way to place an order at this dining location is through mobile order on the Disneyland App.*
  • Award Wieners offers corn dogs or soft drinks, also available via mobile order.

Only the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street will be accessible from the Downtown Disney District at this time, as Disney California Adventure park is currently closed.

Beginning Nov. 19, 2020, there will be a $10 fee per car for parking at the Downtown Disney District in the Simba Lot.  The number of guests visiting the Downtown Disney District and its locations, including the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street, will be limited to promote physical distancing. The mobile wait list system may be used when Buena Vista Street and/or its queue are at capacity, similar to the process at some retail locations in the Downtown Disney District.Disney California Adventure Park is currently closed.

Prior to visiting, it is recommended that guests review the health and safety measures at Disneyland.com/DTD to learn important details including temperature screenings prior to entry and the requirement for all guests, ages 2 and older, to wear an appropriate face covering.  The number of guests visiting the Downtown Disney District and its locations, including the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street, will be limited to promote proper physical distancing.

*Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for AndroidBuena Vista Street Opens Nov. 19, 2020, Extending Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort ™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

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View on disneylandnews.com.

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Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel Honored with HERO Bill Whitmer Leadership Award

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel Honored with HERO Bill Whitmer Leadership Award

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel was recently honored with the Bill Whitmer Leadership Award from the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO), which recognizes sustained leadership in workplace health and well-being. For nearly a decade as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hymel has guided the segment’s global occupational health and wellness strategy, and most recently, Dr. Hymel helped lead the development and implementation of enhanced health and safety measures across our parks and resortsin response to the coronavirus pandemic. You can read more from her on Disney Parks’ commitment to the well-being of our guests and cast members on the Disney Parks Blog.

Read the press release below:

Dr. Pamela Hymel of The Walt Disney Company receives HERO Bill Whitmer Leadership Award

Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained leadership in enhancing workplace health and well-being

WACONIA, MN (Oct. 26, 2020) — Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) announced today that Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has been chosen as the recipient of the Bill Whitmer Leadership Award from HERO (the Health Enhancement Research Organization) for 2020.

The award, which recognizes sustained leadership in enhancing acceptance, effectiveness, and accountability in workplace health and well-being, is one of five awards given annually as part of the HERO Forum to honor dedication and commitment to the well-being industry, and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individual leaders in the field. This year’s award was presented Sept. 24 during the virtual HERO Forum20.

“The events of 2020 have driven home the need for leaders who understand the value of well-designed and well-executed health and well-being initiatives. Dr. Hymel has worked tirelessly to advance the field, improve our understanding, and increase adoption of best practices and emerging practices in workplace health and well-being,” said Karen Moseley, President, HERO. “Dr. Hymel has demonstrated what is possible when workplace culture is intentionally designed to unite people for the good of all.”

Dr. Hymel has been with Disney for nearly 10 years, where she is responsible for developing global occupational health and wellness strategy, as well as managing domestic occupational medicine clinics and programs, guest first aid services and wellness programs. Dr. Hymel is one of the architects of Disney’s reopening approach for its theme parks and resorts, which includes enhanced health and safety measures, such as face coverings and physical distancing; increased cleaning and disinfecting across the parks; technology solutions such as mobile ordering and contactless payments to limit contact; cast member training and workplace safety protocols; and guest information and education so they can help do their part during their visit.

Dr. Hymel’s accreditations include a Doctor of Medicine from Louisiana State University Medical School, board certification in internal medicine and occupational medicine, and a Masters of Public Health from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

“I am very fortunate to work with Disney’s incredible team of experienced health and safety experts, in addition to local health and government authorities, to help promote well-being for our guests and cast members as they return to the magic around the world,” said Hymel. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from HERO, and to stand alongside such an inspiring and distinguished group of award winners for 2020.”

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For more information: 

Barbara Tabor, HERO / (+1 651-230-9192) / barbara@taborpr.com

About HERO – Based in Waconia, MN, HERO (the Health Enhancement Research Organization) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 corporation that was established in 1996. HERO is dedicated to identifying and sharing best practices that improve the health and well-being of employees, their families and communities. To learn more, visit www.hero-health.org. Follow us on Twitter @heroehm or LinkedIn.

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Disney Celebrates 40 Years Supporting Make-A-Wish® Through Debut of All-New Product Offerings, with a Portion of Proceeds Helping Grant Wishes

Disney is celebrating 40 years of wish granting in a new and unique way — bringing magic to wish kids and guests through an all-new merchandise collection, Wishes Come True Blue, benefitting Make-A-Wish

BURBANK, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2020) — Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is unveiling its very first collection inspired by and benefitting Make-A-Wish® — the Wishes Come True Blue color collection. This new offering commemorates the 40-year relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish, with even more special product offerings to come later this year.

Wishes Come True Blue is the first-ever Disney color collection that pays tribute to a nonprofit’s impact and supports the ongoing collaboration between Make-A-Wish and Disney. The Wishes Come True Blue color collection is the latest in the popular series of Disney color collections and features the debut of two all-new products, including the first-ever adjustable Mickey Mouse ear headband for kids of all abilities to wear with comfort and joy, as well as the first cloth face masks by Spirit Jersey®. In honor of this launch, Disney is donating 10,000 cloth face masks from the collection to Make-A-Wish to provide to wish kids across the United States.

For the purchase of each item in the collection now through World Wish Day 2021 (April 29, 2021) in the US, Canada and across Europe, Disney will donate 25 percent of the purchase price (up to US $500,000) to Make-A-Wish. This collection will be available starting Oct. 22 at select Disney Parks around the world, Disney store locations in North America and on shopDisney.com and shopDisney.co.uk.

Following the Disney Parks fan-favorite color collections, Arendelle Aqua and Belle of the Ball Bronze, this new collection features the distinct Make-A-Wish blue hue and reminds people around the world of wish granting. This collection offers a wide assortment of products including: spirit jerseys, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ear headbands, a mini backpack and wristlet by Loungefly, leggings, baseball caps and more.

“It’s been an honor to work with Disney to grant wishes and create priceless memories for so many families. I hope this new collection of Make-A-Wish-inspired items will bring joy to guests much like Disney wishes have brought joy to wish kids for the last 40 years,” said Make-A-Wish president and CEO, Richard K. Davis. “Disney is the largest wish-granter on earth, and we’re thankful for everyone who helps transform lives by supporting our organization and making wishes come true.”

For the past 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been providing magic to wish kids and their families when they need it most, starting with the very first wish granted at Disneyland park in 1980. Disney is the largest wish granter in the world, having fulfilled more than 140,000 wishes globally, and one out of every two wishes granted by Make-A-Wish in the United States.

Over the next two months, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will reveal even more global product offerings that will benefit Make-A-Wish and celebrate the 40-year relationship.

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For hi-res images CLICK HERE.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, Twentieth Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 53 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia with more than 170,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022 and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney Imagineers are the creative force behind Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships globally.

Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing includes the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 300 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

Media Contact:

Melissa Britt
Director, Global Public Relations
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Melissa.B.Britt@Disney.com

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DISNEY CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF FROZEN FAN FEST WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF FIRST-EVER FROZEN VIRTUAL PLAYDATE

Playdate to be Hosted by Ayesha Curry and Will Feature A Day’s Worth of Activities for Fans of All Ages

Trailer for the Disney+ Original Short “Once Upon a Snowman” to Globally Debut During the Digital Event

Global Celebration of All Things Frozen to Also Include New Product, Retail Promotions, a Frozen Fashion Week and More

GLENDALE, Calif.— One year since the global phenomenon of Disney’s “Frozen 2” and its retail event took fans by storm, Frozen Fan Fest is back with exclusive content, digital adventures and new toys, apparel, games, books and more inspired by the internationally acclaimed films from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

This year, the highlight of Frozen Fan Fest will be an engaging Virtual Playdate hosted by chef, two-time New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, television host and producer, Ayesha Curry, that will air on October 18. The digital event will be available for one day only, offering families the ultimate “Frozen 2” experience all from the comfort of home. With a robust schedule of new and curated content, immersive activities and more, participants will also get an exclusive first look at the trailer for “Once Upon a Snowman,” the new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios, which debuts on Disney+ on October 23.

“I’m thrilled to join in on all of the Frozen Fan Fest fun as the host of the first-ever Frozen Virtual Playdate,” said Ayesha Curry.  “We are big fans of Frozen 2 in our home, and I love that the film celebrates the importance of family, which is something that’s deeply important to me.  I’m overjoyed to be a part of an event that offers families a fun a way to spend quality time together, all while enjoying the magic of Arendelle in their homes.”

The Playdate line-up will include activities appealing to Frozen fans of all ages, such as a sing-a-long,  choreographed dance lesson, an American Sign Language tutorial of “Show Yourself,” and the unique opportunity to learn how to draw Olaf with Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, the directors of “Once Upon a Snowman.” Additional segments will feature new apparel, fashion accessories, bedding, toys, costumes and more from Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, H&M, Hanna Andersson, Party City, Franco Manufacturing, shopDisney.com and the LEGO Group. Guest appearances will include social influencers and Frozen fans, as well as stars from Frozen: the hit Broadway Musical North American Tour,

Radio Disney’s Cameron McLeod and Jason Maybaum from Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home.

“Since audiences were first introduced to the kingdom of Arendelle seven years ago, Frozen has become universally beloved,” said Kareem Daniel, president, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. “As fans around the world continue to seek out ways to step into this iconic story, we are thrilled to expand this experience – meeting consumers where they are by bringing new products and digital content to life for families at home.”

Frozen Fan Fest also kicks off today, October 12, in EMEA with a “Frozen Fashion Week,” a series of short fashion shows that spotlight all-new footwear and apparel, culminating in a full fashion show on October 18. Complete with imaginative vignettes and never-before-seen styles that lean into key elements of the story and its characters, portions of the fashion show will air as a part of the Virtual Playdate on October 18.

Beginning today, fans can visit www.disney.com/FrozenFanFest for a full schedule of events, downloadable activities and more. The Playdate will start at 9 a.m. PST on October 18 and will be available for one day only. Additional information can be found by following #FrozenFanFest.

About Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing 

Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world through products and experiences across more than 100 retail categories from toys and t-shirts to apps, books, video games, and more. A division of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment, CPGP’s global operations include: the world’s largest licensing business, one of the biggest children’s publishing brands, a leading licensor of interactive games across platforms, Disney store locations globally, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

About Frozen

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated feature “Frozen” launched a worldwide phenomenon in 2013, earning more than $1.27 billion in global box office and receiving the Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and BAFTA® Award for best animated feature. Its Oscar®-nominated sequel, “Frozen 2,” was released in 2019 to more than $1.45 billion globally, and the two films stand as the highest grossing animated films of all time globally, showing the power and broad appeal of this beloved brand. The films are directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, written by Lee and produced by Peter Del Vecho, and are renowned for their award-winning music by songwriters Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and composer Christophe Beck. The “Frozen” soundtrack, featuring the Oscar-winning song “Let It Go,” is quadruple Platinum with over 10 million units sold worldwide and spent 33 weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 weeks at No. 1, while the chart-topping “Frozen 2” soundtrack, featuring the Oscar-nominated standout “Into the Unknown,” was recently nominated for a Billboard Music Award. “Frozen The Musical” played on Broadway from 2018 to 2020, embarking on a North American tour in 2019 along with several upcoming worldwide productions, and “Frozen” characters can be seen throughout Disney Parks & Resorts in both attractions and live stage shows. On Disney+, fans can catch up on “Frozen,” “Frozen 2” and dive deeper into the world with the Disney+ original docuseries “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2,”“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” and the upcoming “Once Upon A Snowman” animated original short.

About Frozen 2

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 opened in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

About Walt Disney Animation Studios

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Located in Burbank, WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2019’s Frozen 2, the biggest animated film of all time. Among the studio’s timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. 

 About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

Media Contact

Jackie Feldman
Senior Manager, Licensing and Franchise Communications
Jackie.Feldman@disney.com

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