On May 6, the animal care team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge welcomed a new female Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal to the herd. I’m so happy to share with you photos of little Phoenix as she recently made her first appearance on the resort’s Sunset Savanna.
The name Phoenix was chosen by our team as a symbol of strength and renewal. Phoenix was born to mom Peebles, and she’s already quite active and enjoying bonding time with her mother. This is the second Hartmann’s foal born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this year.
Phoenix was born as part of the Species Survival Plan program, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The program ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of thousands of animal species. As part of this program, Phoenix is the fourth zebra born at Walt Disney World this year, and 13th overall since we began participating in the breeding program.
Please join me in welcoming Phoenix to our Disney family, and follow along on Instagram for more on #DisneyAnimals and our animal care team. We look forward to you seeing her real soon!
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW
As we keep getting closer to the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort on July 11th some changes need to be made, including with dining.
One of the restaurants that is getting modifications is “Be Our Guest” at Magic Kingdom. The first one is getting rid of the breakfast option that many people loved to enjoy before starting their day at the park.
The lunch option also had some changes, it went from quick-service to table-service with an updated menu and price.
The menu is now “prix fixe” and $62 instead of $19 for adults.
As for dinner, the menu and price remains the same.
As of now, there’s no official word if the new lunch option will also have the Beast meeting guests once the character meet&greets resume.
Credit: Walt Disney World
From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World, Disney Food, Be Our Guest, Beasts Castle, Beauty and the beast, Disney Dinning, disney table service, Magic Kingdom, WDW
This June marks National Safety Month – a month that acknowledges the importance of safety in the workplace, as well as in our communities, through education, leadership and advocacy.
At Disney, safety is an important tenet and it starts with our cast members. Our dedicated cast members are at the heart of every great Disney experience, and the secret to the magic. It’s for that reason that Disney’s Four Keys – including Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency – were created to serve as a compass for our cast members to create happiness and serve others.
Safety is the first key as a reminder that it is a top priority in the decisions we make – both for our cast members, and for our guests. It’s a foundation that was introduced by Walt Disney himself many decades ago.
It takes a variety of highly talented team members in different roles, working together to promote a healthy and safe environment at our Disney Parks and stores. And as we continue with the phased reopening of our parks, resorts and stores around the world, we’re excited to introduce you to a just a few of these professionals who are helping shape, monitor and implement our enhanced health and safety measures. They’re working closely with industry groups, research universities and public health agencies to promote safe practices while we work, stay, and play at Disney parks, resorts and Disney stores.
Meet some of our team members
Dr. Pamela Hymel – Chief Medical Officer, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Dr. Pamela Hymel has been with Disney for nearly 10 years, serving as the Chief Medical Officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where she’s 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 received her MD from Louisiana State University in New Orleans and a master’s in public health from Tulane University. From there, she went on to do her Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine training at University of California, Irvine and is board certified in both areas.
“The programs I work on give me an opportunity to improve the health and wellness of our cast members,” said Dr. Hymel. “An example of an initiative we introduced at Disney is how our health and wellness team developed the Incredible Athlete pilots at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The program really integrated physical conditioning instruction with education on sleep and nutrition for optimum performance and is designed to help prevent injuries from occurring. It is very rewarding to know we are helping our cast optimize their performance at home and at work.”
Katie Kelly – Vice President, Worldwide Safety Services
Katie Kelly began her Disney journey nearly 17 years ago as a professional intern. Now, she serves as the Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where she’s responsible for developing and implementing safety programs that keep the wellness of cast members and guests top of mind.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and master’s degree in Engineering Management from University of Central Florida, she went on to become a licensed professional engineer in the states of Florida and California.
“The best part about working at Disney is that you get to share what you do with your kids,” said Kelly. “Seeing the joy that my kids have from visiting one of our theme parks is what drives my passion for the job. I want every one of our cast members to be able to experience that joy with their own family and that starts with promoting their safety here at work so that they can go home and enjoy time with their families at the end of the day.”
Dr. Michael Hankins – Chief Physician, Walt Disney World
Dr. Michael Hankins has been with Disney for more than 27 years and serves as the Chief Physician at Walt Disney World Resort. In his role, he provides care for cast members at the Occupational Health Clinic within the park, as well as developing improvements to support the safety of all cast.
Dr. Hankins received his MD from University of Florida and a master’s in public health from Medical College of Wisconsin. From there, he went on to develop a background in Family Medicine with a strong emphasis on preventing illness and injury. In 1995, he worked to computerize our medical operation before most other medical clinics. Today, he is proud to provide cast members with the same level of medical care that he would expect his family to receive.
“The major focus throughout my career has been to advocate for and work toward improving the health and wellness of all cast members,” said Dr. Hankins. “Seeing the ongoing efforts within Disney aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of our cast members and preventing workplace injuries makes it easy for me to remain committed to support these efforts.”
Dr. Gabriel Guo – Chief Physician, Shanghai Disney Resort
Dr. Gabriel Guo has been with Disney for five years, currently serving as the Chief Physician of Shanghai Disney Resort, leading the resort’s medical team that consists of doctors, nurses and other healthcare specialists.
Having studied Clinical Medicine at Peking University in Beijing, China, his team provides health services to both cast members and guests at the resort. In response to COVID-19 related questions from cast members, a special “Ask Dr. Guo” segment was established, allowing Dr. Guo to answer a variety of health-related topics raised by cast members through a question and answer series.
“I believe that what my team and I do makes a difference, since we have the expertise to try to help those who aren’t feeling well,” said Dr. Guo. “We can help our guests and cast members have a healthy and happy experience at our park.”
Joseph Yip – Director of Security, Safety, Fire and Health Services, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Joseph Yip has been with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for 15 years, currently serving as the Director of Security, Safety, Fire and Health Services. In his role, he is responsible for developing and coordinating Disney’s safety and health efforts at the resort for cast members and guests.
Having studied management science at University of Wales, UK, Joseph brings decades of experience to his role at the resort. He was an advocate for the creation of the Safety & Wellness Council and Committee, aimed to help leaders focus on guest safety methods, safety and wellness policies, and programs for cast members. Since 2006, HKDL has received more than 350 safety and wellness awards from different organizations.
“Family, happiness and good memories are the three key drivers that keep me always looking for opportunities to enhance the safety and wellness for our guests, cast members and loved ones,” said Joseph. “Safety is not just a core value of our business – but also an important part of our lives.”
Dr. Nicolas Duport – Medical Doctor, Disneyland Paris
Dr. Nicolas Duport joined the Disneyland Paris team earlier this year, currently serving as a Medical Doctor for the resort. In his role, he is responsible for proposing preventative health measures that aim to benefit the health and wellness of the resort’s cast members. Alongside his colleague, Dr. Cyril Warmberg, they coordinate closely with health, safety and security teams to ensure safety remains the top priority at the resort.
Dr. Duport received his master’s in epidemiology and public health at the University of Nancy I, followed by his doctorate in medicine at the University of Paris VII. He also received his diploma of specialized studies in public health and social medicine in 2003. He previously worked for Santé Publique France, the French equivalent of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as a scientific project manager for nearly 15 years. He also received his qualification in occupational medicine at the University of Reims earlier this year before starting his role with the Disneyland Paris team.
“There are many things unique to Disneyland Paris that I find really exciting, including a diversity of professions, a complete medical team of eight doctors working together within and to support a commercial business – which is very rare in France – and the chance to use all of my specialties in one place,” Dr. Duport said.
These professionals, along with their colleagues and teams will continue to work with their local industry partners, as well as health and government authorities to promote the health and safety of guests and cast members.
We’re looking forward to welcoming all of you back to our Disney parks, resorts and stores. Until we are together once again, we wish you and your families’ health, hope, and happiness!
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, WDW
Like most people I know, I try to eat healthy the majority of the time but treat myself to occasional indulgences when they’re worth the splurge! One of my favorite places to find some sweet treats here in Orlando is Gideon’s Bakehouse, which is why I’m so excited to share this small, award-winning bakery is opening a new location in The Landing at Disney Springs!
Anticipating to open later this year, Gideon’s is best known for small-batch, handmade, almost half-pound cookies (yes, you read that right, half-pound) and cakes. Not only does their size make these cookies so special, Gideon’s brings its own spin to cookie flavors like Peanut Butter Crisp, Cookies & Cream and my absolute favorite, Pistachio Toffee Dark Chocolate.
“This opportunity is truly a dream come true and will allow us to flex all of our creative muscle in both desserts and décor. We’re passionate, inspired, and ready,” said Steve Lewis, owner and creator of Gideon’s Bakehouse.
Gideon’s plans to bring an expanded menu of cookie and cake slices to Disney Springs, plus add its own line of unique iced coffees, like the Original Peanut Butter Iced Coffee. Of course, guests can expect to find their favorite cookie flavors along with new and limited editions offered during special daily releases. The ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie (previously only available one month a year) will be on sale every morning, with a Hot Cookie Hour each evening for those looking to cure a sweet tooth after dinner.
“We’re also excited to bring more cake flavors to our new location, offering never-before-seen creations like our special line of Double Frosted Cakes.” Steve said. “There are more than a few secrets we have up our sleeves that you’ll just have to wait to see. It’s not Gideon’s if it isn’t a little dark and mysterious.” We aim to even make the wait in line entertaining by immersing everyone in a transformative environment that will share our story as guests progress toward the counter.”
Guests can also look forward to collectible art becoming a part of the product packaging at the new bakery, which will be located in The Landing across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. The new Gideon’s location is being created with health-and-safety considerations in mind and its operation will model similar guidelines in use elsewhere in Disney Springs.
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. In the meantime, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram at @gideonsbakehouse for drool-worthy desserts!
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, WDW
We are getting closer to the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort!
And with that comes the reopening of some Disney resorts as well. As we know, Disney recently announced they will be opening certain resorts on June 22. More specifically, DVC resorts.
But now there are some good news for those that are not DVC members or are looking for a more affordable option. Three Disney World area hotels will be reopening on July 1st!
Just in time to book your room and be ready for when Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopen on July 11 and Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15!
If you would like to know more about what to expect with the reopening of Walt Disney World, you can do it here.
From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Resorts, Places to Stay, Walt Disney World, animal kingdom, disney world area hotels, Disney World Resorts, DVC, Epcot, Four Seasons Orlando, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, WDW
