Disney Radio and TV Announcer Dick Tufeld Passes Away
Most well known for being the voice of the robot in the 1960’s TV series Lost in Space, famed radio and TV announcer Dick Tufeld passed away January 22. The 85 year old’s death was confirmed as being caused by heart disease and complications from a fall last year.
In addition to his work on Lost in Space, Tufeld was the announcer for Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea as well as The Time Tunnel. His voice-over work could also be heard on a variety of TV programs. The most notable Disney productions he introduced including the 1950’s TV series Zorro as well as Disney’s long-running anthology series.
His most recent work was his return to voicing the robot in the 1998 Lost in Space remake, as well as several episodes of The Simpsons in 2004.
Childhood Dream Come True for This Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member
I’m fortunate to meet many different Walt Disney World Resort cast members while writing stories for our internal magazine, Eyes & Ears. Recently, I spent a lot of time at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, which will mark its 20th anniversary Feb. 2. … Continue readingDisney Parks Merchandise Pops For National Popcorn Day
One of the things I remember the most when I first visited Tokyo Disney Resort in 2002 is the various popcorn flavors they served. I was enamored with the honey popcorn that was being offered near the Pooh’s Honey Hunt attraction. I … Continue readingDowntown Disney eatery adds space, menu items
One of Downtown Disney’s original restaurants is undergoing a major renovation that will expand its quick-service section and add more menu options. La Brea Bakery, the restaurant that sits closest to the Disney theme parks, began a makeover Jan. 3 … Continue readingSelena Gomez ‘in love to the fullest’ with Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez, cover girl of the March issue of Cosmopolitan (hitting stands on Feb. 7) is opening up just a little bit about her famous boyfriend, Justin Bieber. “I’m just like every 19-year-old girl,” she says. “If you’re in love, … Continue readingBusch Gardens: ‘Iceploration’ glides into Tampa
There’s no kitchen sink in “Iceploration,” the new ice-skating show at Busch Gardens in Tampa, but it wouldn’t be that surprising. The production features a dozen ice skaters (including one that takes flight), life-size elephant puppets, cheetah costuming, a Siberian … Continue readingMaking it Magical: Can a Little Pixie Dust take your Wedding to New Heights?
As a native Floridian, I fondly remember traveling countless times to the Walt Disney World Resort every year. If there was a birthday in the family, we went to Disney World. If we wanted to see a holiday display, we … Continue readingChildhood Dream Come True for This Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member
I’m fortunate to meet many different Walt Disney World Resort cast members while writing stories for our internal magazine, Eyes & Ears. Recently, I spent a lot of time at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, which will mark its 20th anniversary Feb. 2.
During my research, I learned that Kyle Raser, the resort’s current manager of Guest Service Operations, had stayed there years ago when it was known as Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort.
“When I was 14 years old, I lived in Pennsylvania,” Kyle told me. “We were actually supposed to stay at a different resort but because we got so much snow up north we had to change our vacation and the only place available at the time was Dixie Landings. So we came here and fell in love with the place.”
As he explained, “We always say, ‘By chance we stayed here but by choice we stayed here every other year after that.’ My mom and the rest of the family still call it home.”
Like many of our cast members who chased childhood dreams or pursued adult ambitions, Kyle joined the company in 1997 when he moved to Florida and went to work at The Disney Store. In 1999, he became a Walt Disney World Resort cast member. He joined the Port Orleans team in April 2010, making it a kind of homecoming.
“Each night when I walk out of the resort and look back at the entrance, I can’t help but fondly remember my first visit to this place and how lucky I am to have come ‘home’ again,” Kyle said.
Nearly two decades after that first visit, he offers wise advice to the cast members he now leads.
“I always say, ‘Treat every guest like it’s 14-year-old Kyle because you never know if they’re going to come back and work here someday,’” he said. “I like to think that there may be another guest out there who, like me, will be inspired to be part of the future generation of cast members.”
Childhood Dream Come True for This Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member by David Brady: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Aulani Excursions Showcase Hawai‘i With a Touch of Disney Magic
Although it’s tempting never to leave the Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, grounds and adjoining beach, the resort offers an appealing lineup of off-property excursions to illuminate the wonders of Hawai‘i for all ages and tastes. Many of the excursions have been specially designed by Adventures by Disney and feature knowledgeable Adventure Guides weaving stories and magic into the experience.
I haven’t had a chance to experience all the excursions on offer – it’s a lineup that includes Hawaiian cooking lessons, hiking to Waimea Falls, horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch … and I’ve heard especially good things about the Hawaiian Fire Surf School conducted by Honolulu City Firefighters.
I did get a chance to go on a catamaran excursion with some visiting travel writers the last time I was at Aulani, and it was great! We spotted a couple of pods of dolphins (or maybe it was just one playful bunch, trying to fake us out) and, after getting a terrific distant view of Aulani from its ocean side, we went snorkeling a bit further up the coast. The waters off the coast of Oahu offer a sensationally colorful array of fish and other sea life and, while we were snorkeling close to the surface, members of the crew dove deeper and brought up sea urchins, sea cucumbers and an unusually chunky starfish for us to look at.
Catamaran Captain Doug also told us that his craft is rated as dolphin-and-whale friendly, consciously keeping a safe distance from these fun and fascinating creatures while still giving us the opportunity to view them. It’s the kind of thing that helps make a Disney Aulani excursion special.
Aulani Excursions Showcase Hawai‘i With a Touch of Disney Magic by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Lantern Festival to Feature Tokyo Disneyland Parade
For the first time ever, Tokyo Disneyland will be sending 100 performers to the 2012 Lantern Festival in Changhua County, located in central Taiwan. The festival is quickly becoming a well-known event, and was designed to highlight global participation.
Says Wayne Liu, the Tourism Bureau’s deputy-director:
It’s unprecedented for Tokyo Disneyland, because until now it has only sent individual characters abroad for events like this.
Liu also said the parade will be a mix of American, Japanese and Taiwanese culture and feature Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. This year’s theme is “Dreams and Magic,” and the Disney team plans to showcase a specially designed float centering around this theme. As 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the Lantern Festival (now in its 23rd year) will also feature a dragon-motif lantern that weighs 40 tons and will be 20 meters tall.