The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a woman jumped from an undisclosed location at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in what has been deemed an apparent suicide. The woman was found dead by the authorities once they arrived on scene.
As far as an official statement, all that OCSO has publicly released is the following:
“At this time, we believe this was a suicide, and we have no other information to release.”
Witnesses aboard the Monorail are stating that they saw someone fall from the resort within view of the Monorail.
Disney has shared yet another behind-the-scenes look at “Drawn to Life” by Cirque du Soleil, sharing a little more about the story of the show and the special cast of characters who bring the magic to life. At its core, “Drawn to Life” is the story of the love between a father and a daughter. Delightful, mesmerizing movements of Cirque du Soleil acrobatic mastery pair with the magic of Disney animation to accentuate the story.
The main character is Julie, a courageous and determined young girl. Her father, Tom, was a Disney animator who raised his daughter and surrounded her with Disney animated characters who helped her grow and played important roles in her life.
When Julie finds an unfinished animation piece and a letter from her late father, her imagination is awakened, and she embarks on an inspiring journey into the whimsical world of animation. Along the way, she meets characters like Mr. Pencil (her father’s favorite pencil), who help guide her. Julie also encounters Miss Hésitation, the story’s villain, who reflects Julie’s own doubts and fears as an artist.
Throughout her adventure, Julie is reunited with Disney characters from her childhood, giving her the encouragement she needs to animate with her own unique artistic voice. Here’s a look at two acts from the show – The Inner World of Animation and Aerial Pencil:
With all of the recent concern about coronavirus outbreak and its spread to other countries outside of China, many countries, like Italy, are placing travel restrictions due to isolated outbreaks. Despite Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland being closed indefinitely, all Disney Parks outside of China remain open. However, precautions are being taken to avoid further spread of the virus. At Tokyo Disney Resort, they’ve outright asked guests who are sick to refrain from visiting the parks and resorts. Now, a group of Cast Members who work at Walt Disney World have been asked to stay home after a trip to Italy.
According to WESH 2 News, a Walt Disney World spokesperson confirmed that a small number of individuals who work at Disney, but are not all Disney employees, have been asked to stay home due to coronavirus concerns.
The spokesperson said there are no confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus at Disney and nobody who was on the trip to Italy has shown any symptoms of the virus.
Disney said the decision to keep the workers at home was made from “an abundance of caution.” The exact number of workers involved was not immediately available. At this time, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus at Walt Disney World.
The opening of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is drawing near, and a recent job posting by Disney shows they are now hiring for the immersive hotel experience. Galactic Starcruiser – General Manager is the name of the job listing, and if the job listing is any indication, Disney is taking the immersive theme of the hotel very seriously.
From the job listing:
Are you ready to command a Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon, where you will take passengers on an adventure to a galaxy far, far, away? Be the first Admiral (GM) to manage this fully immersive, luxury resort, where guests and crew are part of a Star Wars story, including encounters between Resistance forces and the First Order.
We are seeking a seasoned hotelier with extensive senior leadership hospitality experience on land or at sea to serve as Resort Manager / Hotel Director. He/she will drive and execute a unique immersive “cruise-like experience” aligned with our Star Wars franchise. This experience will operate as a two-night journey and be the world’s first multi-day immersive adventure. The ideal candidate will have a passion for bringing ideas to life, creativity, value a non-traditional work environment, and balance a traditional hotel experience with immersive entertainment.
According to the job listing, the General Manager will be called “Admiral” and the Star Wars story in the hotel will include “encounters between Resistance forces and the First Order”. Galactic Starcruiser will be a two-night adventure, think Disney Cruise Line as stated in the job description, and will be a non-traditional hotel experience.
If you think you are qualified to “pilot” the Galactic Starcruiser, you can find the job posting here. Reservations will open later this year for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which is set to debut in 2021 at Walt Disney World.
Spring is on the way! Walt Disney World is springing into action with some exciting additions for Disney fans! Mermaids, chocolate, and more? What more could we ask for?! Check out the details below from DisneyParksBlog:
A selection of new and returning experiences that offer memorable fun for guests of all ages are set to bloom at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this spring! Chocolate tastings, painting activities, pirate adventures and more are now accepting reservations for guests planning a springtime getaway.
NEW! The Chocolate Workshop Presented by The Ganachery
Come discover the delights of chocolate – nature’s most beautiful ingredient! This hands-on chocolate workshop hosted at the new Disney’s Riviera Resort will give guests a taste of The Ganachery, a specialty chocolate shop located in Disney Springs. Participants will learn from an expert Chef Chocolatier from The Ganachery how to properly taste chocolate, observe a demonstration on how ganache is made and create their very own chocolate truffle pops. Starting in March, the workshops will take place on Sundays at 11 a.m. at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Classes are $60/person (plus tax). Reservations can be made through 407-WDW-PLAY.
Mermaid School
Back by popular demand, Mermaid School at Walt Disney World Resort hotels gives guests ages 4 and older the chance to live out their mermaid dreams by participating in fun pool activities while wearing a swimmable “tail” – just like Ariel! At the end of the experience, guests will now receive a unique medallion to commemorate their time “under the sea.” Mermaid School will be back in session on select dates starting March 1, with classes offered in new additional locations. This year, Mermaid School experiences will be available at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort. Classes are $55/person (plus tax). Reservations for this experience are now open and can be made through 407-WDW-PLAY.
Crockett’s Craft Corner at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Guests can let out their inner-artist at Crockett’s Craft Corner at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! This two-hour board-and-brush style workshop invites guests ages 8 and up to design, paint and take home their very own rustic wooden sign. As they paint, participants can enjoy a complimentary assortment of light food and beverage options. Crockett’s Craft Corner takes place on Wednesday afternoons inside Trails End Restaurant and is priced at $75/person (plus tax). Reservations can be made through 407-WDW-PLAY.
Walt Disney World Resort Fun Runs
Guests looking for a fun way to stay active during their vacation should check out one of the many Fun Run opportunities located at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! These experiences offer scenic views of Walt Disney World, with courses ranging from 1.2-1.8 miles at the following resorts: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s All Star Resorts.
The total cost for this experience is $15/person (plus tax) and includes a custom bib, finishers prize and a selection of snacks. Guests 2 and under are free, and strollers are welcome during the runs. To reserve a spot, guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY.
Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is bringing another year of swashbucklin’ fun! This immersive group experience invites kids ages 4-12 to go on an epic pirate adventure with Captain Hook and his crew as they search for hidden treasure, set sail for a short jaunt around Crescent Lake and enjoy a delicious Pirate feast! Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is the perfect way for kids to make lasting memories in a safe and fun environment as parents enjoy time on their own, such as an evening at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, opening March 4.
The cost for this experience is $55 (plus tax) per child. Now through May 31, Annual Passholders are eligible for a 10% discount. Disney Vacation Club Members are also eligible for a 10% discount with no end date at this time. For reservations and more information, guests can call 407-824-KIDS.
