After celebrating its 10th anniversary earlier this month, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge now has something else to smile about – being awarded AAA Four-Diamond status.
By earning this prestigious status, Animal Kingdom Lodge has become the seventh Walt Disney World resort to achieve this honor, a distinction awarded to only four percent of AAA-rated hotels. Some of the world-class amenities and services offered by the lodge include three African-inspired restaurants; a thatched-roof lobby with a mud fireplace and flowing stream inside; and an elevated “kopje,” which is actually a rock outcropping that enables …

In an effort to grant wishes to five local children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, The Disney Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo and Make-A-Wish Foundation are teaming up to give each child a private party with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as a shopping spree.
The event happens April 29, and each child will receive a $100 gift card to the Disney Store, as well as a special meet and greet opportunity with Mickey and Minnie. The kids will also be able to enjoy story time with a Disney …

Yesterday marked a huge milestone for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa opening this fall, and Mickey, Minnie and pals were on hand to join the celebrations.
The major structural work on the resort was completed yesterday, so now Disney cast members can add the finishing touches, decor and landscaping for that Disney magic we all know and love. To celebrate, crew members from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. joined with Disney Cast Members on the beach and even exchanged gifts to commemorate the occasion – leis for the Disney Cast …

Disney Cast members, inspired by the upcoming Disneynature film African Cats and Earth Day, are working to add more environmentally friendly actions into their daily routines.
Last year, cast members made 10,000 conservation pledges, and they’re hard at work to double that number this Earth Day and reduce their carbon footprint. Some of the ways Disney Cast members will use to “green” their home and work routines include:

Using reusable shopping bags and food and drink containers
Raising thermostats by two degrees in the summer and lowering two degrees in the winter
Making an effort …

Five-hundred Disney cast members dedicated over 47,000 hours to produce “Dream Our Dreams, A Musical Tribute to the Legacy of Disney,” a live show to benefit the “Make-A-Wish Foundation” of Central and Northern Florida. Held at EPCOT’s “World ShowPlace” in early August, the volunteer ensemble donated the profits to the organization this week totaling $37K.
“We really appreciate everyone who came to see and support our shows and help us collect a substantial gift for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida,” said Encore! producer Bruce Light. “This …

Globally recognizable icons like Mickey Mouse may be a uniting factor amongst Disney park guests but language diversity is celebrated at the Disneyland Resort through cast member name tag pins. Representing over 30 languages including Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, Welsh and even Zulu; letting guests know they have a common bond in language helps make guests feel at home in “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Not only do they play the important role of making guests feel comfortable, they have a practical side too. Asking for directions, park information, or even …

Ever wanted to be in a Disney theme park show? Here’s your chance! Disney is looking for some talented gals and guys with great voices for their new Orlando-based show, Disney Channel Rocks!
Auditions are set to take place Friday, August 20, at the Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility. Disney hopefuls can sign in at 12:30 PM EST, and the auditions are set to begin at 1 PM EST.
Here’s what Disney is looking for: two female and two male vocalists. For the girls, one second sporano with a pop sound and one …

Each year thousands of Walt Disney World cast members give their extra time and expertise on behalf of the Disney VoluntEARS program to positively impact the community around them. “VoluntEARS” who dedicate at least 10 hours of their time are honored by Disney every year with “Ears to You Grants,” which are financial contributions of up to $1,000 to the non-profit organization of their choice. This year, The Walt Disney Company is donating $627,050 to the Central Florida community in recognition of the 251,000 hours given by Walt Disney …

Dating back to a Disneyland tradition from 1963, every morning strong and dedicated Disney Cast Members arrive pre-dawn at the Magic Kingdom for one month to participate in Walt Disney World’s “Canoe Races of the World (C.R.O.W.).” The friendly competition first made it’s way over to Walt Disney World in 1973 showcasing the physical strength & team-building abilities of it’s cast member participants. This year there were 79 teams to participate in the beloved activity.
A co-ed team dubbed “Shut Up and Let Me Row… HEY!” from Disney’s Animal Kingdom …

On September 14, 2010 the Orange, Osceola and Polk County supervisors of elections will be working with Disney to host voter registration drives for cast members at several location across the Walt Disney World Resort. Just in time for the 2010 elections, the upcoming event is part of Disney’s continual “Make Freedom Count” campaign which educates and encourages Disney cast members to make their voice heard. “Make Freedom Count” even provides a link on the internal cast member website where CMs can register to vote with the click of a …