With the addition of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program, all of the Disney resorts now have a “green” rating.

The program was launched in 2004 and set forth voluntary measures for the conservation of natural resources and reduction of pollution. Since the inception of the “Green Lodging Program” 165 hotels have been honored by the agency, including all of the Disney’s 23 hotels located in Florida. The first to receive the distinction was Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

Among the measures that Disney has put in place are the use of Energy Star appliances, thermostats on motion sensors, energy efficient lighting, low-flow faucets and encouraging guests to reuse towels/linens.

written by Jose Castillo

Disney has teamed with Google Earth to create virtual tours of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and all of the twenty two Disney World resorts. Upon completion, it will feature 1500 3-D click-able maps of the attractions, resorts and restaurants.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo stated “It’s a virtual walk-through of the whole property … the most amazing virtual tour of any place in the world.”

Commenting about the Google Earth’s Disney project, maps director John Hanke stated “It’s “truly innovative and unique.”

When launched, the virtual world will be accessed through either disneyworld.com/3dparks or earth.google.com.

A team of eight photographers spent ten days photographing all aspects of Disney World. The pix were next created in 3-D. During the start up phase, exterior shots will be featured with interiors to be added later on. A similar project for Disneyland Resort Paris is underway.

written by Jose Castillo

Upon being crowned this season’s American Idol, David Cook announced “I’m going to Disney World!”

The phrase became popular following the 1987 Super Bowl and has been used since by NFL, NBA and MBL champs.

The use of “I’m going to Disney World” by an AI winner is part of the planned American Idol attraction opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January of 2009. Park visitors will be given the opportunity to perform and be chosen to audition for the Fox competition.

written by Jose Castillo

Disney’s closure of its Virtual Magic Kingdom is met with continued protests by players of the popular online game.

In 2005, the free game was part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the opening of Disneyland. The Virtual Magic Kingdom quickly attracted fans who have spent the past two and a half years accumulating points to get objects for their virtual “rooms.” While it does have adult fans, it is especially popular among children.

When the game shut down, all elements of the Virtual Magic Kingdom disappeared. While Disney is claiming that the VMK was always intended to have a short run, it is believed that money is the main motivation behind the closure.

Disney has two online game sites which are geared towards kids and require a monthly fee to participate. There’s Disney’s Toontown which is $9.95 a month and Club Penguin.

Since the announced end of the Virtual Magic Kingdom, blogs and websites have been created to garner support for the continuation of the game. One site has collected 20,000 signatures.

One young player from CT commented “I’ve been playing for almost two years, and I’ve made really good friends and had really good times. I was really sad and really mad when I found out they were closing VMK.”

Regarding the response Disney’s decision, John Spelich, spokesman for Disney’s Internet Group stated “We never want to disappoint a guest at any time, but in this particular case, we said this was a great product and it was extended due to popular demand, and we had to take this action to move forward with our portfolio of franchised products.”

written by Jose Castillo