Orlando Attractions Magazine has gained possession of some of the concept art for the new stores and restaurants coming soon to Downtown Disney. Some interesting notes from the photos:

-Mickey’s T-Shirt Factory will replace or take up most of the Wonderful World of Memories store next to the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

-The new restaurant replacing the Rock N’ Roll Beach Club on Pleasure Island will most likely be named “El Dolbe”.

-Portobello Yacht Club will make a minor name change, menu changes, and an interior renovation when its changes occur.

You can see all of the concept art HERE.

written by Jose Castillo

Disney has distributed $700,000 in grants as part of its Disney Helping Kids Shine program.

Forty four Florida based non-profit organizations were the beneficiaries of Disney’s donations which focus on education and the arts.

Eugene Campbell, Disney spokesman stated “When they make our children stronger, safer and healthier, that all is going to help everybody in Central Florida, including Walt Disney World.”

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written by Jose Castillo

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