The newly expanded Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort in California  earned three honors at the 19^th Thea Awards announced by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Also honored was Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, the unique themed Disney hotel on the island of Oahu.

Disney California Adventure expansion opened to the general public in June 2012 with extensive new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street areas. Thea Awards went to Cars Land in the category of New Theme Park Land, to the premiere Cars Land attraction Radiator Springs Racers in the Attraction category, and to Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge on Buena Vista Street. in the Theme Park Restaurant category.
A fourth award, in the Themed Hotel Resort category, went to the new Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii. In addition, Frank Stanek, a former Disney Imagineer who contributed to the development of Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, was recognized with The Buzz Price Award – Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements.

The awards, to be presented April 6, 2013, at the Disneyland Hotel, pay tribute to excellence in the creation of extraordinary experiences, attractions, exhibits and places around the world. While technology, interactivity and sophistication of themed environments are key factors in presenting the awards, storytelling is at the heart of the best themed attractions.

Cars Land, inspired by the “Radiator Springs” setting of the Disney●Pixar movie “Cars,” represents one of the largest expansion projects ever created for a Disney theme park, a 12-acre addition to Disney California Adventure park. In its award citation, TEA noted, “Every element has been thoughtfully considered to maximize its character and story content,” and said, “From Flo’s V8 Café, Fillmore’s Taste-In and the Cozy Cone Motel to Sarge’s Surplus Hut, Radiator Springs Curios and Ramone’s House of Body Art, each has been created as its own distinct experience, drawn from the films and further inspired by the lore and legend of Route 66.” Also singled out for praise was “…the overwhelming scale of the rockwork panorama which frames the land…”

Radiator Springs Racers, the indoor-outdoor family oriented thrill ride in Cars Land, won a Thea for demonstrating “…true excellence in design, technical innovation and execution…The animated figures break new ground in creating the illusion of ‘live animation,’ and the technical elements, including special effects, sophisticated in-vehicle sound, and a sophisticated ride system have all been transparently integrated into the highly enjoyable story and experience.”

Located in Buena Vista Street, another major new addition to Disney California Adventure park, Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge is set in a reproduction of the historic Carthay Circle Theatre, where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” had its world premiere. Its Thea Award citation notes, “The high quality service, distinctive setting and cuisine in an exclusive-feeling environment make Carthay Circle Restaurant a truly outstanding achievement in a theme park.”

In the Themed Hotel Resort category, a Thea Award went to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii. Aulani celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and tradition with rich mixture of design, service, amenities and storytelling, and the award citation recognized, “…rather than providing lodging in support of a theme park, the resort itself is the destination…The Aulani resort experience is one-of-a-kind.”

Frank Stanek, former Corporate Vice President of Research and Planning for the Walt Disney Company, will receive The Buzz Price Award – Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements. During his years with Disney, Stanek provided background and analysis in the original development of Walt Disney World and the expansion of Disneyland, as well as Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. His wide-ranging professional career also includes developments for the City of Osaka and Universal. He remains active in the industry through his consulting company, Stanek Global Advisors.

TEA is an international non-profit alliance founded in 1991 and based in Burbank, Calif., that represents some 7,000 creative specialists including architects, designers, technical specialists and scenic fabricators who work in more than 650 firms in 40 countries.

Media Contacts: 
www.theaawards2013.blogspot.com
Judith Rubin Public Relations
rubin.judith@gmail.com
Gene Jeffers, TEA executive director
gene@teaconnect.org
Kathy Oliver, TEA events producer
kathy@teaconnect.org
Frank Reifsnyder, Communications Manager, Walt Disney/ Imagineering
Frank.reifsnyder@disney.com
818-544-2142

KO OLINA, Hawaii, August 29, 2012 ­- A delightfully themed family pool, a new kids’ splash zone and two new quick-service dining locations will be among the highlights of an enhancement project getting underway in September at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina. Further details of the expansion were announced today, the first anniversary of the opening of Aulani.

Since it opened in August 2011, Aulani has been extremely well received by guests. Among the most popular features of the resort is the Waikolohe Valley. Waikolohe means mischievous water and the valley is home to the recreation and water play areas leading out to the Aulani beachfront. The new pool, splash zone and additional deck space will extend the sun and water fun literally to the very edge of the resort property, with the pool’s “infinity edge” overlooking the adjoining lagoon.

The architecture of Aulani reflects the symbolic harmony of masculine and feminine energy, and the new pool area, on the masculine side of the resort, continues this theme with a design inspired by the demigod Māui . According to Hawaiian legend, Māui brought the islands to the surface with his great fishhook, and aspects of the legend will be reflected in the design of the new family pool and kids’ splash zone, incorporating coral and lava, sea and earth, in the surrounding rockwork.

A highlight of the family pool will be a misty grotto from which relaxing swimmers may view the sunset. After dark, a magical starscape of glimmering lights will appear on the grotto ceiling and the floor of the pool.

The nearby kids’ splash zone will be designed to resemble tidal pools with some playful surprises for youngsters, including rainbow water jets, images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floors, and hidden Menehune, the legendary little people of the islands, who may be spotted through chinks in the rocks. Additional deck space, chairs, chaises and cabanas will surround these new water features.

Also coming to Aulani will be two new food service locations. One of these, located adjacent to the new water play area and the existing Wailana Pool, will serve continental breakfast and offer a lunch and dinner menu with a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks that can be enjoyed in the adjoining outdoor patio which provides a beautiful ocean view. A second quick-service eatery will be located beachside, offering grab-and-go snacks and easy access for beachgoers.

Work on these enhancements will begin in September and conclude in mid-2013, coinciding with the final build-out of resort. Along with the water play and dining additions, the expansion will provide a new, larger lawn location for events, weddings and the guest favorite nighttime Starlit Hui show. There will also be additional merchandise space – to provide guests with a greater variety of Aulani products, apparel and memories – and a protective awning over the patio of Makahiki restaurant, home of “Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration” featuring breakfast with Disney characters.

About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani opened in August of 2011 and sits on 21 acres of beautiful oceanfront in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.

Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

For Aulani reservations, guests may visit www.disneyaulani.com or call (866) 44-DISNEY.

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Media Contacts:
Todd Apo, Aulani Public Affairs
Cell: 808.216.3576
Todd.Apo@disney.com

John McClintock, Disney Destinations Public Relations
714- 781-4836
John.McClintock@disney.com

The project is planned to include an expansion of the highly popular Waikolohe Valley pool area as well as the addition of two new quick-service dining options. In addition, the Starlit Hui show, a family favorite, will move to a larger venue so more guests can experience the performance.

“Aulani has been exceptionally well received by our guests, and we are excited to add new amenities,” said Elliot Mills, vice president and general manager of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. “The resort has one of the most extensive arrays of recreational offerings in Hawaii.  From its winding streams and interactive play features to its private snorkeling lagoon, our Waikolohe Valley pool area offers something to delight every member of the family, and we’re thrilled that soon there will be even more to enjoy.”

Scheduled to begin in September and conclude in mid 2013, the expansion is happening in conjunction with the final build-out of the resort. More specific details of the expansion will be shared at a later date.

About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani opened in August of 2011 and occupies 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.

Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

For Aulani reservations, guests may visit www.disneyaulani.com or call (866) 44-DISNEY.

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 Media Contact:
Todd Apo, Aulani Public Affairs
Cell:  808.216.3576, Todd.Apo@disney.com

KO OLINA, Hawaii – Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa beckons guests of every age to find the Hawaiian vacation of their dreams. In beautiful and relaxing surroundings infused with the stories and surprises of Hawaii, guests may discover whatever they hope to find in the islands: adventure, romance, tradition and fun.

Overlooking a beautiful beachfront lagoon less than an hour from Waikiki on Oahu, Aulani has been imaginatively designed to embrace time-honored Hawaiian traditions, inviting dreamers from everywhere to savor their time together. From the moment guests arrive at the resort, they will be enchanted by unique surroundings that pay tribute to the authentic arts of Hawaii and the melding of earth and architecture in one special place. And with Disney magic sprinkled throughout, guests will encounter a vacation paradise uniquely designed for families.

Each day of their stay, Aulani Guests will be able to customize their experiences – relaxing on the beach or in the Laniwai Spa, splashing through the pools and water play areas of the Waikolohe Valley, or discovering the island on specially planned excursions. Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Fireside Mo’olelo for storytelling (mo’olelo is the Hawaiian word for story), and spotting statues of Menehune (the legendary island little people known to accomplish marvelous feats of construction), hidden throughout the resort.

Ohana means family
With that special magic only Disney can provide, Aulani draws families into fun experiences that bring everyone together, from movie nights under the stars to explorations of the Menehune Adventure Trail. Families can enjoy lei making, hula dancing and learning a Hawaiian sunset chant, all under the guidance of local artists and guides. At night, the beachside fire pit comes to life as storytellers speak and sing ancient tales of the islands.

For mealtimes, there are full-service restaurants, buffets and quick-serve locations.

The creators of Aulani knew that some guests would like to explore beyond the resort, too. Excursions can be booked to sail aboard catamarans, swim with dolphins, cook with local chefs, surf the North Shore and more. Many excursions are specially designed for Aulani guests and feature knowledgeable and friendly Adventure Guides.

Hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas have been thoughtfully planned to cater to the needs of a family vacation, with refrigerators, flat panel televisions and wireless Internet access. Guests will want to look for the hidden Mickeys. Moms and dads don’t have to worry about kids setting down wet glasses: it won’t affect the already “distressed” look of tables inspired by traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship. And, for those who brought just a bit too much luggage, there’s a hiding place for suitcases under the bed.

For the grown and almost grown
Aulani has special fun, excitement and vacation relaxation for adults and teens. They can start the day with beachside yoga that rejuvenates the soul, then rent a private poolside cabana offering unique amenities and world-class Disney service. Active adults and teens may prefer Aulani recreation programs. For evening relaxation, sunset-facing hot tubs beckon.

Also enticing is Laniwai, a Disney Spa. For adults, Laniwai is a haven of tranquility in 18,000 square feet of space, with 15 treatment rooms, a fitness center and the 5,000-square-foot outdoor Kula Wai hydrotherapy garden, the only one of its kind on Oahu. For teens there is Painted Sky, a spa specially designed just for them with a yogurt bar, computer access, mixology station and a menu of treatments.

Romantic dinners can be enjoyed away from the little ones in the beachside ‘AMA’AMA restaurant or Off The Hook lounge. Guests will savor the local flavors with fresh fish and cuisine grown by local farmers. Couples may want to complete their day with a sunset celebration or stroll along the ocean’s edge.

Aunty knows best
Children – known as keiki in Hawaii – can leave their elders and their flip-flops at the door as they enter the cozy world of Aunty’s Beach House, a signature Disney kids’ club. Aunty is related by affection rather than by blood or adoption and her house generally is considered one of the best and safest hang-out spots. She and uncle always have a lot of stories to share about the old days when she was a keiki, and she knows a lot about modern day kids, too. Younger guests will learn the hula, create Hawaiian arts and crafts, play games with favorite Disney characters and enjoy a laid-back movie afternoon when it “rains.”

Aunty’s Beach House is designed for children ages 3 to 12. Special tween programs also are offered through Aunty’s Beach House.

When the mischievous waters call, tweens to toddlers will find themselves drawn to the Waikolohe Stream and the Menehune Bridge. They won’t be able to resist the lure of the Waikolohe Valley water slides and a float down twisting Waikolohe Stream on an inner tube. The enchanting Menehune Bridge invites children of all ages to search for the mysterious little builders hidden within this delightful structure.

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About Aulani – a Disney Resort & Spa
Inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani has been uniquely designed for families. Perfectly placed on a beautiful beachfront cove, Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Villas, renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment, will let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

Media Contact:
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
(714) 781-4500

A host of child-friendly amenities and enhanced services make this destination resort an ideal choice for young families. Here are some tips for a hassle-free getaway:

• There’s fun for kids ages 3-12 at Aunty’s Beach House, a 5,200-square-foot club open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Disney-trained counselors will inspire and entertain with dance contests, science experiments, Hawaiian storytelling, dress up, movies and snacks. Children must be potty-trained.
• There is no need to pack all the baby gear, as strollers, swings, car seats and other baby essentials can be rented through Paradise Baby Company, which also provides in-room delivery.
• Baby-care products such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, formula and teethers are for sale at Kālepa’s Store.
• Aulani has bed rails, bottle warmers, outlet covers, booster seats and high chairs that can be “checked out” (with a deposit) for use during a stay.
• Accommodations include spacious Disney Vacation Club villas featuring kitchenettes and a washer/dryer.
• All guest rooms have portable cribs/playpens, bedding and a mini refrigerator.
• Pint-sized stools, televisions and interactive fun at Nā Pua Place kid’s lounge keep young guests entertained during check-in.
• Water works wonders for kids, and Waikolohe Pool is “zero entry” which makes it easy for little minnows. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and tot-sized float vests are offered.
• Sea, sun and sand beckon youngsters to the beachfront to build sand castles, frolic in the waves and take in the beauty of the island.
• Youngsters can splash at Menehune Bridge, an interactive water-play area with three slides, a climbing structure and more. Here, tots can discover menehune, the mythical little people known for mysterious happenings on the islands.
• Private poolside cabanas offer added shade and privacy for a peaceful afternoon slumber.
• Curious kids can peek through giant windows embedded in caves at Rainbow Reef, a private snorkeling lagoon filled with colorful marine life and some fun surprises.
• Laniwai, the family-friendly spa, cradles babies in the lap of luxury with a special session geared toward teaching parents how to massage their child (up to two years old) to help with sleep and digestion. While one parent learns the art of baby massage, the other parent relaxes with a massage treatment. Family massage is on the menu too, for kids over five years old with a parent or guardian.
• Dinner for two or an island excursion are just a phone call away, as nurturing babysitters are on site to care for and entertain either in-room or at the resort pool, beach or restaurants. Reservations required.
• There’s lots of bonding on vacation, and families can take advantage of age-appropriate crafts, dancing and games.
• The Daily ‘Iwa is a handy planning tool to check daily schedules for poolside games, storytelling and Disney character meet and greets.
• Disney chefs have kids in mind with all-time favorites on the kid’s or “keiki” menus. Plus an elaborate buffet with Mickey and pals is sure to delight at Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at Makahiki on select days. Reservations are required.

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About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.