In our weekly Disney Doodles series, our artists imagine what a Disney character or characters would do if they had the chance to have fun at one of our parks.
In this week's Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Cinderella would enjoy at Magic Kingdom Park – no doubt she'd take time out to explore the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite that's hidden away in Cinderella Castle. (It is hers, of course!).
I hope that you are enjoying some of the new styles and designs from ALEX AND ANI as much as I am, including the new Star Wars collection that was recently featured on the Disney Parks Blog. I'm always so excited to see where the ALEX AND ANI team draws their inspiration from, and of course, what's on the horizon.
In order to make room, the following character silhouette ALEX AND ANI bangles will retire beginning March 7, 2016.
It's not too late to add them to your collection or someone else's. Look for select ALEX AND ANI pieces (and more!) online, via the Shop Disney Parks APP and in stores, while supplies last, at:
Happy Hopps Day! Today the Disney Parks Blog is celebrating Disney Animation Studios' soon-to-be-released animated film, "Zootopia," so I had to share these celeb photos with you that were snapped during a recent visit at Walt Disney World Resort.
The star-studded cast of "Zootopia" includes Jason Bateman, who voices the scam artist fox – Nick Wilde, and Grammy Award winner Shakira, who not only voices the pop star Gazelle in the film, but also sings the hit single "Try Anything" that's featured in the film. While at Walt Disney World Resort, Jason and Shakira were surprised with a warm greeting by Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse.
Zootopia opens nationwide March 4.
Can you believe Disney Vacation Club has now been welcoming home Members for over 25 years?
To celebrate this quarter-century milestone, Disney Vacation Club has planned special moments throughout the year for not only Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests, but for cast members, too!
Yesterday, both groups joined together to show off their art skills and support a great cause during a special Disney Vacation Club 25th Anniversary VoluntEARS event.
With just a little paint, brushes, and some creativity, cast members and Disney Vacation Club Members from seven different Disney Vacation Club resorts and four Disney Vacation Club corporate locations brought Disney-themed murals to life! These pieces of heartwarming art will later be donated to children's hospitals across the country to spread Disney cheer.
Now it's your turn to join in on the fun! What has been your favorite magical memory with Disney Vacation Club over the past 25 years?
Jack Lindquist in his Disneyland Office
Yesterday we learned of the passing of Disney Legend Jack Lindquist at the age of 88. Walt Disney Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger spoke for all of us when he said, "Jack Lindquist was a Disney original in every sense. He started his career as Disneyland's first advertising manager, and later served as the park's first president, a role he always referred to as 'the best job in the world.' He made sure Disneyland was the Happiest Place on Earth for each guest who walked through the gates, setting the standard for every leader that followed. Those of us who had the good fortune to know Jack will always remember the kindness, humility and dedication that made him such an important part of this company and a true Disney Legend."
Jack Lindquist prepares water gathered around the world for the opening of 'it's a small world' at Disneyland in 1966
Jack began his his Disney career in 1955 when Walt Disney hired him to be the the first advertising manager at his new park. In a 38-year Disney career that ultimately led to being named the first president of Disneyland, he held multiple positions in marketing and went on to helping plan Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Jack Lindquist (right of Mickey Mouse) and fellow Disney Legends and Club 55ers on July 17, 2015
Jack was here last July 17 to mark our 60th anniversary, and we caught this great picture of him with some fellow Disney Legends and Club 55ers. He was ready with a big smile and a funny story, just like he always was.
Jack Lindquist's Main Street Window at Disneyland City Hall
The next time you find yourself enjoying Town Square at Disneyland park and all the happy faces coming and going through the train tunnels, look up to the second story of City Hall where you'll find a quiet tribute to a man who understood the power of the happiness made here, one of the true Disneyland originals, a "Jack of all trades – Master of Fun."
Jack Lindquist retired from Disneyland on November 18, 1993
It's leap day, and what better way to celebrate than to take a leap into a Disneyland park classic … Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! Designer Leo Cardoso was inspired by one of the attraction's original ride posters when creating the wallpaper's green background and Mr. Toad's wild eyes.
Here are some more details to look for:
Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.
If you've been reading our updates on the growth of Disney Springs, then you know about the many new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences in this corner of the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, we're thrilled to let you know that 30 more high-profile tenants will be setting up shop at Disney Springs just in time for this summer, including Anthropologie, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others.
Just announced, here's a complete list of the new shops and dining venues that'll be opening in phases at Disney Springs beginning May 15, 2016:
Disney Springs, which was inspired by Florida's waterfront towns and natural beauty, is nearing completion on its largest expansion in history. It is exciting to see the area emerge as a new waterfront district with world-class shopping, unique dining and high-quality entertainment. Disney Springs has four distinct neighborhoods to explore: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center and will eventually have more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment offerings.
Watch the Disney Parks Blog for more information and opening dates at Disney Springs.
One character who adds a ton of humor to the new film "Zootopia" is Judy Hopps, the first bunny to ever join Zootopia's police department.
Walt Disney Studios just shared this great step-by-step tutorial on how to draw this character from the new film. Grab a pencil, paper and get ready to check it out!
Walt Disney Animation Studios' newest film "Zootopia" arrives in theaters on March 4. I've been looking forward to this film since my fellow author Shawn Slater shared the movie trailer on the Disney Parks Blog (a fox dressed in an Aloha shirt with tie and voiced by Jason Bateman? Sold!). I recently hopped over to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort where I found a handful of products for Zootopia.
Guests will find a Deluxe Play Set with 10 wild characters from the film, and two plush animals featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
One of my favorite toys is the Carrot Recorder pen which is modeled after the pen Officer Judy Hopps uses in the film. It's both a functioning pen and a voice recorder (this is something I need when taking notes for these articles).
The limited release Vinylmation mystery series was designed by artist Ricardo De Los Angeles. The series contains seven known figures and one mystery chaser figure. You can either purchase individual mystery boxes or an entire tray (the latter gets you the complete set of figures).
We also have a Disney pin that shows Judy chasing Nick through the streets of Zootopia.
Two new Disney Infinity 3.0 figures of Judy and Nick will be released on March 1. We will carry those figures in select Disney Parks merchandise locations once released.
Finally, we'll have a limited release retail MagicBand celebrating the animated film. Look for it in early March at select merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
You can find even more products from Zootopia on DisneyStore.com. Select items may also be found using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. With the app, you can search thousands of products from Disney Parks and have them shipped directly to your home. Visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop to download.
Happy Hopps Day!
Over the past few days, we've been sharing profiles of families who show how Disney Parks is a place where they make unforgettable memories together. Today, we conclude this series with the Barajas family.
With roots in Mexico and Cuba, Disneyland represents the American dream for the Barajas family. See and hear their story in the video below.
This week, we shared an exciting update out of Disney California Adventure park – Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters, presented by Alamo, will open March 7.
In this all-new attraction, Luigi turns the tire storage yard behind his Casa Della Tires into a dance floor. Erin told us that each dancing car will have its own high-spirited personality and signature dance moves. Visit our original post for more details and photos.
We also continued our exclusive "All in the Details" series with a special look at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The "Grog Grotto" is the second location founded by the Jungle Cruise's famed "head salesman", Trader Sam. You can see some of Sam's treasures in our original story.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto welcomes all guests from opening until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., only guests age 21 and older may visit.
Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.
New Details Announced for Star Wars-Themed Lands for Disney Parks – During the "Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" special that aired last night on ABC-TV, we shared some exciting details about the Star Wars-themed lands planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Recipe for Ring of Fire Cocktail at Pink on the Disney Dream – The Ring of Fire is an elegant sampling of two incredibly tasty bubbly concoctions paired to create one unforgettable cocktail. And there are five different mixing combinations for your Ring of Fire tasting experience, including the Pomegranate Passion and Blue Angel.
A Look at Star Wars Launch Bay Merchandise at Disneyland Park – Have you had the chance to check out Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland park? Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller has given you a look at some of the unique Star Wars products available at Disney Parks, and here's a closer look inside the new merchandise location at the Disneyland Resort along with a few special tips to check out on your next trip.
Celebrate 'Zootopia' with Specialty Offerings at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure Park – At Disney California Adventure park, we're going wild preparing for the new "Zootopia" movie, opening in theaters March 4.
Special Limited-Release Ear Hat Benefits Make-A-Wish 'Share Your Ears' Campaign at Disneyland Resort – Some of you may have seen fellow Disney Parks Blog author Kevin Rafferty's recent post sharing the exciting news about the Make-A-Wish "Share Your Ears" campaign or even saw it featured on "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" last night on ABC.
Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: February 2013 – This "Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule" is kind of a look back at looks back … in February 2013, we shared some fun vintage photos and revisited old friends. Take a look!
As regular readers know, it's an exciting time to visit Disney Parks as new fan favorites come to life at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
New Star Wars experiences have already opened at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And, this year, several new experiences are expected to open on both coasts, such as the new Soarin' Around the World at Disney California Adventure park and Epcot, a "Frozen"-inspired musical at Disney California Adventure park, new nighttime experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot and a new stage show at Magic Kingdom Park.
As you may have read in the news, the demand for Disney Parks continues to grow, particularly during peak periods. At the same time, we have an unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of all our guests. That is why we continue to expand our parks with new attractions like those noted above, as well as entire new themed lands based on AVATAR, Star Wars and "Toy Story."
It is also why we continue to look for ways to help spread out visitation. So, beginning tomorrow, we are shifting to seasonal pricing for 1-Day tickets. It's an approach that you are probably familiar with from many other areas, including sports, entertainment and travel.
How does it work? Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Here's an example, if guests plan their visit for September, they'll have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give them the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If they plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays, they will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day tickets and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value.
Seasonal pricing for a 1-Day ticket and price increases for multi-day tickets go into effect at Disney Parks on Sunday, Feb. 28. You can check out our Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort pages for more details.
No matter where you are in the world, you can help celebrate the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and support Make-A-Wish during our #ShareYourEars campaign. For every photo shared on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – with the hashtag #ShareYourEars and featuring you, showing off your "Mickey Mouse Ears", Disney Parks will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish up to $1 million.
This Week in Disney Park Photos, we have an easy way for you to join us if you're at the Disneyland Resort, if you don't want to make your own: these special limited-release ear hats. They're available at the following locations only:
As Michelle Harker told us earlier in the week, one hundred percent – yep, 100% – of the $19.95 sale price (exclusive of sales tax) of the ear hat in the photo above will be donated to Make-A-Wish. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits will apply.
So, whether you already have your favorite set of ears, make your own, or grab one of these special limited-release ear hats, make sure you share your photo using the hashtag, #ShareYourEars from now until March 14th.
Learn more at ShareYourEars.org to find out how to join us in helping wishes come true.
Rubin family truly proves that the Unforgettable Happens Here at Disney Parks. This video is the second in a series we're sharing this week that profiles families who show how Disney Parks is a place where families make unforgettable memories together.
In today's video, we hear the story of the Rubin family. When the Rubins married a few years ago, the couple celebrated becoming a family by taking a trip – with their combined 11 kids – to the Walt Disney World Resort. See what their experience is like below.
If you've sailed on Disney Cruise Line, then you know our Crew Members are nothing short of remarkable. What always amazes me the most about our Crew Members is not only are they dedicated to creating magical moments at sea, but they make magic happen off our ships, too! Each year, Disney Cruise Line Cast and Crew Members donate thousands of hours of their personal time (on their time off!) to give back to local port communities around the world.
Here's a great example. While the Disney Magic was in Port Canaveral preparing for the next sailing, a group of Crew Members stepped off the ship to support the Supply Zone for Teachers in Brevard County – a nonprofit resource center that provides free school supplies to teachers and students of the most economically vulnerable areas in the county. Many of the students in these areas come to school without even basic school supplies.
Our Crew Members helped stuff backpacks with school supplies that will later be donated to teachers of students in need throughout Brevard County. With the help from our Crew Members, teachers will have easier access to the tools they need to help foster a positive learning environment for students.
We're grateful to our Crew Members for taking the time out from their busy schedules to help support this great cause!
As the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration continues until September 5, we will be taking a deeper look into the inspirations behind the three dazzling nighttime spectaculars that are featured during this special time.
We recently chatted with Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, who gave us special insight into what inspired him and his team to create these shows – starting with "Paint the Night" parade!
What influences from the original Main Street Electrical Parade can be found in "Paint the Night" parade?
Steve: The use of light to create images that dazzle the mind was one key component and philosophy we kept from the original Main Street Electrical Parade. We then turned this inspiration on its head to develop new technology for "Paint the Night" parade.
One of the most impactful visuals in "Paint the Night" parade is the moving light sculpture on the Mickey Mouse float. What was the inspiration behind this amazing visual?
Steve: The sculpture for the Mickey Mouse finale was based on an amazing artist and innovative sculptor in Washington named Anthony Howe. We were looking for something unique for the Mickey Mouse float and when we came across Mr. Howe's work, we were mesmerized. It was so beautiful and moving – truly a work of art! He had a fantastic way of moving sculptures we had never seen before. It danced and tricked the eye and really made you stare at to try and discover how this magical piece of art worked. When we thought out it in light, it became even more exciting … a beautiful, moving piece of art that could dazzle your mind.
How did you choose the stories you wanted to feature in "Paint the Night" parade?
Steve: We wanted a mix of old and new. The original version of the parade relied a lot on some of the older classics. For "Paint the Night," we wanted to feature a lot of the newest Disney stories that our guests are in love with.
Check back soon for more of our interview with Steve Davison. Next time, we'll focus on "Disneyland Forever" fireworks!
Howdy Partners! If you're looking for a new table-service dining option in Magic Kingdom Park, mosey on over to The Diamond Horseshoe, serving lunch and dinner daily beginning March 13.
Each all-you-care-to-enjoy saloon feast begins with a Frontier Salad, a tasty mix of greens, tomatoes, roasted corn, cornbread croutons and a house-made chipotle-ranch dressing. There's also cornbread for the table to share.
For your main fixin's, choose from BBQ pulled turkey served over cornbread, spit-roasted ham served with country beans or stewed beef served with mashed potatoes. Each entrée is served with a side of seasonal veggies.
As the finale to your hearty feast, choose from an apple tart or the Campfire Brownie—rich chocolate brownie on a graham cracker crust, topped with toasted marshmallow.
Soft drinks, tea, coffee and milk are included with your saloon feast. Cost is $33 plus tax for adults, $19 for children ages 3-9.
Reservations are now available for dates from March 13 to May 30 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
It's safe to say, this here's the wildest feast in the wilderness!
One of my favorite new cocktails can be found at Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar on the Disney Dream. It's called the Ring of Fire – an elegant sampling of two incredibly tasty bubbly concoctions paired to create one unforgettable cocktail. And there are five different mixing combinations for your Ring of Fire tasting experience, including the Pomegranate Passion and Blue Angel. Get a taste for these drinks at home with this recipe, and be sure to stop by Pink to sip more Champagne cocktails during your next Disney Dream cruise.
Spring has almost sprung at Walt Disney World Resort and it is a great time to visit Epcot with little ones. The weather is typically beautiful, and with the start of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 2, there are a lot of special activities to experience. My kiddos are always thrilled that the festival offers colorful themed playgrounds for them to explore, and the new Music Garden Melodies Playground is sure to be a huge hit! Fans of the movie "Cars" will want to check out the Cactus Road Rally interactive play garden, where small children can stretch their legs. Once some energy is burned off the playground, don't miss the magical Butterflies on Go butterfly garden – it's a favorite of my family's. We put together a handy chart of things to do with kids this spring at Epcot, which you can see here. Does your #DisneyKids have any other favorite activities?
There are so many delicious treats to share with you for the month of March at the Disneyland Resort, so let's get started!
Luck doesn't need to be on your side to find this pot o' gold. The St. Patrick's Day-inspired treats include a Mickey Mouse apple dipped in caramel and chocolate, rolled halfway in green sanding sugar with yellow jelly bean accents and topped off with a marshmallow rolled in green sanding sugar which creates a leprechaun hat. While a four-leaf clover might be hard to come by, I guarantee you these next treats will be easy to find … see if you can spot the St. Patrick's Day crispy, cake pop and marshmallow wand on your next visit from March 6-19.
With spring in the air, it should be no surprise when you come across these cake pop cuties! Look for these new additions which include a bee, ladybug and spring chick. Other spring offerings will include a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired pastel Easter Basket apples and, of course, a spring chick.
The gourmet collection for this month is definitely twice as nice. Our candy makers are introducing a Pastel Marshmallow apple dipped in caramel and white chocolate with vanilla cookie pieces and pastel marshmallows. If your mouth is already watering, then you should try the bark. They combined peanut butter and white chocolate and layered it with vanilla cookies and pastel marshmallows, as well. But wait … there's more! Both the apple and the bark have been drizzled on the top with peanut butter and white chocolate. "Amazing" doesn't begin to describe it!
For those of you who are chocolate lovers, don't let anything keep you from trying our March gourmet line. The apple, crispy, marshmallow wand and bark are all Triple Chocolate. As you can imagine, the apple and wand are dipped in caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate, rolled in white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and heavily drizzled with more milk, white and dark chocolate. The crispy and bark are almost the same, minus the caramel, of course.
These delicious spring sensations will be available March 1 – April 2 at the following locations.
Which treat are you most excited to try?
