Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Marks the Year of the Horse at Disney California Adventure Park this Weekend

Today marks the start of the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration, now through Sunday, Feb. 2, at Disney California Adventure park. Since 2014 is the Year of the Horse, it’s only fitting that one of Circle D Ranch’s own steeds, Finn, is featured in the procession of performers through Paradise Gardens.

For this occasion, Finn is wearing a special saddle blanket adorned with the Chinese symbol of good fortune. Finn is relatively new to the Disneyland Resort, but he’s very friendly and loves to have his picture taken; guests can even have their photo taken with Finn throughout the celebration.

In addition, guests who visit the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration can see a variety of performers as well as some favorite Disney characters. And for snacking, there’s a special Year of the Horse sourdough bread!

Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Marks the Year of the Horse at Disney California Adventure Park this Weekend by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Now Available at Disneyland Resort

Twenty ChargePoint charging ports have been installed on the first floor of the Mickey & Friends parking structure for guests with electric vehicles! Guests can begin using them today by scanning their ChargePoint card or by easily registering for a free ChargePoint account at the charging station, or online at http://ift.tt/Qqw3HX.

“The Disneyland Resort is now home to one of the largest collections of public EV charging stations in Southern California,” said Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint. “We are excited to help the Disneyland Resort become EV ready and have such an iconic destination in our EV charging network. ChargePoint is the nation’s largest EV charging network with more than 15,000 locations.”

Guests arriving at the Mickey & Friends parking structure can ask a cast member for directions to the charging stations. Separate charging stations are also available to cast members for a total of 30 charging ports at the resort. To learn more about our environmental efforts at the Disneyland Resort, click here!

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Now Available at Disneyland Resort by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A Mom’s Take: Making the Most of Your Days in Alaskan Ports With Disney Cruise Line

In our “Mom’s Take” video series about cruising to Alaska, Nancy from the Disney Parks Moms Panel has been showing you all kinds of awesome adventures you can have in America’s Last Frontier. But with so many options for things to do and see ashore, the question begs to be asked…

“How can I make the most of my days in port?”

Of course you won’t be able to do it all, but there are ways that you can maximize your time and see as much as possible without feeling stressed. Take a look at this video for a few tips, and if you’ve already cruised with us to Alaska, leave us your own tips in the comments.

For more on sailing to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line, check out the other videos in the series:

• A Mom’s Take: Adrenaline Pumping Alaskan Adventures with Disney Cruise Line
• A Mom’s Take: Wilderness and Wildlife Adventures in Alaska with Disney Cruise Line
• A Mom’s Take: Cruising with Disney to Alaska
• Conversation with the Disney Alaska Cruise Director

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Cruise Line Facebook page, and follow @DisneyCruise on Twitter for more about Disney Cruise Line’s voyages in Alaska. While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #DCLAlaska.

A Mom’s Take: Making the Most of Your Days in Alaskan Ports With Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Pick Your Sweet Treat at Market House, Disneyland Resort

Deciding which treat to enjoy may be difficult on your next visit to Market House in Disneyland park and Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure park. Both serve Starbucks specialty beverages and a variety of “Disneyland Favorites” as part of their sweet lineup, including the gooey Berliner donut.

The Berliner is a type of jelly donut made in Berlin, Germany. Disneyland Executive Chef Christine Weissman, a native of Germany, loves to share the story of the donut’s connection to President John F. Kennedy – so if you see her out and about in the theme parks, stop and ask! (It’s one of her favorite stories and favorite desserts.)

Several delicious La Boulange pastries were recently added to the selection of sweet offerings. Starbucks recently partnered with La Boulange, a San Francisco Bakery and café, rolling out their baked goods in Starbucks nationwide. The new pastries showed up this week in the two locations that serve Starbucks inside our parks at Disneyland Resort, and will be coming to Walt Disney World Resort this spring. There’s everything from a bacon, egg and Gouda artisan sandwich to a chocolate croissant, everything served warm.

Along with the Berliner, fans of classic Disneyland Resort sweets will still find the cinnamon roll at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, and the classic Disney sugar cookie remains on the menu at Market House. And the popular Mickey-shaped cookie with chocolate icing is still at both.

Pick Your Sweet Treat at Market House, Disneyland Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Count Down to Valentine’s Day With Our Beauty and the Beast Wallpaper

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away and to celebrate, we’ll be sharing a few Disney couples-inspired downloadable wallpapers with you over the next few days.

Our first design was created by Disney artist Jeff Maurer, who focused on a couple who recently made home in New Fantasyland – Belle and Beast!

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. To download the wallpaper in the correct size for your desktop or mobile device, please click on the image above.

Which Disney couple is your favorite? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.

Count Down to Valentine’s Day With Our Beauty and the Beast Wallpaper by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Celebrate the Magic’ at Magic Kingdom Park

This week’s “After Dark” image was snapped at Magic Kingdom Park during the evening “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show. If you haven’t seen this spectacular nighttime entertainment offering, Cinderella Castle serves as a canvas of Disney storytelling, with favorite characters and scenes from Disney films projected onto it. In this shot, Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” appears wrapped about the castle’s turrets.

Is this one of your favorite nighttime sights at Magic Kingdom Park?

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Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Celebrate the Magic’ at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

runDisney Launches “I Run Disney” – Everyone Has a Story

Whether you run for health and fitness, to celebrate a major milestone in your life, in honor of someone who can’t run, a way to spend time with family and friends, or simply to have “me” time, everyone has their own unique reason for running.

Simply said, everyone has a story.

Starting today, runDisney and Cigna are excited to give you the opportunity to share your story with the launch of irundisney.com. Using Instagram, runners can upload a 15-second video telling us why you run and why you runDisney. Sharing your story will inspire and motivate others to set a goal of participating in a runDisney event. In addition, the runDisney team will review all submissions and select several runners to profile on the new microsite, as well as the Disney Parks Blog and other Disney Parks social media channels.

To kickoff the campaign I want to share with you our first profile. Just over a year ago, 33-year-old Peter Chuchro’s life turned upside-down when he suffered a stroke.

He quickly realized that life can change in the blink of an eye.

Facing the scariest time of his life at a young age, Peter realized how quickly life can change. After making a full recovery he took several steps to ensure he will always be around for his wife and baby daughter. Today Peter runs so that he will see his daughter take her first steps, take her to her first day of school, walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.

Peter set a goal of running the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna, running 26.2 miles to his wife and daughter at the finish line.

View submissions and learn how to upload and share your story at irundisney.com.

runDisney Launches “I Run Disney” – Everyone Has a Story by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Kicky Ribs from Storyteller’s Café at Disneyland Resort are Perfect for the Big Game

The big game calls for a plate of delicious ribs to share (with plenty of napkins). Grillmasters, however, settle back and enjoy the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos because this recipe comes together on the stovetop and gets finished in the oven.

The chefs at Storyteller’s Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa created this kicky sauce with spicy chipotle and sweet tamarind glaze. We go light on the glaze to let the flavor of the tender, meaty pork shine through.

Serve it with the crunchy red cabbage slaw and some crisp garlic bread. The restaurant adds fresh broccoli and mashed potatoes, but you can save that rendition for another day. With a cold brew, this is down-home deliciousness.

Chipotle and Tamarind-glazed Ribs with Red Cabbage and Golden Raisin Slaw
Serves 4

Chipotle and Tamarind-glazed Ribs

• 1 (2-pound) rack pork ribs
• 1 large white onion, peeled and quartered
• 5 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large white onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup root beer
• 1/4 cup minced chipotles in adobo
• 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Red Cabbage and Golden Raisin Slaw

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup light olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons finely minced shallots
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 3 cups thinly shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon minced chives

For chipotle and tamarind-glazed ribs:

1. Place ribs in a large stockpot. (Cut ribs in half widthwise if needed to fit.) Add enough cold water to cover ribs by 1 inch. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cut a 6-inch square piece of cheesecloth; place pickling spice in the center. Pull edges up and tie into a bundle with a piece of kitchen twine. Add spice bundle to cooking liquid.
2. Turn stove to medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 1/2 hours, or until ribs are very tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion, cooking until golden and very tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, cooking until fragrant and tender, about 2 to 4 minutes more. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, root beer, chipotles, tamarind pulp, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring very frequently to prevent burning, until well combined and slightly thickened. Set aside.
4. Preheat broiler. Remove ribs from cooking liquid and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Coat both sides of ribs with prepared sauce; broil 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbly.

For red cabbage and golden raisin slaw:

1. Whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, shallots, cilantro, garlic, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add cabbage and carrots, tossing to coat. Stir in raisins and chives. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Kicky Ribs from Storyteller’s Café at Disneyland Resort are Perfect for the Big Game by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Tokyo Disney Resort Sets Plans For Spring

Our friends at Tokyo Disney Resort just announced plans for this year’s springtime celebration, which will run at both Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park from April 2-June 23, 2014.

At Tokyo Disneyland, guests will be able to enjoy “Disney’s Easter” celebration, which will include visits to a secret Easter garden, a new “Hippity-Hoppity Springtime” parade that features Disney characters and Easter bunnies. Guests can also participate in an egg hunt, in which they use a map to track down Easter eggs hidden all around the park.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea, guests can enjoy “Mickey & Duffy’s Spring Voyage.” In this celebration, Mickey, Duffy, Minnie Mouse and ShellieMay embark on a cruise from Cape Cod to see how spring is celebrated around Tokyo DisneySea. Dressed in seasonal costumes, they visit Mediterranean Harbor, travel to American Waterfront for a lively Easter party, and then arrive at the Arabian Coast for a magical celebration of the season. At each of port, guests can enjoy the springtime festivities with the characters.

Tokyo Disney Resort Sets Plans For Spring by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Infinity Players Recreate Favorite Disney Parks Experiences for Toy Box Thursday

If you love Disney Infinity and Disney Parks, then this week’s Toy Box Thursday is for you! Disney Infinity invites players to submit their own Toy Boxes in a different challenge each week, and this week’s challenge is all about Disney Parks. My friends at Disney Interactive have given us at the Disney Parks Blog the chance to unveil this week’s winners!

So here they are, the winners of the Disney Infinity “Disney Parks” Toy Box challenge:

• Indiana Jones - Foolish mortals! You looked into my eyes! Escape Mara’s wrath in the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Created by crazybynick.
• Tower of Terror - One stormy night long ago, an elevator door opened into a nightmare. That door has now opened again for you! Created by crazybynick.
• Fantasyland - Ride the fun attractions of Fantasyland, including King Arthur Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Mad Tea Party! Created by Kevin B.
• Space Mountain - Blast off on a high-speed rocket through the darkest reaches of outer space. Created by James F.
• Ride the Typhoon - Head down to Typhoon Lagoon to battle with sharks, ride the waves, race down the rapids and drift along the lazy river. Created by aceobssession.
• Fantasmic! - Save Mickey Mouse’s imagination from the Disney Villains by rescuing all of the Hidden Mickeys. Created by Steve B.

I think my favorite has to be the Toy Box inspired by Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland park. Check it out!

Learn more about Toy Box Thursday – including how to download the winning Toy Boxes – by following Disney Interactive on Tumblr!

Disney Infinity Players Recreate Favorite Disney Parks Experiences for Toy Box Thursday by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club Introduces Membership Magic

If you’re noticing an extra spring in the step of Disney Vacation Club Members, it could be because today marks the launch of Membership Magic, a diverse array of Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special perks. (Either that or members just happen to be wearing really springy shoes.)

“With Membership Magic, we are giving families even more to love about Disney Vacation Club,” said Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Vacation Club. “It’s our special way of thanking our members for being such a valued part of the Disney Vacation Club family.”

The first wave of Membership Magic offerings (for those who have purchased a vacation ownership in Disney Vacation Club) includes new opportunities to see the world, new Walt Disney World Resort experiences created with Members in mind, new discounts to help stretch vacation dollars, a new online home for exclusive merchandise and more. The lineup also includes the annual Member Cruise voyage’s first summer sailing (August 24-28, 2014 aboard the Disney Dream ship), and two Membership-exclusive Adventures by Disney itineraries (New York City, and San Francisco & Napa).

Complete details about Membership Magic offerings, including availability and continuing access, are available now at DVCMember.com, and with more magic on the horizon (including offerings in California, Hawai`i and even at sea), look for Members’ collective step to get even springier.

Disney Vacation Club Introduces Membership Magic by Ryan March: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Finish that Disney Parks Sign: Cheetah Ahead at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This week’s “Finish that Disney Parks Sign” photo was snapped in the queue for Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, giving guests facts on the animals they’ll see ahead.

Can you tell what the blurred word is? What do cheetahs use to call their cubs? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. We’ll update the post later today with the answer.

Finish that Disney Parks Sign: Cheetah Ahead at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future Art to Debut at Disney Parks

Steampunk and Disney fans alike, this one’s for you! On February 22, The Disney Gallery at Disneyland park will unveil a new exhibit titled Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future.

Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction loosely built around retro-futuristic visions of a steam-powered society, has been gaining (pardon the pun) steam over the past several years. The movement, which is expressed culturally and stylistically in everything from technology and design to music and fashion, was dubbed steampunk in the late 1980s. Though certainly not part of the steampunk “wave” (at least not consciously), Walt Disney Imagineers have been creating their own visions and versions of retro-futuristic technologies since well before that time, incorporating them into Disney Parks and attractions around the world.

Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future features conceptual designs and ideas for an array of inventive vehicles, machines and gadgets. The collection also shares some of the same inspirations as steampunk – most prominently a fascination with the extravagantly inventive visions of tomorrow expressed by such Victorian futurists as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. So don your petticoats and bustles or your suits and old military storm coats, pull on your brass goggles and get ready for an adventure that takes us forward into the past, as seen through the eyes of Disney artists and designers.

Here’s one piece that was actually done in collaboration with several of the artists, and for me, kind of tells the story of Steampunk and what you can expect to see.

Of course, it was hard to pick one piece of art to show you, so I convinced the team to let me show you at least one piece from each artist. Take a look!

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If you are a fan of Steampunk then mark your calendar now, because as part of the Steampunk launch, we will host artist signings at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Disneyland Resort:
Meet artists Dave Avanzino, Jim Crouch, Jeremy Fulton, Brian Kesinger, Noah, Mark Page, Michael Peraza and Javier Soto from 9 – 11 a.m. at Disneyana.

Walt Disney World Resort:
Disney Design Group artists, Costa Alavezos, Alex Maher and Mike Sullivan will appear from 2-5p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

For event information and to see more images being released as part of the events, visit the event section of http://ift.tt/1kybeZt.

Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future Art to Debut at Disney Parks by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Construction on Shanghai Disney Resort Reaches New Heights

We’re thrilled to let Disney Parks Blog readers know that Shanghai Disney Resort recently celebrated two new construction milestones, including the topping out of the resort’s first Disney-themed hotel and the start of construction of a “mountain” in the resort’s theme park.

Shanghai Disney Resort and partner leadership teams poured the last concrete onto the roof section of the first of two Disney-themed hotels, marking the milestone. The hotel will feature 800 rooms over seven floors and will offer guests stunning views of Shanghai Disneyland, the retail, dining and entertainment district and the resort’s central lake.

Additionally, the first vertical steel for Shanghai Disneyland’s “mountain”, marked the official start of vertical construction for another remarkable attraction at the resort’s Magic Kingdom-style theme park. The mountain will be located in a key area of the theme park and will be the second highest structure at Shanghai Disney Resort after the Enchanted Storybook Castle.

Disney has a long-standing tradition of creating immersive and unforgettable experiences for guests around the world, and it will be no different with Shanghai Disney Resort. Classic Disney characters and storytelling blend with uniquely-designed and finely-crafted attractions, from rockwork to jungles, lakes and trees, to create exciting and extraordinary immersive places for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Shanghai Disney Resort continues on track to open at the end 2015. On opening day the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a 46,000 square meter retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

Construction on Shanghai Disney Resort Reaches New Heights by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A Unique Point of View: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park

Today marks 55 years since the release of the Disney animated classic, “Sleeping Beauty.” The timeless tale of Princess Aurora has been immortalized here at Disneyland park in the form of the park’s icon, Sleeping Beauty Castle. Designed by Disney Legend Herb Ryman, it was inspired by a number of medieval European castles – most notably, Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria.

Sleeping Beauty Castle made its first appearance five years before the animated feature itself premiered to the public – as part of the opening titles for the “Disneyland” television series in 1954. The castle was intended to be the central icon of Walt Disney’s new, ground-breaking theme park enterprise, and set the standard for the tradition of castle icons seen in Disney Parks around the world today.

Today, in honor of the 55th anniversary of “Sleeping Beauty,” I’d like to share some unique perspectives on Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park, provided by Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer.

A Unique Point of View: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Sights & Sounds of Disney Parks: Disney’s ‘Frozen Sing-Along’ comes to Downtown Disney

What’s even better than watching a hit Disney animated musical? Being part of the music, magic and fun yourself!

This Friday, January 31, enchanted snowflakes will be bouncing over the words to every song so everyone can join in Disney’s “Frozen Sing-Along.” This special event will take place both at the AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theatres at Disneyland Resort in California, and the AMC Downtown Disney with Dine-In Theatres at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Of course, you may not need the snowflakes or the lyrics yourself, because you and the gang have already memorized the soundtrack album! Chances are you won’t be alone. The songs have a lot of fans. There’s nothing like the shared elation and energy of a joyous group gathered to sing their favorite songs as they experience a great musical on the big screen.

“Naturally, I’m a music guy, so I firmly believe that songs and music are at the heart of Disney just as animation, fantasy and theme parks are as well,” said Chris Montan, President of Walt Disney Music, told us. “And it’s true, when you love a song the way people love a Disney song, the words and music take on a life of their own. They live deep inside us and become part of that ‘great music mix’ inside our heads.”

Chris is referring to what I like to call the “mp-ME player.” It’s the cool part of the brain that acts just like a radio tuner and can play our favorites at will. (Seriously, I’ve got dozens of entire record albums cued up on my mp-ME player for when I’m swimming laps, driving in traffic or just need a quick pick-me-up on a busy day.) I’ve got great new mp-ME’s to upload into my head thanks to “Frozen.”

And “Frozen” isn’t just any animated musical, it’s become the biggest Disney animated film phenom of the century. “Frozen” has just become the highest grossing original animated film in history, and the soundtrack album hit Billboard’s number one spot.

“We always have high hopes for all of our new film music, but ultimately the public decides what to embrace,” said Chris. “But even we were bowled over by the response to “Frozen” — as a musical and as a film. Now kids have even more wonderful songs to grow up with, and grownups have new gems to place alongside their other “Best of Disney” favorites.”

All this musical success couldn’t happen to a nicer couple. Robert Lopez and Jennifer Anderson-Lopez are relishing the glitz and excitement of having a smash Disney musical feature — and they’re especially glad to share these moments with their two young daughters, Anna and Katie (who add their talents to the film). Plus, in addition to the “Frozen Sing-Along,” there’s serious talk of a Broadway stage production of “Frozen.”

Oh, and then there’s a little thing called the Academy Awards. If you’re like us, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, rooting for the Lopez’s “Let It Go” to win the Oscar for Best Original Song! (Inside joke: Bobby and Kristen like to call their friend Chris “Gandalf’,” because he’s such a mysterious, wandering being of untold wisdom.)

No matter how any of the ol’ awards turn out, the Lopez family, and all of us, are the real winners, rich with the treasure of great new Disney music that will go on to delight generations to come.

Tickets are on sale now for Disney’s “Frozen Sing-Along” at AMC Theatres box offices and at your favorite movie ticket site.

Sights & Sounds of Disney Parks: Disney’s ‘Frozen Sing-Along’ comes to Downtown Disney by Greg Ehrbar: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Wildlife Wednesdays: Guests Join 4th Annual Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Bird Count—Record Number of Birds Counted

I have fantastic news from the 4th Annual Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Bird Count, which took place last Saturday. We counted a record number of birds and, for the first time, guests joined in the count during Magical Moments.

Cast Members and their families, guided by Disney’s Animal Programs bird experts, counted more than 24,000 birds representing 119 species at the Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding area. This is a new record for the most birds and the most species observed since we started the bird count four years ago. It’s obvious that our feathered friends enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort as much as our guests do!

And this year, for the first time, guests joined the count during Magical Moments, some counting birds side-by-side with Walt Disney World Ambassador Rich Tamayo. At Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resorts, for example, guests counted hooded mergansers (a colorful member of the duck family) coming in to roost on a pond between the resorts, along with little blue herons, tri-colored herons, snowy egrets, and many other birds.

New species that we counted this year included the black-bellied whistling duck, common goldeneye, ruddy duck, American pipit, field sparrow, grasshopper sparrow and the beautiful painted bunting.

Did you participate in a bird count during the past year? If so, tell us about your favorite moment in the comments.

Did you know?

• Our Holiday Bird Count is modeled after the Audubon Christmas bird count, which began in 1900. Data collected in bird counts from year to year allow scientists to follow trends in bird populations and abundance over time. These trends help scientists focus their conservation efforts in key bird areas
• We can help birds and other wildlife by disposing of waste properly, including recycling, to keep trash out of natural areas, and by observing birds and other wildlife from a safe distance and not feeding them “human” food, which is not healthy for them.
• Since 1995, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has provided more than $6.1 million to support bird conservation around the world. In Florida, the DWCF has helped protect birds, including the whooping crane, bald eagle, scrub jay, red-cockaded woodpecker and mangrove cuckoo.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Guests Join 4th Annual Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Bird Count—Record Number of Birds Counted by Anne Savage, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog