Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we unveiled an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that’s set to debut at Magic Kingdom Park in 2014.

Walt Disney Imagineers Ben VanBeusekon and Mary Mac Eachin explained the creative process behind designing and producing themed cars for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and shared how the train cars are painted and aged in a way that contributes to the storyline of the attraction. Check Jennifer’s original blog story for more.

And did you see, leaders from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Lightstorm Entertainment kicked off the largest expansion in Disney’s Animal Kingdom history with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the park’s new AVATAR-inspired land with blue, Na’vi-inspired shovels.

In our photo illustration, the group was joined by a Na’vi, showing the scale of characters from the “AVATAR” film. Check our original story for more details about the area and some great video from the ceremony.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Exclusive First Look: New Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portrait Featuring Jessica Chastain as Merida – This stunning new portrait can be seen in the February issue of O – The Oprah Magazine, available on newsstands later this month.

Meet Captain America from ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ This Spring at Disneyland Park in Anaheim – Meet the first avenger in person at Disneyland park!

Disney Parks After Dark: A Fun Night at Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park – See this snap of the fountain outside Gaston’s Tavern after sundown.

A Mom’s Take: Cruising with Disney to Alaska – Thinking about an Alaskan cruise? Get all the best tips here to make your vacation extra special!

Ten Things You May Not Know About Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Learn more about this fantastic Victorian-era inspired resort.

Save Up to 30% on Select Rooms at Walt Disney World Resort This Spring – Enjoy the return of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends and more this spring at Walt Disney World Resort.

Southern California Residents Can Show Their ‘Disney Side’ with New Disneyland Resort Ticket Offers – Consider these exciting 2-day and 3-day ticket offers for Disneyland Resort.

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog