New ‘Disney Stars’ Artwork Celebrates Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As we near the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’re continuing our celebration of the park’s milestone with new artwork created especially for your computer or mobile device. Today’s park-inspired wallpaper featuring Clarabelle Cow is part of our “Disney Stars” series. Click on the image to add it to your favorite screen.

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the and wallpaper before you download it.

And if you’re looking for any other wallpapers featured here on the Disney Parks Blog, we’ve created a special gallery.

New ‘Disney Stars’ Artwork Celebrates Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A Shopper’s Guide to Mother’s Day at Disneyland Resort

The pressure to find mom the perfect gift for Mother’s Day is on! So I hit the ground running and stopped by some of our Disneyland park locations to find out what’s made the top of the list from some of our resident experts!

I’m pretty sure I know what I’m getting my mom! How about you?

A Shopper’s Guide to Mother’s Day at Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Full Ride-Through: Take A Trip Aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland

Are you ready to take a trip aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and journey into the lives of the Seven Dwarfs? Then check out this full ride-through video of the attraction, which is set to open this spring in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.

It sure looks like the Imagineers did a great job. What makes you excited to ride? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.

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Full Ride-Through: Take A Trip Aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland

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See the posts below for more on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:

• Top Five: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Videos from Walt Disney Imagineering
  
• All in the Details: Construction Walls Come Down at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  
• All in the Details: Glittering Gems Light Up Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Queue at Magic Kingdom Park

Full Ride-Through: Take A Trip Aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A ‘Hollywood’ Classic: The Studios’ First Guide Map

Disney’s Hollywood Studios sure has evolved over the last 25 years – and not only in name.

I thought it might be fun to take a look back at how much the guide map has changed. Here’s a look at the original park map and today’s map.

Sunset Blvd, Pixar Place, and Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show are just a few of the changes the park’s seen over the years. Wonder what’s in store for Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the next 25 years?

A ‘Hollywood’ Classic: The Studios’ First Guide Map by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park

“The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” is one of my favorite Disney Parks Blog series, so I’m excited to take the reins from my fellow author, Erin Glover. And I’m even more excited to begin with one of my favorite attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

When we announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was reopening at Disneyland park a little over a month ago, it was absolutely amazing to see the excitement on the Disney Parks Blog and I, too, was thrilled for the return of the “wildest ride in the wilderness.” Now that the miners are back at Big Thunder Mountain, I knew the next installment of “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” had to be about this classic attraction. So, are you holdin’ onto your hats and glasses? Ye-howdy, here we go!

According to legend, a supernatural force has dwelled deep within Big Thunder Mountain and would be angered by any trespassers. Many believed these ghostly tales were what largely kept the area uninhabited for many years. But when an old prospector found some gold nuggets along the mountain’s slopes in the late 1860s, miners rushed to the town of Rainbow Ridge for their own chance to strike it rich.

For several years, Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company produced a large quantity of gold and the myths of a supernatural force remained simply legend. However, by 1883, the miners were forced to blast deeper and deeper into the mountain to continue producing profits. Shortly after the explosions began, strange things started happening: eerie noises echoed through the new shafts, cave-ins became frequent and equipment would mysteriously fail. As soon as the mine trains began rolling out of the station on their own, people started fleeing the area.

Today, the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company welcomes guests to hop aboard a train, but beware – you just may experience the mountain’s more supernatural forces and perhaps even stumble upon an explosive mine shaft.

Next time you hop on board Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, keep an eye out for the horseshoe at the entrance to the first mine shaft; you’ll notice it hangs right-side-up to keep the luck inside. Nearing the end of the attraction, you’ll enter another mine shaft with a “Keep Out” sign in front. There, you’ll see another horseshoe, however this time, it is upside-down.

Have you had a chance to ride the newly reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? What is your favorite part? Leave your answers in the “Comments” section below!

The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Time-lapse Video of Disney Cruise Line in Europe

This summer, we’re offering so many exciting itineraries for Disney Magic cruisers in Europe! To give you a glimpse at what you can expect to see, we put together this cool time-lapse video of some of our destinations in the Mediterranean. Check it out!

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Time-lapse Video of Disney Cruise Line in Europe by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Wildlife Wednesdays: Birds of All Kinds of Feather Flock Together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Every day is for the birds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where guests can see a variety of birds when they visit walk-through aviaries on both the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek, see the fantastic bird show Flights of Wonder, and encounter birds large and small throughout the park. On May 6, however, birds truly take center stage when we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with special activities at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Kids can get “banded” (which scientists do to gather data for bird conservation), becoming “honorary birds” for the day, and discover how their “feather color” (clothing), “wing span” (arm length), and height compares with various bird species. Families can play a diet-matching game and learn about the many different foods that our birds eat here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They may even get to see a bird examined by our veterinarians at the animal hospital.

Families also can talk with Cast Members about conservation work they are doing to protect birds, including the purple martin, the piping plover, and the whooping crane, and find out how the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) supports bird conservation. The DWCF, for example, has supported Operation Migration’s work on behalf of the rare whooping crane every year since the program’s inception in 2000.

Did you know?

• International Migratory Bird Day focuses on the nearly 350 species of birds that migrate from breeding areas in North America to winter homes in Central and South America and the Caribbean. These birds face many challenges as they migrate thousands of miles, including loss of habitat along their migration routes, finding food and avoiding predators. International Migratory Bird Day helps educate people about the threats to migratory birds and what we can do to help—including planting native trees and shrubs, keeping cats indoors, and sup­porting conservation organizations.

Upcoming 2014 events for connecting families with nature (as always, dates subject to change):

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• May 20: World Turtle Day
• June 10: Pollinator Day
• July 29: Big Cat Day
• August 5: Primate Day
• September 23: Elephant and Rhino Day

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot:

• May 20: World Turtle Day
• June 4: World Ocean Day

Wildlife Wednesdays: Birds of All Kinds of Feather Flock Together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Give Mom a Magical Wish for Mother’s Day from Disney Floral & Gifts

It’s that time of year when one of the most important holidays is quickly approaching … Mother’s Day!

Let’s face it, we’re passed the age of gluing macaroni to a stick, creating makeshift broaches out of toilet paper, or scoring a plastic ruby ring from the claw machine at the grocery store … not that I ever did anything like that. Even though mom is probably thrilled you thought of her, it’s time to step it up and give her a gift she’ll love and is just the right size.

For those of us who have resorted to those handmade collectables in the past, my friends and I at Disney Floral & Gifts have an idea that we know mom will just love and make you look like a hero, no tights or cape needed.

For the woman who has made dreams come true now it’s time to return the favor with A Magical Wish: Fulfill a Dream. Take a look. Nestled in a box, laced with a blue bow just like the color of the Fairy God Mother’s robe from the ever classic, “Cinderella,” is a story, a fairy tale wand and sparkling bracelet.

So first, take a moment to read the card. With a magical fairy tale wand and this heartfelt story written by one of our Disney writers, this gift will provide the opportunity for mom to make a wish, one that you or a loved one will eventually fulfill. Translation – you just gave mom a gift she won’t want to return.

After she makes the wish, simply slip the bracelet on her wrist to commemorate the experience which will also serve as a reminder of how much her desires mean to you or a loved one.

And as for the jewelry, take a look at this gorgeous Swarovski crystal bracelet, a token she’ll want to show off again and again sharing the story of Mother’s Day. And, guess who was the hero? That’s right, you!

Engraved with the words, Dream, Wish, and Believe, all mom will have to do is look down at her wrist to remember the special memory you created.

The good news continues for our Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort fans! Order this gift and have it shipped right to your front door, or perhaps to your office to take home as a surprise, through our new Ship to Home feature. Just visit our Celebrate at Home tab on our website and select A Magical Wish: Fulfill a Dream. Order today and mom can receive her gift before Mother’s Day, which is May 11 by the way. We ship anywhere in the 48 continental U.S., but be sure to order early enough in time for Mother’s Day. I recommend no later than Tuesday, May 6th.

And, if you are lucky enough to share this Mother’s Day with us at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, visit our website for gifts dedicated to this very special holiday.

For more gifting ideas for mom and all of your loved ones visit http://ift.tt/1opuyY0 or call 407-WDW-GIFT to speak with one of our Dream Makers at Walt Disney World Resort or 714-781-4438 at Disneyland Resort.

Give Mom a Magical Wish for Mother’s Day from Disney Floral & Gifts by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Little Ones Enjoy Makeovers at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Getting pampered at the Laniwai Spa was by far one of my favorite experiences at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. During my visit, I met with Spa Director Lucia Rodriguez and she gave me a tour of the wide variety of offerings available for the entire ‘ohana. Some of the most magical treatments I learned about were the options available for the keiki, or little ones! As with any Disney experience, little touches of magic are pixie-dusted throughout the Kids’ Services at the Laniwai Spa, and they also include some aloha style! After all, this is a Hawaiian vacation. Take a look for yourself!

Have you or your keiki had a chance to visit the Laniwai Spa? If so, what was your favorite part of the experience?

Little Ones Enjoy Makeovers at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary With Our ‘Disney Stars’ Wallpaper

Can you believe that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will mark 25 years on May 1?

We’ll celebrate the park’s milestone on the Disney Parks Blog this Thursday. In the meantime, check out this park-inspired wallpaper to your computer desktop or mobile device. The design depicts Disney characters back in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Simply click on the image below to find the size you need.

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the and wallpaper before you download it.

Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary With Our ‘Disney Stars’ Wallpaper by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Anniversary Cupcake Available Only May 1

Walt Disney World Resort guests love the designer cupcakes that the chefs create for special occasions and holidays – and we usually can’t pry away the recipe. But good news: if you can’t make it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, this is one special treat you can (mostly) re-create at home.

Celebrating 25 years, this anniversary cupcake is a delicious combo of chocolate cake with a rich hazelnut-buttercream frosting. The chefs at the theme park add a little chocolate ganache, chocolate sprinkles and colorful Mickey Mouse candy confetti, then top it with a chocolate “25th Anniversary” disk of chocolate.

If you’re at the park, the cupcakes will be available at Fairfax Fair, Rosie’s All American Café, ABC Commissary, Starring Rolls Cafe, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., and Pizza Planet. Cost is $5.19 and the cupcake counts as a snack on the Disney Dining Plan.

If you’re too far away to make the May 1 celebration, get out the mixer and create your own fun!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Hazelnut-Chocolate Buttercream
Makes 24 cupcakes

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Hazelnut-Chocolate Buttercream

• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup hazelnut-chocolate spread
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk

For chocolate cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in large bowl, whisking to combine. Add oil, coffee, and milk; beat with an electric mixer 1 minute until well combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat 2 minutes until very well combined. Batter will be thin.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes.
5. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.

For hazelnut-chocolate buttercream:

1. Combine shortening and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until creamy. Beat in hazelnut-chocolate spread and vanilla extract until smooth. With mixer running at medium speed, add confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well to combine before adding the next cup.
2. After all sugar has been added, beat in 3 to 4 tablespoons milk, just until frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip and pipe frosting onto cupcakes. Alternatively, frost cupcakes with an offset spatula or a butter knife.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Anniversary Cupcake Available Only May 1 by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Caption This: Jungle Cruise Encounter at Disneyland Park

You never know what you may find along the treacherous waters of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland park. Looks like this solo skipper has come across a pair of locals … what do you think this encounter might sound like? Show us your stripes and “Caption This!”

Caption This: Jungle Cruise Encounter at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A ‘Hollywood’ Classic: Residential Street

Do you remember Residential Street? The nice, quaint neighborhood in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Of course, this neighborhood was actually a line of facades. Used in various TV shows and commercials as well as movies, some of the homes on Residential Street looked familiar to guests when they drove by on the Studio Backlot Tour.

Homes made appearances in such films as “Splash Too” and “Ernest Saves Christmas,” but the most recognizable ones from Residential Street belonged the family from “Empty Nest” and the ladies from the “Golden Girls.”

Below is an aerial view of Residential Street in October 1988 prior to the opening of the park.

A ‘Hollywood’ Classic: Residential Street by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Imagineers Bring New Audio-Animatronics to Life at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

How do you recreate Disney characters for a new attraction? According to Walt Disney Imagineering, it all starts with a hand-drawn sketch …

In this new video, our Imagineers take you behind the scenes to see how they’re bringing to life some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics ever created. According to them, the process involved working with Walt Disney Animation Studios and going back to the original film to study each Dwarf’s individual motions and even facial expressions in order to get them just right. The end goal: To make them look as if they just jumped off of the screen.

What do you think of the Dwarfs? Tell us in the “Comments” section below

For more on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train read the posts below:

• All in the Details: Construction Walls Come Down at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Top Five: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Videos from Walt Disney Imagineering
• All in the Details: A Unique Perspective of Belle’s Village at Magic Kingdom Park
• First Look: Feast Your Eyes On Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Characters
• All in the Details: Dopey Drops by Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park
• All in the Details: Check Out a CGI Ride-Through of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park
• All in the Details: Jewel Sorting & More Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Queue at Magic Kingdom Park
• All in the Details: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cottage Close Up at Magic Kingdom Park

Imagineers Bring New Audio-Animatronics to Life at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland Resort Promotes Earth Month in the Community

This month, Disneyland Resort and its cast members have been out and about in the community celebrating Earth Month. At MUZEO’s TrashARTist Challenge and Expo that the Disneyland Resort sponsored in Anaheim, cast members demonstrated waste reduction techniques and helped choose a winner of the art contest that encouraged people to turn trash into art.

Disney VoluntEARS also helped restore a natural habitat at the Heritage Museum of Orange County by planting 50 native trees and plants. At the annual Children’s Water Education Festival that the Disneyland Resort sponsored at University of California, Irvine, more than 200 Disney VoluntEARS helped 7,000 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in Orange County learn about ways to help conserve the local water supply.

Boys & Clubs from Orange County were hosted for a private screening of Disneynature’s “Bears” at the Downtown Disney District, and third-graders at Orange Grove Elementary in Anaheim were read environmental stories by the Disneyland Resort Diversity Resource Group, HOLA.

Disneyland Resort Promotes Earth Month in the Community by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog