LIVE VIDEO: ‘Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade’ at Magic Kingdom Park

It’s time to continue our special Disney Side live video for the holidays series. Tonight, we’re live streaming “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” as it happens on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Click here to see the full-screen version.

Thank you for checking out our second in a series of live stream events this holiday season. Of course, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” is best experienced in person at Magic Kingdom Park. You can see the parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights on November 14, 16, 20, 21 and 30; and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, 2014.

Check back next week for our next live stream from the Walt Disney World Resort.

LIVE VIDEO: ‘Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade’ at Magic Kingdom Park by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Neil Patrick Harris Narrates ‘The Candlelight Processional’ November 30-December 2

Actor Neil Patrick Harris will take the stage tonight at Epcot as narrator of “The Candlelight Processional.”

Neil, who has participated in the show for several years, is a fan-favorite narrator among many Disney guests. The show – which is a retelling of the Christmas story, accompanied by a live orchestra and choir – will take place nightly at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. “The Candlelight Processional” is included in theme park admission.

Is @ActuallyNPH one of your favorites in the lineup? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.

Click here for a full list of 2014 Candlelight Processional narrators. As usual, entertainment is subject to change.

Neil Patrick Harris Narrates ‘The Candlelight Processional’ November 30-December 2 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Cool’ Bling Highlights Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Medals

If you are registered and training for the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, then this blog post is for you. Today, runDisney is happy to reveal the “Frozen“-inspired medals waiting for you at the finish line.

For our youngest runners in the runDisney Kids Races and those of you taking on the Disney Frozen 5K, you will notice the very ‘cool’ medallions inspired by “Frozen.”

The Princess Enchanted 10K acknowledges your accomplishment and features a “Frozen” inspired snowflake.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon features the traditional tiara that our runners have come to love and want. Does anyone else notice that the jewels on the medal look a lot like Queen Elsa’s favorite color?

And of course for those taking on the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge by running the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday, the third medal featuring Cinderella’s glass slipper compliments your weekend collection. Take note of Queen Elsa’s favorite color circling the medal.

Three beautiful medals fit for a princess.

Now, if you are not yet registered and wondering how you can get your bling, I can tell you there are a few spots still open through groups and charities. Details on those opportunities can be found at runDisney.com.

Good luck with your training and we look forward to seeing you in February.

For additional information on the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend and to register for upcoming runDisney events, visit runDisney.com.

‘Cool’ Bling Highlights Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Medals by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – December 2014

December is bustling with holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort, take a look!

December 1 – 4: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for special appearances and signings this month at Walt Disney World Resort. Find Greg, December 1 – 4 at Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace; December 10 – 14 at Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; December 17 – 21 at Art of Disney, Epcot and again December 26 – 31 at Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

December 5 – 6: Artist Larry Dotson will be on hand for special appearances and signings throughout the month at Walt Disney World Resort. Find Larry, December 5 – 6 at Puffins Roost in the Norway Pavilion, Epcot, featuring his “Frozen” and Norway-inspired art; December 8 – 13 at Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace; and December 19 – 23 at Main Street Cinema at Magic Kingdom Park. Learn more.

December 5 – 6: Disney artists Costa Alavezos, Brian Blackmore, Jason Grandt, and Tim McCloskey will be on hand for special appearances and signings, December 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. and December 6 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

December 6: Add the limited-edition 650 hand-painted Ink & Paint cel “Silver Screen Journey” featuring Mickey Mouse to your holiday list this year! Ink & Paint artists will be available for a special signing from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. at Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Note: The cel will be available in a variety of formats: Unframed; Framed; Framed Cel with Postcard; and Framed Cel with Postcard and Pin. Learn More. Not able to make it? Take advantage of a special pre-purchase opportunity now through December 4. Applicable tax and shipping fees apply. Order Now!

December 14 – 23: Beloved artist David E. Doss will be appearing this month at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace, just in time for the holidays. Be sure to stop in and say hello! Learn more.

Now – December 30: Share in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s greatest holiday festivities during Holidays Around the World at Epcot. There are quite a few events taking place throughout the month including special appearances by Precious Moments Creator Linda Rick, Department 56 Artist – Scott Enter, Master Glass Artist Reinhard Herzog, Geir Ness, Kit Heath, Julia April and more. Details are available now on DisneyParksMerchandise.com. Learn more.

Now – January 5: Representatives from Precious Moments Dolls will be on hand at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace throughout the holiday season. Stop in and add to your collection today. Learn more.

Which event are you most excited about?

Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – December 2014 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: New Disney Parks Blog Wallpapers

This week, one of my favorite visuals debuted not as part of a story, but as a Disney Parks Blog wallpaper designed to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

Designed by Disney artist Jeff Maurer, this was one of two wallpapers we released to mark Turkey Day. Here’s the other:

These two are just the latest in a slew of Disney Parks Blog wallpapers we’ve shared with you throughout 2014.

To download any of our wallpapers, visit our official Disney Parks Blog Wallpaper Archive, where you can find desktop and mobile wallpapers devoted to Disney Parks, characters, holidays and more.

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: New Disney Parks Blog Wallpapers by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Watch ‘Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade’ Live from Walt Disney World

Our exclusive series of Disney Side holiday live events at Walt Disney World Resort continues this weekend with another special surprise from Magic Kingdom Park.

We’re live streaming “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” on November 30, 2014 right here on the Disney Parks Blog.

At 8:30 p.m. EST, we’re hosting coverage of “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” as it happens on Main Street, U.S.A. To see it, just visit the front page of the Disney Parks Blog beginning at 8:20 p.m. on November 30.

During the live stream, “Frozen” favorites Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf will join Disney Characters, gingerbread men, elves and others for a procession down Main Street, U.S.A. You can also see a special appearance from Santa, wishing guests a “Merry Christmas!” from his sleigh.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” is best experienced in person at Magic Kingdom Park. You can see the parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights on December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, 2014.

Watch ‘Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade’ Live from Walt Disney World by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Second Tween ‘Direct Your Disney Side’ Short Released in Theaters

Last month, we introduced the “Direct Your Disney Side” project, in which our Yellow Shoes Creative Group (partnered with McGarry Bowen and Adolescent Films) worked with tween filmmakers to bring their Disney Parks short films to life.

The second short in the three-part series, titled “Sock,” will appear in theaters nationwide starting today as a part of the NCM First Look pre-show content (which will run before film previews begin). “Sock” was written and produced by 13-year-old Elwood Walker, who became inspired to become a filmmaker after seeing Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” He dreams of directing a full-length Disney film some day.

Check his short out below.

See the post below for more about “Direct Your Disney Side”:

• Tween-Directed Film ‘Rocket Boy’ Takes Disney Side To Theaters

Second Tween ‘Direct Your Disney Side’ Short Released in Theaters by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Christmas Trees of the Disneyland Resort

Some people shop, others finish off those leftovers; my day-after-Thanksgiving tradition is to decorate my Christmas tree. So, while I’m untangling strings of lights, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Christmas trees here at the Disneyland Resort.

We’ve got to start with the big one – Main Street, U.S.A. Towering 60 feet tall and covered with more than 1,800 ornaments, this iconic tree is the focal point of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

This may be as close to a Christmas tree as you’re going to get in the heart of darkness. You’ll get the point in the end on the Jingle Cruise.

Over at Disney California Adventure park, Buena Vista Street boasts its own impressive Christmas tree, featuring vintage-style ornaments inspired by the 1920s and ‘30s.

Even Stanley gets in the holiday spirit with this hubcap-adorned tree in Cars Land.

And finally, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort each feature their own beautiful holiday decorations, like the enormous tree in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Which Christmas tree at the Disneyland Resort is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

Christmas Trees of the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Learn to Draw Baymax From ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This week our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw one of our newest Disney sidekicks – Baymax from “Big Hero 6!”

This week, Brian James Fichtner from Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is back in the desk to offer up a lesson. Let’s do it!

For more animation tutorials, visit the links below:

• Learn to Draw Rapunzel’s Buddy, Pascal, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Learn to Draw Stitch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Learn to Draw Winnie the Pooh at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Learn to Draw Jack Skellington at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Learn to Draw Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Learn How to Draw ‘Frozen’s’ Anna at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Learn to Draw Disney Characters at Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Do You Want to Draw a Snowman? Learn How at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Learn to Draw Baymax From ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Celebrate ‘The Candlelight Processional’ With Our Latest Desktop/Mobile Wallpaper

“The Candlelight Processional,” one of Walt Disney World’s most cherished holiday traditions, will return to Epcot tonight.

In honor of the show’s return, we have a brand-new Disney Parks Blog wallpaper to share with you today. Artist Jason “Tiki” Tackett drew inspiration from the show’s stained-glass windows for this one.

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

And check out our complete gallery of wallpapers on our special page.

Celebrate ‘The Candlelight Processional’ With Our Latest Desktop/Mobile Wallpaper by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Candlelight Processional Returns to Epcot Tonight at Walt Disney World Resort

The “Candlelight Processional,” a highlight of the holiday offerings at Epcot, will return to the park tonight.

In case you haven’t seen the processional, the show is a retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator with seasonal songs performed by a live choir and orchestra. Shows take place each day at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. (except on December 7, when shows will take place only at 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.).

First up in this year’s schedule of narrators is actress Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” Joining the lineup for the first time this year are Jonathan Groff, who voiced Kristoff in “Frozen” and comedian Ana Gasteyer. Check out the full schedule below (entertainment is subject to change).

• Jodi Benson – November 28 – 29, 2014
• Neil Patrick Harris – November 30 – December 2, 2014
• Jonathan Groff (NEW!) – December 3 – 4, 2014
• Whoopi Goldberg – December 5 – 6, 2014
• Levar Burton – December 7 – 9, 2014
• Edward James Olmos – December 10 – 14, 2014
• Chita Rivera – December 15 – 17, 2014
• Ana Gasteyer (NEW!) – December 18 – 20, 2014
• Marlee Matlin – December 21 – 23, 2014
• Isabella Rossellini – December 24 – 25, 2014
• Blair Underwood – December 26 – 27, 2014
• Steven Curtis Chapman – December 28 – 30, 2014

One of the easiest ways to experience the Candlelight Processional is by purchasing a dining package – find more info on that here. It’s a family tradition my family adopted years ago and we can’t wait to attend again this season.

Will you see the Candlelight Processional at Epcot this year? Which narrator are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments section below.

Candlelight Processional Returns to Epcot Tonight at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: A Canopy of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is in full swing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with more than 5 million lights on display.

Here’s a shot of my absolute favorite part of the display – the canopy of lights that you get to walk under as you exit the Streets of America area of the park.

Gallery

Disney Parks After Dark

view all

Come out to the park to see it for yourself through January 4, 2015.

Disney Parks After Dark: A Canopy of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Happy Thanksgiving from Disneyland Park

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort may have started November 13, but our autumn colors are in full force right alongside the Christmas trees and tinsel. I wanted to show you this lovely photo taken by Disneyland Chief Photographer, Paul Hiffmeyer, showing golden autumn leaves against the icy slopes of the Matterhorn. All of us here at the Disneyland Resort wish you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving from Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Happy Thanksgiving from the Disney Parks Blog Team

Happy Thanksgiving! It may be a holiday weekend, but our authors have a few fun surprises to share with you right here over the next few days, including a new Disney Parks Blog wallpaper, another live stream announcement, and more. And those of you who can’t wait to indulge in Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping over the next few days can find everything you need to know about Disney Parks deals in this post by Steven from earlier in the week.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Disney Parks Blog Team by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Every Role a Starring Role – Hotel Programs Coordinator

Did you know that guests staying at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels have an opportunity to participate in fun, exclusive activities? Hotel Programs Coordinator Dave Lay and his team work together to create and facilitate these unique experiences for our hotel guests, including learning to drawing Mickey Mouse and morning power walks through Disney California Adventure park, before it’s open to day guests! Watch how Dave leads hotel guests through these one-of-a-kind activities in this “Every Role a Starring Role!”

Every Role a Starring Role – Hotel Programs Coordinator by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Real Super Heroes at the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort

I love runDisney finish lines. Short of running and crossing myself, there is no place I would rather be during an event weekend. The shouts of joy, tears of happiness and the pure emotion of runners achieving their goals is amazing.

Although it is exciting to see the winners and top finishers cross, it’s the runners in the middle of the pack and at the end of the race where I find the most inspiration. For many of these athletes, and yes they are athletes, it is their first race. They set a goal, trained hard and are now experiencing one of the greatest accomplishments in their lives. Others are running for a cause dear to their heart. And for some of these runners they battled hardship on the course and are digging deep to make it to the finish.

If you follow my posts you know one of my favorite stories to produce are profiles on last-place finishers. Partly because I like to point out that runDisney treats the last place finisher just like race winners with fanfare, music and confetti, but also because I like to share what motivated and gave those runners the will to finish. My hope is their stories inspire others to get off the couch, try running, adopt a healthy active lifestyle and join us for a runDisney event.

Recently at the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort, I set out to do that story again. Fortunately for all of us I ended up getting a story with a little more meaning – an inspirational story that focuses on selfless sportsmanship.

Now, I’m not going to give you all the details in this blog post because I am hoping you will watch and see the story unfold as it did for me. But what I will tell you is that on race day Cambrey Fuller from South Jordan, UT, met an angel, a true super hero, Ashley White from Phoenix, AZ.

On behalf of all of us at runDisney, congratulations Cambrey for crossing the finish line, and thank you Ashley for being a super hero. This is what running and runDisney are all about.

For more information on runDisney and to register for an upcoming event, visit runDisney.com.

Real Super Heroes at the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Celebrate Thanksgiving With A Disney Parks Turkey Leg Wallpaper

Just in time for Thanksgiving Day, we have our latest holiday-inspired Disney Parks Blog wallpaper. The art features one of our famous theme park turkey legs and Disney Artist Jeff Maurer created it so you can spruce up your smartphone or computer for the big day.

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. And check out our complete gallery of wallpapers on our special wallpaper page.

Celebrate Thanksgiving With A Disney Parks Turkey Leg Wallpaper by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Family Volunteer Day – Serving Communities in the Spirit of Thanksgiving

On Saturday, November 22, Disney Friends for Change sponsored Family Volunteer Day, a nation-wide effort that demonstrates the magic created when families volunteer together to support their neighborhoods and communities around the world. The annual event, now in its 22nd year, celebrates the power that families have to make a real difference in their community, while strengthening their relationships and spending quality time together. Here’s a look at how Walt Disney Parks and Resorts teams participated in Family Volunteering Day and other holiday giving projects:

• At Disneyland Resort, Disney VoluntEARS helped pack food boxes at the Orange County Food Bank in support of Family Volunteer Day. VoluntEARS hosted another event at the Downtown Disney District to make healthy snack-packs that were also donated to the Orange County Food Bank. Additionally, Disneyland cast members participated in a Military Care Package drive and a canned food collection.
• To support Family Volunteer Day, Disney VoluntEARS and families from Hong Kong Disneyland took part in a coastal cleanup activity at Silvermine Bay. The event gave families the opportunity to spend time together while contributing to the cleanliness of their surrounding shoreline. In December, Hong Kong Disneyland cast members and their families will also visit two local hospitals for festive celebrations to help spread the joy of the holidays amongst patients and their loved ones.
• Every year, VoluntEARS from Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa partner with their neighbors at Ko Olina Resort for Thanksgiving Outreach, an event that serves meals to 4,000 people across Oahu’s Leeward Coast.
• In the spirit of Family Volunteer Day, Shanghai Disney Resort partnered with the non-profit organization Right to Play China through “Imagination Playground,” a play outreach program that aims to strengthen family bonds through various creative play activities. More than 100 children of migrant workers and low-income families have participated in family play activities with Shanghai Disney Resort VoluntEARS this holiday season.
• At Walt Disney World Resort, cast members and their families partnered with the 2013-2014 Walt Disney World Resort Ambassadors to support Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation’s (ONIC) Family Fun & Fall Festival. VoluntEARS helped set-up and break down the event, staff the activity and game stations and serve refreshments. Additionally, VoluntEARS from Disney’s Pop Century Resort will serve meals on Thanksgiving at the Coalition for Homeless Center for Women & Children and Men’s Pavilion.

Real magic comes from the efforts of families working together to make lasting and positive change in the world. Thanks to our teams from around the world and to the families who are part of that magic every year.

Family Volunteer Day – Serving Communities in the Spirit of Thanksgiving by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Floral Mickey

Main Street Station and its iconic floral depiction of Mickey Mouse have become one of the most photographed locations in the world, as millions of guests over six decades have captured their first Disney Parks memory entering Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom.

But less than a week before opening day, the floral in “floral Mickey” had yet to materialize. Horticulturalist Jack Evans received a memo dated July 11, 1955, from Joe Fowler which read, “When are you going to plant Mickey Mouse in the entrance? Looks to me like the time is getting pretty late.”

As you probably know, “Mickey” was planted in time for the big day and he’s been in full bloom every day since.

Check back for more “construction updates” soon.


Previously in the “Building the Dream” series:

• Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Entrance
• Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park

Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Floral Mickey by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog