Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – March 2015

Spring is in the air! See what’s happening this March at the Walt Disney World Resort!

March 2 – 8: Artist Greg McCullough returns this month with special appearances and signings at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace, March 2 – 8 and 18 – 22. Stop by and find a new piece of art to add to your collection! Learn more.

March 4 – 8: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson is set to appear this month at Epcot. Find him, March 4 – 8 at Art of Disney and March 27 – 29 at Puffins Roost in the Norway Pavilion. Learn more.

March 4 – May 17: Commemorative Epcot International Flower & Garden Merchandise will be in full bloom, beginning March 4! Visit the Festival Center, open Friday through Sunday, or the bridge kiosk at the entrance of World Showcase and find special treasures to help grow your collection. Tip: Check out special artist appearances and chef demonstrations as well as festival showcases. Learn more.

March 6: Meet author and Major League Baseball Legend, Cal Ripken, Jr. Cal will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest book Out at Home at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports during the 2nd inning of the Atlanta Braves Spring Training game. Please note, a game ticket is required to attend this signing. Learn more.

March 6 – 7: Join us as we celebrate the opening of WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Take part in a special artist showcase and signing from 1 – 3:30 p.m. with Michael Lewis Glover and Jerrod Maruyama and 5 – 7:30 p.m. with Jasmine Becket-Griffith and Robert Jimenez. Learn more.

March 8: Disney artist Jerrod Maruyama will be on hand for a signing of his Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival inspired piece Spring Has Sprung at the Festival Center from 11a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 2p.m. Learn more.

March 12: Something ‘charm’ing awaits you from the Disney Parks Collection │PANDORA. What you ask? Keep watching, fellow author Steven Miller will have all the details.

March 13: Pick up a copy of Lee Cockerell’s newest book, Time Management Magic at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Watch DisneyParksMerchandise.com for more information regarding this event, including signing times.

March 13 – 15: Precious moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand for special appearances and signings throughout the day at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, as we celebrate the release of her Spring collection. Linda will also appear March 20 – 22. Not able to make it? No problem! Representatives from Precious Moments Dolls will be on hand March 12 – April 12 at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot and March 12 – April 27 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

March 25 – 26: Are you a fan of Ridley Pearson? Be among the first to pick up two of his newest releases, Kingdom Keepers: The Return: Book 1: Disney Lands and The Syndrome: A Kingdom Keepers Adventure. Meet Ridley, March 25 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Once Upon A Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace or March 26 from 9 – 11a.m. at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn more. Tip: Wristbands will be distributed to Guests at store open on the day of the signing with each purchase of a book by Ridley Pearson. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet Ridley Pearson and allows the guest to get two books signed. A limited number of wristbands will be available the day of the signing. Once the wristbands have been distributed, the line to meet Ridley Pearson will close.

March 27 – 29: Celebrate Art in the Garden with us and take part in special artist appearances and signings with David E. Doss and Greg McCullough from 11a.m. – 7p.m. throughout the weekend at the entrance to World Showcase. Watch DisneyParksMerchandise.com to learn more.

March 27 – April 5: We have ‘egg’-citing news. Check out this post on the Disney Parks Blog.

March 28: Add the limited edition hand-painted Ink & Paint cel ‘A Dapper Day in the Parks’ featuring Mickey Mouse looking his best aboard the Main Street Trolley! Ink & Paint artists will be on hand for a special signing from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. and 2p.m. – 5p.m. at Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Note: The cel will be available in a variety of formats including 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 March 26 at 5p.m. Eastern. Of course, applicable tax and shipping fees apply. Order now!

Which artists are you most excited to see?

Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – March 2015 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week In Disney Parks Photos: Magic Kingdom Park Unveils A Charming New Landscape

Yesterday we shared some of the first images of the newly reshaped Central Plaza area (the space between the end of Main Street, U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle) at Magic Kingdom Park.

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This Week In Disney Parks Photos: Magic Kingdom Park Unveils A Charming New Landscape

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The unveiling is the first milestone in a multi-phase project that will include sculpted gardens, new pathways, and more in this area. Be sure to check out the gallery of images above. How lovely is this area turning out to be? I can’t wait to visit again and take photos of the charming new fountains!

This Week In Disney Parks Photos: Magic Kingdom Park Unveils A Charming New Landscape by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Egg-stravaganza Returns to Disney Parks

I obviously didn’t need an egg-scuse this year to tell you about the return of the ever-popular Disney Egg-stravaganza at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Epcot! Here’s what you can egg-spect! From March 27 – April 5, 2015, you’ll be able to search for special hidden eggs themed to Disney characters at some of your favorite theme parks.

How it works, for eggs-ample!
Have fun eggs-ploring the parks hunting for eggs that portray Disney characters! I can tell you from personal egg-sperience, fans were egg-cited to participate, even taking it to the egg-streme. Just record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $4.95, plus tax, at the following parks and locations.

• Disney California Adventure park – Disney Jr. Kiosk, Elias & Co., Oswald’s, Radiator Springs Curios and Treasures in Paradise
• Disneyland park – Disneyana, Disney Showcase, Fairy Tale Treasures, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile and Stromboli’s.
• Epcot – Heritage Manor Gifts (American Adventure Pavilion), Pin Central, Plaza Towers (Port of Entry) and World Traveler (International Gateway).

There’s no reason to walk on eggshells – whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, return your map to a redemption location – Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park or Port of Entry in Epcot – by April 30 and participate in an ‘egg-scramble’ to pick up your surprise.

I think you’ll be egg-static about the new surprises this year! They’ll bear a striking resemblance to what you are already searching for and will be an eggs-cellent addition to your collection. I’ll take it one step further if you pardon the egg-spression, and tell you this time, you’ll want to make sure you put all of your eggs in one basket, because all new characters have been gathered to delight you, no yolk.

Purchasing limits will apply, while supplies last. Keep in mind that no discounts apply and separate admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks. The experience of course, is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Have I egged you on enough?

Disney Egg-stravaganza Returns to Disney Parks by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Adventures Ashore in Norway Exclusive to Disney Cruise Line

Have you enjoyed learning Norwegian phrases for your Disney cruise as much as I have? I have one more video from this fun series to share with you today. This video features Kenneth, a local you may meet during our Molde Folk Museum & City Tour. Hear what phrases he has to teach you …

Now that I’ve showcased Port Adventures in Molde, Geiranger, Alesund, Stavanger and Bergen, I want to highlight more Disney-exclusive excursions in two of our other Norway ports, Olden and Kristiansand …

Iconic Fjord Horses in Olden
From the quaint village of Olden, you’ll travel to a Norwegian Fjord Horse Center to experience one of the world’s oldest breeds and one of the country’s national symbols, the Norwegian Fjord Horse. The adventure includes an up-close look at the stallions, mares and foals in a tour of the stables. Disney cruisers also have an opportunity to interact with the horses and see these magnificent animals in action during a dynamic riding performance before meeting the local students who come here to train and care for their horses.

A Taste of Norway in Kristiansand
For those with a culinary passion, a Port Adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line in centuries-old Kristiansand provides the perfect hands-on cooking experience. You’ll don aprons and create Nordic specialties, such as succulent wild game filets and krumkaker, a heavenly waffle cookie typically served around Christmastime. Then, you get to sit back and relax, enjoying your sumptuous meal paired with a glass of wine.

Those of you joining us in Norway this summer, tell me, which of the Port Adventures I’ve shared with you are on your family’s must-do list? Up next, I’ll suggest excursions in Iceland, another one of our brand-new destinations for our summer in Europe!

For more on visiting Norway with Disney Cruise Line, visit the links below:

• Exploring Stavanger and Bergen, Norway with Disney Cruise Line
• Learn Helpful Norwegian Phrases for Your Adventures in Molde, Norway with Disney Cruise Line
• ‘Frozen’ Friends Join Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures in Norway
• Adventures in Geiranger, Norway and More Helpful Norwegian Phrases for Your Disney Cruise

Adventures Ashore in Norway Exclusive to Disney Cruise Line by Arnaldo Zanonato: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Take a Little Trip on Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland Park

Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland park is full of tiny treasures – if you blink you might just miss one. The cruise lasts 6 minutes; however, here you can take a “mini” tour highlighting some of the attraction’s delightful details.

I was blown away by the new land of Arendelle. What’s your favorite scene?

Take a Little Trip on Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland Park by Shannon Swanson: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

#DisneyKids: Kids Remember The Barnstormer

When is the right time to take kids on a Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Parents sometimes ask if their little one is too young to make the trip and if they should wait a few years. Is there enough for them to do, and will they even remember? Yes and yes! There are more than 80 attractions and experiences throughout the four theme parks that are great for younger kids, creating lasting memories for them and their parents.

But don’t take our word for it – hear it from kids themselves. We spoke to preschool-aged guests in our theme parks about their experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and they had a lot to share.

They really loved exciting attractions, like our kid-friendly roller coaster in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, The Barnstormer.

Check out this video to see for yourself!

#DisneyKids: Kids Remember The Barnstormer by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Shutters at Old Port Royale: A Hidden Disney Dining Gem

Recently, I was lucky to have Chef Scott Tosh at Shutters at Old Port Royale guide me through dinner at the beachy restaurant located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

The appetizers brought a taste of the islands: barbecue shrimp and grits, chicken wings, braised beef and pepper jack cheese empanada. Of course, I had to try Chef Scott’s favorite dish on the menu—pan-seared crab cakes. The mango mayo is one of his personal recipes.

The entrees I sampled were like a tropical getaway: Caribbean-spiced pork, osso buco, island pasta with shrimp, garlic-lime-seared chicken breast, today’s sustainable fish, and the char-crusted 10-oz New York strip. The outer crust of the New York strip seals in the juices and enhances the flavor with the chimmichurri sauce and smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese.

By now, you’re probably aware that I have quite the sweet tooth, so it should be no surprise to learn that I had to sample every dessert on the menu. The decadent Shutters chocolate cake served with a rich chocolate pate, the vanilla cheesecake topped with a banana brûlée, the tres leches cake topped with toasted coconut, and my favorite—the warm cinnamon white chocolate bread pudding.

For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine, or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Shutters at Old Port Royale: A Hidden Disney Dining Gem by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Viewing Areas for Parades & Fireworks Debut at Magic Kingdom Park

Last year, we showed you a preview of the work that we’re doing to make one of our guests’ favorite areas at Magic Kingdom Park even better. Today we’re happy to share that several new sections of the Central Plaza area between Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle are now open.

This marks the first milestone in our multi-phase project that will add in sculpted gardens, new pathways, and expanded restaurant seating. And beginning February 27, the FastPass+ viewing location will relocate from the the Rose Garden Fireworks Viewing Area to the Main Street Plaza Gardens (an area adjacent to The Crystal Palace).

Interested in using Disney FastPass+ service for this new area? Check out your My Disney Experience account.

New Viewing Areas for Parades & Fireworks Debut at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: Leave A Legacy

Were you one of the thousands who participated in Leave a Legacy at Epcot and got you or your family’s photo placed on a tile here? The area sure looks beautiful at night.

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Disney Parks After Dark

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Disney Parks After Dark: Leave A Legacy by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Merchandise Planner

Disneyland Resort cast member Freda Hardison is responsible for the inventory planning of toys, such as the popular “Build Your Own Lightsaber,” for merchandise locations at the Disneyland Resort.

She also volunteers time with our Diversity Resource Group (DRG) PULSE to provide cultural insight about the African American community. DRGs are composed of cast members from all lines of business who provide enrichment, awareness and education to support the diversity goals and objectives of the Disneyland Resort.

In this “Every Role a Starring Role,” Freda talks about the various steps to merchandise planning and how she also helped the Disneyland Resort celebrate Black History Month.

Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Merchandise Planner by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel Nominated for 2015 James Beard Award

Congrats to Chef Scott Hunnel, a semi-finalist for the prestigious Best Chef award for the South Region by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Hunnel leads the team at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (already a AAA Five-Diamond winner).

He’s among 20 chefs from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Puerto Rico nominated for the honor. The final ballot will be announced on March 24, with chefs chosen by regional judges. Winners will be announced in Chicago on May 4.

With only 53 coveted seats in the dining room, plus the opulent (and even smaller) Queen Victoria’s Room and private Chef’s Table in the kitchen, Chef Scott sources the freshest seasonal ingredients from around the globe in a menu that changes daily.

Good luck, Chef Scott!

Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel Nominated for 2015 James Beard Award by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog