Friendly Competition ‘Heats Up’ With Frozen Games at Disney’s Blizzard Beach

I've always loved the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot – but now that summer is here, I'm also excited to be able to cool off in one of the coolest places around, with one of the coolest snowmen around since the Frozen Games have come to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park!

Olaf and his pal Kristoff made their way from Arendelle and are here to spend summer leading teams in some wintery fun. Their helpers, the Winter Games Committee members, have been busy getting guests on Team Kristoff and Team Olaf into the fun spirit of summer with awesome games like Slide Races on Toboggan Racers or Ski Pole Limbo.

And the best part of it all? Kristoff and Olaf are there to cheer their teams on throughout the day, especially during the closing ceremony when a winning team is crowned.

Be sure to choose a team and play in the Frozen Games while the competition is still going strong now through August 21!

The New Disney Springs Bus Loop is Now Open for Disney Resort Guests

I never thought of myself as the sort of girl who gets excited over transportation enhancements, but that was before I saw our new Disney Springs bus loop. With eighteen load zones, a picture-perfect drop off location, and centrally located access to Town Center, it's one of my favorite new additions. (And with venues like ZARA, UNOde50 and Sprinkles Cupcakes in the mix, that's saying a lot!)

Starting last week, guests traveling to Disney Springs via complimentary Disney Resort bus transportation noticed some changes. Our Disney motorcoaches now have their own dedicated bus lanes, giving them more efficient access to the property. And once here, guests are dropped off at The Gateway, offering a stunning arrival into our newest neighborhood. It's a grand entrance, indeed!

With the opening of this new location, the former Marketplace bus loop will support other transportation needs including vehicles coming from nearby Good Neighbor Hotels, Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Shades of Green.

One of my favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resort Hotel is the transportation – knowing that I can unpack my car keys and leave the driving to someone else is the ultimate vacation luxury. (Plus, with no keys in my purse, I've got room for an extra indulgence or two… something from ALEX AND ANI or PANDORA, perhaps?)

Whether you arrive via bus, boat or decide to drive yourself, I hope to see you soon at Disney Springs!

PHOTOS: ‘The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic’ Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

"The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic," a new musical inspired by the blockbuster live-action film "The Jungle Book," debuted over the weekend at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This limited-engagement nighttime offering immerses guests in a retelling of the adventure of Mowgli and friends at the brand new Discovery River theater in the Asia section of the park.

In "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic," the story roars to life with live music, dazzling special effects and production numbers inspired by Indian cultural traditions. The show features dozens of colorful performers that appear on the water and surround the audience in song and visual artistry.

Massive curtains of water, illuminated with imagery from film serve as the backdrop to the show, as Bagheera and other favorite characters from "The Jungle Book" take us on a journey through the jungle, The show also features Indian-inspired arrangements of the movie's popular songs "Trust in Me," "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wan'na Be Like You."

Filmmaker and actor Jon Favreau, who directed Disney's "The Jungle Book," attended the show over the weekend and took time to congratulate the show's cast on the opening.

Planning to attend the show this summer? Dining packages are now available for Tusker House and Tiffins. Click here for more.

Meet Anna, Elsa and Kristoff in Norway with Disney Cruise Line

This week kicked off our first Norwegian fjords voyage of the summer! If you recall from the Cruise Director voyage report, last year we debuted new "Frozen" fun onboard – and one very special experience in port. Today I want to tell you more about how Disney cruisers can visit a storybook village and meet Anna, Elsa and Kristoff on a Port Adventure in Ålesund, Norway.

The Sunnmøre Museum is one of my favorite spots in Ålesund. From the moment you arrive to this picturesque open-air museum, which includes a replicated village with buildings dating to the 11th century, you feel as if you've traveled back in time. Your adventure starts with the opportunity to explore authentic Nordic homes — each outfitted with original furniture and decorations — play old-fashioned games, taste Norwegian specialties such as svelle (a sweet pancake), enjoy live musical performances and learn how to make traditional Norwegian crafts.

After free time in the enchanting village, you're invited to a celebration where you'll witness the arrival of the most special guests of the festivities — Anna, Elsa and Kristoff — from the neighboring Kingdom of Arendelle! These friends take the opportunity to delight little ones by signing autographs and posing for photographs, yet another way we bring the story of "Frozen" to life for Disney cruisers.

This Port Adventure was created exclusively for Disney Cruise Line and is the perfect way to immerse your family in the splendor and charm of Norway, the land that inspired the fairytale setting from the film. Remember, when the ship's in port, venture ashore!

Casting Talented Performers for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park

"Frozen – Live at the Hyperion" made its grand debut over the weekend at Disney California Adventure park. This all-new theatrical interpretation for the stage adapts the story of Anna and Elsa from Disney's blockbuster hit, "Frozen." In the process of casting the show, the creative team assembled some of the most talented performers in the world of theater, who capture the heart and soul of the characters.

"One of my greatest joys in the casting process has been getting a chance to watch talented women from across the U.S. audition for Elsa and Anna," said Dana Harrel, creative portfolio executive with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. "We've truly been able to bring the absolute best talent to the stage for our guests."

In this video, Dana and Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy share some of what they were looking for in finding the incredible cast of performers who breathe life into "Frozen – Live at the Hyperion."

"Frozen – Live at the Hyperion" is performed daily in the beautiful Hyperion Theater, in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park.

China Unveils Official Stamp to Celebrate Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort

The Grand Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is just weeks away, and excitement is building throughout China. This week, China Stamp Group unveiled two official Shanghai Disney Resort stamps which they will issue on June 16 – the same day Shanghai Disney Resort welcomes the general public for the first time!

The Shanghai Disney Resort official stamp collection includes two stamps and one souvenir sheet, featuring classic characters and the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle.

The "Mickey and Minnie" stamp shows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse strolling in their official Shanghai Disney Resort attire. The "Enchanted Storybook Castle" stamp shows the grandeur of the world's largest and most interactive Disney castle, with Tinker Bell soaring overhead and fireworks lighting the night sky above.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog throughout the coming weeks for more on the Grand Opening celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort!

June 2016 Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise Event Snapshot

Do you have a trip to Walt Disney World Resort booked for June? If so, here are some special artist showcases and events taking place this June that you don't want to miss.

Disney Springs
June 1 – 5, June 15 – 19 and June 29 – July 5: Artist Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m. each day. Learn more.

June 3: Take part in a special Vinylmation signing with Disney Design Group artist Thomas Scott at Super Hero Headquarters in Disney Springs West Side from 5 – 6 p.m. Learn more.

June 3 – 5: Meet artist Eunjung June Kim who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of her newest releases, among other favorites, June 3 – 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. each day, and June 5 from Noon – 3 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more.

June 3 – 27: Representatives from Precious Moments dolls will be on hand this month as they showcase, you guessed it, fan favorite dolls from the collection. In addition to your favorite classics, this month Precious Moments will showcase the special wedding inspired "Happily Ever After" collection. Find them throughout the day, each day at Marketplace Fun Finds in Disney Springs Marketplace.

June 10 – 11: Take part in a special showcase with Disney artists Costa Alavezos, Joe Kaminski, Randy Noble and Darren Wilson as we celebrate some of their newest releases, Friday, June 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 11 from 4 – 6 p.m. in Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more.

June 17 – 19: ACME Artist Greg Lipton will take part in an artist showcase from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more.

June 22 – 26: Artist David E. Doss returns to the Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Meet David and see his collection of artwork from 1 – 9 p.m., each day. Learn more.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
June 25: Add the out-of-this-world hand-painted, limited-edition Ink & Paint cel Stitch Escapes to your collection! Take advantage of a special pre-purchase opportunity now through June 23 at 5 p.m. EST by visiting http://ift.tt/1qae9pm. You can also look for the cel in stores and meet the Ink & Paint artists as part of a special signing June 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Stage 1 Company Store. Learn more.

Epcot
June 3 – 5 and June 24 – 26: Stop in and check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from Noon – 7 p.m., each day at The Queen's Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn More.

June 9 – 12, June 16 – 19 and June 30 – July 4: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney and add some of his latest pieces to your collection. Learn more.

June 17 – 18: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the stunning sterling silver jewelry designs available at The Queen's Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more.

June 29 – July 4: As you travel around World Showcase, be sure to make a quick stop at Plume et Palette in the France Pavilion where you'll find the latest releases from Givenchy.

Reminder: Tickets to this year's Disney Pin Celebration 2016 Pixar Party Event taking place August 26 – 27, are still available but are going fast. Don't miss out! Learn more.

Resort Hotels
June 21 – 23: Fragrance designer Geir Ness will be on hand for special appearances as he showcases the latest from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection. Meet Geir from 5 – 9 p.m., each day, in Summer Lace at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Learn more.

Which special appearances are you most excited to attend?

Relaxation, Exhilaration and Sloth Spying in Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney

Costa Rica is currently vying for one of the top spots on my "favorite places I've ever visited" list. From zip lining through a cloud forest to soaking in volcano-heated hot springs, white water rafting alongside lush vegetation, sailing on a private catamaran and boating through the rainforest while spying exotic birds, crocodiles, sloths, capuchin monkeys, turtles and more, my recent Adventures by Disney vacation to Costa Rica provided a long list of breathtaking experiences I could only have dreamt of previously.

This Adventures by Disney trip travels from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Coast of this country known for its rich biodiversity, allowing travelers such as myself to soak in beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, pineapple plantations and all the wonders of nature that make this destination so unbelievably beautiful.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and, thankfully, I brought a camera crew along on my vacation to show you this country in a way that words could never rival. Oh, and if you read the first paragraph of this blog post and wondered "What on earth is a 'cloud forest'?" this video should help better explain that as well.

I'll be sharing more videos from this epic Adventures by Disney getaway soon. But for now I hope you've enjoyed this small taste of why I just can't get enough of Costa Rica!

All in the Details: The Safari Gallery at Tiffins

This week I have more details to share from Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom. With dining rooms designed to resemble art galleries, this new signature restaurant celebrates the travels to Africa, Asia and South America that influenced the design of the park. The ideas of Imagineers, Animal Programs and Entertainment, including sketches, photography, architecture and textures, are all presented in a way that is uniquely Disney.

Can you guess which attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom inspired these works of art?

Tiffins is now open daily for lunch and dinner. For more about Tiffins, visit the posts below:

• All in the Details: The Trek Gallery at Tiffins
• All in the Details: Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• New Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens Memorial Day Weekend
• Tiffins Inventive Menu Stars Cuisine From Around the Globe, Wine List Focuses on 'Environmentality'
• More Details About Tiffins, the Newest Dining Experience At Walt Disney World Resort
• Tiffins Signature Restaurant Coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2016

A Neighborhood with Character: Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park

With a joke around every corner, Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland park is one of the most colorful places you'll ever see. It's a town that's never taken itself too seriously.

Even the official seal (Get it?) is punny.

Well, at least the Planning Commission always manages to squeeze its work in.

#DisneyKids: Sundown Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As we've told you here on the Disney Parks Blog, Disney's Animal Kingdom now comes alive at night, providing even more opportunities for families to experience the magic of nature in new ways. In this video, an adorable young guest named Gabriela explores the park with her family and checks out new experiences like the exciting Kilimanjaro Safaris at sunset and the beautiful Tree of Life "awakening."

In addition to what Gabriela got to see, there is now so much more for guests to do at nighttime, from the new show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, the Harambe Wildlife Parti, Discovery Island Carnivale, and even riding favorite attractions at sundown. For parents of little ones, it's definitely worth heading back to your hotel for an afternoon nap so that the kids are fresh for all of the evening fun to be had!

June 2016 Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event Snapshot

The Disney Theme Park Merchandise event team has some very special artist appearances scheduled for the month of June. Here are a few you do not want to miss!

Disneyland park

June 4-5: Unsure of what to get your dad for Father's Day? Order a custom letter or ticket book plaque from artist Dave Avanzino! Dave will appear from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A. Learn more here.

June 11-12: Stop by Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland to see the latest releases from ACME Archives and meet artist Guy Vasilovich from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Learn more here.

June 25: Meet artists Craig Fraser, Jeremy Fulton and Daniel Killen, appearing at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A. for an artist showcase and signing from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more here.

Downtown Disney District

June 4: Join us for an artist showcase at WonderGround Gallery from 11 a.m.-1 p.m as we celebrate the release of new works by Ryan Hungerford, Michael Murphy and Bill Robinson. Learn more here.

June 4-5 and 25-26: Jeannine Schafer will take part in a special artist showcase at WonderGround Gallery from 2-5 p.m. each day. Learn more here.

Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery throughout the month is artist Bill Robinson. Look for artist showcases every Saturday and Sunday (June 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26) from 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.

Which event or artist showcase are you the most excited to attend?

First Look at Disney Cruise Line – Special Itinerary British Isles Inaugural Merchandise

The Disney Magic is about to embark on a 12-night inaugural cruise to the British Isles and you can feel the excitement building. I have been hooked on reading Disney Parks Blog author Arnaldo Zanonato's posts about the many ports of call and experiences this special itinerary cruise has to offer. Yes, I'm green with envy for those of you who will be sailing, and you know who you are—so I've decided that I'll be living vicariously through you, and I know it will be a great time.

I have more exciting news to share. Here's your first look at the Inaugural Disney Cruise Line British Isles commemorative merchandise which includes adult and youth tees, fleece, a wood magnet, ornament, pin, tumbler, British Isle Nike polo shirt and hat. Don't miss your chance to add this to your collection if you have sailed with us before. Merchandise will be available at White Caps, Deck 4, Forward, in addition to other select locations.

How many of you, our Disney fans, can guess which artist helped design the artwork for the special itinerary merchandise? Some of you may recognize the art style as local southern California artist Jeff Granito's, and you would be correct! Are you ready for this? Jeff will be joining us on board the Disney Magic for the 12-night cruise, where he will take part in special artist appearances and signings of commemorative inaugural merchandise and artwork, including pieces inspired by various ports of call titled Bienvenue en France, British Isles Magic, His Royal Mouse Mickey and Her Royal Mouse Minnie. Jeff will also partake in live painting demonstrations. What will he be painting? I'd like to think I'm "brave" enough to tell you, but I better not ruin the surprise. However, here's a sneak peek at one of the new art pieces that will debut.

I had the chance to chat with Jeff this week, who shared with me his excitement over being part of this special inaugural voyage, and having the opportunity to create such memorable pieces. "I'm honored and excited to be part of such a special voyage," said Jeff. "Combining several of my passions that have significant meaning for me, European History and Art, I was inspired to create these pieces specifically for this sailing. It was a joy to incorporate the cultures that gave Walt so much inspiration into my own work. Bringing the pageantry of European royal portraiture, the boldness of early twentieth century posters, the rich British maritime history and the chance to travel aboard the beautiful Disney Magic while sharing my work with other Disney enthusiasts is all a dream come true."

Before I go, here's a quick reminder to those sailing with us that region-specific merchandise will also be available and we will even offer seminars and trunk shows on select days. If you don't want to miss a beat refer to your Personal Navigator for the details.

Are you excited about the British Isles itinerary?

A World Showcase of Unforgettable Shopping at Epcot – Japan Pavilion

This month, I visited Japan Pavilion for my series about shopping in World Showcase at Epcot. I first visited the country of Japan (specifically Tokyo Disney Resort) in 2002. It was incredible, and I've been dreaming of returning to Japan since that first visit. It's no surprise then that I visit Japan Pavilion during every visit to Epcot.

A five-story pagoda surrounded by lush gardens and a koi pond stands near the entrance. In the distance, guests see the towers of a stylized castle that looks similar to Himeji Castle in Japan. The Mitsukoshi Department Store is located on the first floor of a building found on the west side of the pavilion. This two-story building is reminiscent of an Imperial ceremonial hall in Japan. The second floor is home to one of my favorite restaurants in Epcot, Teppan Edo, where Teppan chefs cook traditional Japanese dishes right at your table.

I was fortunate to visit the store before the shop was open. I love the impressive interior space with red ceilings and exposed wood beams. The shop extends the entire length of the pavilion and wraps around to the Bijutsu-kan Gallery which currently houses an adorable exhibit about cute culture in Japan.

This shop is my go-to store for all things Japanese (it's the closest I can get to Japan in Florida). They have an eclectic mix of pop culture items, home décor, kitchenware and accessories. The shop also contains fine pearl jewelry, books, decorative clocks and much more.

Some of the most popular items are candies and treats that are found toward the back of the shop. I love that they carry Mochi, a sweet Japanese rice cake. The consumables area also houses a Sake Bar where you can sample a variety of Sake from Japan.

In the shop, guests will find authentic kimonos and other apparel items including shirts, shoes and socks. They also offer gorgeous accessories like handbags and scarves.

I always find something new when I visit as the assortment changes regularly. I could have several stories about my favorite items from Japan Pavilion. Here are a few additional images of things that caught my eye:

Do you have a favorite item at this pavilion? Tell us in the comments section below!