Disneyland Resort Celebrates 150th Anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers

Last week, we were honored to have with us representatives from the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Association of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Disneyland Resort and SALUTE, a cast member-led diversity resource group that enhances the guest and cast experience by providing a perspective of men and women who have served in the military, held a special flag retreat ceremony to recognize them.

The United States Army Buffalo Soldiers are proudly commemorating a heritage of 150 years since they were formed by an act of Congress in 1866 to guard and protect our nation. Honorees at the flag retreat ceremony included veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce also honored the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum at a banquet at the Disneyland Hotel.

Hats off to the Buffalo Soldiers!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Gourmet Treats Return to the Disneyland Resort

Peanut Butter and Pretzel gourmet treats are back! One of my favorite combinations, I've been waiting for this particular treat to return. If you have, too, mark your calendars—starting September 1, you'll find them at candy kitchens throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Our gourmet apple is enrobed in caramel and sweet milk chocolate and is covered with crunchy, salty, bite-size pretzels, finished with a creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate drizzle. The crispy treat is equally delicious, and made almost identically, just without the caramel.

Looking for this sweet and salty treat? Be sure to visit Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., and Hunny Spot in Critter Country in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline's Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month of September.

#DisneyFamilia: The Details of Princess Elena’s Ballgown

Since we announced that Princess Elena was making her debut at Walt Disney World Resort, the excitement over her arrival was overwhelming.

As you know, Elena of Avalor has been very happy to travel to a new kingdom and meet the resident royalty, including Cinderella and Prince Charming that welcome her at Magic Kingdom Park every day. And Elena wears a very special gown for the occasion: the exact dress she wore when she was announced Crown Princess of Avalor! I'm pretty sure you want details on that beautiful dress … as did I!

Elena's gown is made from 14 yards of crimson Avaloran satin. It's embroidered with more than 900 flowers that represent her kingdom and family. The beautiful crown Elena wears holds 222 dazzling jewels.

This dress is truly one of a kind, but so is the daring princess wearing it.

Who says you can't dress up for aventuras?

A World Showcase of Unforgettable Shopping at Epcot – Germany Pavilion

I journeyed to Germany Pavilion in World Showcase for this month's article about unique shopping opportunities found at Epcot. I've visited this pavilion numerous times throughout the years as both a guest and a Cast Member. It was on this trip that I marveled at the architectural beauty of this incredibly detailed pavilion.

The architecture found in Germany Pavilion contains a mix of styles from various German regions. From quaint wooden cottages to a replica medieval castle, all the shops face a spacious Platz, or town square. In the center of the square, guests find a clock tower and a replica statue of St. George and the Dragon that is reminiscent of a statue found in Rothenburg, Germany. At the back of the pavilion, you will find the Biergarten Restaurant where Oktoberfest is celebrated all year long with authentic German cuisine and lively entertainment (two words – pretzel bread!).

I spent nearly two hours taking photos while meandering through the interconnected shops. Germany Pavilion has eight different shops including the holiday-themed Die Weihnachts Ecke shop; Stein Haus (drinkware and home décor); Weinkeller (wine shop); and Das Kaufhaus, which carries soccer apparel and accessories. Each shop is filled with wonderful Germany-inspired treasures.

There was no shortage of apparel and other items created especially for Disney Parks. These items include graphic tees with Disney Characters, Disney ear hats, Tervis tumblers, or collectible steins inspired by the pavilion. Other items I found include decorative clocks, Hummel figurines, personalized drinkware, Steiff plush bears, authentic Bavarian style mustard, and numerous seasonal ornaments.

One of my favorite stops is Karamell-Küche (or Caramel Kitchen). Presented by Werther's Original, this shop along World Showcase promenade is filled with delicious caramel-themed treats. My favorite is the freshly made caramel popcorn. You can read about this shop in this article from April 2016.

Guests can find select items from this pavilion using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop.

Below are several additional images I took during my visit:

Wildlife Wednesday: Help ‘Reverse the Decline’ of Butterflies

Butterflies have always intrigued me with their bright colors and unique patterns. Butterflies are one of the 10 at-risk animals that the Disney Conservation Fund and Disney's Animals, Science and Environment team is protecting through its "Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time" initiative. Unlike many of the "Reverse the Decline" species, you can spot butterflies in your own backyard. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and there are around 20,000 species!

Butterflies face many dangers, from weather patterns to habitat loss, and many species, like the Atala butterfly, are on the brink of extinction. The Atala butterfly is an example of how unsustainable agriculture can cause habitat loss and the disappearance of native species. This butterfly can only lay its eggs on a single species of native plant, the Coontie palm, and when that plant became rare in the wild due to overharvesting, the butterfly disappeared as well.

A breeding program is now in place to make sure the Atala butterfly will be around for years to come! To kick it off, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment cast members raised Atala butterflies at their desks. Twenty-seven cast members received terrariums and watched as the little caterpillars turned into butterflies. Around 100 butterflies were raised and then taken to Disney's Vero Beach Resort for guests to release in a restored habitat. To date, guests have released about 260 butterflies at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, and the butterflies have now formed a breeding population in the restored habitat.

Another way our cast members are getting involved is through butterfly surveys. Some species of butterflies are so rare that we don't know how many butterflies are left in the wild or what their current range is. Gathering this information is critical to reversing their population declines. This year, we played an active role in gather data on several species, including the elusive Dukes' Skipper butterfly. This butterfly is native to Central Florida and has been seen less frequently since the 1990s.

Just like our cast members, you can help 'Reverse the Decline' of butterflies by taking the following steps:

• Create a butterfly garden filled with plants that native species enjoy. Once you learn what types of butterflies visit your garden, research what plants they lay their eggs on, and add them to your garden!
• If you see caterpillars in your garden, make sure you don't spray them with pesticides! They may chew on your plants a bit, but the plants will grow back and you will be helping populate the world with beautiful butterflies.
• Reduce food waste by composting to fertilize your garden.

• On your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort, stop by the butterfly gardens located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, or at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Disney's Animal Kingdom, and see how many butterflies you can spot!

For more information about butterflies and many other animals, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

Five Ways to Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

It's hard to believe that Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, turns five this week. It's been five magical years of aloha, and we look forward to welcoming more guests in the years that follow. In honor of the occasion, here are five ways to celebrate next time you're at the resort:

1. Celebrate with favorite Disney friends. As you stroll the Waikolohe Valley, you may encounter a few new faces. Joining the Aulani Resort 'ohana are Duffy's friend ShellieMay, Pluto and Daisy Duck. Say hello, and of course, snap a photo with them!

2. Celebrate with a tropical treat. Hawaiian temperatures are perfect for an icy cold treat. Our pineapple soft serve, available at the Lava Shack, might just be what you're looking for in the afternoon. Choose between pineapple, vanilla or swirl—a delightful combination of both flavors!

3. Celebrate in our water oasis. As you make your way to the top of Pu'u Kilo, peer out over the beautiful Waikolohe Valley below. Then, opt to get back down through Tubestone Curl. The best part of this water slide adventure is the end, which launches you into the Waikolohe Stream—also known as our lazy river.

4. Celebrate over dinner. Watch the sun set over the Ko Olina lagoon as you dine at 'AMA'AMA, the resort's signature restaurant. For special occasions, the chefs recommend starting with the 'AMA'AMA Seafood Platter—a delightful selection of crab legs, jumbo shrimp, oysters and ceviche.

5. Celebrate with a lei. As a symbol of love and aloha, the lei is a perfect gift for celebrations or everyday appreciation. Learn how to string together your very own lei in the resort's Pau Hana Room or Aunty's Beach House.

How will you celebrate the 5th anniversary of Aulani Resort?

QUIZ: Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Continuing our series of quizzes focused on Magic Kingdom Park attractions that debuted on the park's opening day, we're looking at the fun and colorful Mad Tea Party. How well do you know this attraction? Put your knowledge to the test below.

Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Who periodically pops out of the oversized tea pot in the middle of the attraction?

Mad Hatter

Dormouse

White Rabbit

What special occasion do you celebrate on Mad Tea Party?

Your birthday

Your anniversary

Your ''un-birthday''

Which color tea cup is NOT an option on Mad Tea Party?

White

Yellow

Blue

Which Disney Resort does not have an incarnation of the Mad Tea Party attraction?

Disneyland Paris Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort

Share your score:

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45th Anniversary Wallpaper: Mad Tea Party

This week the Disney Parks Blog is celebrating Mad Tea Party, one of Magic Kingdom Park's original attractions. To help celebrate, Disney artist Brittany Ungvarsky poured all of the color, wackiness and fun of the Mad Hatter's party into this custom wallpaper. I have a feeling a little caffeine might have been involved, too. Enjoy!

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

Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here.

A Fabulous 45th: Mad Tea Party

As Magic Kingdom Park's 45th anniversary approaches this fall, this new weekly series will take a look at one of the park's opening day attractions that can still be enjoyed today. This week, we'll focus on Mad Tea Party.

One of Magic Kingdom Park's original attractions that I've always thought offered one of the most charming ride vehicles is Mad Tea Party.

Inspired by the Mad Hatter's tea party in the 1951 Disney film "Alice In Wonderland," guests board one of 18 over-sized tea cups that spin across a turntable to merry music, with the guests controlling the speed (and direction of the spin) using their hands.

Characters from the film, Alice and White Rabbit, have been known to greet guests nearby the attraction upon occasion. (Check the My Disney Experience App on your next visit for times/locations).

Is this a must-do attraction for you at Magic Kingdom Park?

Adventures by Disney Sets Sail with New European River Cruises

Have you thought about taking a European river cruise, but wondered if it would be a good vacation fit for your family? Well, hesitate no more. I can tell you from firsthand experience that the new Adventures by Disney Danube River cruises are all about family-friendly fun. Plus it's one of the easiest and most spectacular ways to see the continent's fabled cities and landscapes.

It's no secret that river cruising historically attracted couples, not families. Sure, there were opportunities for adults in our group to sip cocktails while majestic scenery passed by, but you were much more likely to find them and the rest of the family biking alongside the Danube or climbing up to an ancient castle where they got to see – and practice – old-world skills like minting coins and even archery. And every kid wanted to try his or her hand at the military drills (canon fire will definitely get your attention). You could also visit iconic locations used in the film "The Sound of Music," while on location in Salzburg.

Even with all that, it doesn't scratch the surface of all there is to see and do on this adventure that sails between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany.

Best of all, you'll find a balance of family together time combined with activities created especially for adults, tweens and younger children. Adventures by Disney also just seems to know when the time is right to offer special activities for those Junior Adventurers. On our sailing the Adventure Guides were always ready to whisk kids to organized play activities.

Onboard the ship, Adventure Guides kept things hopping each night with dance parties, game nights, movies and even a special dinner buffet for kids who didn't care to eat in the main dining room.

The dining scene for adults in our group included a dinner in the ship's elegant Chef's Table restaurant. It offers a fabulous five-course menu paired with wine and a sweeping panoramic view. Best of all, dinner in the Chef's Table is offered at no extra charge.

It's funny though…even with all that gourmet cuisine, more than a few adults would wander down to check out the Junior Adventurer activities. I couldn't help noticing that they almost always came back with something from the specially prepared kids buffet – chicken fingers, pizza or something from the ice cream station. Hmmmmmm…

Activities for everyone are just one reason the new Adventures by Disney river cruises are perfect for the entire family. Stay tuned, and I'll share details on the fabulous new ship we sail on and how the Adventures by Disney team takes care of every travel detail for you. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about this and other Adventures by Disney itineraries, visit AdventuresbyDisney.com.

New Bus Service Offers Direct Access to Disney Springs from Theme Parks After 4 p.m.

Have you ever wished you could take a bus directly to Disney Springs after a day in one of the four Disney Theme Parks? Wish no more, because Disney buses now transport guests to Disney Springs from Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios starting at 4 p.m. daily. With a drop-off location in the heart of the property, the new service puts guests in the middle of Town Center, the newest neighborhood filled with world-class brands, one-of-a-kind eateries and high-quality entertainment.

Want to ride attractions through the afternoon, then indulge in one of Disney Springs' 30+ food and beverage options by night? Or maybe catch an early fireworks show, then savor some sips at one of the vibrant lounges? Whether you want to end your evening with "La Nouba" by Cirque du Soleil, a movie at AMC Dine-In Theatres, bowling at Splitstville Luxury Lanes or shopping at the wide-array of retailers (there are over 50 new stores!), you'll find there's plenty to enjoy once you've had your fill of theme park fun.

While the service from the Parks is intended to be one-way, Disney transportation will continue to be available from Disney Springs back to Disney Resort hotels. And for guests with their own vehicles, the arrival experience is more convenient than ever with complimentary self-parking, which includes two new parking garages that utilize "smart technology," making finding a spot a breeze.

I hope you're as excited about this new offering as I am! Do you plan to try out the route during your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation?

Check Into Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Before it Checks Out of Disney California Adventure Park on January 2, 2017

For the next few months, we invite you – if you dare – for a special celebration of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ leading up to its final check-out on January 2, 2017. The salute kicks off during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, September 9 through October 31. The spookiest time of the year is the perfect time to experience this attraction before it checks out of Disney California Adventure park.

During this celebration, the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination will get even darker. Each night, beginning after twilight, Disney California Adventure park guests will be treated to "Late Check-Out." Experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ as you never have before … in complete darkness!

In addition to "Late Check-Out," guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items throughout the celebration. You'll also get the chance to picture yourself "checking out" with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark's story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town.

Each day during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will host special performances by Buena Vista Street's own Silver Lake Sisters. Dolly, Dottie and Ethel Bounds, veterans of the vaudeville circuit known professionally as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical (or the Silver Lake Sisters) performed throughout their glittering career at the rooftop lounge of the famous hotel. The sisters went on to open Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, where a wall inside the restaurant features photos, posters and memorabilia from their many performances. They will make their return to the Hollywood Tower Hotel to join fans during this farewell tribute.

We'll have more details to share soon, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more ways to celebrate The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ before it checks out of Disney California Adventure park on January 2.

Enter and Win ‘The Jungle Book’ Blu-Ray Combo Pack

If you're a regular reader, you know that our limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic at Disney's Animal Kingdom is inspired by the film, "The Jungle Book." Well today, "The Jungle Book" is being released on Blu-ray and we're celebrating here on the Disney Parks Blog by giving you an opportunity to be one of 50 winners of the Disney Parks Blog "The Jungle Book" Blu-Ray Combo Pack Sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to win a Blu-ray combo pack which includes a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD of the film.

"The Jungle Book" is an epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who's been raised by a family of wolves. The film blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

You can enter for a chance to win a Blu-ray combo pack by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid d email address and full name.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 8/30/16 at 1:00pm ET and ends 8/30/16 at 3:01pm ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.

New Fall Finale for “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” Debuts This Week at Magic Kingdom Park

As colors change along Main Street, U.S.A. with the onset of fall at Magic Kingdom Park, "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" is also preparing to mark the season with enhancements to the show's grand finale.

Beginning September 2, the finale scene in "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. You'll also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show's catchy tune "On This Day."

Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. In addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters including Anna, Elsa and Olaf from "Frozen;" Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and the gang from the Snuggly Duckling in "Tangled;" and Tiana, Naveen and Louis from "The Princess and the Frog."

Also starting this weekend is the special fall edition of the popular Main Street Trolley Show, greeting everyone along the avenue with a joyous song all about "the magic that can happen when it's autumn." So be sure to head on out to Magic Kingdom Park this fall and take in all the wonderful sights and sounds of the season!

Recipe: Disney Cruise Line Pirate Night Cannonball Crispy Treats

Summer vacation may be coming to an end, but the fun doesn't have to stop! Keep the memory of your Disney Cruise Line vacation alive by making these delicious rice crispy treats as an after-school snack. It's a great opportunity to reminisce about the blast you had as a family during Pirate Night on your Disney cruise and to start planning your next adventure together on the high seas!

Rice Crispy Treats
Ingredients:

• 16 oz marshmallow
• 6 oz Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 oz butter

Directions:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Melt the marshmallow.
3. Mix the melted butter and marshmallow into the Rice Krispies.
4. Shape into balls.

Mom’s Panel Monday: Planning a trip to Disneyland Resort?

With so much to see and do on a Disney Vacation, planning can seem overwhelming sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice to have a specialist in your corner? Disney Parks Moms Panel has a specialist just for you when planning your Disney Vacation, like Emily and Kiki who concentrate on Disneyland Resort questions.

This dynamic duo can help answer all your Disneyland Resort vacation planning questions from dining recommendations to the best places to catch your favorite characters. Linda from CA's grandson is a huge fan of Mickey Mouse, and Kiki shared her personal experience on the best places to catch this busy mouse, including visiting his home at Mickey's Toon Town.

These Disneyland Resort specialists helped Raquel from AZ decide on the best time of year to take her family as well as shared details of hotel amenities with Kimberly from WA

Kiki even shared an insider tip with Mary from CA on where to see a perpetually lit lamp in honor of our founder, Walt Disney, at Disneyland Park.

If you have any questions about an upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit our specialists at DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.

Think you would make a great Disney Parks Mom's Panelist? Search for our 2017 Mom's Panelists starts at noon on September 7th. Learn more about how to apply at MomsPanelSearch.com.

New Entertainment & Dining Experiences this Fall at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

As Hawaii's top family beach resort celebrates its 5th anniversary, we're excited to announce new guest experiences that will debut later this year at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

Starting in November, KA WA'A, a luau at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests. Luau guests can feast on a sumptuous, local island buffet, and enjoy lively music and traditional Hawaiian dance, including hula kahiko and modern hula 'auana. Before the luau, you will have the opportunity to enjoy special pre-show entertainment, family activities, traditional crafts and more.

Also in November, Moana, from Walt Disney Animation Studios' film "Moana," will arrive at Aulani Resort to meet with guests and recount tales of adventure. The animated feature film is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Both new experiences are inspired by Hawaii's deep cultural roots in canoe exploration—a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful 'Ewa Loa plains surrounding Aulani Resort. As you may have seen in Aulani Resort Ambassador Janelle's post from earlier today, we also debuted a one-sixth model of the Polynesian voyaging canoe—the Hokule'a—in the Maka'ala Lobby.

What are you looking forward to on your next vacation to Aulani Resort?

Hau‘oli la Ho‘omana‘o! Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa Celebrates its 5th Anniversary

Today marks five years of proudly sharing Hawaii's stories and culture through the rich details at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Aulani welcomed its first guests on August 29, 2011, and since that time, our cast members have enjoyed sharing their own stories of living in Hawaii with all of our guests from around the world.

In honor of the anniversary, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek joined Aulani cast members and Oahu community leaders to celebrate five unforgettable years of making magic and memories in the awe-inspiring setting of Hawaii.

Bob announced a $25,000 contribution on behalf of Aulani to The Friends of Hōkūle'a and Hawai'iloa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the perpetuation of canoe building and preservation of this unique Hawaiian tradition.

"Aulani celebrates Hawaii's beauty and heritage while also sharing the aloha spirit by giving back to the community," said Bob. "In honor of Aulani Resort's fifth anniversary, we're proud to support The Friends of Hōkūle'a and Hawai'iloa's efforts to give children and families the opportunity to learn about this important part of Hawaiian culture."

As we celebrate Aulani's journey over the past five years, we welcome another wonderful addition to continue telling Hawaii's story. Today, a one-sixth scale model of the Hōkūle'a, the Polynesian voyaging canoe made it's debut in Nā Haku Pavilion just off of the Maka'ala Lobby. It's an impressive sight – the mast and rigging stand eight feet tall!

The Hōkūle'a model serves as a wonderful visual reminder of Aulani's ties to the full-scale version of the iconic vessel. During Aulani's design phase, Disney Imagineers sailed aboard the Hōkūle'a and talked with master navigators, gaining inspiration from the canoe's design. Guests may notice many design elements incorporated throughout the resort. One of my favorites is a paddle embedded in the tower façade.

Aulani means "messenger of a chief" and the cast members at Aulani have a kuleana, a responsibility, to continually share the traditions of Hawaii with you, our guests, and the local community. We hope you will visit soon, so we can share the stories of Hawaii with you!

So Happy Anniversary Aulani, or as we say in Hawaii… Hau'oli la Ho'omana'o!