Easter Specials for Guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

Spring has sprung at the Disneyland Resort! For those staying at one of our three on-property hotels, we have special activities and exciting offers to help your family celebrate Easter.

Easter Classic Tea: Sit back and sip on delightful cherry blossom green tea while nibbling on an assortment of scrumptious treats, such as fresh-baked scones, mini cakes and tea sandwiches. Young diners will enjoy kid-friendly favorites like bunny-shaped ham and cheese sandwiches. Easter Classic Tea is available at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel on weekends, March 31-April 2, April 7-9 and 14-16.

Easter Buffet: Enjoy a festive meal with Disney friends at Storytellers Café at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on April 16. If you're looking to plan a special Easter meal, the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with characters all day won't disappoint!

Mickey and his pals will be at Disney's PCH Grill at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel for a springtime feast. Join us for character dining during Easter Brunch and dinner on April 16. All dining reservations can be made online or by calling (714) 781-DINE.

Easter Egg Hunt: On Easter Sunday, young hotel guests will be invited to participate in an egg-travagant Easter egg hunt! The Adventure Lawn at the Disneyland Hotel will transform into a field of hidden eggs from 8 to 11 a.m. As space is limited, guests are encouraged to sign up with Hotel Guest Services.

Lastly, if you're looking to extend your visit at the Disneyland Resort, we have an Easter Special Offer at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The offer is valid for travel between April 9 through April 22, 2017. Book now through April 22. Call (714) 520-5050 for details.

New My Disney Experience app Launches, Makes Planning Walt Disney World Vacations Even Easier

As Disney fans know, the My Disney Experience app is a one-stop shop for all things Walt Disney World from viewing park hours, purchasing tickets and merchandise, making FastPass+ selections, getting turn by turn directions, accessing vacation photos and sharing them through Disney PhotoPass and much more.

To enhance your experience when visiting Walt Disney World Resort, we continue to innovate and use technology in new ways, which is why we are excited to launch a newly redesigned My Disney Experience app for all mobile users today! The enhanced My Disney Experience app features a look and feel to make planning and enjoying your Walt Disney World Resort vacation easier than ever.

The new My Disney Experience mobile app opens right to the park maps to help you find attractions, restaurants, restrooms and more. It makes it easier for you to navigate through our parks so you can spend more time enjoying the magic of Walt Disney World Resort. A new section called "Spotlight" highlights new park experiences and entertainment offerings to help you find out the latest and greatest happenings at the parks.

And when you stay at one of our Disney resorts, you will be able to use the new feature called "My Resort Dashboard," which gives you access to your resort reservation details all in one place, including the ability to see room number, theme, building and floor once you have your room assignment. "My Resort Dashboard" even gives you directions to your resort using Disney transportation options, a map showing you the location of your room and a link to directly call the Resort Front Desk if you need further assistance during your stay.

For guests who enjoy visiting our other Disney Parks around the world, the new My Disney Experience app now features the same look and feel as our other park apps, making the mobile experience seamless across the globe.

To check out all of these exciting new app features, take a look at this short video!

The My Disney Experience app and MagicBand still work together seamlessly, allowing you to effortlessly connect all your vacation choices from the My Disney Experience app to your MagicBand.

My Disney Experience was designed to always evolve, and we have more exciting innovations to share so check back often for more details on future updates and enhancements.

Welcome to Our World…What is runDisney?

Every mile is magic at a runDisney race! Whether you're a first time runner or an experienced endurance athlete, runDisney is the premiere destination race series. You never know which Disney character you will "run" into on a runDisney race course. From photo opportunities to amazing entertainment throughout the course, runDisney delivers magical moments to last a lifetime.

We offer nine themed weekends that take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California and Disneyland Resort in Paris! While the marathon and half marathon races headline each runDisney weekend, other offerings include 10Ks, 5Ks and Kids Races. Something for the whole family! From the Diaper Dash for future runners 12 months and under to the 48.6-mile Dopey Challenge during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, there truly is a race experience for everyone at runDisney!

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Faron Kelley, Vice President of ESPN Wide World of Sports, runDisney and Disney's Water Parks, who shared some insight about our beloved brand. Faron has been with the Disney sports team since 2008 and was a part of the creation of the runDisney brand in 2010.

Q: Why do you love runDisney?
A: Why I love it is simple – we empower people to make their running dreams come true!

Q: What is your favorite part of a runDisney event?
A: The thousands of smiles, tears, high fives and hugs that we see at the finish line of every race. NOTHING is better than that moment when you witness all the hard work and dedication pay off!

Q: Do you have a favorite race weekend? Why?
A: Each one is so unique! I love the costumes at Star Wars (both Light and Dark Side), the heroic overlay of Super Heroes weekend (I'm a HUGE Marvel fan!), the girl power at Tinker Bell and Princess, and the nostalgia of Disneyland Half. And then there is Paris – BEAUTIFUL! But if you made me pick – it has to be the one that started it all – the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Q: Let's talk about the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo – as a runner, where do you make sure to stop?
A: I love seeing the creativity of design that comes out with every race. But it always seems like I can't leave the Expo without a new pair of socks, a bag full of energy gels and some kind of new muscle massaging device. It's also great that the Expo is open to the public and anyone can enjoy it!

Q: Has your family participated in a runDisney event?
A: Both of my children have run in the Kids Races and my son is excited to take on his first Half Marathon soon. My sister and two nieces are also huge runDisney fans, with many medals to their credit.

Q: If you had to pick one event weekend to run, which would it be and why?
A: This one is tough – too much like picking your favorite child. But I can say after training in the Florida heat all summer, the Disneyland Half Marathon is always a welcome race with the cool morning California breezes. Likewise, running in Paris last year was nothing short of unbelievable. That race had some of the best views I've ever seen!

Q: Can you share one of your favorite memories from runDisney races?
A: This one is easy! It happens every race weekend. I always stay until the last runner crosses the finish line, and it is the amazing combination of sheer determination blended with the cheering of the crowd make everything we do totally worth it.

Ready to run? Follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. To learn more about runDisney events, please visit us here!

Disney Parks Best Bites: March 2017

Additional dates have been added for the Highway In the Sky Dine-Around. Reservations are now open through June 30, and can be made by visiting http://ift.tt/1mBMlfz or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

New sandwiches on the World Showcase of Flavors food truck in Disney Springs. Including a Chicken Cemita Sandwich, Chilean Steak Sandwich, Meatball Pomodoro Sandwich and Pork Belly Ham and Cheese Sandwich. Food trucks can be found in Exposition Park at Disney Springs, hours may vary.

Also in Disney Springs, B.B. Wolf's has added two new menu items. The Big Bad Dog is a spicy hot dog with a chili-garlic sauce, onion jam, and a cucumber-tomato relish and the Greek Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with fresh Tzatziki sauce, shaved gyro meat, cucumber-tomato relish before being finished with spring mix and Feta cheese.

Raglan Road in Disney Springs has been named one of the Open Table's Top 100 Hot-Spot Restaurants for 2017. The award reflects the combined opinions of more than 10 million restaurant reviews for more than 25,000 restaurants.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, new menu items are now available at Eight Spoon Café and Smiling Crocodile. At Eight Spoon Café, look for three varieties of baked mac and cheese including one topped with pulled pork and one topped with shrimp and sweet chili sauce. Smiling Crocodile features three open-faced sandwiches — turkey, salmon or Pimento cheese with thick-cut smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato and ciabatta.

Drop anchor at Min & Bill's Dockside Diner for a new breakfast menu. Look for breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, bagels and coffee. Breakfast is served seasonally and on days with Extra Magic Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

At Disney's Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe is now serving pancakes in addition to other delicious breakfast fare. Join in the fun with a new special song and dance with Minnie Mouse and pals, which takes place daily during Breakfast! Reservations are also still available for Easter brunch, and can be made by visiting http://ift.tt/1mBMlfz or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry gourmet candy will return to Disneyland Resort beginning April 1! The delicious gourmet apple is dipped in dark chocolate before being smothered in mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and raspberry-flavored white chocolate. Find this sweet treat at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline's Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District from March 1 to 31.

A new specialty funnel cake is available now through June 16 at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland Park. Topped with blueberry compote, drizzled with lemon glaze and finished with whipped cream and powdered sugar, it's bear-y delicious!

For those with an appetite for adventure, there's a new skewer at Bengal Barbecue. is The new specialty skewer, features grilled pork belly served on a "boat" of Iceberg lettuce, topped with Hoisin sauce, picked carrots, daikon, and cilantro.

#DisneyKids: ‘Festival of The Lion King’

One of the greatest live shows at Walt Disney World is the "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's Broadway big with its pageantry, puppetry and powerful music. It's colorful and energetic! No wonder it's so appealing to youngsters. My daughter will never forget how she was once selected to go on "stage" and make the noise of a giraffe. It was indeed memorable. But let's face it, the tumble monkeys steal the show.

We asked some little ones to describe what they like most about the "Festival of the Lion King" show. This is what they told us. Check it out.

Kumquats and Papayas in a Container Garden? Ideas for Your Own Urban Farm at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Ever wondered what a black pepper plant looks like? Or peanuts, dragonfruit or loquats? The Urban Farm Eats garden at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival showcases more than two dozen Florida plants, with hopes that guests will be inspired to plant their own urban gardens.

"We see more and more guests, especially in their 20s, asking how to grow plants," says Eric Darden, horticulture manager for the festival. "They are much more interested in growing food than flowers – and learning how to grow fruits and vegetables."

Situated along the Rose Walk between Future World and World Showcase, the garden sits next to the Urban Farm Eats Outdoor Kitchen that offers a watermelon salad with pickled onions, baby arugula, feta and balsamic reduction; seared pork tenderloin with mushroom ragoût, spring vegetables and fingerling potatoes, and a vegetarian "crabless" cake with veggie slaw, lemon vinaigrette and Old Bay remoulade.

While each of the festival's 15 Outdoor Kitchens has a raised bed garden that features fruits, herbs and vegetables served in the adjacent kitchen, Urban Farm Eats is a big, splashy showcase of ways to grow the things we eat. "We're showcasing compact ideas such as vertical towers, growing in hay bales, in a wheelbarrow, in raised beds, in hanging containers," says Darden. "There's a whole spectrum of ways to grow plants."

Darden also is a big proponent of mixing flowers with veggies – cauliflower with petunias, for instance. "You can have both," he says, "and still grow [them] in a confined area."

A stroll through this Epcot urban farm is infotainment at its finest, with more than two dozen plants creating a harmony of color and texture. We strolled past carrots, parsley, sweet potatoes and tall stalks of corn; tomatoes ripening on the vine near beets and eggplants; stalks of sugar cane and green papayas next to orange and kiwi trees. Peanuts were in the ground, rosemary, parsley, thyme and oregano were bursting from containers. If you've never seen a cinnamon plant or don't know what a salvia is, this abundant walkway is a gardening paradise, with each plant clearly marked to help guests comprehend the amazing diversity of a Florida garden.

Take a look at this beautiful gallery of some of the plants.

The Outdoor Kitchens are open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and you have until May 29 to see, taste and smell it all. The festival, including all gardening programs, exhibits, concerts and special appearances, is included in regular Epcot admission. For more information about the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit http://ift.tt/1mpkevr.

Limited Spaces Remain for Member Event at Markham’s at Golden Oak

As the opportunity to enjoy experiences typically unavailable to the general public have long been among Disney Vacation Club Members' favorite "extras," I'm pleased to report that the next such experience is just around the corner and that a limited number of spaces remain available.

Golden Oak, the master-planned, luxury residential community at Walt Disney World Resort, will open its gates to Members and their Guests for a special evening of food, drinks and entertainment on April 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This exclusive Culinary Magic event, presented as part of Membership Magic in 2017, will take place at Markhams's, the casually elegant restaurant inside Summerhouse (Golden Oak residents' private clubhouse), where attendees will mix and mingle with other Members while enjoying the music of a string trio, an artful assortment of food and (for guests ages 21 or older with valid ID) an open bar serving beer, wine and cocktails. While menu offerings are subject to change, plans call for the spread to include artisanal cheeses, chilled seafood, a hand-crafted pasta station, a carving station (featuring Black Angus Prime Rib) and a sweet selection of desserts, including Macarons from Amorette's Patisserie and chocolates from The Ganachery – adding a taste of Disney Springs to the festivities.

The price of $130 per person includes tax, gratuity and roundtrip resort transportation (arranged when making your event reservation) for Members staying at a Disney Vacation Club Resort. Reservations are required (unfortunately walk-ins will not be accepted) and are open to Members and either the number of people sharing their Resort accommodations or a maximum party of six (including the Member) for Member families not staying at a resort. Please note that attendees not staying at a Disney Vacation Club Resort must provide their own transportation and present a valid driver's license at the Golden Oak gate to gain admittance.

Call Member Services to book this event, and keep an eye on the Events Calendar online at disneyvacationclub.com for details about future offerings at Golden Oak.

You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability, renewal or extension of any Incidental Benefits ("Membership Extras"). Membership Extras are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee, and cannot be combined with other Member discounts, offers or promotions. Membership Extras are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will not have access to other Membership Extras.

Disney Parks After Dark: A Rainbow at Dusk At Epcot

How amazing is this photo of a full rainbow at Epcot?

Snapped by photographer Tom Bricker, looking away from fountain area in the Imagination pavilion, a rainbow arches perfectly over the park at dusk. See Spaceship Earth peeking out from behind the Monorail beam? And not to be outdone, Monorail Red adds even more color to this amazing shot.

Vote This Week for Final Match-Ups in 2017 March Magic Tournament

This month, thousands of Disney Parks fans have participated in the "March Magic" online tournament via the official Walt Disney World Facebook page. This tournament began with 18 teams inspired by attractions from across all four parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Soon, guests will select which team will be crowned the title of "Ultimate Disney Attraction" for 2017. I recently caught up with Eric Karn, Customer Engagement Manager, who has been involved behind-the-scenes of the tournament for years. He shared what makes this tournament so unique.

"The tournament was created for guests who love Disney Parks," explained Eric. "Being behind the scenes of the tournament, I love seeing the excitement from guests who comment on each matchup. While some guests respond with only a team name to cast their votes, others enjoy sharing the reasons why they are voting for a particular attraction, whether it's a favorite memory or a 'must do' during their vacation. Their stories reaffirm that magic is endless at Walt Disney World as everyone has a favorite Disney attraction."

This year's challenge concludes this week with a few remaining match-ups.

On Friday, March 31, match-ups will be the Gracey Manor Ghouls versus the Pirates of the Caribbean Cannonballs. Voting for the Hollywood Tower Hotel Bellhops versus the Tomorrowland Movers will take place on Saturday, April 1.

Winners from each of these tournaments will move on to the final championship round on Monday, April 3.

Finally, guests have a few more days to order this year's commemorative merchandise from the online store. Products for all March Magic teams this year are still available including a travel tumbler, shirts, posters, and stainless steel team logo water bottles. Just visit http://ift.tt/25EKGL1 to see all items.

To vote for your favorite attraction, simply visit our official Facebook page for Walt Disney World Resort.

Which team will you choose?

Say ‘Yes’ To Yourself and Your Significant Other on a Disney Cruise

You and your significant other can easily treat yourselves by saying "Yes" to fun, relaxation and more on your family's Disney cruise vacation. In my last post, I shared ways you can be parent of the year in your kids' eyes, so today, I'll give you my list of some of the many things included for adults that will leave you saying "Yes" all cruise long!

1. Quiet time? Yes! Prepare to unwind at Quiet Cove Pool, an adult-exclusive area featuring breathtaking views of the big blue. On Castaway Cay, head over to Serenity Bay, which offers an adult-only picturesque haven with sun-kissed sand and tranquil waters.

2. Seconds, my love? Yes! Throughout the day you can stop by our quick service food stations or casual dining restaurant to enjoy an eclectic array of cuisine. From pizza, pasta and sandwiches to grilled specialties, savory soups, fresh salads and sushi, you have options for every taste bud. The best part? No cooking or cleaning up required!

3. Power couple? Yes! Stay in shape at sea by taking advantage of state-of-the-art equipment at the fitness center or the jogging track on deck four. The spectacular view alone is enough motivation to keep up your fitness regime during vacation.

4. Mid-day nap? Yes! Unwind and recharge in your spacious stateroom featuring all the comforts you could wish for including luxurious bed linens, a fluffy duvet, premium toiletries, in-room movies, and much more.

5. Dinner and a show? Yes! Before or after an all-inclusive, multi-course meal in one of our elaborately themed family restaurants, sit back and relax in the lavish Walt Disney Theatre to enjoy a Broadway-style musical featuring your favorite Disney stories and characters. Talk about the perfect night out!

6. Ready to play? Yes! When the sun sets, the party begins, so go ahead and put on your dancing shoes and head to our adult-exclusive nighttime entertainment district. Enjoy live music, cabaret shows, live sports broadcasts, karaoke and more.

7. Late-night snack? Yes! Our 24-hour room service featuring finger foods, scrumptious salads, delectable soups and of course an assortment of desserts, is available at your disposal.

Keep this list with you on your next Disney cruise and refer to it after you say "Yes" to your little ones who ask to stay longer in the kids club. Then, just say "Yes" to yourself and your significant other to indulge, relax and have fun … because this is your vacation, too!

Disney Doodle: ‘Big Hero 6’ Pals Take A Spin On Mad Tea Party

Today's Disney Doodle imagines what the friends from "Big Hero 6" would do if they had the chance to visit a Walt Disney World theme park.

According to the imagination of artist Ashley Taylor, the friends would want to experience an attraction that would fit the entire gang, like Mad Tea Party.

"I love the teacups!" she said. "It's such a fun ride to share with a large group of friends. I can easily imagine the characters from 'Big Hero 6' having a blast together at the Mad Tea Party!"

For more Disney Doodles, check out the links below:

• Mrs. Potts Bubbles With Excitement at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Great Mouse Searches for Hidden Mickeys
• Belle Visits the West Wing of Be Our Guest
• Flash Visits Tomorrowland
• 'Fantasia' Magic Brooms Clean Up at Magic Kingdom Park
• Tiana & Lottie Enjoy Disney Beignets
• 'Kiss the Girl' in Magic Kingdom Park
• Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park
• Mickey's Fun Wheel at Disney California Adventure Park
• Lady & The Tramp at Tony's Town Square

Countdown to Pandora – The World of Avatar Continues with First Look at Na’vi Translator Device

The excitement for the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom continues on April 6 with the release of the second pin in our Countdown to Pandora collection. You may recall reading in early March about the three countdown pins leading up to the opening on May 27. In the spirit of counting down, I'm delighted to share a sneak preview at another item that will immerse guests in their in-park experience like never before and connect them to this exotic new land. I recently spoke with merchandise product developer Cody Hampton about how guests can prepare for their visit this summer when the Na'vi Translator is released.

"This device was originally developed by Alpha Centauri Expeditions founder Marshall Lamm," explained Cody. "The Na'vi have no written language, so the translator will be a helpful tool for any human visiting Pandora. Guests using the translator can learn how to pronounce 90 Na'vi words using interchangeable translation cards. The device also lights up at night, which makes it perfect for nighttime explorations on Pandora."

The Na'vi Translator set will come packaged with 15 translation cards. The device has a clasp that extends up to 12-inches and can be attached to a belt or backpack.

Additional translation cards will be sold in trading card packs, each containing eight randomly selected cards. There are some common cards such as Nouns (Blue) and Adjectives (Purple). Other cards will be less common to find in the trading packs including Animals (Orange), Phrases (Aqua), and Landscapes (Tan). The rarest cards are Plants (Green) and Gear (Yellow).

"When selecting the words and phrases for this set, we thought about the most essential words a guest might use when exploring another country on Earth," continued Cody. "My favorite word is 'Ikran' which means 'Banshee.' I must have said that word hundreds of times while developing products for Pandora [laughs]."

Cody partnered with Lightstorm Entertainment and Dr. Paul Frommer, creator of the Na'vi language for "Avatar," to acquire audio recordings of spoken Na'vi words for the translator.

Look for the Na'vi Translator in Windtraders on Pandora this summer. Until then, I hope you will join us on April 6 at Discovery Trading Company in Disney's Animal Kingdom for the release of the new limited edition pin shown above.

Oel Ngati Kameie.

Wildlife Wednesday: Celebrate Earth Month at Disney Parks and Resorts

With April approaching, much attention across the world turns to Earth Day celebrations and ways we all can make small changes to positively impact nature and the environment. Disney Parks and resorts will host special events and activities throughout the month to inspire and motivate guests and Cast to learn more about how each of us can help protect the planet.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Meet Disney's Animals, Science and Environment Cast and conservation specialists March 31-April 2, April 21-23 and April 28-30 as they discuss Disney's conservation efforts to support butterflies, migratory birds, sea turtles and monkeys, as well as demonstrate some extraordinary ways they are accomplishing this work. Check festival info for details.

• Party for the Planet Presented by Disneynature – The annual Earth Day celebration at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is expanding to three full days, April 21-23. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to connect with nature by engaging in fun activities in every land of the park. Meet some of our animal care experts, educators and conservation specialists to see first-hand how Disney cares for animals and works to save endangered species worldwide. Also, be on the lookout for some specially themed treats and more!

DISNEYLAND RESORT

• Environmentality Art Challenge – Disneyland Cast Members are putting the finishing touches on their submissions for the second annual Cast contest. Guests are invited to visit the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland park April 1-6 to vote for their favorites. Cast Members are using their creativity to repurpose glass, plastic, metal, paper and other recycled items found in their areas. Artwork will remain on display until April 13 in this location.
• Connect with Nature activities – Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors and discover ways your family can protect the magic of nature through fun games and activities April 15-21 within Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure park. Guests can also view the top-eight pieces from the Environmentailty Art Challenge, which will be on display at this location.
• Earth Day at Downtown Disney District – Guests can celebrate the magic of nature on Earth Day, April 22, at Downtown Disney District, where they can experience a variety of activities, learn more about the upcoming release of Disneynature Born in China and see a working beehive.

DISNEYLAND PARIS

• Life on Earth – in April, guests will enjoy the Disney Illuminations pre-show with a special montage using images from Disneynature films projected onto Sleeping Beauty Castle.

SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT

• Resorts' Play Rooms – Throughout April, resort Recreation teams will lead guests in environmental activities at the children's Play Rooms at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel.
• Environmentality activities – From April 20 to May 1, guests can celebrate Earth Day by taking part in interactive Envrionmentality activities at Shanghai Disneyland and DisneyTown.

Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: March 2014

Three years ago this month, we celebrated moments in Disney history big and small. Take a look!

1964 Photos: Walt Disney and the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park
In one of my all-time favorite Disney Parks Blog posts, George Savvas took us back to Walt Disney's 1964 tour of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland park.

Today in Disney History: Fantasy Faire Opens at Disneyland Park, 2013
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Fantasy Faire, which opened in March 2013, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, who bring classic Disney tales to life each day at the the Royal Theatre.

The History of the Disneyland Monorail: Mark V, 1986-2008
We continued our series on the history of the Disneyland Monorail with the Mark V, which ran at the resort from 1986-2008.

Global Sing-Along Celebrates 50th Anniversary of 'it's a small world'
In March 2014, we kicked off the 50th anniversary celebration of "it's a small world," – the classic Disney Parks attraction that opened as a tribute to UNICEF's work for children around the world at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

This Week in Disney History: 'Love Bug' Day at Disneyland Park, 1969
And celebrating one of my favorite moments in Disney history, we shared this story about the day 101 decorated Volkswagen Beetles made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park to celebrate the release of the film, "The Love Bug." I even dressed up my own 1968 Beetle for the occasion!

Take A Behind-the-Scenes Look At The Making Of ‘Happily Ever After’

We're just about six weeks away from the debut of the new nighttime fireworks spectacular "Happily Ever After" at Magic Kingdom Park.

Today we're happy to share a new look into the creation of what will soon go down in Disney theme park history as one of the most elaborate nighttime shows ever created. It will feature the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection technology, plus fresh animation, a new score and theme song – all of which the creative team used as tools that together tell a story only Disney can tell. "Happily Ever After" will also feature (or reference) more Disney characters than any other show to date.

According to Executive Creative Director Michael Jung, the show will take park guests on a "hero's journey" that encourages us to dream our biggest dream and never give up.

"Happily Ever After" will debut at Magic Kingdom Park on May 12. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more information and future behind-the-scenes looks.

#DisneyFamilia: Sabores from the Caribbean and Beyond

If you like delicious food, you are in luck! Because during the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival you can enjoy not only savory dishes but refreshing drinks that are perfect for la primavera!

Returning this year is La Isla Fresca Outdoor Kitchen with its Caribbean inspired dishes like a Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro, a Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce and a Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions. For dessert, La Isla Fresca is featuring a FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake. Delicioso!

Another one of my favorite Outdoor Kitchens is Jardín de Fiestas where you'll find amazing Mexican-influenced plates: Chile Relleno de Picadillo (battered poblano pepper filled with ground beef covered with tomato sauce and garnished with queso fresco and toasted almonds), a Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita (grilled chicken with red and green bell pepper served with salsa chile morita). This dish is garnished with micro-cilantro and edible flowers, which makes it hermoso!

After all that savory comida, you need something sweet like a Tres Leches, a vanilla sponge cake made with cajeta (or dulce de leche), condensed milk and evaporated milk and garnished with orange zest.

To complement all of these dishes there are a Hibiscus Margarita, an Elderflower Pineapple Margarita, a Watermelon White Sangria and a Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater. Yum!

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place through May 29th with 15 Outdoor Kitchens showcasing colorful vegetable, fruit and flower gardens around the World Showcase. For more information visit epcotinspring.com.

Be a Force for Change with New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Products From Disney Parks

For the past two years, Disney Parks has partnered with Lucasfilm to offer unique opportunities for guests visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Through the purchase of specially designed products created for Disney Parks, guests have supported the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change. Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable initiative from Lucasfilm and Disney, harnesses the strength of Star Wars to empower and improve the lives of children around the world. I'm delighted to announce that the partnership will return this spring with new items inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

This year, guests will find T-shirts for adults and youth, as well as a pin that includes the logo and select characters from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Last Jedi. These items are some of the first retail products for the new film which releases December 15, 2017.

Twenty-five percent of the retail sale price from each of these products will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, a program that uses the world's first WEARABLE-FOR-GOOD™ to give kids the power to get active and save lives by earning points that unlock food packets for malnourished children around the world.

These items will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017.

Following the event, select locations at Disney Parks listed below will carry these items through the summer. These products will not be available on DisneyStore.com or the Shop Disney Parks app.

Walt Disney World Resort

• Disney's Hollywood Studios – Tatooine Traders and Star Wars Launch Bay
• Disney Springs – Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Once Upon A Toy
• Magic Kingdom Park – Merchants of Venus

Disneyland Resort

• Disneyland park – The Star Trader and Star Wars Launch Bay
• Downtown Disney District – D-Street and World of Disney

To learn more about Star Wars: Force for Change, please visit ForceForChange.com.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.

From Screen to Park: Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! at Disney California Adventure Park

Hop into a Monstropolis City Cab for an adventure through Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. This attraction is inspired by the 2001 Disney•Pixar film "Monsters, Inc.," which introduced the world to James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, Mike Wazowski and the adorable Boo.

More than 6.5 million monsters of all shapes, sizes and scare levels call Monstropolis home. It has the monster world's finest theaters, hotels and museums, as well as Monsters, Inc. – the city's largest employer. With a human child on the loose in this monstrous city, chaos breaks loose in a hilarious and heartwarming adventure.

In a yellow-and-black taxi, courtesy of the Monstropolis Transit Authority, you follow along on Mike and Sulley's race against the clock to bring Boo back to her bedroom safely — before the villain Randall Boggs gets to her first. In the city of Monstropolis, human children are thought to be toxic to monsters, and the Child Detection Agency, staffed by monsters decked out in bright, yellow suits, exists for the sole purpose of protecting monsters from child contamination.

The attraction features 16 scenes, including Harryhausen's Sushi Restaurant, the scare floor and one of my favorites: the door vault scene — featuring 236 doors!

When the attraction debuted in 2006, it brought more than 40 animated figures, a "dark ride" system that combines both white light and black light, and Roz, the first ever real-time, operator-controlled dimensional figure inside of an attraction. If you're lucky, she may just give you a personal shout-out when she sees you!

Be sure to to join Mike and Sulley on their daring rescue mission during your next visit to Disney California Adventure park, and stop by "a bug's land" for more Disney•Pixar magic! Let us know in the comments which attraction inspired by the silver screen you want to see featured next!