Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Earth Month

What do picking up trash along the beach, reading to elementary students, caring for animals and enjoying a beautiful nature stroll all have in common? They are the many ways our cast and crew members gave back to local communities and celebrated Earth Month throughout April.

Earlier this week, a group of cast members based in Port Canaveral volunteered to pick up trash at a nearby beach in honor of Earth Month. Debbie, an embarkation service coordinator, was a part of the effort. She shared that she wanted to get involved since Disney Cruise Line calls Port Canaveral home — these beaches are our backyard! Over the years, our cast and crew members have come together to remove more than 31,000 pounds of debris from local beaches and waterways by participating in regular beach cleanups.

Here's a look at Debbie and the many other cast members in action.

The message of conservation was shared in local Caribbean port communities, too. Crew members visited schools in St. Thomas and Nassau to read to the children about how taking small actions can make a big difference for the environment. In Cozumel and Nassau, crew members also donated their time to care for furry friends at local humane societies.

Onboard, our guests were able to join the festivities. Many walked alongside crew members in the tenth annual"Walk for Wildlife," a two-mile stroll on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, or onboard on Deck 4. In honor of all who participated, the Disney Conservation Fund made a special contribution to the World Wildlife Fund to help wild pandas and snow leopards. On Earth Day, guests were able to enjoy a special "Green Carpet PremEAR" to see the latest Disneynature film "Born in China." And just for kids, we hosted an Earth Day party in the Oceaneer Lab where they were able to make recycled-product crafts and play environmental games.

Although April is coming to end, at Disney Cruise Line we're focused on environmental initiatives that minimize our impact on the environment year around. You can learn more about the many ways we conserve energy onboard in our latest Behind the Waves episode.

First Look: Meet The Na’vi Shaman of Songs From The Na’vi River Journey Attraction

Can you believe that the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar is less than a month away? Today we're thrilled to give you a first look at the Na'vi Shaman of Songs, a character who guests can spot within the Na'vi River Journey attraction.

Encountering the shaman is a highlight of this fun family attraction, in which guests sail down a mysterious river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest filled with glowing plants and wondrous creatures. The river journey culminates when guests spot the shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and celebrates that beautiful connection through her music.

The Na'vi Shaman of Songs is the most complicated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. While our new photo and video offer a glimpse of the shaman in her forest setting, you might have seen her in this television commercial released earlier this year, where she says how she "looks forward to seeing you on Pandora." Many assumed the shaman was computer generated, but it was actually the real shaman who now calls Pandora's Mo'ara Valley home. (Skip to the end of this previously shared video for a look).

An encounter with the Na'vi Shaman of Songs is just one of the many thrilling experiences that await you in in Pandora.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news about the opening of this exciting new land.

See the posts below for more on Pandora – The World of Avatar:

• All in the Details: Populating Pandora – The World of Avatar With Plants & Animals
• All in the Details: Imagineers Partner With AVATAR Filmmakers To Create Pandora – The World of Avatar
• Filmmaker James Cameron Offers a New Look Inside Pandora – The World of Avatar
• Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Be New Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Authentic Details Bring to Life Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• New Images Released for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Take a Behind-The-Scenes Look at Pandora – The World of Avatar
• VisitPandora.com – Your Portal to Pandora – The World of Avatar
• All in the Details: How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney Park Best Bites: April 2017

At Magic Kingdom Park, you'll find special menu items on April 29. Enjoy a picnic lunch in East Plaza Garden, pick up a boxed Picnic in the Park Lunch from Tomorrowland Terrace between 11a-2:30p. Each boxed lunch comes with house-made chips, a freshly cut fruit cup, a mini rose cupcake, fountain beverage, and a choice of: Chicken Caesar Salad, BBQ Pork Sandwich, Greek Salad Wrap or Fried Chicken for $14.99. Kids meal options will also be available. A special "Hats Off to Spring" cupcake will be available at Main Street Bakery, as well as cupcakes inspired by the beloved Dapper Dans!

On April 30 only, look for stylish cupcakes at Epcot! Available at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Fife & Drum, Fountain View and Pineapple Promenade, these vanilla cupcakes are topped with vanilla frosting.

A new specialty hot dog will debut at Casey's Corner in Magic Kingdom Park on May 1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all month long with a "Taco Dog" topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and fried tortilla strips.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you'll find a new menu item available at Mr. Kamal's in Discovery Island. Spicy Fries are deliciously seasoned French fries topped with Tzatziki salad and Sriracha ketchup.

New menu items are also available at quick-service locations throughout Epcot. At Electric Umbrella, guests will find a new Three Cheese flatbread with fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan and arugula. Over in The American Adventure pavilion, Liberty Inn is serving up a new Grilled Chicken with Bacon and Avocado Sandwich topped with Monterey Jack cheese and roasted garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Be sure to finish your meal with a new Rocky Road Mousse Cake.

At Refreshment Port, there's a new "Stow Away Mary," a classic Bloody Mary garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives, celery, tomato and freshly-fried chicken breast nuggets.

While Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure park is closed for refurbishment, Paradise Garden Grill will be serving your favorite dishes, including the original corn dog, hot-link corn dog and the cheddar cheese stick. Two special limited-time offerings will also be available: the Chicken & Waffles Skewer which will feature a waffle batter-dipped chicken breast served with a maple, bacon and sage dipping sauce and a Crispy Battered Corn on the Cob, dipped in seasoned batter and served with cilantro-lime mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese.

Oh boy! From May 5 through September 2, Mickey Mouse will be a guest at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel as part of Disney Dinnertime Magic. Mickey will be joining Goofy and pals at dinner only.

A new entrée is now available as part of the Main Street Electrical Parade On-The-Go Package at Aladdin's Oasis. Look for a delicious stir-fry with beef and vegetables in a pineapple teriyaki sauce, served with a tangy cucumber-tomato salad, naan bread and cheesecake.

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Disney Cruise Line Excursions Charm With ‘Frozen’ Fun

This week, some of the most adorable photos we shared on the Disney Parks Blog were inspired by author Arnaldo Zanonato's blog post on Disney Cruise Line's "Frozen"-inspired offerings available on their Norway sailings. (And what timing! It was just announced this week that "Frozen 2" will hit theaters in November 2019!).

As he shared, the Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for the animated film, and now guests get the chance to see the landscape for themselves – and have a bit of "Frozen" fun on certain excursions as well.

For full details, check out his original blog post here.

Every Role a Starring Role – Jungle Cruise Skipper at the Disneyland Resort

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper? From operating the riverboats through the jungle and protecting guests from wild animals to telling knee-slapping jokes at every corner, it requires a unique talent to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper.

Hear from Richard Wallace, who's been making Disneyland Resort guests laugh for three years, in this "Every Role a Starring Role!"

Hit it, Skip!

New Study Underscores Importance of Helping Americans Connect with Nature

Just as Earth Month 2017 comes to a close, a new Yale University study, partially funded by the Disney Conservation Fund, shows the need to better understand and foster Americans' relationship with nature and how to provide more opportunities to get outside.

We know children truly benefit from connecting with nature, but it's no surprise that competing priorities in our busy lives and lack of access to outdoor activities can make that challenging.

The Disney Conservation Fund is committed to helping increase the time kids spend in nature through grants to leading nonprofit organizations working to make an impact for people and the planet. Even within our own Disney parks and resorts, the company's Animals, Science and Environment team is helping increase opportunities for children and families to connect with the magic of nature, from hosting special offerings at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Disneynature Presents Party for the Planet at Disney's Animal Kingdom, to creating family and educator activity packets based on recent Disney films to inspire an appreciation for nature.

You can help kids connect with nature and benefit your community at the same time! This month, Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN are inviting you to vote for park-improvement projects through a grant to the National Recreation and Park Association's Meet Me at the Park campaign. You can also connect with nature through the National Wildlife Federation's Butterfly Heroes program, in which you can learn about and pledge to create habitats for pollinators in your own backyard.

"We are proud to have helped support The Nature of Americans study, which reinforces the importance of developing compelling content and experiences that connect people to the magic of nature," said Kevin Callahan, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at The Walt Disney Company. "It is so critical that we all work together to help the next generation live happier and healthier lives – while inspiring them to care for the environment."

The study's authors also concluded, "…the conservation of species, the protection and restoration of habitats, and the provision of healthy streams and clean air are closely linked to human flourishing. A thriving natural environment helps Americans live happier, healthier lives. It helps children develop socially, psychologically, and physically. It creates places where Americans want to live, work, and flourish."

To read more about this unprecedented study, visit natureofamericans.org, and to keep up with Disney's efforts to increase the time kids spend in nature, visit http://ift.tt/1lPseZJ.

New MagicBand 2 Colors Unveiled at Walt Disney World Resort

As many of you know, we recently launched MagicBand 2, the newly redesigned MagicBand, featuring a removable center icon that can be worn with MagicKeepers, the most popular accessories that give you even more options on how to wear the magic.

Since launching MagicBand 2, we've seen your magical creations of new multi-colored bands in the parks and also heard your requests for additional colors. Today, we're thrilled to share three new graphic MagicBands – that feature black and teal for the first time.

One of the new black retail limited release graphic bands features Star Wars 40th Anniversary, which began sales during the Galactic Nights event at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The band retails for $27.99 and debuts ahead of the new movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, set for release on December 15, 2017.

The other black band features Grumpy from the Disney classic, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," with his namesake facial expression front and center, and is sold for $22.99.

And for all of you "Frozen" lovers, the new teal color features Elsa (name of the band is Elsa Frozen Fever), the popular ice queen. Notice, Elsa is adorned and surrounded by colorful flowers in the summertime – Olaf would be jealous. The band is an open edition and sells for $22.99.

These colors on limited edition designs are only available throughout Walt Disney World Resort in retail locations wherever MagicBands are sold.

The MagicBand continues to be a guest's favorite because it unlocks the magic of a Disney vacation – from effortless theme-park entry, FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association, to skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room.

Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for announcements about new graphic MagicBand 2s coming in the future – who knows which color might be next? What color would you like to see?

New Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes Coming Soon to Walt Disney World Resort

This spring, guests will find a magical new way to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more! A brand-new Mickey Mouse celebration cake will be available to order beginning May 17 at any Walt Disney World Resort owned-and operated table-service restaurant.

Available in decadent chocolate or sweet white chocolate, the Mickey-shaped cakes are sure to be the icing on the cake of your celebration! A special message of "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations" is available on the chocolate ears—or leave them blank—the cakes are adorable either way! Each cake serves 4-6 guests, and costs $35 plus tax and gratuity. Advance payment is not required with confirmed restaurant reservations.

Reservations for the new Mickey Mouse celebration cakes begin May 17. Celebration cakes will be able to be added to a new or existing dining reservation by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by inquiring in person at a Walt Disney World Resort concierge desk or restaurant podium. Day-of quantities are limited, so make arrangements prior to dining.

Main Street Electrical Parade Event Rolls Into Disney Emoji Blitz

If your world's been rocked by the emoji-matching, combo-smashing, explosive fun-having mobile game that is Disney Emoji Blitz, you already know it's basically a 60-second party on your smartphone or tablet screen (right down to the balloons and confetti). And as if its 700+ Disney and Pixar emoji characters plus Disney Parks items you can collect and enable on the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard weren't magical enough, it's truly about to be lit.

From April 28 to May 3, the Main Street Electrical Parade will turn up the twinkle factor in Disney Emoji Blitz during a special in-game event! This is an Emoji Item Event, which means the parade's sparkling floats — and a few classic locations on Main Street, U.S.A., for good measure — will drop into your game board while you're swiping to match three or more Disney emojis in a row. Match to drop the items down to the bottom of the board, and you'll collect them on your card. Nab every last one during the in-game event, and these fanciful emojis will be yours to make all your texts and chats brighter!

Download Disney Emoji Blitz now for free with in-app purchases on the App Store, Google Play, Windows and Amazon. New events are happening all the time, too, so keep checking the game for new Disney and Pixar emojis.

A Year of Giving Back at Disney Parks

Giving back is at the core of what we do as Walt Disney Parks & Resorts cast members. From strengthening communities to caring for the environment, we set goals for how we can make a difference – with your help – around the world. We recently released our yearly report on the impact of those efforts in 2016 and wanted to share some of the major highlights with you as well as how you can continue helping make a difference with us in 2017.

One of our biggest commitments is to environmental stewardship and conservation. Our Wildlife Wednesday blog posts showcase how you can take part in our commitment to conservation – like this post about Earth Month. But did you also know we opened a huge Mickey-shaped solar facility near Epcot last year? How about the new 40,000-square-foot solar array system perched on top of Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park?

If you've ever paid a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, you may have bought a button to support the Disney Conservation Fund, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last April. Unique animal experiences and personal contributions through the Add-A-Dollar program have contributed to more than $65 million in grants in 115 countries to protect wildlife and connect children with the wonder of nature – thanks to your help!

Healthy Living is another big commitment for us. From the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure park to our award-winning Camp Discovery ropes course at Shanghai Disneyland, there are endless ways to get active and have fun. You can also keep an eye out for food with the Mickey Check to help you make healthy choices during your visit to any of our parks, including Satu'li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar, opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom next month.

We also make magic in our local communities through charitable giving. One initiative you may recognize is the #ShareYourEars social media campaign from last year, which unlocked a $2 million donation for the Make-A-Wish® thanks to photo sharing from Disney fans. And in celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort's grand opening last year, we also pledged to fund Disney-themed play spaces and therapeutic play activities at more than 50 children's hospitals across China.

And of course, we can't forget all of our Disney cast members around the world, who contributed more than 542,800 hours of service as Disney VoluntEARS last year. There are so many ways we can all work together to make a difference, and we're just getting started. Take a look at the full report for more information on our citizenship efforts in 2016 and stay tuned on the Disney Parks for more on how you can get involved.

Reservations Now Open for ‘The Music of Pixar LIVE!’ Dining Package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Reservations are now available for "The Music of Pixar LIVE!" Dining Package, a delicious way to reserve your seats for the new "The Music of Pixar LIVE!" a limited-time concert event featuring memorable music from beloved Pixar films, which will take place three times nightly at Disney's Hollywood Studios beginning May 26. With the Dining Package, guests will receive a voucher for reserved seating to redeem at the theater.

Make your evening even more magical by combining "The Music of Pixar LIVE!" and "Fantasmic!" Dining Package, which will include reserved seating for both the concert as well as the popular "Fantasmic!" nighttime spectacular.

Participating locations include Hollywood & Vine (Disney Junior Play 'n Dine and Minnie's Seasonal Dine), The Hollywood Brown Derby and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. Dining must occur no later than 2.5 hours prior to show time or 1.25 hours after show time; vouchers can be picked up at the restaurant (if dining prior to show time) or at the theater (if dining after the show). "The Music of Pixar LIVE!" Dining Package is Disney Dining Plan eligible and counts as one (1) table-service entitlement for Hollywood & Vine and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano, two (2) table-service entitlements for The Hollywood Brown Derby.

Reservations are now available for dates beginning May 26 for The Music of Pixar LIVE! Dining Package, and can only be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

New Merchandise from KA WA‘A, a lu‘au at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

If you've been to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai'i lately, you've hopefully experienced our fantastic new KA WA'A lu'au. Combining music, dance and storytelling, KA WA'A shares the story behind Hawai'i's deep cultural roots in wa'a (or canoe) exploration. To complement the lu'au, we've rolled out a few new merchandise items for guests to take a piece of the magical experience back home with them.

Fleece Hoodie: This black, pullover hoodie will keep you warm and comfortable. The KA WA'A logo features imagery of a voyaging canoe on the ocean. In addition, intricate patterns inspired by kapa, traditional Hawaiian barkcloth, are integrated into the background design.

Adult & Youth Tee Shirts: For adults, this sapphire blue washed tee features the KA WA'A logo in a medallion of layered kapa patterns. For youth, this charcoal tee displays the KA WA'A logo in a bold sea blue color with subtle kapa designs in the background.

Water Bottle: This bronze metal water bottle keeps cold beverages cool and hot drinks warm—perfect for on-the-go. The KA WA'A and Aulani Resort logos are featured above a bold kapa band.

All items are available at the resort's retail shops.

Music ‘n Food: Two More Bands, 8 More Days to Take Advantage of Dining Packages at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival gets bigger and better each year, and the two remaining Garden Rocks concerts will have lots of fans: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas May 5-8 ("We Built This City") and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone May 19-22 ("I'm Henry VIII, I Am").

Enjoy guaranteed seats at any of three nightly concerts (5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.) with a dining package at select Epcot restaurants – there are a wide variety of options, so here are some of our recommendations:

• If you want to make a day of it, start with a buffet breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion or family-style at The Garden Grill in The Land pavilion (those sticky buns!). Then taste your way around the Outdoor Kitchens in World Showcase later in the day.
• Fans of Mexican food, choose from San Angel Inn for lunch of dinner or La Hacienda de San Angel for dinner at the Mexico pavilion. Queso fundido, please!
• For Italian, both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at the Italy pavilion are options – everything from hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas to hearty spaghetti and fettuccine.
• For dozens of choices and all you care to eat, the Biergarten in Germany fits the bill. Bratwurst, Bavarian-style pot roast, pork roast, meatballs – lots of protein, plenty of veggies and Black Forest cake for dessert.
• Head to Future World and the Coral Reef Restaurant in The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Relax and watch the fish swim by in the largest inland saltwater environment ever built.
• Be transported to Morroco at Spice Road Table (world's best hummus) and Restaurant Marrakesh for Mediterranean-inspired fare.
• Or head to Japan at the lively Teppan Edo teppanyaki tables or the quieter Toyko Dining for pristine sushi. Or head over to the China pavilion and Nine Dragons for more Asian fare.
• Rose & Crown goes classic with British eats (think fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash); ditto for Chefs de France where you can try escargot, beef Bourguignon, steak frites and more.

Prices for Breakfast Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $23 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Lunch Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $15.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Dinner Packages start at $53 plus tax (for adults) and $17.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9).

Concerts are included with regular park admission to Epcot.

To book a dining package, Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. You can also book now at epcotinspring.com. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as these events fill up quickly.

For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com.

Inspirational Family Shows Importance of Perseverance at Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

More than 45,500 competitors channeled the Force throughout the 2nd annual Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side race events at Walt Disney World Resort this past weekend, but for one family from Little Rock, Ark., the event was about a lot more than just lightsabers, Wookiees and race medals.

Kurt Blankenship won his division during the intergalactic 13.1-mile half marathon and his wife, Carrie, and their three children participated in the 200-meter run during the runDisney Kids Races. None of that is particularly remarkable until you consider that Kurt competed in the wheelchair division and the three children all are wrestling with various types of medical issues, including their 4-year-old son Ryan, who has spina bifida.

After a 1999 car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Kurt admittedly struggled for years to cope with his new reality. But once he got married and started a family, he gained a new purpose for his life – showing his family they can overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

That's what the Star Wars race weekend was all about for them. And needless to say, everyone got the message as fans cheered on the family during each race. In particular, little Ryan, dressed in a Yoda costume, undoubtedly warmed a lot of hearts by walking with his sisters Ella, 6, and Olivia, 6, in the race, defying expectations of his doctors who feared he'd never walk or talk.

When it was all over, this family left Walt Disney World Resort with a galaxy full of out-of-this-world memories and the rest of us learned some valuable lessons from them about the importance of perseverance and the power of a little boy's smile.

Watch the video below to see the Blankenship family's inspiring journey during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side.

Disney Parks After Dark: The Skyline of Shanghai Disneyland

Tonight's "Disney Parks After Dark" image came all the way from Shanghai Disneyland in China. The newest Disney theme park – which is coming up on its first anniversary in just a few more weeks – features the amazing Enchanted Storybook Castle.

Built as the largest castle in Disney theme park history, Enchanted Storybook Castle celebrates the stories of all Disney Princesses in mosaics dedicated to the tales of Tiana, Merida, Rapunzel, and the royal sisters Elsa and Anna. An illuminated marquee also reveals motifs attributed to Belle, Cinderella and Snow White.

Inside the castle, guests can dine at Royal Banquet Hall, enjoy character greetings, transform into royalty with a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover and more.

At night the castle is serves as a focal point for the nighttime "Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Music and Light" fireworks show.

Incredible Sights and Unforgettable Enchantment in Norway on a Disney Cruise

This summer, the Disney Magic will be sailing through the majestic Norwegian fjords, giving Disney cruisers the chance to experience Scandinavia's storybook vistas, charming culture and rich history. Once again, we're offering families the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind vacation that proves a trip to Europe isn't just fun for adults.

For a glimpse at what makes a Norwegian fjords cruise with Disney unforgettable, check out this video …

If you aren't joining us in Europe this summer, there's always next year! Our grand tour continues in 2018 with a variety of destinations through Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Up next, I'll give you a look at adventures waiting for you in Iceland!

iNside Disney Parks Red Couch Interview: ‘Rivers of Light’

For more than a year, Disney's Animal Kingdom has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing a fun variety of new nighttime experiences, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris after sunset, fine dining at Tiffins, vibrant entertainment at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, and Tree of Life Awakenings.

Earlier this year, the park also welcomed the new nighttime show "Rivers of Light" to the park's Discovery River. The show combines live performance and floating set pieces with a soaring musical score, and fountains in a celebration of animals and nature.

iNside Disney Parks recently went behind-the-scenes with Mark Renfrow, one of the creators of the show, for a special iNside Disney Parks Red Couch interview.

And don't forget – Disney's Animal Kingdom will add even more day-to-night fun when Pandora – The World of Avatar comes to life May 27, 2017.

Creative Collaboration Key to Designing New Merchandise for Pandora – The World of Avatar

The countdown to the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar continues today with a closer look at merchandise artwork created for this new exotic land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Casey Jones, Senior Character Artist with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, recently gave me a sneak peek at some of the designs brought to life through collaboration. The results are stunning and will immerse guests in a brand-new world unlike any they have ever experienced before.

"I was responsible for illustrations and toy designs while serving as gatekeeper for all the art used on merchandise," explained Casey. "The most exciting aspect of my role was partnering with talented and creative individuals at Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment. Together, we designed products that complement a visually stunning world filled with floating mountains, bioluminescent plants, and all kinds of immersive adventure."

Guests visiting Windtraders, the primary merchandise location on Pandora, will discover several distinct art styles found on merchandise.

Dylan Cole, Co-Production Designer for the upcoming "Avatar" motion picture sequels, captured the bioluminescent world of Pandora at night with two new pieces. One image was inspired by the Na'vi River Journey while the other pictures the beautiful Valley of Mo'ara. In addition to being available as prints, elements from his nighttime artwork were added to apparel, home décor, accessories and other products. More of Dylan's work is found on the Countdown to Pandora pin collection we released this spring.

The cave painting art was based on sketches by Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde for the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. Casey worked with Joe to finish out his sketches, which were then applied to select products.

Casey explored different stylizations of the Shaman of Songs from the Na'vi River Journey attraction.

"[The Shaman of Songs] embodies the Na'vi's connection to nature which is displayed through music and light, so we wanted a graphic that was evocative of those ideas," said Casey.

Artist Daphne Yap, a member of the "Avatar" film production team, created gorgeous digital renderings of Na'vi weavings and Banshee totems for Walt Disney Imagineering. These images have a hand-drawn feel and will appear on select apparel and accessories.

Finally, the art team created patch designs representing different experiences guests will have while visiting Pandora. In addition to other products, guests will find select patch designs in the Intergalactic Passport Kit from Alpha Centauri Expeditions. The kit includes a passport, three sticker pages, a button, and a photo ID badge. This item, along with the Na'vi Translator Device, are perfect for exploring Pandora.

Look for these products and more in Windtraders when Pandora – The World of Avatar opens this May.

Don't forget we have the final, limited edition Countdown to Pandora pin being released on May 4 at Discovery Trading Company in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I hope to see you there.

Singers Jordan Fisher & Angie Keilhauer Share Their ‘Dream’ Recording The ‘Happily Ever After’ Theme Song

Earlier this year, our Disney Parks Blog readers "unlocked" a first listen to the theme song for the soon-to-debut fireworks show "Happily Ever After," which opens at Magic Kingdom Park May 12.

Today, we're happy to share a full inside look at the recording session for the "Happily Ever After" theme song, in which country music artist Angie Keilhauer and singer Jordan Fisher happily describe how being a part of this project has truly been a dream-come-true moment in their careers.

This emotional song encourages people to find the courage to reach for their own "happily ever afters" and in addition to the duo of Angie and Jordan, also features the talents of a full orchestra and 90-voice gospel choir – combining into the perfect recipe for an amazing finale song.

"It's so big and it's so beautiful, and I think the sentiment behind it makes it even more special," Jordan said. "Then add the fireworks and the amazing animation – I think that's a moment people are going to remember and that's really exciting."

Check out the video above to hear more.

Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek to Reveal What’s Next at D23 Expo 2017

Remain seated please … Today, Disney's official fan club revealed that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, will be on hand Saturday, July 15, at D23 Expo 2017 to show guests what's new and what's next for resorts around the globe!

Chapek joins the line-up of exciting presenters and presentations taking place in Hall D23 at D23 Expo, July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition to thrilling news from the world of Parks, Walt Disney Studios will once again hold two spectacular panels; Friday at 2:30 p.m., fans will discover what's on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm will showcase the Studio's exciting slate of live-action films.

These join the already announced Disney Legends Awards and A Whole New World of Alan Menken concert that will be taking place in the 6,800-seat venue. For all the D23 Expo news and announcements, check out D23expo.com.

Complete Hall D23 Presentation Schedule (all events subject to change):

Friday, July 14
10 a.m. Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
2:30 p.m. Walt Disney Studios Animation

Saturday, July 15
10:30 a.m. Walt Disney Studios Live-Action
3 p.m. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Sunday, July 16
1:30 p.m. A Whole New World of Alan Menken
5 p.m. A Whole New World of Alan Menken