Look Closer: Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park

One of the things guests love most about Disney Parks is the way they immerse guests in a story, often down to the tiniest details. Today we begin a new series here on the Disney Parks Blog that will invite you to take a closer look at details you might have missed in some of your favorite attractions or maybe even details you may have noticed and always wondered about! This month, let's dig deeper with one of history's most famous archaeologists at Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland park.

From the moment you enter the queue, Indiana Jones Adventure transports you to the past with immersive details and interactive elements. Take a close look into Indy's office and you'll find 1930s copy of "Life" magazine featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the cover.

There are also nods to the famous films. The wall of Indy's office is made of crates, one of which is labeled, "Deliver to Club Obi Wan." This is a reference to the opening sequence of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" – which takes place in Club Obi Wan, itself an homage another famous Lucasfilm character. (If you can name this reference – of course you can – leave your guess in the comments!)

There are also clues to the adventure ahead. Next to his desk, you will find a bulletin board posted with correspondence between Indy and Sallah as well as a large map of the entire temple drawn by Dr. Jones himself. Depicted here are traps, landmarks and even a guide to which gifts can be found behind each of the doorways inside the Chamber of Destiny.

There are even hidden details to find once on board your troop transport. Past a menacing 45-foot-tall decaying skull of Mara and before a lunging 100-foot long King Cobra, you'll see a skeleton wearing Mickey ears embroidered with the name "Bones."

The Temple of the Forbidden Eye is full of many more immersive details. The next time you make your way through the temple passageways, keep an eye out for archaeological tools, traps and even try to decipher some of the Maraglyphics carved into the walls.

What is your favorite detail of Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments!

Rare ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’ Dazzles at Toy Story Land

Last night, a rare "super blue blood moon" passed over Walt Disney World Resort – and Photographer David Roark was onsite to capture this rare celestial event. This rare combination of lunar eclipse, blood moon and super moon (all in one) was visible in the western hemisphere for the first time in 152 years.

David was able to shoot the super blue blood moon from within Toy Story Land, which is currently under construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In this shot, Jessie, who will appear as a part of the Slinky Dog Dash attraction, is wowed by this once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Thanks to David Roark for the image.

DisneyFamilia: Mágicos Ingredientes for a Disney Vacation!

By now, you're probably a fan of Mini Chef Paloma (I sure am!). She has shown us how to cook up a special French Toast recipe and taken us on a tasty tour of fun snacks at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Today, we show you how she completed her delicious aventura throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The Mini Chef has been busy running around collecting all the magical ingredients necessary for the best Disney Vacation.

Her visit to Magic Kingdom Park took her on an underwater expedition on Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. She traveled around the world at Epcot and discovered wild new flavors at Disney's Animal Kingdom. She even learned how to use the Force and become and Jedi at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Her adventure through our magical kingdom was truly mágica! You can watch Paloma's journey below, with a Spanish version here!

A Walk in the Park: Cruising the Kingdom Never Gets Old at Disneyland Park

I wrote about my weekly photo walks through Disneyland Resort in August. My goodness, the magic of mornings never seems to get old.

Disneyland Monorail pilots prepare to shuttle eager guests to their day of fun.

Magicians warm up to deliver wonder and laughs through sleight of hand at Main Street Magic Shop.

A small army of horticulture specialists tend to the exotic foliage at Jungle Cruise.

The rumbling growls of Mara emanate from Temple of the Forbidden Eye, beckoning the brave to Indiana Jones Adventure.

The golden glow of sunrise inspires warm, optimistic visions of the future as I approach Tomorrowland.

If ever there was confusion over whose it was, the seagulls at Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage continue to set the record straight: "Mine."

The maddest tea party gets cranked up as the day's first guests pass through turnstiles. Another picture-perfect day at Disneyland park has begun. Alright, enough writing – It's churro time!

Disney Parks Food Tour: Epcot International Festival of the Arts

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is in full swing for its second year, celebrating the visual, performing and culinary arts from around the globe. As a designer and a foodie, this festival is my FAVORITE here at Epcot. Not only are the dishes absolutely delicious, they're beautifully crafted too! I recently met up with my friend, Sous Chef Julia Thrash, to get a personal tour of everything that's being cooked up at this year's festival. Julia is one of many talented chefs who are the masterminds behind the menus at Epcot's annual festivals. Each year, months of research and planning go into perfecting the Food Studios and the wonderful dishes they offer. While walking around the World Showcase, Julia gave me some amazing insight into the inspiration behind some of this year's dishes and even let me taste a few of them myself!

If you're looking for beautiful, delicious cuisine, then come on out to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts before it ends on February 19th. Check out my recent foodie guide to see everything that's offered this year and let us know what dishes have been your favorite in the comments below!

Wildlife Wednesday: Disney Helps Reverse the Decline of Siberian Cranes

With World Wetlands Day approaching on Feb. 2, it is a good time to consider the importance of wetlands, which are essential to our future and the survival of wildlife such as a beautiful migratory bird called a Siberian crane.

Siberian cranes are a critically endangered species with fewer than 4,000 existing in the wild. Also known as the "snow crane" due to their distinctive white plumage, these birds make the longest migration of any crane – flying more than 3,200 miles from Eastern Siberia to a single lake in Southeast China called Poyang Lake and back, twice a year.

Because Siberian cranes feed almost exclusively on submerged aquatic plants, the existence of wetlands along their migratory route is critical to their survival. These wetland habitats are threatened because of human impacts, such as agricultural development and increasing demands for water by growing human populations.

Disney's Animals, Science and Environment Cast and the Disney Conservation Fund are working with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) to reverse the decline of Siberian cranes by working with local stakeholders in China and Russia to improve wetland management and develop sustainable ecotourism involving cranes. They are studying how to manage wetlands to benefit cranes while also creating opportunities for tourists to see and learn about these amazing birds.

To learn more about these and other migratory birds, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

PHOTO CREDITS: Zhou Haiyan

Mobile Order Now Available for Walt Disney World Resort Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

Since launching last spring, we have been hearing overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests who have used Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs, this convenient service allows you to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.

Now, we're excited to introduce Mobile Order to a whole new audience of guests. Beginning today, guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

All three Disney dining plans are available with Mobile Order: Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and Quick-Service, Regular and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, tap the "Order Food" button under "My Plans" in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan – whether you're redeeming a snack credit for a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or a quick-service credit for a Pandoran feast at Satu'li Canteen.

This latest app update builds on other new features, like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests. Be sure to check back to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates and announcements on My Disney Experience.

#DisneyParksLIVE: Artist Will Gay To Create A Sunrise ‘Sketches In the Park’ Piece Live From Epcot Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is in full swing here at the Walt Disney World Resort – and Disney Artist Will Gay is just one of the amazingly talented artists featured at this year's event.

In case you aren't familiar with Will's "Sketches in the Park" series here on the blog, Will regularly visits a Disney theme park early in the morning to sketch or paint "plein air," which in the art world means creating art straight from the field. He then shares his original work with us in his series on the first Friday of each month.

In honor of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Will has graciously allowed our #DisneyParksLIVE cameras to follow him on his next plein air adventure at Epcot, which we'll stream live here on the Disney Parks Blog on Thursday, February 1.

The live stream will begin Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET. Unlike other #DisneyParksLIVE streams, this will be our first "long-form" live stream, meaning you can pop in and out to see how Will progresses in his painting throughout the morning, from blank canvas to finished piece. Viewers will also be able to download this original piece as a digital wallpaper later in the day.

To view the live stream, simply bookmark this page OR visit the Disney Parks Blog on Thursday morning. The live stream will be at the top of the site.

Gallery

"Sketches from the Park" at Walt Disney World Resort

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Check out the list below to see more of Will's previous work.

• Plein Air at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot
• Plein Air at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot
• Plein Air in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Plein Air in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Plein Air at World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot
• Plein Air In The Norway Pavilion at Epcot
• Plein Air at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Plein Air at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
• Plein Air at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park
• Debuting Our New Artist Series: Sketches from the Park

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Star Dave Bautista Visits Disney California Adventure Park

Dave Bautista, who stars as Drax in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, visited Disney California Adventure park yesterday, making a special stop at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! to visit with an old friend.

"I am Groot!" exclaimed Groot upon his arrival.

Dave also took the opportunity to explore The Collector's Fortress and its famous collection of artifacts from throughout the galaxy. He stopped to take a closer look at Taneleer Tivan's newest acquisitions: three Vyloos from the planet Berhert.

Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland is Now Home to Woody and Jessie

There's a new sheriff in town! Guests at Shanghai Disneyland can now spot Woody and Jessie at the entrances to Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land.

This milestone comes just a few months from opening as attraction testing and training are underway – word is Rex and Trixie are hard at work making sure Rex's Racer is in tiptop shape.

Opening on April 26, this first expansion of Shanghai Disney Resort includes three new attractions, a character greeting area and immersive shopping and dining experiences for an unforgettable adventure in Andy's backyard.

Keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog as we reveal more details about Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land! In the meantime, catch up with your favorite Toy Story characters at Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue or at the Toy Story Hotel – the only hotel in the world themed to the beloved franchise – which is specially decorated for Chinese New Year until March 4.

Broadway Stars Surprise Disney Performing Arts Students

Delaware's Cape Henlopen High School Choir recently visited Walt Disney World Resort for a Disney Performing Arts workshop – and it's a visit they will likely never forget!

That's because their experience took a magical turn when Broadway stars Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White, who starred as Nala and Mufasa in the Broadway production of The Lion King, made a surprise visit to their workshop while in town for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at Epcot.

Met with cheers and smiling faces, Simmons and White joined the students at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa as they participated in "Disney Sings," a workshop for choral groups that gives young performers the opportunity to work with professional Disney vocalists and record a classic Disney song, which they got to take home as a keepsake. After the students completed the workshop, the Broadway stars shared their experiences from the The Lion King and offered helpful tips and advice on pursuing careers in the performing arts.

The entire experience made for an unforgettable trip for the Delaware students who are just some of the thousands of students who participate in Disney Performing Arts programs at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For more information about it, check out DisneyYouth.com

Wonder which celebrity might surprise the next group of Disney Performing Arts students?

Get Fit with Finds from Disney Springs

As January comes to a close, do you find yourself needing some extra motivation to keep your New Year's resolutions going strong? Queue cute workout clothes, supportive shoes, and great gear, all available at Disney Springs.

It's no surprise that UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE has a wide array of athletic apparel, including new arrivals that feature sleek, breathable layers built to help you push through any type of training. With two floors of products designed to make you better, this is a don't-you-dare-miss-it stop for anyone who's serious about sweating it out. Want more options? I was recently reminded that UNIQLO offers sporty separates, too; everything from sports bras to t-shirts and leggings to tanks. If basics aren't your thing, check out the new athleisure line from kate spade new york – personally, I'm loving the polka dot prints! – and I've heard that more styles will be hitting their shelves this spring.

For footwear that prompts you to pound the pavement, Fit2Run, The Runner's Superstore, can't be beat. Not sure which shoe is right for your foot? Their sales associates can help with fittings – the ON Cloud shoes they recommended for me last year are one of the best pairs of running shoes I've ever owned. The location is constantly getting new inventory, like the new Hoka One One, set to hit the sales floor next week. (Feel like you don't need the latest designs? You may be able to score a great deal on last year's models – just ask!)

Once you've got your head-to-toe assortment sorted out, you'll need accessories. Many of the stores listed above have a mix of gym bags, tech gear and more, but for me, the one addition I can't do without is a trusty water bottle. francesca's features a few varieties that made me literally laugh out loud during a recent visit to the boutique. (Sadly, the "I tried my best" bottle is no longer in stock, but the two below were available as recently as late last week – visit the store for current selections.)

Maybe it's just me, but when I look good and have the right gear, I'm more motivated to keep moving. If you feel the same, a visit to Disney Springs may be worth your while!

Happy National Plan for Vacation Day

A recent "Project: Time Off" study by the U.S. Travel Association found that 54 percent of Americans don't use all of their vacation time each year, leaving 659 million paid vacation days a year unused. Asked last fall if they had requested any earned time off for upcoming vacations, 48 percent of surveyed workers answered, "no."

I share these sad statistics today on National Plan for Vacation Day, not to judge these under-vacationed Americans, but rather to admit that I'm regretfully among them.

That's why my New Year's resolution for 2018 is to take more vacation, peeling away more frequently from the job I love to spend more quality time with the people I love (not that I don't love my coworkers, who are perfectly lovable people). After all, countless common-sense studies have illustrated that, the more people vacation, the happier they are in both their professional and personal lives. Plus, honey-roasted peanuts always taste better at 30,000 feet.

Of course, I'm preaching to the proverbial choir here, as Disney Vacation Club Members consistently demonstrate their commitment to vacationing, with a whopping 95 percent dedicating time each year to planning a future vacation. Illustrating the importance of Disney Vacation Club Membership to that commitment, 62 percent of surveyed Members said that they've vacationed more frequently since becoming part of our magical community.

Our Members, and their collective commitment to vacationing, are my inspiration for the New Year.

So whether you spend this National Plan for Vacation Day dreaming up a family vacation, a couple's getaway or an extended family reunion, and whether your vacation plans take you just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom Park to Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, around the neighborhood to other great Disney Vacation Club Resorts, across the sea with Disney Cruise Line, around the world with Adventures by Disney or RCI, or to any of the thousands of destinations at your fingertips, all of us at Disney Vacation Club thank you – and the people you love thank you – for making vacations a priority.

Learn more about National Plan for Vacation Day and access a handy vacation-planning tool online at www.ProjectTimeOff.com/Plan.

Behind the Scenes: Learn How Iconic Disney Name Tags Are Made

Receiving an official Disney name tag is a right of passage for any new Disney cast member here at Walt Disney World Resort.

The iconic "first name" name tags have been used at Disney Parks for decades and were actually a tradition inspired by Walt Disney himself, who felt calling cast members by their first names was key in creating a family friendly atmosphere.

Today, the Engraving Shop here at Walt Disney World Resort creates more than 100,000 new name tags for cast members at theme parks, Disney Springs, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering and beyond.

Take a look at the video above, where we take you inside the Engraving Shop to learn more.

Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of ‘Peter Pan’ with Disney PhotoPass at Magic Kingdom Park

No film has made dreams take flight (literally) quite as much as Walt Disney's animated classic "Peter Pan," which premiered on February 5, 1953. Whenever we feel like biding our cares goodbye, Peter Pan and a certain feisty fairy are always ready to whisk us and the Darling children off to Never Land on an adventure that keeps us young at heart.

You won't have to go all the way to the second star to the right to celebrate the upcoming 65th anniversary of this classic: You're invited to celebrate with Disney PhotoPass Service at Magic Kingdom Park February 4-10! Check out all of the ways you can celebrate with us:

February 4-10, Captain Hook and his loyal sidekick Mr. Smee will come ashore to meet you in Fantasyland intermittently from 9 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. Tick tock: Be sure to meet this duo before they head back to the Jolly Roger!

Peter Pan's sneaky shadow is notoriously difficult to find, but the PhotoPass photographer next to the Captain Hook and Mr. Smee Character Experience is exceptionally skilled at locating it with the help of a special Magic Shot! Stop by and you just might find it in your photo.

Looking for some Magic Shots with a little extra pixie dust? Visit the photographer on the bridge next to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments to bring out your inner fairy, or have the most famous fairy of them all appear in your photo when you visit a photographer on Main Street, U.S.A.

If all of these photo opportunities have you ready to fly off to Never Land, stop by Partners Statue in front of Cinderella Castle where a photographer will have a prop you can include in your photos.

To sail home with all of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos, purchase Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day! Memory Maker is available for purchase online before, during or after your vacation. Memory Maker One Day is available for purchase inside Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park or in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit.

Whether you celebrate with us at Magic Kingdom Park or at home, be sure to share your photos with us using #PeterPan65!

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

Heads up Star Wars fans – the Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 27.

In case you aren't familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Here's a look at other event offerings:

• Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.

• Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park's existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

• Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney's Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights

• Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.

• Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.

• Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on this event – as well as ticket onsale dates and information.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Week 3 and 4 Highlights

We are almost smack dab in the middle of the second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, and we are going strong.

With programming seven days-per-week this year, Epcot guests have had more opportunities this year to sample our artistic-themed food and beverage; peruse the fabulous art exhibits and take part in the enthralling seminars and workshops.

The seminars are included with Epcot admission and are generally 30 minutes; and the workshops have a nominal fee but last 75 minutes and include hands-on training and a cool take-away.

Some workshops you could try over the next two weeks include:

• (Tuesday, January 30) Watercolor Love – Artist Rachelle Eason showcases her talent for blending watercolors while showing participants how to make masterpieces of their own.
• (Friday, February 2) From Script to Screen – Developing Stories at Disney Animation Studios – Actor, Director and "Head of Story" Paul Briggs will talk about his work Disney animated hits like Frozen and Big Hero 6. Plus, participants will get a special look at Briggs' new children's book Catch My Breath.
• (Offered Thursday, February 8 and Sunday, February 19) Mini Masterpieces – Curators from our own Orlando Museum of Art help participants make their own own landscape, portrait or abstract work on canvas inspired by the Orlando Museum of Art's State of Excellence.

Don't forget to visit the Festival website for all the official times and prices. Seminars can be reserved day-of at the Odyssey Festival Center. Workshops can be booked in advance by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

As a reminder, the Disney on Broadway series runs Fridays through Mondays during the Festival (or what we like to call a "Disney Weekend.")

The next two weekends – Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-5 – feature spectacular performers from Disney's The Lion King Broadway show: Alton Fitzgerald White and Kissy Simmons.

Kissy is best known for playing Nala in the show and Alton played Mufasa. That's a show you do NOT want to miss!

All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Broadway fans can book dining packages that include guaranteed seating for a show and a wonderful meal.*

[NOTE: Alton also will be signing his newest book, My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance, in Heritage Manor at the American Adventure pavilion on January 29 and February 5 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to have the opportunity to meet Alton and get a book signed.]

For more information on the Festival, click over to www.disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463.

And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival.

*Disney on Broadway Dining Packages are available for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and include a 3-course meal or full buffet, depending on the location.