Look Closer: Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park

One of my favorite times to hop on the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland park is in the spring, when the flowers are blooming and it's warm enough to enjoy a light splash of water as you dodge and dash around the mountain. In this spirit, now is the perfect time to take a look closer at this classic attraction!

The idea for the Matterhorn Bobsleds was inspired during the filming of the 1959 live action Disney feature film, "Third Man on the Mountain." During filming in Zermatt, Switzerland, Walt Disney became fascinated with the Matterhorn and his thoughts turned to how he could incorporate this inspiration at Disneyland.

When you first approach the attraction, you may notice the unique station where you wait to board the bobsleds. While the attraction was being designed and built, Walt and his Imagineers wanted guests to be able to enjoy the view of the Matterhorn, similar to how one might view it from its home town of Zermatt. Rising from the roofline is a picturesque tower, inspired by a famous clock tower near the real Matterhorn mountain. The clock tower is probably the second most famous sight in Zermatt, following the Matterhorn itself, and recreates a familiar scene of Switzerland's famed chalets.

Adorning the front of this quaint building are shields representing the cantons, or states, in Switzerland. The opposite side is adorned with fanciful alpine-style floral cutouts edged in brightly colored paints. The design recalls the colors and motifs found both in traditional Swiss embroidery designs as well as the decorative painted patterns found on some mountain chalets.

As you whisk through the Matterhorn on your bobsled, you'll pass a hoard of mountaineering supplies and collected treasures from the mountain's past. This scene is full of historical details, including a tribute to the late Frank Wells, who was president and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994.

Racing on, you'll encounter the growling Abominable Snowman for one last harrowing escape. This grizzly resident has been a fan-favorite since the attraction first opened. In 2015, he received a transformation to give him a whole new look. Walt Disney Imagineering wanted to ensure that the mountain's most famous resident would maintain a realistic look and even consulted with an anthropologist to give him convincing anatomy.

To put a smile on your face until you can experience the Matterhorn Bobsleds on your next visit, here is a fun perspective to think about: according to Disney legend, when King Baudouin of Belgium asked Walt Disney why the Disneyland version of the Matterhorn had holes in it, Walt replied: "Because it is a Swiss Mountain!"

For more from the "Look Closer" series, visit the links below:

• Look Closer: Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park
• Look Closer: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park
• Look Closer: Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure Park

Moms Panel Monday: Dining at Disney Springs

When you think of Disney Springs your mind takes you to a place filled with incredible shopping and delectable dining. Did someone say dining? The Disney Parks Moms Panelists definitely think of dining, and they are offering up some of their best meal suggestions when it comes to an afternoon or night out at Disney Springs.

"Disney Springs is a foodies dream come true," explains Jennifer V. "It's hard to not find something for everyone in your party to enjoy!" And she is right, as this destination offers everything from sushi to fried chicken!

"As a British guest I just love to embrace the Southern States foodie culture when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, and I'm happy to share that I absolutely adore dining at Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' or the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, where I can personally recommend the fried chicken at either location y'all," said Jane, in her best Southern accent.

Anna is also a fan of Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' where she says you must go for a "homey feeling, stick to your ribs meal."

"With country favorites like fried green tomatoes and Church Lady deviled eggs and OMG the bunch of puppies with pimento cheese, we hardly ever get to dinner – but you have to get to dessert! This is the best hummingbird cake anywhere, with the fruity favorites of bananas and pineapple combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting – incredible."

An overwhelming amount of our panelists recommend restaurant hopping or the process of eating one course of your meal at several different restaurants!

"There are so many tasty places that my hubby and I tend to restaurant hop and get a small bite at each. My go-to every trip though, is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar," said Lauren. "The food and drinks are incredible, but we also love the theme and decor. Our favorite place to sit is out back on the "boat" where we can relax waterside and watch the amphicars take-off and return under the beautiful Florida sunset."

Ashley can't encourage guests enough to stop by Paddlefish for incredible appetizers, including a mouth-watering crab ceviche, and lobster guacamole made right at your table! After the appetizer, why not head over to D-Luxe Burger for an amazing burger. She recommends paring it with freshly-cut fries and an artisanal milkshake! Her moms panel tip for D-Luxe Burger: take advantage of mobile food and beverage ordering from you're My Disney Experience app to pre-order your meal!

If it is a night out for two, Donyell says STK Orlando must be on your list.

"The live music at STK Orlando creates a vibrant atmosphere that compliments the upscale cuisine and fantastic views from the balcony/patio. This is the perfect place to embrace your "grown-up" side, engage in some adult conversation and top the evening off with the most incredible berry parfait. It is shockingly delicious!"

Okay so appetizers … check. Entrees … check. What could possibly be next? Oh, yes dessert! And a number one favorite from our moms and dads would have to be Amorette's Patisserie.

"Amorette's Patisserie is my absolute favorite place for sweet treats in Disney Springs. Think of it as a place where all of your favorite childhood goodies go to grow up and become sophisticated and decadent desserts," laughed Veronica. "Their Mickey Mousse is my favorite offering, but their eclair does not fall far behind. Combine either of those treats with a glass of prosecco and you will find one mom who is enjoying her vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort."

The Ganachery was also a very closed second when it came to ending the night with a sweet treat!

Now that we have you thinking of all things food and Disney Springs, why not head over to DisneyParksMomsPanel.com and ask one of our knowledge panelists for more great tips and suggestions on planning your next Disney vacation.

Wheel of Fortune’s 35th Anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort: Disney Fans Week

It's time to gather the family for an epic week as "Wheel of Fortune" once again brings the magic of Disney Parks to viewers Monday, April 30- Friday, May 4 – this time featuring Disney fans!

Pat and Vanna will embark on a journey throughout Walt Disney World Resort from the set at Epcot to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

How's this for an open? Pat will double as a Jungle Cruise Skipper for a wild tour and later join Vanna for more fun throughout Magic Kingdom Park.

You can get in on the fun too. The show will feature a selection of prizes for both contestants and viewers. Viewer giveaways will offer "Wheel of Fortune" fans the chance to win family trips to Walt Disney World Resort. Viewers will also learn more about Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, see the wonders of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom and much more.

Be sure to check your local listings for time and channel information. You don't want to miss this!

Pixar-Themed Surprises Sprouting Up for Pixar Fest at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks, is happening now through September 3 at the Disneyland Resort! During this limited-time celebration of friendship and beyond, beloved Pixar stories and characters come to life in exciting new ways throughout both parks, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District!

Guests visiting Downtown Disney are in for a special surprise—a few favorite Pixar stories have been creatively integrated into the area's horticulture.

More than 15 characters from three Pixar films take shape in six different planters in fun new ways. Inspired by "The Incredibles," "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo," these eye-catching creations feature an array of colors and geometric shapes to depict favorite Pixar friends.

Can you spot the characters featured? Take a stroll through Downtown Disney during Pixar Fest to check them out for yourself! And while you're at it, grab a Pixar-inspired treat from Marceline's Confectionery.

Now Boarding: This Plane Themed to Shanghai Disneyland’s Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land

Ever wanted to reach for the sky with Buzz Lightyear himself? Thanks to a cooperation with China Eastern Airlines, now you can do just that!

The first Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land themed plane took flight from Shanghai over the weekend, featuring in-flight entertainment and colorful décor that illustrates the new attractions now open at Shanghai Disney Resort. Even the ceiling is decorated for this special flight experience!

Travelers at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport will spot favorite Toy Story characters in the departure terminal before take-off and receive a commemorative boarding pass as part of the new flight experience. The plane will fly between Beijing and Shanghai, with service to and from other Chinese cities in the future.

And once you touch down in Shanghai, Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland is a can't-miss! Take a look at last week's post for a glimpse at the playful new attractions and experiences in the park's seventh themed land.

Commence the Graduation Photo Season with Disney PhotoPass Service

Ask any of my friends and they'll attest that taking photos every second of every day isn't my favorite activity. It's not that I dislike photos, I'm just only in a picture-taking mood when I'm in a special place or something exciting is happening. This might seem ironic since I work with Disney PhotoPass Service, but I see it more as me finding my calling by supporting those behind the camera who capture incredible moments for guests each day!

One time of year I love to take photos is graduation season. That's because graduation photos aren't just photos: They're the commemoration of years of hard work and dedication, the tangible keepsakes that show a dream that perhaps at times seemed impossible finally becoming a reality.

And what better place is there to celebrate dreams becoming a reality than at a Disney Park?

Disney PhotoPass Service photographers are located all around Walt Disney World Resort, so grab your graduation regalia (or purchase a Mickey Mouse graduation headband or cap) and come visit us to capture some incredibly unique graduation photos that celebrate this achievement in a magnificent way. I really regret not doing this when I visited right before I graduated!

And while I didn't graduate with a degree in finance, I do feel confident saying that Memory Maker One Day is the perfect way to get the best value if you spend a day taking photos! With this product, you can take home digital downloads of all the Disney PhotoPass photos you can capture in one day at Walt Disney World Resort.

Whether you celebrate with us or elsewhere, to all of the graduates out there: Congratulations!

Disney Doodle: Skippy & Friends From ‘Robin Hood’ Puts Their Bravery to the Test at The Haunted Mansion

We're kicking off another week on the Disney Parks Blog with an adorable Disney Doodle from artist Ashley Taylor.

In our Disney Doodles series, different Disney artists take turns imaging what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park.

In today's Doodle, artist Ashley imagines what Skippy and his other young friends from "Robin Hood" would do if they visited Magic Kingdom Park.

"Skippy and his friends try to be fearless like Robin Hood, yet sometimes have a hard time facing their fears!" she said. "I imagine they would have to ride The Haunted Mansion together so they could take turns being brave!"

Resort Guests Can Enjoy Additional Extra Magic Hours For a Limited Time This Spring, Summer

Get ready, vacation planners – if you are planning to visit the Walt Disney World Resort this spring or summer, we have details you do not want to miss!

For a limited time, guests staying at select Walt Disney World resort hotels can take advantage of more opportunities to enjoy additional Extra Magic Hours.

On select mornings April 29-June 30, guests can enjoy Extra Magic Hours access to the most popular experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom, including the newest attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, as well as guest favorites like Expedition Everest and Dinosaur.

In July and August guests staying at select Walt Disney World resort hotels can access Extra Magic Hours daily – yes, daily! – to experience favorite attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including the attractions in the all-new Toy Story Land.

To start planning your Walt Disney World vacation now, check out DisneyWorld.com.

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, Shanghai Disney Resort welcomed its first official guests to Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, the first major expansion at the resort since its grand opening in 2016.

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Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland

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Based on the Disney·Pixar film series, Shanghai Disneyland's seventh themed land is a high-spirited, colorful world where guests feel as if they've been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys.

"We're incredibly proud of the success of this one-of-a-kind, world-class destination, and we are thrilled to give our Chinese guests even more to explore and enjoy at the resort with the addition of a spectacular new land based on Pixar's beloved Toy Story characters," said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Visit our original Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land story for more details.

We also shared an update that our next #DisneyParksLIVE stream will feature a favorite spring sight!

May 1 is known as May Day, a day meant to celebrate the change of seasons and officially welcome in spring. To celebrate the season, we're hosting a #DisneyParksLIVE stream from Magic Kingdom Park featuring one of our favorite spring sights, a beautiful sunrise at Magic Kingdom Park – before the park opens for the day. Tune in May 1 at 6:00 a.m. ET and let us know where you're tuning in from!

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

• Nineteen People, Four Generations, One Family, of Disneyland Resort Cast Members – For many people, working at the Disneyland Resort is a family tradition. For the Gerlach family, working at the Disneyland Resort is a family tradition spanning four generations and 19 people, dating back to 1956!
• First Look at Exclusive Merchandise and Special Appearances Coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27 – Star Wars: Galactic Nights, a 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.
• Pixar Pal-A-Round to Debut at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park – When Pixar Pier opens this summer, the colorful worlds of Pixar will get a new home at Disney California Adventure park, offering an exciting mix of entertainment, themed food and beverage, merchandise and attractions.
• All in the Details: Woody Arrives in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort – Toy Story Land is nearing completion at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort – and earlier today, our Imagineers celebrated a new milestone as they welcomed the "rootinest, tootinest cowboy around" – Woody, that is – to his permanent place in the land.
• Sheila E, 98 Degrees, MercyMe, Tauren Wells Bring Magic to 2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Regular readers of the blog know that music is an integral part of the Epcot "festival" experience. And, we're excited to give you an update on the "Eat to the Beat" concert series for this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, coming this fall.
• First Look: New Incredicoaster Trains at Disney California Adventure Park – The much-anticipated Incredicoaster is set to make its high-speed debut this summer when Pixar Pier opens to guests at Disney California Adventure park. Disney Imagineers have been putting the final details on the new trains, which will take you on a thrilling race alongside "The Incredibles."
• Four Ideas for Planning Your Very, Merry Unbirthday Party – Whether you're planning a birthday party, a very merry unbirthday party, or a family gathering, there is plenty of Disney inspiration to help you add a few special touches to your celebration. Take a look at these four ideas for planning your very own Alice in Wonderland-themed event – you don't want to be late for this very important date!

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Pics of Our Favorite Cowboy in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort

Earlier this week, we shared the exciting news of the arrival of the "rootinest, tootinest cowboy around" – Woody, that is – to Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Apr 25, 2018 at 8:08am PDT

Click through the gallery above from our Disney Parks Blog Instagram account for more!

‘American Idol’ Top 10 Contestants Pal Around During Pixar Fest at Disneyland Park

As part of preparation for the upcoming Disney Night on "American Idol," the top 10 contestants spent time at the Happiest Place on Earth this week.

During the day, the contestants met with favorite Pixar pals and new friends, as well as experienced attractions and entertainment part of Pixar Fest, the limited-time celebration going on now through September 3 at the Disneyland Resort.

In the evening, the group gathered together to hear superstar judge Katy Perry perform a timeless Disney song in front of Disneyland park's iconic castle.

Check out highlights from their visit below!

Catch the top 10's magical group performance from the castle and solo performances of their favorite Disney songs during Disney Night on "American Idol" this Sunday, April 29 at 8 p.m. EDT on The ABC Television Network. Also, for the first time in the history of American television, a reality-competition series will allow viewers to watch and vote from both coasts simultaneously as "American Idol" is simulcast in all time zones across the country over a three-week span, starting with this Sunday's episode! Viewers will be able to vote by text, via AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol app. Results will be revealed at the end of each show in real time across all time zones.

Explore the New Bourbon Trail at Disney Springs

There's something exciting – and tasty! – coming to Disney Springs on May 1. Kick off your summer by exploring this brand-new Bourbon Trail, where guests ages 21 and older can discover bourbon-inspired beverages and food pairings. Meander through the many shops and restaurants throughout the area and find your favorites!

Each of these drinks has been carefully paired with a delicious dish, and there's even a map that shows where to find all of them! Whether you're a bourbon aficionado, or just enjoy sipping and savoring new drinks, this trail is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a night out with friends.

I've put together this guide to everything being offered on the trail, so be sure to read up and prepare your taste buds, because these offerings will only be available through June 17 and you won't want to miss out! You might even find me strolling about and sipping on a tasty beverage myself …

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

• Fine and Mellow – featuring Knob Creek Bourbon, St. Elder, lemon juice, strawberry, and rhubarb bitters
• Hurry Sundown Old Fashioned – featuring Maker's Mark Bourbon, Benedictine, butter pecan syrup, bitters, and caramel pecan bacon
• Smoked Brisket or Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Homemade Bread Pudding – topped with toffee sauce and bourbon butter

Splitsville Dining Room

• The Trifecta – a stirred concoction of Old Forester 100, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Benedictine, and Pimento Dram
• BBQ Chicken Pizza – smothered in BBQ sauce, topped with marinated grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, mozzarella, cilantro, and red onion

Bongos Cuban Café

• Angel's Envy Bourbon Mojito – featuring Angel's Blue Envy Bourbon, simple syrup, soda water, and fresh mint leaves
• Authentic Cuban Style Churrasco Certified Angus Beef – a 10-ounce skirt steak hand-cut and served with house-made chimichurri sauce, white rice, and beans

YeSake

• Strawberry Bourbon Sour Slushie – bourbon, sweet strawberry puree, and lemonade
• Citrus Fresh – salmon, green leaf lettuce, cucumber, onion, spinach, and jalapeño tempura crunch wasabi ponzu sauce (available as a bowl or wrap)

Planet Hollywood Observatory

• Bulleit Frontier Old Fashioned – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, sugar, and bitters
• BBQ Ribs – fall-off-the-bone St. Louis-style ribs, slow cooked in-house, smothered with BBQ sauce, and served with triple fries

STK Orlando

• Double Down – featuring Woodford Reserve and lemon juice
• Double Smoked Bacon – served with date chutney, oven-dried tomatoes, and crispy garlic
• Bag O' Donuts – enhanced with dulche de leche filling and spice chocolate and raspberry sauces

Enzo's Hideaway

• Enzo's Bourbon Swizzle – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice, ginger syrup, bitters, and fresh mint sprigs with notes of spice, rye, and cedar
• Salumi and Formaggi Board – an impressive selection of meats and cheeses

The Edison

• Peach Tree Downs – a refreshing peach mint julep with a nutty pecan finish featuring Knob Creek Bourbon and Old Camp Peach Pecan Whiskey, with a rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied and almost-fruity flavor and aromas of toasted nuts, grain, and oak
• DB Clothesline Candied Bacon – maple and black pepper-infused bacon served with a sour pickle

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas

• Kentucky Sunrise – featuring Jim Beam Bourbon, orange juice, and grenadine
• Argentinian Skirt Steak – 10-ounce char-grilled skirt steak topped with caramelized onions and chimichurri and served with wasabi or truffle fries

The Ganachery

• Woodford Reserve Bourbon – comprised of more than 200 delectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics: spice, fruit, and floral notes

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

• The Gold Cup – featuring Bulleit Bourbon, Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled mint, lime, and cucumber
• Dub Schpuds – herb roasted potato wedges with a Smithwick's & Dubliner cheese dip

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

• Coffee Old Fashioned – Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Joffrey's Cold Brew Coffee, Vanilla Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, and served with a coffee ganache square
• Snakebite Sliders – three gourmet beef sliders with tomato-bacon jam, house-made pickles, shredded lettuce and cheese

The Boathouse

• Orlando Pride – featuring Old Forester Bourbon and a homemade blackberry citrus purée
• Calamari – hoisin chili marinated calamari rings lightly fried with a medley of peppers and served with a side of hoisin chili sauce

Paddlefish

• Southern Sangria – featuring Medley Bros. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, peach liqueur, Tempranillo, and seasonal fruit with warm notes of caramel, oak, and spices that are followed by touches of creamy vanilla, milk chocolate, and caramelized sugar
• The Pork Chop – a 10-ounce pork chop served with house-made applesauce and fresh green beans

The Polite Pig

• Winner's Circle – featuring Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Pamplemousee grapefruit liqueur, and elderflower tonic, with a rich and complex flavors and hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit
• The Southern Pig Sandwich – mouthwatering pulled pork, fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard BBQ and Dukes Mayonnaise

Frontera Cocina

• Bórbon Néctar – featuring Basil Hayden's Bourbon, 3 dashes of organic agave, 5 drops of Elemakule Tiki Bitters, and orange peel with lean oak, corn, and caramel flavors and finishes of warm toffee, spice, and drying wood
• Carne Asada – garlic and red chili-marinated Creekstone Natural Black Angus Steak, black beans refritos with queso fresco, and caramelized plantains with crema and Cotija cheese and served with tomatillo salsa and warm tortillas

D-Luxe Burger

• Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake – vanilla gelato blended with Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon, hickory smoke, and dark chocolate sauce and topped with a bacon strip
• Southern Burger – signature blend beef patty topped with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce, grilled onion, and bacon

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'

• The Old Fashioned Elder – featuring Michter's Bourbon and St. Germain Elderflower
• Basil Hayden's Mint Julep – featuring Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, simple syrup, and sprigs of fresh mint
• Famous Thigh High Chicken Biscuits – three biscuits topped with Chef Art's fried chicken thighs, drizzled with hot honey, and served alongside bread and butter pickles

Everything on this tasty Bourbon Trail will be available at Disney Springs from May 1 to June 17, so come on out, grab a drink and a snack, and take a walk with us! You can even pick up a Bourbon Trail Passport that contains all of this info and more at the Disney Springs Welcome Center and at any participating locations.

#DisneyKids: Splash Into Wee-Sized Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Nothing says summer more than kids splashing around in the pool. Disney's Blizzard Beach is the ultimate pool with a special area featuring slides and activities sized for little ones. Tucked away at Blizzard Beach, Tyke's Peak offers a mini inner tube ride, side-by-side downhill slides and chutes tunneling through the "snow." Themed wading pools, fountains, waterfalls and spouting pop-up jets delight small fries under 48 inches tall at this polar playground. Take a look at how these preschoolers soak up the fun during a day at Blizzard Beach.

Broadway Stars Take Center Stage During Select Disney Cruise Line Sailings

Guests aboard select Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy sailings are in for a special treat when "Stars Set Sail" returns this year. This live concert series presented by Disney Theatrical Productions brings the magic of Disney's renowned Broadway and international shows to the Walt Disney Theatre as some of the most prodigious Broadway performers join cruisers for an evening onstage.

The program features a world-class lineup of theatrical talent. Fans of "The Lion King" will recall Alton Fitzgerald White from his record-breaking 4,308 performances as the longest-running Mufasa on Broadway. And whether you're a Broadway connoisseur or a theatre newbie, you'll certainly recognize Jonathan Freeman when you hear him … After voicing the evil vizier Jafar in the animated film "Aladdin," he currently portrays the iconic character in the Broadway show!

Other exciting names on our roster include Steve Blanchard, the longest-running Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway, and Kara Lindsay, star of the original cast of "Newsies" on Broadway and the "Newsies" film.

Every "Stars Set Sail" performance uniquely highlights the headliner's theatrical repertoire and personal journey to Broadway. These extra-special sailings may also include meet-and-greets with the stars during exclusive Q&A sessions, plus adults-only shows in the evening and theater classes for teens and tweens.

Are you sailing with a star this year? Check out the full schedule of performers below.

Disney Magic

• May 13: Kara Lindsay ("Newsies") and Kevin Massey ("Tarzan")
• July 7: Susan Egan ("Beauty and the Beast")
• July 29: Jonathan Freeman ("Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast")
• Aug.16: Alton Fitzgerald White ("The Lion King")
• Sept. 9: Michelle Mallardi ("Beauty and the Beast")

Disney Wonder

• April 8: Steve Blanchard ("Beauty and the Beast," "Newsies") & Meredith Inglesby ("Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," "Newsies")
• July 9: Kissy Simmons ("The Lion King")
• Oct. 19: Josh Strickland ("Tarzan")

Disney Fantasy

• June 30: Heidi Blickenstaff ("The Little Mermaid")
• Dec. 29: Susan Egan ("Beauty and the Beast")

Attention: Super Heroes Now Assembling at Disney California Adventure Park

Beginning today, your favorite heroes are now convening throughout Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park for the ultimate heroic encounter!

For a limited time, Super Heroes have teamed up to meet with their newest "recruits" and save the universe.

Black Panther and Black Widow: The king of Wakanda and his Royal Guards, the Dora Milaje will be joined by Agent Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, to show off the latest in Vibranium technology.

Captain America: Celebrate the First Avenger as he arrives on the Avengers vehicle to greet gathered citizens.

Spider-Man: The daring, yet friendly web slinger is here to protect the streets. Snap a photo, grab an autograph or just thank him for protecting the neighborhood!

Thor and Gamora: Two of the most powerful warriors in the galaxy team up to defend a Sakaarian outpost. While meeting them, you may learn tactical fighting techniques and hear tales of valor!

Loki: Be on the lookout for the trickster, Loki! He has arrived and will be searching for allies to join his exploits.

As we mentioned earlier this month on the Disney Parks Blog, Doctor Strange will also arrive at Disney California Adventure park later this summer for a limited time.

For more action-packed fun, don't miss Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" in theaters today.