Look Closer: Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland Park

All aboard, Disney Parks Blog readers! In honor of Disneyland celebrating 63 years earlier this month, we will be departing on a grand circle tour to explore the Disneyland Railroad. As an opening day attraction and one of Walt Disney's personal favorites, this iconic experience is full of rich historical details and beautiful sights. Let's take a closer look!

As guests first enter Disneyland park for the day, their first sight is the elegant, Victorian-style Main Street Station. The station is framed with a centered sign including both the elevation of 138 feet above sea level and the population of Disneyland, which is updated periodically to reflect the number of guests who have visited the park since it opened in 1955. Also, in front of the station is the Kalamazoo handcar, which sits on the former passing track. A fixture in the park since 1958, the handcar was a unique addition to Walt's collection!

Stepping into Main Street Station, guests are treated to period details, railroad memorabilia and photos demonstrating Walt's love of railroads. In the center of the depot, you can view a reproduction of Walt's original Carolwood Pacific locomotive, the Lilly Belle. The original 1/8-scale "live steamer" was named for his wife, Lillian Disney, and was the main engine for the half-mile track around his family's home in Holmby Hills.

When boarding your train, be sure to keep an eye out for which engine will be taking you on your journey. Each of the five steam engines on this historic line has its own personality and story—some which date back to 1895! My personal favorite is Engine No. 5 – the Ward Kimball. This train is unique in that it was named not only for a railroad icon, but also for an icon of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Legend Ward Kimball was an animator, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men," and a railroad enthusiast, whose passion for the hobby helped inspire Walt's own love of trains and railroading. If you look hard, you may see the silhouette of a familiar cricket painted somewhere near the front of the engine, displayed in homage to one of his most beloved characters!

After leaving Main Street Station, the first stop on the Disneyland Railroad is New Orleans Square/Frontierland Station. The station features a number of buildings, including a functional water tower and a loading platform. Across the tracks from the loading station is the original Frontierland depot that existed before New Orleans Square was built. The inspiration for the original Frontierland station was the wooden depot featured in the 1949 Disney live action film, "So Dear To My Heart." Walt Disney initially wanted to re-use the actual set piece that had been built for the film, but when he learned that his friend and fellow animator Ward Kimball had already modified it into a fully functioning building for his personal Grizzly Flats Railroad—thus making it difficult to move—Walt asked his designers to build a new one just like it.

Continuing along the Rivers of America, guests can take in the landscapes inspired by four of America's majestic rivers—the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. The trains travel across the rocks on a trestle that extends out over the water, passing waterfalls, wildlife and some familiar sights of the old west. If you keep an eye out, you may even be able to see some familiar logos from a ranch that once was located around these parts.

If you've ever thought Mickey's Toontown Train Depot looks familiar, there's a reason! The station is a cartoon version inspired by the original Frontierland Station. It has the same basic design with a similar roof style and a small fenced-in section for luggage and other freight. The luggage area is especially fun and colorful with humorous suitcases and crates, including one suitcase with a sock hanging out of the top and another with dog bones popping out of the sides.

Before returning to Main Street Station, the Disneyland Railroad makes one more stop in Tomorrowland to drop off guests in the future before heading back into the past! As you pass through the 306-foot-long Grand Canyon Diorama, be sure to keep an eye out for landscaping, ancient ruins and various examples of indigenous wildlife. As the trains move past the Grand Canyon Diorama, they make their way to another diorama, this one taking guests to the mysterious Primeval World. The Primeval World Diorama and Audio-Animatronics dinosaurs were originally designed and built by Disney for the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair and were added in 1966 to enhance the Disneyland Railroad experience.

Hope you enjoyed riding the rails with us today! To take a look closer at other Disneyland Resort experiences, check out these stories:

• Look Closer: Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure Park
• Look Closer: Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park
• Look Closer: Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park
• 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

Drop by the Hollywood Tower Hotel to Take Home an Otherworldly Keepsake

Checking in to the Hollywood Tower Hotel?

If you're looking for a special keepsake to mark your… memorable stay, our spirited friends at Disney's Hollywood Studios are now offering an 8-inch by 10-inch lenticular print showing you entering the Twilight Zone!

If you're hesitant about discovering what lies beyond the darkest corner of the imagination alone, you can have other souls join you in this photo.

This product is only available at Tower Photo near the exit of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, so drop by today to purchase yours for $19.95 + tax.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.

Photos taken as part of this experience are not captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers and cannot be linked to a Disney PhotoPass account or downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement.

Behind-the-Scenes: ‘The Incredibles’ Float in ‘Paint the Night’ Parade at Disney California Adventure Park

Hopefully you've had a chance to check out the "incredible" new float in "Paint the Night" parade at Disney California Adventure park. The Parr family and their pal Frozone appear in this electrifying parade, bringing all of the fun and excitement of "The Incredibles" to life with high-tech, pop-art effects.

While this innovative float was being built, we had a chance to document it along the way. The video below shows the progression of the float over several months, along with some super fun facts.

Here are a few more incredibly impressive fun facts:

• The "art wall" around the rear base of the float uses 134 fixtures, all exactly nine inches apart to create the "sine wave" curve effect.
• 123 individual LED Panels make up the 13 buildings; only 2 of these are exactly the same size and shape.
• The penthouse floor of of one of the buildings has 112 individual windows, each with its own miniature LED light source.
• Nearly 200 individually programmable lights are embedded in the buildings, The Underminer's drill and Frozone's ice trail.

Cruise Critic Names Castaway Cay the Best Cruise Line Private Island for the Third Year in a Row

The votes have been tallied! We're thrilled to share that Cruise Critic members have recognized Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, as the "Best Cruise Line Private Island" for its 2018 Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards, making this the third year in a row!

But that's not all! Castaway Cay was also voted the Top Rated Overall island in all of the Caribbean.

What makes Cruise Critic's Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards so exciting is that the awards are given based exclusively on consumer ratings and reviews posted to the Cruise Critic website over the past year.

One Cruise Critic member said: "They have done such a nice job of making the island a special place for everyone. It was our first time over at the adult-only beach, and that was even more awesome."

Castaway Cay is a tropical island paradise exclusively reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests. With activities for everyone in the family, from animal encounters and snorkeling, to bike rentals and private cabanas, your family will have countless ways to create amazing vacation memories. Luckily, the year-round Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, all include a full day at Castaway Cay!

For more information about Castaway Cay, click here!

Second Annual Rendez-Vous Gourmand Brings Tasty Treats to Disneyland Paris

As Remy in Pixar's "Ratatouille" muses, "Good food is like music you can taste." And with the return of Rendez-Vous Gourmand at Disneyland Paris, everyone's taste buds are sure to sing with the flavors of new sweet and savory treats, now through September 30.

Guests can stroll down Rue de Paris to Place de Rémy in Walt Disney Studios Park for a chance to try mouthwatering options from six chalets representing French regions from Alsace to Savoy and Brittany to Provence. In addition to the rich French flavors, this year's "feast"-ivities will also celebrate the West Indies, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

Scrumptious options include the Alsatian sauerkraut and Savoyard tartiflette, plus sweet tooth indulgences like kouign-amann, tropézienne and pineapple cakes. Pairings of champagne, wine, beer and cider are available. This year's gastro offerings also feature vegan options. And to bring the magic home, guests can stop by "La Petite Boutique" chalet to purchase a special souvenir mug, bowl, apron or glass.

It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we invite guests to discover a second helping of French fare during this truly unique dining experience, only at Disneyland Paris!

Moms Panel Monday: Christmas in July at the Disneyland Resort

We are wrapping up our month-long Christmas in July series at the Happiest Place on Earth! Yes, the Disneyland Resort is our final stop in our holiday tour that began at the Walt Disney World Resort and has ended where it all began!

The seasonal magic will begin November 9, 2018, and run through January 6, 2019. This festive season includes the return of favorite holiday experiences and entertainment, including Festival of Holidays and the "Believe…in Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular. The Festival of Holidays, which honors the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, will remain at Disney California Adventure park for an additional two days, running through Jan. 8, 2019.

Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Linda M., can't say enough about the holiday season in her favorite place. "The holidays bring all sorts of good times and good cheer to the parks, including nightly lightings of the Christmas trees in both parks, Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, and the façade of "it's a small world" Holiday. Additionally, there are usually special Christmas Day meals at the restaurants located in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. In years past, these included buffets full of traditional holiday fare and even a few special character appearances. Check the Disney Parks Blog in the fall for announcements on special meals during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

Also at Disneyland park, "A Christmas Fantasy" parade will take place daily and will feature Mickey Mouse and his pals in their festive attire. The parade is complete with floats, music and marching "tin soldiers." Guests will be in awe of the 60-foot tall Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. Filled with nearly 1,800 ornaments, the tree is the perfect holiday spot to take a photo with family and friends.

At Disney California Adventure park, be sure not to miss walking into the holiday-themed Cars Land. "Snowcar" will greet guests as they make their way to Radiator Springs and each address along Route 66 will be decked out in its holiday best! Once again, this year holiday overlays will take place at two attractions transforming them into Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree. Young and old will want to visit with Santa Claus at Santa's Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and take a moment to gaze at the spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree on Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street.

The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district also joins in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday-inspired eats and treats. But if you are planning on dining in the district during the holidays, Linda M. reminds Guests to make sure they make a reservation beforehand.

That wraps up our Christmas in July series and what a joyous month it has been. With only 151 days left until Christmas, do you think it's too soon to play Christmas music? What we do know for sure is now is the perfect time to begin planning your Disney vacation for the upcoming holiday season. For answers to your Disney vacation planning questions, please visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personal answer from one of our panelists! Happy Holidays!

Orange Bird Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card To Be Released at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park Friday, August 17, and this year, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up an event-exclusive game card inspired by Orange Bird!

As the storyline behind the card goes: During one of his walks through the Adventureland, Merlin met the adorable Orange Bird. Merlin was so taken with the little fellow, that he created a brand new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom spell in his honor.

On this new "Orange Bird's Juice-o-Lanterns" spell card, Orange Bird celebrates Halloween in his own, sunny way by creating "Juice-o-Lanterns," drawing funny faces on the oranges that grow near the Sunshine Tree.

In case you aren't familiar with Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, it's an in-park interactive quest that allows guests of all ages to join Merlin's mission to stop Disney Villains from taking over the park. Guests search for villain hideouts throughout the park, and visit magic portals where they use these spell cards to stop a villain's plan. The fun begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where guests can pick up everything they need to play.

This special event card will be distributed separately (and in addition to) the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs guests are given at this location. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.

Excited to grab this year's card? Share your excitement in the comments section below.

Disney Parks Sweet Treats: July 2018

Cupcakes and donuts and floats, oh my! I've got bunches of new sweets to share with you in this month's Sweet Treats, and first up are the cutest little donuts you ever did see – MICKEY BEIGNETS! That's right, you can now get Mickey-shaped Beignets at Walt Disney World Resort. Just head on over to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for this sweet and iconic treat. They come covered in powdered sugar and served with your choice of dipping sauce: caramel, strawberry, or chicory coffee ganache!

Right next door at Scat Cat's Club, guests over the age of 21 can also nosh on the Baton Rouge Beignets, jazzed up with your choice of one of two cream liqueurs or coffee liqueur. And if you haven't heard yet, there's a whole new menu at Scat Cat's Club – check out my recent story to learn all about it!

At Epcot, the Blueberry Grass Band has been bringing French and English Canadian hits to the Canada pavilion this summer, and we've got a couple blueberry frozen drinks to celebrate! Found at the Canada Popcorn Cart, the Blueberry Frozen Drink is made with white cranberry juice and blueberry infusion. Guests over 21 can even add a little acai-blueberry vodka to the mix. Pair it with some Maple Popcorn, head over to the Canada Mill Stage, and you've got yourself a snack and a show! The Blueberry Grass Band will be performing daily through August 26.

If you're a fan of the Bubble Milk Tea at Joy of Tea in China, then you'll love the new Milk Cap Tea. It's Lychee tea topped with a creamy milk cap and sprinkled with Himalayan salt.

At Fountain View, there's a new Boston Cream Cupcake. This white cake comes with cream filling and a chocolate ganache topping. And over at Sunshine Seasons, you'll find some yummy Chocolate Mousse with cookies and cream crumbles and chocolate crispy pearls.

Do you love COOKIE DOUGH? Well guess what? Disney's All Star Resorts are now serving up delicious cups of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at Intermission Food Court, End Zone Food Court, and World Premier Food Court. I can definitely say it's DELICIOUS!

For a limited time only at Disney's All Star Sports Resort – if you love that little blue Experiment 626, then you'll love this cupcake! Stitch's Blue Raspberry Cupcake is made with yellow cake with chocolate-raspberry filling and topped with blue raspberry buttercream. Find it at the End Zone Food Court, and be sure to grab one before he escapes!

You won't have to fly off to Neverland to try this next treat! Just stop by Storybook Treats at Magic Kingdom Park to get the Peter Pan Float. It comes with lime soft-serve, sprite, and a chocolate feather, and it is SO CUTE! There's also a Peter Pan T-shirt that goes perfectly with it. You'll feel SO FLY wearing it and sipping on this float – find the shirt on Shop Disney Parks or at various merchandise locations throughout our parks and resorts. And keep an eye out for some of the other cute Peter Pan-themed merchandise like the Peter Pan Bangle Set by Alex and Ani or the Peter Pan MagicBand!

And of course I can't forget about those monthly ice cream treats! At Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, the August Ice Cream of the Month will be Chocolate Fudge, and the August Milkshake of the Month at The Plaza Restaurant will be Extreme Cookies and Cream.

At the Disneyland Resort, you can find some unique and tasty donuts at the Main Street U.S.A. Coffee Cart in Disneyland park. These donuts are made fresh twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and the flavors are always changing. You never know what you might find! Right now, one of those flavors is the Pineapple-Filled Donut with Meringue! This tropical treat is the perfect way to start your day in Adventureland. But remember – these donuts are quite popular, so come on out and get yours before they run out!

For a fun frozen sandwich in Frontierland, mosey on down to The Golden Horseshoe to try the Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches! These cookie sandwiches come with vanilla ice cream and are drizzled with your choice of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Over at Disney California Adventure park, take a trip to the recently-opened Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier. Here you'll find all sorts of sweet treats, like the Memory Refreshers – frozen drinks that come in all colors and flavors! One of the drinks is the Rainbow Unicorn, with grape soda, blue raspberry soda, lime, cherry, lemon-lime and rainbow candies. Another one is inspired by Bing Bong himself, Imaginary Pal, which will be made with pink lemonade and grape soda with rainbow cotton candy, topped with a marshmallow flower.

And last up, did you know that August 6 is National Root Beer Float Day? Well if you're looking for a tasty treat to toast it with – why not try an Ice Cream Float at Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream? Also located in Disney California Adventure park, this ice cream shop serves up root beer floats with scoops of vanilla ice cream. And guests over 21 can even enjoy a Hard Float with your choice of ice cream bar served in an alcoholic hard soda or dark beer!

So come on out to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort to try one of these sweet new treats this summer. Whether it's a pineapple-filled donut or a tasty float, you're sure to satisfy that sweet tooth at Disney Parks!

New American Heritage Gallery Honors American Indian Art at Epcot

A brand-new art exhibit, "Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art," just debuted at the American Heritage Gallery at Epcot. The display showcases 89 pieces on display represent 40 different American Indian tribes from seven geographic regions across the United States.

Highlights from the collection include an "Ancient Resonance" dress by designer Acoma Pueblo, a Pokagon Potawatomi black ash hamper basket made in the early 1900s, and a Chilkat blanket from Alaska dating to the 1890s complements "Raven and the Box of Daylight," a 2017 glass sculpture by Preston Singletary (Tlingit).

For a look inside the exhibit's dedication ceremony, check out the video above.

Mickey Mouse Helps Celebrate Disney Parks Blog Instagram Milestone

We're kicking off the week with a big thank you to the Disney Parks Blog readers and fans who are part of our growing community on Instagram. We've reached 500,000 followers! And, to help celebrate this milestone, Mickey Mouse is sharing a special video.

Also, to mark the milestone, we've gathered five favorite recent images and videos featured on the Disney Parks Blog Instagram channel.

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Feb 16, 2018 at 5:44am PST

Just Announced: #ToyStoryLand will open at Walt #DisneyWorld Resort on June 30!

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Apr 13, 2018 at 1:13pm PDT

New millennial pink treats have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort!

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Jan 22, 2018 at 5:18pm PST

Minnie Mouse marked a milestone in Disney history by receiving a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, in celebration of her 90th anniversary!

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Feb 6, 2018 at 4:08pm PST

See how #DisneylandParis was transformed into a winter wonderland!

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Nov 10, 2017 at 3:14pm PST

Jessie & Rex became the first "Toy Story" characters to be installed in #ToyStoryLand at Disney's Hollywood Studios earlier this week!

If you're new to Instagram, you can follow the Disney Parks Blog account as well as our other official Disney Parks Instagram accounts – Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

RELATED STORY: https://ift.tt/2l1aUJV

See Frozen: The Broadway Musical on the Adventures by Disney New York City Vacation

Disney's newest musical, Frozen, opened earlier this year on Broadway. If taking your family to see this rousing musical spectacular is on your wish list, there's no easier way to score tickets than by booking the Adventures by Disney New York City Long Weekend vacation.

While exploring "the city that never sleeps" with Adventures by Disney, not only are you guaranteed prime seats to Frozen, you also enjoy a wealth of other exciting experiences, including:

• Going backstage at Good Morning America on an exclusive VIP tour.
• Learning music and dance from a musical during a Broadway workshop.
• Discovering the magic of Broadway on a backstage tour of the legendary New Amsterdam Theatre.
• Setting off on an exciting, interactive tour of iconic sights on THE RIDE: NYC Tour.
• Sampling flavors of the Lower East Side as you celebrate the diversity and rich history of New York City at the Tenement Museum.

This 4-day, 3-night Long Weekend getaway also can be added to Disney Cruise Line sailings departing from the port of New York City, allowing you to enjoy the best of both land and sea. Departure dates through December 2018 are available.

There's just something so enchanting about New York City, and the addition of a magical queen with ice powers is sure to make the experience even more thrilling!

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we looked ahead and shared an update that Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will be bringing seasonal magic to the Merriest Place on Earth beginning November 9 through January 6.

At Disney California Adventure park, Festival of Holidays will feature special entertainment, including the return of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party. At Disneyland park, seasonal fan favorites return, including the enchanting Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, "Believe…in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular and magical "A Christmas Fantasy" parade.

Check out our original Holidays at the Disneyland Resort story for more details.

And the Disney Parks Blog also hosted two #DisneyParksLIVE streams this week – from Disney California Adventure park and Disney's Vero Beach Resort. First, we shared a live look at the popular "Paint the Night" parade featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters and stories.

Then, we shared a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the Tour De Turtles from Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Tour de Turtles teams up our Disney's Animals, Science & Environment Team with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to celebrate two loggerheads' great migration and track their journey from nesting on the beach to their foraging grounds. As you'll see, the event took on a Toy Story Land theme this year.

Here are some of the other stories we posted this week.

• New 'Inside Disney Parks' – Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort – We're on location at Disney H20 Glow Nights in Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to kick off a new "Inside Disney Parks" episode featuring some incredible summer experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2019 – Hong Kong Disneyland just revealed the name of its newest Marvel attraction – Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Debuting in 2019, this attraction is the next step in the resort's multi-year expansion, following the premiere of "Moana: A Homecoming Celebration" in May.
• Disney Expands Environmental Commitment By Reducing Plastic Waste – The Walt Disney Company's commitment to environmental stewardship goes back to our founding more than 60 years ago. Walt himself said that "conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us." We've taken that message to heart and act on our commitment in big and small ways around the world.
• Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff Now Open in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park – Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff — the delightful, whimsical merchandise and confectionery location—is now open along Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park!
• Chow Down at Chicken Guy! Coming to Disney Springs This August – Do you love CHICKEN? Do you love GUY FIERI? If so, then I have some awesome news for you! There's a brand-new eatery getting ready to hatch at Disney Springs – Chicken Guy!
• Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Design and Enhanced Features in Onboard Mobile App – From the moment you step aboard a Disney ship, chances are your smartphone is nearby. And not just to take selfies and countless family photos! Our Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is a favorite part of the Disney cruise experience, as it keeps you informed of the fun happening all cruise long and lets you stay in touch with family and friends onboard.

Tour of Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park: Entrance

Pixar Pier, the reimagined land along the shores of Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park, has so much to explore! From exciting themed attractions and entertainment, to specialty food and merchandise—everything found in Pixar Pier celebrates beloved Pixar characters and stories!

We're launching a new video series highlighting the various areas around Pixar Pier. Today, we're starting with the playful entrance into Pixar Pier. Check it out below!

As you enter the land, you'll pass under the dazzling Pixar Pier marquee. From there, highlights include Lamplight Lounge, a stylish, fun place serving California casual gastro-pub cuisine and unique cocktails, as well as Knick's Knacks, a shop offering an assortment of souvenirs based on Pixar films. In addition, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats is a must-stop for cones and cups of tasty, towering soft serve.

Come explore Pixar Pier for yourself at Disneyland Resort. Adventure is out there!

Celebrate National Dance Day with Disney Performing Arts

On one special day each year, dancers from around the country celebrate dance education and embrace the beat that makes us move our feet during National Dance Day! With Disney Performing Arts, we celebrate dancers each and every day offering year-round workshops and performance opportunities for dance groups of all levels.

From workshops that allow students to rehearse routines from several Disney Parks shows to performance opportunities where they can wow our Guests at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, dancers shine all year throughout our Parks!

Learn more and check out how we celebrate dance year-round with Disney Performing Arts:

For the best availability of our dance experiences, look into visiting from mid-June through September and don't forget to sign up for our new e-newsletter for the latest news and updates on Disney Youth Programs.

Cast Members Wear Their Hearts on Their Sleeves with New Animal Kingdom Costumes

If you've visited Disney's Animal Kingdom since the park's 20th anniversary earlier this year, you may have noticed a colorful new addition. Many cast members in the park are wearing new costumes that highlight some of the threatened and endangered species Disney is working hard to support in the wild.

The costume's intricate mosaic designs are beautifully created, and the stories behind them are remarkable – sometimes even surprising. For example, did you know that more than 20,000 species of butterfly have been found around the world?

Cast members can now choose among three styles featuring animals that fly, such as cranes and butterflies; those that swim, including sharks, rays and turtles; and those that live on land, like elephants, rhinos, tigers and gorillas. Guests will see the costumes in various lands around the park.

While Disney's Animal Kingdom offers lots of thrilling attractions, delicious food and soaring entertainment, some of the most memorable experiences our Guests have are their interactions with our cast members, learning something new about the magic and beauty of nature and the importance of Disney's conservation efforts around the world.

The more our cast members can be advocates for their favorite animals, the more inspired our Guests will be to take actions that help support these animals in the wild. This is just another way our Guests also learn more about Disney's global conservation efforts through research, field work and the Disney Conservation Fund. The Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $70 million to reverse the decline of wildlife in more than half the countries in the world.

Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular’ Over the Tomorrowland Lagoon at Disneyland Park

In tonight's Disney Parks After Dark post, "Together Forever Fireworks – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" lights up the sky over the lagoon in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Prime viewing locations for the fireworks spectacular can be found along Main Street, U.S.A., around the Rivers of America and "it's a small world." Each site marries the fireworks and epic soundtrack to projections, lasers, and other show effects. But one of the many things I love about Disneyland park's fireworks show is that you can find breathtaking vantage points all over the resort.

This is a series of relatively long exposures (15-seconds each). My settings were f/16 at ISO 100 – I left white balance set to automatic. I selected a 14mm lens for this shoot and used Matterhorn mountain as my focus point. The shutter was fired manually using a cable release.

Long exposure photography does lovely things to moving water. I think the lagoon, with its colorful bottom-up-lighting, looks just a little more whimsical at 15 seconds. Couple the water with the park's signature pyrotechnics from above and I feel like there's a recipe for some really special photography.

"Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" is part of the Pixar Fest celebration at Disneyland Resort. Hurry! There's still time to experience this incredible celebration of friendship and beyond. Pixar Fest runs through September 3.

Discover the Beauty of Bermuda with Disney Cruise Line

Beginning this October, the Disney Magic will sail to the dazzling island of Bermuda for the first time during five- and six-night cruises from New York City. This tropical paradise is known for its famous pink-sand beaches, exciting water sports and activities, world-class shopping, and eclectic blend of British, American and West Indian cultures.

Each sailing to Bermuda includes at least two days on the island, which means more time for adventures ashore! Here are some of my top recommendations for making the most of your time in this amazing destination…

If adventure is what you seek…

Embark on a Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise — if you dare! — to hear the strange and harrowing history of this body of water. Sail under the stars on a beautiful 50-foot, glass-bottom boat as the underwater world below is illuminated to reveal exotic fish and colorful coral reefs. It's the perfect way to enjoy Bermuda's "night life" from a completely new point of view!

The Hidden Gems Exploration Adventure takes you across the island into Tom Moore's Jungle, a 12-acre reserve where you can jump from cliffs into clear blue waters and explore breathtaking caves. Next, you'll head to one of the island's premier snorkeling locations to swim with tropical fish around a vibrant preserved coral reef island and relax on a secluded pink-sand beach. This excursion ends with a sweet treat: homemade ice cream at local family-owned parlor. Yum!

If the ocean is calling your name…

Try Bermuda's ultimate catamaran experience on the Rising Son Catamaran Swim and Snorkel Port Adventure, which transports you to exquisite secluded sites where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard or snorkel in the bright turquoise water.

On the Pirate Sunset Glass-Bottom Cocktail Cruise, you'll board the largest glass-bottom boat on the island for an exclusive look at a centuries-old shipwreck, as your pirate-themed crew tells tales of Bermuda's notorious buccaneers. Kids can join in the antics with provided eyepatches and pirate hats while adults enjoy Rum Swizzle cocktails beneath the setting sun.

If you like to live on the "wild" side…

Explore the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo during the Bermuda Aquarium and Museum Zoo Cruise. Here, you will encounter more than 200 species of marine life; 300 varieties of birds, reptiles and mammals; and the fascinating 145,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit, a living replica showcasing one of Bermuda's spectacular coral reefs—home to the likes of barracudas and sharks!

The Bermuda Family Fun – Aquarium and Zoo trip also includes a stop at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute for a closer look at aquatic wonders, including the "Blue Echo" fly and dive simulation, the newest exhibit that brings the world's best dive sites to life through an immersive virtual reality experience.

Remember, when the ship's in port, venture ashore!

Learning to Draw Edna Mode at Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure Park

If you ever wondered how Disney and Pixar characters are brought to life on the screen, Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure park offers guests a hands-on experience!

Presented by a Disney artist, you'll receive step-by-step instruction on how to create your very own character sketch! To celebrate Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort, check out the video below of guests learning to draw Edna Mode from "The Incredibles!"

Animation Academy is super fun for all ages and experience levels. To add to the fun, you can take home your masterpiece as a souvenir! Even better, it's located in the relaxing, cool Disney Animation Building—a great place to escape the heat!

Drawing classes occur every 30 minutes. Attractions, entertainment and offerings are subject to change without notice.

New ‘Inside Disney Parks’ – Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort

We're on location at Disney H20 Glow Nights in Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to kick off a new "Inside Disney Parks" episode featuring some incredible summer experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. This time, we go behind the scenes for a look at what makes a perfect wave at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon before traveling to the parks to highlight must-do summer experiences, new frozen treats and more.

Here's more information on some of the topics covered during the show:

• Disney H20 Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon – "Toy Story" pals are throwing glow parties at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park on select nights from now until -August 11. Tickets are available now on our special event page.
• Surf Like a Pro at Disney – Ron Hood, senior duty and project manager at Disney Water Parks, shares a special look at the technology behind the perfect waves guests are enjoying at this season's Disney H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. You can reserve a surf time today.
• Best of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios – Actress Alyson Hannigan shares her favorite things about Toy Story Land. Check out Alyson's favorites and more on our Toy Story Land page.
• New Frozen Summer Treats – Disney Parks Blog author Alex Dunlap visits Magic Kingdom Park for a look at new frozen summer treats. You can see all of Alex's recent food stories on our special author page.
• Top Summer Disney Dresses at Disney Springs – Take a look inside The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane at Disney Springs – featuring favorite summer dresses. Find the dresses online at shopDisney.com.

#DisneyParksLIVE: Watch the 2018 Tour De Turtles Live on July 28

Last week, more than 1,400 Disney Parks Blog readers voted to name this year's loggerhead turtles who will be released as a part of the Tour De Turtles event at Disney's Vero Beach Resort on July 28.

Today we're happy to share that we will hold a #DisneyParksLIVE stream of Tour De Turtles live on the Disney Parks Blog on July 28, starting at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Tour de Turtles teams up our Disney's Animals, Science & Environment Team with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to celebrate two loggerheads' great migration and track their journey from nesting on the beach to their foraging grounds. As part of Disney's overall commitment to sea turtle conservation, the team regularly monitors sea turtle nesting activity on several miles of beach near Disney's Vero Beach Resort, which happens to be one of the most active sea turtle nesting areas in Florida.

This year, the event is taking on a Toy Story Land theme – just as guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios are invited to "play big" in Andy's backyard, conservation efforts at Disney's Vero Beach Resort encourage guests to care for those animals – big and small – who live in their own backyards.

The turtle names our readers chose were inspired by female "Toy Story" characters. Be sure to tune in to find out the winning names to witness this amazing conservation moment in action!