Sunday, February 2, 2014

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week we shared updates on a few new interactive offerings that are now available at Disney Parks.

“Frozen – A Sing Along” arrived at AMC Theatre locations at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort on Friday. This version of the film encourages guests to sing along to the film’s tunes, including the Academy Award-nominated song, “Let It Go.” Be sure to check out Greg’s original post for more details, as well as his interview with the film’s composers.

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Over at the Disneyland Resort, Disney Parks Blog author Erin Glover tested out Fun Wheel Challenge, a new game that guests can play at Disney California Adventure using their personal mobile device. For more on how to play, see the video below.

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

runDisney Launches “I Run Disney” – Everyone Has a Story – Everyone has a reason to runDisney. Watch as Peter Chuchro tells his story. What’s yours?

A Unique Point of View: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park – This week was the 55th anniversary of the Disney animated classic, “Sleeping Beauty.” See these special pictures to honor the occasion!

‘Discover Together’ Symposium at Disneyland Resort Offers Nonprofits Nationwide the Building Blocks to Strengthen Relationships that Help Kids Thrive – This event brought together nearly 60 nonprofits to explore new ways to strengthen communities through research and volunteer work.

‘Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade’ Floats Arrive at Magic Kingdom Park – Watch as the floats for this Spring parade arrive under cover of darkness.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Guests Join 4th Annual Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Bird Count—Record Number of Birds Counted – New species counted this year included the black-bellied whistling duck, common goldeneye, ruddy duck, American pipit, field sparrow, grasshopper sparrow and the beautiful painted bunting.

Disney Infinity Players Recreate Favorite Disney Parks Experiences for Toy Box Thursday – Check out these downloadable Disney Infinity Toy Boxes, inspired by Disney Parks attractions!

VIDEO: Toe-Tapping Fun at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup – Visit with some of your favorite Disney characters, learn rope tricks and dance to live piano music at this Disneyland park event.

A Mom’s Take: Choosing the Right European Itinerary for Your Family with Disney Cruise Line – View the newest video of our “Mom’s Take” series, and learn about or Mediterranean cruises.

Pro Bowl Players Get in the Aloha Spirit at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Last week, Aulani welcomed NFL players who competed in the Pro Bowl game!

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog



Saturday, February 1, 2014

Celebrate 14 Days of Love: Love is Fulfilling a Wish at Disney Parks

As a Dream Maker, making dreams come true for you is a passion. And, over the years you’ve asked how you could create a Disney moment for your loved ones here and at home. Well, I’ve taken your requests to “heart” and have an announcement just for you.

In the season of showing our Disney Side, my friends and I at Disney Floral & Gifts want to help you show your ‘charming side,’ so we’re announcing our first “Celebrate 14 Days of Love” series.

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For the next 14 days I’ll share ideas, tips, and secrets to create a memory for your special someone, on the Disney Parks Blog and on Twitter (follow @DisneyParks and @WaltDisneyWorld for more).

Whether it’s affection for a loved one, appreciation for a friend, or admiration for your hero, I’ll share heartwarming ideas and secrets for Valentine’s Day that you can use throughout the year.

When creating a magical moment for someone, it really comes down to showing others you care and reminding them how special they are. At Disney Floral and Gifts we use four components to create a gifting experience; Story, surprise, fulfilling a wish, and you! So let’s share some secrets.

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  • Secret #1 – Create a story – What’s your loved one’s secret fairy tale, wish or dream? That’s the first step. For example, when dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table you’re a guest of honor, your name is announced upon arrival and you’re addressed as “Princess” or “my lord.” The same concept applies at home. Place your loved one in their fairy tale with soft touches like this.
  • Secret #2 – Create a Surprise – At the Disney Parks, we enjoy surprising you by delivering gifts to your resort, dining location or perhaps a carriage ride. At home, present your gift and love note in an unexpected location they’ll discover easily. Better yet, surprise them with your thoughtfulness for no particular reason, this is often the most impressive and word will travel that you are their hero.
  • Secret #3 – Fulfill a wish – Last but certainly not least, fulfill a wish of theirs. Yes, we all want to win the lottery, but I’m talking about a longing wish of theirs. It can be dainty such as a thoughtful note or something grand. Everyone loves to be remembered.
  • Secret #4 – You’re the most magical piece – It’s true! The most magical piece to the puzzle is you, your unique thumb print. To be remembered by someone you love, any time, for any occasion. More than likely your loved one wants you to be their hero, so step into the spotlight.

In case you’re out of ideas, we’ve got one that will get you started on the right slipper, I mean foot! Let’s start with the story! Take a moment to read the card included with our gift. A Magical Wish – Romance Your Love.

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After they read the card, they wave the scepter and make a wish. Then, you place the Swarovski® crystal bracelet on their wrist as a reminder to believe.

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If you’re staying on Disney property you can have this delivered to a resort room or dining location, but think of how amazing it would be to receive this Disney gift in the comfort of your own home. We can ship it anywhere within the 48 continental U.S.

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For more gifting ideas that your loved ones will simply fall for, be sure to stay tuned for our “Celebrate 14 Days of Love” series! I’ll be sharing more ideas like these, posting tips for your Disney visit, along with some heartwarming stories and surprises you won’t want to miss!

So if you’re ready to give the gift of a memory and sweep your loved one right off their slippers, let the magic and your journey of 14 Days of Love begin.

Celebrate 14 Days of Love: Love is Fulfilling a Wish at Disney Parks by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog



This Week in Disney Parks Photos: On The Construction Site

This week on the Disney Parks Blog we shared several images of attractions that are underway at Disney theme parks at Magic Kingdom Park and at Shanghai Disney Resort.

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First up, we shared a new look inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, with a batch of new images that showcase just how detailed the attraction will be when it opens this year. Click through to the original story to learn just how the interior of the Mine was carved by hand.

Tom Smith also shared some new photos from Shanghai Disney Resort, which just celebrated the topping out of the resort’s first hotel and the start of construction of a “mountain” in the resort’s park.

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Click here to read more.

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: On The Construction Site by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog