‘Discover Together’ Symposium at Disneyland Resort Offers Nonprofits Nationwide the Building Blocks to Strengthen Relationships that Help Kids Thrive

Through work with our valued community partners, we at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are constantly looking for meaningful ways to extend our impact beyond our theme parks.

Part of that effort, and happening right now at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, is the two-day “Discover Together” symposium – which brings together nearly 60 nonprofit organizations from across the country to explore ways to help strengthen bonds between kids and adults in their own communities. Participants also receive a full day of Disney Institute’s Leadership Excellence training.

The group heard from several speakers, including Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, who talked about Disney’s commitment to nurturing, inspiring and empowering children and families, and creating opportunities to help children succeed and thrive.

They also heard from researchers with the Center for Childhood Creativity and the Search Institute, who shared findings about the crucial impact a parent, grandparent, mentor or other influential adult can have on a child’s life – including the fact that kids with positive relationships with adults are almost twice as likely to do better in school and three times more likely to volunteer in their community.

At the symposium, KaBOOM! announced the search for America’s Most Playful Family contest, which kicks off today and is supported by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The winner will receive the most playful vacation of them all – a trip for four to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort – and the opportunity to work with KaBOOM! in granting an Imagination Playground to a nonprofit organization in the family’s home state. Learn more about the contest at http://ift.tt/Mcp6ZN.

‘Discover Together’ Symposium at Disneyland Resort Offers Nonprofits Nationwide the Building Blocks to Strengthen Relationships that Help Kids Thrive by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Merchandise to Bloom at the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Starting March 5

My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Jennifer Fickley-Baker recently shared that the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is returning to Walt Disney World Resort on March 5. Her story prompted me to do some digging for details about the merchandise being offered this year. Here is a first look at some of my favorite items coming to Epcot.

You may recall that we introduced topiary artwork last year to our merchandise assortment. This fun and festive artwork was created by our Yellow Shoes Marketing group and it was wildly popular with guests attending the event. This year, we have used that artwork on new softlines, home décor and more.

I particularly love some of the new garden items including a Minnie Mouse wind chime that I think my mother would enjoy. The Donald Duck garden stake also made me laugh (I think he’s my favorite character topiary image from this event). We will also have a new 12-inch pre-dressed Duffy the Disney Bear that resembles a garden gnome. I’m personally buzzing about the updated coffee mug that features a hidden bee image inside.

Topiaries also found their way onto new pins created especially for this year’s Festival. There is a limited release pin featuring Mickey Mouse that will be found in multiple locations through Epcot. There are also a series of limited-edition pins that include characters like Kermit the Frog or Mater and Lightning McQueen.

Finally, the Vinylmation team will introduce a new “revealed/concealed” mystery set with figures shaped like topiaries on March 28. Disney Design Group artist Caley Hicks designed the 3-inch figures. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey topiary is the revealed figure in the set, and it will be found on the top of each mystery box. The other four figures will be randomly packaged, so you won’t know which one you get.

I invite you to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks as I will be offering a first look inside the Festival Center located between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy pavilions at Epcot.

New Merchandise to Bloom at the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Starting March 5 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

VIDEO: How to Play the Fun Wheel Challenge at Disney California Adventure Park

A few months ago, we told you about a new, interactive game for Disney California Adventure park guests. Each night, before “World of Color,” guests can log on to play the Fun Wheel Challenge on their mobile devices. Competing against other park guests to match the color patterns, the winner gets to control the lights on Mickey’s Fun Wheel! We recently spent the evening on Paradise Pier to check it out for ourselves. Come along with us!

So the next time you’re waiting to watch “World of Color,” just join the PierGames Wi-Fi network from your mobile device, play the game within your device’s web browser – there are no apps to download. This special Wi-Fi network is available 45 minutes before the start of the first “World of Color” show each evening.

Have you played (or won) the Fun Wheel Challenge? Tell us about it in the comments!

VIDEO: How to Play the Fun Wheel Challenge at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog