Updated News from Around Our Land and World!

Walt Disney World Resort

Mon, April 17, 2017

Frozen Summer Games Coming to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Starting May 26

by Allison Montgomery, Editorial Content Coordinator, Walt Disney World Resort

Today I’m very excited to share that the “Frozen” Summer Games will be returning to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park starting May 26, with even more snowy, summery fun!

And for the first time in forever, you will be able to meet and take photos with Kristoff and Olaf at Blizzard Beach! Either Kristoff or Olaf will be at a designated character greeting location at the park, where you can snap photos of each “Frozen” star and let them know which team you chose to play for.

Following the success of the inaugural “Frozen” Summer Games last year, guests visiting Blizzard Beach can once again join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf to participate in a variety of activities, from Ice Pail Relays and a Snowball Toss to Ski Pole Limbo and Slide Races. It’s going to be a blast!

With crafts, games and a DJ spinning some up-tempo tunes throughout the day, the “Frozen” Summer Games are sure to be a major highlight of your day at Blizzard Beach this summer.

Let us know in the comments if you’ll be playing for Team Kristoff or Team Olaf this summer!

Walt Disney World Resort

Tue, April 18, 2017

New Star Tours Adventure Revealed at Star Wars Celebration

by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

During Star Wars Celebration in Orlando last week, Star Wars fans got their first look at the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Fans attending a special panel discussion entitled Star Wars and Disney Parks: A Galaxy in the Making also learned that a new destination will be coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year featuring some of the iconic actions and locations showcased in the trailer!

This new Star Tours adventure, first announced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek last fall, will take guests to the planet of Crait in the middle of an epic battle … and it’s like nothing that frequent Starspeeder travelers have ever seen!

View the full trailer below, and be sure to check back for updates on all-things Star Wars at Disney Parks.

Disneyland Resort

Thu, April 20, 2017

Classic Space Mountain Returns to Disneyland Park This Summer

by Erin Glover, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort

Get ready to initiate power transfer in 3…2…1… when the classic Space Mountain returns to Disneyland park June 1! Just days after we mark the 40th anniversary of this Tomorrowland favorite, space travelers will blast off once again for their intergalactic adventure.

A variation of a concept Walt Disney developed in the 1960s, Space Mountain first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland park began soon after. The attraction went on to become a guest favorite, seeing special themed versions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Hyperspace Mountain.

You are clear for launch starting June 1 with the return of Space Mountain at Disneyland park!

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Wed, April 19, 2017

Tune in on May 7th for a Look at the Magic Behind Happily Ever After with the New Special – ‘Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings’

by Korri McFann, Brand Steward, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

You are cordially invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at how a dream wedding becomes a reality. Tune in on Sunday, May 7th at 8/7c on Freeform to see the premiere of the brand new television special – “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.” With the help of hosts, Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell from ABC’s The Bachelor, we’ll follow one secret proposal and three couples on their way down the aisle.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons helps celebrate magical moments and offers something for everyone, from engagements and honeymoons to vow renewals and of course, weddings. For over 25 years, we have been making dreams come true at the Disney Parks and destinations around the globe!

Watch ‘Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings’ – the new television special on Freeform May 7th at 8/7c

Ever wonder what goes into a wedding with Disney? Check out the 90 minute special all about Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings airing Sunday, May 7th on Freeform at 8/7c! You will see all the magic that goes into a wedding and a proposal as we follow four couples on their big days.

Hosted by Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell from ABC’s The Bachelor, this special will take you to three iconic Disney Destinations to showcase just some of the amazing offerings from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.

From a small island ceremony to an all-out celebration in front of a castle, there is something for everyone. Taylor and Tyler will say their “I Do’s” in the American Adventure Rotunda in Epcot surrounded by beautiful holiday décor. Carolina and Isaiah exchange vows on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas! Greg proposes to Melanie in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and finally, Eric and Ruby tie the knot right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the park that started it all – Disneyland park.

Updated News from Around the World and Land!

Walt Disney World Resort

Fri, April 14, 2017

‘Happily Ever After’ To Feature The Most Advanced Projection Mapping Tech Yet

by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

“Happily Ever After,” the new nighttime fireworks spectacular, is set to debut at Magic Kingdom Park on May 12. The show will take guests on an emotional journey as favorite Disney characters set out to pursue their dreams, encounter obstacles (and villains!) to ultimately prevail and find their “happily ever afters.” The show also encourages guests to pursue their own dreams and never give up.

While the “story” of the show is the most important part of “Happily Ever After,” how that story is told and choosing the right tools to tell it are essential in creating an unforgettable guest offering.

One tool in particular that Disney Parks Live Entertainment is excited to employ in “Happily Ever After” is the latest in projection mapping technology. The team first used projection mapping in 2010 with the launch of “The Magic, The Memories & You,” a nighttime show that combined guest-submitted photos with different colorful layouts that were projected onto Cinderella Castle. After more advancements were made in the field of projection mapping, a new show, “Celebrate the Magic,” debuted in 2012. Because of its successful use at the Walt Disney World Resort, the use of projection mapping technology then expanded to be used as an entertainment tool at Disney Parks around the world.

Today, you can find projections enhancing entertainment must-see shows like “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” and the seasonal “Jingle Bell: Jingle BAM!” show.

According to Show Director James Silson, projections are one of many invaluable storytelling tools used in “Happily Ever After,” in addition to new hand-drawn animation, an original score and the latest in fireworks, lasers and pyrotechnics.

“With projection mapping technology, you can create an immersive environment for guests, taking them inside the films of Disney,” he said. “It enables us to flood the palate and give our guests an opportunity to experience many of our characters’ worlds in the same show.”

Those characters and film settings will run the gamut from classic Disney films, to more recent ones, like “Moana,” “Zootopia” and “Big Hero 6.”

To create the most technologically advanced projections for Cinderella Castle, Disney Parks Live Entertainment partnered with experts in the field to bring the show to life.

According to Art Director Ryan Kravetz, working with Cinderella Castle as a canvas for these projections has been a dream-come-true project.

“It’s not paper, it’s not a cell. The physical structure of this castle as our starting point is a really powerful medium to be using.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Happily Ever After” projection mapping, check out the video above.

Disneyland Resort

Life-long Star Wars Fan Develops Unique Merchandise Products Coming to Disney Parks This Month

by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

We recently announced how guests can support the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change starting this April at Disney Parks. Today, I’m delighted to share additional details about other new Star Wars products launching this month at both Star Wars Celebration 2017 and at select locations in Disney Parks. I caught up with merchandise product developer Cody Hampton who discussed his role at Disney Parks Merchandise, and offered a sneak preview of new items coming soon to this galaxy.

“I’ve been a Star Wars fan since I was two-years old,” explained Cody. “I feel like I have a dream role at Disney as I collaborate with the Lucasfilm team to create unique merchandise and immersive experiences you can only find at Disney Parks.”

Cody has been involved with developing Star Wars products found at Disney Parks for years. Most notably, he helped launch Star Wars Droid Factory, a build-your-own action figure experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2012.

This month, Cody is part of a team rolling out a limited release, boxed set with four Astromech droid action figures inspired by characters from the animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

Additionally, three limited release action figures are making their debut including C1-10P “Chopper” from Disney XD’s animated series “Star Wars Rebels;” a two-pack featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope; and a red Protocol droid, R-3D0, that was briefly seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“This is the first time we’ve introduced Protocol droids to the Star Wars Droid Factory collection,” continued Cody. “All of these pre-packaged figures have interchangeable parts that can be mixed and matched with action figures created at the Droid Factory.”

Other products include three emitters for the popular Star Wars Build-Your-Own Lightsaber experience at Disney Parks. These items were inspired by lightsabers seen in Star Wars Rebels.

Finally, look for a plush Ewok scout named Paploo as seen in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. This is the 12th character from the limited release Ewok plush collection, and was created especially for Star Wars Celebration 2017.

These products will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017. Please note select single day tickets are still available for this event.

On April 17, guests may find action figures and the Build-Your-Own Lightsaber parts in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Walt Disney World Resort

Tue, April 11, 2017

Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Kirk Franklin to Play 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Sept. 8, 9

by Charles Stovall, Public Relations Manager

The hits just keep on coming – as they say – with this year’s Disney Night of Joy event featuring 15 of the greatest performers in Contemporary Christian music – Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9.

With Country Christian Music legends like MercyMe, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Kirk Franklin joining a new generation of Christian hit makers like Danny Gokey, Jordan Feliz and Rend Collective, the complex will be filled with two nights of awe-inspiring music.

Word has it that Amy and Steven might sing a couple of songs together!

We are also thrilled to welcome Night of Joy favorite, Matthew West as our host for the two-night event this year. Matthew will be running around the complex, introducing artists and just generally keeping things hopping.

This year’s event – our 35th actually – will feature one of the greatest concert lineups in Contemporary Christian music history. (Entertainment subject to change.)

• Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective, Zach Williams.
• Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.

Tickets will go on sale in early June.

Walt Disney World Resort

Mon, April 17, 2017

Frozen Summer Games Coming to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Starting May 26

by Allison Montgomery, Editorial Content Coordinator, Walt Disney World Resort

Today I’m very excited to share that the “Frozen” Summer Games will be returning to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park starting May 26, with even more snowy, summery fun!

And for the first time in forever, you will be able to meet and take photos with Kristoff and Olaf at Blizzard Beach! Either Kristoff or Olaf will be at a designated character greeting location at the park, where you can snap photos of each “Frozen” star and let them know which team you chose to play for.

Following the success of the inaugural “Frozen” Summer Games last year, guests visiting Blizzard Beach can once again join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf to participate in a variety of activities, from Ice Pail Relays and a Snowball Toss to Ski Pole Limbo and Slide Races. It’s going to be a blast!

With crafts, games and a DJ spinning some up-tempo tunes throughout the day, the “Frozen” Summer Games are sure to be a major highlight of your day at Blizzard Beach this summer.

Let us know in the comments if you’ll be playing for Team Kristoff or Team Olaf this summer!

Star Wars at Disney Parks

Tue, April 18, 2017

New Star Tours Adventure Revealed at Star Wars Celebration

by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

During Star Wars Celebration in Orlando last week, Star Wars fans got their first look at the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Fans attending a special panel discussion entitled Star Wars and Disney Parks: A Galaxy in the Making also learned that a new destination will be coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year featuring some of the iconic actions and locations showcased in the trailer!

This new Star Tours adventure, first announced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek last fall, will take guests to the planet of Crait in the middle of an epic battle … and it’s like nothing that frequent Starspeeder travelers have ever seen!

View the full trailer below, and be sure to check back for updates on all-things Star Wars at Disney Parks.

 

Updated News from Around the World!

Halloween Fun Awaits at an After-Dark
Special Event in Magic Kingdom Park!

IMPORTANT PARTY DATES & DETAILS

This week, we shared information many Disney Parks Blog readers look forward to seeing every year – dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

For Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, 32 spook-tacular dates include:

• August 25, 29
• September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
• October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
• November 1

When to Attend, What to Wear and More

Learn all about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party—from important dates to our official costume rules.Read More

Attractions Open During the Event

Discover dozens of iconic attractions you’re welcome to enjoy in each magical land across the park!Read More

VILLAINOUS ENTERTAINMENT

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Chills, thrills and villains await during a wickedly fun celebration hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus.

Themed Fireworks Show

Sing along with some of the most infamous Disney bad guys and girls in history as this fall spectacular lights up the sky!

Boo-to-You Halloween Parade

Masquerade with costumed Characters—including stars from the Haunted Mansion—for a night of family-friendly frights.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

Find this Dapper Dans-style “band” in Frontierland! They’ll have you howling in laughter to their “dead pan” humor.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Join Mickey at this festive winter celebration for live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

For Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, 21 holiday-tastic dates include:

• November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28
• December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22

Walt Disney World ResortMore Walt Disney World Resort Stories

Tue, April 4, 2017

Discovering the Details of D-Living in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

With Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” now in theaters, I recently returned to D-Living in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. In January, this dynamic location was magically transformed into a charming boutique inspired by the opulent castle from the new live-action film. The shop is filled with many little details to discover thanks to dedicated Cast Members from Merchandise Presentation and Creative Services with Disney Parks Merchandise. I recently spoke with team members about their work on this enchanting destination in Town Center.

“We began planning the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theme shortly after [D-Living] opened last November,” explained Melissa Calderon, who is one of eight Cast Members supporting Merchandise Presentation in the Disney Springs area. “We had a handful of days to physically transform the location, so collaboration was critical. Everyone on my team helped with fabrication including designing, building, and painting all the props guests see. One of the best parts of my role is getting to work on projects like this with such creative people.”

Guests visiting D-Living will immediately recognize one of Melissa’s beautiful contributions to the shop – a paper flower encased in a glass dome.

“My mother used to make paper flowers,” said Melissa. “I had never tried making a paper rose. I used tea-stained, printed paper that looked like pages from a book. I love reading but couldn’t bring myself to use pages from an actual book [laughs]. While the rose only took me a couple of hours to create, the hand painted ribbons with French phrases for one display wall seemed to take forever.”

Before the Merchandise Presentation team installed the props, Paul Seus, a Creative Services Cast Member, had already spent a month designing graphics for the location, including wallpaper that looks like a wall of books.

“In total, there are about 2,000 books guests see in the library-themed section, “said Paul. “I hid a few references to other Disney animated classics on some book spines. On the column capitals, guests may also find hidden roses which were inspired by the Beast’s enchanted flower from the film.”

For Melissa, the positive response from guests about her team’s work in D-Living is a highlight.

“I’ve loved seeing photos of the shop and reading comments from our guests about their visits on social media and the Disney Parks Blog. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing I’ve helped make a guest’s experience even more magical.”

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Wed, April 5, 2017

The Polite Pig to Open April 10 at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

by Pam Brandon, Food Writer, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Finishing touches are being made for the April 10 opening of The Polite Pig in Town Center at Disney Springs, the newest concept for award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis. The husband-wife team, also owners of The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons in Winter Park and Cask & Larder at Orlando International Airport, are opening this newest concept with James Petrakis’ brother Brian.

The Polite Pig will feature “modern barbecue” in an open kitchen, with Southern sides like a tomato and watermelon salad, mac and cheese and smoked corn with lime butter. (Sauce fans, there’s a bar with seven different ways to top your ‘cue, from Layla’s Sweet to Fresno Hot Sauce.) Add a solid selection of craft beers and cocktails, and a bourbon bar with more than 50 selections, from small batch bourbons to a Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Family Reserve.
We talked with Julie, who met James, by the way, while studying at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Both are Central Florida natives.

Why did you decide to open at restaurant at Disney Springs?
Disney approached us with the idea of opening a fast-casual outpost that would represent the atmosphere and quality of our Winter Park location, The Ravenous Pig. We shared their enthusiasm for bringing a true local restaurant to Disney Springs.

Is the menu similar to The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, your other restaurants in Central Florida?
I would say that the menu is similar in its approach to using quality, seasonal ingredients, with our signature touch. We’ll have Cask & Larder Brewery beers, cocktails on tap and also an extensive Bourbon Bar. And this restaurant will focus a bit more on wood-smoked and grilled items.

Anything you’ll offer at The Polite Pig that will be a signature, or exclusive to that restaurant?
Most of the menu will be exclusive to The Polite Pig: modern barbecue with The Ravenous Pig twist. Like the Southern Pig Sandwich with pulled pork off the smoker, apple slaw, mustard sauce and Duke’s mayo; peel-and-eat shrimp with bourbon-cocktail sauce, and crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey caramel.

Who will be the chef daily in The Polite Pig kitchen?
We have two of our Ravenous Pig/Cask & Larder veterans at the helm, Jared Thate and Allie Weldon, along with Chef James Petrakis’ guidance and inspiration.

Tell us about the craft beer program.
We will feature four of our beloved Cask & Larder Brewery brews on tap, as well as a couple other Florida/domestic craft beers.

Anything special about The Polite Pig cocktails?
We will feature five house cocktails on tap, including some of our crowd favorites from The Ravenous Pig, such as the Gin and Tonic and Old-Fashioned.

How many seats and describe the décor.
We’ll have 190 seats, and the décor pays homage to the beloved swine of The Polite Pig, as well as antiquity. Whimsical pigs on various adventures can be seen throughout the space, and rustic touches are used for custom featured art pieces. Large faded graphics also adorn the main wall of the space adding to the feel of the long-time family run business.

What’s your favorite dish on The Polite Pig menu?
My favorite appetizer is the Hop Salt Pretzel with beer cheese fondue and IPA mustard. Favorite sandwich: the Salmon BLT with bacon jam, marinated tomato, romaine and aioli. I love that with a side of charred broccoli tossed with herb buttermilk dressing and house granola.

What do you think is the secret to good food?
Using quality seasonal ingredients and taking great care of it by enhancing with smoke/cooking, proper seasoning and passion!

Disneyland ResortMore Disneyland Resort Stories

Thu, April 6, 2017

Oprah Winfrey, Carrie Fisher, Stan Lee, and More Disney Legends Announced for D23 Expo 2017

by Jeffrey Epstein, Director, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company

Today we are thrilled to announce the 2017 Disney Legends. Oprah Winfrey, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Stan Lee are among the honorees who will be inducted at the ceremony, Friday, July 14 at D23 Expo, hosted by Bob Iger. Walt Disney Imagineer Wayne Jackson, who developed attractions for Disney Parks around the world, will also be inducted, as well as animators Clyde “Gerry” Geronimi and Manuel Gonzales; director Garry Marshall; and The Lion King on Broadway director Julie Taymor.

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Disney Legends, which honors those who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy. Fred MacMurray was the first Legend, inducted in 1987.

D23 Expo will take place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, across the street from Disneyland Resort. Tickets and more information are available now at D23expo.com.

Disneyland ResortMore Disneyland Resort Stories

Fri, April 7, 2017

Meet the Heroes of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Coming to Disney California Adventure Park May 27

by Erin Glover, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort

The Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Disney California Adventure park! Opening May 27, the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! blasts you straight into their story for the first time ever as you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress.

But wait … “Who is Rocket?” you may ask. If you have not seen the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, animated series, read their comics or if you just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered!

Meet the Guardians of the Galaxy

A group of cosmic adventurers led by Star-Lord, the Guardians of the Galaxy protect the universe from threats all across space. The team also includes Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket. Learn more in this video!

Meet Rocket

An expert marksman with a penchant for large weaponry, Rocket is the last of his kind. He teams up with Star-Lord and other adventurers to form the Guardians of the Galaxy, and together they travel the galaxy and defend it from those who wish it harm. Learn more about this fighting ball of of fur and fangs in this video!

Encounter the Guardians of the Galaxy at Disney California Adventure Park

Come face-to-face with the Guardians of the Galaxy this summer, at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) has the Guardians of the Galaxy on display as his newest acquisitions. Unbeknownst to their captor, Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity.

After breaking out of the Collector’s Fortress, you may run into Star-Lord and Gamora on their way to escape aboard the Milano, with Star-Lord stopping to fire up his old-school boom box and get a dance party started. And for the first time, citizens of Earth will have the chance to meet Groot!

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog to learn more about the Guardians of the Galaxy, and don’t miss Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Summer of Heroes, beginning May 27 at Disney California Adventure park!