WDW Daily News

What happens when the 50th anniversary of Earth Day AND the 25th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund converge on the same day? Of course – we throw a party! And you are invited!

From April 18-22, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® will host special entertainment and activities throughout the park – culminating in an all-day extravaganza on Earth Day (April 22).

Each day of festivities includes a stellar lineup of expert speakers and entertainment; behind-the-scenes tours; specialty food and beverage; limited-edition merchandise signings; character greetings; photo opportunities; special Wilderness Explorers activities for kids – and MORE!   

Throughout the week, in the Wild by Nature Speaker Series, you will get to hear from some of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s animal experts, educators and conservation “Heroes” at the park’s Theater in the Wild – learning about the ways Disney’s own conservation experts are working to save the planet and its wildlife. 

And if that weren’t big enough, we’ve invited our new Disney colleagues at National Geographic to join in the fun. Nat Geo Explorers and Photographers will share their stories from the front lines of their explorations as well as wildlife photography and video techniques – showcasing what it takes to get all those stunning “never-before-seen” images and footage. They will join the outstanding roster of the Wild by Nature Speaker Series, and we will debut National Geographic merchandise at Disney Parks that week as well. 

Get an insider’s view from our own Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde – one of the driving forces behind the past, present and future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Joe will delight guests again this year with his Tiffins Talks featuring a spectacular four-course meal and lively discussion on Joe’s research trips and personal exhibitions from a life dedicated to exploration. [Note: Registration for this dining experience will begin February 18.]

You can get a unique look at this year’s Disneynature films debuting on Disney+ in April, Elephant and Dolphin Reef, including discussions with Roy Conli, award-winning producer of the films.

Earth Day 2020 just happens to be the 25th Anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund. The Walt Disney Company is committed to ensuring a world where wildlife thrives and nature is treasured, and the Disney Conservation Fund has been a huge part of that effort, especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As part of the celebration, the Disney Conservation Fund will showcase 25 global wildlife heroes, many of whom will present Stories from the Field and recount incredible moments in their work – saving at-risk wildlife around the world – from elephants and rhinos in Africa, to tamarins and anteaters in South America. Many of these stories will be featured in “Disney Conservation Legacy,” a new special edition 25th anniversary book, available for purchase in the park during the Earth Day celebration.

At the Animation Experience at Conservation Station, you will uncover the secret of how Disney animators bring their favorite characters to life – using real life animals as inspiration; and there will be special Disney characters featured for the Earth Day Celebration!  

On Earth Day, if you can’t make it out to the park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom also will be one of the places featured in the global live television event “BORN WILD: EARTH DAY LIVE,” simulcast on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD on April 22, at 8/7c. Produced along with ABC News, the special features revered National Geographic Explorers and leading ABC News anchors and correspondents who will take viewers on a journey into the most fascinating, breathtaking environments around the world to witness and celebrate the diversity and splendor of charismatic baby animals, their families and habitats.

These are just a few of the festivities we have in store for Earth Day 2020. Stay tuned for more information about the Earth Day celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It’s the season of love, and it’s time for you to fall in love with these new offerings at Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts! This month, we’re talking about an incredible sangria class at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, gluten-friendly churros, out-of-this-world snacks, a dining package for the all-new “Magic Happens” parade and more!

Starting at Disneyland Resort, travelers will find an array of new items at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. At Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, your Clients can warm up with some Black Spire Hot Chocolate! And fans of the Green Milk from the Milk Stand will rejoice in a new concoction called Toydaria Swirl. This new drink features the plant-based Green Milk swirled with savory chili-lime seasoning and mango jelly. And if you are looking for a crunchy snack, they can stop by any of the beverage carts throughout the Black Spire Outpost to grab a bag of Galma Garlic Puffed Cheese Chips featuring white cheddar and parmesan cheese flavors.

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Aulani Resort was recently ranked number one by U.S. News & World Report on their 2020 list of Best Family Hotels in the U.S.!

Selected based on hotel amenities, reputation among Travel Professionals like yourselves, guest reviews and hotel class ratings, Aulani Resort has been recognized for its legendary service and enchanting experiences. A stay at Aulani Resort is unique for every family, but all of you are sure to feel like a part of the Aulani Resort ‘ohana while they create memories for years to come.

*Spring Dates: Book through May 8, 2020 for travel March 1–June 13, 2020.

Broad Offer Disclaimer: Savings based on the non-discounted rate for the same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Limit 2 rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Stays must be for consecutive nights. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

By: Disney DestinationsFebruary 11, 2020

Exciting news for Disney FASTPASS fans. Disney FASTPASS is coming soon to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland® Park! If you have been eager for a chance to fly the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” and live their own Star Wars adventure, what are they waiting for? 

Disney FASTPASS begins on two more beloved attractions starting today: Autopia in Disneyland Park and Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! in Disney California Adventure® Park. Once Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is added to the FASTPASS lineup soon, Disney FASTPASS will be available for more than 20 popular attractions, such as Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Toy Story Midway Mania!, and entertainment across the Disneyland® Resort, allowing you to spend less time waiting in line—and more time exploring the magic!

For those looking to maximize their day and experience more, you can choose to purchase Disney MaxPass as an add-on to their theme park ticket and make digital Disney FASTPASS selections for select attractions and entertainment right from their smartphone, as well as download an unlimited number of Disney PhotoPass photos from the day. Disney MaxPass is a fantastic tool that saves time and adds value to your visit! 

You can also download the Disneyland app for a one-stop shop in the palm of their hand. The app has tons of great planning features, including attraction wait times, character appearance schedules, entertainment show times, and adds the convenience of mobile ordering at more than 35 locations around the resort!

Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable, nontransferable, and may not be redeemed for cash. Guests are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass or using a Park ticket with Disney MaxPass. FASTPASS selections for preferred attractions or entertainment may not be available at the time of purchase or use as FASTPASS selections are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS selections may be made only while you are in the Park and may change without notice. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used must be linked to your Disney account. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. The Disney MaxPass benefit will expire at the end of the day of use. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. 

Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: A vacation to Disneyland or Disney World is always a good idea. Both theme parks offer days worth of fun for people of all ages thanks to thrilling rides, delectable foods, and an atmosphere of joy that will bring everyone right back to childhood. However, if you’re deciding on a Disneyland vs. Disney World vacation, there are a few differences you should know about.

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Picture a small town that was designed by Disney-hired architects, and you’ve got Celebration, Florida.

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5, 4, 3, 2…fun! You can join in on a playfully fun evening during Disneyland After Dark: Pixar Nite at Disney California Adventure® Park. This special, after-park hours event will celebrate some of the world’s best-loved stories and characters from Pixar Animation Studios with unique entertainment, special food, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more. 

Pixar Nite takes place on Mar. 5 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Disney California Adventure Park. You will be able to pal around at these can’t-miss experiences:

Dance Parties

You will boogie the night away during a record-breaking Scare Day with best buds Mike and Sulley. Join the crazy fun as we party with our pals from “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University,” all night long in Hollywood Land! For a retro-cool vibe, your Clients can head to Paradise Gardens Park and show their moves at the Incredibles Party Zone.

“Super Looks” fashion walk

Come dressed in their best! Visionary designer Edna Mode will be the judge at this fashion walk, so you are invited to show off their incredible attire.

Limited-time food

You can sample a Remy-approved menu of delightful sips and bites. Special Pixar-inspired menu offerings we can’t wait to taste include a Blueberry and Vanilla Shake, and Chocolate and Coffee-flavored Sponge Cake. For savory cravings, try the Corn Dog Barbecued Pork Belly with Barbecue Sauce and Pineapple. Yum!

Photo opportunities

You can step into playful photo backdrops featuring your favorite films and some classic Pixar shorts, including “For the Birds,” “Geri’s Game,” as well as other immersive locations! They’ll also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event.

Character encounters

Pixar friends, including Buzz Lightyear and Woody from “Toy Story,” Merida from “Brave,” Miguel from “Coco,” Flik from “A Bug’s Life” and more, will be available to you to meet.

Merchandise

Special event merchandise, including a special tee and keepsake tumbler, will be available to commemorate the occasion.

After-hour access to attractions

You can ride popular attractions in Disney California Adventure Park with less time waiting in line! You’ll also have mix-in access to the park starting at 5 p.m.

Tickets are still available for this awesome party! Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. 

*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online, at Disney Desk locations in participating Good Neighbor Hotels, or by calling (714) 781-4636 until the day before the event, or at any Disneyland® Resort Ticket Booth. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be resold. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

Disney Cruise Line just embarked on our inaugural season sailing from New Orleans! This also marks the very first time that Disney Cruise Line has had a homeport in Louisiana. On the Disney Wonder’s first departure from the Crescent City, the ship received a celebratory bon voyage from Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and members of the traditional New Orleans Treme Brass Band.

This cruise that has just commenced kicks off a limited-engagement season sailing from New Orleans in 2020. Best of all, we will be returning to New Orleans again in early 2021. These voyages visit the Bahamas, Caribbean and include stops at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay.

For those that are from the area, they can get ready to experience the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard. And if they’re joining us from farther away, they can savor the excitement and flair of the Big Easy both onboard and ashore.

In New Orleans, you will find magic around every corner as they recognize the iconic sights and sounds that inspired the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” 

Onboard the Disney Wonder, we are “gonna take you there!” You will be treated to a celebration of New Orleans dining and entertainment at Tiana’s Place restaurant with a menu that draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou. 

At the brand new French Quarter Lounge they’re transported deeper into the story to enjoy live jazz music, sip a New Orleans-themed specialty drink and dance the night away. Throughout the days, family activities, trivia, workshops, crafts and music bring the bayou spirit of family gatherings and fun to life.

Please join us in welcoming Disney Cruise Line to the Big Easy! 

As with death and taxes, increases in ticket prices at Walt Disney World are inevitable. If past trends tell us anything, Disney will be increasing their ticket prices again sometime within the next few weeks, but this year the change might point to something bigger.

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