WDW Daily News

At Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, a brand-new additional experience is coming, drawing on Disney’s rich heritage of wildlife animation, inspired by Walt Disney’s own passion for ensuring his animators could develop realistic characters and settings by spending time with animals. 

In celebration of Disney’s “The Lion King,” Disney will be launching The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, offering your clients the opportunity to learn how live animals have inspired some of the most iconic characters from this beloved “tail.” You will learn more about some of the animals who call Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park home and then have the chance to create a personalized piece of Disney art through an instructor-led animation class. Some of your favorite characters from “The Lion King” will be the stars of The Animation Experience, which will start when Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopens on July 11. You can learn how to draw Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, Timon and more. Each session will be different so your clients should visit often to complete the collection. Disney FastPass+ Service will be offered for the experience, and your clients can make those selections starting later today. 

For more than 60 years, animals have been a part of Disney storytelling, and these stories continue today alongside efforts to protect wildlife and habitats around the world, as well as provide immersive experiences that connect kids and families with the magic of nature. Disney looks forward to offering your clients this new way of connecting with the animals in the park in addition to the other unique opportunities that Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers. Disney is excited to welcome your clients back to greet and hug the animals at Affection Section, catch a glimpse of medical procedures at the veterinary treatment window, learn how the animal care experts prepare meals for and care for the park’s animal residents and more.

Just in time for warm summer nights, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular returns to Disneyland® Park starting this evening! The street-to-sky celebration, which first debuted during Disneyland’s 60^th anniversary and Diamond Celebration, features sparkling pyrotechnics, immersive projections and other effects that transform Disneyland into a magical canvas.

A fan favorite, “Disneyland Forever” envelops you in an enthralling, breathtaking journey. They’ll be literally surrounded by timeless Disney stories—from soaring over London with Peter Pan one moment, to journeying across Simba’s Pride Lands the next.

Adding to the magic, there are multiple viewing areas for “Disneyland Forever” throughout the park, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America and near “it’s a small world.” Each spot lends a different feel to the show, so consider them all!

Listen, if you are a foodie, then you are going to have a hard time when you visit the Disney Parks. There is seemingly an unlimited amount of options to choose from, whether you’re settling in for lunch or just looking for a mid-afternoon snack. It doesn’t matter if you are a sweet or salty type of person, there is guaranteed to be a delectable food item to satisfy your taste buds.

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Check out some photos of the queue line leading up to the Chess Room for Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. Check out all of the detailing the Imagineers did inside this attraction!

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2019, August 23–25. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, August 23. Later that same day, Disney+ will showcase its exciting slate of original films and series coming to the streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. on November 12. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at their collection of world-class film labels, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. And on Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks during a presentation hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.

These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.

On Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the highly anticipated streaming service Disney+ will give guests a first look at some of its original content including Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more during this star-studded presentation.

The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

On Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m., step into the magical world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe, including more about the transformational plans for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.


Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

AboutD23 Expo 2019
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Take a look at day and nighttime photos of the Tie Echelon & The First Order Area of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland

An all-new, original outdoor musical theater production, “Tale of the Lion King,” debuts today at Disney California Adventure® Park. This new stage show celebrates the characters and music of Disney’s “The Lion King” in an imaginative and unique way. The lead narrator, Mwongozo (Swahili for “guide”) leads a troupe of 18 performers called the Storytellers of the Pride Lands in this adaptation. The performance is presented in a contemporary story-theater style that retells the tale through language, song and dance.

“The approach that we’ve taken with ‘Tale of the Lion King’ is that this is a story that was passed on from generation to generation, and now it’s come here to Disney California Adventure park,” said Susana Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “The Storytellers of the Pride Lands have come to share this ancestral story of how a cub became a king.”

Enjoy new musical arrangements of favorite songs, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata,” among others. The live drumming and singing, along with the set and costumes all celebrate the cultural roots of this beloved Disney story. Check out our first peek below!

For a limited-time this summer, “Tale of the Lion King” will be performed several times daily at the Palisades Stage in Disney California Adventure Park.

Recently we had the opportunity to visit Anaheim, California for the opening of Disneyland’s STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE. We knew we wanted to stay close to the Disneyland Resort area without breaking the bank.

Family-owned and family-friendly THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL was a fantastic choice. The location was terrific as it is just a few blocks away from the main gates of the Disneyland Resort property. We were able to walk the distance in under 15 minutes although it really seemed faster because we were so excited to get to the park. If you plan on coming to town for a convention, the Anaheim Convention Center was just a few blocks the other way Harbor Boulevard. If shopping and dining are more of an interest to you, the Anaheim GardenWalk is literally next door to the hotel. Again, you just can’t beat the location of THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL.

When we checked in, we were greeted by the friendly, professional staff at the front desk. Walking in and being welcomed by a smile goes a long way after a tiring day of traveling. Our room was ready so we were quickly on our way. The hotel features 173 newly renovated non-smoking rooms and guest amenities like a free daily breakfast, free wifi, a laundry facility, a refreshing pool and a relaxing hot tub. We did not have a car, but there was plenty of free parking for those who drive in for their stay.

Our room was clean and modern looking. I loved the flooring and choice of colors. There were lots of accessible outlets for all of our electronics so that was a great touch with their renovations.

There is nothing worse than having to move furniture to find an outlet or charge your phone clear across the room by the sink. THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL really thought about their guests when they designed the room. There was plenty of storage and the sink counter was quite spacious.

The shower was large, but there was no tub in our room so that may be a challenge if you are traveling with little ones. The air conditioner worked nicely and the room stayed a comfortable temperature. There was also a hair dryer, refrigerator, coffee maker, ironing board and iron, and flat screen television. Microwaves are available upon request.

THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL had everything we were looking for in accommodations while visiting the Anaheim area…reasonable prices, a great location, amenities like free wifi and breakfast, and a friendly, professional staff. Whether you are traveling for a pleasure or business, THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL is the place to stay. You won’t be disappointed.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge has some cool hidden features throughout the land with so many things written in Aurebesh. It takes some time to translate everything but one you do, you can see the amount of detail that Imagineers have put into things for this land. Take some time and have fun seeing what each means.