Archive for Disney Parks

A Special Surprise to Commemorate Mickey’s Birthday at Disneyland Resort

To commemorate Mickey Mouse’s birthday, we are excited to reveal a special surprise at the DisneylandResort. Following a refurbishment, the iconic Partners statue in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland park has been restored to its original grandeur!



The beloved Partners statue, created by famed Disney sculptor Blaine Gibson, features Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. The photo above left was taken at its original unveiling on Nov. 18, 1993, at the hub in Disneyland park to commemorate Mickey’s 65th birthday. 

Over time, the bronze had oxidized, and because of the applied patina, acrylic polymer and wax, it required a more intensive process than just a simple cleaning or polishing. Over four days, an artisan utilized a process using crushed walnut shells to gently strip the figure down to the bare bronze. After cleaning, various chemicals were applied and heated with a blowtorch to create a reaction and fuse with the bronze. The figure was coated in a polymer to protect the patina, then coated with a very thin layer of wax. 



Guests visiting the Downtown Disney District’s extension into Buena Vista Street will have an opportunity to see the Storytellers statue, which has also been restored. This statue features a 1920s-era Walt in a fedora and traveling attire­ — just off the train from Missouri and ready to realize his dreams with his pal, Mickey.

Happy birthday to the duo who started it all 92 years ago today — Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse!

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Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Inspires New Line of Happy Meal Toys at McDonald’s

The magic of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway has rolled into McDonald’s®! Just in time for their birthday celebration, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have inspired a brand-new line of Happy Meal® toys at McDonald’s, bringing Mouse Rules to the iconic Golden Arches. This means there’s only one rule you need to remember: Anything can happen! 

This new collection features Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy experiencing some of the iconic attractions from across Walt Disney World Resort. Anchored by Engineer Goofy and Mickey and Minnie celebrating Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, these toys connect together to form a 10-car train. Each one also has a unique function to make the character move as it rolls, so as the attraction’s soundtrack says, nothing can stop us now from having fun!

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Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to Open at Epcot in 2021

And plans are on track to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in 2021.  Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. During each adventure, you’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles in a thrilling 3D chase. 

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Photos – Take a look inside the rooms of Star Wars Galactic Cruiser Hotel

In a galaxy far, far away, progress continues at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, where guests will live aboard a starship for a 2-day, 2-night experience. Unlike any typical cruise, though, you can become the heroes of your own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create.

Guests will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Onboard, you’ll stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu and much more. 

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Disney Parks to Provide an Exciting Lineup of Presenters for D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration Virtual Event

An exciting line up of Disney Parks presenters will participate in five panels that are a part of the D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration, a week of virtual events, articles and merchandise releases celebrating all the wonderful worlds of Disney taking place November 16 – 20 on D23.com



Premiering at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Monday, November 16, Brad Schoeneberg, Tracie Alt and Cody Hampton from the Disney Parks Merchandise team explore the rich storytelling that goes into the exotic and authentic imports of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!



It’s all aboard at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 18, for a birthday celebration of everyone’s favorite pals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Host Mark Daniel takes you on an inside a look at the wild and zany world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with one of the attraction’s lead Imagineers, Kevin Rafferty. Then get a special look at the new Disney+ series “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” and hear from Bret Iwan, official voice of Mickey Mouse, as he shares a sneak peek of his designer Mickey Ears.



Once you decide you are going to Walt Disney World Resort, the fun really begins. The dreaming, planning and sharing of excitement takes on a magic of its own. At 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 19, join host and Walt Disney World Ambassador Stephen Lim as he talks with fellow planners sharing stories and secrets on creating a memorable vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth and discover how a great big beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.



Premiering at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 19, host and Walt Disney World Ambassador, Marilyn West, is joined by Zach Riddley, Imagineering Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney World Resort and Melissa Valiquette, Vice President of EPCOT as they share about the Magic of Possibility at EPCOT and how this park is transforming today and building toward the future. You’ll also hear from Pixar’s Roger Gould and Harley Jessup along with Tom Fitzgerald from Walt Disney Imagineering about the making of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and what it takes to bring this animated favorite to life in the France pavilion.

Finally, as a D23 Gold Member Exclusive, Creating Fantastic Worlds: A Journey into Disney Worldbuilding premiers at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET. From San Fransokyo and Wakanda to Treasure Cove, Mustafar, and beyond, enjoy the ultimate conclusion to D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration as we bring together creative wizards from across the realms of Disney to share a collective look behind the magic in creating the worlds that we all love. Hosted by Justina Ireland, this all-star lineup of creative geniuses will include Paul Felix, Production Designer, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Noah Klocek, Production Designer, Pixar Animation Studios, Luc Mayrand, Creative Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, Ryan Meinerding, VP of Visual Development, Creative Director, Marvel Studios, Mark Miller, Executive Creative Producer, ILMxLAB and Andy Park , Director Visual Development, Marvel Studios. Gold Members can register here! Not a Gold Member? Learn more here.

Be sure to join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club for an exciting week of more virtual events, articles, and merchandise releases celebrating all the fantastic worlds of Disney by visiting D23.comFacebook.com/DisneyD23, or YouTube.com/DisneyD23

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Holiday Highlights – Disney Springs Holiday Eats & Treats

The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. We’ve curated all the flavorful details for you and where to find them below: 



Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)

  • Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
  • Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur 
  • Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
  • Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie 
  • Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer

 
AristoCrepes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
  • Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
  • Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)



Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ 
(Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish


City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • 1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin


The Daily Poutine
 (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds

Earl of Sandwich 

  • Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and  mayonnaise

The Ganachery (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Eggnog Ganache Square – Creamy bourbon eggnog covered in dark chocolate
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square – Gingerbread spices combined with creamy milk chocolate
  • Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)

  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate


Häagen-Dazs 

  • Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
  • Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
  • C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
  • Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
  • Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
  • Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
  • Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped  with ginger beer
  • Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice


Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

  • Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set


Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)

  • Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)


Marketplace Snacks

  • Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
  • Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup 


Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks 
(Available through Jan. 3)

  • Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
  • Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
  • Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
  • Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
  • Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
  • Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
  • Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)



The Polite Pig

  • Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.


Splitsville 
(All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro
  • Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise

Sprinkles 

  • Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
  • Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
  • Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
  • Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
  • Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)


Vivoli il Gelato

  • Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
  • Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)

  • Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Cardamom cream, spiced pumpkin seeds
  • Butternut Tortellini – Delicate Squash, cranberries, pumpkin butter
  • Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
  • Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon


Wine Bar George 

  • Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
  • Hooten Young American Whiskey –  Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.

I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, I’m excited to share two of their limited-time cookies that will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:  

  • Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
  • Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging. 


Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few of our table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at disneysprings.com or opentable.com. 

Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach a destination when traveling to Disney Springs.

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What’s Next for Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents?

With major news organizations now calling the 2020 U.S. Presidential election for former Vice President and now President-elect Joe Biden, it’s clear that there will be a change of administration in Washington, DC. And that means a change in the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents.

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Photos – Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

Let the holidays begin! A magnificently merry makeover at Magic Kingdom Park is officially ushering in the most magical season of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. 





After a year of planning, our Holiday Services department has transformed Magic Kingdom Park for the holidays with twinkling lights, toy soldiers, poinsettias, wreaths and other decorations on Main Street U.S.A., – and of course, our iconic 65-foot Christmas Tree. Today, we have a special look at the magic.




Also this season, there will be a joyful look for Cinderella Castle when night falls and special projection effects transform the iconic palace with festive designs with the decorations. 

Along with Magic Kingdom Park, delightful displays of decorations can also be found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort – including Disney Springs – throughout the season. 

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The Holidays Start this Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort

The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort starts today, and we’re unwrapping more details about the magical experiences happening across our theme parks and Disney Springs, including special pop-up appearances by Santa Claus. Read on for all the festive fun!

Magic Kingdom Park
Favorite Disney characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music. From Mickey and friends trimming a tree to Goofy and his pals whipping up a bakeshop full of scrumptious treats, character cavalcades bring holiday spirit to the streets of the Magic Kingdom throughout the day. And keep an eye out for Santa, as he glides down the parade route in his sleigh.

Main Street, U.S.A. is the spot to catch the Holiday Trolley, bringing festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and guests may just see some Toy Soldiers joining the Main Street Philharmonic when they march through Magic Kingdom playing their merry melodies.

At night, holiday magic brings a festive look to Cinderella Castle with special projection effects, producing a kaleidoscope of designs including festive stripes and dots, a whimsical Christmas sweater look, a jeweled winter castle and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. It’s sure to provide the perfect, colorful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 
Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack. 

Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat, and when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way. 



Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios get their own visit from Santa when he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, led by an entourage of elves and riding in his candy-apple red convertible packed with presents. And just in time for the holiday season, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

After dark, the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood HolidayTower Hotel, magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs
The holidays arrive at Disney Springs on Nov. 7, when the area will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. Disney Springs is the place to find the perfect gift for everyone. And here, guests will want to take a break and savor the comforting flavors of the season. 

Wander and enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, with elaborately-decorated, Disney-themed trees appearing throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment district. There will also be music-playing DJs during the day, and in the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes and a magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also making the trip to Disney Springs this year, where guests can catch them starting later in November, as they soak up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. Look for them cruising Lake Buena Vista and sharing Christmas wishes from a pair of colorfully decorated pontoon boats.

Disney Parks Holiday Merchandise
Guests can bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in California and online at shopDisney.com. From apparel to accessories to homeware and more, these very merry collections feature the latest ear headbands, spirit jerseys for adults and children, plush, mini-backpacks by Loungefly, cloth face coverings and more. Highlights include:

  • The first Disney Parks holiday snow blower
  • Matching holiday onesies for the whole family
  • Fuzzy clogs by Crocs
  • A new holiday collection from BaubleBar
  • And much more!

This is just a sampling of all the festive fun guests will enjoy across Walt Disney World Resort this year. And there’s more to come! EPCOT gets into the spirit a little later in the month, when the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth kicks off Nov. 27 with live entertainment, holiday kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll and more.

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Should you go to Disney World right now? 5 things to know if you’re considering.

By all accounts, the strict requirements for wearing approved face masks for everyone aged 2 and up, the distancing, liberal use of plexiglass dividers, cleaning and capped capacity are doing what they were designed to do — keep people safe while keeping the “magic” alive.

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