As the new “TRON Lightcycle Run” motorbike roller coaster readies to open at the Magic Kingdom later this year (or early next year), the rest of Tomorrowland is in the midst of a multi-year update that may be far larger than most fans had previously realized.
First Look: Ian & Barley from Disney and Pixar’s ‘Onward’ Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
By: Disney DestinationsFebruary 18, 2020
In Disney and Pixar’s original adventure, “Onward,” teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot embark on an extraordinary quest after being given the chance to spend one more day with their late father. And soon, they’ll be making another epic journey…to meet you!
On March 5, Ian and Barley will make their Disney Parks debut as part of the Disneyland After Dark: Pixar Nite special event, and beginning the next day – the same day “Onward” hits theaters – you will be able to meet them daily at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park.
Set in a suburban fantasy world, “Onward” introduces us to Ian Lightfoot, a 16-year-old elf who yearns for the father he lost before he was born. Ian is sweet and determined with the best of intentions, but his lack of confidence and nervous energy trips him up more often than not. Ian is convinced that if only he had his father’s guidance, his life wouldn’t be so complicated and messy.
Ian’s older brother Barley Lightfoot is a big, boisterous 19-year-old elf who loves magic and immerses himself in fantasy role-playing games. He’s a free spirit who may be slightly more passionate about the past than the present. When their late father inadvertently sends Barley and Ian on an epic quest together – one highlighted by mystery and magic – Barley fires up his beloved and mostly dependable van Guinevere and never looks back.
Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” releases in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020, so make plans to see the movie and then head to Disney Parks to say “Hail, fellows!” to Ian and Barley! First, be sure to check out the latest products inspired by the film, available now on the Shop Disney website and at Disney Parks around the world.
11 surprising things you probably didn’t know about Disney cruises
You may have heard of Disney Cruise Line, or DCL, but you might not know much about the magical trips.
New rumor points to Pixar Pier-style redo heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge now fully open, and the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad attraction just weeks away, the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios still has very little actually confirmed by Disney.
Cinderella Castle is About to Get Even More Magical
Big news from Walt Disney World Resort – Cinderella Castle is about to get even more magical!
Just like how Cinderella herself transformed into a princess when the animated classic was released 70 years ago this week, her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort will soon be made over with bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting the park so many hold so near and dear to their hearts. We are so excited to also share this beautiful concept image with you which shows the castle featuring a brand-new color scheme created by Walt Disney Imagineering for Cinderella Castle.
Above is an incredible concept image of what the newly enhanced Cinderella Castle will look like when work is completed.
Starting today and continuing through summer, you may notice this exciting work taking place as these stunning enhancements begin. But don’t worry! They’ll still get to catch all of our castle favorites like Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and Happily Ever After.
This is the cheapest time to visit Disneyland and Disney World
Depending on when you’re planning a traveling to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, your trip may have just gotten more expensive.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Hosts Exciting Multi-Day Celebration for 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
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.
Disney Parks Best Bites: February 2020
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.
Aulani Resort Ranked Best Family Hotel in the U.S.
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.
