WDW Daily News

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be the largest single-themed land expansion at both Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios when they open this summer and fall, respectively. While the land is epic in size, every detail in the land has been designed to have an authentic Star Wars feel. We have previously shared teasers of our two anchor attractions – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where you will find themselves in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which allows your clients and their flight crew to take the controls of the fastest ship in the galaxy on a special mission. We’ve also previously announced that Oga’s Cantina will be a great place for your clients to grab a beverage, catch up on the latest gossip while R-3X, formerly the Starspeeder pilot on the original Star Tours, DJ’s a collection of new music.

Today we’d like to introduce a new series called “Building Batuu.” Batuu is the home of Black Spire Outpost, the location you will visit when they arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Over the next several months, we will be sharing more details about this entire new land, the offerings and attractions and how guests can live their own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

You can dive deeper into Star Wars storytelling by engaging with the land through the Play Disney Parks app, if they desire a deeper level of immersion. But there is also plenty to see and do (and taste!) throughout Black Spire Outpost that we haven’t previously shared.

For a limited time this spring, guests at Disney California Adventure® Park will have the opportunity to encounter the one and only Captain Marvel.

Beginning in March, Captain Marvel makes a triumphant arrival on an armored S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle, escorted by a team of agents on her way to Hangar 12 in the northeast corner of Hollywood Land. As her jet fighter is being readied for a special mission, Captain Marvel lines up a gathering of recruits for a Heroic Encounter and inspires them to go Higher, Further, Faster.

Opening in theaters on March 8, 2019, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure that follows the journey of ace Air Force pilot Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the most powerful heroes in the universe. When Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

Stay tuned for more information about this Heroic Encounter and more!

Exciting plans are underway to bring the dealer in whimsy, Sugarboo & Co., to the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort this spring! Simply darling and delightful, this family-owned unique boutique is cozy like home and Guests won’t want to leave without a few thoughtful, treasured gifts and must-haves for themselves. From uplifting art prints and charming home goods, to whimsical paper products, handmade ceramics, candles, bath apothecary and stamped jewelry, many items have inspiring sayings sure to make everyone smile!

Sugarboo & Co. is another terrific addition to the Downtown Disney District, where this vibrant entertainment, dining and shopping promenade has introduced many new specialty experiences, from The Disney Dress Shop, Disney Home and reimagined World of Disney, to Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Ballast Point Brewing Co. and Salt & Straw scoop shop. The Sugarboo & Co. shop will be located on the west end of the Downtown Disney District and will be Sugarboo’s first location in California.

Stay tuned for more details on the newest hot-spot to shop!

Walt Disney World is full of classic theme park treats like corn dog nuggets, churros, and turkey legs. But on hot days in Florida — which honestly is most days — nothing beats a cold and refreshing Dole Whip as a float or in a cup.

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We have exciting news to share today with fans of Disney royalty!

A new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is set to open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this summer in order to provide more royal transformations than ever before. The new boutique – the third of its kind at Walt Disney World® Resort – will be located inside what’s currently the Ivy Trellis Salon, which will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa.

Also based on the popularity of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom® Park, work will begin this spring to expand the location, adding more chairs, a very special magic mirror, and a transformation experience that will help Guests choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom Park location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected.

In case you aren’t familiar, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations currently exist at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs®, and pair up young guests age 3-12 with Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, who give them magical makeovers beyond their wildest Disney dreams, turning them into princesses or gallant knights. A variety of royal transformations are available and may include hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more, depending on the package guests choose.

You can book reservations at the two existing locations for you by calling (407) WDW-STYLE, and stay tuned for future updates on the new location’s opening.

The end of February and beginning of March marks the time to get together with friends and celebrate Mardi Gras. While famously celebrated on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Disney Springs® is offering up its own spin on this favorite holiday complete with food and entertainment that will have you “jazzed” to celebrate!

No celebration is complete without a pair of ears and Mardi Gras-inspired Minnie Mouse ears make for the perfect party accessory! They feature all the fun colors and patterns of Mardi Gras. You can find these ears in the newly renovated World of Disney store at Disney Springs Marketplace.

And for foodies, there’s no shortage of specialty and limited-time eats on the menu at favorite restaurants. Look no further than House of Blues Restaurant & Bar for classic New Orleans favorites such as Steak Po’Boy (made special for this event!), Jambalaya, Gumbo and Bourbon Bread Pudding. You can grab all of these dishes at the Smokehouse grab and go window now through March 5, 2019. In addition to delicious bites, there will be live music, drink specials and prizes March 1-5 in the House of Blues Courtyard. With no cover or reservations required, this is a celebration Guests won’t want to miss.

Over in The Landing, Carnevale is back at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! This annual festival began in Venice, Italy and commemorates the joyous gathering of family and friends to eat, drink, dance and celebrate life together. Book by March 5, 2019, and you’ll get a front-row seat to live entertainment including singers, stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, face painters, folk dancers and more all while indulging in signature Italian cuisine. During this limited-time engagement, you can enjoy the prix fixe “Feast of Carnevale” selections or order a la carte from the regular menu. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling (407) 560-8466.

Spring is upon us and that means the 2019 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is about to begin! Starting March 6, 2019, you can join us for fun, flowers, and food! This year’s festival features 17 Outdoor Kitchens and several other locations through the park that will be offering delectable festival bites and libations.

Special dining packages are also available for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. This concert series runs for 90 nights and features over 270 performances by tons of popular artists. This dining package allows you to have either breakfast, lunch, or dinner at nearly any table-service restaurant in the park and grants them guaranteed seating at one of three concert performances that day. Be sure to reserve these early so your Clients can savor every single minute! 

This year’s menus are incredible and you won’t want to miss out on any of these delicious bites! In addition to the returning Outdoor Kitchens like The Honey Bee-stro, the festival has four new Outdoor Kitchens this year: Arbor, The Citrus Blossom, Trowel & Trellis, and Flavor Full Kitchen! Fried green tomatoes, tuna tataki, blood orange aqua fresca, and grilled street corn on the cob are just a few of the new mouthwatering items featured on the menus. Check out these and all of the offerings for the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival detailed below. The festival runs March 6–June 3, 2019.

The Walt Disney Company has taken the No. 4 spot on Fast Company’s list of “The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” for 2019, which spotlights the businesses that are making the most profound impact on both industry and culture and thriving in a rapidly changing world. Fast Company, one of the world’s leading business media brands, singled out Disney’s new and upcoming streaming services, and the Company’s commitment to deliver its unparalleled portfolio directly to consumers.

In addition to highlighting the early success of the ESPN+ streaming service, Fast Company looked ahead to the upcoming launch of the family-friendly Disney+, which will feature new content set in the worlds of Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Monsters, Inc.and more; as well as how the pending acquisition of 21st Century Fox will expand the Company’s incredible lineup of content assets, along with doubling Disney’s interests in Hulu. “We’ll do a better job than others,” Kevin Mayer, chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International business, told Fast Company, adding, “We know [our] brands viscerally.”

The 50 companies named by Fast Company have been selected across 35 industries and are based across every region of the globe. Fast Company sought to identify the businesses that aren’t just leaders in their fields, but those that are transforming the world.  The complete list can be viewed at FastCompany.com, as well as in the March/April 2019 issue of Fast Company magazine.

Jackie Pirtle-Hall nearly won a runDisney race last year. Sunday, she got it done, writing her own fairytale ending in winning the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

For Pirtle-Hall, who finished second in the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2018, the Princess-themed race Sunday was her first runDisney victory and added another highlight to her list of accomplishments, which includes qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials.

If Sunday was any indication, Pirtle-Hall of St. Charles, Mo., is already close to Olympic form. Leading virtually the entire 13.1-mile race through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, she crossed the finish line in 1:18:30 – two minutes faster than last year’s winner and more than four minutes ahead of the rest of the field of 25,000 runners. Bianca Toledo of Bergenfield, N.J., was second with a time of 1:22:53 followed by Elizabeth Conlon of Montgomery, Md., in 1:24:26.

“When you go through the Magic Kingdom with the castle, it really is just a whole visceral feeling where you just feel overwhelmed with emotion,’’ Pirtle-Hall said. “This is one of those races where you literally just feel grateful to be experiencing such joy (because) everybody is just so happy for each other and supportive, and that’s what you feel from the crowd. It’s really incredible.’’

Amid the enchanting atmosphere of pixie dust, princesses and princes, there were several inspiring stories of courage, triumph and hope. For instance, there was Cheri Srour of Brooklyn, N.Y., who is battling paralysis from an autoimmune neurological disease. After being pushed in her wheelchair for most of the race by her brother-in-law, she amazed the crowd by getting out of the wheelchair and walking unassisted the final 100 yards.

Additionally, 2019 Miss America Nia Franklin involved Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, running the 5K race on Friday and participating in the finish line activities during the half marathon on Sunday.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon was the finishing touch on a weekend of running events at Walt Disney World Resort. The race weekend included a 10K, 5K and several Kids Races in addition to the half marathon. There was also a health and fitness expo.

The race weekend is the third of four runDisney running events at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2018-2019 race season. The final race of this season is the Star Wars Rival Run, April 4-7, and registration is still available at www.rundisney.com.

Disney is committed to conservation and caring for the planet– ensuring a world where wildlife thrives and nature is treasured and protected. For more than 60 years, animals have been a part of Disney storytelling, and these stories continue today alongside immersive experiences that connect kids and families around the world with the magic of nature. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has inspired millions of people to take action to protect the planet and directed more than $70 million to reverse the decline of wildlife in more than half the countries in the world through efforts that engage communities in conservation.

Key Accomplishments

Snapshot

• The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) was inspired by Walt Disney’s conservation legacy and established on Earth Day 1995 to help protect wildlife and wild places around the world.
• DCF has supported projects spanning across six continents, all five oceans and more than half the countries (115) in the world.
• The DCF has awarded more than $70 million in grants* supporting efforts to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.
• The DCF has helped protect more than 400 species around the world, including elephants, cranes, butterflies and coral reefs through its conservation grants.

Saving Wildlife

• The DCF is supporting “Reverse the Decline” collaborations with international and local conservation partners to stabilize and increase the populations of 10 focus animal categories; apes, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks & rays, and tigers.
• In addition to DCF support, Disney Cast Members and employees are lending their expertise to these efforts. More than 180 Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Cast Members have already participated directly in projects to save wildlife around the world.
• Some highlights of this work in the past three years:
  • 103,000+ square miles of critical forest habitat achieving protection to support endangered apes in the Democratic Republic of Congo through a Great Apes Conservation Action Plan (the Jane Goodall Institute)
  • 2,000+ Atala butterflies and 1,000+ endangered Shaus’ swallowtail butterflies raised and released in the wild (University of Florida)
  • 2,300 coral pieces grown, 12 coral nursery sites established, and 3,000+ coral fragments planted to repopulate reefs in The Bahamas (Perry Institute for Marine Science)
  • 7 Siberian cranes outfitted with satellite transmitters during their migration to identify the most important wetland areas for conservation and protection (International Crane Foundation)
  • 1 million+ acres of forest habitat surveyed to protect important areas for African elephants (Wildlife Conservation Society)
  • 20 tons of plastic waste removed from the environment, 175+ families supported through income-generating programs, 164,000+ trees planted, and more than 37,000 acres of forest protected in Colombia and Brazil to protect cotton-top tamarin and golden lion tamarin monkeys (Associação Mico-Leão Dourado, Proyecto Tití, Save the Golden Lion Tamarin and Wildlife Conservation Network)
  • 20 Rhino Protection Units (anti-poaching teams) in Indonesia trained in advanced monitoring practices to better protect two national parks and the Sumatran rhinos who live there (International Rhino Foundation)
  • 238,000 pounds of marine debris removed from sea turtle habitats and 1.2 kilometers of sea turtle nesting habitat restored and cleared of debris (University of Florida)
  • 156 species of sharks and rays studied to help identify where management or protection efforts are needed the most around the world (Wildlife Conservation Society and partners)
  • 4,131 miles of forest patrolled by community rangers to protect tigers in Sumatra, Indonesia (Wildlife Conservation Society)

Inspiring Action

• Since 1995, the DCF has supported more than 2,000 conservation projects, helping more than 600 nonprofit organizations working hand-in-hand with communities to protect wildlife worldwide.
• The DCF has recognized 150 Disney Conservation Heroes for their efforts to protect wildlife living alongside their communities in 47 countries.
• Disney has helped 53 M+ kids connect with nature through Disney experiences like those found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and through programs, tools and resources supported by the Disney Conservation Fund.
• Disney support has helped conservation programs engage more than 5M people through community outreach efforts.

Protecting the Planet

• In collaboration with Fauna & Flora International’s community-based forest management program in Indonesia, Disney support helped strengthen the livelihoods of 52 communities while aiding in the protection of more than 200,000 acres of critical habitat to support endangered species including Sumatran tigers.
• Disney supported Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s implementation of eight water restoration projects across California and Arizona to improve water use efficiency on agricultural land, reduce the amount of water diverted from rivers and creeks, and improve water quality, recreation and wildlife habitats.
• In celebration of Disneynature films, The Walt Disney Studios and the Disney Conservation Fund have collaborated to support animals and habitats around the world, resulting in:
  • 3 Million trees planted in Brazil’s most endangered forest.
  • 40,000 Acres of a new marine protected area established to conserve coral reefs in The Bahamas.
  • 65,000 Acres of savanna protected to create conservation corridors in Kenya.
  • 130,000 Acres of wild chimpanzee habitat protected in the Congo, and 60,000+ local youths educated, and chimpanzees cared for.
  • 495,000 Acres of forest protected to restore key corridors for wild pandas and establish a new snow leopard conservation program in China.
  • Conservation projects across 400,000 acres of US national parks supported, park visitors educated, and animal and plant species protected.
  • Conservation projects supported across one million acres in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, benefiting hundreds of species and protecting fresh drinking water for local populations.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and DCF from the Beginning

“When we, Imagineers, started the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we knew that we were entering a new territory of storytelling. These stories were not fantasies, but real. They were not classic tales, but ongoing epics whose conclusions are still unknown. They were not ours alone, but shared with people all around the world, who lived with and cared about the lives of wild creatures. We could not tell such stories unless we ourselves participated in the reality we were describing, contributed to the epic struggle, and shared our skill and our commitment with people around the world. Thus, we concluded that an entity like the Disney Conservation Fund was essential to our story. Without it, our own words and actions would be empty.

The story of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund is not just a story that we tell. It’s a story we are living every day, every one of us. All of us on Earth share this planet with every living creature and with the systems that sustain them. For two decades now, through the actions of the Disney Conservation Fund, we’ve worked towards our dream: a dream of a future for our children in which there is still magic in the forest, the magic that comes from the countless miraculous creatures, some yet undiscovered, that share with us a tiny delicate place amidst a sea of distant stars.” — Joe Rohde, Creative Executive, Disney Imagineering