Virtually all theme parks showcase the dark side for their Halloween events, with walk-through haunted houses that go for the jugular – figuratively and literally. But Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom, home of princesses, fairies, pixie dust and the innocuous “It’s a Small World,” foregoes chainsaw-wielding zombies and PG-13 gore and focuses on what it does best: parades, fireworks, shows, and E-Ticket rides. To dispel any ambiguity, The Mouse calls its fall event “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
The Walt Disney Company Donates $1 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Support Communities Impacted by Hurricane Michael
The Walt Disney Company announced it is contributing $1 million to aid in relief efforts across Florida’s Gulf Coast region and other areas impacted by Hurricane Michael. The donation will support disaster response and recovery efforts through the Florida Disaster Fund managed by the Volunteer Florida Foundation.
“The families and communities impacted by this devastating hurricane need our help as they begin to rebuild,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Through today’s $1 million contribution, and other relief efforts in the weeks and months ahead, we will stand with our Gulf Coast neighbors as they recover from this tragic storm.”
In addition to Disney’s donation announced today, contributions from Disney employees to eligible relief and recovery organizations will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.
Disney works on an ongoing basis with numerous nonprofit organizations on emergency preparedness efforts, including sharing lifesaving information with families before and during emergencies, having supplies prepositioned and at-the-ready to respond to natural disasters, and providing resources to activate large-scale responses in the event of a disaster.
Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Wows Exhibitors With First Screening At NATO Conference
They were told not to say anything, and actually had to sign non-disclosure agreements, but that hasn’t stopped a number of the nation’s exhibitors from giving their opinions on Disney’s big Christmas release — and perhaps Oscar hopeful — Mary Poppins Returns.
Sneak A Peek At This Year’s Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package at Walt Disney World Resort – Bookings Begin October 22
Are you searching for a magical way to celebrate the holiday season this year? How about exclusive access to some attractions, a special dining opportunity, and more? Then the Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package may be perfect! Guests who purchase this package will enjoy a 5-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel (checking in on Dec. 17 and checking out on Dec. 22, 2018), 4-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper® Option and some exclusive experiences at Walt Disney World® Resort during their stay.
Party with Pixar Pals and More as Disney’s Hollywood Studios Marks 30 Years
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is transforming into a place where guests experience their own adventures in the immersive worlds of their cinematic imaginations. This reimagining of the park came to life in 2018 with the debut of Toy Story Land, an 11-acre immersive land dedicated to Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films. As Disney’s Hollywood Studios prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary May 1, now, more than ever, Pixar pals in the park will ensure 2019 is a blockbuster year.
Beginning Jan. 18, Pixar Place will transform into a Municiberg city block from Pixar’s Incredibles films. Guests will meet super suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations. They will look for clues to the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible, the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack. And at the end of the block, guests will celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a party featuring lively music, dancing, interactive games and lots more Super fun.
Also starting Jan. 18, two popular guest favorites return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios when a door to the monster world opens inside Walt Disney Presents, welcoming Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
And then in spring 2019, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will speed into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new show experience will welcome guests to the world of Pixar’s Cars films, bringing them face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen. As the next generation of rookie racers, guests will learn from Lightning’s years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!
New Pedestrian Bridge Added to New Parking Structure at Disneyland Resort
As we announced last year, a new 6,500-space parking structure is currently under construction near the Mickey & Friends structure at the Disneyland® Resort. We are pleased to share the project is starting to take shape and it will now also feature a new pedestrian bridge over Magic Way.
This new bridge will connect visitors from the parking structure—over Magic Way— to the rest of the resort, allowing Guests the option to stroll through the Downtown Disney ®District to the theme parks’ Main Entrance. In addition, the new bridge eliminates the foot traffic crossing the street at Disneyland Drive and Magic Way, providing not only convenience, but also greater pedestrian safety and better traffic circulation.
Set to be completed next year, these parking and transportation enhancements—along with other existing parking options throughout the resort area—are designed to dramatically improve parking and traffic flow. The new parking structure is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and by adding parking capacity on the west side of the resort. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Disney’s Aladdin Teaser Trailer – In Theaters May 24th, 2019
Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, the film is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.”
“Aladdin” stars Will Smith as the larger-than-life Genie; Mena Massoud as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine, the beautiful, self-determined princess; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards. The film is produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and two new songs written by Menken and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.The film, which was shot on practical stages in London and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan, has a talented creative team helping to bring Agrabah to life, including: director of photography Alan Stewart, production designer Gemma Jackson and costume designer Michael Wilkinson.
City Works Eatery & Pour House Will Open at Disney Springs in 2019
With so many new additions to Disney Springs® recently – Wine Bar George, Terralina Crafted Italian, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck and Chicken Guy!, to name just a few – you might be surprised to learn that we’re still announcing new locations.
City Works Eatery & Pour House is set to open on the West Side next summer. The restaurant and bar will offer plenty of high-def TVs including a 165-inch screen, perfect for viewing favorite live sporting events.
Like the seven existing locations across the country, the Disney Springs space will offer 80 beers on tap including rare, limited supply, special tappings from local breweries and others from around the world. There will also be a curated selection of popular wines will be available, ready to pair with bar bites, shareables, burgers and more.
Stay tuned for more details!
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Awarded Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Highest Honor
It’s been said that language is central to a culture, and that is definitely true for the beautiful Hawaiian language, ‘Olelo Hawaii, that is such an integral part of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i.
At Aulani Resort we have been celebrating the Hawaiian culture — with a touch of Disney magic — alongside our Guests and Disney Vacation club members, since opening in 2011. Our ‘Olelo Room, where Hawaiian language is the central theme, as is evident in the décor, furniture, and even in the service, continues to be a Guest and local favorite. ‘Olelo is Hawaiian for “word” or “to converse” and even the Cast Members working in this special place speak fluent Hawaiian! The ‘Olelo Room is a place where Guests and locals gather to hear beautiful Hawaiian music played nightly by award-winning musicians, and where Hawaiian-language speakers gather and converse, and for those ready to learn, the décor features wooden carvings of common objects, each labeled with their Hawaiian names.
It’s this commitment to the language and the culture that led the Hawaii Tourism Authority to award Aulani Resort, alongside Hawaiian Airlines and ‘Aha Punana Leo, with its highest honor — the Tourism Legacy Award. This award, presented at the 2018 Global Tourism Summit, honors organizations and businesses that perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and this year the honorees were identified for helping to normalize Hawaiian language into everyday life.
“We provide a way for kama’aina (Hawaii residents) to show their pride in their home, and a place where Hawaiian-language speakers can pursue and share their passion for ‘Olelo Hawaii,” said Aulani Resort General Manager Kimberly Agas, who recently accepted the award alongside Aulani Cultural Advisor Kahulu De Santos on behalf of the resort. “At Aulani Resort, Hawaiian language proficiency is a valued professional skill, and conversations in ‘Olelo Hawaii are a common daily occurrence.”
It is an honor for our Aulani Resort to be recognized by our community, and by our industry; and it’s even more humbling to be recognized for our efforts in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.
Experience ‘The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay’ at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
A new recreational activity is now available at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where Guests ages 10 to 16 are invited aboard an evening adventure cruise on Barefoot Bay to investigate the mysteries of pirates of the past. During ‘The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay,’ Guests will experience an evening of immersive storytelling during this interactive boating scavenger hunt. They will embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of Captain Calico’s disappearance by solving puzzles and collecting clues.
This experience is available on Thursdays from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM to Guests ages 10 to 16. Book this experience by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Advance reservations are recommended. The cost is $39 per person, plus tax. A snack is provided.
