You don’t have to head to Orlando or Anaheim to get the Disney experience. Here are other locations when you can get the same Disney service and magic.
How to Plan, Stay and Play at the Disneyland Resort
Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort will enjoy special moments and create unforgettable memories with their friends and family, including their experiences at the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration and the newly reimagined land, Pixar Pier. Beloved nighttime spectaculars, immersive attractions and entertainment offer countless ways for guests to make the most of their vacations at the Happiest Place on Earth. There are plenty of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the three on-site hotels and Downtown Disney.
PLAN
- Official Disneyland App – The official Disneyland App offers useful information right at a guest’s fingertips, including attraction wait times, FastPass return times, maps, entertainment guides and other special features. Guests may also use the app to purchase tickets with their mobile device, look for character appearances in the park and find park hours. Details are available here.
- Disneyland Resort on Google Street View: Guests can now explore the Disneyland Resort like never before – right from a phone or computer – on Google Street View. Disney Parks have launched a series of 360-degree panoramas at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District to help guests plan their next vacation.
- Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.DisneyPlanning.com.
- Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for guests to book easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
- Dining Reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests may make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Special dining packages offer guests a full-course meal and reserved viewing for the “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland, and “World of Color” and “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure. “For reservations, guests may call 714-781-DINE or email a date, time and contact information to dine@Disneyland.com. Guests may also book a table online at Disneyland.com.
- Social Media – Keep up with the latest updates about the Disneyland Resort at DisneyParksBlog.com, where guests may also get behind-the-scenes looks at the parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney. For planning tips and fun facts, follow @Disneylandon Twitter. Guests may also engage with Disneyland on Facebook and Instagram.
- In-Park Social Media – While at the resort, guests may follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter for information about Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resort hotels with live updates and answers.
STAY
- Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the classic Disneyland Hotel and luxurious newly reimagined Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
- Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hourentry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit Disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
- Grand Hotel Experience –Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa just completed the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening. Guest rooms have been completely redesigned with a fresh sense of luxury and the pool deck has been refreshed with beautiful, new hardscapes to reinforce the Arts and Crafts style. Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. The new, elevated experience continues to impress guests and the hotel was named one of the Top Hotels in Southern California in the 30th annual Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
- Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Key to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
- Multi-generational travel and large parties – Many families enjoy traveling to the Disneyland Resort with family members of multiple generations, or with family reunions. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort welcome multi-generational travelers and large parties, offering multiple suites at each hotel that sleep parties of six or eight. Some of the suites connect to adjacent suites to accommodate the larger parties.
- Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. The latest special offers are available at Disneyland.com/offers.
PLAY
- Disney FastPass Service – FastPass allows guests to maximize their time in the park by reserving a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests return during that time, they enjoy a shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders. Guests are encouraged to pick up FastPass tickets early for favorite attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers.
- Disney MaxPass – Guests will maximize their day with the ability to reserve digital Disney FASTPASS selections right from your mobile device using the Disneyland app while in the parks. Plus, it offers the opportunity to download, save and share Disney PhotoPass photos captured during an entire day. Both services are included for the introductory price of only $10 per ticket and can be purchased through the app.
- Disney PhotoPass Service – PhotoPass Photographers at character, dining and special locations throughout the park ensure that everyone gets in the photo. Guests may link, view and purchase photos at Disneyland.com or directly from the Disneyland App
- “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland. To book this, or other tours offered by Disneyland Resort, call (714) 781-TOUR (8687).
- Charging Lockers – Guests re-charge their batteries and get back to the fun in no time when using special lockers on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park that include options for traditional AC outlet or specialized chargers for electronic devices.
- Parent “Rider Switch” – A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.
- Enjoy the shows and entertainment – Oftentimes, children enjoy live entertainment and stage shows for the first time at the Disneyland Resort. Families may choose from multiple shows in the daily Show Entertainment Guide (available at the main entrance gate and at Guest Relations centers). These include parades, character encounters and shows such as “Disney Junior Dance Party!” (Disney California Adventure) and “Mickey and the Magical Map” (Disneyland). Fans of Disney’s global film phenomenon, “Frozen”, will find the dazzling theatrical interpretation “Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater” at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests also may encounter performers and singers as they stroll through the parks, including the Dapper Dans at Disneyland, and Five and Dime at Disney California Adventure.
- Be amazed by spectacular fireworks – Fireworks illuminate the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle choreographed to timeless music and with surprise appearances by some classic Disney characters. Viewing locations are throughout Disneyland and top spots include: in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, along Main Street, U.S.A., in front of “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland and along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.
- Character Dining – Character dining is a great way to introduce youngsters to Disney characters. At select locations, a cast of characters will visit guests at their tables. For reservations, call 714-781-DINE. Another tip: Many Disney restaurants offer children’s menus.
- Healthful Dining Options – While special treats are part of the Disney fun, families can also choose nutritious snacks such as nuts, trail mix and fresh fruit from outdoor carts. Kids meals come with fruit or vegetables on the side, along with juice, water or low-fat milk. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost. Look for the Mickey Check symbol on menus, indicating the best nutritional choices for children. Additionally, for lifestyle dining options, or for requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances, there are a wide range of choices, from kosher to gluten-friendly and sugar-free.
In Their Own Words Reflections on Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary
Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
“It’s kind of unusual to stay attached like this to a single project for two decades, but there you have it…Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more or less the story of my life!! Even though it’s…like…twenty years old, there has never been a single day when we were not working on something that was going to go into the park or change the park. It’s a living thing, because it is full of other living things.”
“The super complex horticulture and landscaping of the park is part of what makes it alive. It isn’t managed to stay the same, but rather to continue to grow and change…to be as real as we can make it be. You would not believe how much work that takes!!
Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, but at its heart, it has always been dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the world around us. As we approach this 20th anniversary milestone, I’m honored to have been entrusted with leadership of this unique park and to work with this incredible group of Cast Members who share the magic of nature with our guests every day.”
“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has seen a lot of change, and through all the amazing accomplishments, we have remained committed to bringing the magic of nature to our guests in ways only Disney can.”
Walt Disney
“You’ve probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us. It’s a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come.”
Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute, L&U Messenger of Peace
“I have been involved with Disney’s Animal Kingdom since before the grand opening day 1998. From the start I was impressed by the scale of the park – it was especially magical to see four elephants able to disport themselves in a huge pool. How lucky I was to be allowed to climb the scaffolding and look close up at the amazing art work on the Tree of Life. The huge sculpture of David Greybeard, the only named animal on the Tree, was a surprise, sculpted specially for me.
Now, 20 years later, I think of all the animals and how many visitors have had a chance to watch them and learn about the importance of wildlife on Planet Earth. The Animal Kingdom provides an experience that is not only fascinating, but also educational as visitors hear stories about the importance of conserving animals and their habitats
The Disney Conservation Fund was established to support conservation efforts in many countries, including educational programs. I am particularly grateful that hundreds of young people in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots have benefited from this fund in eighteen countries around the world. It is so desperately important that the next generations should be better stewards of the natural world than we have been.
Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom learn to respect animals as individuals. They also come away understanding that each one of us makes an impact on Planet Earth every day. By choosing wisely, choosing to tread lightly on the Earth and thus conserve our precious and finite natural resources, we can ensure a better future for generations of people and animals to come.”
Anne Savage, Ph.D, Conservation Director, Disney’s Animal Programs, Disney Parks
“For the past 20 years, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has worked to help save wildlife and engage communities in helping protect the magic of nature. I’m so excited to see these care and conservation efforts continue to grow through the Disney Conservation Fund and our dedicated cast.”
Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
“We are proud to contribute to Walt Disney’s legacy of caring for wildlife and wild places. As a world-class leader in animal care and conservation, we are leading the way and reversing the decline of endangered and imperiled species. Through our participation in Species Survival Plans, we’ve been able to responsibly breed more than 200 species, thus ensuring diverse animal populations for the future.”
Dig Into a Delicious Offer – It’s FREE
Savor the chance to experience an unforgettable stay in the middle of the magic! Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a ticket with a Park Hopper® Option.
Book through July 7, 2018 for arrivals most nights August 20 through September 29, November 24 through November 27 and December 7 through December 23, 2018.
Explore Disney Resort hotels included in this non-discounted 5-night/6-day room and ticket package and the eligible Disney dining plan.
Note: packages for other lengths of stay may be available.
Disney Stores will no longer use plastic bags, but theme parks have a way to go
As part of a company-wide initiative, Disney Stores recently announced they will be phasing out plastic bags at all U.S. stores by the end of next month.
A Journey Through Twenty Years of Major Milestones At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
From creatures wild and whimsical to Broadway-caliber shows, from unparalleled adventures and experiences to award-winning conservation efforts, from exotic lands to cuisine that celebrates a global park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is marking an anniversary of 20 unforgettable years. And the best is yet to come!
Here’s a look back at a few of the milestone dates in the evolution of Disney’s adventure park at Walt Disney World Resort:
June 20, 1995 Plans for “Wild Animal Kingdom” announced
August 4, 1995 Groundbreaking for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
December 5, 1995 The first tree, an authentic African acacia xanthophloea, is planted
June 12, 1996 Miles the giraffe is the first animal to arrive
October 5, 1996 A baby kudu is the first animal to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
November 4, 1997 Hope, a 14-year-old gorilla, gives birth to a male named Jabari
April 22, 1998 (Earth Day) Grand Opening for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
January 1999 Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly American Zoo and Aquarium Association)
March 1, 1999 Grand Opening of Asia, which includes Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek
July 1999 Tarzan Rocks! debuts
May 2000 Reproduction of Dino-Sue, the rare 65 million-year-old tyrannosaurus rex, on display in DinoLand U.S.A.
October 2000 Rafiki’s Planet Watch premieres
December 2000 Safari Village renamed Discovery Island
June 4, 2001 Colobus Monkey Habitat Opens on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (formerly Pangani Forest Trail)
October 2001 Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade premieres
November 2001 First phase of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama opens with TriceraTop Spin attraction and midway games
April 18, 2002 Primeval Whirl opens at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama
April 22, 2003 Plans announced for Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
May, 2005 Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronics figure capable of walking and moving independently, makes special appearances
April 7, 2006 Expedition Everest opens
April 2006 Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund achieves $10 million milestone since its 1995 creation
January 2007 Grand opening for “Finding Nemo – the Musical”
April 22, 2007 Inaugural “Party for the Planet” event takes place on Earth Day
February 16, 2008 Paws in the Park event. Disney’s Animal Kingdom/Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives raises more than $13,000 for SPCA of Central Florida
April 22, 2008 Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit visits the park on Earth Day
January 16, 2011 Wild Africa Trek opens
June 1, 2013 Wilderness Explorers program debuts to guests
June 1, 2014 Festival of the Lion King debuts in its new home, the brand new Harambe Theatre.
May 2015 Harambe Market opens.
May 27, 2016 Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge open, nighttime experiences debut – Harambe Wildlife Parti, Discovery Island Carnivale, Tree of Life Awakenings and nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris
May 28, 2016 The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic live show debuts
December 2016 Lion-tailed Macaques debut
February 17, 2017 Rivers of Light debuts
May 27, 2017 Pandora – the World of Avatar opens
August 2017 Sumatran tiger cubs, Jeda and Anala, are born,
January 2017 Augustus, a baby hippo, is born
March, 2018 Contributions to Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund total $70 million since 1995
April 22, 2018 20th Anniversary milestone marked with Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration, premiere of UP! A Great Bird Adventure and debut of the Pandora Utility Suit
‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ Now Open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The new “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” show is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. The 25-minute show features Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar animated film “UP,” as they discover bird species from around the world. Led by senior Wilderness Explorer Anika, “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” features a close-up look at various bird species from around the globe – including the marabou stork with an impressive 10-foot wingspan.
Take a sneak peek inside the show in the video below.
Categories: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disneyland Resort Guests Will Discover Nods to Pixar Films in Creatively Themed Food and Beverage Offerings
The first-ever Pixar Fest offers fun and delicious eats and treats with a Pixar theme, as the celebration of friendship and beyond comes to the Disneyland Resort for a limited time, April 13-Sept. 3, 2018. During Pixar Fest, guests will discover creatively themed food and beverage offerings around every corner, inspired by the Pixar stories and characters that guests have come to know and love.
The Pixar Fest Celebration Cake is expected to be a guest favorite. Drawing inspiration from the famous yellow Pixar Ball, this eye-catching treat features layers of yellow vanilla cake, blue raspberry cake and red velvet cake with raspberry purée and vanilla frosting, topped with a chocolate Pixar Ball. The Pixar Fest Celebration Cake is available for guests at Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park.
2020 Olympic Trial Qualifier Wins Female Division of 3rd Annual Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort
2020 Olympic Trial qualifier Brittany Charboneau of Denver, Colo., won the women’s division of the 2018 Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon presented by OtterBox on Sunday morning at Walt Disney World Resort. The overall winner of the race was Vanilson Neves of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Charboneau, 29, won the women’s division of the half marathon with a time of 1:21:39 and was followed by fellow runners Katherine Burkowski of Windermere, Fla. (1:26:09) and Jennifer Barron of Paradise, Canada (1:26:09).
Charboneau’s half marathon win Sunday is the victory lap for an already successful year, as she recently qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials during the LA Marathon in March and won the female division for both the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K in February and Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January.
“It’s pretty surreal to be honest … I’ve been running for seventeen years and, up until a couple years ago, I had never won a race, ever, not even a 100-meter dash,” said Charboneau. “So, it’s just really cool, because I’ve been working so hard and it’s paying off, so it’s amazing.”
In the men’s division, Neves, 30, flew past the competition, building a five-minute lead before winning the 13.1-mile race in 1:09:55. He was followed by Dicson Peixoto Falcao of Fortaleza, Brazil (1:14:38) and Zane Grabau of Gainesville, Fla. (1:15:27).
Neves recently placed second at the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna. “The race was very difficult because it was very windy and I was alone for the first kilometer,” said Neves. “… But it was very exciting to win because I took second place in the marathon in January.”
More than 17,000 runners participated in the 13.1-mile race during the third-annual Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side presented by OtterBox. The weekend of galactic family-friendly events included the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo and the runDisney Kids Races, in addition to the Star Wars Dark Side 5K, Star Wars Dark Side 10K and Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon. The weekend also included the 19.3-mile Star Wars First Order Challenge, where runners completed both the Star Wars Dark Side 10K and Half Marathon in back-to-back days.
The Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side is the fourth race weekend in the runDisney series that encompasses Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris. This fall, runners can join their favorite Star Wars, Marvel and Disney villains at the Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend, September 20-23, as well as dine-and-dash during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT, November 1-4.
“New Species of Theme Park.” Disney’s Animal Kingdom Marks 20-Year Anniversary in Special Earth Day Ceremonies
Disney’s theme park of exploration is a place unique in all the world. Here Walt Disney World guests can venture to the snowy flanks of Mt. Everest, raft down a rainforest river, view wildlife on an African savannah and travel light years to an alien planet where banshees fly and mountains float.
Fittingly as the world celebrates Earth Day 2018 — Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20th anniversary in a ceremony marking two decades of magical adventures and unforgettable experiences.
Gathered at the Harambe Theater, set of the popular Festival of the Lion King stage show, drummers, dancers, stilt performers and Disney characters joined Disney executives in a ceremony observing the 20th anniversary and the kickoff of the two-week Party for the Planet celebration, on now through May 5.
Joe Rohde, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, led the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and reflected on its 20-year history.
“We created this park out of a set of ideals that we believed were relevant and meaningful,” Rohde said, “and as the years have passed, those ideals have only become more relevant and more meaningful. Our lives are bound to the lives of all creatures.”
Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom noted how the park has grown over the last two decades, and its profound impact on guests and conservation efforts around the world.
“Since 1998, we have been extremely conscious that what we have here is a new species of theme park,” said Rivers. “And while it has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, it will always be dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the natural world.”
Rivers also called out the success of the Disney Conservation Fund, aimed at reversing the decline of imperiled creatures in the wild. To date, he said, the fund has directed more than $70 million to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.
Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks, noted today was more than an anniversary, it was a day of firsts.
“’UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ has its official debut in the park today,” she noted. “On Pandora – The World of Avatar you’ll be able to interact with a scientist who explores in a Pandora Utility Suit.”
In their lush surroundings, more than 2,000 animals – some endangered, all unique and colorful – call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, special photo opportunities, backstage tours at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, specialty desserts and other activities during the Party for the Planet. Tiffins, a signature restaurant, will host themed dinners hosted by animal care experts.
On May 26 Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut even more entertainment with Donald’s Dino-Bash! Guests can join Donald Duck and friends in DinoLand, U.S.A. for playful character encounters and a DJ-powered dance party. It’s all part of the Incredible Summer of fun that kicks off across the Walt Disney World Resort Memorial Day weekend.
For more information about the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can visit www.Disneyworld.com/AnimalKingdom
