Disney is working its magic on classic Chinese dishes — including Peking duck-topped pizza in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head — to be served up at its new park in Shanghai.
READY FOR ADVENTURE WITH MORTY AND FERDIE BY SAM ALLEN
This week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its celebrates both Earth Day and the park’s 18th anniversary. Among those ready to take part in the adventures that lie around every corner of Walt Disney World’s youngest theme park are Mickey Mouse’s nephews, Morty and Ferdie.
A New Princess Is Welcomed To Disney Parks
Disney Parks will welcome its first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.
Kids and families worldwide will be enchanted by the story of Princess Elena, a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old who is ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of Avalor. The series follows the story of Elena, who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council and some magical friends by her side. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders, while highlighting the importance of family and family traditions.
The inspiring story of Elena of Avalor will be shared in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide. And, Disney Parks, where universally enchanting stories come to life every day, will be the place where families can see Disney’s newest princess in person. At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure. The Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World Resort will welcome Elena in August. Her Disneyland arrival date will be announced in the near future.
Disney Channel Is Airing Every Original Movie Ever to Celebrate a Massive Milestone—See the Schedule!
Get out the party hats because Disney Channel is about to hit a major milestone—and they’re planning to party in style.
Watch – Concept Video of Slinky Dog Dash Attraction Coming to Toy Story Land
Slinky Dog Dash, coming to disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be a family coaster attraction you’ll want to ride again and again! The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys.
Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary by Unveiling New Initiative to Protect the Planet
The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), in honor of its 20th anniversary, announced a targeted philanthropic strategy to help protect the planet by collaborating with leading nonprofit organizations that will help threatened wildlife and inspire a lifelong love of nature in young people. The new initiative, called Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time, is aimed at reversing the decline of 10 threatened species through scientific research, community engagement, and increasing the time kids spend in nature to inspire them to care for the planet.
As part of Reverse the Decline, Disney is supporting a network of leading conservation nonprofit organizations to develop strategic plans that aim to reverse the decline of 10 animals: elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, tamarin monkeys, great apes, sea turtles, sharks and rays, cranes, rhinos and tigers. These organizations employ experts who work with each species to address the protection of habitats, collect critical population data, and develop conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems around the world. Additionally, this initiative provides opportunities for Disney to apply the expertise and talents of its employees and cast members to help reverse the decline of these animals. Already, scientists, educators and veterinarians on Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team are collaborating with each organization to help protect threatened species and their habitats.
Increase the Time, the second part of the two-pronged commitment, comes on the heels of a 2012 Disney initiative to connect 35 million kids and families with nature experiences by 2015. Disney reached the target a year early based on its efforts to connect kids with nature through support from the Disney Conservation Fund to nonprofit organizations and nature experiences in Disney Parks and Resorts. The new Increase the Time initiative amplifies the philanthropic component of these efforts to fund projects with leading nonprofit organizations that engage young people in discovering the magic of nature and inspiring them to protect the planet.
Since 1995, DCF has provided $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in 115 countries.
Every Live Action Remake Coming Up From Disney
Jon Favreau’s ‘The Jungle Book’ looks primed to be an enormous hit having taken $103.6m (£73.1m) on its debut at US box office, the second largest opening weekend total for an April release ever.
Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Announce Unforgettable Closing Ceremony Program
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover and taking place from May 8-12 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, today announced a lineup for the event’s Closing Ceremony on May 12 featuring world-renowned talent and uplifting performances.
“The Closing Ceremony will be an inspiring event that honors the Invictus spirit and recognizes our competitors,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Invictus Games Orlando 2016. “Stacked with incredible musical performances by internationally-renowned singers and songwriters, heartening stories of courage and triumph from servicemen and women, the ceremony will truly be the event of a lifetime. I encourage fans to buy their tickets now before they sell out – you won’t want to miss this.”
The Closing Ceremony will feature musical performances by international popstar Rachel Platten, who will perform the song of the Games and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song.” The lineup also includes best-selling country vocal group of the past decade Rascal Flatts, American sensation and former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, Florida native and Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida, “The Voice” Season 9 winner Jordan Smith and the first nationally-recognized wounded warrior band, Vetted.
During the ceremony, Prince Harry will recognize competitors for their achievements over the past four days and lead the handover of the Invictus Games flag to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 organising committee. In addition, the audience will hear firsthand from U.S. Team Captain, retired Army Captain Will Reynolds, as he shares his amazing personal journey. Captain Reynolds ultimately lost his left leg above the knee after an IED in Iraq and endured 26 surgeries. Since his injury, Captain Reynolds has become a husband, a father to four, earned a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health, embarked on a career with Deloitte and become a world class adaptive sports athlete.
“As the Games come to a close, I am honored by the opportunity to share my story,” said U.S. Team Captain Reynolds. “I want to let others know that the road to recovery is possible, no matter what injury or illness stand in the way.”
Thousands of friends, family and fans will come together to reflect on a memorable four days of competition and celebrate the accomplishments, victories and unbreakable spirits of more than 500 competitors representing 14 nations at the Closing Ceremony, where every competitor will be recognized on stage with a medallion of achievement. Two individual awards will also be given by the Games’ presenting partners, Jaguar Land Rover, at the Closing Ceremony.
“The Closing Ceremony is an opportunity for us to celebrate a week of achievement, teamwork and friendship,” said Christopher Laue, one of the Executive Producers of the Invictus Games 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “The competitors’ commitment and determination has been absolutely awe-inspiring and will stay in fans’ hearts in the years to come. I hope Americans from across the nation will show their support by purchasing tickets and attending this high energy, eye-opening and heartwarming event.”
Spectators, fans and loved ones will watch the Closing Ceremony at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla, while audiences around the world can watch the event live on ESPN 2. Fans can purchase tickets to this unforgettable and one-of-a-kind event for $45 each at http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets/.
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies are co-presented by Jaguar Land Rover and the Walt Disney Company and are being produced by continuumLIVE and Donaldson Creative with Christopher Laue and Sara Donaldson jointly performing the roles of Executive Producer and Creative Director.
Founder of Donaldson Creative, Donaldson most recently Executive Produced the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony in London, the Invictus Games London 2014 Ceremonies and along with Laue was Co-Chief Operating Officer of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ceremonies. Laue, of continuumLIVE, most recently served as Executive Producer for the Lima 2019 Handover Segment at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, the Salvation Army International Congress, the Los Angeles Music Center 50th Anniversary Spectacular and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Veracruz 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games.
Photos – Cactus Road Rally Area Plants at Epcot’s 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – Part 3
Take a look at photos of the Cactus Road Rally Area Plants at Epcot’s 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – Part 3.
Adventures by Disney Introduces New 2017 Itineraries
Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, recently revealed new itineraries for 2017, including an expansion of popular river cruising vacations with AmaWaterways, as well as enhancements to family journeys to China and Australia.
New European River Cruise Sailings on the Rhine River
Sailing with AmaWaterways, the premier luxury river cruise line, Adventures by Disney river cruises offer a new way for families to experience the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. In addition to offering a second season of Danube River sailings, Adventures by Disney will expand offerings to include sailings along the Rhine River in 2017. The new Rhine River itinerary gives adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, these river cruise sailings offer a vacation experience that is all-inclusive and hassle-free. Designed with guests of all ages in mind, travelers can customize their trip to fit their family’s needs by choosing from a variety of activity options offered at ports along the Rhine River and onboard each day.
“Last year, river cruising itineraries on the Danube River sold out rapidly, proving that families are eager to enjoy this immersive and luxurious new way to travel through Europe with Adventures by Disney,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. “For 2017 we dreamt even bigger, expanding our offerings to include not only the already popular Danube sailings, but also exciting new experiences along the Rhine River. Here we can make unforgettable vacation memories a reality for even more travelers by offering family river cruise sailings that are effortless, personalized and exhilarating.”
Guests will sail on the Rhine River aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaKristina, a river cruise ship being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. Family-friendly design elements include sets of connecting staterooms and suites, some of which accommodate three- and four-person families, and other details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Adventures by Disney has also worked closely with AmaWaterways to reimagine shipboard spaces and activities, offering unique programming for kids, teens and adults.
Highlights of the eight-day/seven-night adventures include:
- Ride a toboggan, hike along a waterfall or zipline through the Black Forest.
- Visit the famous storybook Heidelberg Castle.
- Enjoy tubing, snow biking, curling and more at Germany’s first indoor ski hall.
- Explore the Alsace Region of France by canoe or on horseback.
- Get hands-on during clog painting and a cheese making demonstration in Holland.
- Bike along the Rhine River, within the German wine countryside, through towns and beyond.
- Savor unique local dining, including Swiss fondue, a French macaron cooking class, German chocolate tasting and more.
A post-cruise land package is also available in Amsterdam at the conclusion of the Rhine sailings, offering a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk and a private farewell dinner.
“AmaWaterways is ecstatic to continue working with Adventures by Disney, further expanding the options for family travelers seeking a unique way to explore Europe,” said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “A Rhine River cruise with Adventures by Disney, aboard the beautiful AmaKristina, will offer families an immersive, unforgettable experience. They will have the chance to witness firsthand the beauty, history and culture of the region’s most breathtaking destinations, while creating memories that will last a lifetime!”
Enhanced Itineraries to Visit Shanghai Disney Resort in China, Gold Coast in Australia
Also new for 2017 are enhancements to Adventures by Disney vacations to China and Australia. With the June opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, the China itinerary has been reimagined to include a visit to this exciting new destination. Here Adventures by Disney guests will explore the newest Disney theme park with VIP tour guides, offering a truly world-class experience. In Australia, travelers will now enjoy time on the beautiful Gold Coast, including kayaking on Bryon Bay, whale and dolphin spotting, an excursion to Mt. Tamborine and more.
New United States Vacations Allow Travelers to Discover America
The new 2017 itineraries join an existing lineup of more than 35 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, including three recently announced vacations to the diverse United States locales of Central Florida, Montana, and Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia. Debuting in summer 2016, each of these weeklong trips is filled with activities unique to the destinations. In Central Florida, families will enjoy unprecedented backstage access and VIP experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, airboat through Florida marshlands and thrill to a visit to the “Space Coast.” Montana offers glamorous camping, or “glamping,” near Yellowstone National Park and a stay at a dude ranch in Big Sky. And American history comes alive during a visit to the nation’s capital, and the United States’ first capital city.
Whether travelers are setting sail in Europe, exploring exotic destinations in far-off lands or savoring the majesty of America’s national parks, Adventures by Disney offers exceptional service and hands-on, active experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages.
Bookings for all 2017 vacations open on April 22, 2016. For more details and to book reservations, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.
