Disney Parks loves celebrating American traditions, and honoring those who keep our loved ones and us safe is no exception. We’d like to take a moment to show our appreciation to those who make such great sacrifices for our country by sharing these Disney Parks Blog posts below.

Take 5: Honoring the Stars and Stripes at Disney Parks

1. Disney Announces ‘Heroes Work Here’ – The Walt Disney Company recently announced a company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans called Heroes Work Here. Check out the details in this post.




2. A Disney Pin Salute… Looking Back at Memorial Day – Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller dug deep in the Disney Pin Vault to look back at some of the pins we’ve created around this patriotic holiday.




3. Create a Memorable Moment: Thank a Soldier – Disney Floral & Gifts allows us to honor the soldiers in our lives – and the soldiers we don’t know who keep us safe – in this post.




4. ‘Heroes Work Here’ Update – Check out the progress being made in our goal to provide jobs and career opportunities to at least 1,000 military vets over the next three years!




5. The Liberty Tree’s Patriotic Roots – Read the story behind this special tree at Magic Kingdom Park, modeled after a real symbol of American history.

Take 5: Honoring the Stars and Stripes at Disney Parks by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Here at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings we’ve been extra busy gearing up for June, which is always one of our busiest months of the year. And I have to admit that all of this June weddings hustle and bustle has given me a case of summer fever! As luck would have it, Kris and Jeff’s big day is just what the doctor ordered and comes chalk-full of the best summer has to offer – beaches, sunshine and of course flip-flops.

This dynamic duo met while working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but when it came time to tie the knot, Kris and Jeff packed their bags for a different kind of adventure – a Disney’s Vero Beach Resort adventure, that is! The couple chose to infuse Vero’s seaside feel into every aspect of their wedding and paid extra special attention to detail. From the darling cupcake display (with a cake topper made by the bride herself) to the shoe check, this event was truly a coastline lover’s paradise.

Gearing Up for the Summer Wedding Season at Disney Parks & Resorts by Korri McFann: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Yesterday, Disney California Adventure park guests were able to see the entire exterior of Carthay Circle Theatre for the first time, and today another beautiful park landmark has been revealed. Carthay Circle Fountain is now visible, and as you can see in these brand-new images from Paul Hiffmeyer, it was worth the wait!

In the video below (filmed before the construction walls came down), Imagineer Lisa Girolami gives some insight into the inspiration for this fountain and how it helps tell the story of the Los Angeles that Walt Disney may have discovered when he first arrived.

Come see Carthay Circle for yourself when Buena Vista Street opens on June 15!

Read more about Carthay Circle Theater in the posts below:

• First Look: Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure Park
• Cue the Dining Music at Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park
• Reservations Open Today for Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park

Carthay Circle Fountain Revealed at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

As night fell in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, I followed Mater and Lightning McQueen back to the center of town to check out the neon lighting up Route 66.

Before we wrapped up our little road trip, you know we had to get a shot over at Flo’s V8 Café. I really like the way the neon over at Flo’s reflects off McQueen’s hood.

What a great time I had spending the day with these two. Don’t forget, beginning June 15, you can meet Lightning and Mater over at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land.

Check out these posts for more of the latest from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park:

• Disney California Adventure Park Will Have Plenty of Character this Summer
• More of Lightning McQueen and Mater In Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park
• Lightning McQueen and Mater Come Home to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Cruising at Night with Lightning McQueen and Mater in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park by Paul Hiffmeyer: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Earlier this year, I told you that a brand-new and completely remodeled LEGO Store is coming this spring to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. The construction is complete and the beautifully remodeled LEGO Store is open for business! This store offers a vast assortment of the latest LEGO products that enable guests of all ages to design and build. The newly added outdoor space has been created with an interactive LEGO play area, and inside the addition of a beautiful new glass-enclosed mezzanine is featured prominently in the center of the store. LEGO fans both young and old will enjoy the wide variety of LEGO boxed sets as well as the massive “pick a brick” wall which will allow guests to customize their LEGO selection.

To celebrate the grand reopening of the location, LEGO will host a Master Build Event to take place Friday, May 25, through Sunday, May 27, from 12–8 pm each day. Guests will have the opportunity to assemble small sections of Brickley the Sea Serpent, and the small sections will be assembled into larger sections by the LEGO Master Builder. Each day, one of three big sections will be assembled, head, hump & tail, until a fully formed Brickley the Sea Serpent is created! Following the Master Build Event, Brickley the Sea Serpent will submerge until his next event.

I invite you to join us at this terrific event at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, either as a spectator or a participant!

Read on for more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:

• Five Quick Finds for Father’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils a Galaxy of New Star Wars Art
• An Uncommon Art Gallery Makes the ‘Scene’ – WonderGround Gallery Opening in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Master Build Event to Celebrate the Grand Reopening of the LEGO Store at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort by Janet Knox: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Yes, it is what you think it is – a bumper sticker on the rear of the Disney Magic. And not just any bumper sticker…the world’s largest bumper sticker! At 50-foot-long by 11-foot-wide, the super-sized sticker is larger than a city bus. Not the type you typically see on the back of family minivans, is it?

Here’s another great shot of the ship sailing by the Statue of Liberty…

Which Disney cruise out of New York are you dreaming about the most – the 8-night to the Bahamas, the 5-night up the New England Coast to Canada or the 2-night weekend getaway at sea?

Read more Disney Cruise Line news in the posts below:

• Exclusive New York City Tours for Disney Cruise Line Guests
• Disney Cruise Line Needs Your Help!
• Aloha Spirit Fills the Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line Greets New York City with World’s Largest Bumper Sticker by Jason Lasecki: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get happier – and beginning with arrivals on June 18, 2012, guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel can take advantage of Extra Magic Hour* – early admission to either Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park – every day of their stay (with valid theme park admission and active hotel room key card).

Extra Magic Hour will allow registered Disneyland Resort hotel guests admission into select attractions at Disneyland park on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Disney California Adventure park on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, before that park opens to the general public.

This is just one of the many benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel. Explore the others here, and book your stay now here, and see for yourself why the “Happiest Place on Earth Just Got Happier!”

*Check disneyland.com for schedule of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. To enhance the Extra Magic Hour experience, it is strongly recommended that guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Applicable Theme Park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores, restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions.

Beginning June 18, Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests Get More Time to Play by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Down on Buena Vista Street, it’s the 1920s and 1930s, and you may run into those young upstarts, Chip ‘n’ Dale, who are looking pretty snazzy in spiffy period outfits. Goofy’s got a plaid suit that’s the “cat’s pajamas,” while a new fella named Mickey Mouse has just arrived in town, hoping to make his dreams come true just like his pal, Walt Disney. He might even join the Red Car News Boys for a song and get discovered in the process.

In Hollywood Land, you can kick it Disney-style as “Dancin’ with Disney” takes over Stage 17, inviting you to join some of your favorite characters in a fun-filled, interactive party. From 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. each day this summer, you can step inside for music videos, trivia and surprise character appearances. You never know who might show up!

Over at Paradise Park, the inimitable Goofy becomes maestro extraordinaire, as he dons his topcoat and tails to lead an invisible orchestra during several daily mini-concerts. As he conducts, the fountains of Paradise Bay begin to “dance” to the music, providing dramatic – and often comic – interpretations of the compositions.

Of course, on a visit to the all-new Cars Land, you may just cross paths with two of Radiator Springs’ most famous residents, Lightning McQueen and Mater. Throughout the day, these best pals will be driving through town to the Cozy Cone Motel to make a few new friends.

With all this, plus the return of the Pixar Play Parade and continuing favorites like “Phineas & Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party,” “Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” and Wilderness Explorers Dug and Russell at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Disney California Adventure park is shaping up to be a Disney character fan’s paradise!

Disney California Adventure Park Will Have Plenty of Character This Summer by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

From June 1-July 8, Epcot will serve as the setting for Brave – The Highland Games Tournament, a kid-focused offering that will include games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. There will also be a kids’ playground with free enhanced wireless – which is great for us parents who can’t share cute photos of their kids on Twitter and Facebook fast enough!

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament will take place on the Rose Walk (right where Future World blends into World Showcase), from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Park admission is required.

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament Runs June 1-July 8 at Epcot by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Three and a half decades later, Star Wars is woven into culture like few other film sagas. At Disney Parks, we’re fortunate to be able to celebrate the Star Wars legacy with our Star Tours – The Adventures Continue 3-D attraction and events like Star Wars Weekends.

Just like Disney and Disney●Pixar animated films, Star Wars is built on a great story. To me, that’s one reason the saga stands the test of time. Thousands of films have come and gone since 1977, but just as Walt Disney introduced us to a kingdom-full of magical stories and fairy tales, George Lucas has provided a space station-full of Force-filled fun in a galaxy far, far away.

So if you’re heading out to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends 2012, be sure to wish our galactic pals a Happy Anniversary. And maybe even enjoy a special Darth Vader “dark side” cupcake to mark the occasion.

Today, our favorite Star Wars Weekends correspondent, John, gives us a video peek at the pageantry of Weekend I and a glimpse of things to come in Weekend II. We’ve also posted a few photo highlights from Weekend I.

May the Force be with you!

Read more about Star Wars Weekends in the posts below:

• You Asked, the Galactic Senate Listened: Larger Star Wars Weekends Images Now Available
• The Sequel: Debuting More Behind the Scenes Videos, Photos for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• New Behind-the-Scenes Video Looks at Star Wars Weekends 2012 Debut to Celebrate Launch of Event-Themed Mobile Website

Happy 35th Anniversary, Star Wars, from Disney’s Hollywood Studios! by Gary Buchanan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog