Disney Parks Blog

Sign Up Now for the Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up at Disneyland Park

Erin Glover — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:52 +0000

UPDATE: Confirmation emails for the Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up have been sent. All registered participants should receive a confirmation email.

UPDATE: The Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up has reached capacity, and confirmation emails will be sent shortly. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events!

“Mickey and the Magical Map” is just around the corner at Disneyland park, so we’re getting ready to celebrate here on the Disney Parks Blog. Join us May 31, 2013, for a private showing of the new Fantasyland Theatre show! And afterward, we’ll hear from some of the people behind the scenes who are bringing the show to life.

Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following:

All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18.
Limit one guest per registrant.
Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.
Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
Park admission will be provided beginning at 4:30 p.m. for the event, but participants will be responsible for any parking fees.

I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Sign Up Now for the Disney Parks Blog Magical Meet-Up at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Fantasyland Theatre Through the Years at Disneyland Park

Valarie Sukovaty — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:13:38 +0000

As we gear up for the debut of “Mickey and the Magical Map,” the latest and greatest new show at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, it triggered memories from my colleagues about what’s been featured in this popular theatre in years past. Many of them grew up in Southern California. They danced at Videopolis, had a front-row seat to “Animazement” and celebrated the holidays watching “Mickey’s Nutcracker.” Those are only a few of the fun shows, so check out this video and take a trip down memory lane. Enjoy!

Fantasyland Theatre Through the Years at Disneyland Park by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Special Eats Part of Monstrous All-Nighter Fun at Disney Parks

Pam Brandon — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:20 +0000

Of course the Disney chefs had to get in on the Memorial Day weekend fun to kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24, to 6 a.m. May 25, – which gives us 24 hours to nosh our way through the delightful bites.

We won’t give away all the ideas the chefs have planned, but here are a few:

The cupcake craze gets a nod at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park, with a chocolate cupcake topped with tasty “Monsters University” sweets. And we can’t resist the “Eye Scream Sundae” at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant in two flavors – mint chocolate chip or strawberry.

The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland will have two theme drinks, Randall’s Suds and Mike’s Punch.

At the Disneyland Resort, tasty treats are everywhere. From a steak and eggs breakfast at Carnation Café in Disneyland park to a Monster Nacho Dog at Award Weiners at Disney California Adventure park, there are dozens of creations added to menus. We expect lots of guests will be looking for early-morning eats, like the breakfast pizza at Redd’s Pizza Port with eggs, chorizo, roasted tomatillos, mozzarella and pico de gallo. Blue Bayou is adding roasted bourbon shrimp stuffed with Dungeness crab mousse served with spinach, pasta and smoked tomato-habanero-artichoke sauce. Café Orleans has decadent bananas Foster French toast, or, if you must behave, fresh fruit with yogurt and granola.

For breakfast goodies at Disney California Adventure park, Golden Vine Winery Trattoria has a Wine Country breakfast with scrambled eggs, herbed potatoes, biscuit, bacon or sausage and fruit; or spinach frittata made with egg whites. For around-the-clock eating, the potstickers are back at Lucky Fortune Cookery, or head to Pacific Wharf Café for a hearty loaded baked potato soup in a fresh sourdough bread bowl.

Oh, there’s so much more, like the mac-and-cheese flatbread pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, or the Monstrous Open-Face Turkey Sandwich at Flo’s V-8 Café (brioche piled high with turkey and topped with gravy, cranberry marmalade on the side).

Come hungry, and you can bet there are plenty of delicious eats to keep you going around the clock.

Special Eats Part of Monstrous All-Nighter Fun at Disney Parks by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Eye-mazing’ Merchandise for Monstrous Summer All-Night Party at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013

Steven Miller — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:48 +0000

I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24.

We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in California). This shirt will also be offered on our Disney Parks online store from May 24-27 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. (Please note that items will be shipped in 6-8 weeks from time of order.)

My favorite items are the Sulley-inspired Disney ear hat (it’s furry!) and Mike’s one-eyed novelty sunglasses. We will also be offering an embroidered Disney ear hat with a “Monstrous Summer” logo that day.

The apparel, ear hats and sunglasses will be released at the Emporium and select locations in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Disneyland Resort, look for these items in Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, among other select locations.

The Consumables team will offer some treats inspired by Mike and Sulley, including blue and green cotton candy, cake pops, and decorative candy apples. My favorite (mostly because they gave me a sample to try) is the delicious cupcake complete with green icing and a chocolate logo square. Look for select goodies in locations like the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Candy Palace at Disneyland park or Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park.

All of these items will be available for a “limited time” only beginning May 24, while supplies last.

Finally, I invite you to follow the Disney Parks Blog on May 24, as I will be traveling coast-to-coast to party in three Disney Parks that day. I look forward to seeing friends on both the east and west coasts! If you are in the parks, please say hello!

Check out these posts to learn more about our Monstrous Summer All-Night Party on May 24:

‘Eye-mazing’ Merchandise for Monstrous Summer All-Night Party at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks

Shawn Slater — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:07:33 +0000

We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.

Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.

At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside in Hollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.

Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontown with classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Wars characters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.

So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!

*Hours of operation 6:00 a.m. on 5/24/13 to 6:00 a.m. on 5/25/13; subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars Weekends Launches Today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Gary Buchanan — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:43 +0000

Ewoks are celebrating, Max Rebo is playing a happy keyboard tune with his feet, and the droids are happier than C-3PO in an oil bath. Why? Because Star Wars Weekends launched its galactic celebration today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Here are some new things to keep your electrobinoculars looking for during the event:

A giant rancor has taken up residence this year in Darth’s Mall. The intricate, fan-created beast from Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi is sculpted from 2,000 square-feet of expanded polystyrene foam.

Our lovable pair of chipmunks, Chip and Dale, get into the Star Wars fun this year by dressing as Ewoks. Clad in their Ewok best, the duo also is depicted on this year’s event logo with Jedi Mickey.

Stormtroopers will be “on the move” this year, with mobile sentry outposts along Hollywood Blvd. These new outposts offer the Empire’s shock troops new vantage points to survey the areas for Rebel spies.

Tosche Station, made famous as the place where Luke Skywalker wanted to pick up some power converters, finds a new home this year at Star Wars Weekends at the main stage on Hollywood Blvd. Atmospheric entertainment keeps the galaxy festive throughout the day before transforming into a DJ dance party.

Warwick Davis, the actor who brought Wicket the Ewok to life on the silver screen, hosts a new one-man show entitled “An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” for two weekends this year.

Star Wars Weekends takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 9. Most event activities are included in regular park admission.

Join the conversation online by using the hash tag #StarWarsWeekends on Twitter.

Star Wars: © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.
(*celebrities and entertainment schedule subject to change)

Star Wars Weekends Launches Today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Gary Buchanan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ Taped at Walt Disney World Resort Airs May 19

Jennifer Fickley-Baker — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:11 +0000

Are you a fan of both Disney Parks and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”?

Then you won’t want to miss this Sunday’s episode of “AFV,” which was filmed in New Fantasyland, right here at Walt Disney World Resort. The maker of this year’s winning video will take home a grand prize that includes a vacation for four to the Walt Disney World Resort, plus a guided vacation with Adventures by Disney to one of 16 destinations.

This episode of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will air Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m. EST on ABC.

‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ Taped at Walt Disney World Resort Airs May 19 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: A Windy Night at Disney California Adventure Park

Paul Hiffmeyer — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:59:59 +0000

What do these three photos have in common, besides being taken at Disney California Adventure park? To me, they all show how wind can affect a photo. The wind was blowing really hard when I set out to take photos for this “Disney Parks After Dark” post. This changed what I had hoped to capture – I think for the better.

The spinning windmill at Fillmore’s Taste-In at Cars Land immediately caught my attention. I don’t remember ever seeing it spin that fast before!

For the next photo, of Sarge’s Surplus Hut, I used a flash at full power to stop the motion of the flag.

My favorite of the three is the view of Paradise Bay with Mickey’s Fun Wheel in the background. With a 13-second exposure, the water should be fairly smooth – but if you look closely, you can see what appears to be small waves being pushed by the wind.

Gallery

Disney Parks After Dark

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See the posts below for more recipes from around Disney Parks:

Disney Parks After Dark: A Windy Night at Disney California Adventure Park by Paul Hiffmeyer: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain & Others Join the 2013 ‘Eat to the Beat’ Musical Line-Up at Walt Disney World Resort

Jennifer Fickley-Baker — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:24:57 +0000

This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return to the park Sept. 27-Nov. 11, and we just received the list of performers who will participate in the Eat to the Beat concert series.

New acts coming this year include the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors and Christopher Cross. There are also many returning favorites, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Boyz II Men.

Check out the full schedule below:

Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Which group would you love to see? If you have a favorite, tell us in the “Comments” section below.

The Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain & Others Join the 2013 ‘Eat to the Beat’ Musical Line-Up at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Dooney & Bourke Rainbow Collection to Debut at Tren-D at the Walt Disney World Resort

Michelle Harker — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:29:13 +0000

I know there are a lot of Dooney & Bourke fans out there. Just wait until you see what’s coming your way. I just received word from the merchandise special events team that a Dooney & Bourke release, along with a signing opportunity with Ian Ray, has been added to the calendar of events for May 2013!

Here’s a look at the new Dooney & Bourke Mickey Rainbow Letter Collection on four black silhouettes, including a large Pocket Tote ($295), Satchel ($195), Pocket Satchel ($260), and Tablet Sleeve ($90), which will be available as part of the release.

Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort will have all of these and more, on Saturday, May 25, 2013. What could be more exciting than the release of this new collection? What if I told you that on that same day, Tren-D is going to have a “Sample Sale” of some never released bags, and that Ian Ray will be on hand for a special appearance and signing opportunity from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.? It doesn’t get better than that! For those who are able to attend the release and signing, be sure to ask about a special gift with purchase. Tip: Be sure to get their early! Although Ian isn’t signing until later, the collection, along with the other bags, will be available at shop opening on the day of release.

If you like the collection, but wish it came with a white background, you’re in luck. For a limited time, beginning June 3, www.DisneyParks.com/Store will offer a Rainbow Collection Letter Carrier with a white background. But of course, it’s only available while supplies last. So don’t miss out.

I think I’ve picked out the one I like. Do you have a favorite?

New Dooney & Bourke Rainbow Collection to Debut at Tren-D at the Walt Disney World Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog