Many guests love to take land-and-sea vacations combining a cruise on one of the ships of the Disney Cruise Line and a stay at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Cruise Line Mom Karen shares her views on how to maximize both parts of your vacation.

Tagged: DCL, Moms Panel, Video, WDW

Filed: Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World Resort

You’ve probably already guessed that the trains are one of my favorite subjects to photograph at Disneyland park. Besides bringing back the great memories of riding the train around the park when I was a boy, there are some really interesting sights and sounds to be enjoyed when you’re on the Disneyland Railroad.

In my first train post of this series, I asked what your favorite part of the Disneyland Railroad is. Well, mine has always been the Grand Canyon diorama, and since we couldn’t locate any archival photos showing the diorama with a train, I decided to take one myself to share with you here on the Disney Parks Blog.

So, turn up Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite,” sit back, and enjoy… “The next leg of our trip takes us along the rim of the Grand Canyon. The wildlife around here is rather sheepish, so please, no flash photography.”

If you think of it, the next time you ride the trains, let the Engineers and Conductors know how much you appreciate all that they do to keep these beautiful historic steam trains running. They also make these photos possible.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Photography

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Next week, we’re celebrating “Hometown Heroes” at Magic Kingdom Park in honor of Air Force Week in Central Florida. And the day will include quite a sight – the United States Air Force Thunderbird jets flying over Magic Kingdom Park. The flyover will be Tuesday, October 26 at about 3:15 p.m. Also, United States Air Force dignitaries will be honored during the day at the park’s “Celebrate a Dream Come True” parade.

And you may not have seen this yet, but we’ve launched a new Facebook game inspired by this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The game puts you in the middle of the Festival serving up dishes from around the world. It’ll only be available for a limited time so go and check it out and then let us know what you think.

Now, here are a few other items that didn’t make it to the Disney Parks Blog:

Frequently Asked Questions at Walt Disney World Resort — Do you have questions about Walt Disney World Resort? You may find answers here.

My 55th Collection – Artisan Watch Series — We’re celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park with a special collection of artisan watches. Last weekend, the fourth watch in the series of five, was released, featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Create Your Own Haunted Gingerbread House — Want to make your own haunted gingerbread house this Halloween? Learn how this weekend at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at the Downtown Disney District.

Planning Your First Trip to Walt Disney World Resort — Are you visiting Walt Disney World Resort for the first time? Check out these tips.

“Tinker Bell with Candy Cane” Pin — This open edition pin features Tinker Bell dressed as Santa Claus and holding a candy cane.

The “Kitchen Sink” at Walt Disney World — The Walt Disney World Moms Panel describes the infamous “Kitchen Sink” dessert, but does it make a good breakfast?

Tagged: DLR, Quick Hits, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

My first visit to the Magic Kingdom for this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was so much fun, I couldn’t wait to go out again. This time I was searching for Guests who were really getting into the “spirit” of the event with some very creative costumes. A great assortment of costumes were represented, from a large family of swashbuckling pirates, to soldiers from a galaxy far, far away… With each event we shoot, it’s all smiles and celebrations as we move closer and closer to Halloween.

After the spectacular fireworks show, I made sure to stop in Liberty Square for a special “Magic Shot” just outside of the Haunted Mansion. It’s true what they say about the ghosts following you home! I have proof!

Be sure to see our Disney’s PhotoPass photographers in Liberty Square and at the Haunted Mansion to have a little “magic” added to your photos. I hope to see you out there for our next Spooktacular Guest costume search!

Tagged: Halloween, MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ve mentioned before how much I like Halloween. Okay, I’ll admit – it’s the candy (who’s with me?). It’s my second favorite holiday, after my birthday, which has presents (I’m seeing a theme here). With that spirit of giving in mind, I dug into the Disney Pin Vault to take a look back at some of my favorite Halloween pins.

Over the years, we’ve released a variety of limited edition pins celebrating this holiday. One of my favorites is the Chip and Dale pin that was released on October 31, 2003. It features the mischievous chipmunks dressed as astronauts (I love the 1950s rocket in the background). This pin was part of a “Trick or Treat” collection where different pins were released at different locations at Walt Disney World. I also like the Disney Cruise Line pin from 2004. Donald’s nephews remind me of the classic cartoon short, “Trick or Treat” from 1952. As a child, I recall watching that short on a slide projector in my basement (who uses those things anymore?).

Each year, we create pins for the special Halloween events at Disney Theme Parks. I chose the Hades pin from Mickey’s Halloween Treat in 2007 (now known as Mickey’s Halloween Party) as a favorite. Why? Because Hades rules! New this year to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Florida is a limited edition pin (above right) that will only be released on October 31 (a popular night from what I have heard). This pin was created based on guest feedback from previous years. We thought this retail pin was a great way to offer something unique for those attending the Halloween night party. Cool part – it glows in the dark (all together, “Oooo!”).

Julie Young, our long-time developer for open edition pins, helped me with the final selections. I chose the candy corn with mouse ears. I love simple designs, and this one screams (ha) Halloween. Julie chose a new open edition pin featuring Tinker Bell. She really liked her festive dress (something not often seen on Ms. Bell). Julie also raved about a new lanyard that features sublimated printing. The image used on this lanyard was from a Halloween style guide that was created for usage at Disney Parks around the world (something of a first for us). A style guide gives reference material, character designs, backgrounds and more that are used to achieve a consistent look in all the merchandise created. If you aren’t the dressing-up type or you are looking for a simple costume, this lanyard should work for you.

The only other pin not represented is a chocolate one that I could devour. Wouldn’t that be yummy? Sadly, we haven’t created a pin like that yet (but feel free to send any chocolate my way). Do you have a favorite Halloween pin in your collection? Please share, and Happy Trick or Trading…er, Treating.

Tagged: DLR, Halloween, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

“You gotta’ try a Disneyland corn dog,” foodie pals insisted. So I did. And when I bit into the warm, crunchy, sweet cornbread coating and got a taste of the salty dog, I was hooked.

During construction at Disney California Adventure park, don’t panic. “The highly sought-after corn dog is at Award Wieners in Hollywood Pictures Backlot,” says Michele Gendreau, director, Food & Beverage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. At Disneyland park, there’s often a line of fans at the Little Red Wagon at the top of Main Street, U.S.A., or at Stagedoor Café. All three locations serve the legendary dog, dipped in Disneyland’s secret batter.

Gendreau tells us it’s the hand-dipped batter that makes all the difference – no thick, soggy stuff, just crunchy-on-the-outside-light-and-sweet-on-the-inside batter. With a glop of mustard, it’s hot dog heaven.

Don’t take my word for it. I even read that the L.A. Weekly’s Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold said he never had tasted a better corn dog.

Cost is $5.99 plus tax for the colossal deep-fried dog, with apple slices or a bag of chips. Worth every calorie for a grown-up taste of childhood.

Are you a Disneyland corn dog fan?

Tagged: DCA, Dining, DL, DLR

Filed: Disney Dining, Disney's California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Did you know that behind the Rivers of America lies a five-acre ranch where all of the animals you see at Disneyland park live? We call it Circle D and it’s been in business since 1954, when it was set up to begin training horses for the Main Street, U.S.A. carriages you still see at the park today.

This month, we’d like to introduce you to our animal experts who devote their time to making sure that our animals are happy, safe and well. Meet Maggie Gitchen and Gina Mayberry, our ranch managers, both of whom have called Disneyland park home for many years and have incredible stories to tell about the history of Circle D and Disneyland park. Check out the video below to hear from our very own animal whisperers.

Tagged: BtS, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort