Avast me hearties! Ye be wanting to join Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew? Pirate parrot Captain Squawk is recruiting new buccaneers now at “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek” at Disneyland park.

As Guests wait to board the Queen Anne’s Revenge, they may get the chance to discuss the finer points of pirating with Captain Squawk. He also teaches some new recruits how to do the pirate’s sign (cross your arms below your head like crossbones, then scowl) and how to properly shout “YO HO!”

But aye, should the Queen Anne’s Revenge start to sink, don’t follow Captain Squawk into his ship. “…It be a wee bit small.” Harrr!

See Captain Squawk and his shipmates at “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek,” Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through May 30 at Disneyland park.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Walt Disney World is well into week two of a 40-day celebration across Central Florida to recognize and reward organizations that make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.

Today, Mickey Mouse and the “Shine On” prize patrol surprised five charities that develop and strengthen children’s character with special gifts totaling $250,000.

Recipients of Disney funding included A Gift For Music, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida. For more information, read here.

Thus far, Disney has given $660,000 on its journey across Central Florida to lend support to organizations that educate, develop and care for local youth. By May 23, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants throughout the region.

I’ve been honored and humbled to be along for the ride on many of these “Shine On” visits. Here’s a look back at last week’s journey, which was focused on helping several organizations that provide essentials such as food and shelter for local families in need.

Last year, Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants made a difference in the lives of more than 10,000 children. I am eager to see what magic will come from this year’s grants. Plenty more is in store.

Tagged: Video, WDW

Filed: Community Outreach, Walt Disney World Resort

On the eve of the royal wedding, all eyes are on Prince William and Kate. And some of us are living vicariously through them with this happily ever after wedding. If only we can be a Royal Princess (sigh!)…but wait! Disney is the place where dreams come true. We all want to be a Princess. And if I’m a real Dream Maker, how can Disney Floral & Gifts make that happen for us? I’m glad you asked.

If you would enjoy A Princess Dream Come True gifting experience for your engagement, wedding, anniversary, Mothers Day, birthday, or just because, (did I leave out any occasions?) make sure your loved one finds this post. Whether you’re here at the Walt Disney World Resort or at home in the United States, we can now offer a gift to create a fairy tale moment just for you. So move over Kate.

Let’s proclaim YOU a Princess.

For her majesty (that’s you), featured on an exquisite silver tray, we present THE exclusive life-size Cinderella glass slipper. (Later it can be etched with your name and date to be reminded of the royal moment.)

Then, resting upon an exclusive Disney fairy tale pillow adorned with pearls ribbon and gems is the coveted Princess tiara complete with twinkling rhinestones.

And since an 18 karat blue sapphire wasn’t available…we present you with your Tiffany inspired wish bracelet with lots of sparkle, featuring a heart and wish charm. The heart charm can be engraved later with your initials and date, and the wish charm is yours to make a request on your special occasion. After, wear the bracelet as a reminder that dreams do come true. Over time, you can add additional charms to commemorate special occasions, experiences and fulfilled wishes.

Then, finally, the “crowning moment.” On this day, we officially declare you a Princess, as noted on this personalized proclamation, signed by your favorite fairy tale Princess or perhaps the Fairy Godmother. Oh my stars. Today’s my day!

So here’s what to do. Call a Dream Maker to have this gift sent to your Walt Disney World dining location, your WDW resort room or shipped to your home for a special occasion. Once you unwrap the gift, your loved one can read the proclamation then crown you their Princess. It’s certainly a one of a kind gift, just like a one of a kind royal wedding. Only this time, YOU are the Princess. And you lived happily ever after.

Now, how are we going to get the word out to our loved ones.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

The inspiration for this series came from walking through Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park early one morning. It was fascinating for me to hear all of the sounds and take in the sights. There were so many details I had missed when I was there during the daytime. When I went back with the film crew, I was not disappointed. I had several great visuals to choose from, but my favorite shot happened when the sun was coming up through the fish bowls.

What is your favorite sight or sound in Mickey’s Toontown?

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Usually, it’s Jackie sharing great wildlife images here on the Disney Parks Blog but this was too adorable to pass up. We spotted these ducks in a row outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and thought it’d be a great chance for you to show off your caption-writing creativity. Here’s one to get things started: “Come on, front row seats for the Indy show.” Any clever captions come to mind? Please submit yours below.

Tagged: DHS, Photography, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

Summer is a special time for families – no school, warm weather and fun weekends. It’s the perfect time to get out and experience all of the wonders our country has to offer.

With so many historic destinations, landmarks and national treasures, planning that iconic American adventure can be challenging. But Adventures by Disney can help.

On a daily basis, Adventures by Disney Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Jill Cooper provides tips and personal experiences to help families plan one-of-a-kind Adventures by Disney vacations. Not so long ago, she was the one asking alumni Adventures by Disney Specialist and Moms Panelist Kay Belin for tips on how to plan an adventure of her own. Jill was unsure which itinerary would be best for her family. With Kay’s help, Jill selected an Adventures by Disney vacation, filled with memories that her family will treasure for a lifetime.

So aside from her love of Disney, why did Jill decide to take an Adventures by Disney vacation? She’s shared her top reasons for traveling with Adventures by Disney:

Hassle-free travel
Families traveling with Adventures by Disney will find practically all the details are taken care of so they can really enjoy their time together without worrying about where to go next or how to get there.

Educational experiences
As a teacher, Jill has can attest to the benefits of hands-on educational experiences, both in and outside of the classroom. What better way to introduce your children to American history – and keep them motivated this summer – than to engage them with one-of-a-kind immersive in the places where our history was made.

Value
As a parent, an important consideration when choosing a vacation is value. Adventures by Disney carefully selects the many features and special touches for each destination. It’s something you won’t find anywhere else.

And speaking of value, guests who book select departures off select 2011 season North American itineraries now through May 25 receive $300 off per reservation*! Click here for more details and to see the one-of-a-kind itineraries to iconic North American destinations that are included in this limited-time offer.

To take advantage of this offer, call 1-866-470-5138 or contact a local travel agent. Also, check out Jill’s time-tested Disney travel tips on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel here.

Friendly disclaimer: Guests who book select departures of select 2011 season North American Adventures by Disney itineraries between April 19, 2011, and May 25, 2011, for travel between June 14, 2011, and September 24, 2011, will receive $300 off per reservation. Offer applies to the purchase at the non-discounted Regular Rate. Click here for a list of itineraries and departures available under this offer. Regular Rates vary depending on departure date and time of booking and are subject to change. Valid on new bookings only. Bookings must be made through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. You must advise the Concierge Agent of this offer at time of booking. Land packages are subject to availability. Not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Not applicable toward deposit amount. Cannot be sold or transferred for commercial use. Void where prohibited. Subject to conditions, restrictions and change without notice. Cannot be combined with any offers or promotions.

Tagged: Adventures by Disney, Moms Panel

Filed: Vacation Planning

While riding the tram from the Daisy section to the Transportation and Ticket Center the other day, I recalled the sheer anticipation I always felt as a guest visiting on vacation. I couldn’t wait to begin a day of fun with my children in Magic Kingdom Park. In many ways, that parking tram is the first “attraction” that guests experience at Disney Parks. Luckily, for those who want to relive that same anticipatory moment in the comfort of their own homes, we recently introduced a die-cast parking tram toy. It follows in the tradition of other toys inspired by Disney modes of transportation. I sat down with Cody Hampton, Associate Product Developer for Toys and Games, to learn more.

“We had discussed introducing a parking tram toy for a few years,” explained Cody. “It was one of the few Disney transportation vehicles which didn’t have a corresponding toy. We have a Monorail, railroad, bus and a few other ride vehicles as toys. So it was the perfect time to introduce [the tram].”

Disney Design Group Artist Lin Shih created the three-dimensional image of the tram pictured above.

“I drew the artwork directly in the computer using only reference photos,” said Lin. “The computer artwork was then used by the manufacturer to create the physical three-dimensional model.”

Following my trip on the real tram (I’m a bit too big for the toy version), I rode the Monorail from the TTC to Magic Kingdom Park. I love riding the “highway in the sky” (especially the Tron-orail!). As Cody and I chatted about my experience, he shared something with me that took my breath away – the first sample of the new Disneyland Monorail play set.

For years, we have sold the Walt Disney World Monorail play set both in Florida and California. With the introduction of the newest Monorail in California, the toy team felt it was time to create a Disneyland Resort-only version of the toy.

“We used the exact specifications [of the Monorail] provided by Walt Disney Imagineering to create the toy,” continued Cody. “The toughest part was matching the red color. The paint scheme on the actual Monorail is spectacular. After a few tries, we think it looks great!”

The Disneyland Monorail is being introduced later in 2011. Cody shared that it will have a nice surprise, a first for the Monorail play set (sorry, no spoilers this time). Once introduced, the Monorails will be sold at their respective parks. Of course, both play sets will also be released on the Disney Parks Online Store.

Before leaving Cody’s office, he shared one last preview of something with a transportation theme. Above are two new concepts for Disney Racers that won’t debut till this coming fall. He thought I would enjoy seeing them (especially since he knows of my love for all things “TRON”).

After seeing all of the transportation toys, I couldn’t help but sing “It’s Fun To Be Free” as I left Cody’s office. What is your favorite mode of transportation at Disney?

Tagged: DLR, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort