Astro Orbitor at Disneyland Park

Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 22

posted on April 9th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Are you planning on attending the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Earth Day, April 22? After attending the anniversaries of Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot in 2011 and 2012, respectively, I’ll be there for sure.
Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 22

Here are a few of the details of what’s planned for the park’s anniversary.

  • Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment. Make sure you arrive early for this!
  • Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities – Special interactive activities that focus on animals and nature will take place throughout the park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Artists and other vendors will present their work on in Africa and on Discovery Island, with their work available for purchase.
  • Opportunity to purchase special 15th anniversary merchandise, available in limited quantities.
  • Special food & beverage.

We’ll have more details on Party for the Planet fun, food & beverage and merchandise closer to the event date – stay tuned!

To join the conversation about the park’s anniversary online, use the hash tag #DAK15 on Twitter.

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Get a Sneak Peek at A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas at Magic Kingdom Park

posted on April 8th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Are you ready to experience a whole new pirate adventure?

Walt Disney Imagineering just shared a sneak peek at the new interactive quest, A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas, which will debut at Magic Kingdom Park this summer.

In the game, the fate of piracy in the Caribbean rests in the hands of new pirate recruits, who, armed with magic talismans and treasure maps, embark on five different pirate raids throughout Adventureland to collect valuable treasures, while Captain Jack Sparrow’s magic compass guides them.

Here, Imagineers Jonathan Ackley and Matt Beiler offer up a look at a few of the quest’s cool special effects.

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas will be included with Magic Kingdom Park admission and is open to guests of all ages.

Now, which of you are ready to join the ranks of a new recruit?

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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Celebrating Great Guest Service

posted on April 6th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


We had a lot to celebrate this week at Disney Parks – from the anniversary of one of our water parks and a new award, to catching some plain ol’fashioned great guest service on camera.

Hayes is One of 15 or so Cast Members Who Has Learned to ‘Paint’ Mickey, Minnie and Other Classic Disney Characters Using Nothing More Than His Broom and Water

One of my favorite photos of the week (above) shows how custodial cast members are making magic for guests at Downtown Disney here at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out the gallery to see other key moments from this week.

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Finish That Disney Parks Sign: A Cranium Command Flashback

posted on April 5th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Today’s “Finish That Disney Parks Sign” post is a flashback to a former Epcot attraction – Cranium Command at the Wonders of Life Pavilion.
“Can

In this sign, Buzzy seems to be looking for new recruits – but what’s his slogan? “We’re looking for a few good ___.” Do you recall the word that’s blurred out here? Let us know in the “Comments” section below.

“Can

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Disney Parks After Dark: Riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Dusk

posted on April 4th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark photo is a shot that was taken at one of my favorite times of day in our parks – dusk. Is it me, or does this time of day seem to make colors really pop?
Disney Parks After Dark: Riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Dusk

I love this shot of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, shot by Photographer Tom Bricker, at Magic Kingdom Park. It totally makes me want want to take another ride through the tiny mining town of Tumbleweed as soon as possible.

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This Week in Disney History: The First Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Debuted at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on April 2nd, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


This week in Disney history is an important one for Disney Princess fans – in 2006, for the first time, young guests began receiving royal transformations, thanks to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and its team of Fairy Godmothers-In-Training.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World Resort

In case you haven’t dropped by, here’s how it works. First, young princesses ages 3-12 have their choice of three hairstyles: Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess. Then they choose from a variety of packages that include hairstyling, makeup, a princess sash and tote, and plenty of other royal “extras.” Boys can also stop in to be transformed with The Knight Package, which includes hairstyling with colored gel, and a sword and shield. Additional merchandise and photography options are also available.

There are now two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Walt Disney World Resort: at Downtown Disney, and in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. (There are also one in Sleeping Beauty Courtyard at the Disneyland Resort and one aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship).

If you’d like to check it out for yourself, reservations are recommended for both locations, and appointments can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

Has your little one received a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transformation? Let us know in the “Comments” section below.

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10 Fun Facts About Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

posted on April 1st, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Today in Disney history is a milestone for Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, which opened its doors on April 1, 1995.

In honor of the anniversary, here are 10 fun facts about this place.
“Summit

  1. Summit Plummet, the park’s signature attraction, measures 120 feet tall.
  2. The park’s storyline described the park as being Florida’s first ski resort – which quickly melted into a fun water park due to the temperature.
  3. One of the “ski resort” elements that still remains is a chair lift, which takes guests from the beach to the top of Mt. Gushmore.

“Ice

  1. The park debuted an original character, Ice Gator, as part of it’s storyline.
  2. When it comes to speed, guests can slide up to 55 mph on Summit Plummet and 25 mph on the Downhill Double Dipper.
  3. Teamboat Springs is the world’s longest family raft ride. Up to six can ride per raft.

“Tike’s

  1. Tike’s Peak, an area for young children, features a scaled-down version of Mt. Gushmore.
  2. Teamboat Springs features a 1,200-foot series of rushing waterfalls.

“Mini

  1. One of the park’s more unusual snacks are mini donuts, which are prepared fresh and offered up with chocolate, white chocolate or raspberry dipping sauce.
  2. In 2012, the park joined 500 host locations to help set the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

Do you have a special memory of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park? If so, leave it in the “Comments” section below.

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Caption This: A Curious Visitor at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

posted on April 1st, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Today’s “Caption This” photo was taken in 1994 during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
Caption This: A Curious Visitor at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Sure looks like this colorful gecko is taking an interest in these guests. What’s he got his eye on? Remember, this is 1994 – is he looking for some friends to ride World of Motion or Horizons . Or maybe he’s already grabbed a great seat for tonight’s “IllumiNations” fireworks. You tell us – go ahead and “Caption This”!

See below for more chances to “Caption This”:

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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Spring & Summer Sneak Peeks

posted on March 30th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


This week on the Disney Parks Blog, we shared a few sneak peeks at offerings that are coming soon to Disney Parks.
First Look at Star Wars Weekends 2013 Merchandise Including The Jedi Mickey’s Starfighter

Some exciting images we shared from Walt Disney World Resort came from Steven’s look at new Star Wars Weekends merchandise that will be available soon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Which item are you most excited about? I can’t wait to buy my son this Jedi Mickey’s Starfighter.
Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience

Disney Cruise Line also offered a look ahead at some of the amazing sights cruisers on their Alaskan itineraries can expect to see later this summer. Looks like an amazing trip!

Be sure to check out this gallery for some more images of things to come this spring and summer at Disney Parks.

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Celebrate Easter at the Walt Disney World Resort Through March 31

posted on March 29th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


It’s shaping up to be a lovely Easter weekend here at Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re in town, here are a few different ways you can celebrate at our parks.

At Magic Kingdom Park, hop down Bunny Lane to visit Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny. (See the park’s Times Guide for an appearance schedule).

Celebrate Easter at the Walt Disney World Resort Through March 31

At Epcot, Easter Egg Hunts and Relays will take place at the Maze Garden in the United Kingdom Pavilion. The Easter Egg Hunts are open to guests ages 3-9, and an Easter Egg Relays are available for guests ages 8-12. A smaller area will be available for Egg Hunts for guests under the age of 3. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will also pop in to meet-and-greet guests periodically. (Again, see the park’s Times Guide for more).

Easter Egg Hunts and games will also take place in Future World at Epcot for children ages 3-9. To join, stop by the Future World East-er Garden (between Innoventions and Universe of Energy). Space is limited.

Also, don’t forget to enjoy the lovely springtime flowers, Flower Power concerts, and yummy dishes at the new food kiosks at the 2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

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