Mother’s day is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to show our appreciation. This May 12, honor mom with the royal treatment at one of the many Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort spas, give a magical gift from Disney Floral & Gifts, or more. Whether you’ll be celebrating the special day at Disney Parks or at home, read the posts below for tips, gift ideas, and dining options that mom is sure to love.

Take 5: Celebrate Mother’s Day with Disney Parks

1. Give Mom a Magical Wish for Mother’s Day – This Mother’s Day, get Mom something special with the “A Magical Wish: Fulfill A Dream” gift package available from Disney Floral & Gifts.
2. Relax, Rejuvenate & Unwind at Disney Resort Fitness Centers, Spas & Salons at Walt Disney World Resort – Get a little “me time” this Mother’s Day at Disney resort fitness centers, spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort.
3. A Magical Mother’s Day Disney Present Back by Popular Demand – The Family Portrait Session and gift certificate with Disney Fine Art Photography & Video is back by popular demand just in time for Mother’s Day!
4. Delicious Ideas for Mother’s Day at the Disneyland Resort – Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day meal to remember at the Disneyland Resort.
5. Happy Haven: Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Send Mom to the Mandara Spa, the happiest spot inside the Happiest Place on Earth.

Tagged: DLR, Take 5, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, The Force is indeed strong at Tokyo Disneyland with the opening of the updated Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. The attraction had been closed for more than a year while Imagineers were busy adding new stories and adventures. Like the attractions at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests now have the opportunity to experience more than 50 different story combinations and experience these adventures in dazzling 3D.

The biggest changes between the U.S. and Tokyo attractions are in the queue areas themselves. In the Droid Room of the Tokyo Disneyland attraction, if you look carefully, you may discover a reference to a classic Disney Parks attraction. Any guesses as to what this attraction pays homage to?

I’d also like to share a video from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering, who updated the Tokyo Disneyland Star Tours attraction, so you can see what other changes they made to the Arrival Hall – a room we don’t have in either Anaheim or Orlando.

Tagged: Imagineers, Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Video

Filed: Tokyo Disneyland

OK, this week’s mystery puzzler may be tough, but just think about the day if you’re stumped. This beautiful wood-carved design can be seen in one of our parks, and it’s actually easy to spot if you’re observant. Do you know where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tagged: Epcot, WDW

Filed: Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Did you hear? We launched a new Disney Parks Blog series this week that will feature the amazing stories behind our attractions and maybe even uncover some details you’ve never noticed before.

Erin kicked off “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” series with one of our favorite attractions; Pirates of the Caribbean. The attraction is one of the classic examples of original Disney Parks storytelling and the perfect place to begin. Check out Erin’s Pirates of the Caribbean story and then leave a comment in pirate speak!

And have you heard of the “Domingez Palm” at Disneyland park? If not, you should’ve checked the blog this week for our feature video on the “Cultivating the Magic” tour.

If you’d like to experience the tour for yourself, call 714-781-TOUR(8687) or visit Disneyland Guest Relations. Tickets are available up to one month in advance and the tour begins Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. and Mondays at 10 a.m.

Here’s a look at some of the other stories we worked on this week.

New ‘Limited Time Magic’ Merchandise Coming For ‘May The Fourth Be With You” Celebration at Disney Parks – Steven Miller offers an exclusive look at new Disney Parks merchandise celebrating “Star Wars Day” as part of “Limited Time Magic.”

Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Magic Kingdom Park Parades – Take a look back at some of the magical parades at Walt Disney World Resort.

How Disney Friends Play at Castaway Cay – See how Mickey and the gang spend their time at Castaway Cay when no one is around!

Finish That Disney Parks Sign: A Muppetational! Shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Test your Disney Parks knowledge and see if you can “Finish That Sign” near Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort.

Special ‘Limited Time Magic’ for Merida, ‘Glow with the Show’ Ear Hats at Disney Parks – As a part of “Limited Time Magic,” all 10 Disney Princesses will come together on May 11 in honor of their newest member, Merida, the heroine from Disney•Pixar’s film “Brave.”

A Magical Mother’s Day Disney Present Back by Popular Demand – The Family Portrait Session and gift certificate with Disney Fine Art Photography & Video is back by popular demand just in time for Mother’s Day!

Tagged: DL, DLR, Video, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Last week, Jonathan Frontado shared some exciting news about Disney Cruise Line’s first ship, the Disney Magic. The oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is getting a magical makeover, including a new AquaDunk thrill slide, beautifully re-imagined spaces, a vibrant new dining room and more! Explore the magical space, entertainment, and activities that the Disney Magic has to offer in the posts below. What about the Disney Magic excites you most?

Take 5: Magic on the Disney Magic

1. More Magic Coming to the Disney Magic and Disney Cruise Line – From brand new experiences to re-imagined spaces, there’s an extra dose of magic coming aboard the Disney Magic!
2. Disney Cruise Line Voyage Report: Adventures on the Disney Magic – No matter your interests or your age, there’s something you’ll enjoy at all times on the Disney Magic. Holly Lail shares some of the exciting adventures she had aboard the ship.
3. Disney Cruise Line’s Return to Europe this Summer – Take a look at some of the sites you may see during the Disney Magic’s upcoming three-month Mediterranean session.
4. Southern Caribbean Voyages with Disney Cruise Line – Here are some of the amazing sights our guests will enjoy next year when the Disney Magic departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico for the first time ever!
5. A Magical Halloween Onboard the Disney Magic – There’s never a dull moment onboard the Disney Magic. Check out the magical Halloween festivities from this year.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic, Take 5

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

We have several “Limited Time Magic” surprises to share with Disney Parks Blog readers today, including details for a special celebration to officially welcome Merida into the Disney Princess Royal Court.

As a part of “Limited Time Magic,” all 10 Disney Princesses will come together on May 11 in honor of their newest member, Merida, the heroine from Disney•Pixar’s film “Brave,” as the 11th Disney Princess character. The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park.

At the park, you’ll also be able to commemorate the occasion with a limited edition Merida-inspired T-shirt created for toddlers and youth, available at the Emporium inside Magic Kingdom Park while supplies last.

Before Merida’s royal celebration, we’re kicking off a weeklong “Limited Time Magic” Fiesta at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

It’s Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Niños and all the fun of a festive Mexican celebration rolled into one at Epcot next week. You can meet the Three Caballeros – Panchito, Jose Carioca and el Pato Donald and join in with a variety of performances, including marionettes and folkloric dancing and other surprises.

San Angel Inn and La Hacienda will be joining in the “Limited Time Magic” celebration by offering special Cinco de Mayo menus with authentic drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert options to celebrate the occasion. Plus, because it’s the Year of the Ear, as part of “Limited Time Magic,” we will feature Cinco de Mayo ear hats at the park.

And at Disneyland Resort, for a limited time beginning May 5, the “Glow with the Show” ear hats will be incorporated into nightly presentations of the fireworks spectacular “Magical.”

As part of “Limited Time Magic,” you’ll also be able to find a special fireworks viewing area on Main Street, U.S.A., reserved for you when you wear your “Glow with the Show” ears. Special viewing area dates are: May 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, due to limited capacity.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Epcot, Limited Time Magic, MK, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Sharing the magic in our communities is part of our legacy and culture, and this month Disney VoluntEARS are celebrating 30 years of serving kids and families.

The Disney VoluntEARS program dates back to the Disneyland Resort where, in 1983, a group of cast members formed a team focused on community service. Today, cast members around the world donate their time and expertise to make the world a happier place. Special activities will take place around the world and throughout the month, but here’s a look at some of this week’s festivities honoring this milestone anniversary.

• At the Disneyland Resort, thousands of cast members participated in the VoluntEARS’ anniversary kick-off celebration that showcased 10 local non-profit organizations to highlight some of the ways that VoluntEARS are benefitting the community. There were even opportunities for cast members to lend a hand – from helping the Orange County Food Bank prepare bags of fresh produce for local families to making blankets for women receiving assistance from MOMS Orange County.
• And at Walt Disney World Resort a group of cast members gathered for a pep rally to honor the VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEAR Team of the Year, and to gear up for a month’s worth of VoluntEAR opportunities, happening each day in May. Here, cast members and Walt Disney World leaders share the excitement of what it means to be a VoluntEAR, and how important (and fun) it is to give back.

Tagged: DLR, Video, VoluntEARS, WDW

Filed: Community Outreach, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort