Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

Special ‘Limited Time Magic’ for Merida, ‘Glow with the Show’ Ear Hats at Disney Parks

posted on May 3rd, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


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.
“Merida

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.
Disney Parks Blog Readers at the ‘Glow With the Show’ Meet-Up at Disney California Adventure 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.

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

‘Once Upon A Time’s’ Lana Parrilla Visits New Fantasyland At Magic Kingdom Park

posted on May 3rd, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Are you a fan of ABC’s “Once Upon A Time”?
'Once Upon A Time's' Lana Parrilla Poses with Beast
Actress Lana Parrilla, who plays Regina Mills/The Evil Queen on the show, recently visited Magic Kingdom Park to participate in a taping of a New Fantasyland promo.

Check out this behind-the-scenes video to hear from Lana, as well as cast and crew on what it was like the day the Evil Queen made her appearance in the Happiest Place on Earth. And don’t forget to watch ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” this Sunday, May 5, at 8 p.m. to see the final promo.

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Filed: Behind the Scenes, Celebrity Visits, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Magic Kingdom Park Parades

posted on May 2nd, 2013 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center


With the exciting announcement of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade coming to Magic Kingdom Park in 2014, I thought it’d be fun to revisit some of the parades that have traveled down Main Street, U.S.A., over the years.

America on Parade ran from June 1975 until September 1976 and celebrated the Nation’s bicentennial with a lot of red, white and blue. Below, Mickey, Goofy and Donald get in on the patriotic fun.

America on Parade Ran From June 1975 Until September 1976 on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park

In October 1986, 15 Years of Magic started to roll down Main Street, U.S.A., celebrating the 15th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Here we see Mickey and Minnie in their ’80s best joining in on the fun!

15 Years of Magic Rolled Down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park in October 1986

In the summer of 1994, the Mickey Mania parade hit the streets celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse. Check out the life-size Mickey gloves and ear hat.

The Mickey Mania Parade Hit Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park in the Summer of 1994

Finally, here’s a look at Walt Disney World Resort’s 25th Anniversary parade, Remember the Magic. Ready to grant three wishes, The Genie travels down Main Street, U.S.A., along with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Walt Disney World Resort’s 25th Anniversary Parade, Remember the Magic, on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park

Part of Magic Kingdom Park since opening day, parades have and will continue to create memories for guests daily. What’s your favorite?

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Disney Parks BINGO Cards Add a Fun Twist to Park Visits

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


Looking for a fun new way to enjoy our parks here at the Walt Disney World Resort? Why not play a game of Magic Kingdom Park BINGO?
“Disney

This cool and creative BINGO card challenges you to visit attractions and Disney characters in specific orders. Wouldn’t it be fun to challenge another family or couple to see who can complete a row (or an entire card) first? I think I’ll try this next time I head to the park.

For more Walt Disney World Resort theme park BINGO cards, visit our official page on Pinterest.

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Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Win a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’

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


Watch “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” April 29-May 3, and join the celebration of New Fantasyland. One lucky “Millionaire” viewer will win a Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four and experience the magic of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. During Millionaire’s “Magical Family Getaway Week,” contestants will be winning vacations in addition to cash! And you don’t want to miss that magical moment when one lucky contestant surprises his family with the news “We’re going to Walt Disney World!”
Win a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’

Viewers can enter the “Magical Family Getaway” Sweepstakes once a day by visiting http://www.millionairetv.com/, beginning Monday, April 29, 2013, at 12:00 a.m. ET through Friday, May 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The winner will receive a four-night, five-day Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four (including hotel, airfare, 5-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper Option and a $500 Disney Gift Card). Visit this site for official rules.

 
Check local listings or go to http://bit.ly/zWiPv4 for time and channel to watch “Millionaire.”

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Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom Park in 2014

posted on April 26th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


For many guests, a visit to a Disney Park wouldn’t be complete without catching a parade. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing which Disney character comes up next, or that moment when your favorite character waves right at you, there’s just something magical about a Disney parade.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom Park in 2014

Today, we’re happy to share that a new procession, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, will march into Magic Kingdom Park in spring 2014.

'Peter Pan'-Themed Float for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom Park in 2014

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring a celebration of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A., through fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a parade theme song.

The Story of 'Tangled' Will be Highlighted in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom Park in 2014

This parade will specifically highlight the stories of “The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Dumbo,” “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “Tangled” and the Disney●Pixar film “Brave” among others. (Check out a sneak peek of the “Tangled”-themed float above).

Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future coverage of the development of this new parade.

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Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Imagineers Offer a Sneak Peek Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Princess Fairytale Hall at New Fantasyland

posted on April 25th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Who’s ready for an update on the remaining construction in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park?

Walt Disney Imagineering just shared a new video with us that offers up a look inside the two attractions in New Fantasyland that are still yet to debut: Princess Fairytale Hall and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
“Princess

Princess Fairytale Hall, which will open later this year, will be the ultimate destination in which to greet Disney royalty. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a family coaster that is set to open in 2014, will take Magic Kingdom Park guests on a musical journey through the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The attraction will offer an innovative ride system with a train of vehicles that respond to every twist and turn, plus appearances by animated figures from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and music from this classic Disney film.

In this video, Imagineers Jason Grandt, Pam Rawlins, and Dave Minichiello take you behind the scenes for an update.

Which of these attractions are you most excited to see for yourself? Let us know in the “Comments” section below.

To join the discussion online, use the hashtag #NewFantasyland on Twitter.

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Caption This: Piracy in the Caribbean at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on April 10th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


Do you recognize this famous scene from Pirates of the Caribbean here at Walt Disney World Resort?

Caption This: Piracy in the Caribbean at Walt Disney World Resort

In it, three locals (under the watch of a pirate guard) await their turn to get dunked in the town fountain. What’s on their minds as they wait? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This!”

See below for more chances to “Caption This”:

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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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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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