As we continue to tally votes for our special Enchanted Tiki Room wallpaper, we have new Disney Parks art to share. It’s the latest wallpaper from artist Jason “Tiki” Tackett celebrating the 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – where not eating your veggies, and elbows on the table, will be noticed.

To download for your computer or mobile device, simply click on the image below.

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.

Tagged: DHS, WDW

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

Last week on the Disney Parks Blog, we shared a video of “The Little Mermaid” actress Jodi Benson’s recent stop through Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This week, we’re happy to share that another voice from the film, actress Pat Carroll (who voiced our favorite sea witch, Ursula), recently visited New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park to try out the new attraction, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid.

During her visit, Pat shared with us what she loved about voicing Ursula, what she thinks of the attraction, and more. Check it out below.

By the way, you’ll really be able to go “under the sea” with Ariel, Ursula and friends, when “The Little Mermaid” comes out in 3D Blu-ray on October 1, 2013.

Is Ursula one of your favorite Disney villains? If so, leave us your best evil sea witch cackle – Ursula style – in the “Comments” section below!

Tagged: MK, Video, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Today, back in 1975, America on Parade took to the streets of Magic Kingdom Park, saluting the bicentennial of the United States of America.

Larger-than-life, doll-like characters measuring nearly eight feet in height, called “People of America,” were developed specifically for the parade. Floats throughout America on Parade represented historical, cultural and scientific achievements throughout the first 200 years of our nation.

Viewed by an estimated 25 million guests on both coasts, this parade was performed 668 times at Magic Kingdom Park and 678 at Disneyland park and marked the first time the two parks worked jointly on a production that would appear simultaneously in both parks.

I think the above sandwich is most likely a salute to the American appetite. Gigantic!


Check out more “Vintage Walt Disney World” in these posts:

• Vintage Walt Disney World: Muppet*Vision 3D Rolls Out the Green Carpet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Vintage Walt Disney World: Inside the Backlot Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Inside the Walt Disney World Resort Tree Farm

Tagged: MK, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

How are you going to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Not sure just yet? Still looking for ideas to show your Dad just how important and appreciated he is? While every father is different, a large amount enjoy hearing how much they’re valued, especially by those they love the most. There are so many ways you can express your appreciation. It could be as simple as cooking his favorite dinner with all the trimmings or, letting Dad choose what he would like to do on Father’s Day. But, if you’d like to create a one-of-a kind exclusive Disney memory that honors him, I’ve got an idea for you. After all, he may not just be your Dad; he may be your hero too! Take a look below.

The gift is called, “Honor Your Hero”. It was created by Disney Floral & Gifts so you could recognize the champion in your life.

Imagine presenting Dad with this certificate, recognizing his most honorable characteristic. Take a moment to read the copy!

Then, after he reads the certificate, award him this exclusive Disney medal, presented in a special storybook. Talk about creating a magical moment in time for Dad…created by you.

So, if you’re interested in learning more, click on to our “Honor Your Hero” link or call a Disney Floral & Gifts Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT. This gift can be delivered on Walt Disney World Resort property or shipped anywhere in the 48 contiguous states! And a thought to consider.. if you’re interested in shipping this gift to your home, order sooner rather than later. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, and more than likely, final shipments will be sent on Wednesday, June 12.

And, for all those who are not able to spend time with your Dad this holiday, but would like to recognize or remember him…take a moment to post a tribute below. It’s a great opportunity to share their legacy.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

Millions of kids participate in youth sports across the country each year and that often means traveling to out-of-state tournaments, which can be a logistical monstrous summer of its own for many parents, coaches and team moms. To tackle that problem, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex recently developed an innovative solution-oriented program to make nationwide youth sports travel easier for families.

Disney Sports Solutions leads off with pre-event fundraising assistance, including established programs to leverage Disney and its partners such as ESPN the Magazine and Enterprise. On-site itinerary assistance is available at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Welcome Center so teams can make the most of their trip to Walt Disney World Resort, and a business lounge opening later this month allows parents to stay connected while on the road.

Convenience is the name of the game, too. High quality boxed lunches, pizza, group snacks and stocked coolers can be delivered to your team at Disney’s 255-acre sports complex. Coaches, if you’re tired of lugging your team’s bags to the field, equipment drop off might seem like you’ve arrived at your own New Fantasyland. Disney Sports Solutions will take your equipment at the drop off location and have it delivered to your field of play.

Need help capturing your little star’s big moment? A team of photographers can take hi-res pictures of athletes during games, and parents can watch game highlights on a dedicated channel in their Walt Disney World Resort hotel room. Debuting this summer, the complex will bring the big-time environment of ESPN to the guests like never before with its on-site show, ESPN Wide World of Sports Live.

To follow all this summer’s action, follow @DisneySports and the #DisneySportsFestival hashtag.

Tagged: WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

At last, our first taste of the indulgent caramel fleur de sel at L’Artisan des Glaces, Artisan Ice Cream & Sorbet, just opened in the France Pavilion at Epcot.

Imagine it: sweet caramel ice cream with just a dash of the famous fleur de sel French salt. Yes, that little dash of savory takes our waffle cone to a whole new level. (And, for the record, it’s the flavor of choice for general manager Eric Weistroffer and Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann.)

The new shop is a beauty, with glass shelves to showcase hand-painted vintage milk cans that Jerome Bocuse found on travels through France. And the colorful ice cream flavors are works of art created right there all day long in the true French tradition (milk, sugar, cream, eggs and fruit) and served at the perfect temperature to bring out the true flavors. The egg yolks create a dense, silky ice cream that’s completely different than the American or Italian versions.

Weistroffer says there are literally hundreds of flavor combos if you mix and match with a shot of liqueur. Ice cream flavors include classic chocolate and vanilla, mint chocolate made with fresh mint, pistachio, hazelnut, caramel fleur de sel, cherry, coconut-white chocolate, coffee and profiterole. Pastry Chef Olivier Saintemarie bakes crunchy mini-profiteroles, dips them in dark chocolate and mixes into vanilla ice cream, with some more chocolate sauce – this one you must try.

Sorbets are strawberry, mango, melon, lemon, pomegranate and mixed berry. The frozen treats will be available by the scoop in cups or cones – and for grown-ups, there’s a double scoop served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, whipped cream-flavored vodka or rum from Martinique.

Cost is $3.99 for 1 scoop, $6.10 for 2 scoops, or $11.50 with liqueur. A single scoop is one snack entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan.

Tagged: Dining, Epcot, Gallery, WDW

Filed: Disney Dining, Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Join Nemo, Dory, Crush and the rest of the gang in celebrating the wonders of the oceans on World Oceans Day at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot on June 8. There’s a host of special activities:

• From endangered Florida manatees to bottlenose dolphins, discover the important role marine mammals play in the ocean ecosystem. Find out how the actions you take, such as recycling plastics and used fishing line, can protect these majestic mammals.
• Baby sea turtles face great obstacles in order to reach adulthood, which is why all species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened. Experience an interactive model of a turtle excluder device, used on fishing boats to assist in preventing sea turtles from getting caught in nets. Find out how you can do your part to protect sea turtles, and how you can adopt the nest of one of the sea turtles that lays her eggs this year near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
• Coral reefs often are described as the rainforests of the oceans due to the abundance and diversity of life they help to sustain. Just like the rainforests, coral reefs face many challenges. These include overfishing and damage caused by pollution. Talk with Disney scientists, who are helping to restore coral reefs in The Bahamas.
• Sharks and stingrays play a vital role in marine ecosystems and, without them, many fish species would be in trouble. Find out what a shark’s tooth feels like and learn about the role sharks and stingrays play in the oceans’ food web. Learn about the impact of marine debris and how disposing of trash properly and recycling can keep the oceans clean.
• Everyone can make a difference by becoming wildlife-friendly shoppers. Participate in a “green shopping spree” and discover how environmentally friendly products help to save the environment, including our oceans, and wildlife.

Surrounded by the Pacific in Hawaii, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is joining the World Oceans Day celebration with special ocean-themed activities for guests. And, in addition to supporting conservation year-round, the resort is contributing a portion of the proceeds on June 8 from the Rainbow Reef snorkeling experience to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which helps to protect wildlife on land and in the oceans around the world.

On World Oceans Day, and every day, it’s important to remember that no matter where we live we are all connected to the oceans—any action we take that reduces waste (including recycling everything possible), saves water or keeps it clean, protects ocean wildlife or reduces emissions helps our oceans.

Upcoming 2013 events for connecting families with nature (as always, dates subject to change):

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom -

• July 25: Tiger Day
• August 1: Primate Day
• August: Cotton-Top Tamarin Month
• September 5: International Vulture Awareness Day
• September 26: Elephant Day
• October 31: Bat Day
• November 12: Rhino Day

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot -

• September 7: International Manatee Day

Tagged: Conservation, Epcot, WDW

Filed: Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort