Today is National Love a Tree Day! In its honor, here’s an aerial look at the tree farm at Walt Disney World Resort back in August 1969, and again in February 1981.

 
While there are many trees across Walt Disney World Resort, one in particular stands out in my mind: The Tree of Life, the perfect icon for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Head outside and show your favorite tree some love. I’ve already hugged about 15, thanking them for the shade they provide on those warm Florida summer days ahead.


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

• Vintage Walt Disney World: An ‘A’ Attraction or an ‘E’?
• Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Magic Kingdom Park Parades
• Vintage Walt Disney World: A Wild Dedication for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Disney History, Walt Disney World Resort

This summer is like no summer before with the promise of adventure through our upcoming Monstrous Summer, a handful of secrets you may not know, and awesome out-of-the-park activities that you absolutely must check out. Join me on a ride through the entire Walt Disney World Resort and let’s explore some of the most fun summer adventures both inside the theme parks and out:

1. Walt Disney World Resort will be kicking off Monstrous Summer with an all-nighter at Magic Kingdom Park. Come by on May 24 and help us charge up with scream energy to power Magic Kingdom Park for an entire 24 hours!
2. If all-nighters aren’t your thing (heck, who doesn’t love to sleep in), don’t worry. A lot of the Monsters University students will be setting up shop around Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet their biggest fans all summer long.
3. Amid all this monstrous excitement, look for the “Monsterail” as it zips around in scare-riffic style. Text your favorite joke and see if it gets into the show at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom Park. And make a note to see Disney•Pixar “Monsters University,” premiering June 21 at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Theatres at Downtown Disney West Side!
4. Get ready to take a swim without setting foot in the water! Visit New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and check out Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. You’ll be delighted with a lineup of familiar characters and favorite nautical songs.
5. Since you’re already in Magic Kingdom Park, make sure to track down a secret frosty treat, the Dole Whip! Dating back to when Walt first opened Disneyland park, the Dole Whip is an elusive pineapple-flavored ice cream concoction that you can only find in a few locations worldwide!
6. Sometimes summer weather is best served inside a relaxing (and not to mention air-conditioned) lounge. Soothe away your stresses with one of the many spa treatments at Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to conquer the dog days of summer.
7. With the kids’ summer break looming, a night out at Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney is the perfect escape. Roll your way through a few frames and some fresh sushi in this beautifully styled restaurant, lounge and bowling alley.
8. What fun would summer be without a trip to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park? Enjoy steep drops and adventurous water rides. Sometimes a lazy river can’t match the huge thrill of a plunge down Summit Plummet!
9. Make some time in your schedule for a lap around Test Track Presented by Chevrolet at Epcot. You’ll cool off with speeds up to 65 mph and the gusts that come with them as you tear through the newly re-imagined track.
10. The perfect way to end a perfect summer day is with a perfect summer night! Visit one of our nighttime fireworks spectaculars that you’ll find in Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.

*Theme Park hours are 6 a.m. on May 24 to 6 a.m. on May 25, 2013. Subject to capacity restrictions. Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid Theme Park admission required.

Tagged: DHS, Epcot, MK, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

Summer is just around the corner, and we have a lot of great events planned for you. Here’s a look at what’s coming your way this June at the Disneyland Resort.

June 1: ACME Artists Gris Grimly and Ragnar will be appearing at D Street in the Downtown Disney District from 2-7 p.m. as we debut some of the newest releases in their Screen Print art collection. Learn more here.

 
June 1: Look for the latest art releases and prints from Sick for Cute, whose work will be showcased throughout the month of June at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Sick for Cute will be on hand from 1–4 p.m. and will return again later in the month on June 29-30. Learn more here.

June 8: If you are a fan of HARVEYS, then race over to Elias & Co., because HARVEYS director and representative Paul Jaurequi will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon to show you some of the newest collections and, of course, convince you to drive off with a new Seatbeltbag. For the record, I need no convincing, I’m so there! Learn more here.

June 8: Meet artist Noah at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 2-4 p.m. as we celebrate the release of his latest piece, The Great Flood, inspired by the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from the Disney animated film, “Fantasia.” Learn more here.

June 15: It’s been almost one year since the opening of WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, so what’s next? Witness the perfect fusion of Disney and pop culture with the next exhibit to make the scene, Pop Fusion. The exhibit will showcase original and limited edition artwork, as well as merchandise inspired by these pieces. As part of the launch, artists Liana Hee, Dave Quiggle and Michelle Romo, as well as Imagineer Danny Handke, will be on hand for a special appearance and signing. Meet them from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn more here.

 
Artist in Residence: Rounding out the month is Jackie Huang, who will be appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District as the Artist in Residence. See Jackie June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 from 5–9 p.m. Learn more here.

So start your summer off right! Make plans to visit the Disneyland Resort for what is going to be a Monstrous Summer and scare up some fun! For details on these events and more visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort