We’re gearing up for some “monstrous” fun on May 24, when both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks (in addition to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort) will stay open from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 24, until 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. If you’re planning to visit the Disneyland Resort during this special event, I’ve got some important information you should know.

Park Hours and Attraction Information

• Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 24, and select attractions, entertainment and services will remain open until 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, with the following exceptions:
• Cars Land, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will be available exclusively to Grad Nite guests from as early as 10:15 p.m. (May 24) until 3:30 a.m. (May 25).
• Radiator Springs Racers will be available to Disney California Adventure park guests from 9 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. on May 24. FASTPASS Service distribution will begin at 6 a.m. for this attraction.
• “a bug’s land” will be available to Disney California Adventure park guests from 6 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. on May 24.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment.
• Other attractions may close early due to maintenance or other reasons. Please check the Entertainment Times Guide on the day of the event for a more complete listing of scheduled closures.

Queue Instructions for Park Opening on May 24

• The early arrival queue will open to guests on Disneyland Resort property at 10 p.m. on May 23. Cast members will be available in the Disneyland Resort Esplanade to direct guests to queue location upon arrival.
• Parking will initially be available in the Anaheim GardenWalk parking area with overflow parking at the Pumbaa Parking Lot, if necessary, and standard parking rates will apply. Please be aware that no shuttle service will be offered from the Anaheim GardenWalk or Pumbaa Parking areas prior to 8 a.m. on May 24.
• All guests in line will be able to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms.
• Portions of the early arrival queue will be located beyond the guest screening checkpoints, beyond which certain items will not be permitted. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here. Exceptions will be made for items such as large blankets and pillows, but all items must be able to be stored in a locker prior to entering either park. No tents, inflatable mattresses, coolers or heating equipment will be permitted in the queue.
• Restrooms will be available to guests in the queue, and ticket purchases will be available beginning at 3:05 a.m. the morning of May 24.
• Disneyland Resort Hotel guests who wish to enter either park at 6 a.m. on May 24 will be directed to the main queue in the Central Esplanade. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel gate into Disney California Adventure park will open to Disneyland Resort Hotel guests at 7 a.m. on May 24.

Annual Passholder Information

• SoCal Select Annual Passports will not be valid for admission on May 24.
• SoCal or Deluxe Annual Passports will be valid for admission during the entire 24-hour period.
• Annual Passholders and their guests who carpool to the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at the Disneyland Resort can receive a special button, while supplies last. Here are the details:
• There must be at least three (3) people in the vehicle and at least one (1) person must be a valid Annual Passholder. Valid Passport must be presented upon entry to the participating parking area. Photo ID may be required.
• One (1) button will be given to each person who is legally seated in the qualifying vehicle. Supplies are limited and are not guaranteed.
• Buttons will be available at the Mickey & Friends, Pumbaa, Simba, Toy Story, and Anaheim Convention Center parking areas. Buttons will not be available at the Anaheim GardenWalk parking location.
• This special offer will be available from 5 a.m. 6 a.m. on May 24 to 6 a.m. on May 25, or while supplies last.
• More information can be found at: www.disneyland.com/apmagic

Stay Connected

• Be sure to follow @Disneyland, @DisneylandToday and @DCAToday on Twitter to stay connected and receive the latest updates during your visit to the Disneyland Resort. We will also have live updates throughout the day here on the Disney Parks Blog.
• More information on the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter can be found here.

Valid Theme Park admission required, and admission will be subject to capacity constraints and other scheduled park events. Information and event and offer elements are subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice.

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, Limited Time Magic

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Special Events

Our team of chefs and beverage experts are cranking up fast for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, with food, wine, beers and cocktails taking center stage around the World Showcase Promenade and all across Walt Disney World Resort.

Look for classic Scottish dishes that are still in the development phase, but the cocktail of choice will be a Rusty Nail, a popular Scotch whisky martini that is simply Scotch and Drambuie. Scotland is just one of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces – and we’re happy that Brazil returns this year, a crowd favorite that was missing in 2012.

Hawaii is back with the fab pork slider, as well as the vegan Terra Marketplace that debuted last year.

Favorite celeb chefs are back. Look for Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Gale Gand, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Bryan Voltaggio, Warren Brown and others to make appearances at special events and on stage in the Festival Center. Wine tastings, mixology seminars, cheese seminars, live entertainment and the engaging Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog give guests of all ages plenty to see and do. More than 270 chefs and culinary stars from the U.S. will be there.

The 46-day festival runs September 27-November 11. You can start making reservations in August at 407-WDW-FEST (date to be announced soon)! Keep an eye on www.epcotfoodfestival.com for updates.

Tagged: Dining, Epcot, International Food and Wine Festival, WDW

Filed: Disney Dining, Epcot, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Summer will be here before you know it. So what will you do on your vacation? Well, if the Walt Disney World Resort is on your list for June, then here are a few merchandise special events you don’t want to miss.

June 3-6: Greg McCullough will be on hand for a special artist showcase at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–6 p.m., each day. Learn more here.

June 7: Disney Design Group Artist Natalie Kennedy will be appearing at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace from 5-7 p.m. to sign the latest pin and Vinylmation release in the 2013 series. Learn more here.

June 13-16: Be sure to stop in and say hello to Larry Dotson, who will be showcasing some of the newest releases in his collection at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Not able to make it? That’s okay! Larry will also be appearing at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park, June 27–30. Learn more here.

June 14: It’s a “monstrous” job but someone’s got to do it. Meet Disney Design Group artist Ron Cohee, who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of the new Monsters University Series 1 Vinylmation. Ron will appear at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side from 5–7 p.m. Learn more here.

June 15–16: Rev up those engines and make plans now to drive down to Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney West Side at the Walt Disney World Resort. Fellow author Steven Miller will have all the details on what you can expect to see, including details on a special signing with none other than Chip Foose, owner of Foose Design and star of TV’s “Overhaulin’.” Learn more here.

June 21: This one is a personal favorite, since I’m a huge fan of “Beauty and the Beast.” Make your way over to D Street in Downtown Disney West Side and pick up the new Vinylmation releases from the “Beauty and the Beast” series designed by Maria Clapsis and Caley Hicks. Join us for a special signing on the day of release from 5-7 p.m. Learn more here.

June 22: If you are a fan of the limited edition Ink & Paint cels, then be sure to check this piece out. Hollywood & Dine is set to release on June 22 at Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and features Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they enjoy a star-filled evening at Hollywood Brown Derby, accompanied by an exquisitely hand-painted Goofy, who is sure to serve up only the best. Hollywood & Dine will be available in a variety of formats. If you are unable to attend, don’t worry, Disney Events is taking pre-orders now through June 21. Call 407-827-7600. For those of you in the area, several of the Ink & Paint artists associated with this piece will be on hand for a special appearance and signing June 22 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–5 p.m. at Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn more here.

June 27–July 3: Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace is pleased to welcome David Doss, who will be on hand to showcase some of his most recent releases. Learn more here.

June 28–July 7: Precious Moments doll maker Linda Rick will be on hand for special appearances at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park as we celebrate the release of her new collection. Learn more here.

Have you already attended Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios? Or have you signed up for the 13 Reflections of Evil Trading Event? If not, there’s still time. Don’t miss out! Look for details on all of these events and more on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort