In two weeks, “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” will open in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park, giving guests an up-close look at the world of “Frankenweenie” through sets, puppets, props and more – plus, guests will be able to view a special 4D extended sneak peek of the film. Today, I’ve got more “Frankenweenie” news for you!

From August 23 – October 7, you can enter the “Frankenweenie Monstrous Sweepstakes” for the chance to win a four-day/three-night vacation for four to experience all the fun of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Here’s how to enter:

• Online: Visit www.disney.com/frankenweeniesweeps
• Mobile: Text ALIVE to DISNEY (347639*)

And today, we have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Frankenweenie”! Take an interactive 360° tour of the sets with Animation Director Trey Thomas, who will take you to the town of New Holland amidst the annual Dutch Day celebration. You can scroll, point, and click to explore and discover new content in this in-depth experience. Check it out here!

Don’t forget to see “Frankenweenie” in theaters October 5!

No purchase necessary. Open only to persons who are, as of entry, 13 years of age or older; legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or DC. Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 PM PT, 8/23/12 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT, 10/7/12. Enter at Disney.com/FrankenweenieSweeps or via SMS (see Official Rules for entry details). Minors should check with their parent or legal guardian before entering. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by Disney Online.

*Msg and data rates may apply. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.


Read more about Disney California Adventure in the posts below:

• Meet Donna the Dog Lady at Disney California Adventure Park
• Frankenweenie Merchandise Comes to Life at Disney California Adventure Park
• Finding the Perfect Prop for Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park: Part One

Tagged: BtS, DCA, DLR

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

The D-Tech Me Princess experience officially opened yesterday in the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. My fellow author Erin Catalano recently gave you a first look at the experience on the Disney Parks Blog. I’ve been involved with creating this project for more than a year now. I love how this experience uses state-of-the-art technology to create a unique and personalized keepsake from Disney Parks.

I recently partnered with our Imagineering scientists at the Disney Research labs to create a short behind-the-scenes video of this experience. The video highlights the entire process – from capturing an image using the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner to creating the final princess figurine using a high resolution 3D printer. It’s amazing!

Reservations are strongly recommended for this limited-time experience and can be made by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324).

Please note: Guests must be between 3-12 years of age to participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature, is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Certain restrictions apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Look below for more updates from Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort:

• Vintage Walt Disney World: Kidding Around at Downtown Disney
• ‘Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality’ Opens at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort September 1
• Sharky and Bones from ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ Drop Anchor at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

Tagged: BtS, Downtown Disney, Video, WDW

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Have you seen “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

It’s an absolute must-do for my family whenever we visit the park. I love the show’s original songs, and especially the ingenious puppets created by Michael Curry. The show uses a Japanese style of puppetry called bunraku, in which the puppeteer’s body becomes a part of the puppet, and puppets in this show range from the size of your hand to the size of a small car.

I recently was able to go behind the scenes at the show to meet two of the show’s puppeteers, Jennifer and Robby, to learn more.

Check out these posts for more from Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Former Olympic Gymnast is Gold at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Show at Walt Disney World Resort
• Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Meet Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World Resort
• Wildlife Wednesdays: What Do a 400-Pound Gorilla and a One-Pound Cotton-Top Tamarin Have in Common? Find out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tagged: BtS, DAK, Gallery, Video, WDW

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

As we learned last time, Disneyland horse-in-training Owen has earned an A+ as he has been getting ready this year to join his fellow cast members on Main Street, U.S.A. Today we get to see a very important milestone in his training, “graduation” – his first time transporting Disneyland park guests in the Main Street streetcar!

Next time you’re on Main Street, U.S.A., keep an eye out for Owen and be sure to congratulate him on successfully completing his training!

Read the complete story of “How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse”:

• How Does a Horse Become a Disneyland Horse?
• How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse: Getting Ready for the Show
• How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse: Showtime
• How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse: Owen Gets Ready for Main Street, U.S.A.

Tagged: BtS, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

We’ve hinted before on the Disney Parks Blog that Enchanted Tales with Belle, in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, will be no ordinary character greeting. Today, we’re excited to share more details about this special experience. As you’ll see from the video below – provided by Walt Disney Imagineering – the goal of this attraction is not just to give you a place to meet a Disney character, but to completely transport you into the world of “Beauty and The Beast.”

The journey begins at Maurice’s Cottage, where they’ll walk through the whimsical garden and find inventions created by Belle’s tinkerer father, Maurice. Inside are books, pictures and other symbols that define the home of Belle and Maurice and their lives there, including leftover gadgets and artifacts from experiments gone awry. But guests also will see a mirror that magically becomes a portal into Beast’s Castle…

To be continued!

Watch more behind-the-scenes videos from Walt Disney Imagineering in these posts:

• All in the Details: Imagineers Add Character to Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Sneak Peek: Kids Will Star in the Show at the Big Top Tent at Dumbo The Flying Elephant
• Imagineers Share How ‘Beauty & The Beast’ Inspired Elements of the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park
• First Look: Walt Disney Imagineers Offer a Taste of the Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Behind the Scenes: Imagineers Use Digital Technology to Create Art for New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Tagged: BtS, MK, Video, WDW

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

After working in the Candy Palace for 38 years, Disneyland park candy maker Rob McHargue truly knows his way around a kitchen. In the video below, Rob gives us a tour of his “office” in the newly remodeled Candy Palace.

The updated Candy Kitchen has double the square footage as before, providing more viewing space – a bigger window of opportunity to see the candy makers at work. A pass-through window, more counter space, a kitchen stock room and a second copper kettle were also added. The kitchen produces approximately 63 different items year-round. Lucky for me, they happened to be making my favorite toffee treats during my visit. What’s your favorite confection from the Candy Palace?

Check out these posts to read more about sweet treats available at Disneyland park:

• Enjoying Sweet Summer Treats at Disney Parks
• Candy Palace, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and Penny Arcade to Re-Open May 2 at Disneyland Park
• Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Candy Makers

Tagged: BtS, Dining, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disney Dining, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Last fall, Disney Parks Blog readers met Owen, one of our newest horses at the Disneyland Resort, in our three-part “How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse” series. As we told you in the last post, the final step for training is getting accustomed to Main Street, U.S.A., where the horses are the stars of the show! Let’s catch up with Owen, who is completing this final step in his Disneyland Resort education now:

Check back soon for another Owen update!

Tagged: BtS, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort