Heading to the Walt Disney World Resort April 13-14? If so, be sure to add Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to the list of places you will want to visit during your stay.

Disney Fine Art artists Rob Kaz, Tim Rogerson and Michelle St. Laurent will be on hand for special appearances and signings, Saturday, April 13, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and again on Sunday, April 14, from 1-4 p.m., to sign artwork published exclusively by Collectors Editions.

Here’s a look at some of the new art heading your way.

 
For information on this merchandise event, Art in the Garden, Ridley Pearson and more taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort this month, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Good friends are hard to come by … when you’re lucky enough to find them, hang on tight. No one knows that better than some of the friends you’ll spot on a new collection of ladies character sketch tees that are available now at Disney Parks. This colorful new collection of tees feature such fan favorites and good friends as Dumbo, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Jiminy Cricket and Piglet and are currently available to purchase at Disney Clothiers in Disneyland park, Gone Hollywood in Disney California Adventure park, and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. Look for them at Tren-D in Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort in April. Available for only $32.95 each.

This next collection featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse is set to debut at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort and Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort in June 2013. With foil embellishments accenting the art, you’ll not only feel cool wearing it, but you’ll look cool too. Available in June for only $32.95 each.

Now, I personally have gone nuts for the Chip ‘n’ Dale tee, because you don’t see them too often. But if my conscience were to be my guide, I probably would choose Jiminy Cricket.

Who’s your favorite?

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week in Disney history is an important one for Disney Princess fans – in 2006, for the first time, young guests began receiving royal transformations, thanks to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and its team of Fairy Godmothers-In-Training.

In case you haven’t dropped by, here’s how it works. First, young princesses ages 3-12 have their choice of three hairstyles: Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess. Then they choose from a variety of packages that include hairstyling, makeup, a princess sash and tote, and plenty of other royal “extras.” Boys can also stop in to be transformed with The Knight Package, which includes hairstyling with colored gel, and a sword and shield. Additional merchandise and photography options are also available.

There are now two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Walt Disney World Resort: at Downtown Disney, and in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. (There are also one in Sleeping Beauty Courtyard at the Disneyland Resort and one aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship).

If you’d like to check it out for yourself, reservations are recommended for both locations, and appointments can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

Has your little one received a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transformation? Let us know in the “Comments” section below.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Gallery, MK, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Walt Disney World Resort

I’m a big believer that good ideas can come from anyone. That’s why, when I got the green light to write for the Disney Parks Blog, I asked my co-workers to come to me with any story suggestions they had. (My theory is: if they think it’s cool, you will too!)

My friend Louis told me about the talents of a few cast members on our Guest Show Team. Not only do they keep Downtown Disney nice and tidy, they also entertain our guests with their amazing artistic skills. Take a look:

Hayes, featured above, is one of 15 or so cast members who has learned to “paint” Mickey, Minnie and other classic Disney characters using nothing more than his broom and water.

Hayes told me that it’s not uncommon for guests to gather around and snap photos of his work. I’ll admit, I was mesmerized watching him do this! Though I would have guessed he’d been doing it forever, Hayes has only worked at Downtown Disney since January. As part of the Disney College Program, he jumped at the chance to attend an optional training class to acquire this unique skill. (I think I would have too … if you ask me, it’s the ultimate “party trick”!)

The moral of the story is this: the next time you visit Downtown Disney, be on the lookout – that friendly custodial cast member you see just may be more than meets the eye!

Has a cast member ever dazzled you unexpectedly? Share your story in the comments below – I’d love to hear it!

(And if you want to be wowed by a daily dose of Downtown Disney news, follow us on Twitter at @WDWDowntown.)

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Don’t miss your chance to meet acclaimed author Ridley Pearson, as we set sail for adventure with the release of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage, the much anticipated addition to the Kingdom Keepers saga. Ridley will be on hand for special appearances and signings at the following locations April 10-11, 2013.

• April 10 – Once Upon A Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace (4-6p.m.)
• April 11 – The Writer’s Stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

Here’s a look at the cover as well as on what you can expect from this new book.

The five Kingdom Keepers and their core friends have uncovered a startling truth: Maleficent and the Overtakers (Disney villains) are plotting a catastrophic event that could have repercussions far beyond the world of Disney. Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural passage through the new Panama Canal, the Keepers and their holograms uncover a puzzle hidden within the pages of a stolen journal. The point of that puzzle will reveal itself in the caves of Aruba, the zip lines of Costa Rica, and the jungles of Mexico. A destructive force, dormant for decades, is about to be unleashed. The five Kingdom Keepers are to be its first victims.

Something to keep in mind: Wristbands will be distributed to guests on the day of the signing with each purchase of Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage by Ridley Pearson, allowing the wristband owner to get two books signed. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet Ridley Pearson. A limited number of wristbands will be available the day of the signing. Once the wristbands have been distributed, the line to meet Ridley Pearson will close.

For more information on Ridley’s appearance and Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage, please visit ArtofDisneyParks.com

Tagged: DHS, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Hey everyone. I’m Darcy, former Community Manager for the Walt Disney World Resort Facebook page and the newest Disney Parks Blog author, sharing updates from the heart of Downtown Disney. (Literally, my office is smack-dab in the middle of the property. I love my job!) Just over a month ago, I accepted a brand-new position here, and with the recent Disney Springs announcement by Tom Staggs, I couldn’t have come at a better time.

From day #1 in my new role, I knew I wanted to share some of the “hidden gems” of Downtown Disney with all of you. I’m discovering many of them alongside you, so we’ll be finding fun from the West Side to the Marketplace – and everywhere in between – together. Additionally, as there are new updates on Disney Springs, check back here on the Disney Parks Blog.

First up? Characters in Flight, Operated by Aerophile. I’ve seen the balloon in the sky a million times, but I never tried it. Until last week. And you know what? It was way cooler than I expected. I naively thought I wouldn’t be able to see ‘that much’ from the sky, but I was wrong. And I loved every minute of it. Here’s why:

I got lucky and went up on a really clear day. No joke, I could see from the top of La Nouba all the way to the outskirts of Disney property. Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, The Contemporary. – I saw them all, and from a totally different vantage point. (After 10+ years at Disney, I thought I had seen the parks from every angle but boy, was I wrong!)

The ride wasn’t scary at all; it was actually sort of calming. When I got all the way up to 400 feet, I felt like I was taking a short break from reality. Even though it was a full flight, it was really quiet up there, and peaceful. You know that feeling you get when you’re in an airplane and you look down to see tiny houses and highways – like you’re part of it but somehow removed? – It was like that, but instead of a strange town, I was looking at one of my favorite playgrounds.

It was just the right amount of time. My flight lasted about 10 minutes and it was perfect – I got to walk around and check out the 360 degree view, plus had a few minutes to snap some photos (digital photography is one of my hobbies!). I didn’t feel rushed, which is always a nice feeling when you wait in line for something you’re excited about.

One of these days I’d love to go up at night. Maybe start with a margarita from Paradiso 37, take a ride, and then top off the evening with a sweet treat from Candy Cauldron. (And if you’re more of a morning person, you’ll be excited to hear that right now – when you purchase tickets and ride before 10 a.m. – you pay only $10!)

Have you experienced Characters in Flight? Tell me how you liked it in the comments below – it’s always fun to compare notes!

For a daily dose of Downtown Disney news, follow @WDWDowntown on Twitter.

Tagged: Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

This week back in 1975, shopping took on a whole new meaning as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (you might know it as the Downtown Disney Marketplace) opened.

The LBV Shopping Village was home to shops such as Toys Fantastique, The Flower Garden and The Pottery Chalet pictured below. What I wouldn’t give to purchase a treasure offered at The Pottery Chalet today!

Although the area has grown and changed over the years, it’s still a great place to spend the day shopping, dining, and playing at Downtown Disney.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort