My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Erin Catalano and I spent Friday morning in the Convention Center at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Representing Disney Theme Park Merchandise, we joined a special product showcase event that highlighted exciting things at Disney Parks.

We filled our 16-foot by 16-foot square booth with new merchandise debuting this summer to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. We gave an expanded look at Star Wars Weekends 2013 merchandise, along with a first look at new Disney Parks logo merchandise arriving this June. Rounding out our assortment, we displayed new Disney-inspired sunglasses by Ray-Ban, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, beautifully ornate shoe ornaments inspired by Disney characters, D-Tech electronic accessories and much more.

As you can imagine, I had a difficult time selecting only 10 images for this article. I’d love to hear which item is your favorite, so please share in the comments below.

I hope to see you at Disney Parks for our first-ever, three-park, all-night party on May 24. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for additional details about merchandise created for this event.

Tagged: DLR, Gallery, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

We had a very exciting week at both the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. Have you heard that three of our parks will be open for 24 hours on May 24? Mike Wazowski, one of the stars of “Monsters University,” appeared at Epcot to make the announcement.

And speaking of Monsters, one of our Monorails showed up full of character this week in support of the upcoming debut of “Monsters University.”

We also shared new looks at Mickey’s Magical Map (coming soon to Disneyland park), and a rendering of Princess Fairytale Hall, which will open at Magic Kingdom Park this fall.

And who could forget the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which we celebrated this past Monday at the park?

Be sure to check out this gallery of images to entire week’s excitement.

Tagged: DAK, DL, DLR, Gallery, MK, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Get ready for some super new taste sensations when the BoardWalk Bakery reopens bright and early Friday morning – 6:30 a.m. to be exact.

“The new location is twice the size of the original bakery, themed to the 1920s Jersey shore,” says John Berko, manager of food & beverage at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas. Dark wood and colorful tiles and mosaics add a new brightness to the space.

Beyond sweets, the new menu includes hot breakfast items, salads and sandwiches – like a Maine lobster roll and a pork loin sandwich with creamy apple slaw.

But it’s the sweets that get the most attention, and plenty of favorites are back, including chocolate croissants, cupcakes and cinnamon. Newcomers include eclairs, cannoli, salted caramel ganache and an amazing peanut butter-banana-candied Nueske’s bacon pie. We begged for the recipe, and already made this one at home. There’s not a morsel left.

The bakery is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and is Disney Dining Plan eligible.

Peanut Butter-Banana-Applewood Smoked Candied Bacon Pie
Makes 9-inch pie

3 thick slices applewood smoked bacon
1/4 cup brown sugar
9-inch store-bought chocolate graham cracker pie crust
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup cream cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup whipping cream
2 bananas, sliced

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, and place a wire rack over the baking
   sheet.
2. Coat bacon on both sides with brown sugar. Place on rack and bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until crispy, depending on thickness of bacon.
3. Remove from oven. Once cooled, dice and set aside.
4. Cream together peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
5. Whip cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl; gently fold into peanut butter mixture.
6. Fill pie shell halfway with mixture, then evenly top with banana slices. Top slices with remaining mixture.
   Sprinkle with chopped bacon. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tagged: Dining, Gallery, Recipe, WDW

Filed: Disney Dining, Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the fourth theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort, will celebrate its 15th anniversary today, April 22, which also happens to be Earth Day.

Today’s celebration featured a special opening ceremony led by Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment, and was highlighted with a fun performance of “Circle of Life” from the park’s “Festival of The Lion King.” Other fun planned for the day includes special Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities, and unique merchandise and food & beverage offerings.

The park originally opened in 1998 to feature several lands dedicated to exploring wildlife and wild places – Africa, Discovery Island, Oasis, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and DinoLand, U.S.A. An additional land, Asia, was added in 1999. The park has seen many exciting additions since its debut, including TriceraTop Spin in 2001, Primeval Whirl in 2002, Expedition Everest (one of my favorites!) in 2006, “Finding Nemo – The Musical,” which grand-opened in 2007, and Wild Africa Trek in 2011.

Which Disney’s Animal Kingdom offering has been your favorite over the years? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.

To join the celebration online, use the hashtag #DAK15 on Twitter.

Tagged: DAK, Gallery, Video, WDW

Filed: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

I’m looking forward to the 15th anniversary celebration for Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day this year. I recall visiting the park on April 22, 1998, for the grand opening celebration. (I still have the opening day T-shirt from it tucked away in my Disney collection.) As part of Limited Time Magic next week, we are releasing a few commemorative items at the Creature Comforts location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, starting April 22, 2013. Some of these items will have the specially designed 15th anniversary logo that was created by Disney Design Group artists Michael Posluszny and Maria Clapsis.

There will be a new safari hat along with three new T-shirts featuring the 15th anniversary logo. If you are unable to visit the park, we are releasing the orange-sleeved shirt on the Disney Parks online store starting April 22 for a limited time – http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents.

The 15th anniversary logo will also be included on one of three new D-Tech on Demand cases for the iPhone 4/4s and the iPhone 5. (Note: the iPhone 5 cases are pictured above.)

For Disney pin collectors, we will have two limited edition pins celebrating the 15th anniversary. They join a limited release mystery pin set that was designed by Disney Design Group Artist Mike Sullivan. I like how the set incorporates various characters and experiences from the park (like the Wildlife Express Train!). I also included this year’s limited edition Earth Day pin, which will also be released that day at Walt Disney World Resort (it was released on April 11 at the Disneyland Resort).

We asked a few artists to create one-of-a-kind, 9-inch Vinylmation figures. I was blown away by the level of detail on figures from artists like Brian Blackmore (his figure is shown above). I also loved Javier Soto’s extremely detailed yeti. Other Vinylmation artists include Maria Clapsis, who made the adorable zebra and baby dinosaur; John Henselmeier, who designed the classic safari Mickey Mouse figure; and Adrianne Draude, who created a colorful figure showing Mickey Mouse in the jungle.

You can also find updates on our latest extra sprinkle of pixie dust on Twitter using hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic and on our LimitedTimeMagic.com web page.

I hope to see you at the park on April 22.

Tagged: DAK, Gallery, Limited Time Magic, Pins, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

It’s easy to feel small in “a bug’s land” at Disney California Adventure park – especially after dark. The huge clovers rise up around you, illuminated from below. The Hollywood Tower Hotel looms in the distance, giving you the feeling that you’re just a little bug crawling through its front lawn. The lightning bugs lend a hand – or rather, a tail – lighting your path. Nighttime is an enchanting time in “a bug’s land,” but be careful. It’s a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess.

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Gallery

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

As a proud member of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom opening team, I can say with assurance that every day is a Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as guests and cast members join together to celebrate the wonders of nature. But on April 22 (Earth Day), in recognition of the park’s 15th anniversary, there will be even more natural magic. Here are some tips for all of you who are able to come:

• Get there by 8:30 a.m.! While the park and its attractions don’t open until 9 a.m., the turnstiles will open at 8:30 a.m., and I am proud to be joining Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Josh D’Amaro who is hosting a special 15th anniversary ceremony that will take place in front of the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m.
• Commemorative guide map: Be sure to pick one up when you enter the park. And while in the Main Entrance area, also pick up a keepsake postcard that serves as a Party for the Planet guide.
• Special conservation button: Starting April 22 and for a limited time (until quantities run out), those who give to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will receive a commemorative 15th anniversary DWCF button.
• Party for the Planet activities: In Africa, children will learn how to identify animals by observing tracks and other clues. In Asia, families will find out how choosing “green” products can make a big difference for wildlife and nature. At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, families will discover fun ways to spend time in nature and participate in activities inspired by the Disneynature films “African Cats,” “Chimpanzee,” and “Wings of Life.” Guests also can talk with cast members who work on conservation projects around the world.
• Guest artists and special merchandise: Speak with specialists from Elemental Nursery and Just Plumerias, who will be on hand to feature their beautiful plants and topiaries, along with special guest appearances. There will be face painting with a variety of animal images and the opportunity to pose for a fun portrait, plus special 15th anniversary merchandise (quantities limited). Find out more here:
• Speciality snacks: A party wouldn’t be a party without snacks–enjoy an Earth Day cupcake.

Looking for more Earth Day fun during your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort? On April 22 at Epcot, which is celebrating the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, special Earth Day activities are taking place at The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Vision House in Innoventions, and be on the lookout for Earth Day activities at our resorts and Downtown Disney.

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

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• May 8: International Migratory Bird Day
• May 23: World Turtle Day
• June 5: Pollinator Day
• 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:

• May 18: Endangered Species Day
• May 23: World Turtle Day
• June 8: World Ocean Day
• September 7: International Manatee Day

Tagged: DAK, Epcot, Gallery, WDW

Filed: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort