Inspired by the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, this interactive quest lets you turn into one of Captain Jack’s pirate recruits, arms you with magic talismans and treasure maps, and lets you embark on one of five different pirate raids throughout Adventureland. The task is to prove your pirate worth by collecting valuable treasures while fending off some of Captain Jack’s enemies, including the Royal Navy and Captain Barbossa.
The quest is included in theme park admission and guests can embark on more than one raid if they wish. Looks like it’s going to be an amazing experience! Let us know in the “Comments” section below if you’ll sign up on your next visit!
Like the Academy Awards of the restaurant industry, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Operator Innovations Awards go to the crème de la crème of restaurant operators who drive advancement in the food service industry. And at the second annual ceremony last week in Chicago, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts took home one of five top honors for Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Be Our Guest Restaurant is delighting both guests and cast with a personalized approach to “fast casual” lunchtime dining. Guests order at state-of-the-art kiosks and the food “magically” appears at their tables, thanks to amazing behind-the-scenes technology merged with fantastic cast service. While the system utilizes automation, radio frequency technology and some pretty sophisticated electronics, at the end of the day it’s about serving great food in an elegant environment in a timely and welcoming manner.
“It is a fantastic accomplishment for our leadership team to be recognized by our peers,” says Maribeth Bisienere, vice president Food & Beverage and Merchandise Line of Business for The Walt Disney Company. Selected by an independent panel of expert judges, the award winners were honored during the NRA’s Destination: Celebration gala at the 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.
Recognized in the categories of food safety, health and nutrition, menu development, sustainability, and technology, the winners “have found solutions for their businesses with programs and initiatives that combine creativity and hard work,” says Jeffrey W. Davis, convention chair for NRA Show 2013. “The 2013 Operator Innovations Awards winners redefine how the industry views innovation and will serve as the benchmark for other operators to apply the same innovative spirit within their own operations.”
The same camera also recorded the monstrous fun in the park. And here it is for the first time – 24 hours in Magic Kingdom Park in just 90 seconds.
During the 24 hours, we spotted several of you waving at the camera and enjoying the shows. Did you see yourself or spot any friends in the video? If not, take a look through our latest photo gallery featuring some favorite faces and sights.
If you missed any of our story updates during the “All-Nighter” at Disney Parks, including our morning meet-up recap, be sure to scroll through our main Monstrous Summer post.
Can you correctly guess where monsters would pop up in Magic Kingdom Park if they stepped through these doors for a scare? We’ll share the answers later today.
UPDATE: Click here to see if you could pass a “Monsters University” entrance exam.
Read on for more “Monsters University” at Disney Parks:
And for a full 24-hours, our team of Disney Parks Blog authors shared photos, videos and stories from the event, including updates from one author who visited all three parks – on both coasts – in one day. If you missed any of the fun, take some time this Memorial Day weekend to see the monster madness in the parks.
Disneyland Resort Wraps Up the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter
Well, now it’s time to say goodbye! It’s scary how much fun we’ve had at the Disneyland Resort over the past 24 hours, starting with fireworks all the way to partying in our pajamas. Thanks for following along, and if you joined us in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks today, I hope you had a monstrously good time!
Today’s bi-coastal adventure was an amazing memory that I’ll never forget. Thank you for following along throughout the day. I realized one important thing during my coast-to-coast adventure – I’m proud to be a Disney cast member working in the most magical place on Earth. I hope to see you in the parks!
Because what’s an all-nighter without your pajamas? Beginning at midnight, Disneyland park guests were treated to the Disney Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s Toontown. The party featured classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone plus hot chocolate, milk and cookies. And of course, some of our favorite Disney friends were there in their pajamas!
Our 24 hours of fun has just come to a close at Magic Kingdom Park here at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Our team has had an absolute blast covering the kick off to Monstrous Summer over the last 24 hours – from our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up, that started before the park opened, to Dole Whips, lunch in New Fantasyland, night-time entertainment, and so much more!. Now it’s time to say goodnight! (Or should that be, “good morning’?).
What better way to end my Monstrous day then getting some QT with the boss (in my pajamas, no less). He looks like he’s ready for the comfort of a nice, warm bed. Well, that wraps it up for me – I’ll see you again real soon (this coming Thursday) right here on the Disney Parks Blog.
I arrived at the Disneyland Resort! I’m delighted to be back at the original Disney Park. When I arrived, the Monstrous Summer All-Night Party was in full swing. I grabbed a quick photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle (yes, the Scare Pig traveled with me all the way from Florida).
The nice part about this visit to Disneyland Resort is that I got to meet up with my fiancee Jennifer. We went on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue before taking the dance floor at Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre (I love swing dancing!).
I then stopped by my favorite Disneyland park attraction, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, for a Dole Whip float. Finally, I ended up at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square for a refreshing minty drink. I love visiting Disneyland park, as there is something so magical about this place. Next stop, Disney California Adventure park to complete my three Disney Park tour!
Some would call my dance moves a bit scary. I’d say they’re monstrously awesome. (I imagine they’re somewhere in the middle.) Bringing my ‘A’ game, I joined still-wide-awake guests and danced ’til the wee hours at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party. Check out the photo gallery below to see what a great time our guests are having!
Mickey Mouse as a Jedi, Minnie Mouse as Princess Leia, Donald Duck as a Stormtrooper and Goofy as (a pants-less) Darth Vader … it’s a mash-up of all things awesome in Tomorrowland here at Disneyland park. Our Disney friends have donned their best Star Wars attire to greet guests at our all-night party. Check them out!
At a time when we’re usually preparing Magic Kingdom Park for Saturday morning guests, Main Street, U.S.A., is still open, busy and beautiful. We wanted to share a rare look at what’s happening now – at three in the morning.
It’s midnight here in Florida and time to let you know that we will be keeping things lively at Cinderella Castle with Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party. You can dance the morning away from 2 to 5:45 a.m. this morning at Cinderella Castle. Let us know if you’re joining us.
Our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up began early this morning as a few hundred Disney Parks Blog readers joined us to be among the first guests in Magic Kingdom Park. We kicked things off at the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe with a special Monstrous donut breakfast bar, a chance to meet “Sulley” and a few other surprises.
After spending time on some attractions in the park, the group enjoyed an early preview screening of Disney•Pixar’s new movie “Monsters University” before it opens in theaters in 3D on June 21. Here’s a look at some of the fun.
Thank you to everyone who attended – it was wonderful meeting so many new friends and readers of the Disney Parks Blog. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for information about our next meet-up opportunity
The Main Street Electrical Parade is about to make its way through Magic Kingdom Park. What a great way to kick off the special nighttime festivities the park has planned for the Monstrous All-Nighter! This is one of my favorite Disney parades of all time – probably because it reminds me of my first trip to Magic Kingdom Park back in the early 1980s. (And the Pete’s Dragon float is the BEST!).
Be sure to check back later for our coverage of the all-night dance parties, fireworks and more!
If I’m going to last until 6 a.m., I’ll need some food-powered energy. In honor of my Mike Wazowski-inspired meal, I’ve written a Monstrous Food Haiku. (Get this! The cotton candy tastes like green apple. It. Was. Delicious.)
Mike inspired food
The salad keeps it balanced
Tasty, green goodness
I just arrived at the Orlando International Airport to start the second leg of my coast-to-coast expedition for the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter. While I had a quick costume change, I kept wearing the Sulley ear hat and Mike Wazowski sunglasses (yes, I got strange looks from a few people and that was okay). Today was a blast! I enjoyed seeing many friends at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort from early morning to late afternoon. There is more excitement planned this evening at the Disneyland Resort, and I can’t wait to get there.
While this isn’t my first trip to California, I can finally shout something I’ve watched people say for years – “I’m going to Disneyland!” I hope to see you in the Parks!
Here in Tomorrowland at the Walt Disney World Resort, we’re starting our “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party. It’s happening at the Rockettower Plaza Stage from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight. Tweet us if you’re out there with #Disney24.
We’ve already showed you some of the fun happening over at Disneyland park, so let’s hop across the Esplanade and see what’s happening at Disney California Adventure park! As you can see, Mike and Sulley have been putting in some appearances with our Disneyland Resort guests, gearing up for a Monstrous Summer!
Look who we just ran into. Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” are “scaring up” some excitement at our Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party at Walt Disney World Resort. Both served as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song.
“Eye” can’t think of a better way to kick off my Monstrous Summer than snapping a shot of me with one of the coolest Monsters at Monster University, James P. Sullivan. I’m even decked out in my best MU gear for the occasion.
I’m on the nightshift here on the Disney Parks Blog, and I’ll be helping bring this All-Nighter into 6 a.m. with updates throughout the night from Walt Disney World Resort. Right now, I’m headed out to get in on all the fun Magic Kingdom Park has going on. (I hear there’s a dance party. And by now, you know I love a good dance party.)
If you are pulling an all-nighter and staying with us at the Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resorts for 24 hours today, then there’s no doubt you will work up a Monstrous appetite. Here are my top Monstrous picks to keep you going throughout the day and night: the Monstrous Summer cupcake with green icing, the Mike Wazowski-inspired cake pop and, my personal favorites, the Mike and Sulley specialty apples. For those of you attending the party in Florida, you might even find green and blue cotton candy!
Keep an “eye” out in the following locations if you are looking to scare up one of these delectable treats:
Speaking of sweet treats, I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller, who will be joining us here at the Disneyland Resort in just a matter of hours. He’s been celebrating the 24 hour event in Florida and will be traveling coast-to-coast this evening. I’m thinking I better pick up an apple or two for him just in case he didn’t get one earlier. But which one should I pick? You weigh in…Mike or Sulley? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to watch the Disney Parks Blog later this evening to see which one he actually selects.
Lovely Afternoon Treat at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park
One of the things on my “Must Do” list when visiting the Magic Kingdom Park is to visit the Orange Bird in Adventureland.
After spending nearly all day at Magic Kingdom Park for the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter,” I thought a refreshing Citrus Swirl would be a nice change of pace from the several cups of coffee I’ve consumed. I asked my fellow Disney Parks Blog author Erin Catalano to join me at the Sunshine Tree Terrace while wearing our Sulley ear hats and Mike Wazowski sunglasses. Our field trip was a wonderful way to spend a sunny Florida afternoon before departing for the Golden State – California!
Thousands of Disneyland Resort guests lined up early this morning to begin 24 hours of monstrous fun here at the Disneyland Resort. Check out the video below for the opening moment (complete with fireworks, of course), lots of Mike Wazowski eyes and more!
If you joined us early this morning, you know we kicked off our first-ever three park all night party with a special moment in front of Magic Kingdom Park. Mike and Sulley, from the newest Disney•Pixar animated feature “Monsters University,” were joined by some of your other favorite Disney characters to start the Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks. Take a look.
Our friends Mike and Sulley (and several of their friends from “Monsters University“) just made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., as a pre-parade to the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. Their appearance even included cheerleaders and a monstrous marching band – love it! If you’re in the park today and would like to see them again, they’ll be back at 2:45 p.m.
My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Tom Smith told me I should eat something during the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter.” Taking his advice, I made my way to Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland, where they serve a monstrously delicious meal. I ordered the meaty pork shank and a frosty stein of LeFou’s Brew to fuel up for my coast-to-coast expedition.
The best part, however, was meeting the Lambert family from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They joined us at Magic Kingdom Park today for the all-night party following a week-long vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. I particularly loved the backs of their shirts, as it was a great reminder of how much time we’ll be celebrating at Disney Parks today. I’m going to make every second count!
After the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter” got underway early this morning at the Disneyland Resort, Paul and I hit the street (Main Street, that is) to find Disneyland park guests who were already getting into the spirit of things. Check out some of the photos we got!
The “Celebrate the Magic” nighttime spectacular, which uses amazing projections to transform Cinderella Castle into a kaleidoscope of Disney characters and stories, is introducing a new segment just for the summer season.
You’ll head to the beach with Lilo and Stitch, dive “Under the Sea” with Ariel and Sebastian, and go Goofy for this sunny homage to the fun and freedom of summer days shared with family and friends. And best of all, this special bit of “Limited Time Magic” lasts all summer long.
We have a treat for those of you who are following the Monstrous All-Nighter along from home. Here’s where you can download the “Monsters University” Entrance Exam poster we gave away earlier today at our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up. Can you correctly guess where monsters would pop up in Magic Kingdom Park if they stepped through these doors for a scare? Click here for the answers!
We’re loving some of the outfits we’ve seen Magic Kingdom Park guests in so far today. Guests have gotten very creative with their theme park attire, appearing in “Monsters University” gear, pajamas and even some self-made “monstrous” creations! Check out the gallery above to see some of our favorites.
But the monstrous fun began early for some dedicated guests, many of whom lined up as early as 10 p.m. the night before. They had their EYE on the prize – get it?
Keep checking back for more updates from the Disneyland Resort!
On this “monstrous” day at Disney Parks, I stopped by the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park to check out the new merchandise for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and, after attending an early screening, I can say that it’s awesome! Like previous film releases such as “Oz The Great and Powerful” Disney Theme Park Merchandise partnered with the Disney Store to introduce some of the plush and toys they created. There are, however, a handful of items created specifically for Disney Parks.
The Emporium had an entire wall of “Monsters University”-inspired goods. They were mixed with some classic items we’ve had for years like the Mike Wazowski “eye” shirt, the Boo baby plush in a blanket, and the “Monsters, Inc“. figure playset.
I particularly liked the new D-Tech on Demand cases for the iPhone 4/4S and the iPhone 5. I also liked the “MU” hat that looks like it came directly from the film (the worn spot is a nice touch).
While in the Emporium, I had some fun with my favorite new traveling buddy today – the Scare Pig plush, who is the school mascot from “Monsters University” rival, Fear Tech. Look for additional items arriving in June including a mystery pin set and a limited edition opening day pin. I’m particularly excited for the new Vinylmation mystery set designed by Disney artist Ron Cohee coming to Disney Parks on June 14. Go MU!
If you’re not able to join us in the parks for our “all-nighter,” we’ve got the next best thing to being here – live video from Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Along with our live blogging coverage, we have a live video stream showing the fun on Main Street U.S.A., as it happens.
During the 24-hours, we’ll be featuring the live video stream in our live blogging content stream. We’re also making it available on a special Disney Parks Blog page to check anytime during the event.
I’m no stranger to staying up for 24 hours. While in college, I remember pulling a few “all-nighters” to finish writing papers for class. I also attended a few 24-hour science-fiction movie marathons when I lived in Columbus, Ohio (that was crazy but fun!). Today, I have another excuse to stay up all night – the Monstrous Summer “All-Nighter” to kick off a summer of fun at Disney Parks. This is a big bicoastal party, which I will be attending for most of the day at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. This evening, I’ll finish out the night in Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California.
Throughout the day, I’ll be sharing updates about my adventures on the Disney Parks Blog. I’d love to get photographs with friends on both coasts dressed in their best Monstrous Summer attire. I’m also looking forward to enjoying a refreshing Citrus Swirl early this afternoon in Adventureland. Anyone care to join me?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up at Magic Kingdom Park where we’re officially registering our guests as new “Monsters University” students! They’re also enjoying a special Monstrous Donut & Fruit Bar, photo opportunities and more. Check out the gallery below for an inside look.
Guests joined the blog team outside of Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4:30 a.m. this morning to be among the first to enter and kick off the Memorial Day Weekend in a big way. We’ve started the day here in Florida but there’s plenty more to see and experience during the next 24 hours.
Keep checking for complete coverage of our “all-nighter” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort – Erin will be joining us with updates soon. Our reports will include a live stream from Main Street U.S.A., and a few other surprises.
Taken in 1978, this shot shows some of the chanting tikis at the attraction. The one at the top looks very mischievous. What are these guys talking about? What are they up to?
When we’re in any of the Disney Parks, it’s hard enough to pass the popcorn wagons with the buttery aromas beckoning. And now it’s twice as hard to walk on by when these adorable popcorn buckets are filled with the fluffy kernels.
UPDATE: This event has filled to capacity. Please CLICK HERE to view a list of the accepted event attendees. If you are on the list and do not receive a confirmation email by 5 p.m. EST on Monday, please contact us at WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.
Our Monstrous Morning Meet-Up begins at 4:30 a.m. on May 24, and it will include the opportunity to see an early preview screening of Disney•Pixar’s new movie “Monsters University” before it opens in theatres in 3D on June 21. There will be plenty of fun, including a Monstrous donut bar and – like all Disney Parks Blog meet-ups – a surprise or two added on to what is already planned at Magic Kingdom Park.
Space is limited, so RSVP now by sending us an email with your name, address, and if you’re inviting a guest to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.
Also, there are a few things you should know:
All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older.
Limit one guest per registrant.
We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the event.
If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guests to check in at the front entrance of Magic Kingdom Park for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details.
Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus their number of specified guests.
If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted.
The event and individual appearances are subject to change or cancellation.
This post will be updated when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
I can’t wait for the upcoming all-night party that will kick off a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks on May 24, 2013. I had a blast at last year’s 24-hour party with my fiancée, so I imagine this one will be even more “eye-mazing!” As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created some commemorative items featuring Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, stars of Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film “Monsters University.” Here are some things you can expect starting May 24.
We will have a new logo shirt featuring Mike, created just for the 24 hour party. The shirts will be similar on each coast except for a small logo change on the sleeve (either “Magic Kingdom” for guests in Florida or “Disneyland Resort” for guests in California). This shirt will also be offered on our Disney Parks online store from May 24-27 at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. (Please note that items will be shipped in 6-8 weeks from time of order.)
My favorite items are the Sulley-inspired Disney ear hat (it’s furry!) and Mike’s one-eyed novelty sunglasses. We will also be offering an embroidered Disney ear hat with a “Monstrous Summer” logo that day.
The apparel, ear hats and sunglasses will be released at the Emporium and select locations in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Disneyland Resort, look for these items in Emporium at Disneyland park and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, among other select locations. Please note we will have a purchase limit for the Mike Wazowski sunglasses and the Sulley ear hat; Guests may purchase a maximum of two of each item.
The Consumables team will offer some treats inspired by Mike and Sulley, including blue and green cotton candy, cake pops, and decorative candy apples. My favorite (mostly because they gave me a sample to try) is the delicious cupcake complete with green icing and a chocolate logo square. Look for select goodies in locations like the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Candy Palace at Disneyland park or Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park.
All of these items will be available for a “limited time” only beginning May 24, while supplies last.
Finally, I invite you to follow the Disney Parks Blog on May 24, as I will be traveling coast-to-coast to party in three Disney Parks that day. I look forward to seeing friends on both the east and west coasts! If you are in the parks, please say hello!
Check out these posts to learn more about our Monstrous Summer All-Night Party on May 24:
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