Take 5: Gardens at Disney Parks
posted on March 3rd, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
There’s so much to see at all the Disney Parks, but how often do you take time to stop and smell the roses? With the 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival around the corner, we wanted to take a look back at some of the most beautiful plants in the parks and what’s to come at this year’s festival.
Take 5: Gardens at Disney Parks
- Roses at Walt Disney World Resort – Take a look at these lovely award-winning rose gardens and a bit of history in this post.
- Flower Power Performances, HGTV Stars to Highlight This Year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Take a sneak peek at what’s to come at Epcot’s 19th International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 – May 20, 2012.
- 100,000 Poinsettias at Walt Disney World Resort – Over 100,000 poinsettias can be seen covering Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays – read how it’s done in this post.
- Epcot Topiaries Go To Infinity and Beyond – Check out how classic Disney characters took shape as topiaries at Epcot during last year’s International Flower & Garden Festival!
- Celebrating Fall Color at the Disney Tree Farm at Walt Disney World Resort – Photographer and Disney Parks Blog Author Gene Duncan captured some photogenic plant life while strolling through the Walt Disney World Nursery. Check out what he found in this video!
Take 5: Sail Away with the Disney Fantasy
posted on February 25th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney Cruise Line has been hard at work preparing for the Disney Fantasy to set sail on her maiden voyage this March. The ship is the fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet, and sister ship to the Disney Dream. To get you as excited as we are about the newest member to the fleet, we wanted to highlight some exciting features the ship has to offer.
Take 5: Sail Away with the Disney Fantasy
- A First Look at the Disney Fantasy After Float Out – Disney Parks Blog author Jonathan Frontado took us on a photo tour of the Disney Fantasy after it’s first float out from Germany.
- Fantastic Experiences Await Guests on the Disney Fantasy: New Details Revealed Today – In this post, we shared a great list of activities that are fun for the whole family!
- Magical Portholes on the Disney Fantasy – These magical “windows” offer guests a real-time view outside the ship. See for yourself!
- Disney Fantasy Set Sail Across Atlantic – The Disney Fantasy finally set sail across the Atlantic Ocean in preparation for her maiden voyage! Check out this video from the cruise directors before they left Germany.
- A Look Back at the Disney Fantasy Construction – Take a look at the magical transformation of the Disney Fantasy before it began it’s first voyage.
Take 5: Patriotism at Disney Parks
posted on February 18th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney Parks never fails to show it’s patriotic side with stars, stripes and song. In light of Presidents’ Day this Monday, let’s take a look at how Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort honors America, as well as some special visits from the president himself.
Take 5: Patriotism at Disney Parks
- President Obama Visit Adds to Walt Disney World Presidential History – President Barack Obama made Disney history by becoming the fourth sitting president to ever visit a Disney theme park. Read more in this post!
- American Traditions at Disney Parks – Disney Parks loves celebrating American traditions – check out some patriotic merchandise for your next visit.
- From Pennsylvania Avenue to Main Street, U.S.A., President Obama at Magic Kingdom – President Obama visited Magic Kingdom Park last month to discuss the encouragement of international tourism in the United States. Read more about his visit in this post.
- Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps Offers a Patriotic Tribute at Epcot – Disney honored Patriot Day with a special performance by the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps. Watch them perform “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in this video!
- Take Time to Pause and Appreciate The Liberty Tree at Magic Kingdom Park – Have you taken the time to visit the Liberty Tree near the entrance of Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park? Watch this video to learn more about this special tree.
Take 5: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Disney Parks
posted on February 11th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Love is in the air, and what better way to spend time with your Valentine than here at Disney Parks? Even if you’re just spending quality time with family or friends, there are plenty of hot spots, cozy restaurants, and picture-perfect locations to visit with your loved ones. How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day at Disney Parks this year?
Take 5: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Disney Parks
- Discover ‘Pirate’s Passion’ this Valentine’s Season at Walt Disney World Resort – Looking for a gift from the heart? Check out this unique Valentine idea from Disney Floral & Gifts.
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – The Downtown Disney District will host “Romance of the Big Band Era” with tunes, food and films – ingredients for the perfect date!
- Love Is In The Air at the Disneyland Resort: Romantic Locations – Secret gardens, Snow White’s grotto, and hidden courtyards – Disney Parks Blog author Michelle Himmelberg takes you to all the romantic spots at Disneyland Resort.
- Romantic Places at the Disneyland Resort, Part 2 – Planning to pop the question this Valentine’s Day? Take a look at this list of lovely locations for ideas.
- More Fun Surprises in Store for ‘The Magic, The Memories and You!’ at Disney Parks – Enjoy a romantic evening with a special segment during the Disney Park’s projection show, “The Magic, The Memories and You!”
Take 5: Disney Cruise Line Top Five Series
posted on February 4th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney Cruise Line is setting sail for another season to the beautiful state of Alaska. These seven-night Alaska cruises are jam-packed with endless activities aboard the ship, unforgettable excursions on land, and breathtaking natural beauty at each port. Having trouble deciding which destination is best fit for you and your family? To help you decide, take a look at a new video series on the Disney Parks Blog, the Disney Cruise Line Top Five.
Take 5: Disney Cruise Line Top Five Series
- Disney Cruise Line Top Five: Kid Activities on a Disney Ship – There are endless activities for children on a Disney Cruise, but where to begin when choosing which ones? Check out these five favorites.
- Disney Cruise Line Top Five: Adult Activities on a Disney Ship – Who said adults can’t have as much as the kids? Check out this video to see all the adult-exclusive activities aboard a Disney cruise ship.
- Disney Cruise Line Top Five: Family Activities on a Disney Ship – Disney Cruise Line fans show us their favorite experiences they shared as a family.
- Disney Cruise Line Top Five: Exploring Ketchikan, Alaska – It’s the perfect combination of a luxury vacation and outdoor adventure – Ketchikan, Alaska, or “The Salmon Capital of the World,” is a favorite of Disney Parks Blog author Jonathan Frontado.
- Disney Cruise Line Top Five: Exploring Juneau, Alaska – Cruises don’t always travel to tropical locations – check out these popular activities at the Juneau, Alaska, port of Disney Cruise Line.
Take 5: runDisney Races at Disney Parks
posted on January 28th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Over the years runDisney has hosted a variety of races and meet-ups throughout Disney Parks and Resorts, and the next race is right around the corner. To gear up for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Meet-Up Event this weekend, we wanted to take a look at some of the other exciting races and events in the past. Have you participated in a runDisney marathon yet?
Take 5: runDisney Races at Disney Parks
- Meet-Up and Fly Away Through the Disneyland Resort for Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – Participants will get to run through Disneyland park for the first time as part of a runDisney meet-up in this weekend’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon!
- Brazil’s Costa Establishes New Streak at Dramatic Walt Disney World Marathon – See who broke records in the 26.2-mile Walt Disney World Marathon earlier this month.
- Race Report: Disneyland Half Marathon – Disney Parks Blog authors joined 15,000 participants in the Disneyland Half Marathon last September – check out all the details in Erin’s post!
- They Ate, They Drank and They Ran at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon – More than 17,000 runners participated in the “Meet Up, Eat Up” at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, gaining the experience of a lifetime.
- Looking and Running Like a Real-Life Disney Princess – Calling all Disney Princesses! Check out this half marathon at Walt Dinsey World Resort meant just for you.
Take 5: Exciting Additions Coming to Disneyland Resort
posted on January 21st, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney Parks and Resorts are constantly dreaming up new ways to make the most magical places on earth even more special. This year, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park can expect some exciting new additions, from restaurants to attractions and of course, entertainment. What are you most looking forward to seeing during your next visit?
Take 5: Exciting Additions Coming to Disneyland Resort
- Main Street, U.S.A., Restaurants to Expand at Disneyland Park – Check out the expansion projects set to take shape at Main Street, U.S.A., including a much-anticipated addition to Carnation Café!
- New Fantasy Faire Experience Coming to Disneyland Park – The Fantasy Faire Stage will be a new entertainment venue where the stories of Disney’s fairy tale heroes and heroines will be brought to life, letting guests become part of the story as well. Check it out!
- Looking Down the Street in Disney California Adventure Park – Catch a glimpse at some of the charming shops that will line Buena Vista Street when it opens this summer.
- Behind the Wall: Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park The all-new Cars Land is racing to Disney California Adventure park this summer – watch out!
- Fall Into the Rabbit Hole at Mad T Party – Coming to Disney California Adventure Park – Also in summer 2012, guests will be able to experience an all-new nighttime family celebration when Mad T Party comes to Disney California Adventure park. Expect music, games and entertainment – psychedelic-style.
Take 5: 2012 Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks and Resorts
posted on January 14th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Our Disney Parks Blog authors and merchandise fanatics Steven Miller and Michelle Harker have been busy gearing up for the brand new T-shirts, pins and other goodies to hit the shelves this year. Check out some of the blog posts below to see what we’re most excited about. What new digs will you be wearing this year?
Take 5: 2012 Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks and Resorts
- Gearing Up for New Disney California Adventure Park Merchandise – Check out one of the new merchandise programs that you can expect to see when Los Feliz Five & Dime opens at Disney California Adventure park.
- The Key to the Galaxy at Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders got a sneak peek at the Star Tours 25th Anniversary Commemorative Tee, six limited-edition “keys” from the “Unlock the Magic” collection, and more!
- Maiden Voyage Merchandise for the Disney Fantasy – Now Maiden Voyage guests can purchase merchandise in advance before boarding the ship, and have their select merchandise available in their staterooms once they arrive. Now that’s what I call service!
- First Look at New Hidden Mickey Pins for 2012 at Disney Parks – Be on the lookout for two different waves of pins introduced at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts this month and again in summer.
- New Shirts with Character Arriving This Spring at Disney Parks – This spring, new shirts will feature outlines of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy that are filled with words that describe their personalities. Check them out!
Take 5: ‘Caption This’ from Disney Parks and Resorts
posted on January 7th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
“Caption This” is a fun series we started on the Disney Parks Blog this past summer. Every few weeks we look back in our Walt Disney Archives to find some of the most unusual and unfamiliar images from Disney Parks and Resorts over the decades. Here’s a look back at some of our favorites. Miss any the first time around? Go ahead, “Caption This”!
Take 5: Caption This from Disney Parks and Resorts
- Caption This: Up and Away at Disneyland Park – This photo was taken in 1961 during a Disneyland television special and may be one of the most unusual we have on file.
- Caption This: Mickey’s View of Epcot – Here’s an unbelievable photo of Mickey that was shot at Epcot in 1993. Here, he’s truly on top of the world. Check it out!
- Caption This: Mickey’s 1972 Disney’s Contemporary Resort Stay at Walt Disney World Resort – Here’s a photo that was taken in 1972 in one of the resort rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. Who do you think Mickey is calling?
- Caption This: A Snowfall at Tokyo Disneyland – This photo was taken in the 1980s at Tokyo Disneyland after a snowfall.
- Caption This: Vintage Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park – While we were doing some research, the blog team came across an interesting photo of the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland park.
Take 5: Fireworks Throughout 2011 at Disney Parks and Resorts
posted on December 31st, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We always find a reason to include a fireworks show at Disney Parks and Resorts. It’s doesn’t matter if it’s during Halloween time, the Fourth of July or celebrating the maiden voyage of a new cruise ship, fireworks always make an event more magical! This week’s Take 5 falls on New Year’s Eve, so we wanted to take a look back at some spectacular fireworks shots from around Disney Parks throughout the past year. Here’s to a sparkling start to the new year!
Take 5: Fireworks Throughout 2011 at Disney Parks and Resorts
- Forty Years of Fireworks at Walt Disney World Resort – Check out this awesome clip, in which Principal Fireworks & Special Effects Designer Brad Cicotti shares the history of Disney fireworks and offers a backstage look at how these shows are launched each night.
- A Spooktacular in the Sky at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts – Here are some images from Happy HalloWishes, a unique experience with lots of fireworks for Halloween guests.
- Fireworks Old and New at Disneyland Park – Disneyland Resort Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer shared some tips for getting that perfect shot during a fireworks show.
- Celebrating Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort – A spectacular fireworks show was just one way we celebrated the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort this year. Here’s a list of all the festivities!
- Maiden Voyage Guests Enjoy Innovation and Pixie Dust Aboard the Disney Dream – During the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream, guests enjoyed a brand-new fireworks spectacular called Buccaneer Blast!
