If you’re a Disney Parks fan, you may have found it difficult to look away from the blog this week. We had a continuous stream of great stories, including the official announcement that we’re keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours on Memorial Day Weekend to kick off a Monstrous Summer on both coasts.

A 180-foot-tall Mike Wazowski from the upcoming Disney●Pixar film “Monsters University” helped make the official announcement at Epcot. The huge sphere of Spaceship Earth was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney●Pixar “Eye-con” for the announcement.

Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time. Check our Monstrous Summer story for more details.

And did you hear? The new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will march into Magic Kingdom Park in spring 2014. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring a celebration of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A., through fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a parade theme song. Jennifer has more details about the parade in her original Festival of Fantasy story.

Here is a look at some of the other stories we shared this week.

First Look: Setting the Stage for “Mickey and the Magical Map” at Disneyland Park – Take a sneak peek at the newly refurbished stage inside the Fantasyland Theatre and “Mickey and the Magical Map” at Disneyland Park.

Just Announced: More Magic Coming to the Disney Magic and Disney Cruise Line – Disney Cruise Line has added an extra dose of magic aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship!

A Fresh Take on Blue Bayou Menu Debuts Today at Disneyland Park – Blue Bayou fans have some new dishes to try and can revisit classics that have been lovingly tweaked at Disneyland park.

Top Five Best-Selling Dishes at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Jenn shares with us the top five best-selling dishes at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Walt Disney World Resort – May 2013 Merchandise Events – This May, visit Walt Disney World Resort for a variety of fun and unique merchandise events.

Big Fun for Little Ones at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort – See the best rides and events for children at Downtown Disney.

Meet the Steam Engines of the Disneyland Railroad: E.P. Ripley – Erin introduces us to E.P. Ripley, the next steam engine on the Disneyland Railroad tour.

Tagged: DLR, Video, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

We dug through the archives this week and found a video gem to share with Disney Parks Blog readers before our celebration of the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s a 60 second look at how the parks’ Tree of Life was created.

The 145-foot-tall tree was designed as a symbol of the circle of life and features 325 animals sculpted into its roots, trunk and branches.

If you’re joining us for the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Earth Day, we’ve shared some tips for Disney Parks Blog readers.

Now, here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Tokyo Disney Resort Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Begins ‘Happiness Year’ – Peek inside the Tokyo Disney Resort 30th anniversary celebration, plus rare photos from Walt Disney Imagineering!

Disney Fairies Sprinkle a Little ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disneyland Park – Tinker Bell and her fairy friends met some pixie-sized guests at Disneyland park during Disney Fairies Week as part of “Limited Time Magic”!

New ‘Limited Time Magic’ Merchandise for the 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Debuts on April 22 – Tomorrow, new merchandise offerings celebrating the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut as part of Limited Time Magic.

Through a Photographer’s Lens: Waterfalls of Disneyland Resort – Paul continued his “Through a Photographer’s Lens” series by featuring waterfalls at the Disneyland Resort.

Celebrate Earth Week with ‘Limited Time Magic’ Surprises at Disney Parks – “Limited Time Magic” surprises are coming your way next week in celebration of Earth Week at Disney Parks.

Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line – This summer, Disney Cruise Line will visit Croatia for the first time! Learn about the amazing options for Port Adventures in this post.

Tagged: DLR, Video, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we shared a few early details on what’s planned for the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22. There will be a special opening ceremony featuring – Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment; and Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative. Of course, there’s more on the schedule so visit our original Disney’s Animal Kingdom story to learn more.

And we also took a special look at one of our most popular attractions – the Jungle Cruise. Erin showed us how the unique ecosystem at the Disneyland park attraction came to be. When building the Jungle Cruise, Walt Disney turned to Imagineer and horticulturist Bill Evans to create the landscape. Bill’s goal was to develop a “Hollywood Jungle,” a mixture of exotic plants and trees that would give the feeling of traveling through exciting and uncharted territories. The story continues in our “It’s a Jungle Out There” post.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Get a Sneak Peek at A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas at Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney Imagineering offers an exclusive video sneak peek at the new interactive quest, A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas coming to Magic Kingdom Park.

Remembering Annette Funicello at Disneyland Park – Celebrate the life of Disney Legend Annette Funicello with this special look back at some of our favorite photos of Annette through the years.

runDisney Announces Enhancements for Runners as Registration Opens for the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Presented by Cigna – Will you be participating in the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna? Here are some changes you can expect that will make for the best marathon weekend ever.

Long-Lost Disney Friends Creating Some ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disneyland Park – From Scrooge McDuck to Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, take a look at some of the long-lost Disney friends visiting Disneyland park as part of “Limited Time Magic.”

Ten Years of Fun at Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney California Adventure Park – Hear about the new additions to Disney Junior – Live on Stage! straight from twin brothers and puppet masters Scott and James Silson.

‘Star Wars’ Droid Factory Expands to New Locations at Disney Parks – With new build-your-own droid experience locations at Disneyland park in California and Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida, the Force is now with Disney Parks guests on both coasts!

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we revealed the results of our online poll to determine which of your favorite long-lost Disney friends will step into the spotlight at Disneyland park for some special “Limited Time Magic.”

From April 8-14, you’ll be able to find Ludwig Von Drake, Scrooge McDuck, Frollo, Friar Tuck and many more long-lost Disney friends at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland. Erin has a list of characters you’ll be able to see as a part of “Limited Time Magic” in her original story.

Which long-lost Disney friends are you most excited to see?

And we shared word of a new waterfront eatery coming by the end of this year at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot. Spice Road Table will feature various small plates and refreshments inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on Spice Road Table.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Meet the Steam Engines of the Disneyland Railroad: C.K. Holliday – Start our grand circle tour of the Disneyland Railroad steam engines with the C.K. Holliday. Learn all about Engine No. 1!

Zagat Names Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort One of Top 15 Iconic Restaurants in U.S. – Do you dream of dining at Victoria & Albert’s? Zagat named it one of the top 15 iconic restaurants in the U.S.

Disney Parks ‘Quick Hits’ – ‘Limited Time Magic’ Offer, Calling All Canadians and Flower Power at Epcot – As a part of “Limited Time Magic,” the Disney Truck Shop will be at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort next week.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game at Walt Disney World Resort – Take a look back at some of the memories from the Atlanta Braves spring training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Floral Mickey Through the Years at Disneyland Park – Floral Mickey is one of the most photographed locations in Disneyland park! Watch how this icon has changed through the years.

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event at the Disneyland Resort – Merchandise Update – Tickets for the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Merchandise Event, taking place June 28-29 at the Disneyland Resort, went on sale this week!

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Did you hear? We’re celebrating the upcoming release of “Iron Man 3,” opening in theaters May 3, with an exciting new exhibit at Innoventions at Disneyland park in California. And this week, we shared some early details with Disney Parks Blog readers.

Beginning April 13, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries will give Disneyland park guests the chance to see Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3.” You can learn more by visiting Erin’s Innoventions story.

Also this week, Steven Miller gave us an early look at some Star Wars Weekends 2013 merchandise coming in May at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Be sure to click through our special photo gallery of items and pick your favorites.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, StarWars.com and DisneyWorld.com/StarWarsWeekends for future updates.

Star Wars: © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Sweet and Cozy Hats Join ‘Year of the Ear’ on April 1 as Part of ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney Parks – New hats celebrate the “Year of the Ear” as part of “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks.

Disneyland Resort Chefs Cook Up Tasty Vegetarian Dishes – Looking for vegetarian dishes at the Disneyland Resort? Pam shares some of her favorites on the Disney Parks Blog.

Explore Alaska’s Wildlife with Disney Cruise Line – Disney Cruise Line now features a new Wilderness Safari & Beach Exploration in Juneau, Alaska.

Easter Celebrations are Hopping at the Disneyland Resort – Happy Easter! Erin Glover shares some of the “Limited Time Magic” celebrations at the Disneyland Resort.

Celebrate Spring on Your Desktop with Our Newest Epcot-Inspired Wallpaper – It’s springtime at Disney Parks! Check out this new Epcot-inspired wallpaper, available now for your desktop or smartphone device.

A Look Back: 1958 Opening of the Grand Canyon Diorama at Disneyland Park – Fifty-five years ago today, a new route was discovered on the Disneyland Railroad: the Grand Canyon.

Tagged: DLR, Gallery, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Our special Disney character “egg” hunts may end today but more spring “Limited Time Magic” surprises are on the way. And this week, we shared a peek at what’s planned for our celebration of Easter at Disney Parks, including locations of egg hunts and where you can see Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

Beginning Monday, a weeklong Easter celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will include “Limited Time Magic” surprises. Check out our latest “Limited Time Magic” story to see when and where things get hopping at the parks.

This week, we also shared some important updates coming to Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Starbucks will be making its debut inside Market House this fall. And to make room for the addition, Market House will close next month to begin an expansion into the adjacent space currently occupied by Disneyana. Visit Erin’s story for more details about the Main Street, U.S.A., changes.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Flying High at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort – Soar above Downtown Disney and see your favorite park attractions from a new vantage point with Characters in Flight, Operated by Aerophile at Walt Disney World Resort.

Join Disney Royalty on a VIP Visit to Doge’s Palace in Venice – Visit Doge’s Palace in Venice with Disney Royalty on an exclusive Mediterranean Port Adventure available soon on Disney Cruise Line.

New Friends Join Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney California Adventure Park – Doc McStuffins and Princess Sofia join the cast of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! in Disney California Adventure park.

Tips for a Memorable Easter at the Walt Disney World Resort – Disney Floral & Gifts shares tips for making your Easter at Walt Disney World Resort especially memorable.

April Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort – Take a sneak peak at some of the art and collections coming to the Disneyland Resort this April in this post.

Even Island Residents Love an Aulani Vacation – Readers of Honululu Magazine have voted Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, “Best Hotel for a Staycation”!

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

We shared several big announcements on the Disney Parks Blog this week, including exciting plans for Disney Springs, our multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort.

When work is complete, Disney Springs will expand from 75 to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, featuring some of the world’s most iconic brands and restaurants. Check Tom Staggs’ original story for more Disney Springs details, including information about each planned district.

And we also announced Opa! A Celebration of Greece, that’ll feature music, dance, art, food, history and more at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland park and Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure park. The festivities begin May 25 at the Disneyland Resort. Erin’s original Opa! A Celebration of Greece story has a nice rundown of what’s planned.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

‘Limited Time Magic’ Disney Character ‘Egg’ Hunt Begins Next Week at Disney Parks – ”Limited Time Magic” brings a special “egg” hunt to Disney Parks next week!

Explore the Musical Worlds of Disney When ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ Opens at Disneyland Park May 25 – An all-new live show, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” is set to open May 25 at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park.

A Villain and Hero Highlight ‘Star Wars’ Weekends 2013 in Weekend I and Weekend II and a First Look at the 2013 Event Logo – Gary Buchanan shares the 2013 Star Wars Weekends logo and several celebrity appearances for this year.

Vote Now to Decide Which Long-Lost Disney Friends Visit the Disneyland Resort for ‘Limited Time Magic’ – Vote now on the Disney Parks Blog for which long-lost Disney characters you want to meet at Disneyland park as part of “Limited Time Magic!”

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Fantasy Faire Now Open at Disneyland Park – Fantasy Faire opened this week at Disneyland park! Take a look at all the fun and magic waiting for you in this post.

It’s Baaack! Taste of Hollywood to Go with Fantasmic! Seats March 25-April 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Taste of Hollywood to Go returns for spring break! Find out how you can have a quick, delicious meal and reserve seats for Fantasmic! too.

Tagged: Disney Springs, DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort