Space Shuttle Endeavour soared over Magic Kingdom Park this week during a historic “ferry flight” atop a NASA-modified 747 airliner. And as it made its way over Walt Disney World Resort, early-rising guests got a special look at the historic flight. What a sight. If you missed it, here’s the fly over.

Endeavour could be seen from various points across property at Walt Disney World Resort during the flight. Check Gary’s original post for more details.

The Endeavour continued its journey, flying over the Disneyland Resort a couple days later, and treating park guests and cast members to a glimpse of the shuttle’s “ferry flight,” as it travels to its permanent home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Take a look at Friday’s amazing moment of history above, and read Valarie’s original post for more details.

And we shared first word that something from the most recent film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” is about to be added to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction here at the Walt Disney World Resort. Can you guess what it is? Here’s what you’re saying.

Take a look at some of the other stories we worked on this week:

Disney Parks Blog Readers ‘Get Spookier’ at Our Halloween Meet-Up in Disneyland Park – On Monday night, Disney Parks Blog readers got to see how the Disneyland Resort gets spooky for Halloween Time at our “Get Spookier” Meet-Up!

All in the Details: The Theming of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom Park – These photos show exactly how guests will become immersed in the tale of “The Little Mermaid” the instant they arrive at the Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction.

Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort Hosting Frankenweenie Weekend – You’re invited to a special Frankenweenie celebration planned for Downtown Disney West Side from September 28-30.

Heading to the 30th Anniversary of Epcot on October 1? Here’s the Schedule of Events – Where will you be on October 1? Here’s a look at the special events taking place at Epcot for the 30th anniversary here at Walt Disney World Resort.

New Park Icon Sketch Collection Debuts at Disneyland Park – The Park Icon Collection of sketches is now available at The Disney Gallery, allowing you to fit your favorite Disney attractions inside your living room.

From Haunted Mansion to Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park – Watch this video to see the exterior of the Haunted Mansion transform into Haunted Mansion Holiday – a process that spans a few days – in just 36 seconds!

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we kicked off some favorite celebrations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. First, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Magic Kingdom Park on September 11.

And Halloween Time began on Friday at the Disneyland Resort. This season, fans of Haunted Mansion Holiday and the upcoming film “Frankenweenie” should keep an eye out for a new, special surprise in the Haunted Mansion pet cemetery.

Erin also shared a few of the many experiences in store at this year’s Halloween Time event:

• The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland
• Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour
• “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition”
• The Pirates League
• And, of course, Halloween Time favorites like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

And we had several New Fantasyland stories this week, including the very first photos from inside the Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction. When it opens in December, you’ll follow Ariel on her journey as she meets Prince Eric, falls in love, and makes a deal with Ursula, the evil Sea Witch. Jennifer has more details and photos to see in her original post.

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

Vintage Epcot: Introducing Dreamfinder – Epcot, which opened almost thirty years ago, is responsible for creating one of the most iconic theme park characters, beloved by Disney fans: Dreamfinder.

Special Robert Olszewski Collector Appreciation Event at Disney Parks – From September 21-23, Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts will host a special Robert Olszewski Collector Appreciation Event, with discounts and artist signings.

Storytelling Through Dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland – When it opens at Magic Kingdom Park on November 19, Be Our Guest Restaurant will magically drop guests into the world of Belle and the Beast with a whole new level of theming for a Disney restaurant.

Mickey’s Halloween Party Merchandise is a ‘Scream’ at the Disneyland Resort – Get ready for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort with some frighteningly fun tees.

Disney Cruise Line Honored As #1 for Families – Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families for the fourth consecutive year.

Top 10 Disney Wedding Cakes – Fondant, frosting and floral – oh my! Take a look at these top 10 Disney Wedding cakes.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we shared a few updates on nighttime entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort, including first word of plans to expand seating for Fantasmic! shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And on the same night, we posted some new images from the upcoming “Celebrate the Magic” show at Magic Kingdom Park. Looks amazing, huh? The show will feature all-new music, storytelling and special effects when it begins in November.

Our exclusive Disney Parks Blog series, “All in the Details,” continued as well, with a look at some hidden details you may not have known about the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. Casey Jr.’s train cars have a specific set of numbers on the back: 71, 82, 89 and 98. Check Jennifer’s post to find out what they reference.

Here are a few other stories we worked on this week:

‘Submerge’ Yourself to See the Underwater Beauty of the Caribbean on a Disney Cruise from Texas – Take a look at Port Adventures you can enjoy on Disney cruises from Texas starting September 22.

Disneyland Circle D Corral Horses Lead Labor Day Parade – See how our Circle D horses were given a place of honor in the Norco Labor Day Parade.

Finish That Disney Parks Sign: Strolling Along New York Street at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Can you finish this subway sign from Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Joining the Pirates League at Disneyland Park – Get your own pirate makeov-arrs and new pirate names at Disneyland park!

The 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon: It’s A Sell Out – Although the marathon is sold out, you still have a chance to take part in the celebration!

Halloween Carnival Takes Over Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at Disneyland Park – See what’s new for Halloween at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland at Disneyland park.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Did you see the new marquee art for our Reimagined Test Track? We shared it first with Disney Parks Blog readers during our exclusive live chat with Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick. Melissa is one of the lead Imagineers involved in the reshaping of Test Track at Epcot and you better believe she had lots to say. If you missed it, click “Replay” to review the questions and answers.

Thanks for the great questions and comments. Please keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for information about our next live chat.

And we continued our series of sneak peeks inside New Fantasyland with a first look at a whole new kind of character experience at Enchanted Tales with Belle. Enchanted Tales With Belle will open at Magic Kingdom Park in preview phase November 19, with a grand opening set for December 6.

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

Frankenweenie Merchandise Comes to Life at Disney California Adventure Park – From tees and limited-edition pins to plush and CDs, take a look at new “Frankenweenie”-inspired merchandise coming to Disney California Adventure park in September.

The Magic Behind Mickey’s 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Medal – David Brotherton, the creative force behind the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon medal, takes readers behind the scenes and shares details about the creative journey that led to this signature medal.

A Disney Cruise Through the Eyes of a Child – Experience Disney Cruise Line through the eyes of a five-year-old in this exclusive video.

Disneyland Resort Guided Tours: Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour – Halloween Time is just around the corner at Disneyland Resort – have you booked your spot on the Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour yet?

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders to Get a Sneak Peek of New Disney’s PCH Grill Menu – Beginning today through September 20, Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can get a special peek at the new menu at Disney’s PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel; here’s an early look at the new menu.

Shadows of Joy at Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World Resort photographer Gene Duncan shares a moment two young star-struck youngsters will never forget.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we continued our exclusive series of New Fantasyland stories with a special treat. Walt Disney Imagineering showed us how Enchanted Tales with Belle at Magic Kingdom Park will transport you into the world of “Beauty and The Beast.” Take a peek inside.

Check the Disney Parks Blog this upcoming week for a special “All in the Details” New Fantasyland post that I think you’ll really enjoy.

And did you hear? Our next live chat will be with one of the key Imagineers working on the reimagined Test Track at Epcot – Melissa Jeselnick. Melissa will be chatting about how you’ll be able to design your own custom concept vehicle when the attraction is reopened in late fall and how you’ll be able to put it through its paces on the hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit.

Visit the blog tomorrow at 1:15 p.m. to ask your questions and see something you’ve never seen before from the attraction.

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

Disney Parks After Dark: Surprises in the Night Sky at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park – See how the neon signs on Route 66 at Cars Land glow by taking a look at Disney Parks After Dark.

How a Horse Becomes a Disneyland Horse: Owen Makes His Main Street, U.S.A., Debut at Disneyland Park – There’s a new cast member on Main Street, U.S.A. Watch Owen the horse “graduate” by pulling guests for his first time in the Main Street streetcar!

Vintage Walt Disney World: Hollywood Scoops Opens – I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream. Find out the history of Hollywood Scoops in this Vintage Walt Disney World post.

Baby Elephant Jabali Celebrates First Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort – Jabali, one of six elephants born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrates his first birthday!

Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: Child’s Play – Slow down and enjoy Disney California Adventure from a child’s point of view.

SNEAK PEEK: Jack’s Gingerbread House Arrives at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park – Take a sneak peek at this year’s wild and wacky gingerbread house design, now in its 12th year in the Haunted Mansion.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Set your alarm. Early tomorrow, you’ll be able to make first reservations at our new Be Our Guest Restaurant in the New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. We announced the big date this week and shared a look at what’s on the lunch and dinner menus.

As Pam told us, the first seating will be for dinner on November 19. Check out our original post for details on how to reserve your table and see some exclusive photos from inside the restaurant.

And this holiday season – for the first time in its history – the Candlelight Ceremony and Processional is being extended to a total of 20 nights at Disneyland park, with two performances each night.

The first two nights, December 1-2, will be invitation-only events. Performances from December 3-20 will be open to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders and guests booking special, to-be-announced dining packages for the 2012 holiday season. Check Erin’s post for more details.

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

Major Makeover for the France Pavilion at Epcot – Take a behind-the-scenes look at the changes being made to the Bistro de Paris in the France Pavilion at Epcot, which will have a whole new look and name come early December.

All in the Details: Imagineers Add Character to Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – Our friends over at Walt Disney Imagineering share the detailed process it took to create the elaborate new bronze statue in Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland.

Disneyland Resort APs: Register Now for Your Chance to ‘Glow With the Show’ at ‘Fantasmic!’ on August 28 – Do you want to “Glow With The Show?” Exciting news for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders: You can RSVP for a private viewing of “Fantasmic!” on August 28.

‘Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality’ Opens at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort September 1 – Beginning September 1, the “Phineas & Ferb” brothers will invade another area of Walt Disney World Resort, when “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality” opens at Downtown Disney.

New Signature Images Released of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – See how the newly released signature images of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park are putting the “fantasy” into New Fantasyland.

A Tasty Tour: Inside the Candy Kitchen on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park – Did someone say candy? Take a tour of the updated Candy Kitchen at Disneyland park with candy maker, Rob McHargue.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, we shared the big news that the grand opening of New Fantasyland will take place on December 6, 2012. Attractions included in this opening are Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto, Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Check Jenn’s original story for more as well as a look at some exclusive images from New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.

And we had more from the all-new Fantasy Faire coming to Disneyland park. Walt Disney Imagineering gave blog readers a first glimpse inside the Royal Hall at Fantasy Faire, where you’ll be able to spend time meeting some of your favorite Disney Princesses. The new Fantasy Faire opens in spring 2013.

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

Treat Yourself to a Halloween Transformation at Disney Parks – Are you looking to scare up some fun this Halloween? Here’s a look at just some of the “spooktacular” goodies coming your way at Disneyland park.

Special Tickets, Room Rates for U.S. Military at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts – Have you heard the details of Disney Parks’ latest special theme park tickets and special pricing for accommodations for military and their families?

Which is Which? Disney Fantasy vs. Disney Dream – We’ve shared some of the differences between the Disney Fantasy and her sister ship, the Disney Dream, but can you identify which of these magical touches belong on which ship?

Meet the Authors Behind ‘Poster Art of the Disney Parks’ on August 18 at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland Park –  To celebrate the arrival of “Poster Art of the Disney Parks,” The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., will be hosting a special event in Disneyland park and we’re sharing all the details!

Disneyland Resort Guided Tours: The New ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour – Learn about the challenges, excitement, inspiration, and fun that went into creating Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom in this new guided tour at Disneyland park.

Hakuna Matata: ‘Lion King’ Finds a Home at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort – Now officially open, here’s a closer look at the Lion King wing of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Tagged: DLR, WDW, Weekly Recap

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort