More Walt Disney World Resort Stories

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap Jan. 10, 2016

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Experiences

We kicked off the first week of the year with stories about some new experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2016, including special dining opportunities and new ways to experience some of your favorite attractions.

E.P. Ripley, One of the Steam Engines of the Disneyland Railroad Premium Tea Party at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel Beginning Jan. 22

Erin shared that while the Disneyland Railroad is temporarily closed this year, guests at the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations will be able to get up-close with the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland park for decades. Guests will be able to learn about the trains firsthand from our own train engineers and even take a picture with an engine.

There are other special opportunities around the world-famous Jungle Cruise and limited-time experiences aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia throughout the year at Disneyland park. Check out our original story for all of the experiences.

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And we welcomed a new member to the family at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – a baby marmoset. Two 3-year-old marmosets are the proud parents, and Dr. Mark Penning let us know that both are demonstrating great parenting skills. Check out Mark’s original story for video of baby and more details.

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

California Farm Prepares New Home for Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm Animals – As we prepare to wish our Disneyland goats a fond farewell, we’re happy to announce that they have found a wonderful forever home on a farm in Murrieta, Calif.

VIDEO: Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Float Dazzles in the 2016 Rose Parade – We kicked off the new year in Pasadena, Calif., with the “Disneyland Diamond Celebration – Awaken Your Adventure” float appearing in the Rose Parade on January 1!

A Very Special Afternoon Tea Begins January 22 at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel – Steakhouse 55 is hosting a mid-day tea from noon to 3 p.m. beginning January 22, bringing the rich tradition of a royal afternoon respite to Disneyland Resort guests where they can enjoy sweets, savories and a grand selection of a dozen special teas.

Southern California Residents Can Enjoy Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and More with Limited-Time Special Tickets – As the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration continues into 2016 and Season of the Force takes guests into the Star Wars galaxy in Tomorrowland, Disneyland Resort starts the new year with a special ticket offer for Southern California residents.

New Dishes Highlight Indian-African Flavors at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village – Sanaa is one of Disney’s top table-service restaurants, but many still consider it a well-kept secret (and a Cast Member favorite).

Disney Parks After Dark: Main Street Electrical Parade Lights Up Magic Kingdom Park – With the holidays behind us, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” is again the centerpiece of nighttime entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park, shown here in a photo snapped of the Partners Statue.