Author: Nate

  • Meet The Redhead From Pirates of the Caribbean Ride In Person At Disneyland

    Meet The Redhead From Pirates of the Caribbean Ride In Person At Disneyland

    Guests have been chanting “we wants the redhead” for years and now they are finally getting what they want! Arriving soon at Disneyland park will be a fierce and independent pirate known as Redd and she’ll soon be in New Orleans Square Disneyland where you can actually meet her in person.

    The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney announced that it would be reimagining that section of the ride. The attraction has already opened in Disney World with its new scene and refurbishment for the attraction at Disneyland is currently underway.

    Red Head Pirates of the Caribbean

    In Disney World’s new version the famed redhead is no longer being auctioned off. She has a new look and a new attitude! Now she sports a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

    A bit mysterious by nature, Redd travels to various ports throughout the Caribbean—selling rum and collecting coin.  She has been given a full back story and even told Disney when asked if she knew Captain Jack Sparrow, “That Sparrow owes me a new ship. Wouldn’t be surprised if he found himself in irons once more. If you see Mister Sparrow, I’m lookin’ for ‘em!”

    Redd is no longer anyones bride, auctioned or otherwise, and according to Disney it seems she’s only married to the coin!

    Keep an eye out for Redd this summer strolling around New Orleans Square!

     

  • 2019 Star Wars Race Weekend at Disney World Will Celebrate Epic Star Wars Rivalries

    2019 Star Wars Race Weekend at Disney World Will Celebrate Epic Star Wars Rivalries

    Disney recently hosted more than 43,500 runners for the Star Wars Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort and we’re already exploring ways to channel the Force for next year’s race.

    In honor of Star Wars Day, Disney announced today that the Star Wars race weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate epic Star Wars rivalries in 2019. With this new theme comes a new name – Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox. Starting next year, runners will be able to choose which side of the Force they will run for during the race weekend April 4-7, 2019.

    This race event will feature some favorite Star Wars rivalries from across the saga, with distances geared for all skill levels. In addition to the 5K, 10K, half marathon and the runDisney Kids Races, there will again be two challenges for runners to tackle. There’s the Star Wars Rival Run Challenge, which involves running the 10K and the half marathon during the race weekend, and the runDisney Kessel Run Challenge – completing the Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort and running the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon at home.

    Regardless of which side you choose, you won’t want to miss your chance to be a part of this unique adventure where you’ll encounter Star Wars characters along the course as you journey to the finish line to earn one-of-a-kind medals.

  • Two Baby Zebra Born at Walt Disney World Resort

    Two Baby Zebra Born at Walt Disney World Resort

    The folks over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are seeing stripes today!  The park has just announced the births of two female Grevy’s zebra foals. Originating from Africa, Grevy’s zebras are the most endangered species of zebra, with approximately 2,500 in the world.

    The first foal was born April 26 to Laylee, and the second was born May 1 to Zuri. Currently, the foals are nursing and bonding with their moms backstage. All will join the herd on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail overlook soon.

    Baby Zebra

    These zebra births mark another success for Disney’s animal care experts and the Species Survival Plan, a program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that helps ensure a diverse, healthy population of threatened and endangered species. These zebra foals are making an important contribution toward the worldwide conservation and understanding of the Grevy’s species, which will help ensure a future generation for these endangered animals.

    Our commitment to the care and conservation of Grevy’s zebras goes beyond our park. Through the Imperiled Species Conservation Project (ISCP), which gives our cast the opportunity to personally support the species they love through existing conservation programs, Disney has made contributions toward the care and protection of Grevy’s zebras in the wild. Recently, two of our zebra keepers traveled to Kenya through the ISCP to participate in the Great Grevy’s Rally, a population survey used to document the total number of Grevy’s zebras in the wild.

    The conservation work our cast has contributed with Grevy’s zebras is just the beginning. Later this year, several other cast members will travel across the world to support endangered animals such as painted dogs, dolphins, gorillas, Guam rails and kingfishers, rhinos, sharks and vultures.

    Our cast is the most valuable resource we have in delivering on world-class animal care and conservation. It makes us proud to see our cast making a difference, developing stronger interaction and partnering skills, and sharing their experiences with our Guests.

    Take a look back on some of the recent births and conservation efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

    You can learn more about zebras and Disney’s efforts to reverse the decline of at-risk animals in the wild by visiting DisneyAnimals.com.

     

  • First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort

    First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort

    Walt Disney Imagineering released new images Wednesday of the highly-anticipated Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, which is part of the Toy Story Land expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Toy Story Land will “shrink” guests to the size of a toy and allow them to explore Andy’s backyard – and all the fun he’s set up for his toys to have. At Alien Swirling Saucers, which is an attraction that’s been designed to look like a toy from Pizza Planet and placed in his backyard next to his Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command playset, Aliens fly around in their toy flying saucers while “The Claw” appears overhead. As you whirl around the toy planets and space stations as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of a fun electronic space music soundtrack that includes eight songs that may sound familiar, but will be heard in a quirky way you’ve never experienced before. Guests will also see pizza details throughout the attraction, including pizza columns, a pizza space station and the Planet Pepperonia.

    Alien Swirling Saucers is one of two new attractions planned to debut at Toy Story Land on opening day. The other is Slinky Dog Dash, where guests can take a ride on a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit – and placed Slinky and Jessie on top. Guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, a current guest-favorite attraction at the park.

    Green Army Men

    In addition to experiencing attractions in Toy Story Land, guests can also be entertained by the Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps, who will march through the land several times a day and stop to play “Sarge Says” with guests, and other games with a larger-than-life Pixar ball and crayons. Guests also have the option to join in on their interactive boot camp to see if they have what it takes to become an official recruit in Andy’s Backyard.

    For more on what to expect when Toy Story Land opens on June 30, check out the list of related blog posts below.

  • Special Appearances And Merchandise Coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights

    Special Appearances And Merchandise Coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights, a one-night special event, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

    In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It will celebrate the entire Star Wars saga – including the release of the new film Solo: A Star Wars Story – with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverages, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

    This week we’re sharing a sneak peek at a few of the exclusive merchandise opportunities guests will be able to enjoy at the event.

    Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano) Star Wars Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano) Star Wars
    • Appearance by Actor Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano) – Ashley is known to Star Wars fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano, but she’s also known as the person behind the company responsible for filling fandom’s closets and wardrobes with stylish apparel and accessories. Ashley will appear at the event in the Once Upon a Time gift shop with an assortment of her merchandise. She will also sign her new book, “IT’S YOUR UNIVERSE,” in which Ashley shares her life lessons, as well as lessons from iconic Disney characters, as a way to inspire girls to create big dreams and work to make them a reality. The book will be released May 8.
      • A wristband is required to meet Ashley and will be distributed with purchase at the signing location on the day of the event.
      • Merchandise available while supplies last.
    Galactic Nights Merchandise Galactic Nights Merchandise Galactic Nights Merchandise
    • Shop Skywalker Vineyards – Stop by Launch Bay Cargo to meet Tom Johnson, the General Manager of Skywalker Vineyards. Tom will be available to sign your purchased wine or olive oil bottles from 7 p.m.-midnight (intermittently).

    Galactic Nights Merchandise

    • Shop For Exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Nights Merchandise – Limited-edition event-exclusive merchandise will be available featuring art from the upcoming movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, including a T-shirt, stainless steel water bottle and pin.
    • Grab a Solo: A Star Wars Story Droid Factory Set – Stop into Tatooine Traders to purchase this set of Droid Factory action figures which includes the newest Astromechs – R2-F1P, R5-232, R2-S8 and R5-PHT – featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

    Want to know more about what there is to do and see at Star Wars: Galactic Nights? Check out the list of blog posts below!

  • New ‘Disney After Hours’ Dates Now Available for Magic Kingdom Park

    New ‘Disney After Hours’ Dates Now Available for Magic Kingdom Park

    Cant get enough time in the parks?  You’re not alone! Everyone wants to spend a little extra time in the magic when they can and luckily today, Disney has just announced dates and times for “Disney After Hours“.

    “Disney After Hours” is a ticketed event that is limited to a small number of guests. At Magic Kingdom Park that means little to no wait at 25 plus attractions and experiences. That includes favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Space Mountain and many more. Oh, and get this: the ticket allows park entry as early as 7 p.m., which gives you time to enjoy the fireworks before heading off to the attractions. Yeah, it’s really that awesome!

    Today, I’m excited to share the latest dates for “Disney After Hours” at Magic Kingdom Park, check it out below!

    • Thursday, June 28, from 10 p.m.- 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, June 30, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, July 7, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Monday, July 9, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, July 14, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, July 21, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, July 28, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, August 4, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Saturday, August 11, from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • Thursday, August 30, from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
    • Thursday, September 20, from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  • First Look: Toy Story Land Merchandise Coming To Walt Disney World

    First Look: Toy Story Land Merchandise Coming To Walt Disney World

    Oooooohhhh!!!  Disney just shared a first-look at some of the fun merchandise that will be available exclusively at Toy Story Land when the area debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    First up, guests can make a fashion statement with these playful headbands inspired by characters featured in Toy Story Land, with styles inspired by aliens and Slinky Dog.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    Guests can find this Light-Up Slinky Dog, which doubles as a toy and fashion accessory, with playful light-up rings.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    Also available will be “I Played There” commemorative T-shirts for kids that will let the world know they were among the first guests to experience Toy Story Land.

    Of course, shopping for these adorable items is just one way guests can enjoy themselves when Toy Story Land opens on June 30. Guests will also be able to ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet, or walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games. Families can also head to Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land for tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats.

    Which item above is your favorite? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. And be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog over the next few weeks for more coverage on this exciting expansion.

    Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land, opening on June 30!

  • Foodie’s Guide For Star Wars: Galactic Nights Is Out Of This Galaxy

    Foodie’s Guide For Star Wars: Galactic Nights Is Out Of This Galaxy

    This will be food long remembered…That’s right – Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, and we’ve got the Foodie Guide to everything being offered at this special event! These items will be available at various locations throughout the park.

    Galactic Nights FOOD

    Drawing inspiration from the beloved characters, worlds and stories, our culinary team has created a whole host of gourmet bites just for the occasion, including a few new offerings, such as the Dueling Gazpacho. This dish is a standoff between spicy red pepper and cool cucumber-melon, and was inspired by the famous lightsaber duel between Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Sith Lord Darth Maul.

    Galactic Nights FOOD Galactic Nights FOOD

    Next up on the list of new items is the Three-Cheese Pasta with a Meatball – a bold pasta inspired by the brave and persevering Resistance Movement, with creamy three-cheese sauce and a spicy lamb and beef meatball, a truly perfect pairing. There’s also the Sweet and Spicy Fried Drumstick. This honey-chili glazed drumstick is served with a pepper jelly biscuit, because what goes better together than chicken and biscuits? Well actually, Chewbacca’s friendship with the porgs of Ahch-To comes pretty close, and also serves as the inspiration for this dish.

    Galactic Nights FOOD

    Speaking of Ahch-To – this dish reminds us of Luke’s time on that marine planet. The Lemon Diver Scallop with Pork Belly unites land and sea, and is available exclusively at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. Also exclusive to this location is the Tofu and Rice Noodles, inspired by the vibrant and diverse capital of the galaxy – Coruscant. This contemporary dish features a medley of pan-seared tofu, leeks, red onions and noodles.

    Galactic Nights FOOD Galactic Nights FOOD

    If you love the adorable Ewoks, then you’ll love the new Soba Noodle Salad, a dish that compliments the Ewoks and their habitat on their Forest Moon of Endor. This vegetarian dish consists of chili-soy Soba noodles, cucumbers and carrots and is topped with a hard-boiled, chili-glazed deviled egg. But that’s not the only new vegetarian dish – there’s also the Plantmeat on Rootcrush! Inspired by Unkar Plutt’s concession stand on Jakku, this ration of vegetarian meatloaf, mashed potatoes, root vegetables and mushroom gravy will get you energized to go trade with the scavengers.

    Galactic Nights FOOD Galactic Nights FOOD

    “It’s a trap!” …of delicious flavors! These Cheese Grits are inspired by Mon Cala and feature a savory steamed crawfish smothered in decadent Louisiana boil broth served on top of sweet corn cheese grits. Also filled with flavor are the Loaded Red Curry Duck Fries. Based on the Battle of Crait, these seasoned fries are topped with duck confit, red curry ketchup and white blended cheese sauce, a snack that’s sure to ignite the spark of hope to any rebellion.

    Galactic Nights FOOD Galactic Nights FOOD

    This next dish was inspired by the Erso’s homestead, known for its lowlands and black sand beaches. This delicious meal of Fish and Chips with Smoked Paprika Remoulade comes with root vegetable chips and is sure to have you reminiscing of Lah’mu. And if you’re up for more seafood, then you won’t want to miss the Ancho-Chili Octopus, exclusive to BaseLine Tap House. This dominant dish of octopus and jicama, pear and cucumber slaw was inspired by the Sarlacc, the legendary creature found in the Dune Sea region of Tatooine.

    Churros

    But that’s just the new items – I haven’t even gotten to the returning items yet, like the popular LIGHTSABER CHURROS! That’s right, those bright blue and red churros are back along with the tasty Lightsaber Churro Sundae with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Other returning sweets include the Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn, the Star Wars-themed Orange Truffle Cupcake, the Mini-Éclair Trio, and the Glow Cotton Candy.

    Galactic Nights FOOD

    Galactic Nights FOOD

    On the savory side, we’ve got several popular dishes returning, such as the C-3PO Charcuterie, Yoda Pepperoni Pizza, Pork Wings with Blueberry Slaw, Vegan Blue Milk Curry, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Slider, the Bloody Mary Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Skewer, the Crab Duo, and the Ribeye Steak Puff. And for drinks, you can find the refreshing Jettison Juice (non-alcoholic) or Skywalker Wine Flight, featuring Sommità Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Rosé, and Sommità Pinot Noir from Skywalker Vineyards in Marin County, California.

    During the event, The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and BaseLine Tap House will offer table service dining with no reservations required. Here you can experience the flavors of the galaxy with many of the dishes listed above in heartier versions along with items exclusive to these locations.

    The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge Menu:

    • Lemon Diver Scallop with Pork Belly (Location Exclusive)
    • Tofu and Noodle Salad (Location Exclusive)
    • Éclair Trio
    • Shrimp and Chorizo Skewer
    • Wagyu Beef Slider
    • C-3PO Charcuterie
    • Skywalker Wines

    BaseLine Tap House Menu:

    • Ancho-Chili Octopus (Location Exclusive)
    • Éclair Trio
    • Ribeye Steak Puff
    • Vegan Curry
    • C-3PO Charcuterie
    • Dueling Gazpacho
    • Skywalker Wines

    Now, if you’re looking at these items and just can’t decide on one dish, try the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package! With this sampler package, you can taste a selection of five items – with up to 25 different specialty items and beverages (alcohol included) to choose from. In addition, you can also use this sampler for any Disney Dining Plan Snack-eligible items throughout the park. This package does not include items served at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and BaseLine Tap House.

  • Disney Launching New Digital Food Network Called Disney Eats

    Disney Launching New Digital Food Network Called Disney Eats

    Disney is cooking up some new digital entertainment for the foodies out there.

    At its annual Newfront presentation this morning, Disney Digital Network executives announced the launch of a new digital brand called Disney Eats. The online channel and editorial site features culinary shows and products aimed at families.

    The company has partnered with online food network Tastemade to develop original content that will take viewers on a culinary adventure inspired by Disney’s characters and its theme parks around the world.

    The company is making an effort to attract young families and reach a generation of viewers who grew up watching videos on platforms like YouTube, and now are looking for content for their children on online mediums.

    Upcoming Disney Eats shows include seasons of “Kitchen Little,” which will showcase kids working with celebrity chefs, and “Tiny Kitchen,” with chefs creating small replicas of Disney food. Both were co-created with global entertainment company Tastemade.

    In 2012, Disney made efforts to ensure that food products advertised on its television networks fit specific nutritional standards and Disney’s new the food channel will also uphold the same health standards that the company has already imposed on advertisers.

    Disney Eats will be part of the Disney Digital Network, which was previously known as Maker Studios and was acquired by Disney in 2014 for $500 million.

     

  • Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park

    Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park

    There is a ‘cool’ new spot now open at Disney California Adventure park and it’s here just in time for summer! One of the first locations to open along Pixar Pier is Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats where you can find new frozen favorites to fend off the summer heat!

    Adorable Frosted Treats

    Inspired by the lovable and not-at-all-abominable monster from the Disney•Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.,” this will be your go-to spot for yummy frozen treats! Here you’ll enjoy cones and cups with tasty towering soft serve, available in chocolate, vanilla, and non-dairy lemon.

    Adorable Frosted Treats

    The Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats will also be scooping up a few specialty treats like the Pixar Pier Parfait, a non-dairy lemon soft serve and blue raspberry frozen beverage and the It’s Snow-Capped Lemon, also a non-dairy lemon soft serve with a “snow-cap” of white chocolate – YUM! A selection of fountain sodas will be served as well, with the option to turn any soda into a float with your choice of soft serve.

    Pixar Pier is set to officially open in June at Disney California Adventure park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include the new Lamplight Lounge, Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, and Angry Dogs. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to come on out and try a frozen tasty treat at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats!