Disney News

Category: Disney Parks

  • Disney Unveils New Purple Wall Design at Magic Kingdom

    Disney Unveils New Purple Wall Design at Magic Kingdom

    The paint has dried and the selfie taking has begun!  On Monday, Disney unveiled it’s new purple wall in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. The newly redesigned wall now features an updated purple color scheme in still makes for an Insta-worthy photo-op.

    New Purple Wall

    For Disney it may have “all started with a mouse”, but for Instagrammers, the #DisneyWall trend all started with a wall – a purple wall to be exact… So many guests found the purple pigment of this wall to make an ideal Instagram background that the wall quickly earned its own hashtag – #purplewall – and became a sought-after photo stop for guests visiting the park.

    If you’re looking to get a picture with the new purple wall you can find it just down the ramp from Tomorrowland Terrace toward the entrance to Tomorrowland. Right when you hit the turn into the land, you’ll see the Purple Wall on your right.

    See the posts below for more on #DisneyWalls around Disney Parks:

  • The Amazing Eats at Packed in Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land

    The Amazing Eats at Packed in Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land

    Woody’s Lunch Box will the go to place to eat when Toy Story land opens up on June 30 and it will be dishing up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages.

    In the toy-filled backyard that is Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and explore the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends. In the middle of all the fun, Andy has taken his vintage Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with a thermos, turning it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. Here is a peek into whats has been packed in Woody’s Lunch Box.

    Toy Story Land Food

    S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.

    Toy Story Land Food

    Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough – The perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.

    Toy Story Land Food

    Breakfast Bowl – The green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs.

    Toy Story Land Food

    BBQ Brisket Melt – With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough.

    Toy Story Land Food

    Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam – Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.

    Toy Story Land Food

    Totchos – Potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love??

    Toy Story Land Food Toy Story Land Food

    Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.

    Toy Story Land Food

    Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon – Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.

    The littlest toys can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. For toys looking for more lighter options, they can grab one of these tasty bites at Woody’s Lunch Box or check out the many other healthful offerings available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.

    Banana Split Yogurt Parfait – Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day!

    Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.

    Soda Floats – All toys would agree that a refreshing soda float is the perfect nostalgic beverage!

    The adorable Alien Sipper may be purchased and filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.

    The team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen – has described just how much fun (and challenging) it was to take sentimental food favorites and give them a modern make-over…in flavor and presentation.

    “Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World, about the year-long menu development process.  “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?”

    The big kids can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider. It all looks so good!  This is a lunch box that only your mother could pack!

  • Disneyland Can’t Mention “Marvel” In New Land Due To Universal Contract

    Disneyland Can’t Mention “Marvel” In New Land Due To Universal Contract

    Disney recently announced a Marvel themed land coming to many of its parks around the world, but due to a contract that Marvel signed long before Disney acquired the company, they are not allowed to use the mention Marvel anywhere in Disneyland Resorts theme parks in Anaheim California.

    Many Walt Disney World fans already know that the rights for most Marvel characters belong to Universal Studios and can’t be used anywhere in Disney World. But what you may not know is that the quarter-century old contract — which gives Universal the rights to Marvel characters east of the Mississippi River — is the same contract that also states that the Marvel’s name can’t be used in any theme park west of the Mississippi.

    The new land in Anaheim will feature superheroes made famous in Marvel comic books, movies and video games, including Spider-Man, the Hulk and Iron man and many others. Just don’t expect it to be called Marvel Land. They can use the characters, but they just can’t mention Marvel anywhere. Marvel Entertainment was purchased by Disney in 2009, but still must follow licensing agreements with other movie studios.

    Unlike Walt Disney World in Orlando, Disneyland in California is free to use Marvel characters however they like whether or not they appear at any Universal theme parks and they certainly don’t plan of changing their plans. They will be moving at superhero speed to complete the projects, but they will just have to call it something different, like “Avengers Land” or “Place with Lots of Superheros Land.”  They will think of something and most people probably won’t give it a second thought. Working out a deal with universal isn’t out of the question either.

    Disney officials declined to comment on the licensing agreement but said the deal won’t derail their plans to build an expansion that will resonate with fans, according to the Los Angeles Times.

    “We are excited to bring these stories and their compelling characters to life with a new land in Disney California Adventure park,” said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown.

  • Festival of Pirates and Princesses Begins at Disneyland Paris

    Festival of Pirates and Princesses Begins at Disneyland Paris

    Mischief and magic is afoot at Disneyland Paris! As part of the 25th Anniversary celebration, guests can now create their very own adventure story and participate in the Festival of Pirates and Princesses with an exciting new show called “Disney Pirate or Princess: Make Your Choice!”

    The interactive show starts at opposite ends of the park – a blossoming, colorful Disney Princesses float journeys through Fantasyland while a huge galleon boarded by scallywags sails down Main Street, U.S.A., accompanied by an acrobatic crew of pirates.

    disneyland-paris-pirate-or-princess-make-your-choice

    Both worlds come together at Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the finale. Guests are then invited to choose a side and take part in one of two routines alongside their favorite Disney characters, all to the same playful melody for one grand ending. The entire show takes place several times a day, so guests can switch sides for a different experience later in their visit.

    During the Festival of Pirates and Princesses, guests will see sequences from Pirates of the Caribbean during the new Disney Illuminations show and may even spot Jack Sparrow in Adventureland with his pirate crew. Pirates and princesses alike can take part in face painting or even create an entirely new look with transformations in Adventureland and Fantasyland, not to mention meeting their favorite pirate or princess (or both!).

    There’s so much to do and see at Disneyland Paris during the 25th Anniversary celebration! Stay tuned for more on the new Marvel Summer of Super Heroes starting June 10.

  • Walt Disney Imagineers Talk Immersive Storytelling at Disney Parks

    Walt Disney Imagineers Talk Immersive Storytelling at Disney Parks

    Disney Parks Imagineers are the the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Recently these extraordinarily creative, intelligent and inspirational cast members sat down for a panel to discuss storytelling at Disney Parks.

    Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting 25 of the country’s top female journalists at the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Campus in Glendale, California. Members of the Online News Association’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator Program took time from a week-long event at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism to tour of the campus.

    The visit included a panel of some of our top creative executives, who discussed the art, passion and creativity of storytelling in a way that captures the hearts of our guests around the world. The panel was moderated by our own Disneyland PR Director Michele Himmelberg, who was also an award-winning journalist. Panelists included:

    • Charita Carter, Producer: Charita’s scenic illusion team is responsible for advancing new creative technologies to bring storytelling to the next level, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    • Jeanette Lomboy, Regional Executive WDI Pacific: Jeannette has been a creative force at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, and Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, among others.
    • Robin Reardon – Executive Creative Producer: Robin is one of the top creative executives working tirelessly on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    The Imagineers discussed their unique work at WDI and how it impacts our guests every day. Take a look at the video below for more.

  • $3.3 Billion Disneyland-Style Theme Park To Open In Egypt

    $3.3 Billion Disneyland-Style Theme Park To Open In Egypt

    Rumors of the possibility of a Disney Park coming to Egypt have been going around for quite some time and recently they have started back up again after Martouh Governor Alaa Abu Zeid signed an investment contract with the Entertainment World Company establish a Disneyland-style amusement park worth $3.3 billion.

    The news comes from an Egypt Independent report on February 1st and it has caused some confusion. The reports are on multiple news outlets in Egypt and they have stirred up the rumors again, most likely because of the choice words “Disneyland-style amusement park.”

    It started back in 2014 when the state-run news MENA agency reported “There are discussions going on between Disney International to build in Egypt its first Disney Park in the Middle East, similar to Disney France,” Ashraf Salman, Egypt’s investment minister, said.

    At that time Disney flat out denied any plans for a new park in Egypt according to The Washington Post. “At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we continually look for ways to grow our business and as part of that process, we have conversations with many different entities,” a spokesperson for the company said in an e-mailed statement. “While Egypt is an attractive market, we have no plans for the region at this time.”

    While that’s not a denial that they could have been in talks, there were not and still are no plans by the Walt Disney Company to build a park in the country. Well that was then and this is now and it looks like Egypt is moving forward without Disney in a joint US-Saudi Arabian investment project and making their own theme park which would be in the “style” of Disneyland, but not with the theme of disneyland.

    The theme park will be built on an area of 5,080 acres in Sidi Heneish, Marsa Matrouh. The Local Development Minister Abu Baker Al-Gendy, Investment and International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr, and Chairperson of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones Mona Zobaa were present at the signing ceremony hosted by Abu Zeid and Lisa Marie Stephen, the Managing Director of Entertainment World in the Middle East and Africa, the report states.

    According to Nasr, the park will be the biggest foreign investment project after the new investment law and its executive regulations. The project is expected to take up to ten years to complete and would generate around 40,000 new jobs. The first phase to be completed in around two years.

    While Egypt may not be getting a Disney theme park, Saudi Arabia may actually be in the running to be the first in the middle east to be home to a Disney Park after a delegation of Saudi officials, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger on Wednesday.

    They discussed Disney’s future in the Saudi Kingdom and the meeting mainly focused on movies and entertainment, but the crown prince highlighted the massive opportunities which exist in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a solid infrastructure and a massive demand for Disney products and services exist. While nothing specific was mentioned about a theme park, it seems like the crown prince was hinting that there is a market for it, but they are just talks at this point and nothing has been planned.

    One thing is clear, the region is clearly making an effort to increase its entertainment industries and boost their tourism numbers.

  • ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Celebration at Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27

    ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Celebration at Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27

    The release of Solo: A Star Wars Story is less than two months away and at Disney Parks there’s no better way to celebrate the release of the film than to follow-up a showing by attending the Star Wars: Galactic Nights special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27. You won’t want to miss the celebration as this one comes with a special celebrity appearance from one of the films actors.

    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 latest film – with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

    Today, we learned new details on how the May 27th event will feature exclusive “Solo: A Star Wars Story”-inspired content.

    Joonas Suotamo Chewbacca Galactic Nights

    First up, actor Joonas Suotamo who plays Chewbacca in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” will make a special appearance at the event. The event’s Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away presentation will debut some new video moments from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” And the park’s nighttime projection show, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, will debut a new action sequence from the film.

    In addition, guests will also be able to shop for event-exclusive merchandise from the film, taste a Star Wars-themed cupcake with a glowing Millennium Falcon, snap pics with Chewbacca, and more.

  • Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party Starts This Summer At Disneyland Paris

    Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party Starts This Summer At Disneyland Paris

    Are you ready for the first ever, extremely exclusive Disney FanDaze event?
    Prepare to join Disney’s biggest fans for Disney’s biggest-ever fan event. The Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party takes place June 2 and it will be dazzling and delighting Disneyland Paris guests like never before. This will be the first event of its kind in Disneyland Paris, and I will keep you updated throughout it!
    The event will include:
    NEW: Dance Your Ducktales Parade
    If you’re a fan of DuckTales, you’ll love this all-new jumpin’ ‘n’ jivin’ parade. For the first time ever, this is your chance to say hi to Duckburg’s favourite residents and shake your duck tails as Scrooge McDuck and the gang lead this wild and wacky extravaganza through the streets of Walt Disney Studios Park. You’ll be quackers to miss it!
    NEW: Max-Live! Gettin’ Goofy with it
    If you’re a fan of dancing the night away, then get ready to rock out with Goofy’s totally cool teenage son. For his first-ever concert at Disneyland Paris, Max is psyched and ready to rock! Anticipation will be in the air at Production Courtyard when Goofy’s son and his talented Disney pals put on a crazy show with pop beats inspired by A Goofy Movie. Watch out for the hilarious hiccups during the live broadcast, because, well, he is Goofy’s son.
    NEW: Meet the Rarest and Fairest Disney Characters
    If you’re a fan of dream encounters, you’ll love meeting the rarest and fairest Disney Characters out and about for Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party. Only at Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party can you snap a photo with the likes of Roger Rabbit, Bolt and more – all of them over the moon to meet their biggest fans…you! So expect the unexpected because you never know who you might encounter, from the classics such as Clarabelle Cow and Clarice, to the newbies including Joy and Sadness, ready and waiting to bring a big cheesy smile to your face.
    NEW: Disney Characters in Excusive Colorful New Costumes
    If you’re a fan of dressing to impress, you’ll love the amazing new outfits Disney Characters are wearing for Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party. See Mickey, Minnie, Duffy, ShellieMay, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto take their outfits to all new heights, while happy colours, fabrics and daaaaarling designs make Mickey’s wardrobe the talk of the town. Do you have the magic to pull off something as sensational? We can’t wait to find out!
    NEW: Can you keep a secret?
    Because this is one worth keeping. Mickey is expanding his Disney FanDaze VIP (Very Important Pals) family to include two rare Disney Characters who have NEVER been seen together anywhere in the history of Disney Parks. What a scoop! But keep it to yourself, for now.
    NEW: An Evening of Attractions, Open for Dans Only
    Walt Disney Studios Park opens its gates for the Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party where fans can enjoy Park attractions all to themselves. From an epic 13-floor plunge on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to being shrunk down to the size of a rat in Ratatouille: The Ride, this is FAN-tastic privatized evening no fan will ever forget.
    NEW: Snap Up Some Magically Exclusive Disney FanDaze Souvenirs
    If you’re a fan of the divine, you’ll love these truly magical Disney FanDaze collectors’ souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Specially created for this very special event, all items are limited edition. Get your hands on one and you’ll have a keepsake that will remind you that you’re a Disney superfan.
    NEW: Tuck into Tasty Treats Specially Prepared for Disney FanDaze
    If you’re a fan of all things Disneylicious, you’ll love the tasty line up we have cooked up just for you during Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party. With magical treats following a Disney FanDaze theme, this is your chance to tuck into some delightful delicacies fit for our most magical fans.
    NEW: Show your Inner Disney
    As fans, we all have a part of us that just can’t wait to show off our Disney FAN-tasies! And now, during Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party, we can! Bring yours to life with Disney pins, hats, ears and other accessories. Inspired by a favourite Disney Character? An unforgettable Disney attraction? To each their own, and whatever the DisneyBound choice, your fabulous look will be one of the evening’s major attractions!

    There are three different packages: Classic package, Themed Package and Conferences

    Classic package:
    Be a part of Disney FanDaze history with this package that includes:
    • Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party ticket
    • Disney Hotel Stay
    • Disney Park tickets
    • PhotoPass+
    • Disney FanDaze Lanyard and Pin.Be a part of Disney FanDaze history with this package that includes:
    • Disney FanDaze Inaugural Party ticket
    • Disney Hotel Stay
    • Disney Park tickets
    • PhotoPass+
    • Disney FanDaze Lanyard and Pin.

    Themed Package: SOLD OUT

    Conference package:
    If you’re a fan of Disney Imagineers and want to hear some of their best kept secrets, then these are the add-ons for you. Once you’ve booked your package, just add one of these amazing extras and you’ll enjoy an exclusive conference with Disney Imagineers in Animagique Theatre (conferences are in english)

    • “Insights with…Disney Imagineering” : £22

    Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Creative Executive Walt Disney Imagineering

    • “A Duffy & Friends panel with…” £22

  • Disney World Changes Famous Purple Wall Leaving Many Upset Guests

    Disney World Changes Famous Purple Wall Leaving Many Upset Guests

    Walt Disney World is known for many of its iconic rides and attractions but a recent social media trend has vaulted a blank purple wall at Magic Kingdom to the top of the list for photo ops for park-goers. In a strange turn of events, Disney has changed the famous purple wall at the height of its popularity.

    Unfortunately for many who now add snapping a pic in front of the famous purple wall to their must do Disney list will now have a new and different looking wall in their backgrounds. The change has left many guests confused since the park recently started a new merchandise campaign for the wall complete with hats and MagicBands with the phrase “Meet me at the Purple Wall.

    Social media has turned purple with frustration over the change as the entire point of the trend was the fact that it was just a blank purple wall with a shade of purple that was just perfect for that Instagram selfie. But all is not lost…  There is still a section on the side that is solid purple albeit a smaller section. Still plenty big enough to get that coveted #PurpleWall Instagram pic.

    Some fans are embracing the change and going with the futuristic flow.

    Others are outright distraught and are not happy with the change.

    Disney Parks had announced that enhancements were underway for the wall, but the new geometric design was not what guests were expecting. It’s rather futuristic looking which is possibly as part of an advanced re-theming of Tommorowland in advance of the new Tron Coaster coming to the park.

    If you’re looking to get a picture with the newly designed purple wall you can find it just down the ramp from Tomorrowland Terrace toward the entrance to Tomorrowland. Right when you hit the turn into the land, you’ll see the Purple Wall on your right.

    As we mentioned, there is still some purple wall left for your photos so now the wall is a Two-Fur.  Now you get to take a picture with both! #PurpleWall vs. #NewPurpleWall. Let the purple wall battles begin! Don’t forget there are still a lot of other photo worthy walls around Disney parks and there surely be more to come.

  • PANDORA Sparkles at Disneyland Paris With New Multi-Year Deal

    PANDORA Sparkles at Disneyland Paris With New Multi-Year Deal

    PANDORA and Disneyland Paris announced recently that they have signed a multi-year strategic alliance that will introduce new official Disneyland Paris versions of the iconic PANDORA charms and a new retail location for Europe’s number one tourist destination.

    Disneyland Paris Pandora

    The Disney PANDORA collection is a jewellery assortment available at Pandora stores worldwide that also offers a selection of exclusive Disney-themed charms available only in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. As part of this alliance relationship, PANDORA’s core collection at Disneyland Paris is available at five merchandise locations with each location offering a different experience to highlight the range of charms and bracelets inspired by Disney Characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the iconic Disney Princesses. The PANDORA collection will also soon be available for sale in its own unique retail location in Walt Disney Studios Park which opens in April.

    This new alliance relationship names PANDORA as the official sponsor of Disney Illuminations, an unforgettable nightly show that brings together groundbreaking special effects and impressive fireworks to transform Sleeping Beauty Castle before taking guests on a journey through beloved Disney stories.

    “PANDORA’s arrival at our resort is fantastic news for our guests and our fans,” said Francesca Romana Gianesin, Vice President of Corporate Alliances at Disneyland Paris. “We share a common passion for creating special moments and crafting unforgettable memories.”

    Disneyland Paris Pandora

    This strategic alliance is part of a broader agreement with The Walt Disney Company. PANDORA first entered into a strategic Corporate Alliance with Disney in August 2014. Under the terms of the agreement, PANDORA created an original collection of Disney-themed jewellery, which is since sold in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., as well as in PANDORA stores throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America and the Caribbean. The alliance was then extended in November 2015 to include the Asia Pacific region.

    “We are excited about this great opportunity to now have one of our store locations in such a beautiful setting as the Walt Disney Studios Park,” said Delphine Medaouri, Pandora France Managing Director. “Our customers will be able to have a new experience in a place that perfectly matches the values ​​of PANDORA.”