Category: Disney Parks

  • Disney Sued By Man Who Claims Rat Bit Him at Magic Kingdom

    Disney Sued By Man Who Claims Rat Bit Him at Magic Kingdom

    When you go to visit the mouse the last thing you expect is that you might get bitten by a rat, but a lawsuit filed earlier this month in Orange County claims that is exactly what happened to a man who was visiting Walt Disney World in April 2014.

    The couple is seeking more than $15,000 in a suit that claims Galen Haldeman, 59, had ridden Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and was in a nearby merchandise store when he was bit. The lawsuit, which was filed in Orange County on March 19, claims he suffered debilitating medical problems that stem from the rat bite suffered at the park.

    Haldeman was pushing his wife, Carol Haldeman, through the store in her wheelchair when the apparent rodent jumped onto the wheel of her chair and started moving toward her arm.

    The lawsuit states:

    “Just as the rat was about to bite into Carol’s arm, Galen grabbed the rat and yanked it off the chair. As he did so, the rat bit into one of Galen’s fingers. Galen had to twist the rat’s neck, and the rat fell to the floor where someone threw an empty plastic container over it”.

    According to the lawsuit, a Disney employee came over and asked onlookers not to take any photographs.

    “As a result of Disney’s negligence, Galen Haldeman was bitten by this rat and has been beset with debilitating medical problems ever since,” the suit said.

    The couple is suing for ensuing medical expenses, physical handicap, disfigurement, mental anguish and other problems to the incident.

    The Haldemans’ attorney and Disney were not immediately available for comment.

     

  • Reunion Station Reservations Begin April 4

    Reunion Station Reservations Begin April 4

    Reservations will begin on April 4 for workshops and private-lounge access at Reunion Station, a new gathering space for Members opening April 30 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as part of Membership Magic.

    Presented as a “Membership Extra” for eligible Members and located in what appears to be a repurposed railroad station at the edge of Bay Lake, Reunion Station is flexibly designed to serve as a private lounge with foods and beverages by morning and evening, a center for paid workshops by midday, and a relaxing (complimentary!) retreat for Members by night.

    Reunion Station’s evolving roster of workshops at the time of this post include the “Disney Vacation Club Beverage Tasting Series,” “Phone Photography” and “Animation 101.”

    The “Disney Vacation Club Beverage Tasting Series,” taking place on Mondays from 1:30-3 p.m. beginning May 7, is an interactive series of beverage-tasting seminars focusing on a different beverage type each week, from “Speak Easy Craft Cocktails” to “New World Wines.” Each session includes small-plate food pairings to complement the beverages served. (Other arrangements should be made for those under 21.)

    During “Phone Photography,” presented on Tuesdays from 1:30-3 p.m. beginning May 8, participants learn to expertly capture vacation photos on their phones, including the best approaches to photographing fireworks, characters, family poses and more.

    “Animation 101,” presented on Thursdays from 1:30-3 p.m. beginning May 10, is led by noted Disney animator Todd Bright, whose credits include work on The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch and Brother Bear. Each week’s class explores Disney-animation history and focuses on a different animation topic, with participants learning how to apply basic animation principles to creating their own flip book, learning to draw action poses through a study of basic gesture drawing or learning the art of character design.

    Each workshop is priced at $40 a person (inclusive of tax and gratuity) and limits party sizes to a maximum of four people, including the Member. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a paying, participating parent or guardian.

    Beyond the workshops, Reunion Station will serve as a food-and-beverage-inclusive lounge available as an add-on option for Members staying in any Disney Vacation Club accommodation type at Boulder Ridge Villas or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Members who add this option (priced at $50 a night for adults and $33 a night for kids ages 3-9) to their vacation will enjoy pastries, fruits, cereals, juices and more from 7-10 a.m. daily, and wine, beer, cheeses, salads, soups, desserts, crudité and more from 4-6 p.m. Note that this option is available only for the entire length of stay and for every member of the traveling party.

    And from 7-10 p.m. daily, Reunion Station will open its doors to all eligible Members (including those not staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) for mixing and mingling. A lounge host will be on hand during these nighttime hours to answer questions and offer assistance.

    Call Member Services beginning April 4 to add Reunion Station workshops or food-and-beverage lounge access to your vacation plans. While the food-and-beverage-inclusive lounge-access option is available only to Members staying at Boulder Ridge Villas or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Reunion Station workshops are open to all eligible Members.

  • Disneyland Paris Is An Experience You Can’t Miss

    Disneyland Paris Is An Experience You Can’t Miss

    If you always wanted to visit Disneyland Paris, now is a great time to do it!

    If you’ve never been to Disneyland Paris—or maybe you even still call it EuroDisney—there’s plenty more at the French park than what you might realize. If you’re wondering if it is worth the trip? Let’s just say it’s the only place in the world you can eat dinner at a Mickey Mouse rodeo and experience “Ratatouille” in real life.

    Photo: Tora Sirdorf

    The two parks are so close together, you can easily visit both in one day, the tickets you can use all day, jumping from park to park, as you wish. I recommend at least three days though, two in Disneyland Park and one in Walt Disney Studios. The ideal vacation, if you want to see the shows, try most of the rides, and meet characters, is six days (In my opinion). If you are staying in a Disney hotel, you of course have the extra magic hours, which you should really use! You also want have time to see Disney Village, which is a lovely place to relax before and/or after going to the parks.

    At Disneyland Paris transportation is a breeze and very accessible! There is a train that takes you from Paris, straight to the parks. If you are traveling by air then getting to the magic from Paris has never been easier with your choice of shuttle buses, rental cars, train services and private chauffeur. ‘Magical Shuttle’ Airport Bus takes you from the Paris airports straight to the heart of the magic. Magical Shuttle airport bus is only available as an option and is not included in a package.

    The park, which is in the middle of celebrating its 25th anniversary keeps the celebration going strong. The celebration includes:

    Disneyland Park:

    • Disney characters in special anniversary outfits
    • New parade, called “Stars on parade”, which is every day at 17:30
    • New castle show at nighttime, called “Disney Illuminations”, which features new songs, pictures, and even has Live action Disney movies, Star Wars and Marvel included
    • All new amazing merchandise featuring 25 anniversary, and stars on parade
    • New decorations with 25 years anniversary theme
    • A show at the Royal Castle stage called “Mickey presents: Happy Anniversary Disneyland Paris”
    • A show at the Royal Castle stage called “The Starlit Princess Waltz”

    In Walt Disney Studios:

    • A new show called “Mickey and the magician”
    • New decorations with 25 years anniversary

     

  • Catch The Headless Horseman at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    Catch The Headless Horseman at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    If you’re a brave soul who can’t get enough of the Headless Horseman, the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground may be perfect idea for you want to get another look at him after his annual appearance at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park before “Mickey’s Boo To You” parade.

    Disney just announced that the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering is coming back this fall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and is available for booking.

    “Return to Sleepy Hollow” includes a group viewing of the 1949 Disney animated classic film “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” inside the resort’s historic Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. And during event nights, you’ll be able to see galloping ghosts and experience an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman.

    The “Return to Sleepy Hollow” begins on September 28 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: September 28-30, October 3-7, October 10-14, 17-21, 24-31 at 8 and 10 p.m.

    Also, new this year, Disney is offering a dessert party at 9 p.m. after the movie if you’re viewing the 8 p.m. show or prior to the movie if you’re viewing the later show.

    General seating costs $22 per person, while premium seating, which includes a priority photo opportunity with the Headless Horseman and a Halloween treat bag, costs $38 per person. And the dessert party at 9 p.m. costs $60 per person.

  • Pixar Characters will Greet Guests in Toy Story Land at  Disney World Resort

    Pixar Characters will Greet Guests in Toy Story Land at Disney World Resort

    Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set open to guests on June 30 and Disney has just announced some more exciting experiences that guests will find when it opens to the public. There are so many things this land has to offer that it is truly the toy box of your childhood dreams and Disney has revealed that guests will be able to meet their favorite Pixar characters right in Andy’s Backyard.

    Inside this new land, you’ll have the chance to encounter characters from Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films, including Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl.

    Woody, Buzz and Jessie will be greeting guests throughout Toy Story Land on a daily basis. And each character (along with the rest of the gang) will be joining in on the fun in a land where guests “shrink” to the size of a toy. Guests will be also be able to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, or take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet.

    Toy Story Land guests can also 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.

  • Make-A-Wish Child Grows Up To Become a Disneyland Cast Member

    Make-A-Wish Child Grows Up To Become a Disneyland Cast Member

    For Lexi Marincovich, making wishes come true is part of the job. As an entertainment host at the Disneyland Resort, Lexi facilitates wish visits for children with life-threatening medical conditions, in partnership with Make-A-Wish and other wish-granting organizations.

    When she was a little girl, Lexi had no idea she would someday be working as a Disneyland Resort cast member.

    “I was a wish child,” she said. “So when I was little, my mom said she wanted to see an older version of me. This is my shot to show these families that one day their child can work and be healthy.”

    Each year, the Disneyland Resort grants approximately 750 wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. More than half of the wishes include character encounters, hosted by cast members like Lexi.

    According to Lexi, Disney characters can be a family’s symbol of hope. One wish visit that stood out to her was a child who met Oswald the Lucky Rabbit on Buena Vista Street. The child’s family considered Oswald their lucky rabbit because they would watch his cartoons and read his comics during medical treatments.

    “Depending on the situation, I will tell the families I was a wish child,” Lexi said. “Working here and still being able to be involved with wishes is the best of both worlds. It means so much to me to give these families the hope and strength they need to get through whatever hardship they’re going through,” she said.

    Disney Make a Wish

    Kaavya Chanamolu, age 4, recently had her wish granted at the Disneyland Resort. Kaavya’s wish was to receive a transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, experience “World of Color” and stay at the Disneyland Hotel with her family. A favorite moment was when Kaavya walked hand-in-hand with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse down Main Street, U.S.A.

    “To feel the goodness coming from everyone reaffirmed our faith in humanity,” said Kaavya’s mom, Priyanka. “We saw so much joy in Kaavya and the normalcy in her again. Make-A-Wish is so important because emotional healing is what these families need. This was an emotionally elevating experience for us.”

  • This Summer is a ‘Carnival of Stars’ at Hong Kong Disneyland

    This Summer is a ‘Carnival of Stars’ at Hong Kong Disneyland

    Hong Kong Disneyland is pulling out all the stops this spring and summer with the debut of ‘Carnival of Stars,’ a celebration of exciting new atmosphere entertainment and shows that’ll keep guests coming back for more. And it all starts today!

    The new “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show will transform the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A., each night into a colorful canvas that pays tribute to Mickey Mouse’s major milestones. Keep your eyes out for the star of the show in his latest finery.

    Black Panther Hong Kong

     

    Guests can spot more than 100 Disney characters across the resort this spring, including the debut appearances of Black Panther, Spider-Man and Groot over the next few weeks. The Disney Friends Springtime Processional brings together more than 30 Disney characters to sing and dance with guests, and this summer, the first ever Disney∙Pixar-themed “Water Play Street Party” will keep guests cool.

    Karibuni Marketplace Hong Kong

     

    Starting March 30, the Karibuni Marketplace will open in Adventureland to immerse guests in the lively colors, sights and sounds of Africa. Interactive games, exclusive souvenirs and special snacks will all be at the marketplace, and favorite Disney characters from “UP,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” will stop by.

    Moana Visiting Hong Kong Disneyland

    Last but not least, the brand new stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” will premiere in Adventureland this May, which is just the first attraction of the resort’s multi-year expansion. Until then, guests can now meet the brave heroine Moana in her debut appearance at the park.

    What a year we’re in for at Hong Kong Disneyland! Let us know in the comments below what you’re looking forward to on your next trip.

  • Marvel Land Is Officially Coming To Disneyland Resort

    Marvel Land Is Officially Coming To Disneyland Resort

    Marvel Land will be swinging into Disneyland Resort, the company announced Tuesday. A Marvel land is slated to open at Disneyland Resort in 2020 and New Marvel Lands will also be developed in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong.

    These new experiences at Disneyland ResortDisneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland will soon invite guests to become part of a bigger universe filled with epic heroes and adventures. Developed in partnership with Marvel Studios and Marvel Themed Entertainment, these three new areas will champion the next generation of Super Heroes.

    At Disneyland Resort, the new Super Hero-themed land will begin recruiting guests in 2020, with even more new experiences to follow. The Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe, furthering the evolution of Disney California Adventure park. This new land will be anchored by the popular Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, in the adjacent space that is currently occupied by “a bug’s land.” “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” closed March 19 to make way for this new heroic experience; the rest of the land will close in late summer.

    Marvel Land Disneyland

    As part of the transformative multi-year expansion announced for Disneyland Paris, the new Marvel-themed area at Walt Disney Studios Park will include a reimagined attraction where riders will team up with Iron Man and their favorite Avengers on a hyper-kinetic adventure in 2020. This will follow an epic experience launching this summer, when Disneyland Paris hosts Marvel Summer of Super Heroes from June 10 to September 30. Favorite heroes will take the stage for a brand new, live-action super-production featuring cutting-edge special effects and spectacular projections.

    Marvel Land Disneyland

    Multi-year expansion plans are also underway at Hong Kong Disneyland, including a new themed area that will include an exciting attraction where guests team up with Ant-Man and The Wasp. This new attraction will join the Iron Man Experience, which opened in 2017 and is already the most popular attraction at the resort.

    Marvel Land Disneyland

  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes Promises Chef-Driven Menu at Downtown Disney District

    Splitsville Luxury Lanes Promises Chef-Driven Menu at Downtown Disney District

    Disneyland has bowled a perfect game with this menu! Splitsville is now open to guests visiting at the Disneyland Resort, it is quickly becoming the go-to destination for not only bowling and entertainment, but also delicious dining!

    Splitsville Downtown Disney Disneyland Food

    The dynamic menu includes bowling alley favorites along with creative entrees and top-notch sushi. Here’s a sampling of new tasty items exclusive to the Downtown Disney District location:

    Macho Nachos: Loaded with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar jack cheese, queso, black bean corn salsa and pickled jalapenos. Nachos are then drizzled with avocado ranch and served with a side of sour cream.
    Chicken Thigh High Sliders: Two crispy chicken thigh sliders tossed in Asian barbecue sauce and topped with slaw.

    Poke Bowl: Your choice of salmon, ahi tuna or tofu with pickled radish and avocado over bamboo rice. Bowls are topped with spicy mayo, Nori threads, sesame seeds, scallions and Togarashi spice.

    Sweet N’ Spicy Chicken Bowl: Tempura-battered chicken, broccoli, red and green peppers are tossed in spicy Thai chili sauce and served over sushi rice.

    Splitsville Downtown Disney Disneyland Food

    And if you’re craving classic crinkle-cut fries, burgers and pizza, you won’t be disappointed! In the hands of Splitsville’s culinary team, bowling alley mainstays will take an artisanal twist with herbed dips, premium cured meats and grinds.

  • PhotoPass Props Are The Latest Trend To Capture the Magic At Disney World

    PhotoPass Props Are The Latest Trend To Capture the Magic At Disney World

    Disney Props for PhotoPass ops are increasingly popular these days and PhotoPass Service is constantly adding new photo opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney prides itself in helping guest take home unique mementos that capture the magic experienced during a Disney vacation, and props are an excellent way to place you in the moment and help you tell a story with your photos.

    Whether you’re marking a special occasion, stepping right into your favorite tale, or celebrating being in a Disney Park with your loved ones, there’s a prop for you! Here’s just a tiny sampling of the many props that are often available at various locations around Walt Disney World Resort throughout the year:

    Photopass Props
    We also have seasonal, festival and event props! Our Halloween- and Christmas-themed props always seem to receive the most attention, but we also offer props that celebrate other special occasions like Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day, Party for the Planet, Star Wars: Galactic Nights, Independence Day, Bastille Day, Thanksgiving, and so much more.

    Photopass Props

    Feeling inspired? Many of us have those essential items like toys and accessories that we always carry with us in the parks, so why not feature them in your photos? PhotoPass photographers love to get creative and incorporate your beloved “props” into pictures!

    Photopass Props
    With or without props, when you visit Disney PhotoPass photographers, you won’t just be taking photos, you’ll be taking creative keepsakes that tell your Disney story!