Category: Disney Parks

D23 Expo Japan Complete Recap on New Experiences For Disney Parks

During D23 Expo Japan 2018, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek revealed new details about major expansions in progress across Walt Disney World Resort leading up to the 50^th Anniversary.

From reimagined favorites to new ways you can encounter Super Heroes, Jedi, classic characters and life-long Pixar pals, here’s a complete look at what was announced.

Toy Story Land

The fun will soar to infinity and beyond beginning this summer with the opening of Toy Story Land. This playful new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard where guests will feel like they have been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz, as they are surrounded by oversized toys. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land that includes two major new attractions.

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster that will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops through the world of Andy’s toys. Guests can also spin around with little green aliens aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and quick refreshments will be on tap at Woody’s Lunch Box.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This highly anticipated new land is set to open in 2019, both at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park – on a grand scale – including the creation of a full-sized fleet of X-wing star fighters and a life-size Millennium Falcon starship.

The totally immersive land will include two jaw-dropping attractions that allow guests to have control of their experiences. One attraction will put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance—inside a Star Destroyer. In the second attraction, guests will have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon – the most famous ship in the galaxy. Throughout the land, guests will also have the chance to interact with Chewie, the lovable BB8 and members of the First Order, plus wander through a toy shop in the street market run by a Toydarian, one of the creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Immersive Star Wars-Themed Hotel

Fans can live out their Star Wars adventures beyond the theme parks with an immersive experience at a groundbreaking new Star Wars–themed hotel concept. The epic new experience will take guests to a galaxy far, far away and will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new land set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Unlike anything that exists today, the new luxury resort will completely immerse guests in an authentic Star Wars story. The journey through space begins the moment guests arrive, as everyone boards a starship and departs together for a multi-day Star Wars adventure. An opening date for the new hotel has not been announced.

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction at Epcot

Larger-than-life Super Heroes will descend upon Epcot with the opening of a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. Based on the rockin’, action-packed “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, this one-of-a-kind family attraction will feature a brand-new, innovative ride system – and will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world! Coming to Epcot Future World, the new attraction will open in time for the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The first ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will delight guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning in 2019. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an incredible multi-dimensional experience.

A New Family-friendly Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Just in time for the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new, family-friendly show will debut at the theme park April 22. Featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up,” guests will get a chance to see their favorite Senior Wilderness Explorer and his furry friend as they discover bird species from around the world.

California Adventure Park

Pixar Pier will open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park featuring four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. The opening of Pixar Pier will also include the Incredicoaster – a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that will bring the Parr family racing alongside you in a high-speed adventure.

And also coming in June at Disney California Adventure is a dazzling new float for the popular “Paint the Night” parade featuring Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.”

Disneyland Paris

As many of you know, Disneyland Paris is re-imagining one of its resort hotels into Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. During D23 Expo Japan, we got a sneak peek into one of the rooms that will open at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2020.

And we also saw that the Marvel Super Hero universe will come to Walt Disney Studios Park, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be totally reimagined as a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure where guests will team up with Iron Man and their favorite Avengers.

Keep it locked right here on Disney Dorks for all the latest updates and details about these amazing upcoming experiences and attractions.

February 12, 2018
Toy Box Café Opens at Toy Story Land Shanghai Disneyland

Guests at Shanghai Disneyland can now dine at the imaginatively themed Toy Box Café made out of the packaging once home to Buzz Lightyear, Lotso, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, ahead of Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land’s opening this April.

In the same authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese style, guests can choose from a mix of traditional and western treats that pay homage to characters from the film series. Options include Alien Spicy Seafood Pizza, Baked Sweet Potato with Marshmallow and Bubble Waffle with Strawberry Ice Cream, inspired by the teddy bear’s signature strawberry scent.

Guests can dine on oversized toy tables and chairs in Andy’s backyard, surrounded by the playful world of everyone’s favorite toys. And starting April 26, guests can enjoy even more Toy Story with the opening of Slinky Dog Spin, Rex’s Racer and Woody’s Round-Up, plus a character greeting area and Al’s Toy Barn.

Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the opening of Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land.

February 9, 2018
Even The Snacks Have Rose Gold Fever at Disney World

Rose Gold Fever has spread throughout Disney Parks & Resorts! With the extreme popularity of the rose gold ears and spirit jerseys, the chefs at the Walt Disney World Resort wanted to get in on the fun themselves with some beautifully delicious sweets.

You may have already seen the rose gold cupcake at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot – a beautiful vanilla cupcake with hazelnut swirl, rose gold buttercream, fondant ears, edible glitter and chocolate pearls.

Well, in addition to Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are now offering their own versions! In Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll find a Rose Gold Red Velvet Swirl Cupcake topped with a mini-vanilla cupcake, rose gold buttercream, chocolate crispy pearls and chocolate rose gold Minnie ears at Main Street Bakery. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find a Strawberry Rose Gold Cupcake with strawberry icing and crispy pearls at The Trolley Car Café.

Outside of the parks, the resorts have come up with some rose gold cupcakes as well! On the monorail loop around Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is serving up a tropical Rose Gold Vanilla Cupcake with guava pastry cream at Capt. Cook’s and Kona Café.

There is also a Rose Gold Margarita with lime and a gold sugar rim might be arriving this week at the Barefoot Pool Bar! Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort now has a Rose Gold Vanilla Cupcake with strawberry filling, vanilla buttercream, strawberry crispy pearls and a dark chocolate rose gold Minnie hat. And Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a Rose Gold Unicorn Cupcake with rose gold sponge and hazelnut cream cheese filling at Gasparilla Island Grill!

At Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you’ll find a Rose Gold Chocolate Cupcake with strawberry buttercream filling and topping, chocolate ears and chocolate crispy pearls. These can be found at Intermission Food Court, The Artist’s Palette and The Paddock Grill.

And finally, around Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll find even more cupcakes! At BoardWalk Bakeryyou’ll find a Rose Gold Yellow Cupcake with rose mousse and topped with whipped cream frosting, rose gold Minnie ears and rose gold crispy pearls. And at the Beach Club Marketplaceand The Market at Ale & Compass, you’ll find a Strawberry-Chocolate Mousse Cupcake with buttercream icing.

If you’re visiting one of these locations, you won’t want to miss these dazzling rose gold sweets. And not only are they delicious, they can also make for a cute pic for your social media. Put on those Rose Gold Ears and your Rose Gold Spirit Jersey to add a little flair and create the perfect composition, and comment below to tell us which one is your favorite!

February 6, 2018
VIDEO: Disney Animatronic With Missing Head Gives Guests Unexpected Shock

The poor unfortunate souls riding The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disneyland got an unexpected shock while on the attraction Sunday. The ride’s Ursula animatronic literally lost its head in plain sight of park guests.

You would think The Queen of Hearts had been screaming, “off with her head!” but instead a few shrill shrieks were probably heard from park-goers as the figure continued to move and sing with its head dangling.

In the words of The Sea Witch herself, “Don’t underestimate the importance of body language.” Take a look at the horrifying video below.

This happened today which caught me off guard because Disney is usually so critical over things like this😂 #offwithherhead ! pic.twitter.com/biGGYG6ec2

— M Lilah (@dizzzymissy) January 28, 2018

“Immediately after we got off we were ushered out along with everyone else, and the employees looked very concerned,” the poster wrote. “Many people had seen Ursula decapitated, including kids who understandably were upset.”

This was just one of a multitude of videos and pics of the horrifying event that have been plastered all over social media.

In an odd coincidence, this isn’t the only attraction to lose its head in recent days. Social media also was buzzing when the auctioneer from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland Paris also malfunctioned and lost his head too.

The infamous Auctioneer at Pirates of the Caribbean literally lost his head 😱 I’m curious how long it takes them to fix it #dlplive pic.twitter.com/TZ6JOW64m5

— Julian (@HOPAJUL) January 28, 2018

These type of malfunctions are bound to happen, but it still can be rather horrifying for the young ones even if the adults (big kids) find it a little funny. Very soon after both rides were temporarily closed for repairs.

January 29, 2018
NEW Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine Appears at Disneyland

A new Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine has materialized at Disneyland recently with some haunting new pressed coin designs.

Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still you might just find the new machine at Port Royal Curios and Curiosities.

Below is a little teaser video Disneyland Today shared recently.

Have you seen the new Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine that has materialized at Port Royal Curios and Curiosities in New Orleans Square? Even playful spooks can’t resist it! pic.twitter.com/139P51oWQ7

— Disneyland Today (@DisneylandToday) January 25, 2018

Whether you are a Haunted Mansion fan or a pressed penny collector this is a ghoulish delight.

January 27, 2018
Tokyo Disneyland Reveals Plans For 35th Anniversary Celebration

It’s hard to imagine but, Tokyo Disneyland has been open now for 35 years. What’s easy to imagine is the over the top magical celebration Disney is going to have to commemorate the occasion. The special anniversary event, “Tokyo Disney Resort 35th ‘Happiest Celebration!’” will take place from April 15, 2018 through March 25, 2019.

The celebration marks the 35th anniversary of the Grand Opening of Tokyo Disneyland Park and will including an all-new daytime parade and much more. Guests visiting the Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Parks will be able to experience the happiest time ever with the Disney Friends and Cast Members during this milestone year. Tokyo Disneyland Park opened its gates on April 15, 1983 and grew from a single theme park into a resort that now includes Tokyo DisneySea Park, four Disney hotels and more.

The celebration kicks off at Tokyo Disneyland Park with the premiere of “Dreaming Up!,” a brand new daytime parade which takes Guests to a world of fantasy and imagination. Also at Tokyo Disneyland will be the reopening of the newly enhanced attraction “it’s a small world” with the addition of almost 40 new figures based on characters from Disney films, and Main Street in World Bazaar will be transformed into Celebration Street for the duration of the event. At Tokyo DisneySea the celebration begins with a new show, “Happiest Celebration on the Sea,” where the Disney Characters dressed in new costumes welcome Guests to celebrate the anniversary.

From July 10, the new nighttime spectacular, “Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland” will
premiere at Cinderella Castle. This performance incorporates projection mapping, music, lasers, water cannons and more for a show on a grander scale than ever before experienced in the Park.

Also at Tokyo Disneyland, a new show titled “Let’s Party Gras” will open at Theatre Orleans,
while Tokyo DisneySea will present “Hello, New York!” a new show at Dockside Stage.
Both Parks will be decked out in an array of colors for the anniversary year, and Guests
will discover Happiest Mickey Spots throughout the Parks. In addition to special merchandise and special menu items for the 35th anniversary, there will be a shop specializing in the classic Tokyo Disney Resort souvenir, Chocolate Crunch, opening at Tokyo Disneyland for a limited period only.

The Disney hotels will feature decorations and special room amenities themed to the 35th
anniversary, and Guests can enjoy special programs, menus and merchandise during this period. The Disney Resort Line monorail trains will also be decorated to commemorate the 35th anniversary, adding to the excitement around Tokyo Disney Resort.

Tokyo Disney Resort has continued to be a place filled with happy moments where people of all ages can have magical experiences, a place “where dreams come true.” In 2018, Tokyo Disney Resort will create even more happiness and even brighter dreams as it celebrates 35 years of fun and joy with the “Happiest Celebration!”

January 21, 2018
Experience the Chinese New Year Night Market at Hong Kong Disneyland

When the sun goes down and the stars come out at Hong Kong Disneyland, Main Street, U.S.A. transforms into a bustling Night Market in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Discover stalls filled with festive delicacies and specialties will line the walkway, while Mickey and his friends visit to wish everyone prosperity in 2018. There will even be atmosphere entertainment to drum up the festive spirit.

All day long, guests can also enjoy Pluto-themed decorations honoring the Year of the Dog and dine on holiday menu items across the resort. Wishing Fish at the Market House Bakery are a festive start to the year – you can also find them at outdoor vending carts around the park.

Dozens of new seasonal merchandise items are on sale as well, such as StellaLou in her first traditional Chinese outfit.

The first five days of the Lunar New Year will bring a newly designed Year of the Dog-themed Lai See Packet for guests, which contain a chocolate gold coin and a merchandise coupon for even more good fortune. And to top things off, God of Fortune Goofy will share blessings guests at The Annex on Main Street, U.S.A.

Disney friends will appear in different festive outfits day and night to offer their best wishes, including StellaLou, who will be celebrating her first Chinese New Year at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Chinese New Year is only the beginning of a very exciting year at Hong Kong Disneyland! The seasonal favorite Disney Friends Springtime Carnival and the new “We Love Mickey!” Main Street Projection Show both start in March, while “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” debuts in May as the first attraction of the ongoing multi-year expansion plan.

January 21, 2018
“It’s A Small World” Getting A Makeover at Disneyland

The holidays are over and Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” is about to start transitioning from the Holiday version back to the classic version, but the work doesn’t stop there.

Work will continue in the promenade in front of the attraction. The queue location is being moved – along with other enhancements, including a new parade route entrance and stroller area – allowing guests to travel through “it’s a small world” Mall with greater ease.

“it’s a small world” Mall is a popular area of Disneyland park. In addition to accessing “it’s a small world,” guests use the promenade in front of the attraction to get to Mickey’s Toontown and Fantasyland Theatre, among other offerings. The slightly adjusted parade route will make room for the attraction’s new queue, creating more space in the area.

“it’s a small world” Holiday will close on Jan. 22 and “it’s a small world” will reopen on Feb. 2. The aforementioned changes are expected to complete in spring, when “Pixar Play Parade” will step off the new parade route entrance during Pixar Fest, beginning April 13.

January 20, 2018
Disney Parks is Poppin On National Popcorn Day!

Disney Parks and popcorn go together like Mickey and Minnie and today is a great day to celebrate the yumminess because it’s National Popcorn Day! As if we needed another reason to enjoy another delicious Disney snack…

Nothing beats the smell of salt and butter filling the air as you walk by a popcorn cart. Whether it’s while walking around the parks or watching fireworks glitter in the sky, popcorn is the perfect on-the-go snack to munch on while enjoying the magic of Disney Parks and Resorts.

To start off, did you know that Pop Secret is the official popcorn of Disney Parks? That’s right! You can find their delicious buttery kernels at popcorn carts located across both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. And while you may enjoy that classic buttery flavor, there’s a few places where you can even find some unique specialty popcorn – such as the Cozy Cone Motel at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure park. Here, you’ll find a delicious array of flavors such as dill pickle, buffalo ranch, white cheddar, Sriracha, pizza and garlic parmesan. You can even order it in a cool Lightning McQueen souvenir bucket!

Over at Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot is ‘poppin’ with some fun specialty popcorn offerings. If you head over towards Future World West, you’ll find a popcorn cart that sells buffalo bleu cheese, sour cream and chive, and cheddar cheese popcorn. And if you’re looking for a little sweetness to add to your salty snack, you’ll want to travel over to Canada in the World Showcase for some maple popcorn. Or if you’re in the Germany pavilion, you can stop by Karamel-Küche, presented by Werther’s Original, to try some sweet and salty kernels. There you’ll find their popular fresh-made caramel-coated popcorn, and you can even watch while it’s being made!

Another fun popcorn offering at Epcot is available for a limited time during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. If you visit the Odyssey Festival Showplace, you’ll find a popcorn pairing flight at The Painter’s Palate Food Studio. This flight comes with three unique beers each paired with a different flavor of popcorn. The first pairing is North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw Pilsner Style Beer with Bacon Barbecue Popcorn; the second is M.I.A. Beer Company Jazz IPA with Jalapeño Ranch Popcorn; and the third pairing is Central 28 Beer Company Miss Mary Brown Oatmeal Brown Ale with Buffalo Bleu Cheese Popcorn.

In addition to these fun specialty popcorn offerings, you’ll also find Main Street Popcorn Company pre-packaged popcorn at select merchandise locations at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. This popcorn comes in traditional flavors like caramel, kettle corn, cheddar and confetti. But you’ll also find some more unique options like Sriracha kettle corn, parmesan garlic, kettle corn with red alaea salt, truffle, maple bacon, and one of the most popular ones – churro!

So whether you prefer that classic buttery popcorn or those fun flavors, you’ll always have something to snack on for National Popcorn Day!

January 19, 2018
New Baby Hippo Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating the birth of a new Nile hippopotamus. The baby hippo is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years.

Born at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday night, the calf is staying close to mom Tuma. The animal care team is giving Tuma and her calf plenty of room to nurse and bond, so the calf’s gender and weight may not be known for some time. Typically, a newborn calf weighs between 60 and 110 pounds.

This birth comes just six months after two Sumatran tiger cubs were the first of their kind to be born at the park.

This birth marks another success for the dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts. Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. Disney hopes guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild.

You may see Tuma and her calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience.

January 16, 2018