Category: News

Disney World Still Raising the Flag in an Empty Magic Kingdom Every Day

Walt Disney World is closed during the coronavirus pandemic, but cast members are making sure the flag at Magic Kingdom is still raised everyday.

Video shared by Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro on Instagram shows the security team still on duty at the Magic Kingdom raising the American flag. It’s a traditional they have kept up daily despite the park being empty.

The video shows only the movement of the guards and the flag. Birds are heard in the background. Cinderella Castle stands at the far end of the street. Take a look at the video below:

“While our world looks very different today, one thing endures…the American flag still flies over Walt Disney World,” D’Amaro wrote. “I’m inspired how our Security Cast Members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It’s a symbol that we’re still here and will not falter. I hope this inspires you as well. We will be back. Thanks to all our incredible Cast Members who continue to maintain the magic until that day. Until then, please take care of yourselves and your families. We will see you soon.”

Disney World, which has been shut down only a handful of times in its 48-year history, is closed until further notice.

April 2, 2020
Get $200 to Watch Your Favorite Disney Movie
The company Reviews.org is looking for 10 people willing to sit through their favorite Disney film one more time in exchange for $200 and a year-long subscription to Disney+.

It’s called their Disney+ Dream Job application. They previously launched a similar job application in October, asking people to binge watch Disney movies for 30 days.

They have re-launched this campaign to relieve some financial strain to 10 families who may be facing hardships due to the coronavirus outbreak. Take a look below for details and sign up information.

Here are the qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident
If interested, applicants can send an email with the subject line “Dream Job”, your name and favorite Disney film to giveaways@reviews.org.

For more information: CLICK HERE.
April 1, 2020
Disney Parks Donate 100,000 N95 Face Masks to Hospitals

Since taking the unprecedented steps of closing U.S. Disney theme parks and stores and suspending cruises, Disney has continued to focus on ways they can make a difference during this time.

In response to requests from hospitals that are in need of additional protective garments and medical-related supplies, Disney Parks has donated 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Charles Redding, MedShare CEO and President. “We have to find ways to pool our resources and work together to help the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to treat patients and contain COVID-19. We appreciate Disney partnering with us to support hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.”

Disney Parks also recently donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida, and is finding additional ways to give back.

These efforts follow the recent donation of more than 270 tons of food to local food banks from Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3M in in-kind donations benefitting communities around the globe.

Disney Parks has a longstanding history of helping hospitals and communities, dating back to the 1930s, when Walt, himself, took Disney characters and animators on outreach visits. Sharing the magic of Disney continues today through contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts and employee volunteerism. These are some of the ways Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

April 1, 2020
Disney Publishing Worldwide Authors Providing Free eBooks

Disney Publishing Worldwide authors are joining forces to provide a free eBook, drawing workshops and online videos sharing their favorite excerpts.

For all the young adult fiction fans asking, ‘What might have happened if Anna and Elsa never knew each other?’, we have a free download of Conceal, Don’t Feel: A Twisted Tale by Jen Calonita, available from March 30 through April 4 via Apple Books, Google Play, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

As the future Queen of Arendelle, Princess Elsa’s life is full of expectation and responsibility—not to mention, questions. What type of ruler will she be? When will she have to pick a suitor? Elsa as she answers all these questions and more. Check back here to see how you can enjoy more Disney Books for free in the coming weeks.

Emmy Award–winning writer and New York Times best-selling Disney Hyperion author, Mo Willems invites you to join him in the studio for virtual lunchtime doodling sessions, weekdays at 1pm ET/10am PT. Recent videos include a DIY board game and lessons on fun drawings to make for a birthday celebration. To draw along live, visit the Kennedy Center website and to binge the entire series, head to the Kennedy Center YouTube channel.

Already downloaded Conceal, Don’t Feel, and crave more? Don’t miss Twisted Tales on @DisneyBooks Instagram. Authors Liz Braswell, Elizabeth Lim, and Jen Calonita will share passages from several Twisted Talesbooks – the series that dives into alternate “what-if” scenarios inspired by familiar animated Disney films.

March 31, 2020
Disney Cruise Line Suspending all New Departures through April 28, 2020

With the wellbeing of Disney Cruise Line guests and team members as its top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Disney Cruise Line has decided to extend the suspension of all new departures through Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

In light of this cancellation, Disney Cruise Line is offering clients with cruises already booked during this timeframe the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date, or a full refund.

The credit will be automatically applied to their account at the start of business on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. You may place a reservation on hold by applying it as a payment option when booking a new reservation online.

The future cruise credit is equal to 125% of the original voyage fare and is only valid for sailings departing within 15 months of the original sailing. The future cruise credit is applied per person and is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value.

Standard prevailing rates apply and guests are responsible for any balance due after the future cruise credit has been applied. If you end up not being able to use the future cruise credit, you will be eligible for a refund up to the amount you paid in full. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply to future sailings. Guests who previously received a 125% future cruise credit are not eligible for an additional future cruise credit.

March 30, 2020
VIDEO: Disney Offers Virtual Viewing of New Disneyland Parade

Disney fans are searching for ways to bring magic and joy into their everyday lives and today, Disney has released a special virtual viewing of the all-new “Magic Happens” parade, which recently debuted at Disneyland park!

This daytime spectacular celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories.

So gather with family at home to watch this stunning moment of magic. Take a look at the video below:

“Magic Happens” features nine newly designed floats, highlighting magic from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios tales, such as “The Sword in the Stone,” “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty,” to more recent stories, including “Frozen 2,” “Moana” and “The Princess and the Frog,” as well as Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”

The new floats were created as pieces of moving art, with their lines and aesthetic design telling a story along the parade route, while also evoking a sense of magic. The stories seen in “Magic Happens” are rooted in iconic Disney lore, but the soundtrack, costume design and choreography are heavily influenced by today’s contemporary designers. Be sure to listen up for the energetic musical score and new songs, co-composed by singer-songwriter, Todrick Hall.

March 29, 2020
BREAKING: Disneyland and Disney World Now Closed Indefinitely Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Disneyland and Walt Disney World had initially planned to close through March in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, but now the U.S. Disney parks have now announced that they will “remain closed until further notice.”

“While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority,” said the Walt Disney Company in a statement.

“As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice.

The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18.”

Just a little over two weeks ago, Disney and Universal Studios made the decision to close their gates to visitors, just hours after California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference to address the state’s prevention and containment efforts. Disneyland — alongside casinos, card rooms and theaters — had initially been given an exemption from the guidelines to cancel or postpone gatherings of 250 or more people, though Disney made the announcement shortly after that it would close its parks.

As of now, all Disney parks worldwide remain closed, including its locations in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, and Shanghai. Shanghai Disney Resort as of March 9 partially resumed shopping, dining and other recreational operations, though the main theme park continues to be closed.

March 27, 2020
Baby Zebra Born at Walt Disney World Resort Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic

What’s black and white and cute all over? The newest member of the herd over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The park has just announced the birth of a Hartmann’s zebra foal.

Although Walt Disney World Resort is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney’s Animal Care team is continuing to provide top-notch care to thousands of animals.

A Hartmann’s Zebra foal was born early Saturday morning (Mar. 21) to first-time-mom, Heidi… and it’s a girl! Check out the video below to see a few moments of sweet mother-daughter time.

The foal, who has yet to be named, is about 65pounds, and is quite strong – she was standing within 30 minutes of birth. Already very active and curious, this little lady is much like her mother and has very long legs.

Heidi is showing she’s a natural at parenting skills as she stays close to her baby to bond with her and nurse. Bonding is especially important, as a young zebra will imprint on its mother’s scent and memorize the unique markings on its mother’s hind legs to tell her apart from the rest of the herd. In a few weeks, after the pair develop a strong bond, they will be introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah.

The foal was born as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of thousands of species of animals. Her arrival marks the third zebra birth at Walt Disney World this year.

Hartmann’s mountain zebras are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. To learn more about zebras and other species we are working to protect, visit DisneyAnimals.com

March 27, 2020
Breaking: Disney World Closure Extended into April

As we reported before, Walt Disney World is supposed to re-open on April 1st. We now have that news that the closure may extend to April 9th, 2020.

The Mayor of Orlando, Buddy Dyer, and the Orange County Mayor put out a Stay at Home Order tonight. This means that all residents need to stay at home, and all non-essential businesses will be closed starting Thursday March 26th through April 9th.

There hasn’t been any official word from Disney yet, but when there is we will update you on the details.

Make sure you contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to plan your next trip when Disney re-opens.

March 24, 2020
New Disney Online Program is the Perfect Resource During School Closures

Schools around the country have closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and teachers are searching for ways to virtually enrich education and Walt Disney Imagineering’s partnership with Khan Academy could be the perfect online program for students.

‘Imagineering in a Box’ is a free online program that brings together the diverse talents of Disney Imagineers around the world for a one-of-a-kind learning experience and is part of Disney’s commitment to helping today’s youth create the future they imagine.

The series offers 32 videos in which Imagineers share how they use a wide range of skills – from story development and conceptual design, to math, physics and engineering – to create immersive experiences. The online curriculum aims to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage innovation in the minds of students and teachers alike, while creating fun and engaging opportunities to explore new concepts.

Modules range from a tutorial on engineering software, to an interactive exercise where learners are encouraged to gather items around them and create something new. The program’s hands-on components will allow students to relate new concepts to real-world examples to bring treasured Disney stories to life. Each activity is designed to be scalable, allowing individuals to learn on their own or in a classroom setting.

Click here to get started!

March 20, 2020