Tag: disney world

  • Special Star-Spangled Photo Opportunities at Walt Disney World For Independence Day

    Special Star-Spangled Photo Opportunities at Walt Disney World For Independence Day

    Walt Disney World is always the place to be for Independence day celebrations and in addition to their famous Fireworks displays, you’ll also find a multitude of star-spangled photo opportunities offered by Disney PhotoPass Service to those celebrating the Fourth of July in the parks!

    Let’s start with the photo opportunities that will be available at Magic Kingdom Park.

    The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History is an extremely interesting and entertaining reenactment about the founding of America! On July 3 and 4, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be periodically located near Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square, so drop by and be sure to ask for a Magic Shot featuring the stars of the show.

    On the Fourth of July while you’re soaking in the spirit of America in Liberty Square, visit the Disney PhotoPass photographer located near the replica of the Liberty Bell to take star-spangled photos that celebrate the nation’s birthday.

    Photo Pass 4th of July

    Photo Pass 4th of July Photo Pass 4th of July

    A grand holiday such as this deserves a grand photo op! Cinderella’s Coach will be in Fantasyland all day on July 3 and 4, and a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture a photo of you in front of it.

    Photo Pass 4th of July

    Once it’s completely dark on the evenings of July 3 and 4, head to Fantasyland where you’ll find this dazzling photo opportunity next to Ariel’s Grotto! Thanks to the unconventional way this photo is captured, every photo is unique. Stop by to see what yours will look like!

    Photo Pass 4th of July

    Over at Disney Springs, visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace where you’ll find special red, white and blue virtual backdrops. While this location offers a variety of Disney-themed virtual backdrops year-round, these patriotic backdrops will only be available now through July 7.

    Photo Pass 4th of July Photo Pass 4th of July

    And finally, at all four theme parks on the Fourth of July, select photographers will have this festive prop celebrating the Stars and Stripes that you can include in your photos.

  • New Show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019

    New Show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019

    Calling aspiring racers of all ages! There’s a big ol’ Ka-Chow coming on, because beginning in early 2019, there’s going to be another exciting reason to get revved up about a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that’ll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars.”

    Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

    At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, located near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’ll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who is excited to showcase what he’s learned over the years with you – the next generation of rookie racers. Of course, as Lightning McQueen has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course. With friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

    What will happen? You’ll have to speed on over to find out when Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens early next year!

  • Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear Reunited at Disney World’s Toy Story Land

    Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear Reunited at Disney World’s Toy Story Land

    Buzz Lightyear was reunited with the man who voices the beloved character this week, as Tim Allen helped his animated counterpart open Disney World’s newest addition, Toy Story Land. Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear… Excuse me, I think the word you’re searching for is “Space Ranger”.

    The press was invited to attend the opening celebration of new land at Hollywood Studios Friday and the crowd of about 100 journalists got an amazing surprise when Allen came out on stage during the dedication.

    Of course, in addition to the opening ceremony duties, Allen had to spend some family time in the new land. Allen and his daughter Elizabeth even took a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers during the special preview as you can see in the photo below.

    Tim Allen Toy Story Land

    It’s the largest expansion in the parks 29 year history. In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

    Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for Toy Story Mania!. Guests can hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys.

    Toy Story Land is now open at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

  • All The Toy Story Land Merchandise Available at Hollywood Studios

    All The Toy Story Land Merchandise Available at Hollywood Studios

    Oooooohhhh!!!  With the opening of Toy Story Land you’re going to want to ride all the rides, but you’re also going to want to buy all the new awesome Toy Story Land Merchandise.

    Here’s a 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 now open at Hollywood Studios!

  • Alien Swirling Saucers in New Toy Story Land Are Out Of This Galaxy

    Alien Swirling Saucers in New Toy Story Land Are Out Of This Galaxy

    Three-eyed Toy Story Aliens take guests on a whirling flying saucer ride in toy rocket ships as part of Alien Swirling Saucers, one of the new attractions inside Toy Story Land, opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    As guests become “honorary toys” in the new land, they encounter Alien Swirling Saucers, a playset that toy-owner Andy of Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films won at the Pizza Planet restaurant. The new attraction whirls and blinks with colorful lighting, electronic space music and nonstop fun.

    Alien saucer pilots are straight out of the Toy Story movies, with their pointy ears, three eyes, short antennae and facial expressions designed to convey surprise or delight. Each extraterrestrial has hitched its flying saucer to one of 22 rocket ships; together, flying saucers and rockets spin through the Pizza Planet galaxy.

    With “The Claw” dangling overhead, guests climb aboard their rocket ships and hover in Pizza Planet’s version of “deep-dish space” for an out-of-this-world saucer whirl to the beat of new versions of Toy Story songs and musical themes. During the adventure, the Aliens spin guests around toy icons like Planet Pepperonia and a pizza-inspired space station.

    Before boarding Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for a photo with a Buzz Lightyear action figure standing more than 14 feet tall on top of toy building blocks near the entrance to his Star Command Space Station Playset. Toy robot guards flank the Pizza Planet-inspired marquee.

    Inside Star Command, there are buttons to push, dials to turn and a switch to toggle for audio and visual effects. His creativity never flagging, Andy built a toy gantry with his Construx toy pieces that guests use to traverse from Buzz’s command center to the Swirling Saucers game.

    Guests who are spin-averse can swirl vicariously by watching from the viewing area in between and around the playset.

    “This is a world created by a boy’s imagination,” said Dave Fisher, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Story Editor. “Andy has brought out all his space toys – it’s a really fun and high-energy attraction.”

    Before or after a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for an out-of-this-world selfie with a stationary, photo-ready green Alien in its colorful saucer just outside the attraction. Toys of all makes and sizes – from a 10-foot-diameter “rubber” ball to colorful Cooties – have been carefully placed by Andy among the landscape of overgrown grasses, toy shrubs and playset trees throughout Toy Story Land.

    Alien Swirling Saucers: At a Glance

    • Type of attraction: Swirl-and-whirl ride
    • A Disney first: Three-eyed green Alien pilots
    • Number of passengers per seat: 2 to 3 honorary toys
    • Number of saucer/rocket ships: 22 (11 in each of two playset areas)
    • Height restriction: 32 inches
    • FastPass+: Yes

    Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!

  • Woody’s Lunch Box Now Open at Toy Story Land!

    Woody’s Lunch Box Now Open at Toy Story Land!

    Calling all Honorary Toys – Woody’s Lunch Box is now open for business and is now dishing up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages.

    Located in the heart of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Andy has propped open his Woody-themed lunch box to turn it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. So if you’re getting hungry while playing around in Andy’s backyard, then come on down to refuel with a few tasty bites.

    Woody’s Lunch Box

    Here you’ll find ooey-gooey toasted, cheese-filled sandwiches that will melt in your mouth! I have to say, the Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich is definitely my favorite – it has melted provolone and cheddar cheese with a cheddar cream cheese spread on garlic buttered and grilled artisan French bread. AND THAT’S JUST ONE SANDWICH! There’s also a BBQ Brisket Melt with sliced smoked brisket, pickles, and tangy BBQ sauce between melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on grilled sourdough. If you’re looking for more a more healthful option, the Smoked Turkey Sandwich is the way to go! This sandwich has thin-sliced smoked turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, and dijonnaise spread and is served chilled on sunflower multigrain bread.

    Of course, you can always pair these yummy sandwiches with some Mini Babybel Snack Cheese or a tasty side such as the Potato Barrels or the Tomato-Basil Soup. The Vegetable Macaroni Salad is also a great choice with onion, red and green peppers, diced tomato, green olive, and Italian dressing.

    Woody’s Lunch Box

    AND THEN THERE’S DESSERT! These Lunch Box Tarts are SO TASTY! And they’re available all day too. There’s two tasty tarts – Raspberry and Chocolate-Hazelnut. The Raspberry Lunch Box Tart is stuffed with raspberry marmalade, coated in strawberry fondant, and topped with strawberry crispy pearls and dried strawberry pieces. The Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart is stuffed with chocolate-hazelnut filling, coated in maple fondant, and topped with chocolate crispy pearls and candied bacon.

    Woody’s Lunch Box

    And of course I can’t forget the drinks! Cool down with a Mystic Portal Punch (POWERade® Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine) or an Ice Cream Float with Barq’s® Root Beer. Fountain beverages and water are also available.

    All of these bites are totally delicious and can even make for some cute photo-ops – and there’s definitely no shortage of adorable backdrops throughout the land! So what are you waiting for? Come on out to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get in on all the tasty fun! Woody’s Lunch Box is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out exactly what’s inside Woody’s Lunch Box here.

    Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!

  • Toy Story Land Is Officially Open in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

    Toy Story Land Is Officially Open in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

    The new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort officially opens today! Inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, the new land turns guests of all ages into “honorary toys” and allows them to PLAY BIG in the whimsical world of a child’s imagination.

    In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

    Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for an enduring favorite. Guests hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin with the little green Aliens from Pizza Planet and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys. Guests will also love to chow down on tasty vittles available for purchase at Woody’s Lunch Box

    Toy Story Land also celebrates what defines entertainment for kids of all ages. Crayola crayons, a Rubik’s Cube, Cooties, and other toys and games pour on the nostalgia for park-goers – and fascinate young ones. With building blocks around every corner, there are lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys and benches built from Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces. A balsa-wood glider, a Barrel of Monkeys, giant playing cards and jacks add to the visual tapestry of the new land. Sheriff Woody, standing nearly 20 feet tall, welcomes all to Toy Story Land by jauntily leaning on a tall assemblage of colorful wooden blocks, tipping his wide-brimmed hat to guests while holding onto his trusty lasso.

    “With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences, Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals – and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

    Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!

  • New Concept Art Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    New Concept Art Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    The Great Movie Ride closed on August 13, 2017, to make room for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and today, new concept art from the upcoming attraction has been released by Disney.

    Though it was sad for many guests to see The Great Movie Ride go, what is to come is pretty unique. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway makes for the first ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction. The new attraction will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction.

    On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

    The teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation to keep the characters and storyline authentic – and allow guests to join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction is planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019.

  • Shopping for Toy Story Land Merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Shopping for Toy Story Land Merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Guests visiting Toy Story Land will feel like they have magically transformed to the size of a toy as fun-loving “Toy Story” characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. Shoppers can commemorate their visit with Toy Story Land merchandise including; new logo merchandise, must-have collectibles and unique gifts. With the opening of the new land on June 30, the merchandise team has made shopping for these products even easier at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    “We want guests to have a convenient and fun shopping experience,” explained Rachel Swears, Manager for Location Strategy at the theme park. “Two retail carts in Toy Story Land – resembling a toy camper and toy dump truck – will carry new logo items including pins, accessories and of course, toys. We’ve also expanded the assortment to other shops in the park, making it easy for guests to find the products they love.”

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    Two of those new products include small scale replica toys inspired by the new attractions. Designed using 3D models created in partnership by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, the Slinky Dog Dash & Dodge Power Boost Set features spinning flames and launching vehicle action. The three pullback toys resembling vehicles from the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction launch forward on their next adventure once released.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    Additional locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will carry these toys and other logo products include Beverly Sunset. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this spot has a show-stopping selection of Pixar-themed merchandise. Guests will find the full Toy Story Land assortment, and a curated collection of “Toy Story” apparel and accessories perfect for creating stylish looks when visiting the 11-acre land.

    Toy Story Land Merchandise

    Guests will also find Toy Story Land merchandise at Mickey’s of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard and at In Character located in the Animation Courtyard area.

    Once the land opens at Walt Disney World Resort, select products will be offered on ShopDisney.com.

  • Epcot Is the Place to be This Fourth of July!

    Epcot Is the Place to be This Fourth of July!

    Have you made your plans yet for the 4th of July? If you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort for the holiday, Epcot is the #1 spot for Independence Day celebrations! There’s so much going on across the park that day:

    • Special Fireworks: “The Heartbeat of Freedom” What would a 4th of July celebration be without fireworks? And Epcot has the best show around! It starts at 9 p.m. with a performance of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which concludes with the addition of a heart-pounding, all-American grand finale. This one-night-only fireworks extravaganza unites music from great American composers with more pyrotechnics than you can imagine!
    • Voices of Liberty – An Epcot tradition for more than 35 years, this legendary a cappella group will perform a series of special evening concerts of great American songs in the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Joining the Voices of Liberty on stage will be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, dressed for the occasion in their special “Spirit of ‘76” attire. You can also catch Voices of Liberty performing special patriotic songs in the rotunda of The American Adventure at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

    • Disney Characters – During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to get a special photo with Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale, all wearing their patriotic best, right outside The American Adventure pavilion.
    • Specialty Foods – Add some flavor to your celebration with all-American foods throughout the park. There will be decadent red, white and blue cupcakes available at Fountain View and Sunshine Seasons, where you can also nosh on their yummy BBQ pork sandwich. Refreshment Port will have specially decorated croissant doughnuts (Who can resist those?!) and Liberty Inn has got you covered with the all-American burger, southern fried chicken sandwich, apple pie cheesecake and –just for the 4th – a slice of watermelon!
    • The American Adventure – This epic attraction, another Epcot original, has recently been updated with an all-digital projection system, a new screen, new speakers and an all-new recording of the iconic “Golden Dream” anthem. And look for new faces added to the show’s finale including composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.

    It’s America’s 242nd birthday, and Epcot is hosting the biggest, grandest, most red-white-and-blue-est celebration around!