Disney News

Tag: disneyland

  • First Mickey Mouse-Themed Ride-Attraction Coming to Disneyland in 2022

    First Mickey Mouse-Themed Ride-Attraction Coming to Disneyland in 2022

    Oh boy! Friday, Disney announced that the first major Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction, called Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is coming to Disneyland park.

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, also planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2020 is coming to Mickey’s Toontown in 2022!

    On this new attraction, guests step through the movie screen and join Mickey and friends on a railway adventure as they take part in the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short.

    Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads you to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

    As you can see below, Disneyland Resort President Josh D’Amaro shared a fun photo of him getting a sneak peek of the plans!

    With an original story and lovable theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multi-dimensional experience.

  • New Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble Event Coming to Disneyland in May

    New Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble Event Coming to Disneyland in May

    Step into the Super Hero universe during Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure park! This special, after-park hours occasion will feature an action-packed line-up of experiences.

    With special, after-park hours access, you’ll experience incredible entertainment, character encounters, event-themed food, merchandise and more—all themed to some favorite Super Hero stories.

    Fans can choose to attend Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble during either Apr. 30 or May 1, 2019 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night.

    Here are six reasons to attend this action-packed event:

    • Photo opportunities – Step into immersive photo backdrops and flex those smiles. You’ll also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event.
    • Super Hero sightings – See some of the most admired Super Heroes in the universe like Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange and Iron Man.
    • Exclusive food – Savor a special menu of tasty, themed bites and sips. Scour the park for specialty items like hero-themed churros and the Infinity Gauntlet Sipper Cup, available for sale at the two events.
    • Special entertainment – Rock out at the event’s dance party and enjoy heroic show moments. Meet and greet with actress and author Ashley Eckstein. Participate in a park-wide scavenger hunt, searching for hidden artifacts and solving the puzzle to help save mankind!
    • After-hour access to attractions – Ride popular attractions in Disney California Adventure park with less time waiting in line, including Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! You’ll also have mix-in access to the park starting at 6 p.m.
    • Dress the part – Dust off your shields, hammers and suits of armor and come dressed in your Super Hero-best attire.

    Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Make plans now to join us for Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure park!

  • Miley Cyrus Visits Disneyland and Enjoys Tea Time with Minnie and Friends

    Miley Cyrus Visits Disneyland and Enjoys Tea Time with Minnie and Friends

    Miley Cyrus recently returned to the House of Mouse for a fun spring afternoon at Disneyland park.

    In Mickey’s Toontown, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Pluto welcomed Miley donning their finest outfits for Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, before Miley continued her adventure, which included a thrilling plunge down Splash Mountain.

    Wearing a bright red Mickey Mouse sweater, cropped Mickey Mouse blue jeans, Mickey Mouse socks, white sneakers, and a hat that read “BAD,” Cyrus visited the Happiest Place on Earth with a group of friends. Accompanied by a personal bodyguard as well as a Disneyland VIP tour guide. After riding the rides they headed over to the neighboring Disney California Adventure Park to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! ride, which replaced the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride in 2017.

    The group later headed to eat at the members-only Club 33, a popular lunch and dinner spot for VIPs at Disneyland.

  • BREAKING: Smoking to Be Banned at Disney Parks Beginning May 1st

    BREAKING: Smoking to Be Banned at Disney Parks Beginning May 1st

    Disney Parks has just announced a major policy change that you may need to know if you’re planning a trip in the near future. Disney Parks is banning smoking with in it’s parks.

    Beginning May 1, smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.

    Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances to the areas listed above, and at Disney Springs in Florida. For guests who have room or dining reservations, smoking areas are also available at Disney Resort hotels.

  • Eggstravaganz Scavenger Hunt Returns to Disneyland Resort April 5-21, 2019

    Eggstravaganz Scavenger Hunt Returns to Disneyland Resort April 5-21, 2019

    Spring has sprung, Disney fans! Next month isn’t just bringing April showers, but the return of the popular Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt at the Disneyland Resort.

    This fun, egg-themed scavenger hunt will take place April 5-21, 2019 across Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District.

    Pick up your map and stickers for $6.99 (plus tax) at select merchandise locations, then let the hunt begin! Search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney and Pixar characters. Record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location.

    Whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, return your map to a redemption location for a surprise. Redemption locations include the following merchandise shops: Disney Showcase in Disneyland park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District.

  • BREAKING: Disney Announces Opening Dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort

    BREAKING: Disney Announces Opening Dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort

    Disney Parks announced today it will open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ahead of schedule at Disneyland Park in California on May 31 and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Aug. 29.

    On opening day for phase one, guests will be transported to the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Guests can become part of the story as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

    Phase two, opening later this year, will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined, which will place guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality. In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular.

    Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.

    Once guests step foot on Batuu, they will be part of the action as it unfolds around them. They may choose to aid a smuggler, join the Resistance or pledge their loyalty to the First Order. In this all-new environment, guests can make choices about their experience that could impact their adventures as they travel throughout the land by using the Play Disney Parks mobile app in a whole new way. This depth of storytelling is part of the total immersion that will distinguish the two, 14-acre lands – the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansions ever in a Disney park – from any other themed land in history.

    The new lands build off decades of collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd., a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production, including the Star Wars franchise. The work on Star Wars between these two creative powerhouses dates back to 1987, when the groundbreaking Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland Park in California.

  • How to Plan, Stay and Play at the Disneyland Resort

    How to Plan, Stay and Play at the Disneyland Resort

    Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort in 2019 will enjoy special moments and create unforgettable memories with their friends and family, including their experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opens in summer 2019 at Disneyland Park, and the reimagined land of Pixar Pier, at Disney California Adventure Park.

    Beloved nighttime spectaculars, immersive attractions and entertainment offer countless ways for guests to make the most of their vacations at the Happiest Place on Earth. Just take a look below at all of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland Resort.

    PLAN

    • Official Disneyland App – The official Disneyland App offers useful information right at a guest’s fingertips, including attraction wait times, Disney FastPass return times, maps, entertainment guides and other special features. Guests may also use the app to purchase tickets with their mobile device, look for character appearances in the park, find park hours and even order food and beverage at select fast casual and quick service restaurant locations.
    • Disneyland Resort on Google Street View: Guests can now explore the Disneyland Resort like never before – right from a phone or computer – on Google Street View. Disney Parks have launched a series of 360-degree panoramas at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District to help guests plan their next vacation.
    • Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.DisneyPlanning.com.
    • Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for guests to book easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
    • Dining Reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests may make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Special dining packages offer guests a full-course meal and reserved viewing for entertainment includng “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland.
    • Social Media – Keep up with the latest updates about the Disneyland Resort at MyDisneyDorks.com, where guests may also get behind-the-scenes looks at the parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney. For planning tips and fun facts, follow @MyDisneyDorks on Twitter. Guests may also engage with Disneyland on Facebook and Instagram.

    STAY

    • Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the classic Disneyland Hotel and luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
    • Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hourentry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit Disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
    • Grand Hotel Experience –In December 2017, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa completed the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening. Guest rooms have been completely redesigned with a fresh sense of luxury and the pool deck has been refreshed with beautiful, new hardscapes to reinforce the Arts and Crafts style. Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. The new, elevated experience continues to impress guests and the hotel was named one of the Top Hotels in Southern California in the 30th annual Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.
    • Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
    • Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Key to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
    • Multi-generational travel and large parties – Many families enjoy traveling to the Disneyland Resort with family members of multiple generations, or with family reunions. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort welcome multi-generational travelers and large parties, offering multiple suites at each hotel that sleep parties of six or eight. Some of the suites connect to adjacent suites to accommodate the larger parties.
    • Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. Contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for all the latest special offers are available at Disneyland.

    PLAY

    • Disney FASTPASS Service – Disney FASTPASS allows guests to maximize their time in the park by reserving a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests return during that time, they enjoy a shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders. Guests are encouraged to pick up Disney FASTPASS tickets early for favorite attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers.
    • Disney MaxPass – Guests will maximize their day with the ability to reserve digital Disney FASTPASS selections right from your mobile device using the Disneyland app while in the parks. Plus, it offers the opportunity to download, save and share Disney PhotoPass photos captured during an entire day. Both services are included when purchased per ticket, per day. Disney MaxPass can also be purchased through the app.
    • Disney PhotoPass Service – PhotoPass photographers at character, dining and special locations throughout the park ensure that everyone gets in the photo. Guests may link, view and purchase photos at Disneyland.com or directly from the Disneyland app.
    • Play Disney Parks Mobile App – The new Play Disney Parks mobile app allows families and guests to interact with the theme parks, creating unique experiences and activities that bring surrounding environments to life. With group play that enables everyone to join in on the fun, guests can turn wait time into play time at select attraction queues, earn, collect and share uniquely themed digital achievements, test their knowledge of Disney trivia and listen to the music and sounds of Disney parks through curated Apple Music playlists.
    • “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland.
    • Portable Phone Charging Systems Kiosks – Guests recharge their batteries without missing any of the fun by using a convenient portable battery set that can be purchased from kiosk locations throughout the resort. When the portable battery runs out, guests may swap it for a fully charged replacementat any kiosk at no extra cost.
    • Parent “Rider Switch” – A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.
    • Enjoy the Shows and Entertainment – Oftentimes, children enjoy live entertainment and stage shows for the first time at the Disneyland Resort. Families may choose from multiple shows in the daily Show Entertainment Guide (available at the main entrance gate and at Guest Relations centers). These include parades, character encounters and shows such as “Disney Junior Dance Party!” (Disney California Adventure) and “Mickey and the Magical Map” (Disneyland). Fans of Disney’s global film phenomenon, “Frozen”, will find the dazzling theatrical interpretation “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion Theater” at Disney California Adventure Park. Guests also may encounter performers and singers as they stroll through the parks, including the Dapper Dans at Disneyland, and Five and Dime at Disney California Adventure.
    • Be Amazed by Projection Shows and Spectacular Fireworks – State-of-the-art projection shows and fireworks illuminate the sky above Disneyland park on select nights, choreographed to timeless music and with surprise appearances by some classic Disney characters. Viewing locations are throughout Disneyland and top spots include: along Main Street, U.S.A., in front of “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland and along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.
    • Character Dining – Character dining is a great way to introduce youngsters to Disney characters. At select locations, a cast of characters will visit guests at their tables. Another tip: Many Disney restaurants offer children’s menus.
    • Healthful Dining Options – While special treats are part of the Disney fun, families can also choose nutritious snacks such as nuts, trail mix and fresh fruit from outdoor carts. Kids meals come with fruit or vegetables on the side, along with juice, water or low-fat milk. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost. Look for the Disney Check symbol on menus, indicating the best nutritional choices for children. Additionally, for lifestyle dining options, or for requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances, there are a wide range of choices, from kosher to gluten-friendly and sugar-free.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • The A1000 Is Disney’s Advanced Animatronic Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life

    The A1000 Is Disney’s Advanced Animatronic Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life

    A new generation of Audio-Animatronic’s are being introduced into Disney Parks and this new iteration of the technology will be bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life in a whole new way!

    A1000 advanced robotics are the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardized system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement. 

    The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka from the Star Wars animated television series – are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements. Take a look at the video below:

    The character can be seen talking and gesturing, and had the video not shown footage of the animatronic figure being assembled, it could easily be mistaken for a human being in make-up.

    Hondo Ohnaka is a part of a ride called Smuggler’s Run and will presumably give you your mission briefing before you board the Millennium Falcon. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at California’s Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.

  • Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Coming Soon to the Disneyland

    Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Coming Soon to the Disneyland

    The Disneyland Resort is introducing an all-new, must-see pop-up experience at the Downtown Disney District. Coming this spring, Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration will commemorate the one and only Mickey Mouse!

    The attraction will transport you through a visually and whimsically immersive experience celebrating 90 years your old pal Mickey Mouse and of course his darling Minnie Mouse.

    This limited-time exhibition will feature several different imaginatively themed rooms with vivid displays inspired by all things Mickey Mouse. Every room will feature selfie-worthy surprises and provide plenty of fun and fabulous photo ops for all your family and friends. Take a look below at some of the amazing concept art:

    One such surprise will be a super-sized and super sweet bow sofa. In this area, you can pop into the portrait and take a seat on Minnie’s plush sofa or pose under Minnie’s giant bows and hearts. Don’t forget to blow a kiss!

    This separately ticketed exhibit will be located near the Downtown Disney District Monorail station in the former space of ESPN Zone. Tickets will go on sale soon. Keep your ears perked to the Disney Parks Blog for more details!

    Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is another fantastic example of the excitement and evolution of entertainment, dining and shopping in the Downtown Disney District. Most recently, we welcomed Ballast Point Brewing Company, Salt & Straw scoop shop, the re-designed Wetzel’s Pretzels, Naples Ristorante e Bar, Napolini Pizzeria and the re-imagined World of Disney!

  • Walt Disney Archives Founder Dave Smith Passes Away at the Age of 78

    Walt Disney Archives Founder Dave Smith Passes Away at the Age of 78

    In the same week that Walt Disney’s Son-in-Law and Former Disney CEO passes away, the Disney family is now mourning the loss of yet another Disney legend. Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away in Burbank, California, on February 15, 2019 at the age of 78.

    Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to preserving Disney’s precious treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond.

    “I’m deeply saddened to learn of Dave Smith’s passing,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story. Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to our past that continues to inspire our future.”

    Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave was beloved by fans around the world for his wide knowledge of the Company’s rich history, which he shared in books and through his popular magazine column “Ask Dave.”