Rev your engines and get ready to switch into high gear on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park. In this new “Ride & Learn” video, buckle up for a tour around Carburetor County — where the movie “Cars” springs to life. You’ll even learn a few fun things as you cruise through town and zoom past the towering Cadillac Range mountains.
This high-octane attraction features familiar car-acters, the many sights of Radiator Springs and of course, a high-speed race through the Ornament Valley.
Ready, Get Set, Go!
Thanks for racing alongside us today! Discover more #DisneyMagicMoments here on the Disney Parks Blog.
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com Filed Under: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort, Cars Land, DCA, DLR, Video
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to feed lions or how about introducing a new baby hippo to its “bloat”? You’ll get a chance on September 25 on Disney+ with the series premiere of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” which showcases everything you’d like to know about our animals and animal care team. Here’s a look at the show’s brand-new trailer.
“Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” is an original eight-episode docuseries from National Geographic that gives viewers an all-encompassing backstage pass to explore the magic of nature within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT.
Anala, the Sumatran tiger, near a camera log.
Expect to see an unprecedented look at some of the most intriguing animals on the planet and how we care for them at Disney. I know you’ll be impressed by the animals you see in the series, but I think what you’ll really walk away with is a love and appreciation for our animal care experts who have formed remarkable bonds with the 5,000-plus animals who call Walt Disney World Resort, “home.” I’m extremely proud of our animal care team and love how their passion and skill shine through this series.
Keeper Mel Hall cares for Cassanova, an Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
So, set aside time on Friday, September 25 to enjoy the premiere of the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” on Disney+, with new episodes dropping each Friday for the eight-episode run of the series. It’s going to be a wild ride.
Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom production team and keeper Lori Kurdziel observe lions Kinsey and Dakari.
Savi’s Workshop is packed with unusual parts and whimsical pieces collected from the far reaches of the galaxy. Under the mystical Gatherers’ guidance, you construct a one-of-a-kind lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of a kyber crystal. You can build your lightsaber along one of the following themes:
Peace and Justice – Utilize salvaged scraps of fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in Republic-era lightsaber designs that honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
Power and Control – Originally forged by warriors from the dark side, objects used in this lightsaber style are rumored remnants from the Sith home world and abandoned temples.
Elemental Nature – Craft a lightsaber from special components born from the Force, such as Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones or Rancor teeth.
Protection and Defense – Incorporate hilt materials bearing mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect a lightsaber’s wielder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
For those who may have visited the shop in the past, you’ll notice the experience will be slightly adjusted. For instance, capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing between guests in accordance with the park’s guidelines during its phased reopening.
Advanced reservations (highly recommended) for Savi’s Workshop will open Sept. 16 via Disneyworld.com or the My Disney Experience mobile app; you can also stop by the shop to check for walk-up availability on the day of your visit. You must have a valid Disney Parks Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to making a reservation for Savi’s Workshop.
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com Filed Under: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, DHS, WDW
I don’t like to repeat myself when it comes to photography – if I find a cool angle on a shot, tomorrow I want to find a different one. This can be a real challenge sometimes, though, now that I’ve been a Disney photographer for nearly 40 years! But I’m always in search of new locations and perspectives that showcase the grandeur and magic of Disney destinations around the world.
This little philosophy of mine was the primary reason I was invited to Tokyo Disneyland in early 1989. The park had been open for a few years by that point and the team over there was looking for a fresh perspective on how to photograph the resort.
The photo you see here was taken during that trip. My idea was a classic “East meets West” visual, with Mickey Mouse greeting a young Japanese woman in a traditional kimono. While this image may appear clean and simplistic in form, it took a lot of preparation to set up – Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most popular theme parks in the world, and we needed its World Bazaar area (its version of Main Street, U.S.A.) completely clear of guests and cast members. It took a lot of discussions, but it was also a good lesson for my fellow photographers in Tokyo for turning dream photos into reality.
I made some great friendships on that trip, and I still remain in touch with members of that team to this day, more than three decades later. We frequently talk about new technologies in our field and share advice on one another’s assignments. And it all started with this photo, which has always been one of my favorites. Simple, elegant and uniquely Tokyo Disneyland!
We’re looking forward to the holidays and today, we have an update on some of the festive experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Building off of our recent experiences of operating in a new environment, we’ve reimagined the holidays which will, of course, apply current our current health and safety measures while still keeping the joy and magic of the season. And while things are looking a bit different at Walt Disney World and beyond, we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
We know how much our guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, they will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.
Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And, my personal favorite, the Toy Soldiers, will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by guests and cast members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
Shifting gears to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog.
We’re all looking forward to creating new holiday traditions with our guests and cast members this year, as we introduce unique ways to enjoy the season together. So, make your list – and check it twice – because there’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do here at Walt Disney World Resort!
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com Filed Under: Disney Springs, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, DAK, DHS, Holidays, MK, WDW
