Author: disneyparks.disney.go.com

Gorillas have always held a special place in my heart, so I’ve been deeply touched by the award-winning book “The One and Only Ivan,” which tells the true story of Ivan, a 400-pound silverback gorilla who was raised by humans for the first 27 years of his life in a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall. While there were several other animals there, such as Stella the elephant and Bob the dog, there were no other gorillas. Ivan did not know what it was like to be a part of a gorilla family until he moved to Zoo Atlanta, a fellow Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution that oversaw giving him the best possible care. 

 “The One and Only Ivan” has been adapted for the screen and will premiere August 21,  streaming exclusively on Disney+. 

You may see some familiar sights from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the film, as the park served as an inspiration to the filmmakers. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, with its lush greenery, was used as a model for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Filmmakers also spent time studying the behaviors of our western lowland gorilla troops, learning about their family dynamics and observing how they forage for food, play with one another, and sleep. We are very fortunate to have an exceptionally dedicated team of animal care experts who invest a lot of time in building trust with these gorillas, and all the 5,000+ animals in our care, which allows us to work closely with them.

In fact, our work with gorillas goes far beyond caring for the troops at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the Disney Conservation Fund, we support the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned Grauer’s gorillas, a critically endangered species. GRACE provides the sort of storybook ending that Ivan dreams about in the movie. Rescued gorillas join an adoptive gorilla family and get to live together in spacious natural forest enclosures.  Our animal care team members provide resources and share their expertise with staff at GRACE, which has been imperative in saving the lives of gorillas and helping ensure they thrive.

I’m very proud of the work our teams have done to support “The One and Only Ivan” and their dedication to ensuring gorillas are well cared for each and every day. I encourage you to watch this heartwarming story on Disney+, and be sure to check out our free downloadable activity packet with all you need to know about the care and conservation of these wonderful animals.  And for everyday animal adventures, follow @drmarkatdisney on Instagram or @DisneyASE on Facebook.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW

I have spent more time photographing Cinderella Castle than any other single structure at Walt Disney World Resort, so I was very excited to capture the castle with its new royal color scheme. This time, I wanted to see how the new colors would transform some of my favorite vantage points that I know so well here at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

Having spent several mornings now at Magic Kingdom Park photographing this new look for the iconic castle, I’ve come to know it quite well. I love how the new colors pop, how certain details – perhaps unnoticed before – stand out with the gold overlay, and how the castle “glows” now when hit by sunlight.

There was one angle, though, that I could only capture during this special time. While the work was being done on the castle, the water in its moat had to be drained. Taking advantage of this rare occurrence, I arrived early one morning and was able to walk down into the moat and photograph the castle from a rarely seen angle. From this perspective, Cinderella Castle takes on a whole new level of grandeur.

It was icing on the cake for me to photograph Cinderella in front of her namesake, just as the sun was coming up. She brought the castle’s new look to life in a way only a princess can.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, MK, WDW

If you’re looking to get outside and hit the links at Walt Disney World Resort, I’m excited to share with you that Walt Disney World Golf has come up with new ways to make your check-in process easier.

With health and safety top of mind, Disney Golf, which is operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, recently launched its Park & Play Program, which responsibly speeds up the check-in process before you even start your round. Here’s how it works: Just book your tee time online and pay for it using a credit card. Then when you show up at any Disney golf course, in most cases your pre-positioned sanitized golf cart will be waiting for you and you can take it straight to the first tee.

If you’re a golfer then you know that’s magic!

Even if you have to go inside the clubhouse to check in or pick up some cool Disney golf merchandise, all of the courses have gone to contactless payments (e.g. credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, etc) as cash is no longer accepted.

It’s just the latest effort by Disney Golf to enhance the golfing experience while operating responsibly at Walt Disney World Resort. As a remimnder, all of the other health and safety provisions at all of the Disney courses include:

• Face coverings are required in the clubhouse, restrooms and food & beverage locations.
• Bunker rakes, sand bottles and ball washers have been removed from the courses.
• Flag sticks can be left in the hole during putting.
• Single cart riding is available upon request.
• Social distancing guidelines for golfers and employees.
• Enhanced sanitization throughout the golf course and clubhouse.

To learn more about the enhanced Disney Golf health and safety measures, and to book your tee time, including the Park & Play Program, visit www.golfwdw.com.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort, Golf, WDW

The saga of “The Rohdes, Less Traveled” continues! Thanks for following our little video series so far. We hope this next one is equally entertaining and informative! This episode digs into stone carving and the carvers of Bali, who have created a surprising number of statues that are seen throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Stay tuned for more #DisneyMagicMoments like this as we continue “The Rohdes, Less Traveled” series in upcoming weeks.  

RELATED STORIES:

• The Rohdes, Less Traveled: Inside Design, Inspiration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• The Rohdes, Less Traveled: Ageing and Patina in Storytelling

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, BtS, DAK, DisneyMagicMoments, Video, WDW

For a limited time beginning August 21, guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get an early glimpse of scenes from Disney’s epic new adventure, “Mulan,” when a sneak peek of the film opens as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction. As part of this experience, you’ll also be able to see a display featuring an original witch costume used in the production of the film, along with an authentic replica of a warrior costume and sword. 

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation… and a proud father. 

Here’s a look at the latest trailer for “Mulan.” 

A beautiful Activity Packet, inspired by the film and created in partnership with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team, is also available. Download and print your copy now to enhance your experience with “Mulan.” 

You can start streaming “Mulan” September 4, exclusively on Disney+ with Premier Access. 

Additional Fee Required.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, DHS, Video, WDW