With today’s start of the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland, we’re sharing a special edition episode of our #DisneyCastLife series from inside the park where cast members are once again making magic for guests.
Along with an exclusive look from inside Shanghai Disneyland, we also have some inspiring messages from Disney Ambassadors around the world. Check it out:
For more #DisneyCastLife stories, follow the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Ambassador teams on Instagram at @WDW.Ambassador and @Disneylandambassador. And be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments.
by Joe Schott, President and General Manager, Shanghai Disney Resort
A Disney park is a place unlike any other – where we are transported to wondrous worlds of fantasy and adventure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Today, we marked a return to those worlds, as Shanghai Disneyland reopened its gates to welcome guests and fans.
For myself – and for our Shanghai Disney Resort cast members, who have taken great care to prepare the park for our guests – this is a very special moment. Making magic means even more to us today, as we reflect on the resilience of our community; our wonderful cast members who worked so diligently to preserve the park during the closure; the enthusiasm of our guests and fans; and, of course, the determination and dedication of the medical workers and first responders who helped to make this possible.
For Shanghai Disney Resort, while this is a key step in our phased reopening, there are many more milestones to come for us and our sister parks around the world. I invite you to learn more about our approach to reopening our parks here.
Thank you all for helping the magic live on, in your homes and imaginations, during these challenging times. I hope you enjoy these moments of joy and excitement from the first day of our reopening at Shanghai Disneyland!
#DisneyMagicMoments: Sun Shines on Shanghai Disney Resort
by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks
To begin a new week, we’re sharing more #DisneyMagicMoments with a breathtaking sunrise from Shanghai Disney Resort as the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland begins today.
Our friends in Shanghai are passing along this spectacular daybreak for everyone to enjoy at home. It’s a magical look at the bright sun rays framing up Enchanted Storybook Castle to usher in a new day!
Stay tuned for more stories like this. And from our Disney cast members at Shanghai Disney Resort and around the world, remember, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome,” -Walt Disney.
On Mother’s Day, Disney Dreamers Academy Alumni Give Thanks to Their Moms
by Annette Gibbs, Public Relations Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Mother’s Day is always a special occasion for Disney Dreamers Academy alumni Casey Carter of Columbia, South Carolina, and Anthony Juba-Richardson of Montverde, Florida. Their close bonds with their mothers has been instrumental in their success stories.
No Challenge Too Big
As soon as Casey, a 2018 Disney Dreamer Academy participant, was born she faced big obstacles. Three months premature, she immediately dealt with serious medical issues. As she achieved positive milestones during her infancy, Tara knew Casey was born with a fighting spirit.
Tara fostered that spirt, ensuring Casey never felt she had any limitations on what she could achieve.
So, years later, it was no surprise to Tara when Casey presented her with an ambitious high school science fair project idea. Casey wanted to tackle one of sport’s most prevailing health issues – concussions in football players. Tara committed to provide Casey whatever she needed to make the project a success.
With Tara’s support, Casey’s project won numerous national awards. She is now filing patents for the device she developed with the hopes of helping football players across the country.
“We are a mother and a daughter, but she’s also my best friend,” said Tara. “Casey is one of the most honest, compassionate, creative and intelligent people. You couldn’t ask for a better human being.”
Teaming Up to Help Others
Anthony was voted Disney Dreamer of the Year at the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy, thanks to his big personality and kind heart.
The moment caught him by surprise, but not his mother, Donar Juba-Johnson.
Since he was a child, Donar nurtured Anthony’s giving spirit and witnessed the impact it had on others.
As a teen, Anthony was inspired to help the elderly and went to Donar with an idea. Together they made and donated blankets to nursing homes, and when Anthony realized he could use his musical talents to help dementia patients, they incorporated this unique aspect into their mission. Ultimately, they co-founded the non-profit organization, One Beat Away, where they do everything as a team.
After Disney Dreamers Academy, they were inspired to dream even bigger, and formalized their charity and ramped up fundraising.
“I wanted my children to grow up in a world knowing that it’s not just about them,” said Donar. “The work they do matters. Even if one life is changed, that’s all that really matters.”
Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE is a four-day, transformational mentoring program for 100 teens that takes place annually at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Teens are encouraged to “Be100”, to be positive and “all in,” and to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.
For this pre-recorded viewing of the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, you’re front and center to experience the breathtaking music-filled event that showcases the beauty of Chinese art and tradition and brings magical stories and characters to life like never before!
We hope you enjoyed this virtual viewing of the 2016 grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Keep checking back for more #DisneyMagicMoments coming to the Disney Parks Blog.
