Celebrate Gospel at Disney’s California Adventure Feb 16th!

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Southland Choirs Perform at Disney California Adventure Park

Come celebrate the spirit and history of gospel music during a special one-day event that features many Southland choirs.

Date
Saturday, February 16, 2013

Location
Stage 17 in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Event Times
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Choir Performance Times

  • 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • 1:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Featured Choirs

  • Amazing Grace Conservatory
  • Christian Community Cathedral Choir
  • Cross Word Christian Church
  • First AME Church – Voices of Gospel
  • Friendship Baptist Church – Voices of Joy
  • Friendship Baptist Church – Inspirational Voices
  • Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir
  • Greater Zion-Voices of Destiny
  • New Creation Church Mass Choir
  • New Spirit Church – Voices of Choir
  • Orange County Gospel Choir
  • Second Baptist Church-New Generation Choir
  • Spiritual Truth
  • Xtreme Purpose Choir

Celebrate the Seasons with New Duffy the Disney Bear Items

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

By Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Celebrate
The start of a New Year brings many reasons to celebrate. This year, there are two months of back-to-back holidays including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I caught up with Monty Maldovan, long-time artist with Disney Design Group, about some of the new merchandise coming for Mickey Mouse’s bear, Duffy the Disney Bear. Monty recently celebrated the release of three original art pieces, including one featuring Mickey and Duffy, at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

“I had a lot of fun designing some of the seasonal outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear this year,” said Monty. “We have some new things that our guests have told us they wanted including outfits for 17-inch bears and smaller sized bears that have been a hit!”

“Celebrate
The 9-inch Valentine’s Day bear has been extremely popular this year (at time of press there weren’t many remaining in merchandise locations). For St. Patrick’s Day, Monty designed a costume for a 17-inch bear that includes my favorite detail – a bow tie! Monty felt the bow tie was the perfect complement to the bowler hat (and here I thought it was because of my intense love for bow ties).

Monty also designed what may be my favorite Duffy item I’ve seen in the past two years – a 9-inch egg that unzips to reveal a 7-inch bear dressed as a baby chick. He said the design was inspired by previously released plush.

“We introduced Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush eggs about two years ago,” explained Monty. “Guests loved them, so we updated the colors this year and added a version with Duffy.”

“Celebrate
Other favorites will return this spring including two 12-inch bears. Gardener Duffy will be found at the start of theEpcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 6. Monty said the pocket on the front of his overalls is big enough to hold a Disney Gift Card (smells like the perfect gift for someone with a green thumb). Graduate Duffy looks similar to last year’s design but features different colors.

“Celebrate
Finally, we released a series of new Hidden Mickey pins that has Duffy the Disney Bear sporting different Disney hats. These pins build on a collection introduced last year of Duffy wearing hats. Look for them on cast members’ lanyards at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Max Guggenheim’s 01/20/13 DLR photo report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Max Guggenheim went to the Disneyland Resort on the 20th of January and captured some in progress magic! He was able to capture construction on Main Street Railroad station, Big Thunder Mountain, Mark Twain and Fantasy Faire. In this report is photo’s of Blue Bayou Bash and Blue Sky Cellar. Enjoy!

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Artwork being done at the parks.
 
Facade is covered with a tarp with a neat graphic of the train station while construction continues.
 

Fantasy Faire slowly being built up.
 

Royal Theater to the left and Royal Hall in the middle being constructed.
 

The purple tent is Royal Theater.
 

 

The Sailing Ship Columbia is operating while Mark Twain is under refurb.
 

Work being done on the center Fantasmic fountain platform.
 

 

Part of Limited Time Magic.
 

 

 

 

The stage where Tiana’s Mardi Gras Celebration
 

 

Decorations for Bayou Bash
 

More Mardi Gras decorations.
 

 

Additional Bayou Bash decorations.
 

Princess and the Frog meet and greet location.
 

Limited Time Magic special beverage and food selections.
 

Blue Bayou Bash Face Painting.
Check out Blue Sky Cellar at Disney’s California Adventure for details of Fantasy Faire.

























Conner Purzycki’s 1/14/13 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

Conner Purzycki went to the Disneyland Resort a couple of days ago and captured some soon-to-be magic!

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Fantasy Faire Construction
The wall now has the same paint scheme as the castle 
Big Thunder Mountain closed for refurbishment 
It was a windy day
Main Street Station under wraps 
WOW, under an hour for once 
One side of Mater’s is being repainted and resurfaced, more on that later 
I will have a more updated report up later today

Hayley Nance’s 12/28/12 DLR Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Hayley went to the Disneyland Resort on the 28th of December, 2012 and captured some busy holiday magic!

I was at Disneyland for park opening on Friday December 28th and even an hour prior to park opening the crowd lines had already started! About 30 mins after park opening Indy was already at a 60 min wait with fast passes at 1pm. By 11am the crowds were too much to handle in either park.
It’s a little short and to the point but basically the crowds were heavy and the parks were showing it!
– Hayley Nance.

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Disneyland Resort Turns Up the Romance During ‘True Love’ Week, All Part of ‘Limited Time Magic’

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

ANAHEIM, Ca., Jan. 28, 2012 – Love is in the air at Disneyland Resort as fairy tale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes a reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Disneyland Resort.

The weeklong love fest is part of “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic, with fun and surprises that enhance their vacation memories.

During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from special entertainment and limited-edition Valentine’s merchandise to candlelit dinners for two and new, themed photo locations offering encounters with beloved Disney sweethearts – all for a limited-time only.

The weeklong event celebrates the love of friends and family, and invites couples to rekindle the flame. Here is the lineup:

  • Romantic Setting: Guests will feel the romance at every turn, as heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor adorn Disneyland Park, making it an ideal place to celebrate Valentine’s week.
  • Blushing Castle: At dusk, hues of red and pink will bathe Sleeping Beauty Castle, with projections of flowers and hearts.
  • Floral Heart: A giant floral heart makes a sweet setting for a Valentine photo, in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.
  • Valentine Wishes: Flowers, garlands and decorative doves will create a second ideal location around Snow White Wishing Well near Sleeping Beauty Castle. At night, magical lighting adds a romantic touch to the wishing well and Snow White Grotto.
  • Disneyland Sweethearts: Also near Town Square, guests will find a photo location with resident Disneyland sweethearts – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
  • Dinners for Two: Romantic dinners for two with prix fixe menus will be offered at select restaurants during the most romantic week of the year.  Specially-created menus at Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel or Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel make    ideal choices for a romantic evening. To book call 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).
  • Cupcake Lovers: Chefs have prepared a specially themed Valentine’s dessert: a chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and dark chocolate mousse frosting. It will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure, and Disneyland Hotel Coffee House.
  • Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plush, newly-designed apparel and Vinylmations will be available at select merchandise locations.
  • Ears for your Sweetheart: The classic Disneyland ear hat gets a total glitz makeover just in time for the most romantic time of the year. It will dazzle your Valentine and become the most sophisticated pair of ears in your collection.
  • Royal Romance:  Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to get photos of Disney Princes as they escort their Princesses along The Royal Walk in Fantasyland. In New Orleans Square, guests will find another pair of sweethearts, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
  • In Search of True Love: Guests may also encounter the Wandering Wallflowers, in search of “true love.”

 

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., will celebrate True Love week with similar in-park offerings. VisitDisneyworld.com for details.

For more information about “Limited Time Magic,” guests may visit www.LimitedTimeMagic.com or search for Twitter hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.

‘Limited Time Magic’ Brings Delicious Treats for Happy Lunar New Year Celebration to Disney California Adventure Park

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

While many of us celebrate the New Year on January 1, the Lunar New Year is usually between late January and early February, determined by the cycles and phases of the moon. Best known as “Chinese New Year,” Lunar New Year is also celebrated by the Vietnamese and Korean cultures, and is a time for big festivities.

Pot Stickers from Lucky Fortune Cookery, Part of the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure park is joining in the fun with the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration, part of “Limited Time Magic” from February 8-11, with the eateries in Pacific Wharf adding Asian-inspired treats. Lucky Fortune Cookery is adding chicken and veggie pot stickers and pork spare riblets with char siu sauce to its menu, as well as ginger milk tea (a delicious new creation by the Disney chefs) and mini-almond cookies.

Pacific Wharf Café is adding a barbecued pork bao roll, a traditional Chinese steamed bun, along with ginger milk tea and almond cookies. And their popular Chinese chicken salad in a sourdough bowl fits the bill, too.

Snake-Shaped Sourdough Bread from the Boudin Bread Cart, Part of the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park
The San Francisco cart adds the barbecued pork bao roll, edamame, almond cookies and ginger milk tea, while the Boudin Bread Cart is offering a giant loaf of sourdough shaped like a snake, for “the year of the snake.”

Pacific Palisades Coffee Cart is adding ginger milk tea, edamame and almond cookies, while Rita’s Baja Blenders will offer Tsing Tao beer. Try a little of everything to celebrate lively Asian flavors and a different tradition this year. Happy Lunar New Year!

Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort,

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

By Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

From an udon noodle bowl at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park to turkey pot pie atCinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park, the new Mickey Check is now featured on kids’ menus in both quick-service and table-service restaurants across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
,center>Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Following the introduction earlier this month at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, the expansion of the Mickey Check helps families easily find nutritious choices, part of an ongoing program that launched in 2006 with nutrition guidelines. The Mickey Check makes it even easier to identify healthier food options in all of the Disney theme parks and resorts.

Choices that receive the Mickey Check must meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar. For the Disney chefs, it’s been a fun challenge to tweak menus. For example, Blue Bayou inDisneyland park now offers seared salmon, spaghetti, broccolini and fresh fruit for kids. At Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, there’s grilled sirloin with green beans and brown rice. (Kids’ Complete Meals must be ordered without substitutions and include at least three of the following food groups: fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy; whole grains or lean protein, beans, eggs and nuts.)

Mickey Check for Kids’ Meals Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort
While new to table-service restaurants, the Mickey Check also appears on some Disney-licensed food products sold at retail locations, on qualifying recipes at Disney.com and Family.com, and on menus at quick-service restaurants at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Has your family found a favorite Mickey Check item in the theme parks or resorts? For more information, visitwww.DisneyMickeyCheck.com.

Larry Delceg’s DLR 1/4/2013 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Photographer Larry Delceg and his family went to the Disneyland Resort on the 4th of January. He was able to capture the final holiday magic and the first of limited time magic. They were also able to capture some of the final runs of Thunder Mountain before it goes through a sixth month renovation. Enjoy!

PhCast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The Three Kings Festival (Dia De Reyes) was celebrated at Big Thunder Ranch on January 4th, 5th and 6th. This festival of the Epiphany recognizes the historic visit of three foreign kings who came to honor Jesus. Christians celebrate this event because it symbolizes that the gift of life in Christ is for all people and all nations. Hispanic culture especially prizes this holiday, and many Spanish speakers were present – enthusiastically participating in the festivities. It was a unique Disney event and a truly wonderful experience.
For more information on the Three Kings Festival... just read this sign!
For more information on the Three Kings Festival… just read this sign!
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
Cast members were present to provide face painting for the children.
The grammy award winning
The grammy award winning “Mariachi Divas” performed periodically throughout the day. Performers at Disneyland are always exceptional, and the level of talent demonstrated by this group was especially impressive.
Have you ever tried playing the bass while singing?
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Mickey and Minnie demonstrated some fine dance moves.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Little princesses became part of the show.
Not to be mistaken for
Not to be mistaken for “Woody”, cast member Victor from San Juan Puerto Rico enthusiastically greeted guests.
Word is getting out that Earl of Sandwich is now open in Downtown Disney. Time for an in-depth photo report!
Around noon, wait time to the register was almost exactly 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, the books were not available for reading while in line...
A close-up of the highly reflective menu...
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
The bread is baked fresh every morning.
On January 4th, John was not personally present to make our sandwiches.
Step 1: A first time customer is preparing to unwrap her warm prize...
Step 2:
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your
Step 3: Moments before eating, this is what your “Italian” will look like. It was amazing.
The
 “Full Montegue”
Shortly before you consume it, this is what your
The Full Montegue. Photographer Larry Delceg rated it as “It actually may have been the best hot sandwich ever.”
Picnic table style outdoor seating. This is perfect if you like sitting with people you've never met before.
A delightful culinary experience!
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013...
Legend has it that a ghost mine train can be spotted in these here hills. And these here photos were taken three days before that train disappeared for a long-term refurb project which will extend through most of 2013…
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013...
Last glimpse of the runaway ghost train until October 31, 2013…
The end of Christmas 2012: On January 4th, the following photos were taken just two days before 2012 Christmas decorations would be removed from the Disneyland Parks.First we have Cars Land...
A Small World Holiday.
New Orleans Square is stunning at Christmas time.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Shortly after the Disneyland fireworks show on the evening of January 4th, a freak snowstorm struck Anaheim. Fortunately for travelers, the frozen precipitation subsided after only a few minutes.
Like searching for the holy grail... another attempt at the perfect castle photo. And the end of another magical Disneyland vacation...
 

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips at the Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

By Michelle Harker on Disney Parks Blog:

 

Happy Holidays, Disney fans!

It’s been another great year filled with events, releases, promotions and so much more. Thank you for sharing the ride with me.

For those who have things “wrapped” or buttoned up for the holidays, I commend you. You would think as the shopping queen out here, I’d be a little further ahead but that’s not the case. So for all of you doing last-minute shopping like me, here are a few things you may want to consider.

Vintage Buena Vista Street Holiday Merchandise – Here’s a look at the art which appears on a variety of items including tees, fleece, ornaments, mugs, greeting cards, tapestry throws and more. Find them at Elias & Co. and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park.

Disney California Adventure Park Artwork Available for the Holidays
A few weeks ago I shared some of our holiday gear for Cars Land. If you haven’t made a pit stop at Radiator Springs Curios, don’t wait much longer – folks are racing for it.

Minnie & Mickey in Love Seatbeltbag from HARVEYS, Available at Disneyland Resort
New for the season from our friends at HARVEYS is the Minnie & Mickey in Love seatbeltbag collection. Buckle up and head over to Disney Vault 28 and the Fortuosity Shop and get ready for a great ride.
Sweet Holiday Treats Available at Disneyland Resort
Sweet Holiday Treats Available at Disneyland Resort
 

Next on the list… A sweet Holiday treat, maybe? Then you’re in luck. Candy Palace, Marceline’s Confectioneryand of course, Trolley Treats are filled with goodies for anyone with a sweet tooth. Holiday cupcakes, apples, peppermint break up and fudge are high on the list, but the true hidden gem this season is the gourmet marshmallows, flavored to peppermint and egg nog. Take this from a girl who isn’t typically a fan of egg nog … It’s incredible! Now, we can’t forget the famous candy canes made by our talented team of candy makers, that alone is a true holiday treat to watch.

Fellow Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller recently shared some of this year’s best holiday deals and stocking stuffers tips. If you haven’t had the time to check out his post yet, be sure to set some time aside.

Wondering how you can find out more about other “must have” holiday gifts and deals? Well those currently following @Disneyland, @WaltDisneyWorld and @DisneyParks on Twitter know the trick, because we are right in the middle of our 25 Days of Tweets which offers a different gift item or holiday idea each day. How do you find these tweets? Simply look for #GiftDisney.

So get shopping, get wrapping, watch movies, sing carols, bake cookies and just enjoy the holiday time with your loved ones. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Have a safe and happy holiday and I’ll see you here next year with a lot more exciting merchandise news to share!

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the holiday season at Disney Parks, and join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.