Disney Parks

News

'Poster Art of the Disney Parks' Book Coming to Disney Parks Soon

It's a book that's been four years in the making, and now it's almost ready to make its debut in Disney Parks Stores. "Poster Art of the Disney Parks," the creation of Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, showcases posters utilized by Disney to convey the essence of its theme parks and attractions.

The book includes over 300 posters and concepts, including some "never before seen" prints and almost all of the original 1950's Disneyland posters. Says author and Imagineer Hunt about her book:

Disney Parks Expansions and Additions Exceed $3 Billion

When Disney improves upon its parks, it improves. The company has surpassed the $3 billion mark in its park additions and expansions - a first in its history. To give an idea of where all that moolah is going, here is a breakdown of recent work at Disney parks worldwide:

  • Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World: The Fantasyland expansion, the largest in the park's four decade history, will top out around $425 million when the construction is done.

Dole Whip Shirts Now In Disney Parks

Grab 'em while they're hot. Make that cool. Whatever way you slice it, foodies will love the new shirts in Disney parks featuring the iconic Disney treat Dole Whip.

Richard Terpstra is the artist on the softlines team responsible for bringing a favorite Disney snack to a shirt near you. In addition to the Dole Whip shirt, Terpstra has also created a tee featuring the beloved Disney churros.

Both feature a retro style. Casey Jones, a Disney Design Group artist, had this to say about the new styles and fellow artist Terpstra's work:

New Heroes Work Here Program Announced

At its annual shareholder meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, earlier this week, Walt Disney Co. announced its new Heroes Work Here program which is designed to help put returning military vets to work.

There are three elements to Heroes Work Here. First, Disney will hire and train 1,000 servicemen and women over the next three years. Second, Disney will seek to ease the transition into civilian life for the vets and their families. Third, a national public awareness campaign is planned to help encourage all sectors of business to hire those who have served the country.

Disney Makes Changes To Appearance Codes For Employees

Recently, Disney announced some changes in their policies affecting appearances of their employees. First, for the first time in sixty years, Disney will allow male workers in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks to grow beards or goatees. Next, the company will allow employees to partake in casual Friday.

New Dumbo Ride At Fantasyland Recently Tested

Progress is certainly being made at the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion. Recently, the new and improved Dumbo ride was spotted being tested in preparation for its expected debut in February.

Dumbo looks to have received some upgrades in this new imagining of the classic attraction. First off, sources note the ride will fly clockwise and is the first ride in any of the Disney parks to do so. Next, the ride's topper also looks to be getting a makeover with Timothy Mouse being replaced by a "bevy of storks."

Magic Kingdom Parking Signs Get Hero and Villain Updates

It's heroes versus villains at the Magic Kingdom . . . well, sort of. It appears that earlier this week work began to update the Magic Kingdom's parking lot to help make it easier for guests to locate their cars.

A Look Inside Golden Oak Homes

Last month, Kasey O'Connor gave us some details on Disney's Golden Oaks Community. Now, the first of the luxury homes are finished and the Disney Parks Blog has given us a sneak peak. Take a look at these awesome pictures.

Golden Oaks Home

Kitchen

Disney Holding Auditions for Finding Nemo

Ever dreamed of being in a Disney show? Now just might be your chance. Looks like Disney is searching for a few good performers for their Finding Nemo: The Musical show.

Here's an idea of what Disney is looking for:

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking musical theatre performers of all ethnicities and builds to portray principal and ensemble roles for Finding Nemo, the Musical, an original musical theatre production based on the Disney - Pixar hit animated feature, performed at the Walt Disney World(r) Resort in Orlando, FL.

A Video Look: Imagineers, Technology and Fantasyland

It's not really news that the Fantasyland expansion is in full swing with many updates planned for that area. What is new is the use of some innovative and generally nifty technology used by the Imagineers hard at work on the expansion.

The video below takes us behind the scenes as Imagineers plan and construct a virtual project on a computer before the real thing goes up in WDW, and are able to pinpoint any concerns before the first nail is hammered into place.

Forum Posts

Articles

Saturday Style: All I Want For Christmas

My husband asked me what was on my Christmas list the other day. Of course I headed straight for the DisneyStore.com to plan out my list. It's a little high end, but it's a wishlist, right? If you don't ask the answer is always no! Now is the season for shopping to make dreams come true. Be sure to make sure there's a little Disney magic for your fan under the tree. If you need some ideas - check out my list!

5 Fantastic Afternoon Breaks At Walt Disney World

Most Disney families dream of spending their holidays at the Disney Parks, but longer Park hours and high crowd levels can make touring more hectic fun. It's important to schedule in some relaxation time where you can get away from the fray and take care of yourself before going back out into thrills. For my family that means a mid-afternoon break is a must, read on for five great ideas how to relax and refresh while at Walt Disney World.

Saturday Style Tomb Sweet Tomb Edition: Memento Mori

Haunted Mansion fans can now continue their experience at the newly themed Liberty Square Boutique, Momento Mori. Guests in this unique boutique (rumored to have once been the home of Madame Leota) will be able to pick up all the latest from the pages of Better Tombs and Gardens. The authentic Haunted Mansion merchandise created especially for the Disney Parks will pay homage to the story and details within Disney's classic attraction, and will include a wide range of clothing as well as home goods.

Take a Thrilling Ride into the Unknown on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you're a thrill-seeker then you probably already have The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on your must-ride list of attractions.

But if you haven't had a chance to experience this attraction yet and you only have a slight fear of falling elevators and dark rides, I would suggest adding it to your FastPass+ selections on your next visit. After riding it for the very first time ever a few weeks ago, the Tower of Terror is my new favorite attraction at the Studios.

Don’t Break the Bank: 10 Walt Disney World Souvenirs under $10

If there's one thing every guest at Walt Disney World can agree one, it's that we all tend to spend a lot of money on souvenirs.

It's inevitable. You want something special from the vacation and your kids want everything in every store.

But with a little research, you can find some great souvenirs that won't cost you a ton of money and won't end up in the used toy bin two weeks after you return home.

We checked out the Disney Parks online store and found some fun (and sometimes useful) items that are under $10.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for a Day in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Planning for a day in the theme parks at Walt Disney World goes beyond picking out your FastPass+ selections and deciding where you want to eat. There are also certain items that you'll want to consider packing in a backpack or totebag just in case you need them.

Now we know that no one wants to lug around a heavy bag filled with unnecessary stuff (especially when it's hot and humid) but these "must-have" items might help you save the day.

Marketplace Co-Op Boutique Stores Now Open at Downtown Disney

We've been talking about the Marketplace Co-Op that's part of the Disney Springs expansion for quite awhile now, and I'm happy to announce that it's final open! Located right next to Tren-D, the Marketplace Co-Op will offer six different boutiques where guests can find a variety of unique, authentic and original merchandise developed to reflect the signature style of Disney Parks.

5 Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World This Summer

We think that anytime is a good time for a Walt Disney World vacation, but this Summer may be just the time you've been waiting for to take your next trip! There's been a lot going on over the past few years with construction, and beta tests of many new systems but much of that has finally come to fruition. It is Disney, and just as soon as one major project is finished there's sure to be a new one started - but if you've been waiting around for "the best" time to visit - wait no more!

Star Wars Weekends Come to Life Thanks to New Augmented Reality Technology

Just in case Star Wars Weekends weren't cool enough, this year Disney is presenting all-new technology to take the coolness factor to a whole new level.

For the first time ever, Disney is utilizing augmented reality to give guests virtual character experiences, provide additional information on guide maps, and interact with the Star Wars Weekend logo.

This hi-tech fun is being provided by HP, the official technology partner for Disney Parks.