Author: disneyparks.disney.go.com

One of my favorite scenes of any Star Wars film is
when Han Solo takes the Millennium Falcon into the asteroid field in
“The Empire Strikes Back” (celebrating its 40^th anniversary this
year, by the way). As a kid, I’d watch the Falcon gracefully dodge those
asteroids – avoiding TIE fighters at the same time – and dream of being
onboard the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.”

That dream came true last year with the debut of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. In this groundbreaking attraction, you walk those iconic curved hallways and then strap into the cockpit to take control of the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.

I must’ve had some galactic dust in my eye the first time I entered
the Falcon – I’m sure that’s why my vision went all watery and
blurry for a moment, right? Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an
amazing, immersive attraction that gives you a Star Wars experience like
never before. That’s why I’m so thrilled to share this latest video in our
“Ride & Learn” series, so you can take a virtual trip on this “bucket of
bolts” and discover some fun facts about the attraction along the way. Check it
out!

Still want to know more? Of course you do! Here are a few extra
fun facts about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run:

• The Millennium Falcon, docked in the
  Black Spire Outpost spaceport inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, measures
  more than 100 feet long.
• Hondo Ohnaka, who leads you on your journey, is
  a fan-favorite miscreant from the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars:
  Rebels” animated television series. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  marks the first time he’s been seen in any form other than an animated
  on-screen character.
• You enter the Falcon through an access
  hatch on its port side. As you explore the ship’s main hold, you may spot all
  sorts of iconic Star Wars items, including the helmet and remote Luke
  Skywalker used in his first lightsaber training! Keep an eye out for some Porg
  nests, too …
• Industrial Light & Magic (the visual
  effects division of Lucasfilm) collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to
  create the gaming platform and interactive media for the attraction.  
• If the Falcon
  sustains damage – such as smashing into obstacles or taking enemy fire –
  and is not properly repaired, the ship’s handling is affected and its hallways
  will show damage after you land.
• Disney Imagineers worked with Lucasfilm to
  ensure authenticity in every detail of the Millennium
  Falcon – down to the hoses, pipes, switches and even the stickers on the
  exterior hull. Imagineers visited Star
  Wars film productions in the United Kingdom to study Falcon sets and pored over archival Lucasfilm photographs of the
  ship.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this flight aboard the Millennium Falcon and maybe learned a little something along the way. Keep checking back with us here on the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

We could always use a little more Disney magic this holiday season, yes?

This year, Disney Gift Card has plenty of options to help with your holiday shopping list! From 60+ designs available on shopDisney.com to our latest Holiday Pin Series, there’s plenty of options to choose from that allows you to gift the gift of Disney.

In September, we launched over 60 Disney Gift Card designs on shopDisney.com featuring some of your favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars. Now, just in time for the holidays, we have introduced two new designs available to order. The first features Mickey Mouse adorned is his festive holiday wear, ready to help Santa by placing presents under the Christmas Tree. The second card design showcases Mickey and Minnie enjoying a winter day ice skating. No matter which card you choose, your Disney Gift Card comes in a matching carrier with a space for your own personalized message.

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You can also find this holiday Mickey Mouse design at select merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Your local Disney store offers this design with a coordinating envelope (subject to availability.)

Lastly, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a
Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series. This year, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and
Goofy celebrate the holidays in their own style on four all-new trading pins.
Each coordinating Disney Gift Card displays a winter scene: Mickey packing his
bag of presents, Minnie playing with Figaro in a snowy forest, Donald and Pluto
tugging a Santa hat between them, and Goofy oblivious to Chip and Dale playing
in the background.

The Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series is available at select merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World® Resort and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort starting on November 17^th. Available in limited quantities, each card is sold separately, for a minimum activation of $100, and includes a complimentary Disney Trading Pin.

As always, a Disney Gift Card is redeemable for practically all things Disney and never expires. It’s a gift that’s simple for you and perfect for spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Disney Gift Card, please visit DisneyGiftCard.com. To shop our designs online, visit shopDisney.com/buy-a-disney-gift-card/.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Gift Cards, DLR, WDW

This Friday, we’re continuing our #DisneyMagicMoments with a special “To The Stars edition” of Family Game Night filled with out-of-this-world surprises for the entire family. 

Beginning at 7pm ET on November, 27, you can create magical memories and have some Disney trivia fun during the “To The Stars” Disney Family Game Night. Each game, you’ll be playing for Mickey Stars – trying to collect as many as you can for a full constellation! 

Also, Ryan Seacrest  from ABC’s “American Idol”, “Live with Kelly & Ryan” and the upcoming “The Disney Holiday Singalong” will be a special guest host of this edition’s bonus round! You can watch Ryan on “The Disney Holiday Singalong” at 8|7c Monday, November 30 on ABC!

As always, we’ve gathered a few items you’ll want to have ready for game play. First, PRINT OUT a “To The Stars Edition” scorecard.

Beginning with the first game – “To Infinity and Where?” – you’ll need scorecards to play along during challenging trivia rounds that’ll test just how much you know!  

OOoooOOh, more fun awaits! 

To make Game Night extra special, we’re sharing a DIY project for the entire family.  This “Toy Story” Alien Pom Pom Garland from another universe is easy to create.  To bring the cuteness of these Aliens to your night, visit Family.com for detailed steps.

Your friends and family will also be “eternally grateful” for a delicious cup of “Toy Story” Alien hot cocoa during Game Night. The Aliens are made by dip-dyeing your favorite marshmallows similar to an Easter egg.  Family.com will show you exactly how to create this treat in just a few steps!

And as you navigate the stars on Friday night, keep a camera handy for photos capturing all the fun you’re having and send them to Mission Control using hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments.  

Check back here on the Disney Parks Blog on Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. ET for what may be our most challenging Disney Family Game Night yet.  If you’re not able to join us, the game will be available for replay on YouTube and Facebook. 

Gather your team and we’ll see you back here on Friday!  

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comfortable shoes…check! Shorts and bathing suits…check! Mickey ears and face coverings… heck! Now when you are packing for your Walt Disney World Resort face coverings are as important as the comfy shoes you bring. Today the planDisney panelists are here with some timely tips on selection of face coverings, how many you need, and yes, even tips on how to get that stylish teenager to enjoy wearing a mask!

Choices, choices, and a few more choices are what Lauren recommends. Just as you don’t want to wear the same shirt each day, neither do your family members want to wear the same mask each day. Lauren says her family is most comfortable when they can select their mask for the day. Maybe your family prefers a solid color, or perhaps they prefer a print from the amazing collection shopDisney has to offer. No matter your style, pack up as many as you desire.

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Samantha agrees different styles for different days is a great recommendation, and she also suggests trying out a variety of disposable and cloth masks while running errands at home. For Samantha, this means having her children put their mask on before they leave their house and not removing it until they get home. “Then when you need to wear a mask for longer periods of time, like during your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, you’ll know which mask you find the most comfortable.”

planDisney Pro Tip: Bring a small package of detergent suggests Lauren. “I washed everyone’s (cloth face coverings) in our sink and hung them to dry overnight. Having a fresh and clean mask for the start of your park day really helps.”

The Florida sun is bright, but sometimes sunglasses and masks don’t mix well. Betsy has a suntastic idea for fixing this issue, wear a hat! “I get much better airflow to the rest of my face when I wear a hat with my mask AND I have less resting on my ears!”

And what about that teenager you ask? Our panelists agree that no matter if your child is 5 or 15, they key is allowing them to select their face covering. The more they like it, the better the chance they will not complain about wearing it! 

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Remember, encouragement is a great tip to help your little one understand the importance of wearing his or her mask. Play games to keep their mind off the mask. And maybe, just maybe, the promise of a Mickey premium bar at the end of the day might be all the inspiration they need!

planDisney Pro Tip: Betsy talks to her kids a lot about “fighting the virus” and reminds them that wearing a mask makes them superheroes in helping with the battle! 

Break Time

Kristin says, “Don’t forget to get your snack on!” Her top tips include scheduling multiple snack and dining breaks throughout the day; giving you and your family a chance to rest and enjoy a delectable snack! 

planDisney Pro Tip: Make an Advanced Dining Reservation for lunch instead of dinner recommends Andrea H. “Take a break AND give your feet a rest by enjoying that special meal midday instead of waiting until later. You’ll feel rejuvenated in so many ways!”

Just back from a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, Aena can’t say enough great things about the Relaxation Stations. “They are wonderful! And there are indoor and outdoor Relaxation Stations to suit everyone’s preferences.” She adds that the Disney Resort pools are also a perfect place to cool off and relax.

As a reminder, face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up). Guests must supply their own face covering and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. So, from the parking lot, to the park, and back to the parking lot, don’t forget to wear a mask! Please also note neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. For a list of other important items, be sure to review our commitment to health and safety measures.

The world looks different, but the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is still alive and well. planDisney wants to especially thank every Cast Member who helps to remind Guests about health and safety and to Guests who comply with the current protocols. Together we are truly making a difference!

If you have questions regarding operational updates or questions about your next Disney vacation, visit us at planDisney.com. We are here to make your Disney vacation planning as easy as wearing your face covering! 

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort, planDisney, shopDisney, WDW

For many of us, Thanksgiving leftovers are as much a part of the holiday as the meal itself. But plain ham or turkey sandwiches can get old fast – real fast!

I checked our files for fun Disney recipes that will take your Thanksgiving leftovers up a notch and are so delicious your family will crave year-round!

Our recipe today is Ham Sliders with Pineapple Cherry Jam. Offered during past Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Resort, it is the yummy Pineapple Cherry Jam that takes this seemingly simple slider to the next level. (Note to the cook – be sure to reserve some of the tasty jam to spread on warm buttered toast for a morning treat. You deserve it!)

Check back tomorrow for another recipe that is a fun remix of traditional Thanksgiving leftovers!

HOLIDAY HAM SLIDER WITH PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM
Makes 8

PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• Coarse salt, to taste

HAM SLIDER

• 8 brioche buns
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 1/2 pounds Applewood smoked ham, sliced medium thickness

FOR PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM:

1. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Add pineapple, vinegar and sugar; cook on low heat for 45 minutes, until vinegar and pineapple juices are reduced and pineapple begins to break down.
3. Stir in cherries and mustard; season with salt.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR HAM SLIDER:

1. Preheat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cut brioche buns in half and spread butter on cut side. Toast on hot griddle for 1 minute, or until golden brown.
2. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and warm ham.
3. Evenly divide ham on warm brioche buns and top with jam.

Cook’s Note: Refrigerate any leftover jam—it’s delicious spread on warm buttered toast.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. 

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort