Author: family.disney.com

Our little ones are out of school and are more than ready for some Disney-fueled fun in the sun. From fruity treats to a book full of activities, we’re kicking off the season in style with crafts and recipes your family will love.

Let us know how you and your family are celebrating summer with the hashtag #DisneyWeekend on Instagram!

Moana Cupcake

Graham cracker sand, ocean blue frosting, and an edible flower come together to create a Moana Cupcake that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Tangled Smoothie Bowl

This is the best smoothie bowl ever—not only is it summery and delicious, it’s also easy to make!

Summer Vacation Workbook

We’ve compiled super fun activities for you and your little one to complete together—all in one workbook. Find coloring pages, pasta art, and more!

Little Mermaid Treats

You don’t need to go under the sea to find these sweet treats. Just whip up some shells with meringue and fins with chocolate.

Mickey Watermelon Gummies

You and your little one will have a fun #DisneyWeekend snacking on these colorful Mickey Watermelon Gummies.

For more Disney fun, check out this Moana-inspired workout:

The post Have Fun in the Sun This #DisneyWeekend appeared first on Disney Family.

From our friends at family.disney.com
Filed Under: Articles, #DisneyWeekend, Crafts | Descriptive-tags | 556f57ce405a3481bb85c21e, Disneyweekend | Holiday-and-season-tags | 550ef21374873f3577074973, Mickey Mouse (canon) (Fantasia Fun and Fancy Free Mickey Mouse & Friends Epic Mickey Mickey’s Magical Party Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) | Characters | 4be126bc0e59fad00804e53c, Moana (2016) | Movies | 4f37ea1d4e23fb4d5dcba540, Olaf (canon) (Frozen) | Characters | 4e4ddadf59fb7963002f4933, Recipe | Descriptive-tags | 556f593b716ba481bb85c21e, Summer | Holiday-and-season-tags | 538290acf8dfcb06c7f34118, Tangled (2010) | Movies | 4b9060054c55750f422a8ba2, The Little Mermaid (1989) | Movies | 4b9060054cacb50f422a8ba2

Red envelopes on Lunar New Year.
Steamy buns hot off the dim sum cart.
Bubble tea with tapioca pearls.

As a Chinese-American, there are so many wonderful traditions. Despite our rich culture, young Chinese women have often been underrepresented in American film. The release of Mulan 20 years ago marked an important date. It forever changed the way generations of Chinese women saw themselves and each other.

I was a senior in high school that year, somewhere in between a kid and grown-up. Despite being an animated character living in the past, Mulan was strangely relatable. She made me feel proud of my heritage and understand what it meant to be Chinese. It wasn’t just her physical characteristics that made our lives feel parallel. I could also see her struggling to balance more traditional values with modern ones, fighting to be herself despite what people told her she should be.

Mulan set herself apart as fearless. While others saw honor as attracting a husband, Mulan chose to define it by bravely helping those in need. She made following your own path look cool and speaking up part of her birthright.

The best part? When all was said and done, Mulan not only followed her heart, but she also didn’t apologize for it. Her convictions made me realize that from time to time, you have to do what’s right—even if it means going against what everyone else is telling you.

Over the years, I’ve watched Mulan so many times that I often catch myself inserting its quotes into daily life.

“Now, pour the tea!” I instruct my niece as we play at tea time.

“Would you like to stay forever?” I joke with my husband.

Mulan isn’t just a fictional character to me, she’s also become part of my family.

After years of struggling to become parents, my husband and I finally welcomed a daughter into our lives earlier this year. Upon meeting her, one of the first things we admired about our little girl were her clenched fists, which she would raise above her head as if celebrating a victory. We were thrilled that she looked like a fighter from the start—a girl ready to take on the world just like Mulan.

One of the more emotional moments of the film is when Mulan’s father quietly says, “The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter.” These days, I’m lucky enough to appreciate Fa Zhou’s words as my own.

Right from the start, I love that my baby has a tenacious Asian woman like Mulan to learn from. I hope that this classic film helps her feel proud of who she is and empowered to take on life’s challenges, just like it has done for me.

As I write this, I can see my baby’s eyes curiously fixed on the TV screen. Mulan has left her flowered comb on her father’s bedside table. She cuts off her hair and slips into armor. She rides off into a rainy night not knowing what lies ahead.

Mulan isn’t just a fierce warrior legend—she also lives and breathes in women like myself and our little girls.

For more Disney magic, check out this Mulan-inspired workout:

The post What Growing Up With ‘Mulan’ Meant to Me as a Chinese-American appeared first on Disney Family.

From our friends at family.disney.com
Filed Under: Articles, Mulan (1998) | Movies | 4ba34c4fe556a59e961b9666, Mulan (canon) (Mulan Disney Princess) | Characters | 4be8d2cadf425b5d2b34e58d

It’s official—Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff is now open on Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. You and your family can now enjoy some yummy eats and fun attractions—from the Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats (straight from Monsters, Inc.) to the Incredicoaster (just in time for Incredibles 2). This awesome shop is filled with must-have colorful products and treats that we can’t wait to get our hands on.

The beloved Inside Out character—that our little ones were obsessing over—has his own shop. They’ll want to head straight here for stuff like Bing Bong’s “sweet candy tears” and rainbow cotton candy.

Whether your mini Disney•Pixar fan loves Toy Story, WALL-E, or Inside Out, they’re sure to go nuts for the seasonal cake pops “popping” up from time to time.

And if your kiddo loves the sassy Rainbow Unicorn from Inside Out, be sure to pick up a candy apple (no longer just for Halloween) or a refreshing frozen drink all about her with layers of fruit sodas and rainbow candies.

This magical shop looks like a kid’s literal dream come true.

For more Disney•Pixar fun, try these fun DIYs:

The post A Sweet Shop All About Bing Bong Is Now Open at Pixar Pier appeared first on Disney Family.

From our friends at family.disney.com
Filed Under: Articles, Bing Bong (canon) (Inside Out) | Characters | 5255219f28b5127d267013fb, Disney California Adventure | Properties | 4beddd8c18c035173a0573db, Food | Descriptive-tags | 556f58abef459481bb85c21e, Inside Out (2015) | Movies | 4f33f5c71158a58b366c3b73

We are no strangers to the magic that is Tokyo Disney Resort. The Park is known for its adorable merchandise and even cuter snacks. And now there is even more reason to visit! It was recently announced that they would be developing a new Beauty and the Beast-inspired area and a Big Hero 6 attraction.

As if our kids weren’t already begging us to pay a visit to Tokyo Disney, there is more news that truly has us itching to pack our bags—and you will be, too!

Tokyo Disney Resort is expanding Tokyo DisneySea in 2022 with an entire eighth port. This new section of the Park will include areas dedicated to Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan! Tokyo DisneySea is the only Disney Park inspired by the legends of the sea with each port representing a specific theme. The newest port will revolve around magical springs that lead to a world of Disney fantasy. We can already imagine the looks of awe on our kids’ faces as we explore the new additions.

The area inspired by Peter Pan will bring Neverland to life, including Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Skull Rock. There will also be two new exciting attractions and even a restaurant inspired by the Lost Boys hideout! The pirate-obsessed kiddo in your home will have the time of their life.

The first ride will allow guests to fly alongside Peter as he rescues Wendy’s brother John in a battle with Captain Hook. The second will immerse your family of fairy lovers into the world of Pixie Hollow where Tinker Bell and her friends live. So fun!

Tangled fans—your family is sure to have the best day ever as you journey on a gondola to the lantern festival alongside Rapunzel and Flynn. After that exciting ride, you and your kiddos are going to need to fuel up. Where better to do it than at the new restaurant inspired by The Snuggly Duckling from the movie?!

If your family is anything like ours, the Frozen phase has never ceased. Lucky for us, Toyko Disney is prepared to transport us all into the kingdom of Arendelle! This segment of the Park is themed around the kingdom after the events of the film, when the gates have opened to visitors.

In the new heartwarming attraction, you will experience Elsa and Anna’s story by boat while enjoying songs from the hit film. You can then extend the magic by visiting the new restaurant located inside Arendelle Castle!

We know what you’re thinking—where am I going to stay during my incredible trip to Tokyo DisneySea? The Park’s expansion will also include a new hotel! It will be themed around the magical springs of the port, featuring 475 deluxe and luxury guest rooms, two restaurants, and a shop.

This leaves only one question: when can we book a fun family trip to Japan?

For more Disney fun, check out this Moana-themed workout:

The post Tokyo Disney Resort Is Expanding and We Can’t Wait to Bring Our Family appeared first on Disney Family.

From our friends at family.disney.com
Filed Under: Articles, parks, Tokyo Disney Resort | Parks | 4b906005cbce250f422a8ba2