Category: Disney Parks

Adapting to new ways of learning is something that’s been top of mind for teachers and students this fall, and with 16,000 Central Florida students resuming face-to-face learning this week, we wanted to lend a hand in a way that mattered most to the teachers who would welcome these students back to their classrooms. 

Walt Disney World and A Gift For Teaching—a Central Florida nonprofit that provides free resources and materials to public schools—have been working together for the past two decades to help make a difference in local schools. This work took on even more importance this summer when the nonprofit needed to temporarily close its supply warehouse to visiting teachers and launch a new curbside supply pickup service, all while sourcing items not typically found on supply lists like lanyards for holding face masks and individual water bottles to replace communal drinking fountains. Thanks to the help of our merchandise teams, Walt Disney World donated thousands of lanyards, nearly 5,000 reusable shopping bags to support the new curbside pickup model and various merchandise items to spread a little magic in local classrooms.

“The feedback from teachers has been incredible,” said Jane Thompson, president at A Gift For Teaching. “They’ve been so thankful for us recognizing there was going to be a need and figuring out how we could help fill that need for them. That’s been very gratifying for us.”

The Walt Disney World Ambassadors visited A Gift For Teaching to see the new curbside pickup in action and how local teachers are still getting the many resources they need, but in a whole new way. 

Beyond supporting schools through A Gift For Teaching, Walt Disney World also recently donated more than 100,000 reusable bags, thousands of water bottles and lanyards, along with other back-to-school essentials like backpacks and incentive items to Central Florida schools and organizations. We’re thankful for everything teachers and staff do for students in our community and hope these items help position them to have a fantastic school year.

“One of the things that we’re so grateful for at this time is partnerships like we have with Disney,” Thompson added. “Disney as a partner has been there to serve and deliver and support our organization and our mission of ensuring that every student has every supply that they need.”

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Community Outreach, Walt Disney World Resort, Cast Members, WDW

Familia! A word that means so much to all. At planDisney the word family stirs up reflections of festivities, time spent together and yes, magical memories created at Walt Disney World Resort. As the panel joins in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we are reminded of the importance of family, especially when it comes to forming new memories at the most magical place on earth.

Join us as we take a quick trip down memory lane with Desiree who comes from a family of 14 from Peru. Meal time was bonding time in her home, and there was never a Sunday dinner missed at her mama’s home. She and her family also share a connection through travel, which includes the entire family, to Walt Disney World Resort. Thanks to her father who fulfilled his dream of an education in America and his hard work ethic, Desiree was introduced to Walt Disney World at the young age of three. She, and her entire family, immediately fell in love with the magic of all things Disney.

To create these momentous memories with your family, planning is key. Not sure where to begin to assure everyone in your party enjoys the time spent together? No worries at all because with tips from those in the know, planDisney panelists can make it easier, and dare we say a great deal of fun, to plan your next Disney trip.

planDisney Travel Tips for Traveling with a Large Family:

Plan ahead advises Yael. She recommends guests have a plan each day and for each park. By doing this everyone, from little ones to grandparents, can enjoy and maximize their time. 

Go at your own pace is Clara’s top tip. She believes the ability to tailor the day to whatever makes it fun and relaxing for each member of your travel party will pay off in the end with a much more enjoyable vacation for all!

Try splitting up during the day is Andres go-to tip. By dividing up your party, everyone is able to conquer their must do’s. Teenagers can enjoy the thrills of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, while preschoolers, and even mom and dad, can enjoy such attractions at Dumbo the Flying Elephant and “it’s a small world.”

And when the day of fun is drawing to a close, Malanie says make sure everyone gathers together for dinner. She states her family loves to sit down at their favorite dining location and everyone is able to recap their day.

Whether your family will be celebrating with us during Hispanic Heritage Month, or you are beginning to plan for a future trip, planDisney is here to answer all your Disney vacation planning questions. Visit us today to receive a personalized answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists.

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney panel participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized

As days shorten in fall, creeping shadows and eerie night skies can create mesmerizing views at Disney Mansions and Manors around the world!  Whether it’s the chilling Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris or the ghostly Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World Resort, each estate offers its own enchanting beauty. 

With Halloween approaching, our friends from across the globe scared up a few favorite hauntings to begin the week. Take a look at some “Mansions and Manors” magic: 

Our special look at Mansions and Manors begins at Disneyland Paris where an otherworldly sky frames up Phantom Manor in a most uncanny way.  Tucked away in a corner of Frontierland, this dilapidated house has frightful secrets to discover – if you dare to enter! 

At Walt Disney World Resort, the darkness of night ushers in hair-raising experiences at the Haunted Mansion.  Beware of hitchhikers – phantom pranksters inside may just follow you home. 

Moonbeams illuminated the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort in a past view, delivering a bewitching glow for all happy haunts.  

At Tokyo Disney Resort, an overcast sky delivers a delightfully dreadful view of the ominous gothic mansion – haunted by 999 ghosts, goblins, and ghouls.

And a shadowy night at Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland sets the stage for the estate’s exotic artifacts from around the world to come to life right before your eyes.  

We hope you enjoyed this special look at the hauntingly beautiful Mansions and Manors of Disney Parks.  Be sure to check back for more Disney Halloween surprises by visiting our new “Everything Halloween” page.  

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, DLR, Halloween, Haunted Mansion, Photography, Tokyo Disney Resort, WDW

Today’s part-two release of Disney Paper Parks: Happy Haunts Edition focuses on tableware inspired by the Haunted Mansion. Add these spooky elements to your table to complement the Haunted Mansion-inspired home decorations released last week and fill your home with the mansion’s rich period finishes and fabrics – well, paper!

This set of printable activity sheets includes cup sleeves, napkin rings, placemats and small snack or candy boxes inspired by some of the great interior details of the attraction. Just follow the instructions to create 3D versions of each – many with a spot to label and personalize them.

Cut out bats and
add them to straws or cupcakes, slip your cups into sleeves featuring the
Phantom Five or other designs and make Doom Buggy snack boxes and place them
next to Haunted Mansion-inspired placemats. Your Halloween party at home will
soon be complete!

For best results, we recommend printing the activity sheets at their actual size, not scaling them to fit the page. We also recommend adult participation or supervision for those with little ones to help make this great activity even more enjoyable.

The sheets, created for the Disney Parks Blog by talented Imagineers Stephanie Jazmines and Amy Young, require the use of scissors, glue and folding along dotted lines in specific directions. Watch for two more releases of Disney Paper Parks: Happy Haunts Edition that will materialize soon!

By downloading Disney Paper Parks, you acknowledge and agree that these materials are being provided to you for personal, non-commercial use.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized, DIY, magic moments

It’s been almost an entire year since Disney’s “Frozen 2” hit screens worldwide, which means you’ve had plenty of time to get ready for this year’s Frozen Fan Fest. Whether you’ve been preparing by re-watching the film a million and two times over, singing your favorite “Frozen 2” tunes, or showing off your “Frozen”-inspired looks, the time has come to join fans around the globe for this year’s ultimate celebration of all things “Frozen”! 

On October 18^th, you’re invited to tune-in on for the first-ever “Frozen” Virtual Playdate hosted by Ayesha Curry. The event will feature an entire day’s worth of new and curated content you can enjoy right from the comfort of your own home, complete with digital adventures and immersive activities featuring exciting new product offerings inspired by “Frozen 2.”  Right when you thought it couldn’t get any better – you’ll also get an exclusive first-look at the trailer for “Once Upon a Snowman,” the new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios, coming to Disney+ on October 23.

Fans of all ages will also have the chance to participate in immersive activities including a sing-a-long, choreographed dance lesson, an American Sign Language tutorial of “Show Yourself,” and the unique opportunity to learn how to draw Olaf with Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, the directors of “Once Upon a Snowman.” Additionally, a special “Frozen Fashion Week” fashion show brought to you from the United Kingdom will also air as part of the Playdate, complete with imaginative vignettes and never-before-seen styles that lean into key elements of the story and its characters. Be sure to also keep an eye out throughout the duration of the Virtual Playdate for exciting guest appearances by social influencers and “Frozen” fans, as well as Radio Disney’s Cameron McLeod and Jason Maybaum from Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home.”

The Playdate will also feature “Frozen” essentials including new apparel, fashion accessories, bedding, toys, party decor, and costumes from Hasbro, LEGO, Party City, Disguise, shopDisney and more. Check out some of the magical product that will make an appearance at the Virtual Playdate, so you can start planning how you’ll play! 

Beginning today, fans can visit http://www.disney.com/FrozenFanFest for a full schedule of events, downloadable activities and more. The Virtual Playdate will be available from 9 a.m. PST on October 18^th for one day only. Additionally, be sure to join the conversation by following #FrozenFanFest for updates and information!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized, Merchandise