DISNEY RESORTS AND THEME PARKS ACROSS AMERICA

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DISNEY RESORTS AND

THEME PARKS ACROSS AMERICA

By 

Steve Zall and Sid Fish

 

 

The Original Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Dominate the Scene in California

 

Featuring Two Distinctly Different Theme Parks, a Shopping Complex, Dining, Entertainment, and Three Resort Hotels

 

Disneyland Park has attracted millions of visitors since it first opened its doors more than 50 years ago. When you enter Disneyland, the cares and worries of the day are left behind. Once you enter Disneyland Park, you’re transported to a fantasy world where elephants can fly and pirates serenade.

Disneyland California is most certainly a land of enchantment where children and the young at heart find that dreams really do come true. Disneyland Park is a seamless blend of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Smiling train conductors, marching bands and the clip-clop of horse drawn carriages bring you back to carefree days. You can also rocket through the galaxy, board a runaway train or trek through the jungle. Laughter is always in the air, with friendly smiles all around. The secret to Disneyland is its ability to change yet, remain the same. As Walt Disney said "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

 

DISNEY RESORT PARKS

 

DISNEYLAND

Opened: July 17, 1955

 

Walt Disney’s first theme park anywhere has eight themed lands with dozens of attractions built around wonder, fantasy and fun: Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Fantasyland; Tomorrowland; New Orleans Square; Critter Country; and Mickey’s Toontown.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Mine Train, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Matterhorn Bobsleds, It’s a Small World, Disneyland Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Autopia, Mad Tea Party, Disneyland Monorail System, Alice in Wonderland, and Star Tours.

 

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Opened: February 8, 2001

 

Explore 7 exciting lands that bring to life Disney and Pixar stories and characters through amazing attractions, entertainment and dining: Buena Vista Street; Cars Land; Grizzly Peak; Paradise Pier; Pacific Wharf; A Bug's Land; and Hollywood Land.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

California Screamin’, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin’ Around the World, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Grizzly River Run, Red Car Trolley, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, Flik’s Flyers, Golden Zephyr, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, Toy Story Midway Mania!, and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

 

 

DOWNTOWN DISNEY DISTRICT

With 300,000-plus square-foot of live entertainment, lush landscaping and innovative architecture, Downtown Disney District is the ideal location for a shopping spree, a dining excursion or simply a stroll through a unique Disney environment. Downtown Disney, a public esplanade leading to the entrances of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks, offers a lively, colorful array of innovative restaurants, interesting shops and dynamic entertainment venues.

 

SHOPPING HIGHLIGHTS:

Starbucks, ESPN Zone, House of Blues, La Brea Bakery™ Café, The LEGO Store, Rainforest Café, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Build-A-Bear Workshop, AMC Theatres, World of Disney Store, Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar, Tortilla Jo’s, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, and Napolini.

 

 

DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTELS

HOTELS: Three resorts owned and operated by the Disneyland Resort (includes Disney Vacation Club properties).

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS: 973 Disneyland Resort hotel rooms, including 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units.

 

Disneyland Hotel – 973 rooms

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – 948 rooms

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – 481 rooms

 

 

 

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 61 Years of Fun and Innovation with Anniversary Celebration

 

 

Guests Have One Last Chance to Enjoy All the Magic of the Diamond Anniversary Celebration, through Sept. 5, 2016

 

 

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955, it had 18 attractions, no Disney hotels and little but orange groves surrounding it. Today, as the Disneyland Resort marks its 61st anniversary–and the ongoing Diamond Celebration–the original theme park has expanded to become a world-class family resort destination. With six decades of inspiration and innovation, the resort now includes two renowned Disney theme parks, nearly 100 exciting attractions, three hotels and the shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney.

 

Disneyland commemorated its role as the original Disney theme park with festivities that included the Disneyland Band, the “Happiest March on Earth” down Main Street, U.S.A., and a cast of 61 Disney characters at the Disneyland Train Station.

 

Final Weeks of Diamond Celebration Entertainment: Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort today and through Sept. 5, 2016, will have one last chance to enjoy the dazzling Diamond Celebration, with all its magic, sparkling décor and after-dark entertainment. Three spectacular shows were created for the milestone 60th anniversary: the brilliant “Paint the Night” parade, the immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and the memorable “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.”

 

All-new Entertainment: The Resort’s newest attractions can be found at Disney California Adventure Park: “Frozen—Live at the Hyperion,” a new, theatrical interpretation of Disney’s animated blockbuster film, told with a cast of beloved characters, stunning special effects and show-stopping musical numbers; and Soarin’ Around the World, where guests let their imagination take flight in an epic reimagining of the classic attraction, Soarin’ Over California.

 

A Place Where Dreams Come True: The popularity of Disneyland through the past 61 years celebrates Walt Disney’s dream of a place where family members of all ages can have fun together in a safe, clean atmosphere that emphasizes imagination and extraordinary guest service. Since 1955, dignitaries, heads of state, celebrities and more than 750 million guests have passed through its gates.

 

As part of the tribute to opening day, July 17, 1955, a recording of Walt Disney’s speech was played: “To all who come to this happy place–welcome!  Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

 

With that as its goal, Disneyland transformed the amusement industry. It delivered an entirely new concept in family entertainment: a “theme park” where rides, shows and characters become part of a total storytelling environment.  Creativity, technology and innovation continue to bring stories to life, while fulfilling Walt’s promise that “Disneyland will never be completed … as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

 

At Disney California Adventure Park

 

“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new musical adaptation based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, is performed daily at the Hyperion Theater. The show brings to life the timeless story of Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, in a spectacular musical stage production. From the moment the curtain rises, guests are mesmerized by this heartwarming tale of two sisters who learn that their love for each other is what matters most. With a cast of beloved characters, an engaging story and unforgettable songs, audiences can expect an incredible theatrical experience that will delight the entire family. The show is directed by Liesl Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The story’s endearing characters of Olaf and Sven are brought to life on stage through the creative efforts of master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the puppets of “The Lion King” on Broadway and many other Disney parades, shows and projects.

 

Soarin’ Around the World — Your imaginations can take flight in this entirely new epic reimagining of a classic attraction. Beginning June 17, get ready to soar over the Great Wall of China, glide over the windy peak of the Matterhorn in Switzerland and sail over Australia’s majestic Sydney Harbor. Located in the Grizzly Peak Airfield area of Disney California Adventure, utilizing the very hanger where Disney’s original “Soarin’ Over California” attraction first flew, this next generation flight is an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a global multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents.

 

In Cars Land, the sensational Radiator Springs Racers and exuberant Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree have been joined by a new attraction. The fun-filled Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters attraction at Casa Della Tires dances with joy as Luigi’s cugini (cousins) have come from Carsoli, Italy, to celebrate Race Day in Radiator Park guests hop aboard miniature Italian roadsters, in the style of late 1950s micro cars and groove with Luigi’s singing in a precision-choreographed dance across a trackless “dance floor.” Each car has its own routine, so guests can enjoy different ride experiences during each dance.

 

Capturing the excitement of “Captain America: Civil War,” Captain America is making appearances in Hollywood Land at Disney California Also swinging into Hollywood Land is everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

 

At Disneyland Park

Exciting Star Wars experiences in Disneyland Park celebrate the Star Wars film saga.

 

Star Wars Launch Bay invites guests to visit a Star Wars-themed cantina, discover authentic replicas of film props, and encounter Star Wars characters such as Chewbacca, from the light side, and Kylo Ren from the dark side.

 

 

The Star Wars-themed transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain thrusts guests into an X-wing Starfigher battle as they race through the darkness. The experience is enhanced by a thrilling soundtrack, inspired by the Star Wars films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the attraction.

 

At the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, guests encounter an exciting adventure and characters from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” while journeying aboard a Starspeeder 1000.

 

Guests relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time — through the short “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” film which connects iconic scenes from the iconic films in fun ways.

 

The popular interactive show Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple has been reimagined with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.

 

Additional highlights of a summer visit to Disneyland include unique limited-time opportunities to experience favorite attractions in new While the Disneyland Railroad is temporarily closed, guests at the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations can get up-close with the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland park for decades and learn about them firsthand from Disneyland Railroad engineers. Limited-time experiences for the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia are also planned this summer.

60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration Spectaculars Continue

The stunning entertainment found every year at the Disneyland Resort is now even more dazzling with Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, continuing through Sept. 5, 2016.

 

The sparkling “Paint the Night” parade builds on the tradition of breathtaking nighttime parades in Disneyland Park that began with the “Main Street Electrical ” Illuminated almost entirely by LED lights, “Paint the Night” is a state-of-the art, vibrant wonder that immerses guests in the magical, luminescent worlds of many Disney and Disney●Pixar characters, including Ariel, the Little Mermaid; Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story”’; Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse and his pals.

 

The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular entertains guests from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, surrounding the audience with music, dazzling visual projections and other special effects that bring the pyrotechnics to life in surprising Guests may enjoy the projections from multiple locations, including Main Street, U.S.A., and Small World mall.

 

At Disney California Adventure, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” is a fun-filled version of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joins Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas, bringing to life the remarkable story of Walt Disney and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

 

Disneyland Diamond Days,** an exciting text-in-for-a-chance-to-win sweepstakes, awards daily and weekly prizes as part of the Diamond Weekly prizes include authentic one- and two-carat diamonds custom engraved for Disney – one-carat diamonds are paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream suite – as well as a one-of-a-kind dazzled Mickey Mouse ear hat adorned with crystals and a white gold plated, silver emblem with a large topaz and smaller pavé diamonds; and private experiences in the park such as a Breakfast in Mickey’s Toontown or an exotic Jungle Cruise Dinner. The available prizes vary each week. Daily prizes also are awarded during the Diamond Celebration, and each daily prize package for that day includes an individualized tour of the parks with dining, preferred access to select attractions, and VIP viewing at some of the dazzling nighttime spectaculars. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences, and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes. More details, including a complete list of prizes, may be found at http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays.

Themed Dining and Other Experiences

 

Any visit to the Disneyland Resort becomes more special with themed dining and refreshments, and the resort presents some tasty surprises this summer. At Disneyland, the Star Wars-themed menu at Galactic Grill includes the Darth Tamale, a First Order Specialty Burger with Angus beef and chorizo on a dark bun, and The Pastry Menace éclair. Plaza Inn is ideal for family dining with a menu that features fried chicken, pot roast and made-to-order Children and the young at heart are delighted to encounter Disney characters at the “Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn, one of several character meals at the resort.

 

 

At Disney California Adventure, the recently opened Smokejumpers Grill inside Grizzly Peak Airfield fires up delicious burgers and other favorites, all served in a themed environment. The popular Cove Bar along Paradise Bay serves beverages and appetizers in an expanded patio The elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant continues to provide an ideal location for fine dining and adult relaxation in its lounge. And guests who want to meet Disney Princesses will find them at the character dining at Ariel’s Grotto.

 

 

The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, recently renovated, 975-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

 

 

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is open daily year round. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

 

 

Walt Disney World Delivers Dazzling Awesomeness on Sprawling 25,000 Acre Resort in Florida

 

Featuring Four Unique Theme Parks, Two Water Parks, a Shopping Complex, Sports Center, and 27 Resort Hotels

 

In the mid-1960s, Walt Disney’s dream was to build a family resort destination like no other. During that time, The Walt Disney Company acquired more than 25,000 acres in Central Florida and planned a whole new world of Disney entertainment. After more than seven years of preparation, including 52 months of construction, Walt Disney World Resort and Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971.

 

Since guests first strolled down Main Street, U.S.A., Walt Disney World has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. With a rich heritage of storytelling, Disney Parks combine creativity, innovation and technology to immerse guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation — where the young at heart of all ages can laugh, play and learn together.

 

Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, just 30 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World has grown since it’s opening in 1971 to include 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 4 golf courses, a convention center, sports complex, a shopping complex, 27 resort hotels, and it employs more than 74,000 cast members who ensure that every guest has an unforgettable experience during their magical visits.

 

 

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT PARKS

 

MAGIC KINGDOM PARK

Opened: October 1, 1971

 

Disney’s first theme park in Florida has seven themed lands with dozens of attractions built around wonder, fantasy and fun: Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square;

Fantasyland; Tomorrowland; and Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Jungle Cruise, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid.

 

EPCOT

Opened: October 1, 1982

 

Touch the future and travel the world at Epcot. This park comprises an amazing array of attractions, shows, interactive presentations, live performances and architectural wonders. Guests are immersed in a world of technological accomplishments and international cultural achievements. Includes the World Showcase, with individual pavilions for each of the following countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Innoventions, Mission: SPACE, Soarin’, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush.

 

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Opened: May 1, 1989

 

A working film, TV and radio studio, as well as a theme park, featuring interactive attractions, Broadway-style shows and world-class entertainment that pay tribute to the world of show business.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Fantasmic!, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, The Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Disney Junior — Live on Stage, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours — The Adventures Continue, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

 

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK

Opened: April 22, 1998

 

The fourth Walt Disney World theme park features a world of adventures with exotic animals, prehistoric giants and beloved Disney characters. Jungles, forests and a vast savanna are divided into four themed lands: Africa, DinoLand U.S.A., Discovery Island and Asia.

 

ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS:

DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo – The Musical, It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Primeval Whirl, The Tree of Life.

 

WATER PARKS:

Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

 

GOLF COURSES:

Disney’s Magnolia course, Disney’s Palm course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista course and Disney’s Oak Trail (nine-hole, par 36 walking course)

 

DISNEY SPRINGS

The recently renamed 120-acre Disney Springs is currently undergoing the largest expansion in its history and significant work has been underway to double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences available, from 75 to more than 150 venues, amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will be home to four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods opening in phases: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace and West Side, which will be interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront.

 

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS

HOTELS: Twenty-seven resorts owned and operated by the Walt Disney World Resort (includes eight Disney Vacation Club properties).

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS: Nearly 29,000 Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms, including 2,665 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.

 

MAGIC KINGDOM RESORT AREA

5 HOTELS; 3 Disney Vacation Club Properties; 1 Campground

 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 656 rooms

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 294 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 867 rooms

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 100 2-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – 484 rooms

Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows – 380 rooms

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 727 rooms

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 116 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – 799 campsites and 408 cabins

 

EPCOT RESORT AREA

4 HOTELS; 2 Disney Vacation Club Properties

 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – 2,109 rooms

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – 621 rooms

Disney’s Beach Club Resort – 574 rooms

Disney’s Beach Club Villas – 172 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – 372 rooms

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas – 279 two-bedroom equivalent villas

 

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS RESORT AREA

2 HOTELS; 2 Disney Vacation Club Properties

 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter – 1,008 rooms

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–Riverside – 2,047 rooms

Disney’s Old Key West Resort – 531 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 724 two-bedroom equivalent villas

 

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM RESORT AREA

5 HOTELS; 1 Disney Vacation Club Property

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – 970 rooms

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – 449 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – 1,912 rooms

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – 1,920 rooms

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – 1,704 rooms

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – 1,920 rooms

 

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX AREA

2 HOTELS

 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – 864 rooms, 1,120 suites

Disney’s Pop Century Resort – 2,870 rooms

 

DISNEY SPRINGS RESORT AREA

2 HOTELS; 2 Disney Vacation Club Properties

 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter – 1,008 rooms

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–Riverside – 2,047 rooms

Disney’s Old Key West Resort – 531 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 724 two-bedroom equivalent villas

 

 

WALT DISNEY WORLD FEATURES

 

CONVENTION FACILITIES

More than 700,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and function space is available in five convention resorts throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

 

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is the premier site for amateur sports in the nation. The complex hosts more than 100 events a year and has accommodated more than 70 different sports and athletes from around the world. The 230-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including 16 baseball/softball fields, plus the 10,000 seat Champion Stadium, 18 multi-purpose outdoor fields

for soccer, football and lacrosse, two field houses for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports, the New Balance Track & Field facility and cross country course, and a tennis court complex with 10 courts.

 

FUN FACTS

Walt Disney World Resort is approximately the size of San Francisco.

 

The property features:

• Four theme parks

• Two water adventure parks

• 35 resort hotels (27 owned and operated by Walt Disney World,  including seven Disney Vacation Club properties)

• 63 holes of golf on four courses

• Two full-service spas

• Disney’s Wedding Pavilion

• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

• Disney Springs, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex

 

Nearly one-third of Walt Disney World’s property, has been set aside as a dedicated wildlife conservation area.

 

On an average day, there are approximately 250,000 people on Walt Disney World Resort property — including Cast Members, other employees and guests.

 

Walt Disney World Cast Members come from all over the world,  representing more than 80 nationalities and speaking more than 50 different languages.

 

In 2015, Disney hosted more than 7,500 wish trips for children and donated complimentary tickets valued at more than $14 million to Give Kids the World Village and other wish-granting organizations.

 

Disney Harvest reduces food waste by gathering excess prepared food from Walt Disney World Resort kitchens, more than 820,000 pounds, and distributing it through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The Disney Harvest Program celebrated its 23rd year in 2015.

 

Disney’s Animal Programs teams at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends are devoted to the care of more than 7,000 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, including 35 endangered and threatened species. Both

facilities are accredited under the auspices of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Walt Disney World Resort is committed to helping Central Florida become an even better place to live, work and play. The company contributes to the community in many ways, including through

cash and in-kind support for local nonprofit organizations, leadership on important community issues and thousands of volunteer hours by Disney Cast Members. Community programs and partnerships

are focused on building better futures for local children and their families, and ultimately, creating a stronger community for everyone.

Walt Disney World Resort VoluntEARS logged over 200,000 hours of service in 2015, including spearheading the annual Back-to-School Supply Drive with more than $866,000 worth of supplies distributed to Central Florida students, and collecting more than 37,000 toys in the annual Toys for Tots drive for local children in need.

 

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Walt Disney World Resort is a significant contributor to the economic well-being and vitality of Central Florida. Disney is the largest single-site employer in the United States, employing 74,000 Cast Members in Central Florida, in more than 3,000 different job classifications with total 2015 annual payroll of $2.4 billion. Walt Disney World Resort is the largest single taxpayer in Central Florida, contributing $601 million in total state and local taxes paid and collected for 2015.

 

THE ENVIRONMENT

Walt Disney World Resort is committed to minimizing its overall impact on the environment as it encourages environmentally responsible behavior throughout the resort, including participation of its Cast Members, Guests and Operating Participants. To that end, the resort remains focused on reduced energy consumption, increased use of reclaimed water and diversion of waste from landfills.

In 2015, the Walt Disney World bus fleet became one of the first in the United States to run entirely on R50, a cleaner renewable diesel made from used cooking oil, uneaten food waste and diesel. The resort is also conserving water by meeting 30 percent of the overall and 80 percent of irrigation needs with reclaimed water. And, through reuse, reduction and recycling efforts more than 137,000 tons of materials were diverted from landfills in 2014 alone.

 

Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort preserves and protects wildlife in Florida and around the world. For example, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is involved in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans — cooperative breeding and management groups for critical species — and has successfully reproduced many endangered animals, including African elephants, black rhinos and rare birds.

 

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

As Walt Disney once said about Disneyland, Walt Disney World “will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

 

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney is teaming with visionary filmmaker James Cameron to bring the mystical world of AVATAR to life. Guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants as well as an amazing new attraction called AVATAR Flight of Passage. This e-ticket attraction will allow guests to experience what it’s like to fly with banshees. And the new AVATAR-inspired land won’t be the only change coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The largest expansion in the history of the park also includes all-new nighttime experiences, featuring the nighttime show Rivers of Light, combining live performers with floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery, and Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris, a new nighttime adventure that will allow guests to travel through the African savanna amid the orange glow of the setting sun.

 

The recently renamed 120-acre Disney Springs is currently undergoing the largest expansion in its history and significant work has been underway to double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences available, from 75 to more than 150 venues, amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will be home to four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods opening in phases: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace and West Side, which will be interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront.

 

In the next chapter of our long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars, we are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single-themed land expansion ever. From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to a firework spectacular, guests are now able to be part of both new and enhanced Star Wars experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. The new Star Wars entertainment allows guests the opportunity to transport themselves every day to a galaxy far, far away.

 

 

Walt Disney World Resort Launches

Magical Premieres in All Four Parks

 

An incredible lineup of new attractions and experiences kickoff new magic across all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs and beyond.

 

Guests are invited to set sail on the all-new Frozen Ever After attraction to celebrate a “Summer Snow Day” with all of the favorite “Frozen” friends aboard a Norwegian vessel travelling through Arendelle. And, guests can meet Anna and Elsa in Royal Sommerhus, with authentically Norwegian-inspired settings all in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.

 

The fun heats up with a brand new nighttime experience that awakens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show that is themed to music from the film saga and incorporates stunning new lasers and other special effects.

 

Guests also can experience the enhanced Soarin’ Around the World attraction at Epcot and the star-studded new stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” at Magic Kingdom Park.

 

More Magic, More Memories, More Fun

Across its four theme parks, multiple resort hotels and diverse shopping and dining offerings, guests will find unforgettable experiences to share with family and friends at Walt Disney World Resort, making every moment as magical as it can be:

 

Epcot

Anna, Elsa and other beloved characters from the blockbuster film, “Frozen,” will give a warm hug at Epcot. Meanwhile “Turtle Talk with Crush” makes fun waves, and Soarin’ Around the World takes guests to new heights.

 

 

Magic Kingdom

Classic Disney characters will join contemporary animated film stars in a new extravaganza on the grand Cinderella Castle stage, and Magic Kingdom guests can experience a new dining adventure.

 

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the galactic wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, new Star-Wars-themed experiences shift into light speed.

 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the first time in its 18-year history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature.

 

 

Disney Springs and Disney’s Water Parks Make a Splash

Inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs is a charming district filled with unique retailers and restaurants from award-winning chefs. Throughout the year, new stores and restaurants will open as Disney Springs more than doubles the number of retail, dining and other venues for guests.

 

 

Meanwhile, Disney’s Water Parks ramp up with playful spirits and awesome fun faster than Olaf can beg for warm hugs.

 

Disney guests will have a magical experience wherever they play, dine, relax or celebrate at Walt Disney World theme parks, entertainment venues and resort hotels. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneyparksblog.com.

 

Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is open daily year round. For more information call 407-939-5277 or visit www.disneyworld.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Chance to see Main Street Electrical Parade at Walt Disney World before it ‘Glows Away’ Oct. 9

 

Parade Heads to Disneyland in California For a Limited Engagement Beginning Early 2017

 

An enduring Disney Parks classic, the Main Street Electrical Parade, will take its shimmering farewell trip through Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida on Oct. 9, 2016.

 

Since making its Florida premiere in 1977, the parade has become one of the most beloved entertainment spectacles anywhere. Watching the Main Street Electrical Parade has to become a rite of passage with parents and grandparents eager to share the nostalgic experience with their children. Families will have one more chance to see the parade and share this special memory, on select nights, before it departs.

The vibrant parade, a perennial favorite with Disney guests, will next travel cross-country to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., for a limited engagement beginning early next year.

 

Brought to light in the early 1970s, the original Main Street Electrical Parade helped establish a Disney Parks reputation for innovative, trend-setting live entertainment. As lights go down along the parade route, the parade brings a variety of beloved Disney animated feature films to life through three-dimensional floats covered with approximately half a million colorful LED twinkling lights. The parade’s iconic musical theme, the electrically synthesized “Baroque Hoedown,” is interwoven with favorite Disney themes. It all adds to the unique upbeat excitement of the procession.

 

Some of the parade’s most impressive scenes are the 23-foot-tall Clock Tower over Cinderella’s Ball, complete with elegant ballroom dancers in light-covered costumes; the smoke-breathing, tail-wagging Pete’s Dragon; and the 108-foot-long red, white and blue flag finale. Other characters who make appearances include Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and, of course, Mickey Mouse.

 

The Main Street Electrical parade at Walt Disney World Resort will not appear during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights. Walt Disney World guests interested in seeing the parade before it departs on Oct. 9 can check for the latest parade dates and times on WaltDisneyWorld.com or in the My Disney Experience app.

 

 

 

Countdown to 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: New Dining, Tasting and Chef Experiences Add Culinary Cachet

 

62 Delicious Festival Days Run Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016

 

Top celebrity chefs, brand new Disney resort cooking and dining experiences and irresistible Eat to the Beat dining packages will add fresh twists to the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase at Walt Disney World Resort.

 

The annual Disney celebration of global flavors, running 62 days from Sept. 14-Nov. 14, has become one of America’s top food festivals and features inspired sips and bites at more than 30 marketplaces. And for the second consecutive year, ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will produce a full week of programs from the festival. “Chew” hosts Mario Batali, Carla Hall, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz will share their Disney culinary adventures and tasty recipes before Epcot audiences Oct. 5-7 in shows scheduled to air Oct. 10-14.

 

More news fresh from festival planners:

 

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

 

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses and Rockin’ Burger Block Party grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for reservations and get details at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.