Disney4me

A line queue for the Pandora ride "Flight of Passge" in Disney World's new park. View the full article

Our resident Disney expert, Todd Martens, receives training for banshee adoption, inside Pandora – The World of Avatar, the new ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. View the full article

At Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll find special menu items on April 29. Enjoy a picnic lunch in East Plaza Garden, pick up a boxed Picnic in the Park Lunch from Tomorrowland Terrace between 11a-2:30p. Each boxed lunch comes with house-made chips, a freshly cut fruit cup, a mini rose cupcake, fountain beverage, and a choice of: Chicken Caesar Salad, BBQ Pork Sandwich, Greek Salad Wrap or Fried Chicken for $14.99. Kids meal options will also be available. A special “Hats Off to Spring” cupcake will be available at Main Street Bakery, as well as cupcakes inspired by the beloved Dapper Dans! On April 30 only, look for stylish cupcakes at Epcot! Available at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Fife & Drum, Fountain View and Pineapple Promenade, these vanilla cupcakes are topped with vanilla frosting. A new specialty hot dog will debut at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom Park on May 1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all month long with a “Taco Dog” topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and fried tortilla strips. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you’ll find a new menu item available at Mr. Kamal’s in Discovery Island. Spicy Fries are deliciously seasoned French fries topped with Tzatziki salad and Sriracha ketchup. New menu items are also available at quick-service locations throughout Epcot. At Electric Umbrella, guests will find a new Three Cheese flatbread with fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan and arugula. Over in The American Adventure pavilion, Liberty Inn is serving up a new Grilled Chicken with Bacon and Avocado Sandwich topped with Monterey Jack cheese and roasted garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Be sure to finish your meal with a new Rocky Road Mousse Cake. At Refreshment Port, there’s a new “Stow Away Mary,” a classic Bloody Mary garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives, celery, tomato and freshly-fried chicken breast nuggets. While Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure park is closed for refurbishment, Paradise Garden Grill will be serving your favorite dishes, including the original corn dog, hot-link corn dog and the cheddar cheese stick. Two special limited-time offerings will also be available: the Chicken & Waffles Skewer which will feature a waffle batter-dipped chicken breast served with a maple, bacon and sage dipping sauce and a Crispy Battered Corn on the Cob, dipped in seasoned batter and served with cilantro-lime mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Oh boy! From May 5 through September 2, Mickey Mouse will be a guest at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel as part of Disney Dinnertime Magic. Mickey will be joining Goofy and pals at dinner only. A new entrée is now available as part of the Main Street Electrical Parade On-The-Go Package at Aladdin’s Oasis. Look for a delicious stir-fry with beef and vegetables in a pineapple teriyaki sauce, served with a tangy cucumber-tomato salad, naan bread and cheesecake. View the full article

This week, some of the most adorable photos we shared on the Disney Parks Blog were inspired by author Arnaldo Zanonato’s blog post on Disney Cruise Line’s “Frozen”-inspired offerings available on their Norway sailings. (And what timing! It was just announced this week that “Frozen 2” will hit theaters in November 2019!). As he shared, the Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for the animated film, and now guests get the chance to see the landscape for themselves – and have a bit of “Frozen” fun on certain excursions as well. For full details, check out his original blog post here. View the full article

Ah, Moms. They juggle all the balls, don’t they? They keep us in line, run the house, kiss the ouchies, get us where we need to be, and so much more! Disney Mother’s Day Cookies at Magic Kingdom Confectionery So if your mom is anything like ours, we’re pretty sure that she deserves some seriously wonderful gifts this Mother’s Day. And you’re in luck, because we have a few great suggestions right here! Mickey Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet At first glance, this understated Mickey Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet is deceptively simple. Looks just like a plain chain bracelet, right? But look closer, and you see that the links in the chain are Mickey shaped! Mickey Mouse Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet It’s an absolutely perfect gift for the mom who likes to share her love of Disney in a subtle, classic way. Dooney & Bourke Leather Tote On the other hand, this adorable Mickey and Minnie Dooney & Bourke Leather Tote is proudly proclaims mom’s love of classic Disney style. The black, white, and red color scheme is sophisticated, and Minnie is sporting her haute couture finest. Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag The roomy bag has lots of pockets inside for keeping Mom organized on the go. A Mother’s Love by Jim Shore Artist Jim Shore does it again as he blends familiar Disney icons with touches of folk art. His Mrs. Potts and Chip “Mother’s Love” is a charming tribute to this sweet duo from Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip “A Mother’s Love” Set by Jim Shore The resin pieces are beautifully hand-painted, making each one unique. Mickey Mouse Shorts Sleep Set Nothing says “I love you, Mom!” like letting her sleep in! Give her the gift of a cozy late morning with this adorable Mickey Mouse Shorts Sleep Set. Mickey Shorts Sleep Set And while you’re at it, go the extra mile and bring her breakfast in bed! (And pleeeeeeeaaazzze clean up the kitchen when you’re finished.) Alex and Ani Bracelet If Mom prefers the latest fashions with modern flair when it comes to jewelry, check out this Alex and Ani Bracelet. The adjustable, silvertone, thin bangle bracelet comes with a charm that captures the magic of Cinderella Castle, along with Walt Disney and Mickey (the Partners statue!) standing in the foreground. Alex and Ani Bracelet She’ll treasure it every time she looks at it, and it’s sure to remind her of the sweet memories the two of you have made at Magic Kingdom! So there you have it! Turn off her alarm, fire up the waffle maker, buy the flowers, and be sure to check out all of our favorite finds for making this the best day ever for your special mom! And for even more great gift ideas, check out the Mom Gift Guide that our friends at Mickey Fix have put together! What are you planning to do for your mom this Mother’s Day? Leave a comment below and share your best ideas with us! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Food-Themed Disney Dooney & Bourke Pattern to Make Its Debut During Epcot Food and Wine Festival Limited Time: DisneyStore.com Sale Includes Fun Food Finds Disney Gift Guide 2013 — Let the Holiday Shopping Begin! View the full article

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper? From operating the riverboats through the jungle and protecting guests from wild animals to telling knee-slapping jokes at every corner, it requires a unique talent to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Hear from Richard Wallace, who’s been making Disneyland Resort guests laugh for three years, in this “Every Role a Starring Role!” Hit it, Skip! View the full article

Walt Disney World appears poised to launch the highest-profile commercial deployment of driverless passenger vehicles to date, testing a fleet of driverless shuttles that could cart passengers through parking lots and around its theme parks. According to sources with direct knowledge of Disney’s... View the full article

Check out pictures from the first look at Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. View the full article

PICTURE GALLERY: Check out pictures from the first look at Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. View the full article

Just as Earth Month 2017 comes to a close, a new Yale University study, partially funded by the Disney Conservation Fund, shows the need to better understand and foster Americans’ relationship with nature and how to provide more opportunities to get outside. We know children truly benefit from connecting with nature, but it’s no surprise that competing priorities in our busy lives and lack of access to outdoor activities can make that challenging. The Disney Conservation Fund is committed to helping increase the time kids spend in nature through grants to leading nonprofit organizations working to make an impact for people and the planet. Even within our own Disney parks and resorts, the company’s Animals, Science and Environment team is helping increase opportunities for children and families to connect with the magic of nature, from hosting special offerings at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Disneynature Presents Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to creating family and educator activity packets based on recent Disney films to inspire an appreciation for nature. You can help kids connect with nature and benefit your community at the same time! This month, Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN are inviting you to vote for park-improvement projects through a grant to the National Recreation and Park Association’s Meet Me at the Park campaign. You can also connect with nature through the National Wildlife Federation’s Butterfly Heroes program, in which you can learn about and pledge to create habitats for pollinators in your own backyard. “We are proud to have helped support The Nature of Americans study, which reinforces the importance of developing compelling content and experiences that connect people to the magic of nature,” said Kevin Callahan, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at The Walt Disney Company. “It is so critical that we all work together to help the next generation live happier and healthier lives – while inspiring them to care for the environment.” The study’s authors also concluded, “…the conservation of species, the protection and restoration of habitats, and the provision of healthy streams and clean air are closely linked to human flourishing. A thriving natural environment helps Americans live happier, healthier lives. It helps children develop socially, psychologically, and physically. It creates places where Americans want to live, work, and flourish.” To read more about this unprecedented study, visit natureofamericans.org, and to keep up with Disney’s efforts to increase the time kids spend in nature, visit Disney.com/conservation. View the full article

A Royal Transformation: Princess Elena | Disney Springs View the full article

As many of you know, we recently launched MagicBand 2, the newly redesigned MagicBand, featuring a removable center icon that can be worn with MagicKeepers, the most popular accessories that give you even more options on how to wear the magic. Since launching MagicBand 2, we’ve seen your magical creations of new multi-colored bands in the parks and also heard your requests for additional colors. Today, we’re thrilled to share three new graphic MagicBands – that feature black and teal for the first time. One of the new black retail limited release graphic bands features Star Wars 40th Anniversary, which began sales during the Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The band retails for $27.99 and debuts ahead of the new movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, set for release on December 15, 2017. The other black band features Grumpy from the Disney classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with his namesake facial expression front and center, and is sold for $22.99. And for all of you “Frozen” lovers, the new teal color features Elsa (name of the band is Elsa Frozen Fever), the popular ice queen. Notice, Elsa is adorned and surrounded by colorful flowers in the summertime – Olaf would be jealous. The band is an open edition and sells for $22.99. These colors on limited edition designs are only available throughout Walt Disney World Resort in retail locations wherever MagicBands are sold. The MagicBand continues to be a guest’s favorite because it unlocks the magic of a Disney vacation – from effortless theme-park entry, FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association, to skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for announcements about new graphic MagicBand 2s coming in the future – who knows which color might be next? What color would you like to see? View the full article

This spring, guests will find a magical new way to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more! A brand-new Mickey Mouse celebration cake will be available to order beginning May 17 at any Walt Disney World Resort owned-and operated table-service restaurant. Available in decadent chocolate or sweet white chocolate, the Mickey-shaped cakes are sure to be the icing on the cake of your celebration! A special message of “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” is available on the chocolate ears—or leave them blank—the cakes are adorable either way! Each cake serves 4-6 guests, and costs $35 plus tax and gratuity. Advance payment is not required with confirmed restaurant reservations. Reservations for the new Mickey Mouse celebration cakes begin May 17. Celebration cakes will be able to be added to a new or existing dining reservation by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by inquiring in person at a Walt Disney World Resort concierge desk or restaurant podium. Day-of quantities are limited, so make arrangements prior to dining. View the full article

If your world’s been rocked by the emoji-matching, combo-smashing, explosive fun-having mobile game that is Disney Emoji Blitz, you already know it’s basically a 60-second party on your smartphone or tablet screen (right down to the balloons and confetti). And as if its 700+ Disney and Pixar emoji characters plus Disney Parks items you can collect and enable on the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard weren’t magical enough, it’s truly about to be lit. From April 28 to May 3, the Main Street Electrical Parade will turn up the twinkle factor in Disney Emoji Blitz during a special in-game event! This is an Emoji Item Event, which means the parade’s sparkling floats — and a few classic locations on Main Street, U.S.A., for good measure — will drop into your game board while you’re swiping to match three or more Disney emojis in a row. Match to drop the items down to the bottom of the board, and you’ll collect them on your card. Nab every last one during the in-game event, and these fanciful emojis will be yours to make all your texts and chats brighter! Download Disney Emoji Blitz now for free with in-app purchases on the App Store, Google Play, Windows and Amazon. New events are happening all the time, too, so keep checking the game for new Disney and Pixar emojis. View the full article

Fans of Tomorrowland in Disneyland will have a brand new vantage point from which to see their favorite area and attractions soon! On May 26, Disneyland will introduce the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience. Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland For $45 per person for guests 3 and older, you can hang out in this exclusive area, which is “situated high above Tomorrowland,” from 8:00-10:00PM. The price of the experience also includes a boxed treat with fruit and cheese, plus assorted sweets. Guest can also choose one hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage. We expect the boxes to be somewhat similar to what you get at the World of Color or Fantasmic Dessert Parties. We hope there are Mickey Macaroons! Mickey Macaroon While there is seating aplenty in the venue, guests can stroll the area, and even come and go during the two-hour window. On evenings when fireworks are scheduled, the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge will also offer guests a unique vantage point for watching the show. © Disney Should you be interested in the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience, there are a couple of important things to note. First, separate Disneyland admission is required, and passholder discounts do not apply. Check-in begins 15 minutes before the Lounge opens and takes place at the Fruit Cart in Tomorrowland. Reservations are available online by visiting Disneyland.com, or by phone by calling (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463. Will you be visiting the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge on your next trip to Disneyland? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Terrace Dining in Disneyland: Monster U “Style” Burger at Tomorrowland Terrace News: Disneyland Introduces New Fine Dining Experience, 21 Royal View the full article

It’s time for another DFB Video! Ah, Character Meals. Do you love ‘em or hate ‘em? We’re big fans of the experience, actually! They’re a great way to see lots of characters, and enjoy some pretty decent food without too much running around. But we get that not every character meal is the best fit for everyone. So in today’s DFB Video, we’re exploring the Best — and Worst — Character Meals in Walt Disney World. What makes a character meal good, and what makes one not so great in our opinion? Check out our Best and Worst Character Meal in Walt Disney World Video below to get the scoop! And hey, while you’re here anyway, how about taking a moment to subscribe to the DFB YouTube Channel? That way, you’ll always be the first to see our latest tips and suggestions for enjoying your Best. Disney. Day. Ever! But now, I really want to hear from you! Which character meals get your votes for best and worst? Leave a comment and share with us below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Top Meals Under $20 in Walt Disney World New DFB Video: Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for First Timers NEW Video! The Best Brownies in Walt Disney World! View the full article

‘Happily Ever After’ Score Recording Session | Walt Disney World View the full article

Giving back is at the core of what we do as Walt Disney Parks & Resorts cast members. From strengthening communities to caring for the environment, we set goals for how we can make a difference – with your help – around the world. We recently released our yearly report on the impact of those efforts in 2016 and wanted to share some of the major highlights with you as well as how you can continue helping make a difference with us in 2017. One of our biggest commitments is to environmental stewardship and conservation. Our Wildlife Wednesday blog posts showcase how you can take part in our commitment to conservation – like this post about Earth Month. But did you also know we opened a huge Mickey-shaped solar facility near Epcot last year? How about the new 40,000-square-foot solar array system perched on top of Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park? If you’ve ever paid a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, you may have bought a button to support the Disney Conservation Fund, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last April. Unique animal experiences and personal contributions through the Add-A-Dollar program have contributed to more than $65 million in grants in 115 countries to protect wildlife and connect children with the wonder of nature – thanks to your help! Healthy Living is another big commitment for us. From the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure park to our award-winning Camp Discovery ropes course at Shanghai Disneyland, there are endless ways to get active and have fun. You can also keep an eye out for food with the Mickey Check to help you make healthy choices during your visit to any of our parks, including Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar, opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom next month. We also make magic in our local communities through charitable giving. One initiative you may recognize is the #ShareYourEars social media campaign from last year, which unlocked a $2 million donation for the Make-A-Wish® thanks to photo sharing from Disney fans. And in celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort’s grand opening last year, we also pledged to fund Disney-themed play spaces and therapeutic play activities at more than 50 children’s hospitals across China. And of course, we can’t forget all of our Disney cast members around the world, who contributed more than 542,800 hours of service as Disney VoluntEARS last year. There are so many ways we can all work together to make a difference, and we’re just getting started. Take a look at the full report for more information on our citizenship efforts in 2016 and stay tuned on the Disney Parks for more on how you can get involved. View the full article

Reservations are now available for “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” Dining Package, a delicious way to reserve your seats for the new “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” a limited-time concert event featuring memorable music from beloved Pixar films, which will take place three times nightly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning May 26. With the Dining Package, guests will receive a voucher for reserved seating to redeem at the theater. Make your evening even more magical by combining “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” and “Fantasmic!” Dining Package, which will include reserved seating for both the concert as well as the popular “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular. Participating locations include Hollywood & Vine (Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine and Minnie’s Seasonal Dine), The Hollywood Brown Derby and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Dining must occur no later than 2.5 hours prior to show time or 1.25 hours after show time; vouchers can be picked up at the restaurant (if dining prior to show time) or at the theater (if dining after the show). “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” Dining Package is Disney Dining Plan eligible and counts as one (1) table-service entitlement for Hollywood & Vine and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, two (2) table-service entitlements for The Hollywood Brown Derby. Reservations are now available for dates beginning May 26 for The Music of Pixar LIVE! Dining Package, and can only be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE. View the full article

This weekend is the perfect time to get dressed up and head over to Disney Springs to celebrate Dapper Day! What’s Dapper Day you ask? According to the official Dapper Day website, the day “celebrates refined style from yesterday and today by organizing fashionable outings to Disney Parks twice a year.” Dapper Day events in Disney Springs! ©Disney This weekend, April 28-30, guests can celebrate Dapper Day in Disney Springs with special offers at select merchants and specialty food and drinks! On Friday, April 28, stop by the outdoor bar in the Marketplace for classic cocktails including Manhattans, martinis, and more! If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure to pop into Amorette’s Patisserie for a Mini Fascinator Dome Cake! Vivoli il Gelato is offering an extra scoop of gelato with the purchase of any gelato. Get an extra scoop of gelato in celebration of Dapper Day! Other Dapper Day food specials include a free mini cupcake at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (while supplies last), and themed beverages and 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace. Non-food Dapper Day special offers are available at Chapel Hats, Kiehl’s, MAC Cosmetics, and Sephora. The Dapper Day celebration runs April 28-30. Are you celebrating Dapper Day at Disney World this weekend? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Celebrate Halloween at Disney Springs with Fun Cocktails and a Special Party! Review: Creamsicle Float and Nutella Brownie Sundae at Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs News: Vivoli il Gelato Debuts Tiramisu Gelato for a Limited Time View the full article

If you’ve been to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i lately, you’ve hopefully experienced our fantastic new KA WA‘A lu‘au. Combining music, dance and storytelling, KA WA‘A shares the story behind Hawai‘i’s deep cultural roots in wa‘a (or canoe) exploration. To complement the lu‘au, we’ve rolled out a few new merchandise items for guests to take a piece of the magical experience back home with them. Fleece Hoodie: This black, pullover hoodie will keep you warm and comfortable. The KA WA‘A logo features imagery of a voyaging canoe on the ocean. In addition, intricate patterns inspired by kapa, traditional Hawaiian barkcloth, are integrated into the background design. Adult & Youth Tee Shirts: For adults, this sapphire blue washed tee features the KA WA‘A logo in a medallion of layered kapa patterns. For youth, this charcoal tee displays the KA WA‘A logo in a bold sea blue color with subtle kapa designs in the background. Water Bottle: This bronze metal water bottle keeps cold beverages cool and hot drinks warm—perfect for on-the-go. The KA WA‘A and Aulani Resort logos are featured above a bold kapa band. All items are available at the resort’s retail shops. View the full article

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival gets bigger and better each year, and the two remaining Garden Rocks concerts will have lots of fans: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas May 5-8 (“We Built This City”) and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone May 19-22 (“I’m Henry VIII, I Am”). Enjoy guaranteed seats at any of three nightly concerts (5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.) with a dining package at select Epcot restaurants – there are a wide variety of options, so here are some of our recommendations: If you want to make a day of it, start with a buffet breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion or family-style at The Garden Grill in The Land pavilion (those sticky buns!). Then taste your way around the Outdoor Kitchens in World Showcase later in the day. Fans of Mexican food, choose from San Angel Inn for lunch of dinner or La Hacienda de San Angel for dinner at the Mexico pavilion. Queso fundido, please! For Italian, both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at the Italy pavilion are options – everything from hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas to hearty spaghetti and fettuccine. For dozens of choices and all you care to eat, the Biergarten in Germany fits the bill. Bratwurst, Bavarian-style pot roast, pork roast, meatballs – lots of protein, plenty of veggies and Black Forest cake for dessert. Head to Future World and the Coral Reef Restaurant in The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Relax and watch the fish swim by in the largest inland saltwater environment ever built. Be transported to Morroco at Spice Road Table (world’s best hummus) and Restaurant Marrakesh for Mediterranean-inspired fare. Or head to Japan at the lively Teppan Edo teppanyaki tables or the quieter Toyko Dining for pristine sushi. Or head over to the China pavilion and Nine Dragons for more Asian fare. Rose & Crown goes classic with British eats (think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash); ditto for Chefs de France where you can try escargot, beef Bourguignon, steak frites and more. Prices for Breakfast Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $23 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Lunch Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $15.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Dinner Packages start at $53 plus tax (for adults) and $17.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Concerts are included with regular park admission to Epcot. To book a dining package, Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. You can also book now at epcotinspring.com. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as these events fill up quickly. For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com. View the full article

More than 45,500 competitors channeled the Force throughout the 2nd annual Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side race events at Walt Disney World Resort this past weekend, but for one family from Little Rock, Ark., the event was about a lot more than just lightsabers, Wookiees and race medals. Kurt Blankenship won his division during the intergalactic 13.1-mile half marathon and his wife, Carrie, and their three children participated in the 200-meter run during the runDisney Kids Races. None of that is particularly remarkable until you consider that Kurt competed in the wheelchair division and the three children all are wrestling with various types of medical issues, including their 4-year-old son Ryan, who has spina bifida. After a 1999 car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Kurt admittedly struggled for years to cope with his new reality. But once he got married and started a family, he gained a new purpose for his life – showing his family they can overcome any obstacle that stands in their way. That’s what the Star Wars race weekend was all about for them. And needless to say, everyone got the message as fans cheered on the family during each race. In particular, little Ryan, dressed in a Yoda costume, undoubtedly warmed a lot of hearts by walking with his sisters Ella, 6, and Olivia, 6, in the race, defying expectations of his doctors who feared he’d never walk or talk. When it was all over, this family left Walt Disney World Resort with a galaxy full of out-of-this-world memories and the rest of us learned some valuable lessons from them about the importance of perseverance and the power of a little boy’s smile. Watch the video below to see the Blankenship family’s inspiring journey during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. View the full article

Tonight’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image came all the way from Shanghai Disneyland in China. The newest Disney theme park – which is coming up on its first anniversary in just a few more weeks – features the amazing Enchanted Storybook Castle. Built as the largest castle in Disney theme park history, Enchanted Storybook Castle celebrates the stories of all Disney Princesses in mosaics dedicated to the tales of Tiana, Merida, Rapunzel, and the royal sisters Elsa and Anna. An illuminated marquee also reveals motifs attributed to Belle, Cinderella and Snow White. Inside the castle, guests can dine at Royal Banquet Hall, enjoy character greetings, transform into royalty with a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover and more. At night the castle is serves as a focal point for the nighttime “Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Music and Light” fireworks show. View the full article

This summer, the Disney Magic will be sailing through the majestic Norwegian fjords, giving Disney cruisers the chance to experience Scandinavia’s storybook vistas, charming culture and rich history. Once again, we’re offering families the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind vacation that proves a trip to Europe isn’t just fun for adults. For a glimpse at what makes a Norwegian fjords cruise with Disney unforgettable, check out this video … If you aren’t joining us in Europe this summer, there’s always next year! Our grand tour continues in 2018 with a variety of destinations through Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Up next, I’ll give you a look at adventures waiting for you in Iceland! View the full article