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It’s a whole new wilderness at my favorite Disney Resort, where the latest addition to the Disney Vacation Club neighborhood is set to welcome Members home on July 17. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will celebrate today’s life in the Pacific Northwest with a clean look inspired by the resourcefulness of Westerners who turned relics of an abandoned railroad into contemporary communities that continue to evolve today. This sleek new development – which will become the second Disney Vacation Club property at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – adds another layer of storytelling to a rustically elegant destination that’ll be home to three unique Resorts: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge itself (which opened in 1994), Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (which welcomed its first Disney Vacation Club Members home in 2000) and, beginning this summer, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. These three distinctive Resorts tell equally distinctive stories about the creation, evolution or re-imagination of the Transcontinental Railroad, with each Resort transporting Members and guests to a different period of time. To help you navigate this trio of trails through American history, we’ve put together this fun little video that gives you the lay of the land and breaks down the thematic timeline. Not since Tomorrowland put us only steps away from Frontierland has time traveling been this easy. (And now, a word from our lawyer friends: Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is currently under construction, scheduled opening July, 2017. Not offered in all states.) View the full article

At the Disneyland Resort, there is more to our landscape design than good looks. With Southern California’s seemingly endless days of beautiful weather, we experience less rainfall than other parts of the country. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for new ways to conserve water. Our Horticulture team, with the help of Walt Disney Imagineering, designs landscapes that not only fit the theme of the area they will be planted in, but also include water-savvy plants. These plants have leaves that are small, waxy, thick, silvery or hairy to minimize water loss. Additionally, they are wide or deeply rooted to maximize water uptake. Download and view the guide to Water-Savvy Plants at the Disneyland Resort to learn where you can see some of these plants on your next visit, and see tips from our Horticulture cast members on how to add some of the foliage to your home garden! View the full article

Star Wars fans have finally another trailer to drool over. The first look at "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" was revealed today at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando. The movie that comes out on Dec. 15 and continues the story of new characters Rey, Finn and Poe and villain Kylo Ren alongside original... View the full article

Disney's smash hit "Beauty and the Beast" is on the verge of crossing the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, becoming the 29th movie to hit the milestone. The company reported that "Beauty and the Beast" had grossed $9.7 million on Tuesday to lift its worldwide total to $993.2 million... View the full article

Disney's smash hit "Beauty and the Beast" is on the verge of crossing the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office, becoming the 29th movie to hit the milestone. The company reported that "Beauty and the Beast" had grossed $9.7 million on Tuesday to lift its worldwide total to $993.2 million... View the full article

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," the second film Disney has released in the 40-year-old sci-fi franchise, easily took the top spot on the national home video sales charts for the week ended April 9. The film, with a domestic gross of nearly $532 million, cut short the stay at No. 1 of Warner's "Fantastic... View the full article

“Happily Ever After,” the new nighttime fireworks spectacular, is set to debut at Magic Kingdom Park on May 12. The show will take guests on an emotional journey as favorite Disney characters set out to pursue their dreams, encounter obstacles (and villains!) to ultimately prevail and find their “happily ever afters.” The show also encourages guests to pursue their own dreams and never give up. While the “story” of the show is the most important part of “Happily Ever After,” how that story is told and choosing the right tools to tell it are essential in creating an unforgettable guest offering. One tool in particular that Disney Parks Live Entertainment is excited to employ in “Happily Ever After” is the latest in projection mapping technology. The team first used projection mapping in 2010 with the launch of “The Magic, The Memories & You,” a nighttime show that combined guest-submitted photos with different colorful layouts that were projected onto Cinderella Castle. After more advancements were made in the field of projection mapping, a new show, “Celebrate the Magic,” debuted in 2012. Because of its successful use at the Walt Disney World Resort, the use of projection mapping technology then expanded to be used as an entertainment tool at Disney Parks around the world. Today, you can find projections enhancing entertainment must-see shows like “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” and the seasonal “Jingle Bell: Jingle BAM!” show. According to Show Director James Silson, projections are one of many invaluable storytelling tools used in “Happily Ever After,” in addition to new hand-drawn animation, an original score and the latest in fireworks, lasers and pyrotechnics. “With projection mapping technology, you can create an immersive environment for guests, taking them inside the films of Disney,” he said. “It enables us to flood the palate and give our guests an opportunity to experience many of our characters’ worlds in the same show.” Those characters and film settings will run the gamut from classic Disney films, to more recent ones, like “Moana,” “Zootopia” and “Big Hero 6.” To create the most technologically advanced projections for Cinderella Castle, Disney Parks Live Entertainment partnered with experts in the field to bring the show to life. According to Art Director Ryan Kravetz, working with Cinderella Castle as a canvas for these projections has been a dream-come-true project. “It’s not paper, it’s not a cell. The physical structure of this castle as our starting point is a really powerful medium to be using.” For a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Happily Ever After” projection mapping, check out the video above. View the full article

Apple could potentially find the cash to pull off a $200 billion-plus takeover of Disney -- creating a company worth $1 trillion with "almost limitless opportunities in content and technology." That's according to a speculative analysis from RBC Capital Markets, which in a note to client Thursday... View the full article

A happy Friday from Tokyo Disney Resort! This picture, snapped by photographer Tom Bricker just before the park opened, shows the Monorail (with adorable Mickey Mouse-shaped windows), as well as Tokyo Disneyland’s main entrance. Just behind the gates you’ll notice an enclosed building. That’s World Bazaar, the park’s covered version of Main Street, U.S.A., which features shops like Grand Emporium, Disney & Co., Town Center Fashions, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and many others. You can also spot the park’s Cinderella Castle behind World Bazaar (with Mount Prometheus at Tokyo DisneySea peeking up behind the castle in this elevated shot), and Big Thunder Mountain off to the far left. View the full article

Greetings from the Grand Floridian Resort! Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display Easter is always an especially festive time here, thanks to the tradition of the chocolate Easter Egg Display, presented by the Grand Floridian Bakery Team now through April 19th. Grand Floridian Easter Eggs For the sixth year running, these specialty hollow chocolate eggs, decorated with fondant, sugar floral royal icing, cocoa butter, sugar art, and even more chocolate are on display around the Grand Floridian lobby. (The tradition itself is over 20 years old; however, the Eggs were previously only on display in Victoria & Albert’s and the Resort’s other restaurants). Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display Many of the Easter Eggs are preserved from year to year, so if you visited the display in, say, 2016 or 2015, you’ll notice several favorites from years past. Grand Floridian Easter Eggs So today we’re taking a look at some of the new additions for 2017, starting with one of the first to greet you upon entering the lobby: the Evil Queen Egg. Evil Queen Egg I love this new and intricate Lion King Egg, bursting with animals! The Lion King Egg Another standout this year is definitely the Cinderella “One Shoe Can Change Your Life” Egg, with its unusual shape and the glow that emits from the glass slipper. Cinderella Glass Slipper Egg Also utilizing a non-traditional design, this beautiful display — I believe it’s honoring the new Disneynature film, Born in China — shows a Panda family on their own Easter Egg hunt! Panda Easter Egg Hunt Moana received a couple of Egg tributes this year, too. Moana Easter Egg Moana Easter Egg Because there are so many Eggs, they can’t all be contained at the front of the lobby anymore. Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display For instance, this Patriotic Egg sits in the forward center of the room. Patriotic Easter Egg The painted Eggs are always incredibly detailed, too. Painted Easter Egg Be sure to keep an eye out for several of those returning favorites, if you get to visit! BB-8 Easter Egg is Back Find the Frozen Easter Egg next to the Garden View Lounge this year Robin Hood Easter Egg Oh, and look who else just so happened to be at the Grand Floridian during our visit. Bunny outside the Grand Floridian COINCIDENCE?!? I think not. Of course, there’s plenty more Easter fun where that came from… Easter Baskets Easter Treats Any holiday at Disney World is a reason for more SPECIALTY CUPCAKES! Bunny Cupcake at World Premiere Food Court The Contempo Cafe at Contemporary Resort will feature a Carrot Cake Cupcake (with white chocolate filling) and — on Easter Sunday — a Coconut Cupcake filled with chocolate cream will be topped with banana buttercream, bits of white chocolate, and jelly beans. Meanwhile, in Epcot, Fountain View is where you’ll spot the feet and tail of the Easter Bunny decorating a chocolate cupcake with marshmallow filling. ©Disney Look for more jelly bean-topped cupcakes at Sunshine Seasons, too. Main Street Bakery’s vanilla cupcake will be sporting an Easter Bonnet — made of a sugar cookie sandwich — for the occasion. ©Disney For more sweet treats, Chocolate Eggs and Easter Bunnies, along with salted caramel bunny pops, are available at The Ganachery in Disney Springs. Chocolate Eggs at The Ganachery Amorette’s Patisserie has a few specialty Eggs of their own on display! Easter Eggs at Amorette’s Patisserie And, of course, be on the lookout all over Disney World’s confectionery spots such as Main Street Confectionery, Goofy’s Candy Co., Sweet Spells, and more for all the classics dressed in their Easter finest! Spring Caramel Apple Easter Bunny Caramel Apple Chick Caramel Apple Chick Cake Pops These character egg cake pops commemorate the Disneyland Easter egg hunt, but you can also find them in Disney World! Character Egg Cake Pops Easter Egg Cake Pops Spring Caramel Apple Here’s wishing you and yours a Hoppy — and Happy! — Easter! Will you be celebrating Easter in Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World Photo Tour: The 2015 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World Photo Tour: The 2016 Grand Floridian Resort Chocolate Easter Egg Display View the full article

When J.J. Abrams' "The Force Awakens" debuted in late 2015, the franchise's new character Rey (Daisy Ridley) couldn't even score a spot in the "Star Wars" Monopoly game. What a difference there is in Disney and Hasbro's planning ahead of this December's "The Last Jedi." Hasbro delayed its Rey rollout... View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped at the beautiful Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris. Here, the park’s lovely castle, Le Chateau de la Belle Au Bois Dormant, glitters at dusk. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary with guests, the park has just debuted a slew of new experiences for families to enjoy, including two new shows – Mickey Presents “Happy Anniversary Disneyland Paris” and The Starlit Princess Waltz – as well as the Disney Stars on Parade procession, Disney Illuminations nighttime spectacular, and much more. For in-depth details on all the ways the park is marking its milestone, see this previous blog post. View the full article

The magic of nature and its wildlife often takes great patience for the humans who want to revel in it. Disneynature's new film, "Born in China," is a perfect example of that. The documentary is a little over an hour but it was shot over three years. Dame Jane Goodall, an ambassador for Disneynature,... View the full article

Our community’s next two Culinary Magic events are just around the corner, and whether you are a parent (a club I happily joined recently), have a parent or know a parent, you may want to check these out. Presented as part of Membership Magic Ever After, these festive celebrations for Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests put a distinctively Disney spin on Mother’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort and Father’s Day at the Disneyland Resort. Reservations are now open for the Disney Vacation Club Member Mother’s Day Brunch, taking place on May 14 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Priced at $53.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids ages 3-9 (plus tax and gratuity), this year’s brunch theme – “You’ll Be in My Heart” – draws inspiration from the unconditional love and unbreakable family bond celebrated in the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit “Tarzan.” Beyond the bountiful buffet of traditional brunch favorites, the Mother’s Day Brunch will feature music from “Tarzan” and beyond performed by a live guitarist, mimosas for Moms (and other attendees of legal age) and visits with some of your other favorite jungle friends. On April 19, reservations are scheduled to open for the Disney Vacation Club Member Father’s Day Lunch, taking place on June 18 from noon-2 p.m. in the Sequoia Ballroom at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Priced at $53.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids ages 3-9 (plus tax and gratuity), this year’s lunch celebrates Super Dads (a title I aspire to earn) with a feast fit for a hero. BBQ baby back ribs and buttermilk fried chicken are among the hungry-Dad staples on the buffet, with fathers also receiving a “Super-Sized” cookie that I’m told is designed to be shared with one’s kids. (Wait, if being a Super Dad requires sharing your cookie, I’ll settle for the title of Really Good Dad.) Kids can pose with their paternal hero in three different photo locations designed to celebrate what’s super about their Dads, with other activities ranging from a DJ dance party, “Super Smart” Disney trivia, crafts for kids to create for Dads and more. Both events personally cater to families with tables custom-set for their party size. Call Member Services for reservations, and enjoy your celebration! Menu, activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change. Guests must be 21 years old with a photo I.D. to consume alcohol. You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. These offers may only be available to Members at various times and may or may not be renewed or extended. Membership Extras, such as certain discounts, offers, and special events are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. View the full article

Looking to spend this winter in a place where snow-capped mountains and geysers form a picturesque winter wonderland? Look no further than the Winter in Wyoming Long Weekend with Adventures by Disney. Bookings are now available for this winter (December – February)! Here are my top five favorite activities to do on this getaway through the snowy wilderness: 5. O Come, All Old Faithful Grab your cross country skis or snowshoes for a hike to experience the iconic natural wonder, Old Faithful. 4. Walking in a Yellowstone Wonderland From breathtaking waterfalls cascading down snowy mountains to snow-laden pines scattered throughout the countryside, you’ll discover a whole new side to Yellowstone National Park. 3. Snuggle Up Together On a Sunset Sleigh Ride Bundle up and travel through snow-covered roads while the sun sets over the breathtaking Teton Mountain Range, then gather ‘round a crackling campfire for some light hors d’oeuvre. 2. Springs Are Steamin’ Take a break and float, soak or swim in the natural Granite Hot Springs as the snow lightly falls around you. After, eat to your heart’s delight while relishing in a hearty, hot lunch prepared by your sledding guides. 1. Giddy-Up, Let’s Go Dog Sledding Get ready to “mush” across the vast powdery white terrain led by a group of sled dogs hailing from the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kennel. There’s nothing “cooler” than this exhilarating adventure! View the full article

Club 33, a legendary private lounge at Disneyland, is coming to Walt Disney World, a company spokeswoman confirmed Thursday. Wait, make that 33 times four. Versions of Club 33 will be installed each Disney World theme park — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom... View the full article

Helloooo out there in DFB Land! Today, we’re talking about how to save a few bucks when it comes to food at Disney! Wait what? Save money?? At Disney?!? Kona Kone Yup! And that’s why the subject of today’s DFB Video is some of our Very Favorite Meals for Under $20 in Walt Disney World! You may be surprised to find a myriad of options at this price point — and we’re not talking merely about counter service. From the all you care to enjoy Breakfast Skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe, to the ultimate comfort food — Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque at Beaches and Cream, there are some truly satisfying meals to help you trim a little fat off of your budget and still have some of our most recommended meals in Disney World. To see the entire list, just click on the video below and watch directly from the comfort of your Disney Food Blog window. And we have to say — we love all of the positive feedback that we’re getting about our DFB Videos! Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Page? If not, do it right away, and you’ll never miss all the fun, as we bring you an insider’s view to all of the delicious Disney treats and eats! But now, I really want to hear from you! What’s your favorite bargain table service meal in Walt Disney World? Spill the beans below in 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: New DFB Video: Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for First Timers Top Meals Under $20 in Walt Disney World New DFB Video: Top Disneyland Meals Under $20 View the full article

Four decades after its debut, the “Star Wars” franchise inspires fans to stand in long, hot lines, camp overnight in a convention center, dress up like ewoks and get sentimental. The crowd assembled for Star Wars Celebration looked back Thursday, the first day of the four-day gathering at Orange... View the full article

It takes the pastry team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa months to design, mold, carve, sculpt and paint the stunning chocolate Easter eggs, which adorn the lobby of the resort. Inspired by beloved Disney characters, films and more, these creative confections are each a work of art. To celebrate Easter, I’m sharing a photo tour of some of my personal favorite eggs – take a look at the gallery below! The chocolate Easter eggs will be on display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa until April 29. Special thanks to photographer Matt Stroshane for the egg-ceptional photos. View the full article

I love Easter. Growing up, my family always had such a big celebration. One tradition that I’ve continued with my daughter, Raven, is an Easter egg hunt. Last year we topped the number of eggs at 102! Our fabulous, Brittany Ungvarsky, created an “eggtastic” hunt for you, our Disney Parks Blog family! She hid a total of 13 beautiful eggs. Don’t worry if you can’t find them all. We’ll post a finder key after Easter. PS – Brittany and a new artist on our team, Ashley Loonam, designed the eggs based on characters from “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.” As an extra challenge, try to identify each one! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers a href=”https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wallpapers/” target=”_blank”>here. View the full article

Club 33 is the stuff of legend — not only to Disneyland visitors, but to Disney fans EVERYWHERE. Club 33 Seating This members-only restaurant, located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, was originally designed by Walt Disney and used as a space to entertain friends and VIPs. These days, access is gained via a hefty initial membership fee in addition to annual dues. Though the location itself has seen changes over the years, a dining experience at Club 33 remains elusive to most Disneyland guests. For some time now, rumors have been swirling that Walt Disney World may be getting a Club 33 of its own, and those rumors are starting to pick up more steam. Club 33 Inside Entrance In fact — though not yet confirmed by Disney — our anonymous sources tell us not only that Disney World will indeed be getting its own location. It will, in fact, be getting FOUR. Each Disney World park — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — will be getting its own Club 33 location. And it’s anticipated that these will be lounges, not restaurants — similar to 1901 Lounge in Disney California Adventure, or Club 33’s own Nouveau Lounge. (Though these locations feature food menus that could easily provide a meal.) Where will Club 33 be located in Magic Kingdom? Currently, it seems that this will be an entirely exclusive membership from those of other Club 33 locations worldwide. So, if you’re a Disneyland Club 33 member, you’ll need to purchase a separate Disney World Club 33 membership…and vice versa. We’re hearing that the cost will be as high — or higher — than Disneyland’s Club 33 (so, we’re talking at least $10-30K for initial membership, plus thousands for annual dues), but nothing’s confirmed. And now, for the final question: WHEN will all of this take place? You might want to start feeding ol’ piggy bank ASAP, because the locations could be opening as early as this fall. Soooo… whaddya think? Would you like to see Disney World get its own Club 33? Please let us know with a comment! 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: Club 33 Policy Changes…and Introducing Club 1901 Rumor: Will Disneyland’s Club 33 Expansion Include Walt Disney World? News! A Video Look Inside 1901 Lounge AND Club 33 Invites New Members! View the full article

Let’s deal with questions that people — readers, friends, strangers on the street — repeatedly ask me about Orlando’s attractions. How does bag check work at Magic Kingdom now? As of earlier this month, the bulk of inspection and the metal-detection experience now happens at the Transportation... View the full article

Fans of all ages have embraced their light and dark sides aboard Star Wars Day at Sea by dressing up as their favorite iconic and out-of-this-world characters. When this epic day at sea returns in 2018, become a part of the universe by putting on your Star Wars best and celebrating the legendary saga. Need some inspiration? Go ahead … Rock those Leia buns to let Obi-Wan know you’re his only hope… Or hop aboard a Tauntaun and set course for Hoth… And if you’re feeling extra rebellious, join the resistance with the big fuzzball himself, Chewbacca! Once you get your costume all buttoned up, be sure to meet in the atrium lobby for a special gathering of grand proportions during Star Wars Day at Sea. Still having trouble deciding how to rock your Star Wars side? Here is some more inspiration for your trip to a galaxy far, far away … View the full article

Today’s Disney Doodle imagines what Donald and Daisy would do if they could spend a springtime day at a Disney theme park. According to artist Ashley Taylor’s design, Disney’s favorite duck duo may explore Castaway Creek, the 2000-foot-long lazy river that circles Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. “I love the lazy rivers,” Ashley said. “I’d imagine Donald and Daisy would enjoy the opportunity to relax and coast around Typhoon Lagoon, too!” Want to see how other Disney characters would spend their day at a park? Check out our list of favorite “Doodles” below. Pocahontas Explores Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Flash Visits Tomorrowland ‘Fantasia’ Magic Brooms Clean Up at Magic Kingdom Park Tiana & Lottie Enjoy Disney Beignets Lumiere Visits The Haunted Mansion ‘Big Hero 6’ Pals Take A Spin On Mad Tea Party View the full article

“Living happily ever after can be a royal pain in the …,” confides Snow White in “Disenchanted!” The princesses of fairy-tale lore are still kvetching about how Disney co-opted their true stories for formulaic cartoons, and Dennis T. Giacino’s Orlando-born musical comedy still provides a rollicking... View the full article