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Our latest Disney Night of Joy Artist Spotlight focuses on a spectacular singer known for stunning vocals, combined with an intense emotional connection – Natalie Grant. Natalie has been a consistently-powerful voice in Christian Music since the late ‘90s with hits like “Held,” “I Will Not Be Moved” and “Hurricane.” Her latest record is called “Be One,” whose title track challenges listeners “Why sit around and wait for a miracle to come when we can be one.” The album and single “King of the World” were both nominated for Grammy awards. Natalie’s been very busy since her last appearance with us in 2002 — she’s been raising three girls, creating hit records, and becoming a popular book author with Glimmer Girls, a four-book series specifically written for tween girls. She also has a new book for adult women called Finding Your Voice: What Every Woman Needs to Live Her God-Given Passions Out Loud. We caught up with Natalie on a break from the KLOVE Fan Awards in Nashville a couple of months ago. Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits. A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.) Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett. For more information, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. View the full article

At the recent D23 Expo, a live demonstration of Daniel Drake from “Dancakes” at the Oh My Disney booth caught our eye. Daniel is a “pancake artist” who creates beautiful (and delicious!) pancakes inspired by Disney characters. We sat down with him in between sessions to learn more about how he became inspired to create Disney character pancake art and watch a few of his demos. Check out the video above for a look inside his work or visit Oh My Disney to watch more of his videos. View the full article

We are coming to you from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with something extra special in today’s DFB Video. Yep. We are talking Disney Food Snack Hacks. And the Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sammy is one of our favorite creations! Mickey Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich How does this amazingness become yours? Well, it takes a little leg work, but I promise you that it’s SO Worth. It. All of the action takes place on Main Street USA, where you’ll first gather your cookies at Main Street Confectionery, before heading to Plaza Ice Cream Parlor to finish the heavy lifting. Tune into our video to get our tips and tricks for turning this fantasy treat into your very own reality! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! What’s that? You wish we’d tell you each and every time we release a video? But we so doooo! Just hit that big “subscribe” button — yep, that one right there — and we’ll drop you an email whenever we publish a new video. We normally have a new episode for you twice each week! What are you waiting for? Head over to watch our how to, and then let us know: is the The Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich on your Disney Snack Hack Bucket List now? Leave a comment and let us know! 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: Disney World Food Hack: The Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich New DFB Video: Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars! New DFB Video: Tajin Dole Whip Hack in Disneyland View the full article

Marty Sklar, a longtime Imagineer who had creative input in Disney attractions ranging from “it’s a small world” to Epcot, has died. He was 83. Sklar died at his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., on Thursday. “Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” Bob... View the full article

Marty Sklar, a longtime Imagineer who had creative input in Disney attractions ranging from “it’s a small world” to Epcot, has died. He was 83. He died at his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., on Thursday. “Everything about Marty was legendary — his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob... View the full article

Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. “Marty” Sklar passed away in his Hollywood Hills home on Thursday. He was 83. During an illustrious career spanning 54 years, Marty worked closely with Walt Disney and was instrumental in creating, enhancing and expanding Disney’s creative vision. Named a Disney Legend in 2001, he is best remembered and revered by fans around the world for his work bringing Disney’s theme parks to life. “Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He embodied the very best of Disney, from his bold originality to his joyful optimism and relentless drive for excellence. He was also a powerful connection to Walt himself. No one was more passionate about Disney than Marty and we’ll miss his enthusiasm, his grace, and his indomitable spirit.” Born in New Brunswick, N.J., on February 6, 1934, Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time, and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerunner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54th birthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall. “Marty was the ultimate Disney Imagineer and Cast Member. From his days working as an intern with Walt to just two weeks ago engaging with fans at D23 Expo, Marty left an indelible mark on Disney Parks around the globe and on all of the guests who make memories every day with us,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “He was one of the few people that was fortunate to attend the opening of every single Disney park in the world, from Anaheim in 1955 to Shanghai just last year. We will dearly miss Marty’s passion, skill and imaginative spark that inspired generations of Cast, Crew and Imagineers.” Bob Weis was one of those Imagineers. “Marty was one of Walt’s most trusted advisors and helped turn his most ambitious dreams into reality. For us, it’s hard to imagine a world without Marty, because Marty is synonymous with Imagineering,” said Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering. “His influence can be seen around the world, in every Disney park, and in the creative and imaginative work of almost every professional in the themed entertainment industry.” Marty’s impact and achievements were recognized with a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), induction into the Hall of Fame of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), and the prestigious Professional Achievement Award from UCLA. He also authored several books about his experiences and adventures at Disney: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms (2013), and One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering (2015). Marty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah; son Howard and his wife, Katriina Koski-Sklar; grandchildren Gabriel and Hannah; daughter Leslie; and grandchildren Rachel and Jacob. Marty and Leah were two of the founders of the Ryman Program for Young Artists, a project of Ryman Arts, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and mentor “traditional” drawing and painting skills to talented young artists in Southern California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marty’s name to Ryman Arts at www.rymanarts.org. View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and wow, is that a great shot of the moon! This photo, taken of the Mickey Mouse statue that sits atop the Crossroads of the World merchandise shop, welcomes guests at the entrance of the park. Crossroads of the World is the first-stop shop for guest entering the park to grab early Mickey ears, pins, autograph books and pens, camera accessories and other must-have supplies needed for a perfect day in the park. View the full article

The new-look Mission: Space attraction at Epcot will debut Aug. 13, Walt Disney World announced on Thursday. The ride, which opened in the theme park’s Future World in 2003, will feature two distinct experiences. The Orange Mission side will include the force of a space launch to Mars, Disney says.... View the full article

Members booking last-minute vacations at select Concierge Collection Resorts are taking advantage of a 40 percent reduction in vacation point values for stays completed by Sept. 15, 2017. Eligible Concierge Collection resorts include: Brighton Tokyo Bay (Tokyo, Japan) Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park (Chicago, Illinois) The Fairmont San Francisco (San Francisco, California) Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, California) Hotel Palomar (Washington, D.C.) Hyatt Regency Maui (Maui, Hawai‘i) Keystone Resort (Keystone, Colorado) Le Parker Meridien (New York City, New York) Mandarin Oriental (Washington, D.C.) Nine Zero Hotel (Boston, Massachusetts) Resort at Squaw Creek (Lake Tahoe, California) Royal Garden Hotel (London, England) The Sagamore (Lake George, New York) Topnotch Resort & Spa (Stowe, Vermont) The Whitehall Hotel (Chicago, Illinois) Please note that a $95 reservation fee applies and discount applies to new reservations only. Booking begins Thursday, July 27, 2017. Call Member Services to take advantage of this limited-time offer, and enjoy your last-minute vacation! 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. Real estate interests must be purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. as of April 4, 2016 in order to have access to the Disney and Concierge Collections. All vacation destinations offered through the Disney and Concierge Collection may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. All accommodations are subject to availability. View the full article

We’re talkin’ WAFFLES, y’all. Learn About: Sleepy Hollow Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And if we’re talkin’ waffles, more often than not we’re also talkin’ about Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. You see, long before Chicken and Waffles starting popping up pretty much everywhere in Disney World from Backlot Express to the Fantasy Fare Food Truck (even the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s had an unexpected take on them for a time), Sleepy Hollow understood the Power of the Waffle. While specific waffle items have come and gone from the menu, this location is currently home to its original Big Three: the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, a Breakfast Waffle (currently served with egg and cheese), and the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with Chocolate-Hazlenut Spread… which we all simply refer to as the “Nutella Waffle Sandwich. Oh, yeah, and it’s got Fruit, too.” Or maybe that’s just me? Anyway, we’re revisiting the Nutella Waffle Sandwich today because… well, frankly because I wanted one on my last trip! And I thought I’d share it again today with you. After all, even though the Nutella Waffle never left the Sleepy Hollow menu, that doesn’t mean things here can’t change (Case in Point: the return of the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich after it was taken off the menu for a while — though good news: the price on the item has actually gone down, making it a better value). Anyway, I placed my order… Nutella Waffle Sandwich … and there you have it, it’s as glorious as ever. Just like always, the base is a big ol’ crunchy, golden Belgian Waffle, fresh from the iron. Then, it’s slathered in gobs of chocolate-hazelnut Nutella spread which becomes slightly melty. So much Nutella! Not gonna lie: I asked for extra spread, and you should, too. Because although a little Nutella is good, a lot of Nutella is better. The fruit has stayed standard over the years, and even though I kid about the necessity of fruit, it’s actually pretty great here. Lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and sliced banana make this too big to really eat like a sandwich, despite the waffle’s official name. Fruit galore! So be sure to grab a knife and fork — and maybe even an extra plate — so you can deconstruct this glorious beast and take it slice by slice (or share with a pal!). In slices like this, it’s like a Nutella Waffle Pizza! Nutella Waffle Slice Whatever YOU want to call it, just get it! Because the Nutella-Waffle-and-hey-there’s-fruit-but-it’s-too-big-to-be-a-sandwich-maybe-it’s-more-like-a-pizza is just as great as it’s always been! Nutella Waffle Happiness And since Sleepy Hollow now has Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs a la Disneyland, you’ve got more than one reason to make a stop — or two! — during your visit to the Magic Kingdom! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE17 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? What’s your favorite Disney waffle? Let us know! 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: Nutella Waffle Sandwich in Magic Kingdom Park News! Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich Returns to Magic Kingdom. (Just WAY Smaller and WAY More Expensive.) New! Waffle Sandwiches at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow View the full article

Iceland Vacations | Adventures by Disney View the full article

One of my “must-dos” at Epcot is Mission: SPACE. Now, I’m not ACTUALLY a big thrill-ride person, but I LOVE the feeling of lift off and the expanse of looking at the Earth from outer space. It’s breathtaking. I was there when we “launched” it in 2003 and myself – along with tens of thousands of other guests have loved the authentic, NASA-style training and space travel aboard the Mission: SPACE “rocket.” So, now there’s even MORE to love. Starting Aug. 13, we will relaunch the attraction with a brand new experience and an enhanced version of the “classic” Mission: SPACE. If you think you’ve got “the right stuff,” take on the Orange Mission for a truly intense experience that lets you feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars. On this mission, you’ll dodge meteoroids, slingshot around the moon and attempt a precision landing on the Red Planet’s alien surface. This “mission” has been enhanced with new, HD video to make it even clearer – I can’t imagine! Or, embark on the more family-friendly Green Mission – a new mission that takes you on an exciting orbit around Earth. On this amazing new adventure, you’ll take in sites like the Hawaiian Islands, Italy’s “boot” and the Northern Lights—as seen from space, of course—before finally landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. No matter which mission you choose, it’ll be a journey that’s totally out of this world. In addition to all the “mission” updates, our partners at Walt Disney Imagineering have also made this attraction MORE family-friendly. Younger astronauts can now ride – the height restriction will be changed for the Green Mission side with the addition of new X-2 booster seats allowing children 40-44” to ride. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for all the info on exciting changes coming to Epcot. View the full article

A new shop will soon start scooping out edible cookie dough in Celebration. Wonderland Cookie Dough Co. is expected to open on Aug. 19 at 606 Market St. in Celebration. Heat-treated flour and a lack of eggs makes the business’ 10-plus cookie dough flavors safe to eat. “We can eat it right out of... View the full article

A new shop will soon start scooping out edible cookie dough in Celebration. Wonderland Cookie Dough Co. is expected to open on Aug. 19 at 606 Market St. in Celebration. Heat-treated flour and a lack of eggs makes the business’ 10-plus cookie dough flavors safe to eat. “We can eat it right out... View the full article

The Disney PhotoPass Studio located in the Disney Springs Marketplace is a favorite among princesses and knights who have visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but you don’t have to be on your way to the ball to have your photo taken here! You can take a classic – or goofy – family or individual portrait on one of our standard backdrops. If you’re looking for a slightly more specialized photo experience, this studio also offers those of all ages the opportunity to pose in front of virtual backdrops using a green-screen technique. Here are just a few of the numerous virtual backdrop themes currently available: “Aladdin;” “Beauty and the Beast;” “Brave;” “Cars;” “Cinderella;” “Elena of Avalor;” “Inside Out;” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates;” “The Lion Guard;” “The Little Mermaid;” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers;” “Moana;” “Monsters, Inc.;” “Mulan;” “Peter Pan;” “Pirates of the Caribbean;” “The Princess and the Frog;” “Sleeping Beauty;” “Snow White;” Star Wars; “Tangled;” “Toy Story” and more! So smile and say cheese, arrr, Agrabah, McQueen or Mickey – the choices are endless! Your photographer will make sure you have the best backdrop for your photo. These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement or purchased individually. If you’re looking for an even more customized offering that allows your little princess to step right into a classic Disney story, be sure to ask a photographer at the studio about a Personalized Storybook! Now through August 20, you can save $50 off the regular price by purchasing a Personalized Storybook for $99.95 plus shipping. This special price is only available through August 20, so head to the Disney PhotoPass Studio soon to make your purchase. No reservations are needed to visit the studio, so stop by for your photo shoot whenever it fits into your day at Disney Springs! View the full article

It’s been incredible to see the guest experience transform here over the past four years since we first launched My Disney Experience in 2013. From the FastPass+ service to MagicBand 2 and Mobile Order, we’re always exploring new opportunities to make a Walt Disney World Resort vacation even more convenient and more magical. Earlier this year, we unveiled a redesigned My Disney Experience app with new features that spoke to guests’ desire for an easier way to access all of their vacation plans. Today, we’re excited to bring yet another feature to the app: Online Check-In. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will be able to use Disney’s Online Check-In service on the My Disney Experience mobile app, expediting their arrival while providing additional convenience, flexibility and customization of their experience. The feature enables Guests to start the check-in process up to 60 days before their arrival, bypassing the need to visit the front desk and giving families the opportunity to begin their vacation as soon as they set foot in Walt Disney World Resort. Guests complete their check-in by unlocking their room, when it is ready, using the MagicBands sent to them prior to their arrival. With just a few taps of the screen, you can make room requests, add credit card information and authorize charges, submit an estimated arrival time to help prompt room access, receive a notification when your room is ready and more. Please note that room requests are not guaranteed and guests must provide consent to receive notifications. The best part? You can begin the check-in process at any point up to 60 days prior to your arrival date – even minutes beforehand as you’re transported on Disney’s Magical Express to your resort hotel. As always, world-class guest service is part of the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, and front desk and concierge cast members are available at all of our resort hotels to assist guests at their leisure for the duration of their stay. To take advantage of the Online Check-In service and other features, be sure to download the latest version of My Disney Experience, now available in the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices. Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for future updates on My Disney Experience as we continue to innovate new technology for the app that will take the guest experience to new heights. View the full article

Walt Disney World hotel guests now can skip one more line. Visitors are able to go directly to their rooms to unpack and unwind — without the traditional stop at the front desk to check in. For room keys, they’ll use the customized MagicBands shipped to their homes after completing a virtual check-in,... View the full article

If you’re lucky enough to have tasted the new gourmet donuts on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, then you may have noticed the confectionary creativity is endless. You might even describe them as pure deliciousness! (Is that even a word???) Nonetheless, guests are lovin’ the donuts so much, we thought we’d ask Executive Chef Jason Martin about his inspiration for large variety of flavors. How many flavors of donuts are sold at the cart on Main Street, U.S.A., each day? There are, usually, three flavors of donuts to choose from daily. There’s just no limit to what we will put on a donut! So far, we’ve introduced 40 different flavor combos. How do you get inspiration for new flavors? What’s the creation process like? We’re always looking for what’s hot, what’s new, what’s trending. The ideas can be related to people, parades, events and seasons. I ask members of my team for ideas and inspiration — and invite anyone who has an idea to make suggestions. What’s the most extravagant over-the-top flavor you’ve created? I’d say, the Matterhorn Macaroon donut or the Chocolate Covered Potato Chip donut. How often do flavors change or rotate? Every Friday, we introduce the new donut flavors. Now that your mouth may be watering, I should mention — you can find the gourmet donuts at The Coffee Cart on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. View the full article

Walt Disney World fans devotees that purchased annual passes with block-out dates have been informed that they will be welcomed back into the theme parks earlier than anticipated. Silver-level passholders will be able to return to the streets of all four Disney World parks as of Aug. 1. The blockout... View the full article

"I don't think he worries about being lovable," Tennant said of his Scrooge McDuck. "I think that's probably the key to him, if there is a key to him, and who says I've got it right."His "DuckTales" family was quick to point out that he's definitely got it right."I think you play him for what he... View the full article

Happily Ever After - Jordan Fisher & Angie Keilhauer | Magic Kingdom View the full article

Summer days at Walt Disney World Resort are beautifully sunny but they can also be filled with humidity and lots of rain! Here are some consejos to make your vacation ‘rain’ proof! The first thing is to have a rain plan that includes enjoying indoor attractions and shows. These are my favorites: “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom Park; Soarin’, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, World Showcase Pavilions at Epcot; Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the amazing shows “The Festival of the Lion King” and “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Second, you and your familia need to pack clothing that is appropriate for all type of weather. It’s hot and humid so you need clothes that are light but also that can dry easily. You also need comfortable shoes and socks! Brings extra pairs of socks because your feet will be the first thing to get soaked during a summer downpour. Wet socks are not fun! Also be sure to pack rain jackets or ponchos and bring umbrellas. If you forgot them, you can always buy them at the stores in the resorts and the parks. And last but not least, my favorite thing to do, rain or shine, is to find the character greeting locations – in this case, the indoor ones! – and take photos and ask for autographs where they are allowed. Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey and Minnie at the Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Epcot Character Spot and BB-8 and Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are some of the best options! What are your favorite things to do when it rains? Would love to hear your tips as well. View the full article

Walt Disney Co. plans to shut down its vacation savings program because of low participation. The Disney Vacation Account program, which started in 2013, allowed travelers to store money in an account to save up for a Disney vacation. Disney granted users a $20 bonus for every $1,000 stored in... View the full article

Hard to believe that in less than six months “La Nouba” will be no more. The Cirque du Soleil spectacular at Disney Springs, which debuted in 1998, will play its last performance Dec. 31. If you haven’t seen the energetic celebration of circus arts in a while —but are planning a visit to say goodbye... View the full article

With the return of the Disneyland Railroad on Saturday, July 29, guests will once again embark on the classic grand circle tour of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom. Earlier this week, we looked back at the history of the Rivers of America, also reopening July 29, so today let’s take a look at the Disneyland Railroad through its more than 60 years of travel. The Disneyland Railroad was one of our opening-day attractions on July 17, 1955, with two steam engines in operation. Engine No. 1 – C.K. Holliday – was named for Cyrus Kurtz Holliday, founder of the Atchison & Topeka Railroad (later the Santa Fe Railroad, established in 1859). The locomotive was built by WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) in Burbank, Calif., from a design inspired by Walt Disney’s model train engine, the Lilly Belle – centerpiece of his backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific. C.K.’s fellow opening-day steam engine, No. 2 – E.P. Ripley – was named for Edward Payson Ripley, who was the first president of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and was also built by WED Enterprises. In 1958, the Disneyland Railroad expanded with its third – and in fact, oldest – steam engine. Engine No. 3 – Fred Gurley – was named after Fred G. Gurley, who was president of the Santa Fe Railway from 1944-1957. It is the oldest steam engine operating on the Disneyland Railroad, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1894. It was first put into service in August 1895, and began circling the Happiest Place on Earth on March 28, 1958. Engine No. 4 – Ernest S. Marsh – was added the following year, on July 25, 1959, and was named for Ernest S. Marsh – who was the president of Santa Fe Railroad at the time. It was built in 1925 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Penn. – the same company that built its fellow Disneyland Railroad engine, the Fred Gurley. Nearly 50 years would pass before the fifth steam engine would join the Disneyland Railroad. Engine No. 5 – Ward Kimball – is unique among its fellow steam engines, as it was named not for an icon of the railroad, but for an icon of the Walt Disney Company. Ward Kimball was a Disney animator and one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men”; among his many achievements was the creation of Jiminy Cricket. He was named a Disney Legend in 1989. Ward was a railroad enthusiast, whose passion for the hobby inspired Walt’s own love of trains and railroading. The Ward Kimball was put into service on the Disneyland Railroad on June 25, 2005, and dedicated on February 15, 2006, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. The Disneyland Railroad reopening this week will bring new and enhanced adventures to this classic experience. For the very first time, the Disneyland Railroad will make a left-hand turn as it circles Disneyland park, and Walt Disney’s legendary dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World have been carefully restored to their original splendor, with a bit of new magic added to both! View the full article