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The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) just announced that Shanghai Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris were recipients of its 2016 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards which celebrates excellence in live entertainment and more across the globe. “Our teams create amazing world-class entertainment for our guests to enjoy in Disney Parks around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re thrilled that their hard work and talent have been recognized with these prestigious awards.” Shanghai Disneyland’s “Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic” and Light was named the Most Creative Multimedia Spectacular this year, a stunning example of Disney’s rich legacy of storytelling and innovation with breathtaking projections, lasers and fountains and more that continues to awaken the dreamer inside of every guest. And at Disneyland Paris, “Mickey and the Magician” won for Best Theatrical Production in parks with more than three million attendance. This incredible show has been dazzling our guests since summertime, bringing together Mickey and many of his friends for a singing and dancing extravaganza filled with soaring scenery and special effects that show guests what magic is made of. “Guests from all over the world continue to share that our shows and spectaculars create their happiest and most memorable moments,” said Bob Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We are incredibly proud of the entire Creative Entertainment team and congratulate all involved in bringing these two amazing shows to life.” This is another honor for Shanghai Disney Resort which was also recognized with three Thea Awards yesterday as part of the Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) annual award competition. The three awards recognized Disney’s first resort on mainland China for overall outstanding achievement as well as recognizing Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure and Camp Discovery for excellence in the Attraction category. As 2016 comes to a close, we are excited and proud to celebrate an amazing year of creative entertainment offerings around the world at the hands of our brilliant Imagineers and cast and are already looking forward to another year of cutting-edge innovation and storytelling coming to Disney Parks. View the full article

Disney is seeking patents for a unique new safety feature for its aerial drone light displays, according to a new patent application filed Thursday by Disney Enterprises. An airbag has been designed to deploy around the drone, like giant bubble-wrap, if it malfunctions or if sensors detect an imminent... View the full article

Disney is seeking patents for a unique new safety feature for its aerial drone light displays, according to a new patent application filed Thursday by Disney Enterprises. An airbag has been designed to deploy around the drone, like giant bubble-wrap, if it malfunctions or if sensors detect an imminent... View the full article

On this day in Disney history, “The Little Mermaid” was released in theaters. The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula so she can become human with the hopes of falling in love with Prince Eric. Here at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can become part of her world by visiting Prince Eric’s castle at Magic Kingdom Park. The castle and its grounds house the Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction and Ariel’s official greeting location. Click here to see the entire gallery of images. Thanks to Mariah Wild for the photographs. To check out more in our portrait series, see the list below. PHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of Tiana from ‘The Princess & The Frog’ PHOTO GALLERY: Jasmine, Princess of Agrabah PHOTO GALLERY: Rapunzel from ‘Tangled’ PHOTO GALLERY: Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ PHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of ‘Alice In Wonderland’ at Walt Disney World Resort PHOTO GALLERY: A ‘Brave’ Princess Merida PHOTO GALLERY: Pocahontas Marks 20 Years PHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of Mulan as ‘Ping’ at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

The Atlanta Braves released the schedule Thursday for what could be their final spring training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.Eighteen of the Braves’ 32 spring games are scheduled for Disney’s Champion Stadium.The Braves will face the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday,... View the full article

The Atlanta Braves will play 18 scheduled home games in what could be their final spring training at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, it was announced Thursday. The Braves will face the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, in their first game at Champion Stadium next... View the full article

One of Disneyland's original 'stretching portraits' from the Haunted Mansion will go up for auction Saturday with more than 1,000 other pieces of nostalgia. View the full article

The portrait is tall and stately, its subject a distinguished gentleman who stands with chest puffed out, proudly. But here's the thing: He wears no pants. The man, it turns out, stands atop a barrel of lighted dynamite, in striped boxers. If this image stirs childlike glee in the depths of your... View the full article

The World Series just ended a few weeks ago, but it’s never too early to start thinking about baseball spring training and dreaming about the promise of a new season. For Braves fans, that time is now because the team just revealed its 2017 spring training schedule. And for the 20th straight season, the team will hold spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28) and the New York Mets (March 10, 25 and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year. On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles. The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25. Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. If you want more information, visit espnwwos.com/braves. View the full article

The transition is nearly complete from the OLD Planet Hollywood to the NEW Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs! Learn About: Planet Hollywood Observatory Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Usually, Disney does a great job keeping new places under wraps so that the big reveal is more like a big bang! And that would be perfect here, with all the observatory spacey stuff. Unfortunately, a giant globe-shaped edifice is a little hard to hide. So as we WATCH Planet Hollywood Observatory taking shape right in the middle of Disney Springs, I have to say — I’m kind of intrigued about what’s to come with the menu. And that’s especially true after I caught my first glimpse of the over-the-top milkshakes we’ll soon be able to enjoy here. We recently received a few more hints about what you can expect to see when the restaurant finally opens its doors. (The website and social media are still saying that the opening will take place in the “Fall”, but the website is accepting reservations starting in January.) The Latest From Planet Hollywood Observatory Let’s take a closer look. Planet Hollywood Observatory Menu and Food Photos Start your dinner experience in the brand-new Stargazers Lounge, where guests will enjoy Florida Craft Beers, hand crafted Cocktails, and enormous Signature Drinks served in souvenir glasses. Of course, the biggest story coming out of Planet Hollywood is that celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri has created a whole menu of Signature Burgers and Sandwiches. Look for specialties like the Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger, which includes with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Six-Cheese Mac-n-Cheese, Crispy Onion Straws, and Chef Fieri’s signature Donkey Sauce. Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Other Fieri sammies include The Mayor of Flavortown, a kicked up Reuben; and the Prime Time American Kobe featuring American-style kobe beef and Smoked Gouda. There are some interesting meatless options as well. Look for Morgan’s Veggie Burger topped with Artichokes, Roasted Red Pepper, and Cilantro Aioli. And Mac-n-Cheese meets Grilled Cheese in the Pimento Grilled Cheese. New Signature Items also abound on the menu. Lobster Fra Diavolo is a luxurious take on a spicy Pasta Classic, and is served in a whole Lobster Shell. Fish lovers can opt for the Sesame Ginger Salmon, and guests looking for steak will enjoy the 20-ounce, bone-in NY Strip, which is meant to be shared. Looking for a little splurge because, well, vacay? Upgrade your steaks and chops to “surf and turf” status by adding a whole steamed lobster! Lobster Fra Diavolo Of course, there will be plenty of options for guests who are after lighter fare. Check out this ultra hip Citrus Kale Salad. It’s a superfood mix of Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Cabbage, with Feta, Grapefruit, Oranges, Cranberries, Sunflowers Seeds, and Agave Dressing bringing flavor to the party. Other salad options include a classic Spinach & Berries Salad, featuring Candied Walnuts, Bleu Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette. Citrus Kale Salad If you’re a fan of the Planet Hollywood classics, no worries. Several old favorites made the leap to the new menu, including Chicken Crunch and Nachos Grande. Chicken Crunch Nachos Grande But you should totally plan to save room for dessert! We already told you about these crazy, over the top Supernova Shakes! Supernova Shakes Look for other signature sweets as well, like the Cosmic Cream Challenge, a blind tasting of 12 flavors of house-made Ice Creams and Sorbets, and Planet Melt Down. This one sounds seriously fun with a Chocolate Hardshell Dome, which is melted tableside by Hot Chocolate Sauce. Inside, you’ll find Double Chocolate Fudge Cake! Lots to take in for sure! Now I’d love to hear from you. Will you be visiting the completely renewed Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs for lunch or dinner when it reopens? 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: News: Chef Guy Fieri Teams Up With Disney World’s Planet Hollywood Observatory News! Planet Hollywood Will Be Re-imagined to Fit the Disney Springs Look News! PizzeRizzo to Open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18 (Plus a Few More Details!) View the full article

Show Drones Light Up the Skies During the Holidays at Disney Springs View the full article

Finalizing your Thanksgiving plans this week? Don’t forget about “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” which will air Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), from 8-10 p.m. EST on ABC and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough will host this magical two-hour special from Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments. Musical performances on tap include: Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite at Cinderella Castle Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s “Moana” Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” & “Stronger” Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” & “Marshmallow World” View the full article

The convenience of Disney Gift Card has just arrived in your inbox! The new Disney Gift Card eGift can be redeemed anywhere Disney Gift Cards are accepted and are scanned directly from your mobile device or a printed copy of the eGift. Sending it as a last-minute gift? eGifts are delivered to any valid email address the same day they’re ordered! It’s all the magic of sending someone you love a Disney Gift Card, now made even more convenient. And just like any Disney Gift Card, an eGift can be used for practically all things Disney: whether it’s in Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney PhotoPass, DisneyStore.com or Disney Store locations in the U.S. With the holidays coming up, Disney Gift Card is ready to make shopping simple for you and perfect for everyone on your list! Prefer a traditional gift card? There are hundreds of additional Disney Gift Card designs available at DisneyGiftCard.com! View the full article

In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor takes a look at what Pain and Panic from “Hercules” would do if they visited a Disney theme park. “I love the scene in ‘Hercules’ where Pain and Panic are wearing Herc’s merchandise!” Ashley said “I knew that they would take advantage of all of the iconic merchandise and treats if they ever visited the Magic Kingdom.” View the full article

Three hundred drones will light up the sky above Walt Disney World in a new Christmas show called "Starbright Holidays." Disney is collaborating with Intel on the project, the first time a show-drone performance of this scale has been performed in the United States. The show will take place at... View the full article

Three hundred drones will light up the sky above Walt Disney World in a new Christmas show called "Starbright Holidays." Disney is collaborating with Intel on the project, the first time a show-drone performance of this scale has been performed in the United States. The show will take place at Disney... View the full article

Three hundred drones will light up Walt Disney World in a new Christmas show called "Starbright Holidays." Disney is collaborating with Intel on the project, the first time a show-drone performance of this scale has ever been performed in the United States. The drones will form shapes figures such... View the full article

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration | Walt Disney World View the full article

It’s a first not just for Disney Parks, but in the United States: A new holiday experience at Disney Springs featuring 300 show drones illuminating the night sky. In “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration,” guests will get a chance to watch Disney and Intel explore remarkable new technology. Accompanied by an original Disney arrangement of classic holiday songs recorded by a full orchestra, the sparkling experience invites guests to look up to sky and wish upon a holiday star. This is the first time a drone show of this scale has ever been performed in the U.S. Here’s a brief sample of what will surprise and delight you this holiday season above the West Side of the Disney Springs waterfront: “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration” will join other new holiday experiences at Disney Springs, including a brand-new Christmas Tree Trail, special seasonal entertainment, meet and greets with Santa, and festive décor. View the full article

That gooey, sweet start to the morning gets its own special day on November 28 – National French Toast Day – basically, a combination of eggs, milk and bread served in so many ways. But fresh berries, syrup and other sweets are generally the favored toppings. Chef Marcel St. Pierre at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel came up with his own version and is serving it for breakfast for the rest of November. His version uses tender brioche, which he soaks in milk, then beaten eggs, before it’s fried. It is then filled with macerated berries and Crème Anglaise and topped with powdered sugar and Chantilly cream to finish the indulgent beginning to your day. If savory is your preference instead of Chef Marcel’s Stuffed Brioche French Toast, you’ll find classics from a Sunrise Burrito to an egg white omelette. And, of course, steak and eggs, featuring a 7-ounce Angus steak and eggs any style. Award-winning Steakhouse 55 is open daily for breakfast and dinner (where steaks vie for attention with King salmon, roasted chicken and lamb chops). It’s a relaxing, “Old Hollywood” setting – named for the year that Disneyland opened – with classic black-and-white photos from the ‘50s. For a quicker bite (both breakfast and dinner), the adjacent lounge serves both meals daily. And there’s also afternoon tea. For reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE. View the full article

The race to find Santa is on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the debut of the new nighttime holiday spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” This new nighttime spectacular, which stars Wayne and Lonny from “Prep & Landing,” combines pyrotechnics, lasers and custom projections, with moments from favorite Disney films, classic holiday songs and snow! In the video above, Show Director Tom Vazzana takes you behind the scenes to learn more about the making-of this amazing new show, which he says has “one of the best musical scores for Christmas” he’s ever heard. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run nightly at the park through December 31. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes and more details. Have you seen “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” yet? Tell us what you think of the show in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

Mickey Mouse is celebrating his birthday on November 18 and we’re all invited to the party! Whether you’re celebrating the Mouse’s big day at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, there are so many sweet treats to enjoy – and the best part is, every dessert was inspired by Mickey! Happy Birthday Mickey! Disney World No birthday celebration is complete without cupcakes, and Mickey’s Birthday Cupcake will be available at The Trolley Car Cafe and Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! A Love Mickey XOXO cupcake is available at the Main Street Bakery and Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom, while Mischievous Mickey’s Birthday Cupcake – a confetti cupcake filled with strawberry mousse and topped with chocolate buttercream – will be available at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot. Love Mickey Cupcake ©Disney Sunshine Seasons is also serving Mickey’s Cookies & Cream Cheesecake. And Chocolate Lollipops are available at The Ganachery in Disney Springs. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier to celebrate Mickey’s big day, check out the Mini Mickey Dome Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. The dome cake features layers of chocolate chiffon cake, milk chocolate mousse and orange blossom pâte de fruit. Mini Mickey Dome Cake ©Disney Several of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels are helping Mickey celebrate his birthday, too! The Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is serving Mickey’s Birthday Cake Cookie Sandwich, and Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Cupcake is available at the Beach Club Marketplace at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Citrico’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will have a chocolate banana tart for Mickey’s birthday; and the Heritage Mickey Dessert – a duo of dark and white chocolate mousse with Mickey’s signature ears, tail, and buttons – can be found at the BoardWalk Bakery. Heritage Mickey Dessert ©Disney But wait! There’s still more! Mickey’s Delight, a caramel-filled Devil’s Food cupcake with chocolate-maple ganache, will be available at Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. And the food courts at the All-Star Resorts are serving The Sorcerer’s Apple Cupcake: vanilla cake filled with spiced caramel apple filling topped with cinnamon buttercream. Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Dessert, a Yuzu tart with mango coulis and fresh berries, is available at Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Chocolate Lollipops at The Ganachery ©Disney Disneyland If you find yourself celebrating Mickey’s birthday in Disneyland, a Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake & Ice Cream Sundae – made with scoops of Dreyer’s Birthday Cake Ice Cream, a Mickey-shaped brownie, hot fudge, whipped cream, Mickey-shaped sprinkles in a souvenir Mickey Mouse kitchen sink – is available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland and Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure Park. You can’t celebrate Mickey’s birthday without honoring Steamboat Willie, and in Disneyland you’ll find a Steamboat Willie Gourmet Apple at the Candy Palace and Pooh’s Corner. The gourmet apple is also available at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure and Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District. Steamboat Willie Gourmet Apple ©Disney All of the Mickey Mouse birthday treats are available on Friday, November 18, while supplies last. Will you be celebrating Mickey’s birthday with one of these sweet treats? 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: News: “Frozen Fever” Sweet Treats at Disneyland and Disney World DFB Reader Questions Answered: Best Restaurants to Celebrate a Grown-Up Birthday at Walt Disney World Celebrate Mother’s Day at Disneyland and Walt Disney World! View the full article

Lush rainforests. Exotic animal species. Rich culture and heritage. You can find all this and more on an Adventures by Disney Costa Rica vacation. With Adventures by Disney you’ll be immersed in the people, culture and traditions of Costa Rica with the help of knowledgeable Adventure Guides and local experts who’ll show you more than just the sights. I recently traveled to Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney and was left in awe by all I saw, learned and experienced firsthand. Watch this video to see for yourself how you can explore the rich culture of Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney. View the full article

A new and decidedly low tech holiday offering is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail. It's just what it sounds like yet not what I expected. For some reason, I imagined that there would be giant themed trees, spread across the four Springs neighborhoods. Nope. All 15 of the featured trees are... View the full article

The Disney Parks Blog is hosting another special “under the stars” meet-up later this week to celebrate the new Disney film “Moana” before it opens in U.S. theaters. This early screening of the “Moana” film will be held outside at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort on Sunday night, November 20, 2016. Our meet-up begins at 8:15 p.m. ET at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort on Sunday, November 20, 2016. At the event, you’ll be able to view Disney’s “Moana” film. “Moana” is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought – her own identity. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess and the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i. RSVP for the meet-up now by clicking here. Only one guest is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. Also, here are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Disney’s “Moana” is rated PG. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in at the front of Disney’s Polynesian Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. And here is other important information to know: Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), theatre and promoter are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. This ticket may be used for admission only by the person to whom we issued it; it is not transferable. It has no cash value. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to Disney, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. REMEMBER: NO RECORDING DEVICES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION MOBILE DEVICES, CAMERAS, LAPTOPS, IPADS, ETC.) PERMITTED! View the full article