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About two months ago, I shared how my tween daughter relished in my assignments as a Public Relations Manager at Walt Disney World Resort. In particular, she appeared most interested in my interviews with actors and actresses from her favorite Disney Channel shows. When I found out that even more of her favorite actors were coming to Walt Disney World, I decided it was time to have an actual tween ask these superstars the questions from a tween perspective. So … I brought my daughter along this time and let her lead the conversation. We met the group of young men at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the first time in its 18-year history, this past weekend Disney’s Animal Kingdom became a day-into-nighttime experience that celebrates the magic of nature. The park now comes alive with roaring, soaring magic, offering something for guests of all ages. Cameron Boyce from Disney’s Descendants, Peyton Meyer and Corey Fogelmanis from Girl Meets World, and Kevin Quinn from Bunk’d got the chance to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom firsthand in this whole new way. After grabbing a quick shot of the young men with Mickey Mouse, my daughter asked these guys lots of questions and discovered the following nuggets of information: One of Cameron’s favorite Disney characters is Donald Duck and the reason for this is unique! He recalls his elementary school janitor doing the best Donald impressions. Since that time, the beloved Duck is who Cameron loves most. Kevin used to visit Walt Disney World Resort as a child, but now he appreciates coming as a young adult. He sees Epcot in a whole new light as he visits all the different countries around the World Showcase and learns about the cultural diversity of each location. Peyton loves the fact that he is now tall enough to ride all of the Walt Disney World attractions, after spending so many years missing the height requirement. Corey’s favorite food when he visits the Walt Disney World Resort parks is the famous churro! Whenever he spies a churro stand, his sweet tooth gets the best of him and he must grab one! Kevin’s favorite Disney movie is “Toy Story” and as a child, he was obsessed with everything related to the movie. He even had a Sheriff Woody doll and wrote his name on the foot just like Andy did in the movie. Cameron’s favorite thrill ride at Walt Disney World Resort is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He loves that the “high energy ride starts fast and goes right into a loop-de-loop”. And finally, Corey’s favorite ride is Expedition Everest. He had the chance to ride it multiple times at night and described it as “really awesome” and especially loves when it goes backwards! Perhaps you can use these tidbits while planning your trip to Walt Disney World Resort with your own tween! And DO come experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night just like this crew did! For more information on planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort with your tween, check out www.disneyworld.com/Tweens. View the full article

We’re opening up the gates, and for the first time in forever you can be swept away by a full-scale theatrical interpretation of “Frozen” on stage at the Disneyland Resort. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” officially opens today, bringing to the stage all the heart-warming emotion of Anna and Elsa’s story, along with show-stopping production numbers, elaborate costumes, special effects, surprising scenic transformations and a few unique theatrical twists. Here’s just a peek at some of what’s in store: Of course, nothing beats the magic of experiencing live theater for yourself, so you’ll definitely want to catch a performance on your next visit. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is now playing daily in the beautiful Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

As many of you know, guests will soon be able to enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a new way – after the sun sets. And today, we’re announcing an opportunity for you to enter for a chance to be one of 100 winners of the Disney Parks Blog ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ Celebration Sweepstakes. Winners can be among the first guests to see one of the park’s summer night time experiences – “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Show on Sunday, May 29, 2016. “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” show is filled with music and special effects celebrating the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence. And the park’s beautiful Discovery River will become the stage for this limited-engagement show. You can enter for a chance to win by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. Also, there are a few things you should know: All entrants must be 18 years or older and legal residents of, and physically located within, the state of Florida. However, guests of the winners do not need to be 18 or older, if said guest is the child of winner. Limit one guest per winner. Winners will be sent a notice, via email. It will be necessary for each winner and guest to check in at Will Call between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m on the day of the event. They can enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom prior to the nighttime show. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Winning prizes are non-transferrable and have no cash value. This post will be updated after winners have been selected and notified. Hope to see you there. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 11:00am ET on 5/27/16, and ends 3:00pm ET of same day. Open only to legal residents of Florida who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person. For full details including eligibility requirements, odds of winning and prize limitations, see Official Rules. Prize does not include accommodations or transportation between winner’s home and the event taking place on May 29, 2016. Void where prohibited. View the full article

Okay, Rick Bayless fans… this is a good day for you! Because Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless (host of “Mexico — One Plate at a Time” among numerous other achievements) will open on June 26, 2016! Well, at least according to Open Table — the online reservation booking engine. Tables are available to book at 6:00 pm daily for dates beginning Sunday, June 26th. Screenshot of Frontera Cocina on Open Table Just a note that this opening date has not yet been confirmed by Disney or Frontera Cocina social media at this time. And we’re hearing that there will likely be soft openings even earlier than this. But June 26th is the first day to nail down reservations at this point. Still…wondering what you might be eating when Frontera Cocina does officially open? Well, we have a look at that, too! Frontera Cocina, Coming Soon to Disney Springs! Thanks to Frontera Cocina’s Facebook Page, here are some of the dishes that we’re looking forward to trying. Frontera Cocina Menu The Starters team kicks off with Chip and Dip options — both classic and out of the ordinary. Look for different takes and twists on this fan favorite, though. We expect to see Chips and Salsa, fun takes on Guacamole, and Sikil Pak — a Pumpkin Seed Habanero Dip. And that Queso Fundido has our name all over it! Starters Menu Main dishes are slated to include Crispy Half Chicken, Carnitas, Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and Oaxcan Red Chile Chicken. Salad and Entree Menus Look for Tacos as well, which will feature Carne Asada and Chicken. Chef Bayless also brings his famous Tortas (Sandwiches) to Orlando. We can’t wait to try the Pepito Torta and Conchinita Pibil Torta! And you can round out your meal with sides like Rice and Fried Plantains, Refried Black Beans with Cotija Cheese, and Queso Anejo Mashed Potatoes. Tacos and Sides Menu Finally, don’t forget about the Kiddos or the Sweet Endings. Oh, and FYI — there will be a grab and go window if you don’t have time for a full meal. Kids, Dessert, and To-Go Menus We had a chance to sample the Pecan Pie Bar at a Food and Wine Festival event with Chef Rick Bayless a while back, and it’s divine! Chocolate Pecan Bar But we’ll definitely be trying the intriguing Coconut Lime Quattro Leches, too! Stay tuned for more details about the opening date — we’ll keep you informed all about it. Until then, what are you most looking forward to trying at Frontera Cocina this Summer? 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: Frontera Fresco Restaurant by Chef Rick Bayless Coming To Disney Springs 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Food for Thought with Chef Rick Bayless News! Walt’s Restaurant, and the Neverland Tunnels, Slated for Disney Springs View the full article

Turning Disney's Animal Kingdom into a full-day theme park isn't as simple as flipping on a few light switches when the sun goes down. Walt Disney World had to prepare its star performers, the animals populating the zoolike theme park. Starting Friday night, Animal Kingdom will feature nocturnal... View the full article

Just last week, a group of Disney Cruise Line crew members, including Captain Thord, brought the magic of storytelling to the Albury Sayle Primary School in Nassau, Bahamas. During this special visit, students were able to listen to the group of VoluntEARS as they took a seat among the students to narrate a variety of classic tales. And, as a keepsake of their visit, Disney Cruise Line donated books to the classroom for students to inspire their own storytelling skills. These reading together events always hold a special place in our heart because it’s not only a fun event for the VoluntEARS and students, it’s an opportunity to help promote the importance of reading and the power of imagination and creativity in the student’s daily lives. Thank you to our dedicated crew members who find the time in their busy schedules to give back to our local port communities because without them, these events wouldn’t be possible. Each year, our Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members donate thousands of hours to benefit local port communities. Now it’s your turn! When’s the last time you shared the magic of storytelling? View the full article

With Friday’s debut of Kilimanjaro Safaris excursions into the evening, one of the new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we are eagerly awaiting to see your excitement as you engage in the magic of nature at night. In preparation for this park milestone, we have been working behind the scenes for more than three years getting the animals and animal habitats ready for the new nighttime experiences. Through it all, our focus on animal care has been central to our team while we create an environment like no other. We enhanced and built the best possible animal habitats that offer choices for the animals, such as ranges in temperature, sound and light levels. With the extended sunset at Kilimanjaro Safaris, we expect many of the savanna animals will want to spend the night outside, so our daily check-ups will take place at various times throughout the day and night. This is similar to how we currently care for the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you may see different types of animals depending on the time of day or night you visit. Also while out on the savanna, you may notice we have added painted dogs, hyenas, and more recently, a herd of wildebeests. These animals are adding even more excitement and beauty to the safari, whether day or night, and we look forward to seeing you this summer and beyond on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. View the full article

Take a look at the new Tiffins restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opening today in the park’s Discovery Island area. The menu is inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators. Walt Disney Imagineering describes the interior as “a gallery you can dine in with artwork that is a direct result of travels to Africa, Asia and South America,” and you’ll feel immersed in the stories when you walk through the door. Favorites at a taste preview: Lobster Popcorn Thai Curry Soup; miso-glazed black cod; whole, sustainable fish; Wagyu striploin, and the South American chocolate ganache. (There also are chicken, lamb, pork and duck entrées.) Cocktails are refreshing, and wines focus on sustainable, organic vintages and bio-dynamic viticulture. The porch of Nomad Lounge is bound to be a popular respite, with comfy couches and chairs, ceiling fans and a menu of small bites and beverages. (No reservations necessary.) Tiffins is open for lunch and dinner. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. View the full article

Imagine the pitter-patter of raindrops falling on lush green leaves. A not-so-distant croak of a tree frog joins the rhythmic harmony as you drift off to sleep. Chirping birds awaken you at sunrise. These are sounds of the rainforest, and they are all yours to savor on the Adventures by Disney Costa Rica vacation. Here you spend the night at the rustically charming Laguna Lodge. Nestled right in the rainforest, this hotel is free from the distractions of civilization and boasts epic nature views. It serves as the home base for a host of adventures, including a boat tour through Tortuguero National Park to look for turtles, sloths, monkeys, caiman and more. Check out a video tour of this remarkable Costa Rican destination. The soundtrack is a recording I took of the nature sounds that surrounded me one morning as I awoke. In Costa Rica they say “pura vida,” which means “pure life,” a philosophy that encourages embracing simple pleasures. This Adventures by Disney stop really showcases pura vida in its truest form. View the full article

May was an exciting month for Disney Parks Food & Beverage! Several new locations opened at Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World Resort. Want to know our foodie favorites of the month? Keep reading! New popcorn flavors have cruised onto the menu at Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure park! Look for white cheddar, Sriracha, pizza and garlic-parmesan in addition to butter, dill pickle and buffalo ranch. Ka-chow! A new, seasonal Prix Fixe lunch menu is available now through August 31 at Tutto Italia at Epcot. Enjoy a three-course meal including choice of appetizer, main course, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage for $27. Standard discounts apply. Buon Appetito! Looking for a place to watch an early morning match? ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk will open at 8:30 a.m. for select soccer games June 10 – July 10. The bar will be open, and guests may also enjoy breakfast options such as French toast, fruit plates, yogurt parfaits or a tasty breakfast platter with two eggs any style. Extra Tip: ESPN Club is now accepting lunch reservations Monday-Friday. We’ve found Dory at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Quick-service locations throughout the park including Starring Rolls Cafe, The Trolley Car Café and ABC Commissary will be serving cupcakes to celebrate the release of the new Disney•Pixar movie, “Finding Dory.” These cupcakes are available beginning June 17, be sure to try one before they swim away! Minnie’s Summertime Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios begins June 6! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season and meet Minnie and pals in their beachy attire! Menu highlights include a frisée and endive salad with roasted red pepper vinaigrette, peach-glazed barbecue pork, strawberry pearl cheesecake and a blueberry lemon cupcake. The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Park is now servin’ up grub family-style through July 4. The Saloon Feast includes a frontier salad, barbecue pulled pork, carved turkey breast, smoked sausage, braised beef, cowboy beans, corn on the cob, baked macaroni and cheese and campfire brownies for dessert. Yee-haw! What could be ‘butter’? From May 30 – September 5, 2016, Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders who purchase a special 64oz AP Popcorn Bucket can receive a refill of hot, fresh Pop Secret popcorn for $1! Offer available at select popcorn carts in Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, while supplies last. Passholder must present valid Disneyland Resort Annual Passport at purchase and refill. In addition to the exciting debut of Tiffins and Nomad’s Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom there are tasty new cupcakes at Creature Comforts, themed after some of the new nighttime offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Sweet! View the full article

Royal St. Veranda in New Orleans Square is one of my favorite dining gems in Disneyland. They are most known for their Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl, but I go there for the fritters! Royal St. Veranda This spot is located just underneath the staircase to the Dream Suite — right next to Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s simply a walk-up window and a few tables and chairs scattered around. Nothing major, and nothing visually to draw you in. But the menu has always been a guest favorite and you’re about to see why! Tables and Chairs at Royal Street Veranda Condiment area Condiment area Deemed as “Sweets” on the menu board, Royal St. Veranda switches out their New Orleans Fritters seasonally. Sweets! The fritters are waiting for you upon order. I was worried that since they were sitting in a warmer, they might not be fresh; but they must have been just made because they did not disappoint. Banana Fritters on Deck In the past, we’ve tried Apple and Pumpkin fritters, and now we’re checking out Banana Fritters! The fritters are $4.49 and served as a trio. They are coated with Cinnamon and Sugar and topped with Raspberry Sauce. Trio of Banana Fritters Served up warm; they are crisp on the outside with a gooey banana center. I love bananas, so these were a perfect seasonal treat for me. Warm Banana Center As you can see, the serving size is quite large for a sub-$5 treat. The fritters here are nearly always fresh and delicious, so it’s worth plunking down a fiver to get the goods. One more simple, unique Disneyland treat that you can’t get anywhere else in the park! I highly recommend a visit to Royal St. Veranda if you’re in the mood for hearty treats. As I said, the gumbo and clam chowder in bread bowls have always been the biggest draw here — and they’re wonderful. But if you love bananas like I do, head on over to this tiny spot ASAP and grab some fritters! You will be glad you did!!! What’s your favorite quick service stop in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments 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: Review: Apple Fritters and Clam Chowder at Royal Street Veranda at Disneyland Dining in Disneyland: Pumpkin Beignets vs. Pumpkin Fritters Dining in Disneyland: The Banana Corn Dog from DCA’s Award Wieners View the full article

This week’s Disney Parks After Dark comes to us from Tokyo DisneySea. Located in Mediterranean Harbor area of the park, the breathtaking Fortress Explorations attraction allows guests to explore a fortress, operate cannons, study nautical instruments, and more. View the full article

Disneyland Resort offers guests a wide variety of live performances, and many of our youngest visitors get their first taste of live theater in Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park. Throughout the resort, guests encounter parades, dance parties, street performances, musical groups and live shows at nearly every turn. And even with all the spectacular rides and attractions available in our parks, you could spend a full day simply enjoying all these amazing shows! Let’s take a look at the live stage shows guests can experience at the Disneyland Resort: At Disneyland Park “Mickey and the Magical Map” – This show, presented at the Fantasyland Theatre, features Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters in a dazzling adventure filled with music, fun and special effects. “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” – In this interactive show, reimagined in 2015 as part of Season of the Force, younglings train in the ways of the Jedi and help defend against Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels, at Tomorrowland Terrace. Fantasy Faire, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, features live shows presented in the Royal Theatre. Renaissance men Messieurs Smythe and Jones, with the assistance of some fellow villagers and a little help from the audience, bring the tales of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled” to life with music, whimsy, humor and heart. At Disney California Adventure Park “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” – Coming soon, this all-new musical stage production will bring the story of “Frozen” to life in remarkable new ways at the Hyperion Theater. “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – Mickey Mouse is joined by favorite Disney Junior show characters, including Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First. What is your favorite live stage show at the Disneyland Resort? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

In Disney’s all-new spectacular adventure “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. As a special un-birthday present, enjoy these photos of Alice and some of the zaniest inhabitants of Wonderland exploring Magic Kingdom Park! Today you can meet Alice at Magic Kingdom Park at the Mad Tea Party or in the United Kingdom at Epcot. A Disney PhotoPass Photographer will be there to capture your encounter! Be sure to catch Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” when the film drops into theaters in 3D on May 27. View the full article

Disney's Animal Kingdom's nighttime transformation kicks off a summer full of new attractions and additions to Central Florida theme parks. It all starts Friday, with the official debut of nighttime offerings at the park, including nighttime outings on the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris and periodic... View the full article

Lovers of Disney Cupcakes — this one’s for you! Learn About: Contempo Cafe Disney World Restaurants I just returned home from a family trip to Walt Disney World, and you better believe I had to check out all the new eats in the pastry case at the Contempo Cafe. This counter service location, conveniently located on the Magic Kingdom Resort Monrail loop at the Contemporary Resort, takes extra care to keep things fresh and new. And that’s especially true when it comes to cupcakes. We loved the recent Star Wars Cupcake we enjoyed there. During my most recent visit, I came away with two fun new cupcakes to share with you — the first one is up today! Watermelon Cupcake What says, “Hellooooo, Summer!” better than watermelon? And so, the pastry team at the Contemporary kicks off the busy season with this beautiful Watermelon Cupcake. It’s super cute, right? Piped Pink Buttercream swirls around the cake’s crown, and the Green Sprinkles give that perfect color contrast that announces the theme here. Watermelon Cupcake I also love the Chocolate Chips that mimic watermelon seeds, and the White Chocolate disk on top lends a Contemporary flair. (Get it? ;-D) But I didn’t really know what to expect. After all, I’ve never encountered watermelon in the “summer fruit cake” world. Sure, you can find your fair share of pink cake purported to be strawberry or raspberry. But watermelon? Watermelon Cupcake So this is weird — and maybe it’s just my brain playing tricks on me — but to my tastebuds this seemed very much like Strawberry Cake and Strawberry Frosting. So much so that I had to second guess myself thinking they had made a mistake and done a strawberry cupcake instead of the advertised watermelon one (it kind of looks like a strawberry, too, right?). BUT, Disney says it’s watermelon, so there you go. Just don’t expect a super watermelon-y flavor. Now, inside (’cause Contempo cupcakes always have a surprise inside), we have straight vanilla pudding. And I think it’s perfect. I do love when I find fruit filling, more frosting, and other goodies inside, but — maybe it’s just my love of all things Boston Cream — I do love the cool, smooth, weighty texture of pudding inside a cupcake. Watermelon Cupcake — Inside Overall, this was a decent cupcake. The cake was moist, and let’s face it — there’s just something happy about pink cake. You can’t be sad when you eat something this adorable. So if the Looks-like-Watermelon-but-Tastes-like-Strawberry Cupcake sounds good to you, then RUN! Don’t Walk! to the Contempo Cafe. Because it will only be available through the end of May. And if this was the only cupcake I’d eaten that day I would have walked away thinking this was a good, summery winner. BUT, it was NOT the only cupcake I ate that day, and the next one — which we’ll be reviewing in the next few days — was the runaway WINNER. I can’t WAIT to share the Churro Cupcake with you! Stay tuned! Now I wanna hear from you! Is the Strawberry-flavored Watermelon Cupcake a must-have for you? Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts 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: Snack Series: Mickey Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Star Wars Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

Today’s photo gem is of Alice, the Mad Hatter, Pinocchio, and Geppetto riding bikes during the Mickey Mania parade in 1994. The parade featured singers, dancers, stilt-walkers, BMX bikers, skateboarders and musicians all celebrating one very special mouse. View the full article

There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware – this Saturday is the 50th anniversary of the opening of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland park. Following its run as one of the four Walt Disney-developed attractions at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York, “it’s a small world” was shipped piece by piece to Disneyland, where it debuted in Fantasyland on May 28, 1966. Walt was joined at the opening ceremonies that day by over 50 foreign consulate representatives along with children wearing the traditional dress of many countries. Some of these children helped Walt pour water collected from every ocean plus major rivers and bodies of water from around the world into the flume, truly symbolizing the attraction’s theme of global unity. Showcasing the classic work of Disney Legends including art director Mary Blair and costume designer Alice Davis, with an unforgettable theme song by the Sherman Brothers, the Disneyland version of “it’s a small world” famously introduced the gleaming white and gold-tinged facade, incorporating legendary international landmarks. The centerpiece is a 30-foot tall kinetic clock tower, which puts on a show every 15 minutes as a parade of characters mark the time with pomp and fanfare. View the full article

It has been 26 years since Orlando resident Doug Swallow first suggested an informal show of gay solidarity at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Today, what was a small, grassroots gathering has grown into a multi-day event filled with pool parties, pageants, concerts, silent auctions, designated... View the full article

'Alice Through the Looking Glass' Meet-Up | Walt Disney World View the full article

WHAT: New attractions — and enhanced versions of existing attractions — will light up the nights at Disney's Animal Kingdom. On Friday, the park will start nighttime outings of its popular Kilimanjaro Safaris with a special effect that appears to extend dusk on the savanna. Periodically through... View the full article

During Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, guests can watch as younglings test their skills against the dark side. In this theme park offering, which takes place multiple times each day, Jedi Knights identify Force-sensitive children from throughout the galaxy and bring them to an ancient Jedi Temple to train in the ways of the Force. Under the guidance of a Jedi, these eager younglings learn how to use the Force and wield lightsabers, and are soon put to the test, coming face-to-face with Darth Vader or the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels! For families with a youngling of their own participating, this is an experience they’ll want to remember for a long time. That’s why a Disney PhotoPass Photographer is present at every show to capture the experience. Photos from the experience can be included in the purchase of a Memory Maker package here at Walt Disney World Resort or a Disney PhotoPass+ One Day package at the Disneyland Resort. Disney PhotoPass Service and Disney PhotoPass+ are subject to the Disney PhotoPass and Disney PhotoPass+ terms. Memory Maker is subject to the Memory Maker Terms and Conditions. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker window. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content at Walt Disney World. If Memory Maker purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days from the date Memory Maker is purchased will not be included and must be purchased separately. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the Disneyland PhotoPass expiration policy and the Walt Disney World PhotoPass expiration policy, as applicable. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission and sign-up process required to experience Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. View the full article

Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” doesn’t hit theaters until this Friday, but just a few days ago, 400 of our Disney Parks Blog readers were treated to a special advanced screening of the film. The event, held at AMC Disney Springs 24, took place on Saturday – or should I say “Hat-urday,” with many guests showing up donning their most unusual hat or entire “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired outfits. Some guests even wore creations of their very own! Be sure to click through our Facebook gallery and check out the video below for a full look. Thanks to photographer Armando Solares for the photos. Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass” opens in theaters this Friday, May 27. View the full article

As a Corporate Citizenship program manager, Disneyland Resort cast member Gina Arreola Welch manages the Disney VoluntEARS program and our cast giving initiatives. Gina’s role is focused on helping cast members give back to the community in meaningful ways. Gina says, “I am amazed at how committed our cast members are as Disney VoluntEARS and incredibly proud to be part of this company legacy of community giving.” Learn more about Gina’s role in this “Every Role a Starring Role!” View the full article

Behind the Scenes: “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” | Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article