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Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988.    A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities we continue to honor during the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby.     The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms, refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more.  Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar    There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!  Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.   New Look, Same Grand Feel    The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere.   Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.     As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.    The Magic of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is among the more than 25 Disney Resort hotels at The Most Magical Place on Earth – contributing to the nearly 29,000 guest rooms on Walt Disney World property. Guests at Disney Resort hotels like the Grand Floridian get a variety of special perks with an unbeatable location close to the magic. That’s in addition to the amazing cast members who deliver distinctly Disney service every day.   Whether you’re visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, an unforgettable meal or the Grand Floridian is your home away from home as a Disney Vacation Club member, the resort will continue to be one of the most special and unique places to stay on Disney World property.  And some things – like the warm welcome, the attention to detail, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into somewhere truly special – will always stay the same.   Both Disney World Water Parks to Open Starting May 21 READ MORE Disney World Announces New Family Deals for Summer 2025  READ MORE All-Star and Pop Century Resort Refurbishments READ MORE The post First Look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation    appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

  We are neck-deep in excitement here as we welcome a towering new addition to our Kilimanjaro Safaris family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Mara, our beloved Masai giraffe, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Tucker!   This long-awaited arrival marks the first giraffe calf birth at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021 and underscores our ongoing commitment to wildlife and species protection. Mara, who joined our savanna in 2015, has proudly expanded her family, not once – but three times now! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the birth of her first calf, Jabari, in 2019. Today we watched Mara and Tucker stretch their legs and stroll out onto the savanna.  A Baby Giraffe Stands Tall for Conservation at Animal Kingdom The birth of Mara’s baby giraffe at Animal Kingdom is a significant achievement. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally. With habitat loss and poaching posing threats in their natural environments, Disney is working hard to help protect this iconic species.   “Tucker’s birth is really important for us. It’s a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation and our incredible partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan. This plan focuses on maintaining genetic diversity of the giraffe population and helping to prevent giraffes from becoming extinct,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.  Our team of world-class animal care professionals and expert on-site veterinarians have been working around the clock to ensure both Mara and her calf receive leading care. This birth is a true testament to the incredible work of our animal care team at Walt Disney World.  Tucker’s arrival contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sight of these majestic animals towering above the savanna.  The Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 30 Years of Wildlife Protection Recognizing the urgency to protect rapidly vanishing wildlife and habitats around the world, the Disney Conservation Fund provides support to respected conservation organizations already at the forefront of critical conservation efforts. This year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its inception in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. “Through DCF grants to local and global nonprofit organizations and the expertise of Disney Conservation cast members driving both scientific research and on-the-ground action, Disney helps protect endangered species, restore habitats, empower the next generation of conservation leaders, and address environmental challenges worldwide.”   Claire Martin, Senior Manager of Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company For updates on Tucker, and to see all the amazing work our talented team of cast members are doing for the more than 5,000 animals across Disney World, follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.  Baby Bakso Updates READ MORE Josh Gad: New Kilimanjaro Safaris Guide at Animal Kingdom WATCH NOW Indiana Jones and ‘Encanto’ Confirmed for Animal Kingdom READ MORE The post Meet Tucker, the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom  appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s great for the whole family, then look no further than buffets and all-you-can-eat restaurants. These locations are great options to try a variety of different flavors, cuisines, and dishes that you may not have before. And lucky for you, there is no shortage of them at Walt Disney World Resort.   For a set price, you can treat yourself to an endless selection of tasty bites and delights, so be sure to save your appetite. From buffets to family-style feasts, these locations will fill your bellies and provide guests of all ages an unforgettable experience, some with special entertainment or unique character greetings. They truly are not to be missed as these spots are a great option to fuel up for your park day. With so many food choices to choose from, there’s something for everyone’s palate.  Here are all of the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets and family-style restaurants at Disney World. Check out the official site for Walt Disney World to see them all and be sure to book reservations, as they are highly recommended.  Disney World Buffets and Family-Style Restaurants  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park  Magic Kingdom Park  EPCOT  Disney’s Hollywood Studios   Disney Resorts Collection  Animal Kingdom Buffet Tusker House Restaurant   Venture over to Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to find this fan favorite. Tusker House Restaurant is a buffet filled with African-inspired flavors that will transport you with every taste and, of course, comforting classics. For both Donald’s Safari Breakfast and Donald’s Dining Safari, you can indulge in endless goodies while also meeting your host, Donald Duck, and his friends, including Mickey Mouse, dressed in their best safari attire. Kickstart your morning with items like Mickey waffles, cook-to-order omelets, and South African French toast. For lunch and dinner, indulge in the berbere-marinated pork or spit-roasted Tandoori chicken.   Magic Kingdom Buffets and Family-Style  The Crystal Palace Right down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, step into A Buffet with Character at The Crystal Palace, where you’ll join Winnie the Pooh and friends at their Friendship Day Celebration. Whether attending the festivities for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the entire family will be bursting with joy, and flavors, at The Crystal Palace. Plus, breakfast features churro waffles, and who can resist those?   Liberty Tree Tavern   Take a step into the past as you dine on a classic American meal at Liberty Tree Tavern. With this family-style Thanksgiving-inspired dinner, feast upon as much roasted turkey, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and house-made macaroni and cheese you can handle.   And for a sweet finish, save some room for the decadent Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. For a change of scenery, you can also enjoy the full Liberty Tree Tavern menu at The Diamond Horseshoe.  EPCOT Buffets and Family-Style  Biergarten Restaurant Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT brings the fun of Oktoberfest to you, all year long. Be transported to Germany with authentic cuisine and lively entertainers performing onstage just for you. You’ll want to bring your dancing shoes for this one.   Biergarten Restaurant gets the party going at both lunch and dinner (for you and your taste buds) with German classics like Schnitzel and, of course, Apple Strudel – made fresh daily! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall   You are cordially invited to a regal affair at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Join Disney Princesses for Storybook Dining with a taste of Norwegian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.   You and your royal guests can savor in family-style platters filled with tasty selections, including potato casserole and Norwegian waffles for breakfast, and traditional kjøttkake (Norwegian meatballs) and grilled salmon for lunch and dinner. In between bites, be sure to snap a photo and strike your best curtsy or bow for the Disney Princesses gathering for this food-filled celebration.   Garden Grill Restaurant  Views of Living with the Land, characters, and a family-style meal? We’re in. Over at Garden Grill Restaurant, nestled within The Land Pavilion, you’ll find Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast. This dining experience features Chip ‘n’ Dale and some of their Disney pals.   The whole family can take in the sights of Living with the Land on this rotating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kickstart your EPCOT day with cinnamon breakfast bread or cheesy potato casserole or continue your day and evening with dishes like grilled Steak with Farmer’s Ranchero Sauce.   Hollywood Studios Buffets and Family-Style  Roundup Rodeo BBQ What’s better than BBQ? BBQ served in Andy’s backyard! As you shrink down to the size of Andy’s toys, you’re in for quite a tasty adventure. Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a family-style experience that’s filled with all the BBQ and sides you can imagine, including brisket, ribs, cheddar biscuits, and mac and cheese.   Did I mention they have cheddar biscuits? Be sure to save some room for a dessert of sweet treats and, for the little ones, Cupcake à la Forky. And when you hear Andy coming, don’t forget to freeze!  Hollywood & Vine  If you find yourself heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bring your appetite and your cameras because at Hollywood & Vine you can enjoy a buffet and some characters.   Disney Junior Play n’ Dine – Breakfast features some of your favorite Disney Junior pals meeting and greeting their way throughout the dining room as you enjoy as much breakfast bites as you‘d like, including biscuits and gravy, salmon and bagel casserole, and brioche French toast with banana’s fosters sauce. At Minnie’s Seasonal Dining – Lunch and Dinner, Minnie and her friends have invited you to a special soiree filled with delicious selections, like flank steak with chimichurri, plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto, and Mississippi mud pie.   Buffets and Family-Style Eats at Disney World Resorts  1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Wishes do come true at Wish Makers Enchanted Dining at 1900 Park Fare. With an assortment of mouthwatering bites, including the iconic Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup and delicious Tiana’s Gumbo with Spicy Andouille Sausage, this

If you ever needed proof that dreams really do come true, Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort was the place to be last week! And I was lucky enough to witness some truly magical moments during the five-day mentoring program aimed at helping high school students to dream big.  One of the most memorable moments involved two students who are aspiring filmmakers, Sydney Gilmore and Zane Stevenson, who got the surprise of a lifetime. They’re heading to California for a behind-the-scenes experience on ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary. They’ll get to see how TV magic happens up close, learning straight from the pros. And guess who delivered the news about the trip? Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams himself! Now that is next-level cool!  Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I got to see even more magic—this time, in the middle of a safari ride. Picture this: a group of teens who are obsessed with animal science, cruising through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, getting up close with giraffes, crocodiles and flamingos. Now, add a Hollywood star to the mix—not just any star, but Kelvin Harrison Jr., the voice of Taka/Scar in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Yep, a guy who literally voices a character from a movie about a safari, taking these students on a real one. Talk about a full-circle moment!  If you haven’t heard of Disney Dreamers Academy, let me fill you in—it’s a five-day mentoring program at Walt Disney World where 100 students from across the country get inspired, motivated and hyped up by celebs, educators, business execs, and community leaders, all with one goal: to supercharge their dreams.  The commencement ceremony on Sunday of the event is pure Disney magic. Think beloved characters, high-energy performances, bursts of colorful confetti, and a class ring presentation so emotional it had students, parents, and chaperones reaching for tissues. Total tearjerker—in the best way possible!  At commencement, Colin Sproles was named Dreamer of the Year! Chosen by his fellow Disney Dreamers and judges, he earned the top honor for his leadership, kindness and fearless dream-chasing. And the best part? Winning the award means he’s getting flown back to Walt Disney World for a family vacation—plus setting sail on an unforgettable Disney Cruise Line adventure!  And just when the students thought the surprises were over – boom, more magic! Alex Onwuli will head to Washington, D.C., for an educational trip with National Geographic. Tristan Williams will experience weightlessness in the Zero-G Astronaut Experience (imagine literally floating in mid-air!) And Charlie Arnold will continue the journey of being a filmmaker with a private tour of Dolby Studios in Hollywood, California.   So, if you ever find yourself wondering whether dreams really do come true, just ask these Disney Dreamers. They’ll tell you: 100% yes. And sometimes, they even come with a surprise visit from your favorite TV star. I walked away feeling inspired—and already counting down the days until next year’s Disney Dreamers Academy!  The post Dreams Come True at Disney Dreamers Academy 2025 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World is about to get even cooler! In honor of the 30th anniversary of Blizzard Beach today, we’d like to seas the day and announce that Blizzard Beach water park will also be open for guests this summer in addition to Typhoon Lagoon. And this is no April Fools’ Day joke!   For the first time since 2019, Disney World will have all 6 of our parks—all 4 theme parks and 2 water parks—open at the same time. From May 21 through September 7, Disney World guests can enjoy the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park.  Before the summer fun can begin, Blizzard Beach will need a little melt away time and will temporarily close between May 1 and May 20.   As we count down to school being out and summer officially beginning, all these extra water slides, lazy rivers, and splashy activities join the already incredi-pool lineup of special deals, new shows, and limited-time activities and entertainment coming to Disney World this summer for families with kids. 2025 Resort Guests Enjoy Free Water Park Access on Arrival Day   ‘Tis the sea-sun to enjoy free water park access on arrival day for Resort guests! Our Resort guests are already starting their stay with a splash with free water park admission on their arrival day in 2025… and this summer starting May 21, they’ll have two water parks to choose from: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon! Make a Splash Under the Stars  If nighttime water park fun is more your vibe, H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is the party for you! On select nights between May 23 and September 13, Typhoon Lagoon turns into an illuminated dance party full of splashy fun, complimentary snacks, and beloved Toy Story pals. Not to mention, nighttime fun means you can beat the heat and enjoy shorter wait times compared to daylight hours. H2O Glow in 2025 is extra fin-tastic thanks to special deals for young families, including kids tickets for only $42.50, which is half the price of the $85 adult ticket this year! And for our Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members, the adults can also save.  Water you waiting for? H2O Glow tickets are on sale starting today, April 1, for guests of select Resort hotels! General tickets go on sale starting April 4. The post Just Announced: Both Disney World Water Parks to Open Starting May 21  appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

Right now, behind the scenes at Walt Disney World, the team at Central Shops is probably taking apart your favorite ride. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the schedule. Since 1969 — before Magic Kingdom even opened — this one-of-a-kind workshop has upheld Walt Disney’s legacy of seamless magic by caring for our iconic rides, Audio-Animatronics, signage, props, and more.  To a lifelong Disney fan, stepping into Central Shops is like entering a 300,000-square-foot wonderland. So, when Director of Manufacturing, Fred Cox and Manager of Manufacturing, Rich Votava invited us on a tour, we happily donned safety goggles to fall down the rabbit hole.  Behind the scenes at Disney World, Space Mountain vehicles are serviced at Central Shops. The Backstage Lives of Your Favorite Rides Over 400 skilled artisans, machinists, and craftspeople come together at Central Shops to build, repair, and restore Disney magic amid a constant whir of tools and heavy machinery.  Here, ride vehicles from every corner of Disney World mingle as they come in for a check-up. Fred led the way past a fleet of pristine Space Mountain ships poised to take their place again among the stars. Nearby, a hunk of metal parts promised to give Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind its signature swagger. Just around the corner, Pooh’s honeypot awaited a cheerful fiberglass refresh.  We were dazzled, but Fred picked up the pace, ever on schedule. “You see those pieces behind you?” He gestured toward a row of metal wheels and bars, “Some of those are Tron, and some of those are Seven Dwarfs.” Fred is in his element. A Disney cast member for nine years, he recently returned to Central Shops for the opportunity to work with his team on the rides that come to the shop floor. Carousel horses, pirate ships, and Doom Buggies alike eventually come to see Fred, Rich, and the Central Shops team through their Cycle-Overhaul Program.  As we wandered through a small yard of disassembled Mad Tea Party teacups, Fred explained that the Cycle-Overhaul Program schedules attraction vehicles, set pieces, and other parts to come off the ride and into the shop for regular maintenance. Our field of teacups had a long-standing appointment on the calendar to show up, and after rigorous maintenance and inspection, they will keep another date to twirl again at Magic Kingdom. For roller coaster vehicles, the “meter-based” program is used instead, which requires inspection and maintenance after a vehicle runs a predetermined number of times around the track. Fred explained, “The entire coaster is brought back to this facility … and we tear it completely down into itty-bitty pieces. When I say we tear it apart, we tear it apart. We rip that bad boy up!”  Fred does not mince words when it comes to ride maintenance and the importance of safety inspections. The maintenance is rigorous, taking each coaster vehicle down to the smallest components. To service a coaster, Fred said it can take 12 to 18 weeks from the time it arrives at Central Shops to when it’s put back in service, with Tron and Guardians taking a bit longer due to their complicated ride systems. A Mad Tea Party teacup waits for its parts to be inspected at Central Shops. Exploring a Few Tools of the Trade Next, Fred showed us a few of the specialized tools utilized by the Quality Assurance Team at Central Shops and stressed the importance of the role. As Fred said definitively, “These guys are the ones that make sure everything is functioning and working properly.”  Here, we discovered part of routine QA that few guests may have considered, like X-ray machinery to check for rotting wood and drones deployed to access hard-to-reach places for inspections (including underwater). Incorporating new technology into Central Shops has been integral for keeping up with every single need of the Disney World parks and resorts. Our tour brushed near a machine the size of a small office, where we could peek in a window to witness a dancing laser happily blasting a castle outline into a thick sheet of metal. Fred smiled and held up a version of the finished product, a recognition award for retirees of the Walt Disney Company. At Central Shops, this and other specialty equipment are used by skilled craftspeople to create awards, signage, and even the nametags you see worn by every cast member in the parks and resorts. Awards, cast member name tags, and signage are all created at Central Shops. Every part needed for Disney World rides, props, animatronics and more is built, repaired, or restored in-house. For example, Fred told us that if they need a specific bolt for a ride, the team can consult with Imagineering and the original ride blueprints, then custom-machine that bolt in-house.  Fabricating new parts and even all-new sights at Disney World is a big part of the Central Shops work. Rich, a 23-year cast member who has been with Central Shops for 15 years, cited the Ariel and Flounder icon at Art of Animation Resort as the most memorable project he’s worked on at Central Shops.  Rich recalled, “If you see it, it has three little seaweed leaves that come up and support Flounder. We had to build that here in Central Shops to withstand hurricane-force winds. And when you see a 6-foot Arial grow into a 25-foot Ariel inside this building — it’s truly amazing.” Rich said taking his kids to see the icons he worked on is one of the highlights of the job.  This doll is all set to rejoin the band for the Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed. Upholding a Legacy of Disney Artistry Over the years, work orders for teacup touch-ups have increased to high-tech development of cutting-edge ride systems — like the entire room we saw dedicated to upkeeping the Avatar: Flight of Passage vehicles. But, while we saw advanced computer technology at Central Shops, we also saw timeless hand-crafted artistry at work.  Traditional artists and craftspeople like sculptors, painters, and woodworkers collaborate here every day to create and

Everybody in the pool! H2O Glow After Hours return to Typhoon Lagoon from May to September Get ready to party with Rex — tickets go on sale in April with a new kids ticket price Mark your calendars and get ready to glow-up this summer because tickets for H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World go on sale next week. This family-friendly event takes place on select nights throughout the summer from May 23rd to September 13th. That’s right, your summer nights are about to get that much brighter. Your quintessential party host each night will be Partysaurus Rex and this time he’s bringing along some of his Toy Story friends to help ensure everyone has a night to remember. Each night is  a chance to dance the night away in your most colorful glow-in-the-dark style and enjoy amazing complimentary snacks (think Mickey bars, popcorn and select beverages). I’ll tell you more about the food and drinks later. Right now, get ready to get your tickets because guests staying at a Disney World hotel can purchase tickets starting April 1, while tickets for the general public are available starting April 4.  If you’ve been to H2O Glow in the past, then I don’t have to tell you about the fun that’s in store. But if this is going to be your first year attending, then let me give you the scoop on the nighttime thrills ahead. Here are all the details. How to Glow Up This Summer at H2O Glow After Hours Radiate with excitement through the night, whether you’re “glowing’’ with the flow on Castaway Creek or daring to drop five stories on Humunga Kowabunga. Plus, the after hours timing means you’ll avoid any potential searing midday summer heat. And the best part is that the wait times will be shorter compared to visiting Typhoon Lagoon during the regular daylight hours. Enjoy all of the park’s iconic attractions, especially the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which is North America’s largest wave pool. Indulge in Radiant Food and Drinks at H2O Glow There is always deLIGHTful food and drinks at H2O Glow, but this year we’ve added even more scrumptious bites. Two of my favorite new foods are our Chicken and Mickey-shaped Waffle Sliders, which you can get at Leaning Palms, and our Glow-versized Loaded Baked Potato at Typhoon Tilly’s. We are still cooking up more menu items, so I’ll have a full list of food and drinks for you in the coming weeks, but just be prepared to have your taste buds tickled all night long. Be a Star on the Dance Floor H2O Glow comes to life and shines bright during the DJ dance party. Move and groove under the stars to an electric glow-filled party on the dance floor.  Full of dazzling lights, pulsating music and a few of your favorite Disney characters, the dance party is sure to be a glowingly good night that you won’t want to miss! So, get your H2O Glow tickets next week because it’s a fun way to keep the kids cool during the warm summer months. We’ve made it extra appealing for young families because for the first time this year kids get in for only $42.50, which is half the price of the $85 adult ticket. And if you’re an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club member, you can save even more! Tickets can be purchased at this website or by calling the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 934-7639. Come on and join the fun, so you can experience Typhoon Lagoon in a whole new light! Share what you’re looking forward to doing the most at our Instagram channel, @DisneyWaterParks, and we’ll look forward to illuminating your summer with a glowing good time! Disney World Announces New Family Deals for Summer 2025 READ MORE Celebrating 30 Years of Frosted Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach READ MORE Villains Show and Nighttime Parade Coming to Walt Disney World READ MORE The post H2O Glow Dates Announced for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​