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We’re just a few months away from the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” an all-new nighttime parade that will light up the streets of Magic Kingdom Park this summer! To get ready for the big day, the Disney Live Entertainment team has been busy designing and choreographing in Florida, recording music in London and checking in on float construction across the U.S.   And to get you ready, we’re sharing some exciting updates you won’t want to miss.   “Disney Starlight” Official Poster  Let’s kick things off with a first look at the official poster for “Disney Starlight.” This design, which will take its place amongst the iconic artwork below the Main Street, U.S.A. train station, captures the creative vision for the parade by showcasing both modern stories and familiar nostalgia.   And if you’ve been following our “Disney Starlight” updates closely on the Disney Parks Blog, you may notice some friends on the poster who we haven’t talked about yet.   “Disney Starlight” Coco Float  “Disney Starlight” will get un poco loco with a new Coco float at Magic Kingdom! In a celebration of the Pixar Animation Studios film, sounds of Mariachi music will announce the arrival of a larger-than-life Pepita, wings spread above the parade route. Below, Miguel will strum his guitar at the foot of a marigold bridge to the Land of the Dead, complete with sugar skull fireworks.   This new Coco float is an explosion of color and light you won’t want to miss.  Other “Disney Starlight” Floats and Can’t-Miss Details   All the “Disney Starlight” floats from our poster may now be revealed, but there are more surprises in store — including a few details you may have missed!   The very first float sets the tone for our star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams, all brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy. See that glowing star at the end of the Blue Fairy’s wand? To paraphrase a fan-favorite Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular, that’s actually the “first star you’ll see tonight.” You’ll be invited to wish upon this very bright star to kick off our parade.  Keep an eye out for Peter Pan, Wendy and Elsa on their own floats too!  We can’t wait for Isabela to make her Magic Kingdom debut alongside her fellow Madrigal family members in the Encanto portion of “Disney Starlight.” In true Isabela fashion, she’ll swing on floral vines just like she does in the film.    Main Street, U.S.A. will also “make way” for a Moana float, complete with gorgeous, luminescent waves. While Moana takes center stage, if you look closely, you’ll notice Pua, HeiHei, and even a manta ray representing Gramma Tala joining her journey.     We’ve already shared a peek at the “Disney Starlight!” princess float, which revealed the influence of Disney Legend and artist Mary Blair on the unit’s design. This float will feature beloved princes and princesses like Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming.  But what you don’t see in the artwork are the royal court dancers who will bookend this princess segment – one of many references to the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.”    Our waltzing princesses aren’t the only royalty you’ll see in “Disney Starlight,” but that’s enough for today! Keep checking back here on the Disney Parks Blog and follow @DisneyLiveEntertainment on Instagram. We’ll have more to share in the coming months!    The post First Look: Walt Disney World Nighttime Parade ‘Coco’ Float and Official Poster appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

Life is an off-road rally race, and Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the cars from Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars are going to ride it all night long. First announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, a brand-new Cars themed area is speeding in to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Here, the Cars crew leaves Radiator Springs behind and heads off into the frontier to put their wheels to the test. Now at The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, and Imagineer Michael Hundgen teased that guests will need to strap in because they’re in the process of creating a new type of ride vehicle for this experience. “Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests,” Hundgen told the crowd. “For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it.” The team took a trip out to the Arizona desert to jump in a real off-road vehicle to see what it felt like driving over the rocky terrain. These are all things Lightning McQueen and Mater haven’t experienced before, like racing over rocky terrain, ascending to mountain peaks, and dodging around geysers — how do you take these real-world elements and put a Cars spin on it? From there, the Imagineers worked with a motocross company to build a real dirt track to race around on and took that data back to begin work on creating how the ride vehicles will eventually move and race. “We’re using a customized production vehicle,” Hundgen continued. “It has sensors all over it, and we’re taking it for test drives on our dirt track to gather data on how the vehicle responds to different terrain. This is where we turn that feeling we want into real-world engineering,” Michael explained. But all this talk about cars, what do they look like? That’s where the Pixar team steps in. For some show and tell to get the crowd revved up, Docter shared some early concept sketches with the audience, teasing that they’re creating “new race car personalities for this attraction. Each vehicle in the ride will have its own name and number, just like a real race.” @disneyparks Real-world engineering meets Disney magic. Off-road testing is underway for the new Cars attraction coming to Magic Kingdom at Disney World. #SXSW #Cars #Disney #DisneyParks #MagicKingdom #DisneyNews ♬ original sound – Disney Parks Miss any Disney Experiences updates from SXSW? Catch up on all the exciting announcements now! But do you want more Imagineering? We’ve got more Imagineering. Come along as we pull back the curtain on the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” and take you behind the scenes of the Ride Studio. What’s the Ride Studio? Great question — it’s the birthplace of many vehicles just seen in the SXSW presentation in a space dedicated to design and engineering. Join us as we take a deeper dive into the evolution of some of the most beloved attractions, from Haunted Mansion to the upcoming Cars attraction! Catch a brand-new episode this Monday only on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube. The post SXSW: Go Off-Roading with New Vehicles for Cars Ride appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

The wilderness must be explored! Caw, Caw, ROAR!   Some of our favorite pals from Disney·Pixar’s UP just went on a wild adventure through the jungles of Asia. While exploring, Dug, Russell and Carl caught a glimpse of Bakso, the adorable Sumatran tiger cub, and his mom, Sohni. The trio watched in awe as mother and cub playfully pounced and prowled together in their lush habitat filled with cascading waterfalls, trees, hills and logs that provide natural opportunities for the big cats to communicate, rest, hide and explore.  Much like our friends in Up, young adventurers visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can embark on their own wild adventure. Through the Wilderness Explorers program, guests can earn more than 20 badges as they explore nature’s wonders, learn about threatened and endangered species, and discover Disney’s commitment to conservation across the globe.  One of the badges Guests can earn at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the mighty tiger badge, found near Bakso’s home on Maharajah Jungle Trek. At this particular location, guests can learn about the unique striped pattern of Sumatran tigers and the challenges these big cats face in the wild.   Bakso is the first tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in seven years. While small in size, he serves as an ambassador for his declining population of less than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. Since his debut, thousands of our guests have trekked over to the trail to catch a glimpse of this critically endangered cub.   His playful and curious personality has drawn excitement from crowds and won over the hearts of all who visit him, including Dug, Carl and Russell!  Seeing Bakso and hundreds of other animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is just one of the wild and memorable moments you and your family can delight in throughout your visit. Walt Disney World offers the perfect place for every explorer – young and old!   If your family is seeking their own ultimate adventure, a trip to Walt Disney World is a magical vacation like no other. Whether you’re navigating the waters of Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom Park, exploring the big blue world at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT or simply relaxing at one of our Disney Resorts — there’s something for every little adventurer out there. Our value resorts bring the legendary Disney storytelling, incredible attention to detail, and exceptional service you’ll find in the heart of the theme parks – at an unforgettable price. With rooms starting around $100 a night during quieter times of the year, you can save money for even more family fun! As an added bonus – staying at a Walt Disney World Resort gets you wild perks like being close to the incredible theme parks, complimentary transportation, and early access to dining reservations – your family’s journey will be filled with surprises around every corner! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks) So, pack your adventure book, gather your family and get ready for unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. To learn more about Bakso and all the other amazing animals at Walt Disney World Resort, follow Dr. Mark on Instagram and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page. The post Baby Bakso Delights Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is about more than just having a place to rest after a day in the parks—it’s about stepping into a world where every detail tells a story. From whimsical character murals to hidden design Easter eggs, each resort offers a unique experience that brings Disney magic to life, even outside the theme parks.  Consider this the first in a series of go-to guides for all things Disney World resort refurbishments. From fresh looks to insider details, we’ll keep you in the loop with the latest updates on changes to accommodations, amenities, and more.   Disney’s Value Resorts—All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports, as well as Pop Century and Art of Animation—have always been beloved for their bold theming, playful energy and immersive storytelling. And now, thanks to a few recent refreshes, these fan-favorite resorts have even more magic woven into every moment.  A Picture-Perfect Welcome with New Character Murals  One of the first things guests notice upon arrival is how each resort immediately transports them into a world of animation and fun. At Disney’s All-Star Resorts, that welcome has become even more delightful with brand-new character murals that add humor, charm and plenty of hidden details for Disney fans to discover.  “The mural designs have so much whimsy and humor injected into them. You can’t take a few steps without finding a new funny gag moment,” shared one of the Disney Imagineers behind the project.  Each mural sets the stage for an unforgettable stay—whether it’s Goofy hyping up the crowd at All-Star Sports, Mickey conducting a grand orchestra at All-Star Music, or Donald embracing his time in the spotlight at All-Star Movies. And for those who love a good Disney Easter egg, a grilling bear has managed to sneak into the band at All-Star Music, blending right into the fun!  More than a Meal—Dining with a Story at All-Star Movies  The food courts at Disney’s Value Resorts have always been more than just a place to grab a bite—they’re part of the immersive experience. At Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, the World Premiere Food Court has been reimagined with a fresh new look while staying true to its classic movie theater theming.  Here, Mickey and friends take center stage in brand-new parody movie posters, each one a playful nod to Disney’s storytelling tradition. Meanwhile, film strip-inspired tiling and open sightlines make for an even more comfortable, Hollywood-inspired atmosphere. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of adventures or winding down with a late-night treat, it’s all part of the show!  A Playful Refresh at Sports Goofy Gifts & Sundries  At Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Sports Goofy Gifts & Sundries has received a fresh update, bringing in a bright new look while keeping the fun, sporty spirit guests love. One of the standout touches is the addition of brand-new hardwood floors designed to feel like stepping onto your favorite court, adding to the energetic atmosphere.  And for an extra dash of Disney fun, guests can now spot playful graphics of Goofy on top of the displays, showing off his best (and often wackiest) moves in different sports. Whether he’s swinging for a home run, scoring a goal, or going for a slam dunk, Goofy brings his signature charm to the shopping experience—making even a quick stop for souvenirs feel like part of the adventure!  A Nostalgic Pop of Color at Pop Century  Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a time capsule of pop culture through the decades, where guests can walk past larger-than-life icons of yesteryear, from Rubik’s cubes to Play-Doh containers. The resort’s Everything POP Shopping & Dining has always been a hub of vibrant energy, and now, with a fresh color scheme and bold new seating areas, it’s even more inviting.  According to Disney Imagineering, the updates to Everything POP were inspired by the resort’s bold exterior. “Taking point from the over-the-top and colorful outdoor elements, we worked on making the inside of the resort as fun as the outside!” one shared.  This vision extends to every corner of the redesign, creating an experience that’s just as lively as the resort’s iconic larger-than-life icons. “We’re revisiting these decades in a fresh, fun, and very ‘Disney’ way. Throughout the renovation, we made sure to keep the visuals engaging and energetic, creating a joyful, family-friendly experience.”  Beyond the refreshed look, a brand-new coffee shop is also joining the lineup, offering specialty beverages that are sure to perk up guests throughout the day.  More Magic, More Value, More Disney  Disney’s Value Resorts have always been known for their larger-than-life icons, playful themes and affordable way to stay immersed in Disney magic. These latest updates bring even more energy and charm to the experience, making every moment—from check-in to check-out—feel extra special.  Beyond the fresh new murals and redesigned spaces, guests can still enjoy everything that makes a Disney Resort stay truly unique—like fun recreational activities, themed pools with Disney music playing underwater and cast members who bring the magic to life in unexpected ways. Plus, staying at a Disney Resort hotel comes with exclusive benefits like early theme park entry, complimentary transportation and parking and admission to a Disney water park on check-in day.  Whether you’re reliving pop culture favorites at Pop Century or soaking up the animated fun at All-Star Resorts, these resorts continue to be a place where the magic doesn’t stop when you leave the parks—it follows you all the way back to your resort.  So next time you visit Walt Disney World, be sure to check out all the fun waiting at these fan-favorite resorts—where new memories and timeless Disney magic are always waiting to be discovered!  Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for the latest on upcoming resort refurbishment announcements, behind-the-scenes details from cast and Imagineers, and exclusive first looks at resort enhancements.  The post Check-in & Check it Out: All-Star and Pop Century Resort Refurbishments  appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

As previously announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, DinoLand U.S.A. inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme park will close to make way for new, exciting updates coming with an expansive Tropical Americas destination. While the ongoing change is very exciting and we’re already humming along with La Familia Madrigal, time is running out for the prehistoric friends we’ve made along the way. But when, where, and how is this happening? How long do you have to go catch that dino? If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about the ongoing transformation happening inside DinoLand as work begins for Tropical Americas. Is DinoLand still open? Yes! You don’t even need a Time Rover to visit DinoLand because parts of the area are still currently open through 2025. (But if you happen to have a Time Rover lying around, by all means, please feel free to use it on any upcoming authorized missions…) What’s happening to DinoLand? Announced during the Horizons showcase at D23, DinoLand is closing to make way for a new location in Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas. Within this location, a brand-new thrilling Indiana Jones experience will debut following Indy’s journey to find a mythical creature deep within the temple — and it’s unlike any Indy experience you’ve ever seen before. And, a very famous house is coming to life, literally, with the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Dirt is moving on floors, drawers, and doors for what’s coming next. More to come! When is DinoLand closing? If you’re hoping to get in some prehistoric fun, 2025 is your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct. Currently, many of DinoLand locations are still operating, including DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, and Restaurantosaurus. When construction ramps up throughout the year, we’ll bring you more info faster than a Time Rover can race out of the end of the Cretaceous period. What’s already closed in DinoLand? To accommodate construction, the first wave of closures happened earlier this year, with TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures running their last day of operations on January 12, 2025. Where can I find Animal Kingdom merchandise if not in Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures?? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of locations to pick up trinkets throughout the park, like Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company, and the nearby Dino Institute Shop, which is still open. When is DINOSAUR closing? This is your year to go fast and visit the past with DINOSAUR. Even after it closes in 2026, the legacy, and asteroid impact, of the Dino Institute will live forever in our hearts. When is Restaurantosaurus closing? You’ve still got time in 2025 to rustle up some grub at Restaurantosaurus, and it’s the perfect place to refuel before your next wild adventure in the park. You might even catch a performance from the Dino Institute Intern — on a break from his internship duties — happy to entertain everyone and anyone who will listen to his original dino-themed tunes. Be sure to stop by and pick up some of the tasty entrees and snacks currently available, like the fan favorite Foot-long Hot Dog with Chili and Cheese, an order of A-Maize-ing Magic Munch Fries, or the S’moresosaurus Shake! The nearby Dino-Bites Snacks is also still open, where you can pick up an ice cream cookie sandwich or the Dig Dino ice cream sandwich — you can’t go wrong with either snack. When is the Boneyard closing? There’s still time for another excavation (or two) throughout 2025. The Boneyard is still open and welcoming little archeologists to play daily. Does Dr. Seeker know? Yes, Dr. Seeker knows that his tenure at the Dino Institute is coming to a close, and he’s hopeful he can find that dino before security does. Ok, what else can you tell me about Tropical Americas? Tropical Americas — better known as Pueblo Esperanza — will be a new 11-acre lush and sprawling area. Just like Harambe, this land will feel lived in, with a long, rich history. Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto. Additionally, the area will feature a large fountain in the center and a local woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love. Construction on the land is currently ongoing and Tropical Americas will open in 2027. Explore the latest news for Animal Kingdom Indiana Jones and ‘Encanto’ Confirmed for Animal Kingdom READ MORE Baby Basko Updates READ MORE We made Josh Gad a guide on the Kilimanjaro Safaris WATCH NOW The post DinoLand Is Closing: Here’s What to Catch Before it Goes Extinct appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​

Today is World Compliment Day and cast members at Walt Disney World Resort have millions of reasons to celebrate. Over two million Mobile Cast Compliments have been submitted by guests through the My Disney Experience App, contributing to a total of nearly 2.6 million Cast Compliments across Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!  Did you know that you can show your appreciation for cast members by leaving them a Mobile Cast Compliment? If you’ve never submitted a Cast Compliment before, a ride on Andrew Rubin’s musical parking tram might inspire you. In fact, Andrew has received over 550 Cast Compliments in just the first six months of his Disney College Program!   “When I get a Cast Compliment, it reminds me that I’m making this parking lot as magical as I can,” said Andrew. “If I can create magic in a parking lot, I can create magic anywhere.”  From singing announcements to creating his own parking-themed versions of Disney songs, Andrew’s passion for creating happiness has also made for some incredible guest moments that are a source of pride for his friends and family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks) “Receiving compliments is awesome, but I do this because the guest experience is truly important to me,” he said. “As a parking cast member, I’m the first and last person guests encounter. I get to set the mood and meet the expectations that come with a visit to Disney World.” Our guests aren’t the only ones who take the time to compliment our incredible cast members – they recognize each other, too! Over the last ten years, Disney cast members have exchanged nearly six million messages of gratitude using RecognizeNow!, a digital tool specifically designed for them.   Thank you to our cast members for bringing the magic of Disney to life – and thank you to our guests who take the time to recognize them for it.  How to Leave Cast Compliments The next time a cast member makes magic for you, consider recognizing them for the great work they do by leaving a compliment on the My Disney Experience or Disneyland Resort apps.   To send a compliment, navigate to the bottom of your app’s menu screen and select the “Cast Compliment” button. Then choose a positive sentiment from the drop-down menu. After that, enter the cast member’s first name, hometown and click submit!  PRO TIP: Make sure to spell the cast member’s first name and hometown correctly so the cast member will be alerted, and they can receive their personalized recognition!  The post Two Million Mobile Cast Compliments – and Counting!  appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. ​