Behind the Scenes Look at "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic"; 'Speak Like a Whale Day at Disney Parks on June 11

Behind the Scenes Look at "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic":

"The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" premieres at Disney's Animal Kingdom in just a few days when it debuts this Saturday, May 28. Today, the Disney Parks Blog just gave us a behind the scenes look of the new nighttime show. 

"The show springs to life on the Discovery River, with dozens of performers filling five immense floating stages and spilling out into the audience with colorful production numbers that combine the most memorable story moments and songs from the film with an incredibly authentic Indian cultural influence."

Here is a video where the Creative Entertainment Team give us a look at how hard they have been working as "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" is set to debut.



"The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" is set to debut in just 3 days. Is anybody else as excited as I am for the new nighttime experiences at Animal Kingdom!

'Speak Like a Whale Day' at Disney Parks on June 11:

In honor of "Finding Dory" being released to theaters on June 17, Disney Parks will be celebrating one of Dory's favorite past times on June 11. Disney Parks will be celebrating 'Speak Like a Whale Day' on Saturday, June 11 with the help of her new friends, Bailey the beluga whale and Destiny the whale shark. Guests can learn how to speak whale while taking part in the fun. Here are the details:

• Guests at Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney Cruise Line ships will receive a complimentary button to celebrate the day on June 11 (while supplies last).
• At the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, families can dive into “undersea” themed activities, including a live DJ, games and giveaways. Young guests can attend “Whale Speak University” and give speaking the language a try.
• At The Seas with Nemo & Friends in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can learn about the real-life counterparts of the characters from the film and see them in their massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium home. Experts from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Team will be on hand throughout the day to help guests find Dory and her friends and get a closer look at their world.
• Dory and some of her new friends from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” have joined Crush at the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction at Epcot and Disney California Adventure park. Guests can meet Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the “septopus.”

Here is the announcement from two of the films star in Ty Burrell and Kaitlin Olson as they practice their best whale voices:

Join in the fun at Disney Parks on June 11 and on June 17 when "Finding Dory" hits theaters nationwide.

Rasulo to Resign, Eat to the Beat Concert Acts Announced, and More

Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to Resign at the End of this Month:

We can all say goodbye to Jay Rasulo as he will be resigning by the end of this month as Disney's Chief Financial Officer. In what was all but assumed today Disney CFO Jay Rasulo said he would resign at the end of June with his future with the Walt Disney Company was in doubt. Possibly tipped as CEO Bob Iger's replacement all but ended when the company named Tom Staggs as Disney No. 2 as COO of the company earlier this year. 

Rasulo has said though that he won't be leaving the company altogether just yet as he will remain on as an adviser to Iger to assist in the transition. No replacement has been named as of yet for the position of CFO. 

In a statement released Iger said this about Rasulo, "Jay has been a valued colleague and friend, as well as a vital contributor to Disney's success, particularly in his roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of Parks and Resorts division. I look forward to working with him in this new advisory role, where his strategic acumen and savvy insight will continue to benefit the company." Jay Rasulo joined the Walt Disney Company in 1986 as Director, Strategic Planning and Development. He took the role of CFO in January of 2010.

2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Series Acts Announced:

The 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is just a few months away and that could only mean one thing, the return of the Eat to the Beat concert series. The acts have been announced headline by opening weekend act, former American Idol winner David Cook, as well as four new acts added to the list. The four new acts for this year's concert series include: Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Kahn. 

Here are the rest of the acts coming to the 2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Series: (Subject to Change)

• David Cook - September 25-27, 2015
• Wilson Phillips - September 28-29, 2015
• Christopher Cross - September 30 - October 1, 2015
• Starship - October 2-4, 2015
• Smash Mouth - October 5-7, 2015
• The Pointer Sisters - October 8-9, 2015
• 38 Special - October 10-11, 2015
• Rick Springfield - October 12-13, 2015
• Sugar Ray - October 14-16, 2015
• The S.O.S Band - October 17-18, 2015
• Air Supply - October 19-21, 2015
• Fuel - October 22-23, 2015
• Tiffany - October 24-25, 2015
• Dennis DeYoung - October 26-28, 2015
• Jo Dee Messina - October 29-30, 2015
• Everclear - October 31-November 1, 2015
• Boyz II Men - November 2-4, 2015
• Sister Hazel - November 5-6, 2015
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - November 7-9, 2015
• Hanson - November 10-12, 2015
• Maxi Priest - November 13-14, 2015
• Chaka Kahn - November 15-16, 2015

This year's Food & Wine Festival is the 20th anniversary of the festival at Epcot. The concert series as usual will take place at the American Gardens Theatre in America. Show times will be at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m.

The Disney Parks Blog Shows Off Six New Desserts for Disneyland's Diamond Celebration:

Disneyland's 60th anniversary kicked off recently and today the Disney Parks Blog showed off 6 new desserts that will stay on menu's at the park throughout the celebration:

The Disneyland Park Diamond Lemon Cupcake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe - The lemony cupcake has white chocolate crunchy pearls, strawberry filling, and is topped with white chocolate Champagne mousse, blue buttercream decoration, silver coated white chocolate pearls, and a chocolate "D."

Disney California Adventure Park Diamond Orange Fiddler Cupcake at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe - This orange flavored cupcake is topped with chocolate crunchy pearls, mixed berry filling, and topped with a Bavarian cream cheese mousse, decorations of silver dust pearls, blue buttercream trim, and a chocolate diamond. 

Diamond Tiramisu at Wine Country Trattoria at Disney's California Adventure - Layers of tiramisu made with sweetened Italian mascarpone cheese, Marsala wine, and espresso-soaked lady fingers topped with cocoa powder, chocolate curls, and espresso sauce.

Diamond Tiramisu

Meyer Lemon Creme Brûlée Tart at Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland - A tangy and creamy Meyer lemon creme brûlée in a crunchy sweet tart shell topped with blueberry compote and a sparkly silver chocolate diamond.

White Chocolate Bavarian Diamond Strawberry-Rhubarb Shortcake at Carnation Cafe in Disneyland-  A smooth and creamy white chocolate Bavarian mousse that is shaped like a diamond resting on a vanilla cake finished on a plate of fresh strawberry-rhubarb sauce.

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Chocolate Cake

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Cake - This can be found at several locations including the Plaza Inn, Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante, and Cafe Orleans in Disneyland, Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta in California Adventure, and Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel. A chocolate layer cake with caramel ganache, chocolate crunchy pearls, fleur de sel, apricot compote, Pabana mousse (banana, passion fruit, mango, and lemon), and a chocolate truffle mousse topped with chocolate ganache and a sparkly silver chocolate diamond.

Disney Releases Further Details on Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration

Today, Disney released further details on Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration which is set to begin May 22nd. The new details included new info about entertainment, food, merchandise, and more.

Entertainment:

There have been more details that have been released about the new "Paint the Night" parade lineup. Tinkerbell will lead the parade in a magical and musical processional that is followed by a float that will be reminiscent of a giant glass drum that led the "Main Street Electrical Parade." Lightning McQueen will follow and race in with Mack who will be 54 feet long and is covered from his headlights to his tailpipe in gleaming light. Anna and Elsa will glide in on the tallest float a shimmering palace of ice and snow. Guests will also see characters from Cinderella, Rapunzel, Monsters Inc., The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Toy Story. Mickey and pals will join in for a breathtaking finale.

For the "Disneyland Forever" fireworks spectacular guests will be surrounded by timeless Disney tales from the ground all the way up to the sky. This will be all thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. Scenes will include the Pride Lands from the "Lion King," dancing with King Louie from the "The Jungle Book," going under the seas with Ariel and "The Little Mermaid," flying over London with Peter Pan, dripping in honey with Winnie the Pooh, the heffalumps, and woozles, or quivering with Queen Elsa as she blankets Disneyland with snow. Guest will also be treated to Finding Nemo and the Tank Gang over the Matterhorn mountain as it is transformed into Mt. Wannahockaloogie. Disney will roll out new "Made with Magic" merchandise for the night time fun including a souvenir sipper, new ear hats, a magic wand, and a paint brush that debuted with the "Paint the Night" parade in Hong Kong Disneyland.

"Made with Magic" Paint Brush

Mickey and friends will be dressed in new sparkling diamond attire as the march up Main Street, USA in the new Diamond March-Along. The Dapper Dans will invite guests in sing-a-longs in the Diamond Sing-Alongs and the Straw Hatters band will encourage guests to join in Diamond Dance-Alongs. At California Adventure, guest will be able to Dream Along with Mickey and Red Car News Boys. Mickey will share a new song on his vision for the Happiest Place on Earth. The Mad T Party will return in the new Diamond Mad T Party. 

New Merchandise to Debut:

Over 500 new items will debut for the Diamond Celebration will include new headwear like the Diamond Celebration ear hat, a Minnie Mouse rhinestone-embellished headband, and youth and adult baseball hats. Also being debuted will be a crystal-encrusted Minnie Mouse headband and Mickey Mouse ear hat. New home decor items will include snow globes, photo frames, mugs, a dinner plate, desert plate, trivet, napkins, drinkware, bottle topper, beach towel, throws, and pillows. Toys will include a fashion doll, a Diamond Celebration truck hauler, train set, playing cards, puzzles, a new Sleeping Beauty Castle playset in honor of the anniversary, and much more. Open and limited edition pins, trading accessories, boxed and framed pin sets, and a limited edition crystal-embellished Vinylmation.

New arts and collectibles will include new releases by brands such as Precious Moments, Lenox, Highland Mint, and Arribas Bros. Over the course of the celebration, new artwork will be released by Dave Avanzino, Disney Design Group (Costa Alavezos, Tyler Dumas, Susan Fey, Caley Hicks, Alex Maher, and Randy Noble), Liana Hee, Ink & Paint artists, Brian Jowers, Lisa Keene, Jerod Maruyama, Kurt Raymond, Tim Rogerson, SHAG, Javier Soto and the Thomas Kinkade Studios, Greg Visintainer, and many more.

Food and Beverage:

• Special Diamond Celebration Cupcakes will be found at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (lemon flavored) in Disneyland and the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café (orange flavored) in Disney California Adventure.
• Appropriately sparkling for the Diamond Celebration, a Pomegranate Silver Sparkler, topped with lemon-lime foam and garnished with silver flakes, will be served at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland.
• At the Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure, a special Lucky Fortune Tea will feature mango, pineapple and passion fruit flavoring.
• Exotic new Diamond Celebration beverages will also be available at Disneyland Resort hotel locations: a Longboard Lemonade at the PCH Grill in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and a Wild Raspberry Rapids Lemonade at White Water Snacks in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
• Diamond Celebration Crisped Rice Treats, Caramel Corn and Cotton Candy will be available at select locations in the parks.

Tune in for more details of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration that begins May 22, 2015. 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/6/15

It's Friday and we are closing in on week where news from Disney is coming out daily. There are a lot of interesting things going on around Disney. Yesterday, Tom Staggs became COO putting him as the lead man to take CEO Bob Iger's place when he steps down. Today more news is coming out of our favorite company. So without further ado here is your daily news from around Disney.

Luigi's Flying Tires to Close on February 16:

Today it was announced on the Disney Parks Blog that Luigi's Flying Tires set in Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure will close at the end of operating day 2/16. Cars Land opened in 2012, giving guests the chance to step into "Radiator Springs," has been a huge success. Today, Disney announced that Luigi's Flying Tires will be replaced with a whole new Cars Land attraction. The attraction is set to open in early 2016, will feature a new ride system and ride vehicles. The blog announced more details will come in future updates. Here is the concept art that was released of the ride today.

Hollywood Studios Starbucks Opens, Animal Kingdom's Starbucks Info and Concept Art Released:

Earlier this week the Trolley Car Cafe in Hollywood Studios opened and is now serving Starbucks. Hollywood Studios is the third of the four theme parks to start serving Starbucks. In a blog post today on the Disney Parks Blog, they shared how the Trolley Car Cafe is themed to a classic trolley car station and gives guests a sense of atmosphere in early 20th century Hollywood. The location is at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. It will be serving Disney baked goods and Starbucks La Boulange® pastry items as well as Starbucks coffee and espresso beverages. Here is a photo released by Disney of what it looks like inside.

With the opening of the Trolley Car Cafe, Disney now released some info on the upcoming Starbucks that will be opening in Animal Kingdom. The location will be in the current Creature Comforts store, which is located on the Discovery Island walkway to Africa. Here is concept art of what it will look like.

Confirmed: Be Our Guest Lunch Reservations to begin February 25:

As we wrote on Tuesday that Disney would begin lunch reservations at Be Our Guest at the end of February, it has been confirmed today for February 25th. Today in a Disney Parks Blog by Rachel Brent, Disney's Food & Beverage Marketing Communications Coordinator confirmed the rumors. Guests beginning February 25 can make reservations for the fast casual lunch-experience at Be Our Guest. Guests will also have the chance to pre-order their meals 30 days prior up to 5 minutes before their reservation. Reservations can be made via the My Disney Experience App, online at disneyworld.com/dine, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 6 in 1859, Elias Disney, father of Walt Disney, is born to Kepple Disney II and Mary Richardson in Bluevale, Ontario, Canada.

Also on this day in 1934, International Ambassador to Disney Imagineering and 2001 Disney Legend Martin "Marty" Sklar is born in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In 1986, Walt Disney Productions officially became named what it is named today, The Walt Disney Company.

Finally in 2009, Disney Land's It's A Small World attraction re-opens with a new "Spirit of America" scene and 29 newly-added Disney-Pixar characters.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. This facility makes it the most versatile and explicit means of communication yet devised for quick mass appreciation."

Walt Disney
Well that's all for today folks, weekend adventures all await us. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."