Well, today is the day starting this morning on both coasts, Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration and Disney World's 'Coolest Summer Ever' kicked off with 24-hour parties that will last until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. While I am not at either of the parks (although I wish I was), many people are enjoying the festivities. Here is what it looks like on both coasts with pictures from guests on the inside.
Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf kickoff the 'Coolest Summer Ever' at WDW.
Kickoff of Diamond Celebration at Disneyland
Decorated Entrance at Disneyland for 60th Anniversary
Commemorative Shirts for 'Coolest Summer Ever' 24-Hour Party
One of the many photo spots at Disneyland for Diamond Celebration 24-hour party.
Walt's Apartment Decorated for Diamond Celebration.
Disney Channel Stars were the Grand Marshal for Festival of the Fantasy parade today to kickoff the 'Coolest Summer Ever.'
The day continues on both coasts the Diamond Celebration and 'Coolest Summer Ever' are just beginning. I can't wait to get to Walt Disney World on Sunday.
Tinkerbell Live-Action Film in the Works with Reese Witherspoon Starring:
Not all of today's news about the exciting events inside the theme parks continue. Today, it was announce that a Tinkerbell live-action film is in the works with actress set star in the film as well as co-producer. The film set to be called "Tink" will be co-produced by Witherspoon and here producing partner, Bruna Papandrea. Victoria Strouse will be writing the script.
The plot of the film is unknown at this point however it will be based around the classic "Peter Pan" novel with Tinkerbell as the focus. No known date of when the film will go into production. Disney has already watched live-action films such as "Alice in Wonderland," " Maleficent," and most recently "Cinderella" this year have been huge and successful hits at the box office. Disney has previously announce live-action films for more of its classic films including "Beauty and the Beast" and "Dumbo."
Special and Food and Drink for 'Coolest Summer Ever' Kickoff at Magic Kingdom:
We are just days away from the kickoff of the 'Coolest Summer Ever' at the Magic Kingdom. Today, on the Disney Parks Blog they announced the special food and drink offering in the park during the 24-Hour Party. Here is the list:
Frozen Cupcakes (pictured above): Main Street Bakery and Gaston's Tavern
Flip Flog Treat - Lunching Pad and Outdoor Food Carts
Disney Cruise Line Announces New Sailing for Fall 2016:
Today, Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Parks Blog were glad to share their new sailings for the Fall of 2016. They announced that the Disney Magic will be returning to New York in the fall of 2016 with new sailings to both the Bahamas and Canada. They also announced sailings from Galveston and Miami.
The Disney Magic is returning to New York.
Here is what the new sailings look like for Fall 2016 from Disney Cruise Line:
New York
Sailings from New York to the Bahamas include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, plus a Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation between the ship and the resort. All New York to Bahamas voyages also include a stop at Castaway Cay.
One five-night voyage from New York to Canada stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Check out Arny’s post, A Glimpse of a Disney Cruise to Atlantic Canada, which includes a video from our first visit to these charming ports.
Miami
For the first time, we’re offering seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, in addition to shorter options. All sailings from Miami include a stop at Castaway Cay.
Galveston
A variety of seven-night cruises are departing from Galveston, including Bahamian sailings and Western Caribbean sailings. Plus, for a quick getaway, we’re offering two four-night sailings to Cozumel.
Also available for Fall of 2016 will be the usual ports of call from Port Canaveral, Florida. Guests may begin bookings for the Fall 2016 sailing on DCL beginning this Wednesday May 20, 2015. You can find more details about the itineraries on disneycruise.com.
'Coolest Summer Ever' Shirt for Magic Kingdom's 24-Hour Party:
The other day we showed off some of the merchandise that the Disney Parks Blog wrote about that was coming to Disneyland for their 24-hour party this coming weekend. Yesterday, the blog showed off the 'Coolest Summer Ever' commemorative shirt that is coming to the Magic Kingdom for its party this Friday. The shirt will feature this year's host Olaf, from Disney's "Frozen." The front of the shirt features Olaf with it saying 'Imagine How Much Cooler I'll be in 24 Hours' and the dates of the party May 22-23, 2015. The back of the shirt says 24 Hours Coolest Summer Ever, Magic Kingdom, and again the dates. This year's shirt also changes color with the sun. Here it is:
The Front
The Back
The shirt can be found at The Emporium on Main Street, USA and the shirt will also be offered online from May 22-31 at DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents.
Tonight's AFV Season Finale will be Live from Disneyland:
Tonight's America's Funniest Home Videos Season Finale will be airing live tonight from Disneyland. The finale of AFV will be a farewell to the show's host Tom Bergeron (pictured above). The show will also crown the winner of the shows two $100,000 winners as they battle out to see who will win the grand prize of vacation of 60 people to the Disneyland Resort in honor of its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. It will include a visit to both of Disneyland Resort theme parks in Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Tonight's show airs at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST on ABC.
The kickoff 24-hour events for both coasts are just a week away and today the Disney Parks Blog showed off the merchandise at Disneyland and the entertainment at Disney World for the event. This is just a little of what's going on to kickoff the "Coolest Summer Ever."
With Olaf as your host next week the Magic Kingdom will be open from 6 a.m. on May 22 until 6 a.m. on May 23. Olaf is inviting guests to "Snow there Disney Side" with a whole day and night of Disney Magic. The day will begin with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf joining the regular gang as they welcome guests into the park. Other festivities planned for the day to begin the "Coolest Summer Ever":
A Flag Raising ceremony will be held at dawn in Town Square, featuring the Reedy Creek Honor Guard.
Over in Tomorrowland, Disney Channel Club Chill takes over Rockettower Plaza Stage from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with DJ Frost leading a dance party with music videos from Disney Channel stars and sneak peeks of upcoming Disney Channel Original Movies “Teen Beach 2” and “Descendants.”
Once things cool down in Tomorrowland, Rockettower Plaza switches gears for sing-along screenings of Disney’s “Frozen” from midnight – 4 a.m.
There’s even more “Frozen” fun in store, when Olaf, Kristoff, Anna and Elsa put Magic Kingdom Park “on ice” with pre-parade appearances just ahead of the 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. performances of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
Looking to dance the night away? You can join some of your Disney pals – all dressed in their PJs – at one of two late-night dance parties. Kick up your heels at the Frontierland Dance Party, near Country Bear Jamboree, from 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. At Cinderella Castle, Disney’s “Up All Night” Dance Party keeps things hopping from 2:00 a.m. – 5:45 a.m. with awesome DJ, stiltwalkers and lots of fun party people!
As that 24th hour comes to a close, make your way to Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., for a special finale moment with Mickey and the gang that you won’t want to miss.
Now onto the west coast where Disneyland will kickoff their Diamond Celebration with their 24-hour all-night party. Disneyland has already announced their three new entertainment spectaculars in the new "Paint the Night" parade, "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney," and the "Disneyland Forever" fireworks show. Today, on the Disney Parks Blog it showed off some of the merchandise that will be available during 24-hour event. Like the t-shirt that will glow-in-the-dark for both youth and adults.
Or the special edition pin to be released that day:
How about Disneyland will sweeten the deal with special edition cupcakes with the "Up All Night" logo. The cupcake will be available at certain locations in the park including:
Candy Palace at Disneyland
Trolley Treats at California Adventure
Marceline's Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District
This morning, the media and Disney bloggers got a sneak preview of what's coming during the "Coolest Summer Ever" at Walt Disney World. Here is just some of what was shown off and heard.
Sneak Peak of "Inside Out" Coming to Epcot Later This Month:
Goodbye "Tomorrowland and hello "Inside Out." This morning it was announced that the sneak preview of "Tomorrowland" would end on May 24 in Epcot. In its place a week later, May 30, a sneak preview of Disney/Pixar's "Inside Out" in the previous Captain EO attraction. It will offer guests a sneak peak in an advance of the new film. It will be complete with in-theater effects and an introduction from the filmmakers.
"Inside Out" which hits theaters June 19, is about the emotions and adventures inside 11-year old Riley which will introduce us to Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. These five emotions are in charge of keeping Riley happy. The film is directed by Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc." and "Up"), produced by Jonas Rivera ("Up"), and has an original score by Michael Giacchino ("The Incredibles", "Ratatouille", and "Up"). Here is the trailer for the film:
Harambe Market Opens Later This Month at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
Disney's Animal Kingdom will get a new addition of food choices with the new Harambe Market opening later this month on May 30. This morning at the "Coolest Summer Ever" event details were released on the new market opening in Africa section of the theme park.
There will be four different walk-up windows at Harambe Market for guests to choose from specialty African cuisine. Kitamu Grill will feature skewered chicken and a kabob flatbread sandwich. Famous Sausages will have a specialty corn dog that will be inspired by a South African sausage called, boerewors. This specialty is dipped in curry-infused corn batter. Chef Mwanga's will feature a spice-rubbed karubi rib served with green papaya-carrot slaw. The final window will feature Wanjohi Refreshments. The window will offer beverages that will include six South African wines by the glass and other specialty drinks.
The Kabob Flatbread Sandwich at Kitamu Grill
Borrowers from Famous Sausages
Spice-Rubbed Karubi Rib from Chef Mwanga's
Guests will be able to sit in the shade at Harambe Market with seating available for over 200. The theme of the new marketplace is that the area was built around a Colonial-era train depot that is complete with a 1960's water tower. Harambe Market will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom at the end of May.
Walls in Front of Chinese Theater Come Down at Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Today the walls in front of the Chinese Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios came down after months of the deconstruction of the Sorcerer's Hat. Now the foundation of the hat is still there but now plants and greenery take the place of the infamous hat that was blocking the theater. Photo's are courtesy of Dave Holland on Twitter, @Daveh787.
As many of you have heard by now Disney World will once again be holding 24 all-night party at the Magic Kingdom May 22-23 from 6 a.m. - 6 a.m. to kick off what it has termed to be the "Coolest Summer Ever." The announcement was made this morning on Good Morning America.
For the third straight year in what now is a tradition of kicking off the summer will be a non-stop fun and park will not close for 24 hours. The announcement was made in Boston where the winter has been brutal. Some Disney magic was brought to them in the form of Olaf, who will be the host of 'Coolest Summer Ever', and 20 foot wide beach that included Cinderella Castle made out of sand, beach chairs, beach balls, and other summer fun reminders of Walt Disney World. Here is a clip of how it all came together in Boston for the announcement:
Some of things planned at Walt Disney World for the "Coolest Summer Ever include:
A return of Frozen fun at Hollywood Studios from June 17-September 7
Cool Thrill rides in all four parks
Star Wars Weekends taking place on weekends at Hollywood Studios from May 15-June 14
New Restaurants and Shopping at the new Disney Springs
New Epcot Entertainment
A new splash of fun deal at Disney World's Water Parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
Also on the Disney Parks Blog today it was announced a 24-hour party at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will also be happening on May 22-23 to kick off Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration. As announced back in February, Disneyland's Diamond Celebration will kick off on May 22 with some new events coming to the park. Slated to kickoff the celebration will be the "Paint the Night" parade, "Disneyland Forever" fireworks, and the new "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney". Tune in the future for more information on the blog on both the "Coolest Summer Ever" at Walt Disney World at Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration.
