Disney Parks

News

University of Central Florida Honors President of Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort president George A. Kalogridis was recently awarded the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Central Florida.

Kalogridis graduated from UCF in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in sociology.

The award is the highest honor the university gives to its graduates and acknowledges alumni for professional achievements, volunteer work with the university, and community service.

Disney’s Theme Park Division Has Lost Several Top Executives in Recent Weeks

The exit door at the Walt Disney Company's theme park division has been busy lately. In the past few weeks at least five executives have left, either due to new jobs or layoffs.

These former Disney executives have more than 70 years of combined experience with Disney Parks and Resorts.

Responsibility for MyMagic+ Turned Over to Disney World President George A. Kalogridis

As the full launch of the MyMagic+ project nears, the Walt Disney Company has turned over responsibility of the project to Disney World President George A. Kalogridis.

Kalogridis will have day-to-day oversight on the project and will be in charge of implementing it. Up until this move the project had been led since 2009 by Nick Franklin, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' executive vice president for next generation experience.

Disney Parks Announces ‘Vine Your Disney Side’ Contest to Celebrate Launch of Vine Account

If you've ever wanted to show off your Disney Side, now's your chance.

Disney just launched the Vine Your Disney Side contest as part of the announcement that Disney Parks now has a Vine account. The new Disney Parks Vine account will feature original and fan-created content.

The Vine Your Disney Side contest gives fans a chance to create six-second films celebrating their "Disney Side" - their unique interest in all things Disney whether it's the theme parks or characters or something else.

New Food Choices Make It Easy to Eat Healthy While at the Walt Disney World Resort

Eating at the Disney Parks doesn't always have to mean turkey legs, burgers, pizza, or chicken nuggets. There are now healthy food choices available at each park in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Last week Prince Eric's Village Market opened in New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, and guests will find Odwalla lemonade served with a fruit garnish, bottled water, juices, and teas, and snacks including fresh fruit, hummus, and Greek yogurt.

Celebrate Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line

We all know Halloween is a special time at the Disney Parks with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Time, but now the celebration heads to the seas on Disney Cruise Line spooky and fun holiday events.

Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs Comments on ‘Star Wars’ Rumors

We've all heard the 'Star Wars' rumors floating about the galaxy recently - that Disney is building Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios, that there is going to be a Mos Eisely-themed restaurant in the area, and that Star Tours could get an overhaul in connection with the project.

Disney Parks and Resorts Celebrating 60 Years of Imagineering at D23 Expo

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, and as part of the celebration Imagineering is hosting an open house at the D23 Expo in August, offering guests an unprecedented look at the creative process that happens within Imagineering.

New Disney Dooney & Bourke Designs Arriving Later This Summer

Fans of the Disney Dooney & Bourke purses better start saving their money now - a new design was announced at the Monstrous Summer press event last month.

The new design - a black background with "Mickey" and "Minnie" in bold, vibrant colors with Mickey and Minnie head silhouettes - is set to debut later this summer at the Disney Parks. There's no word yet on how many bag designs are in the new collection.

Buzz Price Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A in Disneyland

Earlier this week, Harrison "Buzz" Price received what Tom Staggs, Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts calls "the highest honor from Disney Parks and Resorts" - a window on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.

Forum Posts

Articles

5 Reasons To Love Adventureland

Walt Disney World for Grown-ups has told you all about why we love Walt Disney World Resorts, in our popular "5 Reasons To Love" series, but today we're turning the Disney Parks as we begin to highlight some of our staff's favorite places to play. I'm often asked what my favorite "land" is, and since I was a small child I've always replied with the same thing - Adventureland. So read on and find out what makes this area of the Magic Kingdom feel so special to me.

Toy Story Land Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort

As if there wasn't already enough exciting news about the Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Expansion yesterday - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek also created even more fabulous Disney Parks buzz with news with the announcement of Toy Story Land! Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort will be the location of this new land, inspired by the "Toy Story" film franchise.

15 Days To Go Disney Vacation To Do List!

You've been watching that count down clock for months and your Walt Disney World vacation just keeps getting closer! Excitement fills the air at home, but there are still quite a few things that need to get done. With a great pre-travel checklist and a little organization you can check off those last minute tasks a few at a time with no sweat at all. Below is peak at what my personal pre-Walt Disney World routine will looks like as I count down the last two weeks before a trip!

Saturday Style: Everybody's Darling Disney Bags

It's purse-a-palooza this week at the DisneyStore.com with a plethora of high end handbags that will add just the right touch of Minnie to your daily routine. It's no secret around here that I'm a sucker for a Disney bag and the new selection have me doing cartwheels.

Touring Tips for Disney's Animal Kingdom

We've updated our previous tips for Disney's Animal Kingdom bringing you more expert advice on this Park than ever. By far is one of the most unique theme parks that Disney offers, Disney's Animal Kingdom themed entirely around animal conservation, it showcases the love and dedication that Walt Disney himself had to conservation of our natural world.

Big, Bright Beautiful Balloons At Walt Disney World

Disney Parks have been selling helium filled balloons since 1955, and they've become a time tested fan favorite souvenir for Walt Disney World guests of all ages. While these bright and beautiful souvenirs are always popular, there are just a couple of things to remember when considering a purchase.

Yes, Again! Why I Keep Going Back to Walt Disney World

Disney fans that travel frequently to the Parks generally experience one great frustration at home that unites us. No, it's not the desire to get back down to our Walt Disney World home. It's not the wallet draining price increases when we begrudgingly fork over the cash for our next trip. What it is - is the friends, co-workers, and family members who just don't understand how we can spend so much time and money traveling to the same place.

Visiting Walt Disney World In The Hot Summer Weather

Summer is officially here! As kids are set free from school, families and teachers alike pack their bags and head down to Walt Disney World to enjoy a tropical retreat to the Vacation Kingdom of the world. But folks from the North aren't always ready for unique climate of central Florida.

Disney History: Frontierland Then & Now

Frontierland is rooted in history and as such, rarely sees the sort of reimagining that happens elsewhere at Walt Disney World; however, even on the frontier, a little bit of "sprucing up" is in order now and then. A few fan favorites would fall victim to budgetary constraints along the way, but an uncharted expanse of frontier territory would eventually give rise to two of the Magic Kingdom's most beloved attractions.

10 Tips for a Magical Walt Disney World Summer Vacation

It's that time of year again when you're planning your summer vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort along with thousands of other families. There are a few things we can guarantee for a summer vacation at Disney: heat, humidity, crowds, and cranky people. While there's no escaping the crowds or the heat, summer is still a great time to visit.