On March 29, Disneyland Paris enters an exciting new chapter with the inauguration of Disney Adventure World, its reimagined and expanded second park that features a thrilling array of innovative new experiences that leverage Disney’s globally beloved stories and franchises.

From the moment guests enter through the majestic Adventure Way to the impressive brand-new World of Frozen — which recreates the kingdom of Arendelle on a life-size scale — they’ll discover an attraction inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled, 14 new dining locations, an immense lake called Adventure Bay, a breathtaking nighttime spectacular, and more. That’s not to mention the new Olaf robotic character, who will be featured as part of the daily Celebration in Arendelle show.

To learn more about the resort’s exciting transformation, which will include a new world and attraction themed to The Lion King still to come, we spoke with Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.

On Mar. 29, the resort’s second park will officially become Disney Adventure World, with World of Frozen as its centerpiece. How did you determine which Disney stories and franchises would best resonate with guests across Europe?

Our strategy was driven by two key pillars: the proven emotional power of our franchises and our ambition to introduce new stories that complemented those already featured in Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris. We chose franchises like Frozen, Marvel, and The Lion King because they offer something for everyone, from young children and families to adult fans. While Pixar already has a beloved presence in both our parks, we recognized that Frozen and Marvel have become absolute cultural phenomena that particularly resonate with our European guests. By pairing these with The Lion King, a story that holds a unique, almost sacred place in the hearts of Europeans, we’ve created a perfectly balanced ecosystem of stories.

While Disneyland Park, our first theme park in Paris, remains the home of classic, timeless storytelling, Disney Adventure World is designed as a place where guests literally step into the stories they know and love. We wanted to move beyond watching the story to living within the familiar environments seen on screen. Whether it’s wandering the streets of Arendelle or immersing yourself in the high-tech world of the Avengers, we are inviting our guests to fully dive into the cinematic worlds they have seen on screen, providing a fresh, distinct contrast to our first park.

These stories clearly travel well beyond their original markets. What does their global appeal say about the enduring strength of Disney’s franchises?

It proves that our stories speak a universal language. Disney’s strength lies in building on themes that are foundational to the human experience: the importance of family and self-discovery in Frozen, the values of heroism and leadership in Marvel, or the responsibility and circle of life in The Lion King.

When you combine those themes with relatable characters and unforgettable music, you create a shared cultural touchstone. These stories connect people across generations and borders, creating an emotional bond that remains vibrant decades after a film’s release.

How did you bring these franchises to life in ways that felt authentic to the region and resonated with local guests?

It is a delicate balance between preserving the DNA of these universal stories and grounding them in an experience that feels authentic to our diverse guests, and weaving it into the cultural fabric of Europe. Many of the stories we tell, from Frozen and Tangled to Peter Pan, are originally based on traditional European stories. Our goal is to honor that heritage while inviting guests into the Disney version of those worlds.

We achieve this by drawing heavily from European artistic traditions. On Adventure Way, for example, we embraced an eclectic architectural style with a strong Art Nouveau aesthetic — and influential school of design that originated here in France. We also know our European guests have a unique appreciation for nature and the traditional stroll. Our landscapes bring this to life through an English-inspired Gazebo Garden and formal French-style parks, offering a more contemplative, distinctly European way to experience a theme park.

That commitment to authenticity carries through to the smallest details of craftsmanship and artistry. In The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, for example, the decor features striking display plates from the Royal Delft manufactory in the Netherlands — authentic elements that help ground the fantasy in real‑world history. We even localize the experience through sound, collaborating with renowned French composer Philippe Rombi, who created a score for Adventure Way that brings a distinct cinematic sensibility to the land.

Finally, we think carefully about how language plays an important role in making the experience accessible and relatable. In our attractions, guests will hear characters naturally shift between French and English, ensuring the story is clear for everyone while maintaining the grand scale our guests expect. It is truly about honoring the European spirit of these tales while inviting every guest to become a part of the story.

What are some of the most exciting innovations coming to Disneyland Paris as part of this transformation?

Innovation at Disneyland Paris is about elevating every touchpoint of the guest journey, ensuring the magic feels more seamless and alive than ever before. We are particularly thrilled to introduce a next generation robotic figure of Olaf. Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, this is a true milestone in character technology. Unlike traditional animatronic figures, this Olaf is a free roaming, untethered robotic character that can walk and move with the same whimsical and slightly bumbling gait we know from the films. He can speak and engage with his surroundings in a way that creates a level of character fidelity previously only possible on screen. Guests will be able to see him soon at both Hong Kong Disneyland and right here in Paris as part of our entertainment offerings.

Looking beyond World of Frozen, we are bringing a world first to our nighttime entertainment with the introduction of autonomous aquatic drones. These surface vehicles allow us to use the water of Adventure Bay as a dynamic and choreographed stage. By blending this cutting-edge technology with our classic storytelling, we are creating a multisensory show unlike anything seen in a Disney park before.

We are also evolving the invisible parts of the guest experience. By introducing new digital ways to order food and modernizing our retail environments with intuitive technology, we are removing friction from the day to day. Our goal is to ensure guests spend less time in line and more time immersed in the stories they love.

This transformation is part of a broader €2 billion investment in Disneyland Paris. What does that level of investment signal about Disney’s long-term commitment to the resort and to its growing presence in Europe more broadly?

This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Disneyland Paris as the leading tourist destination in Europe. It reflects our continued evolution as a world‑class resort, designed to meet the needs of future generations of guests. By significantly expanding our footprint and diversifying our stories, we are reinforcing our commitment to the European region, ensuring that we remain the gold standard for immersive family entertainment for decades to come.

The evolution of Disney Adventure World continues beyond March 29, with a new Up–inspired attraction and an immersive world based on The Lion King still to come. How do these future developments fit into your vision?

Our vision is one of continuous growth and layered storytelling. As we evolve, we are focused on creating a balanced park experience. For instance, the new Up-inspired attraction is a charming, family-style flying carousel that serves as a perfect celebration of the film’s spirit, beautifully complementing the lush greenery and atmosphere of Adventure Way.

Looking further ahead, the upcoming immersive world of The Lion King will be a massive cornerstone for the park’s future. These developments ensure that Disney Adventure World is a place of constant discovery. A destination that grows alongside our guests, offering everything from quiet moments of family fun to epic, large-scale adventures.

Thomas Mazloum Named Chairman, Disney Experiences

Disney Experiences announced today a series of leadership appointments, underscoring the strength and versatility of its leadership team. “We’re in an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company. “This team will propel the world-class experiences Disney is known for to more guests across the globe.”

Thomas Mazloum succeeds Josh D’Amaro as Chairman, Disney Experiences, leading a diverse portfolio of global businesses including Disney’s theme parks, cruise ships, resort hotels, expeditions and adventures, consumer products, and Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative engine behind Disney’s experiences portfolio.

Mazloum brings deep operational knowledge of Disney Experiences, a strong record of international leadership, and a long-standing commitment to Disney’s cast members and creative culture. With the guest experience at the center of everything, he will lead the business into its next chapter as it continues to grow and evolve globally.

Before joining Disney, Mazloum built a strong foundation in European luxury hospitality, gaining extensive experience across high‑end hotels in food & beverage, guest services, and hotel operations. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of Crystal Cruise Line, where he was known for driving service excellence, transforming organizational cultures, and successfully launching new travel ventures.

As part of his Disney career, Mazloum held senior leadership roles at Walt Disney World Resort before being named President, Disney Signature Experiences. In that role, he developed a long‑term strategic growth plan that included doubling the size of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. With the recent launch of Disney Adventure in Singapore — the cruise line’s eighth ship and its first homeported in Asia — the business expanded into new growth markets and reached the next generation of fans.

Most recently, as President, Disneyland Resort, Mazloum oversaw two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District during the Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration.

“Thomas Mazloum is an exceptional leader with a genuine appreciation for our cast members and a proven track record of delivering growth,” said D’Amaro. “His focus on service excellence, broad international leadership, and strong connection to the creativity that brings our stories to life make him the right leader to guide Disney Experiences into its next chapter.”

Disney Experiences also announced the following changes to its leadership team, with all roles reporting to Mazloum:

• Jill Estorino — President, Disneyland Resort
• Tasia Filippatos — President, Disney Parks International
• Lisa Baldzicki — President, Disney Consumer Products

Jill Estorino has been named President, Disneyland Resort, where she will continue to elevate the guest and cast experience at the company’s original, iconic destination.

Over her 35-year career, Estorino held numerous leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where she played a key role in the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Most recently, as President of Disney Parks International, Estorino oversaw the operations, expansion and development of Disney’s international parks and resorts, including Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company. Estorino successfully expanded Disney’s global footprint at sites around the world, reaching new consumers and fans from around the world. Since her appointment, Disney’s international parks have seen strong performance and growth.

In her new role as Disneyland Resort President, Estorino brings a global perspective shaped by decades of leadership across Disney’s diverse portfolio of experiences. As a strong business and marketing strategist, she focuses on brand stewardship, exceptional guest experiences, and a deeply connected cast culture. Estorino will guide the resort through its next phase of growth while continuing to foster the culture and community that has defined Disneyland.

Tasia Filippatos is appointed President, Disney Parks International, overseeing the growth and evolution of Disney’s parks outside the United States.

Most recently, Filippatos served as President of Disney Consumer Products, guiding the business through a period of transformation fueled by innovation-led growth. Her leadership included a global portfolio spanning products, Parks merchandise, retail, publishing and games while translating iconic storytelling into scaled consumer experiences through premier brand partnerships worldwide.

In her new role as President of Disney Parks International, Filippatos brings a proven track record of leading complex global businesses at scale across diverse international markets. A visionary leader at the forefront of creativity and innovation, she will oversee the operations, expansion, and development of Disney’s international parks — including Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort in partnership with Oriental Land Company, and our newest park coming to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral.

Lisa Baldzicki is promoted to President, Disney Consumer Products, where she will continue to build on the great momentum and evolution of our global consumer products business.

Baldzicki was most recently head of Parks Product Development & Retail for Disney Consumer Products, where she defined the vision and business strategy for retail product and integrated experiences across Disney’s domestic parks. She brought a consumer-led merchandising perspective to the role, shaping strategies that drive how guests engage with products and brands before, during, and after purchase.

In her new role as President, Disney Consumer Products, she will lead the continued evolution of the global retail division of The Walt Disney Company. The division includes the world’s largest licensing business with a presence across more than 100 product categories and a global reach spanning over 180 countries.

“As we look ahead, I have tremendous confidence in Thomas and in the leaders stepping into these roles — Jill, Tasia, and Lisa — along with the incredible leadership team across Disney Experiences,” said D’Amaro. “Together, they will continue to build on our momentum around the world, delivering the service, creativity and one-of-a-kind experiences that define Disney.”

Transitions will get under way in the next few weeks, with all roles effective March 18, 2026.

Coming April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort will welcome an expanded timeline that introduces classic, iconic characters — such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker — alongside new narrative layers in the award-winning land. These updates will enable guests to experience the classic-era storytelling spanning Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka.

Developed through close collaboration among Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Live Entertainment, Disneyland, and Lucasfilm, this evolution marks a bold new chapter in how guests step into the Star Wars galaxy.

Extra care was taken in crafting an expanded story for the land as engaging and authentic as the films and streaming series, because, as Asa Kalama, Executive, Creative & Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering, explained, “Your first experience with Star Wars might be a film, but it honestly might also be a theme park experience.”

“A Platform for Storytelling”

“Since the very inception of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we envisioned it as a platform for storytelling,” Kalama noted.

Upon opening in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge immediately transported guests to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu — a trading port alive with adventure, resistance activity, and the unmistakable hum of starships overhead.

But, the stories within Black Spire Outpost didn’t need to remain static.

“One of the great things about the Star Wars universe and the Star Wars canon is that it is expansive and it continues to grow.”

So, as new Star Wars stories are released across film and television — such as with Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22 — the concept of expanding the story of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has developed into an abundance of creative opportunities.

As Kalama states, Disney’s unique ability to bring stories on screen to life in physical environments, “allows us to continue to expand the storytelling and the world building.”

And not only are there new stories to incorporate, but the franchise will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027, which will include a rerelease of the film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope.

Given these upcoming moments celebrating the entire breadth of the Star Wars saga, “There was this sort of critical mass of more classic leaning characters, and it felt like the right time to celebrate those in the land as well,” Kalama stated.

Disneyland is celebrating these moments with more than just an expanded timeline at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Starting the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters, guests will also be able to team up with Din Djarin and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing Disney’s unrivaled ability to simultaneously bring stories to fans across linear and experiential storytelling.

A Deep Collaboration with Lucasfilm

Every detail — visual, written, structural, and sonic — has been developed in close partnership with Lucasfilm.

“Since the very beginning, we’ve had the most incredible integrated and blended team with Lucasfilm,” Kalama said.

Rather than Imagineering ideating and then sending proposals to Lucasfilm for approval, the collaboration functioned as true co-creation between the units. “It was the same writing team, the same production design team — everybody was working together,” he explained.

That partnership was especially essential when expanding the land’s timeline.

“We spent a lot of time on every last possible detail,” Kalama noted, ensuring the meticulously crafted original story remained cohesive as it expanded.

The timeline evolution goes far beyond the introduction of beloved characters such as Princess Leia and Han Solo. From architecture and props to background dialogue, Imagineering revisited myriad story cues to ensure alignment with the expanded eras.

As a result, guests will step into a land that “feels refreshed and full of new elements for guests to discover,” according to Kalama.

Key Updates Coming to the Land

• Revitalized Locations and Expanded Backstories
  Several in-land locations will be reimagined to better reflect the broader Star Wars canon. First Order Cargo, will be rethemed as Black Spire Surplus, and will feature artifacts from both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance.
• New Artifacts and Screen-Used Props
  Speaking of artifacts, at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, the expanded timeline will unlock new treasures. Working closely with Lucasfilm, Imagineering is curating authentic, screen-used props from recent streaming series, further grounding the land in the on-screen saga. As Kalama puts it, the props “literally came directly off the screen.”
• An All-New Sonic Landscape
  Music — long central to Star Wars storytelling — will also evolve. Guests will hear a new celebratory soundscape that includes themes from John Williams’ iconic scores from the first six films, adding emotional depth throughout the land. “I think it will take on a different emotional resonance for fans,” Kalama said.

A Park Experience Only Disney Can Deliver

The timeline expansion underscores something uniquely Disney: the ability to bring evolving stories on screen into fully immersive physical environments.

Kalama described Disney as one of the few entertainment companies capable of delivering both linear media and experiential storytelling at this scale.

Through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests don’t just witness the saga — they step inside it.

“The theme park is about embodying a character and truly living the story through your own eyes,” Kalama said.

While the updated timeline will debut only at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort will continue to celebrate the sequel era throughout the land — giving fans distinct ways to experience the saga on each coast.

“Our guests now have two different experiences on either coast where they can explore the full breadth of the canon,” Kalama said.

East Coast guests can engage with stories inspired by The Force Awakens (which takes place during the Rise of the First Order) and beyond, while West Coast fans can immerse themselves in eras of the Galactic Civil War and the New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and the First Order.

Ultimately, the evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reflects a broader Imagineering philosophy: attractions don’t just bring stories to life — they extend them.

Disney parks exist, Kalama notes, “in the business of creating emotion and memories.” And beginning in late April, guests will discover a reimagined Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that feels both timeless — and new.

More than seventy years ago, Walt Disney gazed across patches of orange and walnut groves in Anaheim with a dream that would redefine entertainment forever. Today, that dream continues to inspire storytellers, innovators, and fans around the globe. In Disneyland Handcrafted, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks invites audiences behind the curtain to witness the artistry, ambition, and sheer audacity that built Disneyland — brick by brick, frame by frame.

The documentary — which lands on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on Thursday — was crafted with the support of multiple Disney teams and is more than a historical retrospective. The film was created using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

It’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration, showcasing how Walt’s vision — and the hands that shaped it — gave rise to an entirely new form of entertainment.

Unearthing the Past to Tell the Future

The journey began with a discovery.

While Iwerks and her team were producing The Imagineering Story for Disney+, “We realized there was so much material that has never been shown,” Iwerks recalled. Originally filmed for both documentation and use on the Disneyland TV series, much of this footage had been left on the cutting room floor. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we put this together, put it in chronological order, and see what it looks like?’”

The result was a visual time capsule — a glimpse into the grit and grace behind Disneyland’s creation.

To bring this vision to life, Iwerks turned to the Walt Disney Archives. Becky Cline, Director of the Archives, explained, “I was so happy to be asked to consult on this amazing new film. Alongside several other staff members of the Walt Disney Archives, and a few other preeminent Disney historians, I was honored to assist the filmmakers in sourcing and presenting rarely seen material that tells this fascinating story in a very organic way — through the use of very rare original source material.”

The Archives isn’t just a resource — it’s the heartbeat of Disney history.

“Our collections contain the information necessary to research and source accurate information as well as the existing audio and media related to the topic of Disneyland’s entire 70-year history,” Cline said.

That depth of material helped Iwerks weave together rarely seen footage with candid interviews, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.

Crafting Emotion from History

Disney Legend Don Hahn describes his role as “a kind of story carpenter.”

He explained that, “[Leslie] had already built the frame, the vision, the blueprint — my job was to walk the beam with her and help refine the emotional architecture.”

For Hahn, the challenge was connecting archival material to the human story — the restless creativity that drove Walt and his team to imagine the unimaginable.

“Disneyland wasn’t just built — it was imagined into existence,” Hahn declared. “In 1953, it was, frankly, a crazy idea. Walt was inventing a new medium in real time, using designers from film and the cinematic language of visual storytelling with scenes, transitions, and reveals.”

That audacity is what makes the documentary so compelling. Hahn sees the Archives as more than a vault, but rather, “the attic, the memory, and in some ways the conscience of what we all call ‘Disney.’ If you want to understand Disneyland, you have to understand that it… was built out of curiosity, risk, and this almost reckless devotion to ideas.”

Pixar’s Perspective: A Visual Stopwatch of History

Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, brought his own passion for Disney history to the project. For years, Disney Legend Tony Baxter has hosted informal “Disneyland Movie Nights,” screening unedited reels of park construction for park devotees, before taking the event up to Pixar, where Docter and Jonas Rivera, Executive Vice President, Production, Pixar, have offered the event to employees and special guests.

“Each reel is unmarked and silent, so it is for the hard-core fans only!” Docter said with a laugh. “Leslie used this same footage to assemble a visual stopwatch of Disneyland being built. It’s stunning to see nothing but orange groves and dirt less than a year before opening day.”

When Iwerks shared an early cut, Docter and Rivera were struck by its depth. “This documentary does a better job of illustrating the intensity, vision, and risk taking that went into the creation of the first theme park,” Docter said. “For someone who’s seen nearly everything about the subject, this documentary was compelling and revelatory!”

Walt’s Vision: Media as Magic

One of the film’s most fascinating threads is Walt Disney’s use of television to launch and promote Disneyland — a strategy that Hahn called “one of the great sleight-of-hand moments in American media.”

While other studio heads feared TV, Walt embraced it.

“He wasn’t just promoting a park; he was teaching the world how to dream alongside him,” Hahn said. Weekly broadcasts turned a construction site into a national obsession, proving Walt’s belief that, as Hahn noted, “everything was story — whether it unfolded in 24 frames per second on a screen, or along a parade route.”

Cline agreed, saying, “Walt’s ability to synergize film, television, and live entertainment together is the foundation of what The Walt Disney Company is today, the finest in family entertainment.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Seventy years later, Disneyland remains a living testament to Walt’s vision.

As Walt once told his team: “To make the dreams of Disneyland come true took the combined skills and talents of hundreds of artisans, carpenters, engineers, scientists and craftsmen. The dreams that they built now become your heritage.”

Today, that heritage thrives in attractions that blend beloved classics with cutting-edge technology.

Hahn sees the same heartbeat Walt set in motion in 1955: “Build a place that delights people, tells a story with integrity, and honors the human hearts and hands who make it possible.”

Docter echoes that sentiment: “Disneyland continues to evolve and change, per Walt’s wishes, to astound and engage the imaginations of people from around the world.”

A Handcrafted Love Letter

From the Walt Disney Archives to Pixar Animation Studios, from Disney Legends to contemporary storytellers, Disneyland Handcrafted is a testament to collaboration — a film that honors the artisans who shaped Disneyland and the innovators who keep its spirit alive. It’s a reminder that behind every attraction, every detail, and every magical moment is a story of craft, care, and imagination.

As Walt himself believed, Disneyland would never be completed. And thanks to projects like Disneyland Handcrafted, neither will the stories that celebrate its creation.

On January 22, the latest film from Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks — Disneyland Handcrafted — comes to Disney+ and Disney YouTube.

The documentary offers an extremely rare look at the challenges overcome during the creation of The Happiest Place on Earth. It accomplishes this by using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

“It’s truly remarkable what went into making Disneyland Handcrafted,” Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said. “Entirely from archival material, this film feels both intimate and epic — a testament to the thoughtfulness, care and curiosity required for incredible storytelling.”

Iwerks and her team restored footage that never made it to air and original audio recordings of those deeply involved in the park’s construction to tell a story about Walt’s impossible dream in a style previously unseen.

For Disney fans, Iwerks is a familiar name, as Leslie’s father, Don Iwerks, and grandfather, Ub Iwerks, are both Disney Legends and Academy Award winners — and were close collaborators with Walt. Leslie has directed such noteworthy documentaries as The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, and The Imagineering Story.

We spoke with Iwerks to learn more about the film, the amazing innovations that have always been part of Disneyland’s DNA, and the legacy of the park.

For Disneyland Handcrafted, what inspired you to tell the story of Disneyland’s creation using only archival footage and audio?

When we were doing The Imagineering Story, we came upon all of this amazing archival footage of the making of Disneyland, and much of it has never been seen or were behind the scenes outtakes in the making of Disneyland. Mark Catalena, Mo Stoebe, my editor, and myself, we decided… that we were going to tell the story all through archival footage and audio soundbites from people that were there on the ground working with Walt, talking about the challenges leading up to opening day.

As someone with deep roots at Disney, how does your unique perspective shape the way you approached Disneyland Handcrafted?

My grandfather and father, both Disney legends and Oscar® winners, were very instrumental in a lot of the creativity that started with this company, from Mickey Mouse to the multiplane camera to the optical printer to [Circle-Vision 360]. I grew up around this, and I think my love for all things Disney has just permeated the films that I make here and the films I want to continue to make here, about so many untold stories.

Did anything surprise you about the building of Disneyland while you were making the film?

How hard it was [Laughs]. I mean, really, it was hard to make this park and watching this footage, it’s unbelievable. It’s like, “How did they do it?” And the risk that Walt took — his own livelihood, his own company — he risked so much to build this park.

And to think, when he looked out at that dirt lot and thought, “I’m going to create the happiest place on Earth,” it’s unbelievable what he pulled off. And now people enjoy these parks all around the world.

In what ways does your documentary highlight the groundbreaking innovations behind the idea for and creation of Disneyland?

This documentary really encapsulates the raw DNA of Disneyland: it’s the four lands in the park, the main street, the hub. All of this became the blueprint for the other parks around the world. It also became the blueprint for happiness.

It’s amazing to me that this idea perpetuated from this man originally sitting on a park bench in Griffith Park in Burbank to 12 theme parks around the world. And it’s not just for kids, it’s for families, it’s for grandparents. I honestly don’t think there is any place else in the United States, possibly even the world, where people go generation after generation after generation and have this desire and this pride to take your kids back and experience Disneyland like you did. It’s pretty phenomenal.

How does the film illustrate Walt Disney’s visionary approach to media — particularly his use of television to launch and promote Disneyland, and his ability to weave live experiences, films, and TV into one cohesive story?

During the early fifties, people were pretty scared of this new technology called television. The film industry really looked at it as a threat to movies. And when Walt got his sights set on television, he realized he didn’t need to be scared of it — he needed to embrace it.

He was one of the first studio heads to embrace television, and he used it, partnering with ABC to promote his upcoming theme park, Disneyland. Disneyland became the show that people would tune in to around the country to watch and see what was happening in the park. And he was on camera promoting this project, happy as can be.

But really, what was going on behind the scenes at the park was a completely different story. It was behind schedule. There were cost overruns. There were day-in and day-out challenges and dramas. But he continued to believe in this, and he basically told his brother [Roy O. Disney, president of Walt Disney Productions], “Believe in it or I’m going to do it regardless.”

And he did. He put up his own money to build this park. And so it was really an impressive feat for Walt Disney to do what he did. And I just hope that people will get a real glimpse into the realities behind the scenes.

How do you think Disneyland today is carrying on the legacy that Walt began 70 years ago?

Every day that Disneyland continues to carry on the legacy that Walt started back in 1955 and every Disney theme park around the world does that. I think it comes from this desire to have the highest quality.

He wanted cast to be friendly. He wanted the park to be clean. He wanted the best technology. He wanted the best film programing. He wanted the characters to be warm and hospitable to the children. You could walk through these lands, you could live through them, you could experience them like you can’t on 2D film and television.

I think it has only gotten better time and time again. Park after park, the Imagineers continue to innovate. Everyone stands on the shoulders of Walt Disney, but every Imagineer stands on the shoulders of those who came before and this company is always about innovating, and they will continue to innovate till forever, because that’s what Walt set in place.

After 42 years and 266 days since the Grand Opening of Tokyo Disneyland Park on April 15, 1983, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Park celebrated the milestone visit of their 900 millionth guest on January 6, 2026.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea. We express our gratitude to the millions of guests who have visited Tokyo Disney Resort and to all those who have continuously supported Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

“Today, we welcomed our 900 millionth guest to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. I am truly grateful and happy to be able to celebrate this momentous day. I would like to express my gratitude to the countless guests who have visited Tokyo Disney Resort, to the Walt Disney Company who is our important partner, to all those who have continuously supported Oriental Land Co., Ltd., and to the cast members who bring happiness to our guests every day,” Wataru Takahashi, Representative Director, President and COO, Oriental Land Co., Ltd., said.

Takahashi continued, “The Tokyo DisneySea 25th “Sparkling Jubilee” special event will commence this April. Cast members will give their utmost to deliver guests a fun and unforgettable celebration of the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea, the only Disney park themed to the sea. In coming years at Tokyo Disneyland, a new attraction based on the world of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Wreck-It Ralph will make its debut, and Space Mountain and its surrounding area will be renovated. Tokyo Disney Resort will continue to evolve.”

“On behalf of The Walt Disney Company, I am proud to join in the celebration of Tokyo Disney Resort welcoming its 900 millionth guest. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our cast members and our colleagues at Oriental Land Company, thank you all for your passion and dedication. We are grateful for each and every guest who has visited Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea over the past 42 years, and we are honored to be creating magic every day for you,” Martina Sardelli, Vice President, Operations, The Walt Disney Attractions Ltd., said.

“Today, we celebrate the 900 millionth guest milestone. We are thrilled to have been able to share precious experiences with our guests, who hail from all over Japan and the world to visit Tokyo Disney Resort,” Shingo Kameda and Hikaru Hamanaka, 2026–2027 Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassadors, said. “We, as cast members, have been able to create many special memories with our guests. On behalf of all cast members, we would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We will continue to keep the magic alive so that Tokyo Disney Resort forever remains a place where dreams come true.”

Tokyo Disney Resort will continue to evolve, creating more happiness and delivering unique experiences like never before for our guests.

The Walt Disney Company announced its participation in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena with its “Disney Celebrates America” entry, designed as a patriotic tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary. This vibrant entry celebrates the country’s semiquincentennial in uniquely Disney ways, leaning into the dreams, stories, and optimism that have touched the lives of people across the country and around the world for the past century.

Leading the procession will be a Disneyland vehicle carrying Mickey Mouse and friends adorned with patriotic décor and red, white and blue flowers. They will be joined by more than 50 U.S. military veterans who now serve as Disney cast members and their families, symbolizing the company’s deep appreciation for those who have served our country and now help create magic for millions. The selection of the flowers on the vehicle holds special meaning for those who serve our country in uniform.

Each of the vibrant flowers on the car hold significance for military veterans. They include the red poppies widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel dating back to World War I. Other flowers featured in Disney’s entry include rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums and red roses to express love, honor, and appreciation for veterans everywhere.

This milestone is an opportunity to honor Walt Disney’s enduring love of country and our century-long support for those who serve — a legacy that began with Walt and Roy O. Disney’s contributions during the First World War and continues today. As part of this celebration, Disney is proud to highlight U.S. military veterans working across the company as well as our expanded support for military families — including a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to participate in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade as part of our ‘Disney Celebrates America’ initiative honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Both Disney and the Tournament of Roses Parade have long celebrated the spirit of America and the people who make it extraordinary — including our service members, veterans, and their families. By featuring our own veteran cast members, we’re excited to kick off the year at this iconic event and share the Disney magic that connects generations.”

For more than a century, Disney’s storytelling has celebrated American ideals — honoring the nation’s past, present, and future. Disney invites families everywhere to commemorate America’s historic 250^th anniversary through special events, new attractions like Soarin’ Across America, expanded support for military families and a multi-platform broadcast event on July 4. On 4^th of July weekend, Disney parks in the United States will feature themed fireworks and events, and programming across ABC, National Geographic and ESPN will highlight American heroes, traditions and communities.

ABC will broadcast live coverage of the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The two-hour broadcast will be hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchors Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, both returning to the event, along with longtime reporter John Naber.

Learn more about Disney’s extensive celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary here.

Each December, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a place of healing, hope, and celebration for hundreds of families who have lost loved ones in military service or as first responders during the annual “Snowball Express” program, which is organized through the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The program brings together the children and families of fallen heroes for a five-day healing retreat filled with connection, remembrance, and the magic of Disney. Since its inception in 2006, “Snowball Express” has grown into a powerful tradition, offering comfort and joy to families who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

Since 2018, more than 23,000 children of fallen military heroes, fallen first responders, and their surviving parent or guardian have participated in the healing retreat at Disney World.

The annual retreat, held over two weeks this year, provides families the opportunity to forge new friendships and create special memories together with many meaningful activities for the families to enjoy. Some of those activities include exclusive early access to Magic Kingdom before the public and the “Walk of Gratitude” down Main Street U.S.A. at daybreak. Nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS — many of them military veterans — line the route to cheer the families on as they proceed to Cinderella Castle for a heartfelt ceremony where notes to fallen heroes are placed in a magical cauldron and sent to heaven for them to read with the help of some Disney magic.

To better understand the heart and impact of “Snowball Express,” we sat down with Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, acclaimed philanthropist and actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump. His vision and dedication have transformed this program into a lifeline of hope for so many families of fallen heroes.

Can you talk about the origins of “Snowball Express?”

During the Iraq war, U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens gave his life for our country and left a letter [to his wife] saying, “if anything happens to me, take the kids to Disneyland.” And that was the snowflake that started this snowball rolling.

And then it turned into a great effort in that first year, and that effort has continued for 20 years now and helped a lot of young children through very, very difficult times. [Private Givens] wanted to help his children through a difficult time by going to a happy place and letting them remember that he was right there with them, and that’s the way it is for every single family.

It’s like they bring their loved one with them and they spend time there and they’re showing their loved one, their fallen hero, that they’re doing okay. And that’s what we want for every single family that struggles and suffers in service to our country. We want them to be okay.

And I started thinking about this quote from Calvin Coolidge that we use at the Gary Sinise Foundation, it’s even up on the wall: “the nation, which forgets its defenders, will itself be forgotten.”

How did the Gary Sinise Foundation get involved with “Snowball Express?”

I was contacted by the people that organized [the first program in 2006]. They wanted me to know that they had done this event and said, “Boy, wouldn’t it be great if I got involved.” So in 2007, I brought my band [Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band] down to Anaheim and we set up at the Grove and brought all the kids into the Grove that had lost a parent. They’re grieving children, so let’s give them a great time tonight. Let’s just lift them up and make sure that we just wrap our arms around them, give them a lot of love.

What led Disney to become part of this initiative?

I remember going to Disney in LA and having a meeting with Bob Iger and telling him about “Snowball Express,” and pitching the idea that we would love to bring this event to Disney World. But of course, we’re talking about over a thousand kids and all these volunteers. I mean, it was a massive event. So of course, we had to have Disney really endorse it, embrace it, and become a part of it.

He saw I was very passionate about trying to just tell how important this was to the kids and what it was doing for the kids. Well, of course, that’s Disney’s thing, right? Happy kids is Disney’s thing — it’s in their wheelhouse. So, it made a lot of sense. And when Bob said green light, a lot of things started to roll.

In 2018, we launched our first event at Disney World. And it’s grown ever since, and now it’s a massive program.

It’s not just a trip to Walt Disney World — it’s a healing retreat and a chance to build community.

That’s the whole point of “Snowball.” It was always that. Yeah, let’s have some fun. But let’s put these kids together with other kids who are going through the same thing… show them they’re not alone in what they’re going through. And that’s the best part about it. That’s the most helpful part about “Snowball.”

The folks at Disney really started to see what this was and what it was doing, and what the possibilities were — to make it better, more fun, more magical, all the wonderful Disney things. And so, as time has gone on each year, we have felt like we’ve had more and more support, more and more creative ideas coming at us, more and more fun things to do.

Is there a moment you look forward to the most each year, or that’s most meaningful to you?

It’s all about just happy kids to me. The “Walk of Gratitude,” is one of the most significant parts of the event, for the kids to walk down Main Street U.S.A. to all the cheering people that got up in the middle of the night and came over to support the kids, that’s very moving. I love being up there with Mickey Mouse and talking to the kids and then firing off the fireworks and letting them play.

I would watch the kids grow up in front of me. A lot of them would come and stand right in front of me every year. They’d get their special spot at the concert, and they would stand in front of me and with the t-shirt on with their fallen hero on it, and each year they would get a little bit older, a little bit bigger, and I would watch them and I’d look at them. That’s always been very, very special.

What was once a place built by animals, for animals, has become so much more.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award^®-winning film Zootopia (2016) is set in a modern mammal metropolis where, as one young bunny put it, “Predator and prey live in harmony.” That young bunny, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), grew up to become the city’s first rabbit police officer, sworn to protect the citizens of its districts: Bunnyburrow, Little Rodentia, the Rainforest District, Sahara Square, Savanna Central, and Tundratown. But after a few citizens “go savage,” Judy reluctantly teams up with a con artist fox named Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), who shows her corners of Zootopia she never knew existed — and, along the way, helps her realize “we all have a lot in common.”

Because fans couldn’t get enough of the original film’s wildly imaginative characters and environments, a series of six shorts, titled Zootopia+, premiered in 2022 on Disney+. Meanwhile, Walt Disney Imagineering was busy building the world’s first Zootopia-themed land — a celebration of new heights reached in storytelling made possible only through Disney’s groundbreaking creativity and innovation. It opened in 2023 at Shanghai Disney Resort, after animators and Imagineers from around the world spent years collaborating to construct a dynamic land that immerses guests in a holistic experience at every touchpoint.

“One of the most exciting things, to me, is that about 70% of what you see in that land is taken from the film; the other 30% comes from the incredible Imagineers who ran with their own ideas and created new places and characters that felt like they would fit within the world,” Jared Bush, the writer and co-director of Zootopia, said. “To visit a part of Zootopia that wasn’t in the film — but feels 100% like it could be — is incredibly exciting.”

Bigger and Better

The world of Zootopia is constantly growing.

Zootopia 2 continues the adventures of rookie cops Judy and Nick as they get twisted up in a mystery involving Gary De’Snake (voiced by Oscar^® winner Ke Huy Quan), whose sudden arrival in Zootopia turns the city upside down. Bush wrote and, along with Byron Howard, directed the highly anticipated sequel, opening in theaters on Wednesday, November 26.

“With any new environment, it’s always fun to meet new characters,” producer Yvett Merino said. “Gary has such an innocence to him. He really, truly believes that the world can be a better place and that he can right the wrongs of the past. And he grounds Judy.” That’s because Quan brings a natural “heart and optimism” to his role, Howard said: “We often say that Gary is more of an optimist than Judy. So, he’s a great character to mix up Judy and Nick’s dynamics as they try figure out what this world of reptiles is really about.”

Zootopia 2 features 178 unique characters representing 67 different species — and naturally, a bigger story necessitates a bigger cast. In addition to Goodwin and Bateman, Idris Elba, Nate Torrence, and Shakira reprise their roles as Chief Bogo, Clawhauser, and Gazelle, respectively (among others). New additions include Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick, Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley, Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer, and Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby. And several members of the Disney Animation family — including Disney Legends Josh Gad and Anika Noni Rose — make scene-stealing cameos.

“Zootopia is close to our world, but it’s not our world, so we had the ability to do anything,” Merino said. “We asked ourselves, ‘Who are the actors and musicians that we would love to work with?’ Danny Trejo is someone I personally wanted, and I love that we were able to bring in such an icon to come in and play one of our new characters [Jesús, a basilisk lizard].”

With new characters and a new mystery, filmmakers seized the opportunity to expand the bustling metropolis to include all-new environments. One such example is Marsh Market, where Zootopia’s semi-aquatic animals reside and reptiles are rumored to hide out. “We want to give audiences something new to get excited about. A new environment like Marsh Market, along with the kind of animals who live there, satisfies that,” Carrie Liao, head of story, said. “How do these new characters fit into this world that we already know?”

Liao continued, “The first movie was already so full, but you only got a glimpse. Zootopia is rich for that kind of expansion. You can’t help but think, ‘We saw these neighborhoods, but what about all the others? What about the other species? Where do they live — and how?”

In hindsight, Goodwin admitted, “I didn’t even realize that we weren’t covering the entire animal kingdom… I never sat back to [ask], ‘Where are the reptiles? Where are the bugs and the birds?’ The movie’s fabric supports endless world-building in a way that’s not contrived. We are never going to have to force this; there are endless opportunities here.”

“Zootopia thrives because it’s built on diversity,” Quan added. “It’s built on a happy community — on everybody being included, coming together, and embracing each other.”

Full Circle

Zootopia 2 also draws inspiration from the Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort. “It’s so immersive, and the Imagineers were so brilliant that we took some of those ideas from the park and put them in the film,” Howard said. “You’ll see little Easter eggs and shops represented in the Imagineers’ theme park designs that made it into Zootopia 2.”

And, thanks to a comprehensive creative synergy with Disney Animation, Shanghai Disney Resort recently turned its one-of-a-kind Zootopia land into a living extension of the sequel, producing imaginative, immersive, and tangible experiences through film-inspired décor and embedded details, reimagined entertainment, and other limited-time offerings.

“The Zootopia land in Shanghai is incredible,” Quan raved. “When I was there, on a regular day in the park, the line for [Zootopia: Hot Pursuit] was around the block. And there were cosplayers dressed up as Judy Hopps! That’s how I knew how much this movie is beloved.”

Fans can experience Zootopia in myriad other ways, from Jumbeaux’s Sweets aboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship to Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to a robust line of consumer products.

For more than a century, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining and inspiring audiences and guests through storytelling that transcends generations and geographies. Zootopia, and all that is has inspired, is just one example of something only Disney can do.

“One of the great things about working at Disney Animation is that we have so many different areas where our characters can live,” Merino said. “We love partnering with the different parts of the company to bring these characters to life. We’re creating this film, these characters, and this world, but they’re actually bringing them out into the real world.”

A historic date for Europe’s No. 1 tourist destination, which, upon completion of its transformation, will have roughly doubled the size of its second park, offering experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling.

In 125 days, Walt Disney Studios Park will transform into Disney Adventure World with the opening of Adventure Way — a majestic new main avenue featuring entertainment, a brand-new attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled, 14 new dining locations, an immense lake called Adventure Bay, and a breathtaking nighttime spectacular. The highlight of this expansion, the impressive brand-new World of Frozen, will fully immerse guests into the heart of the iconic films. The Kingdom of Arendelle, recreated on a life-size scale, will feature a new family-friendly attraction, a daytime show, a royal encounter with queens Anna and Elsa, interactions with beloved characters (including a true-to-size Olaf made possible thanks to next-generation robotic figures demonstrated today by Walt Disney Imagineering team), a tavern, and shops. This monumental expansion is set to captivate and amaze guests at every turn.

While Disneyland Park continues to evolve by bringing the magic of timeless stories and enchanted tales to life, the destination’s second park — now reimagined — will transport guests into the worlds inspired by Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios films they love, where they can experience unforgettable adventures. Renamed Disney Adventure World from March 29, 2026, it will welcome guests to three spectacular immersive lands: the new World of Frozen, the colorful Worlds of Pixar, and the epic Marvel Avengers Campus, which will later be joined by a fourth world inspired by the classic Disney Animation film The Lion King.

The transformation of more than 90% of the second park’s offerings since 2002 illustrates the ongoing ambition of Disneyland Paris to reinvent itself and enhance the guest experience.

“March 29, 2026, will mark a historic milestone for Disneyland Paris with the transformation of our second park into Disney Adventure World, and the opening of its spectacular new expansion, featuring World of Frozen,” Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, said. “With this step, we’re pursuing the most ambitious transformation in our resort’s history, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and inviting guests to live their own adventures in the extraordinary worlds of Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel.”

Rafalski continued, “This marks a new era for Europe’s No. 1 tourist destination, filled with deeper storytelling, stronger emotions, and unforgettable moments. Supported by our €2 billion investment plan, this expansion reflects a bold creative vision, made possible thanks to the talent of Walt Disney Imagineering and the passion of our Cast Members who bring our stories to life through their dedication and creativity. Together, we’re reinventing how our guests experience Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel worlds, bringing to life the emotions that only Disney can inspire.”

Extraordinary Adventures Await

At Disney Adventure World, the greatest Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel stories come to life. After experiencing the excitement of a Hollywood premiere in World Premiere — the new themed entrance unveiled last May — and celebrating these tales in the dazzling shows at World Premiere Plaza, guests can now dive into their favorite stories, becoming the heroes of their own adventures in the immersive lands of Disney Adventure World.

A Unique Immersion Into the World of Frozen

World of Frozen will push the boundaries of storytelling. Every detail has been designed to recreate the iconic scenes and locations of the Frozen films, one of the most popular stories ever produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios.

During their visit, guests will participate in a one-of-a-kind celebration: the Snowflower Festival, bringing the entire village of Arendelle to life, specially decorated for the occasion.

“World of Frozen is more than just inspired by the film; it truly brings the kingdom of Arendelle to life. Working together across disciplines, our Imagineers combined creativity and attention to detail to craft a world that captures the spirit of the story and feels real and immersive. We’re very proud to see the castle, the village, and the North Mountain become reality, and we can’t wait for our guests to step into this world and be part of the story,” said Michel den Dulk, Vice President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.

Immersive Architecture

Architecturally, guests will discover the majestic 118-foot-tall North Mountain, crowned by Elsa’s Ice Palace. At its base lies the village of Arendelle, with its lively town square framed by colorful Nordic-inspired buildings and sparkling water spots. Villagers, accompanied by a symphonic reinterpretation of the films’ iconic songs played throughout the village, will guide guests to Arendelle Bay, the Fountain of Friendship, or Arendelle Castle decorated with its iced decorations, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and brought to life by UK Loco, a British company specializing in immersive decor. Subtle floral motifs and rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian decorative art, will adorn facades and moldings with refined craftsmanship. Inspired by Scandinavian landscapes, the landscaping will contribute to storytelling with conifers, birches, beeches, and crocuses, recreating the atmosphere of the animated films’ settings.

A New Family Attraction

At the heart of the village, beneath the Clock Tower, the Frozen Ever After attraction will take guests of all ages on a boat ride full of adventures alongside Anna, Elsa, and their friends. This journey, punctuated by beloved songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go” will reunite visitors with some of the kingdom’s most beloved characters: Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff. The ride will travel from the snowy forest to the Valley of the Trolls, through Elsa’s dazzling Ice Palace, before ending with a spectacular finale in Arendelle Bay lit by snowflake-shaped fireworks.

Frozen Ever After will feature cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures delivering breathtakingly lifelike performances. Numerous lighting and sound effects, along with new immersive projection technologies currently being programmed by Walt Disney Imagineering, will provide a visually and emotionally stunning experience for all.

Interactions with Frozen Characters

In World of Frozen, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa during a Royal Encounter in Arendelle Castle. After passing through the famous Portrait Gallery, whose final decorative details are being completed in the coming weeks, they will join the sisters for an exclusive moment, with personal interaction and photo opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime.

The festivities will continue in Arendelle Bay with “A Celebration in Arendelle,” a 15-minute colorful show, presented several times a day for the Snowflower Festival. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and villagers will take part in the celebrations aboard three majestic Viking longships, developed with Couach Construction Navale, a renowned French shipbuilder from the Bordeaux region. Boat decoration, has been entrusted to artisans who have long collaborated with Disneyland Paris. Kristoff’s longship, for example, was painted by artisans from Prelud, a historic supplier based near Dijon. This participatory show will invite the audience to sing along with characters from Frozen to iconic songs from the franchise such as “Let It Go” or “Show Yourself.”

Exclusively for World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the multi-award-winning songwriting duo, Oscar® winners for Best Original Song for “Let It Go,” have composed new music especially for the show presented on the Bay. They are also behind other iconic songs from the Frozen franchise, including “For the First Time in Forever” and “Into the Unknown,” which have been streamed billions of times worldwide.

Throughout the village streets, guests may also encounter other beloved characters such as Oaken, the cheerful shopkeeper and sauna owner with his famous “Hoo-hoo!”, or Mossie, an adorable baby troll who is as curious as he is endearing.

During a press conference held on November 24 at Disneyland Paris, Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, unveiled a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen. This new Olaf character was created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in close collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Olaf will make appearances in the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. These advancements in robotics enable Disney to bring iconic characters to life at an unmatched level of believability, engaging with guests and other characters around them, just as they did in the films that won the hearts of millions of viewers around the world.

To explore how this innovation came to life, take a look behind the scenes in the latest episode of We Call It Imagineering, available now on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.

The Gastronomy of Arendelle

The quick-service restaurant Nordic Crowns Tavern will be the perfect spot to take a break and recharge after adventures throughout World of Frozen, while enjoying the warm and welcoming spirit of Arendelle. The decor will trace the history of the kingdom and its royal family through galleries of paintings and many decorative objects.

Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant will offer a customizable dining experience inspired by Nordic cuisine, with dishes guests can compose to their liking. In total, 16 combinations will be available: a base consisting of mashed potatoes or quinoa; a protein like grilled salmon or Nordic meatballs; seasonal vegetables such as carrots or peas; and one of two sauces to top it all off, tangy cranberry or creamy dill. Nordic Crowns Tavern will also feature a wide range of frosty desserts, from a blue sorbet to vanilla ice cream with customizable toppings, a snowflake dessert, and a selection of Nordic pastries. Gluten-free options and vegan alternatives will also be available, reflecting the diverse culinary offering at Disneyland Paris.

Souvenirs from Arendelle

Arendelle Boutique, the village’s iconic toy shop, whose decoration and furnishings progress week by week, will offeran exclusive selection of creations inspired by Scandinavian craftsmanship, alongside must-have Frozen merchandise. Guests will find wooden sculptures, clothing, and objects adorned with elegant rosemaling motifs. For those wishing to stroll through Arendelle in style, a collection reinterpreting Nordic dress codes will be available, featuring embroidered garments and accessories with floral patterns. Before continuing their adventure, guests will also be able to share their experience by sending a postcard from the village mailbox located beside the shop.

Befriend Rúna Baby Troll Toy

Just steps from the boats moored in Arendelle Bay, the Fjord View Shop will feature a unique experience: meeting Rúna, an interactive baby troll toy. After a meeting ceremony, guests will acquire and head home with their new interactive companion. Equipped with the latest technology, Rúna will react to touch, blink its eyes, move its ears, light up, and communicate with other trolls it encounters. Exclusively in World of Frozen, it will also interact with the iconic locations of Arendelle, the villagers, and Queens Anna and Elsa. In this new shop, a special area will invite guests to get ready for the festival with themed make-up and hairstyles, the perfect way to wander the village in style and festive spirit.

Adventure Bay: A Majestic 7.5-Acre Lake

At Disney Adventure World, immersive lands such as World of Frozen will be set around Adventure Bay, the beating heart of the park’s expansion. This central lake will offer breathtaking vistas, and its shores, extending from Adventure Way, will come alive with unforgettable character experiences during the day. As night descends, the lake will come alive with reflections of light and color, inviting visitors to linger along its tranquil shores before it transforms into a dazzling open-air stage for a new nighttime spectacular.

Character Activations Throughout the Day

On the banks of Adventure Bay, the West Pavilion will provide a relaxing space inspired by early 20th century architecture, where guests can meet Mickey or Minnie, dressed in their brand-new Victorian outfits currently being crafted by Cast Members at the Disneyland Paris Costume Workshop. Shortly after its opening on March 29, additional Disney characters will join the lakeside fun, making this new space a place of enchantment both day and night.

“Disney Cascade of Lights,” the Second Nighttime Show at Disneyland Paris

At nightfall, as Adventure Bay falls into darkness, something extraordinary will awaken. Barges, quietly gliding into position, will set the stage for a brand new, never-before-seen nighttime spectacular: “Disney Cascade of Lights.” More than just a show, this spectacular is designed as an emotional journey – an invitation for every guest to believe in their own inner strength, to embrace wonder, and to feel the power of storytelling in a way only Disney can deliver.

Designed as the grand finale to each day at Disney Adventure World, the show will deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Designed in a 360° configuration, with tiered viewing areas, it will allow visitors to enjoy exceptional views from around the bay. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, the production will feature the world’s first integration of a revolutionary aquatic drone system along with next-generation aerial drones, creating breathtaking choreographies that unfold simultaneously across the sky and the water.

This new production will invite every guest to step into the story and embrace their own heroic journey, inspired by the courage and determination of stories including Disney Animation’s Mulan, Hercules, Moana, and Zootopia; Pixar’s Up; and the Marvel Universe.

This show will combine immersive staging with cutting-edge effects to create an experience unique to Disneyland Paris. Guests will enjoy unprecedented proximity to a wide range of elements, including water screens, choreographed fountains, large-scale projections, dynamic lighting, special effects, and pyrotechnics. At its centerpiece, a world-exclusive ballet of 379 drones, developed in collaboration with official technology provider Dronisos, will illuminate the sky and water with intricate formations and dazzling choreography. New aquatic drone technology has been created exclusively for the new show, in keeping with the resort’s continued focus on innovation in entertainment.

The experience will be brought to life with a powerful soundtrack, recorded by a 90-piece orchestra. Featuring new arrangements of beloved Disney music, the score includes an original adaptation of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana as well as an entirely new anthem created for the show, “We Can Be Heroes.” Together, these elements will showcase an unprecedented blend of technology, artistry, and storytelling, establishing the production as a new milestone in Disney nighttime entertainment.

In the coming months, the entertainment team will undertake extensive rehearsals to perfect the seamless choreography of aerial and aquatic drones, combined with cutting-edge special effects, ensuring a breathtaking experience from the very start of the expansion.

Adventure Way: The New Main Avenue of Disney Adventure World

A true prelude to Disney Adventure World’s experiences, Adventure Way will link World Premiere Plaza and its many theatrical shows to the park’s various lands: Marvel Avengers Campus, Worlds of Pixar, and World of Frozen. This new main avenue will feature a brand-new attraction, a wide array of dining with 14 culinary experiences, lush green spaces perfect for relaxation, and a rich variety of entertainment.

The New Attraction: Raiponce Tangled Spin

Adventure Way will host Raiponce Tangled Spin, a brand-new family attraction inspired by the Disney Animation film Tangled. Designed for dreamers of all ages, this ride will bring to life one of the film’s most iconic moments: the Lantern Festival.

Seated in finely sculpted gondolas, guests will whirl gracefully beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns, surrounded by frescoes depicting Rapunzel’s adventures. Accompanied by legendary music from the film, including “I See the Light,” guests will spin and twirl, immersed in the romantic atmosphere of the Festival. Mandy Moore, the original voice of Rapunzel, has specially recorded audio announcements for the attraction, adding an authentic touch.

A Culinary Experience with Disney Princesses

Before continuing their adventures in Disney Adventure World, guests can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the new table-service restaurant located on Adventure Way: The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. This elegant venue will welcome guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined atmosphere, decorated with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wood moldings, and impressive murals illustrating Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Tiana, Moana, and others.

Guests of all ages will also have the chance to meet some of these Disney Princesses—such as Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Merida (Brave), Jasmine (Aladdin), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan (Mulan), or Ariel (The Little Mermaid) —to share unforgettable moments. Some Princesses, such as Aurora or Ariel, will be wearing stunning never-before-seen looks at Disneyland Paris.

Every detail has been meticulously designed by Imagineers, such as the ornamental plates reflecting the world of each Disney Princess. These were hand-crafted by Royal Delft, the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. The magnificent canopy above the restaurant’s entrance was created by Schaffner workshops in Alsace, whose expertise in artistic ironwork dates back to the early 19^th century. This new restaurant will also offer some tables with ideal views of Adventure Bay, making it a perfect spot to enjoy dinner while admiring “Disney Cascade of Lights,” the new nighttime show set to illuminate Disney Adventure World. The chef and culinary team are currently finalizing the menu to ensure it harmonizes perfectly with this exceptional new setting.

The First Bar Inside the Parks

The Regal View Lounge, the very first bar located inside either of the two Disneyland Paris parks, will offer guests a relaxing break in a bright space adorned with royal-blue hues. An elegant wooden bar with golden accents will anchor the room, surrounded by paintings and illustrations honoring the beloved animal companions of Disney Princesses, such as Heihei (Moana), Pascal (Tangled), and Mushu (Mulan). Guests can sip a signature cocktail or explore a variety of drinks inspired by Disney Princesses’ personalities, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and World of Frozen, accompanied by piano renditions of Disney classics.

More Flavors to Discover

At Disney Adventure World, guests will embark on a culinary journey of creativity, innovation, and discovery. The 14 food and beverage locations along Adventure Way will showcase new and exclusive offerings at Disneyland Paris. La Terrasse Panoramique will invite guests to enjoy bread bowls, New York rolls, and a selection of hot beverages. Café Luminosity will debut an original hot dog concept with four signature recipes, complemented by sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. To round out the experience, three kiosks, five chalets, and several mobile carts will line the area, offering diverse creations such as filled brioche rolls, stuffed potato waffles, and whimsical Disney Princess-inspired desserts.

Poetic Gardens and Entertainment

Adventure Way will also feature themed gardens celebrating some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved stories, blending nature and poetry. Guests of all ages can stroll through charming, landscaped areas such as the Tangled Garden or Toy Story Garden, the latter adorned with two monumental statues of Woody and Jessie. Trees and shrubs carefully trimmed into toy shapes will create playful scenery, naturally leading into Toy Story Playland.

At The Gazebo Garden, guests will enjoy peaceful moments in an English-style setting, complete with bronze statues honoring Disney Animation films inspired by classic British stories such as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Throughout the year, this garden will come alive with music: Rapunzel and Flynn’s Musical Encounter in spring; Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band in summer; Miguel’s Fiesta Latina in fall; and, starting November 2026, character greetings with other Disney icons.

The Disney Marching Band, a lively marching band led by Minnie Mouse and her 12 musicians on percussion and brass, will parade down Adventure Way, delighting guests with pop and modern renditions of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel songs, adding a festive touch to an already magical promenade.

A Bespoke Soundtrack

Upon entering Adventure Way, guests will be welcomed by a brand-new musical score composed especially for this promenade. This original 40-minute theme, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, will offer guests a truly magical interlude at the heart of Disney Adventure World

The Future of Disney Adventure World Is Already Taking Shape

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney

Starting March 29, 2026, Disney Adventure World will offer guests a rich journey of adventures. But the story doesn’t end there: Disneyland Paris is already preparing the next chapters, always guided by the ambition to continually enrich the guest experience.

A New Attraction Inspire by Up

Coming next, a family-friendly attraction inspired by Pixar’s Up will join Adventure Way. This flying carousel will add motion and energy to the promenade, offering families yet another whimsical experience to enjoy together.

An Immersive World Inspired by The Lion King

Later, Disney Adventure World will welcome the first themed area dedicated to The Lion King, one of Disney Animation’s most beloved films worldwide and especially in Europe. This new universe, whose construction began in Fall 2025, will feature a major attraction combining water-based thrills with next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures, plunging guests deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simba’s adventures, set to the unforgettable songs of the 1994 masterpiece.

On Monday, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) released the latest episode of its hit series, “We Call It Imagineering,” taking audiences inside the global Research & Development efforts driving the next wave of Disney innovation. This group represents the very beginning of the development process, where Imagineers blend creativity and technology to spark ideas for the innovative Disney experiences of tomorrow. This team has worked on some of the most exciting advancements at Disney parks, including interactive attractions, innovative projection systems, and advanced robotic characters.

And in this episode, WDI reveals its latest brand-new innovation — a real-life robotic character of Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen films.

To unpack the latest exciting innovations coming from Walt Disney Imagineering, we spoke with Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development.

Walt Disney himself constantly strove for technological innovations that would service storytelling. How does WDI Research & Development today blend creativity with technological innovation to advance Disney storytelling?

Like everything at Disney, we always start with the story. We think about how we want the guest to feel and what kind of emotional experience we want them to have. Our number one priority is always to build storytelling technology that empowers our Imagineers to truly breathe life into our characters. The technology should be advanced enough to make it invisible to our guests, so they aren’t thinking about all the work and tech that went into making something real, they’re just focusing on having an emotional experience with the characters they care about.

The BDX droids were a significant step forward in advanced robotic character technology — what did you learn while creating them about what it takes to make a robot not just a robot, but a character? 

Disney’s roots are in animation — using motion to create the illusion of life. Walt did it with his early hand-drawn animated films, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios use it for computer-generated animation, and at Imagineering we bring physical characters to life through motion and emotion.

A key technology in our platform is deep reinforcement learning that enables robotic characters to learn to imitate artist-provided motion in simulation. This has enabled us to iterate extremely quickly between mechanical design and animation. Because we can iterate so rapidly and bridge the gap between art and science with physical AI, we can achieve this unmatched level of believability.

Tell us about the work you’re doing with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to create the simulation framework Newton. How does that allow for robots to utilize reinforcement learning?

It takes humans years to perfect our motor skills for walking, and it takes additional years of practice to perform acrobatic motions that only a few of us can master. Deep reinforcement learning is a technology that helps robots acquire such skills in a shorter amount of time — for example, a BDX Droid or an Olaf learning to walk in a stylized way in the physical world. To make this technology scale well, we need fast and parallel simulation.

Together with our partners at NVIDIA and Google DeepMind, we are working on a new open-source simulation framework called Newton. At the core of Newton are building blocks that enable the rapid development of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated simulators. One of our contributions to this framework is a simulator called Kamino, which will unlock the potential of reinforcement learning for robotic systems of unmatched complexity. This will help us take a huge step forward in our mission to build robotic characters that perform in-character, just as we know them from the films.

Talk to us about the amazing Olaf robotic character. How does the robot utilize the breakthroughs made for the BDX droids, but then go beyond those innovations to create a character who isn’t meant to appear as a robot?

The BDX Droids and our latest Olaf bring story and emotion to life through their movements and interactions with guests. However, BDX Droids in the films are literally robotic characters. Olaf is an animated character that is far more challenging to bring to life in the physical world. To get Olaf to move as authentically as possible, we’ve made fundamental additions to our reinforcement learning framework to boost the believability of the character by enabling motion at the limit of hardware. Olaf has a “snow” costume which deforms and moves differently from the BDX Droids hard shells, and he has the ability to fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and (removable) carrot nose. And, most of all, Olaf can speak and engage in conversations.

What unique challenges are presented when creating robotic figures based on an animated character? How did you innovate to meet those challenges? 

When bringing an animated character to life through advanced robotics, the most important thing is that we stay true to the vision of the character created by the filmmakers. Translating these characters from the screen to the real world requires pushing the boundaries of not only technology, but also creativity. We want to bring these characters to life in ways our guests have imagined, but never seen before. Our latest Olaf is a fantastic example of representing an animated character as authentically as possible in the physical world — a challenging task because animated characters most often move in non-physical ways. For example, to make Olaf’s snowball feet move along his body, we paired state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning with an artistic interface and advances in mechanical design.

How do you see the breakthrough you made on Olaf being applied for future innovations?

What’s so exciting is that we’re just getting started. The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now our latest Olaf all represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing our Disney characters to life through advanced robotics. The speed at which we’re able to create new characters — and get them in front of our guests — is unprecedented. We are working to scale even bigger, to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to guests at our parks and ships around the world.

The all-new show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a story inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Zootopia 2. In this new 4D show at the Tree of Life Theater, familiar faces and new friends come together for a special watch party in celebration of Zoogether Day — a holiday that celebrates unity across the diverse biomes of Zootopia, from Tundratown to Marsh Market.

“It’s authentically Zootopia as a quick-witted and fast-paced adventure, but distinctly Animal Kingdom with the message that we are all connected to our shared environment,” Danny Handke, Senior Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said of the nine-minute show. “The 4D elements — sights, sounds, smells, and unexpected special effects — immerse guests into the story as the excitement enfolds around them.”

All in This Zoogether

The directors of Zootopia 2 — Oscar®-winning filmmakers Jared Bush (who helped write the script) and Byron Howard (who directed the animation in the show, all of which was done by Disney Animation artists) — worked closely with the Walt Disney Imagineering team to bring Zootopia: Better Zoogether! to life. “As we were working on Zootopia 2, our partners at Imagineering were also working on Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which opens just a few weeks before the film,” Howard said. “We’re very proud of it. It’s a great warmup before you go to the theater to see Zootopia 2.”

Handke added that Bush and Howard “were instrumental in collaborating with us on developing our story to complement Zootopia 2,” especially with “bringing in new characters like Nibbles [voiced by Fortune Feimster] and locations like the Marsh Market.”

Bush — who was named Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios just over a year ago — noted, “It’s so rare to have something open in the parks around the same time the movie is coming out. Fans can look forward to not only seeing some of their favorite characters from the first film, but also some of the new characters in Zootopia 2.”

Fun for the Whole Herd

Thanks to special “Carrot Vision” glasses that guests wear during the watch party experience, characters “jump” off the screen, such as detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). Meanwhile, fellow ZPD officer Benjamin Clawhauser (voiced by Nate Torrence) appears in the theater via an all-new Audio-Animatronics® figure. As a Gazelle superfan, he wants to be picked as the V.I.Z. (Very Important Zootopian) who gets special access to the Zoogether Day performers. This leads into an all-new original song, “We Are Zoonited,” performed by Judy and Clawhauser.

Bringing Clawhauser to life with even more realism and charm was an exciting challenge for Imagineers. One key innovation was new functionality for his body movement — creating a dynamic, interactive presence that feels like the beloved cheetah is popping right off the screen and into the theater. Imagineers also enhanced the expressiveness of his face by developing practical eyes, capturing Clawhauser’s excitement and emotion. To fully convey his character and enthusiasm — especially for the Gazelle concert scene — Imagineers paid additional attention to details like his custom Gazelle shirt and glow necklaces, ensuring every aspect of his personality shines through in the guest experience.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! introduces a character original to the show, Heidi Howler —a slick-talking wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast. “We discussed many different types of mammals as the host of the show. We landed on a wolf character because, like in the first film, when a wolf starts a howl, others can’t resist to join in,” Handke said. “That felt like the perfect mammal choice, and then to give her a larger-than-life personality made her feel like a natural host for one of the biggest events in Zootopia.”

Just as they did with Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Imagineers and Disney Animation worked “paw-in-paw” to ensure that this immersive Zootopia experience continues the adventures of Judy, Nick, and the other animals in authentic, engaging ways.

“We have the greatest artists and animators in the world, who deeply know these characters,” Bush said. “When you see the subtleties in Jason’s performance, you need people who know how to translate that. It was fun to work with them again, as well as the Imagineers, so that guests will say, ‘That is Nick. I know Nick, and that is him right there!’”

Ultimately, Handke said, “I hope guests feel like they get to spend time with their favorite characters, get in some good belly laughs, and feel exhilarated by the fast-paced adventure and effects. True to the franchise, the show is stacked with layers of storytelling, from the Zoogether Day celebration to Clawhauser’s role inside the theater to the mystery Judy and Nick try to solve. The animation is gorgeous and chock full of rich details. There are so many things to see in this show. I hope guests want to come experience it again and again.”

Bush added that he can’t wait to experience Zootopia: Better Zoogether! “again and again” with his family.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is one of the most fun things that I’ve ever been able to help work on,” Bush said. “To get a film made at all feels like winning the lottery. To have those characters then become tangible in the parks is the most amazing thing. I cannot wait to take my family to visit and experience it. This is the biggest dream come true in the world.”

Global Pawprint

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is the just the latest example of how Disney Animation and Disney Imagineers teamed up to bring the bustling animal metropolis to life in the parks.

In 2023, Shanghai Disney Resort opened Zootopia, its most immersive land to date. It was designed to accommodate animals of all shapes and sizes, from large giraffes to tiny rodents. That meant Imagineers got to play with the scale of everything, from crosswalk signs and benches to drinking fountains and doors — just like those who animated the film.

Not only that, but next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures appear throughout the land, including in the signature attraction Zootopia: Hot Pursuit and its queue. Imagineers worked closely with animators to ensure that characters such as Judy, Nick, and Chief Bogo behave and look exactly as guests remember them from the movie. The Audio-Animatronics figure for Gazelle is particularly advanced, considering that all the internal mechanics needed to fit inside her slender frame while she performs complex choreography. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit is also unique in that it is the first trackless ride vehicle system in Mainland China.

Shanghai Disney Resort is gearing up for the release of Zootopia 2 by turning its one-of-a-kind Zootopia land into a living extension of the sequel. By working closely with Disney Animation, on Tuesday, November 18, the resort will debut film-inspired décor, immersive embedded details, reimagined entertainment, and limited-time experiences that will collectively activate the continued story of the vibrant metropolis in a new, immersive way.

At Disney Animation and Disney Imagineering, the inspiration goes both ways.

Bush was so inspired after he visited the Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort that he incorporated locations such as the fitness club and the barber shop for sheep into Zootopia 2.

Shanghai Disney Resort is embarking on another ambitious expansion project, unveiling plans for a fourth themed hotel and a vibrant extension of Disneytown’s shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. This announcement marks a historic moment, as the resort celebrates the welcoming of its 100 millionth guest — solidifying its place as China’s most visited theme park.

The new hotel, located just steps from the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, will serve as a gateway to unforgettable adventures and lifelong memories. Guests will be immersed in Disney’s signature storytelling and innovation from the moment they arrive, with unique accommodations and exclusive access to areas that extend the magic beyond the park.

Today, there are more projects underway at Disney Experiences than at any other time in the company’s history. The ongoing expansion and development efforts at Shanghai Disney Resort are fueled by growing demand from guests and fans from across China and around the world, and have included: Toy Story Land, Ignite the Dream nighttime spectacular, the highly popular Zootopia-themed land, which will soon debut Zootopia 2 hidden gems, the upcoming Spider-Man themed land, and the expanded popular attraction Soaring Over the Horizon. The Resort’s commitment to creativity and excellence has made it one of the top five most visited theme parks in the world, according to the TEA Global Experience Index 2024 recently released by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) on October 23, 2025.

“Shanghai Disney Resort’s extraordinary momentum reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing more Disney stories and characters to new audiences around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “This dedication, coupled with our global investment in innovation and expansion, fuels a future where the Resort continues to inspire, delight, and set new standards as a landmark destination for generations to come.”

“Our guests inspire us to dream bigger and innovate further,” said Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “With every new experience, we reaffirm our promise to deliver the magic of Disney in ways that resonate with families across China and around the world.”

The new hotel will join the resort’s existing accommodations — including the Art Nouveau-inspired third hotel under construction on Wishing Star Lake — offering even more options for guests seeking immersive stays and breathtaking views.

Unforgettable experiences at Shanghai Disney Resort are brought to life by dedicated Cast Members. Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to their well-being, a multifunctional residential community is being developed with thoughtfully designed living spaces, recreational amenities, and vibrant communal areas — all created to support, celebrate, and enrich the Disney employee community and workplace culture.

As Shanghai Disney Resort continues to expand, it invites guests from near and far to discover new adventures, create unforgettable memories, and experience the wonder that only Disney can deliver.

The Walt Disney Company has announced an exciting new chapter for one of its most beloved attractions: next summer, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will debut Soarin’ Across America, in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

“When production wrapped almost a decade ago on Soarin’ Around the World, we started thinking about where we might go next with the format,” Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Executive Creative Director and Chief Storytelling Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “A trip across the United States felt like a natural next flight for Soarin’ to take, and the 250th anniversary of our nation provided the perfect opportunity to ‘book the flight.’”

This immersive new flight experience will take guests on a breathtaking journey from coast to coast, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

Soarin’ Across America is set to launch at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Summer 2026, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s diversity and grandeur from a bird’s-eye view.

“As always with Soarin’ films, the biggest challenge is choosing where to go, and what locations would work best in this unique film format,” Fitzgerald said. “Now with the 250 celebration, we’ll immerse our guests in a celebratory flight that spans from sea to shining sea!”

From Sea to Shining Sea: New Sights and Aerial Technology

The popular attraction format raises guests high into the air in front of an immersive, 80-foot projection dome for a virtual tour of spectacular aerial footage that simulates the graceful motion of flight.

Bernice Howes, Executive Creative Media Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, stepped in to oversee how the new sights and scenes would be captured for Soarin’ Across America.

Before hunkering down with advanced camera and aerial technology to capture new stunning scenes of America, Howes and team mapped out which locations to capture and tested equipment.

“We sought out satellite maps to display a realistic visual of the locations,” Howes said, “and set up aerial paths in order to understand our filming location needs and how one location transitions into the next to tell the story.”

From there, Howes and Scott Sohan, Principal Visual Effects Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, and team set out on a series of camera, lens, helicopter, and heavy-lift drone equipment tests to figure out the exact specifications needed to use a unified set-up for filming all the new scenes.

“We then gathered all the needed equipment to go on location — 33 cases in total! — to ensure we had everything we needed while we are out in the middle of nowhere, including spares on all the equipment,” Howes said.

Crafting an American Story

“Our goal was to offer guests a sampling of the diversity of America’s beauty and urban wonders with the hope it would paint an emotional portrait for the nation’s Semi-quincentennial celebration,” Fitzgerald said.

For Howes, there was a specific roadmap of how to construct the new film for the attraction to deliver on that creative vision.

“Contrasting shots of different American locales — scenic wonders, amazing cities, and the beauty of the coasts. The use of the physical landscape of the United States as a unifying element,” she explained. “Then, using continuous camera movement to smoothly transition between these scenes, linking them together to show the geographical ‘whole’ of the nation, from natural locations to large cities to national monuments that represent America the beautiful.”

Howes concluded, “The film’s creation is designed to embody America’s spirit for today’s guests and future generations.”

Soarin’ Across America is a tribute to the country’s past, present, and future. As Disney continues to innovate and celebrate milestones, Soarin’ Across America stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to storytelling, technological excellence, and honoring the spirit of the United States.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been delighting guests from around the world for two decades, and to celebrate this milestone, a spectacular year-long celebration, “The Most Magical Party of All,” is in full swing across the resort. Since opening in 2005, the resort has become a beloved destination for locals and international guests, blending Disney magic with Hong Kong’s vibrant culture. “We remain agile and committed to providing innovative experiences and exceptional service for our guests,” Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said in a recent interview. “Those are a testament to the ideals that have guided us for the last 20 years.”

A Key Tourism Driver in Hong Kong

Woven deep into the fabric of the city, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort plays a vital role in the city’s tourism industry. With its lush landscapes and immersive experiences, the resort attracts millions of guests annually from mainland China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Whether it’s a first visit or a family tradition, the park continues to be a place where lifelong memories are made.Let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover how the resort came to hold such a special place in the hearts of the local community and Disney fans around the world.

The Origins of Hong Kong Disneyland

The concept of Hong Kong Disneyland first leapt into the public’s imagination in 1999. As the first Disney theme park coming to China and second to Asia, the first being Tokyo Disney Resort, this was a big moment in Disney’s global expansion. The vibrant and multicultural city of Hong Kong seemed a promising location for the Company’s next venture abroad. Within five hours of flight time, Hong Kong is accessible to half of the world’s population.When master planning began for the resort, Wing Chao, the Disney Legend and former Vice Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development, consulted with a feng shui master because of how “important [feng shui is] in terms of site orientation to bring positive qi, or good luck and prosperity,” he said.

The resort opened in 2005 to a warm welcome from the people of Hong Kong with four classic lands — Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland — and two hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Expanding the Magic: New Lands and Attractions

Over the years, Hong Kong Disneyland has introduced several exclusive attractions:  

• Toy Story Land opened (2011) 

• Grizzly Gulch opened (2012) and brought with it an exciting coaster, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, featuring Audio-Animatronics bears and a surprise backwards section

• Mystic Point opened (2013) with an award-winning attraction called Mystic Manor

• • Following the story of the mischievous monkey, Albert, his playful nature has endeared him to guests with affinity for Albert extending beyond Mystic Manor as year-to-date sales of Albert-related merchandise have recorded a threefold increase year-over-year 

• Iron Man Experience (2017) marked the first Super Hero theme park ride for Disney parks, before being joined by Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! (2019) 

• • These two heroic attractions are inter-connected with both stories set in present-day Hong Kong featuring iconic landmarks recognizable to any local

• Disney Explorers Lodge (2017) with rooms and decor themed to the unique tropical climates of Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa

A New Decade Emerges: Castle of Magical Dreams and World of Frozen

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort saw no sign of slowing down as it entered a new decade.

In celebration of the resort’s 15th anniversary in 2020, the resort unveiled the spectacular transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle into the majestic Castle of Magical Dreams. Inspired by 13 stories of Disney Princesses and Queens, this architectural marvel blends elements from Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian cultures, symbolizing courage and hope and serves as a beacon of the park.“The castle is the heart and soul of any given Disney Magic Kingdom-style park,” Kelly Willis, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong who oversaw the transformation, said. “We wanted to transform the image of Hong Kong Disneyland to mark a new era of the resort.”

In tribute to 100 years of Disney, in 2023, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort unveiled a first-of-its-kind bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Shortly after the debut of the statue, the resort’s largest and most ambitious expansion opened its gates to guests — World of Frozen.As Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, noted on opening day, “our theme parks always grow and evolve with new stories and experiences, and it is exciting to make all these new worlds come to life for our guests.”

As the world’s first land themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ , one of the most successful franchises in Disney history, guests are now able to step foot into a real-life kingdom of Arendelle at World of Frozen, in which every inch of the land was thoughtfully considered and researched to create a fully immersive experience and where they can encounter their favorite characters from the film.

Giving Back: Disney Magic in the Community

And while the land unlocked countless treasured moments for guests, it also opened the door to granting unique Frozen-themed wishes for children facing illness. In fact, the first wish in World of Frozen was granted just one month after its opening, showcasing the resort’s commitment, from its cast members, Disney VoluntEARs and Imagineers in Hong Kong, to making dreams come true.

What’s Next for Hong Kong Disneyland?

On September 12, the resort officially turns 20, and everyone is invited to join “The Most Magical Party of All.” Guests can plan their visit with the resort’s ultimate guide to all the fun. The vibrant celebration, which unfold as a day-to-night adventure, includes:

• New entertainment alongside Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as Duffy and Friends, all dressed in festive new outfits

• Exclusive anniversary-themed merchandise and food

• Festive new character outfits

Looking ahead, guests can expect:

• A major new Super Hero attraction

• A Pixar-themed entertainment offering, funded entirely by the resort

“We are incredibly proud of our success and the strong contributions and positive impact to Hong Kong,” Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, recently shared. “As we celebrate 20 years of bringing happiness and moments of joy to guests, we couldn’t be more excited for what guests can experience during the ‘Most Magical Party of All’ and beyond.”

Plan Your Visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort  

Whether you’re local or planning a trip from abroad, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. With easy access from Hong Kong International Airport and proximity to iconic landmarks like Ngong Ping 360 and Tung Chung, it’s the perfect destination for a magical getaway and we can’t wait to see what new and one-of-a-kind experiences the next 20 years and beyond will bring.

Seventy years ago, on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney welcomed scores of people — both in person and across the airwaves on ABC — to the opening of his latest and greatest creation: Disneyland.

Disneyland not only created a new kind of entertainment industry centered on immersive storytelling and visionary design, but it was also the dynamic embodiment of a business strategy that Walt had been honing for the three decades prior.

“Disneyland was a truly revolutionary concept,” Rebecca Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, said. “It was the first themed park, and that theming was very special. It was based on things that had already been done at Disney’s studio.”

It Was All Started By a Mouse

The roots of Disneyland were planted decades before Opening Day.

As Walt said in “The Disneyland Story,” the first episode of the Disneyland TV series which aired October 27, 1954, on ABC, “The story of Mickey is truthfully, the real beginning of Disneyland.”

That’s because Mickey didn’t just live in movie theaters.

“When Walt Disney founded the company, he almost immediately created the concept of synergy,” Cline explained. “Mickey Mouse was a very popular character in films, but then almost immediately they started doing ancillary products, character merchandise development, live events — all kinds of things that supported the character of Mickey Mouse and made him a superstar.”

From the moment Mickey Mouse captured hearts on screen, Walt envisioned a world where characters could leap from celluloid into real life — where families could step into the stories they loved.

Walt began dreaming up Disneyland as early as the 1940s, and in the early 1950s, as concepts for the park were beginning to take shape, he also leaned into the potential power of television as another way to share his stories… and his upcoming park.

“Walt would create a television series for ABC that was called Disneyland,” Cline explained. “He knew that if he could get his message about his park into homes all across the nation, that his audience would want to come to Disneyland.” As Walt himself put it, “Disneyland the place and Disneyland the TV show are all part of the same.”

Designing a New Kind of Experience

“There were actually more than 100 layouts for Disneyland,” Emily (Emo) O’Brien, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “Ultimately Marvin Davis, who did those layouts, landed on this central area that became the core. And it made it easy for people to traverse around the park from land to land and still know where that common center was.”

The Central Plaza, or “the hub,” as Walt referred to it on TV, remains the heart of Disneyland to this day.

To bring his vision to life, Walt couldn’t use traditional architects. To essentially create a film in real life, he turned to familiar faces to help design the park.

“He hired away his own artists from their own jobs and used them to develop the look of the park and develop the attractions,” Cline said.

This team would become the foundation of Walt Disney Imagineering — a group dedicated to blending science, art, and creative imagination to tell stories in ways guests had never experienced before.

That ingenuity continues to this day and Imagineers often work with partners at Disney around the world to develop new and innovative experiences. And, as O’Brien notes, “If we don’t have the technology in one of those units, we’ll just invent it.”

Storytelling in Every Detail

Walt’s commitment to storytelling extends to every corner of Disneyland.

“He really understood that immersing people and moving beyond just the attraction… making sure the cast members were dressed to be within that story, making sure our food and beverage and our merch all added to that story,” Kris Theiler, Vice President, Disneyland Resort, said.

That philosophy has continued as new lands and attractions have been added since the founding of the park.

“A land like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge really epitomizes how we have continued to hold that dear to us and advance all of those aspects of his vision,” Theiler added. “I don’t think we’ve ever built a land quite that immersive.”

As Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”

Theiler noted that his philosophy carries through to his day, noting, “The cast members are really our differentiator and the people that bring the story to life.”

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

The early success of Disneyland paved the way for global expansion.

“It was so successful very early on the company was able to move forward and do a lot of the bigger projects that Walt had in mind,” Cline explained. “That eventually became Walt Disney World and later EPCOT… and parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai… and coming up, a new park in the Middle East.”

The ripple effect extended beyond the parks.

“It gave the audience of Disney a taste for immersive and live entertainment which gave birth to things like the Disney Cruise Line,” Cline said. “And all of these places where you can go and involve yourself in-person with Disney, not just in a theme park.”

“In many ways, Disneyland is a global ambassador for American creativity and innovation and imagination,” Theiler noted. “Walt Disney was a master storyteller… In creating Disneyland, he wanted a place to bring his stories to grow and come to life in new and unique and different ways.”

That vision still rings through the halls of The Walt Disney Company 70 years later.

“Walt Disney’s philosophies have always been what the company has focused on,” Cline said. “It’s all about great storytelling told using the finest and highest level of technology available and innovative concepts.”

Today, Disneyland Resort, known as The Happiest Place on Earth, commemorated seventy years by honoring the people who have made those memories possible: Disneyland Resort cast members.

Disneyland Resort kicked off the 70th anniversary with an early morning cast member-only celebration in Disneyland park, filled with unique photo backdrops, such as the 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment, and a flag raising ceremony in Town Square featuring veteran cast members.

The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro addressed the cast on Main Street, U.S.A., before joining them alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to ceremoniously ring the New York Stock Exchange opening bell and pose for a once-in-a-lifetime cast photo. After, Bob Iger opened Disneyland before joining Disneyland Resort cast members along Main Street, U.S.A., to welcome guests into the park.

“It was on this day in 1955 that Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland for the first time and introduced the world to this very special place,” Iger said to guests. “70 years later, Disneyland remains one of Walt’s greatest achievements — a place where generations of people from all over the world have stepped through these gates and entered a world of joy and imagination.”

70 years and counting of The Happiest Place on Earth

With the opening of Disneyland park in 1955, Walt Disney transformed the theme park industry, creating an immersive destination where families could create happy memories and spend time together. With its 70-year history, Disneyland Resort has expanded to include two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District which reflect the power of Disney storytelling — which includes Pixar, Star Wars, and stories featuring fan-favorite Super Heroes. The resort is adding even more new experiences, including the Avengers Campus expansion, Avatar and Coco in the coming years providing guests with more options to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories — creating moments that become timeless memories and stories that are shared again and again with friends and family. More information about these projects can be found in the “We Call it Imagineering” series on YouTube.

In that spirit, July 17 marks the debut of a new advertising campaign highlighting how after 70 years, Disneyland Resort continues to be the place that people come to celebrate their happiest moments, featuring authentic guest stories and photos.

How Guests Are Celebrating the 70th Anniversary

Guests visiting Disneyland Resort on July 17 will not only get to experience the limited time offerings available for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration but also get the opportunity to experience the debut of the groundbreaking attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and new additions to the Main Street Cinema and it’s a small world attraction. In addition, for one day only, guests can collect a souvenir guide map and anniversary button (subject to availability) and experience a special 70th anniversary cavalcade in the afternoon.

For 70 years, live entertainment has been at the heart of the Disney parks experience. From the first parade down Main Street, U.S.A. on July 17, 1955, to today’s dazzling nighttime spectaculars, Disney Live Entertainment (DLE) continues to evolve the art of storytelling — blending timeless theatrical traditions with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable moments for guests around the world.

David Lightbody, SVP, Disney Live Entertainment, notes that as the theatrical arm of Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), DLE works very closely with WDI from the early days of each project as it develops new and exciting live experiences.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Lightbody said. “Imagineers build these phenomenal places and invent amazing new technologies, and we bring those spaces to life and weave technology into our storytelling.”

Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Imagineering, praised the work of Lightbody’s team that forges strong emotional connections for guests to the experiences they create.

“We have an exceptional group of show directors, producers, choreographers and designers all over the world who really give it their all,” Vaughn noted. “They love Disney and they love to tell stories — and that passion shines through in everything they create, from our massive nighttime spectaculars to the most intimate character greetings.”

Pushing the Boundaries of Live Entertainment

This collaborative spirit has led to a new generation of live shows that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

In 2025 alone, DLE has launched a slate of ambitious productions across the globe, a few of which are highlighted in the latest episode of We Call it Imagineering.

“Friendtastic!” at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort — the biggest parade in the park’s history — features large LED screens, animation, and special effects.

At Disneyland Paris, “Disney Tales of Magic” uses projection mapping, lighting, pyrotechnics, and drones to tell an emotionally resonant story.

And, “Disney Starlight” at Walt Disney World lights up the night beginning July 20 with nods to classic electrical parades sprinkled into a dazzling display of the latest lighting technology.

There are even more exciting new productions from Disney Live Entertainment, now showing around the world, such as “World of Color Happiness!,” “Paint the Night,” and more, in honor of The Disneyland Resort 70 Celebration; a new castle stage show and enhanced “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky” spectacular for the 20 anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland; two new theatrical presentations at Disney World — “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”… plus an entire menu of new live entertainment productions opening this fall aboard the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships.

“We are continuously improving and enhancing the experiences we bring to our parks and cruise ships and looking for ways to incorporate the latest technological advancements,” Lightbody said. “And ‘Disney Starlight’ is the latest evolution in our legacy of nighttime parades.”

Technology in Service of Story

While technology plays a key role, it’s always in service of the story.

“We never really use technology for the sake of technology,” Lightbody said. “We consider all these innovations among the tools in our kit as storytellers. The craft of live theatre is thousands of years old, but the goal of theatre remains the same today as it’s always been. We strive to tell a good story, to engage our audience, and to touch their hearts.”

That emotional connection is what sets Disney apart, especially when it comes to creating connections in different places with different cultures.

Stories for Every Fan

“Each of our parks has different needs and a different audience. We take all those factors into account,” Lightbody explained. “At Hong Kong Disneyland, ‘Friendtastic!’ features characters and stories from films that are very popular in the region, including Zootopia and Turning Red, and incorporates design motifs customized for Hong Kong, like the giant Bauhinia flowers on the floats.”

And as Vaughn explains, WDI and DLE have a world-class list of brands at their disposal to suit whichever stories fans love.

“We work closely with partners at Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and we also do extensive research at each of our sites around the globe to understand which franchises and characters resonate with the local audience,” Vaughn said. “Then we blend our unique brand of immersive storytelling with cutting-edge technology to make those dreams into reality.”

“That’s the joy of being in the live entertainment business,” Vaughn continued. “We’re constantly looking for new and creative ways to share the stories our guests love.”

New Magic with Every Visit

Live entertainment also brings a unique kind of magic to the parks — one that changes with every visit.

“By definition, ‘live’ means a vibrant, dynamic environment,” Vaughn added. “Our attractions are fantastic, of course, but people tend to experience them in a similar way. But live entertainment enables highly personal connections — on any day you might see Ariel blow you a kiss, Moana waving at your kids, or even Stitch offering a high-five. And that’s something you and your family can’t experience anywhere else and will remember forever.”

As Disney Live Entertainment looks to the future, it remains grounded in the ideals that Walt Disney himself envisioned.

“This organization that we know today as Disney Live Entertainment has roots going back to Walt Disney and the opening of Disneyland 70 years ago,” Lightbody reflected. “We present [those experiences] in new ways that incorporate new and innovative techniques and technology that resonate with today’s audiences and perhaps surprise people with something they’ve never seen before.”

From the first trumpet blast of a parade to the final burst of fireworks in the night sky, Disney Live Entertainment continues to deliver joy, wonder, and innovation — one live moment at a time.

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

Opening of World Premiere on May 15 — The Gateway to the Existing and Future Immersive Worlds at Disney Adventure World

Opening of World of Frozen and Launch of a Unique Nighttime Show Above the New Central Lake

While the brand-new themed area entirely dedicated to Disney Animation’s Frozen is progressively coming into view, the finishing touches are being added to the North Mountain, which rises 36 meters above the ground! Set to open in 2026, World of Frozen will immerse guests in the heart of the Kingdom of Arendelle. In addition to being home to an all-new attraction that will bring guests on a journey alongside Anna and Elsa, this must-visit area will offer immersive shopping and dining experiences as well as the opportunity to meet the beloved sisters in person during an unforgettable royal encounter.

Adventure Way, the Promenade Celebrating Disney and Pixar Stories in the Heart of a Lush Landscape, Will Welcome a New Family Attraction Inspired by Up

“Adventure is out there!” This famous quote from Disney-Pixar’s Up will soon resonate with Disney Adventure World guests as they board a flying carousel that will spin in the air, offering a bird’s-eye view of the park’s stunning scenery. Blending the charm of family attractions with the colorful world of Up*, this new experience will mark the first time an attraction inspired by this beloved film is coming to a Disney Park. It will be located across from Raiponce Tangled Spin, another attraction that is already being brought to life in the heart of Adventure Way. The construction of this new family attraction celebrating Up and its themed garden will begin by the end of 2025, bringing the family- friendly experiences offered at Adventure Way to new heights after the opening of World of Frozen!

New Details About the Future Attraction Inspired by Disney Animation’s The Lion King at Disney Adventure World

In August 2024, Disneyland Paris announced the construction of the first-ever immersive world entirely dedicated to one of the most beloved Disney Animation films around the world, and especially in Europe — The Lion King. Construction is set to begin in Fall 2025. When the sun rises on this realm after the grand opening of World of Frozen, an all-new attraction blending a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronicstechnology will plunge guests into the heart of the Pride Lands, where Simba will await them for an unforgettable adventure complete with iconic songs from the 1994 masterpiece.

After making their way to the caves beneath the 37-meter-high Pride Rock, guests will embark on a wondrous, touching, and sensational adventure through iconic scenes and sceneries from the beloved animated movie, navigating a path with three exciting slopes, including an impressive 16-meter-high descent. Featuring a highly detailed environment coming to life through state-of-the-art special effects and an unforgettable soundtrack, along with numerous Audio-Animatronics® figures, this attraction will be one of the biggest at Disneyland Paris!

“We are looking forward to launching the construction of this new immersive world inspired by The Lion King and its major attraction, which will mark another milestone for Disney Adventure World. The main attraction will showcase the key features of Disney experiences: loveable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, immersive décor and effects, and exciting thrills thoughtfully delivered throughout the adventure. All of the Imagineers who work on this project have their hearts set on paying a vibrant homage to this timeless masterpiece by creating unforgettable memories for all our guests,” explained Michel Den Dulk, Vice President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering.

The Ambitious Transformation of Disney Hotels Continues with Disney Sequoia Lodge and Disney Davy Crockett Ranch

Disney Sequoia Lodge to Receive a Major Makeover Starting in 2026

The information below was updated on March 12, 2026, and a version of it was originally published on DisneyExperiences.com.

From Walt Disney World on the East Coast to Disneyland Resort on the West Coast, our guests visit us in many ways. And because everyone’s vacation looks different, it’s important to us to offer a variety of ticket, hotel, and promotional offers during the year.

From the mom who brings her toddlers a few times a week, to the family whose annual tradition is a visit during the holidays, to the couple traveling from abroad spending their honeymoon at one of our destinations — no two Disney vacations are the same and our wide range of ways to save reflect that.

For example, we have kept the lowest priced one-day, one-park Disneyland Resort ticket at $104 since 2019, have promotional offers such as our free water park day at Walt Disney World, the Magic Key program and annual passes that pay for themselves after a few visits.

Here is a snapshot of Walt Disney World offers and Disneyland offers for 2026. 

East Coast: Walt Disney World Resort Deals

Get A Free Dining Plan For The Whole Family

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Special Ticket Deals Just for Florida Residents

Free Water Park Day

Hotel Offers

Free Dining Plan for Kids

When staying at a Disney Resort hotel in 2026, guests can get a free dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when purchasing a dining plan for guests ages 10 and up. This is combinable with other offers, so guests can save on their Disney Resort hotel stay and still qualify for a free dining plan for kids.

Disney+ Perks: Save With This Ticket Deal

U.S. Military Families

So Much to See & Do at Walt Disney World

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Fun for the Whole Family

Even More Excitement This Summer at Disney World

West Coast: Disneyland Resort Deals

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., also has valuable offers to choose from, including:

2026 California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket Deal

For a limited time, California residents can visit both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park with a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket for as little as $83 per person, per day, for a total price of $249, or as low as $117 per person, per day, including a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, for a total cost of $351.

This California resident ticket offer is currently on sale, for visits now through May 21, 2026. These tickets have the flexibility to be used for a consecutive three-day vacation or can be redeemed on separate days throughout the offer period, subject to park reservation availability.

2026 Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer

Disneyland Resort Hotel Deals in 2026

U.S. Military Families

So Much to See & Do at Disneyland Resort

Beginning Mar. 22, 2026, and continuing through the year, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park will celebrate the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed Disney+ animated series, Bluey. Throughout the day, Bluey and her sister Bingo will appear live on stage, joining a troupe of comedic actors and musicians. Together, they will bring to life the popular music and games emblematic of beloved Bluey episodes, inspiring young families and guests of all ages to participate.

For a limited time through Aug. 9, 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration honors seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making with entertainment, specialty food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and more.

The all-new “Walt Disney – A Magical Life“ attraction at Disneyland Park features a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. Over at the Main Street Cinema in Disneyland Park, guests can experience “So Much That We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers” to view the heartwarming three-and-a-half-minute film titled The Last Verse.

Guests may also enjoy new dining and shopping at the Downtown Disney District, the reimagined Pixar Place Hotel, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more.

Disney Experiences today announced that Bluey, the beloved Emmy®-winning animated series that has captured hearts worldwide, will join Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on land and Disney Cruise Line at sea.

Beginning in January 2025, onboard Disney Cruise Line voyages originating from Australia and New Zealand, families can interact with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, like never before. From special meet-and-greets, to an interactive and clue-filled game that ends in a dance party featuring Bluey’s signature moves, families in the region can embark on a magical holiday with their favorite blue heeler.

The producers of Bluey, the multiple Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio, are working closely alongside BBC Studios and Disney on a number of special activations for fans to enjoy. Details about how guests can meet Bluey and her family at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will be shared in the months ahead.

The announcement comes as part of a major expansion of The Walt Disney Company’s global relationship with BBC Studios for Bluey. The new deal sees Disney acquiring the global theatrical rights for the film, which will be produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, and which will land in cinemas in 2027 under the Disney banner. Following the global theatrical release, it will stream on Disney+. The movie will also air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia post-theatrical release.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences said: “Bluey has become a household name for families around the world and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways. We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on our cruises.”  Ludo Studio, said: “’It’s a lovely day to go boat riding’ and we’re incredibly excited that Bluey and Bingo will be sailing on Disney Cruises, bringing Bluey’s magic to families on the high seas!”

Nicki Sheard, CEO, BBC Studios, Brands and Licensing, said: “The Heeler family’s debut at Disney Theme Parks and Cruises really is the icing on the cake for what has been an exceptional year for Bluey. We are committed to creating the very best-in-class experiences for our fans and can’t wait to open the doors to families next year.”

Available in over 140 countries, Bluey is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year’s No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched (842 million hours). (*Source: Nielsen Media Research; Streaming Content Ratings 1/1/24-11/24/24). The show has also garnered numerous awards, including a 2024 Peabody Award and back-to-back Television Critics Association Awards in 2023 and 2024.

After nearly 45 years and 155,000 wishes granted for Make-A-Wish, The Walt Disney Company is still creating new and inventive ways to grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

Disney — the largest wish-granter globally for Make-A-Wish — is “constantly finding innovative and uniquely Disney ways to grant wishes at our parks and experiences around the world,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, and Make-A-Wish America board member, said.

Last year, Disney approached Make-A-Wish with a brand-new idea for a wish experience. “We trusted that the experience would be something these families would never forget,” Leslie Motter, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish, said. “In true Disney fashion, the experience was above and beyond our wish kids’ wildest imaginations.”

Almost a year of planning paid off when Disney welcomed 19 wish kids and their families from across the country to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in September for the first-ever multi-day Star Wars-themed Wish Event at Disneyland Resort: Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure.

“Our renowned storytelling, attention to the smallest detail, world famous characters and supportive cast and guests all played into the success of the event,” Tracy Martindale, Event Manager for Blaze Your Path, said.

Here’s how Disney leveraged its diverse portfolio to bring to life an unforgettable experience for those who needed it most.

A (Light)Year Ahead

In a way, the spark for the Star Wars event started last summer with the success of the Once Upon A Wish Party at Walt Disney World Resort — the first large-scale event for multiple wish families at one of Disney’s U.S. theme parks.

The question coming out of that event became “could we create something similar, for multiple wish families, but with a different theme?” Kim Chips, Sr. Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Disney, explained. Chips noted that, while the team brainstormed an array of options, “we know Star Wars is a popular franchise for wish kids,” so they jumped to lightspeed planning an event themed around the galactic saga.

Initial planning pulled together Corporate Social Responsibility with the teams that helped bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life: Disney Live Entertainment, Park Operations, Walt Disney Imagineering, and of course, Lucasfilm.

Gathering this group was important to help “create an overall story arc for the week that was unique to this event, but still within the storyline of the land,” Chips said.

Because the Star Wars galaxy is so rich with characters and stories, the team had to create the exact right adventure that would appeal to the different age groups of the participating wish kids.

Once that story was designed, the team created a list of ideal Wish Elements that they wanted to achieve. They pulled-in over 20 lines of business and hundreds of cast members and employees over a ten-month period, leveraging Disney’s unique storytelling and creative capabilities to turn those elements into reality.

Disney’s Accessibility team was also brought in to ensure that the company could “provide the most out-of-this-world event for the wish kids who all have varying medical journeys,” like those using mobility devices and others with heat sensitivity and stamina concerns, Martindale noted.

Their Own Unforgettable Star Wars Story

“Wish kids get one wish,” Martindale noted. With first-hand experience as a volunteer Wish Granter outside of her duties at Disney, Martindale knows “how conscientiously [the kids] select that one wish,” so she ensured that “we kept the children’s wish experience front-and-center in every decision we made,” Martindale added.

It wasn’t just a story that the kids and their families would passively observe, but rather the teams were “building a story around” the kids, with each of them playing a part, Matt Martin, Sr. Creative Executive at Lucasfilm, explained.

“This event represented Disney storytelling at its best,” Chips said. “From the invitation the kids received in the mail to the themed check-in experience when they arrived and throughout their entire experience on property. We wanted the families to feel like they were stepping into a Star Wars experience curated specifically for them — one that they could tailor to their own likes and interests.”

On the first day, kids and their families were ushered into a Star Wars-themed ballroom to be introduced by name to everyone in the room. The kids “squealed with joy as they saw the décor and heard the music,” Chips said.

In order to feel like they had actually traveled to Batuu (the planet on which Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge exists), Disney Consumer Products stepped in to bring the roleplaying to the next level.

“We surprised each Resistance squadron (or family) with official Jedi robes to unite them throughout their experience,” Billie Udofia, Corporate Responsibility Manager for Disney Consumer Products, said.

Once decked out in robes, the kids traveled to Batuu and assembled their own droids, prior to a scavenger hunt to build their own lightsabers.

“We embedded products into the scavenger hunt, lightsaber battle, droid-building workshop and other surprises to truly bring them into a galaxy far, far away,” Udofia said.

Toward the end of the event, each child embraced the power of the Force before a surprise visit from First Order stormtroopers and an epic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren. That battle, complete with stunts and pyrotechnics, was specially designed by Lucasfilm and Imagineering to be “fully scripted the way we would script any Star Wars story,” Martin said.

This multi-day event was something that only Disney could deliver — created by the teams that dream up new Star Wars stories and bring the magic to Disneyland every day.

Choosing Disney to Make Their Dreams Come True

“‘Hope’ is what Star Wars means to me,” Martin said. “And it’s what all of these kids really need.”

The wish kids were sent home with Star Wars books, action figures, and more. “A piece of the galaxy,” Udofia noted. It’s important for them to have that memorabilia from their wish “so they can re-live their adventures again and again, and cherish their special memories forever.”

Beyond the fun and the emotional lift, wishes like this can have a long-term impact.

Make-A-Wish has heard from alumni “that the wish marked a turning point in their medical journey,” Motter explained. “That sentiment is backed up by our research that shows that wishes can have physical and emotional benefits that lead to better health outcomes. The impact of a wish is nothing short of transformational.”

That’s why D’Amaro notes “we’re humbled that so many children choose Disney to make their dreams come true.”

It’s no surprise that Disney is the leader in wish-granting. “I don’t know of any other companies that pride themselves on making Magic like Disney does,” Martindale said. “wishes are Magic, just with a different title.”

And the results speak for themselves.

“Upon conclusion of this special experience, one of the moms wept into my shoulder, explaining that she hasn’t seen her son this happy in so long,” Chips recollected. “He is an incredibly special child who truly deserves this kind of joy.”

That one moment captures the happiness felt by the entire group.

“When you watched the wish kids who participated in Blaze Your Path, you could tell in the way they carried themselves and the smiles on their faces that the stress, fear and anxiety that come with their illness were the furthest things from their minds,” Motter concluded. “For these kids who have had to endure so many uncomfortable treatments and unplanned hospital stays, Blaze Your Path provided a chance to feel like a normal kid again. It allowed them to reclaim a piece of their childhood.”

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Those were the words of Walt Disney at the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955. Nearly 70 years later, Walt’s words are truer than ever as Disney Experiences has grown beyond the gates of Disneyland and into the hearts and minds of millions around the world.

On Saturday, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa® unveiled an unprecedented slate of projects including new attractions, lands, and more that demonstrate why Disney remains the undisputed leader and trailblazer of the experiences industry. The announcements showcase the ambitious vision for Experiences segment over the next decade.

“Only Disney can create the kind of timeless experiences that entertain and inspire people of all ages, across generations and geographies,” D’Amaro said. “At Disney Experiences, we invest in stories that stand the test of time and bring them to life in ways that surprise our guests and fans every day.”

Here are some of the exciting announcements that Disney Experiences revealed at D23 on Saturday:

Villains, Cars, and the Largest Expansion at Magic Kingdom Ever

The world’s most-visited theme park will be getting its largest land expansion ever with Disney’s iconic villains and its hit franchise Cars moving into the Magic Kingdom.

The expansion at Magic Kingdom — the keystone park of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida — will bring new and beloved stories to life as Disney Imagineers craft a land based on the wickedly wonderful Disney villains you just love to loathe. While more details are coming, this new land is underway with two new attractions planned as well as dining, shopping and more.

“Since the beginning, our Disney Villains have given us endless possibilities to tell new stories,” D’Amaro said. “In this new land, you’ll see storytelling on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver.”

Away from those vicious villains, Cars is also racing into the Magic Kingdom. In a reimagined section of Frontierland, guests will leave Radiator Springs behind and head off into the wilderness with two new Cars attractions — one that will be an off-road thrilling rally race, and a family-friendly attraction that even the youngest racers will love.

Cars is one of Disney’s most popular franchises, bringing in $1.4 billion at the global box office and inspiring the beloved Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California.

“As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we’re always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love,” D’Amaro said. “We’re thrilling Cars fans by building on this incredibly successful franchise and creating the next chapter in this story.”

Esperanza, Encanto, and the Exciting Adventures of Indiana Jones

Speaking of major expansions at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also getting a new land, which will take guests on adventures in Tropical Americas.

Guests will enter the land through Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village in heart of the rainforest that will feel lived-in, with a long, rich history.

On the outskirts of the town, an adventure awaits with pop culture’s most beloved archeologist, Indiana Jones. The attraction takes place inside a mysterious Maya temple and will be an all-new adventure, unlike any of the existing Indy attractions around the world.

The land will also feature a new attraction based on one of Disney’s most popular franchises, Encanto. The experience — which is the first ride-through attraction of the film for a Disney park — takes place inside Casita on the day after young Antonio receives his gift of communicating with animals.

“With Tropical Americas, we’re bringing huge projects to life for generations of fans,” D’Amaro noted. “This is the type of signature storytelling that our Disney Imagineers have been creating for 70 years.”

Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027.

Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World is the home to attractions from some of cinema’s biggest blockbusters, such as Toy Story and Star Wars. Now, another popular film franchise is coming to life: Monsters, Inc.

The Pixar franchise is getting a new land, which will welcome guests to tour the Laugh Factory with an amazing new attraction that what will be the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney Park.

“The power of friendship and laughter is at the heart of so many Disney stories – especially Monsters, Inc,” D’Amaro said. “Now we’re giving fans a whole new way to experience this world in a Disney theme park and connect with the characters they love.”

Avengers and Avatar

New lands and attractions are also coming to Disneyland Resort.

On Saturday, D’Amaro announced that two new thrilling E-ticket Marvel-themed attractions are coming to Disney California Adventure. Avengers Campus will expand, doubling its current size to house the new attractions.

Marvel — which has already made  more than $30 billion at the global box office — is not the only popular film brand that is coming Disneyland Resort.

Avatar — the innovative science fiction series that has brought in more than $5 billion at the global box office — will come to Disney California Adventure including an innovative new attraction that will bring all the action, the excitement, and the wonder of Avatar to life in a completely new and thrilling way.

The new destination is inspired by the second Avatar film, Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as the upcoming films.

For D’Amaro, the announcements at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event on Saturday are just the beginning of what Disney Experiences can do.

“Disney Experiences is embarking on an accelerated path of ambitious growth and innovation,” he said. “With so many great Disney stories to tell, we’re excited to bring an unprecedented number of new projects to life in the near future.”

He continued, “Today we unveiled an extensive slate of new experiences that only Disney can deliver. Work is well under way on all of the new projects we announced, and fans will start to see them come to life in the near future.”

As the tune goes, “grab somebody, come on down” for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new family thrill ride celebrating the Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog. Opening Friday, June 28, in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and later this year in Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features dozens of Audio-Animatronics figures, a sound-sational soundtrack (including music from the film and new compositions), and an exhilarating 50-foot drop.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the most recent example of how Disney continues to turbocharge investment in its theme parks, leveraging its most popular stories to create unforgettable, immersive experiences for guests and offer them more of what they love.

Set a year after the events of The Princess and the Frog, the attraction gives guests a glimpse of life after Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s happily ever after. Now successful business owners, they want to bring their community together for a special Mardi Gras celebration. And so, during the flume-drop water ride, guests will join Tiana and her jazz-loving alligator pal Louis in search of band members to play at their neighborhood soirée.

Guests can “dig a little deeper” in the queue, which is lined with newspaper clippings that chronicle everything from Tiana’s Palace being named Best New Business to the grand opening of the employee-owned Tiana’s Foods, which offers hot sauces, spices, and other food products. All the way, a radio broadcast plays jazz music written by GRAMMY® winner Terence Blanchard.

“We wanted to make sure people have a good time while they’re waiting to get on the ride,” Blanchard said. “But we also wanted to represent the city so that they get a bit of a history lesson just by listening to the music as they’re waiting to go through the adventure.”

One song features vocals by Chef Leah Chase, who actually inspired the Princess Tiana character. “Leah Chase was a dreamer and a doer—a working mom of four who followed her dream to own a restaurant,” said Carmen Smith, the executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “She and her husband, Dooky, ran Dooky Chase in New Orleans, but it wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a gathering place that inspired so many… When Disney Animation visited New Orleans and sat down with Chef Chase, they knew that this American original was the perfect inspiration for Disney’s first African American princess.”

As guests move further through the queue, they will discover Princess Tiana—having combined her talents with those of the local community—revived an old salt mine and the surrounding land in order to grow an array of vegetables, herbs, and spices for her recipes.

“We’re really big on expanding Tiana’s story, and great storytelling is what Imagineering does best,” said Rebecca Clancy, Project Coordinator, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We were really excited to place it amid the backdrop of Tiana’s Foods, a new business that she’s created. In fact, you’ll even see parts of the queue that reference her entrepreneurial spirit.”

“Tiana is our inspiration because Tiana is everybody’s princess,” added Charita Carter, the executive creative producer behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “Everyone can find an aspect of Tiana’s story in their own story… [because] Tiana is a dreamer and a doer.”

Several stars from the film reprise their roles in the attraction, including Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, and Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis. “It is an amazing thing to have a ride based on something you created,” Rose said. “For people to have felt that, ‘Oh, yes, we want this in perpetuity,’ it’s mind-blowing, really.”

While in the queue, guests will be immersed in the story, helping the characters find the “missing ingredient” for Tiana’s party preparations. They’ll interact with Louis and Mama Odie as they search for musicians and hear the stylings of amphibian musicians playing Afro-Cuban, Rara, and Zydeco music.

Not only will guests be delighted by the mesmerizing scenery throughout the attraction, but they will marvel at 48 new, innovative Audio-Animatronics figures of characters from the film alongside 19 new musical critters—including an otter named Timloléon, a rabbit named Gritty, a racoon named Apollo, a beaver named Byhalia, and a turtle named Rufus.

According to Ted Robledo, executive creative director of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the critters showcase “the diverse and rich styles of New Orleans, playing their own renditions” of beloved Princess and the Frog songs such as “Almost There,” “Dig a Little Deeper,” “Down in New Orleans,” and “Gonna Take You There,” all while playing instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou. The critters also perform a song written just for the attraction, “Special Spice,” featuring the talents of Grammy winner PJ Morton, Blanchard, and Rose.

Hearing “Special Spice” performed in the attraction was “literally a dream come true,” Morton said. “It’s going to take some time for me to process this. Seeing it come full circle—because this was a two-, three-year process—and become real is totally surreal.”

“To have spent time with PJ Morton—who’s a brilliant, wonderful representation of New Orleans, a city that I love and that has been so very good to me—was beautiful,” Rose said. “It’s fun. It’s joyous. The song itself is a bop, if I may say so myself! And I think it’s going to permeate kids and adults. They will have fun with it, they will feel it, and they will leave with it—which is what you want for music. You want it to be something that moves people.”

Seeing state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures perform those songs makes for an unforgettable experience. “The progress Imagineering has made is remarkable,” Clancy said. “If you look at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in 1964, you can see how far we’ve come. It’s been spectacular to see how that team has grown and innovated in that space.”

“It took a lot of love, passion, and compassion to bring Tiana’s story to life, and we’re so incredibly proud of what we’ve come up with,” she continued. “One of my favorite parts about the attractions we build is that they are re-rideable. If you latch onto something the first time, you’ll notice something new each time you experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.”

In every Disney theme park attraction, the story begins in the queue.

And in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—opening Friday, June 28, at Walt Disney World Resort and later this year at Disneyland Resort—the queue updates guests on Princess Tiana’s achievements after the events of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2009 film The Princess and the Frog.

Not only does the attraction’s queue feature the sweet scent of Tiana’s famous “man-catching” beignets, along with an assortment of newspaper clippings; framed awards, letters, and photos; and an original gumbo recipe from Tiana’s great-grandmother, but it also features a tribute to Tiana’s late father, James, a World War I veteran who dreamed of one day opening his own restaurant—a dream his daughter would later realize.

“We have photos of [James] in the queue, and you can see him in his uniform and with Tiana,” Charita Carter, executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “That’s especially meaningful for me because I come from a military family, and I know so many of our guests do, too. This is a wonderful way for us to connect with those families.”

Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with Walt Disney Animation Studios to craft James’ backstory, referencing photos of soldiers who served in 369th Regiment—one of the first Black regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I—as inspiration. This unit was renowned for its bravery, and many members were awarded the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal by the French government to honor their active service.

Among the framed photos on display is a French newspaper clipping with the headline “Un Soldat Américan Du 369ème Régiment D’infanterie Décoré Pour Son Héroïsme À Titre Posthume,” which translates to, “An American Soldier From the 369th Infantry Regiment Posthumously Decorated for His Heroism.”

In one of James’ letters to Tiana, the character revealed he’d found time to test “new recipes” on his Army comrades, like a stew with jerky and hogweed. “The way they reacted,” James wrote, “you would think I made them étouffée.”

Details such as those have a deeper impact for Disney cast members and employees who have had similar relationships in their lives.

“A lot of the storytelling involving James’ service is on the second floor, near the test kitchen area. When guests go upstairs, they’ll see pictures of Tiana and her father, as well as the letters they’ve written back and forth to each other,” said Rebecca Clancy, Project Coordinator, Walt Disney Imagineering. “As the daughter of a veteran myself, it was really meaningful for Disney to tell that story. So many people on our project team have either served or know people who have, so it was really important for us to expand James’ story.”

For more than 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has admired U.S. military service dating back to founders Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War.

Since 2012, Disney has contributed more than $20 million dollars in funding and media support to nonprofit organizations that focus on bringing joy to veterans and military families. Today, Disney proudly salutes the thousands of U.S. military veterans who work in all sectors of the company as part of the Heroes Work Here initiative and is honored to celebrate military families with special discounts, daily flag retreat ceremonies at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, and more.

Like Princess Tiana’s beignets, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has all the right ingredients.

Nearly two decades ago, a dedicated team of filmmakers from Walt Disney Animation Studios traveled from Burbank, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, hoping to find some inspiration for their next feature, The Princess and the Frog—and they found it in local legend Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” and owner of Dooky Chase’s restaurant.

In fact, the character of Princess Tiana “would not be possible were it not for Leah Chase,” said Carmen Smith, the executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening Friday, June 28, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and later this fall at Disneyland Resort in California. “She was a dreamer and a doer, a working mom of four who followed her dream to run a restaurant. She and her husband, Dooky, ran Dooky Chase’s in New Orleans, but it wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a gathering place that inspired so many.”

And so, when Walt Disney Imagineering announced in June 2020 that it was developing a joyful musical journey inspired by the 2009 film, it only made sense to reengage with the Chase family. “While Leah and Dooky are gone, their legacy lives on through the future generations who have been a huge part of this process,” Smith explained. “Their children were our guides… and we even made their daughter, Stella Chase, an honorary Imagineer.”

Just like the team behind the film, the team behind the attraction wanted to accurately represent the culture and spirit of New Orleans. Imagineers made frequent research trips to Louisiana, visiting the French Market and the bayou to consult academics, chefs, musicians, and more, all to capture the heart and soul of where Princess Tiana’s story is set.

“Our company’s ties to New Orleans actually go back beyond this project,” said Charita Carter, the executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “They go back to Walt Disney and the opening of New Orleans Square, which was one of the first major expansions of Disneyland Park… We had an opportunity [for this attraction], so we actually sought out local artists and artisans that we wanted to collaborate with and be inspired by.”

The result, Carter added, is a “wonderful, authentic guest experience.”

Set a year after the events of the film, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure finds Princess Tiana growing her business with an employee-owned cooperative, Tiana’s Foods, located inside an old salt mining facility. New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi’s artwork has inspired the attraction from the beginning, and she even painted a mural displayed on two of the building’s exterior walls that highlight Princess Tiana’s professional journey and the creation of Tiana’s Foods.

Additionally, new artwork from Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite is featured throughout the queue. “Disney reached out to me in 2020 and said they liked my artwork and my style,” Favorite recalled. “They told me a little bit about the story, and they asked me to do some concept sketches so that Imagineering could further develop the attraction. They wanted to see how I interpreted the theme—which was cool, because I’d never done anything like that. Then they commissioned me to do four original paintings inspired by my sketch work.”

As guests walk through the indoor queue, a radio broadcast features Leah and Dooky’s daughter, Leah Chase-Kamata, singing, “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,” a Louis Armstrong classic reimagined by GRAMMY^® Award winner and New Orleans native Terence Blanchard. “The most emotional part was working with Leah,” Blanchard said. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the studio. She did one take and that’s all we needed. When you hear it in the queue, there is so much history, emotion, and experience in her vocals. To me, it just typified everything that we’re so proud of with this attraction.”

Speaking of music, PJ Morton also wrote, arranged, and produced “Special Spice,” an original song performed by Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose (the voice of Princess Tiana). Morton’s recording and production sessions took place in New Orleans, where he also wrote new arrangements for songs from The Princess and the Frog—which will be performed in the attraction by amphibians playing Afro-Cuban, Rara, and Zydeco music.

Morton shared, “I didn’t want [the music] to be a caricature of New Orleans. I said, ‘Let’s just make it authentic. Let’s make a great song that can live forever. It’s a combination: It’s New Orleans, it’s me, it’s Disney. All those things came very organically and very naturally.”

From Princess Tiana’s bold new look to an original metalwork weathervane from third-generation master blacksmith Darryl Reeves and his apprentice, Karina Roca, no detail was overlooked in ensuring that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure reads like a “love letter to New Orleans,” Smith said. “We think those who are from the city are going to recognize that,” and those who have yet to visit the city “will look forward to experiencing it” one day, too.

One person who can attest to that is Drew Brees, former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, who—along with Cameron Jordan, the NFL team’s current defensive end—was among the first to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. “It makes you feel right at home,” Brees said. “It’s a great representation of our city, of our community, and of all of Louisiana.”

Guests will be in for a knee-slappin’ good time when the reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree opens Wednesday, July 17, at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Inside the rustic Grizzly Hall, Audio-Animatronic hillbilly bears will perform a medley of original and classic songs that, for the first time, includes a trio of countryfied Disney tunes.

The transformation of Country Bear Jamboree—one of the last attractions Walt Disney personally helped develop—was announced at Destination D23 in September 2023, and Disney Imagineers have been hard at work ever since to revitalize the attraction for guests.

“It was an honor to work on a show with such a legacy. It’s a show that means a lot to a lot of people, including myself,” said Jake Ellis, Principal Audio Media Designer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “One of the first memories I have at Walt Disney World was sitting on my mom’s lap in the back row at Grizzly Hall and watching the Country Bears perform.”

In approaching the refresh, Ellis went on, “We knew that we wanted to keep the ethos of the bears, but we also wanted to rethink the songs in a way that was more diverse and had multigenerational appeal. Where better to look than the Disney catalog for those songs?”

With that in mind, Disney Imagineers turned to a few country music stars, including Mac McAnally for “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, Emily Ann Roberts for “Try Everything” from Zootopia, and Allison Russel and Chris Thile for “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. The show will feature twangin’ interpretations of Disney songs in various genres of country music, including Americana, bluegrass, pop-country, rockabilly, and more.

Brett Swain, Director of Music Production, The Walt Disney Company, worked with each artist to reinterpret the songs. “He spun them up in this really fun way,” Ellis said. “I’m excited for my 3-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter to sit on my lap so I can introduce them to the Bears in their new form, and we’re excited for guests to experience the show.”

Roberts, who lends her vocals to Trixie St. Claire, shares his excitement.

“It’s so crazy seeing Trixie singing with my voice coming out,” Roberts said. “It’s something that I never, ever dreamed would be a reality in my life. And she just looks so cute! I could not be more thrilled with how everything turned out, and I’m so honored to be a part of it.”

Roberts’ rendition of “Try Everything” may sound different than the original recording, but its message remains the same. “Y’all can tell by the way I talk that I don’t sound anything like Shakira,” she said with a laugh. “When I was approached to record the song for Country Bear Musical Jamboree, I thought, ‘OK, we’re going to really have to put our East Tennessee into this.’ When I heard the new [country arrangement], it was so easy for me to get in the zone. I was so excited when I got into the studio and everybody told me to just sing it the way I would. I got to lean into my Appalachian and country music roots and just let her fly.”

“It’s been so neat being able to work with all these other incredible folks who are lending their voices and their talents to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree,” Roberts continued. “Everybody brings something different to the table, and that’s what makes it so cool. We have our own influences, and we’re all coming together to make something really special.”

A mere four years after the 1955 opening of the Disneyland Resort — and 65 years ago this Friday — Walt Disney welcomed celebrities, fans, and even a full television crew to witness an event so grand, it felt like a “second opening” of Disneyland.

During a TV special on ABC titled Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59, Walt showed off six new and updated attractions as part of the first ever major expansion of Disneyland.

“Disneyland formally introduced the iconic E-Ticket attractions Submarine Voyage, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System,” Mike Buckhoff of the Walt Disney Archives, said. There was also “an all-new Skyway experience — which flew guests through the caverns of the Matterhorn’s Glacier Grotto — the reopening of the Motor Boat Cruise, and the Fantasyland Autopia.”

Never Finished

Walt Disney once remarked that “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Seeking to ensure that all areas of the park were as robust as others, and that guests would regularly have something new to enjoy with each visit, Disneyland — and later all other Disney parks and resorts — would thrive on innovation.

However, innovation isn’t so simple, and ideas can push beyond the limits of what’s possible at the time.

Buckhoff states that Walt would “regularly envision changes and expansions for his new theme park, even as the turnstiles began revolving with the entry of the first guests to Disneyland in 1955.”

Forward Thinking Innovation

“Since the very beginning, Disneyland attractions and experiences have been at the forefront of innovation,” Buckhoff noted.

While traveling across the globe, Walt would often find new ideas to implement at his park.

“Ever the forward thinker, Walt drew inspiration from the innovative monorail systems of Europe which he adapted to fit his Tomorrowland ideals,” Buckhoff said. “And the Matterhorn mountain was based on the towering peak in Switzerland which he visited during the filming of 1959’s Third Man on the Mountain.”

But to translate his inspiration into attractions, Walt needed time to allow his engineers at WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering) to create what he had envisioned.

By 1959, “advancements in technology and available storytelling methods were providing some of the necessary tools for the creative evolution that Walt intended and actively sought out,” according to Buckhoff.

Buckhoff added that Matterhorn Bobsleds “was no exception, as it was the first roller-coaster style thrill ride at Disneyland and was also the first to use tubular steel tracks and an electronic dispatch system which allowed more than one car to be on the track at one time.”

Of those new additions introduced in 1959, Buckhoff explained that the most influential may have been the Monorail.

It “would go on to serve as not only an enjoyable voyage,” ­­­­Buckhoff said, “but also an efficient means of transportation at other Disney sites, such as the Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.

For the Nation to See

“Well Walt… how do you feel?” Disney Legend Art Linkletter asked.

“Like an expectant father: nervous, but wonderful,” Walt Disney replied from in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Those were the words that greeted viewers when they tuned in to ABC on June 15, 1959 to view the broadcast of Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59, “an event chock-full of lively entertainment, including an extravagant parade down Main Street, U.S.A.,” Buckhoff stated.

“Walt Disney understood the rising importance of television in the 1950s,” Buckhoff added. He “quickly realized the medium could be an important asset to his theme park venture.”

Just as he had done with Dateline Disneyland, which showcased the opening of Disneyland on national television, “Disneyland ’59 afforded Walt Disney priceless publicity for the new adventures that awaited guests at the park,” Buckhoff declared.

The broadcast wouldn’t only live on television. “The Disney studio later released a 25-minute Technicolor featurette of the festivities in theatres entitled Gala Day at Disneyland.” Buckhoff explained.

Still Innovating

Six and a half decades later, Disneyland Resort is getting ready to welcome in yet another new era of growth.

The company is investing $1.9 billion in the resort over the next 10 years through DisneylandForward.

“Now, it’s time for the next chapter in the legacy of Disneyland,” said Ken Potrock, President of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re ready to build on decades of innovation, creativity, and storytelling to bring new, exciting experiences for our guests.”

And the growth doesn’t stop in Anaheim.

Disney Experiences has opened a bevy of new lands and attractions all over the world, and has announced plans to turbocharge growth in its Experiences segment with even more new and exciting developments in the years to come.

Much like Walt did with Disneyland ’59, the company continues to regularly imagine and implement new innovations at its parks and experiences across the globe.

Fantasy Springs comes to life beginning Thursday and brings with it amazing attractions based on some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most beloved stories, stunning restaurants, and a welcoming shop.

“I am so proud of the richly immersive experiences we’ve created together, and I look forward to the bright future ahead of us here at Tokyo Disney Resort,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said. “We’ve worked alongside Oriental Land Company for more than 40 years, and this new land exemplifies our companies’ shared commitment to excellence in everything we do.”

The new themed experience is expansive in terms of its scope and storytelling, so to help find the most magical details within the treasure trove of information, here’s what you need to know about Fantasy Springs:

Where is Fantasy Springs?

Fantasy Springs is the eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea Park.

When does Fantasy Springs open?

Fantasy Springs officially opens on June 6.

What is Fantasy Springs?

Fantasy Springs is an entryway for guests into the magical worlds of Disney Animation such as Rapunzel’s Forest from Tangled, Peter Pan’s Never Land from Peter Pan, and Frozen Kingdom from the blockbuster film, Frozen. The new port finds itself nestled between the park’s Lost River Delta and the Arabian Coast areas.

Fresh off the heels of Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort openings, this is the latest example of how only Disney can take these beloved stories and transform them into immersive experiences.

What attractions are in Fantasy Springs?

For starters, there’s Rapunzel’s Forest, which takes guests into the world of Tangled. That includes Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, a romantic gondola tour that tells the story of Rapunzel exploring the kingdom of Corona and falling for thief Flynn Rider (a.k.a. Eugene Fitzherbert).

There is also a restaurant based on the famed watering hole The Snuggly Duckling, where many ruffians from Tangled continue to live out their dreams. This counter-service restaurant is tucked away beneath an overgrown tree and offers delectable food choices such as the Duckling’s Dream Cheeseburger.

Then second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning is Peter Pan’s Never Land.

Guests can come aboard Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, which allows them to soar alongside Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Kids as they attempt to save John from the clutches of Captain Hook.

If you’re looking for a snack to go with your swashbuckling, head over to Lookout Cookout — a counter-service restaurant — which offers food and drink options including the Lost Kids’ Snack Box.

The Box comes with chicken tenders, seaweed fritters, banana and shrimp chips, and a Pixie Dust Soda (Kiwi) that comes with a star-shaped topping that dissolves into the drink, creating a silver sparkling effect inspired by Tinker Bell’s magical pixie dust. Also, there’s Popcorn Wagon’s roast beef flavored popcorn — available for the first time at Tokyo Disney Resort.

And finally: Frozen Kingdom.

The experience invites guests to enjoy the sights, tastes, and fun of Arendelle—the kingdom and home of Queens Anna and Elsa and other beloved characters from the hit film, Frozen.

Set out on a voyage via Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, which takes guests into the heartwarming tale of the two sisters. The boat adventure includes popular songs from the original film, as well as memories of the excitement and love that Anna and Elsa share.

After the adventure, guests can dine at the Royal Banquet of Arendelle. At this counter-service restaurant, guests can eat delicious meals inspired by the film, including Arendelle’s Royal Set — a meal served to guests in a basket that has a variety of mouthwatering dishes from appetizers to dessert.

What is the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel?

If guests need a place to rest after immersing themselves in the worlds of those beloved Disney Animation films, they don’t have to go far to stay at Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

The park-integrated Disney hotel is situated near Fantasy Springs, which allows guests to be surrounded by the world during their stay.

The hotel is made up of two buildings: Fantasy Chateau, a deluxe type, and Grand Chateau, a luxury type. Grand Chateau rooms offer the finest accommodation experience at Tokyo Disney Resort and are adorned with flora and fauna motifs of the themed port, and more.

The expansive Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea is just another example of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to turbocharging its parks, resorts, and experiences using its incredible library of stories such as Tangled, Peter Pan and Frozen.

Massive lands such as Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland resort — which opened last year — as well as the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida are all state of the art investments in the future of Disney Experiences.

“Drop on in” with Princess Tiana this summer, as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on June 28.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure invites guests to join beloved characters Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis, and all-new friends on a thrilling adventure, all set against the music and excitement of a New Orleans celebration. This new attraction will feature dozens of Audio-Animatronics figures, a foot-tapping soundtrack, and a celebration where everyone’s welcome.

They got music, it’s always playin’

Music is at the heart of New Orleans, and guests will be tapping their toes all throughout the attraction thanks in part to adorable critters, who play instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou. Tiana’s new friends include an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, a turtle and more. Their spirited stylings will turn the bayou into a party with Zydeco, Rara, and Afro-Cuban music authentic to the region of New Orleans. There will be new, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film, created in collaboration with award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.

In addition to musical critters, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure welcomes talent voices from the film as they reprise their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.

Grab somebody, come on down

As guests float through the cypress trees and Spanish moss of a beautiful Louisiana bayou, they may see some familiar faces as part of the dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures. Along with Princess Tiana, Louis and Mama Odie, keep an eye out for Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen and others. Between Disney’s iconic storytelling, technologically advanced Audio-Animatronics figures, and a thrilling 50-foot drop, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has enough fun for everyone!

As Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog makes its home in the Crescent City, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is more stuffed with authentic NOLA artistry than Charlotte is with Tiana’s “man-catching” beignets! Artwork from Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite will delight guests as part of the queue, and guests can see an original metalwork weathervane from third-generation master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves and his apprentice, Karina Roca. New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi’s artwork has inspired the attraction from the beginning. And, for some lagniappe (a “little extra”) guests will have a nose full of the sweet scent of beignets being kept warm in the oven – reminiscent of strolling through the French Quarter – as part of the attraction queue.

Dreams do come true in New Orleans

The heart of Tiana’s story reminds guests that everyone has the potential to make their dreams a reality. With teams of Imagineers, Disney Animation artists, cast members and Louisiana artisans working together, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is sure to pass a good time when it opens at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on June 28, 2024, and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California!

Ken Potrock — the President of the Disneyland Resort — wrote a Disney Parks Blog post on Tuesday evening that went over the DisneylandForward approval and what’s next for the resort. Here’s what he had to say:

Exciting news out of Anaheim tonight — I’m thrilled to share that the city council has given final approval for DisneylandForward, and the next era of Disneyland Resort is about to begin!

We’ve worked closely with city staff, neighbors, and our local community over the past three years to make sure DisneylandForward is a win for everyone — I’m grateful the city council agrees and voted to work with us on this legacy project that will set up Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for an incredibly bright future.

With updated land use approvals through DisneylandForward, we can build new entertainment experiences for our fans, create thousands of new jobs, and bring new revenue streams to Anaheim.

DisneylandForward Approval Kicks off Endless Possibilities

Almost 70 years ago, Walt Disney opened his original theme park and created a new standard of immersive experiences.

With the addition of Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Downtown Disney District in 2001, Disneyland Resort became the premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California.

Since then, we’ve continued to invest, bringing awe-inspiring expansions like Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and our newly reimagined Pixar Place Hotel.

Now, it’s time for the next chapter in the legacy of Disneyland Resort. We’re ready to build on decades of innovation, creativity, and storytelling to bring new, exciting experiences for our guests. The possibilities are boundless, and I can’t wait to see what our Disney Imagineers dream up next!

The Vote for DisneylandForward is an Investment in Anaheim

We’ll be investing at least $1.9 billion in the resort in the first 10 years. Cal State Fullerton’s economic impact study projects increased revenues of about $15 million annually for Anaheim from each $1 billion we invest. This will help fund necessary community services, including additional fire and police, parks, and libraries.

We’ve also committed to a unique benefits package for Anaheim and its residents, including $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for parks, $85 million in traffic improvements and pedestrian safety, and continued investment in workforce development programs.

We’re honored to partner with Anaheim on this historic project and excited to move into this next chapter together.

DisneylandForward will bring over 4,500 operational jobs to Disneyland Resort — which is very exciting since more than 2,200 people apply for hourly roles every week — along with nearly 9,000 construction jobs within the first 10 years.

We are committed to making meaningful differences in the lives of current and future cast members with benefits like affordable healthcare and childcare for those eligible, opportunities for mentorships and training, and assistance toward educational goals — like the fully paid tuition we provide for hourly cast through our Aspire program.

Yes, our future is indeed bright.

For nearly seven decades, Disneyland Resort has made a unique, irreplaceable impact on hundreds of millions of guests from around the world. How exciting to know our best days are still ahead — I can’t wait to show you what’s to come.

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney

After transporting generations of guests into the magic of movie-making, the second park at Disneyland Paris is entering a new era marked by a fresh creative vision, brand-new experiences, an expansion on a never-before-seen scale and the introduction of an all-new visual identity.

To celebrate this new chapter, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World when World of Frozen, a new immersive area dedicated to the wintery world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen will come to life, bordering a majestic bay. While the ongoing transformation of the park is sure to take the guest experience to a whole new level, the entire resort will continue to elevate its offerings in the coming years.

Each anniversary brings its share of surprises, and this year is no different! On April 12, Disneyland Paris lifted the curtain on an ambitious future for the place where dreams come true, during an immersive presentation delivered in front of an audience of nearly 1,000 fans and Cast Members. The resort’s executive and creative teams took the stage to share information about groundbreaking entertainment that will debut in the coming months, the next phase of the ongoing transformation of Disney Hotels, and ongoing reimagining of Disney Village.The resort has seen an unprecedented number of projects brought to life to reinvigorate the guest experience and make Disneyland Paris a must-visit destination. One of the top priorities of this exceptional transformation plan — which is coming to fruition thanks to a two-billion-euro investment — is a complete makeover of Walt Disney Studios Park while continuing to expand its footprint with new themed areas that will join Marvel Avengers Campus, which welcomed its very first recruits back in 2022, and Worlds of Pixar. At the end of its expansion journey, the soon-to-be-renamed park will have roughly doubled its footprint and become a can’t-miss experience for an all-day getaway!

Immersive Worlds Bringing to Life Beloved Disney Franchises

When it opened in 2002, the original idea driving the creation of the second park was to give guests a behind- the-scenes look into the making of movies, animated feature films and television shows. The park concept has since evolved creatively to offer more immersive worlds, and in 2007 it embarked on an exciting expansion journey with the launch of multiple large-scale, immersive projects like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland and Ratatouille: The Adventure.From the recent opening of Worlds of Pixar and Marvel Avengers Campus to the creation of a -inspired land, the park continues to welcome beloved franchises, allowing guests to step into their favorite stories in a uniquely Disney way. And the fun is just beginning, as immersive worlds inspired by the most popular Disney movies of all time become the cornerstone of the park’s transformation!

“Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These fully realized adventure worlds will become the focus of the park’s new identity and appear as realms that guests discover as they navigate deeper within the park and are invited to participate in adventures inspired by our most beloved stories,” Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive and Senior Creative Executive for Disneyland Paris, commented.

“Embracing a transformation that involves the overhaul of more than 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park since its debut in 2002, we’re unveiling a fresh creative vision that has completely redefined our second gate. Guests will embark on a journey that blends the magic and emotion of our beloved franchises with explorations into faithfully recreated new worlds. This significant evolution inspired us to rename the Park, heralding a vibrant new chapter for Disneyland Paris. The new name will officially take effect coinciding with the grand opening of our next themed land, World of Frozen, marking a harmonious start to this exciting new era. With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we’re crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Adventure World that will resonate more than ever with our guests. It’s set to offer unique adventures in immersive worlds, serving as a perfect complement to Disneyland Park,” Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, shared.

With an unprecedented level of immersion and powerful storytelling, the latest experiences delivered across the park already reflect this new creative vision. Among the breathtaking experiences that will be offered in the future, World of Frozen is going to take guests on a journey to the kingdom of Arendelle with its colorful facades and remarkable North Mountain that are gradually coming into view. The land will be well located on the edge of Adventure Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter body of water surrounded by picturesque banks and a promenade at the heart of the park expansion, serving as a gateway to the new themed universes that will surround it. More than a scenic icon, Adventure Bay will serve as a unique entertainment stage with a 360-degree viewing area. It will be fitted with the latest technologies to provide exciting water-based entertainment, complete with fountains, music, lights and special effects that are sure to delight guests.And that’s just the beginning! A brand-new immersive world, whose concept and design are currently being finalized by Imagineers, will further enhance the appeal of this reimagined park in the years to come. More details will be shared in the future.

A Reimagined Park Entrance to Mark the Start of a New Chapter

Beginning this month, the park’s transformation work will extend to the entrance area to immerse guests in the brand-new story as soon as they step into Disney Adventure World. After passing through the turnstiles, guests will be transported into a vibrant, contemporary open-air movie studio before becoming special guests of a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood on a starry night. To bring this all-new immersive experience to life, the interior décor of the “soundstage” — which currently depicts a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard — will be replaced with crafted décor that pays homage to historic movie theaters in Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole. The new entrance building, renamed World Premiere, will reopen in Spring 2025.

Once outside the building, guests will arrive in the heart of World Premiere Plaza, an area that brings together theaters, currently celebrating Disney Animation and Pixar stories, in a stylish Art Déco-inspired setting. The Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams are already at work to turn the park’s former central square into a dynamic and warm environment with décor inspired by the famous facades of Broadway and West End theaters. The atmosphere will be even more vibrant and magical at night, with bright lights illuminating the whole experience!To gain access to the park’s immersive worlds, guests will be able to walk along Adventure Way, a beautiful promenade surrounded by lush landscape and themed gardens — the perfect spot for magical daydreams. As guests wander through this enchanting area, they will discover Raiponce Tangled Spin, an all-new family attraction offering a fun take on a classic ride, inspired by the beloved Disney Animation movie It will invite guests to “take a spin” through the iconic floating lanterns scene that has touched the hearts of viewers of all ages.

Finally, before setting off on new adventures, guests will have the chance to treat their taste buds to delicious dishes served at The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, a stylish table-service restaurant that will offer guests spectacular views over Adventure Bay, along with a chance to meet some of their favorite Disney Princesses.

From Hotels to Entertainment, Every Aspect of the Guest Experience is Being Reimagined

Beyond the second park, the entire resort is undergoing significant changes.Broadway is just one step away from Disneyland Paris! The place where dreams come true offers an exceptional entertainment lineup that wows guests and industry insiders alike. Yet the future holds much more, as the resort will soon add two new shows to its lineup, including a musical extravaganza inspired by Disney Animation’s Alice in Wonderland that will debut in the spring — Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland.Starting on May 25, Alice, the Queen of Hearts and many more will return to Wonderland for a wild new show in Walt Disney Studios Park. It’s a hair-raising experience, where two teams go head-to-head in a high-energy showdown, with high-flying acrobats pushing their limits, and two alternative endings decided by the audience! It’s a chance for audiences to discover a new story of Alice and the Queen of Hearts, in an ultra-colorful, pop-rock face-off!At the end of 2024, Marvel Avengers Campus will be the stage for a brand-new nighttime activation, which will come to life every evening on the Worldwide Engineering Brigade building, until Spring 2025. This engaging experience will combine projections, music and special effects with an all-new storyline, featuring some favorite and new-to-Disneyland Paris Marvel characters.

Enhanced offerings at Disney Village and in Disney Hotels

Located at the crossroads between our theme parks and Disney Hotels, Disney Village offers its own shopping and dining experiences. To enhance its offerings and exceed guest expectations, the retail, dining, and entertainment complex is also undergoing a complete reimagining. With the addition of new restaurants and shops, reimagined facades and enhanced landscaping, Disney Village is turning into a modern, warm, and dynamic experience for guests.First, shopping enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the current shops are gradually being redesigned to pave the way for new experiences that will only be available at Disney Village. As part of a complete makeover and rebranding of most existing retail locations, two new Disney shop concepts will be introduced by the end of the year — a lifestyle stop with ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, accessories, and new collaboration pieces; and a Disney home store with a selection of accessories and Disney collectible items so that all decoration enthusiasts can enhance their home interiors.Later on, and still under study, the current Disney Store will welcome all major Disney franchises under one roof. Part of the store will feature a seasonal range of products, in line with the resort’s celebrations or the latest Disney film releases. With these brand-new offerings, Disney Village is bound to become the ultimate shopping destination for all guests who want to bring a touch of Disney magic into their daily lives!Additionally, the LEGO Group and Disneyland Paris are working on plans to continue their successful partnership, with a new and improved LEGO Store in Disney Village expected to come by the end of the year. The newly refurbished LEGO Store will feature exciting photo opportunities, awe-inspiring big builds and interactive play stations alongside the widest range of LEGO sets only available in the LEGO Store. Guests will be able to find all LEGO | Disney favourites alongside other creative sets for LEGO fans whatever their age.

Upgraded accommodations coming to Disney Davy Crockett Ranch

On the hotel side of the resort, all Disney Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows will also gradually be replaced to provide a modern and comfortable experience for guests, while continuing to be a haven of peace in the heart of nature. This refurbishment project – which will be launched this year — will elevate the hotel’s theming with bungalow decorations that nod to Disney characters such as the Junior Woodchucks, together with Donald Duck and his friends.Earlier this year, the legendary Disneyland Hotel also reopened its doors following a regal makeover. All of these projects are part of our ongoing Disney Hotels transformation plan that began in 2012 and continues to strengthen the resort’s standing as the number one hotel chain in France for families*.* In family-friendly rooms by average pax capacity, according to MKG Consulting 2023 study of French and European hotels 

There’s 100 days until Fantasy Springs—the eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea Park—comes to life on June 6. To celebrate, Disney has revealed a treasure trove of details about new areas inspired by three of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most beloved films.

There’s Rapunzel’s Forest from 2010’s Tangled, Peter Pan’s Never Land from 1953’s Peter Pan and Frozen Kingdom from the 2013 blockbuster, Frozen.

Located at Tokyo DisneySea, Fantasy Spring finds itself nestled between the resort’s Lost River Delta and the Arabian Coast areas. The new port will be an entryway for guests into the magical worlds of these films, which will include innovative attractions, stunning restaurants, cozy shops, and the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

Here’s a brief look at what’s to come.

Rapunzel’s Forest

Tangled is one of Disney’s most popular films and for the first time in any Disney Park guests will be able to partake in the story of Rapunzel through festivities, locales, and encounters.

For starters, there’s Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival.

This lovely gondola tour will be both romantic and thrilling as it tells the story of Rapunzel exploring the kingdom of Corona and falling for thief Flynn Rider (AKA Eugene Fitzherbert).

For refreshments, there’s the Snuggly Duckling—the famed watering hole from the film—at which many ruffians dreamt of having more in their lives. This counter-service restaurant will be tucked away among the trees and will offer delectable food choices such as the Duckling’s Dream Cheeseburger.

Peter Pan’s Never Land

You won’t have fly to the second star to the right to land in Peter Pan’s Never Land any longer thanks to Fantasy Springs.

There’ll be plenty of excitement when guests come aboard Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure. The attraction allows guests to soar alongside Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Kids as they attempt to save John from the clutches of Captain Hook.

Swashbuckling can make you hungry, so luckily Lookout Cookout—a counter service restaurant—will offer all types of food and drink including the Lost Kids’ Snack Box.

The Box comes with chicken tenders, seaweed fritters, banana and shrimp chips, and a Pixie Dust Soda (Kiwi) that comes with a star-shaped topping that dissolves into the drink, creating a silver sparkling effect inspired by Tinker Bell’s magical pixie dust.

And if you’re still hungry, you can fly over to Popcorn Wagon to snack on roast beef flavored popcorn—available for the first time at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Frozen Kingdom

Whether it’s summer or winter, the joys of Frozen will come to life at Frozen Kingdom.

The Fantasy Springs area will invite guests to enjoy the sights, tastes, and fun of Arendelle—the kingdom and home of Anna, Elsa and the other beloved characters from the hit franchise, Frozen.

You can set out on a voyage via Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, which takes guests on an adventurous and heartwarming tale of the two sisters. The boat adventure will include popular songs from the original film as well as memories of the excitement and love that Anna and Elsa share.

After the adventure, guests can dine at the Royal Banquet of Arendelle.

This counter-service restaurant will include books and artwork from the world of Frozen. Guests will also be able to eat delicious meals inspired by the film, including Arendelle’s Royal Set — a meal served to guests in a basket that has a variety of mouthwatering dishes from appetizers to dessert.

Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel

Beyond the worlds of the film, guests can also rest their heads at the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

The park-integrated Disney hotel is situated near Fantasy Springs, which allows guests to be immersed in the world during their stay at this hotel.

Interiors will be inspired by Disney princesses, flora and fauna with motifs of the themed port, and more.

The hotel is made up of two buildings: Fantasy Chateau, a deluxe type, and Grand Chateau, a luxury type which will offer the finest accommodation experience at Tokyo Disney Resort.

The expansive Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea is just another example of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to turbocharging its parks, resorts, and experiences.

Disney announced in September of 2023 that it’s developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Experiences segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion.

Massive lands such as Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland resort—which opened last year—as well as the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida are all state of the art investments in the future of Disney Experiences.

Tuesday is Mardi Gras in New Orleans but – come this summer – it will be Mardi Gras every day when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Following the events of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, this new attraction “digs a little deeper” into the story of Princess Tiana.

At Tiana’s Bayou Adventure the princess will be joined by a whole boatful of new friends to light up the bayou with music and magic. Guests will float through the cypress trees and Spanish moss on their way towards a stomach-swooping 50-foot drop that ends with a refreshing wave of water.

Fans can expect to see some familiar faces as part of the dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures created by Disney’s world-famous Imagineers.

As guests make their way through the attraction, there will be new, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film, created in collaboration with award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure welcomes back voice talents reprising their roles from the film, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.

The heart of Tiana’s story reminds guests that everyone has the potential to make their dreams a reality. With teams of Imagineers, Disney Animation artists, Cast Members and Louisiana artisans working together, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is sure to pass a good time when it opens at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in summer 2024 and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California.

Pixar Place Hotel is now open at Disneyland Resort, officially marking the transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story high-rise overlooking Disney California Adventure Park boasts comfortable and contemporary guest rooms that celebrate the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios, new dining options by Great Maple, a relaxing rooftop pool area and play court, a renovated fitness center, and more. Character artwork, concept renderings, and more are displayed throughout the hotel, celebrating beloved films such as Finding Nemo, Inside Out, and Soul.

“At Pixar, our mission is to tell great stories. And nothing is more exciting than when we see those stories come to life in Disney parks. Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort is the perfect example; it’s like walking into a world of Pixar,” says Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios. “It’s truly immersive, and we’re thrilled to have collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to make such an experience possible for guests.”

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock adds, “We are looking to turbocharge expansion at Disneyland Resort over the coming years, and the transformation of Pixar Place Hotel is a demonstration of how we’re creating high-quality guest experiences infused with our most popular stories.”

Pixar Place Hotel is designed to evoke the inspiration and humor in every Pixar film, while celebrating the artistic process. Showcasing early sketches to finished design, the décor depicts memorable moments from Pixar stories and reveals never-before-seen artwork. “Walt Disney Imagineering was so inspired to take a peek behind the curtain and learn more about the creation of our favorite Pixar films,” says Kirstin Makela, Art Director at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We wanted to bring this iconic collection of artwork directly to our guests in unique ways throughout the property, as well as new artwork created for the hotel.”

A sculpture of the iconic Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball is the focal point of the lobby. Floating from the skylight above, a mobile represents the beginning stages of Pixar filmmaking—and guests’ stays—with character designs made of basic shapes and colors. Specially composed for Pixar Place Hotel, the new lobby music includes 10 new arrangements of Pixar cues, which collectively celebrate themes from many Pixar films.

At select times, guests may encounter Joe Gardner from Soul playing the piano near the Pixar Place Hotel’s staircase, or they may be invited to create core photo memories with Bing Bong from Inside Out, who makes his first-ever appearance at any Disney property.

Just off the lobby is a new retail shop, STOR-E. The name is a nod to WALL-E, and the shop’s artwork is inspired by icons from Pixar films, including the scuba mask from Finding Nemo, balloons from Up, and Hank’s coffee pot from Finding Dory. Pixar-themed apparel and toys, as well as Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries, are also available at STOR-E.

From concept art on the headboards to pillows inspired by the Pixar Ball, the reimagined guest rooms incorporate whimsical nods to the animation studio. For example, the headboards consist of concept art from films such as The Incredibles and Toy Story 3, arranged in order from warm to cool colors to demonstrate the importance of color to the tone of a scene. What’s more, some of the artwork displayed in each guest room was created by Pixar artists exclusively for the hotel. “Our Pixar artists love seeing their stories come to life in Disney parks for guests to enjoy—and for them to enjoy, too!” Roger Gould, Creative Director, Theme Parks at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, says. “Now, with Pixar Place Hotel, our guests are welcome to stay in an environment that surrounds them with the joyful spirit of Pixar. One of the most exciting aspects of the hotel is that we’re sharing the story of how we create our films. There are amazing, never-before-seen pieces of concept art and storyboards as well as wireframes, maquettes, and other elements that illustrate how our films go from an original idea all the way to the finished image.”

Mike and Sulley from Monsters University can be spotted on treadmills in a mural at the expanded fitness center. Guests can also enjoy a colorful new pool area, where families can take a ride down the 186-feet-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide; lounge around or splash in the Pixel Pool; and frolic in Nemo’s Cove, a pop-jet splash pad featuring Hank, Squirt, Dory, and Marlin. Guests may choose to rent private daybeds, cabanas, or pods in the daytime; relax at night around fire pits inspired by some of Pixar’s most hotheaded characters, including Ember from Elemental and Anger from Inside Out; and see fireworks from this rooftop deck on select nights. At the Pixar Shorts Court, next to the rooftop pool, guests can play outdoor games such as Bao Toss, Follow the Leader, Shuffleboard, and Burrow Path—respectively themed to the shorts Bao, For the Birds, La Luna, and Burrow. The nearby umbrella counter invites guests to enjoy food and drinks under the umbrellas from The Blue Umbrella.

“The different spaces in the hotel tell the story of how art and technology come together in the process of making Pixar films, starting in the lobby with the mobile representing minimalist character sketches to the rear entry hallway murals showing how animation thumbnails evolve into wireframes built in the computer,” says Tasha Sounart, Theme Park Creative Director at Pixar Animation Studios. “For the pool area, we had a lot of fun creating pixel-art versions of the characters out of tiles, to further represent the role technology plays in our art process.”

The creativity and comfort of Pixar Place Hotel is also reflected in new, upscale culinary offerings. Guests can savor elevated takes on American classics at three dining locations operated by Southern California-based Great Maple. Accessible to hotel guests, local diners, and theme park goers, the 6,500 square-foot Great Maple restaurant on the ground floor serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Signature dishes include buttermilk fried chicken and maple bacon doughnuts, Cajun shrimp and cheddar biscuit benedict, and soda pop-braised baby back ribs. The Sketch Pad Café, a grab-and-go lobby coffee shop, offers assorted pastries, coffee, and tea. When the rooftop pool bar Small Bytes opens in early March, a selection of beverages, salads, wraps, cheese plates, and more will be available with an incredible view of Disneyland Resort. In addition, Great Maple will provide food and beverage service to the Creators Club concierge lounge when it opens later this year; located on the second floor,Creators Club concierge lounge will honor the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios with attraction posters, concept art, and music from Pixar experiences in Disney parks around the world.

When final touches are completed later this year, Pixar Place Hotel will have 479 total guest rooms, including two new, two-bedroom signature suites. The colorful Coco Suite will pay tribute to Miguel and the Rivera family’s legacy through vibrant Oaxacan art, while the midcentury modern Incredibles Suite will feature Parr family memorabilia with a spy-fi twist. “With upgraded accommodations and amenities, plus stylish Pixar flair throughout, Pixar Place Hotel is proud to deliver an elevated, distinctly Disney experience that only comes with staying at the Disneyland Resort,” says Pixar Place Hotel general manager Ron Silagyi.

Overnight stays offer special Disneyland Resort Hotel benefits, such as early theme park entry and convenient theme park access.

Pixar Place Hotel is one of many ways guests can experience Pixar storytelling across the Disneyland Resort. From April 26 through August 4, 2024, the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration returns with the all-new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” daytime parade at Disney California Adventure Park, the heartwarming “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” at Disneyland Park, colorful décor across the resort, and more.

Today, Disneyland Paris reopens the Disneyland Hotel after a multiyear transformation, inviting guests from around the world to immerse themselves in royal Disney stories combined with unparalleled hospitality, fine dining, and uniquely Disney entertainment.

“The reopening of Disneyland Hotel marks a new milestone in the transformation of Disneyland Paris, extending our legacy as a leader in the European tourism industry with a unique blend of storytelling and service excellence, not to mention our exceptional capacity to welcome families,” says Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris. “We are thrilled to unveil this a one-of-a-kind five-star property celebrating beloved Disney royalty, which represents one of the most immersive hotels in Europe today.”

Located at the entrance to Disneyland Park, the royal experience at Disneyland Hotel begins the moment guests enter the grand lobby, where a Royal Greeter welcomes them into a majestic library, and Story Keepers are keen to point out hidden details within the enchanted setting. Also in the lobby, La Troupe Royale Disney, accompanied by Disney Princesses, treat guests to surprise theatrical performances. The lobby also includes a chandelier made of Bohemian crystal, which represents Sleeping Beauty Castle. And on display in the wood and marble mezzanine are 15 exclusive dioramas that depict how Walt Disney and his artists would deepen the art of storytelling through the multiplane camera.

Regal Residences

The Disneyland Hotel includes 487 rooms and suites that feature stylish, sophisticated interiors infused with the tradition of Disney storytelling, modern comfort, and luxurious amenities. From dream-inspiring artwork to subtle accents in the décor, guests enjoy an atmosphere that recounts unforgettable moments from royal Disney stories in great detail.

The relaxing, elegant Superior Room features exclusive art depicting iconic moments from one of 11 Walt Disney Animation Studios films: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Cinderella (1950), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled (2010), Frozen (2013), Moana (2016), or Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). The Deluxe Room takes guests one step further with new artwork that showcases scenes from those same films, which magically come to life with a special enchantment. For a magical bedtime experience, marvel at an illuminated animated canopy above the bed. Guests staying in a Deluxe Room also enjoy dedicated check-in and concierge services, as well as special access to the Deluxe Lounge.

The Castle Club is hotel-within-a-hotel that offers guests exclusive benefits and enhanced magic. Located on the top two floors, the Castle Club features a private elevator and a dedicated check-in area, among other amenities. Guests staying in the Castle Club—there are 41 Castle Club rooms, 16 Signature Suites, one Princely Suite, and one Royal Suite—have access to the Castle Club Lounge, featuring breakfast with Disney Princess characters.

The 16 Signature Suites include the following:

• 3 Cinderella Signature Suites
• 3 Frozen Signature Suites
• 3 Sleeping Beauty Signature Suites
• 4 Rapunzel Signature Suites
• 3 Beauty and The Beast Signature Suites

Guests in the Princely Suite step inside the live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Inside, they discover lavish baroque décor. From the bedroom to the “lounge-turned-ballroom” and bathroom, every detail of this spacious residence is enchanted by a tale as old as time with its chandeliers, fireplace, and glittering rose adorning the headboard. The Royal Suite transports guests to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace from Frozen. A shimmering ice chandelier elevates the room’s elegant silver and blue décor. The unique suite also has a balcony that overlooks Disneyland Park with a breathtaking view of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Finest Fare

At Disneyland Hotel, guests can indulge in a variety of fine-dining dishes inspired by the finest offerings of French cuisine and from around the world. Its restaurants, bar, and lounges are steeped in the same powerful storytelling enjoyed in other parts of the hotel.

Inspired by the opulence of vast reception rooms found in every castle, The Royal Banquet invites guests to attend a royal feast amidst a gallery of paintings portraying numerous Disney royal families, such as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland (1951), Prince John from Robin Hood (1973), and Kronk from TheEmperor’s New Groove (2000). Guests choose from dishes influenced by the diverse cultures that inspired many beloved Disney stories—and for those with hearty appetites, a sumptuous oyster and seafood bar and meat carving stand is available, filled with premium products. Children are in for a special treat with a variety of offerings, including a personalized dessert they can customize themselves. The Royal Banquet gives guests the chance to meet and dine at lunch and/or dinner with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends, each decked out in their finest royal attire.

At La Table de Lumière, guests enjoy table service dinner in a space paying homage to the Beauty and the Beast ballroom scene, which itself was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Castle. Elegant mirrors and crystal add sparkle to an elegant atmosphere replete with distinguished tableware, from rose-emblazoned China to thorn-themed napkin rings. The menu features French fine dining that uses local, gourmet delicacies, and also includes seafood such as sole fished off the coast of France and European lobster with white cabbage remoulade. Additionally, a large selection of wine and champagne pair perfectly with the dishes created by the hotel’s chefs. Dessert includes delicacies that pay tribute to royal Disney stories, with a celebration cake inspired by Belle’s rose marking special occasions. At Table de Lumière, guests can dine in the company of royal Disney couples.

At Fleur de Lys Bar, guests can take in a spectacular view of Fantasia Gardens in a fleur-de-lys-themed setting cast in regal shades of blue and silver. The menu features flower-themed signature cocktails and a large selection of quality wines. Guests can also purchase an exclusive premium afternoon tea offer, a snacking offer, or a Champagne experience serving premium products and exclusive Disneyland Hotel Cuvée, produced by the Maison Pierre Mignon, a five-generation family champagne producer located near Epernay, France.

The Deluxe Lounge welcomes guests staying in Deluxe Rooms to enjoy a stunning view of Fantasia Gardens and peaceful buffet breakfasts, complimentary tea time, and salty snacks. The Castle Club Lounge—reserved for guests staying in Castle Club rooms and suites—delivers a breathtaking view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It has refined, bright décor inspired by several Disney castle interiors and elegant engravings designed by the Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams, which were handmade using ancestral techniques. It offers a gourmet breakfast buffet topped with an à-la-carte menu, complimentary tea time with a selection of hot and cold beverages, and sweet and savory snack options, all served in delicate tableware specially created by Limoges porcelain manufacturer Maison Haviland. Cherished Disney Princesses, from Merida to Moana, crown the daily breakfast experience.

Relaxation and Revelry

At the Royal Kids Club, children become a part of their favorite Disney royal stories. The club is designed as a magical library where Cast Members welcome the children as they take part in exciting interactive and augmented reality experiences. Children and their families are also able to book A Disney Royal Encounter to pose alongside a Disney Princess such as Snow White or Jasmine, capturing charming memories in a stylish setting.

My Royal Dream makes even the youngest guests’ dreams come true as Cast Members act as personal stylists, transforming young girls and boys into elegant princesses or shining princes through the magic of makeup, hair, nails, costumes, and accessories. These paid services have different packages for children and adults, with costumes only available for those ages 3 to 14. This pampering experience ends with a professional portrait session, including a high-quality photo print and frames, for a magical souvenir that lasts a lifetime.

Disneyland Hotel also features the first-ever Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins. Beauty therapists, in four double treatment rooms, provide classic and signature treatments designed to enjoy alone, to share as a couple, or to experience with children. Guests are also invited to relax at the Crystal Pool, featuring a main pool, a kids’ paddling pool, and a hot tub. Swimmers can enjoy a leisurely dip beneath the glass and metal roof that echoes the Laeken Royal Greenhouses in Brussels before stretching out on the exterior sun deck.

For guests looking to stay active during their stay, the Health Club provide the latest in smart fitness equipment from the leading sports machine brand Technogym. Open 24/7, the space also includes a wellness program through a partnership with the wellness technology company Three Sages. A digital entertainment system provides guests with access to yoga and mindfulness practices to unwind and reset after a fun day in the parks.

Majestic Merchandise

The Royal Collection Boutique has been entirely redesigned in golden tones with references subtly concealed in carefully crafted details such as Disney Princesses emblems painted on elegant medallions. Guests are sure to find the perfect souvenir within a range of Disneyland Hotel exclusive products. Special Disney collaborations, as well as select core and Disneyland Paris lifestyle products crafted with the whole family in mind, also make for treasured gifts. Disneyland Paris teamed up with renowned French brands, including high-end fashion house Julien Fournié and Limoges porcelain manufacturer Bernardaud. Disneyland Paris is collaborating with Billieblush to introduce a lively and vibrant mini collection, only available in the Disneyland Hotel beginning in March 2024.

For more details on the Disneyland Hotel, visit the Disneyland Paris website.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California as celebrations take place for the holiday season.

The holidays are one of the most festive and popular times for Disney parks, and it takes a herculean effort to pull off all the merry magic.

“I think most people think we do it in a night, and if we’re doing our job correctly it should seem that way, but it takes us over four weeks to install the Christmas decor throughout the resort,” said Dawn Pipal-Keehne, a Resort Enhancement Area Manager for Disney. “We have over 50 cast members that bring the holiday decor into the resort over those four weeks.”

The holiday transformation of the Disneyland Resort has many memorable attractions including a massive gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which takes weeks to build and has over 80 Mickey Mouse gingerbread cookies.

The holidays at Disneyland Resort also includes traditional favorites such as “snow” on Main Street U.S.A., special fireworks, and A Christmas Fantasy Parade.

To see more about the holiday takeover at Disneyland Resort, check out the video below.

Zootopia—the much anticipated new land based on the Academy Award®-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film—is open, and we’re here to help you cut through the wilderness of information.

The 2016 film is one of Disney’s biggest hits bringing in more than $1 billion at the global box office. It’s also one of the studio’s most revered classics winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. Now that story roars to life in an innovative and magical way that only Disney’s Experiences can pull off.

“For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring audiences and fans through exceptional storytelling that transcends generations and geographies,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Our popular Zootopia film continues to delight fans across the globe, especially in China, and we’re excited to give guests at Shanghai Disney Resort the chance to interact with the stories and characters they love in innovative new ways when they visit this spectacular new land.”

Here’s what you need to know about Zootopia:

What is Zootopia?

The new Zootopia experience—which brings to life the colorful and wild world of the animated film—immerses visitors with the sights and sounds of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ movie.

The world’s first Zootopia-themed land introduces guests to the Mammalian Metropolis while also bringing the beloved animal residents of the film to life. This includes popular locales such as Mane Street, which is lined with storefronts, the many billboards of Savannah Central, and some of the other familiar spots such as Zootopia Central Station.

The colorful land presents guests with plenty of details and an authentic Zootopia experience.

Where is Zootopia?

Zootopia is located at Shanghai Disney Resort.

The land’s location plays an important role in Zootopia’s storytelling since Shanghai Disney’s guiding principle of “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese” is a major part of the land’s feel and creation.

“The beloved Disney Animation film Zootopia has fostered a strong connection with its audience since its debut. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that very connection to life right here in Shanghai with this one-of-a-kind themed land,” said Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

When is Zootopia opening?

Zootopia officially opened on December 20.

What attractions are in Zootopia?

The major attraction is Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. The new family-friendly Hot Pursuit is not just innovative thanks to a trackless ride system, but also puts guests right in the middle of the action alongside Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The attraction—which is set after the timeline of the film—invites guests to become rookie police officers as they help Judy and Nick track down criminals after a jailbreak.

There are also places to taste Zootopian cuisine such as Jumbeaux’s Café, the famous elephant-run ice cream shop. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, there’s Fashions by Fru Fru. Oh, and if you want to take in even more entertainment then there’s Disney Zootopia Comes Alive—a new atmosphere show that allows guests to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite Zootopia characters.

“Over years of development, diverse minds, and talent around the globe from more than 140 disciplines worked tirelessly to create a unique ‘mammalian’ experience for our guests, immersing them in this metropolis’ vibrant animal world,” Schott added. “We are extremely proud of what they’ve created, and confident that everyone will be amazed from their very first step into Zootopia.”