Explore our Etsy shop brimming with fun Disney items.

Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

You are here: Home / Home

Pixar Fest begins at the Disneyland Resort

By

When you walk through Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, your favorite Pixar characters greet you on banners from above.  Primary colored signs above the entrance to both parks welcome guests to “Celebrate Friendship &  Beyond” through September 3, 2018.  On April 13 Disneyland Resort launched Pixar Fest, a summer long experience that incorporates your favorite Pixar characters throughout the park in parades, fireworks, merchandise, and food.

The new Pixar Pier at DCA will open with the newly themed rides and attractions on June 23.

The Pixar Play Parade returned and moved to Disneyland. A fun filled parade with characters from Monsters University, Toy Story, Incredibles, Inside Out, and Finding Nemo.  There is lots of activity on the street and watch out because all of the floats seem to have the ability to squirt water into the crowd.  The parade is running twice a day at 3:30pm and 6:00pm. I found a nice view about 15 minutes prior to the start time across from It’s a Small World with a view of the floats as the left the backstage area. On my visit, I was able to see the new Inside Out float, but their was no sign of the UP floats that have been promoted.

The new fireworks show, Together Forever, launches nightly at [9:30]. Disneyland has brought back the projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Main Street buildings. According to the times guide and my experience from the 60th fireworks, the projections will display on It’s a Small World and the water spray in the Rivers of America.  Tip: If you have a Fastpass for Fantasmic, stay put and catch the fireworks from the riverbanks. In the past, it was a nice view with the fireworks above Big Thunder Mountain.  I don’t recommend my method of continuously walking up and down Main Street for your view. But if you want to try: walk up the right side of Main Street, when you get to the Camera Shop rush back down to Town Square using the backstage passage way and start over.

Since last fall, Downtown Disney has added holiday themed topiaries to their planters. Pixar Fest has brought a collection of unique topiaries to continue the theming throughout the resort.

Next time: Merchandise, Food, and Paint the Night.

What’s in Woody’s Lunch Box?

By

In the toy-filled backyard that is Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and explore the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends. In the middle of all the fun, Andy has taken his vintage Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with a thermos, turning it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. From a nearby tower, green army men stand at the ready, keeping watch for Andy’s return.

Opening June 30, Woody’s Lunch Box will dish up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages. We caught up with the team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen – to ask how much fun (and challenging) it was to take sentimental food favorites and give them a modern make-over…in flavor and presentation.

“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World, about the year-long menu development process.  “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?”

Here is a peek into Woody’s Lunch Box. Gee, I wish my mom would have packed me a lunch like this!

S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.

Smoked Turkey Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough – The perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.

Breakfast Bowl from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Breakfast Bowl – The green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs.

BBQ Brisket Melt from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

BBQ Brisket Melt – With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough.

Monte Cristo from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam – Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.

Totchos from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Totchos – Potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love??

Sides from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Mini Babybel Cheese from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.

Raspberry Lunch Box Tarts from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon – Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.

The littlest toys can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. For toys looking for more lighter options, they can grab one of these tasty bites at Woody’s Lunch Box or check out the many other healthful offerings available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.

Banana Split Yogurt Parfait

Banana Split Yogurt Parfait – Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day!

Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread

Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.

Soda Floats from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Soda Floats – All toys would agree that a refreshing soda float is the perfect nostalgic beverage!

Alien Sipper from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The adorable Alien Sipper may be purchased and filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.

The big kids can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider.

D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse Ticket Information

By

Gold and Gold Family Members: $215 per person (plus $7 processing fee)
Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, April 12, at 11 a.m. PT. (2 p.m. ET). Please check here for ticketing link.
Mouseketeer VIP Level: $1,300 per person (plus $7 processing fee)
Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, April 12, at 10 a.m. PT. (1 p.m. ET). Please check here for ticketing link.

OVERVIEW

D23 Gold Members are invited to join the fun and excitement of Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse, the ultimate birthday celebration honoring 90 years of the mouse that started it all!

DETAILS

The event will take place November 17–18, 2018, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members
You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Guests will have the opportunity to kick things off on Friday, November 16 with optional early check-in. Once checked in, Destination D guests can enjoy the following:

  • Mickey’s of Glendale—The famed Walt Disney Imagineering store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.
  • Mickey Marketplace—For the first time ever, D23 is thrilled to debut a Mickey Marketplace inside Disney’s Contemporary Convention Center—exclusively available to Destination D attendees, a handful of retailers will offer limited Mickey-branded products.
  • Walt Disney Archives—Access to an exclusive exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives celebrating Mickey Mouse.

Please note: These experiences will also be available on Saturday and Sunday during event hours.

Then, join us in the Fantastia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on Saturday and Sunday to discover fascinating details about Mickey’s imaginative past, adventurous present, and boundless future as Disney historians, cast members, Imagineers, and artists host exciting panels, presentations, and other fun-filled entertainment. From Mickey’s historic roles in animated films and television shows to merchandise, magic kingdoms, and beyond, get ready to explore the many wonderful worlds of Walt Disney’s most famous creation!

destination d

Highlights of the weekend will include*:

  • Presenters and panelists, including Legendary Disney Animator Mark Henn, Voice Actor Bret Iwan, Disney Legend Bill Farmer, Imagineers Jason Grandt, Wyatt Winter, and Alex Wright, Animator John Pomeroy, and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline—plus more to be announced.*
  • A Mouse in Shorts: Animating Mickey Through the Years—From Steamboat Willie to Get a Horse!, Mickey’s epic film career has taken him on a journey that has endeared him to fans around the world. Join Disney animators and historians as they look back at the films that defined Mickey’s career, and peek behind-the-scenes of some of his most famous roles.

destination d

  • Catching Up with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway— Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019, the first ride-through Mickey Mouse attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will push the limits of immersion for the Disney experience. Join members of the Walt Disney Imagineering creative team for a sneak peek of the zany twists and turns of this upcoming groundbreaking attraction!
  • Collecting Mickey, the True Original—From the first Mickey Mouse wristwatch to the collaborations of today, Mickey has always been in style. We wind the (Mickey Mouse) clock back to take a look at the toys, collectibles, and products that defined the mouse—and what his future has in store!
  • Hidden Mickeys: Uncovering the Magic of Disney Storytelling—Chronicling some of the lesser known and “lost” adventures of everyone’s favorite mouse, Disney historians will guide guests through an exploration of rarely seen and unusual Mickey projects—including a few that never jumped off the page!
  • Weird Disney: The Early Mickey Years—Fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns with an all-new show, as the Walt Disney Archives reveals some of the wildest and wackiest Mickey moments, merchandise, and more! Included is a deep dive into Mickey’s past, featuring some of the most unique appearances, depictions, and pop-culture influences of our favorite mouse during Mickey’s runaway success in the 1930’s.

destination d

  • Additionally, the weekend will feature exciting events, such as Mickey’s Animation Academy, where guests will learn to draw from master Disney animator Mark Henn, and 4 Artists Paint 1 Mouse, where four Disney artists embark upon an “Adventure in Art,” each interpreting Mickey in their individual style—live on stage!
  • Mickey’s Movie Night—To wrap up a great weekend and celebrate Mickey’s birthday on the evening of Sunday, November 18, we’re throwing the ultimate Mickey movie pajama party— including a visit by Mickey himself! Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Mickey Mouse pajamas, grab a treat, sit back, and watch some of Mickey’s most iconic and rarest footage from the past 90 years!

destination d

All ticketed guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:

  • Guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations in the Fantasia Ballroom
  • D23-exclusive Mickey’s Movie Night in honor of his 90th birthday on Sunday evening
  • Access to Destination D-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop
  • Access to a handful exclusive retail shops in the Mickey Marketplace
  • Access to the Mickey Mouse exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
  • A specialty gift created exclusively for the event

destination d

In addition, a limited number of Mouseketeer VIP tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP guests will receive the above listed benefits, in addition to the following:

  • Exclusive VIP dinner on Friday, November 16, inspired by Mickey Mouse
  • Exclusive Mickey Birthday Breakfast with Disney luminary meet & greet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort the morning of his 90th birthday, November 18
  • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during event hours
  • Priority seating for all panels and presentations
  • Early shopping access to Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop and Mickey Marketplace on Friday, November 16
  • Early access to the Mickey Mouse exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives on Friday, November 16
  • Additional specialty gift
  • Dedicated VIP Destination D check-in location.

A limited number of specially priced rooms and theme park tickets will be available to D23 Members who purchase Destination D tickets. Further details will be included in the confirmation email.

NOTES

  • D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest; D23 Gold Family Members may reserve tickets for themselves and up to three (3) guests. OR D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest for the Mouseketeer VIP tickets. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  Our ticketing site and vendor have recently been updated.
  • All guests without active room reservations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort must park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and take the Monorail service to the event.
  • Video or audio recording of any kind will not be permitted inside the Fantastic Ballroom during the presentation and entertainment.
  • Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND ACTIVE D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card or who’s membership has expired may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
  • All D23 Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.
  • PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World during the event you will be attending. The Walt Disney Company will be taking photos and filming at Disney’s Contemporary Resort located at 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, and other locations at the Walt Disney World Resort. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.