Last Sunday, Part One of the “America’s Funniest Home Videos” Season Finale was set at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and tomorrow, Part Two will be from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Tune in tomorrow at 7/6c on ABC to see who wins the grand prize, and to get a peek of Cars Land!

‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ Season Finale Part Two – From Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park – Tomorrow on ABC by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

As we have done in the past, we wanted to give our loyal Disney Parks Blog readers a heads-up that ticket prices at the Disneyland Resort will be increasing, starting on May 20. This summer is one of the most anticipated times in the resort’s history, and a visit to the Disneyland Resort has never been a better value. In the past few years alone, we’ve added new world-class attractions, such as The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, “World of Color” and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Now, with the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, including the 12-acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, almost complete, there are even more reasons to visit.

And this summer, both parks will open each day at 8 a.m. and offer increased entertainment, giving you and your family more time to stay and play. At Disney California Adventure park, we’re adding an additional showing of “Aladdin – a Musical Spectacular” and Pixar Play Parade will be presented up to twice daily. At Disneyland park, you’ll find more shows and characters at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and increased performances at the Tomorrowland Terrace every day of the week, and the singing sensation “Voices of Liberty” performing at the Main Street Opera House.

We’re sharing the details here on the ticket prices, which also include increases to Disneyland Resort Annual Passports. Annual Passholders recognize that their investment pays for itself after just a few visits. Our California-based Annual Passholders have the added benefit and flexibility of a monthly payment program. This year, we’ll continue to offer unique passholder-exclusive entertainment and experiences, along with 10-20% discounts on select food and merchandise. As an example, you already know that Annual Passholders were invited to special viewings to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Fantasmic!” And later this summer, Passholders also will have early access to the parks through a new Annual Passholder Early Entry program – just for them. Details on this program were announced earlier this week here.

There are other ways to save when you visit. The popular 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket gives guests access to both parks on the same day, or if you are planning on playing with us longer, multi-day tickets also offer a variety of options for you to save on your California vacation. All updated pricing can be found here. The information will also be available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets on May 20.

Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Update by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

After he learned of the untimely passing of the Manchester, England-born song and dance man, and how it rocked his legions of fans, Micky stepped up to continue the Epcot tradition. He will perform live on the America Gardens Theatre stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18–20, at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.

Micky is the first to agree that there is no way to replace his friend. “David was the brother I never had,” he says. “I only wish I didn’t have to appear in his place, but rather perform beside him — which I did as a surprise last year during a few of his concerts.”

This weekend marks Micky’s first solo engagement at Epcot — though it’s far from his first Disney project. “I was a Disneyland kid, growing up in Southern California,” he recalls. “I went there all the time with my parents, my sisters and friends. During The Monkees, we performed in the Disney Parks in Florida and California, more times than I can remember.”

In fact, when The Monkees were experiencing perhaps the greatest pop band reunion in history, Walt Disney World Resort was celebrating its 15th birthday. Micky joined Peter Tork and Davy Jones for some Monkees songs from Magic Kingdom Park on a splashy network TV special, co-hosted by Betty White.

Micky’s numerous Disney connections don’t stop there. When Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida toured the country, Micky became so successful as the villainous “Zoser” that he joined the Broadway company. Musical theater has become one of his passions, in addition to being an accomplished director, producer and, of course, multi-million selling recording artist. (Micky’s most recent albums include a spectacular tribute to Carole King called King for a Day.)

Cartoon fans know him as the voice of “Arthur”—a.k.a.”The Moth”—on The Tick, “Skip” on Hanna-Barbera’s Funky Phantom, and many more. “I was even considered to become the voice of Mickey Mouse!” he smiles, adding a spot-on “Hi folks! Ha, ha! Gosh, that’s swell!”

Micky as Mickey? Maybe when we see this versatile artist live during this, the final weekend of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, we might find ourselves humming, “M-I-C… K-Y-D… O-L-E-N-Z!” After the concerts, we’ll be checking in with Micky about his Epcot adventures, so watch the Disney Parks Blog for our follow-up report. Anything you want us to ask him?

Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: A Little Bit Micky, a Little Bit Mickey by Greg Ehrbar: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

Reservations for Carthay Circle Restaurant may be made by calling the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) or emailing dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com.

For more news about dining at the Disneyland Resort, read these posts:

• Carnation Café Reopens June 13 at Disneyland Park
• Reservations Open Today for Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park
• All About the Details at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park

Cue the Dining Music at Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

Reservations for Carthay Circle Restaurant may be made by calling the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) or emailing dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com.

For more news about dining at the Disneyland Resort, read these posts:

• Carnation Café Reopens June 13 at Disneyland Park
• Reservations Open Today for Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park
• All About the Details at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park

Cue the Dining Music at Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure Park by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

With such a job, Heather is the person you’d want to talk travel with – she’s been there, done that. And for all of us who are unable to catch up with her on camelback in Egypt, we’ve got the next best thing. Heather is now sharing expert advice, tips and stories on Family.com. We thought Disney Parks Blog readers would be interested in this new series, so go check out Heather’s “My Favorite Things” story and let us know what you think.

Check out these posts for more Adventures by Disney news:

• A Peek into Tinseltown’s Legendary Landmarks with Lights…Camera…Magic! from Adventures by Disney
• Moms Panel Monday: Meet Elisabeth Lackey, Our Newest Adventures by Disney Mom
• Adventures by Disney Heads to Southeast Asia

Disney ‘Adventure Hunter’ Offers Advice on Family.com by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

UPDATE: All confirmation emails have been sent to accepted participants. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for news on future meet-ups and events.

UPDATE: All attendees have been selected for the Disney Parks Blog Cars Land Meet-Up, and confirmation emails are being sent now. A list of attendees will not be posted here, so please be sure to add meetups@disney.go.com to your email contacts to prevent communications being blocked.

You’ve been asking for a Cars Land meet-up, and now is your chance to be among the first guests to see Cars Land for yourself at our next Disney Parks Blog meet-up! Come with us as the lead Imagineers on Cars Land take 66 participants (see what we did there?) for a walking tour of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park on Tuesday, May 29.

Since Cars Land is still being polished up for its grand opening next month, we must keep our meet-up group very small. Thirty-three (33) participants will be invited, each with one (1) guest, to join us. No photography or video recording will be allowed inside Cars Land.* Since we’re visiting a working construction site, each participant and guest must check all electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cameras, phones and recording devices) with security staff who will be joining us for this event. Guests who choose not to check all of their electronic devices with security staff prior to entering Cars Land will not be able to participate in the event. This event is intended for Disney Parks Blog readers to see Cars Land. No members of the news media will be invited or allowed to attend.

Check-in for the event will begin at 5 p.m., and all participants and guests must be checked in no later than 5:30 p.m. All participants will be escorted into Cars Land for the tour, which will last approximately 45 minutes. During this exclusive tour, participants will be able to view Cars Land attractions but will not have the opportunity to ride. After the tour concludes, meet-up participants will be invited to spend the rest of the evening at Disney California Adventure park and enjoy the 9 p.m. showing of “World of Color” as our guests in a reserved viewing section. Park admission is not required to attend the event, but participants will be responsible for their own parking fees.

Space for the event is very limited and you must RSVP to meetups@disney.go.com, following these directions carefully:

• All participants who RSVP for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18. Upon receiving the email confirming your attendance, you will be required to reply with the name of your guest. Meet-up invitations are non-transferrable.
• Valid RSVPs must include: 1) “Cars Land Meet-Up RSVP” in the subject line and 2) your name, email address and phone number in the body of the email. All confirmed RSVPs will be for the person who responds plus one guest. Incomplete RSVPs will not be accepted.
• Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in, and all participants and guests must agree to check all electronic devices with security staff at the event.

Entrants whose valid RSVPs are accepted will be sent an email to confirm their attendance for the event on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. All accepted participants must reply to the confirmation email with the name of their guest.

I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Get your RSVP in now and be among the first guests inside Cars Land with the Disney Parks Blog!

*Any participants found to be photographing or otherwise recording during this event will be escorted off the Disneyland Resort premises and may be precluded from participation in any future events.

RSVP Now for Disney Parks Blog Cars Land Meet-Up at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

In the late-1970s, “The New Mickey Mouse Club” hit the TV airwaves and featured segments shot at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Recently, Julie Piekarski, one of the Mouseketeers from the show’s 1970s revival, vacationed at Walt Disney World Resort — a visit that was loaded with fond memories of her days in the club that’s made for you and me.

And while the series was short-lived (Julie would go on to star on the premiere season of “The Facts of Life”), her memories are ones she re-lives each and every time she visits a Disney theme park. And she still even remembers the lyrics to a song she and her fellow Mouseketeers sang about “River Country.”

We caught up with Julie and asked her about her memories of the show. Be sure to keep a lookout for some classic Mickey Mouse Club memorabilia, as well as a few special guests who pop in to be a part of the homecoming.

One special guest even misses a cue and I give him some good-natured ribbing about it. But don’t worry, while he’s been known at times to lose his cool, he knew I meant it all in good fun.

A Mouseketeer Homecoming Lets ‘New Mickey Mouse Club’ Member Share New Memories with Her Family at Walt Disney World Resort by Gary Buchanan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

Looking for some doo-dads? World of Disney offers an entire line of D-Tech, which is sure to create some buzz. If your desired gift is more along the lines of something to wear, then check out some of our vintage graphic tees. Dads will dig it!

What about the trendy dads? Try Disney Vault 28, in particular on June 9 when Goorin Bros. joins the festivities, offering a new selection of hats, from retro-inspired fedoras to hip new cabbies. Need something with a little more “sole?” Then bring Dad down for a quick shoe shine before he steps out.

For the new dads? Quick and easy sweet treats from Marceline’s Confectionery – like caramel apples, fudge and dipped marshmallows and pretzels – are sure to be an instant hit.

Or for just … good ‘ol Dad! You know the type, a potentially huge Star Wars fan, a secret rock n’ roller, playing air guitar … or are you convinced he’s really a superhero in disguise? Any way you go about it you can’t go wrong at D Street. It’s sure to suit any retro fan, rock n’ roller or Marvel collector. So, remember to make sure Dad is dressed to a “tee” this year, especially with some of our newer offerings from the Double 5 collection featuring Mickey Mouse.

Looking for something a little more distinctive, eclectic or uncommon? Then it’s off to WonderGround Gallery you go, opening June 9, right in time to find that perfect gift for Dad’s home, office or man cave.

Catch ya later, Daddy-o… because, that’s all I’ve got for now! Look for more details on ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Five Quick Finds for Father’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

On this day back in 1928, audiences saw the first test screening of a Mickey Mouse short, which was “Plane Crazy.” People often confuse whether “Plane Crazy” or “Steamboat Willie” was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, but Dave Smith clears this up in his book “Dave Smith’s Disney A-Z,” explaining that “Plane Crazy” was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon produced, but the third released (“Steamboat Willie” was the first released).

In “Plane Crazy,” Mickey Mouse and his friends build an airplane and take Minnie on an adventurous flight. Today, it’s easy to see how flight has continued to inspire Disney attractions at our parks around the world.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, you can fly away on a rocket at Astro Orbiter, board a space ship at Mission: SPACE, or take a flight in Fantasyland on the Barnstormer – Starring the Great Goofini.

In honor of today’s nod to history, which is your favorite high-flying adventure at a Disney Park?

Today in Disney History: First Mickey Mouse Short Previews by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog