Disney4me

A few weeks ago I shared details about the new Marketplace Co Op location coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in spring 2014 (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/11/marketplace-co-op-coming-to-downtown-disney-marketplace-in-early-2014/). This location will occupy the space that is currently Team Mickey, and will feature six different mini-shops within the one big shop. One of those shops will be D-Tech on Demand, a place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories. I’m happy to share that Guests visiting Downtown Disney West Side during the holidays can get a sneak preview of D-Tech on Demand in action at the Disney Truck Shop. I recently visited this mobile location to get a first look. View the full article

Author’s note: The story that follows originally ran in the Disneyland Line, a fantastic magazine published exclusively for Disneyland Resort cast members. I loved the story so much, I wanted to share it with you. Please enjoy the following, written by my friend, Senior Internal Communications Specialist Ralphie Giron. View the full article

Last week, we shared a photo gallery of Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade stepping off during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. This week, we’re back with a brand-new video of the merry procession. Check it out below. View the full article

Before I jump ahead to share details on events heading your way for the month of January, here are a few last minute additions that popped up for the next couple of weeks. View the full article

The gang from the late, great Comedy Warehouse at Downtown Disney is returning for special holiday shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios this month. View the full article

The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort. Garland is hung, lights are shining bright, choirs are singing and back in 1994 poinsettia trees were blooming at the entrance to Epcot as seen below. View the full article

Last night, nearly 500 Disney Parks Blog readers had the opportunity to preview the upcoming Disney film, “Saving Mr. Banks,” here at the Disneyland Resort. Before the screening, guests were treated to a practically perfect party, complete with a costume contest, visits from Mary Poppins and Bert, a special presentation by Disney historian Stacia Martin - and even a swarm of suffragettes! View the full article

Have you visited Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year? This year’s collection of dancing lights has been enhanced with Glow Ears, which allow park guests to become a part of the show as their ear hats light up. Earlier this year, ear hat technology was added to several existing entertainment options throughout Walt Disney World, including at “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and “Celebrate the Magic” and “Wishes” fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park. View the full article

As Disney Parks Blog author George Savvas recapped last month in this post, Disneyland Resort recently played holiday host to a star-studded taping for the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” special. View the full article

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new “it’s a small world” Holiday Clock Show in Disneyland park, now is the time. I spoke with co-designer and animator Lisa Bradley before the show debuted and she gave me a glimpse at just how intricate the details are for the virtual décor that can be seen every fifteen minutes after dark. View the full article

There’s a new exhibit of spectacular ice sculptures themed around “Disney’s “Frozen” that we thought Disney Parks Blog readers would enjoy seeing. View the full article

I am thrilled to report that critically endangered cotton-top tamarins in Colombia, South America, received an amazing gift just in time for the holidays—the gift of an additional area of protected forest. This tiny monkey with the wild hairdo, which guests can see when they visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is found only in Colombia, and there are fewer than 7,500 remaining. View the full article

Here’s your first look at merchandise events, product releases and signings taking place in January 2014 as we kick off a new year at Disneyland Resort. View the full article

Disney’s involvement in the community, no matter where we are in the world, is one of the most special things we do. You can find Disney VoluntEARS, giving their time and talent, and doing their part to improve and enrich the lives of kids and families in the communities where they live and work. And we continue this legacy, in the Shanghai community where our new resort destination, Shanghai Disney Resort, is under construction. View the full article

Happy Holidays from aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic! I’m Cruise Director Brent, writing to you from Disney Cruise Line’s flagship vessel as she experiences her first holiday at sea after her extensive transformation. View the full article

As John McClintock recently reported, the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort has transformed into a winter wonderland with Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink. Although it was a warm, sunny day in November when we shot the video below, it felt like we were in a snowy village as guests of all ages made their way, some faster than others, around the Christmas tree in the center of the ice. View the full article

Stars of old and new made the red carpet for the premiere of Disney's "Saving Mr. Banks" at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on Sunday night. View the full article

Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba" celebrates its 15th anniversary at Walt Disney World later this month. Throughout December, we'll meet some of the colorful show's performers here at The Artistic Type blog. View the full article

Have you taken a trip aboard the Jingle Cruise yet? Disney photographer Kent Phillips recently stopped by the temporarily transformed attraction for a look at the fun. Check out his gallery of images below. View the full article

Just in time for the holidays, here’s a decadent sweet ending that you can make with just four ingredients (plus water). This Chocolate Pudding Cake is on the menu at California Grill, and they serve a fancy version you can check out in the video that’s adorned with Nutella, silky ganache, mint whipped cream, and mini house-made marshmallows and chocolate meringue kisses. Watch Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes work his magic! View the full article

It's been 90 years since Walt Disney and brother Roy launched what would become an animation empire. Current leaders gather to celebrate that history as well as such ongoing successes as 'Frozen.' On Oct. 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy began the Walt Disney Co. inauspiciously in the rear of a small office at the Holly-Vermont Realty in Los Angeles. It was there that the young brothers, who paid $10 a month for the modest space, began producing their live action/animated series of shorts known as the "Alice Comedies." View the full article

OK, so we stumped a few of you with the first of our holiday mystery puzzlers. This week’s image is just as tough - but easy to spot if you know where to look. This Christmas tree can be found somewhere at Disney Parks. Any guesses? View the full article

Like elves from the North Pole, Walt Disney World Resort cast members were busy this past month supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual drive. View the full article

From a New Year’s Cupcake at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland park to the Napa Rose New Year’s Eve Bash, the Disneyland Resort will ring in 2014 with something fun for everyone. View the full article

The Walt Disney Co. has nearly tripled the amount of profit it is keeping in offshore subsidiaries, saving the company $315 million in U.S. income taxes, new regulatory filings show. View the full article