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

Star Wars Weekends is officially underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And if you’ve been following our coverage here on the Disney Parks Blog, you know there’s a lot to see and do over the next few weekends. Today, we’re sharing five stories you need to check out before heading to the park.

Take 5: Star Wars Weekends Returns to Walt Disney World Resort

1. More Visiting Celebrities, Details & Tips Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort – Check out more details, tips and the scheduled celebrity lineup for Star Wars Weekends 2012 in this post!




2. D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils a Galaxy of New Star Wars Art – ACME Archives released a new collection of Star Wars-themed art. Check it out on D Street in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!




3. Shopping in ‘Darth’s Mall’ for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort – Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller shared a few of his favorite items coming soon to “Darth’s Mall,” a massive shopping location created just for Star Wars Weekends.




4. Cast Yourself in Carbonite with the Carbon-Freeze Me Experience During Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – See how you can cast your likeness as a three-dimensional, eight-inch figurine at the Carbon-Freezing Chamber at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.




5. Build Your Droid at the Droid Factory Coming to Tatooine Traders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars fans can now build and name their own R-series Astromech droid action figures at the Droid Factory at Tatooine Traders.

Take 5: Star Wars Weekends Returns to Walt Disney World Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the 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

Internet sensations Sophia Grace and Rosie were at Disney California Adventure park yesterday taping a segment for “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

Inside Cars Land, the two adorable cousins waved the chequered flag at Radiator Springs Racers, floated on Luigi’s Flying Tires and visited the Cozy Cone Motel. There’s even a surprise appearance from one of Radiator Springs’ most famous residents!

The segment is set to air on Tuesday, May 22, so be sure to tune-up, er, I mean, tune-in!

Read more Cars Land news in the posts below:

• Top Secret: Mater Sheds Some Light on Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park
• Inside Ramone’s House of Body Art at Cars Land with Auto Designer Chip Foose
• Cars Land at Night Through a Photographer’s Lens at Disney California Adventure Park

Sophia Grace and Rosie Get a Sneak Peek of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

There are some tasty treats at Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with R2-D2 being “the droid you are looking for” each weekend.

Darth Vader is featured on a special cupcake, which goes to the “dark side.” This chocolate confection is $4.99 and is available at Darth’s Mall (the special merchandise location set up just for Star Wars Weekends 2012), ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Pizza Planet and Starring Rolls Cafe.

Known for carrying secret plans in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, R2-D2 carries some yummy treats for Star Wars Weekends. The loveable droid is featured with his own bucket that holds churros with chocolate dipping sauce available at the Herbie’s Cart, Fantasmic! and the churro cart in front of The Great Movie Ride.

In the mood for something savory? Try a corn dog and chips served in an R2-D2 Bucket from Herbie’s Cart, or treat your little Padawan or Jedi to an R2-D2 Kids’ Power Pack from Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co, ABC Commissary, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare or Rosie’s All-American Café.

R2-D2 also can be spotted holding frozen lemonade in a special souvenir cup from Anaheim Produce, filled with a tasty shake at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner and 50’s Prime Time Café, or stuffed with a hot fudge sundae at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.

Check out these posts for more of the latest on Star Wars Weekends 2012:

• The Sequel: Debuting More Behind the Scenes Videos, Photos for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• New Behind-the-Scenes Video Looks at Star Wars Weekends 2012 Debut to Celebrate Launch of Event-Themed Mobile Website
• Build Your Droid at the Droid Factory Coming to Tatooine Traders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Galactic Food Fun at Star Wars Weekends: This is the Droid You’ve Been Looking For! by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

When you’re part of a family, you try to take care of things for one another. Forty-five years ago, four young performers changed from complete strangers to a literal band of brothers, named Micky, Davy, Mike and Peter. The Monkees were a lightning-in-a-bottle international entertainment phenomenon. And in Epcot’s World Showcase, where great nations of the world share culture, flavor and fun, it became a tradition for Davy Jones to perform during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival’s Flower Power Concert Series.

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

So if you remember last week (remember the word “remember”!) I talked about how Disney Parks kicked off our “Summer to Remember” with a huge media event, announcements of new attractions, world-wide itineraries, and new ships. There are zillions of ways to make the few summers we have to spend with our kids before they grow up, magical and memorable!

Melissa Joan Hart, former star of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and current co-star of Melissa & Joey on the ABC Family network, will join Moms Panelists Amanda Ficili and Jill Cooper for a live web chat next Tuesday, May 22nd, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

What will they be chatting about? You! Well, not exactly you, but they will be answering guest questions right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Did I mention that it will be live?

Melissa is no stranger to traveling to Disney Parks with her two little ones. She is currently planning an upcoming Disney vacation herself after the stork visits her home with her third prince or princess!

For a chance to participate in the live video chat with Melissa, email Disney@vidicom.com.

You can also ask me your questions right here below! I will be printing them out this weekend and picking some of your Disney Parks vacation planning questions on my way to the studio.

What do you want to know about how to make this summer’s vacation one of your summers to always remember? Ask me now!

Moms Panel: Melissa Joan Hart Live! by Laura Spencer: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

If you picked up the May issue of Conde Nast Traveler, you may already know that Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai`i, is one of 12 U.S. hotels included on the “Hot List” for 2012. Also on the list, in the spa category, is Laniwai, a Disney Spa at Aulani.

Conde Nast Traveler’s annual May Hot List is the ultimate insider’s guide to the hottest new hotels, spas and restaurants of the year. Editors traveled to 49 countries and evaluated 172 new hotels to discover the best in the world, and Aulani was included among the best.

In their evaluation, Conde Nast editors particularly cited “the resort’s main attraction…the pool area” (aka Waikolohe Valley) and noted, “Apart from meet-and-greets with Mickey and Minnie and themed activities like ‘Surf’s Up’ time with Chip and Dale, the property feels more like a five-star family-focused resort than a Disney showcase. And it lives up to its promise to educate kids about Hawaiian culture…”

The “Hot Spas” citation noted the six outdoor rain showers and the “tranquil, wood-paneled” interior, and observed “excellent technicians choose just the right massage pressure and products.” Of course the Aulani and Laniwai teams always strive to provide Disney levels of quality and service, so it’s nice to be recognized by veteran travelers.

Aulani and Laniwai Make the Conde Nast Traveler ‘Hot List’ for 2012 by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Wow! I can’t believe it’s the last weekend of the 19th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival already. Seventy-five days go by pretty fast!

We’ve had a wonderful time, with all the seminars, colorful plant and flower displays, beloved Disney topiaries, brilliant botanicals, unique gardens, and especially the appearances by stars from our favorite shows on HGTV, our presenting sponsor. They’ve just been fantastic!

This weekend features an appearance by Genevieve Gorder, who, along with her thriving professional design business in New York City, is the star of not one, but two hit HGTV shows: “Dear Genevieve” and “HGTV Design Star.”

Earlier this year, we caught up with Genevieve in Los Angeles where she was filming this season’s “Design Star,” new episodes of which start airing Tuesday, May 29. The producers of the show graciously allowed us to tape on the actual “Design Star” “judging” stage. It was very exciting to be in the place where HGTV favorites like David Bromstad, Antonio Ballatore and current champ Meg Caswell all became household names.

Genevieve talked with us about how her discussions this weekend, titled “Turning Your Landscape Inside Out,” will focus on using the aesthetics of creating a great landscape in your home decorating.

Genevieve was just great. If you get a chance, you should really come see her at the Festival. Today, Saturday, and Sunday, she will lead seminars at the Festival Center, presented by HGTV.

You can also catch her on the new season (Season 6) of “Design Star,” on Tuesdays this summer at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, starting on May 29, and on “Dear Genevieve,” on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT.

For more information on the 19th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by HGTV, you can check out disneyworld.com/flower.

HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder Appearing at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Con el Día de la Madre detrás de nosotros, la siguiente gran pregunta está en el horizonte ... ¿qué comprar para nuestro querido papá? Día de los Padres es menos de un mes de distancia, así que supongo que aquí es donde la línea "Attention Shoppers" viene muy bien, porque tengo algunas ideas rápidas para ayudar a hacer esta experiencia de compra super facil.

World of Disney ofrece una línea completa de cosas D-Tech, que es seguro para crear algo que le encantara. Si tu regalo deseado es que se pueda ponder, echa un vistazo a algunas de nuestras camisetas con gráficos de Disney.

¿Qué pasa con los papás de moda? Trate de Disney Vault 28, en particular, el 9 de junio, cuando Goorin Bros. se une a las festividades, que ofrece una nueva selección de sombreros, de inspiración retro.

Para los nuevos padres? Dulces, rápido y fácil de Marceline’s Confectionery - como las manzanas de caramelo, dulce de azúcar y malvaviscos .... seran, sin duda, un éxito instantáneo.

Algunas cosas que encontraras para el Día de los Padres en el centro Downtown Disney en el Disneyland Resort por Michelle Harker: Publicado originalmente en el blog de los parques de Disney