Latest news with #StarWars:Galaxy'sEdge
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
100 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines given surprise day at Disneyland ahead of Memorial Day
In honor of Memorial Day, Disneyland went from the "Happiest Place on Earth" to one of the most patriotic. A group of 100 U.S. Navy sailors and Marines were surprised with a day at the iconic American theme park while in port for Los Angeles Fleet Week. The service members had the chance to experience Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Mickey's Toontown before taking part in a flag retreat with the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band and honored guest Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet. Americans Should Honor Memorial Day In This Way, Military Service Members Suggest "How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to actually get to participate in the events that are happening at Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth?" Meyer said. "To be able to come here, share that with the public, participate in the events, get to see some of the cool new things at Disneyland, and really get to show off the Sailors and Marines to the community—it's really a chance to do that and I think that's what made this a really special day." The Walt Disney Company has an affinity for the U.S. Military as both of its founders, brothers Walt and Roy Disney, served in World War I. According to the company's website, Walt drove an ambulance for the Red Cross Ambulance Corps, while Roy served as a petty officer in the Navy. Disney's Magic Kingdom Honors 100-Year-old Wwii Veteran During Flag Retreat Ceremony Read On The Fox News App Disney's theme parks have held daily flag ceremonies for the last 70 years, dating back to the opening of Disneyland in July 1955. The parks continued the tradition during the COVID-19 pandemic, something that Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D'Amaro highlighted at the time in a post on his Instagram account. "While our world looks very different today, one thing American flag still flies over Walt Disney World. I'm inspired how our Security Cast Members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It's a symbol that we're still here and will not falter," D'Amaro wrote. First Lady Melania Trump Welcomes Military Moms To White House For Mother's Day U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ariel Elias, who now works as a category manager at Disneyland, praised the company for its embracing of veterans. "Disney really embraces our veterans, and it's been part of the DNA of the Disneyland Resort. You see it everywhere you go—from the flag retreat to Veterans Day to Fleet Week 2025—it's always at the forefront of what we do here every day," Elias said. Disney also has programs dedicated to the veterans who work for the company, including the Heroes Work Here initiative, which focuses on hiring, training, and supporting U.S. military veterans and military spouses. Additionally, since 2012 Disney has donated more than $20 million to organizations assisting veterans and their article source: 100 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines given surprise day at Disneyland ahead of Memorial Day
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disneyland honors sailors, Marines with special day ahead of Memorial Day weekend
Disneyland invited 100 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines to the theme park resort as part of Los Angeles Fleet Week celebrations ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The service members were treated to special access to Disneyland's popular lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Mickey's Toontown. The day concluded with a flag retreat ceremony, featuring the Dapper Dans, Disneyland Band, and Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet. 'How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to actually get to participate in the events that are happening at Disneyland, The Happiest Place on Earth?' Meyer said in a statement. 'To be able to come here, share that with the public, participate in the events, get to see some of the cool new things at Disneyland, and get to show off the Sailors and Marines to the community — that's what made this a really special day.' Disneyland honors first responders who battled L.A. County wildfires with parade, free tickets Disney's tradition of honoring military service members spans more than a century, dating back to founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, both World War I veterans. That legacy continues today through daily flag ceremonies and symbolic tributes throughout its parks. In addition to the special park visit, Disneyland is also honoring service members with the 'Missing Hero Tables,' displayed during Memorial Day weekend at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaiʻi. These empty tables, set in remembrance of fallen service members, serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of the nation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Los Angeles Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Disneyland's 70th birthday celebrates happiness
If anyone knows how to throw a birthday party, it's Disneyland. Hewing to a theme of happiness, the Anaheim resort began its year-long 70th birthday celebration on Friday with food, entertainment and fun. In the seven decades since its opening, much has evolved in Walt Disney's park that pioneered theme entertainment. Disneyland originally opened on July 17, 1955 and while park-goers will have to wait until July 17 this year for one special surprise, there are plenty of early birthday treats launching now. The original park sat on 160 acres of former orange groves and opened on a sweltering, 100 degree day. There were four original lands accessible through Main Street, U.S.A.; Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. Today, Disney has a nearly 500-acre footprint, with the addition of New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown, Bayou Country and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, plus approved plans to expand over the next few decades. Visitors hoping to learn more about Disneyland's history can join 'A Story of Celebration' guided tour. On the two-hour jaunt through the park, guests will learn about significant moments in Disneyland's past, ride original attractions like the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad, enjoy reserved parade viewing and more. The park is dressed up for the party, too. The hot pink, royal purple and cyan blue decorations throughout Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney are part of a tradition David Caranci, manager of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering, said stems from Disneyland's opening day. 'It really starts from 1955 when Walt decorated Main St. U.S.A. in red, white and blue,' said Caranci. 'We know that decor plays a huge part in the celebration and connecting our past and our future.' The decor starts outside Disneyland with a 50-foot sculpture of a contemporary interpretation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, with each of the original lands represented. The real castle inside the park has a 70th medallion on the doorway above the drawbridge and guests will find unique backdrops, perfect for photos in both parks and at Disneyland Hotel, Downtown Disney District and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. 'We want people to step in, take pictures, take selfies and get involved,' said Caranci. 'Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!' parade at Disney California Adventure also returns for the occasion, starting with a float of the iconic Pixar lamp. Eight colorful floats featuring music and characters from Pixar films like 'Turning Red,' 'Soul' and 'Up' with the parade celebrating friendship. Carthay Circle Restaurant is decked out in the 70th anniversary colors and a special projection light show, 'Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night' enhances the façade in the evening. It's set to a new song, 'Celebrate Happy,' by the Jonas Brothers, which was composed especially for the occasion. 'Happy is the message, because this is such a happy place and people come here to celebrate their happy memories; their birthdays, their graduations, their proposals,' said Tricia Holloway, Disney music executive. 'We wanted to make sure we had a song that would underscore this environment. When we approached the Jonas Brothers, they responded with a resounding 'yes.'' The song is used in different versions throughout the park and Susana Tubert, creative director of Disney live entertainment, said it is a key element to the storytelling. 'The song is acting as a needle and thread that weaves across the resort and brings the theme of the celebration to the top of mind for our guests and our cast members,' said Tubert. A new water show is debuting at Disney California Adventure for the celebration titled 'World of Color Happiness.' It highlights characters from 'Inside Out' and opening with words Walt spoke on opening day: 'To all who come to this happy place — welcome.' There is also a pre-show from the Muppets. 'The Muppets are actually celebrating their 70th anniversary as well, so we reached to our friends at the Muppets Studios and said, 'Hey, do the Muppets want to play with us?'' said Jennifer McGill, executive producer of Disney live entertainment. Nighttime parade 'Paint the Night' will return to Disneyland with more than one million LED lights plus special effects and music that references the original 'Main Street Electrical Parade' theme and of course, the new 'Celebrate Happy' song. 'Wondrous Journeys' Nighttime Spectacular is also back at Disneyland and enhanced with fireworks on select nights. ''Wondrous Journeys' premiered during the Disney 100 Celebration and we are super thrilled to bring it back,' said Tubert. 'It is an amazing opportunity to celebrate 60 animation films by Disney.' Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes a canvas for the projection show with beloved Disney characters and songs, including Baymax from 'Big Hero 6' flying overhead. Food is also part of the storytelling and the Disney culinary team is introducing more than 70 menu items for the 70th birthday. Disney chefs like Eduardo Rodriguez and Esther Alonso are presenting new and nostalgic food, including the chocolate-dipped Mickey hat cookie. 'This is a classic cookie but it's also an homage to the Mickey Mouse Club and the ears they used have back in 1955,' said Alonso. Other throwbacks include a classic banana split like those available in the park in the 1950s and other treats inspired by it, like a banana split churro, rolled in chocolate sugar with banana and vanilla sauce and a cherry on top. Red Rose Taverne will serve a mid-century classic tuna melt, with Muenster and herb-marinated tomatoes complete with a green olive on a toothpick for garnish. Apple rolled pancakes, finished with walnut streusel, and cinnamon Chantilly cream at River Belle Terrace, the chili cheese corn dog from Corn Dog Castle and chili cheese baked potato at Troubadour Tavern each represent early dishes served in the park. 'These are beautiful because they are an homage to Walt Disney himself; his favorite dish when he would go into the park was Walt's chili,' said Alonso. It wouldn't be a birthday party without cake. A 70th celebration cake will be served at the Plaza Inn, layering all of the best kinds of confection flavors in one slice with pound cake, cherry compote, confetti cake, vanilla bean white chocolate mousse and lemon curd pastry cream covered with a white chocolate ganache buttercream frosting. There is also a 70th Celebration macaron at Jolly Holiday Cafe, fashioned to look like a pink cake slice. A special surprise is planned for July 17 when the park's founder will attend the party himself in the form of a new attraction 'Walt Disney — A Magical Life,' featuring the first ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney, who passed away in 1966. Using the latest form of technology Disney first created to bring Abraham Lincoln to life for 'Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln,' the Main Street Opera House will become Walt's studio office. After the initial run for the 70th celebration, 'Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln' will return playing alongside 'A Magical Life' on a rotating stage. There is a lot to do, see and taste for Disneyland's birthday, but guests have a whole year to celebrate. Now, it's time to get the party started. Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration began Friday and runs through summer 2026. For tickets and park reservations visit
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Does Disney do anything for May 4? How to celebrate Star Wars Day in the parks
It's a great day to be a Star Wars fan. Sunday is May the 4th, the unofficial Star Wars holiday that plays on the iconic movie line 'May the Force be with you.' There are all sorts of ways to celebrate close to home, including dressing up as favorite characters and binge watching 'Star Wars' films, but fans yearning for a galaxy far, far away can find one in California or Florida. Here's how fans can have their own Star Wars adventures on May the 4th and beyond at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Yes. Disneyland Park is home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, an immersive land with attractions, entertainment, dining, characters and various activities all themed to Star Wars. It opened in May 2019, several months ahead of the Galaxy's Edge at Disney World near Orlando. The setting in both is Batuu, which describes as 'once a thriving stop for traders and travelers before advancements in lightspeed technology. Now its lush forests and majestic mountain regions are known only to those who dare to venture this far into the Outer Rim.' Disneyland and Disney World also have a Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, outside Galaxy's Edge. Disneyland is currently celebrating Season of the Force through May 11. The seasonal celebration features a new nighttime projection show called 'Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga,' new character interactions with Luke Skywalker, returning Fire of the Rising Moons fireworks, a Hyperspace Mountain overlay on Space Mountain, and limited-time food and merchandise offerings. Like other festivals throughout the year, Season of the Force is included with standard park admission. One-day, one-park tickets start at $103 a day for guests over age 9. Tickets for May the 4th cost $180. Disneyland is also hosting an after-hours event called Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on select nights through May 6. The specially ticketed event, which is not included with standard admission, features character sightings, a lightsaber instructional, a galactic dance party, a Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, and shorter waits for popular rides. Event tickets start at $169 and May the 4th' is already sold out. The droids you're looking for: Disney announces new Star Wars experiences Yes. Guests can visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. From May the 4th through the end of the month, they'll be able to order Star Wars-inspired treats throughout the park and at select locations in the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Specially themed popcorn buckets, sipper cups and merchandise including limited-time lightsabers will also be available at Hollywood Studios. While there aren't any May the 4th events planned at the park this year, guests can still celebrate on their own. One-day, one-park tickets to Disney's Hollywood Studios start at $139 for guests over age 9. Tickets for May the 4th cost $174. Guests will find many of the same experiences available at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge in Disneyland or Disney World. Here are some of the most popular ones. Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of the most popular attractions at both resorts. Ride Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and feel what it's like to fly the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.' Keep an eye out for characters like Storm Troopers, Rey, and the Mandalorian and Grogu and talk to cast members, who are also in character. Try various challenges on the Star Wars: Datapad in the free Play Disney mobile app. Wander around, looking for Easter eggs and at all. The intricate details throughout the land. Grab a drink or bite at Oga's Cantina as droid DJ R-3X spins tunes. Reservations are typically required though walk-up lists are also available. Sip on blue (or green) milk from the Milk Stand or Cold Brew Black Caf from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Disneyland or Kat Saka's Kettle at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Snack on a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters. Build a custom lightsaber at Savi's Workshop or custom droid at Droid Depot. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Star Wars fans celebrate May the 4th at Disneyland, Disney World
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Does Disney do anything for May 4? How to celebrate Star Wars Day in the parks
Does Disney do anything for May 4? How to celebrate Star Wars Day in the parks Show Caption Hide Caption May the Fourth be with you: Four ways to celebrate 'Star Wars' day "Star Wars" fans around the world know exactly what day it is. Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY It's a great day to be a Star Wars fan. Sunday is May the 4th, the unofficial Star Wars holiday that plays on the iconic movie line 'May the Force be with you.' There are all sorts of ways to celebrate close to home, including dressing up as favorite characters and binge watching 'Star Wars' films, but fans yearning for a galaxy far, far away can find one in California or Florida. Here's how fans can have their own Star Wars adventures on May the 4th and beyond at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Is there a Star Wars area at Disneyland? Yes. Disneyland Park is home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, an immersive land with attractions, entertainment, dining, characters and various activities all themed to Star Wars. It opened in May 2019, several months ahead of the Galaxy's Edge at Disney World near Orlando. The setting in both is Batuu, which describes as 'once a thriving stop for traders and travelers before advancements in lightspeed technology. Now its lush forests and majestic mountain regions are known only to those who dare to venture this far into the Outer Rim.' Disneyland and Disney World also have a Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, outside Galaxy's Edge. Does Disneyland do anything special for May the 4th? Disneyland is currently celebrating Season of the Force through May 11. The seasonal celebration features a new nighttime projection show called 'Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga,' new character interactions with Luke Skywalker, returning Fire of the Rising Moons fireworks, a Hyperspace Mountain overlay on Space Mountain, and limited-time food and merchandise offerings. Like other festivals throughout the year, Season of the Force is included with standard park admission. One-day, one-park tickets start at $103 a day for guests over age 9. Tickets for May the 4th cost $180. Disneyland is also hosting an after-hours event called Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on select nights through May 6. The specially ticketed event, which is not included with standard admission, features character sightings, a lightsaber instructional, a galactic dance party, a Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, and shorter waits for popular rides. Event tickets start at $169 and May the 4th' is already sold out. The droids you're looking for: Disney announces new Star Wars experiences Is there anything Star Wars at Disney World? Yes. Guests can visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. From May the 4th through the end of the month, they'll be able to order Star Wars-inspired treats throughout the park and at select locations in the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Specially themed popcorn buckets, sipper cups and merchandise including limited-time lightsabers will also be available at Hollywood Studios. While there aren't any May the 4th events planned at the park this year, guests can still celebrate on their own. One-day, one-park tickets to Disney's Hollywood Studios start at $139 for guests over age 9. Tickets for May the 4th cost $174. What to do in Star War's Galaxy's Edge Guests will find many of the same experiences available at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge in Disneyland or Disney World. Here are some of the most popular ones. Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of the most popular attractions at both resorts. Ride Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and feel what it's like to fly the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.' Keep an eye out for characters like Storm Troopers, Rey, and the Mandalorian and Grogu and talk to cast members, who are also in character. Try various challenges on the Star Wars: Datapad in the free Play Disney mobile app. Wander around, looking for Easter eggs and at all. The intricate details throughout the land. Grab a drink or bite at Oga's Cantina as droid DJ R-3X spins tunes. Reservations are typically required though walk-up lists are also available. Snack on a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters.
