Ridley Pearson Rewriting Entire Kingdom Keepers Series To Match Updated Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

In 2005, Ridley Pearson’s “The Kingdom Keepers” book series took Disney fans by storm. The New York Times best-selling series, published by Disney Editions and Disney Hyperion, followed the adventures of five teens who battle Disney villains to keep them from taking control of the parks, the Disney entertainment empire, and the world. Unfortunately, the pangs of time have managed to get the best of the beloved series, rendering many references to rides and attractions outdated. The newly-updated books will be released in the coming months.

Now, according to a Twitter post by the author himself, the charming children’s novel (equally adored by many adult park enthusiasts) will make a resurgence with an updated revamp of the complete series, upon request by Disney Books. However, this will delay the release of the highly-anticipated, “Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance”, now set for March 2021. The author has been fairly active on social media lately, as he also recently revealed that he was working on an abandoned Kingdom Keepers series for Disney+.

Sam: Disney Books asked me to update and rewrite the ENTIRE set of Kingdom Keepers books to reflect the current parks. The first, KK 1-3, will be released in the coming months. Because of that, Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance has been moved to March 2021. #kingdomkeepers https://t.co/cur1VDBVTb

Walt Disney World Donates Treats To Orlando Police Department

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World has donated a huge supply of treats to the City of Orlando Police Department, in support of all the hard work they have been doing during these unprecedented times.

In a heartwarming video tweet posted by the Orlando Police Department, officers were shown in front of pallet-loads of boxes full of treats, kindly donated by Disney. Included amongst the tasty haul were classic park snacks such as Main Street Popcorn and “Frozen”-themed crisped rice treats. Orlando Police thanked Disney Parks for their generous gesture, and promised that the treats would be enjoyed and shared amongst staff and the community.

Amidst the distress of the park closures during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, The Walt Disney Company has been passionately showing support for key workers. Last week, World Health Day was acknowledged by Disney Parks staff around the globe, who offered messages of gratitude to healthcare workers. A vast amount of PPE was donated by Disney to hospitals in-need across the US, and both Disneyland and Walt Disney World donated their excess supplies to local food banks. As Orlando Police state in their tweet: “We are in this together!”

Walt Disney World Canceling Reservations Through Mid-May

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, a re-opening date for the parks is still unknown, and as a result, many lingering resort reservations and vacation packages are slowly being cancelled. Reports started coming in a few weeks ago regarding cancelled April reservations, although given the current stay-at-home mandate through the end of the month, it seemed unlikely those would happen anyway. Now, reports of May reservation cancellations are coming in, with guests seeing cancelled vacation dates through May 16.

As the resort cancels reservations, it has been calling and/or emailing guests to inform them, or otherwise automatically issuing refunds. To provide guests additional flexibility, all Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through June 30 have been waived. For further assistance with cancelled reservations or modifying an existing reservation, Disney is directing guests to call in or use the chat featured on the Disney World website.

Walt Disney World announced on March 28 that it would only begin accepting reservations for dining and resorts for travel dates starting June 1 and later.

Meet Asha, The Newest Disney Zebra Foal

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom

Ready for some cuteness?! You may have heard about a Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal, Asha, born earlier this month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Well, Asha has now made her grand entrance onto the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna with her mother, Heidi. Check out the sweet video, photos and details below from DisneyParksBlog:

I’m also excited to share she entered the savanna with a gorgeous name, Asha. Asha’s name means “hope” in Sanskrit, and “life” in Swahili, and it was chosen by Walt Disney World Cast Members, who had a chance to vote on potential names.

While we normally reserve the naming of a new baby for the Cast Members on our animal care team, we decided to ask all Walt Disney World Cast Members to help us choose this little one’s name as a special opportunity for all our Cast to be part of a beautiful moment in this challenging time in the world.

It’s always a joy to see a baby animal go on the savanna for the first time.

Zoological Manager Meaghan McCarthy was on hand for the special moment and says Asha excitedly ventured onto the savanna along with her mom, Heidi. The foal was eager to stretch her long legs, run and play along with other members of the Hartmann’s herd.

Meaghan tells me this little foal is inquisitive and brave. Asha encountered a lot of firsts and lots of learning on her first venture out. She confidently stood beside her mom, Heidi, while meeting a member of her zebra herd, saw just how tall a giraffe stands, heard the call of a hyena, and got a taste of grass. Asha boldly ventured away from mom to explore, but quickly responded when Heidi came to collect her.

Hartmann’s mountain zebras are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. To learn more about zebras and other species we are working to protect, visit DisneyAnimals.com and follow me and my amazing team on Instagram: @DrMarkAtDisney.

Toy Story Sunrise Views From Parks Around The World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios

Hello Sunshine! Toy Story continues to be a popular favorite and will likely continue to be just as loved for years to come. Check out these inspiring sunrise views below from DisneyParskBlog featuring Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story at Disney parks and resorts around the world!   

Whether it’s glimmering sun rays filtering through Toy Soldier Parachute Drop at Hong Kong Disneyland or brilliant light rising above Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park, each location has its own spectacular morning views with a touch of Toy Story magic.  Here are favorites from the archives: 

Toy Story Mania – Tokyo Disney

Pixar Pier – Disneyland

Toy Story Hotel – Shanghai Disney

Toy Story Playland – Disneyland Paris

Toy Story Land – Walt Disney World

Toy Story Land – Hong Kong Disneyland

From our Toy Story sunrises to yours, good morning and as Woody would say, “reach for the sky” this magical Monday.  And remember – “The important thing is that we stick together.” – Buzz Lightyear