New Type C Monorail Spotted Testing @ Tokyo Disney Resort

While the Tokyo Disney Resort theme parks remain closed through at least mid-May due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, operations on other segments, such as the Disney Resort Line monorail system, continue. And in preparation for the launch of the new Type C monorail trains this year, the Oriental Land Company has taken advantage of the reduced schedule on the Disney Resort Line to test the first new train!

Twitter user @peenattsun was at Tokyo DisneySea Station today when he spotted the Type C train testing during operating hours! Previous tests only took place in the late night after hours. Inside, we can see the new Mickey-inspired interior, complete with larger windows. Below, you can view the concept renderings for these new trains.

The Type C trains are scheduled to enter service sometime in 2020. They were previously scheduled for May 21st, but have since been delayed due to the ongoing disruptions related to COVID-19.

May Edition of Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Features The Enchanted Tiki Room

shopDisney has revealed a sneak peek at the upcoming “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” merchandise collection that’s coming in May––and it’s themed to the Enchanted Tiki Room! Disney Stores are now closed, but the collection is set to be available via shopDisney on May 15th. (Note: shopDisney initially tweeted a date of 5/15 as part of their announcement, but typically the Main Attraction collection releases on the third Saturday of each month, which would make it a 5/16 release.)

All of the vibrant, jungle-esque colors of the classic “Enchanted Tiki Room” attraction are represented throughout this collection. The May collection features a Minnie Ear Headband that’s made to look like a bird of paradise, with feathers, bamboo accents, and a leafy-inspired bow. A similar pattern is seen on the mug, Loungefly mini backpack, and even Minnie’s dress and bow, which features Jose!

The three pins includes Jose, Minnie Mouse, and a small-scale image of the Minnie ears in the collection. You can house all three in the previously-announced pin collectors book.

The April release, themed to the classic “it’s a small world” attraction, was released last Saturday, April 18.

Disney Cruise Line Cancels Mediterranean Sailings Through June 7th

As the world continues to face the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney Cruise Line announced last week that that they had extended their suspension of departures through May 17th. Now, Mediterranean cruises aboard the Disney Magic have been cancelled through June 7.

With the wellbeing of its guests and team members as its top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Disney Cruise Line has decided to extend the suspension of Disney Magic departures through Sunday, June 7, 2020.

In light of this cancellation, Disney Cruise Line is offering the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date, or a full refund. The credit has been automatically added to the guests’ accounts.

The following advisory is listed on the Disney Cruise Line COVID-19 landing page:

Disney Magic European Sailings

We continue to monitor global developments and follow the guidance of public health authorities, as well as officials in our ports of call. We will notify Guests of any necessary itinerary changes.

Guests currently booked on our European sailings through our July 25 departure can change their reservation up until the day before embarkation and receive a 100% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date. The credit is non-refundable and standard prevailing rates will apply. Alternatively, Guests currently booked on our July 13, July 18 and July 25, 2020 European sailings may delay their final payment to 30 days prior to their sailing. Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly. Those who booked with Disney Cruise Line may call us at (866) 325-2112 or (407) 566-3510.

Below is a list of impacted sailings:

Disney Magic

  • 5/23 – 7-night Mediterranean
  • 5/30 – 7-night Mediterranean
  • 6/6– 7-night Mediterranean

Learn To Draw: Baymax From Big Hero 6

This post is from DisneyParksBlog on November 2014. Share with your kids during this time at home to get their creative juices flowing.

This week our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw one of our newest Disney sidekicks – Baymax from “Big Hero 6!”

This week, Brian James Fichtner from Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is back in the desk to offer up a lesson. Let’s do it!

Disney Cruise Line Cast Members Continue To Help

Disney Cruise Line has put a halt to their sailing departures due to the spread of COVID-19. There are however a handful of Crew Members that remain behind to maintain the ships. Check out how they are continuing to “make magic” as shared by DisneyParksBlog:

Since making the important decision to temporarily suspend Disney Cruise Line departures, we have continued to take time to focus on the well-being of our Cast and Crew Members, Guests, families and the communities we call home. To help others in need during this time, Crew Members have been working on a series of Disney VoluntEARS events focused on what they do best – making others smile with a dose of Disney magic.

While closely following safety and social distancing guidelines, Crew Members onboard have teamed up with several organizations, including the Foundation for Hospital Art and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, to bring some Disney pixie dust to those who need it most.

Crew Members have been harnessing their creativity to paint multi-paneled murals inspired by classic Disney characters and movies. Once completed, the Foundation for Hospital Art will donate each unique piece of art to hospitals. The foundation’s mission strives to bring comfort and hope through art to people in healthcare facilities around the world.

Disney Cruise Line Crew Members have also dedicated time to package and decorate greeting cards featuring Disney-inspired designs that will be delivered to children in the Starlight Children’s Foundation network of medical facilities. This foundation has brought smiles to more than 16 million children and their families since its inception with programs meant to inspire hospitalized kids.