Disney Parks Honor Health Medical Workers

Yesterday, April 7th, was World Health Day! This is a day we celebrate nurses, doctors and healthcare teams for their dedicated work in keeping all of us healthy! During this time of COVID-19, we are especially thankful for their commitment to tackle this global pandemic. Disney is making this day extra special by honoring those on the front line. Check out the details and images below from DisneyParksBlog:

We are uniting across the globe with a message of thanks and appreciation to celebrate the brave healthcare providers who are helping so many.

The celebration kicked off at Shanghai Disney Resort, where the Enchanted Storybook Castle lit up with the words “thank you” in numerous languages for medical professionals all over the world.

On behalf of the cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney Ambassador Melody shared a special symbol of appreciation.

For a moment of inspiration, Tokyo Disney Resort shared wonderful images from both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, with a heartfelt thanks to healthcare workers.

At Disneyland Paris, a floral arrangement of “Merci” was displayed in front of the castle.

Cinderella Castle shined blue, as a beacon of hope and gratitude. Magic Kingdom cast members created their own moment of thanks on Main Street U.S.A.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dr. Mark Penning – Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team – shared a special “thank you” from his entire team of animal caregivers, scientists and environmental specialists.

At Disneyland Resort, Custodial cast members expressed their heartfelt gratitude at the “Storytellers” statue and at Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure.

Shining brightly on behalf of all of the Disney Stores around the world, a heartfelt message of thanks lit up the billboards above the Disney Store in Times Square in New York City.

At Castaway Cay, there was a special island appreciation shared from Disney Cruise Line, spelling the words “thank you” using flip flops.

As an expression of gratitude, our ohana at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa shared a heartfelt “mahalo” message.

Over at Walt Disney Imagineering, a fitting “thank you” was shared for medical professionals all over the world.

We’re reminded of a quote: “Every step we take, brings a new hope, a new day…” It’s from the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Walt Disney World Resort, and we hope it serves as an inspiration to you, as does for us, during this uncertain time. 

Join the conversation with #ThanksHealthHeroes on social media, and stay tuned for more#DisneyMagicMoments in the days and weeks to come.

New “Onward” Ebook & Activities

“Onward” – the newest Disney Pixar film was recently released on Disney+! This fantastic film is about the exciting quest of two teenage elf brothers. To add to the fun, DisneyParksBlog is offering an eBook and activities to keep the fun going! Check out the details below:

Grab a free copy of Onward: The Search for the Phoenix Gem to learn more about the film’s suburban fantasy world and the brothers’ epic journey. The eBook follows Sadalia, an ordinary teenage elf with big dreams as she investigates the truth about the magic the brothers are seeking. The free download (available only in the US) will be available from April 3 through April 11. For other formats, visit Disney Books.

Artists and word game enthusiasts alike can get in on the “Onward” fun by bringing some color to a collection of free coloring pages, and going on a word quest of their own. Activities available for download here

For families looking for more ways to connect with their favorite stories and characters outside of Onward’s New Mushroomtown, the official Disney Princess YouTube page has a whole playlist of read-along stories. 

Be sure to follow @DisneyBooks on social media for more fun content from your favorite authors and books! 

New Disney Magic Moments Website & Video Fun

Millions of people around the world are at home and looking for ways to spend time together (and apart!). Disney fans and families are creating their own “only Disney” moments in their daily lives with recreating favorite attractions, posting photos and family memories, and sharing the fun they’re having. Well, this has inspired Disney to jump in on the fun! Check out the details and videos below from DisneyParksBlog:

You’ve even inspired us to bring Disney to you in new ways, from livestreamed Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, to the virtual viewing of the “Magic Happens” parade from the Disneyland Resort, to singing along with the Dapper Dans. There’s even been drawing Olaf with Disney Animation and reading along with Disney talent for storytime!

Now we are thrilled to share an even easier way for kids, families and fans to access #DisneyMagicMoments like these, all in the comfort of your own home. Disney has launched www.DisneyMagicMoments.com, a website where you will find fun and engaging Disney content, stories and resources — for free! — from Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, to Walt Disney Animation Studios, National Geographic, Disney Parks and beyond.

And we’ve created a curated set of resources to spark imagination and share magic, all available when you visit this special page on the Disney Parks Blog. Here, you’ll find family-fun activities, online resources and more — LEARN & CREATEFUN & PLAY and CARE & COMMUNITY.

Officially kicking off these #DisneyMagicMoments, gather around with your family and watch these two all-new videos. 

First up, a virtual ride-through of the timeless classic Disney Parks attraction, “it’s a small world,” a beloved favorite at many of our parks around the globe. 

Then, check out the JAMMitors, everyone’s favorite funky group of janitors-turned-percussionists. Normally this group would be sharing their syncopated sounds at EPCOT using all sorts of different items they find around the park. Today, they are sharing their #VoicesFromHome — using pots and pans, trash cans and even an old tire!

Keep an eye out for even more virtual pixie dust and use #DisneyMagicMoments to show us how you’re bringing the Disney magic to life at home!

shopDisney Hosting Virtual Easter Egg Hunt Starting April 10th

With the pandemic happening everywhere around us, families are struggling to find activities for Easter this year. We may not be able to see the Easter egg displays sprinkled around the Walt Disney World Resort this year, but we can go on a virtual egg hunt thanks to some of the official Disney Instagram accounts.

From the shopDisney official Instagram account:

Mark your calendar and join us for a virtual Easter egg hunt on April 10th at 9:00am! Be the first to correctly identify the hidden storytelling details woven into 3 exclusive Disney Backstage Collection T-shirts and win a 3-month subscription. To find the tees and clues, hop back here Friday, April 10th at 9am PT, as well as visit @disneyd23 and @disneymovieinsiders to find the tees, then enter your answers in the comments of our Hunt post #shopDisneyContest. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends April 13, 2020. Open to 50 US/DC residents ages 18 and older. One prize per person. Visit Official Rules/Odds at http://di.sn/DSEaster. Void where prohibited.

The Disney Backstage Collection is a subscription box made with Disney history fans in mind. For collectors, winning exclusive Disney Backstage Collection tees in addition to a 3-month subscription could definitely bring some light to someone while we wait for the parks to reopen.