2022 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend Medal Reveal

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

This February thousands of runners will descend upon Walt Disney World for the 2022 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The event did not take place on property in 2021, so many are very eager for the 2022 race. Runners now know what amazing bling they will get when they cross that finish line.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Calling all running royalty! This year, runDisney racing is even more incredible for princesses and princes everywhere. Taking place during the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration, the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE, February 24-27, 2022, features events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals and Disney entertainment.

Celebrating the heroic spirit of Disney Princesses that inspire courage and kindness, runners will be propelled to finish triumphantly and celebrate their very own happily ever after. Dress in your royal best, don your fanciest tutus and tiaras, sprinkle in some pixie dust and get ready to have a fairy tale finish!

Get ready to trade your glass slippers for running shoes as we share with you a first look at the finisher medals for this year’s event. Featuring an EARidescent design highlighting the courageous and kind Disney Princesses, gear up for a weekend of magical miles with these coveted regal medals:

Run like the clock’s striking midnight with Cinderella on a 3.1-mile course around Walt Disney World Resort during the Disney Princess 5K, perfect for the entire family to enjoy.

Your running fairy tale can come true, it all depends on YOU! Celebrate the Disney Enchanted 10K with Tiana on a magical 6.2-mile course.

Run swift as a coursing river during the Disney Princess Half Marathon featuring Mulan! Reflect on a job well done with a finisher medal spotlighting the courageous warrior.

Calling all voyagers! See just how far you can go during the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge, celebrating Moana, by taking on 19.3 miles to earn this finishers medal.

Not able to join us at Walt Disney World Resort in February? Bring the magic home when you join us virtually and run on a course of your choosing! From 3.1 to 19.3 miles, have an enchanting at-home race adventure during the Virtual 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE.

Limited availability remains for the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – head over to runDisney.com to register today.

Disney PhotoPass Service and Snap Collaboration Continues with New Augmented Reality Lenses

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Favorite Disney characters and Disney Parks icons will soon come to life in immersive new ways at Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney PhotoPass Service and Snap are continuing their collaboration with new augmented reality photo moments!

Combining camera technology developed by Snap with beloved Disney stories, our interactive new Disney PhotoPass Lenses create a magical, one-of-a-kind experience sure to make you smile. These latest Disney PhotoPass Lenses will be available directly through the My Disney Experience app as part of the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, launching on Oct. 19, 2021. A select sampling of these lenses will also be complimentary through the Snapchat app.*

Have you ever wanted to transform into a Disney villain? Or cook ratatouille with help from Remy? Or maybe even take a step back in time and see Cinderella Castle magically transform into a birthday cake? With this amazing technology, guests can make their own magic as the world around them transitions into one of fantasy. Take a look for yourself! 

The lenses are also a special way to capture memories during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” the incredible 18-month event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

Whether guests are in their Disney Resort hotel room, traveling on the Disney Skyliner or waiting for the character cavalcade to begin, they can capture photos and videos with Disney PhotoPass Lenses to your heart’s content. While many Disney PhotoPass Lenses can be used across Walt Disney World Resort, others like the Remy’s lens will be available exclusively in specific areas of the parks. 

The fun continues even after a Disney vacation – guests can also enjoy some Disney PhotoPass Lenses up to 45 days after the day they visit with Disney Genie+ service, including one of our favorites, which lets guests recreate one of the most iconic scenes from “Lady and the Tramp.” Guests can open the My Disney Experience app and be sure to try it with their dog or cat! 

At Disney, innovation and storytelling is at the heart of everything we do, and by collaborating with Snap, we’re excited to further transform how guests experience their favorite stories. Every day, we are exploring new ways for technology to help us bridge the physical and digital worlds in what we call the “theme park metaverse” to further immerse our guests in experiences they cannot find anywhere else.

These lenses will join the many other ways to capture your vacation memories with our amazing cast of Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout Walt Disney World Resort – from family photos in front of park icons to Magic Shots, the Capture Your Moment photo sessions and more. 

The Disney PhotoPass Lenses featured are just the beginning, as we’re creating more for you to enjoy in the future. Stay tuned to for more details! 

With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Walt Disney World Guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they enter the park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the My Disney Experience app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45th day after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a Guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by Guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, Guests unable to provide such consent, as well as Guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the My Disney Experience app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. A purchase of Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World Resort does not include downloads of a Guest’s Disney PhotoPass photos or videos that were captured by photographers and onboard attractions. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

*Use of the Snapchat app is subject to Snap Inc.’s terms of service and privacy policy.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Early 2023 Itineraries

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

In early 2023, Disney Cruise Line will return to top tropical destinations in the Bahamas – including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay – as well as the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, delighting guests of all ages with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. A variety of enchanting itineraries will set sail coast-to-coast from U.S. home ports including Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego. Bookings open to the public on October 21, 2021.

Vacations to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida

Disney Cruise Line will create even more fun in the sun like never before with an array of departures from the Sunshine State in early 2023, visiting tropical destinations throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. Two ships will sail from Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, and a third ship will depart from Miami. Every cruise from Florida includes a visit to Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay.

Departing from Port Canaveral, the Disney Wish will sail into 2023 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. Cruises aboard Disney’s newest ship combine enchanting new entertainment and storytelling, with the unparalleled service and magical moments that guests love when sailing with Disney.

Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will begin the year with seven-night sailings to several favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Plus, one unique eight-night sailing includes two days in beautiful Bermuda, where guests can sunbathe on the island’s pristine pink sand beaches, enjoy exhilarating water sports or explore the island’s spectacular underground Crystal Caves.

From Miami, the Disney Dream will embark on an assortment of four- and five-night cruises to locales including Grand Cayman, Nassau, Castaway Cay and Cozumel, Mexico. Even more private island enjoyment is on deck with one special five-night cruise that includes two stops at Castaway Cay.

On all Florida departures, guests can delight in a voyage that provides something for every member of the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

Tropical Escapes from Texas and New Orleans

In January and February, the Disney Magic will sail from Galveston, Texas, on a variety of four-, five-, six- and seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean. Tropical ports of call on these sailings include Grand Cayman as well as Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

In February and March, the Disney Magic is “going down the bayou” for the first time during a debut season in New Orleans. Departing from the heart of the The Big Easy, along the mighty Mississippi River, the four-, five- and six-night sailings will call on the tropical destinations of Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Before or after their Disney cruise, guests can venture into the Crescent City to savor the distinct flavors of famous New Orleans cuisine, revel in the sweet melodies of world-renowned jazz music and recognize the iconic sights and sounds that inspired the beloved animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”

All early 2023 Disney Magic voyages include two or three days at sea to enjoy the unlimited fun, entertainment, relaxation and memories onboard.

Baja Peninsula Getaways from San Diego

The Disney Wonder will return to the West Coast, sailing from San Diego in April and May. Cruises to Baja, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera will transport guests to sunny shores filled with vibrant culture, glittering sand beaches, active outdoor adventures and exciting water activities.

Sailings from San Diego will range in length from three to seven nights. Some sailings to the Baja peninsula will call on the charming coastal city of Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain. Many departures will include a visit to Cabo San Lucas, a favorite destination with dramatic rock formations and white sand beaches.

Seven-night itineraries will sail to Mazatlan, the “Pearl of the Pacific,” filled with breathtaking natural wonders, thriving culture and colorful history, and to Puerto Vallarta, the beautiful seaside escape nestled along the curve of the Banderas Bay and bordered by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains.

Ride Vehicles for brand-new attraction spotted on their way to Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

We’ve been watching updates about the construction of the TRON Lightcycle coaster at Magic Kingdom ever since it was first announced! And if you’ve been to Magic Kingdom at all in the last couple of years, you’ve been able to witness the progress of the construction firsthand, especially if you look from aboard a car at the Tomorrowland Speedway.

Credit: Becky BurkettProgress has only continued, and just yesterday, a rig with a flatbed trailer was spotted at the Transportation and Ticket Center Tram overpass bridge near Magic Kingdom, and if you take a close look, you can see what looks like TRON Lightcycle ride vehicles underneath all the heavy plastic.

Yep, those are definitely NOT Guardians of the Galaxy ride vehicles!

During the 2019 D23 Expo in California, one of the TRON Lightcycle Power Run ride vehicles was on display. Let’s compare the two to see for sure if that’s what’s under the plastic.

The arrival of ride vehicles we’re closer than ever to the opening of Magic Kingdom’s newest thrill ride attraction!  Once ride vehicles are installed on the tracks of the coaster, further testing can begin on the experience itself.

The TRON Lightcycle Power Run experience is already enjoyed by Guests at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction is based on the 1980s futuristic flick, TRON.

Disney’s Shanghai Disneyland Resort website calls TRON Lightcycle Power Run the “ultimate competition:”

“Experience high-speed thrills and chills as the Grid comes alive in a heart-pounding race for survival. Created as a friendly way for “Programs” and “Users” to interact, the Power Run pits team against team in the quintessential quest to capture 8 Energy Gates and triumph over opponents.

Prepare for digitization after entering the portal—this is your access into the energy, lights, and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe. As you leave the real world behind, you’ll proceed to the games as a member of Team Blue, ready to compete against some of the Grid’s most menacing Programs.”

We anxiously await the opening of the newest coaster at Magic Kingdom since Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which opened in May 2014 as a part of the New Fantasyland expansion project.

Disney’s Yehaa Bob Jackson Is Back – But You Aren’t Allowed to Sing Along

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

It’s FINALLY happening! Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside has officially reopened as of October 14th and Guests are flooding back to the beloved, New Orleans-themed Resort. While we’ll have to wait until October 28th for Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter to open, Riverside is dishing out all sorts of excitement. One of the most iconic forms of entertainment offered at Walt Disney World is the popular Yeeha Bob Jackson that performs at River Roost Lounge in Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. While we’re thrilled to see entertainment like Casey’s Corner Pianist, Jellyrolls, and stage shows return, we’ve been especially excited to get back to one of Bob’s performances as we sip a beverage or two to close out a perfect Disney day. While Bob is excited to return, he has warned Guests that Disney doesn’t want them to sing along.

Bob Jackson took to his Facebook page on October 14 to share, “I am very grateful to be returning to the stage at Disney tonight but there are some big restrictions on what I can perform. I’ve been instructed not to perform any sing-along music, and not to encourage anyone to sing along. I’m not to get anyone up and moving around the room. These are restrictions due to Covid and masks. Hopefully, these restrictions are only temporary and will be lifted in the near future as we get through the pandemic. Those of you at home can sing along, but those in the audience at the Port might be disappointed not to hear their old favorites from the show. As you can imagine, I’ve been scrambling the last day and a half to write another show! Thanks to you and your many requests over the last 17 months, I have plenty of new material to pick from. You’ll still be able to hear your favorites every Sunday night at our weekly sing-along show. Wish me luck tonight, I’m going to need it! We ain’t scared!!!”

Bob Jackson’s songs are typically perfect for singing along and his interaction with Guests makes the show all the better. But, you know what… we’ll take what we can get! Even if we can’t sing along, we’re thrilled to have a chance to see Bob work his making on the keys once again. Hopefully, as Bob said, these restrictions will be lifted soon enough. Best of luck, Bob!