Voice Actor of Splash Mountains’ Brer Rabbit Weighs In on the Ride’s Re-Imagining

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Voice actor and singer, Jess Harnell, is known for voicing attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The most popular voice role for Harnell is for Splash Mountains’ popular character, Brer Rabbit. As Disney prepares to re-imagine Splash Mountain to a Princess and the Frog theme, Disney recently noted the project is being expedited. Harnell weighs in with his thoughts on the ride’s re-imagining.

“[Splash Mountain] is really, really dear to my heart, because it was the first character voice job I ever did, and I did most of the voices on that ride,” Harnell told ComicBook.com. “And it gave me a great sense of joy knowing that wherever I was, sleeping, awake, whatever condition I was in at that time, somebody somewhere in the world was on Splash Mountain, and hopefully it was making them happy. I loved that idea. Since, then I’ve gone on to do a lot of other stuff at the Disney parks. Those are still going to be there.”

“I’ve had the experience of looking down from above on the Main Street Electrical Parade, watching kids’ faces light up when voices I did come out,” Harnell continued. “And there’s no greater feeling. To know that you gave people that happiness. Now, personally, I don’t believe that Splash Mountain was offensive, and I don’t believe that it alluded to anything offensive, but if it’s going to upset people or make people feel bad about something terrible, then I get it. I’m sorry to see it go, because I loved it. It was an honor to be involved, and I’m happy I had that chance. But I don’t want to be a part of anything that makes anybody hurt.”

Disney has yet to announce a date for Splash Mountain’s closure for re-imagining to begin.

Two Giraffe Calves Join the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

If you’re headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and have plans to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, get ready for a duo of cuteness. Two giraffe calves have officially joined the savanna and yep, they’re the cutest!

As shared on Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page on December 4:

“It was an exciting morning at Kilimanjaro Safaris as giraffe calves Maple and Zella joined our family of Masai giraffes on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. They’ve spent a lot of time bonding backstage with moms Mara and Willow, and today was like a big party with the rest of the family and a few neighbors, including zebra, wildebeest and springbok. At first, the two baby besties took their time exploring their new surroundings on the savanna, with their moms and aunts, keepers said. But soon enough, they were running around with four of the older “kids,” enjoying the chilly morning air. The calves will start spending more and more time on the savanna in the coming days, so see if you can catch a glimpse of them on your next safari adventure.”

Return of Park Hopping

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

The coronavirus pandemic has caused numerous changes to operations and offerings around Disney World. One of the things we miss most is the ability to hop between parks. So, we were thrilled to learn this morning that park hopping, with slight modifications from what we’re used to, is returning to Disney World.

From a Disney Cast Member;

As the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort continues, we are nearing another exciting milestone we know many guests have been looking forward to: the return of the Park Hopper option! Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of our ongoing focus on health and safety.

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

Additionally, we will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.

These modifications are designed to help us continue managing attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect, including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

As a reminder, guests with a ticket or pass that includes Park Hopper benefits get the chance to see and do more during their visit, which could mean a morning on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and an evening stroll by Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park or starting the day living your Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before an afternoon traveling around the world at EPCOT. Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

Also, note our capacity limits are not changing due to the Park Hopper Option.

If you have any questions, you may visit our Know Before You Go page on DisneyWorld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center, contact your travel professional or reach out to planDisney to get helpful tips and information on your upcoming Disney vacation.

We look forward to starting the new year with the return of this guest favorite option!

Watch ‘Candlelight Processional’ at Home

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a fan-favorite that is sorely missed this year. Thankfully, Disney has released a virtual viewing of a performance recorded last year with narration by guest-favorite Neil Patrick Harris.

From a Disney Cast Member;

“Candlelight Processional” is a wonderful holiday tradition for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Each night at both Disneyland park and EPCOT, a massed choir performs songs of the season as a celebrity narrator retells the Christmas story.

Since this yuletide event isn’t happening this year, we are bringing you some virtual holiday magic with a special encore performance, which you can view below. This processional was filmed in 2019 at EPCOT and features narration by guest-favorite Neil Patrick Harris. You’ll also hear from Becky Cline of the Walt Disney Archives, who shares the storied history of the processional and why it’s become so beloved by so many.

2019 Candlelight Processional Info & Tips - Disney Tourist Blog

With that, we here at the Disney Parks Blog wish you happy holidays. We hope you enjoy the show, and we look forward to being together for a “Candlelight Processional” again in the future!

Disney Shares Ten Amazing Cookie Recipes From Disney Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

In honor of National Cookie Day, Disney Parks has shared ten amazing Disney Parks cookie recipes that we can’t wait to make at home! 

From a Disney Cast Member;

Is there anything better than taking that first heavenly bite of a warm cookie as the smell of freshly baked cookies still lingers in the air? I think not.

No wonder there is a day dedicated to celebrating these delicious morsels of goodness. And that day was December 4!

We asked our Disney chefs from around the world to send us their favorite cookie recipe so you can bake some Disney magic at home for National Cookie Day. But feel free to celebrate National Cookie Day every day – I do!

Shortbread Cookies from Disneyland Resort – A classic. Simple and delicious. What’s not to love? Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.Happy baking!

Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookies from Disneyland Paris – Our Disneyland Paris pastry chefs have created these delicious chocolate chip cookies and fancied them up with pecans, dried fruit, and a dark chocolate drizzle. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree from Magic Kingdom Park – This festive stack of almond macarons, cranberry buttercream, and cranberry-orange white chocolate ganache is sure to “wow” family and friends. A bit of work but worth it! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Gingerbread Cookies from Shanghai Disneyland Resort – Leave it to our Shanghai Disneyland pastry chefs to take a simple gingerbread cookie mix to the next level. Kiddos love decorating these traditional holiday cookies, well, adults too! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Shortbread Cookies from Disneyland Resort – A classic. Simple and delicious. What’s not to love? Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies from Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery – Using whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor that sets these cookies apart from the classic chocolate chip version. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Molasses Crackle Cookies from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Bakery – With rich flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, these deliciously chewy molasses cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Spaceship Earth Cookies with Salted Caramel Ganache from Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – The EPCOT pastry chefs had me at “salted caramel ganache.” This recipe is a baking commitment in the kitchen, but you will not regret it – promise! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Num Num Cookies from Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The ultimate in the classic chocolate chip cookie game. Jack-Jack loves these over-the-top chocolate chip cookies and you will too. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Butter Cookies from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – You may not be able to decorate like our talented Hong Kong Disneyland pastry chefs, but these butter cookies are delicious alone or simply decorated with royal icing. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Pumpkin Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Ice cream sandwiched between soft delicious autumnal cookies? Yes, please! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.