Conde Nast Traveler’s annual May Hot List is the ultimate insider’s guide to the hottest new hotels, spas and restaurants of the year. Editors traveled to 49 countries and evaluated 172 new hotels to discover the best in the world, and Aulani was included among the best.

In their evaluation, Conde Nast editors particularly cited “the resort’s main attraction…the pool area” (aka Waikolohe Valley) and noted, “Apart from meet-and-greets with Mickey and Minnie and themed activities like ‘Surf’s Up’ time with Chip and Dale, the property feels more like a five-star family-focused resort than a Disney showcase. And it lives up to its promise to educate kids about Hawaiian culture…”

The “Hot Spas” citation noted the six outdoor rain showers and the “tranquil, wood-paneled” interior, and observed “excellent technicians choose just the right massage pressure and products.” Of course the Aulani and Laniwai teams always strive to provide Disney levels of quality and service, so it’s nice to be recognized by veteran travelers.

Aulani and Laniwai Make the Conde Nast Traveler ‘Hot List’ for 2012 by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

As we have done in the past, we wanted to give our loyal Disney Parks Blog readers a heads-up that ticket prices at the Disneyland Resort will be increasing, starting on May 20. This summer is one of the most anticipated times in the resort’s history, and a visit to the Disneyland Resort has never been a better value. In the past few years alone, we’ve added new world-class attractions, such as The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, “World of Color” and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Now, with the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, including the 12-acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, almost complete, there are even more reasons to visit.

And this summer, both parks will open each day at 8 a.m. and offer increased entertainment, giving you and your family more time to stay and play. At Disney California Adventure park, we’re adding an additional showing of “Aladdin – a Musical Spectacular” and Pixar Play Parade will be presented up to twice daily. At Disneyland park, you’ll find more shows and characters at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and increased performances at the Tomorrowland Terrace every day of the week, and the singing sensation “Voices of Liberty” performing at the Main Street Opera House.

We’re sharing the details here on the ticket prices, which also include increases to Disneyland Resort Annual Passports. Annual Passholders recognize that their investment pays for itself after just a few visits. Our California-based Annual Passholders have the added benefit and flexibility of a monthly payment program. This year, we’ll continue to offer unique passholder-exclusive entertainment and experiences, along with 10-20% discounts on select food and merchandise. As an example, you already know that Annual Passholders were invited to special viewings to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Fantasmic!” And later this summer, Passholders also will have early access to the parks through a new Annual Passholder Early Entry program – just for them. Details on this program were announced earlier this week here.

There are other ways to save when you visit. The popular 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket gives guests access to both parks on the same day, or if you are planning on playing with us longer, multi-day tickets also offer a variety of options for you to save on your California vacation. All updated pricing can be found here. The information will also be available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets on May 20.

Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Update by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyland will immerse you in Disney stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction during which you will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.

• The castle of the Beast, standing majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, you will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
  
  Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: You are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

But that’s just the beginning of what you will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:

• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take you on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs. It is currently scheduled to open in 2014.
• In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet you in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.
• The sound of the calliope will lead you to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, you can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.
• Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

On this day back in 1928, audiences saw the first test screening of a Mickey Mouse short, which was “Plane Crazy.” People often confuse whether “Plane Crazy” or “Steamboat Willie” was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, but Dave Smith clears this up in his book “Dave Smith’s Disney A-Z,” explaining that “Plane Crazy” was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon produced, but the third released (“Steamboat Willie” was the first released).

In “Plane Crazy,” Mickey Mouse and his friends build an airplane and take Minnie on an adventurous flight. Today, it’s easy to see how flight has continued to inspire Disney attractions at our parks around the world.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, you can fly away on a rocket at Astro Orbiter, board a space ship at Mission: SPACE, or take a flight in Fantasyland on the Barnstormer – Starring the Great Goofini.

In honor of today’s nod to history, which is your favorite high-flying adventure at a Disney Park?

Today in Disney History: First Mickey Mouse Short Previews by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

When you purchase a 5-night or longer stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, from Aug. 29 – Nov. 3, 2012, kids (ages 3-9) eat free* when ordering from the kid’s menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will also receive a free length-of-stay pass for the Rainbow Reef!

In addition, your Clients of any age can take advantage of 25% off** fares on Hawaiian Airlines when flying from JFK, SFO, LAX, OAK or SJC. Book by July 14, 2012.

Booking Window:
May 11 – July 14, 2012

Travel Window:
Aug. 29 – Nov. 3, 2012

Offer Details:
With a 5-night minimum stay your Clients ages 3-9 each receive:

• A free length-of-stay pass for the Rainbow Reef
• Three free meals (from the kid’s menu) for each night of their package at their choice of the following quick-service and table-service restaurants:
  • ‘AMA ‘AMA: Includes 1 appetizer (lunch and dinner only), 1 entrée and 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only); 1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage
  • Makahiki: Includes 1 full buffet (breakfast and dinner only)
  • The ‘Olelo Room: Includes 1 continental breakfast (breakfast only)
  • One Paddle, Two Paddle; Mama’s Snack Stop and Lava Shack: Includes 1 entrée or 1 complete combo meal, 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only) and 1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

How to Book:

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

* The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Dining entitlements and Rainbow Reef pass are for registered guests only, expire upon check out and are non-transferable. Advance reservations required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

** Reservation must include a minimum one-night stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Limited supplies are available and discount may be applied over all travel dates (8/29/2012 – 11/03/12). Fares on some dates may be higher. Not valid on K & L fares. Maximum of 6 passengers per reservation. Travel must originate from one of the following Designated Airports: John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Fare is subject to seat availability. Child/infant or other discounts do not apply. If ticket changes are made, the value of the original round-trip discount may not be applied and is subject to availability. Date and routing changes may be made with applicable penalties, and fare differential may apply. Cancellation penalties will apply. Discount will be applied to the published base fare at the time of booking, based on a round-trip itinerary originating from a Designated Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii and includes Base Fare, Fuel Surcharge, and U.S. taxes. Fare shown includes taxes and fees including a $3.80 ZP tax per segment (defined as one takeoff and one landing), a $2.50 per enplanement September 11th Security Fee (not to exceed $10) and PFC surcharge of $4.50 (not to exceed $18 round-trip) where applicable will be applied. For complete listings of fees and baggage charges, visit http://www.hawaiianair.com/moreinfo.

For just $157 per person, per night, Members can book a verandah stateroom of their choice on select 7-Night Caribbean sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy in June, 2012.
(Total voyage fare is $1099 per person).

This unique offer is only available for sailings in June, so call Disney Cruise Line at
(888) 885 – 3770 and mention booking code “DVC CASH” to book yours today.

Be among the first to sail during the inaugural season of the Disney Fantasy! Call now, before this offer sails away! 

Here’s where you come in…we want you to send us your best video shout out, and if your creative greeting stands out, there’s a chance we’ll include it in our official video.

We need all video submissions by May 15 (that’s less than one week away!), so start thinking about how you can help us welcome the Disney Magic to New York City in a fun way – and upload your video here.

All we ask is that you keep it short (videos should be 30 seconds or less) and that you get creative, like the Hetmanski family from New Jersey. Here’s a screenshot of their video to help you get your creative juices flowing!

Read more Disney Cruise Line news in these posts:

• Aloha Spirit Fills the Disney Wonder
• Disney Wonder Calls on Hawai’i for the First Time
• Family Entertainment on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Needs Your Help! by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

One of the many hats I get to wear in my role in Disney Theme Park Merchandise is discovering new and exciting products to share with guests. Several months ago, I visited the set of ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. While on the set, I listened to a product idea presented by entrepreneur, Shelly Ehler, which I felt would be a perfect match for Disney Parks.

The product idea that Shelly shared was the ingeniously designed ShowNo, an all-in-one cover up and towel! I thought the ShowNo’s patented neck slit design and convenient pocket made it a perfect companion for someone visiting a Disney water park or for guests staying at a Disney resort hotel. The ShowNo can be used as a convenient cover up, yet the design still allows for it to lay flat as a beach towel. It’s made from an absorbent, 100% cotton material, and is ideal for drying off after a day playing in the water.

The Mickey and Minnie Mouse-inspired ShowNo’s are currently available at Walt Disney World Resort’s two water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. The Disney Parks authentic ShowNo’s will also be available online at Disneyparks.com/Store but only until Thursday, May 10!

You can see the Shark Tank episode that features the ShowNo by visiting http://www.abc.com/SharkTank (look for episode 313 from week 13).

Happy Summer!

Disney Parks Authentic ‘ShowNo’ Perfect for Summer Fun by Dara Trujillo: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

Celebrating the ship’s arrival gave us a unique opportunity to collaborate with our friends from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i.

Cast members from Aulani welcomed the crew of the Disney Wonder and presented a traditional Hawaiian paddle to the captain so that the ship could always carry a part of Aulani with it. Disney Cruise Line bestowed a piece of mooring line to Aulani, representing Disney magic that ties the ship to the resort.

Captain Fabian, Captain Mickey Mouse, and Elliot Mills, Vice President & General Manager of Aulani.

The Captain and his team in Maui.

In Honolulu, a beautiful rainbow shone overhead – a symbol of good luck – to bless the ship’s arrival ceremony, which included local port officials and community leaders including Governor Neil Abercrombie and Mayor Peter Carlisle.

Guests participated in unique port adventures in each destination, ranging from a hike past a scenic waterfall to a special visit to Aulani, where Hawaiian culture, history and traditions are celebrated.

In addition, crew members and Disney characters visited a local hospital for senior citizens in Kahului and an immersion school in Maui to spread the Disney magic across the islands.

Aloha Spirit Fills the Disney Wonder by Rebecca Peddie: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Visit our site at:  MickeysFanClub.com, and to begin planning your Disney Vacation visit:  GlassSlipperConcierge.com

• Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers, and preloaded syringes;
• Unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication;
• lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions;
• Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle); Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin.
• Glucagon emergency kit;
• Urine ketone test strips;
• Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.
• Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips.

Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.

If you are concerned or uncomfortable about going through the walk-through metal detector with your insulin pump, notify the Security Officer that you are wearing an insulin pump and would like a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of your pump instead.

Advise the Security Officer that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin.

Advise the Security Officer if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.