Search Results for: blog disney youth programs

Limited Time Magic at the Disney Parks

2013 is a big year for the domestic Disney Parks. 2012 saw a lot of change for the both of them, between the reimagined California Adventure and the Fantasyland expansion (the largest in history for the Magic Kingdom). To celebrate, both parks are throwing a party for 2013, called “Limited Time Magic.” One-of-a-kind events will take place at the parks at certain times throughout the year next year. The official Disney Parks blog has a look at some of them. Two follow holidays: Valentine’s and Independence Day. For Valentine’s the Disney Parks are rolling out “True Love,” an event lasting … Continue reading →

Mousejunkies: One Man’s Life at Disney World

Today I’m looking at the second of the three books my mother bought me about Disney World vacations. This time around it’s the multi-titled “Mousejunkies! Tips, Tales, and Tricks for Disney World Fix: all you need to know for a perfect vacation” by Bill Burke. I’d call Burke’s book a proto-blog, but it was published in 2009 and thus right at the height of the blogosphere’s popularity. I want to name it that because like “Mini Mickey,” “Mousejunkies” is essentially a review of a Disney World vacation, containing looks at all the relevant restaurants, attractions, and hotels. “Mini Mickey,” however, … Continue reading →

Disneyland Grad Nite

Although Disney World might have decided to convert its decades-old Grad Nite celebrations into Senior Class Trips, Disneyland’s keeping the tradition. We know that Grad Nite will continue there for at least the next two years, as the official Disney Parks blog just mentioned some updates Disneyland is making to its graduate celebrations. Next year, any students partying for their graduation will be able to enter any Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park whenever they want. They’ll also be offered two FASTPASS tickets and a special showing of Fantasmic! before the private Grad Nite parties begin. In 2013 the aforementioned … Continue reading →

Character Dining at Disneyland

When I was a child I was terrified of costumed characters. For some reason Halloween didn’t bother me, but I didn’t want to go near Santa Claus’ lap at the mall, to my parents’ relief (it saved them the long line wait). What frightened me the most, however, were costumed characters at amusement parks. One of my earliest memories is running in fear from the parade at Sesame Place when I was only about three. Trips to Hershey Park had me breaking out into a nervous sweat should one of the giant anthropomorphic candy bars wander near me. On second … Continue reading →

Disney Youth Programs

Your kids could learn physics from a roller coaster Three times now I’ve written about special events offered by Disney World under the Disney Youth Programs division: Grad Nite/Senior Class Trip, STEP Classic, and Festival Disney. So what is Disney Youth Programs itself? Its official website doesn’t have an “about” section, but perhaps that’s because the name of the department is rather self-explanatory. Disney Youth Programs is the banner under which the Disney Parks offer a multitude of deals, discounts, and opportunities for youth groups and organizations. Youth Programs falls under four main categories: Performing Arts, Education, Celebrations, and Field … Continue reading →

Festival Disney

I don’t know how I hadn’t heard of Disney Youth Programs before now. I know I didn’t pay any attention to Disney outside of following its films until I started Disney blogging, but given how many events Youth Programs offers I’m just surprised that it took me so long to learn about it. Soon after announcing the dates for STEP Classic, the official Parks Blog gave word on the 2012 dates for its other music and arts competition: Festival Disney. However, the post on the parks blog site is meager; it mentions that the Festival will run on “select” weekends … Continue reading →

Disney STEP Classic

I never realized Disney had so many opportunities for youth until I started writing about them. In fact, there’s a whole subsection of the company devoted to the concept: Disney Youth Programs. Someday soon I’ll have to spend a while on its official website and tell you all about it, but for now I want to focus on something specific: Disney STEP Classic. The 2012 dates for the Disney STEP Classic performances have just been announced, so now’s the time to sign up and start preparing if you or someone you know is interested. But for those not in the … Continue reading →

Disneyland Scholarships

The month-long period between mid-May and mid-June seems full of one thing: graduates. Starting with college graduations in the middle of May and continuing with the high school graduations scattered throughout June, it seems there’s a fete for a graduate everywhere we turn this time of year. Of course Disney, as famous as is it for throwing huge celebrations, has to get in on the fun. Every year the Disneyland Resort grants 10 high school seniors $5,000 each in scholarships to help further their education. The Disneyland Scholarship Program is about more than just good grades. Students who want to … Continue reading →