“Dine with an Animal Care Specialist” Has A New Scheduled Time

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May 25, 2017

“Dine with an Animal Care Specialist”, the intimate 4-course feast at Sanaa with one of Disney’s Animal Care Specialists will be moving its start time to 11 am starting Wednesday November 22nd. This event combines Animal Kingdom Lodge’s two biggest draws, animal encounters and dining at the premier restaurant Sanaa. The Animal Specialist can include animal keepers or animal operations managers. Either way be prepared for an insightful and utterly delicious 4-course lunch at Sanaa.

Here is the complete description of the event:

Wildly Delightful

Learn about the animals roaming just outside the windows of Sanaa as you savor an African-inspired feast.

Over 200 birds and hoofed animals—including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, crowned cranes and more—roam the 4 savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas. At a private table facing the Sunset Savanna, discover fun facts about their care, current field research and Disney’s role in conservation when you dine with an Animal Specialist!

The Feast
Enjoy Indian-style bread service, refreshing salads, slow-cooked meats and decadent desserts. Options abound for meat lovers, vegans and vegetarians alike, while little ones can choose from child-size portions of the adult fare or familiar favorites on the kids menu.

Please note: For a personal and intimate experience, this “untamed” lunch is limited to 12 Guests.

The Finale
After your meal, venture into the secured area for an up-close encounter with the radiated tortoises—one of the most endangered animals cared for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Important Details

The price of this dining experience includes a $5.00 contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund.
This experience is available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older, and begins at 12:00 PM.
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. To book a reservation, please call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult 18 years of age or older.

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Source Credit : Orlando Theme Park News and Disney

Disney and Dole Celebrate “National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2017

Disney and Dole have teamed up to celebrate “National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day!” May 25th marks the national holiday that encourages us to live healthier by consuming more fruits and veggies.

Disney and Dole are helping parents encourage their families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices through “Fuel Up with Dole.” This celebration will continue throughout the summer, with healthy family vacations and road trips. “Fuel Up with Dole” will feature a summer photo contest, with the Grand Prize of a personalized, 10-day healthy family RV road trip to any destination in the U.S. or Canada..

“Fuel Up with Dole” is the next chapter in a multiyear collaboration between the Dole Food Company and The Walt Disney Company aimed at helping parents encourage their kids and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. To start the “Fuel Up with Dole” program, Dole created five (5) new, family vacation-friendly recipes inspired by Disney●Pixar’s Cars 3, cruising into theaters June 16:

“Lightning Berry Smoothie” inspired by Lightning McQueen, the Piston-Cup champion who’s faced with a new and faster generation of racers.
“Pineapple Pit Stop Smoothie” inspired by Cruz Rameriz, the tech-savvy trainer who wants to help #95 find his way back to the top.
“Crunchy Banana Roll” inspired by Jackson Storm, who is fast, sleek, ready to win and a frontrunner in the next generation of racers.
“Buffalo Bites with Pineapple and Chicken” inspired by Smokey, the former crew chief and mentor of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet.
“Romaine Mandarin Oranges and Avocado Salad” inspired by Miss Fritter, who loves the smash-and-crash life of demolition derby.

I tried the Pineapple Pit Stop Smoothie with my son, while at the Cars 3 Road to the Races Tour. I was pleasantly surprised with how refreshing it was, and very happy when my picky 5-year-old requested we stop at the grocery store to buy the ingredients to make our own at home!

Starting this week, shoppers throughout the U.S. and Canada will find Cars 3 characters on DOLE fruit and vegetables, kicking off the summer photo contest.

Along with the RV road trip, Dole is throwing in two “Fuel Up Day Packs” consisting of a Fast Forward Cars backpack filled with vouchers for free DOLE fruits and vegetables, and other healthy surprises; and a copy of Dole-opoly, Dole’s own version of Hasboro’s MONOPOLY.

Ten First and Second Prize winners, each, will receive “Fuel Up Day Packs” and four-packs of movie tickets, respectively.

For recipes and more information about “Fuel Up with Dole” and complete contest details and rules, go to www.dole.com/Disney

Does all this talk about Disney and Dole have you craving a Dole Whip? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, shannon@mickeytravels.com or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Animal Kingdom Has Expanded Its Resort Bus Loop to Make Way For Pandora Crowds

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2017

Here at Chip and Co, we reported a few months ago that construction was underway to expand the Walt Disney World Resort Transportation bus loops in front of Animal Kingdom theme park in preparation for the increased traffic that will come with the the park’s new Pandora – The World of Avatar expansion.

It would appear that construction is finally completed and just in time for Pandora’s opening on May 27th .

The newest loop provides the closest access to the parks and sits just north of the two terminals that are already in place. Buses stopping here are currently taking guests to and from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

This is just one of the many changes I’m sure we’ll be seeing in the weeks and months ahead as Animal Kingdom adjusts to its increase in popularity due to Pandora’s opening.

Readers are encouraged to watch this space for the latest Animal Kingdom and World of Avatar news and updates.

Planning a trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

May the Force Blend With You, with a Star Wars Immersion Blender

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Danielle

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May 25, 2017

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope, I thought it only fitting to add another Star Wars gadget to my collection! I’m always surprised at the awesome Star Wars themed kitchen items available. An immersion blender is one of my favorite kitchen appliances, so this Star Wars Immersion Blender will be the perfect addition to my collection!

If you’re not a fan of the Dark Side, there is also a Blue Light Saber Immersion Blender available too!

Mix up your love of light sabers and cooking with these immersion stick blenders. Modeled after Darth Vader’s and Luke Skywalker’s iconic weapons, you can wield them to blend your favorite drink or whip up soups, marinades, and sauces. The handle is actually a soft touch, non-slip grip made from sturdy ABS plastic with a metal look, but not uncomfortable. This is a corded blender with variable speed adjustment. The colored blender piece is a stainless steel metal, perfect for defeating rebel recipes!

I’m personally leaning towards the Darth Vader inspired blender, I’m already thinking of silly Darth Kitchen jokes to make while wielding, I mean cooking with it.

Do you know a Star Wars fan who would love a Star Wars Immersion Blender?

Accessorize in Style for Disney with MagicBand 2.0 Decals

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Danielle

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May 25, 2017

With the new MagicBand 2.0 style coming out, all of my traditional decorations have gone out the window. For those of us who love to decorate and set our bands apart, decals can be a great way to stand out. These MagicBand 2.0 decals by ShopEmilyG are absolutely perfect with the new style of band coming our way soon.

These Magic Band 2.0 Skins are for the new Magic Bands released in December 2016 and are custom printed on 10 year outdoor grade vinyl meaning they are super durable & designed to last for years. The designers uses a fabulous style of vinyl that is easy to manipulate & will form to your MagicBand perfectly. The designer skins are waterproof and are designed to withstand the sun, rain, water parks & all elements while you enjoy your magical Disney vacation. Check our all of the incredible options you can get below!

How cool will it be to have new MagicBand 2.0 decals for when the new bands arrive? I love that there is an option for the new style!

The Tree of Life Lights Up In Special Ceremony Celebrating Pandora -The World of Avatar

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2017

Disney insiders visiting Animal Kingdom on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 for a preview of Pandora – The World of Avatar where treated to a very special Tree of Life Awakenings ceremony paying homage to the bio-luminescent beauty of this stunning new land based on James Cameron’s blockbuster film Avatar. Here’s a video taken by our own Chip who was lucky enough to attend this event.

One of the elements of this magical awakening that we were the most excited about seeing is the use of drone technology to add that extra little bit of pixie dust to an already wonderful display.

As you may recall, Disney first started using drone technology this past December as part of its collaboration with Intel: Starbright Holidays which took place at Disney Springs in the lead-in to Christmas. It is wonderful to see Disney continue to work with this technology to create more breathtaking moments like the one captured above.

There is no word yet as to whether this special evening Tree of Life celebration will continue once Pandora officially opens to the public on May 27th but stay tuned and we promise to keep you posted.

Are you thinking about visiting Disney World to see Pandora for yourself? There are still plenty of wonderful Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 or follow along on Facebook.

See Pandora – The World of Avatar Come to Life After Dark

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2017

One of the most exciting elements about Animal Kingdom’s new Pandora – The World of Avatar expansion which will open to the public beginning May 27th, is that this area of the park magically transforms when the sun sets into a bio-luminescent wonderland.

Our very own Chip was lucky enough to spend a late night at Pandora this week and we are so excited to share with you some of the amazing nighttime views you’ll be able to enjoy.

Let’s start with the gorgeous floating mountains which at night come to life with rich purple and green hues that give it an otherworldly feel.

Disney insiders have also been wowed by the ground which shines a beautiful green and even responds as guests move across its surface.

And let’s not forget about the flora and fauna of this remarkable land where Pitcher Plants glow under the cover of darkness.

Here’s a couple more examples of the amazing plant-life you’ll find here:

The details are absolutely breathtaking as surroundings take on a very alien like quality.

After seeing these amazing nighttime photos, we definitely think that Pandora – The World of Avatar is an area that guests will want to explore both during the day time when it’s brimming with life and energy and again after sunset when the land magically transforms into a nighttime playground.

To provide guests with a chance to really experience the evening beauty of Pandora, Walt Disney World will be offering on-site resort guests the opportunity to attend special Extra Magic Hours. These late night park hours will take place from 11:oopm – 1am from May 27 – July 4, 2017. Valid theme park admission and Resort ID will be required at the time of entry. The offer is open to all on-site resort guests as well as those staying at the Swan and Dolphin.

Thinking about a visit to Disney to see Pandora for yourself? There’s still some great Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 or follow along on Facebook.

Star Wars 40th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

On May 25th 2017, Disneyland will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. The first film of the franchise, known as A New Hope, was released on May 25th, 1977. To commemorate this event, Disneyland will have a special photo opportunity outside of Star Wars Launch Bay.

Star Wars 40th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland

The Tomorrowland churro cart will also be selling the Lightsaber churros. Unique 40th anniversary Star Wars merchandise will also be available at The Star Trader and Star Wars Launch Bay, for purchase.

Walt Disney World Housekeeper Arrested During Undercover Sting

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

Orlando’s News 6 reports that Maya Burgos, a Walt Disney World cast member, was arrested during an undercover sting operation.

Disney security noticed a high number of thefts being reported at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Investigators determined that these thefts seemed to correlate with the rooms that Burgos serviced as a housekeeper.

Surveillance cameras were placed in a resort room that Burgos was scheduled to clean. According to the arrest warrant, investigators placed $20 on a nightstand. After she was finished cleaning the room, the camera caught Burgos pocketing the money.

Burgos is facing charges, but has now bonded out of jail.

In the tourist area of Central Florida, crime is relatively low and hotel burglaries at the Disney resorts are rare. With that said, guests should still be mindful of their surroundings and take appropriate steps to keep valuables safe.

Source : News 6

Judge To Decide If Zootopia Lawsuit Goes To Court

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

The Walt Disney Company is looking to cage a high-stakes lawsuit that accuses the studio of copying work to create the Oscar-winning animation film “Zootopia”. On Monday, Disney brought a motion to dismiss a complaint from Esplanade Productions and characterized the Zootopia lawsuit as “just another example in a long history of plaintiffs coming out of the woodwork after a motion picture has achieved critical and financial success to claim credit — and proceeds — where none is due.”

A California federal judge will decide whether Esplanade gets to move forward on its claim that Gary L. Goldman pitched work to defendants only to have his treatment, synopsis, character descriptions, character illustrations and other materials misappropriated. Goldman is represented by the prominent law firm of Quinn Emanuel and his credits include writing “Total Recall” and “Next” and producing “Minority Report”. Disney’s view of the “Zootopia” suit as “just another” money grab is somewhat belied by its choice of Daniel Petrocelli, a power litigator at O’Melveny, to lead the defense.

Disney is treating the case seriously, although Petrocelli takes a rather straightforward approach in seeking dismissal by arguing that Esplanade’s complaint hasn’t plausibly demonstrated enough substantial similarity between “Zooptopia” and Goldman’s work, dubbed Looney. Disney’s lawyer ignores Goldman’s alleged contacts with Disney executives — which is important, because where a high degree of access is shown in copyright cases, a lower standard of proof of similarity is necessary — and instead faults the plaintiff for not attaching its synopsis, treatment or copyright application, “thereby preventing both the Court and Defendants from performing a complete side-by-side comparison.”

In light of this absence, Disney reads into the complaint, for example “deduc[ing] from the sparse allegations that Looney’s hero is actually a human animator.”

Petrocelli attempts to emphasize dissimilarity.

“Looney is a treatment and synopsis for a live-action picture about the struggles and growth of a male human animator who creates a world of animated characters,” he writes. “Zootopia is an animated motion picture about a bunny protagonist who interacts only with anthropomorphic talking animals. There are no humans, and there is no live-action component.”

The dismissal motion also looks to knock Esplanade for merely pleading “similarity of high-level ideas” (as copyright protects expression, not ideas). “Plaintiff’s allegations really only describe a buddy movie that features two contrasting protagonists who partner to solve a problem in the face of adversity, precisely the kind of ‘basic plot idea’ that courts have consistently dismissed as unprotected,” states the motion.

Disney also aims to undercut allegations regarding the similarity of characters, both on a broad level (“the mere use of animated animals in motion pictures is unprotected by copyright law and cannot sustain a claim of substantial similarity”) as well as on a granular one: “Judy [from Zootopia] is a rabbit; Mimi [Goldman’s creation] is a squirrel. Judy is shown wearing a police officer’s uniform; Mimi wears no clothing at all. Judy is a complex three-dimensional, full color, computer-animated character; Mimi is a two-dimensional hand drawing. No reasonable juror could view these two characters and conclude that they are substantially similar.”

Then, there’s the fact that the complaint alleged that in some fashion, Goldman used or pitched “Zootopia” for his own work.

Disney considers precisely how Goldman used the word to be vague. Notwithstanding this, the defendants say that “Zootopia” has been applied in other real-world contexts.

“For example, since at least 2012, the name ‘Zootopia’ has been associated with a zoo in Denmark,” states the dismissal motion. “And it has been used since 1999 as the name of a New York area radio station’s annual concert series. Plaintiff’s insinuation that it alone created and coined the term is flatly wrong. Anyway, as Plaintiff readily admits, ‘[t]itles…[are] not independently copyrightable.”

Such might be true, although in light of other associations highlighted by Disney, it bears noting that the studio earlier this month was granted a trademark registration certificate on “Zootopia.”

As for copyright registration (copyright protects authorship while trademark protects the sourcing of goods and services), Disney says that Esplanade’s failure to register until Feb. 10, 2017, after “Zootopia” was released, bars the plaintiff from recovering its attorneys’ fees and statutory damages. That might be a moot point anyway because with ”Zootopia” commanding more than a billion dollars in box-office revenue, the plaintiff may elect actual damages instead.

Do you think that the Zootopia Lawsuit should go to court?

New Shows and Attractions for Walt Disney World’s Summer Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

Embark on a vacation full of new and exciting attractions this Summer, at Walt Disney World Resort. Always growing and moving forward, Disney World has added to the magic in a big way this year. Take a look at all the incredible new experiences Disney World has to offer, on your summer vacation.

Let’s head to the Parks…

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is playing host to the opening of a new land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, this summer. James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment worked together with Disney, to breathe life into the world of Pandora; making the fictional world from the Avatar film, a reality. Opening May 27th, this new land will feature two attractions. Avatar Flight of Passage will have guests soaring on a Banshee high above the Valley of Mo’ara, while our less adventurous guests can take a gentile family boat ride down a Pandoran river on Na’vi River Journey.

Don’t forget to satisfy your hunger at the main restaurant in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen or quench your thirst on a hot summer day with a refreshing beverage from Pongu Pongu drink stand. You’ll want be sure to stop in at Windtraders and pick up one of the many unique items they offer, as a souvenir from your journey to Pandora.

At sun set, Pandora’s stunning bioluminescent rainforest comes to life and you can experience a completely different side of this new world; but the new nighttime experience doesn’t stop there for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In April we saw the debut of the new nighttime show, Rivers of Light, making Animal Kingdom the new place to be after dark.

Speaking of nighttime shows, earlier this month Disney’s Magic Kingdom debuted it’s new “Happily Ever After” nighttime show. Complete with the latest in fireworks and projection technology, this new show hits straight to the heart, pulling scenes and music from over 25 Disney movies, from classics like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” to modern favorites, like “Moana.” The 18-minute show is one of the most breathtaking fireworks displays ever created, and is a MUST SEE for your 2017 summer vacation!

Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” debuts this week, May 26th. The new concert is running for a limited-time, three times a night at Theater of the Stars. The show features music and characters from your favorite Disney/Pixar films. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage will still be performing daily.

Star Wars Land is still a couple lightyears away from opening; in the meantime there is plenty for your resident Star Wars fan to enjoy, both day and night. The beloved BB-8 from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” is now meeting along with Chewbacca and Kylo Ren inside Star Wars Launch Bay. While you are waiting for your meet and greets, be sure to check out the new props from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Be sure to watch the stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” to catch a glimpse of the new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One.”

New summer happenings extend beyond the main four parks. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park features the all new Miss Adventure Falls, a family-style rafting water ride; while over at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park the “Frozen” Summer Games are returning May 26th – Aug 13th. Guests will enjoy a unique opportunity to meet Kristoff and Olaf during this fun summer event!

Of course we can’t forget about Disney Springs and the Disney Resorts. The growth of Disney Springs has made it the new hot spot for culinary experiences. Enjoy the comfort of traditional southern dishes with a modern flare, at The Polite Pig. The Polite Pig is a quick service restaurant serving up your barbecue favorites like mac-and-cheese and smoked corn. They serve a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, but I recommend sampling one of the more than 50 selections they have on hand at their bourbon bar. If you’re looking for an amazing view of Disney Springs, Paddlefish offers a delicious late-night menu atop their new rooftop lounge.

Disney Springs isn’t the only Walt Disney World Resort location offering fresh new dining options. Disney’s Boardwalk Resort debuted a magical new character dining experience at Trattoria al Forno. Dine with Disney couples Ariel & Prince Eric, and Rapunzel & Flynn Rider during Trattoria’s Bon Voyage Breakfast. Your prince or princess can parade through, the restaurant, with their favorite Disney characters as they shout out their dreams!

If you’re part of the Disney Vacation Club, you’ll want to book your 2017 summer vacation at the all new Copper creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. These new, rustic villas and waterfront cabins open July 17th. There are so many new attractions to do and see at the Walt Disney World Resort this summer, do you have your 2017 summer vacation booked?

Are you excited to explore all the new attractions Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this summer? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, shannon@mickeytravels.com or follow me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!

Images credit: Disney

Watch as Sigourney Weaver and James Cameron Experience Na’vi River Journey Attraction

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2017

This morning Disney’s Animal Kingdom had a grand dedication ceremony for Pandora – The World of Avatar, opening May 27th. Celebrities and VIPs came from across the country to be apart of this new park expansion. Among these celebs were actress Sigourney Weaver and director James Cameron.

Soon after the ceremony was over Weaver and Cameron broke away to do their own exploring. We have a great video of the two of them experiencing the newest attraction Na’vi River Journey. Watch Cameron as he points out different bioluminescent features as they travel through this Pandoran jungle.

Weaver and Cameron have a long history together, dating back to 1985 when they made the movie “Aliens”. When asked about the future of Weaver in future Avatar movies he stated “We’re good friends who’ve always worked well together, so it just feels right that she’s coming back for the ‘Avatar’ sequels.” Cameron added, “Her character of Grace Augustine, as fans know, died in the first movie, so she’s playing a different and in many ways more challenging character in the upcoming films. We’re both looking forward to this new creative challenge, the latest chapter in our long and continuing collaboration.”

Ready to experience Pandora for yourself? There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.