Club Penguin Island Launches For Mobile today!

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March 30, 2017

Disney today is launching an all-new Club Penguin experience, Club Penguin Island, for mobile devices. The new app features an updated, modern take on Club Penguin, which has been a leading online kids entertainment destination for the past 11 years. Developed especially for mobile, Club Penguin Island brings together many of the best elements from the legacy Club Penguin product with new design and features.

“Club Penguin has been a favorite online destination for millions of kids for more than a decade, and Club Penguin Island was designed for the next generation of players who have grown up on mobile devices,” said Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, Apps and Games. “The new experience offers players the fun and social elements we know kids love, while maintaining the safety features parents have come to trust.”

Club Penguin Island is a subscription-based app that provides fans with engaging and immersive gameplay, and opportunities for self-expression, staying true to the core gameplay pillars found in Club Penguin. Players can join a thriving community, embark on island quests, earn special rewards, and take on daily challenges to level up their penguins.

In addition, Club Penguin Island maintains a strong commitment to providing a secure environment for kids, with a new safety moderation system that includes a chat filter. The updated chat function features unique emojis and 3D animations, and personal expression is easier than ever with a fashion-forward penguin customization system. Players will also have access to familiar reporting tools, which lets them self-moderate the community.

There will be no shortage of things to do on the island – be it hitting the stage, diving for gems or sharing stinky cheese with friends. Club Penguin Island is available now for free download, with an option to purchase a $4.99 monthly recurring membership subscription, starting today on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Users can try Club Penguin Island with a seven-day free trial.

Legoland Florida Resort Adds Adjustments to Assist Guests With Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Lisette R

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March 30, 2017

551A2155-1 — LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Fla., recently debuted a wide variety of services and initiatives to assist guests with autism spectrum disorders and their caregivers. They include a no-cost "Hero Pass" that allows groups to bypass the standby line at popular attractions; multiple "quiet rooms" equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys and tables where kids can build with LEGO bricks; "social stories" that offer illustrated, step-by-step walkthroughs of rides and shows to proactively alert guests to periods of darkness, loud noises, bright lights or other elements that often can be frightening or overwhelming. In addition, all newly hired employees (called Model Citizens) now receive specialized training to more effectively interact with guests on the autism spectrum, as well as their families or caregivers. Last spring, the Central Florida vacation destination partnered with the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks, the worlds leading autism science and advocacy organization, to better serve guests with autism spectrum disorders. Consultations include Dr. Craig Glaser, the resort's medical director, who also serves as medical director of Winter Haven's Urgent Care Cypress facility. (PHOTO: Benjamin Peacock/LEGOLAND Florida Resort)

In an ongoing effort to make LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort a more welcoming place for all kids and families, the popular vacation destination has debuted a wide variety of services and initiatives to assist guests with autism spectrum disorders and their caregivers.

Last spring, the Central Florida resort partnered with the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, to better serve guests on the autism spectrum. With the organization’s guidance, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is pleased to announce the following efforts happening at the place #BuiltForKids:

To assist visitors who have difficulty waiting in line, a pass specifically for guests on the autism spectrum allows a group to bypass the standby line at popular attractions. The no-cost “Blue Hero Pass” is available at Guest Services inside the theme park.
Specially equipped spaces in the resort’s Annual Pass, First Aid and Baby Care facilities now serve as designated “quiet rooms” where quests who are on the autism spectrum and their families can take a break. Noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys and LEGO^® building tables are some of the complimentary resources available. A similar space also is available within Guest Services at LEGOLAND Water Park.
The LEGOLAND Training & Development team has created “social stories” that offer an illustrated, step-by-step walk-through of every ride and show, so guests won’t be surprised by periods of darkness, loud noises, bright lights or other elements that often can be frightening or overwhelming. They’re available for review at Guest Services.
All newly hired resort employees (called “Model Citizens”) now receive specialized training to prepare them with skills and sensitivities to more effectively interact with guests on the autism spectrum, as well as their families or caregivers. Consultations include Dr. Craig Glaser, the resort’s medical director, who also serves as medical director of Winter Haven’s Urgent Care Cypress facility.

Through a special promotion during Autism Awareness Month in April, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will contribute $15 of the proceeds from each ticket sold to the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks supporters can purchase print-at-home theme park tickets at a discounted rate of $45 plus tax, a $48 savings off the price of an adult ticket purchased at the resort’s ticket windows. This offer will only be available online through Autism Speaks from April 1 through May 31, 2017.

On Saturday, April 22, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will host a hands-on building opportunity for kids during the Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and on Saturday, Nov. 11 during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. For more information, visit www.autismspeakswalk.org.

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will once again participate in the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign by shining blue spotlights on several miniature LEGO landmarks in MINILAND USA. Each year, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org/liub.

Will you be visiting Legoland Florida during Autism Awareness month this April? Please leave your comments in the box below.

First Look at Na’vi Translator Device for Pandora – The World of Avatar

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 30, 2017

Disney is abuzz with excitement for the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Building on the anticipation of opening day, Disney will release the second pin in the Countdown to Pandora collection on April 6. You may recall reading in early March we shared with you about the three countdown pins leading up to the opening on May 27. In the spirit of counting down, our friends at Disney are sharing a sneak preview of another item that will immerse guests in their in-park experience like never before and connect them to this exotic new land. Disney Parks Blog’s Steven Miller recently spoke with merchandise product developer Cody Hampton about how guests can prepare for their visit this summer when the Na’vi Translator is released.

“This device was originally developed by Alpha Centauri Expeditions founder Marshall Lamm,” explained Cody. “The Na’vi have no written language, so the translator will be a helpful tool for any human visiting Pandora. Guests using the translator can learn how to pronounce 90 Na’vi words using interchangeable translation cards. The device also lights up at night, which makes it perfect for nighttime explorations on Pandora.”

The Na’vi Translator set will come packaged with 15 translation cards. The device has a clasp that extends up to 12-inches and can be attached to a belt or backpack.

Additional translation cards will be sold in trading card packs, each containing eight randomly selected cards. There are some common cards such as Nouns (Blue) and Adjectives (Purple). Other cards will be less common to find in the trading packs including Animals (Orange), Phrases (Aqua), and Landscapes (Tan). The rarest cards are Plants (Green) and Gear (Yellow).

“When selecting the words and phrases for this set, we thought about the most essential words a guest might use when exploring another country on Earth,” continued Cody. “My favorite word is ‘Ikran’ which means ‘Banshee.’ I must have said that word hundreds of times while developing products for Pandora [laughs].”

Cody partnered with Lightstorm Entertainment and Dr. Paul Frommer, creator of the Na’vi language for “Avatar,” to acquire audio recordings of spoken Na’vi words for the translator.

Look for the Na’vi Translator in Windtraders on Pandora this summer. Remember, the new limited edition pin shown above in the Countdown to Pandora collection will be available April 6 at Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Ready to start planning your visit to see Pandora – The World of Avatar? As an agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, I can help save you time and money planning your magical vacation. The best part is my services are always FREE! Contact me today at [email protected] or (229) 977-3373. Join me on Facebook for the latest Disney updates and tips.

Celebrate Earth Day all Month Long at Disney Parks and Resorts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 30, 2017

Earth Day is April 22, 2017 but Disney Parks and Resorts are celebrating all month long. Special events and activities will take place throughout the month of April to motivate and inspire Guests to help protect the planet.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Meet Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Cast and conservation specialists March 31-April 2, April 21-23 and April 28-30 as they discuss Disney’s conservation efforts to support butterflies, migratory birds, sea turtles and monkeys, as well as demonstrate some extraordinary ways they are accomplishing this work. Check festival info for details.

Party for the Planet Presented by Disneynature – The annual Earth Day celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is expanding to three full days, April 21-23. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to connect with nature by engaging in fun activities in every land of the park. Meet some of our animal care experts, educators and conservation specialists to see first-hand how Disney cares for animals and works to save endangered species worldwide. Also, be on the lookout for some specially themed treats and more!

DISNEYLAND RESORT

Environmentality Art Challenge – Disneyland Cast Members are putting the finishing touches on their submissions for the second annual Cast contest. Guests are invited to visit the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland park April 1-6 to vote for their favorites. Cast Members are using their creativity to repurpose glass, plastic, metal, paper and other recycled items found in their areas. Artwork will remain on display until April 13 in this location.

Connect with Nature activities – Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors and discover ways your family can protect the magic of nature through fun games and activities April 15-21 within Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure park. Guests can also view the top-eight pieces from the Environmentailty Art Challenge, which will be on display at this location.

Earth Day at Downtown Disney District – Guests can celebrate the magic of nature on Earth Day, April 22, at Downtown Disney District, where they can experience a variety of activities, learn more about the upcoming release of Disneynature Born in China and see a working beehive.

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Life on Earth – In April, guests will enjoy the Disney Illuminations pre-show with a special montage using images from Disneynature films projected onto Sleeping Beauty Castle.

SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT

Resorts’ Play Rooms – Throughout April, resort Recreation teams will lead guests in environmental activities at the children’s Play Rooms at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel.

Environmentality activities – From April 20 to May 1, guests can celebrate Earth Day by taking part in interactive Environmentality activities at Shanghai Disneyland and DisneyTown.

How will you celebrate Earth Day month?

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to book your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney

Celebrate National Oyster on a Half Shell Day at Morimoto Asia this Friday!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 30, 2017

Did you know that this Friday, March 31st is National Oyster on a Half Shell Day? Well now you do and what better place to celebrate then Mortimoto Asia at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World!

National Oyster on a Half Shell Day celebrates the heavenly combination of sand, sediment, and ocean water that create the unique flavor and color of the oyster. Morimoto Asia makes it easy to honor this pearl of a holiday with their selection of half shell oysters such as the Washington made Kumamoto oyster and the Kusshi oyster from Canada. These come together in elegant shellfish towers accompanied by the Morimoto cocktail sauce, Ponzu with jalapeno or the classic ceviche with cilantro.

Let us know if you plan on celebrating on Friday and if you do, make sure to share your photos with us!

Let’s start planning your next visit to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World! Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

‘Bachelor,’ Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Set to Host Disney’s Fairytale Wedding Special

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 30, 2017

Calling all Bachelor fans! Former “Bachelor,” Ben Higgins and his fiancee, Lauren Bushnell, are scheduled to host a Disney FairyTale Wedding Special in May. The wedding special will air on Sunday, May 7th, 2017 at 8 PM EST. You can find this special program on Freeform.

According to Entertainment Tonight online, the 90 minute special will show “the ‘one-of-a-kind weddings’ and ‘magical engagements’ that take place at Disney destinations across the globe, including Florida, California and Hawaii.”

The television special will look at what it takes to create a “modern-day fairy tale,” and will give viewers a look at the “fashion, products, entertainment and décor couples can expect from a Disney wedding, honeymoon or engagement.”

Higgins and Buchnell have been spotted filming this special around Walt Disney World the past few days.

Will you be tuning in? Have you had your wedding on Disney property?

Ready to book your vacation to a Disney Destination? Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo Credit: ABC

Disney Turns Down Will Smith’s $20 Million ‘Dumbo’ Demand

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Apparently, Will Smith wanted a $20 million payout to star in the upcoming live-action “Dumbo” adaptation, and Disney was unwilling to pay that much for the role, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film currently has Eva Green and Danny Devito on their roster, and is in talks with Colin Farrell.

Disney is willing to part with Smith-levels of money if it makes sense to them though. Angelina Jolie reportedly made a similar $20 million for Maleficent, with a possible sequel in the future.

The Hollywood Reporter quoted one producer in regards to Disney’s casting decisions, who said, “The IP is the star of the movie. If you hired Jennifer Lawrence as Belle, would it really make a difference in the opening [of Beauty and the Beast]? Unlikely.”

Meet Coco’s Dog Dante, In The Short Film “Dante’s Lunch”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Every dog has his day, but poor Dante can’t seem to catch a break! Dive into the gorgeous world of Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” in this look into the adventures of Coco’s dog, Dante, who just wants to enjoy a nice bone. What happens when the bone has other plans?

Meet Coco, Dante, and the whole cast of supernatural fantasy characters! Also finally find out if Dante does get that bone after all when Disney•Pixar’s Coco opens in theaters on November 22.

Star Wars: Puzzle Droids Pre-Registration Starts Today!

By

Danielle

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March 29, 2017

Disney’s newest Star Wars mobile game, Star Wars: Puzzle Droids, kicks off Google Play pre-registration today! Star Wars: Puzzle Droids is a brand new match-3 adventure game!

The game invites players to tap into the holographic memory bank of BB-8 for an epic Star Wars adventure. The game features familiar scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Previously untold stories are also revealed alongside playing the engaging puzzle game, all told from a BB-8’s unique perspective . Players can travel through the galaxy to complete missions and collect rewards while creating masterful combos, unleashing epic power-ups and defeating devious enemies.

Star Wars Fans are invited to check out Star Wars: Puzzle Droids at the Star Wars Celebration on April 13-16 in Orlando. You can pre-register on Google Play now! The game is already available for iPhone users in the App Store as well!

New ‘Happily Ever After’ Video Released by Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Today, Disney has released a new video in anticipation of “Happily Ever After,” the new fireworks show replacing “Wishes” at the Magic Kingdom in May. This new video gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the actual making of the new nighttime show. Creative Director Michael Jung, who also is credited with directing Rivers of Light, details what we can expect from the new show. Many are sad to say farewell to “Wishes,” but he assures us that “Happily Ever After” will have all of the heart and majesty that we’ve grown to love and expect out of Wishes. Here’s a look!

“Happily Ever After” is set to debut on the evening of May 12th, 2017.

I know we are all sad to see “Wishes” end but are you excited to see this new fireworks show?

Ready to book your trip to see “Happily Ever After?” Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation quote 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. I work with all Disney Destinations around the globe. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Photo and video credit: Disney

Be a Force for Change with Disney’s New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Merchandise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2017

Over the past two years Disney Parks and Lucasfilm have collaborate to create specially designed products that raise money for valuable causes. This year, Star Wars: Force for Change will release fantastic new merchandise for Star Wars: The Last Jedi that will raise money for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Debuting in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017, the items on offer include t-shirts for children and adults as well as a pin that includes the new The Last Jedi logo and select characters. Take a look:

Star Wars fans can feel good knowing that 25% of the retail sales price for these items will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of the UNICEF Kid Power program. The idea behind the project is that it uses the world’s first WEARABLE-FOR-GOOD merchandise to inspire children to get active and save lives. Through the program, children can save lives by earning points that unlock food packets for malnourished children around the world. Here’s a look at the The Last Jedi pin mentioned above:

After the debut at the Star Wars Celebration, this special Force For Change merchandise will be available at the following locations:

Walt Disney World

Tattoonie Traders (Hollywood Studios)
Star Wars Launch Bay (Hollywood Studios)
Star Wars Galactic Outpost (Disney Springs)
Once Upon a Toy (Disney Springs)
Merchants of Venus (Magic Kingdom)

Disneyland Resort

Star Strader (Disneyland)
Star Wars Launch Bay (Disneyland)
D-Street (Downtown Disney)
World of Disney (Downtown Disney)

To learn more about Star Wars: Force for Change, please visit ForceForChange.com.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi will open in theaters beginning December 15, 2017.

Thinking about a trip to Disney to take part in all the Star Wars fun? 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 selecting your favorite 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.

Images copyright Disney and Lucasfilm

PIXAR Illustrators Give a Few Lessons on How to Draw Cars 3 Characters

By

Danielle

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March 29, 2017

Cars 3 is PIXAR’s next biggest film! To celebrate this incredible new film Pixar Animation Studios recently gave a peek at couple of lessons on how to draw Cars 3 characters like an animation artist would. There is also a new book by Garret Taylor, who is an animation artist at Pixar called Cars 3 Lead the Way, showcasing some of his stunning art.

Watch and be amazed as Disney Artists put their art and trivia skills to the test for Disney Quick Draw with how to Draw Cars 3 Characters! Below, Garret Taylor draws Cruz Ramirez, the car that is helping Lightning McQueen recover from an accident.

Watch and be amazed as Garret puts his art and trivia skills to the test for Disney Quick Draw! Garret shows off perspective and placement with his sketch of the young technician Cruz Ramirez. I love that he talks about his experience on Cars 3, and he even tells us his favorite car to draw! You can check out his new book Cars 3 Lead the Way on Amazon which is now available for pre-order. His illustrations are incredible!

Cars 3 Lead the Way:

In your life, you may find somebody important, somebody who steers you in the right direction, guides you down long roads, and keeps you on track to follow your dreams. Then, one day, you may find it’s your turn to lead the way.

Ride along with Lightning McQueen as he revisits many of his cherished moments with the late and great Doc Hudson. Lightning has learned so many inspiring things from Doc that he would like to pass on to Cruz Ramirez–including a lesson about what it really means to win.

Mike Wu, another animator at Pixar, treated viewers to a lesson that shows how to draw Jackson Storm:

Mike Wu he shows how to draw Jackson Storm, a hot new rookie coming onto the scene in the Cars Universe. He demonstrates how to show attitudes and personality through drawing the eyes, and expressions. We also learn who his favorite PIXAR character is! Mike Wu also has a couple of Illustrated books available too! You can check out Ellie and Oona Finds an Egg both available on Amazon now.

Cars 3 is was created to be more than just a sequel made for the sake of selling more toys. It promises to be an emotional story about growing, and finding your place in the world, even when there are ups and downs in life.

These videos were an incredible look into new characters of the Cars universe! Did you enjoying learning to Draw Cars 3 Characters? If you can’t wait for more on Cars 3, be sure to check out Cars 3 Lead the Way!