Star Wars Force Friday II Blasting Into Stores September 1, 2017

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February 16, 2017

Disney and Lucasfilm announced today; Star Wars Force Friday II! This will be a global fan event celebrating the launch of new products inspired by the highly anticipated “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”.

Force Friday II will see the launch of new toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more! These exciting new products will go on sale beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 1, 2017, with stores around the world opening for a weekend-long celebration of all things Star Wars.

“The first Star Wars Force Friday event was truly unique, uniting fans across five continents in an unprecedented global live unboxing event ahead of thousands of midnight openings at retail,” says Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’re excited to confirm that Star Wars Force Friday is back for ‘The Last Jedi’. Plans for this year’s world-wide event are top secret but expect something befitting the excitement around the next episode of the Star Wars saga.”

Star Wars fans around the globe embraced Force Friday in 2015, with hundreds of thousands turning up to stores at midnight to be the first to get their hands on merchandise from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Toys from the new line were revealed via a global live-stream unboxing event that unfolded over 18 hours, 15 different cities and 12 countries, attracting millions of views on YouTube. Fans took to social media to share their experiences with nearly 3 billion Twitter impressions about the events, using #ForceFriday.

Jill Wilfert, Vice President of global licensing and entertainment from The LEGO Group comments, “It was so much fun to be a part of Star Wars Force Friday, and we can’t wait for fans to join this year’s celebration as we reveal new ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ products during Force Friday II – a global event that will connect fans and families, and allow them to build, create and share their experiences with others.”

Details of how fans can participate will be revealed closer to the event but the world-wide launch will tap new technology and Star Wars mythology to create a unique experience for fans. Just like 2015, products for “The Last Jedi” will be kept under wraps until Force Friday II to preserve surprises for fans. As well as introducing new characters from the movie in toy form, the line will build on the success of products like Sphero’s BB-8, introducing more innovative technology to bring the characters and stories from the film to life in unique ways.

“Toys play a unique role in the Star Wars universe, and we’re proud to have been part of that incredible legacy for the past forty years. The new line for ‘The Last Jedi’ is our most innovative yet, and we’re excited to unveil it on Force Friday II,” said Samantha Lomow, Senior Vice President at Hasbro.

Also being revealed today is a first look at packaging for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” products which feature leading heroes: Poe Dameron, Rey and Finn. The trio will be featured on Star Wars packaging beginning September 1, 2017.

Fans can follow the conversation on social media using #ForceFridayII.

Animal Kingdom at Night – Theme Park Hours Extended

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is alive with magic at night and guests will now have even more time to experience it. The recent opening of Rivers of Light has extended operating hours and once Pandora – World of Avatar opens on May 27th the park will remain open even later. Disney has updated its theme park hours through July 31st but the late nights at Animal Kingdom should continue beyond that date.

Below is the posted closing time at Animal Kingdom through July 31, 2017:

Currently – March 11: Closing 8:00pm
March 12 – April 1: Closing at 9:00pm
April 2 – 22: Closing at 9:30pm
April 23 – 29: Closing at 8:30pm
April 30 – May 26: Closing at 9:00pm
May 27 – 29: Closing at 11:00pm
May 30 – July 31: Closing at 10:00pm

Are you excited to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park even later at nighttime?

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

Disney Cruise Line Honored with Cruiser’s Choice Awards from Cruise Critics

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 16, 2017

One of the things that is very well known about cruising with Disney is that you know you will have an absolutely magical time. Many guests walk off the ship stating “Disney just does it right”. We recently announced that Disney Cruise line had won quite a few Member’s Choice awards from Cruise Critics, including the Best Cruise Line for Kids, and now Cruise Critics has released their Cruiser’s Choice awards, so let’s see how our beloved Disney Cruise Liners fared in the judging:

In the large-ship category, the Disney Dream took the No. 1 spots for Best Overall Ship, Best Cabins, Best Public Rooms, Best Service and Best Shore Excursions. This is the third consecutive year the Disney Dream has won Best Overall in the large-ship category.

Also in the large-ship category, the Disney Fantasy was recognized as the Best for Fitness & Recreation. While the Disney Magic took top honors for Best Overall Ship in the mid-size ship category.

The Cruisers’ Choice Awards are selected based on the thousands of reviews and ratings made by the Cruise Critic community last year. Cruise Critic is one of the largest online cruise communities with more than 150,000 cruise reviews.

I know we definitely agree that Disney Cruise Line is the best, how about you?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

The Muppet Balloon Has Disappeared From Disney’s Hollywood Studios Muppet Courtyard

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Lisette R

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February 16, 2017

We recently reported that the Kermit the Frog Muppet Balloon atop Muppet Vision 3D would be taken down. Even with that knowledge, we were saddened to see that the iconic Muppet Balloon has now disappeared from Disney’s Hollywood Studios Muppet Courtyard.

The top of the Muppet Vision 3D clock tower looks incredibly different now as you can see from this side-by-side comparison. With all of the construction cranes in the background, that is now what the eye is drawn to.

We trust that Disney has big plans in store for all of us as we begin to see the amazing changes that are about to take place. Maybe the Kermit the Frog Balloon will reappear after construction on Star Wars Land is complete. For now we will keep our eyes to the sky and watch to see if the balloon, or possibly a new icon, will make an appearance atop the Muppet Vision 3D clock tower at some point in the future.

Will you miss the Kermit the Frog Balloon that once sat upon the Muppet Vision 3D clock tower? Please leave your comments in the box below.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Medal Designed by Disney and Pandora Jewelry

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

Disney and PANDORA Jewelry teamed up to design a stunning medal for the runDisney 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon that takes place at Disneyland Resort in May. PANDORA Jewelry is the presenting sponsor of the race weekend and David Brotherton, Art Director at Disney Yellow Shoes was the lead designer of the beautiful half marathon medal. “It was important to keep the aesthetics of PANDORA, while also paying tribute to Tinker Bell,” explained Brotherton.

Graphic artists Kim Schnell and Greta Roy from PANDORA agreed by saying, “Collaborating with Yellow Shoes was a wonderful experience. David’s expertise with medal design was immeasurable and sparked a truly creative partnership with PANDORA. Seeing our combined ideas converge and come to life was awe-inspiring and we can’t wait to do it again!”

Participating in one of the other pixie-dusted races during the Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend? We want to show you what you can anticipate to earn once your wings cross the finish line! Here is a collection of all the medals for the upcoming event:

The runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go are sure to be an adventure, the medallion features Disney Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates! Our Never Land 5K and Tinker Bell 10K medals feature some of our favorite characters from “Peter Pan.”

Get ready to fly through the magical courses! Registration is still open to earn this amazing medal for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. Spots are also still available for the Pixie Dust Challenge that combines the 13.1-mile Tinker Bell Half Marathon PLUS the 6.2-mile Tinker Bell 10K.

For updates, follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Share your excitement using the hashtag #TinkHalf. To learn more about runDisney events, please click here!

Faith, trust and pixie dust to all those participating in the 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning 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 Parks Blog

Disney files patent to intercept drones launched by fans and media

By

Chip

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February 15, 2017

Disney is fed up with drones invading their private property. These drones fly in and get a sneak peek of construction for both movies and attractions.

Recently the Walt Disney Company has just filed a patent dubbed the Commercial Drone Detection, aimed at intercepting drones launched by fans and media to get a sneak peek at private Disney projects.

According to the patent the technology would detect a drone being used on Disney property, determine if it is owned by Disney or not, and if it’s not Disney’s, the technology could track the communication frequency of the drone to intercept any photos, video or audio the drone captures.

Here’s more from the patent documents:

“Drones can be remotely commanded to perform a variety of actions, e.g., fly around, take pictures and record video. However, certain drone operators may direct the drones to fly over private property and take unauthorized data (e.g., photos, video or audio). In certain instances, these pictures and recordings could capture sensitive information that could subsequently be broadcast to others. For example, a drone could fly over a movie production set and capture video that may give away major aspects and plot points of a film.”

Being able to intercept the communication Disney hopes to be able to get control over the rapid growth of drones being used as a tool to get above security walls.

Disney can be ahead of the game on what sensitive information was taken by being able to download the imagery that drones capture.

This is a huge step by Disney as it is working on theme park expansions — including several at Walt Disney World in Orlando — and movies that garner loads of attention. For example, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is working on the new Star Wars expansion, which may debut in 2019, and Disney’s movie division is working on the Star Wars and Marvel film franchises.

I for one hope Disney is able to get this working. I don’t like spoilers and understand exactly where Disney is coming from.

For more visit the BizJournals

Summer of Heroes bring new Marvel Experiences to Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

With the conversion of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure into the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout attraction, we were bound to see some new Guardians of the Galaxy attractions/interactions/experiences coming to Disney California Adventure theme park.

Inside the Magic has given us an inside look into what we can expect to see during the Summer of Heroes at Disneyland Resort:

If you are hoping to meet some new Marvel characters at the parks, then you won’t be disappointed. You’ll have the chance to meet Black Widow when you participate in the Avengers Training Initiative during the Summer of Heroes, while year-round you will get a chance to meet with Groot, who will be meeting alongside fan favorites Spiderman and Captain America at Super Hero Encounters.

Guests will be able to participate in the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance-Off! year-round as well, which we imagine is highly entertaining!

What do you think of the new Marvel offerings at Disney California Adventure?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Disney Jr. Live on Stage at Disney California Adventure Park to Close

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

It seems that the puppeteers who work the Disney Jr. Live on Stage show at Disney California Adventure Park are going to be without jobs after April 9th. The show, which is based on current popular Disney Jr. Characters and storylines has been puppet-centric now for 14 years, since it opened in 2003.

Disney claims the show at DCA will close in April, and while it will re-open at a later date, that the puppets will be replaced by “new technology”, leaving the 28 puppeteers out of a job. The Disney Jr. Live on Stage show at Walt Disney World currently has no plans to close.

While we have seen Disney close and renovate many other attractions and rides before, the puppeteers say this new move to remove the puppets from the show is personal, and based on their desire to join a local union. The LA Times reports that Disney’s decision to end the puppet show comes after a contentious two-year period during which the puppeteers joined a union, the American Guild of Variety Artists. The 2 years were full of negotiations and turmoil, with the guild filing two National Labor Relations Board complaints against Disney in 2015 alleging the company reduced work hours and took other retaliatory actions against 29 puppeteers after they signaled they could unionize. Ultimately, Disney and the union settled the matter, leading to back pay for the workers.

When asked to comment on the issue, Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a statement: “We constantly evaluate our entertainment offerings and make changes to provide compelling reasons for our guests to visit time and time again.” She also added that the puppeteers would be free to apply for new positions within the updated show, which she claims will be heavily based on technology, which will allow them to change it up more quickly when there is a new Disney Jr. trend or character on the horizon.

While the National Labor Relations Act states that it is illegal for an employer to fire or demote an employee in response to that worker exercising his or her right to unionize, the employer may change it’s branding, business models, procedures, etc., or even close an aspect of their business and alter it to something different instead; which is what the puppeteers claim Disney is doing to get around the NLRA.

We’re curious to se how the new Disney Jr Live on Stage will play out when it re-opens. For the time being, you have until April 9th to catch the current puppet show at Disney California Adventure park!

What do you think of the issue at hand?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Photo: Disney

Make it a Disney Movie Night With These Must Have Accessories

By

Danielle

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February 15, 2017

If you haven’t had an at home Disney Movie Night yet, you’re seriously missing out! Disney Movie Nights are a fun way to make watching a simple video a family fun event. You can pull out themed accessories, decorate and even make foods inspired by the movies you’re watching!

Popcorn is synonymous with movie going, so of course finding the perfect popcorn maker is a must! There are all sorts of great ones to choose from! There is the Mickey Kettle Style Popcorn Popper, which is great for parties or larger gatherings. The Mickey Mouse Popcorn Air Popper, that is the perfect size for counter tops, to add some Mickey magic to the kitchen even when not in use. There are also lots of great Star Wars options, such as the Death Star Popcorn Maker and the R2-D2 Popcorn Maker.

Once you have the popcorn and snacks ready, you’ll need something to keep them in though! I love these Mickey Mouse Party Cups for when there’s lots of tiny hands. These Mickey Mouse Party Serving Bowl and Princess Paperboard Bowls, are great for sharing popcorn, or other fun snacks like pretzels, or themed graham cookies. For a Star Wars night these Star Wars R2-D2 Bowls are perfect for passing around the popcorn and candies too!

Of course we can’t forget drinks! For hot drinks like hot cocoa or tea molded mugs like this R2-D2 Mug are always a hit! Of course for cold drinks disposable cups like the Disney 16 Party Paper Cups come with a variety of characters are great. If you want a straw and lid these Toy Story Sipper Cups with lids have closing straws, with bright colors.

What fun decorations and snacks do you like to do for a Disney Movie Night?

Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT! Opens May 27, Rocking the Summer of Heroes at Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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February 15, 2017

Summer 2017 will be adventurous, exciting and … yes! … heroic at Disney California Adventure Park when guests encounter the thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT! and answer the call to join legendary Super Heroes in all-new experiences for Summer of Heroes, May 27 through Sept. 10.

Summer of Heroes inaugurates an ever-expanding universe of Super Hero stories at Disney California Adventure that will become even bigger over time. Guests in the park’s Hollywood Land will join some favorite Super Heroes for all-new, epic experiences for a limited time, and beginning May 27 they will encounter the intrigue and triumph of the new, year-round attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT!

“It’s going to be a thrilling summer at the Disneyland Resort,” said David Duffy, Director, Creative Entertainment. “You can celebrate the arrival of Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission BREAKOUT! and join forces with legendary Super Heroes. You can choose an awesome encounter with Star-Lord, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Hawkeye or Captain America, step up to meet Groot for the first time, and find out if you have what it takes to join the Avengers. It’s all part of the adventure with Summer of Heroes.”

Summer of Heroes will launch new, year-round experiences:

Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT! – This new adventure blasts guests straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As guests join Rocket in his attempt to bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, they’ll experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Star-Lord will fire up his old-school boom box to get a party started. Everyone is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash!

Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with tree-of-few-words Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! They may also encounter the First Avenger, Captain America, and everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

For a limited time, guests also will discover more new adventures, exclusive to Summer of Heroes:

Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.
Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

The summer brings more excitement at Disneyland Park, too, with the return of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions, including the “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular returning later this summer. Dates for the return of these classic attractions will be announced soon. The last chance for guests to enjoy the classic Main Street Electrical Parade during its limited-time return to Disneyland will be Sunday, June 18.

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Begins its 20th Year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

Atlanta Braves Spring Training starts tomorrow, February 16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Keep an eye out for ways Disney plans to celebrate this season as the Atlanta Braves begin their 20th year of spring training at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Fans are welcome to attend workouts or take in the game-day action starting February 25 when the Braves take on the Toronto Blue Jays. There are 18 Spring Training home games in 2017 including match-ups against the Boston Red Sox (March 3), New York Yankees (March 9) and Mets (March 10, 25, 29).

No baseball game is complete without good eats, and this year, new treats such as Cuban sandwiches, paninis and freshly made nachos have been added to the menu at Champion Stadium. Fans can also look forward to the return of fan-favorites like The Barbecue Smokehouse, The Slider Station and for the thirsty, the popular beer wagons that feature regional craft beers from cities of many Braves’ opponents.

For foodies and fans alike, Braves Spring Training is an experience you definitely want to be a part of!

Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday, and fans are welcome to attend workouts (Adult admission is $18, while child admission is $13) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which begin tomorrow. Be sure to bring a marker, as you could have the opportunity to get autographs from your favorite Braves players during practices!

There are still tickets available to Braves Spring Training games, and fans can purchase those through Ticketmaster outlets and at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. For more information about the Braves schedule, tickets and more, visit www.espnwwos.com/braves.

So grab your baseball hats and gloves and we’ll see you at the ballpark!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning 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 Parks Blog

“Disney Fairy Tale Weddings” Special Coming To Freeform

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 15, 2017

How perfect for Valentine’s Day that the news is announced for Freeform’s latest special. “Disney Fairy Tale Weddings” is a 90 minute special showing a behind the scenes looks at the incredible one-of-a-kind engagements and weddings at Disney destinations from around the world.

The special is scheduled to air this spring. Get your hankies ready, it’s sure to be a tear jerker!

Here is the official release:

Freeform expands their growing production slate with a little love by greenlighting the special “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” it was announced today by Karey Burke, Freeform’s executive vice president, Programming & Development.

“We’re looking forward to presenting a special that showcases the magic, romance, and imagination involved in making couples’ dreams come true with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” said Burke.

The 90-minute special, which will air this spring 2017, will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the magical weddings and one-of-a-kind engagements that take place at Disney Destinations around the globe, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Lines. From fashion and products to world-class entertainment and décor, viewers will get a glimpse of the modern day fairy tale that Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings brand has been creating for 25 years.

“Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” is a T Group and Roberts Media production and executive produced by Jenny Daly, Ann Lewis Roberts and Simon Lythgoe.

Photo credit: Freeform/Richard Harbaugh