Top 10 Gifts for the Disney Addict you think Has Everything

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December 6, 2016

Do you have that one Disney loving friend that just has every Disney thing you can think of? Or maybe YOU are that Disney fan that everyone else has trouble finding the perfect gift for! If you have one of those dilemmas, or you’re just looking for ideas to get a gift for a fabulous friend, check out our Top 10 Gifts for the Disney Addict you think Has Everything!

10. Disney Socks

Who doesn’t like to keep their toes cozy and toasty? Of course for Disney Addicts, you can’t beat keeping your feet snug and warm with Disney inspired socks! There are so many cute designs to choose from too! The Mickey And Friends 5-Pack Socks, and Princess Inspired Sock set are my faves.

9. Disney Inspired Nail Polish

With nail polish inspired by Mickey and other wonderful Disney characters it’s hard to go wrong! Even if your giftee already has one, there is an array of colors and themes to choose from. Under the Sea Mouse, Sorcerer Mickey, The Little Mermaid, and Minnie Mouse, are some of my favorites.

8. Tsum Tsum Fleece Blanket

Tsum Tsum has become a global phenomena! For the Disney fan in your life that loves everything cute, they can stack stack this adorable Tsum Tsum blanket on for warmth, and cuteness!

7. Disney Inspired Candles

Nothing brings back nostalgic memories quite like the beloved fragrances of the places and things we love. Magical Scents by Alissa makes some of the most delectable smelling candles around, and each one is inspired by a Disney treat, place, or character. I’m obsessed with Le Fou’s Brew, Mickey’s Ice Cream Bar, Main Street Bakery, and Grand Floridian.

6. Disney Phone Character Wrap Skins

Decorate your iphone charger with Disney characters these heat Resistant Vinyl sticker wraps fit perfectly on your USB chargers. Suitable for iPhone4, 5 and 6 chargers, as well as the square Android chargers.

5. Unique Mouse Ear head bands

What Disney addict doesn’t love a new pair of cute and comfy Mouse Ears to wear? I know I can never have too many! You can find ears inspired by a variety of styles and characters including: Stitch, Marie, Tsum Tsum, Paisleys, Flowers, and Cupcakes!

4. Disney Pixar Oval Slow Cooker

These Disney-Pixar characters are watching while the savory scents of a delicious dish fill the air. Dinner is served after a full day of simmering in this family size slow cooker. I mean honestly, do I need to say more? This is the ultimate Disney fan kitchen item right here!

3. Disney Inspired Cross body Purse

This is a great sized hipster, not to large where it’s bulky and uncomfortable, but also big enough to store all of your essentials, as well as a few extras. Hipsters are by far my favorite type of bag to use when touring the Disney Parks. This has an adjustable strap, which makes for getting the perfect fit no matter how tall you are. There’s a lot of choices with these too, Alice in Wonderland, Villains, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, and Classic Mickey just to name a few.

2. Disney Art of Coloring: Adult Coloring Books

Relax, and let the creativity flow through you. Whether a skilled artist or an everyday dabbler of drawings and doodles, fans of all ages will enjoy these stunning pen-and-ink illustrations of beautiful landscapes, elaborate patterns, and memorable characters from Disney’s most beloved characters. There’s quite a few of these, including some new pre-orders: Moana Coloring Book, Disney Princesses Coloring Book, Disney’s Frozen Coloring Book, Tsum Tsum Coloring Book, The Nightmare Before Christmas Coloring Book, Disney Animals Coloring Book, Disney Villains Coloring Book, Beauty and the Beast Coloring Book, Star Wars Coloring Book and Rogue One Coloring Book.

1. I’m Done Adulting, Where’s Disney T-shirt

Last, but not least… one of my all time favorite Disney shirts the “I’m Done Adulting, Where’s Disney?” shirt! It’s the perfect sentiment for any Disney Addict who just misses H°o°ME. The perfect shirt to wear while vacationing at the most magical places on Earth, or even at the office to let people know, you need some Disney time! You can get yours here!

Which of our Top 10 gifts for Disney Addicts is your favorite?

New Rogue One MagicBand and More Coming Soon!

By

Danielle

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December 6, 2016

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story launches into theaters on December 16th, but that’s not the only Rogue One debut on that day. A new limited edition retail Rogue One MagicBand, and more will be blasting into Disney Parks.

Disney Parks Blog has revealed this new Star Wars MagicBand. It will have an edition size of 2,000 and will be packaged in a special decorative box. The MagicBand is inspired by Director Krennic, and will launch on the opening day of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The other exciting thing, is this will be one of the new “MagicBand 2” type of bands. A limited release Vinylmation mystery set, two jumbo pins, and four new name tags.

The hinged Death Star pin (top image) will have an edition size of 3,000, while the Rogue One character pin (bottom image) will have an edition size of 1,000. The Vinylmations have 11 known characters in this series and one mystery chaser figure. You will be able to personalize four new nametags by having your name written in Aurebesh, one of the alphabets used in the Star Wars univers. Two nametags “Darth Vader and Imperial logo” are limited release items created for Rogue One. There will also be two nametags exclusive to Annual Passholders.

What do you think of the new Rogue One MagicBand 2?

Cheerful and Bright Mickey Mouse Lighted Holiday Wreath

By

Danielle

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December 6, 2016

All is cheerful, and all is bright because the Christmas season is in sight! I love Disney and Mickey themed decorations, but I also love really traditional looks too. This Mickey Mouse Lighted Holiday Wreath is the perfect blend of rustic Holiday and Disney Christmas for me!

Mickey welcomes family, friends, and special guests throughout the holidays as this lighted mouse icon wreath decks your door with a season of smiles! This wreath has a beautiful rustic look, as if it was made with fresh evergreen branches. There is also lovely accents of pine cones and holly berries for a sophisticated style. Your door is sure to be the most Magical one on the block with this Mickey Mouse Lighted Holiday Wreath!

Would you welcome your Holiday visitors with a Mickey Mouse Lighted Holiday Wreath this Christmas?

Take a Look at what 2017 Has in Store for The Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 6, 2016

If you plan on visiting Walt Disney World in 2017, then you’ll want to take a look at what new adventures and offerings are in store for guests for the new year!

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Pandora – The World of Avatar, will open in summer 2017. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR, in a breathtaking new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage will send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Bioluminescent rainforests dramatically wrap around Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride.

There will be new food and drink options as well, including Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders. “From the place making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land…these promise to set new high-watermarks for the experiential magic we give our guests,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts.

Disney Springs will also see some new additions as well:

Paddlefish – Sleek and modern after a bow-to-stern transformation from the former Fulton’s Crab House, Paddlefish will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops. Unique menu choices for seafood lovers include a build-your-own boil. A new rooftop lounge will serve up a late-night menu and shipshape views of the water and Disney Springs. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Paddlefish will open in January 2017.
Planet Hollywood Observatory – Longtime Downtown Disney-goers will remember the iconic domed restaurant that drew celebrities and fans of the Hollywood scene. The reborn space will be themed to stars of a different kind: a turn-of-the-20th-Century observatory serving up amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.
The Polite Pig – A sister restaurant to the Ravenous Pig, a favorite with Orlando locals, The Polite Pig will bring the same focus on genuine Florida cuisine to a broader global audience at Disney Springs. Lunch and dinner menus will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including beer, wine and cocktails.
Wine Bar George – Orlando master sommelier George Miliotes uncorks his first Disney wine bar in a space reminiscent of a winemaker’s estate warmed by oak wood and cozy lighting. Small plates dominate the food menu but it will be the wines with a starring role: more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals and vintages.

Guests of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will also be able to experience a new Family Raft Ride. Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea booty. When it opens in spring 2017, it will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.

The much-anticipated opening of Rivers of Light – Coming in 2017, this powerful theatrical production takes Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests on a magnificent emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark show on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. With innovative and never-before-seen technology, Rivers of Light will be unlike any other production ever staged at Walt Disney World Resort. CAst Members have already been to a preview performance, so we’re thinking it will debut in early 2017.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Epcot welcomes an all-new festival playing winter weekends and treating guests to a triple scoop of artful fun. For six colorful weekends (Fridays through Mondays) Jan. 13-Feb. 20, visual, culinary and performing arts will take center stage. Each weekend will feature taste bud-tempting and eye-dazzling creations from the Disney culinary team. Meantime, exciting new art from various media will tempt art lovers. Because the artwork will change out, it’s a new art festival every weekend. In addition, the lagoon-side stage at American Gardens Theatre will pulse with favorite showtunes performed by Broadway talent. In a collaboration with Disney Theatrical, songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows including The Lion King, Newsies and Aladdin will be performed.

A new adventure in Disney dining and the ultimate Star Wars tour are being offered to guests in 2017:

Disney’s famed monorail is your connection in a movable feast called Highway in the Sky Dine-Around. The new experience gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for a distinctly Disney dining experience with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. From a welcome cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests call at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (apps), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (entree) and back to the Contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee. Offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars Guided Tour is a seven-hour immersion in all current Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character greetings, themed dining, ride experiences, insider’s tours, dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular are among highlights. Offered Mondays and Saturdays, it’s part of several new Star Wars additions announced in December 2016 for the park, including a new onstage sequence in the daytime experience “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Star Wars-themed lands are planned for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

New Cabins and Deluxe Villas coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – In 2017, a proposed new Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is scheduled to open, featuring new Resort accommodations that include plans for Deluxe Villas and unique waterfront cabins. Other enhancements coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool, part of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is also scheduled to open in summer 2017. Named Boulder Ridge Cove, this area will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool.

New Cheerleading, Dance Venue for ESPN Wide World of Sports – A first-of-its-kind venue specifically designed for the high-energy world of cheerleading and dance team competition opens its doors in 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The complex is collaborating with Varsity Spirit, the nation’s top cheerleading organization, in bringing the new multi-use venue to life. The venue will include a flexible design that allows for as many as four competition areas. With the ability to seat more than 8,000 guests, the sports and entertainment venue also can accommodate six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or be configured for concerts.

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, 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

Tickets for ‘Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical!’ Now on Sale – coming to theaters Nationwide February 2017

By

Chip

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December 6, 2016

Audiences have a final chance to “Seize the Day!” – tickets are now available for “Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical!,” playing in U.S. movie theaters for three days only on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18 at 12:55 p.m. and Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. (all local times). Captured live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre earlier this year, the event features Jeremy Jordan, who currently stars in the television series “Supergirl,” reprising the role he created as “Jack Kelly.” Fathom Events partners with Disney Theatrical Productions to bring this spectacular stage show to the big screen, including special behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and creators.

Joining Jordan are original Broadway cast members Kara Lindsay as “Katherine,” Ben Fankhauser as “Davey” and Andrew Keenan-Bolger as “Crutchie,” and NEWSIES North American Tour stars Steve Blanchard as “Joseph Pulitzer,” Aisha de Haas as “Medda Larkin,” and Ethan Steiner as “Les.” Since opening on Broadway in 2011, NEWSIES has played 1,711 performances between Broadway and the North American tour, to more than 2.5 million audience members in 65 cities across the country.

Tickets for “Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical!” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 700 select movie theaters. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, NEWSIES is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged ‘newsies,’ who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.

NEWSIES, the new American musical, features a Tony Award-winning score with music by eight-time Academy Award®-winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein and is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. NEWSIES is directed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, who won a 2012 Tony Award for his work on the show. The entire creative team has reunited to bring the break-out smash musical to audiences across North America.

“From the very beginning, the stage adaptation of NEWSIES has had an exciting and entirely unexpected journey, propelled by the show’s passionate fan base,” said Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “We are thrilled to be working with Fathom Events, and to have Tony-nominee, Jeremy Jordan and members of the original Broadway company join the North American touring cast as we take Newsies on its next exciting chapter, reaching new audiences around the country.”

“‘Once and for all!’ NEWSIES fans have one last chance to experience their favorite stage production all across the country – on the big screen,” Fathom Events CEO John Rubey said. “We’re proud to partner with Disney Theatrical Productions to give fans old and new the chance to re-experience or be introduced to this amazing show with the best seat in the house at their local movie theater.”

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show gets a Rogue One update

By

Chip

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December 6, 2016

Announced last night at the Star Wars event in Epcot, The “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” stage show will be receiving an update later this month to include scenes from the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story movie.

Guests will get a first look at the all new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” These Death-troopers will have all new outfits with dark armor and will be joining their counterparts starting December 16th, 2016.

You can watch the full announcement on the video below:

Right now The “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away is under refurbishment till all of these new changes take place later this month.

Stay tuned for more details!

New Star Wars Ultimate Guided Tour announced for Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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December 6, 2016

Disney has announced an all new Ultimate Guided tour for Star Wars fans in Hollywood Studios!

The all new seven-hour tour includes:

A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Kids ages 4-12 on this new guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

Priced at $129 per person, tours begin Jan. 2 2017 and will be offered on Mondays and Saturdays throughout 2017.

Reservations for January tours will be available soon.

Stay tuned for more details.

Video: Spaceship Earth transforms into the Death Star

By

Chip

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December 6, 2016

In case you missed the live video from last night celebrating the upcoming film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Epcot’s Spaceship Earth transforms into the Death Star we have got you covered.

Among the night’s announcements, Disney shared that AWR Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will soon debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars Launch Bay will be updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. There are many other updates, including information on a new Star Wars Guided Tour that’s in the works for Star Wars fans, you can read all about the updates here!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.

Disney Announced Star Wars Rogue One additions to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 6, 2016

Last night during the live video feed of the Spaceship Earth transformation into the Death Star Disney released information about the Star Wars changes coming to Hollywood Studios.

A galaxy of new Star Wars experiences is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning mid-December. The announcement noted that some of the coming-soon additions are inspired by “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” that opens in theaters worldwide on Dec. 16.

Guests, including fans of the epic space saga, will find new entertainment, special displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay, a first-ever themed tour and more at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Premiering this Month

Star Wars Launch Bay – a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars – is now updated with authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” joining other Star Wars memorabilia in the preview gallery. Making-of footage from “Rogue One” has been added to the “Meet the Makers” film featured in Star Wars Launch Bay.
In the popular daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” guests will get a first look at AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Outfitted in their specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam, these soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advance Weapons Research (AWR) division of the Empire. A new Troopers sequence will join the show Dec. 16. Performances daily.
The fan favorite nighttime show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16 and will join “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park through Dec. 31. The show will continue to be presented in 2017.
Starting mid-December, randomized tracks will be returning to Star Tours – the Adventures Continue, the popular attraction that uses motion simulator-based technology. Instead of each ride experience launching from the planet of Jakku, the attraction will be randomized to both start and end at different locations for every galactic journey. New scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will be added to Star Tours in the coming year.

New in 2017
For the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences. Here’s what it includes:

A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Younglings ages 4-12 on the guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Priced at $129 per person, tours begin Jan. 2 and will be offered on Mondays and Saturdays throughout 2017. Reservations for January tours can be made soon.

This latest flight of additions celebrating the Star Wars saga continues to elevate the Star Wars presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Entire Star Wars-themed lands are now under construction at the theme park and at Disneyland Park in California.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.

Source

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, 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.

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 6, 2016

The 2017 runDisney Princess Half Marathon in February will be inspired by Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Runners and spectators will find “Beauty and the Beast” themed entertainment, attire and of course medals throughout the weekend.

Take a look at the medals for the upcoming Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend races:

The fairy tale begins with the Disney Princess 5K. Runners will race through Epcot for a storybook finish and the opportunity to earn this adorable Chip and Mrs. Potts medal!

The Disney Princess Enchanted 10K is a race fit for royalty! The iconic enchanted rose from the original film is incorporated in the beautiful design of this medal.

Highlights of the 13.1-mile course include running through Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, home of Future World and World Showcase. Every mile is magic and runners who complete the Disney Princess Half Marathon will live happily ever after with the symbolic rose from Beast’s West Wing.

Runners who complete the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K on Saturday, followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday will be awarded the Glass Slipper Challenge medal in addition to the Half Marathon and 10K finisher medals. That’s 19.3-miles of adventures held over two days!

The runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go finisher medallion features compassionate and intelligent Cogsworth.

Dressing up as your favorite characters for a runDisney event is a huge part of the weekend! With the live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures coming to theaters March 17, 2017, we’re sure that we’ll see styles inspired from the released trailer and set photos.

The runDisney event is presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and will take place at Walt Disney World Resort from February 23 – 26, 2017.

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

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Companion Story

By

Danielle

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December 5, 2016

The premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is almost upon us! Like with The Force Awakens, Star Wars has released a companion novel to dive us deeper into the mythos of the galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Catalyst a Novel by James Luceno returns to tell an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

“War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.”

I’m excited to have another Star Wars novel that is cannon to explore in the new tales of Star Wars! I can not WAIT to see the new Rogue One movie either. Catalyst is available on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audible versions here. Will you be reading Star Wars Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel?

Walt’s 115th Birthday Celebration at The Walt Disney Family Museum

By

Chip

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December 5, 2016

In celebration of a very special day, Walt Disney’s birthday, San Francisco’s own The Walt Disney Family Museum had an exciting day of celebratory events.

To kickoff what would have been Walt’s 115^th birthday, the museum opened its doors to the public free of charge. Today also marked the museum’s first daily lighting ceremony in which Ron Miller illuminated the holiday decorations on its newest immersive installation, Home for the Holidays at Carolwood.

The installation celebrates Walt’s family and love of trains, most notably featuring an elaborate three-dimensional model of the Disney Family home on Carolwood Drive in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Frank Anzalone on behalf of The Walt Disney Family Museum