D23 Gold, Gold Family and D23 General Members are invited to attend the Light Up the Season With D23 event which will be held at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on Sunday, December 4th, 2016.
Typically held only for Studios employees and their families, Light Up the Season will add an extra day of festivities exclusively for D23 Members where guests will be dazzled by the amazing sights and sounds of the holidays done Disney style. The event promises festive fun for the whole family with the following Christmas-themed activities;
Character photo opportunities.
Vendor booths with a variety of crafts and gifts
Holiday games and prize giveaways
Holiday classics under the stars at Legends Plaza
Tasty seasonal treats
The lighting of the Studio Christmas tree
This event will run from 4pm -7pm on December 4, 2016 with check-in from 3.15 pm – 5pm. Tickets are $20 per person for Gold and Gold Family Members and $30 per person for D23 General Members. There is also a $5.0o processing fee. Members will be required to show their membership cards to gain entry.
Tickets will go on sale November 4, 2016 at 10am PST. Members should visit d23.com for further details.
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For those of you who are frequent guests of Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, you may have noticed something missing in The Haunted Mansion courtyard after the Haunted Mansion Holiday began in 2001. According to Disney, when the first Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween transformation occurred in 2001, the headstones in the courtyard were replaced with pumpkins for the Halloween season. The headstones each represented the Imagineers who were responsible for bringing the original Haunted Mansion to life.
When it was time to put the headstones back out in the courtyard again, they couldn’t be located. So this year, Disney created new headstones to replace the old ones that went missing, and even added a few new ones to represent the newer Imagineers who have put their hearts and souls into The Haunted Mansion.
The original headstones and the Imagineers they represented are as follows:
Claude Coats (lead designer – specializing in backgrounds and environments, he also developed the Omnimover layout)
At Peaceful Rest Lies Brother Claude
Planted Here Beneath This Sod
Marc Davis (lead designer – specializing in character design and sight gags)
In memory of our Patriarch
Dear Departed Grandpa Marc
X Atencio (script and song)
Requiescat Francis Xavier
No time off for good behavior R.I.P.
Bill Martin (concept architect)
Here Lies A Man Named Martin
The Lights Went Out on this Old Spartan
Dave Burkhart (models)
Dear Departed Brother Dave
He Chased a Bear into A Cave
Yale Gracey (special effects and illusions)
Master Gracey Laid to Rest
No Mourning Please, at His Request. Farewell
Bob Sewell (models)
R.I.P. Mister Sewell
The victim of a dirty duel, Peaceful rest
Chuck Myall (show designer)
R.I.P., in memoriam Uncle Myall,
Here you’ll lie for quite a while
Gordon Williams (sound and Audio-Animatronics system)
Good Friend Gordon
Now you’ve Crossed the River Jordan
Cliff Huet (architecture/interiors)
Rest in Peace Cousin Huet
We All Know You Didn’t Do It
Wathel Rogers (figure animation)
Here Rests Wathel R. Bender
He Rode to Glory on a Fender
Fred Joerger (models/effect modeling)
Here Lies Good Old Fred
A Great Big Rock Fell on His Head, R.I.P.
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.
Get ready “Star Wars” fans, and get prepared to blast off once again to a galaxy far, far away—only this time, it’s with an almost new set of characters in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. The film’s stars Felicity Jones and Alan Tudyk, director Gareth Edwards, and producer Kathleen Kennedy give people a glimpse into the making of the film, which is centered on a group of rebels determined to steal the plans for the menacing Death Star. Kennedy reveals the origins of this first “stand-alone” film, while Edwards discusses the detailed planning that went into bringing Darth Vader back to the big screen.
The winter issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also includes a look at the 30th anniversary of Disney Parks’ Star Tours, with detailed concept artwork and in-depth interviews. And Tudyk, who gives voice to droid K-2SO in Rogue One, talks about being a “lucky charm” for Walt Disney Animation Studios, having provided his vocal talents for such films as Big Hero 6, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and this month’s Moana.
Plus, Auli‘i Cravalho talks about her star turn as the title character in Moana, and reveals she almost didn’t audition for the dazzling animated film, which opens November 23. The creators of the exhilarating new Iron Man Experience unveil details about the Marvel-themed attraction, which opens at Hong Kong Disneyland next January. And the team behind the enhancements on the Disney Wonder cruise ship gives fans an inside look at the unique experiences and exquisite details guests will enjoy when they next set sail.
There’s much more Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three, including:
• An exploration of the new book Maps of the Disney Parks, which highlights stunning works of art
that have gone into park cartography over the years
• The reunion of Newsies original Broadway cast members for a new filmed version of the hit musical
• Famous Disney characters from around the world that you (may) have never met
• The storytelling and artistry of Marvel’s Enchanted Tiki Room comic books
• A celebration of 60 years of the delightful Daisy Duck
• Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave
And starting December 1, D23.com will once again kick off the “D23 Days of Christmas.” Each day will include sweepstakes for incredible Disney prizes, dazzling photography, delicious recipes, original stories and videos, colorful crafts, and much more. D23 will also host several exclusive holiday events for members including: Light Up the Season with D23 on Sunday, December 4, at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and D23’s Disney Springs Holiday Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Tuesday, December 13. Visit D23.com/D23Days to unwrap the holiday fun.
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.
Halloween is officially behind us which can only mean one thing at Walt Disney World- it’s time to start celebrating Christmas! What better way to start ringing in the Yuletide Season than with the hilarious hi-jinks of the Skippers over at the Jungle Cruise who have given this much-loved Disney attraction a seasonal makeover.
The Jingle Cruise opens today and is brimming with holiday charm. The premise is that the Skippers, who were all feeling dreadfully homesick, decided to gussy up the queue, boathouse and stops along the riverbanks with decorations, gifts and other Christmas-themed goodies from back home. The end result will definitely bring a smile to your face. Guests can also expect the Skippers to add a few seasonal jokes into their repertoire.
Because of its popularity, lines for the Jingle Cruise can get pretty long so consider using a Fastpass to take part in the fun!
Jingle Cruise has been bringing holiday magic to the theme parks since 2013 and is one of the first signs of Walt Disney World’s magical Winter transformation. This is an exciting time for Disney-goers as Disney’s elves start working through the night to make the transition from Halloween to Christmas. Watch this space for further exciting seasonal changes.
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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 with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. I’ll even work with you to add lots of seasonal touches to make your Christmas visit truly magical. 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.
As we had said last month, the first Tsum Tsum Tuesday was going to be FULL of stackable goodness! Not only did we get a Magical Tsum Tsum Tuesday with the new Moana collection, but we also got three special Christmas releases.
First we have the Moana collection, just in time for the release of Disney’s newest feature animated film.
Enjoy a South Seas adventure with all your favorite characters from Disney Moana. Join the newest teenage explorer and the colorful cast with this stackably soft mini ”Tsum Tsum” plush collection. There are both minis, and mediums available for this collection! You can get Moana, Maui, Pua, Heihei, Kakamora 1, Kakamora 2, Kakamora 3, Tamatoa and a Sea Turtle ‘all in the Mini – 3 1/2” size. You can find Moana, Pua, and Maui in the medium!
The next release, is from my favorite Disney Christmas movie ever, “A Christmas Carol” starring my man (or duck?) Uncle Scrooge!
A Christmas Carol ”Tsum Tsum” Box Set – Mini – 3 1/2”
Avoid the humbug of being a scrooge with the Christmas Carol ”Tsum Tsum” Box Set. Mickey and nine of his friends are reimagined as stackably, soft characters ready to spread holiday cheer through the past, present and future.
Advent Calendars have been quite on trend so far this year, so it only makes sense to have a Tsum Tsum one join the party!
Mini ”Tsum Tsum” Plush Advent Calendar
The run up to December 25th has never been packed with more adorable plush Disney pals than with this Mini ”Tsum Tsum” advent calendar. With every squeezably soft surprise, your little ones get even more excited for the big day. This cuddly countdown was a bit more expensive than I had hoped though.
Last, but for sure my favorite, is a mini set. I think it’s perfect for Secret Santa giving!
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Holiday ”Tsum Tsum” Plush Set – Mini – 3 1/2”
Mickey and Minnie are in the holiday spirits with the merry mini Mickey and Minnie Mouse ”Tsum Tsum” Plush gift set. Give the gift of soft stackable characters this season. Like I said above, these would make a fabulous Secret Santa gift if you have a Tsum Tsum lover in your life!
Of course if you’re more of a Comic Book fan there is news for you too! An all new Marvel Tsum Tsum collection will be arriving on November 15!
Wow! That’s a hefty haul for a Tsum Tsum Tuesday, what do you think of this Magical Tsum Tsum Tuesday?
The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Disney is currently working on a live-action musical version of “Snow White”.
They reported back in April, that an adaptation of the Grimm Brothers story “Rose Red” will be produced as a live-action movie. Rose Red is Snow White’s sister, according to the Grimm fairy tales. This goes right along with the other live-action remakes that Disney is producing from their animated classics.
Erin Cressida Wilson, who penned the adaptation of The Girl on the Train, is in negotiations to write the script for the film. The film will expand upon the story and music from the beloved animated classic. The movie will also include new songs! Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who most recently wrote the lyrics for La La Land, are attached to pen the new music. Marc Platt, who also is working with Disney on Mary Poppins Returns, is attached to produce.
Disney’s original Snow White animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came out in 1937. Snow White is based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale. It was Disney’s first animated feature film and a massive success for the studio. It won an honorary Oscar at the 11th Academy Awards. Snow White is also considered one of, if not the most, successful animated films of all time.
Walt Disney World is a BIG place – 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, Resorts, Restaurants, Shops – etc (I could go on but I won’t!). With that much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all that there is to see/do/experience, and if you aren’t prepared, a trip to WDW can easily turn into a stressful time – and who wants that on vacation? I know I don’t! Take my advice – save time and headaches with my WDW Pro Tips:
Plan Ahead: One of the most important WDW Pro Tips is to do some research ahead of time – Order your free Disney Planning DVD, and check out a guidebook or two. And of course utilize online information about the Parks and Resorts – sites like Chip And Co are of course great, and the Disney World Site can be helpful too. Now I’m not suggesting that you have every minute of every Disney Day planned out in advance – but a rough itinerary is pretty useful, and it can help you get the most out of your time at WDW. If you aren’t much of a planner – I still implore you to at least utilize the Fastpass+ and Advance Dining Reservation Services that Disney offers – they are both free, and can help you save a TON of time waiting in line for rides, and for food too!
Don’t Try To Do It All: I mentioned not over-planning, but you also want to be conscious of not “over-doing” it while at WDW, too. When you arrive through those Park gates, it’s easy to get overwhelmed – the sites, the sounds, the smells, the atmosphere, the MAGIC – it’s a lot to take in, and even though you may get the urge to sprint ahead and ride EVERY RIDE RIGHT THEN – resist it. Trust me – that urge will just leave you tired and cranky, and you will be MUCH better off if you take it slow, stroll instead of sprint, and take the time to take in the details of everything around you. I also recommend a mid-day break – lunchtime is the perfect time to leave the Parks and head back to your WDW Resort for lunch and a nap or some pool time. It may seem nuts to leave all the Park action right in the middle of the day, but trust me – a break will help recharge and refuel you so that you can head back to the Parks for dinner and an evening of fun! Plus – lunchtime and early afternoon is when it is SO HOT at the Parks that it can be a recipe for disaster – sunburn, dehydration, and tantrums galore can be easily prevented by retreating back to your Resort
And speaking of Resorts…
Stay on Site: You will want to stay at a Walt Disney World owned Resort to get the most out of your trip – for several reasons. One being Extra Magic Hours – which allows ONLY guests of WDW Resorts into a Park an hour early or access to a Park an hour after closing time each day, and another being their Magical Express shuttle – which brings you and your luggage to and from the Orlando airport to the doors of your WDW Resort (and it’s free!). For me though, probably the biggest perk of staying on site is just being IN the magic the WHOLE time – the amazing service from the cast members, the fact that I can just hop on a bus/monorail/boat and be at the Parks in minutes (no car, parking lot fees, or parking tram required!) – it’s all part of the perks of staying on site at WDW
Pack Smart For The Parks: Do NOT walk out of your hotel room empty handed – as there are some items you will DEFINITELY be wanting to bring along with you to the Disney Parks. First and foremost – sunscreen – the good kind (high SPF), and you will want to make sure you are applying it OFTEN – whether it’s sunny OR cloudy. Another must have item is refillable water bottles – I like to bring my own from home and fill it at my Resort with water and ice, and I also like to make sure I am refilling it often (ie – that I am DRINKING the water). The Florida sun is no joke folks – it’s big, bright, and HOTTTT – and even if you’re used to sun, it can really be a fun killer – so just bring your sunscreen and water bottles every time you leave your Resort (trust me!). Other items I like to make sure I bring to the WDW Parks are – assorted snacks/hard candies, and spare camera batteries, and ponchos and Ziploc baggies to protect myself (and my valuables!) in case of a sudden downpour – which happens pretty often in Orlando
Try Something New: Remember how your mom always said “Try it, you’ll like it” at dinner time? Well, that doesn’t just apply to broccoli and Brussel sprouts – as vacation is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try a roller coaster, or a big water slide, or some new or unique cuisine too! Seriously though – eat all the food when you’re at Disney – it’s amazing, and it goes way beyond your standard “theme park food” – I literally have never tried something I didn’t like
Hopefully these “WDW Pro Tips” can help you breeze through the hard parts of planning a vacation and allow you to enjoy every minute of being at the Happiest Place On Earth!
Disney, Marvel Studios, Dolby, Synchrony Bank, Broadcom MASTERS and Society for Science and the Public are pleased to announce the winner and finalists of the nationwide Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange: The Magic Of Stem Challenge, in concurrence with the November 4, 2016, theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange”.
The challenge, challenged girls to create a science vlog episode in which they answered their favorite, or most vexing, scientific or technological question. To see the winning entries, please visit www.DrStrangeMagicofSTEM.com
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
Ashley Qin, Age 16, from Arcadia, Calif.
Ashley’s question: How do non-invasive glucose monitoring wearable biosensors work?
Ashley used fast-draw animation to creatively teach her viewers about wearable biosensors and how they can function as non-invasive glucose monitors. She explained how this technology will allow diabetic patients, especially young patients, to easily and inconspicuously monitor their glucose levels, thereby maintaining a healthy lifestyle without embarrassment or the need for cumbersome monitoring equipment.
FINALISTS Navya Annapareddy, 16, Haymarket, Va.
Navya’s question: How do upper-limb prosthetics work?
Navya’s vlog presented an engaging and easy to understand history of prosthetic devices beginning with the first known device, a toe found on an Egyptian mummy, and continuing to fully articulated modern-day devices that can be controlled by a person’s brain activity. Navya showed how advances in prosthetic design have taken the idea of regaining the use of a limb from the magical to the practical.
Maggie Chen, Age 16, San Diego, Calif.
Maggie’s question: How can antibiotic treatments be made more effective and safe?
Maggie, through the use of engaging imagery and demonstration, explained how nanotechnology can be used to enhance the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics. Maggie enthusiastically shared her interest and fascination for the exciting possibilities of nanotechnology biomimic applications in healthcare.
Imani Porter, Age 15, Bolingbrook, Ill.
Imani’s question: Why are some people more susceptible to hair loss than others?
Imani’s vlog answered her question by introducing her audience to the fascinating field of metagenomics through the use of clever animation and personal presentation. Imani used a novel self-awareness approach in her vlog, which not only enabled the viewer to easily understand her topic, but also assured young girls that it is okay to feel conflicted about their abilities in STEM and encouraged them to keep following their interests.
Amanda Zong, Age 17, Bronx, N.Y.
Amanda’s question: How does computer vision software work?
Through a combination of fast-drawing animation, video annotation and demonstration, Amanda explained how facial recognition software, a form of computer vision technology, distinguishes a face from other similarly shaped objects, and can further distinguish specific facial features from one another. Amanda also explained how advances in computer vision software allows self-driving cars to identify road signs and assists physicians in the diagnosis of diseases.
Five finalists attended the World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange. Each finalist received two round-trip tickets to Southern California for herself and her parent or guardian, which included scheduled meals, ground transportation to and from organized activities, and hotel accommodations; $1,000 deposited into a high-yield savings account from Synchrony Bank; a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California; and more.
Ashley Qin, the grand-prize winner, was selected from the five finalists and will be mentored by The Walt Disney Studios Digital Team to learn how to produce her very own science vlog episode, from story development through production and presentation. The vlog episode she creates with the Walt Disney Studios will be shown via a Walt Disney Company media platform.
This is a coloring book for young adults and adults that includes scenes and characters from the highly anticipated Rogue One. This coloring book will launch just after the Movie Premiers in December. You can look for it beginning December 16, 2016. If you don’t want to miss out you can pre-order on Amazon today! As much as I wish this book was going to be out sooner, I’m happy that we won’t get any spoilers before the movie!
Which Disney themed adult coloring books have you checked out?
As I reported earlier, there was some concern about box office numbers when it comes to the latest Marvel movie “Doctor Strange”. But after this last weekend, the magic and sorcery based film has a strong start with international markets.
The Marvel flick grossed an estimated $86 million, which registers a 49 percent improvement over the international gross of 2015’s Ant-Man, 37 percent ahead of 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, 23 percent over Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and roughly 1 percent above Thor: The Dark World when considering the same suite of territories and contemporary exchange rates.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor fronted the film as it debuted in 33 territories around the world, including strong showings in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Korea, Australia, and Mexico, accounting for approximately 45 percent of its planned footprint. The film stands to increase its global impact as it opens in key markets in the coming weeks, including Russia, Brazil, China, and Japan.
Additionally, “Doctor Strange” tallied the all-time biggest international October opening on IMAX screens as it earned an estimated $7.8 million on 213 screens in 32 countries. The number more than doubles the total grossed by previous October record holder, Warner Bros.’ Gravity, which premiered to $3.2 million from IMAX locations in 2013. Doctor Strange also notched the biggest IMAX opening of all time in South Korean, edging out Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The film’s planned IMAX rollout will see the Scott Derrickson-directed picture expanding by 787 locations in 34 additional markets, including North America and China, making the film the widest global IMAX release in history as it plays on over 1,000 formatted screens.
“Doctor Strange” opens in the U.S and Canada on Nov. 4.
Chinatown made its debut at the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic this year. This new area is a wonderful addition to an already phenomenal event. Chinatown featured Crispy Duck, Shanghai Dumpling and Lucky Buddha Enlightened Beer.
Chinatown’s Crispy Duck with Steamed Bun and Cucumber Hoisin was delicious. The duck was crispy as you bit into it. The crisp of the duck, combined with the soft spongy texture of the steamed bun, and the cucumber hoisin was a treat for the palate. The steamed bun had a very interesting texture that was actually quite good and enhanced the overall flavors. I definitely recommend you try the Crispy Duck if you attend the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic in 2017.
The Shanghai Dumpling was a Pan Roasted Pork Dumpling with Spicy Sauce. The Dumpling was actually a bit crisp with a lot of substance. The Spicy Sauce really enhanced the flavor of the dumpling. I recommend the dumpling to anyone who enjoys a bit of spice with their meal.
The Lucky Buddha Enlightened Beer made a good addition to the food offered at Chinatown. While I do not care for beer at all, I found the flavor to be light but pleasing. The gentlemen pouring the beer, was also giving the empty beer bottles to any woman who said that yes, they would like one.
The lines were quite long for the offerings at Chinatown. This is likely the result of this area being a new addition to the 2016 Food & Wine Classic. I can assure you that the food was worth the wait. Be forewarned that Chinatown was highly popular and this will likely hold true if Chinatown is a part of the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic next year.
What do you think of the addition of Chinatown to the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic?
Ashley Eckstein, the founder of Her Universe and voice of Ashoka on Star Wars Rebels, has announced the company is being acquired by clothing retailer Hot Topic.
Ashley started Her Universe as a t-shirt brand to offer Fangirls geeky apparel. But what does this acquisition mean for our beloved nerdy girl clothing brand? Ashley will still be Co-founder of the cult classic apparel company and overseeing it just as she has from the beginning. My biggest worry was that Her Universe would become a Hot Topic exclusive brand, but in her letter to the community Ashley promises that will not be the case. Her Universe will still continue to be a stand along brand available at many retailers and HerUniverse.com. The new chapter with Hot Topic will allow Her Universe to offer and expanded range, that will live up to fans expectations, hopes, desires and demands.
Ashley has already announced things that we can expect to see. Her Universe will now be able to offer more plus sizes, which is something many fans had been wishing for. Europe will now be able to get their hands on Her Universe apparel. They will now be able to obtain new licensing deals for even more characters and fandoms. Most surprisingly they will soon be offering a men’s line!
You can read Ashley’s full letter to the community here.
What do you think of the Hot Topic acquiring Her Universe announcement?
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