Star Wars Rogue One Toys Revealed by Fan-Made Animated Shorts

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August 31, 2016

Today an incredible team of Star Wars super-fans revealed the new toy line for the highly anticipated “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. They revealed the Rogue One Toys via a series of fan-made animated shorts launching on the Star Wars YouTube channel.

As part of a competition in collaboration with creative network Tongal, a team was assembled to write, direct and produce original, fan-made stop-motion shorts starring key toys from the new line to kick off a global UGC contest that asks fans to share their own “Rogue Stories.”

Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media said:
“These fan-created shorts are a tribute to the incredible content that the Star Wars community posts online every day. The Go Rogue campaign was designed with Star Wars fans in mind – we want them to be front and center in the run up to ‘Rogue One’ by imagining and creating their own Rogue Stories.”

Many fans across the globe react to Star Wars news breaks, by sharing their own videos online. According to new research conducted, fans posted over 838,000 pieces of Star Wars-related content on YouTube in the past year alone. That’s more than 2,296 per day and nearly 96 per hour. Star Wars fan content is also very popular, with over 16.3 billion views in the last year. That’s the same as if everyone in the world saw at least two fan-created videos!

The contest will kick off September 30, and fans are invited to share their own short stories or skits set in a galaxy far, far away…

Contest Details:

Winning entries from around the globe will be chosen by a panel including “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” director Gareth Edwards. Beginning September 30, teen and adult fans can enter the Go Rogue contest on StarWars.com/GoRogue. In addition to the global contest on starwars.com, in the U.S. and parts of Canada, kids 8-12 can participate on Disney.com/MyRogueStory. Winners will be invited to Lucasfilm in San Francisco to attend a screening of “Rogue One,” and see their short story on the big screen.

The new Rogue One toys will be showcased for the first time in the fan-created shorts that launch today on the Star Wars YouTube Channel. New installments will roll out through September.

The team was led by James DeJulio at Tongal, and the series was written by Kevin Ulrich and brought to life by stop-motion animators and directors Dan MacKenzie and Tucker Barrie. The stories follow the adventures of “Rogue One” toys from Hasbro, LEGO, FUNKO, JAKKS Pacific, Mattel and Disney Store as they try to track down the building instructions to the LEGO Star Wars Death Star set which have been misplaced by the Empire.

James DeJulio, co-founder of Tongal says:
“I’ve been a Star Wars fan my whole life so this is a dream project. It’s been amazing to see what an inspiration Star Wars has been to so many members of our creative community, whether that’s coming up with their own Star Wars storylines, or playing out scenes with Star Wars toys at home with their kids. I’m excited to share this first ‘Rogue Story’ with the world and hope it inspires other fans to share theirs.”

Fans can pre-order a handful of select items seen in the “Rogue Stories” beginning September 2 at mass retailers, Disney Store locations and disneystore.com. The full range of new “Rogue One” and Star Wars products will be available globally starting on
September 30.

Check out the Toys and Video below!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to “Elect” a Candidate for a “Presidential” Vacation

By

Danielle

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August 31, 2016

As the nation prepares for the next presidential voting, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is making its own headlines! They are having a presidential giveaway, that will give one lucky guest and his or her family the opportunity to be treated to their own presidential vacation.

You can enter by signing up at www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential by November 8. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers 12 presidential suites. They feature elegant bathrooms and bedroom appointments are designed in residential-style décor. Presidential suite amenities include multiple flat-screen TVs, deluxe private bathrooms, Westin Heavenly Beds, kitchens with a private bar and dining room table and extraordinary views of Walt Disney World Resort.

All the presidential details:

In honor of the 2016 presidential election, the resort will select a “candidate” (guest) to stay in one of its spacious and luxuriously appointed presidential suites on a vacation fit for a true leader! The resort’s presidential suites have hosted the likes of President H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.

As the presidential guest, the winning candidate will be invited to bring up to four “cabinet members” on a 3-day/2-night term. He or she will arrive via complimentary transport from the airport and be treated to a red carpet welcome with a personal escort to the suite. A special welcome amenity created by the resort’s two-time world champion pastry Chef Laurent Branlard will await the winner in the suite and the entire group can celebrate the victory with a “state” dinner using a $250 dining certificate at any of the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, which include Shula’s Steak House, celebrity chef Todd English’s bluezoo and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

The “elected” candidate (chosen by random drawing) along with his or her guests will receive complimentary Walt Disney World theme park two-day Park Hopper passes (up to four) as well as access to all the other amenities offered by the resort. No caucuses, campaigning or debates are required – guests simply nominate themselves by visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential and signing up for the resort’s email newsletter before the polls close on Nov. 8.

How exciting! I hope one of our lucky fans wins this incredible presidential giveaway! So don’t forget to go to www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential and enter before the polls close on November 8, 2016!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Light Up Disney Halloween Pumpkin

By

Danielle

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August 31, 2016

Boo to you, Halloween! It’s almost pumpkin season, and I’m looking to make it the best one ever. I always see lots of Mickey pumpkins, but I don’t often find many Minnie Mouse ones. This Light Up Disney Halloween Pumpkin has them both together, so I’m in love.

This is a nice size light up pumpkin that’s over a foot wide and 8 inches tall. Our spooky duo comes with an orange bulb that is good for indoor or outdoor use. The orange bulb gives it a warmer more candle like glow. You simply plug it in, and you’ve got a cozy Mickey and Minnie pumpkin glow all evening long. You can get yours here just in time for the Halloween season on Amazon.

Which Disney character would you also like to see in a pumpkin themed decoration?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is Closing for Refurbishment October 27 – November 9, 2016

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed for refurbishment beginning October 27 until November 9, 2016. The attraction will reopen to guests on November 10th. This news comes just days after Disney removed Steven Tyler’s hand gesture from the opening scene.

With all of the recent closures and refurbishments going on at Hollywood Studios, do you still plan on visiting the theme park during your next trip to Walt Disney World?

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

Disney Announces Florida Resident Holiday Discount Offer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

Christmas has come early for those residents of the Sunshine State hoping to squeeze in a holiday visit to Walt Disney World this 2016. Starting today (August 31st) and running until December 23rd, valid Florida residents can book under Disney’s Florida Resident Holiday Room Offer and receive some major Yuletide savings.

The discount is only available for stays during select dates. These are as follows:

November 6th -10th
November 13th – 22nd
November 26th – December 23rd

The offer includes the majority of Walt Disney World resorts with the following exclusions:

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Valid Florida I.D is required at check-in to validate this offer. The savings are based on non-discounted rates. Disney reserves the right to limit the amount of rooms booked under the offer and length of stay requirements may apply. The availability of this discount is limited so early booking is strongly encouraged. Visit disneyworld.com or contact your travel agent for further details.

If you’re a Florida resident and considering a holiday stay at Disney World, fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? They why not consider booking with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help your holiday plans come to life. I’ll book those tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, help you nab those dining reservations and am full of suggestions to make your holiday visit truly festive. Best of all my services are FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

A Look at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2016 Guide Map

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the season will be held September 2, 2016 at Magic Kingdom from 7:00pm until midnight. If you’re lucky enough to be attending one of the 29 party nights this season then be sure to grab a guide map upon entering the park. It lists the entertainment schedule for the evening along with trick or treat locations and where to find exclusive merchandise and specialty food. A sneak peak of the 2016 map is below to help get the party started. Keep in mind the map is still subject to change.

Click here for a PDF copy: MNSSHP Map 2016

2016 Party Nights

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Treat or Treat Locations

Trick or treating will be available during the event so be sure to grab a bag upon entering the park. A teal colored trick or treat bag will be available upon request for guests with food allergies. Cast Members will hand out a teal token at each treat station, which can be redeemed for a special treat at one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Town Square Theater – Allergy-Friendly Center

Adventure Land

Jungle Cruise
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland

Dock to Tom Sawyer Island
Splash Mountain

Liberty Square

Heritage House – Allergy-Friendly Center
Liberty Square Riverboat

Fantasyland

Pinnocchio Village Haus
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pete’s Silly Slideshow

Tomorrowland

Stitch’s Great Escape!
Walt Disney Carousel of Progress
Space Mountain
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Entertainment

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – The Sanderson Sisters will return to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for their second year. The live show takes place on the Castle Forecourt Stage three times during party nights at 9:15pm, 10:40pm and 12:00am.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade – The parade with your favorite Disney Characters and spooky fun begins in Frontierland at 8:30pm & 11:15pm.

Celebrate the Magic – Watch as Cinderella’s Castle transforms into a spectacular canvas of color and awe-inspiring magic at 10:00pm.

Happy Hallowishes – Enjoy a special Halloween fireworks display at 10:15pm.

Special Disney Character Appearances – Characters will be available to meet Guests intermittently throughout the event. Check the map for character locations.

Specialty Food

Enjoy spook-tacular offerings created specially for the Halloween season.

Creepy Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Spider Cupcake and Worm & Dirt – Main Street Bakery
Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake – Gaston’s Tavern

Merchandise

Exclusive Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise will be available at the following locations while supplies last:

Emporium

Event T-shirts
MagicBands

Mickey’s Star Traders

Event T–shirts

Box Office Gifts

MagicBands

Big Tip Souvenirs

Event T-shirts
Trading Pins

Dining

Food, snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase at the following Quick Service locations:

Main Street Bakery
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Casey’s Corner
Aloha Isle
Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe
Westward Ho
Sleepy Hollow
Liberty Square Market
Columbia Harbour House
Pinocchio Village Haus
The Friar’s Nook
Storybook Treats
Gaston’s Tavern
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Cool Ship
The Lunching Pad
Snack Carts will be open throughout the park

The follow table service restaurants will be open during the event:

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Be Our Guest Restaurant
The Crystal Palace (although not listed on the map)

Check out our recent article on updated costume guidelines before heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in costume.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation and experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: http://wdwnews.com and Disney Parks Blog

New passes Soon to be Offered at Universal Studios Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

If you were surfing the blogs on Monday morning you may have noticed Universal Studios had a blog about some changes coming. These changes were about their passes and the new system being used.

If you weren’t fast however, you missed it because it was quickly taken down. The only explanation was an email sent out by Universal spokesman Tom Scroder that they may have gotten a little ahead of themselves. Well here is the deal. Universal will be making changes similar to the changes made with Walt Disney World’s passes. Disney however had some pretty large price increases and Universal has not yet spoke of prices.

This is what we know, there will be levels of passes which is one more then they currently offer. Two of the passes would have blackout dates. One, which will be a seasonal pass, will include more than what is now offered by the “power” pass.

Currently the Power Pass has blackout dates during summer, Christmas and spring break and includes no parking passes, the new pass will lift the summer blackout dates and offer parking discounts.

Another change taking place will allow those customers buying the more expensive tickets early admittance to the theme parks.

We will be looking forward to more information on the new passes being offered as well as some prices.

New Entertainment and Dining this Fall at Aulani

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

If you are planning on visiting Disney’s Auani resort this Fall, you’re in for a treat! Disney has announced that starting in November, KA WA‘A, a luau at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests. Luau guests can feast on a sumptuous, local island buffet, and enjoy lively music and traditional Hawaiian dance, including hula kahiko and modern hula ‘auana. Before the luau, you will have the opportunity to enjoy special pre-show entertainment, family activities, traditional crafts and more.

Also in November, Moana, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Moana,” will arrive at Aulani Resort to meet with guests and recount tales of adventure. The animated feature film is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Both new experiences are inspired by Hawaii’s deep cultural roots in canoe exploration—a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful ‘Ewa Loa plains surrounding Aulani Resort. They have also debuted a one-sixth model of the Polynesian voyaging canoe—the Hokule‘a—in the Maka‘ala Lobby.

When will you get a chance to visit this beautiful paradise?

Did you know you can now book 2017 packages at Disneyland and Walt Disney World? Contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Fight Disney Withdrawals – Take Home these Sweet Disney Autumn Treats

By

Lisette R

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August 30, 2016

Have you ever arrived home from a Disney vacation and truly just found yourself missing the sights, sounds and smells of the Disney Parks? One way to assist with Disney Parks withdrawals is to purchase some Sweet Disney Autumn Treats to enjoy at home.

Here is my tips for successfully achieving some level of acceptance that while the vacation is over, the Disney fun is not!

1.Set your Sweet Disney Treats on a Disney-themed plate. Nothing says Disney in your own home more than Disney-themed items in the kitchen. You may want to have plates for each season to keep things festive. Don’t forget the Mickey Waffle Maker!

2. Add some pumpkin spice coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate or beverage of your personal choice to your favorite Disney mug. In keeping with the theme consider having a mug to go along with the theme of the season; in this case Autumn.

3. Pop your favorite Disney Vacation Planning DVD, or your favorite Disney movie, into your VHS/DVD player. If you are into theming, like I am, then you can choose a movie that reminds you of a particular season. For myself, I enjoy Pocahontas and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Friendship Edition during the Autumn season.

4. Maybe you are thinking, “Number three is not for me,” because you prefer Disney music to Disney movies. If that is the case, then place one of your Disney Soundtrack Records on the record player and let your worries subside.

5. Get your favorite pair of Disney comfy slippers. Put them on your feet. Now relax and enjoy!

Nothing spells success for Disney withdrawals more than enjoying sweet Disney Autumn Treats, with a fun beverage, while relaxing to Disney movies, or Disney music, and wearing your Disney slippers. So the next time you visit Walt Disney World, be sure to stock up on some sweet treats representative of the season. They are the key ingredient that you will need to create your own Recipe for Success.

What is your recipe for successfully overcoming Disney vacation withdrawals?

Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Shows Coming And Going On Netflix In September

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2016

Mark your calendars, Netflix has released the list of shows and films coming and leaving their service in September. Here’s a list of all the Disney shows you may want to catch before they leave, and get excited about arriving!

Everything leaving in September:
Melissa & Joey: Seasons 1-4 (September 4)
Shanghai Knights (September 4)
The Emperor’s New Groove (September 9)
Lilo & Stitch (September 9)

Everything coming in September:
The Finest Hours (September 6)
Galavant (complete series) (September 7)
Goldie & Bear (Season 1) (September 14)
Zootopia (September 20)
The Fosters (Season 4A) (September 28)
Luke Cage (September 30)

Delightfully Rustic Mickey HOME Wooden Sign for the Fall

By

Danielle

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August 30, 2016

As autumn approaches, I start thinking of cozier and more seasonal ways to bring a little Disney to my home. This Mickey HOME Wooden Sign has the perfect touch of rustic glamour to welcome autumn to this Disney house.

This Disney H°O°ME sign is made using real, quality wood. Each piece is hand decorated combining pyrography (wood burning) for the entire design. WoobiesCorner uses very thick and sturdy pieces of wood, and keeps the beautiful swirls and natural knots for unique looks. Two coats of high quality finish are used to seal the sign, to make your decor last a lifetime. You can even get a variety of border colors! A border with a pop of color can help pull together all the decor in a room perfectly.

If you’ve been looking for a charming and cozy way to bring Disney home, this is a great choice. Our fans even get a special discount! Use code: Chip10 at checkout to save 10%!

Check out this and some of her other beautiful designs below:

Which room would you display this Mickey HOME Wooden Sign? How do you bring a little bit of Disney love into your home?

Choo Choo Soul Performing at SeaWorld Orlando September 10 and 11

By

Danielle

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August 30, 2016

Children’s musical sensation Choo Choo Soul will perform live concerts at SeaWorld Orlando on September 10 and 11. You can join the kid’s sensation Genevieve and DC, as they perform soulful and imaginative renditions of the ABC’s and 1-2-3’s children and adults can enjoy together.

Concerts are included with park admission and take place inside the Nautilus Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. You can also enjoy your weekend at the park with exclusive games for children and additional animal interactions in the SEA Garden, plus special dining and reserved seating packages available at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Brunch with Choo Choo Soul (September 10 and 11 at 10 a.m.) – Enjoy a delicious brunch and mingle with Genevieve and DC from Choo Choo Soul. It’s a VIP experience not to be missed and sure to delight kids and parents alike. Brunch offers a delicious menu filled with all your breakfast favorites, while Choo Choo Soul stops by for meet-and-greets, photos and imaginative fun. Children under 3 are free but require a reservation. Park admission is required, but not included. Pricing begins at $29 per person and Pass Members receive a 10% discount.
Reserved Choo Choo Soul Seating Packages – Reserve prime seating at SeaWorld Orlando’s Nautilus Theater in advance for only $10 per person. Available for all show times, park admission is required, but not included.

For a limited time kids play free at SeaWorld Orlando! You can get one free child admission (ages 3 – 9) with each full paid adult admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Offer ends September 30, 2016 and ticket must be used by October 16, 2016. Admission offer is only available online at SeaWorldOrlando.com.