First Look at Pixar’s Coco Movie

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December 25, 2016

Entertainment Weekly got an early Christmas present from Pixar…

Here is a first look at the all new Pixar Movie Coco!

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events.

Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”)

Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.

Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway has passed away

By

Chip

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December 25, 2016

We have such sad news to report on this Christmas Eve… Disney legend Charlie Ridgway has just passed away.

You might remember his media coverage from many of Walt Disney World’s most iconic moments such as the grand opening of the Magic Kingdom in 1971, also the openings of Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom.

Many people remember him from the Life Magazine cover of 3,000 Disney World Cast Members posing in front of Cinderella Castle during the Grand Opening of the Magic Kingdom. You can see it here.

For more than 40 years if you were in the news media and worked with Disney you knew Charlie Ridgway. Here are 5 Fascinating Facts about Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway from our friends at D23.

The Disney Legend died at his Longwood home on Christmas Eve. He was 93.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Photo credit d23.com

Let The BB-8 Lava Lamp Light Up Your Life!

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Danielle

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December 24, 2016

If you’re looking for a Droid to light the way, BB-8 is here to save the day! The BB-8 Lava Lamp by ThinkGeek is one of our favorite astromech droids in motion lamp form!

BB-8 Lava Lamp

Metaphorically speaking, BB-8 always had a way of lighting up the room. For a character whose script consisted mostly of beeps and boops, it was a joy to see the little astromech droid rolling all up and down the screen. What if BB-8 could now quite literally light up the room though?

The BB-8 Motion Lamp is the perfect addition to your Star Wars fandom collection. This lamp is modeled after one of the newest additions of characters to roll into the core of our hearts. Hopefully the calming lava-like wax will hold you over until the next movie.
It takes a little while (generally around an hour) for the liquids to heat up and for the wax to really start moving freely.

How Groovy is the BB-8 Motion Lamp? I know I want one!

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Hanukkah Inspired Mouse Ears

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Danielle

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December 24, 2016

Some people may not realize that we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah in my family. I love having Disney themed Christmas stuff, but it’s a lot harder to find Hanukkah Disney items! Any time I find something, I always get excited! These Hanukkah Inspired Mouse Ears by OhanaBowtique were no exception!

These Hanukkah ears are sure to stand out during your Hanukkah celebrations or Hanukkah Park trips! The gold details sparkle on the flames for the festival of lights! There is small Star of David embellishments as well as elegant flowers. The menorah is a stylized tree style complete with dainty green leaves sprouting from the branches. These ears are lightweight and comfortable so that you can look great and enjoy your day headache free!

Of course they also have every day ears that are very cute too!

What do you think of these unique Hanukkah Inspired Mouse Ears? Chag Sameach!

Enjoy Silent Night sung by Chewbacca

By

Chip

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December 24, 2016

Our favorite Wookie wants to wish you all a Merry Christmas with this wonderful rendition of Silent Night. This fan made video is a must watch for the holiday season.

Merry Wookie Christmas

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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December 24, 2016

Mickey Mouse has recruited some familiar faces from around Walt Disney World parks and resorts to help him recite the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (or as it’s often called, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”)

We hope you enjoy this video and hope you have a Merry Christmas!

The New Alex and Ani Words are Powerful Bangles Have Been Chosen!

By

Danielle

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December 24, 2016

Earlier this month we talked about how guests were invited to select one of their favorite phrases for the new Words are Power Bangles by Alex and Ani bangles on a poll. The top three phrases have been chosen, and they will debut as new Alex and Ani bangles in Spring 2017!

The new Bangles will be:

Make Your Own Path – Pocahontas
Be Forever Brave – Merida
Unlock the Magic – Jasmine

The “Words Are Powerful” Color Infusion bangles retail at $44.95 plus tax and will be available in both Shiny Gold and Shiny Silver Finishes. These will make their shining appearance sometime this spring. Another exciting bit of Alex and Ani news, is the return of Park Icon Bangles! These new Park designs are incredibly detailed, with images of the major park landmark. They will have a retail of $39.95 plus tax and will be available in both rafaelian gold and rafaelian silver finishes.

Look for the Words are Powerful Bangles and Park Icons bangles to be available at the Disney Parks online store, the Shop Disney Parks App, and at the following locations in 2017:

Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co.
Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop
Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Discovery Trading Company
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bayview Gifts
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Keystone Clothiers
Disney Springs – Tren-D, World of Disney Store, and ALEX AND ANI
Epcot – Mouse Gear
Magic Kingdom Park – Emporium

Which of the new Alex and Ani Words are Powerful Bangles is your favorite from the new collection?

Art of Coloring Star Wars: Rogue One Coloring Book Available Now

By

Danielle

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December 23, 2016

The new Art of Coloring Star Wars: Rogue One Coloring Book is available now, and wow, it’s awesome! There is detailed scenes from the movie as well as intricate patterns inspired by Star Wars.

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 launched just after the Movie Premiered, which was great for keeping us spoiler free. It’s continuing an excellent series from the Art of Coloring, with many more Disney releases coming early next year!

Are you excited to see the Art of Coloring Star Wars: Rogue One Coloring Book renditions of the incredible scenes from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story?

Star Wars star Carrie Fisher has massive heart attack on airplane

By

Chip

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December 23, 2016

According to TMZ, Star Wars star Carrie Fisher has suffered a massive heart attack Friday on an airplane bound from London to LA.

She fell into cardiac arrest around 15 minutes before the plane landed at the LAX airport.

The flight attendants onboard asked if there were any medical personnel on board and an EMT who was sitting in coach came up to first class and administered CPR.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Update: 6pm EST

Witnesses at LAX reported her eyes were closed and she was in an unconscious state as EMTs rushed her through the terminal to the hospital.

She’s currently at UCLA Medical Center on a ventilator and her condition is being reported as not good.

Update 715pm EST

Speaking with the Associated Press around 7pm Todd Fisher (Carrie Fisher’s brother) told the site that his sister was “out of emergency.” Currently, the actress’ condition is stabilized as she receives further treatment at UCLA Medical Center.

Current list of Broadway Stars coming to Epcot International Festival of the Arts

By

Chip

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December 23, 2016

We’re excited to announce the lineup of performers for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts starting Jan 13th through February 20th.

The event will take place each weekend for 6 weeks at the America Gardens Theater Stage in Epcot.

Here is a current list of performers set to appear:

Jan. 13-16 and 20-23 2017: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland performing songs from: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid.
Jan. 27-30 and Feb. 3-6 2017: Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey performing songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin.
Feb. 10-13 and 17-20 2017: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White performing songs from Disney’s The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.

Performances will be 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.

Future World Plaza will also be filled with a variety of other visual and live performances including Epcot Living Statues, performances by Central Florida high schools and acclaimed university and college talent appearing through a partnership with Disney Performing Arts. Plus, Epcot’s American Music Machine will perform on the Future World Fountain Stage.

Recently we shared some of the food items featured that you won’t want to miss out on! Check them out here.

Are you going? Let us know what you are looking forward to the most in the comment box below!

H/T Disney Parks Blog

Stay Organized in Style with Disney Inspired Planner Accessories

By

Danielle

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December 23, 2016

Staying organized can be a tough battle, but lately there has been a new style of planner that is so beautiful and stylish, it makes me WANT to plan and organize! Planners like the Life Planner, Happy Planner, Recollections Planner and Plum Planner, keep you organized while offering lots of customization options. I was delighted to find Disney Inspired Planner Accessories by StylishPlanner on Etsy, that allow me to customize with Disney flair!

Stylish Planner has an entire collection of planner covers themed after beloved Disney characters, from Princesses to Villains! These covers are made to fit your Erin Condren Planner and Notebook, Mambi Happy Planner (including mini), Recollections Planner or Plum Planner. The covers feature original stylish planner graphics front and back, sturdy 10mil lamination packets, no pixelation in the images and rounded corners. Stylish coordinating planner dashboards are also available too!

Do you think these stylish Disney Inspired Planner Accessories would help keep you organized?

Staying at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando just a step away from Disney Springs

By

Chip

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December 23, 2016

Last week we had the pleasure of staying the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando just next door to Disney Springs.

This resort is walking distance (about 10 minutes) from Disney Springs and is conveniently located on Hotel Plaza Blvd.

Like all 7 of the Disney Springs Hotels the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando offers complimentary shuttle service every 30 minutes to the Walt Disney World Theme parks, Water parks, and other Disney attractions.

Upon checking in the front desk gives you nice warm cookies which after our long plane ride was most welcomed and delish.

The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean. My only complaint was the shower-head in the room. I like strong water pressure and without turning the shower-head on stream it was lacking in the pressure department. The beds were super comfy and I loved all the pillows. Most places you are fighting for extra pillows and here they deliver!

The view from our room overlooked Disney Springs and the B Resort & Spa was beautiful when it was lit up at night. If you look in the distance you can make out Characters in Flight in Disney Springs.

The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando has a Disney Store, general store, pool and outdoor bar, ticket counter and even a car rental desk (just to name a few). You can read about all the accommodations here.

The general store was a lifesaver at night when we came back from the parks. We would stop off and get water & snacks almost every night.

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Probably one of the best features of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando was the Evergreen Cafe. We opted for the breakfast buffet with our reservation. They have hot and cold items and even an omelet bar. We took advantage of this wonderful add on and one of the best things is Kids Eat for Free (with a paid adult)! It is much cheaper than any Disney buffet and we were able to use that savings to apply to a nice dinner at the parks.

While the pictures here are beautiful you should check out the videos.

Here is the lobby and check in area.

Here is a look at the Evergreen Cafe at breakfast.

Finally I tour the pool area.

We loved staying at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, with it being just down the street from Disney Springs and just a short bus ride to the parks it worked with our family. You will have to get your own transportation to and from the airport which is not as convenient at Disney’s Magical Express but is still doable. We have used Mears shuttle service in the past but opted for uber this go around. The cost was $50 one way and was nice not having to wait on anyone.

If you are wanting to save money and don’t care about Disney decorations at the resort then I highly suggest DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando. With their great customer service, comfortable beds and overall clean hotel it was a great option for us.

Be sure to check out the current offers on the Disney Springs Hotels website before you book anything. As you can see the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando has a great great on a 2 room suite right now, they also offer AAA, Military and even FL & GA discounts!

Thanks for reading and thanks to the Doubletree Suites for hooking us up on our stay!