Purple Magic Bands are Finally Here!

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March 6, 2016

Exciting news for those of you who have been asking when we would see a purple magic band! It’s finally here!

Now you are able to customize a purple magic band for your upcoming Disney vacation in your My Disney Experience account. I know I have been waiting for this moment forever! The other color options are also still available, so don’t worry, purple has only been added, it hasn’t replaced any other color.

Let me help you plan your next Disney vacation where you can get your own purple magic band! Contact me at [email protected] or you can find me on my facebook page here.

10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 6, 2016

One of my favorite places to stay is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. I like walking around this resort and taking photos of all the Disney and Pixar characters. Many parts of this resort reminds me of Disneyland especially the Cars area. Even if you are not staying here it is well worth the bus ride just to check out my home away from home!

Here are 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Artwork Throughout the Lobby– From the moment you step through the doors and find yourself home at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort you are surrounded by Disney artwork. However, it is not just on the walls, but also on the ceiling! A one of a kind storyboard chandelier hangs complete with autographs from the directors of each movie represented at the resort, can you find them all? John Lasseter’s is just one of the autographs.
Characters Inside– On every floor of each building outside the elevators is a different mural with a Disney character(s) from the movie represented in that area. Can you find Red the fire truck? Each Family Suite also has great prints with scenes from the movies.
Characters Outside– There is so much to see everywhere you look walking around this resort. Take the time to explorer each area! Whether you are playing in an Elephant Graveyard while singing Hakuna Matata, climbing the coral at the Righteous Reef playground, or watching out for speeding cars with the Sheriff each area is a new adventure! When you visit the Cars area you feel like you are right in the middle of Radiator Springs. Don’t forget to visit again at night when the lights turn on!
Finding Nemo Seagulls– If you listen closely, they might be getting closer to “grabbing a fish from” the Big Blue Pool as you walk by. Just one of the many magical Disney touches at this resort.
New Balance Jog/Walk Trail– We all know there is no shortage of walking while you are adventuring through the parks on a Disney vacation, but the New Balance jog trail at Art of Animation Resort is one of my favorites. At a distance of a 1.38 mile loop, it is a magical and relaxing view the whole way, it curves between the resort and Hourglass Lake, and Pop Century resort across the way.
Ink and Paint Shop– The Ink and Paint Shop is such a fun resort gift shop. Located in Animation Hall, between the check-in area and Landscape of Flavors. It has such a great selection of items no matter what you are looking for. You can also pin trade here at scheduled times throughout the day.
Landscape of Flavors– A quick service dining location open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide variety of options! In addition to burgers, pizza and sandwiches, you also have a variety of lighter/healthier options including salads. One of the many choices on hand is character waffles for breakfast featuring characters from The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo and the Lion King they can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t forget to grab your resort mug if you are on the Disney Dining Plan!
The Pools– The Big Blue pool in the Finding Nemo area is the largest non-waterpark pool at WDW and lots of fun! If you are underwater like a fish, be sure to listen closely for Disney magic underwater! Over in the Cars area, you will find The Cozy Cone Pool, complete with cone cabanas. The cabanas are free of charge, but available on a first come basis.
The Family Suites– While The Little Mermaid area of the resort has standard resort rooms, the other 3 areas are Family Suites. These can fit up to 6 guests, or are a great option if you are just looking for some extra space without the extra price of a deluxe resort suite. The family suites have 1 bedroom with a queen size bed, a full size sleep sofa, and a full size pull down bed that doubles as a dining table. 2 bathrooms, one with a full tub/shower, and the other with a large glass/tile shower. There is also a small kitchenette area with a sink, microwave and mini-fridge.
Sketch Artist of the Day– Keeping the love of animation alive, kids can enter a sketch contest by drawing their favorite Disney character. Once they have completed their masterpiece they can have it displayed in the lobby for voting to take place! Forgot to pack the drawing supplies? See a front desk Cast Member and they will be happy to help! Winners are announced each evening.

Do you want to experience all the fun at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort yourself? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help you plan your trip! Contact me anytime [email protected], or on my Facebook page. Vacation planning services are 100% free.

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Disneyland Resort Date Night Ideas

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

With the romance of Valentines still fresh in our minds, it made me think about all the wonderful dates I’ve had with my husband throughout the years at the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland in and of itself is a romantic place, whether you’re on your first date or fiftieth, but there are places you can go and some small touches that can be added to your visit to make it a date night you will definitely always remember together. I want to share with all of our readers some of my favorite date night plans at Disney!

Of course, the most popular date night days are Friday’s and Saturdays, and parking on those days can sometimes lead to some stress at the start of your evening. If you’re going to be parking in the Mickey and Friends parking structure, I recommend using the “Flyover Trick” for parking. The Flyover Trick to park is basically a way to take an alternate ramp into this structure as opposed to the most common Ball/Harbor ramp, which is often blocked off by the Anaheim PD for traffic control. This ramp is almost always open, avoiding the headache of trying to park in Mickey and Friends only to be re-directed to Toy Story or Pumba lots. To use this trick, follow these directions:

From the 5 northbound: Exit Lincoln and make a left, then another left on Manchester. Stay towards your left and in about a mile or so there will be the ramp into Mickey and Friends.
From the 5 southbound: Exit Disneyland Dr and you get put onto the ramp almost instantly

Now that we’ve gotten the business of parking out of the way, now time for my favorite Disneyland date night special touches!

For a romantic night in the frontier, I recommend going to the Mark Twain–many of you know it is not running at the moment as construction of Star Wars Land is underway, but in my opinion this makes the Mark Twain even more romantic as you can take all the time you like to explore all the views and details of the boat, without having to get off between rides! It’s especially great around 4-5pm, as some of the night lights start to trickle on around the Rivers of America, topped with cotton candy sunset skies and beautiful views of New Orleans Square and the peak of Big Thunder Mountain! After you’ve finished exploring and maybe stealing a kiss or two on this romantic riverboat, you can head over for a sunset or night-time dinner at Rancho Del Zocalo. This is a great touch since the lanterns that surround the eating area of this restaurant are gorgeous at night, yet is an affordable quick service restaurant! For dessert pop on over to the churro cart that’s between the Mark Twain and Rancho Del Zocalo and split this classic Disney dessert with your significant other! To top off the night make sure to grab a souvenir at the Frontier Trading Post (near the entrance of Frontierland) to get coordinating leather name bracelets with each other’s names on it or with the date of your anniversary! These come in a wide variety of wrist sizes, colors, and most are around $12 (plus a discount if you have an annual pass).

For a truly classical Disney date, making me feel like I’ve gone back in time to the “Date Nites at Disney” from the 1950’s, I like to do a combination of activities from Main Street and Fantasyland. Often times on the weekends during peak seasons once it is nightfall the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire will have live swing bands and people are encouraged to dance! To kick back a little and rest pop on over to the Storybook Canal boats, an incredibly romantic place day or night. Don’t be fooled by the small boats thinking this is just for kids, the landscaping, storytelling by cast members, and the twinkle lights are wonderful for all ages! Afterward, head back down Main Street U.S.A. and get a delicious ice cream with waffle cone at Gibson Girl ice cream parlor then grab a spot on Main Street for the dazzling Paint the Night parade (most nights currently at 8pm Mon-Thu, 8pm & 10pm Fri-Sun) while you enjoy your treats. Once the parade is over, stay right where you are so you can see the fireworks show–most nights currently at 8:40pm, so almost always starts immediately after the parade has finished. But don’t leave the park quite yet! Many people leave immediately after the fireworks, making the tram and parking structure very congested, so to buy some time to let the crowds dissipate a bit, I recommend popping over to the Main Street Cinema for some relaxed time avoiding the crowds and enjoying classic Mickey cartoons.

Perhaps you’ve decided to do a Disney California Adventure date, also a very romantic place, especially at night!

One date night itinerary I quite enjoy doing since both my husband and I love art is to go to the Animation building in the Hollywood area. The lobby is incredibly romantic, projecting beautiful sketches of Disney characters, scenes from your favorite Disney animated films, along with the amazing scores and songs that accompany them. I highly recommend sitting through at least one entire loop of the videos, then head over into the Animation Academy to draw some characters with each other. You can at the end give your drawings to one another, a cute (and free) souvenir from your date. At night-time head on over to the Mad Tea Party for some dancing, delicious drinks, and a wonderful live band (NOTE: It was just announced yesterday that they will have their final performance on March 30th, but there could be another live band/dance party show following its closing!).

An alternative California Adventure romantic night would be to walk around all of Paradise Pier, gorgeously lit up in Edison lights, and take the time to go on Toy Story Midway Mania for some friendly competition, as well as the Midway games to possibly win some stuffed animals! At the end of your Pier walk, go to the Wine Trattoria Tasting Terrace for some wines or beers (they have some small snacks such as cheese plates and soft pretzels too), and plan to settle down for a while and sip your drinks at a table along the rim of the Terrace. From there, not only can you enjoy the lights from Paradise Pier but also Carsland, but if you hang out there long enough you can have a great view of World of Color (currently most nights at 9pm Mon-Thur, 9:45pm Fri-Sun). Or if you don’t want to settle down and want to keep exploring the park, walking through Carsland is wonderful as there are many details to take in, as well as delicious treats at the Cozy Cones! I do recommend stopping for a bit though at the outdoor eating area of Flo’s at night or sunset and watch some of the cars race by from Radiator Springs, it is absolutely breathtaking imagineering!

If you want that feel of a Disney date night but perhaps don’t have a ticket or annual pass for the day you want to go, you can do a date night at Downtown Disney or the Disneyland Resort hotels!

For Downtown Disney, I love doing a Parisian-style date night by taking my time browsing and enjoying the art at the Wonderground Gallery. Next, I like to go to the Downtown Disney Starbucks and enjoy coffee and some pastries at their outdoor eating area, beautifully lit at night and most of the time not too crowded. And keep your eyes out for later in the year when this Starbucks location is planning on offering Starbucks evenings!

The Disneyland Hotel is another very romantic place, especially at night. I love to grab a cocktail from their featured cocktail menu at either Trader Sam’s or the Steakhouse 55 Lounge, and afterward watch some classic Mickey cartoons in the hotel lobby of the Fantasyland Tower and then walk around exploring the details and displays in each of the hotel’s towers.

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Gay Star Wars Characters Could Be Coming Out

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

In a progressive galaxy which is now home to both a female Jedi, and a person of color as a Stormtrooper we are finding out that a homosexual character may not be too far far away.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams has recently opened up about how we wanted make the film “look the way the world looks.” Fans have been clamoring for more diversity and they may just be getting it. “When I talk about inclusivity its not excluding gay characters, it’s about inclusivity so of course,” he told reporters at the US-Ireland Alliance Oscar Wilde Awards on Thursday. “To me the fun of Star Wars is exploring the possibilities, so it seems insanely narrow minded to say that there wouldn’t be a homosexual character in that world.”

Some fans have already begun speculating on whether or not one or more gay characters may have already been introduced in the newest installment of the franchise and wondering if John Boyega and Oscar Isaac character’s, Poe and Finn, are involved in more than just a “bro”mance. In a recent interview Boyega noted that it wouldn’t be an impossible development and as with all things in Star Wars, you never know.

There are no details on when to expect an openly gay character in the Star Wars franchise. “Star Wars: Episode VIII” has begun filming and is set for a December 2017 release, Walt Disney Co. announced earlier this month.

New Vera Bradley Store Opening at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

Great news for Vera Bradley lovers heading to Disney Springs Marketplace this Spring! Vera Bradley is set to open a new store in Disney Springs this May, complementing the many other new shopping and recreation experiences Disney Springs will be offering in their newly updated and renovated marketplace location.

The new Vera Bradley store will be located in The Town Center neighborhood, and will be boasting design elements in the store that were created exclusively for the Disney Springs location. A library of Vera Bradley patterns will be included, which will allow guests to remember their favorites while also selecting from many new and inventive fabrications and styles, some of which will be exclusively available at Disney Springs.

Celebrating American artistry, the store will display a collection of custom-created elements from around the country, including hand-blown glass lighting from Minnesota, steel crafted fixtures from Philadelphia and Massachusetts, and one-of-a-kind decorative books from Georgia. The showpiece of the store will feature seven oversized spools of thread that will illuminate the entrance, paying tribute to Vera Bradley’s beginning when its first duffel bag was sewn together 34 years ago. The new store will showcase Vera Bradley’s exciting and innovative Spring 2016 collections alongside its popular Disney-themed products.

If you’d like to experience this new Vera Bradley store in person, let me help you plan your Walt Disney World vacation! You can contact me at [email protected] or on my Facebook page here. My Disney Planning services to you are always 100% free. Happy Shopping!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Wild Africa Trek

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

Jambo Rafiki (that’s Swahili for “Hello Friend”)! If you’re ready to take Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris to the next level then the adventurous Wild Africa Trek may be the perfect Disney experience for you. This three hour privately guided expedition will show you a side of the Harambe Reserve that few guests have seen before. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some native African animals while being securely strapped into a safety harness as you explore the savannah by foot.

Watch as a knowledgeable guide feeds an enormous hippo a short distance from where you’re standing. If you’re lucky enough (or unlucky enough), you may even catch a hippo dung shower in action. Traverse over a shaky rope bridge where crocodiles are waiting a mere 10 feet below. Take a ride in your own private safari truck with open space in the middle that allows guests to actually stand up and take pictures of the giraffes, elephants, lions, wild dogs and other animals roaming nearby. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, your group will head over to the outdoor eating area (called a boma), where an assortment of African inspired snacks await you. Enjoy the view of the savannah from both sides of the observation deck and relax as you take in your beautiful surroundings.

At the conclusion of the tour, your safari truck will return to the Kilimanjaro Safaris exit where you will collect your personal belongings from a locker. Your tour guide will provide an online link where you can access and download for free all of the wonderful photos that were captured during your trek. Disney will also donate a portion of the cost of the tour to the Disney Conservation Fund and guests will have the opportunity to select which project they would like to support. Before leaving be sure to tell your amazing tour guides “Asante Sana” (that’s Swahili for “Thank you very much”)!

If you are interested in Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek then there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, guests should be in good health, at least 8 years old and must weigh between 45 and 300 pounds with their safety equipment on. Depending on the season, costs range anywhere between $139 to $249 per person and separate theme park admission is required. Comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes should be worn. Advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

If you’re in the mood for a little adventure then I would be happy to arrange the Wild Africa Trek on your behalf. I am a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels and offer complimentary planning services and custom itineraries to my clients. Contact me at [email protected] to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. I’ll help coordinate all of the details so you can focus on the fun!

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This Weekend Only at the Disney Store Save Up to 70% Already Reduced Items and More!

By

Danielle

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March 5, 2016

This weekend only the Disney Store is having some fantastic sales! Take an Extra 25% off already reduced items at Disney Store and save up to 70% when you use the code*: EXTRA25 now through Sunday March 06, 2016.

That’s not all, other great offers are going on this weekend too! You can even get free shipping on your entire order when you purchase Any Zootopia item and use the code: GOWILD also valid this weekend only. It’s a great time to grab some of new arrivals at The Zootopia Shop!

What an awesome way to start stocking up on goodies for Easter Baskets!

Happy Shopping!

*Some Restrictions Apply. Offer valid 03/05/2016 to 03/06/2016

Disney Junior Begins Production on Two Original Series “Vampirina” and “Puppy Dog Tails”

By

Danielle

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March 5, 2016

Disney Junior has ordered production on two new original series – “Vampirina” and “Puppy Dog Tails”. Second seasons have also been ordered for the new hit shows “Lion Guard” and “Goldie & Bear”.

The announcement was made by Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, Original Programming and general manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. Kanter said, “Five years ago, we launched Disney Junior with the goal of providing inspired storytelling and aspirational characters that would resonate with our young audience and their parents and caregivers, while also introducing age appropriate social-emotional concepts and other key learnings relevant to kids age 2-7. Our programming has upheld these values and we are pleased to introduce two new series that are sure to do the same.”

“Vampirina,” is inspired by Disney Publishing’s popular children’s book series “Vampirina Ballerina,” and tells the story of a young vampire girl who faces the joys and trials of being the new kid in town when her family moves from Transylvania to Pennsylvania. Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning series “Doc McStuffins” are at the helm, including executive producer Chris Nee and co- executive producer Norton Virgien. Nicky Phelan (“Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty”) is directing the series, and the Academy Award-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films is producing in association with Disney Junior.

“Puppy Dog Tails,” is created by the comedian and actor Harland Williams, and centers on two fun-loving pug puppies, Bingo and Rolly, whose thrill-seeking appetites take them on daily adventures around their neighborhood and beyond. Williams also serves as consulting producer with Sean Coyle (“The Awesomes,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) as executive producer and Dean Batali (“That ’70s Show”) as story editor. The series is a production of Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.

These two new shows sound like a lot of fun, and how exciting that “Lion Guard”and “Goldie & Bear” will be continuing with new seasons?

Tinker Bell Collection from Nation LTD

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

Nation LTD just released a new collection inspired by everyone’s favorite sassy fairy; Tinker Bell!

Filled with pixie dust, this collection is a subtle interpretation of Tink’s style. Details such as pom poms, and ruffles, along with some original Tinker Bell sketches from the Disney Animation Archives make this collection imaginative and totally wearable.

Fair warning – this collection is not cheap! The collection ranges in price from $74 – $136. Here is a closer look at each piece in the Tinker Bell collection:

The Elizabeth Tee and Wendy Skirt work together to create a flirty look for summer.

The Lash Sweatshirt and Lash Tank feature original Disney Animation sketches of Tinker Bell.

The Wish Tank and Wing Tank are both super subtle nods to Tink’s unique style.

A more obvious Tinker Bell interpretation, the Tink Tee is casual and looks comfy!

The Tiger Lily Dress is a great boho look for a subdued summer day. I can picture this being warn at the beach or at a laid back barbecue.

I saved my favorite for last. The Pixie Dust Tee is hands down my absolute favorite piece from the collection. I love the star motif used here.

Do you like the new Tinker Bell inspired collection? What piece is your favorite? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Fine Art Disney Parks Inspired Skyline Posters

By

Danielle

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March 5, 2016

Picture the imagined skyline if many of famous the Disney Parks Icons were together on the horizon, shining with dreams and magic. That’s exactly what you see in with these stunning Disney Fine Art Skyline posters by Etsy designer ArtPrintsVicky.

This designer offers the print in 6 different versions including portrait and landscape options, a multitude of dimensions, and vintage styles. They do have a saying on them such as Disney World, Disney Life etc, but the artist is happy to customize a phrase that suits your style best. They are printed on premium photo paper with archival professional ink for colorful, vibrant prints that are water & fade-resistant, the designer says they should last up to 98 years in a frame, or over 200 years in a photo album. I recently got mine, and I LOOOOVE it! The colors are rich and striking, but there’s a simplicity to the skyline that just makes me think “HOME”! The print is on high quality paper, and the ink is just as vibrant as the artist promises.

Check out the beautiful options below:

Can you name all of the featured park icons?

Orlando is voted Top Spring Break Destination for 2016

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2016

Pack your Mickey ears and head to the most magical place on Earth this spring break. Orlando, Florida was recently ranked by Orbitz.com as the number one Spring Break Destination for 2016. Not only is Walt Disney World in Orlando home to four of the world’s top theme parks but you’ll also be able to enjoy an outdoor festival, live music, fine dining and beautiful weather this Spring. If you’re looking for relaxation, convenience, affordability and an overall good time then Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida could be the ideal destination for you this spring break.

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES THIS SPRING

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort unites all the best things about spring, from fresh flavors, world-class concerts, blooming works of art and more. The festival runs now through May 30.
Those in the mood to groove can enjoy the Garden Rocks Concert Series in the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. Live performances will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 5:30, 6:45 and 8pm during the Flower & Garden Festival.
With so much Florida sunshine, Orlando’s world-famous water parks are already offering refreshing excitement for guests of all ages at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
It’s the perfect season for food lovers to visit Orlando, as kitchens across the destination burst with fresh ingredients. Unique eats and seasonal ingredients can be found at Disney Spring’s new dining venues, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, and The BOATHOUSE.
Sports fans will find a unique treat in catching an Atlanta Braves Spring Training game at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports, now through the end of March.

HOTEL DEALS

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels this Spring! Plus, receive one more ticket day FREE when your package includes a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way ticket.

There is so much to see, taste and do this Spring in Walt Disney World. For more information or to start planning your Disney vacation, contact [email protected]. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I offer complimentary planning services to help make your Disney vacation as magical as possible.

The Creator of Star Wars’ R2-D2 Tony Dyson Dies at 68

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 4, 2016

Tony Dyson, who designed and built the original R2-D2 for the Star Wars Trilogy was found dead in his apartment, it is believed he died of natural causes. He was 68.

Dyson, a British professor and special effects supervisor, did not actually design the droid. His company, The White Horse Toy Company, built the 8 R2-D2 models, based off the artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, including two fitted with a seat for the pilot, actor Kenny Baker to sit.

He also created extensive visual effects for films like Superman II, Moonraker, and Dragon Slayer as well as son TV shows. He had dedicated a facebook page and a twitter account to his work which he was extremely proud of.

Dyson was once quoted saying;

“Creativity is knowing how to play, how to think outside the box, and apply logic to imagination, Play more. Have a playful attitude, and seek joy in everything you come across. These things make you more creative.”

He will always be remembered for his legacy in the film industry and his friendly little droid! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Photo credit TONY DYSON/FACEBOOK