Everyone has been on a button craze the past few days. Our very own Disney Addict buttons have been flying off the shelves. With everyone in a button mood I found some really cool buttons on Etsy from designer DisneylandCeleb. They have fun handmade Disney buttons that are perfect for the parks. Some are generic and others can be customized just for you! Check them out:
and many more. DisneylandCeleb has over 3 pages of fun Disney designs you should check out! Most buttons run $3.50 unless you buy the 2 for 1 priced items which are only $6!
Disney Consumer Products brings the power of the Force to the produce aisle, unveiling new healthy Star Wars branded fruit and veggie offerings to celebrate the addition of Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company’s Healthy Living Commitment. Just in time for the December release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, families can enjoy Star Wars-themed bagged apples by Sage, citrus fruit by Dayka Hackett, carrots by Kern Ridge and grapes with Yoda-themed packaging by Four Star, which all meet nutritional guidelines put in place by The Walt Disney Company.
John T. King, vice president of licensing, consumables, Disney Consumer Products comments, “Supporting parents by offering healthy, nutritious options for their kids is of utmost importance to The Walt Disney Company and adding family-favorite Star Wars to our licensed fruit and veggies portfolio is a natural extension of our commitment in this space.”
Additional new licensed produce featuring designs from Marvel’s Avengers and Disney’s Frozen will be featured at PMA including Marvel Grapes by Four Star and Frozen-themed Dipperz by Crunch Pak, which are available now at grocery stores nationwide. Through with DCP, licensees and retailers have seen their produce businesses thrive. For example, both DCP’s summer grapes program at Walmart and creative in-store fruit displays at Albertson’s performed extremely well, exceeding sell-through expectations.
More than 4.3 billion servings of Disney and Marvel-branded fruits and vegetables have been served in North America since DCP began tracking in 2006. More than 4.5 million pounds of apples, bananas and grapes are eaten at The Walt Disney Company’s U.S. parks each year, and over 55 million servings of fruits and vegetables have been distributed through a partnership with Feeding America.
The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to building healthier generations began nearly ten years ago and stemmed from a growing societal concern over children’s health and the belief that The Walt Disney Company could make a real difference. In 2006, The Walt Disney Company became the first major media company to establish formal Nutrition Guidelines and has marked every year of its Commitment with significant milestones such as expanding content and experiences to inspire healthier food, physical activity and hygiene choices, and becoming the first major media company to launch food advertising standards for kids and the introduction of the Mickey Check. The Mickey Check is a quick and easy way for families to identify healthier food options in stores, on-air, on-line, at Disney theme parks and other places where Disney products are sold. Foods and recipes that feature the Mickey Check adhere to stringent standards and meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines, which are continually updated to remain best in class. To learn more about The Walt Disney Company’s Healthy Living Commitment and the Mickey Check, visit Disney.com\BeYourBest.
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is shop for souvenirs – things that I can keep around that remind me just how great the trip was! And since most of my vacations happen at Walt Disney World, I have spent plenty of time perusing their MANY shops and stores in search of the best place to obtain said souvenirs, so if you’re headed to WDW and need to get the low down on where to shop, then check out these Top 4 Disney World shopping spots:
Magic Kingdom: For me, it really doesn’t get much better than The Emporium – a huge store that covers a big section of Main Street USA – and carries pretty much everything under the sun! They have sections of kitchen items, pins, electronic accessories, a HUGE apparel section, and much more – I especially love the wall of stuffed animals, and the huge selection of clothes. There are several check out areas around the store, but even so, you might wait a bit to pay for your items – and the store can get pretty crowded too. I recommend going early in the morning, or during the parade or fireworks for lighter crowds
Epcot: In Future World, you’ll find the huge Mouse Gear store – which carries tons of stuff and is big and airy, which makes it a great place to shop. But if you’re in the market for a unique souvenir or gift, then head to Epcot’s World Showcase, where you will find all kinds of items in each country’s gift shops/stands – I especially enjoy the items in Japan (stuffed sushi anyone?) and the different candies available throughout each country
Hollywood Studios: Disney has a habit of attaching the exits of rides to gift shops – and for a good reason of course – it means people are more likely to spend money! Works on me every time – especially at Tatooine Traders which is the Star Wars themed shop attached to the exit of the Star Tours ride – they have some great Star Wars apparel, and some Disney Star Wars stuff – pins, trading cards, plush, etc – and the best thing about the shop is the “build your own light sabre” station – perfect for your kids (or the kid in you)
Downtown Disney: There are tons of changes happening and in the works for this entertainment district as it transforms to Disney Springs – but it was and always will be a great place to shop, with some great specialty stores like the Art of Disney store, and the Christmas store. World Of Disney has it all – divided into rooms for jewelry, apparel, toys/games, Home décor and more – it truly is the best place to get everything at once! Read more about the best Downtown Disney shopping spots here
Obviously shopping isn’t the main purpose of a Disney vacation – but I find that I really enjoy checking out the stores and stands to see what’s new and fun, and bringing home items that remind me of the trip is part of the magic! Not sure how to make the most of your Disney Shopping experience? Then check out these Disney shopping tips.
What about you – where do you like to shop when you’re in Walt Disney World?
Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California invites D23 Members to Celebrate the holidays with special activities, shopping, delicious food and the magical lighting of the Studio Christmas tree!
Join the Disney Studios cast and your fellow D23 members on December 4th for an evening of non stop Disney fun. Starting at 6:30 pm, you and your family will enjoy 2 hours of Light Up the Season
Available for the first time to Gold, Gold Family and General Members, the event includes:
Holiday classics inside the historic Studio Theatre
Holiday shopping including access to the Studio Store, a Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop full of Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise and local vendor booths with a variety of crafts and gifts
Holiday games and prizes
A free cookie and cup of hot cocoa
Walt’s Chili! and other goodies will be available for purchase inside the Buena Vista Café and at booths
A visit from Santa Clause
Many other Disney holiday surprises
Tickets will go on sale, November 2nd at 10 a.m.
Ticket prices are $15 per person for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members (plus $5 processing fee)
$25 per person for D23 General Members (plus $5 processing fee).
Gold and General Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
D23 Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and up to three (3) guests.
D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets and show their Membership Card at the event.
Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID and D23 Membership Card.
***Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at The Walt Disney Studios located at 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, during the event. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.
Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for chipandco.com and D23 Gold Member will be at the event. Join me for an evening of fun at the most Magical Studio on Earth!
Rob Marshall was quoted at the recent National Arts Awards as saying “It is not a new Mary Poppins,” referring to his new project based on the iconic nanny we all love. The new film will be based on the original P.L. Travers series. Set in 1934, the story will pull from the other books which included a total of eight.
The original Mary Poppins movie starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke was based on just one of the books. Marshall and the rest of the team will be working with the other 7 books, keeping the original “iconic brilliance” untouched.
One of the comments, Mr. Marshall made which makes this huge fan of Mary Poppins excited, is that Julie Andrews is very happy to see this project move forward and like Mr. Marshall, I too would love to see Ms. Andrews in the film.
While still in the early stages, I know this will become one of my favorites. How about you Disney Addicts? Are you excited to see more adventures of our favorite nanny?
Expanding on the expansive list of delectable culinary offerings, wines from around the world and celebrity chef appearances, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will add an all-new fair-themed food area, Carnival Corner, to its lineup for the event’s sixth year at the Epcot Resort Area hotel. The festival’s newest section will serve specialty carnival fare from themed food trucks.
The area will offer the nostalgic childhood-inspired comfort foods, corn dogs and funnel cakes. For a twist on the traditional and for the first time at the event, guests can enjoy nitro kettle corn, a special kettle corn recipe served smoking with liquid nitrogen.
Guests looking to revisit their younger days with an adult twist can enjoy prosecco, served in a variety of exciting colors and flavors.
Access to Carnival Corner will be included in the standard admission to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic.
Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a hotel package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.
Have you ever wanted to be a little girl’s Fairy Godmother and make her feel like the true royalty she is? Now Disney has made that possible!
Recently, Disney World added In Room Surprises, where you can have a celebration gift package left on your child’s bed. Now, you can combine a magical moment with a delicious Disney meal. Here are three new unforgettable experiences offered by Disney Floral & Gifts:
1. My Disney Fairytale Proclamation
Available at Walt Disney World Resort, My Disney Fairytale Proclamation lets your little one step into an enchanting fairy tale she’ll never forget.
Her eyes are going to twinkle when she sees this over-the-top gift, waiting for her on the table, featuring a sparkling tiara, light-up crystal slipper, Princess robe and a personalized proclamation. This can be sent to accompany a royal feast, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, or 1900 Park Fare in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These dining locations create an amazing backdrop and a one of a kind memory she’ll remember for a lifetime, provided by YOU.
2. My Storybook Moment – Princess
Next we have My Storybook Moment – Princess, available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. It provides everything a guest needs to be declared royalty, starting with an invitation, a tiara, princess sash and a personalized storybook proclamation for the Princess to sign, declaring your princess, royalty!
This gift is great for Character Dine locations at Walt Disney World Resort. While it’s not available at Disneyland Resort dining locations, it can be delivered to your room and taken to a character meet and greet in the parks.
First Wish
Available at Walt Disney World Resort, this exclusive gift, features a pixie-dusted rose and silver wish charm bracelet enhanced with a Swarovski crystal “wishing star”.
This surprise is available for delivery at Disney dining locations such as Be Our Guest Restaurant, as well as your Disney Resort room.
To get started adding these magical moments to your vacation contact your World of Magic Travel planner, or call 407-WDW-GIFT.. For Disneyland Resort, call 714-781-GIFT.
Whether it’s her bithday or her first time at Disney, your little princess will truly feel like royalty when she is surprised with these unique packages! I can help you plan the reservations and gifts too. All my planning services and expert advice is completely FREE to my clients. If you want to start chatting about your magical Disney getaway, please email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook HERE. I just posted some vacation pics to my instagram too! Just search for @summers_magical_travel. Have a *magical* day!
Hoopla Digital today announced a new agreement with Disney Publishing Worldwide, home to iconic best-selling novels that ignite imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. Through the content deal, hoopla digital adds 450 eBook contemporary and classic titles to its app and online service including Disney’s dark pulsating fantasy, Maleficent; Pixar’s buddy-comedy adventure, Toy Story and hit winter musical, Frozen; Marvel’s superhero tale, Iron Man 3; Percy Jackson’s thrilling fantasy novel, The Son of Neptune; and the complete Star Wars saga from Episode 1: The Phantom Menace to The Last of the Jedi: Underworld. These titles and more are now available for patrons to access instantly on hoopla digital’s app and online service via their smartphones, tablets and computers.
Inclusion of Disney Publishing Worldwide titles broadens hoopla digital’s catalog of more than 360,000 movies, TV shows, music albums, eBooks, audiobooks and comics. hoopla digital partners with public libraries across North America to provide patrons with online and mobile access to dynamic digital content.
“Disney stories are a celebrated staple of American culture and we’re thrilled to help our partner libraries offer these iconic titles to patrons anytime with a library card, without any holds or waits,” said Jeff Jankowski, founder and owner of hoopla digital.
Always-available bookmarks save position or favorite places – even with multiple borrows – while features such as customizable fonts, line spacing, columns and background tint, make for a more personalized user experience.
“We have spent 25 years actively listening to library partner and patron feedback, continued Jankowski. “The digital experience is just as important as the content and, in addition to assembling a deep library of titles, we have made a significant investment in creating a dynamic eBook experience that reflects the love of the page.”
There is no waiting to borrow eBooks on hoopla digital, since on-demand content can be enjoyed by multiple patrons simultaneously. Patrons who use hoopla digital also avoid library late fees, as digital content borrowing periods simply expire without additional charges.
hoopla digital has partnerships with more than 800 public library systems across North America including Austin Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Detroit Public Library, Edmonton Public Library and San José Public Library.
To begin accessing titles from Disney Publishing Worldwide, library card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com. The service is only available to patrons of participating public libraries.
Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, is bringing Frontera Fresco, his table-service Mexican restaurant concept, to Disney Springs, the new dining, shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in Summer 2016, Frontera Fresco will showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has made Chef Bayless a culinary legend.
“I’m thrilled to bring Frontera Fresco to Disney Springs and share my passion for Mexican cuisine with the families who visit Orlando every year,” Bayless said.
The new restaurant will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared from time-honored recipes with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Frontera Fresco also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails and craft beers and wine.
“Working with Chef Bayless to bring this fresh dining concept to the new Disney Springs is a joy for us, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it,” said Richard Debler, president and chief executive officer of Vista Springs.
Philadelphia-based Daroff Design is designing the nearly 6,000-square-foot space, which will seat 200 guests. Vista Springs LLC will be the restaurant operator.
About Rick Bayless
Chef Rick Bayless is probably best known for winning the title of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef Masters,” with his authentic Mexican cuisine. His highly rated, national Public Television Series, “Mexico–One Plate at a Time,” is in its 10th season. In 2012, Chef Bayless was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Best Culinary Host.
Chef Bayless has launched several award-winning Chicago restaurants. He founded the casual Frontera Grill in 1987 and received the James Beard Foundation’s highest award, Outstanding Restaurant, in 2007. The 4-star Topolobampo served its first meals in 1989. And the wildly popular, LEED GOLD-certified, fast-casual Xoco launched in 2009, serving wood-oven tortas, steaming caldos, golden churros and bean-to-cup Mexican hot chocolate. Chef Bayless’s quick-service Tortas Frontera restaurants have changed the face of food service at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, while Frontera Fresco restaurants have brought Frontera flavors to several Chicago locations. His award-winning Frontera line of salsas, cooking sauces and non-GMO tortilla chips can be found coast to coast.
Chef Bayless is the author of nine cookbooks, including “Mexico–One Plate at a Time,” which was won the James Beard Foundation Best International Cookbook of the Year award in 2001. His “Fiesta at Rick’s” is a New York Times bestseller. He has won six James Beard Foundation awards, including two for his cookbooks, Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.
Potato & Goat Cheese Ravioli with spinach & tomato jam – Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Epcot
Dining at Disney is an experience in itself! It’s one of my favorite past times there. You may know that there is a Dining Plan available to pre-pay for your family’s meals, and that Dole Whips are the signature snack of Disney World! Here are 10 secret bits of info nobody tells you about Dining at Walt Disney World:
10. There are 5 Dining Plans
Disney World offers different plans to fit your family’s needs. Quick Service Dining gives each guest 2 counter service meals, and a snack. Basic Disney Dining gives each guest 1 table service meal (including most character dining and buffets) plus 1 counter service meal and a snack. If you don’t think these offer enough, you can get the Deluxe Dining plan which offers 3 meals, either table or counter, and 2 snacks for each guest. Not sure which one to get? Email me at [email protected], and we can discuss prices and details.
The Premium Package includes one breakfast, lunch and dinner and 2 snacks per person. This package also comes with many more perks and extras such as golf, and dinner shows. See the in-depth info HERE.
The amazing Platinum Package includes the same number of meals as Premium but gives you In Room Dining service, unlimited use of recreational activities such as watersports, fishing excursions, golf, dinner shows, signature dining, spa treatments, Cirque Du Soleil tickets, unlimited use of child care centers, parasailing and MORE! See the official details HERE. 9. 200+ Places to Eat
There are so many restaurants and to choose from that each day and each vacation can be different! We like to try new places each time we go, plus visit a few of our favorites too. ‘Ohana is a must-do for us each trip but this time we tried Akershus and Teppan Edo, two new experiences that we loved. Ask me for a list of Restaraunts that accept the Dining Plan if you need help planning and booking your vacation! 8. Reservations open up
I strongly suggest having your travel agent book your dining reservations at 180 days prior to get your desired place and time. If you don’t get what you want, keep checking periodically. A good time to find opening is 30-45 days before travel as this is when final payments are due, and some people cancel their trip. The BEST time to get a reservation is the week or two before travel. Travelers change their plans, and drop those extra ressies.
7. Gratuities are not included
If you have the Basic dining plan or higher, you will have to sign your bill and add a tip to it. Table service bills for my family of 2 adults and 3 kids were all over $100 (more at character buffets.) That means traditional gratuity would be $18-$20 extra. Be sure to budget for this! You can charge them to your room also. 6. Kids under 3 can’t use a Dining Plan
This can be a pro or a con if you have a baby age 0-2. I found out with my toddler that buffets are the best. They can get their own plate and eat what they want (and he eats a lot!) at no charge. This was great for us to save money. At table service meals, we either had to order him his own kid’s meal and pay for it, or request and extra plate to share our meals with him. At Quick Service meals, I had to order his own meal and pay for it. We also shipped snack to ourselves to the resort for him too. 5. Order just an entrée- If you don’t have a Dining Plan, you may want to save a few dollars by ordering JUST the entrée, and not the sides or dessert of a meal. You can also order an appetizer as your meal such as burger sliders or quesadillas. I like to order an entrée only for my toddler as he won’t eat a side salad or giant cupcake anyways. Then, I ask for a free ice water. Saves about $5 doing that.
4. You can split meals- My kids aren’t big eaters, and they certainly aren’t as hungry as they are at home since it’s hot and their meals are larger than at home. I like to make sure they have a good breakfast since we burn so many calories walking in the Parks. When lunch comes, I like to order an adult quick service meal for the 2 of them to split. Then later, we have an extra QS meal to use.
3. You can trade credits- You can trade 1 QS meal credit for 3 snacks purchased all together. People say “why would I get rid of a meal just for small snacks!?” Well I have several reasons but my personal favorite use was 3 GIANT caramel apples at Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs at $10 each! That got me $30 of treats in exchange for a $8 Burger and Fries meal.
2. Dine in peace- Disney restaurants are usually open at all times, especially the counter service spots. While everyone else is watching the 3:00 parade or riding rides, beat the rush and eat at non-traditional meal times. The restaurants are very crowded at 9am, noon and 6pm, naturally. The order lines are shorter and the restaurants aren’t as crowded between those times. Plus, the wait times are shorter for YOU when everyone else is eating! 1. Allergies and dietary needs are accommodated- Disney does a great job of making dining easy for people who have special needs. They offer soy, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and nut-free options as prepackaged snack and menu options. As a vegetarian, I can attest to fact that there are great meat-free menu options available everywhere! My favorite places were Crystal Palace, Akershus, Garden Grille, Marrakesh, Taste Track, Tony’s, Electric Umbrella, and Art of Animation’s BYO Pasta Station. Be sure to ask your server or a cast member if you need help.
I am a total Disney Foodie! Especially when it comes to Epcot’s International Food & Wine Fest! What other insider tips do you have about dining at Disney?? Share them with us in the comments!
I’d love to help you plan and book your next Disney vacation or Cruise. I will help you find Dining Reservations and plan out a perfect itinerary! I can fill you in with many more planning tips and tricks too! Just email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook HERE, and ask me for a free price quote including the Disney Dining Plan! Happy eating mouseketeers!
Disney Channel has ordered the comedy series “Bizaardvark,” which will introduce newcomers Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu as the lead characters Paige and Frankie, respectively. Production begins early 2016 for a summer premiere.
“Bizaardvark” creators Kyle Stegina and Josh Lehrman were participants in Disney Channel’s inaugural Storytellers program. Now in its second year, the program continues to foster creative ideas and develop the next generation of series creators and writers of programming for kids, tweens and families.
Paige and Frankie are quirky 13-year-old best friends who write funny songs and create music videos for their online channel, Bizaardvark. Now with 10,000 subscribers, the girls get to work from a creative studio space that they hope will take their videos to the next level. In this cool new environment – and with the help of family and friends –they’ll embark on a series of comedic adventures in their quest to become online stars.
Marc Warren (“Full House,” “Even Stevens,” “That’s So Raven,” “Cory in the House”), who supervised Disney Channel Storytellers, served as Executive Producer for the pilot. Eric Friedman (“Austin & Ally,” “Crash & Bernstein”) will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner. Stegina and Lehrman are co-executive producers.
