Disney World Quick Tips – Free Celebration Buttons!

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August 10, 2013

Who doesn’t love to celebrate good times? What better place to celebrate than at Disney? And what better way than a Free Celebration Button?

Getting a free celebration button is very easy. Ask a Cast Member when you are making your vacation reservations about celebration buttons. The Cast Member can add a note to your reservation indicating exactly what you are celebrating. You can celebrate several different kinds of accomplishments such as a birthday, anniversary, first visit, engagement, and graduation or you can even make up your own celebratory event! In addition to asking the type of celebration, the Cast Member will also ask the name of the person celebrating and the number of years depending on the type of celebration.

When you arrive at your resort for check-in, the resort Cast Member will give the person in your party who is celebrating his/her very own personalized celebration button. If you forgot to add the celebration to your reservation before hand, just ask the Cast Member for a celebration button while you are checking in at the resort. Once you have your button, feel free to wear it as many days of your trip as you wish!

It is a great feeling to hear “Congratulations” or “Happy Birthday” from Cast Members as well as from other guests throughout your stay! Celebration buttons are a fantastic way to make your trip a little more magical and personalized plus get a great souvenir. What events have you celebrated at Disney with a free celebration button?

Fans, Football and Fun at Disney

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

On Sunday, Sept. 1 at the Citrus Bowl, the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State will battle the FAMU Rattlers at the 9th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. The game and the activities leading up to it showcase Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and the importance of diversity and education.

“We are excited for the 9^th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge and looking forward to a weekend of fun with all the fans, players and bands,” said Belinda Frazier, manager, Domestic Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Being able to support diversity and education and offer fans more than a game is a key part of our commitment to the community.”

The activities leading up to the game begin Thursday, Aug. 29 with a career panel for students at Evans High School and on Friday, each school’s teams and coaches participate in the kickoff reception. Fans can have a full day of fun on Saturday, beginning with a free pep rally with both schools at Downtown Disney and continuing with a lively bands showcase at Epcot (park admission required).

On game day, fans can kick off with pre-game praise at Tinker Field at 8 a.m., then have fun at the Great Heart & Soul Tailgate beginning at 9 a.m. FAMU faces MVSU at 11:45 a.m. in the Citrus Bowl.

Tickets for the 2013 event are on sale now.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Releases Live Action Slate Details Only for Fans at D23 Expo

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

Disney and Marvel Studios revealed exclusive details about their upcoming live action film slates this morning at the D23 Expo, by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers and hosted by The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn.

Horn welcomed the crowd to the D23 Expo and introduced the live action slate by talking about the addition of Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Studios and the excitement and anticipation surrounding Disney’s first “Star Wars” film, “Star Wars: Episode VII,” slated for release in 2015.

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, presented overviews of the Marvel Studios and Disney live action slates.

Here is recap of the presentation:

Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” thundered into D23 with an introduction by its producer, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who then introduced stars Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins to the excited crowd.

Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano and Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor, produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., from a story by Don Payne and Robert Rodat and screenplay by Christopher L. Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey into Mystery “ #83 in August, 1962. The film releases November 8, 2013.

Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” stars Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie were on hand to greet the audience, which was then treated to a glimpse of Captain America in action via clips chosen especially for D23. Kevin Feige riveted the audience with details of the action-packed story’s highlights.

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp and Hayley Atwell, with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. In theaters April 4, 2014.

Kevin Feige then introduced the epic space adventure Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and thrilled the crowd with a clip from the film, which went into production in London in June.

Based on the Marvel comic book that first appeared in 1969, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by James Gunn from a story by Nicole Perlman and Gunn and screenplay by James Gunn, and stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly and Glenn Close. The film is slated for an August 1, 2014 release.

Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Alan Horn hit the stage to share exciting news for Disneynature’s newest big-screen adventure “Bears.” Horn announced plans to support our National Parks through opening-week ticket sales. See “Bears,” Protect Our National Parks invites moviegoers to see the film during opening week (April 18-24, 2014) and Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the National Park Foundation to protect wildlife and wild places across the National Park system. D23 Expo fans were among the first to see the film’s new trailer, which is slated to premiere online next week.

In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s upcoming True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf pack. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska!

Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”) and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), “Bears” arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to celebrate Earth Day.

President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey came on and stirred up Muppet mayhem with details about Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted,” welcoming Ty Burrell to the stage—via Le Maxium, a tiny European car that aptly underscored the actor’s portrayal of French Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon. The film also stars Ricky Gervais, plus Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, who greeted guests of the D23 Expo “live” from the film’s international set—somewhere far, far away.

Directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Gervais. Fey is featured as Nadya, a feisty prison guard. Bobin co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John G. Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, “Muppets Most Wanted” hits the big screen March 21, 2014.

Disney’s “Into the Woods” celebrated its first public introduction as Sean Bailey shared some details with the audience about the highly anticipated musical. Rob Marshall, the talented filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is set to helm “Into the Woods,” which stars Academy Award®-winning actress Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Emily Blunt. Marc Platt, who produced the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical “Wicked” on Broadway, will produce “Into the Woods,” along with producers Marshall, John DeLuca and Callum McDougall.

“Into the Woods,” based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, surrounds a baker and his wife’s quest to break a witch’s curse in order to start a family. Along the way, they encounter several well-known fairy tale characters and together they learn what happens after “happily ever after.”

The film is set for a December 2014 holiday release.

Sean Bailey thrilled the D23 audience with an exclusive, very early, sneak peek at the vision of Disney’s “Cinderella,” courtesy of director Sir Kenneth Branagh. Though many of the elements are still in development and pre-production, like Cinderella’s gown, the audience enjoyed getting a taste of what they could expect when Disney’s live-action version of the classic fairy tale opens in theaters on March 13, 2015.

Although Disney’s magical and amazing “Cinderella” promises to be faithful to the original fairy tale, the filmmakers will elevate the story, the characters and the visuals to take audiences on a sweeping dramatic journey never seen before.

Academy Award®-winning actress Angelina Jolie joined Sean Bailey on stage after the audience had an exclusive first look at Disney’s “Maleficent.” Starring as the title character in the highly anticipated live action film, Jolie chatted with Bailey about the film before exiting to wild applause.

“Maleficent” is the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

The film also stars Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville and is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg. Linda Woolverton, the screenwriter of “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in theaters on July 2, 2014.

The D23 audience was treated to a glimpse into the mysteries surrounding Disney’s “Tomorrowland” as Sean Bailey and filmmakers Brad Bird (director, co-writer, producer) and Damon Lindelof (co-writer, producer) talked about the inspiration of the secrets of the black box, which was featured in a short behind-the-scenes piece screened for the audience about the visionary Walt Disney. Although the audience was buzzing with questions, Bailey remained coy, but then announced a special, surprise “Tomorrowland” exhibit opening in the afternoon on the D23 floor that would reveal the contents of the box and more. Starring George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy and Thomas Robinson, the action-packed adventure hits theaters December 12, 2014.

Sean Bailey set up the story and talented cast of Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” the extraordinary, untold backstory of how Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the screen, and reminded everyone that “Mary Poppins” is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. After showing two clips from the movie to the D23 audience, Bailey introduced Jason Schwartzman and B. J. Novak, who portray the famous composing team of Richard and Robert Sherman, respectively, in the film. In a big surprise moment, Schwartzman and Novak welcomed “Mary Poppins” composer Richard Sherman on stage to greet the excited audience. The two talented actors then engaged the crowd in a rousing, confetti-filled, grand finale sing-along performance of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” the classic song from “Mary Poppins.”

Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks topline Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” which is directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Blind Side,” “The Rookie”) and produced by Alison Owen, Ian Collie and Philip Steuer. Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith wrote the screenplay.

When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise—one that he didn’t realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the adaptation. For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp. It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history.

“Saving Mr. Banks” releases in theaters December 13, 2013, limited, December 20, 2013, wide.

Click here to follow Chip on Instagram to get a firsthand look at the D23 Expo!

Which movie are you looking forward to? I can’t wait for Maleficent. Yes I am Villains fan!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Junior greenlights new space adventure show!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN ON ANIMATED SPACE ADVENTURE SERIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS, “MILES FROM TOMORROWLAND,” SLATED TO PREMIERE IN 2015 ON DISNEY JUNIOR

Production has begun on the animated series “Miles From Tomorrowland,” a space adventure for preschoolers. Slated to debut in 2015 on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the nation, the series follows the outer space voyages of young adventurer Miles and his family. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.”

Set in outer space, the series charts the missions of the Callisto family – 7-year-old Miles, big sister Loretta and their scientist parents Phoebe and Leo, who work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Each episode features two 11-minute adventure-filled stories as Miles and his family explore strange new worlds, taking young viewers and their families on a journey that fuels kids’ natural interest in the universe, and at the same time reminding them that what matters most is what lies closer to home – the family bond.

“Miles From Tomorrowland” is a production of Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior. Emmy-nominated Sascha Paladino (“Ni Hao, Kai-lan”) is creator and executive producer and Emmy-nominated Paul Demeyer (“Rugrats in Paris”) is director.

Will There be A Star Wars TV Show?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

ABC executives are in talks with Lucasfilm studio about making TV shows based on Star Wars Characters.

“We’ve started conversations with them,” Paul Lee told a gathering of TV critics meeting Sunday in Beverly Hills.

A little background info: Disney bought Lucasfilm in October for $4.1 billion and has said it intends to make a seventh “Star Wars” film in 2015 and a new one every two or three years thereafter.

This autumn, ABC will begin airing “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” it’s first network program based on Marvel comic book characters since Disney paid $4.2 billion to buy the comic book and film studio in 2009. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” will begin airing Sept. 24 on the network.

What do you think? Would you tune in?

Wishing you Faith, Trust. and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Frozen Inspired Dolls at D23 Expo

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, voice talent of Anna and Elsa in the anticipated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Frozen, attended The D23 Expo, where they were presented with new dolls from Mattel and Disney Store inspired by their characters in the film.

Releasing November 27, 2013, Frozen is an epic tale of adventure and comedy that features the vocal talents of film/TV/stage star Kristen Bell as Anna, a young dreamer about to take the adventure of a lifetime, and Tony Award winning actress Idina Menzel as Elsa the Snow Queen.

The dolls are adorable.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Walt Disney Studios Shares Never Before Heard Details About Upcoming Titles at D23

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2013

The Walt Disney Studios unveiled new details about its upcoming animation slate this morning at the D23 Expo, showcasing new imagery, signature music and behind-the-scenes stories surrounding the roster of upcoming animated adventures. The presentation included information about the just-announced feature film “Zootopia” (working title) from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the newest film in Disneytoon Studios’ Disney Fairies franchise, plus never-before-shared voice cast announcements for upcoming Disney•Pixar titles that include Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris and Diane Keaton, among a host of others.

Fans were surprised with a screening of the first 10 minutes of Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story OF TERROR!” The D23 Expo audience was the first ever to see footage from the spooky new 30-minute special that features favorite characters from the “Toy Story” films. What starts out as a fun road trip for the “Toy Story” gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this “Toy Story OF TERROR!” From director Angus MacLane and producer Galyn Susman, “Toy Story OF TERROR!” premieres on ABC Oct. 16, 2013.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen,” directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan”) and Jennifer Lee (“Wreck-It Ralph”- screenplay by), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”), shared never-before-seen film footage, introduced by “Frozen” stars Kristen Bell, voice of Anna, and Josh Gad, voice of Olaf. Fans were also treated to a show-stopping live performance of the film’s powerful new song “Let It Go,” sung by Broadway’s Tony® Award-winner Idina Menzel, who provides the voice of Elsa in the film.

In “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna (voice of Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Gad) in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. In theaters Nov. 27, 2013.

“Get A Horse!” made its U.S. premiere at the D23 Expo. Featuring Walt Disney himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse, this black-and-white, hand-drawn theatrical short follows Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical haywagon ride—until Peg-Leg Pete shows up and tries to run them off the road. This groundbreaking short from Walt Disney Animation Studios is directed by Lauren MacMullan (TV’s “The Simpsons”) and produced by Dorothy McKim (“Prep & Landing” trilogy, “Meet the Robinsons”), “Get A Horse!” opens in front of “Frozen” on Nov. 27, 2013.

Disneytoon Studios’ “The Pirate Fairy” brought pixie dust to the festivities, unveiling the newest and most exciting adventure in the Disney Fairies franchise. Director Peggy Holmes (“Secret of the Wings”) introduced Christina Hendricks, who gives voice to Zarina, and Tom Hiddleston, tapped to voice a young James aka Captain Hook.

When a misunderstood dust-keeper fairy named Zarina steals Pixie Hollow’s all-important Blue Pixie Dust, and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock, Tinker Bell and her fairy friends must embark on the adventure of a lifetime to return it to its rightful place. However, in the midst of their pursuit of Zarina, Tink’s world is turned upside down. She and her friends find that their respective talents have been switched and they have to race against time to retrieve the Blue Pixie Dust and return home to save Pixie Hollow. With comedy, heart and epic thrills for the whole family, “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail Spring 2014.

Disney•Pixar’s heartfelt and hilarious “The Good Dinosaur” roamed the convention center this morning. Co-director Peter Sohn and producer Denise Ream ( “Cars 2,” “Up”- associate producer) were on hand to announce key members of the voice cast, including Lucas Neff, voice of Arlo; Bill Hader, voice of Forrest; Judy Greer, voice of Ivy; Neil Patrick Harris, voice of Cliff; John Lithgow, voice of Poppa; and Frances McDormand, voice of Momma.
Neff and Greer appeared on stage, alongside Hader, whose voice was also heard in Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University.”

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the generations-old question: What if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In theaters May 30, 2014, the film is a humorous and exciting original story about Arlo, a lively 70-foot-tall teenage Apatosaurus with a big heart. After a traumatic event rattles Arlo’s tranquil community, he sets out on a quest to restore peace, gaining an unlikely companion along the way—a young human boy named Spot.

The crowd roared when their favorite monsters returned to the big screen as Disney•Pixar’s short “Party Central” scared up six minutes of fun at the D23 Expo. In the short, Mike and Sulley are back at Monsters University for a fun-filled weekend with their Oozma Kappa fraternity brothers. The gang is throwing their first party, but no one’s showing up. Luckily for them, Mike and Sulley have come up with a plan to make sure “Party Central” is the most epic party the school has ever seen. In theaters May 30, 2014, with “The Good Dinosaur.”

Disneytoon Studios’ “Planes: Fire & Rescue” landed on stage at the D23 Expo, welcoming Dane Cook, the voice of Dusty in “Disney’s Planes,” the action comedy adventure that landed in theaters today. Cook, who returns to voice the character in the follow-up, joined director Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”) on stage. Julie Bowen was announced as the voice of Lil’ Dipper, and fans were treated to story details for “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” plus character images, concept art and footage from the film.

“Planes: Fire & Rescue” features a quirky crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from a raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of wildfire air attack. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous air attack team, including spirited super scooper Lil’ Dipper (voice of Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. “Planes: Fire & Rescue” ignites July 18, 2014.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Big Hero 6” hit the D23 Expo in style, welcoming director Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) to the stage with a story presentation, including concept art and a sizzle piece designed to build excitement for the action comedy adventure.

“Big Hero 6” features brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action and all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the CG-animated “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on Nov. 7, 2014.

Disneytoon Studios director Steve Loter revealed plans for “Legend of the NeverBeast,” which takes the Disney Fairies on an epic action adventure that’s full of heart and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Fun and talented animal fairy Fawn believes you can’t judge a book by its cover—or an animal by its fangs—so she befriends a huge and mysterious creature known as the NeverBeast. While Tink and her friends aren’t so sure about this scary addition to Pixie Hollow, the elite Scout Fairies set out to capture the monster before he destroys their home. Fawn must trust her heart and take a leap of faith if she hopes to rally the girls to save the NeverBeast. Directed by Steve Loter, “Legend of the NeverBeast” roars to life in Spring 2015.

Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out” brought Joy to fans—literally—revealing members of the voice cast, including Amy Poehler as the voice of Joy, Lewis Black as the voice of Anger, Mindy Kaling as the voice of Disgust, Phyllis Smith as the voice of Sadness, and Bill Hader as the voice of Fear. The audience met two of the film’s five starring emotions, Sadness and Fear, when Smith and Hader appeared on stage to greet fans and fuel excitement for the 2015 film.

From director Pete Docter (“Up,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and producer Jonas Rivera (“Up”), Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out” takes you to a place that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen: the world inside the human mind. Riley, an 11-year-old girl who recently moved with her family to San Francisco, is not the main character but the setting for the film. Moviegoers will go inside her mind to explore how memories are formed and how a mixture of five emotions—Joy, Disgust, Anger, Fear and Sadness—defines life experiences. In theaters June 19, 2015.

Director Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and producer Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”) shared exciting voice cast announcements for Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory.” Joining Ellen DeGeneres, who provides the voice of Dory, are Albert Brooks as the voice of Marlin, Diane Keaton as the voice of Dory’s mom Jenny, Eugene Levy as the voice of Dory’s dad Charlie, and Ty Burrell as the voice of Bailey.

The all-new big-screen adventure dives into theaters Nov. 25, 2015, taking moviegoers back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original film. “Finding Dory” reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way.

Pixar fans also delighted in a surprise appearance by the studio’s “lucky charm” John Ratzenberger, who was ceremoniously paraded on stage by the Disneyland marching band. Ratzenberger joined Hader in a hilarious duel of one-upmanship over the multiple Pixar characters each has voiced.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ director Byron Howard (“Tangled”) and writer Jared Bush shared plans for the upcoming comedy adventure ”Zootopia” (working title). In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends. In theaters in 2016.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Quick Tips – Prepare For Rain

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2013

Rain in Florida is very common. In fact, it rains at Walt Disney World almost everyday. Many days, the rain only lasts for 30 minutes or so. But sometimes the wet weather will last all day. Whether it rains all day or just for a few minutes, you should come to Disney prepared to experience rain.

Ponchos are great for dealing with the Florida weather! They fold up small enough to fit in camera bags and allow you to keep having fun at the parks without getting soaking wet. If you’re traveling with a stroller, you can put the poncho over your stroller to keep the seat from getting wet outside while you’re inside an attraction. In order to save money, you can purchase ponchos at home and bring them with you to Disney. Or if you’re like me and travel to Walt Disney World often, you may want to purchase ponchos at the parks. The price will be higher, but I think having a Mickey poncho makes a day in the rain a little more fun! The amount of use you’ll get over multiple trips makes it a little more worth it to pay the higher Disney price.

If you don’t want to deal with ponchos, or perhaps forgot them in the hotel room, you can still have fun at Disney during the rain. Most days, the rain will not last for long. When it starts raining, just head to a nearby indoor attraction or store. Shows are a great way to wait out the rain. You will find several great shows at each Disney park. Many of the shows are around 20 – 30 minutes long. So, by the time the show is over, it will probably be finished raining! Gift shops can be found all throughout Walt Disney World. If it starts raining, chances are you’re already close to a store. Just stop by a store to look around until the rain stops. Many of the stores, such as the ones on Main Street, U.S.A. are connected. So you can visit multiple stores without having to go outside in the rain.

How do you prepare for rain at Disney? Let us know in the comments below!

Soar With the Disney Planes Video Game

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2013

Planes Logo M 1

Fasten your seatbelts because we are clear for take-off as Disney Interactive has announced that “Disney Planes” the video game is now available at retailers worldwide exclusively for all Nintendo platforms including the Wii™ and Wii U™ systems, as well as the Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ handheld systems.

Inspired by Disney’s anticipated animated film, “Disney Planes” the video game takes players on an action-packed, sky-high heroic adventure and continues the storyline beyond the film with Dusty, a big-hearted, speed-loving crop duster who is voiced by actor and comedian Dane Cook. Additionally, players can embark on races and global adventures with Dusty and other characters from the film including Ishani, voiced by Priyanka Chopra; Echo, voiced by Anthony Edwards; and Bravo, voiced by Val Kilmer.

From Propwash Junction to China, players will fly across 10 different environments inspired by the film, playing as any one of 10 of the film’s most memorable characters. Drop-in and drop-out co-op play for two players is available on any console mission.

Check out the preview:

Roll, turn and loop to complete mission-based objectives in any one of four modes for play: Air Rallies, Story, Free Flight and Balloon Popping. The exploratory Free Flight mode is exclusive to console play, while the handheld has an exclusive objective-achieving Challenge mode.

“Disney Planes” the video game is rated ‘E’ and is now available exclusively for Nintendo platforms for a suggested retailer price of $49.99 on Wii U, $39.99 on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii and $29.99 for Nintendo DS.

This looks like fun!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Store Debuts New Products at D23 Expo

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2013

Disney fans attending the D23 Expo, will get an exclusive first-look at several new product lines from Disney Store. The new collections, featuring some of Disney’s most beloved characters, will be unveiled throughout the course of the three-day event at the Disney Store located in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion. Fans will have the chance to meet and hear from the artists and designers who created these exciting new collections.

Disney Store guests will get a first look at seven new collections that will be debuting at D23, including the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection, Introducing Mickey & Minnie, Art of Ariel, The Art of Steamboat Willie Redux, The Nightmare Before Christmas 20th Anniversary Collection, new products featuring your favorite Disney∙Pixar and Frozen characters and Artist Series Two.

Daily at the convention, Guests will be treated to the official Disney Store opening ceremony, where a special guest will be chosen to “unlock imagination” at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney’s most famous fairytale couples.

Highlights of the new Disney Store collections include:

Disney Fairytale Designer Doll Collection: At D23, Disney Store will debut the much-anticipated Limited Edition Disney Fairytale Designer Doll Collection, featuring five iconic Disney Princess characters and their leading men who, together, magically create a one-of-a-kind Collection.

Including Snow White and the Prince; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider; Jasmine and Aladdin; Belle and the Beast; and Ariel and Eric, these dolls have been brought to life with careful attention. Featuring stunning details, such as satin gowns with subtle ornate prints, embroidered bodices, golden buttons and rhinestone accents, each set is presented in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the name of the specific Disney Princess and her partner. Each doll measures 11.5”.

Each couple doll set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Beginning August 20, a new couple will be available for purchase every two weeks.

The Limited Edition dolls are a part of a larger Disney Fairytale Designer Collection which includes exquisite accessories, home products and more, available online August 12 and in Stores August 19.

Art of Ariel: Celebrating the return of Disney’s classic The Little Mermaid, the Art of Ariel collection features an artful wave of Vinylmation collectibles, apparel, toys, dolls, fashion accessories and home products featuring interpretive visions of Ariel and her undersea friends.

At D23 Expo, Disney Store will introduce a special run of Disney∙Pixar products, including a journal, mug sets, note cards, tees and an iPhone case.

So much merchandise and so little time, and money!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney and Hallmark Team up for Party Collections

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 9, 2013

You little prince or princess can have the birthday parties of their dreams and parents will look like party planning experts − with new Hallmark Dream Party products.

The Dream Party collection goes beyond the usual plates and napkins it offers additional party décor, activities and accessories to fully immerse party-goers into their favorite characters’ worlds. The initial launch of Dream Party features complete party experiences in Disney and Marvel themes including:

Disney Princess: The Royal Event of the Year (pictured above)

Disney·Pixar Cars: The Birthday Grand Prix

Minnie Mouse: Minnie’s Bow-tique Birthday (No Picture available)

Spider-Man: Spider Heroes Unite

“The new Dream Party line brings Hallmark’s creativity and party expertise with the magic of Disney storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. Dream Party brings stories to life.

The Hallmark Dream Party collection includes products in three categories:

Set the Scene: Products that easily transform the party room into the world of a child’s favorite character. Options include Room Transformation Kits with up to 22 pieces to decorate the ceilings and walls, balloon drops, hanging centerpieces (example: Disney Princess chandelier), snack caddies (example: Marvel’s Spider-Man on the Brooklyn Bridge), doorway curtains and wearable items for the guest of honor (example: Minnie Mouse ears headband). Prices range from $3.49 to $8.49.

Create the Adventure: Games and activities that coordinate with the party theme and keep young guests entertained. For example, each theme has a backdrop and props that can be used for picture-taking. Party games include a Disney·Pixar Cars Red Light Green Light game, Spider-Man scavenger hunt, Pin the Bow on Minnie Mouse and a Disney Princess Tiara Bingo game. Prices range from $2.99 to $7.49.

Remember the Fun: Kid-friendly souvenirs to send home with the guests to ensure they remember the good times at the party. These include bottles of bubbles with wands, stickers, favor bags and 48-piece party favor packs for eight guests. Prices range from $1.89 to $9.99 for packages with multiple favors.

Party on!!

Hallmark Dream Party products are available in more than 1,400 Walmart stores and in select independent party specialty stores nationwide.

Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Huffy debuts Limited Edition Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Cruiser Bicycles

By

Chip

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August 9, 2013

Huffy Bicycles, long recognized for its bicycle innovations, is launching a special run of limited edition Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse cruisers at Disney’s D23 Expo, August 9-11, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The adult cruisers will be revealed for the first time at Disney’s ultimate fan event, and will be featured in the Disney Consumer Products (DCP) Pavilion. Huffy produced only 1,000 of each Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse design, and D23 Expo attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a cruiser and receive a frame badge engraved with the individual production number.

“Huffy worked closely with Disney to create this special line of cruisers with unique details that celebrate Mickey and Minnie’s rich history, and we’re excited to unveil the cruisers to Disney’s ultimate fans,” said Ray Thomson, executive vice president of marketing, Huffy Corporation.”

Both cruisers have aluminum frames and combine vintage Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse styling with custom features. Solid craftsmanship was used to create features ranging from the intricate sprocket design to the retro styled front bicycle headlight on the Mickey Mouse cruiser and the fabric lined wicker basket on the Minnie Mouse cruiser. The Mickey Mouse face and ears icon is sculpted into several components, including the chrome grip end caps, the fender caps and – everyone’s favorite – the valve stems. The fenders feature movie graphics from Disney’s classic cartoon short “Steamboat Willie,” and each cruiser features collector packaging, complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

To celebrate the launch and give fans nationwide an opportunity to win a limited edition cruiser, Huffy will host a giveaway on Facebook, from August 9 to September 6, 2013. To register, go to https://www.facebook.com/HuffyBicycles.

In addition to the limited edition models available at D23 Expo, Huffy is developing a special edition version of the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse cruisers which will available in spring 2014. The special edition cruisers will feature timeless Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs plus exciting new features, and will be sold at nationwide retailers. Visit http://www.huffy.com/Products/MickeyMinnie.aspx and enter your email address to receive updates about the special edition Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse cruisers.