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Disney’s “The Muppets are back again!” Production to begin in London

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The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film “The Muppets” reunites as Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “Da Ali G Show”), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for “The Muppets” (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (“Flight of the Conchords”), who won an Oscar® for best original song for “The Muppets” (“Man or Muppet”). The new film will hit the big screen March 21, 2014.

“It’s great to be back working with the Muppets,” said Bobin, “some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it’s a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the ’60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog—no panthers, even pink ones—along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs.”

Wheel of Fortune and Disney Come Together to Make Magic Memories for Contestants and At-Home Viewers

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It’s “Disney Time” at Wheel of Fortune as the fun of America’s Favorite Game Show and the magic of Disney come together in the game show’s 30th season including a week of shows and a sweepstakes for at-home viewers.

Wheel of Fortune Making Disney Memories Week” airing January 28-Feb 1, 2013, will feature a custom set including three different scenes depicting “Sleeping Beauty Castle,” “Cinderella Castle” and the Disney Dream cruise ship. Additionally, Disney is providing iconic elements from the Disney Parks including a Disney teacup from the “Mad Tea Party” attractions, Lightning McQueen from the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure theme park, a pirate ship from “Peter Pan’s Flight” and a Dumbo car from “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant.” And show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White will be greeted on set by beloved Disney characters.

During the week of shows, Wheel of Fortune contestants can win “Magical Vacations” to Disney Parks or on Disney Cruise Line. The cars available through the “1⁄2 Car Tag” game element will alternate between Honda and Chevrolet models, sponsors of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, respectively.

Planning 101: Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

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Like many Disney guests, I’ve celebrated my kids birthdays and even one crazy Christmas at Walt Disney World.  I would go broke if I waited and bought their presents upon arrival, so a little planning is often required.  Keep in mind you need to get these supplies to Disney, so if flying you should weigh the cost options of an extra bag or mailing to your resort vs. your savings. Here are a few of my tips for stocking up for giving giving with a  little Disney magic:

  • Disney Store or DisneyStore.com-When Disney has a sale, they have a good one.  I’m also lucky enough to have two outlet stores nearby and can snag some deals.  Park exclusives are available as well!  Take advantage of their “Twice Upon a Year Sales” and after Christmas markdowns for next Christmas.  Beware:  Some items will be dated with the year, so look at the online description.
  • “Other Websites”-There are a lot of sites selling Disney merchandise.  One being LaughingPlaceStore.com which has items like autograph books and pin sets.  BirthdayExpress.com has Disney party goods to make birthday’s special.
  • “Other Stores”-Again, look for deals and clearance but Disney items can be found at Target, Sears, Walmart, Toys R Us, etc.  I’ve gotten some really cute sweatshirts to give as gifts and wear at the park.
  • Get Creative-Zazzle.com allows you to make custom clothing with official Disney graphics.  Perfect for announcing to the park your special trip.  Etsy.com is also a really creative place for custom Disney clothing.

Part of having fun at Disney  immersing yourself in the Magic of Disney.  So budget a bit to get a special “One of a Kind” present from the gift shops.  Don’t forget to get a “Happy Birthday” Button at Guest Services as you enter the parks.  Decorate your window at your resort for Birthdays or Christmas.  For ideas, click here.  Have fun and enjoy your special holiday vacation!

Mickey  Mom is Mom to two boys with birthdays that often get celebrated as one big party in Walt Disney World.

 

Planning 101: Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

Touring the Grand Floridian

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People always tell me or post about how they never spend time in their rooms at Disney or time at the resort, and that they are only there to sleep, so they only want to stay at a value resort. Sound familiar? Well, I say the opposite (sometimes)…and you may too if you knew what you were missing.

All the Disney resorts have unique activities and some have many reasons to do more than just sleep there! I am going to explore all the ins and outs of the Grand Floridian and maybe if you book your next vacation there you will plan a “resort day” or if you are staying somewhere else, no problem, a lot of these activities are open to anyone so you can have a Grand Floridian Resort Day too!

At the Grand Floridian elegance from the Victorian era helps make the end of day relaxation much easier. The rooms are large and comfortable and the decor is flawless. The nicest thing about the Grand Floridian, besides it being a “Monorail Resort” is the staff. From check-in to check out do not have to life a finger, that is unless you want too. For instance, your bags are delivered to your room and when you are in a farther out building near the water even you are delivered via golf cart to your room. Basically, your wish is their command.

What makes the Grand Floridian so unique, other than unique people like the Teddy Bear Lady? Read on for why you should splurge and have a few nights at the Grand Dame of Walt Disney World!

1. Amazing dining options – whether you want a quick bite, a regular table service meal, or the most signature dining experience of them all…eat some meals at the Grand Floridian.

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Walt Disney World Resort Turns Up the Romance During “True Love” Week All Part of Limited Time Magic

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Love is in the air at Walt Disney World Resort as fairytale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

The weeklong love fest is all part of Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic where unexpected surprises and delights enhance vacation memories.

During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from limited- time Valentine’s merchandise and special entertainment, to romantic dinners for two and new themed photo locations offering greetings with beloved Disney sweethearts – all for a limited-time only.

The weeklong event celebrates the love of friends and family, and invites couples to rekindle the flame. Here is the lineup:/

Kevin Feige Says ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Doctor Strange’ Will Be Part of Phase 3 of the MCU

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Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige is no stranger to the media. In fact, the man seems to love talking and gushing about the projects that his studio is currently producing. For fans like myself, it’s great, because he always seems to say things that get me more excited about what’s coming down the pipe from Marvel Studios. Recently, in an interview with MTV, Feige was giving updates on everything from ‘Iron Man 3’ to ‘The Avengers 2’, but managed to sneak in some juicy bits of information concerning Marvel’s ever growing Cinematic Universe after the end of ‘The Avengers 2’, closing the door on their Phase 2, and making their way into Phase 3.

Downtown Disney’s “Raglan Road” Announces New Sunday Funday Options

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Want to try something new while vacationing at Disney? Why not take time out of your busy schedule visiting the parks and splashing around in the many great pools and visit Downtown Disney on Sundays from 11am to 4pm and have a truly original experience and try Raglan Road’s new authentic Irish brunch. Raglan Road is stepping up their Sunday dining experience with a few new twists.

They are now offering nine entrees and three signature cocktails for a truly delightful experience. The “Full Irish” includes sausage, black and white pudding, bacon, roasted tomato, mushrooms and fried eggs with roasties (otherwise known as roasted potatoes). You can get all this for $19.00. Other entrees are pancakes diaspora — with crème fraiche, maple syrup and mixed berry compote — a smoked salmon omelette, ham schnitzel and eggs Benedict.

The three signature cocktails include the traditional mimosa, an Elderflower cocktail — a sparkling wine with a flower and fruit on the rim, and a traditional Irish Red Eye which is a Bloody Mary with a Guinness floater.

Maximize Your Mornings at Walt Disney World

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When a friend is headed to Walt Disney World, we often get asked “What attractions are a must-do?” While that question is easy to answer – and the answers may vary depending on who is asked – the better piece of advice I give is to maximize your mornings at the Parks to successfully carry out all of those must-see attractions. Here’s how to maximize your mornings at the parks:

Wake Up Early! Yes, you’re on vacation, and usually that means “sleeping in.” But not at WDW! Set your alarm in order to wake up early and get a head start on the day!

Eat (a quick) Breakfast. Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it! But do make it something simple and easy. We bring a box of cereal from home (yep, in our packed luggage), and buy milk from the resort gift shop. We’ve got a quick and easy breakfast made in our own room! If you’d rather eat on-the-go, you can grab a muffin and juice at your resorts food court or gift shop and continue to the bus stop.

Disney Junior Invites “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Fans to Help Celebrate Jake’s Birthday

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“Jake’s Birthday Bash” Episode to Premiere Friday, March 1 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Disney Junior is inviting “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” fans to help celebrate Jake’s birthday by submitting videotaped birthday greetings for the chance to appear on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Beginning Thursday, January 31, parents and caregivers can log on to DisneyJunior.com/JakesBirthday to download a printable birthday card for their child to decorate and showcase in a video submission wishing Jake a happy birthday. The videos will be posted on DisneyJunior.com and some will be chosen for air Monday, February 25 – Friday, March 1, leading up to the debut of a new birthday-themed episode of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” FRIDAY, MARCH 1 on Disney Channel (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:30 p.m., ET/PT).

The “Jake’s Birthday Bash” experience on DisneyJunior.com/JakesBirthday will also feature downloadable pirate-themed recipes, crafts, party favors and a “Pin the Tail on the Croc” activity. On Jake’s birthday, Friday, March 1, the site will launch an interactive treasure hunt game where kids help Jake search Pirate Island for his hidden birthday presents.

Wikileaks Drama ‘The Fifth Estate’ Begins Production

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By now, most of you have heard about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, a controversial man who changed the way information was spread and given to us. The site, and it’s founder, are still hot topics, so of course a film about the founder and the creation of the site was all but inevitable, and Dreamworks is doing just that with their new film, ‘The Fifth Estate’. The film will star Benedict Cumberbatch, of BBC’s ‘Sherlock’, as Julian Assange, and Daniel Bruhl as Assange’s partnet, Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and directed by Bill Condon, who directed the last two installments of ‘The Twilight Saga’, as well as ‘Dreamgirls.  The film’s screenplay is written by Josh Singer (TV’s “Fringe,” “The West Wing”), based on “Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange at the World’s Most Dangerous Website” by Daniel Domscheit-Berg and “WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange’s War on Secrecy” by David Leigh and Luke Harding.  This seems like a story that is ripe for a film, and I am very intrigued to see how it plays out.

According to the press release, the film will be “Following Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Brühl), an early supporter and eventual colleague of Julian Assange (Cumberbatch), “The Fifth Estate” traces the heady, early days of WikiLeaks, culminating in the release of a series of controversial and history changing information leaks.  The website’s overnight success brought instant fame to its principal architects and transformed the flow of information to news media and the world at large.” 

Walt Disney World rolling out MyMagic+

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Hiya all. It is Anoymouse here.  Walt Disney World rolling is rolling out their MyMagic+ , finally we can see how this is going to work. I know if you are like me you have been waiting to hear about how the  MyMagic+ works and the pro and cons.  Well in my recent gossip I have heard MyMagic+ ‘Touch to Pay’ system is rolling out to many more locations across Walt Disney World property next week. The ‘Touch to Pay’ system allows guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort to use their Key to the World card and PIN number to pay by simply touching the card to the RFID reader.

Available from next week:

Top 5 Reasons Why I’m Excited J.J. Abrams is Directing Star Wars VII

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So I usually stick to writing about Walt Disney World; but today, I’m not going to talk about that at all! Today, I’m going indulge my inner geek and rave about the latest development in my beloved Star Wars universe: Disney’s announcement of Star Wars VII’s director, J.J. Abrams!

For those of you who don’t know, J.J. Abrams is the mastermind behind such brilliant television shows as Felicity, Alias, Lost, Fringe, and this fall’s newest hit, Revolution; as well as films such as Mission Impossible 3, Star Trek, and Super 8!

So besides Abrams’ creative successes, why am I excited that he’s the new director of Star Wars VII? Read on!

5. He Directed Star Trek-Okay, okay, I know that there is a rivalry between Star Trek fans and Star Wars fans; but hear me out. Taking on the vintage Star Trek in a way that introduced the franchise to a new generation, as well as staying faithful to the originals and pleasing Star Trek fans was a huge challenge. But Abrams more than delivered with his surprising prequel that actually changes the future, offering a whole new and undiscovered future for the Star Trek characters, as well as paying homage to what had gone on before. So my thinking is that if anyone can refresh and reboot a dusty, yet revered, franchise while still staying true to the originals, it’s J.J. Abrams.