Month: August 2014

Disney Moms Panel Search Begins September 2nd

disney-moms-panel

The panel, made up of everyday moms and dads from around the globe, have answered hundreds of thousands of questions over the years – covering just about every Disney vacation topic imaginable. Their knowledge of Disney Parks and their passion to help our guests shines in their answers.

The panel became so popular that several years ago it was expanded to include other Disney Parks vacation experiences. The name was officially changed to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.

September has traditionally been a special month for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It’s when we search for new panelists to join the team for the next calendar year. It’s a rigorous and thorough process, consisting of multiple rounds, that determines who will be selected to represent the panel and answer vacation questions from guests around the globe.

Thousands will apply for a small number of spots on the panel. But please, don’t let that be a deterrent. The most recent panelists to join the team include several who have applied every year, a few who applied for the very first time, and those in between. Dreams really can come true.

This year, applications will open at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, and will remain open until noon ET on Friday, September 5, 2014.

If you know a mom, dad or grandparent who is your “go-to” person for advice about a Disney Parks vacation and loves to help others plan their trips, encourage them to apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. (Be sure to check the rules and regulations on the application to insure eligibility.)

More information about becoming a panelist can be found here.

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New Starbucks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be named The Trolley Car Café

Trolley Car Cafe

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to enjoy a new Starbucks location inside the park beginning in February of 2015. The new store, The Trolley Car Café, will be themed to a classic trolley car station along Hollywood Boulevard and offer a unique experience for coffee lovers visiting the park.

There will also be Disney baked goods and Starbucks La Boulange™ pastry items at the store.

The Trolley Car Café will be the third in-park Disney operated location at Walt Disney World, joining the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom, and the Fountain View at Epcot. There are also two Starbucks operated locations at Downtown Disney.

Marvel Announces Star Wars Legends Epic Collections Beginning April 2015

StarWarsMarvel

Marvel is excited to announce the release of an oversized dose of a galaxy far, far, away—Star Warscomics are coming to Marvel’s prestigious Epic Collection format, Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1 TPB.

Marvel welcomes Star Wars to the Epic Collection program with this first volume of a series focusing on the years that follow Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith! After the end of the Clone Wars, the Republic has fallen and Palpatine exerts his ruthless grip on his new Galactic Empire. Now, the few Jedi that remain must decide whether to hold true to their faith or abandon it completely in the face of a brutal purge—one carried out by the new Dark Lord of the Sith.

Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1 TPB will offer a new way for fans to collect and read iconic Star Wars stories across the past 35 years of published titles.

These oversized, self-contained color collections will bring the adventures of the Rebellion, the Galactic Empire and more to the masses with exciting new Epic Collections.

Adventures by Disney Announces a New Long Weekend in Nashville

GrandOleOpry

With Adventures by Disney Long Weekends, families can enjoy exciting destinations, such as New York City and San Francisco & Napa, while making the most of their free time. Now, Adventures by Disney is heading south for our newest Long Weekends offering in Nashville, Tennessee.

Starting in 2015, foodies, music lovers and history buffs of all ages can take part in this one-of-a-kind southern experience inspired by the critically acclaimed television show Nashville on ABC.

The new 4-day, 3-night Nashville vacation puts you right in the heart of country music and southern cuisine, and offers behind-the-scenes tours of famous landmarks in Music City. Take in a live show at the Grand Ole Opry, complete with a private dinner and a special look backstage. Live out your music dreams as you are guided through the hallowed halls of RCA/Studio B, where you’ll have the chance to sing one of the many hits recorded in this famed studio. Visit the famed Bluebird Café and dine where music legends have performed, learn about the art of songwriting and enjoy a special musical performance. You can also tour some of the sites that form the backdrop for the ABC showNashville.

For fans of traditional southern food, this Adventures by Disney itinerary has something cooking for you. You’ll try your hand at unique cooking activities where you’ll learn how to bake southern biscuits and craft your own BBQ sauce.

Jingle Cruise Returns for the Holidays at the Magic Kingdom

Jingle Cruise

The Jingle Cruise will once again be returning to the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland in for the holidays this year.

Introduced during last year’s holiday season, the Jingle Cruise is a holiday overlay to the Jungle Cruise, bringing some new elements to the queue, and a slightly revised script for the skippers.

The Jingle Cruise will set sail starting November 7th through the holidays.

Off Kilter, Mo’Rockin & World Showcase Players to be Retired in September

Epcot-SSE

From WDWMagic –

Some of Epcot’s most popular live entertainment groups are being retired from the park in September.

  • World Showcase Players will have its final performance September 25 2014.
  • Off Kilter in Canada, Mo’Rockin in Morocco and the Spirit of America will be performing for the final time on September 27 2014.
  • Not yet confirmed, but the British Revolution may also be concluding on September 27 2014.

New live entertainment planned includes a traditional Berber music and dance troupe in Morocco, a corps of dynamic flag-waving performers in Italy, a thrilling lumberjack-inspired show in Canada, and a Celtic folk music ensemble at the United Kingdom.

Disneyland Debuts New Mobile Site

Disneyland Mobile Site

Have you checked out the new Disneyland.com on your mobile phone? This all-new mobile experience puts your entire Disneyland Resort visit right in the palm of your hand with features like dining reservations, attractioninformation and – my favorite new features – the new Disney eTicket and even prepaid parking. This complete planning tool is accessible through your device’s web browser; there are no apps to download.

Let’s start with planning. The new Disneyland.com mobile site allows you to book hotel rooms, make dining reservations, and purchase park tickets right on your mobile device. You can even add options like transportation and other area attractions. Driving to the Disneyland Resort? You can also purchase pre-paid parking vouchers to make your arrival even easier.

Once your travel dates are selected, you can research park hours, entertainment schedules and even find height requirements and information on your favorite Disneyland Resort attractions.

And here’s the best part. Once your tickets are purchased and you’re ready to begin your Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park visit, you simply scan your Disney eTicket directly from your mobile device right at the park turnstile. No need to print anything or visit the ticket booth!

Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Paul Briggs Signing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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On Friday, August 29, 2014, meet Paul Briggs, Head of Story for Disney Frozen as well as the voice of Marshmallow. Paul’s other recent works include Big Hero 6, Tangledand Mulan.  Paul will be on hand to sign Frozen inspired merchandise, etc. from 4 – 5p.m. at Oaken’s Trading Post in Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Limit TWO (2) items signed per Guest per Artist. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Appearances are subject to time and availability and are not guaranteed. Restrictions apply. Event and information are subject to cancellation or change without notice including but not limited to dates, times, release dates, appearances and retails. A valid Walt Disney World® Resort receipt may be required. ©Disney

D23 Holding Big Hero 6 Red Carpet Sweepstakes

Big-Hero-6

On November 7, Disney fans will get to meet Hiro, Baymax, and all their super friends in the fast-paced world of San Fransokyo, but one lucky D23 Member and their guest will get to see Big Hero 6even sooner!

One lucky winner will win tickets for him or herself and guest to attend the red- carpet premiere of Big Hero Six on November 4, 2014, in Hollywood, California (accommodations and/or transportation between winner’s home and the premiere not included)! Not only will the winner get to be among the first to see the movie, but they’ll get to see the stars of the film arrive in style and walk the red carpet. Plus, the prize pack includes a full set of seven Big Hero 6 action figures from Disney Store!

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action, Big Hero 6 is directed by Don Hall (Winnie the Pooh) and Chris Williams (Bolt), and produced by Roy Conli (Tangled).

NOTE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes began on 8/21/14 and ends at 10 a.m. PT on 9/5/14. Open to all D23 Members, in good standing, in the 50 U.S. including DC, ages 18 and older. Only one entry allowed per D23 Member. There is only one prize available to be won. Winner must be able to attend the premiere taking place on November 4, 2014. Prize does not include accommodations or transportation between winner’s home and the premiere. Winner will be required to provide their D23 Membership number when accepting their prize. Click here for official rules, including full entry requirements and prize limitations. Void where prohibited.

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Enter for your chance to win tickets to the Big Hero 6 premiere in Hollywood, plus a full set of Big Hero 6 action figures from Disney Store (accommodations and/or transportation between winner’s home and the premiere not included)! Fill out the entry form, locatedhere. Winner will be notified via email within 48 hours after the end of the sweepstakes. Click here for complete legal rules

2014 Night of Joy Entertainment Schedule Released

Night of Joy 2014

Night of Joy event, being held at the Magic Kingdom, is just over a week away, will be held on September 5th and September 6th.

Here is the full line-up of acts and set times for both days.

Friday, September 5 2014

Castle Forecourt Stage

Matthew West – 7:40pm
Chris Tomlin – 9:20pm
Hillsong United – 11:30pm

Galaxy Stage

Building 429 – 7:30pm and 8:50pm
Mandisa – 10:25pm
for KING & COUNTRY – 12:10am

Rockettower Plaza Stage

Matt Maher – 8:05pm
The Neverclaim – 9:40pm

Saturday, September 6 2014

Castle Forecourt Stage

MercyMe – 7:40pm
Phil Perry – 9:30pm
Casting Crowns – 9:50pm
Skillet – 11:55pm

Galaxy Stage

Colton Dixon – 7:30pm and 8:50pm
Britt Nicole – 10:25pm
Israel Houghton & New Breed – 12:10am

Rockettower Plaza Stage

1 Girl Nation – 8:15pm
We As Human – 9:40pm
Rhett Walker Band – 11:20pm