This year, Walt Disney’s “Pinocchio” celebrates the 75th anniversary of its original release. Based on a novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi, Disney’s second animated feature may not have a ride at Walt Disney World, but it is featured predominantly in the heart of Fantasyland.
There’s nothing that we love more than Disney . . . except Halloween. So when those two worlds collide, it’s pretty much the best thing imaginable.
Diamond Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: DMND) (“Diamond”) announced today that it has entered into a long-term strategic alliance agreement with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort tied to its Pop Secret brand premium popcorn. Pop Secret popcorn is now the official popcorn of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
Diamond Foods also plans to advertise on Disney-owned channels like ABC Family and the Disney Channel. Retail promotions, on-pack sweepstakes and digital content creation are all ways in which Pop Secret popcorn expects to work with Disney.
“We have been looking for an alliance that is in-line with our core brand values and we couldn’t be more delighted to announce this relationship with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort,” said Burke Raine, Vice President of Marketing, Snacks, at Diamond. “Pop Secret popcorn and Disney both have deep associations with movies and encourage lasting memories shaped by fun family activities.”
As part of the relationship, Disney will begin selling freshly popped Pop Secret popcorn at popcorn carts throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The Pop Secret brand will also become the title sponsor of the nightly Fantasmic! Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort and plans to sponsor movie nights held at many of Disney’s resort hotels.
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) today announced the release of Disney “Star Darlings,” an original new property that features twelve unique girls who encourage tweens to celebrate their individuality, make positive choices, and show that they can make any wish a reality. Disney “Star Darlings” launches today in North America with two novels available everywhere books and eBooks are sold. All-new “Star Darlings” content and products will be released through November, including an accompanying storytelling and lifestyle app, music from Walt Disney Records, the first shorts in an animated series on YouTube, and a fashion dolls line created in collaboration with JAKKS Pacific that will be available at Justice stores nationwide.
The “Star Darlings” characters embody the qualities and characteristics of today’s tweens, and have been created to resonate with the audience through a multiplatform lifestyle experience tailored just for them. Each Star Darling has her own wish that she pursues with determination and the help of her friends, and these shared journeys and experiences are designed to inspire tweens to go after their dreams.
“’Star Darlings’ represents a fully-realized world where strong, confident girls are front and center,” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We’re excited to announce this all-new, innovative property tailor-made for today’s tween, and the launch of ‘Star Darlings’ represents one of our broadest multi-platform launches to date.”
The story begins on Starland where a major crisis is afoot, and twelve unique girls from the prestigious Starling Academy are chosen to be the first student Starlings to venture to Earth. Rich with themes of friendship, confidence, leadership, and teamwork, the Star Darlings go on the most magical adventures of their lives. Determined to succeed, the girls show courage and ingenuity—plus a whole lot of humor—as they guide others on Earth to discover happiness and fulfillment.
Initially conceived by designer Shana Muldoon Zappa, along with her husband, New York Times bestselling author, Ahmet Zappa (Because I’m Your Dad), “Star Darlings” was inspired by their daughter. “Our intention with Star Darlings has always been to empower every girl – no matter where she was born or what she looks like – to understand that she has what it takes within, to make her own wishes come true…through the unstoppable energy created by positive thinking, taking action and believing in yourself. “
Disney Consumer Products is partnering with Justice, the leading tastemaker for tween girls, on a multi-channel marketing campaign to help girls discover the magic of “Star Darlings.” Justice will be the retail destination for “Star Darlings” through the fall and holidays, offering a curated collection of books, dolls and limited apparel. A small assortment will also be available at select Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com.
To celebrate the release of the first books in the “Star Darlings” series, Shana Muldoon Zappa and Ahmet Zappa will be signing copies of “Star Darlings” at Children’s Book World in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. PT.
For more information on Disney “Star Darlings,” please visit the “Star Darlings” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/disneystardarlings. For Justice store locations, please visit www.shopjustice.com.
Did you miss anything from the 2015 D23 Expo? We have videos and photo galleries in one place for you.
Walt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.
The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.
Here are 20 fun facts about the 20th festival celebration.
Disney cruises can be expensive, but you do not have to choose between sailing with Mickey and sending your children to college someday.
You know to put sunscreen and hand sanitizer in your day pack. And you know to break in those new sneakers for at least a week before your family vacation at Disneyland or Walt Disney World so you won’t get blisters.
The Star Wars franchise has already made over $7 billion collectively, but the latest episode could be its biggest hit yet.
Marvel Music will release the soundtrack for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy the animated television series on October 16, 2015. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Mix Vol. 1 (Music from the Animated Television Series) is a collection of 12 songs featured in the show’s upcoming first season.
Tracks from the soundtrack include hits such as Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” and Thin Lizzy’s “Boys Are Back in Town.”
“Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,” the new animated, action-packed epic space adventure following a ragtag band of disparate misfits, debuts with a special one-hour premiere featuring back-to-back episodes, Saturday, September 26 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Mix Vol. 1 (Music from the Animated Television Series) track list is as follows:
1. “Hooked On a Feeling” – Blue Swede
2. “Funk No. 49” – The James Gang
3. “Drift Away” – Dobie Gray
4. “Walk Away” – The James Gang
5. “Boys Are Back in Town” – Thin Lizzy
6. “Shake Your Groove Thing” – Peaches and Herb
7. “Funk Funk” – Cameo
8. “Joy to the World” – Three Dog Night
9. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
10. “Rocky Mountain Way” – Joe Walsh
11. “So You Are a Star” – Hudson Brothers
12. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Mix Vol. 1 (Music from the Animated Television Series) digital and physical soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on October 16, 2015. Soundtrack pre-order is now available at Amazon.com: http://smarturl.it/ggcmama2.
