Take a look at some of the character Easter Eggs at Epcot. There is an Easter Egg throughout the World Showcase. Can you identify which countries are home to which egg?
Archive for Scott
What’s Happening in April 2015 at The Walt Disney Family Museum
CURRENT EXHIBITION
Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell
Now through Jun 29, 2015
Revel in the golden age of Hollywood through an exhibition of photography from George Hurrell—one of America’s finest photographers, credited with creating the opulent glamour portrait of the 1930s and 40s. See rare and vintage prints of Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, and more, including Hurrell’s uncle-in-law, Walt Disney.
SCREENINGS
FILM OF THE MONTH | The Jungle Book
Show times: 1:30 & 4pm daily (check calendar for exceptions) | Theater
FREE with museum admission
Join Mowgli and friends in Walt Disney’s adaptation of a classic children’s story by Rudyard Kipling.
SPECIAL SCREENING | True-Life Adventures Shorts
Sat, Apr 25 | 11am, 2, 3, 4 & 5pm| Theater
FREE with museum admission
As part of the museum’s Family Day on April 25, enjoy nature shorts that are part of Walt Disney’s groundbreaking, award-winning nature documentary series, True-Life Adventures.
TALKS
TALK | How the Glamour Shot Changed Hollywood
Sat, Apr 11 | 1pm | Theater
$18 members | $20 non-members |
During Hollywood’s Golden Age still photographers took breathtaking photos of celebrities that quickly turned them into industry icons. Author and historian Kendra Bean reveals the secrets behind the craft of the Hollywood glamour shot and why it had such a tremendous impact on the movie industry and its stars. A slide show of famous publicity shots taken by photographers George Hurrell, James Abbe, and Laszlo Willinger is featured. Offered in conjunction with the special exhibition, Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell. Admission to this program is free for students and educators. Register online for your complimentary program ticket.
TALK | Animation Basics: Lighting
Sat, Apr 18 | 1pm | Theater
$18 members | $20 non-members | $15 youth (ages 17 and under)
Let there be light! As part of our program series covering the basics of animation production that were developed in Walt’s time and continue to be used today, learn about the lighting design and color choices found in animated films and how these key design techniques are used to complement the tone of a scene. Hear from guest speaker Angelique Reisch, lead lighting technical director for Pixar Animation Studios.
CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
OPEN STUDIO | Storyboarding and Animatics
Every Sat & Sun in Apr (check calendar for exceptions) | 1–4pm | Learning Center
FREE with museum admission
In the early 1930s, storyboards were introduced to The Walt Disney Studios to help animators visualize the sequence of events in their stories. Practice drawing your own storyboards to show the action in an animated scene, then turn your drawings into an animatic.
LITTLE OPEN STUDIO | Jungle Fun!
Every Sat, Sun & Mon in Apr | 10am–noon | Learning Center
Little Open Studio is a place where little ones and their caregivers can create artwork inspired by exhibitions, ideas, and objects on view at the museum. In April, transform our Learning Center into a bright and leafy jungle using scenes from The Jungle Book to inspire a magical environment.
SPOTLIGHT TALK | True-Life Adventures
Every Fri, Sat & Sun | 11am, 1 & 3pm | Museum Galleries
With more than 25,000 items in the museum’s collection and galleries brimming with art and artifacts, there is a lot to see and learn. Get the inside story on a select object on view or special exhibition during these short talks given by museum staff members. In April, join us for a talk on Walt’s groundbreaking nature documentary series: True-Life Adventures.
SPECIAL PROGRAM | An Artful Earth Day
Sat, Apr 25 | 10am–6pm | Museum-wide
FREE for ages 17 and under (with paying adult)
Celebrate Earth Day in an artful way with the whole family! Learn a dance with Native American dancer and artist, Eddie Madril, and work with Presidio Trust educators to turn branches, twigs, and other natural park materials into a lively village of habitats in front of the museum. Learn how animators create environments for their characters, and watch Walt Disney’s award-winning nature documentaries, True-Life Adventures. Complimentary admission for youth ages 17 and under available at museum ticket desk with purchase of full price adult admission.
Schedule (for An Artful Earth Day):
11am, 2, 3, 4, & 5pm | True-Life Adventures screenings | Theatre
Noon–1pm | Eddie Madril, Native American Dancer and Artist \| Theatre
1–4pm | Create with Nature | Front Lawn and Learning Studio
All Day | Animators and Environments Gallery Game | Get yours at the front desk!
SPECIAL PROGRAM | Animation Access! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fri, Apr 10 | 3pm doors open, 4pm film starts | ages 14+ | Theater
Sun, Apr 12 | 10am doors open, 11am film starts | ages 13 and under |Theater
Approx. 87 mins
FREE
Animation Access is a series of programs designed to introduce children and young adults affected by autism to The Walt Disney Family Museum. Come enjoy animation, art, and innovation in a welcoming environment. Advanced registration is required, all family members and siblings welcome.
TEACHER PROGRAM | Walt Disney and Modern Artists
Sat, Apr 18 | 10am–2pm | Learning Center
$10 for educators
Learn about Walt’s connections to modern artists, including Salvador Dalí and Diego Rivera, and connect your art curriculum to the art of animation.
The Power of the Force Takes Over Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14, 2015
Beginning May 15, 2015, the Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars franchise with the magic of Disney Parks.
This year’s event welcomes a new show, “Star Wars: Rebels,” new locations for autograph sessions and merchandise and several Star Wars luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends.
Bringing Walt Disney World Resort guests as close to the Force as they can get, Star Wars Weekends features more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings and specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and more every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) May 15-June 14, 2015.
Highlighting the event, Star Wars celebrities, including returning favorites and event newcomers, will appear in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and the motorcades each weekend. Bringing his evil prowess to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I May 15-17. To balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V June 12-14.
Celebrities scheduled to appear at Star Wars Weekends 2015 include voices from the hit Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels” and stars from Episodes I-VI of the Star Wars film franchise (entertainment is subject to change):
Weekend I (May 15 – 17)
- Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend II (May 22 – 24)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend III (May 29 – 31)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend V (June 12 – 14)
- Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)
The host of Star Wars Weekends, actor James Arnold Taylor, from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and “Star Wars Rebels,” will also host the new Star Wars Weekends show “Star Wars: Rebels,” where guests can relive the twists and turns of the first season of the Disney XD series with special guests from the show’s voice cast. In addition to Ashley Eckstein’s Weekend IV guest spot, she will also be joining every day of the event as host of “Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can enjoy year-round Star Wars favorites at the theme park with a blast through a Star Wars adventure on “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” and young Padawans can prepare to face the dark side with new lightsaber skills at Jedi Training Academy.
A celebration of all-things-Star Wars, the special event is included in regular park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For more information about Star Wars Weekends including new locations for merchandise, the autograph sessions and the “Stars of the Saga” talk show, guests may check the Disney Parks Blog, StarWars.com, and StarWarsWeekends.com. Guests can join in on the fun using #SWW2015.
Pixar Fans and Disney Investors Are Going to Love 2015
The Walt Disney Co. has made some incredible advances with its movie production in the past couple of years, with major hits in animated films, Marvel movies, and others that have helped to drive substantial income increases for the already successful company.
Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Summer!

Our Clients can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015 when they book March 23 – June 12, 2015.
Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.
With special benefits and legendary service, Disney Resort hotels are filled with wonder and excitement. Plus, your Clients can add Theme Park tickets to make the most of the magic!
From “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to new restaurants and shopping at Downtown Disney® and thrills and chills at four theme parks and two water parks, your Clients can get their cool on all summer long during “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
Over-the-top Disney: Splurge on luxury, access
Dotting the shoreline of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the 20 Bora Bora Bungalows are the first of their kind on any Disney property. Each comes with a private plunge pool (a prime spot to view the nightly fireworks). And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the music. The soundtrack is piped in through an individual sound system.
Frank Oz Among Celebrities and Entertainment Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests can feel the power of the force when Star Wars™ Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort every Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 15-June 14, 2015.
This year’s event welcomes a new show, “Star Wars: Rebels,” new locations for autograph sessions and merchandise, and several Star Wars luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends.
Bringing guests as close to the Force as they can get, Star Wars Weekends features more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings and specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and more.
Plus, Star Wars celebrities, including returning favorites and event newcomers, will appear in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions and motorcades each weekend.
Bringing his evil prowess to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I May 15-17. And, to balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V June 12-14.
Star Wars Weekends is included in regular park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Re-Imagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Blends Pacific Island Heritage With Disney Whimsy
Disney’s Polynesian Resort — a relaxing tropical paradise with lush landscaping, waterfalls and more — has undergone a major re-imagination including a return to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
But that’s not the only news awaiting guests to this legacy resort. Changes include an expansive redesign of the Great Ceremonial House, new food and beverage experiences, waterside villas and more.
When fully completed, the Polynesian-themed deluxe property will include some 360 deluxe studio villas and 20 two-bedroom, over-the-water Bungalows as part of the Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort.
There also are 484 traditional hotel rooms in a village of two-and three-story longhouses. Guestrooms feature a tropical motif complete with exotic prints and bamboo-style fixtures. Standard rooms offer two queen-size beds and a day bed, sleeping five.
Guests are welcomed to this family-favorite resort with a new entrance marquee featuring lava rock, tiki torches and flowing water surrounded by tropical hibiscus.
Also new for guests is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Trader Sam’s welcomes explorers to a mystical and tropical oasis featuring a lounge area with exotic cocktails served in souvenir mugs, paired with Polynesia-inspired small plates. Other changes greeting Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort guests: the recently opened Pineapple Lanai kiosk, serving the world-famous Dole Whip soft serve and floats, and a new location for Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant.
There’s pint-size fun at Lilo’s Playhouse, a supervised childcare offering. Stories unfold in this new whimsical children’s activity center where Lilo’s favorite classic Disney Little Golden Books tales such as Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp and Alice in Wonderland come to life. While parents enjoy a night out, youngsters can delve into dress-up, crafts, storytelling and other fun faves in themed areas.
A completely renovated feature pool area, a new children’s water play area and an enlarged deck for poolside seating with views of a scenic vista will open for guests in mid-April.
Overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, the 20 Disney Vacation Club Bungalows will be the first of this type of accommodation at Walt Disney World Resort. Each sleep up to eight guests, and feature a full kitchen, two bedrooms and even a plunge pool where Disney Vacation Club Members and guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. This resort also will be the first to have connecting Deluxe Studios (located in longhouses) that will sleep up to five guests each, as well as kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort. The first phase of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is scheduled to open April 1, 2015.
Existing dining options include ‘Ohana, located on the second floor of the re-imagined Great Ceremonial House, featuring a Disney Character breakfast and a family-style Polynesian feast where meats and seafood are grilled over an open fire pit. Kona Café, a unique family restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sandwiches, ice cream and pizza are available 24 hours a day at Capt. Cook’s. In an outdoors luau setting, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show features traditional Polynesian fare, music, dancing and costumes.
Shopping options include island fashions, bathing suits and casual sportswear.
Featuring one of the highest return visitation rates for lodging at Disney, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort connects to Magic Kingdom and Epcot via monorail, with bus transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and other attractions throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
For reservations, call 407/W-Disney or visit Disneyworld.com. To learn more about Disney Vacation Club, visit disneyvacationclub.com
Photos: Easter Eggs in Grand Floridian Lobby
If you are near the Grand Floridian this weekend make sure to check out the custom Easter Eggs throughout the lobby area.
Click on the photos for a larger view.
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’: Rumored Villain Details Emerge
With the reveal that the second Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer is right around the corner, fans are hoping for some clarity on the events of the seventh installment in the saga.





















































