Walt Disney World cast members recently decorated Magic Kingdom Park with holiday decor – just in time for the park’s 1st Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the season!
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Kohl’s and Disney Interactive Engage Families with Black Friday Campaign
Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) announces today, in collaboration with Disney, that America can decide which aspiring singers and “Frozen” fans will be included as part of a Kohl’s holiday commercial to air during the American Music Awards at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST Sunday, Nov. 23, on ABC.
Nearly 4,000 adults and children submitted videos of themselves singing along to the Oscar®-winning anthem “Let it Go” in Kohl’s Sing Your Heart Out contest. The videos were submitted on www.disney.com/frozenfriday and through the Disney Applause app available on iOS and Android. Starting at 10 a.m. PST Nov. 10, and continuing through 9:30 p.m. EST Nov. 23, America can vote for their favorite of 10 finalists online at www.disney.com/frozenfriday.
On Sunday, Nov. 23, the finalist with the most votes will have their performance air in a Kohl’s commercial during the American Music Awards.
A one-stop shop for everything “Frozen,” Kohl’s and Kohls.com offer a full assortment of product, including a wide variety of exclusive styles, inspired by the Disney phenomenon this holiday season. From essential toys and apparel to unexpected home and electronics goods, customers will be excited to discover “Frozen” for the entire family at incredible savings. Customers are encouraged to share their favorite “Frozen” finds with @Kohls using #FrozenFunAtKohls.
What The Cast Of ‘Big Hero 6’ Looks Like In Real Life
Disney’s “Big Hero 6” is the studio’s latest blockbuster, a family friendly franchise starter about brotherhood, friendship, superheroes and a giant inflatable robot named Baymax. (Say hello to next year’s big Halloween costume.)
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Downtown Disney Marketplace
The holidays are always a magical time at the Walt Disney World® Resort. And Downtown Disney® Marketplace is no exception. From holiday shopping to unique dining experiences, there’s something for everyone. With over 70 venues, the opportunity to meet Santa during Festival of the Seasons (Nov. 14-Dec. 30, 2014), as well as new “uniquely handcrafted” holiday décor, Downtown Disney is a must-do during this festive time of year!
Here are a few tips for guests to keep in mind when visiting Downtown Disney during the holiday season:
- Arrive earlier in the day for a more leisurely shopping experience.
- Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, should take the complimentary Disney transportation, as parking may be limited.
- Guests should follow the signs to available parking, which may be located in adjacent lots across the street.
- Guests should allow extra travel time for reservations or showtimes; we suggest 60 minutes in advance.
- When driving via I-4, guests should take exit 67 for the most efficient route to Downtown Disney.

Tampa’s Chris Sorrick Gets First Taste of Victory at Fifth Annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
In his first attempt at running a half marathon, Chris Sorrick of Tampa raced away with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Saturday night at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.
With a winning time of 1:17:39, Sorrick, 21, finished more than a minute ahead of second-place finisher Cliff Gerber of East Brunswick, NJ (1:18:55) and nearly two minutes in front of third-place finisher Jerry Lawson of Jacksonville, FL. The only challenge Sorrick faced was a steady rain that made the 13.1-mile course a little slick.
“It was pretty slippery in some areas so you had to be really careful,’’ Sorrick. “But I just kept going and going.’’
Jenn Berry of Denver was the first female finisher with a time of 1:27:59. It was Berry’s third straight runDisney victory after winning the 10K and half marathon during the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend this summer. Keara Thomas of Chapel Hill, NC was second (1:28:28) and Nicole Downin (1:28:58) was third.
The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, the second runDisney night race this year, capped a sold-out weekend of events that featured more than 18,000 runners, including more than 13,000 that ran the 13.1-mile race through multiple Disney theme parks. The runners celebrated their accomplishment with an exclusive after-hours Finish Line Party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, featuring more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine, plus Disney characters, musical performances and the opportunity to ride signature Epcot attractions.
The race began at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and weaved through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. All finishers received a one-time-only fifth annual medal.
Registration for the 2015 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon starts on March 17, 2015. The half marathon weekend will take place Nov. 6-7.
Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ wins weekend over ‘Interstellar’
Disney’s “Big Hero 6” soared past Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” at the box office this weekend, as both big-budget films had strong launches.
Visit Destinations that Inspired Disney Films and Television with Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, has taken corporate synergy and creative tie-ins to a new level by exploring locales featured in popular Disney movies and television shows via a variety of exciting vacation itineraries. For their latest movie-themed vacation itinerary, Adventures by Disney has teamed up with the filmmakers behind the newest animated Disney comedy-adventure, Big Hero 6, to add unique components to their San Francisco/Napa vacation, allowing travelers to see the city that served as inspiration for the fictional town of San Fransokyo in the film.
The San Francisco/Napa Long Weekend itinerary is the latest offering from Adventures by Disney that gives travelers an inside look at the places depicted in their favorite Disney movies and television shows. From visiting the real-life inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen, to exploring the sites featured on Nashville on ABC and beyond, Adventures by Disney offers vacations to settings seen on the silver screen and television screen.
San Francisco/Napa Long Weekend Vacation Featuring Elements from Big Hero 6
On the Adventures by Disney Long Weekend vacation to San Francisco/Napa, travelers can explore the city that inspired Big Hero 6 filmmakers when creating the fictional town of San Fransokyo. New itinerary features of this 4-day, 3-night vacation include visiting the Angel Island military base and a trip through Japantown, both of which served as creative inspiration for the film. Guests will also enjoy exclusive and personalized video content from the directors and producers of Big Hero 6, along with other fun surprises.
Travel to Norway, the Land that Inspired Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen
Experience the beauty and majesty of Norway, the country that inspired Disney’s Frozen. This 8-day, 7-night itinerary takes guests into the storybook village of Bergen, which served as the inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle. Adventurers will journey through ice-capped mountains, fjords and see the stave churches that shaped the landscape and architecture depicted in the hit film.
Explore the Landscape of Scotland, Backdrop for the Disney-Pixar Film Brave
Journey through Scotland’s ancient stone castles and lush landscapes that played a role in the creation of the Disney-Pixar animated film Brave. On this 9-day, 8-night vacation, guests will take flight to the Isle of Lewis, whose people and ancient sites inspired the film. Travelers will feel like the film’s heroine, Merida, as they step between the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones and learn the art of archery. In the National Museum of Scotland, visitors can find the 200-year-old Chessmen of Lewis set, which is depicted in a chess scene between Merida and her mother in Brave.
Nashville Trip Visits Locales Featured on the Critically Acclaimed ABC Show Nashville
Known around the world as Music City, Nashville is the backdrop of the critically acclaimed television show Nashville on ABC. On the 4-day, 3-night Adventures by Disney Long Weekend to Nashville trip, fans of the show will see the city’s famous landmarks, as well as experience iconic sites featured in this musical television drama, such as the Bluebird Café, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
With more than 30 itineraries visiting exciting spots around the globe, Adventures by Disney allows families to visit the places they have always dreamed of with the people who know and understand families best.
For more details and to book reservations, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent. For more information about the incredible itineraries offered and activities included on an Adventures by Disney vacation, visit AdventuresByDisney.com.
HARRY POTTER FILM TALENT ROBBIE COLTRANE, MICHAEL GAMBON, JAMES PHELPS, OLIVER PHELPS AND EVANNA LYNCH TO APPEAR AT “A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER” EVENT AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Harry Potter film talent Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch are slated to appear at the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” – a special event hosted by Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment. The event allows fans to celebrate all of Harry’s adventures, from the beloved books to the feature films. Creative talent also set to appear includes Paul Harris, the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, Kazu Kibuishi, illustrator of Scholastic’s re-imagined Harry Potter book covers, and Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films.
“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will take place from January 30 – February 1, 2015 at Universal Orlando. Fans will enjoy three days of incredible experiences, including Q&A and autograph sessions with Harry Potter film talent, special discussions and demonstrations with creative talent, and access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo – where fans can enjoy the Sorting Hat experience, pose for a photo in a recreation of the iconic Great Hall set and celebrate their Hogwarts house pride in an interactive Pottermore exhibit.
Guests can also experience Harry Potter’s world for themselves by visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the all-new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Vacation Package guests and those with a park-to-park ticket will also be able to board the iconic Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station.
Access to “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual pass, with admission to certain activities being granted on a first-come, first-served basis. While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests, guests who purchase the exclusive event vacation package will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved sections for the discussions and demonstrations.
Holiday Activities at Disneyland Park
At Disneyland Park, holiday traditions include the popular “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by welcoming Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” into the cast. They are among the 100-plus parade performers, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, other Disney characters and Santa Claus, making a special appearance from the North Pole.
When Santa isn’t appearing in “A Christmas Fantasy,” he and Mrs. Claus are greeting guests and listening to holiday wishes at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Big Thunder Ranch in Disneyland. Jingle Jangle Jamboree comes to life with Disney characters, music, games, cookie decorating, crafts and seasonal entertainment. New this year on the Jamboree stage is a comedy and music show that invites guests to laugh and sing along in a wacky tale of Christmas in the West.
Additional beloved holiday traditions at Disneyland include:
- Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – A sensational holiday lighting and special-effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the 60-foot tall Disneyland Christmas tree in Town Square. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, ending with a touching rendition of “White Christmas” and a climactic snowfall swirling upon Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.
- “it’s a small world” Holiday becomes a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its façade and, inside, the children of many nations in their holiday attire. After dark, the smiling clock at the front of “it’s a small world” reveals a sparkling projection show. On every quarter hour, the façade of the attraction is transformed into an enormous clockwork mechanism with advanced 3D-projection technology. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the clock.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays, including the newest version of the Haunted Mansion gingerbread house.
- The skippers of “Jingle Cruise” bring holiday fun to a seasonal version of the celebrated Adventureland attraction – and it’s newly enhanced this year.
- Special holiday food items include Walt’s favorite gingerbread cookies at Jolly Holiday Bakery and Café and holiday tamale plates at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. Elf Mickey premium popcorn buckets and drink steins are available in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
- Guests may book the seasonal favorite “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour which provides entry (subject to availability) into “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Jingle Cruise along with reserved seating and a holiday treat while enjoying “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. The tour also includes viewing of the holiday décor in Disney California Adventure, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations guests may visit any Disneyland Resort Guest Relations location or call (714) 781-TOUR (781-8687).
‘Big Hero 6’: The Science Behind Baymax, Disney’s Big, Soft Robot
In “Big Hero 6,” the latest 3-D animated film from Disney, the titular hero is a robot — but not the hard, metal kind most people associate with the word. It’s a soft robot, a sort of vaguely human-shaped bag of gas. Sound far-fetched? Turns out there’s more than a little science at work here.







