WDW Daily News

Make-A-Wish and The Walt Disney Company celebrated the 100,000th Disney-related wish during a special event at Disneyland Resort Wednesday night. Since granting the first wish in 1981 for eight-year-old Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar to go to Disneyland®, Make-A-Wish and Disney have worked together to grant wishes for children from all over the world. Thirty-five years later, Make-A-Wish and Disney have marked an enormous milestone by recognizing seven-year-old Luke as the 100,000th Disney wish kid.

Days after celebrating his 5th birthday with his family, Luke was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. After having his tumor removed, Luke faced months of chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell treatment to help combat the cells that had metastasized. Luke could think of nothing more perfect than to visit the Disneyland Resort with his entire family to give him the hope, strength and joy he would need during the road ahead.

Through the generosity of The Walt Disney Company, Luke’s wish came true. After setting off for California from Texas, Luke and his family spent several fun-filled days visiting the parks. Highlights included a special meeting with his favorite Cars characters as well as Anna and Elsa, a special viewing of World of Color – Celebrate!, and reserved seating for the Paint the Night Parade and Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular.

“Since the very first wish, Disney has provided wish kids like Luke with imaginative experiences and lasting memories, the kind only Disney can provide,” said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. Jon Stettner, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish International echoed those comments saying, “Disney’s steadfast support of our mission continues to grow as they help us all believe that anything is possible. We are grateful to have such a dedicated friend.”

“It’s amazing to think that 35 years ago, Make-A-Wish granted its very first wish at the Disneyland Resort, which sparked a legacy of fulfilling wishes that has captured so many hearts,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “It’s wonderful to celebrate our 100,000th wish together, and we’re proud to play a role in bringing smiles and laughter to wish children and their families.”

Disney is a long-time supporter of Make-A-Wish and uses its magic to form incredible, life-changing experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Through its long-time support, Disney has contributed to the Make-A-Wish mission in a number of ways, providing more than USD15 million in cash and in-kind donations in the last year alone. Nearly 8,000 Disney-related wishes are granted every year – including experiences at Disney theme parks, voyages on Disney Cruise Line, meetings with Disney characters, and visits to TV and movie sets – making Disney the most popular request by Make-A-Wish children, and accounting for one of every two wishes granted.

For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org; for more information on Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.

Walt Disney Co. is introducing its first standalone streaming service, a video and music product in the U.K. that highlights the media company’s effort to reach viewers outside of the traditional cable TV package.

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A new, custom-painted Disney “Frozen”-themed plane featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from the beloved Disney film just joined the WestJet fleet. Disney artists, cast members and WestJetters collaborated to design the “Frozen”-themed aircraft.

Similar to the earlier Magic Plane, the outside of the aircraft tells a story. On the tail of our aircraft, Anna and Elsa celebrate sisterhood and the magic of snow. From the aircraft tail along the fuselage, the magic travels to warm the front of the aircraft where Olaf can be found enjoying a summer day on the beach. The inside of the plane has a design that matches the outside. In the rear of the aircraft, the overhead bins and headrest covers have a cold theme. As you move towards the middle of the plane, the interior decoration transitions to become warmer, ultimately arriving on a warm, sunny theme at the front of the plane.

While the Disney “Frozen”-themed plane is inspired by Walt Disney World Resort, it will operate flights throughout WestJet’s network, not just to Orlando.

When two Disney diehards find each other and fall in love, the connection is electric.

And if both parties are really, truly Disney lovers to the core, then weaving some of that signature magic into their engagement photos is an absolute must.

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Today, the 2015 Disney Accelerator powered by Techstars, a program designed to accelerate the growth of start-up companies from around the world, hosted a Demo Day where the 10 participating companies presented their businesses to the investment and entrepreneurial communities, industry leaders and Disney executives. Many of the companies announced product launches and funding, as well as new relationships and programs with several divisions of The Walt Disney Company, including ABC, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, ESPN, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and others.

During the three-month Disney Accelerator program the participants received up to $120,000 in investment capital to develop their ideas, along with mentor support from top Disney executives. Mentors included Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, and leaders from Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering, plus Techstars’ extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors and executives.

“Disney Accelerator has allowed us to work with some of the world’s most innovative start-ups who are developing products, experiences, and technologies that will help shape the future of entertainment,” said Kevin Mayer, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, combined with Disney’s experience, make for a powerful combination—and we are excited to partner with many of them as they continue their journeys.”

The Disney Accelerator 2015 start-up companies are as follows:

• Decisive: Decisive analyzes and predicts how audiences will respond to images and video on social media platforms. While in Disney Accelerator, Decisive exited the mobile ad business to launch a new predictive social analytics platform for brands.
• EMOTIV:  EMOTIV creates technology to enable everyone to build a relationship with their brain. EMOTIV Insight is a wearable for your brain that monitors emotions, improves mental performance and controls both virtual and physical objects with thoughts.  EMOTIV Insight is available now.
• FEM Inc.: FEM Inc. engages diverse audiences with Prizma, a platform that powers personalized video experiences using principles of neuroscience. During the Disney Accelerator, FEM Inc. launched Prizma and announced $3M in Series Seed funding.
• HYP3R: HYP3R makes it easy for businesses to engage influential customers at specific locations on a personal level, in real-time. Since joining Disney Accelerator, HYP3R enhanced its engagement platform and has seen 100% revenue growth every month.
• imperson: imperson is pioneering conversational media, driven by artificial intelligence, so fans can message their favorite movie and TV characters. Today imperson announced that it will be working with the team at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Labs to create a new messaging experience for The Muppets featuring Miss Piggy coming later this fall.
• Littlstar: Littlstar is a Virtual Reality and 360 video consumer destination and developer platform, where audiences can discover and share premium immersive content. Littlstar is live on iPhone, Android, Web, and the Gear VR, with more devices coming. Creators are running exclusive VR content on Littlstar and building on their platform.
• MakieLab: MakieLab lets kids bring toys to life by building their own customizable 3D-printed toys through creative games and apps. Since joining Disney Accelerator, MakieLab has opened up an office in Los Angeles to expand into the US market. MakieLab will be introducing Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel-branded accessories for Makie dolls, as well as helping kids create their own versions of a Star Darling – inspired by Disney’s brand-new franchise for girls – in Fall 2016.
• Open Bionics: Open Bionics is turning children with limb differences into Super Heroes, creating low-cost, 3D printed, bionic hands for amputees. Today Open Bionics revealed custom bionic hands for kids. The Walt Disney Company is generously donating the time of its creative teams and providing royalty free licenses, which will allow Open Bionics to offer Disney-inspired bionic hands for kids from franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel’s Iron Man and Disney’s Frozen.  Industrial Light & Magic’s xLAB division and Walt Disney Animation Studios supported the design efforts.
• Pundit: Pundit is talk for mobile & social — an easy way to create, share and respond to stories with your voice. While participating in Disney Accelerator, Pundit piloted “Pundit Talks” with top talent from Disney Music Group and Radio Disney. Pundit beta is currently available in the App Store.
• StatMuse: StatMuse is an interactive platform for sports fans to search, share, and discover sports, powered by simple natural language. On StatMuse, every search result is a piece of content and every sports fan becomes a content creator. StatMuse announced today that it will officially launch StatMuse.com later this month, and starting this basketball season, StatMuse is contributing to ESPN’s statistical basketball content.

Last year’s Disney Accelerator companies have reached many milestones since completing the program.  All of the 2014 startups have raised capital, been acquired or become profitable since joining the 2014 Disney Accelerator, and many of the participating companies have launched products and programs in conjunction with The Walt Disney Company, including Sphero’s hugely successful BB-8 droid toy that was released on Force Friday. For more information about the Disney Accelerator program, please visithttp://DisneyAccelerator.com.

October 3, marked an important date in Disney history as it was the 60th anniversary of the original Mickey Mouse Club, which debuted on the ABC television network in 1955. To commemorate the occasion, The Walt Disney Family Museum hosted a program and celebration with a number of the original Mouseketeers. They will be celebrating again at The Walt Disney Family Museum today, Sunday, October 4, 2015.

Mouseketteers 60th Reunion

Mouseketteers 60th Reunion

Mouseketteers 60th Reunion

Mouseketteers 60th Reunion

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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.

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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.

Desperate Disneygoers who want to snag a coveted table at some of the park’s hottest restaurants and special events have been turning to a clever new app that is causing criticism.

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Disney Parks calls upon passionate Disney fans and seasoned trip planners dedicated to helping others create magical vacation memories to apply for a spot on the 2016 Disney Parks Mom Panel. Now in its eighth year, the online trip-planning forum features an array of panelists specializing in each unique Disney destination and experience. This year, Disney seeks bilingual panelists and savvy world travelers to share their valuable expertise with its visitors. Candidates can apply now through September 15 by visiting www.momspanelsearch.com.

Since its inception in 2008, the panel has grown to include a variety of enthusiastic and diverse Disney-loving experts, composed of moms, dads, grandparents, and even aunts. Now offered in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, the program is easily adapted for Disney Parks’ culturally-rich visitors. Users have access to a robust library of questions and answers to satisfy any trip-planning inquiry, from dining and entertainment recommendations to shopping and transportation tips, and beyond. These parents are well-equipped to not only help plan memorable vacations for guests heading to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, but also answer questions about Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, runDisney and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

“We are so encouraged by the excitement that surrounds our annual Disney Parks Moms Panel search and each year seek new ways to evolve and adapt it to best accommodate the needs of our culturally-diverse visitors,” said Leanne O’Regan, Director of Social Media for Disney Parks. “With the addition of more bilingual panelists, we hope to expand the panel’s appeal and influence further by lending fresh insights and unique perspectives in an engaging forum.”

In addition to being deeply knowledgeable and well-versed in all things Disney, the panelists always aim to keep communications with guests upbeat and personable, making for an efficient and fun trip planning experience from start to finish. The Disney Parks Moms Panel plays an integral role in helping families create lifelong Disney memories and continues to grow stronger each year.

How to Apply
Disney Parks will accept applications for the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel from 10 a.m. ET on September 8, 2015 through September 15, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. ET., or when 15,000 applications have been received. Those interested should visit www.momspanelsearch.com to enter. The application process includes a series of written questions and submissions, with the final round in the form of a brief phone interview. Once the search is complete, the top candidates will be officially announced as members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel in January 2016. Panelists must be available to attend a training session at Walt Disney World Resort in December 2015.