Disney and ‘Her Universe’ Expand Licensing Deal to Reach More Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel Fans

Disney announced an expanded collaboration with ‘Her Universe’ and the company’s founder, Ashley Eckstein, that brings new Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel merchandise lines and a new book to a broader set of fans and consumers.

The 360 deal between Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) and ‘Her Universe’ expands beyond the existing licensed lines of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars apparel, accessories, and home goods and opens up new categories and opportunities including a new, heroic character-inspired athleisure line for kids and tweens called ‘Our Universe’. Featuring activewear, swimwear, footwear and accessories, ‘Our Universe’ is now available exclusively online at shopDisney.com and in-store at all Disney store locations. The first wave of the collection is inspired by Marvel Entertainment’s Black Panther and Disney Princess, with a Star Wars line coming soon for kids, tweens and adults. Pieces include leggings, sweatpants, zip up hoodies and headbands to help encourage kids to get outside and be active.

Beyond apparel, the expanded deal includes an inspirational book authored by Eckstein coming from Disney Book Group in May 2018. The book, “It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen,” is based on Eckstein’s personal story and her journey to success. The book highlights Eckstein’s road to making her dreams come true and how her personal passions led to the creation of ‘Her Universe’ and the creation of an unrivaled female fan community. “It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen” is available for pre-order now: http://books.disney.com/book/its-your-universe/.

“Ashley and Her Universe are trailblazers,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship, and to work together on new ways for fans of all ages to celebrate their love for Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel through unique and authentic products.”

‘Her Universe’ has been at the forefront of creating stylish, fashion-forward, and authentic merchandise for fangirls and Eckstein has been a force in creating a more inclusive environment for science fiction and fantasy fans and opening up opportunities for fangirls to express their fandom and individuality. Through the relationship with Her Universe, DCPI has been able to further reach a broad audience and has tapped into emerging female fans of the Star Wars and Marvel franchises. Her Universe is a strategic partner for DCPI, as the business segment continues to extend the appeal of The Walt Disney Company’s franchises to new audiences through innovative products and engaging experiences.

“As a little girl, I grew up in Orlando, Florida with a father who was a Disney World cast member, and the world of Disney taught me how to make my dreams come true as an actress and a designer,” said Eckstein. “Every item of clothing and this new book draws on my personal passion for the brand and is inspired by that love. Now, I am beyond honored that Disney is allowing me the opportunity to pay it forward to a new generation of dreamers. My goal with this line and book is to inspire fans of all ages to make their dreams come true too.”

Fans can visit select Disney store locations to join Celebrate Your Dreams, a special interactive event featuring a video presentation with Ashley Eckstein every Saturday at 3:00 PM. Please check your local Disney store for details. Connect with Disney store and Her Universe on social media: @shopDisney and @HerUniverse.

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Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

The Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort on May 27, 2018.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Here’s a look at other event offerings:

  • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
  • Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
  • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
  • Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
  • Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
  • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
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Egg-Stravaganza Returns, New Honey Bee Scavenger Hunt Added to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. Today we’re sharing first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt.

From March 16-April 1, 2018 guests visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival can participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters.

As guests find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, they can record their discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

  • Disney Trader
  • Pin Central
  • World Traveler

When guests find all of the “eggs” and complete their scavenger hunt map, they then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

Also, along with our egg-cellent adventure, we’re featuring a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. Guests can pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

As guests explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, guests have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once guests find him, they can add the corresponding sticker to their map.

After guests journey is complete, they can return their map for a springtime surprise.

Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.

For more information on the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, visit epcotinspring.com.

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Watch – Avengers: Infinity War Trailer With Disney/Pixar Characters

The long-awaited trailer for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers epic drummed up a lot of excitement, inspiring countless mashups and fan edits. One YouTube editor made their own version with Disney and Pixar characters, teasing a crossover of a different kind.

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16 trips every Disney lover needs to take in their lifetime

The most iconic Disney movie settings don’t just come from animators’ imaginations; they are usually inspired by actual places.

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Ballast Point & More Exciting Changes Coming to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in 2018

The Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort is continuing its ambitious, promenade-wide transformation in 2018. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to marquee dining and retail locations, including the World of Disney store, will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney District remains open to Guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing your Clients by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment.

Wildly popular San Diego-based brewer Ballast Point will open its first Orange County location in Downtown Disney District later this year. Ballast Point pairs its high-quality, award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. The space will house the first-ever on-site brewery, tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden at Downtown Disney District. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, across from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar.

Recently opened in Downtown Disney District is the multi-sensory experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. The hyper-reality experience transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout the space.

Other exciting experiences slated to open in 2018 include:

  • World of Disney will be reimagined into a new, dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. The flagship store will remain open to Guests for shopping during the majority of the refurbishment, with work expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018.
  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on Jan. 29, 2019.
  • Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Opening in February 2018.
  • Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its outside patio with a new outside bar. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018.
  • Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will serve its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes in a casual atmosphere. Opening later this year.

And your Clients can visit other locations at Downtown Disney District, including The LEGO Store, Curl Surf, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Sephora, Sprinkles, PANDORA Jewelry, The Dream Boutique and more.

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Disney After Dark Events Return to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom® Park is once again hosting Disney After Hours events on select nights through March. Available to a limited number of Guests, Disney After Hours allows participants to maximize their time in the park with quicker access to over 25 popular attractions and character greetings. Ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages, included with event admission, are available during the three-hour event.

Event Guests may begin entering the park as early as 7 p.m. and remain in the park for three hours past the scheduled closing time.

Remaining event dates include:

  • Jan. 26 and 30
  • Feb. 8 and 15
  • March 1 and 8

Please note that Disney After Hours does not replace Extra Magic Hours (EMH) for our resort Guests and are instead held on non-EMH dates.

Only a limited number of tickets are available for each night, so be sure to purchase tickets by calling the Disney Reservation Center at 407-827-7185 or visiting the Disney Travel Agents website. The advance ticket price is $119 per adult or child

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Disney Cruise Line Takes Guests on Epic Adventures in 2019 with Return of Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea

In 2019, epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular itineraries – Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Spanning two Disney cruise ships, sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, these cruises bring Disney and fan-favorite fun to families and guests of all ages.

Star Wars Day at Sea

From January to early March, 2019, special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings will transport guests to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience unlike any other where guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.

The cruise features a full day of Star Wars activities including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise.

Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Departing Jan. 5, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 16 and March 2, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2019, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

Marvel Day at Sea

From January to early March, 2019, special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take guests to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe.

Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the select Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains assembles on a cruise ship.

The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on 10 Disney Magic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, Florida.

Departing Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay.

Departing Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and March 3, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

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Disneyland Resort Reimagines Downtown Disney District in 2018 with Innovative New Venues and Refurbishments

The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is continuing its ambitious, promenade-wide transformation in 2018. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to marquee dining and retail locations, including the World of Disney store, will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney remains open to guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment.

Also announced today, popular craft brewer Ballast Point will open its first Orange County location in Downtown Disney later this year. Ballast Point pairs award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. In addition to Ballast Point’s iconic beers, including its flagship Sculpin IPA, the location will serve exclusive, limited-edition beers available only at Downtown Disney. The space will house Downtown Disney’s first-ever on-site brewery, as well as a tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden.

“Our guests are constantly looking for unique experiences, which is why we’re refreshing familiar spaces and unveiling new locations around every corner of the Disneyland Resort,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “Innovative venues such as Ballast Point, Splitsville and The VOID are just a few great examples of the transformation taking place in Downtown Disney this year.”

A recent addition to Downtown Disney is the multi-sensory experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. The hyper-reality experience transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout the space. In groups of four, teams go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

Other exciting experiences slated to open in 2018 include:

World of Disney will be reimagined into a new, dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. The flagship store will remain open to guests for shopping during the majority of the refurbishment, with work expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018. World of Disney will continue to offer the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles and more at the Disneyland Resort.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a dynamic recreation destination, will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on January 29, the Downtown Disney District location will feature 20 bowling lanes interspersed throughout two floors, four dining areas (indoors and out), more than 25 flat screen TVs and live entertainment 365 days a year.
Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Guests will find a curated assortment of products that change with each season. Disney Home will open February 2018 in the former D-Street location.
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its patio with a new outside bar and additional seating for al fresco dining. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018. In addition, Napolini, Naples’ fast-casual concept, will also remain open, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Napolini will undergo renovations during the latter part of construction.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney District later this year. Known for its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes, Black Tap will offer a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a modern luncheonette, with a distinctly New York vibe.
The Downtown Disney District (no admission fee required) is steps from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park and the three on-property hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Atmospheric music and entertainment create a lively backdrop for guests. The destination features a diverse collection of casual restaurants, favorite snacking stops, shopping boutiques and high-energy entertainment, including Starbucks, The VOID, La Brea Bakery Café, The LEGO Store, Curl Surf, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar, Sephora, Sprinkles, PANDORA Jewelry, The Dream Boutique and the World of Disney store.

The Downtown Disney District parking lot is conveniently located next to the action and offers three hours of parking with a $20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location. Guests will also enjoy up to five hours of parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant or AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theatres.

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The Most Fascinating Attraction at Disney World You Aren’t Allowed to Visit

Lenny DeGeorge is part of a highly creative team that spends much of their days working inside Disney’s Flavor Lab, a relatively secret, hard-to-access space, hidden away somewhere on Walt Disney World property. Their mission? To dream up, create and then help execute every single new food and beverage concept…

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