Disney Cruise Line Introduces Star Wars Day at Sea on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings

In 2016, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea.

Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of all seven Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:

Force-filled Fun for Everyone

Darth Vader, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for meet-and-greets, photos and may be seen patrolling the decks.
“Star Wars Saga: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away” is an interactive participation show featuring guests retelling their favorite Star Wars stories, with the help of props and special effects.
Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, putting their knowledge of the film and television sagas to the test.
Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and cosplay and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium.
At noon, guests on deck will be treated to a very special episode – to mark the midday, the Disney Fantasy ship’s horn will resound the opening notes of the “Imperial March.”
In the evening, The Tube nightclub transports adult guests to another galaxy with Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails, lively cantina music and a super fan trivia challenge.

Younglings Use Their Power

In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children to learn the ways of the Jedi and put their skills to the test in a final battle with the Sith Lord, Darth Vader.
In “Padawan Mind Challenge,” Younglings participate in a fun, brain-bending battle of wits and trivia to become mind challenge masters.
Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.

Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks

The day concludes with more intergalactic fun when the “Summon the Force” deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
The party culminates as Star Wars characters converge for a celebration of the saga in an epic show featuring special effects and guest participation.
The grand finale is a spectacular display of pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and a medley of Star Wars

Merchandise, Food and Beverage

Event merchandise exclusive to Star Wars Day at Sea is available on each sailing, including a range of collectible items, customizable nametags and eight special trading pins – one for each of the Star Wars Day at Sea cruises.
An epic day is not complete without a feast for the palate so the dinner menu includes creative fare such as Sand People salad, Bantha steak empanadas, Opee Sea Killer shrimp cocktail and Qui-Gon’s crisp chicken. Sweet endings complete the meal with Calrissian velvet cake, Cloud City macarons and a frozen carbonite sundae.
Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages include the colorful Galaxy in a Glass made with rum, coconut, mango and strawberry and a non-alcoholic Planetoid Punch.
For sipping, there are non-alcoholic beverages in collectible cups like a BB-8 sipper and Chewbacca stein and for snacking popcorn is served in containers themed to Darth Vader’s helmet or a tie fighter.

Film Screenings

Guests can watch all seven films in the Star Wars saga and follow Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Rey and Finn along their epic journey.
Also showing are episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

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D’s Throwback Disney – Looking at brief history of Space Mountain by David Caamano

When I was a young boy vacationing to Disney World with my family I was a wuss when it came to thrill rides. My sister was the thrill seeker and showed no fear. So when it came time for me to initially ride Space Mountain, I was doubtful. Put it this way…I was such a coward, that I vomited on my mother’s arms in line to ride Maelstrom at the Norway pavilion because I was so anxious and worked up. At some point in the early 1990s, I finally allowed my mother to pressure me onto Disney World’s classic thrill ride. I am now grateful for this push and since then, Space Mountain has been one of my favorites.

Tomorrow marks the 41st birthday of the first ever Space Mountain; the first indoor roller coaster on the globe and first coaster to be controlled and powered entirely by computers. With five Space Mountains in the world, the Florida version remains a classic and is extremely popular with park guests. Sponsored by RCA at the time, it opened it’s doors on January 15th, 1975 (the same year my parents graduated high school). An astronaut Mickey Mouse joined real life astronaut Colonel James Irwin in dedicating this new attraction and took the maiden voyage into space.

The dedication ceremony was a grand two-day event that was later televised as part of The Wonderful World Disney series. The hour long show aired on March 23rd, 1975 and was hosted by the daughter of tv’s most famous couple from the 1950s, Lucie Arnaz. The celebration began the night before, with an outdoor banquet for thousands of invited guests and was located at the Caribbean Plaza in Adventureland. It was a perfect vantage point from across the park to view the newly improved Tomorrowland. The next day, on January 15th, 50,000 balloons, a 2,000 piece marching band on the tracks of the People Mover and thousands of doves helped kick off the dedication ceremony. In reality, the tv special was a 40 minute commercial advertising the many entertainment and attraction offerings at the resort intertwined with musical numbers and tap dancing by stars of the time such as Tommy Tune. If you can stomach the citrus-coloured outfits of the 1970s, you can find it on YouTube.

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The Good Dinosaur Is Officially Pixar’s First Fossil

While Pixar’s heart is almost always in the right place, it was destined to fail at some point or another. Some thought The Incredibles was the end of the line, before getting a handle on its beauty.

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Disney to hire, train its own security personnel

Disney’s launching another major security change at its Orlando parks nearly a month after metal detectors were put up at the front gates.

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This is what 5 of your favorite Pixar movies looked like in early sketches before they hit the big screen

It takes a lot of work, and a lot of trial and error, to bring an animated world to life.

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2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel Announces Ten New Members and Upcoming Website Makeover

Disney Parks officially announced the ten newest members to its 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel, plus a newly designed website that promises to lend fresh insights and improved accessibility for future guests.

Ushering in a new era for the celebrated online forum, this year’s newcomers are as diverse as Disney Parks’ own culturally rich visitors with bilingual parents, single moms, dads, grandparents, and those with special needs children – all eager to share their trip planning expertise and passion for Disney with like-minded families.

Newest Members of the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel

Now in its ninth year, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online resource to help guests with their Disney vacation planning using the personal opinions, expertise and relatable experiences of everyday parents and grandparents. With just the click of a mouse or touch screen device, travelers have access to a wide-array of enthusiastic panelists who can share advice on how to maximize their future stay and create lifelong family memories. The multilingual resource, offered in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, can accommodate every Disney trip-planning inquiry imaginable – from the best fireworks viewing spots, tips for traveling with large families and ideal booking windows for popular restaurants, to special dietary dining options, cruise ship itineraries and on-property hotel offerings.

In addition to being well-versed in so many Disney Destinations’ amenities available, all of the panelists are genuine, friendly and excited to share their expertise with others, putting fellow parents at ease during the often stressful and overwhelming process of planning a vacation. Originally created with a specific focus on the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Parks Moms Panel has since grown to include members with extensive knowledge of every other unique Disney property and offering, which also includes Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, runDisney and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Among the most eagerly awaited aspects of the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel is the arrival of a refreshed consumer website, slated to launch later this winter. Featuring a sleek new design layout and improved functionality for better user navigation, the mobile-device optimized site will make it easier for guests to plan an unforgettable Disney vacation at home or on-the-go.

Specific updates to the website includes a new topic search structure that will provide guests with easy access to more than 150,000 questions asked by previous visitors and answered by the knowledgeable panelists. With the new feature, guests can quickly sort and filter through tagged topics and find relevant content; and as always, visitors can get their own questions answered using the “Ask a Question” feature. In true Disney style, the website will reflect a sense of community by showcasing trending topics and most popular topics, allowing families to learn from each other’s past experiences and inspire the creation of new memories.

“2016 is poised to be an exciting and transformative year for the Disney Parks Moms Panel,” said Leanne O’Regan, director of public relations for Disney Parks. “Not only are we welcoming ten motivated and diverse professionals to our esteemed forum, but we are also preparing to debut a new website experience in the coming months, streamlining the trip planning process and paving the way for what should be the most magical time of our guests’ lives.”

In September 2015, thousands of hopeful parents worldwide vied for a spot on the coveted Panel, making it the second largest pool of submissions since the program’s inception nearly a decade ago. Following three rounds of interviews, essays and video submissions, a strong group of ten passionate parents and grandparents – including university professors, a physician and nurse, event planner, and an Information Technician specialist – were selected to join the respected forum. Since 2008, more than 130 experienced parents have served on the Disney Parks Moms Panel helping in the planning process for tens of thousands of Disney vacation guests.

Joining the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel are as follows:

Brandy Robinson; Euless, Tex. (Disney Cruise Line)
Erin Karsman; Pittsburgh, Pa. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Jackie Psarianos; Richmond Hill, Ont. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Jennifer Reeves; Columbia, Mo. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Kiki Wong-Yee; Carmichael, Calif. (Disneyland Resort)
Korliss Datcher; Birmingham, Ala. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Nancy Murphy; Alpine, Ut. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Priscila Noriega; Miami, Fla. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Ricardo Stella; Plainsboro, N.J. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Sally Bulavko; El Paso, Tex. (Disney Vacation Club)

To learn more about the Disney Parks Moms Panel and meet the newest panelists, please visithttp://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/. For those interested in joining next year’s panel, application details will be posted on the website in the summer of 2016.

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SWING INTO SPRING AT DISNEYLAND PARIS: NEW & DETAILS!

This is a new release that fell today, unveiling the details of the 2016 spring season will keep the same name as in previous years: Swing Into Spring. And so, discover the novelties of this spring season 2016! The season begins March 5th and ends May 29.

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Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney’s Newest World-Class Destination

The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group announced today that Shanghai Disney Resort will host a multi-day, grand opening celebration, culminating in a spectacular welcoming ceremony for the resort’s first official guests on June 16, 2016. The world-class resort, located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, will be Disney’s first destination resort in mainland China, featuring classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new experiences tailored for the people of China.

“When it opens in June, Shanghai Disney resort will be a one-of-a-kind, world-class destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “The resort reflects Disney’s legendary storytelling along with China’s rich culture, and showcases some of the most creative and innovative experiences we’ve ever created. We’re looking forward to showing it to the world and sharing it with the people of China for generations to come.”

In 2014, Disney and Shanghai Shendi Group, joint shareholders of the Resort, announced an accelerated expansion plan to capitalize on the tremendous growth in China’s tourism sector – adding additional attractions, entertainment and other offerings to increase capacity at the theme park. On opening day, Shanghai Disney Resort will include:

Shanghai Disneyland, a world-class theme park with six themed lands: Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove and Fantasyland, all centered around the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest and tallest castle at any Disney theme park. Guests will enjoy numerous thrilling attractions and live entertainment spectaculars – many of them first-of-a-kind for a Disney park.
The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, imaginatively themed resort-hotels conveniently located near the theme park. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired resort with a touch of Disney magic and imagination, while the Toy Story Hotel immerses guests in a world inspired by the toys from the Disney-Pixar series of Toy Story animated films.
Disneytown, an international shopping, dining and entertainment district, adjacent to the entrance of Shanghai Disneyland. Disneytown will include the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, home to the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway hit Disney’s THE LION KING. Another “must-see” for guests will be the World of Disney Store, offering an impressive collection of Disney merchandise, including many products designed especially for Shanghai Disney Resort.
Wishing Star Park, a recreational area with beautiful gardens, a walking path and a glittering lake. With approximately 40 hectares, Wishing Star Park presents guests with awe-inspiring natural views and beautiful sunsets.

The resort represents the largest foreign investment project in Shanghai, and one of the largest foreign investments in the history ofChina. The opening of Shanghai Disney Resort will mark a key milestone in the development of tourism in Shanghai, changing the landscape of the industry and delighting guests for generations to come.

Shanghai Disney Resort broke ground in 2011 and has celebrated numerous construction milestones since then, including the topping off of the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle in spring 2015. In October, the resort kicked off the first of several large-scale job fairs aimed at ultimately recruiting thousands of cast members from across China to provide Disney’s legendary service to guests on opening day.

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Disney Launches New Merchandise Celebrating Iconic Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Disney today revealed details of new Star Wars: The Force Awakens products kept under wraps to preserve surprises for fans. With the film now breaking box office records and storylines officially revealed, new toys, collectibles and more are rolling out at Disney Store locations and mass retailers nationwide.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens has made instant icons of new characters like Rey, Finn and Kylo Ren. We’re excited to share an incredible range of products that celebrates these fantastic new heroes and villains, allowing fans to take some movie magic home,” said Paul Southern, Senior Vice President, Star Wars Licensing, Disney Consumer Products.

For the first time ever, Star Wars was featured in the National Retail Federation’s top ten toys lists for both boys and girls, and the new line puts heroine Rey front and center.

Elissa Margolis, Senior Vice President, Disney Store comments, “Rey is a true break out hero in the movie and is proving a huge hit with our guests. Demand for Rey merchandise was strong even before the movie released, with products selling as quickly as we could restock shelves, and it’s only growing with the success of the film.”

New items focus on key plot points from the movie like the identity of Kylo Ren and the reveal of Rey’s weapon as a lightsaber. Highlights from the Disney Store line include a Rey Lightsaber toy, updated Elite Series Die Cast Action Figures, a Kylo Ren Unmasked action figure, as well as a Deluxe Figure Play Set that includes 10 highly detailed figures such as General Leia, Han Solo, Rey, Kylo Ren and more.

Highlights at mass retail include new items from Hasbro, such as: 12-inch action figures featuring the characters Rey and Finn as FN-2187 (his stormtrooper moniker), 3.75-inch figures featuring new characters and scenes like Rey in her Resistance Outfit with her Lightsaber, Star Wars NERF Rey and Han Solo blasters, and a Star Wars Bladebuilders Rey Electronic Lightsaber. From LEGO®, newStar Wars: The Force Awakens construction sets include a Resistance Troop Transporter (featuring a General Leia minifigure) as well as LEGO® brand Star Wars™ buildable figures featuring heroes and villains from the film, such as Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma and more.

Beyond figures and play sets, fans can find products featuring their favorite characters including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma, across a range of categories including: Hot Wheels® diecast vehicles and ships from Mattel, plush from Build-a-Bear, skateboards and outdoor play items, role play from Rubies, home décor (bedding, throws, posters), seasonal and party supplies, puzzles and much more. Apparel for the whole family is also available at Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Hot Topic and more.

The first wave of product around Star Wars: The Force Awakens was officially launched on “Force Friday,” a global fan event on September 4, 2015, which saw more 130,000 fans turn up to one of 3,000 retail locations in the US that opened their doors at midnight. Highlights of the new line were revealed via a global unboxing event that unfolded over 18 hours, 15 cities and 12 countries. Kicking off in Sydney and rolling around the world New Year’s Eve style, the event saw popular Maker talent unveil new toys in different cities across four continents with the whole event streamed live on YouTube.

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Artist’s Rendering Reveals New Look Coming to Rivers of America in Disneyland Park

The Disneyland Resort is constantly evolving, with the addition of new entertainment and attractions, seasonal overlays for beloved attractions, plus new theming and regular refurbishments. The ongoing expansion of Disneyland park includes plans for a beautiful new waterfront in Frontierland, along the north bank of the Rivers of America. An artist’s rendering, courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering, illustrates the stunning new riverbank, complete with an elevated trestle over which the iconic Disneyland Railroad will travel. The Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia operate along the Rivers of America. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island — a mysterious place rumored to have hidden treasure — is surrounded by the river.

The developments along the Rivers of America are in preparation for a new, 14-acare StarWars-themed land, with groundbreaking scheduled for 2016. As the expansion unfolds, Disneyland guests will have unique, limited-time opportunities to experience some of their favorite attractions in new ways. At the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations, guests will be able to get up-close to the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland for decades, learning more about these fascinating machines firsthand from the train engineers. Additional fun experiences will be announced throughout the year on the Disney Parks Blog.

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WDW Daily News

Connecting Fans to News About Walt Disney World • Disneyland • Travel Reviews

Disney Cruise Line Introduces Star Wars Day at Sea on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings

D’s Throwback Disney – Looking at brief history of Space Mountain by David Caamano

The Good Dinosaur Is Officially Pixar’s First Fossil

Disney to hire, train its own security personnel

This is what 5 of your favorite Pixar movies looked like in early sketches before they hit the big screen

2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel Announces Ten New Members and Upcoming Website Makeover

SWING INTO SPRING AT DISNEYLAND PARIS: NEW & DETAILS!

Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney’s Newest World-Class Destination

Disney Launches New Merchandise Celebrating Iconic Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Artist’s Rendering Reveals New Look Coming to Rivers of America in Disneyland Park

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