How Disney World Does the Internet of Things

Companies like Cisco Systems have talked of building connected “smart cities,” in which the Internet of Things is used to deal with issues including overcrowding and security. The Walt Disney Co. is already on this trend and has made its theme parks the start of a “smart city,” as its uses technology to enhance its theme park experience, increase security, and gain incredible insight into the habits of visitors.

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Photos: Mike & Sulley’s Monsterous Playground at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival

Take a look at some photos of Mike & Sulley’s Monsterous Playground at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.

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Photos: Shakespeare Garden at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival

Take a look at Shakespeare Garden in the UK Pavilion at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.

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‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’: Surprises and Secrets From the New Teaser

The secret to pleasing Star Wars fans is to make us feel like kids again – and boy, does this new teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit that mark. Director J.J. Abrams unveiled the new teaser on Thursday morning at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, where the crowd roared with delight to see Han Solo and Chewbacca side-by-side once again.

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Star Wars 7 Is Apparently Changing The Name Of The Empire

It’s been more than 30 years since Return of the Jedi, so there are bound to be some major changes in the Star Wars universe when The Force Awakens drops later this year. One thing we now know is that the two factions formerly known as the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance will be going by different names.

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Unique Dining, Shopping and Interactive Street Entertainment Add to the Fun of Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration

he Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will touch every aspect of the guest experience, beginning May 22, 2015. As guests enjoy the spectacular, new shows highlighting the celebration, they’ll also encounter brilliant décor, special entertainment throughout the parks and countless opportunities to amplify the Diamond Celebration fun with food, beverage and souvenir offerings.

 Guests Invited to Join the Entertainment

In addition to the “Paint the Night” parade, immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular and new “World of Color – Celebrate!” shows, opportunities for guests to become part of the musical magic of Disneyland will be found throughout the resort.

  • At Disneyland:
    • Guests may join a daily Diamond March-Along up Main Street, U.S.A., with the Disneyland Band and Disney characters in their sparkling, new Diamond Celebration costumes. The cavalcade concludes with a Diamond Sing-Along at Town Square in Disneyland Park.
    • Also on Main Street, U.S.A., the Dapper Dans quartet will invite guests to join Diamond Sing-Alongs, while the Straw Hatters band will encourage Diamond Dance-Alongs. Every musical group across the Disneyland Resort is incorporating special Diamond Celebration moments into its shows.
  • At Disney California Adventure Park:
    • Guests may Dream-Along with Mickey Mouse and the Red Car News Boys, as Mickey shares a whole new song about his vision for the Happiest Place on Earth. When the Five & Dime arrive on Buena Vista Street, guests will be immersed in a joyous Dance-Along with Dime, Goofy and the boys.
    • Mad T Party returns to Disney California Adventure beginning May 22, as guests are invited down the rabbit hole to experience the Diamond Mad T Party, a nighttime entertainment party inspired by Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” motion picture.
    • The Mad T Party main stage will feature a live band, performing contemporary and classic rock favorites as well as newly mashed-up Disney tunes given a rare Mad T Party twist. When the band isn’t onstage, the White Rabbit DJ takes over and plays the latest, hottest dance tunes.
    • Also for Mad T Party, the Hottest Deck in Town dance crew will perform their high-energy show with a new look at a new location, the Hollywood Backlot Stage.
    • Diamond Mad T Party guests will also play interactive games, take photos or just chill out with a cold drink from the Drink Me Bar or Chiller truck. A new photo location combines the fantastical spirit of the Mad T Party with a tribute to Disney’s past.

    Dazzling Merchandise and Souvenirs

    Disneyland fans and collectors desiring a beautiful Diamond Celebration memento will find plenty to excite them at Disneyland Resort merchandise locations. More than 500 merchandise items will be available, including apparel, accessories, art, collectibles, headwear, home décor, jewelry, pins, souvenirs, toys and more.

    • Headwear will include a Diamond Celebration ear hat, Minnie Mouse rhinestone-embellished headband, and youth and adult baseball hats. Also being introduced from the Diamond Collection is a crystal-encrusted Minnie Mouse headband and Mickey Mouse ear hat.
    • Home Décor items will include frames, snow globes, mugs, a dinner plate, dessert plate, trivet, napkin, drinkware and bottle topper, as well as a beach towel, throws and pillow.
    • Toys will include an array of plush, a fashion doll, a Diamond Celebration truck hauler, train set, playing cards, puzzles, Sleeping Beauty Castle playset and more.
    • Open and limited edition pins, trading accessories, boxed pin sets and framed pin sets will be available.
    • Collectors also will be interested in limited release, limited edition and crystal embellished Vinylmation.
    • Art & Collectibles will include notable brands such as Precious Moments, Lenox, Highland Mint and Arribas Bros. Over the course of the celebration, fans will find artwork by Dave Avanzino, Disney Design Group (Costa Alavezos, Tyler Dumas, Susan Foy, Caley Hicks, Alex Maher, Randy Noble), Liana Hee, Ink & Paint artists, Brian Jowers, Lisa Keene, Jerrod Maruyama, Kurt Raymond, Tim Rogerson, SHAG, Javier Soto and The Thomas Kinkade Studios and Gregg Visintainer, among others.
    • Made with Magic: Newly designed Diamond Celebration ear hats, wands and paint brushes will light up to accompany the big, new after-dark shows.

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Disney’s New 3D Printer Prototype Makes Huggable Things Out Of Fabric Instead Of Hard Plastic

We’ve seen lots and lots of 3D printers over the last few years, and they almost all have one thing in common: the objects they print are hard* and mostly rigid.

What if you wanted to print something soft instead? Something you can hug, or snuggle with, or hand to your kid without fear of them jabbing it in their eye?

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New Star Wars Trailer Just Generated Another $2 Billion Profit For Disney Holders Read more: New Star Wars Trailer Just Generated Another $2 Billion Profit For Disney Holders

Sometimes you just see things that seem silly in the world of finance. It seems to be without a doubt that Star Wars is going to prove to be the best acquisitions that The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has ever made.

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Schussler Creative Opens The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats Located at the Heart of Downtown Disney

Schussler Creative, specialists in the creation and consultation of attractions, restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues worldwide, has opened The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats – located at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Schussler Creative is also the creator of other restaurant/retail attractions at Walt Disney World Resort including Rainforest Cafe (Downtown Disney and Disney’s Animal Kingdom  theme park/created by Schussler Creative; owned and operated by Landry’s); T-REX™ Cafe (Downtown Disney/created and co-owned by Schussler Creative and operated by Landry’s); and Yak & Yeti™ (Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park/created and co-owned by Schussler Creative; operated by Landry’s).

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The BOATHOUSE officially opened its doors on April 13, 2015 as one of the new venues in The Landing, the first of four planned neighborhoods as Downtown Disney transitions into Disney Springs, an exciting new waterfront district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Completion of Disney Springs is set for 2016.

The BOATHOUSE is an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring spectacular floating artwork: dream boats from the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. The restaurant is 24,000 square feet, with 8,000 feet devoted to the state-of-the-art kitchen where an extensive menu is prepared, showcasing steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar. The BOATHOUSE will seat up to 600 guests and will serve guests until 2 a.m. The restaurant is designed with spectacular nautically-themed rooms including The Runabout, Twin Transoms, and The Lake House.

There are also two private dining rooms: The Regatta and The Trophy Room for hosting special events, receptions, and corporate presentations. In addition, there are three distinctive bars featuring classic craft cocktails, along with an extensive list of wines, anchored by iconic American vineyards. Bars include: The Captain’s Raw Bar, The Admiral’s Club Bar and The Dock Bar, which is built over the water and attached to over 300 feet of boardwalk and docks, connecting all areas of the restaurant. The BOATHOUSE restaurant will be managed by the award-winning Gibsons Restaurant Group, internationally renowned and celebrated for exceptional food, service and hospitality.
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Photos: English Tea Garden at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival

Take a look at some photos from the English Tea Garden at the UK Pavilion for Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.

Click on the photos for larger view.

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