Author: Nate

  • Disney Launches A Nationwide Filmmaking Competition

    Disney Launches A Nationwide Filmmaking Competition

    Nissan and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures have created a nationwide filmmaking competition for the upcoming release of “A Wrinkle in Time,” directed by Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Ava DuVernay.

    A contest created just for those who are looking to be the next big filmmaker. “Searching for the Next Visionary Filmmaker” contest will be sponsored by Nissan. Essentially, those aged 18 and up can submit a two-minute video that discusses their journey as a filmmaker. The more imaginative, the better. The only criteria other than age is that the key dialogue from the film, “Be a Warrior,” must be included.

    Director Ava DuVernay has this to say about the contest in a statement.

    “I’m thrilled to stand with Nissan and Disney to launch this dynamic contest with the goal of supporting an emerging filmmaker to think big, be bold and move forward bravely.”

    Why participate? Because you can win a $100,000 prize and a trip to Hollywood to attend the premiere of A Wrinkle in Time. And just as icing on the cake, you also win an all-new Nissan Leaf.

    THE “SEARCH FOR THE NEXT VISIONARY FILMMAKER” WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

    The chance to meet “A Wrinkle in Time” director Ava DuVernay at the world premiere

    $100,000 to create their own film

    An all-new zero emissions 2018 Nissan LEAF

    A paid trip to Hollywood for the film’s premiere including airfare and accommodation

    A computer to assist in their future filmmaking

    Official contest rules are available at AWITFilmChallenge.com.

  • Nissan Teams Up With Disney For ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

    Nissan Teams Up With Disney For ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

    Disney and Nissan are partnering up once again, this time to promote Disney’s upcoming adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. Just like they found a way to bring the Rogue SUV into the Star Wars universe, they are now promoting the Nissan Leaf which will make an appearance in the upcoming film directed by Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Ava DuVernay.

    The two companies have had a lot of success collaborating lately. Last year Disney teamed up with Nissan to promote Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with a Star Wars-themed vehicle.  It was so well received that they partnered up again with them for The Last Jedi and created a fleet of new ‘Star Wars‘ themed vehicles.

    So how exactly does this all-electric car fit into A Wrinkle in Time?

    The basic plot of the film is a fantasy story in which a girl, her brother, a classmate and three astral travelers go on a journey to save an astrophysicist father that is held captive on a distant planet. Naturally, Nissan had to get on board. While the Nissan LEAF is certainly not a model that will take you out of this world, it is the vehicle of the future. Which is exactly why the model will be present in the new movie, coming to theaters on March 9, 2018.

    Not only will the 2018 Nissan LEAF be present in the new film, but the brand has permission to create a new ad campaign inspired by the upcoming movie.

    They also have created a contest just for those who are looking to be the next big filmmaker. “Searching for the Next Visionary Filmmaker” contest will be sponsored by Nissan.

    The film’s star-studded cast includes Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Storm Reid, and hits theaters on March 9.

     

  • NEW Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine Appears at Disneyland

    NEW Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine Appears at Disneyland

    A new Haunted Mansion Pressed Coin Machine has materialized at Disneyland recently with some haunting new pressed coin designs.

    Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still you might just find the new machine at Port Royal Curios and Curiosities.

    Below is a little teaser video Disneyland Today shared recently.

    Whether you are a Haunted Mansion fan or a pressed penny collector this is a ghoulish delight.

  • Disney Minnie Van Service Expanding to Orlando International Airport

    Disney Minnie Van Service Expanding to Orlando International Airport

    Walt Disney World’s popular Minnie Van Service will now be offering transportation to Orlando International Airport. The polka-dotted transportation option currently transports guests to locations on property.

    Through a collaboration with the rideshare service, Lyft, guests at select resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then pick you up and take you to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort.

    Well now you can end your vacation in Disney Style to grab that one last bit off magic before you hit the sad flight home. But it will run you $150 bucks. Currently point-to-point trips on Walt Disney World property cost $20.

    According to fliers passed out at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the polka-dotted service is now offering transportation services from select Disney Resorts for airline departures from 9:00am through 12:00am.

    The price is steep when you think about the fact that they already have a complimentary airport bus transportation, Disney’s Magical Express, for hotel guests. Though that’s better know as the Tragical Express and perhaps riding in your own personal Minnie Van will put one last smile on your face as you bid farewell to Walt Disney World.

    It does allow you to ride in privacy however and not be bound to the Magical Express schedule. This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style!

  • Romantic Valentine’s Day Spa Package Available at Disney World Feb. 10-18

    Romantic Valentine’s Day Spa Package Available at Disney World Feb. 10-18

    Are you looking for that perfect romantic evening with your sweetie? Well look no further because Disney Parks & Resorts has created the perfect Valentine’s Day spa package that will make for date for any couple.

    Senses – A Disney Spa has created an exclusive Valentine’s Day massage package designed to be enjoyed with that special someone you feel so fortunate to have as “Part of Your World.”

    Available at both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa from Feb. 10-18, 2018, the “Part of Your World” package includes a couple’s massage with apricot-infused body oil, a chocolate hand-hydration treatment, sparkling wine served in a chocolate champagne glass and a take-home, custom-blended bath salt.

    While the regular price is $340 (plus tax) for 50 minutes and $450 (plus tax) for 80 minutes (note that a 20 percent gratuity is added automatically for convenience, with any additional gratuity paid at your discretion), Disney Vacation Club Members enjoy a 15 percent discount.

    Call Member Services for reservations.

    A valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card with photo ID will be required for this discounted experience.

  • E-Sports Deal Brings EA’s ‘Madden NFL’ To Disney XD And ESPN

    E-Sports Deal Brings EA’s ‘Madden NFL’ To Disney XD And ESPN

    A new deal between Disney, Electronic Arts and the NFL is bringing e-sports tournaments for the popular Madden franchise to Disney XD and ESPN2.

    The deal gives Disney and ESPN exclusive broadcasts of the coming EA Sports Madden NFL 18 Championship Series. The parties characterized the deal as the first “long-term multi-event competitive gaming agreement” struck with ESPN.

    “Through this collaboration with ESPN and Disney XD, we’ll provide ongoing coverage for fans worldwide across a variety of ESPN and Disney platforms, but also digitally through our own Madden streaming and social channels,” said Todd Sitrin, senior VP and GM of the Competitive Gaming Division at EA.

    The Madden NFL Ultimate League kicks off Friday, February 2 and continues through the NFL Draft on April 28th. The competition features 16 of the best “Madden NFL 18” in head to head action.

    The “Madden NFL 18″ Club Championship tournament is expected to run on the same day as the Pro Bowl, Friday, January 26. Starting on Saturday, January 27, fans can watch ESPNEWS to see the quarterfinal match ups. Then fans can follow the Club Championship Final on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes on Thursday, February 1, live from the Super Bowl Experience in Minneapolis.

    Also Disney XD and the ESPN App will become the weekly home to “Madden NFL 18” competitive gaming content. It will be bringing the latest action from the Madden NFL Ultimate League each week. The Madden NFL Ultimate League champion will be crowned at the Madden Bowl, live from the 2018 NFL Draft on ESPN2.

    Also ESPN2 will broadcast an Ultimate League Episodic Series beginning in April. The show will follow the best players in the Ultimate League on Tuesdays at 9pm ET and runs through May 1. You will also be able to find episodes on demand on the ESPN App.

    E-sports are ever-increasing in popularity especially among young audiences like the tween market Disney XD is aiming for. So popular in fact consideration is even being given to adding competitive gaming to the 2024 Olympics.

  • Coast Guard Medevacs Disney Dream Passenger Due To Medical Complications

    Coast Guard Medevacs Disney Dream Passenger Due To Medical Complications

    The Disney Dream had just set sail Thursday when the Coast Guard had to be called to medevac a 46-year-old man due to medical complications.

    The ship was 78 miles southeast of West Palm Beach when the Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received a medevac request. One of the ships passengers was experiencing medical complications and needed higher care than was available aboard the ship. They quickly directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist.

    ‘This was one of those times where every second counted, and I’m very grateful for the professionalism of the Disney crew and the hospital staff in their efforts to transport the patient as safely and efficiently as possible,’ said Lt. Michael Wightman, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander. ‘The entire flight crew wishes for the patient’s speedy recovery and a safe return home.’

    The helicopter crew arrived on scene with the vessel, hoisted the patient and flew him to Saint Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach for further medical care.

  • Egg-stravaganza Returns to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With New Scavenger Hunt

    Egg-stravaganza Returns to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With New Scavenger Hunt

    Some really Egg-citing news coming from Disney today! The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and we have first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt.

    Egg-stravaganza Flower & Garden Epcot

    From March 16 through April 1, 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 you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you record your 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 you find all of the “eggs” and complete your scavenger hunt map, you then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

    Egg-stravaganza Flower & Garden Epcot-624x352

    Also, along with the egg-cellent adventure, Epcot is 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. Just pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

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

    After your journey is complete, return your 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.

  • Season of the Force at Disneyland Paris Has Fan-Built Star Wars Vehicles This Year

    Season of the Force at Disneyland Paris Has Fan-Built Star Wars Vehicles This Year

    Season of the Force has returned to Disneyland Paris and there’s so much in store for you whether you’re a fan of the light side or the dark side. This year, on top of thrilling daytime and nighttime spectaculars and all of your favorite character appearances, a one-of-a-kind exhibition is also on display at Walt Disney Studios Park.

    For the very first time, Disneyland Paris is home to five large-scale vehicles inspired by the Star Wars galaxy! Built by fans, these intergalactic icons offer a unique chance to immerse yourself in the epic saga like never before. Models include an X-wing starfighter, ETA-2 Jedi starfighter, Imperial tie fighter, A-wing fighter and a combat assault tank.

    Disneyland Paris Season of the Force

    Fans will also see a few updates to last year’s offerings, including scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the nighttime projection show Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Walt Disney Studios Park and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disneyland Park. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is also open as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration.

    The legendary characters of the Empire, the First Order and the Resistance will all make appearances for Season of the Force. But keep an eye out – odds are you’ll come face-to-face with a Stormtrooper patrol during your visit. It’s all at Disneyland Paris until March 25!

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Dad Who Wore T-Shirt Asking For A Kidney to Disney World Finds A Donor

    Dad Who Wore T-Shirt Asking For A Kidney to Disney World Finds A Donor

    Father of five, Robert Leibowitz, was in need of a life saving organ transplant and he went to Walt Disney World in Orlando hoping for a little magic.  He turned himself into a walking billboard wearing a T-Shirt advertising his need for a kidney around the park.

    Leibowitz walked around the park, for a week, wearing a T-shirt that read: “In Need of Kidney. O Positive.” The message had his cell phone number written below it and after park-goers snapped photos and videos of the shirt and shared them on social media the story quickly went viral. One post saw 90,000 shares with in the first week.
    That was about 5 months ago, but he has finally found the Disney magic he was hoping for and now he has found a donor. Leibowitz, 60, had suffered from chronic kidney disease for 15 years.

    Richie Sully from Fort Wayne, Indiana saw the photo and decided to take action, according to the report from WPIX.

    Sully left a voicemail after calling the number saying simply, “Hi, my name is Richie. I saw your post. I have an extra kidney. I’m O-positive. You’re more than welcome to have it.”

    Also a single dad, Sully who has two girls, took off from work and went to New York where he stayed in a hotel for two weeks on his own dime. He was able to meet Liebowitz and he spent time with him everyday.

    “We walked around Manhattan for, like, six hours and we had sushi and he took me to Times Square and we talked about music and about being dads and things like that and really hit it off,” he said.

    Thursday, Sully underwent surgery beside his new friend at New York Presbyterian Hospital according to the report.

    “It’s not a big deal,” Sully said of the procedure, but for Rob Liebowitz and his family, it’s a very big deal.

    “I keep saying, ‘Thank you,’” Liebowitz said. “But you can’t put into words what he did for me, so I’ll have to figure out how to do the best I can for the rest of my life.”