Author: Nate

Pixar Pier Brings a Midway of Pixar-Themed Carnival Games to California Adventure

Tucked along a favorite corner of the newly reimagined Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park you’ll find a midway full of Pixar-themed carnival style games.

The Games of Pixar Pier feature four colorful and whimsical games: WALL•E Space Race, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Each booth at this nostalgic midway is uniquely themed to Pixar stories and characters—ready for you to test your skills and try your luck!

Take a closer look at each game booth below.

WALL•E Space Race
Designed after the inspiring dance scene in space from the Disney•Pixar film “WALL•E,” this game features pals WALL•E and EVE. Aim your water cannon at the target to propel them higher and higher, until they reach the top! Winners can claim a large plush WALL•E or EVE, small WALL•E or the loveable M-O as their prize.

Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss
Heimlich, the hungry and adorable caterpillar from the Disney•Pixar film “a bug’s life,” has made his way to Pixar Pier! Toss giant candy corns into Heimlich’s open mouth to win. All the while, a gallery of “bug” characters cheer you on from his side. Prizes may include a plush Heimlich, Flik, Francis or Candy Corn.

La Luna Star Catcher
Based off the Academy Award-nominated Disney•Pixar short “La Luna,” La Luna Star Catcher is a fishing game for the whole family! Players use a magnetic fishing pole to help Bambino, Papà and Grandfather Nonno catch stars from the lunar surface. Staying in theme, the prizes include a variety of plush toys: stars, the moon and even Bambino.

Bullseye Stallion Stampede
Rediscover the fun of racing to the finish line with your favorite “Toy Story” stallion, Bullseye. Aim just right to roll the rubber balls into the perfect spot, making your horse ride like the wind. If your horse crosses the finish line first, you can win a plush Bullseye, Woody or small pony to call your own!

These pay-per play games offer you the chance to win adorable prizes of all sizes. To play the games, you’ll need to purchase a special play card with prepaid credits at a dispensing machine located near the booths.

When you visit Pixar Pier, what game do you want to play?

July 6, 2018
Couples Can Now Get Married In Front of The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom
The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the newest romantic venue available to happy couples looking to “tie the knot” at Walt Disney World Resort. With magical locations inside theme parks and across the resort, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons make that special day truly unforgettable.

New and Exciting Venues for Incredible Weddings
- Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – The iconic centerpiece of Disney’s Animal
  Kingdom serves as the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Lush trees and exotic flowers surround the space, creating an enchanted setting.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – The resort’s 750 acres of pine
  forest make for a rustic, yet elegant location for a fun and adventurous wedding. Couplesmcan enjoy the timeless beauty of nature in an open-air space with breathtaking views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
- The Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The glitz of Hollywood Boulevard helps set the stage for a glamorous wedding. The Chinese Theatre makes an elegant and unique backdrop when couples exchange vows.
Limitless Venue Options

Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, located steps away from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is the crown jewel of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings ceremony locations. Guests are treated to enchanting views of Cinderella Castle while the couple exchanges their vows in a fairy-tale setting. Inside this picturesque venue, couples will find white pews, vaulted ceilings and a wall of arched windows with seating for up to 250 guests.

Other locations include unique areas at all four theme parks, as well as ballrooms, restaurants and more at many of the luxurious resort hotels on property.

Options Beyond Walt Disney World Abound

Walt Disney World Resort is just one of the destinations that offers Disney’s Fairy Tale
Weddings and Honeymoons. Other options include:
- Disneyland Resort in California
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii
- Disney Cruise Line ships, or at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay
July 6, 2018
New Permits Reveal Star Wars Hotel Scope and Connection to Hollywood Studios

Disney recently filed permits with the South Florida Water Management District that reveal new details about the size and scope of the Star Wars Hotel as well as how guests will be entering Hollywood Studios directly from the resort.

Walt Disney World confirmed back in may that the hotel will be located just east of World Drive, on the south side of Hollywood Studios, but now with these construction plans we get real sense of exactly how the hotel will fit in to the surrounding area.

Disney has said that hotel will be “seamlessly connected” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. According to the recently filed permits, guests staying at Walt Disney World’s Star Wars hotel will drive from Hollywood Studios’ parking lot over a drainage canal to get to the main hotel entrance.

Guests staying at the resort will use a special pathway to enter the theme park that will take them between the two attractions in the new land.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Disney has not released details on the new resort will open, but we do know the Star Wars-themed land at Hollywood Studios will open in late fall 2019.

July 5, 2018
Duffy’s New Friend, Cookie, Arrives at Hong Kong Disneyland

As we previously reported Duffy is getting a new friend and this week she made her debut at Hong Kong Disneyland. Meet Cookie, Duffy new friend! She’s a puppy who is very curious about all sorts of foods and loves to come up with unique and delicious recipes.

Duffy the Disney Bear and Cookie met on Main Street, U.S.A. His cotton candy and her tall stack of warm waffles went flying when they bumped into each other, and when Cookie caught them she came up with a new idea: why not combine her waffles and Duffy’s cotton candy to make a cotton candy waffle sandwich? Talk about a recipe for friendship!

Cookie is now visiting with guests at Hong Kong Disneyland dressed in her chef’s hat and signature pink bow. Joining ShellieMay, Gelatoni, and StellaLou, Cookie is Duffy’s first friend to make her debut at Hong Kong Disneyland. When she’s not in the kitchen experimenting with her favorite ingredients, she gives guests lots of hugs outside “Main Street Cinema: My Journeys with Duffy — Presented by Fujifilm.”

Guests can take some of Cookie’s sweetness home with exclusive merchandise and delicious new treats, including Cookie’s Afternoon Tea Set, Cookie’s Mango Lagoon and Cookie’s Choco Cup, now available at the Main Street Corner Café Hosted by Coca-Cola.

Say hello to Cookie during your next visit to Hong Kong Disneyland this summer!

July 5, 2018
New ‘Christopher Robin’ Teaser Released By Disney Today

With only one month until Disney’s live action Winnie the Pooh adventure, Christopher Robin, hits theaters, Disney dropped the newest trailer for the film online today.

In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin — played by Ewan McGregor — remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

This means that Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and many other characters from the animated franchise will be making their way to our world in the film. Take a look at the amazing new trailer below!

Instead of bringing the cartoon versions into the real world, these characters will be walking, talking stuffed animals when they appear to Christopher.

Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh; Chris O’Dowd as Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

Winnie the Pooh is coming back to the big screen this summer and the film is set to hit theaters on August 3.

July 3, 2018
Disney Imagineers Unveil Robot Capable of Aerial Stunts

Disney Imagineers introduced the world to the concept of audio animatronics more than fifty years ago and they are constantly looking for new ways to make them more realistic. Recently Disney Research has made major step forward in that goal unveiling robots that perform aerial maneuvers with precision.

Disney wants to create autonomous characters for its theme parks that appear more flexible and interactive and less robotic. “Stuntronics figures” as they are being called, stem from a research experiment named “Stickman.” Stickman was a robot who was able to perform acrobatic flips, and was essentially just an articulated pole.

The Imagineers’ goal was to create a robot with an acrobat’s timing and reflexes and it seems they have done just that as you can see in the video below.

The result is a humanoid like 90-pound robot with enough onboard sensors to make decisions in real-time. The robot uses an IMU and a laser range-finder to estimate its state mid-flight and actuates to change its motion both on and off the pendulum.

According to Disney Research, “Human performers have developed impressive acrobatic techniques over thousands of years of practicing the gymnastic arts. At the same time, robots have started to become more mobile and autonomous and can begin to imitate these stunts in dramatic and informative ways. We present a simple two degree of freedom robot that uses a gravity-driven pendulum launch and produces a variety of somersaulting stunts.”

The possibility of this amazing feat of engineering being integrated in to Disney Park attractions has many waiting in anticipation to see how they might be used. The robots could be used in attractions and shows at Disney Parks, standing in for more delicate animatronics, which could not withstand being flung through the sky.

July 3, 2018
Plan Your End-of-Summer Vacation to the Disneyland Resort with a Special Hotel Offer

With the newly reimagined Pixar Pier now open at Disney California Adventure park and the limited-time Pixar Fest going on now through September 3, it’s the perfect time to plan your vacation to the Disneyland Resort! If you are here for a few days, we have a summer hotel offer for you!

Guests can save up to 30 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, save up to 25 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel and save up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on select Sunday through Thursday nights between August 5 and September 27, 2018. Book through September 13, 2018.

As guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, you’ll be steps away from the magic of both theme parks, giving you more time to experience all-things Pixar! Plus, hotel guests can join the fun during Pixar-themed movie nights and pool parties this summer. Another perk of staying on-property is Extra Magic Hour, an early morning admission option, on select mornings (separate theme park admission and valid hotel key card required).

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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!

July 2, 2018
Special Star-Spangled Photo Opportunities at Walt Disney World For Independence Day

Walt Disney World is always the place to be for Independence day celebrations and in addition to their famous Fireworks displays, you’ll also find a multitude of star-spangled photo opportunities offered by Disney PhotoPass Service to those celebrating the Fourth of July in the parks!

Let’s start with the photo opportunities that will be available at Magic Kingdom Park.

The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History is an extremely interesting and entertaining reenactment about the founding of America! On July 3 and 4, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be periodically located near Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square, so drop by and be sure to ask for a Magic Shot featuring the stars of the show.

On the Fourth of July while you’re soaking in the spirit of America in Liberty Square, visit the Disney PhotoPass photographer located near the replica of the Liberty Bell to take star-spangled photos that celebrate the nation’s birthday.

A grand holiday such as this deserves a grand photo op! Cinderella’s Coach will be in Fantasyland all day on July 3 and 4, and a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture a photo of you in front of it.

Once it’s completely dark on the evenings of July 3 and 4, head to Fantasyland where you’ll find this dazzling photo opportunity next to Ariel’s Grotto! Thanks to the unconventional way this photo is captured, every photo is unique. Stop by to see what yours will look like!

Over at Disney Springs, visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace where you’ll find special red, white and blue virtual backdrops. While this location offers a variety of Disney-themed virtual backdrops year-round, these patriotic backdrops will only be available now through July 7.

And finally, at all four theme parks on the Fourth of July, select photographers will have this festive prop celebrating the Stars and Stripes that you can include in your photos.

July 1, 2018
New Show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019

Calling aspiring racers of all ages! There’s a big ol’ Ka-Chow coming on, because beginning in early 2019, there’s going to be another exciting reason to get revved up about a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that’ll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars.”

At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, located near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’ll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who is excited to showcase what he’s learned over the years with you – the next generation of rookie racers. Of course, as Lightning McQueen has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course. With friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

What will happen? You’ll have to speed on over to find out when Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens early next year!

July 1, 2018
Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear Reunited at Disney World’s Toy Story Land

Buzz Lightyear was reunited with the man who voices the beloved character this week, as Tim Allen helped his animated counterpart open Disney World’s newest addition, Toy Story Land. Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear… Excuse me, I think the word you’re searching for is “Space Ranger”.

The press was invited to attend the opening celebration of new land at Hollywood Studios Friday and the crowd of about 100 journalists got an amazing surprise when Allen came out on stage during the dedication.

Of course, in addition to the opening ceremony duties, Allen had to spend some family time in the new land. Allen and his daughter Elizabeth even took a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers during the special preview as you can see in the photo below.

It’s the largest expansion in the parks 29 year history. In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for Toy Story Mania!. Guests can hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys.

Toy Story Land is now open at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

June 30, 2018