Disneyland Celebrates Three Kings Day, Jan. 6-8, 2012

Rendering courtesy Disneyland News

For the first time, Disneyland Resort will observe Three Kings Day as part of the celebration of holidays. Three Kings Day activities will be held Jan. 6-8, 2012, at Zocalo Park in Disneyland park. The festivities add to all the holiday fun, including beautiful décor throughout the park, nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and the special “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday attractions.

• Disneyland will celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as Día de los Reyes Magos, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 6-8, 2012, with special décor, food and entertainment that showcases this Latin American holiday tradition.

• Three Kings Day is celebrated in many Latin American countries as part of the Christmas story. It commemorates the day the three kings (the magi or “wise men”) followed the star to Bethlehem and presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

• The Three Kings Day celebration at Disneyland will be centered aroundZocalo Park (Spanish for “Town Square”) in Frontierland. Walt Disney envisioned Frontierland as a showcase of America’s Western and Mexican heritage and this celebration will continue that vision.

• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will appear in Fiesta costumes and other characters will join them: The Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito.

• Entertainment highlights include folklorico dance along with musical performances  by the Grammy-winningMariachi Divas.

• Bilingual activity hosts will join children in face-painting, coloring, crown decorating and other activities.

• Special food carts will appear in Zocalo Park for the occasion, serving Three Kings Day treats. The seasonal menu at Rancho del Zocalo restaurant includes tamales and Mexican hot chocolate.

Boo To You From Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

I actually just returned home from WDW about an hour ago, and after spending 2 weeks amidst the MAGIC of my happy place, I must admit my feet have not yet touched the ground...and as you can imagine, I have not yet returned to reality...not to mention, I am beyond exhausted, so PLEASE excuse this short post!

Last week, we attended our first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park. We had such a blast that we attended twice during our visit!  I figured a montage would sufficiently capture the Magic of this spectacular event in light of my exhaustion! Enjoy, and BOO to you!

Hearty and Healthy Breakfast Options at The Wave

I just finished up breakfast at The Wave, located adjacent the Contemporary Lobby. The Wave is known for serving a nice selection of local/organic options!



We all chose the new Buffet option for Breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed spread. Our favorites were the Multi-Grain Mickey Waffle and Sweet Potato Pancakes with Honey-Pecan Butter!

DGTG Video Tip: "Call Me Cuffs" Keep Tabs on Your Liitle Ones at Disney

DGTG Video: A Fun Way for Little Ones to Pass the Time in Disney Restaurants

Jelly Match UP

DGTG Video Fashion Alert: Fun Minnie Mouse-Inspired Nail Art

DGTG Fashion Alert: Miss Piggy Steals the Spotlight During Fashion's Night Out in New York

Miss Piggy Celebrates the Launch of The Opening Ceremony X Muppets Collection

NEW YORK — SEPTEMBER 8: Miss Piggy makes a grand entrance at Opening Ceremony's Fashion's Night Out kick-off event in celebration of the Muppets x Opening Ceremony collection launch.

Miss Piggy posed for photos at Opening Ceremony's Fashion's Night Out annual kick-off event at New York's Ace Hotel last night to debut the upcoming Opening Ceremony x Muppets collection of clothing. The Opening Ceremony x Muppets collection celebrates this fall's release of the new film The Muppets and is a Muppets fan must-have.

Miss Piggy Sweater from the Opening Ceremony X Muppets Collection

The Opening Ceremony x Muppets collection is inspired by your favorite Muppets characters and features vibrant colors and patterns on stylish and comfortable pieces, perfect for casual everyday wear or for creating fun and bold statements for a night out.The full collection will be available in November.

The Disney team in Muppets SpiritHoods at Fashion’s Night Out with Miss Piggy and Humberto Leon the founder of Opening Ceremony.

About Disney's The MuppetsOn vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, Disney's The Muppets hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.



DGTG Splurge: A Voyage Walt Disney World's Pirates League

With Halloween and  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party right around the corner, I found it extremely fitting to share with you this guest post from DGTG correspondent, Molly B. a.k.a The Real Disney Mom!  Being Mommy to 3 little pirates and wife to a full-grown one definitely makes her qualified to take you on this journey!  Enjoy Matey!

Our family really likes pirates. We especially like any pirates having to do with Disney. Captain Hook, Jake and his Neverland crew,and of course Captain Jack Sparrow and the rest of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Our obsession, eerrr, love for pirates stems from my husband who is a Captain Jack fanatic. He has two Jack Sparrow tattoos and has an amazing Jack costume that he amazes people with every Halloween.

 

We started taking our children to Walt Disney World in 2009 and have not stopped since. When I was planning our first trip as a family I came across something called the Pirates League on the WDW website. I soon as I read about it, I knew this was something that my oldest son, Jake, just had to experience. He was only 2 at the time, and the minimum age is 3, but since he was only a few weeks away from his 3rd birthday, they made an exception for him. He has now been transformed into a pirate 3 times and I’m sure that this past time was not his last.

The Pirates League can be found in the Magic Kingdom to the right of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland. You can call ahead to make reservations, and they also will except walk-ins if there is a free spot. If you reserve over the phone ahead of time, you do not have to pay in advance, but they do require a credit card guarantee. The League is open to children and adults, boys and girls. You can choose between three packages. The First Mate Package includes a bandanna, a “pirate face transformation”, tattoo,fake teeth, an earring and eye patch, a sword and sheath, and a pirate coin necklace. The Empress package is a favorite among young ladies and includes a bandanna, sparkly makeup, face gems, a tattoo, a nail painting, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, and pirate coin necklace. The third package is the Captain's Package in which you can purchase a costume. We have always gone with the First Mate Package. The second year we participated in The League, we brought Jake’s pirate costume from home which was much more affordable! You can also choose from a plethora of different “pirate looks”: Empress, Cursed Pirate, Smokey-Eyed Jack, Black-Eyed Jack, and Captain Hook. Jake has always chosen Smokey-Eyed Jack, and this year my husband got transformed for the first time into a Cursed Pirate.

Your journey into becoming a pirate begins after you check in at the desk located outside of the Pirates League. You are then escorted to the doors. If you happen to be the first potential pirate of the day as we were for Jake’s first time in 2009, then you get to stand in front of the doors and sing “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me…” Doing this wakes up the pirates and they open the doors to welcome you inside.

Once you are inside, you will be told to turn a wheel that will overturn a set of dice inside of a treasure chest. These dice, and your day of birth will determine what your new pirate name will be. On our first visit, Jake turned into “George Guncheese”, which to this day is still his favorite alias. The second time, his name was “Charles Shorepaddler”, and this most recent time, he was dubbed “William Truesilver”.

As soon as you have been renamed to the standards of Jack and his crew, you will be brought to your station and your transformation will begin. You will sit in what resembles a barber chair, and will be covered with a smock. If you have long hair, your “pirate trainer” will clip it back.Everything that is used during the process, such as makeup applicators is individually packaged, and thrown out after use. You will first be “branded”with a pirate tattoo. Your make-up will then be applied, and finally you will be given your bandanna and other finishing touches. After you have taken your “pirate oath” your “trainer” will then call out “WE'VE GOT A NEW PIRATE!” and of course every one in the room will hoot and holler for you!

This year little middle guy Ben was just about a half a year too young to participate in The Pirates League this year, but he was dying to join in on the fun. I brought some face make up from home, and some of Jake’saccessories from years passed, and performed the transformation on Ben myself! The wonderful pirates had absolutely no problem with me doing this, and even provided Ben with his own sword, which we did not bring with us. They also let him be photographed with Jake and Daddy.

Finally you will be taken to a secret room where your photo will be taken. In order to find out what happens in this secret room and where exactly it is, you will just have to become a pirate yourself!

This has become a favorite tradition for me family and I know that we will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Jake talks about it all the time and can not wait until next year when he can do it again. Until then, “Drink up, me hearties, yo ho!”

This post was written by DGTG correspondent, Molly B.

For reservations and further information:

The Pirates League is accepting reservations when you call (407) WDW-CREW (939-2739). Theme park admission required. Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last reservations will be taken at 3:30pm. Costume selection and sizing may vary. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. Guests must be at least 3 years of age. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to arrival. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. A $10 cancellation fee will be applied to such credit card for all no-shows or if reservation is cancelled within 24 hours of experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. Subject to restrictions. All prices, package components and information are subject to change without notice. Pirate Parade-weather permitting.

Chance to Win All 4 New Wish-A-Littles by Kidada

The Times Square Disney Store Event for Fashion's Night Out was a fabulous success and tons of fun was had by all ... and guess what...The FUN is not over!

Here's a way for the folks who couldn't make it to join in the fun:

In honor of Fashion’s Night Out, the Disney Store blog, The Buzz, is giving away the 4 new Kidada for Disney Store Wish-a-Littles (Tinker Bell, Alice, Jasmine and Ariel) to one lucky winner. We thought it would be fun news to share with your readers and fans who weren’t able to make the event!

The Sweepstakes starts September 9 at 12:01 a.m. PST (tomorrow) and ends on September 11 at 11:59 p.m. PST.  Entering is easy, simply visit blog.disneystore.com to enter into the sweepstakes.

For more information on this exciting contest, or to stay on top of the latest Disney Store news, be sure to "like" Disney Store on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DisneyStore.com, or follow them on Twitter, http://twitter.com/disneystore.



Look for the full scoop the Times Square Disney Store Fashion's Night Out Event here at DGTG!

CLOSED-Win a "Loving Touch" Gift Set From Basq Skin Care in Celebration of the New "It's A Small World" Collection

BASQ INTRODUCES MOM & CHILD SKIN CARE COLLECTION INSPIRED BY DISNEY “IT’S A SMALL WORLD”

Basq Skin Care recently collaberated with Disney to offer the "It's a Small World" Collection for Mother the and Child..and here just one day after its public release, Disney Go To Girl is bringing you an exclusive opportunity to win the entire collection. One lucky DGTG reader will win a basq "Loving Touch" gift set from the new "It's A Small World" collection.

This set retails for $60 contains a full-size of each product in the line.

Basq, the luxury skin care company committed to delivering the promise of “Real Beauty, Real Results” is pleased to announce a collaboration with Disney for a collection of mom & child skin care. With nurturing names such as Dream, Share, Touch & Love - basq will join an exclusive list of present day designers as a part of Disney’s iconic experience inspired by the beloved attraction “it’s a small world.” This new collection brings the attraction’s multi-cultural vibrant colors, patterns and images to life.

The “it’s a small world” line will depict the unique bond of mother and child and the shared connections of moms worldwide. From better sleep to buttery smooth skin, this line gives moms tools to care and touch smartly and beautifully. The products are global as the ingredients capture the fine skin care elements from cultures around the world. The assortment will highlight the following products:

DREAM Sleep Mist: Lavender is nature's answer to the sweetest dreams and deepest sleep. Dreams are the playground of opportunity and peace. Envelop yourself with the delicate aroma, dream big and fill the world with your joy. (4 oz; $18)

SHARE Lavender Calming Oil: A loving touch brings us all together as one. There is warmth in the unity of connecting. For mother and child, their shared world is wonderfully small and personal. Beautifully gentle for skin nurturing and massage. (2 oz; $18)

TOUCH Lavender Body Butter: Imagine a world filled with love and the wonders that lay ahead. 
Mom can nurture her skin with this rich body butter during and post pregnancy and nourish the delicate
 skin of her little one with mom’s loving touch. (8 oz; $24)

LOVE Nourishing Cleansing Soap: Precious moments shared during bath time are filled with laughter and joy. Naturally cleansing and a treasure of playful, loving memories. (3.5 oz; $6)

Beautiful CHERISH Gift Sets bring together the skin care items in various sizes, combinations and different keepsake packaging to the mom and baby gift market.

The entire line will be displayed in the original colorful and playful artistry of Mary Blair’s original mid-century artwork created for the attraction. This imaginary artwork of “it’s a small world” lends itself to the box landscape with scenes relayed product by product. Standing alone each package will be rich, inspired and playful, building the acclaimed design and emotion of the “it’s a small world” attraction.

Can't wait for the Giveaway to end??? Basq is offering 20% off orders exclusively for DGTG readers. Just enter DGTG20 at checkout.

Now for the Giveaway

Basque Skin Care NYC and DGTG have teamed up to offer one lucky DGTG reader a "Loving Touch" Gift Set valued at $60.00.  Entering is easy. Just use the rafflecopter widget below to complete the required entries.

CLOSED-Win A Pair of Flip-A-Roos Custom Disney Flip Flops

I am pleased to announce yet another exciting Disney giveaway here at DGTG! Flip-A-Roos is offering 1 lucky reader a pair of customizable boutique flip-flops!

I have had such a great time working with Flip-A-Roos! What a fabulous company! "What are Flip-A-Roos", you might ask... Flip-A-Roos are hand-decorated flip-flops that have interchangeable bows, flowers,etc. Customize your flip-flops in your favorite colors! You can even order matching hair bows.

For the review, I let my daughter pick a theme, and she chose Pink Minnie!  We anxiously awaited the arrival of her Flip-A-Roos and when they arrived, we were AMAZED at how adorable they were!

Bella couldn't wait to slip them on!  The design and color choice fit us perfectly!  These sandals are PERFECT for the little Princesses to wear at Disney and they are also very comfy! (They're also  available in Mommy sizes)

Not sure a Disney design will suit you? No worries, she has tons of styles and color schemes to choose from!  She was able to create the PERFECT pair for us and it was all done through email!

We received SO many compliments on our recent trip to Disneyland!  These are the only shoes Bella wants to wear!

Ordering a pair of your own is easy! Visit the Flip-A-Roos Facebook Page for ordering info!

Now for the Giveaway!

One lucky DGTG will win their choice of a pair of Flip-A-Roos. Simply use the easy Rafflecopter widget below to enter! It's easy!

Limited Edition Muppets-Inspired Makeup Palette To Be Released This Fall

The Muppets Cast A Shadow on the Makeup World  

I received a GREAT response to my recent post announcing OPI's upcoming Muppets Collection and I am very excited to share with you another Muppet-licious development, straight from the Disney Beauty Lounge at Disney's D23 Expo held last month in Anaheim.

The Balm Cosmetics recently announced that they have added a Muppets-Inspired collection, The Muppets: Cast Your Shadow, to their already FAB makeup line. The release of the new palette is set for this Fall in celebration of the new Muppets movie. Here's a Disney Living employee discussing this palette exclusively for Disney Go To Girl:


 

If you're anything like me, you're  probably saying "SOLD"... But wait... there is a small catch: the Balm will be releasing these in a VERY limited quantity...1000, to be exact.  Now THAT's enough to make ya say "Wocka Wocka!" 

The official release date has yet to be set, but I do know the palette, which includes 16 eye shadows,  2 lip/cheek colors, and one gloss, will be priced at $44.50.  Keep an eye on the Balm Facebook page for updates.

Pirates of the Caribbean Inspired Makeup Collection by DuWop Washed Ashore at D23 Expo

One of my favorite spots at the recent D23 Expo held in Anaheim, CA was the Disney Living Beauty Lounge.  It was here that I was able to get a first hand look at the Pirates of the Caribbean inspired cosmetics line by DuWop, Isla Sirena.  The intense color story of this makeup line should be on your must have list for sure.  Don't believe me?  Here's a Disney Beauty Staff Member telling all exclusively for Disney Go To Girl:

Get a load of those Seashell compacts! WOW!  This line is currently sold exclusively at http://www.duwop.com/.  Each of the products in this amazing collection are available in three "Pirates-Inspired" looks: Mermaid, Pirate, and Treasure. The rotating map pallete featured in the video retails for $39. (Not bad AT ALL)

Here's some extra info from the company's web site:

DuWop is proud to announce this Isla Sirena co-branded line in conjunction with the fourth installment of Disney’s popular film series, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Isla Sirena by DuWop (Spanish for Isle of the Mermaids) was crafted with the highest attention to detail and encompasses products that look equally enchanting on and off screen.  Featuring components with a relic feel complemented by bold and seductive hues, Isla Sirena by DuWop allows women to become immersed in a realm of color and imagine being in worlds of mermaids, pirates and treasure.

Whether emulating the colors of the breath-taking, iridescent mermaid, the fearless and daring pirate or the richly pigmented jewel-tones of treasure, each color palette from the Isla Sirena by DuWop collection will allow women to create their own looks that are inspired by the film

So be sure to head over to http://www.duwop.com/ and treat yourself to this swashbucklin' collection before it sails away!!! Arrrrrrrgh!

VIDEO: Welcome to a World Where Dreams Come True: A Heartfelt Ode to Disney by Tedd Rodman

When fellow Facebook follower and Disney fan extraordinnare Ted Solomon sent me a link to his original song Welcome To A World Where Dreams Come True, I just couldn't wait to share this with you all.  He and s an amazingly talented songwriter and this song truly captures the Magic that keeps us coming back for more, year after year!

Grab a box of tissues and cuddle up with a loved one to experience Disney World through Ted's eyes.

Enjoy this moment, and let me know what ya think!

My Family's Disney Rituals

Welcome to those of you joining me from Return To Disney and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

This week we are discussing our family traditions in Disney have!  My family has MANY Disney rituals, but I decided to focus on one that is concrete... It ALWAYS happens no matter what:



We always eat the first dinner of our vacation at Narcoossee's, a fabulous signature restaurant located in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. I could go on and on about the food, but the pictures below can tell the story!   I thought it would be neat to share our Narcoossee's ritual because there a 3 traditions within this Disney tradition:

-We always sit in Adeal's section... he happens to be the most fabulous server EVER.  He always remembers us and seems to get a kick out us requesting his section.

-This brings me to another tradition... this may be due to requesting Adeal as our server, but we have almost always been seated at the same table...which I might add, is located right next to a window with an unparalleled view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Cinderella Castle,  and Space Mountain.

-Which brings me to the 3rd tradition within a tradition:  We are seated just in time for Wishes and always wait for the Electrical Water Pageant before leaving!

"Our Memories Begin at Narcoossee's"

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Focused on the Magic.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Delightfully Disney
2nd Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
3rd Stop ~ Return to Disney
4th Stop ~ Disney Go To Girl
Final Stop ~ Focused on the Magic

DGTG Fashion Alert: SpiritHoods Expands Their Tribe in Celebration of the Brand-New Film Disney's The Muppets

New Limited-Edition Collection inspired by classic

Muppets characters

SpiritHoods, a manufacturer of unique animal-inspired faux fur accessories for men, women and children, and Disney Consumer Products will launch a new line inspired by The Muppets characters. The collection will be available this Fall for a limited time in conjunction with the release of Disney's The Muppets in U.S. theaters on November 23, 2011.

The Muppets line will combine the distinctive and one-of-a-kind style of SpiritHoods with the classic features and personality of timeless Muppet characters including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and Gonzo in both kids and adult sizes. Miss Piggy's design is a glamorous pink shawl, while the Kermit the Frog-inspired hood is bright green with big eyes and other classic Kermit characteristics. The collection ranges in price from $99 to $169 and will be available October 3rd in Fred Segal stores and on the SpiritHoods website.






"This is our first limited-edition collection and the SpiritHoods tribe is proud to be collaborating with such an iconic brand as The Muppets, their wild and varying characters lend themselves perfectly to our brand. There is definitely some good humor represented in this collection," said SpiritHoods Co-Founder and Design Director Alexander Mendeluk. "Many members of the SpiritHoods tribe also grew up as Muppets fans and we're looking forward to introducing our interpretation of these crazy characters."

"The Muppets have long been beloved for their humor, pop-culture relevance and whimsy that appeals to fans of all ages," said Soo Koo, Vice President of Fashion and Home Creative for Disney Consumer Products. "We liked SpiritHoods approach in using storytelling to develop design-driven lifestyle accessories that bring these favorite characters to life in a humorous way for both children and adults."

The Muppets-themed SpiritHoods collection will also be making surprise appearances on guests during New York's Fashion Night Out on September 8, 2011, so be on the lookout! With over 55 years of legacy, The Muppets are a classic American franchise with a fan base that spans the globe. Disney's The Muppets film marks their return to the big screen for the first time in 12 years.

DGTG Fashion Alert: Huge Labor Day Sales at BOTH Downtown Disney Apricot Lane Locations

School supplies of notebooks and pencils aren’t the only things on checklists this fall!

Mothers and daughters can get excited for back to school and fall fashion at Apricot Lane Boutique!

Located in Downtown Disney®, Apricot Lane Boutique has the hottest styles featuring denim, trend setting tops, fun, flirty dresses, unique jewelry and accessories, making women of every age look fashionable.  Celebrity-inspired brands offered include Miss Me, Free People, Vintage Havana, Chaser, Good Works Make a Difference and more, allowing women of any age to express their individual style.

This Labor Day weekend guests who shop in the store will enjoy…

·         20% Off of All Tops

·         50% Off Select Jewelry for Every Purchase of a piece of Regularly Priced Jewelry

Offer valid  Labor Day weekend (Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5, 2011).

Disney Baby Launches Mix-And-Match Nursery Essentials Collection

New Nursery Line Features Favorite Disney Characters and A La Carte Items For Convenience

The Disney Baby brand today launched an all new nursery essentials collection designed to deliver smiles to nurseries everywhere. The new Disney Baby bedding/nursery essentials collection features five on-trend colors and themes with whimsical prints inspired by mom-favorite Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Pooh & Piglet and the 101 Dalmatians. The line allows parents to pick and choose the nursery items that fit their needs and lifestyle, making it easy to mix and match and blend with any theme. The 75-piece collection is available exclusively at Babies "R" Us and includes sheets, receiving blankets, mobiles, storage items, wall décor, changing pad covers, nightlights, soft rattles, gift sets and more. Each item in the Disney Baby bedding essentials collection can be purchased separately. This "á la carte" shopping experience enables mom to choose what products she needs and wants for her baby's nursery without purchasing a full set.

DGTG News Flash: Adventures by Disney® Brings History to Life with New Privately Guided Itineraries in 2012

Guests Journey through Greece, Egypt and Northern France  Award-winning lineup of family-friendly group adventures offers hassle-free ways to experience culture in the world’s most desired destinations 

As most of you already know, It is my DREAM to explore the world with Adventures by Disney and I just received an exciting email...I couldn't wait to share this fabulous news with you!

Today, Adventures by Disney announced its 2012 itinerary collection... and guess what!?  ABD will be offering all-new adventures in Greece and Northern France, Egypt as well as enhanced vacation experiences in Australia and Tasmania, London and Paris...AND...wait for it... The Galapagos Islands! What a lineup! After reading, please leave a comment letting me know: Which Adventure would you choose and WHY!?Here's a closer look at what you can expect next year from Adventures by Disney:

New Space-Themed Toy Line Inspired by Disney•Pixar's Toy Story Lets Imagination Soar with Toymation Video Short #ToyStoryMatel

Real toys star in this all-new "toymation" video featuring the Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Command Center and action figures from Mattel. In this adventure, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and sidekick Rex venture into outer space to battle the evil Emperor Zurg! Utilizing stop-motion animation, this video combines old techniques with new concepts to create a modernly retro animated short sure to inspire Toy Story fans to create their own stories with the new toy line.

Mattel's Toy Story Toymation Fun Facts:

- It took a crew of 8 people over more than 1300 hours and a span of 4 weeks to complete the toymation

- Every second needed 12 frames of pictures

- Every shot needed at least 3 takes, many of which had to be done separately with each toy and then composited together later

- Each toy had to be taken apart and reassembled with wire and museum putty in order to be rigged properly to animate

- The dust bunnies were created from an old carpet the team almost threw out right before production on the toymation project began

- The crew made 5 trips to the supermarket to clear out their asparagus, big broccoli heads, and artichokes to build the vegetable forest set

WHO: Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center (SRP $49.99) and character action figures (SRP $10) from Mattel

DGTG News Flash: DISNEY GIVES FANS A CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP TO RAPUNZEL’S ROYAL CELEBRATION AT KENSINGTON PALACE IN LONDON

Fans Can Participate Through the “My Princess Moment – The Story Begins With You” Video Contest on Disney.com

I am SO excited to share this exciting opportunity with you!  Many of you have recently emailed me concerning Princess Rapunzel's welcoming ceremony and now I'm bringing you an opportunity to attend this royal celebration in person!

Every fair maiden in the land (under age 12, that is) is welcomed to enter to win a trip for 4 to London to witness the induction of Rapunzel into the Disney Princess court.

All your little princess needs to do is visit http://princessmoment.disney.go.com/, download a sound clip, make a 45 second video and spread the magic...oh, I almost forgot: Parental permission is required! For more information, please check out the official release below!  Good Luck!

As Rapunzel is welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court on Oct. 2 at Kensington Palace in London, England, Disney Princess fans can feel a part of the special occasion by participating in an online video contest on Disney.com.  Whether it’s the kindness shown by Cinderella, determination of Tiana, or adventurous nature of Rapunzel, girls connect with Disney Princess characters in different ways to bring their own stories to life.  With the “Your Princess Moment – The Story Begins With You” video upload contest, fans age 12 and under can submit a 45-second video singing part of one of four songs from the upcoming Disney Princess Fairy Tale Songs compilation album – available Sept. 20 from Walt Disney Records. Alternatively, fans can submit a video recreating a favorite Disney Princess scene, dressing up or performing a dance. 

Videos entered between now and Sept. 12, 2011 at Disney.com/PrincessMoment are eligible for the ultimate Grand Prize – a trip for four to London for Rapunzel’s royal celebration.  From videos entered by Oct. 4, 2011, one First Prize winner will be selected to receive a 3D TV and DVD assortment from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, and ten Second Prize winners will receive the Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle from Mattel.  Parental consent is required to enter the contest.

Disney will officially welcome Rapunzel as the 10th Disney Princess character at a high profile, star-studded celebration, to take place in front of a global audience on Oct. 2, 2011.  Little princesses from across the globe will watch Rapunzel be welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White and Tiana.  In a world first, Kensington Palace, London, UK, was chosen by Disney as the perfect location for this magical welcoming ceremony of a Disney Princess, as it has been the home of many real life princesses over the centuries.

For full contest rules, prize information and details for how to enter, please visit Disney.com/PrincessMoment.

Giveaway: Win A 4 Night / 5 Day Bahama Bay Resort Orlando Vacation

OK folks, as promised, here is another fabulous giveaway courtesy of my sponsor, Integra Resorts.  One lucky DGTG reader will win a 4 night / 5 Day stay at the fabulous Bahama Bay Resort Orlando, a luxury villas resort located just minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort.

For those of you who fell in love with Caribe Cove Resort Orlando during my last giveaway you'll be excited to discover that Bahama Bay is its sister resort, located right around the corner!

Nestled along the shores of Lake Davenport, Bahama Bay Resort Orlando occupies over 70 acres of lush landscape.  The resort has a laid back island vibe which magically transports guests to a tropical paradise.  The resort seems so "far away from it all", yet it is located just minutes from fabulous dining, shopping, and best of all, Walt Disney World.

Guests can choose between 2 or 3 bedroom luxury villas which feature full kitchens equipped with everything you need to whip up a home cooked meal, as well as full size washer/dryers.  Many of you commented that you loved the screened-in balconies at Caribe Cove...well you'll find them here at Bahama Bay Resort as well!

 

The Grand Bahama 3 Bedroom Villa is over 1700 square feet offering guests lots of room to stretch out after those long days in the parks!  To top that, each villa has 2 full size bathrooms with double sinks and luxurious deep soaking tubs.

Take a Virtual Tour HERE!!!

When it comes to resort amenities, Bahama Bay Resort will exceed your expectations.  The resort houses 4 pools and in-ground hot tubs as well as a children's pool and water play area plus a playground!

 

Hungry?... Fear not!  Bahama Bay Resort is home to the fabulous Tradewinds Bar and Grill which offers in house dining as well as room service.  For those wishing to make it a day at the pool, Mambo's Poolside Bar and Grill has delicious drinks and menu items!

Among other amenities (too many to list), you'll find Eleuthera Spa and fitness center, Marketplace Gift Shop and Grocery, a sandy beach located right on Lake Davenport, a fishing dock and nature trails.

 

Bahama Bay Resort Orlando is a luxury resort which offers something for everyone from families to couples and you won't believe the PRICES!  Bahama Bay Resort CAN NOT be beat!  See for yourself... the prices will blow you away!

And now for the giveaway!!!

To enter, you must use the rafflecopter widget below!  It is mandatory to "like" Bahama Bay Resort on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall describing what you like best about the resort.  It is also mandatory to "like" Disney Go To Girl on Facebook!  The other entries are optional but you must use the rafflecopter widget to enter!

A Play on the Haunted Mansion Artwork

LOVE this "play" on the artwork of the Haunted Mansion!  This set was available at the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim, and I wanted to share it with you!  Can't believe I didn't obtain any more info on this collection.

Disney Spotlight Karaoke Ipad App Unveiled at D23 Expo

A new Ipad App will allow Disney fans of all ages to rock out and sing karaoke style to their favorite Disney tunes.  Disney Spotlight Ipad app, available this October, will turn Ipads everywhere into a portable karaoke machine!  An accessories kit will be sold on the market and will contain a flashy microphone which attaches to the Ipad port. The microphone will be available corded or wireless.

The app features many "fine tuning" settings allowing users to control the speed, pitch, and tone of their voice... and if that isn't enough users will be able to create, record, and star in their own music videos which they can easily share with friends and family.

 The product, for now, will be exclusive to Apple platforms and will be available this fall and will retail for around $79.99.

DGTG Fashion Alert: New Muppets OPI Line Unveiled at D23 Expo

A Muppets-Inspired nail polish line by O.P.I. was unveiled at this years D23 Expo in Anaheim, Ca.  This bright and bold collection will be available at retailers nationwide in October and will coincide with the launch of Disney Motion Pictures Muppets movie release.