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.

Up Close and Personal with Kidada Jones and the Wish A Littles Line at #D23Expo

If you follow this blog, it's not news that I am a HUGE fan of Kidada Jones and her Wish A Littles Collection which debuted at select Disney Stores earlier this year.  The fun and whimsy collection featuring jewelry and apparel inspired by the Disney Princesses was available to guests shopping at D23 Expo's Disney Store.

In addition to the existing line, four new Wish A Littles Designs were unveiled at Disney's D23 Expo: Alice, Tinkerbell,  Jasmine, and Ariel.

On Saturday afternoon, Kidada Jones was available in the Disney Living Pavilion to meet with fans and sign these adorable treasures!  Disney Go To Girl was on hand to meet with Kidada before the signing began.

As she first took notice of the oversized Tinkerbell Wish A Little sitting on her signing table, she looked up at me and said "Oh my gosh...She's SO cute!"  (Which was an understatement).  Kidada expressed that she couldn't pick just one Wish-A-Little as a favorite... Can you blame her!?

The Wish A Littles Collection is available in limited Disney Stores and online, and from what I understand, the four new styles will not be available until Fall!

DGTG Fashion Alert: Disney Channel Stars "Shake It Up" on the #D23Expo Red Carpet

Disney Channel's Shake It Up cast attends the Disney Fashion Show at the D23 Expo featuring the newest styles from the D-Signed line at Target!

Disney Go To Girl was invited to shoot the cast of Disney Channel's hit series Shake It Up on the red carpet event prior to the Disney Fashion Show at the D23 Expo on August 21.  Shake It Up is my daughter's favorite Disney show, so I must admit it was pretty awesome to see them in an up close and personal setting!

Cast L-R: Roshon Fegan (Ty), Davis Clevland (Flynn), Adam Irigoyen (Duece), Zendaya Coleman (Rocky), Bella Thorne (CeCe), Caroline Sunshine (Tinka), and Kenton Duty (Gunther)

The stars were the guests of honor at D23 Expo's Disney Fashion which gave fans an in depth look at the Shake It Up clothing and accessories line currently available at Target and Payless.  Bella Thorne, Zendaya Coleman, and Caroline Sunshine, accompanied by the rest of the cast were seated front row for the event and even surprised fans by making an on stage appearance.

Enjoy the photos and stay tuned for exclusive footage and pictures from the Disney Fashion Show at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Ca.

Disney Announces Jungle Cruise Contest: John of the Jungle

Win a trip for 4 to the opening of Cars Land and a private Jungle Cruise tour skippered by John Lasseter!

From late 1977 through spring 1978, John Lasseter, before becoming chief creative officer at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering, worked at Disneyland, and was a skipper on the Jungle Cruise attraction. Recently, a search for a photo of John skippering the Jungle Cruise came up empty. Surely there must be a photo of Skipper John somewhere? 

To find one, we have created a contest: the first person to submit a verifiable photo of John as the skipper of the Jungle Cruise from 1977 will win a trip for 4 to the grand opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure in summer 2012, and a ride on the Jungle Cruise skippered by none other than John himself! What better way to turn a Disney memory of old into a Disney memory of today?

For details on how to submit, visit Johnofthejungle.com or the official Disney•Pixar Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/disneypixar

Video Update: On the Eve of D23

New RunDisney Video featuring 'Talking Mickey' Highlights 2012 Marathon

First Look: New Lion King Vinylmations to be Released at D23 Expo #DSatD23

I am so excited to show you these super cool Lion King inspired Vinylmations!  I'm not a big fan of vinylmations (easy folks... no offense), but these cute little guys may just be worth grabbing up!

D23 Expo guests will have the opportunity to purchase before the August 29th in store release.

On Sunday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., Vinylmation artists will sign the new Lion King inspired Vinylmation collection. Vinylmation toys are the latest pop culture phenomenon and are treasured by collectors of all ages.

DGTG Fashion Alert: Designer Runway-Inspired Disney Princess Dolls Debut at D23 Expo

At D23, Disney Store will debut ten spectacular designer dolls just in time for the holidays. Each classic doll dressed in a glamorous runway inspired gown comes in its own special collector case with a sleeve that showcases the beautiful sketch art created for each one.

DGTG News Flash: Win a trip Walt Disney World Resort® to stay in the Castle Suite with Disney’s “Discover What You Treasure” Sweepstakes

Just received this press release from Disney World PR and I am so excited to share this amazing opportunity with you today!  Every true Disney fan definitely has "spending a night in Cinderella Castle" somewhere on their bucket lists, and now Disney and Verizon have teamed up to make that dream come true for one lucky family!  Read all the details here, and be sure to enter to win!!!

Photo Courtesy of Disney Media

DGTG News Flash: Disney World's Enchanted Tiki Room to Reopen Next Week

Original Hosts Ready to Squawk up a Storm Again, Giving Guests Even More to Chirp (and ‘Tweet’) About

Disney After Dark: Fort Wilderness Campfire Singalong and Movie

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney on Wheels and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd on our Magical Blogorail. This month, we are sharing our favorite things to do after dark at Disney besides fireworks.

When night falls on Walt Disney World, many families gather in the Magic Kingdom, Resort Beaches, on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon, and in many other special places to watch Magic fill the skies in the form of Disney fireworks shows.

While my family are huge fans of Wishes, Illuminations, and even Fantasmic, this month's Magical Blogorail theme focuses on our favorite "after dark" activity BESIDES fireworks.

Luckily, this was a no-brainer for me, as my family LOVES the campfire at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.  Fort Wilderness is nestled along the shores of Bay Lake and is easily accessible from anywhere in Walt Disney World.

DGTG Fashion Alert: Shake It Up Inspires D-Signed Back-To-School Fashions

ELECTRIC COLORS, BOLD PATTERS, ANIMAL PRINTS AND LAYERS FOR AN

INDIE ROCK LOOK

Summer may be over but the fun isn’t! Tweens can make a statement when they hit the school halls this fall with the season’s back-to-school must-haves!

 In celebration of the hit Disney Channel show, Shake It Up, Disney Consumer Products is releasing a collection of apparel and accessories for tweens inspired by the style of the show’s leading ladies. 

DGTG Splurge: Behind the Scenes Peek at Disneyland's Signature Suites

 Today, I am giving my readers a sneak peak into the luxury Signature Suites of the Disneyland Hotel, located adjacent to the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California!  I contacted a member of the Disney Media team to find out more about these amazing accommodations, and she informed me that they are available to the public and start at a whopping $2800. per night, which may vary due to the time of year.

 Many of us would pay any price to spend a night in Cinderella Castle, or Disneyland's Dream Suite for that matter, but we all know that these dreams are pretty much unattainable...even for the right price! Disneyland Hotel is offering the "next best thing" for those who are willing to pay for these absolutely stunning accommodations.  These suites are themed and decked out with loads of Pixie Dust and Nostalgic Disney Magic!  I hope you enjoy Part 1 of this behind the scenes peak at the Signature Suites of the Disneyland Hotel featuring the Fairy Tale Suite, The Pirates of the Caribbean Suite, and the Adventureland Suite.