New ALEX AND ANI 'Words Are Powerful' Princess Collection; Introducing Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition

New ALEX AND ANI 'Words Are Powerful' Princess Collection:

On June 13, the new 'Words are Powerful' ALEX AND ANI collection will debut with a touch of royalty of the Disney princesses. Each of the bracelets have a silhouette of four popular Disney princesses along with a popular saying added to the colorful bangles.

The four princesses featured are Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and Aurora. Ariel's is a green-infused bangle with it saying, "Follow Your Dreams, Wherever They Lead." Belle's is yellow and her's says, "Find True Beauty Within." Cinderella's is blue and her's say's, "Believe in Every Wish." Finally, Aurora's is pink and says, "Awaken Your Heart." Each bangle will come in either shiny gold or shiny silver finishes and cost $44.95 plus tax each.

They will be available both online, on the Disney Parks App, and in stores at Disney Parks. Here is a list of locations where they will be available:

Disneyland Resort

• Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co.
• Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop
• Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store

Walt Disney World Resort

• Disney’s Animal Kindgom – Discovery Trading Company
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bayview Gifts
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Keystone Clothiers
• Disney Springs – Tren-D and World of Disney Store
• Epcot – Mouse Gear
• Magic Kingdom Park – Emporium

Introducing Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition:

Are you a Star Wars fanatic? Well Star Wars today introduced some special edition collectibles including the infamous melted Darth Vader mask from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The new collection is called Star Wars Collectibles Ultimate Studio Edition. The collectibles are precisely detailed prop replicas of the finest craftsmanship from the makers of the props from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

The Darth Vader melted helmet alone will cost you $3,500, but has a limited edition size of 500. For a full list of collectibles in the collection visit collectibles.starwars.com. Here is a behind the scenes look at the making of these ultimate Star Wars collectibles:

Kylo Ren’s most prized possession is now an ultimate work of art: https://t.co/XVlhkzzrCXhttps://t.co/dN3Kubg9nR

— Star Wars (@starwars) June 1, 2016

Disney Films Nominated for 9 Oscars this Morning

Just about an hour ago we learned the nomination for the 88th Annual Academy Awards as they were revealed in Los Angeles. 2015 was possibly the biggest film year for the Walt Disney Company and Oscar Nominations didn't disappoint. Disney films were nominated for 9 categories. The nominations were announced by actor John Krasinski (The Muppets, Monsters University) along with filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Ang Lee. Here is a list of the nominations:

• Costume Design - Sandy Powell, "Cinderella"
• Sound Editing - Matthew Wood and David Acord, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Sound Mixing - Benjamin A. Burtt, Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Animated Short - "Sanjay's Super Team"
• Animated Film - "Inside Out"
• Visual Effects - Robin Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neil Scanlon, and Chris Courbould, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 
• Film Editing - Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Original Screenplay - Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, and Ronnie del Carmin, "Inside Out"
• Original Score - John Williams, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" leads the way with 5 nominations but was shutout from Best Film, Director (J.J. Abrams), and what some thought to be Harrison Ford as he was not nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. For a complete list of the nominations visit here. The 88th Annual Academy Awards will air on ABC on February 28 at 8/7 C and will be hosted this year by Chris Rock. 

Prince Charming Getting a Live-Action Film; Tentative List of Narrators Announced for 2015 Candlelight Processional

Prince Charming Live-Action Film in the Works for Disney:

It's been a while since we talked about Disney making a live-action film, (it seemed they were announcing one every other day). Today, it was announced (although unofficially) that Prince Charming will get his moment in the limelight as Disney has hired Matt Fogel to write the script. 

Recent success of Maleficent in 2013 and most recently Cinderella have shown how Disney can successfully make live-action re-makes of its animated classics. With "Beauty and the Beast" showing promise that it will be a hit as well at the box office. 

As stated above this hasn't officially been announced by Disney but rumors are swirling that it could be a continuation of March's live-action film of the animated classic, "Cinderella." Another rumor is that it would be about Snow White's prince, Prince Charming or the both of them. Stay tuned for more details on another live-action film from Disney.

Tentative List of Narrators Announced for 2015 Candlelight Processional:

Recently we said guests would soon be able to book dining packages for this year's Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Guests can begin to book now for reservations at both lunch and dinner. Prices may vary when booking. As of last week narrators for the Candlelight Processional were not announced but today a tentative list was released including the return of Neil Patrick Harris for shows November 30 to December 3, 2015. 

Here is the remaining list of tentative narrators including Harris (guest narrators are subjuect to change):

• TBD - November 27-29, 2015
• Neil Patrick Harris- November 30 - December 3, 2015
• Whoopi Goldberg - December 4-5, 2015
• Joe Morton - December 6-8, 2015
• TBD - December 9-11, 2015
• Meredith Vieira - December 12-14,2015
• TBD - December 15-23, 2015
• Edward James Olmos - December 24-26, 2015
• TBD - December 27-28, 2015
• Amy Grant - December 29-30, 2015

There are three shows nightly from November 27 - December 30 at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. On December 6, show times will be at 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. only. Tune in for more details as the rest of guest narrators are announced. 

Walt Disney World Testing 4th Fastpass+ Option and Disney Plans Live-Action Film of Mulan 3/31/15

It is March 31 and guess what winter will just not go away here in Pennsylvania, it's snowing. I just want warm weather and sunshine to come already as I am sure everyone here in the northeast does to. Anyways, let's get on to your news from around Disney.

Walt Disney World Testing 4th Fastpass+ Option:

It appears as Disney World is testing a fourth fastpass+ option at all 4 theme parks. While it appears the test is only going on for a short time, guests can book a fourth fastpass option for the next few days. It has now been a year since the Fastpass+ has debuted at the parks where you could only book 3 fastpasses for each day. Disney then announced a few months after the debut of Fastpass+ and the magic band system that guests were able to book a 4th fastpass after using up the first three that they had booked.

As stated above the fourth fastpass option is just a test and cast members have been confirming that when asked about it. Guests are only able to book four fastpasses up until tomorrow, April 1. This just goes to show that Disney is listening to guests that they want more fastpasses. It is only a matter of time that this won't be test and guest will be able to book four fastpasses at once.

Disney Announces Next Live-Action Film in Mulan:

Disney's next live-action film of another one of its animated classics will be "Mulan." The film will be based off a script by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. The project itself has been setup with Chris Bender and J.C. Spink. The original "Mulan," released in 1998, was about Mulan disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the Chinese Army joined by here dragon friend, Mushu. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide back in 1998. 

"Mulan" will join Disney's successful live-action remakes that already include "Alice in Wonderland"(2010), "Maleficent"(2014), this year's remake of "Cinderella." Disney already plans for releases of other live-action films like "The Jungle Book" and a sequel to the "Alice in Wonderland" film for next year. In March 2017, Disney's live-action remake of the animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" starring "Harry Potter" star Emma Watson is in development. Disney has also announced that a live-action remake of "Dumbo" is in the works as well, but no release date has been announced.

No released date for "Mulan" has been announced. The news of Disney's next live-action film in "Mulan" was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day in 2004, Disney's Military-only resort Shades of Green is reopened by the U.S. Army after a $92 million expansion.

Also on this day in 2012, Disney Cruise Line launches its newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Animation is different from other parts. Its language is the language of caricature. Our most difficult job was to develop the cartoon's unnatural but seemingly natural anatomy for humans and animals."

Walt Disney

Disney is always changing and it truly is a magical place. Disney will continue to develop live-action films of its animated classics as long as they continue to be box-office hits. That is all I have for today, tomorrow will be another story. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/16/15

I hope everyone is getting through their Monday's as quickly as possible. The weekend has come and gone and we are at the start of another work week. Disney once again broke more amazing and magical news today so let's get into your daily news from around Disney.

Breakfast at Be Our Guest to Begin This Friday March 20:

Yesterday, Attractions Magazine reported that on Disney's website that the option for breakfast was added for Be Our Guest. It's been long rumored that Be Our Guest was going to start serving breakfast. Well today the rumors became reality as the Disney Parks Blog announced Be Our Guest will begin serving breakfast this Friday, March 20. It will be quick service option with the restaurant serving breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every morning. Guests can begin making reservations beginning tomorrow March 17 for the dates March 20 - June 18, 2015. Guest can make reservations via DisneyWorld.com/dine, the My Disney Experience app, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

It will be a fast casual breakfast menu with a French touch of course. Each meal will begin with a pastry basket for sharing if you so choose. Entrees include assorted cured meat and cheese served with marmalade, fresh fruit and a fresh baguette or how about eggs florentine served in a puff pastry with country ham and roasted plum tomatoes. Also on the menu is an open face bacon and poached egg sandwich. For a lighter fare you can have scrambled egg whites with roasted tomatoes, a multi-grain croissant, and fresh fruit or a vegetable quiche with zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, onion and chive, also served with fresh fruit. 

For something different and indulgent guests will have a chance to try the croissant doughnut, which will be a fried doughnut topped with banana caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, and whipped cream. The kids menu will include a brioche french toast served with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with applewood bacon and fresh fruit, fruit crepes with yogurt and fresh fruit with a berry foam, as well as cereal and oatmeal. 

March Magic Returns Once Again in Time for March Madness on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who's ready for some March Magic!!! For the second year Disney is getting in the spirit of March Madness by creating their own bracket to find out their guests favorite ride. It is East Coast vs. West Coast as attractions from both coasts will be pitted against each other to crown a champion. Starting today guests will begin to show their Disney side and voting for their favorite attractions from either Disneyland or Disney World. Match-ups will be posted on both parks Facebook pages as well as their Instagram accounts. Match-ups will be posted daily with the final two attractions, one from each park, will be posted on April 6. 

Disney's Live-Action Film Cinderella is Box Office Royalty on Opening Weekend:

Disney's live-action film "Cinderella" certainly took to the ball on its opening weekend at the box office making $70 million from its North American total and $132 million with its International total added in. Last year, Disney's live action film "Maleficient" took in $69 million on its opening weekend. "Cinderella" cost Disney $95 million to make so taken into account of what it made on opening weekend it's a winner and the belle of the ball. 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 16) in 2002, Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Resort Paris has it grand opening with rides that include Rock N' Roller Coaster, Animagique, and Armageddon: Les Effetcs Speciaux. It is Disney's 10th theme park to open as well as its smallest park.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Well there's one thing. They can't order me to stop dreaming."

- Cinderella

So who is making breakfast reservations for Be Our Guest tomorrow morning? Anyways that's all for today's Disney news. As always in the words of Mickey, "See Ya Real Soon." 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/12/15

Another day down and another day closer till my trip to Disney World, 101 days to be exact. It is so exciting to count down the days until vacation. How do you celebrate your trips to Disney? Do you count down the days or do little events to show how excited you are. Anyways let's dive into your daily news from around Disney today.

Disney World Speedway to Close in July:

Yesterday it was reported that the Walt Disney World Speedway, home of the "Richard Petty Driving Experience" and the "Exotic Car Driving Experience" would stop operation as of July 1. Reports are Disney is making way for new transportation experiences, but details have yet to be announced. Petty Holdings in reports said they would look for another location in Orlando for its exotic car driving experience. Here is the full statement from Petty Holdings:

"Petty Holdings, operator of Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience, confirmed that starting July 1, they will no longer operate their experiences out of the Walt Disney World Speedway. Walt Disney World has plans to use the land to make transportation improvements.

“Our main focus at this moment is taking care of our staff and preparing them for the upcoming transition,” said Petty Holdings Vice President Bill Scott.  “Any reserved guests prior to July 1 will have the same fantastic experience that we have delivered since 1997 at Walt Disney World Speedway.”

Anyone booked after June 30 for Richard Petty Driving Experience or Exotic Driving Experience can call 1.800.237.3889 to reschedule their experience at any of their 14 locations nationwide – including the location at Daytona International Speedway. Petty Holdings currently has plans in process for exotics and stock car programs in Orlando."

I never experienced the Walt Disney World Speedway, but for those of you that have, are you sad that it is closing?

Disney Launches App Tied to Imagicademy Learning Brand:

Our next story is today Disney Publishing Worldwide launched an app, "Mickey's Magical Arts World", that gives children curriculum-based tools to explore creative arts by making and doing. Children are able to create their own character and bring them to life in real Disney cartoons alongside Mickey and his friends. They can also experiment in creating music with basic concepts as well as practicing art and design. The app is now available on the Apple App Store. It is the second of five subject apps to be released in correlation with Disney's Imagicademy focused on children ages 3 to 8. Disney Imagicademy Mickey's Magical Arts World provides children with a wide-ranging creative arts curriculum the features five experiences in one app. These experiences are: Mickey's Sketch Artist, Donald's Costume Play, Mickey's Music Maker, Pluto's Crafty Creator, and Minnie's Art-chitect. 

Disney Releases Second Trailer for Live-Action Cinderella Movie:

Today Disney released the second full trailer for its live-action Cinderella movie, which is due out in theaters March 13, 2015. Here is the trailer:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day, February 12, in 1934 Walt Disney Productions filed an application for a trademark of "Mickey Mouse" for use in books and newspaper comic strips.

Daily Disney Quotes:

"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known."

Walt Disney

Well that is all for today short and sweet and as always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."