New Holiday Trading Pin Gift Cards Released

The new Holiday Pin Series Gift Cards were recently released at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The gift cards come in four different characters that include Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. Each gift card comes with a mitten-shaped pin of the character. 

Each of the gift cards will be pre-loaded with $75 to use and the mitten-shaped trading pin. Each pin is treated with a special layer of glitter, these pins will only be available to purchase as part of the limited edition Disney Gift Card Holiday series. 

The gift cards can be used at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney PhotoPass, and any Disney Store locations in the United States. Disney Gift Cards make the perfect gift for Disney fans everywhere for the holiday season. 

Early Morning Magic Coming to Hollywood Studios, Disney Park Pack - Holiday Edition, and More

Early Morning Magic Coming to Hollywood Studios:

With the success of Early Morning Magic at the Magic Kingdom, it was recently extended through the end of September. Today, Disney World announced it would also begin testing the idea at Hollywood Studios beginning August 1. 

Much like at the Magic Kingdom, a limited number of guests will pay to enter the Studios early at 7:45 a.m. to experience Star Tours - The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania, Pixar Place Meet & Greet with Woody & Buzz, and Meet & Greets with Mickey & Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight. Guests will also be able to enjoy an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m. before the park opens. 

Guests can begin booking the experience beginning today by visiting DisneyWorld.com/EarlyMorningMagic or by calling 407-827-7350. Theme Park admission is required in addition to the purchase of Early Morning Magic ticket. Early Morning Magic is a separate experience from Disney's Extra Magic Hours. 

Disney Park Pack - Holiday Edition Now Available:

A few months ago the Disney Parks Blog unveiled a special holiday edition of the Disney Park Pack would be available in July. It is now available to order on the Disney Store online with shipments expected to begin next month. Every month subscribers will receive a new special edition Disney Ear Hat ornament. Each of the ornaments were created especially for this special holiday edition of the Disney Park Pack.

Price is $29.99/ month or $300 for the annual subscription. Limit one per household. Here are some more details on the Disney Park Pack - Holiday Edition:

• With your Disney Park Pack Holiday Edition monthly subscription you will receive a new ear hat ornament every month**
• Fully-sculptured ear hat ornament
• Bottom of ornament features printed artist signature
• Satin ribbon for hanging
• Comes in special blind box presentation package
• Created for the Disney Park Pack
• Online premier
• Limited availability
• Since this is a subscription product, which will be connected directly to your account, you may only purchase this item online.  Sorry, no phone orders***

*Shipping is included in the price of your Subscription. Shipping applies to Standard Delivery sent to a single U.S. shipment address. Additional items in your Shopping Bag may incur Shipping & Handling charges. Disney E-Commerce reserves the right to cancel or modify this offer at any time.

**Cancellation Policy: For month-to-month subscriptions, you must disable the auto-payment feature before your next shipment is processed to halt the delivery of your upcoming parcel and any thereafter. If you disable it after the processing date, your next parcel will still arrive, but you will not receive any parcels thereafter. Due to the prepayment structure of the 12-month subscription, you are unable to cancel your prepaid term. However, you can easily disable the auto-payment feature to ensure that you do not receive parcels past your prepaid term.

***Please note: All sales final. No refunds, exchanges or returns for this item.

Guests must order by August 9th to receive the first Ear Hat ornament, which will ship on August 15. Park Packs will be shipped on the 15th of every month afterwords. Allow 5-7 days for delivery.

New Clip for Disney's "Pete's Dragon" - "Is Elliot Your Imaginary Friend?":

A new clip has been released for Disney's remake of "Pete's Dragon" called, "Is Elliot Your Imaginary Friend?" The film is set to be released in theaters in exactly month on August 12. Check it out:

Do you believe he's out there? Watch this brand new clip from #PetesDragon & see the film August 12 in theatres!https://t.co/uBoCRD02uC

— Pete's Dragon (@disneypetes) July 12, 2016

The Disney Parks Blog Debuts 'Inside Disney Parks' Newscast; Disney Saying Goodbye to Disney Dollars

The Disney Parks Blog Debuts 'Inside Disney Parks' Newscast:

Go inside Disney Parks for news updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peaks in the new "Inside Disney Parks" newscast on the Disney Parks Blog. Each episode will share the latest news as the Disney Parks Blog travels around the globe to each its world-class destinations. We will now be getting an insider's look at what's happening now and in the future, with just a touch of classic Disney nostalgia. Each episode will debut monthly it seems. Check out the first episode below:

Disney Saying Goodbye to Disney Dollars:

Disney is discontinuing sale of Disney Dollars effective this Saturday May 14, 2016. The program began in 1987 at both Disneyland and Disney World. Disney Dollars have been accepted as currency at all Disney Parks and the Disney Store as well as being collector's items for many Disney fans.

Disney is said to be discontinuing the program due to the increased use of Disney gift cards and other digital currency. While the sale of Disney Dollars will stop on Saturday, use of the currency will still be accepted throughout the parks and at Disney Store's as they do not expire. 

Three New Food Kiosks Joining the Disney Springs Line-Up; 'Force Awakens' Tsum Tsum's Arriving June 21

Three New Food Kiosks Joining the Disney Springs Line-Up:

Three new food kiosks will be joining the Disney Springs line-up that will bring diverse cuisines and plenty of options will be opening very soon. The three new kiosks are Aristocrepes, Daily Poutine, and B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

Taste a variety of crepes at Aristocrepes including:

• Beef with horseradish cream, red onion, baby spinach, and sharp cheddar
• Vegetarian with pickled beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and baby greens
• Turkey with Brie, dried cranberries, and Dijon spread
• Smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, onion, and 'everything bagel' topping
• S'mores crepe with marshmallow cream, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs
• Banana with Nutella and salted caramel
• Key Lime Cheesecake with white chocolate and chiffon crouton
• Strawberries Romanoff with Chantilly cream and strawberries

You can pair your crepes with wine on tap, beer, or even hard alcohol sodas (Not Your Father's Hard Root Beer and Henry's Hard Orange Soda). There are non-alcoholic beverages as well including Frozen Joffrey's Frappe Mocha and hot cocoa.

The Daily Poutine will bring the Canadian classic thick-cut French Fries with four different toppings. They include: Classic, with beef poutine gravy and cheddar cheese curds; Latin with fried yucca, black beans, pulled pork, and quest fresco, Italian with Bocconcino mozzarella and Bolognese sauce; and French with mushroom cream sauce and Gruyere cheese. Pair you Poutine fries with draft beer, sangria, lemonade, or fountain soda.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. will include artisan sausages that include:

• The Three Little Pigs - a trio of sausages each with different toppings: Reuben, bacon-wrapped with black bean salsa and chili cheese; Portuguese sausage with pickled vegetable slaw and chili mustard
• Sweet Hot Sausage - peppers, onions, and marinara
• Bavarian Sausage sandwich - a mini meterwerst with braised red cabbage, spicy brown mustard on a pretzel roll
• Italian Veggie Sausage - peppers, onions, and marinara

Cool off with a draft beer or fountain soda. B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. and The Daily Poutine will open along with the Disney Springs Town Center on May 15. Aristocrepes will open on May 22.

'Force Awakens' Tsum Tsum's Arriving June 21 at the Disney Store:

There has been an awakening with Disney Tsum Tsum's as the Disney Store announced today that the  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" collections will be debuting at store's nationwide on June 21. For those who can't wait until June 21, Disney Store Japan will release the collection on May 4, 2016, the Star Wars Holiday, as part of a larger collection.

The collection will include a mini collection that includes: Rey, Rey with goggles, Kylo Ren, BB-8, Finn Stormtrooper, Finn in pilot jacket, Captain Phasma, Poe Dameron, and a First Order Stormtrooper. There will also be a big BB-8 Tsum Tsum and medium Tsum Tsum's that will include BB-8, Captain Phasma, and Kylo Ren. 

Reservations Now Open for River Belle Terrace, 'The Force Awakens' Goes Lego, and More

Reservations Now Open for Table-Service Dining at River Belle Terrace:

River Belle Terrace has served home-style eats for more than 60 years at Disneyland, but now beginning February 10, the restaurant will re-open as a table-service location. It will serve your barbecue favorites, tasty sides, and so much more. 

Of course there are new menu items including new appetizers like the creamy pimento cheese dip with toasted bread and crispy celery, grilled and chilled shrimp with a house made BBQ sauce and lemon, and a house salad with arugula, apple, gorgonzola, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and an apple vinaigrette. 

Here is the rest of the menu as seen on the Disney Parks Blog:

"If you’re looking for a lighter entrée, try a salad topped with your choice of chicken, grilled shrimp, brisket or BBQ tofu. Whether you choose River Belle’s Chopped Salad with romaine lettuce, black beans, garbanzo beans, pickles, roasted corn, red bell pepper and tomatoes topped with fried onions served with a BBQ-ranch dressing or the Terrace Wedge with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, crumbled gorgonzola, garnished with pickled red onions and buttermilk-gorgonzola dressing, you can’t go wrong.

For the main attraction, Disneyland Resort chefs were inspired by barbecue tastes from up and down the Mississippi River. Look for tasty entrees like pork spare ribs, oven-roasted barbecue chicken, barbecue tofu, sustainable fish, oven-roasted sausage links and sandwiches featuring fried chicken, beef brisket or pulled pork. Each entree includes a side of River Belle Terrace’s signature baked beans as well as a choice of tangy coleslaw, seasoned tater bites, potato salad or seasonal vegetables. Kids will love the oven-roasted chicken, sustainable fish, BBQ ribs or mac ‘n cheese, each served with seasonal vegetables and fruit.

No Southern meal is complete without dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the warm maple, apple and bacon bundt cake or butterscotch pudding parfait. For a twist on a classic dessert, try the fried cheesecake."

Reservations of course are now open and you can do so by visiting Disneyland.com/dine or by calling  714-781-DINE (3463).

"The Force Awakens" is Going Lego with New Video Game:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is coming to the LEGO Star Wars Franchise as fans can prepare to build and blast on June 28, 2016. The game will be released on Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 (with exclusive DLC content), Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, and Windows PC. Here is the full announcement along with the trailer for "LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens":

The Force — and bricks — are calling to you. LEGO #StarWars: #TheForceAwakens is coming: https://t.co/YTDhlFnkkzhttps://t.co/EtrLVEMh0N

— Star Wars (@starwars) February 2, 2016

CALLING ALL JEDI MASTERS AND MASTER BUILDERS: ANNOUNCING LEGO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
GET READY TO BUILD AND BLAST ON JUNE 28.

The Force — and the bricks — are calling to you.Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm today announced LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a new entry in the No. 1 LEGO video game franchise, allowing players to experience all the action of the hit film combined with LEGO’s hallmark humor and visual style. Coming June 28, 2016, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 (along with exclusive DLC), PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, and Windows PC, the game is set to be an essential experience for gamers and Star Wars fans alike. LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens will feature new gameplay mechanics to build, battle, and fly through the galaxy like never before, and also offer new story content exploring the time period between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, adding additional insight into the movie and its characters. Get a first look in the trailer below! 

We’re extremely proud of the LEGO Star Wars video games, truly an incredible franchise that has sold more than 33 million copies and helped ignite a passion for numerous fun-filled LEGO games enjoyed by countless fans around the world,” said Tom Stone, managing director, TT Games. “LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be bigger and better in every way, pushing the series forward with innovative new gameplay mechanics, while also exploring new parts of the universe that is sure to excite and delight both Star Wars fans and newcomers.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the LEGO Star Wars videogame franchise, which kicked off such a beloved series of LEGO titles more than a decade ago,” said Ada Duan, vice president, Digital Business & Franchise Management, Lucasfilm. “LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens allows players to experience the new film in a unique way that only TT Games can provide, combining signature humor with epic Star Wars action. With previously untold story content exploring new 

details about the movie and its characters, it’s a perfect fit for fans of all ages.”

The film’s cast of new and classic heroes and villains — including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Han Solo, Chewbacca, BB-8, Kylo Ren, General Hux, Captain Phasma, and more — await gamers, as do the movie’s exciting locales, such as Jakku and Starkiller Base. Among LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ many innovative gameplay enhancements are: the “Multi-Builds” system, where players can choose from multiple building options to advance the game; new blaster combat, in which players use surrounding environments to drive back the First Order during intense Blaster Battles; and high-speed flight gameplay through arena-based battles and dogfights in space, while gamers utilize a multitude of vehicles along the way, including the legendary Millennium Falcon. In addition, enemies can now build, too, allowing stormtroopers to support each other with reinforcements, air strikes, and heavy artillery, adding another layer of danger to the game.

Stay tuned to StarWars.com for more on LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and prepare to relive the latest installment of the Star Wars saga in a bricktastic way.

Star Wars Tsum Tsums Coming to Disney Store on February 16:

Tsum Tsum fans rejoice, your favorite Star Wars characters are finally going to be released on February 16. The collection will include your favorite characters from A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Characters being released are Boba Fett, R2-D2, C-3PO, Yoda, Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Jabba the Hutt, Ewok, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia.  The collection will be launched both in-store and online in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

All 12 will be available via mini size. The Ewok, Chewbacca, Yoda, Darth Vader, and Stormtrooper will be available in medium size. While Jabba the Hutt and Chewbacca will be available in large size Tsum Tsums. 

Also with the launch of the Star Wars Collection on February 16, a new Star Wars, Disney, or Marvel Tsum Tsum collection will be released with a new #TsumTsumTuesday release cadence with releases on the first and third Tuesday of every month. 

Who's excited for Star Wars Tsum Tsums?

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at DHS Premieres Early, 4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens" Released, and More

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at Hollywood Studios Premieres Early:

Guests today at Hollywood Studios got a surprise if they visited Star Tours. Today, the "Jakku" scene from 'The Force Awakens' was added early. The scene wasn't supposed to be added until December 1. Here is a brief synopsis of what you will see, Warning Spoilers Ahead:

So, the new sequence takes place after the opening sequence (featuring either Darth Vader or the scanner droid looking for the rebel spy), in the space usually occupied by Hoth, Kashyyk, or Tatooine. You fly into Jakku and immediately the Millennium Falcon is in front of you. Finn appears on the side screen to deliver the classic “Star Tours? What are you doing here?” line. A chase ensues with First Order TIE Fighters, ending with the Falcon pulling an insane maneuver to take out a TIE Fighter. You then crash into some wreckage and the ship stops for a moment. At this point, scavengers from Jakku begin to try and rip the ship apart for spare parts to sell. R2-D2 zaps them away and the Starspeeder 1000 takes off and leaves the planet. The new sequence is followed by a new holographic transmission sequence featuring BB-8. BB-8 and R2-D2 sort of conspire against C-3P0 to continue the mission and protect the Rebel spy. After that, the ride travels to one of the randomized finale planets.

Also cast members at Hollywood Studios today got a sneak preview of Star Wars Launch Bay before it opens in two weeks.

4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens Released with More Details Revealed:

Yesterday, the 4th TV Spot for "Star Wars: Force Awakens and we now have more details to decipher with only 32 days until the release day. Here is the TV spot:

Watch “Discover," the second official #TV spot for #StarWars: #TheForceAwakens - coming to theaters 12/18/15. https://t.co/464hYHWfDD

— Star Wars (@starwars) November 16, 2015

In the photo above we see Rey is at some sort of temple that seems to be being attacked by First Order TIE-Fighters. Could the temple what remains of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. We also see Rey piloting the Millennium Falcon and Finn in the gunner turret as they fly across Jakku. Another scene we see BB-8 in the night as the dessert sky is illuminated by some sort of explosion. Watch the trailer for other new scenes as well as the scenes we have already seen in previously released trailers and tv spots.

Watch The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Live on the Disney Parks Blog:

The Disney Parks Blog will live streaming The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday night 11/18 at 10:30 p.m. EST.  This year is the final year for the famous light show as Hollywood Studios is set to be under heavy construction the next few years.

This year's show runs through January 3, 2016 and features millions of "dancing" lights including displays of angels, toy soldiers, a spinning globe, Santa, reindeer, and so much more. The live stream will appear in a fresh blog on Wednesday night. The DPB reminded fans when joining the conversation to use #DisneyHolidays much like they have used for previous live streams.

Will you be tuning into the live stream on the Disney Parks Blog Wednesday night?

Disney Store Releases Limited Release 20th Anniversary Toy Story T-Shirts:

Today through Sunday, on the Disney Store you can order a limited release 20th Anniversary Toy Story t-shirts. This is in honor of the release of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" 20 years ago on November 19, 1995. The shirts come in both adults and child sizes and can be mixed and matched for a special deal of 2 for $44. If bought separately the adult shirts cost $27.95 and the kids shirts are $22.95. Here is the t-shirt:

Tex-Mex Cuisine Debuts in New Pecos Bill's Menu Beginning Today; Disney Park Pin Pack Going to Subscription Service

Tex-Mex Cuisine Debuts in New Pecos Bill's Menu Beginning Today:

Today, began a new menu at Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe at Disney World's Magic Kingdom featuring Tex-Mex cuisine instead of the usual burgers that have been on the menu. New menu items on the menu include rice bowls with beef, chicken, or veggies, fajitas, or the Southwest Chicken Salad for a lighter menu choice. The fixin's bar is back with sauces, salsas, peppers, onions, cheese, and more. Even the desserts get a Tex-Mex feel with sopapillas and mini churros being added. Here is the actual menu.

Entrees:

Beef Fajita Platter - Cilantro Rice, Beans, and Tortilla $14.49

Chicken Fajita Platter - Cilantro Rice, Beans, and Tortilla $13.49

Beef Burrito - Cilantro Rice and Beans $11.99

Chicken Burrito - Cilantro Rice and Beans $11.99

Chicken Rice Bowl - $12.99

Beef Rice Bowl - $12.99

Roasted Vegetable Rice Bowl - $9.99

Southwest Salad with Beef - Mixed Greens, Beef, Monterey Jack Cheese, Tomato, Roasted Corn, Jalapeños, and Chipotle Ranch $11.99

Southwest Salad with Chicken - Mixed Greens, Chicken, Monterey Jack Cheese, Tomato, Roasted Corn, Jalapeños, and Chipotle Ranch $10.99

Sides:

Chicken Enchilada Soup - $5.99
Chips - $3.99

Desserts:

Churros - $4.99
Sopaipilla - $4.49
Dannon Greek Yogurt - $3.19

Beverages:

Coca-Cola Fountain Beverage - $2.99-$3.29
Country Bears Jug with Fountain Beverage - $9.29
Dasani Bottled Water - $2.75
Simply Orange Juice - $3.99
Nesquik Chocolate Milk - $2.59
Low fat Milk - $1.99
Hot Tea or Hot Cocoa - $2.49
Coffee (Regular or Decaf) - $2.49
Strawberry Lemonade Slush featuring Odwalla - $3.99
Country Bears Jug with Raspberry Lemonade Slush - $10.49
Mickey Straw - $0.69

Kids Meals: 

Smucker's Uncrustables - $5.49
Rice Bowl with Beef, Chicken, or Vegetables - Served with Grapes or Carrot Sticks $6.99
Quesadilla - Served with Grapes or Carrot Sticks $6.99

Go check out the new menu at Pecos Bill's beginning today, you are sure in for a treat.

Disney Park Pin Going to Subscription Service:

The Disney Park Pin Pack debuted back in May where you could purchase the pack on the first Thursday of each month for $39.95 plus tax. The pack consisted of 3 pins (one exclusive limited edition pin and two open edition pins. Each month the pack had the possibility of selling out preventing guests from purchasing.

Beginning today, that changes with the Disney Park Pack: Pin Trading Edition being offered as a subscription service. Subscribers could sign up to pay for each month or they could go with the yearly subscription. It is $39.95/month but if you choose the yearly plan for $419.95, you would save $59.45 on the subscription. Here are the details on the subscription:

• Enter our magical kingdom of trading with the Disney Park Pack Pin Trading Edition
• With your Disney Park Pack Pin Trading Edition Annual Subscription you will receive the latest Disney Park Pack every month*
• This Online Exclusive box of three Disney Pins includes a Limited Edition Pin only available in the Disney Park Pack, as well as two Open Edition Pins guests will receive before they are available in the parks**
• The Limited Edition pin has four variants of a similar design or theme; each of the variants has an edition size of 750. A different Limited Edition pin may be available in each box**
• You won’t know which pins you’ve got until you open the box
• Limited Edition Pin with custom backer card created exclusively for Disney Park Pack with an edition size of 750
• Artists: Disney Design Group
• Enameled cloisonné
• Mickey icon pinbacks
• Arrives in decorative Disney Park Pack box

*Cancellation Policy: For month-to-month subscriptions, you must disable the auto-payment feature before your next shipment is processed to halt the delivery of your upcoming parcel and any thereafter. If you disable it after the processing date, your next parcel will still arrive, but you will not receive any parcels thereafter. Due to the prepayment structure of the 12-month subscription, you are unable to cancel your prepaid term. However, you can easily disable the auto-payment feature to ensure that you do not receive parcels past your prepaid term.

Will you be subscribing to the Disney Park Pack Pin Trading Edition?

Force Friday Happenings and Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast Coming to Disneyland

Happy Force Friday and it sure was a successful plan by Disney and Star Wars in planning this wonderful event for all of us Star Wars fanatics. Throughout the world stores held midnight events to release the toys, collectibles, pins, and apparel all in preparation for the December 18th release of the 7th film in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

The Disney Store released special edition "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" t-shirts for the whole family. The shirts will only available until next Wednesday, September 9th. Shirts are $27.95 for the men's and women's shirts and $22.95 for the boy's and girl's shirts. You can also mix & match the shirts for 2 for $40. Also, if you order before September 6th, and you use the code FORCE your complete order is eligible for free shipping. Here are the shirts:

Men's T-Shirt

Women's T-Shirt

Boys T-Shirt

Girls T-Shirt

Details on Force Awakens Play Set for Disney Infinity 3.0 Release Date and More:

Just a few weeks ago at the D23 EXPO, Disney Interactive revealed in its panel the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Play Set that will be released in December. We now have a release date as the play set will be released on the same day as the movie on December 18, 2015. We got a first look at the Rey and Finn figures to be released with play set. Here is the release by Disney Consumer Products today on the Play Set:

"To preserve the integrity of key movie moments, an additional wave of products will be released closer to the film’s debut, when fans will be able to find additional items featuring the newest characters, including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-8 and more. On December 18, a Play Set based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will become available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment of the best-selling “toys-to-life” video game from Disney Interactive."

Who is excited for the BB-8 figure? After the release of the app-controlled BB-8 last night, I can't wait to see what the figure looks like. 

Disney Records Announces 'Force Awakens' Soundtrack:

Today, it was announced by Disney Records the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" soundtrack that will be released the day of the film on December 18. 5-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams has once again recorded the soundtrack for the Star Wars film. 

The soundtrack is available to pre-order now, and here is the link: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack.

Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari is Bring Breakfast to Disneyland for Limited Time:

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant will be having breakfast for a limited time to Hollywood Studios in Disney World. Today, a restaurant in Disneyland is getting breakfast too. The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari is going to be serving breakfast for a limited time starting September 21, 2015 and running through December 2, 2015.

The theme of the breakfast will begin with a welcome from the Jungle Navigation Company, Ltd., before you dive into breakfast on the African veldt to the world famous Jungle Cruise attraction. On the menu that will leave your roaring hunger satisfied will include, an assortment of fresh pastries and scones, exotic fruit and chia parfait, eggs cooked to perfection, glazed pork belly bacon, pan-seared sausage and roasted golden potato-and-onion hash. For beverages, an assortment of juices, freshly brewed coffee, and specialty teas will be available to quench your thirst. 

Following the breakfast, guest will have a chance to be trained as a skipper where after they will get behind the wheel and cite the famous spiel. Upon their initiation into the "Fraternal League of Secret Skippers," guests will receive an exclusive keepsake - a tribal mask inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction. Reservations are limited and now being accepted. 

The Disney Store Shows Off What It's Bringing to the D23 EXPO

This year's D23 EXPO is only 3 weeks away and today the Disney Store showed off what new-collections and limited edition items they are bringing this year. At this year's expo, the Disney Store will have an over 3,000-square foot retail space for a Disney fan experience like no other. It will be located within the Disney Consumer Products pavilion. In addition to the new and exclusive merchandise not yet available to the public, fans will be able to meet and greet with the artists of the new collections. 

Fans will also be treated to the Disney Store's opening ceremony on Friday, August 14. During the opening ceremony, one special guest at the expo will be chosen to "unlock imagination" at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney's most famous characters. Guests of the expo will get first look at the new collections including the next set of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection, a Limited Edition Doll Collection from ABC's Once Upon a Time,  Star Wars, Toy Story 20th Anniversary, and the newly minted Disney Tsum Tsum. 

Here is a sneak peak and highlights of the new collections coming to the D23 EXPO:

Disney Fairytale Designer Collection—Happily ever after meets happily evil in Disney Store’s newest series of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection being previewed at D23 EXPO. Featuring five sets of Limited Edition pairs, these collector doll sets were designed by Disney Store artists and carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romance of fairytale friends and foes.

Available for the first time at D23 EXPO, guests can pre-purchase the complete set of five Hero/Villain pairs prior to the general public pre-sale beginning online Monday, September 14.

Following the preview at D23 EXPO, the doll sets will be released and available for purchase in stores and online starting September 29, with a new pair released each week. Each set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This line expands into a collection of apparel, mugs, journals, home décor, and more, available to the general public in stores and online on September 14.

Once Upon a Time—Continuing the ‘heroes and villains’ theme, Disney Store will introduce the Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection, available exclusively at D23 EXPO. Limited to an edition of 300, the doll collection, inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairytale characters from the show. Exclusively for guests who purchase the doll set at D23 EXPO, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) will be available for an autograph signing at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO floor from 4–4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. This special opportunity will be followed by the Once Upon a Time panel taking place in Stage 23 from 6–7 p.m.

Star Wars—Disney Store will launch an exclusive collection of Star Warsitems at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14. The collection will feature apparel, collectibles, and toys, including the Star Wars Elite Series, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures, representing characters from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The action figures will be sold individually at Disney Store locations beginning later this year; however, D23 EXPO attendees have the opportunity to purchase the full set of Star Wars Elite Series action figures, which includes D23 EXPO-exclusive versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Additionally at D23 EXPO, Disney Store will introduce Star Wars Legion Helmets, a series of eight vinyl collectible helmets inspired by the Star Wars Legion Helmet project launched in early 2014. Celebrating creativity and Star Wars, the project pulled together artists from across The Walt Disney Company, resulting in 300 Stormtrooper helmets being transformed into diverse pieces of art, which inspired these collectible recreations—epic additions to every Empire.

Toy Story 20th Anniversary—In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of DisneyPixar’s Toy Story, Disney Store gleaned art from the adored film’s archives to illustrate the evolution of the beloved characters, Buzz and Woody. Featuring toys, collectibles, apparel, and more, this collection will be released at the Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14.


Disney Tsum Tsum—All-new collections of everyone’s favorite stackable plush will be unveiled at D23 EXPO, with one releasing each day in limited quantities in mini, medium, and large sizes. In addition, limited-edition mini box series—exclusive to D23 EXPO—will be released along with each collection, and a Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum mini vinyl figure will be available for $5 with any purchase, while supplies last.

The Disney Store's "Disney's 3D Print Studio" is also launching at this year's D23 EXPO. It offers fans the chance to personalize figures, including Marvel's Iron Man, with their likeness with the use of facial-scanning kiosks. The figures will come with special packaging exclusive to the D23 EXPO.

Also new this year will be StorePass which we talked about in yesterday's blog. StorePass will allow fans to get a better shopping experience with minimal wait times in line. StorePasses will be available at 10 a.m. on August 14 with limited availability. 

This year's D23 EXPO is just 3 weeks away beginning Friday, August 14 and ending on Sunday, August 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

D23 EXPO 2015 to Offer StorePass for Less Time in Lines for Shopping

This year's D23 EXPO will be offering something new for guests when they are shopping. It will be sort of like a fastpass to spend less time in line and more time in all of the shops offered at this years expo. 

Today, D23 announced StorePass which will allow you to spend more time in the various shops by not waiting in lines for extended periods of time. A very limited quantity of the StorePass will be available to guests and will allow priority entry into The Disney Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey's of Glendale. Here is how StorePass will work:

• Starting at 10 a.m., and while D23 EXPO StorePass tickets last, visit the StorePass desk located adjacent to the StagePass distribution area in Hall A.
• Choose one of the 30-minute shopping experience timeslots, held from 12–5 p.m.
• Present your D23 EXPO 2015 admission ticket to receive a StorePass ticket for the respective shopping experience location.
• Each person is limited to one StorePass ticket for each shopping experience location per day.
• Please arrive at the shopping experience location at least five minutes prior to the start of your assigned timeslot with your StorePass ticket.
• StorePass tickets are valid only for the timeslot printed on the ticket.

Note: There will be standby lines at all locations, should you not receive a StorePass that day.

This year's D23 EXPO is August 14-16, 2015 at Anaheim Convention Center. 

Announcement for Disney Consumer Products Presentations and Pavilions at D23 Expo

More news today was released about the upcoming D23 Expo in August. Today, Disney Consumer Products released details on the unique product experiences and exclusive merchandise that they will bring to this year's D23 Expo. The pavilion will reflect a 'Tradition Meets Innovation' theme and will provide interactive opportunities for fans of all ages to explore exciting stories and engaging experiences and products celebrating everyone's favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars stories. The pavilion will highlight Playmation, Marvel Universe, the evolution of the Stormtrooper, #TeamMickey, Rock Your #MinnieStyle, D-Style, Make It A Tink Moment, Disney Junior 'Fun Spot', Unlock Your Inner Disney Princess, The Breadth of Frozen, Pixar Storytelling, and Discover Disney's  Descendants.

• Playmation Marvel’s Avengers—EXPO attendees will have the chance to see if they have what it takes to gear up and join the Avengers! Be among the first to experience the recently announced Playmation product, a groundbreaking new system of connected toys and wearables that uses smart technology to inspire kids to run around and use their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of Marvel stories.
• The Marvel Universe—Fans of all ages collect across the ever-expanding Marvel Universe, and at D23 EXPO they can experience more of their favorite Super Heroes with a preview of the newest large-scale statues, action figures and more. Additionally, attendees will get a first-hand look at how the attributes of Marvel characters—cool, strong, relatable—come together in fashionable apparel and accessories. Attendees are encouraged to follow @StyledbyMarvel on Instagram and to share their own passion for MARVEL with the #StyledByMarvel hashtag.
• Evolution of the Star Wars Stormtrooper—Explore the design evolution of the armor-clad legions of Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers that have fought for the light side and the dark side throughout the Star Wars
• #TeamMickey—Fans can show off their #TeamMickey spirit and commemorate their visit at a fun-filled Mickey photo booth.
• Rock Your #MinnieStyle—The Minnie lounge will feature a nail bar and surprise product giveaways along with an inspired fashion and accessories statement.
• D-Style—EXPO attendees will be the very first to preview D-Style, an all-new, curated assortment of fashion items and accessories debuting at DisneyStore.com this fall.
• Make it a Tink Moment—Straight from Never Land, #TinkStyle will land at D23 EXPO. Guests can visit the ‘Bun Bar,’ where professional hair stylists will be on hand to give attendees the iconic Tinker Bell topknot while they peruse a glittering Tinker Bell product display.
• Disney Junior ‘Fun Spot’—Fans can experience galactic play with new stellar toys from Miles from Tomorrowland and have the chance to meet Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First at the Disney Junior ‘Fun Spot.’
• Unlock Your Inner Disney Princess – D23 EXPO attendees can unlock their inner princess by leaving an empowering message on a special ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ gate.
• The Breadth of Frozen—Fans will have the opportunity to check out Frozen products for the whole family and engage in fun activities held throughout the day.
• Pixar Storytelling Comes to Life—Pixar films have delighted audiences for more than 20 years with memorable characters that have been brought to life in equally delightful product. Explore some of the newest products from everyone’s favorite Pixar films. Additionally, fans will be able to see the exciting new app from Disney—Cars: Daredevil Garage—that allows you to take your favorite Mattel diecast cars into the virtual world, using them to perform extreme stunts in crazy environments.
• Discover Disney’s Descendants—EXPO attendees will get an exclusive look at the wicked world of fashion and toys inspired by Disney’s Descendants, the teenage progeny of Disney’s most infamous villains.

Disney Store:

The Disney Store will have a shop in the Disney Consumer Products pavilion and will offer an array of merchandise not yet available to the public. The 3000 sq. ft. retail space will launch new collections and Limited Edition items throughout the weekend. The Disney Store will be launching the "Disney 3D Print Studio" and will give fans the chance to put their facial likeness on a Disney Mouseketeer, Star Wars Stormtrooper, and Marvel's Iron Man. This will be the Disney Store's first foray in 3D printing, the figures sold at the EXPO will feature unique packaging with a special D23 Certificate of Authenticity. 

Disney Publishing:

Disney Publishing will take fans into the world of books, apps, and everything in between by showcasing how artists, storytelling, and innovative content come together to create stories full of magic and adventure.

• Disney Storytelling Pop-Up Shop—EXPO attendees are invited to take a magical journey into the world of storytelling featuring titles that span Disney’s fascinating history. Look behind the magic through Disney Publishing’s Disney Editions books that showcase a vast array of feature films, Disney Legends, and Imagineers, available for purchase at the Disney Store retail space.
• Discover the Magic of Learning with Disney Imagicademy—Dive into the world of technology-driven learning through apps designed to encourage children to learn by creating, doing, and making.
• Disney Publishing’s Digital Discovery Zone—Fans can immerse themselves in the exciting world of innovative storytelling through a collection of digital experiences that will engage the imagination of people of all ages.
• Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets—Take a journey into a secret realm deep in a fairy-tale land between the Disney Princess kingdoms called Animal Royal Kingdom of Whisker Haven, where the Palace Pets characters can meet up with their friends, play, and save the day.
• Introducing Star Darlings—Coming this fall, the Star Darlings characters will encourage girls to make wishes from the heart and find their inner star. At D23 EXPO, fans can see a sneak peek into their world, with exciting Star Darlings giveaways being conducted throughout the weekend.

Disney Publishing will also have several presentations throughout the weekend, here are the details on each of the presentations:

Friday, August 14

• 3–4 p.m.: Stage 28: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Storytelling with Ridley Pearson and Marty Sklar 

New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson joins Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar as they discuss their seemingly different careers and roles as storytellers, along with how their worlds pleasantly and serendipitously collided with the creation of Pearson’s Kingdom Keepers series.

• 4:30–5:30 p.m.: D23 EXPO Dream Store: Ridley Pearson autographing

Saturday, August 15

• 10–11 a.m.: Stage 28: One Little Spark—Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering—with Marty Sklar in conversation with Eli Erlandson, Shelby Jiggetts-Tivoni, Daniel Joseph, Dexter Tanksley, and Kevin Rafferty                                                        

From the acclaimed author of DREAM IT! DO IT!, Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar joins five well-known Imagineers in a lively conversation about what inspired them to go into the arts, ultimately become Imagineers, and the advice they have for young creative talent who wish to do the same. Sklar will engage his fellow Imagineers in an inspiring discussion that will appeal to young and old alike—those who hope to take that “Road to Imagineering” someday, along with the parents and grandparents who encourage young people to follow their dreams.

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: D23 Autograph Central:  Marty Sklar signing
• 2:45–3:45 p.m.: D23 EXPO Dream Store: No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz autographing for The Isle of The Lost: A Descendants Novel

Sunday, August 16

• 1:30–2:30 p.m.: Stage 28: An Animator’s Gallery:  Presented by Dave A. Bossert and EricGoldberg 

Based on the book containing whimsical, deluxe Art Deco-themed art showcasing Walt Disney characters in a style reminiscent of caricatures from the famed walls of Sardi’s and The Brown Derby, join Disney Supervising Animator Dave Bossert and Director Eric Goldberg as they discuss the stylized images in the collection that first debuted as a display within the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. Fans of all ages, and from all over, will learn what inspired Goldberg to create these playful portraits, starting with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse through characters from Frozen and Big Hero 6.

• 3–4 pm: D23 Autograph Central: Dave Bossert and Eric Goldberg signing

Additional details and updates about Disney Consumer Products events and activities will continue to be updated on www.D23EXPO.com, on Facebook, and Twitter at “DisneyD23.” The D23 Expo is coming to the Anaheim Convention Center, August 14-16, 2015.