Disney Sisters

Elephants taking a bath on Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom

We can think of nothing better than to frolic and play with our family on a hot summer's day, just like these elephants in Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort! We snapped this photo while on an awesome Kilimanjaro Safari. Just look at how inviting that water is... Splish Splash Elephants taking a bath!

Happy (Disney) Wordless Wednesday!

What activities have been keeping you cool this summer?

Alice in Wonderland Meet and Greet

Happy Wordless Wednesday from Wonderland!

While visiting Epcot at Walt Disney World, you can take your picture with Alice in Wonderland. (In the UK area of the World Showcase) We also suggest getting her autograph and giving her a hug. Be prepared to answer a bunch of fun questions, she is after all quite curious!

Have you met Alice yet? Who is your favorite character to see at the Parks?

Disney Junior Channel comes to DIRECTV Customers

We are so happy to share this news with you! For those of you with DIRECTV (like Jessica) we've been missing out on the new Disney Junior Channel - TERRIBLY! So to hear that starting today we will get 24 hours of Disney Junior programming goodness is exciting news! More Doc McStuffins and even more Jake and the Never Land Pirates! Whoo-Hoo! Now if you'll excuse us, we've got to go watch Disney Junior, the Aristocats is on!

DISNEY JUNIOR WILL LAUNCH SATURDAY, JULY 14, TO MILLIONS OF

DIRECTV CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE

DIRECTV and Disney have reached a new agreement to add Disney Junior, a 24- hour channel expressly for kids age 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, to DIRECTV’s programming lineup beginning tomorrow on channel 289. Disney Junior launched in 2011 as a daytime programming block on Disney Channel and expanded to a 24/7 channel in 2012. It is one of the most sought-after channels by DIRECTV customers and will be permanently added to their programming options as a basic channel.

Disney Junior's animated and live action programming blends Disney's unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning components, including early math and language skills, as well as healthy eating and lifestyles, with an emphasis on social and emotional development. The original series include “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” "Doc McStuffins," “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” "A Poem Is…," "Handy Manny," “Little Einsteins” and “Special Agent Oso.” Disney Junior also airs Walt Disney Studios’ and Pixar’s classic and contemporary animated films, as well as Disney’s many non-theatrical sequels so popular with children and parents.

“When it comes to children and families, nobody has the tremendous programming to compare with Disney,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “Our customers have been clamoring for us to add Disney Junior since they first heard about the concept, and DIRECTV is happy to place our trust in Disney as a partner in building this exciting new family service.”

“We are pleased to reach this agreement with DIRECTV to provide Disney Junior’s high quality, valuable and family-friendly programming to their customers,” said David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney & ESPN Affiliate Sales and Marketing. “We know parents are passionate about having top quality television options for their families, and now millions will be able to watch outstanding preschool programming on a 24/7 channel unlike any other on television.”

With the addition of DIRECTV, the 24 hour Disney Junior channel has distribution agreements that cover approximately 55 million US households.

Disney Media Networks’ flagship Disney Channel is fast becoming the most popular programming service among DIRECTV homes. The number of children viewers aged 2 through 11 has surged more than 19 percent in the past year alone, and total viewership has increased 15 percent during those same 12 months. Disney Junior will now take a place in the DIRECTV channel guide directly adjacent to Disney Channel at channel #289.

Family Reunion at Disneyland Resort

"With Each New Adventure A Story Begins"

It's no surprise our families' favorite place to create memories is Disneyland. When our extended family comes to town we can't wait to meet up at the Happiest Place on Earth. After a magical day at the Parks full of Princesses and Parades we love to wind down at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. The lobby is amazing and the rooms are like no other. The service is exactly what you would expect from Disney Cast Members. Our favorite restaurant is Storytellers Cafe. Walking into Storytellers Cafe feels like home and a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the parks. There is a yummy buffet or you can order off the menu and the corn chowder is an all time favorite of ours! Another thing we love about Storytellers Cafe is the character breakfast. There's just something about waffles shaped like Mickey that make them taste so good! We had a great dinner that evening and really enjoyed catching up on each other's busy lives. Our favorite quote adorned in the restaurant says, "With each new adventure, a story begins." This was our story of our Disney family reunion in summer of 2012. We'd love to hear your story.

Cinderella's Slipper unveiled by Christian Louboutin and Disney

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN & THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS UNVEIL THE ULTIMATE, MODERN-DAY CINDERELLA INSPIRED SLIPPER

PARIS, FR, July 4, 2012 – The fabled Cinderella slipper which has captured the hearts and imagination of generations of women around the world, comes to life as The Walt Disney Studios and world-renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin unveil the ultimate, modern- day Cinderella inspired slipper in Paris, during Haute Couture week July 2-5.

“Cinderella is not only an iconic character when it comes to beauty, grace and fairytale love, but also shoes,” explains designer Christian Louboutin. For Louboutin, the worlds of fantasy and shoe-making collided in perfect harmony when he was invited by Disney to re-imagine Cinderella’s famous slipper in honor of Disney’s global release of the classic masterpiece “Cinderella” Diamond Edition on Blu-ray™ this Fall.

Cinderella’s legendary slippers have been re-imagined with the mastery of one of this generation’s most important designers. Lightness, beauty and transparency are the words with which Louboutin describes this special pair; they are a dream materialized. The designer’s magic touch brings this iconic shoe to reality and gives it a modern twist. Delicate lace adorned with crystals gives these slippers an enchanting look. Two sparkling butterflies rest prettily on the shoes, one landing on the vamp while the other sits closely behind atop of the crystal covered heel, gently brushing the ankle. Louboutin’s signature red soles add the final dash of excitement as Cinderella’s slippers come alive. “Her character and her story dictated the design to me, it was all there in the pages and the words of this tale,” explained the designer.

“The slipper is the magic wand of transformation

which conjures confidence, beauty and love.” – Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin’s famous red soles are instantly recognizable for their elegance, innovative, playful designs and femininity. “The dream is a major factor in my language of design,” said Louboutin. This whimsical quality is paramount to his creations, which have been embraced by women all over the world. Louboutin’s limitless imagination, adventurous spirit and the inspiration he draws from the world and people around him have helped turn his own dreams into reality. For Louboutin, “there are no limits in the world of fantasy and there is always a happily ever after.”

As part of the celebration, a few lucky, modern day Cinderella’s will have the chance to be a part of the magic and win one of the twenty original slippers created for this collaboration. Further details about the contest and participating markets to follow.

The Return of the Orange Bird at Magic Kingdom

The Orange Bird Returns to Magic Kingdom

Have you heard the buzz about the return of the Orange Bird to Walt Disney World Resort? He's back at Magic Kingdom Park only in Adventureland. You can get the adorable Orange Bird souvenir straw cup exclusively at his home, The Sunshine Tree Terrace, right across from Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride.

Since we were just at Magic Kingdom for the first time, we couldn't wait to pick up our orange bird drinking cups. So cute, round and well... orange. They don't have these little guys at our home park Disneyland. A perfect inexpensive souvenir for fans of all ages. There's all kinds of new Orange Bird Merchandise including pins, shirts and hats.

Who is the Orange Bird?

Here is an excerpt from Disney Parks Blog explaining his origin:

"The Orange Bird is a sunny little fellow with an orange for a head and green leaves for wings. Unable to utter a sound, the Orange Bird makes his cheery thoughts appear above his head in puffs of orange smoke. An original character created for the Magic Kingdom Park in 1971, the Orange Bird has returned home to the Sunshine Tree Terrace where his beaming smile can be seen today."

Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.

"Pair Of Kings" Season 3 - Cast Interviews

"Pair Of Kings"
Season 3 premieres with a new King
on Monday June 18, 2012
at 8:30 pm / 7:30c on Disney XD

We had so much fun getting to know the cast of "Pair Of Kings." We talked about their favorite episodes, how they got discovered, their favorite Disney Parks attraction, and where they like to vacation. They even shared a secret about an episode in season 3!

Adam Hicks as "Boz"

Kelsey Chow as "Mikayla"

Doc Shaw as "Boomer"

Ryan Ochoa "Lanny"

Geno Segers as "Mason"

Watch our other Disney Channel Stars Interviews:

"Jake And The Never Land Pirates"

Cars Land "Opening Day" Video -Disney California Adventure Park-

Cars Land Opens Today!
At Disney California Adventure Park

We hope you liked cruising with us!
Instagram Photo Album
Countdown To Cars Land
First Look at Cars Land
Sofia Grace and Rosie check out Cars Land

Pit Crew Press: Jessica and Becky

Countdown To Cars Land: Photos From D23 Expo

Racing down the road to Cars Land

Radiator Springs Racers Cars

Lightning McQueen

Ramone's House Of Body Art

Cars Land Opens June 15th, 2012

Disney California Adventure Park

Radiator Springs Fire Truck

Pit Crew Press: Jessica and Becky

We hope you enjoy crusing along our Countdown To Cars Land!

Disney Parks Blog Shares Story Telling Magic

"We like to tell stories so good they're contagious!" -Thomas Smith

We've been reading and loving the Disney Parks Blog since it began in September 2009. As the one and only official blog for all of the Disney Parks they naturally have all of the latest and greatest Disney News the moment it breaks. But they also have a unique almost magical way of telling stories. When we heard that we would be given the chance to meet Disney Parks Social Media Director, Thomas Smith and Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor in the #DisneySMMoms Breakout Session called "Fire and Ice" we were intrigued and ecstatic. It was an honor to meet these two Heroes. Let us assure you, they definitely lived up to the hype. They were silly and serious, business but approachable and caring. These gentlemen both exemplify what a Disney Cast Member should be!

They put on a show, taught us a little of what they know and it was awesome!

Photo courtesy of our friend Josh Hallett
Thomas Smith and Gary Buchanan

We learned the Disney Parks Blog works like a well-oiled machine.
They have a large crew, a "posse" of 70 writers. Did you know Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs is an author on the blog? Several posts go out each day.
Seeing their editorial calendar made us melt.

What drives Disney Social Media Program?

Curiosity = Ideas

Ideas on Story Telling shared by Tom:

*Explore, experiment and try new things.

*Ask yourself questions like: What if? and Why not?

*Share your experiences!
Experiences that are anticipated before they happen, talked about while they're happening and afterwords.

*Bloggers should be like trusted guides that let you experience their story through a journey.

*Always remember: "Creativity Lights The Way!"

Thoughts on Creativity from Gary:

*Gary shared his all time favorite quote:
"It doesn't matter where you take things from, it matters where you take them to."-Jean Luc Godard

*You can build on an idea that's been done before and you make it your own.

*Gary suggests to "date an idea, don't marry an idea."

*And he shared his favorite Walt Disney quote:
"If you are coasting, it means your are going downhill"-Walt Disney

*Keep your foot on the gas pedal!

*Creativity is coloring outside of the lines.

*Have fun and play with no rules.
Through play you go from Ha-Ha moment to Ah-Ha moment.

Here's our tweet stream during the session.
There were so many great ideas, and quotes. We wanted to share their brilliance.