The Walt Disney Company Donates $1 Million To OneOrlando Fund

Jeff Clausen/Disney
Jeff Clausen/Disney

Friends posted photos and video of the vigil at the Magic Kingdom Saturday night. How lovely. They lit up the castle in the colors of the rainbow, one by one, then after a moment of silence, lit up the castle red, the color of (yes, I know, unofficial) Gay Days, and gave everyone a rhinestone-studded rainbow Mickey pin on the way out. Very classy, Disney. I was moved and touched and wish you didn’t have the reason to do it but grateful that you did do it. 

The Walt Disney Company announced a $1 million cash commitment to the OneOrlando Fund, established Monday by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist those affected by the tragic events in Orlando. In addition, eligible donations from Disney employees will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

“We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act,” said Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With 74,000 Cast Members who call Orlando home, we mourn the loss of the victims and offer our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.”

OneOrlando Fund will provide funds and other services to individuals affected by the tragedy. The website for the new fund is www.oneorlando.org.

Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort has been working in coordination with other Central Florida agencies and leaders to provide support to those in need. In coordination with OneBlood, Cast Members and other employees working at Walt Disney World Resort wishing to donate blood to help victims may donate at five designated locations across the resort property.

Through an effort led by the City of Orlando and the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Walt Disney World Resort is also providing complimentary accommodations for the families and friends of the victims.

Thanks to everyone who goes to

Finding Dory: Here, Look at a Cute Baby Fish

FINDING DORY

FINDING DORY

The Epic Battle to Defeat the Evil Empire Continues in Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Two!

Dave Filoni, the nice man who is getting kids ready for George R. R. Martin (if you saw the last ep of season 2, you’ll understand) and his team have created a damn good series here. Don’t let the fact that it’s animated on Disney XD lead you astray. More adults than kids watch it. I saw the numbers a few weeks ago, and there’s a reason (see “damn good series” above). The storytelling, the acting, the respect for and deep-seated knowledge of the Star Wars Universe is all there. And come August 30, you can binge-watch Season 2 to your heart’s content.

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 Available in Your Galaxy on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 30, 2016

Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Two delivers all 22 action-packed episodes of the hit CG animated series’ second season, plus exclusive, never-before-seen bonus material on DVD and even more exclusive footage on Blu-ray! Available August 30, this thrilling continuation of the Star Wars Rebels saga depicts the continued efforts of the crew of the starship Ghost to defeat the evil Empire.

Amid growing Imperial oppression on Lothal, the rebels are forced to seek out new allies throughout the galaxy and additional resources to sustain their fight against the Empire. With the help of Ahsoka Tano, the crew of the Ghost bands together with a secret rebel cell and ex-soldiers from the Clone Wars to join a fledgling alliance determined to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy.

As Ezra continues his journey to become a Jedi under Kanan’s guidance, the threat of the dark side looms large over the fate of the growing rebellion. Darth Vader himself will dispatch new Inquisitors to snuff any spark of resistance, setting the stage for a climactic showdown in which past lives will be revealed, terrible truths will be discovered, and the lives of our heroes will be changed forever.

Star Wars Rebels was created by Dave Filoni (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Sherlock Holmes), and Carrie Beck. The Lucasfilm Animation production is also executive-produced by Filoni and Kinberg.

Featuring the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr. (“I Know What You Did Last Summer”) as Kanan, Vanessa Marshall (TV’s “Young Justice”) as Hera, Steve Blum (“The Boxtrolls”) as Zeb, Tiya Sircar (“The Internship”) as Sabine, Taylor Gray (TV’s “Bucket and Skinner’s Epic Adventures”) as Ezra, Ashley Eckstein (Her Universe apparel) as Ahsoka Tano, Dee Bradley Baker (“American Dad,” “Phineas and Ferb”) as Captain Rex and all the clones, David Oyelowo (“Selma” and “The Butler”) as Agent Kallus and Sarah Michelle Gellar (“The Crazy Ones,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) as the Seventh Sister Inquisitor.

Bonus Features:

Blu-ray:

  • From Apprentice to Adversary: Vader vs. Ahsoka (Exclusive to Blu-ray) – Executive Producer Dave Filoni reflects on the climactic ending of the season, when Ahsoka Tano finally confronts Darth Vader in a long-awaited, fierce and epic lightsaber battle.
  • All DVD Bonus (see below)

DVD:

  • Connecting the Galaxy: Rebels Season Two – Uncover hidden references, easter eggs and connections to the Star Wars universe found throughout the season.
  • Rebel Recons – Blast off with 20 fun, fast-paced episode recons, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and more!

This IS The Skyway Station Mural You’re Looking For

Blame Main Street Art Corner artist Michael Levey for that groaner, not me (for once!). But then give him kudos and send him money, because he made this lovely piece of art for you to hang on your wall:

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Disneyland “Fantasyland Skyway Chalet Mural” Limited Edition Giclée Print

“Fantasyland Skyway Chalet Mural” is magical paper print recreating the artwork from the Fantasyland Skyway station at Disneyland from 1956-2016. Main Street Art Corner artist Michael Levey has lovingly recreated the artwork from the station using vintage photographs. This special print is only available on our fine art paper and in a total limited edition of 250 pieces. Our paper prints are made with archival paper using archival pigment ink on a 100% cotton rag base–meeting the highest printing standards needed for museum-quality, limited edition prints. The 12″ x 12″ print arrives with a Main Street Art Corner Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist.”

I like that it’s a small enough size that you can just tuck it under your arm and carry it to your tattoo artist, because that’s what I saw about three of you plotting on Facebook anyway.

A Golden Girls-themed Café is coming to Manhattan!

Samantha Sofka at Oh My Disney! Broke the good news:

“Calling all Golden Girls fans, we have some important breaking news to report! It was just revealed that a restaurant honoring Rue McClanahan (who portrayed Blanche Devereaux in The Golden Girls) will be opening in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The restaurant will appropriately be called Rue’s Cafe, and is owned by the actress’ close friend Michael J. LaRue. We don’t have too many details yet, but the news sounds absolutely golden.

“Now there will be a place in NYC where all Rue’s fans can visit, see lots of her memorabilia, and sit around a table with some friends eating cheesecake and gabbing,” the official Rue McClanahan Memorial Page posted on Facebook.

The page also noted that it will need fans’ help to make decisions about the design, menu, and what to display (and how to display it). The cool thing is, the folks behind the restaurant have all of Rue’s recipes, and those provided by her friends and co-workers over the years.

According to DNAInfo, Betty White is slated to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.”

Her Universe and Marvel Celebrate Captain America’s 75th Anniversary with All-New Exclusive Heroic Fashion Collection Available Only at Kohl’s

Her Universe

Designs Subtly Feature the Global Icon’s Red, White and Blue Shield with a Retro Look

Hey, look! It's Disney's Boardwalk!
Hey, look! It’s Disney’s Boardwalk!

Her Universe announced a new fangirl sportswear fashion collection to celebrate this year’s 75th anniversary of Marvel’s Captain America. The patriotic inspired fashion collection, which celebrates the global icon, is available now exclusively at select Kohl’s stores and on Kohls.com. This retro collection was inspired by the 40’s era with a modern twist; the designs subtly feature Captain America’s shield incorporated in floral prints, bandana prints and patriotic patterns. With dresses, rompers, blouses, shorts and knit graphic tops, the collection ranges in price from $28.00 to $48.00 and is available in sizes XS-XL with select styles online in plus sizes 1X-3X. The Her Universe Captain America collection coincides with Kohl’s store-wide celebration of the Marvel Super Hero for the entire family.

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“With the 75th anniversary we were really inspired by the 40’s era and the year that Captain America was created,” said Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein. “We collaborated closely with the Kohl’s and Marvel teams to create the perfect summer collection that evokes the spirit of a girl from the 40’s with a mix of modern day trends.”

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From his first Marvel Comics’ appearance in 1941 through the 75 years that have followed, Captain America has been one of the most influential comic book characters ever created. In both comics and films, “Cap” has been a beacon of light in the Marvel Universe and a central figure in the vast and dynamic world that Marvel fans know and celebrate today.

The Captain America 75th anniversary fashion collection is available now at select Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com/heruniverse.

Disney Store Encourages Guests to #GETINTHEMIX With New “MXYZ” Collection

Just Jared & Disney Celebrate the Launch of the "MXYZ" Collection Jared Eng, left, and Katherine McNamara are seen at Just Jared & Disney Celebrate the Launch of the "MXYZ" Collection at Neuehouse Hollywood on Friday, June 10, 2016, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Just Jared/AP Images)
Just Jared & Disney Celebrate the Launch of the “MXYZ” Collection
Jared Eng, left, and Katherine McNamara are seen at Just Jared & Disney Celebrate the Launch of the “MXYZ” Collection at Neuehouse Hollywood on Friday, June 10, 2016, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Just Jared/AP Images)

 All-New Mix and Match Line Launches Globally In Stores and Online

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Disney Store announced the global launch of an all-new collection called MXYZ (pronounced “mixies”). Geared toward the tween/teen audience and designed for mixing and matching, this must-have collection of drinkware, stationery, backpacks and more features popular Disney and Marvel characters designed in the trendy ‘kawaii’ (“cute” in Japanese) style of art.

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Available at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com, MXYZ sets with four distinct art patterns – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch and Marvel. Each collection features a fun array of items, including everything from water bottles, journals, backpacks and bags, to file folders, journals, washi tape and more.

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“Everything is about personalization and self-expression right now, so we’re excited to offer a collection that allows our guests to connect with the characters they love in a new and fun way,” said Jason Stewart, director of global product development for Disney Store. “MXYZ is the perfect mix of cool items designed with a fresh Japanese art style that is totally on-trend.”

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At an exclusive reveal party held in Hollywood, Calif. last week, Disney sponsored YouTube influencer Bree Lesch said this of the MXYZ collection, “I love the variety of items included in the line, and of course all the adorable patterns. There are so many fun items to mix and match to create your own style at home or at school.”

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Check out Bree’s MXYZ haul video here and Disney Style’s DIY video here

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Items within the new MXYZ line range in price from $6.95 – $24.95, and new artwork styles will be introduced quarterly.

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To shop MXYZ online, visit http://www.disneystore.com/mxyz-collection/mn/1014308/. Guests are encouraged to share pictures of their MXYZ collection on social channels using the hashtags #MXYZ and #GetInTheMix.

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Meanwhile, In Tokyo…

Tanabata Festival is upon us, when people celebrate the brief time that the two lovers on opposite ends of the Milky Way can be reunited. This gave one savvy designer an idea: a celebratory, traditional Japanese version of Disneybounding, with the blessing of the Tokyo Disney Blog. Here are young ladies Tanabounding (I made that word up) as Cinderella:

Check out the shoes and purse!
Check out the shoes and purse!

Princess Jasmine:

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And, I think that’s Princess Aurora – she wasn’t labeled, but she’s wearing pink!

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There’s also special treats and even a tutorial on how to tie your obi (sash) to look like everybody’s favorite mouse!

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I really need to sell more ad space so I can go to Asia again. It’s been over ten years since last time! 

HALL OF SHADOWS TO FEATURE FULL SCARE ZONE, ROAMING MONSTERS AND 9 HAUNTED ATTRACTION PREVIEWS TO MIDSUMMER SCREAM

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Thrills and Chills Await Those Brave Enough to Venture into “Dark Zone” on Show Floor at Long Beach Convention Center

One of the most exciting and unique components of Midsummer Scream – California’s premier Halloween, haunt and horror festival – will be its Hall of Shadows dark zone, featuring roaming monsters, entertainment, and 9 terrifying mini haunted attraction experiences.

Spooky Hollows
Spooky Hollows

Hall of Shadows will occupy more than one third of the Halloween festival’s 90,000 square-foot show floor this year, giving thousands of fans the opportunity to preview home and professional haunts each day, included with their admission to Midsummer Scream. In addition to the haunted attractions, those brave enough to venture into Hall of Shadows will experience a full-blown scare zone, Toxicity, high-energy performances by the Decayed Brigade slider team three times each day, and many terrifying monsters lurking in the fog, waiting to pounce!

FULL SCARE ZONE

Toxicity Creature Design

Created by Larry Bones and his crew at Bone Yard Effects, Toxicity is an immersive experience set within the walls of a genetics lab that has suffered a toxic explosion that will leave guests screaming as they are attacked by twisted, mutated scientists from all sides. Bone Yard Effects creates the makeup applications and prosthetics each year for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Toxicity Concept Sketch

THRILLING SLIDER SHOWS

Decayed-Brigade-Logo

Three times daily, the Decayed Brigade will perform and entertain guests within the Hall of Shadows as they showcase the art of sliding – a scare tactic that was created some 40 years ago by monsters roaming the streets of Ghost Town at Knott’s Scary Farm. These men and women push their bodies and the laws of gravity to the limit in high-energy demonstrations that leave fans cheering and astounded.

TERRIFYING HAUNTED ATTRACTION PREVIEW EXPERIENCES

Midsummer Scream is excited to present 9 stand-alone mini haunt experiences that allow fans to preview things to come this Halloween season. From home to pro haunts, guests may sample the handiwork of some of Southern California’s hottest haunted attractions throughout the weekend at no extra cost with paid admission to the festival.

Featured at Midsummer Scream 2016 are:

Fear Station: Escape the Windigo – The harvest moon has awoken the Windigo from its slumber, and the creature is hungry for blood. No one is safe from the beast as it hunts its prey in the darkness. Will you escape the season of the Windigo?

Dead Zone 805

Dead Zone 805

Fight for survival as you enter the zombie-filled post-apocalyptic world where infection and violent gangs threaten you every step of the way!

Savage House

Savage House Tease

Every family has a secret… Enter the home of the Wytner clan, a family that has lived in the rural countryside, kidnapping tourists passing by for years. Witness the atrocities as they taunt and torture the unsuspecting victims that have ended up in their home.

Perdition Home – Houston, we have a problem! The notion that in outer space, no one can hear you scream simply isn’t true. Venturing into the depths of an ill-fated spacecraft, everyone will hear you cry for mercy when you face the horrors within.

The Fleshyard – Not every home is safe. Madness lingers beyond the threshold of a decrepit old cabin, concealing evil so vile that those who manage to escape will never be the same. The Fleshyard is a bad place. A very, very bad place…

You’ve wandered into the most feared place in the Old West: the Higgins & Co. Work Camp. Can you survive the rowdiest, most dangerousest, most horriblest clan of townsfolk this side of Deadwood? Why don’t y’all come take a gander and see fer yerselves?

 Follow the trail of a madman through the basin swampland, where he attempted and failed to achieve mortality. Through sick and twisted science experiments, he left a trail of wasted souls in his wake before falling victim to his own worst nightmares.

To date, man has explored less than 5% of Earth’s oceans. Perhaps there’s a reason why… Take a terror trip into the depths where undersea creatures lie in wait as you attempt to escape your watery grave. If dead men tell no tales, then where do the stories come from?

Are you “perfect” enough to join the Weltschmerz Society? Come find out and experience a naughty taste of the frights, frills, and frolic that awaits you this Halloween in Los Angeles!

“Hall of Shadows is one aspect of Midsummer Scream that I am most excited about,” said Rick West, Creative Director of Midsummer Scream. “When I think of Halloween, I instantly think of haunted houses; stand-alone attractions as well as home haunts are the very essence of the season. It’s completely thrilling to bring nine very different haunt previews to our guests in an environment that is totally unique to our show. Midsummer Scream’s Hall of Shadows is the closest anyone is going to get to the spirit of Halloween during the summer, and our haunt partners are ready to bring the terror!”

Thank you!

Thanks to my Patreon Patrons and to Nick Cotton and the wonderful folks at DVCResaleMarket.com

If you know that you’re going to be spending all of your future vacations at Disney Resorts, and want to look into pre-paid vacations with Disney Vacation Club, check out DVCResaleMarket.com. Nick Cotton and his team are experts on the ins and outs of DVC, because they’ve spent almost a century, combined, working with them both inside and outside of Disney’s own offices, so they can give an informed view from each perspective. Whether you’re buying or selling, you can save time, money and headaches by visiting DVCResaleMarket.com.

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Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.