Star Wars Books To Be Released, Leading Up To New Movie

©Publisher's Weekly

With the latest film in the Star Wars Saga, Episode VII, slated to be released in December 2015, Disney-Lucasfilm Press has announced a series of books to catch fans and fans-to-be up on the story thus far. The new series will begin in October 2014 with The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight, a children's picture book that will delve into Episodes IV-VI. Individual books, detailing the happenings in Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, will be released in April, July, and October 2015 respectively.

Prior to this series, six titles related to the new, Disney XD, Star Wars Rebels animated TV series, will be released, beginning in August 2014.

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Aulani 101: The Ultimate Beginners Guide

Q: What is Aulani?
A: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is an island paradise with a touch of magic, located on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, Aulani rests on 21 acres of beachfront property. It is far enough away from the crowds of Waikiki, yet close enough to enjoy all the wonders, cultural, and beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Q: What is the average length of stay for most guests?
A: Most Guests stay between 4 and 5 nights at Aulani.

Q:What is included in a stay at Aulani?
A: So much is included in the cost of an Aulani stay, including access to the Waikolohe Valley (pools,  a lazy river, spas, slides), supervised child care at Aunty's Beach House, cultural activities, fitness classes, the fitness center, and Aulani's signature nighttime show, Starlit Hui.

Q: What is not included?
A: What's not included are meals (except where included as a part of a vacation package), some premium activities, including the Laniwai (Aulani's Resort Spa), Rainbow Reef (private snorkeling experience), and some beach activities (e.g., paddle boards), as well as some additional transportation options.

Q: Is transportation to and from the airport available?
A: Speedi Shuttle is a great, local shuttle service, that Aulani partners with to provide transportation to and from the resort at reasonable prices. Once guests arrive on-site, Aulani offers day car rentals through Alamo. This is a great option for Guests who are just looking at exploring the island only a few days during their stay.

Q: How much does snorkeling cost? In what type of location does it take place?
A: There are two snorkeling options at Aulani. Rainbow Reef is Aulani's private snorkeling aquarium (not attached to the ocean) that does require an additional fee (currently $15 for an adult for one day, $20 for length of stay; child fees are $5 less). Guests can also snorkel in the lagoon at Aulani free of charge if you bring your own equipment, or you can rent equipment on the beach.

Q: What are some of the popular, off-property excursions available?
A: One of the most popular excursions offered is the Kualoa Ranch experience. This is a full-day excursion taking Guests across the island to a scenic location where they can have a horseback riding experience.

Q: Is Golf available at Aulani?
A: There are golf opportunities right across the street at the Ko Olina Golf Club an 18-hole, Ted Robinson-designed course. It is literally steps from the front doors of Aulani.

Q: Can the premium activities be pre-paid?
A: Excursions which are offered through The Walt Disney Travel Company are able to be pre-paid. Other premium experiences, for example, Rainbow Reef Snorkel Lagoon, can only be purchased on-property upon arrival.

Q: Is there an added charge to use the pools, beach, etc. if you arrive earlier than check-in, or stay later than check-out? Are there additional costs for luggage storage, showering, etc.?
A: You can use all of the resort amenities on the days that you both check-in and check-out. Aulani has a a check-in/check-out lounge at the resort that offers lockers and showers at no additional charge. Guests can also leave their bags with bell services.

Q: Are residents of Hawaii offered special rates? If so, would military stationed there qualify?
A: Aulani offers Hawaii residents up to 35% off stays. Members of the military also receive discounted rates.

Q: What room types and sizes are available at Aulani?
A: Resort Rooms sleep up to 4 Guests, including 2 queen-size beds or 1 king-size bed with 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. In addition to the standard view, additional views available include an island gardens view, poolside gardens view, and and ocean view. Suites, available in multiple sizes, sleep either 5 or 6 guests, and can have as many as 3 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, ranging in size up to 1910 sq. feet.

Q: Are there any 'non-suite' room options available for families of 5 or larger?
A: Aulani's villa accommodations provide a great non-suite alternative for larger families. Aulani has one, two, and three bedroom villas available and all come with a full kitchen.

Q: What is the largest number of guests that rooms at Aulani can accommodate?
A: The largest accommodation is our 3-Bedroom Grand Villa, which can accommodate up to 12 Guests.

Q: What is available for couples, looking for a romantic getaway at Aulani?
A: Aulani is a great escape for couples thanks to an 18-and-over pool, as well as an infinity edge whirlpool spa with amazing views of the ocean and Hawaiian sunset. Guests will also have a great time enjoying the evening musicians at Aulani's lounges, relaxing at the beach, and experiencing the delicious island cuisine. Premium experiences, such as private poolside cabanas are also available.

Q: Are the poolside cabanas reservable and what is the cost?
A: It is recommended that guests reserve cabanas prior to arrival at Aulani. The cost is $325 for a full day rental (9am-6pm).

Q: Are there any amenities included in the price of the cabana?
A: Cabana amenities include a 32-inch flat panel TV, ceiling fan, refrigerator, Wi-Fi access, upgraded furniture, a fruit bowl, and complimentary bottled water.

Q: Can Disney characters be avoided for a more romantic experience?
A: While there are characters vacationing at Aulani, Guests will only see them at planned activities - the Pool Parties, Meet & Greets, and the Character Breakfast. They are not roaming the resort. So, unless Guests go seeking out the characters, they will not see them. Guests may occasionally pass a Meet & Greet or an activity,  but these instances are limited. The focus at Aulani is to provide an authentic Hawaiian experience with the quality of Disney, as opposed to a theme park like experience. Aulani is a whole new way to vacation with Disney.

Q: What characters will children see while they are vacationing at Aulani?
A: A few of our Disney friends are also vacationing with Guests, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Chip & Dale.

Q: Are there any activities available that are exclusive for children?
A: Aunty's Beach House is a supervised childcare location and is complimentary with your stay at Aulani, although there are additional premium experiences available.

Q: What ages does Aunty's Beach house accommodate? Do the children have to be potty trained?
A: The ages for Aunty's are 3-12. However, Disney Junior Aloha, an additional program that takes place at Aunty's Beach House, allows infants, toddlers, and their parents to enjoy Aunty's together. Children do have to be potty-trained in order to stay at Aunty's Beach House.

Q: Is in-room childcare available at Aulani?
A: In-room babysitting is available, for young Guests, ages 6 weeks to 14 years, provided by the Kama'aina Kids Sitters.

Q: Are there any activities available exclusively for teens?
A: Aulani has a variety of teen-oriented activities such as Hawaiian craft classes, a Community Hall activity room, and a teen-oriented beach area (North Zone). There is also a teen spa, Painted Sky.

Q: Are reservations necessary for dining at Aulani?
A: Reservations for Aulani's two signature restaurants, Ama Ama (beach-side fine dining) and Makahiki (buffet dining where the Character Breakfasts are held) are not required, but are recommended, especially during peak travel times (summer and holidays). No reservations are required at any of the 3 quick-service restaurants available at Aulani.

Q: How far in advance can you make dining reservations?
A: Reservations for Aulani's two signature restaurants, Ama Ama and Makahiki, can be made 180 days in advance for those staying at the Resort.

Q: Does Aulani offer Dining Plans as part of vacation packages?
A: Aulani currently offers a breakfast-inclusive package for Guests to enjoy a Character Dining buffet experience at Makahiki, every morning of your stay.

Q: Are menus with pricing available?
A: Menus are available at: AulaniDining.ofmiceandfamily.com

Q: Are there any "value" priced eateries at Aulani?
A: Since the opening of Aulani, several quick-service dining locations have been added for Guests to enjoy, including the brand-new Ulu Cafe, the largest quick-service restaurant, which opened in October 2013. With the addition of this restaurant, Guests have the opportunity to enjoy 3 quick-service restaurants, 2 table service restaurants, and other dining opportunities. Across the street, Ko Olina Station, a convenient shopping and dining plaza, has recently introduced several family-friendly restaurants.

Q: Is there a grocery store on or near the property?
A: Aulani offers a few grocery stores on-site. Additioanlly, there is an ABC grocery store across the street, as well as several groceries just one freeway exit away, including Walmart and Target.

Q: Can all extra meals and shopping be charged to the room?
A: Any purchases made on-site at Aulani (dining, shopping, excursions, spa) can be charged back to the room.

Q: Does the resort accept Disney gift cards?
A: Aulani does accept Disney gift cards. They are also sold property!

For more information, visit our dedicated Aulani site: AulaniInfo.ofmiceandfamily.com.
For questions about pricing and to reserve your Hawaiian Vacation, let's Start Planning Your Vacation!

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Receive A $500 Credit When You Go To Hawaii... Extended!

©Disney 

This offer is expired. Send me a quick note here to find out what new offers are available for you right now or visit the Latest Offers page.

When is the last time that someone told you they would give you money if you decided to enjoy gorgeous beaches and skies, a world class spa, delicious food, and then some? Today is that day!

From now until May 15, 2014, when you book a minimum 4-night stay at a 1-2 bedroom villa at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, you will receive a $500 Resort credit. Think that a Deluxe studio or standard (as if anything is every "standard" at Disney) room is more your style? In that case, Disney will send a $400 Resort credit your way! And this offer is good for most stays most nights April 23 - June 16, 2014.

With money like that, it begs the question, what can you get with a Resort credit? Anything! Including dining, shopping, Laniwai Spa, beach-side rentals, island excursions, and then some!

Minimum 4-Night Stay

between April 23 - June 16, 2014

1-2 Bedroom Villa: Receive a $500 Resort Credit!

Deluxe Studio or Standard Room: Receive a $400 Resort Credit!

Book by May 15, 2014

Feel free to get in touch with me about this offer or any others at all!

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Special US Military Rates At Aulani

©Disney

This offer is expired. Send me a quick note here to find out what new offers are available for you right now or visit the Latest Offers page.

As their way of saying, "Thank You," to members of the US Military (including the National Guard, Reservists, and the US Coast Guard) for their service, they and their spouses can now save up to 35% for stays on select nights through April 10, 2014 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa!

For more information about Disney's Paradise Destination, feel free to get in touch with me anytime!

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Get 4 Nights for the Price of 3 at Aulani PLUS Free Daily Breakfast!

This offer is expired. Send me a quick note here to find out what new offers are available for you right now or visit the Latest Offers page.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa is so incredibly peaceful and relaxing, why not stay an extra night... on Disney? That's right - enjoy the newly expanded Resort, including additional dining, shopping, and water experiences as well as the always included Waikolohe Valley Pools, Aunty's Beach House kids' club, peaceful Ko Olina Cove, and family entertainment such as Starlit Hui show and 'Ohana outdoor movie nights and save money while you do it. Here are the details:

For a limited time, when you book a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, you'll get the 4th night free - including daily breakfast for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe. This offer is good for stays most nights between January 5-April 7, 2014.  This offer, originally set to expire in January, has now been extended until March 1, 2014.

Want to know more?

Start Planning Your Vacation now

and make sure to mention the Aulani 4-for-3 offer!

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An Animated Dinner Show Aboard Disney Magic

By now, many people have heard that the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic, has been reimagined. Now, however, we can take a look at just what that means in terms of what has already been a completely unique and fun dining experience. Animator's Pallete. This full service restaurant features was covered with many blank "papers." Throughout the course of the meal, drawings begin to form on those papers. You and your fellow guests can delight in trying to figure out just what and who is being drawn in a, sort of, Disney Pictionary. Even the wait staff appears clothed in line drawn , black and white sketches. As the meal moves toward it's later stages, the magic only increases. The drawing begin to take on color and, eventually, come to life in a spectacular, animated dinner show about a hero's journey, featuring Disney and Pixar characters, that you won't soon forget! Then, to top the perfect dining experience off, Guests will notice that they're wait staff, too, has been transformed into color. And then we find out who is behind all of this and magic - Mickey Mouse, dressed in his Sorcerer's Apprentice costume comes out to play!

This is truly one dinner show that you don't want to miss!

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Read the Disney "Frozen" Screenplay!

Anna and Elsa from Disney's upcoming film, Frozen, are now available to meet Guests at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts! The movie itself, however, isn't set to be released until the end of November. For those who are heading to Disney before they have had a chance to see Frozen, there is now a way to get yourself fully versed on Anna and Elsa's adventures! Disney has released the screenplay! You can find it at the Walt Disney Studios Awards website. Happy reading!!

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Ka Maka Landing Open At Aulani!

The expansion, almost 2 years in the making, at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is finally finished and Guests are being welcomed to Hele mai - come this way - to experience Hawaii like never before! What new amazing sights and experiences can you expect when you head to Disney in Hawaii?

Pool Area
• A themed family pool (Ka Maka Grotto), featuring an infinity edge, a misty grotto with beautiful   sunset views and an after-dark experience with glittering lights
• A kids' splash zone (Keiki Cove) that's designed to resemble a tidal pool, with images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floor, rainbow water jets and hidden menehune - the legendary "little people" of the islands
• Additional deck space, chairs, chaises and cabanas surrounding the new water features
• A poolside dining venue (Ulu Cafe) serving breakfast, lunch and dinner—and featuring an outdoor patio with beautiful ocean view
• Wailana Pool - formerly the quiet pool-is now an adult-exclusive pool area

Dining

• Ulu Cafe, a poolside venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner—and featuring an outdoor patio with beautiful ocean view
• Little 'Opihi's, a beachside, quick-service eatery with convenient grab-and-go selections

Shopping

The newest store at Aulani, Hale Manu features a variety of high-end goods and gifts, including:

• Maui Divers Jewelry
• The latest Tori Richard styles
• Hawaiiana products
• Aulani watches
• Island-inspired jewelry and souvenirs

To celebrate all of the new magic and Aulani, Disney is offering a "4 Nights for the Price of 3" offer for a vacation from January - April 2014. To take advantage of it, you've gotta book by January 15, so make sure to get in touch!

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Phineas and Ferb Meets Marvel and then Star Wars!

We all know that Disney is not a company who leaves well enough alone. But this is a good thing. We love Disney for their constant innovation. So, when Disney bought Marvel and, then again, when they acquired LucasFilm, we knew that amazing things would happen. And they are happening, in the form of Phineas and Ferb!

Phineas and Ferb fans, get ready. In just a few weeks, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, and Hulk will arrive in Danville after their powers are taken by the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Phineas, Ferb, and Agent P will need to act fast to help the super heroes and stop villains such as Red Skull, Whiplash, and Venom in "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel."

Then, next year, we will see our young Disney heroes spending the summer living next door to Luke Skywalker on Tatooine. They will have to help Luke and the Rebel Alliance blow up the Death Star while taking on foes such as Darth Enshmirtz and his evil Sith-inator! Word has it that Agent P might even find himself frozen in carbonite and Ferb may just turn to the Dark Side!

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New Mickey Mouse Animated Shorts

Have you caught the new Mickey Mouse cartoon yet? The new animated shorts featuring everyones favorite mouse and his friends premiered on Friday, June 28. Two new cartoons are slated to be released tonight, June 29 and tomorrow on Disney Channel. After that, new shorts will be released each Friday, beginning on July 5. The cartoons will also be available on WATCH Disney Channel, Disney.com, the Mickey Video Player App, and iTunes.

In an article on D23.com, the Official Disney Fan Club website, the shorts are described as having the "slapstick feel of classic Mickey." They present him in "a broad range of humorous situations that showcase his pluck and rascality, along with his long-beloved charm and good heartedness... facing a silly situation, a quick complication and an escalation of physical and visual gags. The stories also feature genuine heartfelt and heroic moments as Mickey explores and experiences life with his comical partners: Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto."

Make sure to check a new episode with your kiddos!

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Make Your Own Mike Wazowski T-Shirt

Today is the big 24 hour event at Disney World and Disneyland. I wish we could go but we don't live close enough and really it wouldn't be all that much fun for the kids. Have you checked out the live stream? AH!!! Just looking at it makes me homesick. So, since I am stuck home today instead of off partying for 24 hours at Disney I decided to make myself a monstrous shirt and celebrate at home. Even better I figured I would tell you how to make your own Mike t-shirt so we can celebrate together. :) 

Let me start with the basics. This is a sewing tutorial and does require a sewing machine. There are a lot of ways to make a t-shirt and iron on transfers a great option if you don't have a sewing machine but since sewing is what I do this is how I make these kind of t-shirts. 

 First you are going to need your supplies -
3 circular objects in varying sizes - they should each fit comfortably inside each other -
                  I used a tupperware lid, a soda can, and a spice jar
scraps of white, blue and black fabric
a green t-shirt (I bough these at Walmart. Most craft stores will also sell them - if you cannot find green
                you can always buy white and dye it - there is a great dying tutorial here)
fusible interfacing - I've heard people say they buy it at Walmart, I bought mine at Joann - it was right
                beind the cutting counter
scissors
an iron
white, blue and black thread
sewing machine

Now, that you have all of our supplies the first thing you are going to do is cut the white, blue and black circles out. The white one will be your largest, the blue will be the middle circle and the black is the smallest. You also want to cut out one of each size circle out of the interfacing. Now there are two ways to do this and it really depends on your comfort level. You can place all of our circles on top of each other on the middle of your shirt and iron them on. I prefer to do it one at a time. So, first put the blue circle down, then the smallest interfacing and then the black circle. 

See the picture? Then I sewed the black onto the blue. I used the zig-zag stitch on my machine. I set the stitch length up to a 5 and the width (distance between stitches) all the way down to a .4 GO VERY SLOWLY!!!! I cannot stress that enough. Especially since these are circles and you may have to stop and lift your presser foot every once in awhile to get the best angle. After the blue and black were sewn together I placed the white circle with the middles size interfacing on it and placed the blue and black circles on top. I ironed them down and used the blue thread to sew the blue circle onto the white circle. Last step was to take the shirt and place the interfacing on it - make sure to really look at your shirt and be sure of where you put the circle because that is where the eye will go - then the white, black and blue circle on top. I ironed that in place and then sewed the last circe on. 

Then I had a shirt that looks like this. I actually made two - one for me and one for my son. The picture above is his. I made his a little differently. For his I did not use the interfacing. He is pretty particular about the way his clothes feel and dislikes the SLIGHT (and I do mean slight) stiffness the interfacing gives that part of the shirt. So, for his I left it off. As you can see his shirt came out just fine. The interfacing eliminates any bubbling that can occur while you are moving around the circle. If you go slow enough it isn't an issue. 

And here is my shirt. :) I'm pretty excited to wear it this fall when we head to the parks. I will be making one for Mike as well - he thinks he wants his eye to be a little bigger. Personalize it as much as you like. If you look at the one I made my son I put the pupil down a bit lower. That wasn't a mistake - depending on where you put the pupil the eye is making a different expression. Get personal with it. Make it your own. :) 

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The Reimagined Disney Magic Staterooms

The Disney Magic already had larger than industry standard staterooms, it already included the revolutionary split bathrooms, providing a toilet and sink in one area and a second sink and bathtub in another, both able to be completely private from one another, but now there is even more to enjoy aboard the state-of-the-art cruise ship. From 100% Egyptian cotton bedsheets to mattresses customized specifically for Disney, and from elevated beds for extra storage to 44 connecting doors adding even more opportunities for extended families and for friends to share an increased living space, the Disney Magic is truly a home away from home. The cruise industry will be forever changed (again) this fall!

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Star Wars Rebels Coming To Disney XD

It may be over a year away, but there is great news, today, for Star Wars fans. Star Wars Rebels will premiers with a 1-hour special in the fall of 2014 on the Disney Channel and then continue on as a series on the Disney XD network. The show will take place in between Episode III and Episode IV, a 2 decade period within the Star Wars Universe. More details to come as they become available!

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Toy Story of Terror

While there is no official news of a Toy Story 4 at this point, that doesn't mean that we won't be able to check in on our favorite toys, who have been living with their new owner, Bonnie, since the end of Toy Story 3. Coming this fall, right around Halloween to be exact, we can expect to see Buzz, Woody, and their friends from Andy's room along with their new friends from Bonnie's room, like Mr. Pricklepants and Trixie, in the 30-minute TV special, "Toy Story of Terror," to be aired on the ABC Network. In this installment, "Bonnie is on a road trip to go see grandma with her mom and the toys are in the trunk. Mom gets a flat tire and they have to spend the night at a motel and all kinds of chaos ensues," reports producer Galyn Susman in a recent interview with TV Guide.

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2014 Disney Cruise Itineraries

2014 Disney Cruise Itineraries are available for booking and they are incredible! Cruises will even be

departing from fabulous new ports in San Deigo, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Venice, Italy. Itineraries available in 2014 include:

• European Cruises that stop at new ports in Spain, Italy and Greece
• A wide variety of Southern and Western Caribbean Cruises, visiting the beautiful islands of Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and more
• Alaskan Cruises, with a stop in the new port of Sitka, Alaska
• 3 and 4 night Bahamian sailings
• Transatlantic sailings, connecting the Mediterranean with the Caribbean
• And a gorgeous trip, crossing the Panama Canal 

Plus. in 2014, cruises are departing almost every day of the week. Whatever your stele, there is something, Your Travel Planner or the good folks at Disney can help you narrow down your choices because, well, you have to come home sometime!

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