A Mom and The Magic from August 2013

Disney Halloween merchandise highlights Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington

August 31, 2013 by AllEars

Good news for Disney fans who love to decorate for Halloween -- the merchandise collections in the theme parks continue to grow each year, and a large number of the holiday items already are available at DisneyStore.com.

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Wildlife expert Jack Hanna returns to SeaWorld Orlando in September

August 29, 2013 by AllEars

Known as "Jungle Jack," Hanna brings his exotic animals to four shows that are included in regular admission to SeaWorld. Hanna's past "co-stars" have included clouded leopards, chatty kookaburra birds, penguins, otters and majestic eagles. Show times are at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15 in the Nautilus Theater, an indoor venue. Seating is first-come, first-served.

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First look: Disney Halloween costumes

August 27, 2013 by AllEars

Last weekend, my daughter and I spent some time at Mouse Gear at Epcot oohing and aahing over all the fancy costumes. She's about to turn 9 and she still loves all the Disney Princess gowns, which I'm certain is because we're annual passholders at Walt Disney World and she sees the princesses often. In any case, at Disney World, customers can find beautiful costumes year-round for Merida, Tiana, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel for about $65 each.

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Disney Cruise Line changes dress code, smoking policy

August 24, 2013 by AllEars

Disney Cruise Line recently changed two of its guest policies -- one regarding smoking and the other the dress code in the main dining rooms on its ships. Both new policies are the result of guest feedback, we're told.

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Disney and Hallmark create at-home birthday party kits

August 22, 2013 by AllEars

At our house, birthday-party planning for the kids begins almost as soon as the current celebration concludes. And by that, I don’t mean that I am organized enough to commit a year in advance to what my children will like and want to do with their friends, but they can dream about the possibilities. We … Continue reading "Disney and Hallmark create at-home birthday party kits"

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Disney Princess Royal Salon & Palace Pets apps allow users to play as stylists

August 20, 2013 by AllEars

Disney Publishing has released a new app this month that is sure to be a hit with Disney Princess fans, if my 8-year-old daughter's excitement is any indication. Includes review and Video from D23 Expo.

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Disney Infinity on sale today with free gift at Downtown Disney

August 16, 2013 by AllEars

Those of you who have been counting the days -- um, minutes -- until the release of Disney Interactive's new gaming system Disney Infinity know that Sunday is the day when it goes on sale nationally. But guests at Walt Disney World can pick up the starter kit two days early and get a free character piece with the purchase. Today, a gaming booth is set up at Once Upon a Toy store at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. From 4 to 9 p.m., guests can play Disney Infinity with creators of the game. (However, Disney Infinity will be available for purchase at the store when it opens.)

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2013 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers new treats

August 15, 2013 by AllEars

Typically, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the annual after-hours fall event at the Magic Kingdom, changes only slightly from year to year. This week, however, Walt Disney World officials announced some sure-to-thrill additions to the 2013 entertainment line-up. Among the changes, characters Jack Skellington and Sally (from Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas") will make their debut appearance at the party.

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Review: Disney’s ‘Planes’ video games stay true to story

August 13, 2013 by AllEars

Much like the just-released Disney movie “Planes,” the companion video games from Disney Interactive are aimed at a young audience and rated for everyone. As such, they are a fun way to continue the story. For older kids, though, the challenges might not be enough to sustain their interest. My almost-11-year-old son piloted both a … Continue reading "Review: Disney’s ‘Planes’ video games stay true to story"

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Review: Disney’s ‘Planes’ movie doesn’t really get off the ground

August 10, 2013 by AllEars

Disney's animated "Planes" movie is one that its creators say will take viewers "above the world of Cars." But how high it flies toward that goal just might depend on your age. Unlike Disney-Pixar's "Cars," this new film has little humor for adults to enjoy. And, given its uninteresting or original story line, there's little chance that "Planes" will have the widespread appeal of the 2006 John Lasseter production that introduced us to Lightning McQueen and Mater.

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