Disney Research created a 3D printer which can make a Teddy Bear

Disney Research

Disney Research has a created a new type of 3D printer which can turn wool and and yarns into a Teddy Bear.

The device, developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research Pittsburgh , is a combination 3D printer and sewing machine which can increase the possibility of what could be manufactured,  Scott Hudson, a professor in CMU's Human-Computer Interaction Institute who developed the felting printer with Disney Research support, said in a press release.

The device could make not only a  Teddy Bear, but any kind of apparel and accessories it also could make "soft robots" – robots designed to touch or be near people. 

The printer's accuracy is not the same as other 3D printers because the the wool and yarn are thicker than the plastic normal used, Hudson said.

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Doc McStuffins coming to California Adventure

Doc McStuffins has been visiting Disney World since Janury and now, she will will be visiting Disney's California Adventure.

Starting May 5 for a limited time “Doc” McStuffins will be making special appearances through the end of July in Hollywood Land near “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” according to Disney Parks Blog. 

“Doc McStuffins” debuted on Disney Junior in 2012. It focuses on Doc, a 6-year-old girl who can talk to stuffed animals and toys she cares for in her playhouse clinic.

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Two new Disney books to inspire crafters

Spring break is over, and soon the long summer will stretch out in front of you ... all those days wondering how on earth to entertain your kids.

Spoonful.com

Here's an idea: Disney crafts.

Two new crafts books, one starring Pixar characters and one featuring princesses, each includes "more than 40" projects to keep you and your children entertained.

Princess crafts include instructions to make Cinderella's tiara, a Princess castle, a Pascal papier mach hat and a Belle spoon doll. Pixar fans can create Buzz Lightyear wings, a Lightning McQueen toy car, a Nemo papier mach hat and a Mike Wazowski bean bag.

The paperback books, which sell for $7.95 each, include illustrated step-by-step instructions for each of the projects. Plus, there are "ready-to-make" projects to create from press-out card pieces or templates.

Another great source for Disney craft ideas is the company's Spoonful website, which features recipes, arts and crafts and activities, including the Monsters University pennant pictured above.

Personally, I have my eye on that Mike Wazowski pattern -- it'll make a great Christmas ornament.

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Tiny Disney World trash cans ... for your salt and pepper

Maybe it was the furor over the retirement of PUSH the Talking Trash Can. Or maybe Disney's merchandising team is Dumpster-diving for ideas these days.

Whatever it was that inspired them, you can now buy salt and pepper shakers modeled on "classic" trash can designs from Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland.

The tiny ceramic trash cans sell for $8.95 each, so you can mix and match. Each one has seven holes in the top. Once they're on your table, it's up to you to remember which is the salt, which is the pepper -- and which is the pixie dust.

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Festival of Fantasy Parade Photo Tour: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

It's time to look at the last float in our Festival of Fantasy Parade Photo Tour.

Ending the seven float caravan at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World is are the classic characters and Mickey’s Airship.

The 90-foot long caravan features classic characters such as Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more. The characters celebrate Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. And bringing up the rear of the floats is the best for last. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse sit high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon.

If you missed the other floats just click here for our photo tour.

We hope you enjoyed the show.

© Steven Liebman

Jiminey Cricket leads the final float on of the Festival of Fantasy Parade. 

© Steven Liebman

The Seven Dwarfs with Alice and otter characters.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Mary Liebman

Pinocchio.

© Mary Liebman

Daisy Duck and Donald Duck.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

A dancer on the float.

© Steven Liebman

Pluto showing off.

© Steven Liebman

Goofy and dancers.

© Steven Liebman

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse snuggling in a hot air balloon. 

© Mary Liebman

Minnie Mouse waives to the crowd. 

© Mary Liebman

Mickey Mouse from the hot air balloon.

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Disney and Kohl's unveil Disney inspired apparel for kids featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Disney and Kohl's Department Stores have unveiled a special Disney apparel for kids featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

"As we celebrate the six-year anniversary of Jumping Beans at Kohl's, we are excited about the extension of this popular only-at-Kohl's brand through a unique new collaboration with Disney," Peggy Eskenasi, Kohl's senior executive vice president of product development, said in a press release.

 All items are priced under $35 and are available for infants (12-24 months), toddlers (2T-4T), boys (4-7) and girls (4-7).

Minnie Mouse Bow Tank ($20) and
Polka-Dot Yoga Capris ($20)

My First Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Tee for $16.

Mickey Mouse "Original Mickey" Hoodie ($28)

"Miss Minnie" Tank ($16) and Colorblock Shorts ($20)

Minnie Mouse USA Top ($20) and Bermuda Shorts ($20)

Mickey Mouse Soccer Raglan Tee ($20)

Minnie Mouse "Stay Cool" Tank ($20)
and Polka-Dot Tutu Skirt ($26)

Minnie Mouse Polka-Dot Tank ($20) and Tiered Scooter ($16)

Minnie Mouse Striped Bow-Back Tee ($20)
and Glitter Tutu Skirt ($22)

Mickey Mouse "All-Star" Raglan Tee ($16)
and "Original Mickey" Shorts ($20)

Mickey Mouse Soccer Tee ($18)
and "Original Mickey" Shorts ($16)

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Animated gif of the fire-breathing dragon at Disney World

The central piece in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World is the fire-breathing dragon.

This Steampunk-inspired Maleficent Dragon is 53 feet from snout to tail and reaches 26 feet into the air. To create the dragon, Disney parks got some help from Tony Award-winning designer Michael Curry.

Here, watch the dragon spew fire over and over again.

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Festival of Fantasy Photo Parade Tour: Sleeping Beauty float with the fire-breathing dragon

The coolest part of the Festival of Fantasy Parade is hands down the fire breathing dragon as part of the Sleeping Beauty float.

The parade, which debuted in March, features seven floats. Sleeping Beauty is the sixth float in our photo tour.

During this part of the parade, Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. The float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall. The dragon has fiery eyes and spews fire. The float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. 

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Mary Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

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Disney's Victoria & Albert's given AAA Five-Diamond designation for 15th straight year

Disney publicity photo

Chef Scott Hunnel

Victoria & Albert's has again been named a AAA Five-Diamond Award winner.

The restaurant, at the Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa in Disney World, is one of only 47 restaurants in the U.S. receiving Five Diamonds, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Chef Scott Hunnel is in his 20th year with Victoria & Albert’s and for the past 15 years straight the restaurant has received the Five Diamond designation. It is also only one of two restaurants in the state of Florida to receive this honor.

The menu changes daily and is inspired by the fresh seasonal ingredients with up to 7 prix fixe courses in the Dining Room, 10 in Queen Victoria’s Room or 10 at the Chef’s Table.


And to drink, there are over 700 selections of wine.

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Smile of The Day: Mailing at letter in Disneyland's Toontown

If you ever get to the mailbox in Toontown at Disneyland make sure you pull and open the top. You never know what you'll hear.

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Video: A ride on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney's California Adventure

If you've never had the chance to head to California and ride the Radiator Springs Racers at Disney's California Adventure, here's your chance.

                                                                                             
A view of Radiator Springs Racers ride in Cars Land.

We took a GoPro camera on the ride to help give you a first hand look at what the ride is like. While the technology is similar to Test Track at Epcot in Disney World, the surroundings and detail of Ornament Valley from the movie "Cars" is amazing.

These vehicles travel at a top speed of 45 mph and in one year each car travels about 36,000 miles.

The one big steep bank the car goes on is 45 degrees.

Enjoy the ride.

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Disney announces lineup for 25th anniversary of Hollywood Studios

Disney has announced a special lineup for the 25th anniversary of Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

On May 1, 1989, the theme park was opened as Disney-MGM Studio it was changed to Hollywood Studios in 2008. Here, according to the Disney Parks Blog, is the tentative schedule for May 1:

10 a.m.: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will take the stage with Hollywood Studios Vice President Dan Cockerell to start the celebration day, honoring some of the 25-year cast members during a short re dedication ceremony.

7 p.m.: A special motorcade — “Stars of the Studios” — will make its way down Hollywood Blvd. and feature many of the famous characters showcased throughout the park. Mickey and Minnie will be joined by television and film stars including Captain Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Doc McStuffins, Wreck-It Ralph, Venellope and Sofia the First.

9:30 p.m.: The area in front of the park’s Sorcerer Hat Stage will become a dance party before a fireworks show.

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Festival of Fantasy Photo Parade: Brave float with Merida

Celtic couples dance down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom leading the way for the next float in the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

The parade, which debuted in March features seven floats. This is the fifth float in our photo tour - Brave.

The float carrying Merida is an enormous bagpipe.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

 

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Disney Stores to celebrate Star Wars Day with special merchandise

Disney Stores around the country will be celebrating Star Wars Day with special merchandise.

The first 100 guests who visit a Disney Store on May 4 will receive a limited edition Star Wars pin. It will also be the release of exclusive Disney Store merchandise, according to starwars.com

At the store, children 3 and up will be able to partake in activities such as discovering the Jedi Mind Trick, master a lightsaber, help Luke Skywalker destroy the Death Stat through an interactive experience and participate in a Medal of Bravery Ceremony.

Star Wars Day will also see the release of some of the exclusive merchandise below:

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