Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

 Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

Share your vision of the future with Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

Nationwide challenge asks 8 to 17 year olds to imagine world-changing technology of the future

 

Inspired by the upcoming Disney movie “Tomorrowland,” The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Citizenship, and XPRIZE announce a nationwide challenge for young innovators.

Beginning April 22, 2015, Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge invites kids to imagine themselves in the future and report back to the present through video, imagery or stories about one new and amazing invention or innovation they encounter, how it works, and the impact it has on the future.

httpv://youtu.be/0sH0__SpV88

In June, six winners will have a once–in-a-lifetime mentorship experience with a leader in their area of interest. In addition, each winner will receive a $3,000 check, a 3D Printer from 3D Systems, and registration for FIRST® LEGO® League for the competition season 2015-2016 in the U.S.

 “‘Tomorrowland’ has always been a place of possibility in our parks and for the creative team behind our new film,” said Sean Bailey, President, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. “The future will be steered by the imaginations of our young people, and Disney is thrilled to work with XPRIZE to encourage and inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers to build the future they imagine is possible.”

Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge logo

“We are excited to launch the Create Tomorrowland XPRIZE Challenge, which gives young people a platform to voice and depict their creative, bold and imaginative problem-solving inventions of the future,” said Trish Halamandaris, Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications at XPRIZE. “At XPRIZE we believe that solutions to the problems facing humanity can come from anyone, anywhere and one of these young innovators just might come up with an idea that can truly turn Tomorrowland into reality.”

Participants will compete in two divisions: Junior Division (8-12 years old), and Senior Division (13–17 years old). All entrants must have prior consent from their parent or legal guardian in order to participate in the challenge. Official Rules and details about the Challenge are available at http://XPRIZEchallenge.org/CreateTomorrowland. Official registration and submission period starts April 22, 2015, and runs through May 17, 2015.

Submissions will be judged on innovation, creativity and presentation. XPRIZE will provide a panel of judges who will evaluate and score all submissions, and six (6) winners will be chosen.

Supporting XPRIZE Partners include FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), 3D Systems and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

About XPRIZE

Founded in 1995, XPRIZE is the leading organization solving the world’s Grand Challenges by creating and managing large-scale, high-profile, incentivized prizes in five areas: Learning; Exploration; Energy & Environment; Global Development; and Life Sciences. Active prizes include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $10M Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE and the $2M Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE. For more information, visit www.xprize.org.

About Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

 

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Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows: Bora Bora Bungalows

I got the chance to tour an amazing new Bora Bora Bungalow the other day and wanted to share some of the pictures, as well as some of my favorite details. These fantastic two bedroom accommodations are unlike any other at Walt Disney World, perched over the water with spectacular views.

httpv://youtu.be/yufhtKprU04

The 20 Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows sit on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and at 1,093 square feet have room for up to eight guests.

Bora Bora Bungalow Floorplan Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney Vacation Club Walt Disney World DVC

The Bora Bora Bungalows feature one king-size bed, one queen size bed, one queen-size sleeper sofa, and two pull down bunk-sized beds.

Bungalow master bedroom

 

Bungalow guest bedroom

 

Bungalow Guest Bedroom Pulldown Bunk Artwork

 

Bungalow living room pull out sofa

 

Living room in bungalow

Additionally, the master bathroom offers an in-mirror TV, a whirlpool tub, and walk-in shower with rain shower head.

Bungalow master bath

The second bathroom is separated into two sections – one with a tub/shower and vanity, the other with a toilet and vanity.

Bungalow guest bath shower

 

Bungalow guest bath toilet and vanity

The full kitchen includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, and everything you would need.

Bungalow kitchen

Each Bora Bora Bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows has a laundry area featuring a stacked washer and dryer.

Laundry machine

The private deck of each Bora Bora Bungalow features a plunge pool, lounge furniture, hanging chairs, and absolutely amazing views of Magic Kingdom Park.

View from Bungalow lanai

The plunge pool is a unique way to cool off if you need a quick dip with the water temperature at a nice 72 degrees.

Bungalow Plunge Pool

At night guests staying in the Bungalows will enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant and nightly fireworks from the privacy of their deck with the accompanying music on the Bora Bora Bungalow’s personal sound system. Can you imagine how cool it would be to be that close to the Electrical Water Pageant?

Pull down bunk in bungalow featuring Electric Water Pageant

Some of my favorite touches are the surfboard-inspired coffee table trunk and headboards. I also really love the artwork and decor throughout the bungalow. I especially enjoy the cover from Annette Funicello’s Hawaiiannette album, and the hula dancer on the guest bath shelf. If you ever get to stay in the Bora Bora Bungalow, make sure you have someone ring your doorbell and listen closely!

Bungalow guest bedroom headboardArtwork in Bungalow living roomBungalow guest bath artworkBungalow guest bath knicknacks

We are going to continue sharing tons of pictures and even more information about Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, so make sure you keep up with the fun by following us onTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

You can find my post about my visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto here and a Photo Tour of the Deluxe Studio Villa – Lake View here.

Also, we will be posting videos on our YouTube channel so make sure you subscribe today!

Many thanks to Morgan Crutchfield and Cynthia Larrison for the additional pictures for this post!!!

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Madame Tussauds Orlando Will Feature New Jimmy Fallon Wax Figure

Jimmy Fallon meets his brand new figure for Madame Tussauds Orlando. Photos courtesy of Madame Tussauds
Jimmy Fallon meets his brand new figure for Madame Tussauds Orlando. Photos courtesy of Madame Tussauds

Jimmy Fallon and Madame Tussauds Debut Five New Wax Figures

Celebrating the opening of its new location in Orlando, Madame Tussauds has teamed up with Jimmy Fallon to debut five wax figures

Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” joined Madame Tussauds at their New York attraction for a special launch of five brand new, never-before-seen wax figures of the popular funnyman.  The event took place at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square and will mark Fallon’s one-year anniversary behind “The Tonight Show” desk.

For the first time in history, Madame Tussauds unveiled not one, but five, unique wax figures of a single celebrity.  Fallon’s figures will be housed in Madame Tussauds locations spanning the country: New York City, Washington DC, Hollywood and San Francisco. His fifth figure will be featured in the newest Madame Tussauds in Orlando when it opens May 4, 2015.

“I’m honestly floored! These artists did an amazing job,” said Jimmy Fallon upon seeing his figures for the first time. “I guess I’ll have to stop with the plastic surgery for at least a few years so these figures stay relevant.”

Madame Tussuads And Jimmy Fallon Debut Five Wax Figures At Madame Tussauds New York Madame Tussuads Orlando
Photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds

“We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy Fallon to five of our U.S. Madame Tussauds attractions, including our newest Orlando attraction opening in May this year,” said Janine DiGioacchino, Divisional Director, Midway North America, Merlin Entertainments Group. “Jimmy is beloved by fans across the world and we look forward to offering so many of our visitors the opportunity to engage with such an entertainment icon.”

Dressed in his signature suit, each figure was meticulously created by Madame Tussauds studio artists over the course of four months. Fallon worked closely with the artists who spent hours sitting with the star taking over 250 measurements, no details were overlooked including identifying exact eye color, and detailing each strand of hair.

Each Madame Tussauds figure is truly a work of art, involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and taking more than 200 measurements to recreate world-famous icons, to achieve the kind of astonishing realism that has been at the heart of the 250-year Madame Tussauds legacy.

Guests at Madame Tussauds Orlando will experience a brand new, immersive and interactive wax experience, bursting with family fun and world-class entertainment, as they move through themed areas meeting all of their favorite stars from award-winning film actors, to historical and modern world leaders, sports stars, music legends as well as figures important to Florida. All visitors can shake hands with the president, get on stage with rock stars and pop princesses, or get up close and personal with a Hollywood heartthrob and take the ultimate selfie!

Madame Tussuads And Jimmy Fallon Debut Five Wax Figures At Madame Tussauds New York Madame Tussuads Orlando
Photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds

Fun Facts:

  • Jimmy Fallon donated the shirt and tie for his Orlando figure.
  • All five figures debuted on “The Tonight Show” on Thursday, March 26.

 

  • It took 20 studio artists 3-4 months to complete the figures and the hair alone took 6 weeks per figure.

 

  • Fallon’s personal hair stylist styled each of the figures’ hair.

 

For more information, visit www.madametussauds.com/orlando.

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