May the Fourth Be With You!

From the Disney Store to Legoland to Disney Hollywood Studios, The Force is Strong Today

"Good bye, old friend. May the Force be with you." Obi Wan Kenobi to his former Padawan Anakin Skywalker

 So just what is “The Force” that everyone speaks of? Obi-Wan Kenobi was known to use the phrase throughout his Jedi career.

"May the Force be with you" was a phrase used to wish luck or good will, generally when individuals parted ways or the object of the expression was facing some sort of imminent challenge. The phrase implied the speaker's wish that the power of The Force would be working alongside the addressee, in order that the addressee's goals would be more effectively accomplished.

From the Jedi, the phrase originated with the ancient Je’Dail Order as "May the Force go with you." Sometimes the phrase used was simply "The Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you" was known to be used as a formal "'Goodbye' and 'good luck'" among Jedi, and members of the Jedi High Council often recited it after assigning missions to their Jedi Knights After the Great Jedi Purge it was adopted, even among non-Jedi, as a means of conveying good luck and hope before a battle, as a show of the ongoing struggle against the Galactic Empire and admiration for the Jedi Order after their failed attempt to survive the corrupt Emperor’s power struggle.

Jedi Master Odie Wan Kenobi was known to have used a variation of this phrase, telling Luke Skywalker, "The Force will be with you. Always." shortly after joining with the Force, and shortly after Luke Skywalker successfully shot a pair of proton torpedoes into the exhaust port of the first Death Star destroying it completely.

So just how did this phrase from Star Wars become a national event? May 4 is often known as "Star Wars Day".  The phrase dates back to at least 1979 on the day Margaret Thatcher was elected Britain’s first woman Prime Minister. Her party took out a newspaper ad in the London Evening News that said, "May the Fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations."

To make sure the force is strong within you, from baseball to exhibits to celebrations at Legoland to the month long activities at Walt Disney World

Photo Disney Parks Blog

Hollywood Studios, check out some of the events that are happening across the country today and in the month http://starwars.com/events/

Can’t get to any of these-the Disney store has just what you’re looking for

This year, Disney Store is bringing the Force to Guests on May the 4th, the official Star Wars fan holiday.

Photo Disney Stores

At Disney Store locations nationwide, Guests will be introduced to the story and characters that started it all in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope with fun in-store activities, giveaways and promotions.

The first 100 Guests who visit a Disney Store location on Star Wars Day will receive a FREE Limited Edition Star Wars pin perfect for starting or adding to an existing collection.  

Kids ages 3 and up are invited to learn about the “Ways of the Force” where they can:

•  Discover the Jedi Mind Trick and learn how Obi-Wan Kenobi uses it to serve the greater good

•  Master a Lightsaber through hands-on training

•  Help Luke Skywalker destroy the Death Star through an interactive experience on the Media Wall

•  Participate in a Medal of Bravery Ceremony

Disney Store will also release new exclusive Star Wars Merchandise to the current assortment of product, including talking action figures.

And now for a look at the upcoming Star Wars Rebels:

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, may the Fourth be With You today!

It's a Beary Good Weekend to Take the Family to the Movies!

Following in the tradition of the Disney’s storied True-Life Adventure films, and just in time for Earth Day comes this year’s 5^th installment in the Disneynature series, “Bears” now playing in theaters everywhere. 

This heart warming documentary brings to the screen the touching story of Scout, Sky and Amber as Disney does what Disney does best and that is assign human characteristics and distinct personalities to each member of the animal family.  

Add in a script narrated by John C. Reilly and a musical score that remains with you long after you leave the theater and you have the makings of a perfect family outing.  This is more than a tale about the bears of Alaska. This is a story that all parents share about the strength and determination it takes to raise a family.  They say that the first year of parenting is the toughest. And if you happen to be a bear trying to parent your cubs in the harsh yet beautiful Alaskan wilderness, the stakes are even higher.

In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska!

Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”) and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), and narrated by John C. Reilly, “Bears” arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to celebrate Earth Day.

We were lucky enough to be treated to an advanced screening of “Bears” last weekend during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and I can say that this is the best offering to date as evidenced on the faces of young and old alike leaving the theater. This G-rated movie although aimed at young families, is perfect for the nature lover in all of us and because I know you are all wondering, without giving away too much of the plot, parents can rest assured that everyone will leave the theater with a huge smile glued to your face. It was the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon as a family.  The best part if you see “Bears” the week of April 18 and Disneynature will make a contribution to the National Park Foundation! 

Get social and share in the fun of this charming and heart warming movie now:

Website and Mobile Site: Disney.com/Bears

Like on Facebook: Facebook.com/Disneynature

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature

To celebrate the release of the film on April 18, Adventures By Disney is giving your family the chance to take your own incredible journey through Wyoming’s great “wide open,” including Yellowstone National Park! Discover more about the 7 Day/6 Night vacation and enter for your chance to win.

Here’s some other fun ways you can help contribute to the National Park Foundation:

Disney Store

The Disney Store will contribute $1 to the NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION for every BEARS plush purchased between March 10th and May 11th.

Club Penguin

For every bear costume unlocked in-game, Club Penguin will donate $1 USD to help the National Parks. Use this code: BEARCUBS

Alex Woo

Free shipping with every Bears purchase, and Alex Woo will donate 20 percent of the proceeds to benefit the National Park Foundation

DODO case

DODO case introduces a limited edition collection of iPad Air, iPad Mini and iPhone 5/5S cases featuring a custom Bears design.

Treat the family to “Bears” this weekend and make a difference because in the end, aren’t we all part of one family sharing this magnificent earth?

Gayle is a lifelong educator by day and avid blogger by night and is the owner and cofounder of the Disney Gals, one of the most popular Disney blogs around! Proud mommy to 5, Grammy to 4 she is blessed to share her life with amazing family and friends who encourage her to chase her dreams no matter where they may lead.  When not in the classroom, she can be found following her son as he dances his way through life, or working with young performers in free nationally recognized after school children’s theater program that she founded 13 years ago. On any given day you will find Gayle skipping her way through life with a giggle and a smile knowing that today is meant to be lived and enjoyed. To learn more about Gayle, click here.

Time to Shop with these Disney Discounts

You don't have to face the crowds to gobble up these incredible discounts from The Disney Store.  Simply log on and let the savings begin. You'll find many of your most sought after items on sale from Park favorites to clothing to

   25% off of the Share the Magic Collection

                                          

                        Sketchbook Ornaments to fill out your Disney tree for only $8.

$10 Pajamas

 Did I mention the $35 Dooney & Bourke Cosmetic Case (code Dooney) with any Dooney & Bourke purchase because after all, with all the hard work shopping, you deserve a little

something special too.

So let's review, magical details, shopping from the comfort of your own house, and a little something from Dooney for you-now the only question is-what are you waiting for!

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here