Apart from the engaging stories and endearing characters that distinguish Disney films, it is the life lessons and positive role models that I personally cherish as a parent. When my daughter found out Disney would be releasing a brand new film featuring her fairy favorite Tinker Bell, she couldn’t contain her excitement. The film depicts another adventure featuring Tinker Bell and her friends.

In Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, audiences are immersed within an ancient myth of a fabled creature who sparks fairy Fawn’s curiosity. Not afraid to break the rules, Fawn looks beyond the NeverBeast’s boorish exterior and befriends him.  Unwelcome in Pixie Hollow, Fawn must convince Tinkerbell and her fairy friends to rescue the NeverBeast, who is in danger of being captured by the elite Scout Fairies. The film’s timeless, but important message about “not judging a book by its cover,” is one that will resonate with families and provide a foundation for future discussions, particularly with regards to those friends who may not look, talk, or act like us.

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast was released on Blu-ray and Disney Movies Anywhere this week, and in honor of the release, we’re celebrating with a bilingual Twitter Party! During the party, we’ll share tips on how to give people and situations an opportunity to get to know them in order to live harmoniously. Here are the details for the #DisneyFairiesSweeps Bilingual Twitter Party:

What: #DisneyFairiesSweeps Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast Bilingual Party Sweepstakes

When: Thursday, March 5th at 6 pm PST/9 pm EST

Where: On Twitter. Simply tweet with the hashtag #DisneyFairiesSweeps during the hour

Who to Follow:

Co-Hosts: @mamalatina, @teachme2save, @7onashoestring, @suelee1998, @RockinMama, @GrowUpBilingual

Moderators: @Latinomarketing, @LatinaMomBlogs @JollyMom

Prizes:

During the Twitter Party there will be a chance to win the following prizes by answering various questions. Winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

Prize Pack 1, 2, 3: 1 $100 Disney Store Gift Card; 1 Blu-ray Combo Pack of Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast.

Prize Pack 4: 1 $200 Disney Store Gift Card; 1 Blu-ray Combo Pack of Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast.

RULES: Click HERE for the Official Rules

RSVP: To be eligible to win prizes, you must follow @LatinaMomBlogs and RSVP!

Disney Toon Studios (headquartered in Glendale, California) has only been in existence since 2003 (formerly it was called Walt Disney Animation Australia) and the magical masterpieces that come out of the studio include theatrical and direct-to-video films, including all of those that star iconic fairy Tinker Bell.

Secret of the Wings, which was just released on Blu-ray and DVD, tells the story of Tinker Bell as she embarks on a new adventure into the forbidden Winter Woods to discover a secret that will change her forever. In the film, audiences are also introduced to frost fairy Periwinkle.

The film was directed by Peggy Holmes who took some time to speak with us about the development and introduction of Periwinkle as Tinker Bell’s sister, the research that went into creating the film and the character, and why audiences might see a side of Tinker Bell they aren’t accustomed to.

This is the first time winter is broached in the Disney Fairies films and one of the first things the filmmakers did was look at winter photography.  As they delved into creating the film, it was important to distinguish winter as a place rather than a season.  Holmes found that she was particularly drawn to the colors white and blue, thus they began researching all of the different shades of those colors.  Periwinkle’s name was the result of that research, and interestingly enough, Milori (Lord Milori in the film) is a shade of blue.

Periwinkle’s striking look, characterized by her frosty do, posed a challenge for the filmmakers.  They consulted celebrity stylist Ken Paves to ensure she “looked good on the red carpet from 360 degrees” (Holmes). The team’s vision for the winter fairies was that they would have a hipper look…different from the warm fairies.  Paves created and dyed the wigs and then cut the hair in front of the team to help them create her look.

The research that went into the film was more extensive than I would have imagined and was used to help develop the filmmakers’ creativity.   Because the theme of winter was very present in the film, the team consulted with a Doctor of Snow who taught them that frost protects from freeze which might seem counter intuitive.  This concept is used in the film as Pixie Hollow is faced with the threat of a winter freeze.

One of the underlying themes of the film is bringing the two worlds (Pixie Hollow and the Winter Woods) together.  Periwinkle was not initially intended to be Tinker Bell’s sister.  She was that girl you gravitate towards, but you aren’t sure why.  “As you get to be better friends you realize why…they complete your life in a way that maybe another doesn’t (Holmes).” But because there was no established tie or relationship, it wasn’t having the emotional impact they desired.  It was Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure director Klay Hall who suggested that that their relationship be sisters. Thus began the process of defining and describing what that meant in their world.

Once it was decided that Tinker Bell and Periwinkle would be identical sisters, the filmmakers continued to research and consulted with specialists and experts for authenticity. For example, a twin specialist who specifically focused on twins that had been separated at birth or shortly thereafter was brought in. What they learned was that when these men or women were meeting for the first time, they often had very similar characteristics and hobbies.  They used the information they learned to include even the smallest nuances like both Tinker Bell and Periwinkle wearing Pom-Poms.  Also interesting was the connection twins experience when they first meet and that was translated to Tinker Bell and Perwinkle’s first encounter.  In the film, it is a magical moment where everything seems to disappear except the two of them…much like when twins meet and all they want to do is learn about each other and fill in the missing pages of the time they were apart.

Along with introducing a brand new fairy, audiences see a side of Tinker Bell that isn’t always expressed.  Tinker Bell, as beautiful and magical as she is, can be “feisty” and “hot-tempered.” We saw how loyal Tinker Bell can be in Peter Pan and according to Holmes, “we are continually showing you different sides of Tinker Bell’s character and this was an opportunity to step into Tinker Bell’s heart and show how emotional she really is.”

While we weren’t able to get information on what’s next for Tinker Bell, we did learn that there are several stories in development at Disney Toon Studios.  And Periwinkle? “If it makes sense for Periwinkle to be in that adventure with Tinker Bell she will be there” (Holmes).

Disney’s Secret of the Wings is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to screen the film and interview the filmmakers which helped facilitate the writing of this post.

You may remember that this year, my daughter will dress as Tinker Bell for Halloween. I can’t wait to see the awe and wonder on her face when she gets to meet both Tinker Bell and Periwinkle, the two sister stars of Secret of the Wings at Disneyland Park this Fall. Born of the same laugh and bearing wings with identical patterns, the two finally reconnect after being separated in the latest Disney film.

Periwinkle is a frost fairy who lives in the Winter Woods.  She wears a dress that shimmers like ice and she is best known for her adorable frosty up-do. In fact, getting her hair just right was a challenge for the filmmakers, something I’ll be sharing with you in a coming post.

Through the Fall and Winter months, guests at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks can meet both Tinker Bell and her sister Periwinkle at Pixie Hollow (Disneyland) and Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook (Magic Kingdom Park).  Both of their wings glow and Tink will sport a new winter outfit perfect for the seasons! Be sure to check the schedule when you arrive to ensure the fairy sisters haven’t flittered away for the day.

Secret of the Wings is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a press event and admission to Disneyland/accommodations were provided.

As a young girl, I longed for a sister…someone to play with and share secrets with…someone to dream with. Friends have tried to describe that unique bond between siblings…but I’d be lying if I said that I completely understand it because some things are only truly comprehended through experience.

This week, Disney will release Secret of the Wings on Blu-ray and DVD, a full-length animated film which stars Tinker Bell, her fairy friends and a brand new winter fairy named Periwinkle. While this is the fourth film in the series, it was my first adventure into the world of fairies. Not only was I captivated by the visual aspect of the film, I felt emotionally connected to the characters.

As the film opens, Tinker Bell and her friends are preparing for winter.  There are snowflake baskets to be made and animals that must be taken to the Winter Woods to hibernate.  This is the first time winter is approached in the series, and I imagine audiences will be as awestruck as Tinker Bell is about the “forbidden world.”

For reasons that will be disclosed in the film, Warm (Pixie Hollow) Fairies and Winter Fairies are not allowed to venture into each other’s worlds.  But Tinker Bell is curious and intrigued by the Winter Woods, and ventures off to the border, crossing for a few moments. It is in those moments on the other side that her wings begin to sparkle in a way she has never experienced, thus compelling her to discover the “secret of the wings.”

The next time Tinker Bell crosses over to the Winter Woods, she is armed with more appropriate winter attire and a book she is hoping will help her learn the meaning of her sparkling wings. When she meets Periwinkle, both of their wings begin to sparkle and glow, and they learn that they are sisters, born of the same laugh. After this beautiful moment of discovery, the two become inseparable, yearning to spend time together…to make up for lost time.

As they devise ways to spend time together, the reality of why they live in two separate worlds becomes a challenge. When Pixie Hollow is threatened to be destroyed, the two must work together to save it and find a way to be together.

Visually, the film is stunning. The contrast between the two seasons is seamless, particularly when both are visualized onscreen.

Secret of the Wings is one of the few Disney films that broach the relationship between sisters.  It is tender and authentic, yet vibrant and playful. The introduction of Periwinkle opens up an array of possibilities for future story ideas.

Disney’s Secret of the Wings debuts on Blu-ray and DVD on October 23rd, 2012.

Win It!  One of you will win a Secret of the Wings prize pack which will include the following:

• 1 copy of the Secret of the Wings Flitterrific 4-disc combo pack (3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Download)
• 1 Secret of the Wings zipper pull
• 1 fairy-sized Secret of the Wings storybook pamphlet

Simply leave me a comment with one thing you’re looking forward to with regards to the film. Comments will close on November 5th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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No compensation was received for this post. Products provided for review and giveaway.

 Periwinkle’s Blueberry Pixie Frost

1 cup honey

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Boil all ingredients for 5 minutes. Strain and chill before pouring over crushed ice. Top with blueberries!

Secret of the Wings is a brand new CG-animated film slated to be released on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital on October 23rd, 2012.  The film stars Tinker Bell and her fairy friends, who’s adventures lead them into the mysterious Winter Woods.

Next week, I’m heading up to LA to preview the film, along with Cinderella, which will be released in a Blu-ray Diamond Edition Collection on October 2nd, 2012, and the theatrical release of Finding Nemo 3D on September 14th, 2012. During our time in the city of film and lights, we’ll head back to Disney California Adventure Park to tour the Animation Building (sweet!), take a sketch class, interview “Crush” from Finding Nemo, and meet Tinker Bell and her sister Periwinkle. We’ll also get an opportunity to really delve into Secret of the Wings through interviews with the filmmakers and a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was made. One of the unique experiences I’m really looking forward to is a visit to Sephora’s Cinderella Transformation Lounge.

Myself, along with 20-ish other bloggers will be tweeting and posting real-time updates throughout the event. You can follow along here:  #DisneyInHomeBloggers

 No compensation was received for this post. Travel/accommodations, meals, and experiences provided.