Disney Springs Welcoming Three New Italian Restaurants; New Concept Art for Sunshine Season Greetings

Disney Springs will Welcome Three New Italian Restaurants:

Three new restaurants with an Italian flare are coming to Disney Springs very soon this winter. All three restaurants will be brought to us from the Patina Restaurant Group with each featuring unique menus and authentic Italian foods in a beautiful and expansive dining complex.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante:

The first concept, called Maria & Enzo’s, is a trattoria set in the town’s abandoned 1930’s airline terminal which has now been transformed into an open and airy restaurant. Featuring gorgeous views of Lake Buena Vista and incredible 50-foot ceilings, the interior dining room is adorned with artifacts that reflect air travel of the time such as maps and historic flight paths. Inspired by Sicily, the menu has a delightful range of family-friendly dishes – Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan), and handmade pastas including Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab) and ‘Ncasiata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – all served tableside. Other delectable highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar:

The second concept is Enzo’s Hideaway – Enzo’s own personal speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars. Located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s and steeped in Florida’s true history of rum-running, Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman Dishes such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Pizza Ponte:

Pizza Ponte rounds out the group with a fast-casual restaurant serving pizza, pastries, Italian sandwiches and espresso. With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, Pizza Ponte is the ideal place quick bite. On the savory side, the menu features Pizza al Taglio (Sicilian-style pizza served by the slice), signature Tirangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, and Porchetta (roast pork). To satisfy your sweet tooth, pastry specialties include Bombolini (Italian donuts), Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream), and Tiramisu.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, Enzo's Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte will all open this winter at Disney Springs in the dining complex located adjacent to The Edison, which is also slated to open soon. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Concept Art Revealed Sunshine Seasons Greetings at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Today, Disney released some new concept art of the Hollywood Tower Hotel which will become the Hollywood Toy Hotel in one scene during the new Sunshine Seasons Greetings. The new projection onto the Tower will begin on November 9 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

“Toy Story” is just one of of the four special projections that will be shown on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The other scenes projecting on the Tower will include:

• Mickey and Minnie reminisce about hometown Christmas as a romanticized, Norman Rockwell-inspired scene changes from black & white to color
• The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbles in front of giant gingerbread houses
• Olaf pines over his holiday wish and iconic music from “Frozen” plays as the scene transforms into a winter wonderland – complete with projected falling snow and dancing Aurora Borealis lights

Sunshine Seasons Greetings will debut next Thursday, November 9. 

Summer of Heroes Coming to Disneyland Paris in 2018; More Details on Pixar Fest at Disneyland

Summer of Heroes Coming to Disneyland Paris Next Summer:

Just announced a few short hours ago at Comic-Con London, Summer of Heroes will be coming to Disneyland Paris next Summer to help close out the parks 25th Anniversary. Announced by David Bushore, Vice President Franchise Creative and Marketing for Marvel Studios and Mark Huffman, Creative Director at Disneyland Paris, the celebration will begin June 10, 2018 and run through September 30. The 25th Anniversary Celebrations will now be extended through September 30 as well.

Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow will appear for the first time exclusively at Disneyland Paris in summer 2018 in a special Marvel Summer of Super Heroes season. Your favorite heroes will be featured in the Walt Disney Studios Park for exciting meet & greets and breathtaking, epic shows (replacing CineMagique).

That’s not all for Marvel fans at Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is also re-imagining from October 2018 one of its Resort Hotels into a universe that would make Tony Stark proud. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel will transport guests to the action-packed, inspiring world of Super Heroes including Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider Man among others, and will open within 2020. Construction on the hotel will begin early next year in 2018.

Stay tuned for more details on Marvel Summer of Super Heroes coming in the future.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Pixar Fest Details Released Beginning April 13 Throughout Disneyland Resort:

During the D23 Expo, President of Disney Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek announced that Pixar Fest would be coming to Disneyland Resort sometime in 2018. We now know the date where the festival will begin in April 13. The limited time celebration of friendship and beyond will feature the debut of an all-new fireworks spectacular and the return of two favorite parades as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items.

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular”  (Concept art pictured above) will light up Disneyland park beginning April 13. In addition to dazzling pyrotechnics and memorable music, the theme of friendship, ever-present in most Pixar films, is celebrated in this nighttime spectacular. Guests are invited to embark on an emotional journey that starts when unlikely Pixar characters first meet. As they set out on adventures and overcome obstacles together, “Together Forever” celebrates the everlasting friendships forged by beloved Pixar pals. The story comes to life through projections on iconic park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. This nighttime spectacular will even feature a special flyover by Buzz Lightyear at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

April 13 will also mark the return of Paint the Night at Disney California Adventure. A new Pixar story (float) will join other floats depicting our favorite Pixar films like "Toy Story", "Cars", and "Monsters Inc." Later in the year, the Pixar Play Parade will make its way through Disneyland for the first time. It will also see new elements with the likes of "Up" and "Inside Out." 

The Pixar Shorts Film Festival will also be running with rotating favorites such as "For the Birds" and "Lava" at the Sunset Showcase Theatre in Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure throughout most of the festival. The Paradise Gardens area will feature a new Pixar-themed musical troupe along with Pixar character greeting opportunities as well as crafts and activities for our younger guests.

There will also be plenty of new merchandise, including an exclusive bracelet that will have multiple charm options with fun, friendship messages, and our favorite Pixar characters. The celebration begins April 13.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The SpectacuLAB Interactive Show to Debut at Epcot

A new interactive show is set to debut next month at Epcot, called The SpectacuLAB. The show will take place in Innoventions. 

In it, guests will be invited to join a group of real scientists – and their tech-savvy intern – for a series of thrilling experiments that put scientific principles like ultrasonic pressure, barometric pressure, acceleration and force to the test. Through this funny and fascinating show, guests of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in the demonstrations and discover how each scientific principle has inspired amazing technologies we enjoy today.

The show is presents by Murata, whom is a global leader in design, manufacture, and supply of advanced electronic components. Also The SpectacuLAB is sponsored by Science from Scientists, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve STEM literacy at schools.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Hotel Plus Parking & Transportation Improvements Coming to Disneyland in 2021

News just broke a little while ago of a new Four Diamond Hotel being built in Disneyland by 2021. The hotel will transform the West End of the Downtown Disney District and anchor a new gateway into Disneyland.

The new 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park.

Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. An upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland park fireworks.

The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel will also connect all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for our Disneyland Resort guests.

The new grand hotel will benefit the community as well, generating approximately $25 million n new taxes in its first five years of operation that go directly to Anaheim’s general fund. It will also create thousands of additional construction and permanent jobs and attract new guests to the resort area. Construction is scheduled to begin Summer 2018 and be completed by 2021. 

With the new hotel being built it will also see many current places in the Downtown Disney District be demolished. This will include popular places like ESPN Zone, AMC Theatre, Earl of Sandwich, Starbucks, and Rainforest Cafe as the new hotel takes up 17 acres of the Downtown Disney District West Side. Officials have reportedly begun telling the tenants of their plans and some may even begin operating inside the hotel. 

Not only is a brand new Four Diamond Hotel being built but a brand new 6,500 parking structure will also be built. The new structure will be built on the current Pinocchio surface parking lot next Mickey & Friends.

This new 6,500-space structure is designed to dramatically improve parking and traffic flow throughout the resort. It is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and adding additional parking capacity on the west side of the resort.

The additional parking capacity and access lanes will streamline vehicle arrivals on the west side of the resort and eliminate backups onto city streets. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends. 

Construction on the new parking structure will begin sometime in 2018 and be completed by the following year.

Sources: Disney Parks Blog
               Orange County Register
               Disney Parks Blog

Disney Pixar's 'Coco' Family Celebration Coming to Disney Springs This Friday

With the release of Disney Pixar's "Coco" under a month a way on November 22, Disney Springs and Walt Disney World is amping up excitement for the film. Beginning this Friday, Disney Pixar's 'Coco' Family Celebration will kick off on the West Side of Disney Springs. It's a family friendly fiesta to help celebrate the film's release.

"With a flurry of colorful papel picados planned and décor depicting scenes from the movie, Exposition Park will be a lively cornucopia of family-friendly fun. On weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), there will also be face-painting and activities for kids. Hungry for more? Springs’ Street Tacos Food Truck will serve up vanilla flan for a limited time, alongside their signature taco offerings."

Guests will also get a taste of the bright and colorful world of "Coco" through a medley of themed music, food, and decor daily from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The film tells the story of Miguel, an aspiring young musician, who teams up with a charming trickster named Hector as they take an extraordinary journey through the Land of the Dead.

Disney Pixar's 'Coco' Celebration runs from October 27 through November 26, 2017.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Introducing Woody's Lunch Box Coming to Toy Story Land

In breaking news this morning, we now know the quick service location that is coming to Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Introducing Woody's Lunch Box which will open inside the land when it debuts in Summer 2018. 

"When Toy Story Land opens in Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore all of the fun (and toys!) Andy has constructed in his backyard. This story continues at Woody’s Lunch Box, where Andy has used his lunch box and thermos to create a walk-up quick-service window that will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats. In the rendering above, you can see that Woody’s Lunch Box – like the rest of Toy Story Land – has been adorably strewn about with some of Andy’s favorite toys and items from his lunch. You can even spot a green army man on a nearby lookout tower, keeping watch for Andy’s return."

Walt Disney World will partner with Mini BabyBel to bring the restaurant to life. Stay tuned for future updates on Woody's Lunch Box and a menu that is sure to be filled with exciting items in the coming months right here on It All Started With a Mouse.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at The NBA Experience Coming to Disney Springs Summer 2019

Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared with us our first look at The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World which is coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2019. Taking the place of the old Disney Quest, which closed back in July, the new experience and building is inspired by the modern architecture of new NBA arenas around the country. 

It will exude the same spirit and energizing impact all while creating an unmistakable and entertaining connection to the NBA in a way that only Disney can. The state of the art space will include interactive games and competitions, immersive experiences, a retail store, and an adjacent restaurant. 

“We are inspired by the design of the new building and the energy that it will bring to the West Side of Disney Springs,” said Senior Vice President of Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Maribeth Bisienere.

“This one-of-a-kind experience is sure to be enjoyed by basketball and Disney fans of all ages who visit Disney Springs from around the world," recently said by Sal LaRocca, NBA President of Global Partnerships. 

Stay tuned for more updates in the future on The NBA Experience coming to Disney Springs' West Side Summer 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Scene Being Added to Star Tours Around Disney Parks; RunDisney Races Put on Hiatus at Disneyland

New Scene from "The Last Jedi" Being Added to Star Tours Around Disney Parks:

As with "The Force Awakens," a new scene from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will be added to Star Tours around Disney Parks. The scene will take guests into the middle a battle scene on the planet of Crait, which we got our first look of in the first trailer from a few months ago. 

The scene will premiere at Disney Parks over the next few months, here are the dates:

• Disneyland - November 17
• Disney's Hollywood Studios - November 17
• Disneyland Paris - November 22
• Tokyo Disneyland - December 15

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" soars into theaters on December 15. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

RunDisney Races Put on Hiatus at Disneyland for 2018 and Beyond:

As first reported by WDW News Today a few days ago, all runDisney races for 2018 and beyond at Disneyland have been cancelled. The reason the popular races are being cancelled are due to the multitude of construction projects around the park. Here is a statement from George Savvas, a Disneyland spokesperson:

“While construction for the next several years will impact our ability to deliver the runDisney experience our guests love, we are excited about our future as the Disneyland Resort continues one of its largest multi-year expansions. For fans who love to be part of runDisney events, we will continue to offer races at our other properties around the world in 2018.” 

The final runDisney event for this year is fast approaching with the Super Heroes Half Marathon weekend taking place November 9-12, 2017.

Source: WDW News Today

New Clip from Pixar's 'Coco', Ron Howard Announces "Solo: A Star Wars Story", and More

New Clip from Pixar's "Coco" Released:

We are just over a month away from Disney Pixar's "Coco" and today we got a new clip from the film today. It features Miguel attempting to play a guitar with a mariachi and his grandmother stopping him telling he cannot have music in his life. Check it out below:

Grandma knows best. 💕 Watch a clip from #PixarCoco, and see the film in theatres this Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/C3OD16Cgak

— Disney (@Disney) October 17, 2017

Disney Pixar's "Coco" hits theaters this Thanksgiving.

Ron Howard Officially Announces "Solo: A Star Wars Story":

We finally have have a name for the untitled Han Solo anthology film thanks to director Ron Howard.  The film has just finished wrapping up production and Howard released a video on Twitter announcing the name of the film, "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Here is the video:

Hey #Twitterville we just wrapped production so here's a special message #StarWars pic.twitter.com/8QJqN5BGxr

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) October 17, 2017

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" punches its way into theaters next year on May 25, 2018.

Details on "Big Hero 6" The Series Announced:

A premiere date for "Big Hero 6" the series on Disney XD has been announced for November 20 at 8 p.m. with a 1 hour special called "Baymax Returns." It will air simultaneously on Disney XD, Disney Channel, the DisneyNow App, and on Disney XD Video on Demand. 

Set once again in San Fransokyo, the television movie Baymax Returns explores that tear-jerking moment in Big Hero 6 after Hiro believes that his robot friend is lost in the portal forever, before discovering the chip his brother Tadashi designed to create Baymax. The series continues the adventures and friendship of Hiro, Baymax, and the rest of the superhero team, picking up immediately following the events of the feature film. We can’t wait to see them in action!
As if that wasn’t enough to fill our hearts with joy, beginning Friday, November 24, Big Hero 6 The Series shorts will roll out every Friday for six consecutive weeks on Disney XD, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney XD YouTube. We’ll be watching every single video on repeat.
Deep breaths everyone. There’s more. On November 20, “Pocket Baymax” launches on DisneyNOW. What is “Pocket Baymax” you ask? It is a customizable, interactive virtual assistant that brings Baymax to life—and it sounds like the best thing we never knew we needed.

Following the movie special of "Baymax Returns" two special full-length preview episode of "Big Hero 6" The Series will debut exclusively on the DisneyNOW App and Disney XD VOD.

Source: Oh My Disney

 

Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation Package Announced; VIDEO: New 'Black Panther' Trailer Released

Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation Package Announced:

Walt Disney World has introduced a special vacation package for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation. Guests must arrive on December 21, 2017 and depart on December 26, 2017. This package is full of ultimate holiday fun and exclusive experiences that no-one else will get. Here are the details of the package:

• December 21, 2017 – One ticket per person in your party to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
• December 22, 2017 – Access to special nighttime Extra Magic Hours at Pandora – The World of Avatar within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• December 23, 2017 – A special holiday Character experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• December 24, 2017 – An invitation to a special Christmas Eve dinner celebration at Epcot
• December 25, 2017 – A special holiday gift delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room

This offer starts at $139 per person per night for a family of four at a select Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, or Value Resort at Walt Disney World. A 4-day park hopper and ticket to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is included in the package deal. The package is limited and must be booked by December 10, 2017. 

VIDEO: New "Black Panther" Released:

A new "Black Panther" trailer has arrived from Marvel this morning. The film which stars Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther is set to hit theaters February 16, 2018. A new poster was also released for the film along with the trailer:

First 'Last Jedi' TV Spot Airs; Final Candlelight Narrators Announced

First "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" TV Spot Airs:

The very first of what I'm sure will be many tv spots for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" has aired. Just days after the trailer was released we got more dialogue out of Luke Skywalker as he asks Rey why she is there. We also got some new images in the tv spot.



"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15.

Final Candlelight Narrators Announced:

Two new narrators and two returning complete the list of celebrities for this year's Epcot Candlelight Processional. Disney Legend and actor Kurt Russell as well as Olympic Champion Laurie Hernandez will be reading at the processional for the first time. Meanwhile Jodi Benson and actress/comedian Ana Gasteyer will return this year as narrators. Here is the complete schedule for the Candlelight Processional which runs November 24 through December 30:

• Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
• Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
• Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
• Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
• Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
• Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
• Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional allows narrators to tell the story of Christmas along with a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir. The show is performed 3 times nightly at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre. 

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Tickets on Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire; Disney Sets Dates for Filming of Holiday Specials

Tickets Now on Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire:

The VOID and ILMxLab are bringing Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, a hyper-reality experience to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland. We now have dates for both of these experiences to debut and tickets are now on sale. It will debut at Disney Springs on December 16, 2017 and on January 5, 2018 at Downtown Disney in Disneyland. 

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

Check out this new video that was released with the announcement which gives us our first look at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire:

Tickets for the experience are $29.95 per person and the experience runs every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until the last experience of the night which begins at 11:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Sets Dates for Filming of Holiday Specials in the Parks:

Dates have been set for filming for the upcoming ABC and Disney Channel holiday specials from the parks that run during the holiday season. Filming at Disney Parks on location in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be from November 3-7. No name or official air dates for these events have been announced by Disney. 

Source: The DIS

Disney Cancels 'Gigantic' Its Version of "Jack and the Beanstalk"

In 2015, Disney showed off a massive model of an animated film they were working on based of the classic childhood story, "Jack and the Beanstalk", called "Gigantic" at the D23 Expo. Shortly before this year's expo the film which was supposed to premiere in 2018 was pushed back until 2020. Now as of yesterday the film and ideas are being shelved. 

It was an updated take on the classic fairytale in which Jack befriends a female giant. Meg Lefauve (Inside Out) and Nathan Greno (Tangled) were slated to co-direct the film. While Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen) were slated to write songs for the film. Part of the reason the film was delayed from 2018 and 2020 was because Robert and Kristen were busy with writing the music for "Frozen 2" due out in 2019. 

Disney & Pixar Animation President Ed Catmull had this to say in a statement:

"It's impossible to know when we begin a project how the creative process will unfold, and sometimes, no matter how much we love an idea or how much heart goes into it, we find that it just isn’t working. With Gigantic, we've come to that point, and although it's a difficult decision, we are ending active development for now. We are focusing our energies on another project that has been in the works, which we'll be sharing more about soon, now set for Thanksgiving 2020."

No details on the new project were not released but Disney fans can prepare for the next two films in animation in Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It-Ralph 2 due out on November 21, 2018 and the much anticipated sequel in Frozen 2 due out November 27, 2019.

Now what does this mean for the parks? Rumors had been swirling for months before this year's D23 Expo that Disney had plans to build a Spain Pavilion at Epcot with an attraction based on Gigantic. That rumor was pushed back once it was delayed until 2020. Now it could be in jeopardy with the film being shelved.

Of course Disney can build a Spain Pavilion without an attraction based on 'Gigantic' but it seemed they had high hopes for the film since they had an attraction already in the works before the film even hit theaters. Now the film has been cancelled and now only questions remain. One of those big questions is: Will Disney build a Spain Pavilion at Epcot now that 'Gigantic' is shelved or will it choose another country to debut on World Showcase?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise Returns December 1

The Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise will be returning to the Seven Seas Lagoon with a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom fireworks and a night of sparkling desserts on December 1. The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise will run on most Friday's and Sunday's in December and January.

Besides a spectacular view of the fireworks which some night it will coincide with Happily Ever After and some with the holiday fireworks at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on some nights in December. Those nights will have seasonal desserts that will include holiday cookies and peppermint cheesecake as well as hot cocoa and a variety of toppings. 

Guests will step aboard the General Joe Potter ferryboat, named after the Disney Legend, about 1 hour and 15 minutes before the fireworks start at the Ticket and Transportation Center. In addition guests have a variety of activities they can participate on the cruise which include a Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll search for Hidden Mickeys throughout the Ferryboat. Also when the fireworks begin, you’ll receive a pair of “Mickey Vision” viewing lenses, through which you might just be able to see one of your favorite characters appear in each burst of light!

Admission for this Ferrytale Cruise is $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 through 9 (tax and gratuity not included). Discounts for Annual Passholders can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE and DVC members can apply discounts by calling Member Services. You can book this adventure by calling 407-939-3463 or you can book online.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

VIDEO: "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer Released

Well the trailer just dropped and it may just break the internet. Check it out below:

Once again "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" uses the force and jumps into theaters December 15, 2017.

New Poster Revealed for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Ahead of Trailer

We are all waiting patiently for the new trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" to premiere during halftime of Monday Night Football. Ahead of the trailer a new poster for the film has been revealed.

Again we see Luke at the top over many of the characters including Rey and Kylo along with General Leia, Finn, Poe, Rose, Chewbacca, the Praetorian Guards, BB-8, BB-9E, C-3PO, R2-D2, Captain Phasma, and General Hux. 

Watch out for the trailer right here on It All Started With a Mouse. We will have it up shortly after it premieres. Meanwhile, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15. 

New Survey Talks of Adding New Resort Room Features; Winter Summerland Mini Golf Refurb

New Survey Talks of Adding New Resort Room Features:

A new survey is being sent out to Walt Disney World guests asking them about new interactive features for resort rooms. These features would include things such as a welcome message from your favorite character, live feeds on your resort tv of nighttime spectaculars at the parks, and more. Here is the complete list:

• A welcome sequence where curtains will open, lights turn on slowly, music plays, and a custom welcome message with your FastPass+ plans for the day appears on the TV.
• A brief animated video featuring a character of your choice welcoming you to the resort, playing on a screen themed to look like a picture frame.
• Immersive on-demand movies with choices based on your FastPass+ reservations. Color-changing light bulbs and a star projector would be used to create an experience themed to each movie.
• Live feed of nighttime spectaculars, bringing live video feeds of the park nighttime spectaculars synchronized to the show’s music to your resort TV.
• Your PhotoPass pictures from the day displayed on your resort TV.

This sounds a lot like the patent Disney filed last year for projection technology in the resort rooms. We wrote about the patent after it was filed. This would go along with option 3 where the room would have immersive on-demand movies with choices based on FastPass+ reservations. Color-changing light bulbs and a star projector would be used to create an immersive experience themed to each movie.

Of course this is just a survey and some or none of this may actually come to fruition at the resorts. It is definitely interesting though that how similar it is to the patent that was filed last year. Stay tuned as these new room features could be coming to the resorts in the future.

Source: WDW News Today

Winter Summerland Mini Golf Course Going Under Refurbishment:

The Summer Course at the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf course is now closed for refurbishment until November 10, 2017. The course will then re-open on November 11, 2017. The Winter Course will close in a few weeks on October 23 and will also be closed through November 10 and re-open the following day on November 11. 

During the refurbishment, Disney's Fantasia Gardens miniature golf course will remain open with normal operating hours.

Source: WDW Magic

The Last Jedi Trailer Coming Tomorrow, Stitch Meet & Greet Opens, and More

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer Coming Tomorrow:

The next trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is in fact premiering tomorrow during halftime of the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Monday Night Football game on ESPN. Star Wars on its social media pages officially teased the trailer this morning. 

Get ready. Trailer tomorrow. #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/woC9KF4GH8

— Star Wars (@starwars) October 8, 2017

Guests visiting Disneyland more specifically Downtown Disney can watch the premiere of the trailer on a giant screen outside of AMC Downtown Disney Theaters 12. The fun will begin at 5 p.m. with a live DJ, trivia, giveaways all while counting down to the premiere of "The Last Jedi" trailer. Tickets for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will in fact go on sale officially after the premiere of the trailer.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" soars into theaters on December 15.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Stitch Meet & Greet Opens Up at Magic Kingdom:

The new Stitch's Alien Encounter Character Greeting officially opened up at Magic Kingdom. The new meet & greet is indeed in the former queue of the current seasonally operating Stitch's Great Escape. 

The hours for the meet & greet will be from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., hours for the character greeting will fluctuate daily. Disney is still saying that Stitch's Great Escape will operate seasonally saying that the ride is not closing for good. 

Rumors have been swirling since last year since the attraction began operating seasonally that the ride would be replaced with possibly a Wreck-It-Ralph attraction. Many expected an announcement during the D23 Expo, but to no avail there was no announcement. Stitch's Great Escape is expected to be replaced before Walt Disney World's and Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Walls Go Up Around Universe of Energy:

It was inevitable that it would happen but walls have officially gone up as of yesterday around the Universe of Energy. Construction has already begun on the new Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster that is expected to be completed by 2021. Ellen's Energy Adventure and Universe of Energy closed August 13. 

Source Image: WDW News Today

New Disney Parks Blog Newsletter Launches; News about Last Jedi Trailer & Ticket Sales

New Disney Parks Blog Newsletter Launches:

A new sleek newsletter with new features was launched today by the Disney Parks Blog that will help improve fans experience the Disney Parks stories in a newsletter that fans already love.

It now has an easier layout for easier scanning with larger images that will highlight fans' favorite stories. The layout will also now snap to fit any size mobile device, tablet, or computer for a quick look at what is happening. Finally, you can now find it easier to explore a topic in detail by following links to the story on the Disney Parks Blog. 

You can sign up for the newsletter here on the newly redesigned signup page. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

News About the "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer and Ticket Sales:

Weeks ago it seemed that Mark Hamill revealed when the next "Last Jedi" trailer would be released. It does seem that he was right in that a new trailer for the next story in the saga will be released during Monday Night Football this coming Monday, October 9. It also appears that advance ticket sales will also begin on Monday. This has not been confirmed but it appears we will find out in just a few days as we wait.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters on December 15, 2017.

Source: Star Wars News Net

Jingle Cruise Will Return to Walt Disney World; Guardians Attraction at Epcot Will be a Rollercoaster

Jingle Cruise Will Return to Walt Disney World:

Rumors have been circulating for the last few weeks that the Jingle Cruise wouldn't be returning this holiday season at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. However, we do now know that it will be returning to Walt Disney World, but the future of the holiday overlay at Disneyland remains unclear. 

The ride will return this November and run through the holidays through January 2018. The holiday overlay wasn't announced with the other holiday offerings but it will return. It does appear though that it will not return to Disneyland at least this year. 

Source: WDW News Today

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction at Epcot will be Rollercoaster:

During Sunday's 35th Anniversary at Epcot, Vice President of Epcot Melissa Valiquette confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction being built in place of the former Universe of Energy pavilion will in fact be a rollercoaster. Long rumored to be a rollercoaster this is in fact the first confirmation that it would be from Disney. 

Source: Blog Mickey

Destination D & More on D23's Slate of Events for 2018; Rumor: Stitch's Great Escape to Become Meet & Greet

Destination D & More on D23's Slate of Events for 2018:

Today, we all celebrated Epcot's anniversary as it opened on this day 35 years ago on October 1, 1982. One of the events was the D23 Epcot Fanniversary and during this event D23 just named some of the events they would be having in 2018 for its members. They later announced the full slate of events for next year.

Next year, 2018 will be Disney's Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary and D23 will be hosting an event at the park sometime in April. Also next year, during the Summer D23 members will be getting a sneak peak of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the new Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Also returning for 2018 will be the Sip & Stroll and holiday events at Walt Disney World. 

Just last year, members had a blast during D23's Destination D: Amazing Adventures the event will return to Walt Disney World next November with the theme of Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse. This will celebrate the main man himself and his 90th Birthday and his debut in Steamboat Willie. The event will include panels, presentations, an all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, a pop-up store from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Mickey’s of Glendale, and so much more. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.

Here is the full schedule of events:

January 12 - Lunch With a Disney Legend - TBA  in Burbank, CA

January 13 - The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour in Burbank, CA

February 2 - D23 Night at Disney’s Aladdin in Hollywood, CA

Feb 3 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan Burbank, CA

Feb 10 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan Orlando, FL

March 24 - D23 Night at Disney’s Frozen New York City, NY

April D23 Celebrates 20 Years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Apr 7 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

May 25 D23’s Return to Marceline Marceline, MO

Summer D23 Members Visit Toy Story Land Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Summer D23 Members Visit Pixar Pier Disney California Adventure

June 23 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood Burbank, CA

Jun 29 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Orlando, FL

Jun 30 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood Orlando, FL

July 20 D23 Member Mixer San Diego, CA

August 10 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Burbank, CA

Aug 11 D23’s Saturday Morning on the Lot Burbank, CA

September 8 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

Sep 8 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins Orlando, FL

Sep 15 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins Burbank, CA

October D23’s Spell-tacular Disney Fanniversary Burbank, CA

Oct 3 Sip & Stroll Epcot, WDW

Oct 5 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Orlando, FL

November 16-18 D23 Destination D: Happy Birthday Mickey Orlando, FL

December D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, FL

Dec Light Up the Season with D23 Burbank, CA

Dec 1 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

Source: D23 and Disney Parks Blog

Rumor: Stitch's Great Escape to Become Alien Encounter Meet & Greet:

Stitch's Great Escape seems to be going away for good with a new sign where the seasonal operating attraction has appeared. Thanks to @1ben_laurence on Twitter where the sign now says Stitch's Alien Encounter Character Greeting. 

While no details on this have been announced or available at this time it does seem that the new Stitch Meet & Greet will take the place of an attraction that just never gained popularity. Will this character encounter stay forever. I don't think so as the attraction has long been rumored to be replaced with a Wreck-It-Ralph attraction. 

Stay tuned for more details on the new Stitch's Alien Encounter Greeting when they are announced.

Source: WDW News Today