EA Launching New Star Wars Game: Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes; Disney XD by Maker to Bring YouTube Talent to Network

EA Launching New Star Wars Game: Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes:

EA Games announced today the launch of the newest Star Wars Mobile Game in Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes. The new mobile game will be available on iOS and Android devices with a release date of this holiday season. 

The game will allow players to test their skills and master the hologames in a cantina far, far away. Collect your favorite heroes from across the Star Wars universe to form powerful teams. You will be able to upgrade each character's unique abilities and strengths, devise the perfect strategy, and dominate your competition. Fight in memorable, RPG-style turn-based battles across the most iconic Star Wars locations to become the most legendary hologamer in the universe.

Here is the trailer that was released:

Disney XD by Maker to Bring YouTube Talent to Network: 

Disney XD and Disney's Maker Studios of YouTube announced today a collaboration that would bring Maker's young YouTube stars to the network. It will be a new initiative called Disney XD by Maker where there will be a search for and development of the next generation of creators for DisneyXD.com, the WATCH Disney XD App, and original television series pilots for Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world. The announcement was made today by Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD and Chris M. Williams, Chief Audience Officer, Maker Studios, the global leader in short-form content and the largest video network on YouTube.

Some of Maker Studios' most popular talent will be included like CaptainSparklez, forrestfire101, ZexyZek, 101DarkMonkey, Evantube, Luzu and Lana, and Random Encounters will create original content specifically made for the program. Interested creators, ages 18 and over, can apply to be apart of the initiative at makerstudios.com/DisneyXD. 

Disney XD by Maker will allow content with Maker’s leading creators and will also utilize the Maker Offers platform to allow up-and-coming creators worldwide to participate. Videos created through the initiative will initially be distributed through creator channels on YouTube, with the potential for Disney XD to then distribute across digital and traditional platforms. The best of the best may also be developed further into television pilots for Disney XD.

Mark Buhaj said on the new initiative, "We're thrilled to collaborate with Maker and warmly welcome some of its brightest stars to the Disney XD family through Disney XD by Maker. Recognized by our audience as celebrities in their own right, these stars will pave the way for up-and-coming Disney XD by Maker talent, cultivating a creative community that drives inspiration, original storytelling and unique formats to be shared globally. 

Jared the creator of YouTube's EvanTube channel had this to say, "We're truly excited to build this bridge between TV and digital in alliance with two of the most respected names from those worlds."

Marvel Releases New Details on Season 3 of Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."; Disney Channel Original Movie "Invisible Sister" to Star Rowan Blanchard

Marvel Releases New Details on Season 3 of Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D"

Season 2 of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D sure ended with a bang and now Marvel has released new details for the upcoming season that is set to premiere, Tuesday September 29 at 9 p.m. on ABC. Here is the press release:

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” returns for an action-packed third season, with Director Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Agent Daisy Johnson (Chloe Bennet) leading the charge as S.H.I.E.L.D. searches the world for more powered people in the aftermath of their epic battle with Jiaying and her army of Inhumans. However, Coulson and the team soon find out that they are not the only group looking for these new Inhumans.

Many months after their war with a rogue group of Inhumans, the team is still reeling. Coulson is again trying to put the pieces of his once revered organization back together while also dealing with the loss of his hand. His confidante and second in command, Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen), has yet to return from an impromptu vacation with ex-husband Andrew (Blair Underwood); deadly superspy Agent Bobbi Morse (Adrianne Palicki) is recovering from her traumatic torture at the hands of Grant Ward (Brett Dalton); Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) is obsessed with discovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge); and all are on high-alert for the next move from Ward and Hydra.

Ever since the existence of super heroes and aliens became public knowledge after the Battle of New York, the world has been trying to come to grips with this new reality. Coulson assembled a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division). S.H.I.E.L.D.’s mission: to protect those who cannot protect themselves from threats they cannot conceive.

But bigger threats loom ahead, setting the stakes even higher for the Agents, including the spread of Terrigen, an alien substance that unlocks superhuman abilities in select individuals; the emergence of new Inhumans who cannot yet control nor understand their powers; the rise of a new government organization that will go toe-to-toe with S.H.I.E.L.D.; the unknown properties of the massive alien Kree monolith, which has taken one of their own; and the constant threat of a rebuilt Hydra terrorist organization under S.H.I.E.L.D. traitor Grant Ward, who is making it his personal mission to take down Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D.

New faces, both friend and foe, will join the series, including the no-nonsense, highly-skilled and somewhat mysterious leader (Constance Zimmer) of the ATCU (Advanced Threat Containment Unit), her intimidating partner, Banks (Andrew Howard), Lash (Matthew Willig), a monstrous Inhuman whose loyalties remain ambiguous, and new Inhuman Joey (Juan Pablo Raba), who is struggling to harness his newfound abilities, among other surprising characters.

Coulson, with the help of Daisy and Mack (Henry Simmons), will work to slowly assemble a team that is stronger than ever before, combining the highly skilled Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. with powered individuals in the hopes of protecting the innocent in a world where the balance of power is ever-shifting, and new dangers are constantly emerging.

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” stars Clark Gregg as Director Phil Coulson, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Grant Ward, Chloe Bennet as Agent Daisy Johnson, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz, Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons, Nick Blood as Agent Lance Hunter, Adrianne Palicki as Agent Bobbi Morse, Henry Simmons as Agent Alphonso “Mack” MacKenzie and Luke Mitchell as Lincoln Campbell.

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” was co-created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen, who also serve as executive producers along with Jeph Loeb and Jeffrey Bell.

Tune in to the season premiere on Tuesday, September 29 at 9:00 PM ET on ABC! Follow@AgentsofSHIELD on Twitter and like “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” on Facebook for all the latest news and updates.

Disney Channel Original Movie "Invisible Sister" Set to Star Rowan Blanchard

"Girl Meets World" star Rowan Blanchard is set to star in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Invisible Sister." It is set to premiere on Disney Channel on October 9 of this year. Blanchard will play the role of Cleo and her sister, Molly, will be played by fellow Disney Channel star Paris Berelc of "Mighty Med."

The film is based on the novel "My Invisible Sister" by Beatrice Colin and Sarah Pinto. The adventure will follow Cleo, whose science project goes wrong causing her sister Molly to go completely invisible. The accident causes Cleo to take on the role of her older sister in an important lacrosse game. This all happens while she is trying to convince everyone that nothing is wrong and continue to try to reverse the accident before her sister's invisibility becomes permanent. 

The film will also star Karan Bar (Disney Channel's Jessie and Bunk'd) as another science whiz kid, George, Rachel Crowe (The X-Factor) as Molly's best friend, Austin Fryberger as Molly's boyfriend, Will Meyers (Bella and the Bulldogs) as Cleo's crush, and Alex Desert (The Avenger's: Earth's Mightiest Heroes) as the science teacher. 

Sneak Peak of Next Episode of Star Wars Rebels for Season 2; PhotoPass Enhancements Now On My Disney Experience.

Sneak Peak of the Next Episode of 'Star Wars Rebels' Season 2:

We now have a release date for "Star Wars Rebels" Season 2 as it will premiere on Disney XD on October 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. Here is the synopsis of season 2 from StarWars.com.

"In Star Wars Rebels Season Two, past lives will be revealed and the destiny of our heroes will be changed forever. The transformative new season resumes with Imperial oppression on Lothal growing stronger and the Rebels seeking out new allies and additional resources to sustain their fight against the evil Empire. With the help of Ahsoka Tano, the crew of the Ghost enlists some old friends: ex-clone troopers who fought in the Clone Wars. As the Rebels grow in number, so do their enemies. New Inquisitors are dispatched by Darth Vader and sent to crush any threat of rebellion. Through dangerous rescue missions, thrilling space chases, and spectacular lightsaber duels — the bond of our Rebel crew will be put to the test like never before."

With Season 2 just around the corner, Season 1 of "Star Wars Rebels" is due to be released this upcoming Tuesday, September 1. Without further a do though here is a sneak peak of the next episode, "The Lost Commanders":

New PhotoPass Enhancements Now On My Disney Experience App:

If you haven't noticed but there has been a new enhancement to your My Disney Experience App with the addition of the Disney PhotoPass Service. With the new update you are now allowed to enjoy even more of your Disney World vacation:

• View all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos, including photos from select attraction and dining locations
• Purchase Memory Maker to receive access to all your Walt Disney World vacation memories for one price
• Find Disney PhotoPass photographer locations at Walt Disney World
• Link PhotoPass Cards collected during your vacation

Also, guests with an active Memory Maker entitlement will be able to use the app to download and share all their photos to their favorite social media apps all in one place using the My Disney Experience app on their phone or tablet. 

New Force Awakes Footage Released on Instagram; First Glimpse of Battle of Jakku in Star Wars Battlefront; and More

New Force Awakens Footage Released on Instagram:

In 112 days, Star Wars: The Force Awakens will debut in theaters nationwide and today we got a little glimpse with a 15-second clip that was released on the Star Wars Instagram. The footage released opens with a voice saying, "There has been an awakening."

Then you get the clip of Kylo Ren igniting his cross guard lightsaber that we saw in the first trailer. Now we know who he was getting ready to fight. In the very next clip we see Finn wielding a blue lightsaber of his own, believed to be Luke's lightsaber. Here is the clip that was released.

There has been an awakening... #StarWars #TheForceAwakens

A video posted by Star Wars (@starwars) on Aug 27, 2015 at 10:00am PDT

First Glimpse of the Battle of Jakku from Star Wars Battlefront:

We even got a first glimpse today of what's to come in the upcoming game Star Wars Battlefront as we see our first look of the Battle of Jakku. The Battle of Jakku takes place 29 years before The Force Awakens. Here is what it said in the release from EA:

"As debris from battles above shower the desert ground, the feeling of chaos intensifying. A Star Destroyer has just crash-landed and some of its engines are still smoking. The battle has just begun...."

The Battle of Jakku in Star Wars Battlefront will be available December 1, 2015 for all those who pre-order, and a week later for everyone else. It was the pivotal moment when the New Republic confronted key Imperial holdouts on the desert remote planet. Jakku takes place in the aftermath of the Rebel victory in the Battle of Endor. Players will experience the events that created the massive, battle-scarred landscape of Jakku as seen in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

DICE Concept Artist Anton Grandert said, "There's a David and Goliath theme to this. The epic, huge super structures of the Star Destroyers contrast against the tiny but brave Rebel soldiers fighting the Imperial forces."

Together with Jakku, players will visit other iconic Star Wars locations like Hoth, Tatooine, Endor, and a previously unexplored planet of Sullust will be a part of Star Wars Battlefront. 

Resort Guests to Bypass Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza in the Future Among Other Changes:

Within the next five years, guests staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort will no longer have to stop at the Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza. A flyover (bypass) will be built to allow traffic to pass the Toll Plaza along with other major changes to the Magic Kingdom parking area and vehicle main entrance that will be accommodated by the removal of the former Walt Disney World Speedway. 

This was revealed in an article by the Orlando Sentinel. Here are some of the other changes:

• A reconfiguration of Osceola Parkway at Victory Way, southeast of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and north of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A traditional intersection will be replaced with a flyover design similar to that at state roads 50 and 436 near Orlando. The flyover would take Osceola Parkway traffic over Victory Way.
• An extension of Western Way to Avalon Road, or County Road 545. Currently Western Way ends around the Flamingo Crossings development under construction.
• A Center Drive bypass to the west that will allow traffic heading south off Reams Road more direct access to Floridian Way.

This all ahead of major expansion of Hollywood Studios with Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land as well as the continuing construction of Pandora: The World of Avatar that will be taking place over the next few years. 

Star Wars and Youtube Join Forces For Force Friday; Disney World and Disneyland to Hold Force Friday Events

Force Friday is just over a week away and we will finally get to see the merchandise for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Hint: The merchandise looks amazing, trust me I've already seen some of it, since I work in retail.) Today, Star Wars and Disney and YouTube giant Maker Studios announced plans for a global live toy boxing event for Force Friday.

The event will unfold over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, where the event will see highlights from the epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year's Eve style celebrating "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" featuring Maker Studios' top digital stars. LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy said, "Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the saga. They've inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition."

The event will kickoff in Sydney, Australia on the morning of September 3 here on the east coast and travel through Asia, Europe, Canada, North America, and South America where selections of the new line will debut at each location.

The Star Wars YouTube channel will host the live stream, which kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), with the grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Each of the 15 locations will reveal a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The event will feature many Maker Studio stars from families like Bratayley, life hack specialists such as ExpCaseros, gamers such as AlexBy11, and Star Wars fans from around the world like Chris Pirillo. Several countries will join the event live from YouTube Spaces in Berlin, Tokyo, and London, with Anthony Carboni and Andi Gutierrez hosting the event live from the YouTube Space in Los Angeles. Here is the full global list of stars for the event:

COUNTRY	CITY	MAKER TALENT	LOCAL TIME 9/3	EDT
Australia	Sydney	Bratayley	07:45	17:45 9/2
Japan	Tokyo	Einshine	11:00	22:00 9/2
Korea	Seoul	Dollastic	12:00	23:00 9/2
Hong Kong	Hong Kong	Dante Basco	12:00	00:00 9/3
France	Paris	AyPierre	09:00	03:00 9/3
Spain	Madrid	AlexBy11	11:00	05:00 9/3
Germany	Berlin	Reyst	12:00	06:00 9/3
England	London	GamingBeaver	11:30	06:30 9/3
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro	Malena010102	08:30	07:30 9/3
USA	New York	EvanTubeHD	08:30	08:30 9/3
Canada	Toronto	Quill18	09:00	09:00 9/3
USA	Chicago	HobbyKidsTV	08:30	09:30 9/3
Mexico	Mexico City	ExpCaseros	09:30	10:30 9/3
USA	San Francisco	Chris Pirillo	08:00	11:00 9/3

Details Released For Force Friday Events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog revealed that Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be having their own special merchandise ticketed-events for Force Friday beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 4. It will take place at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney at Disneyland.

Tickets to the event will include:

• The opportunity to be among the first to purchase new merchandise from Star Wars and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," including Disney Theme Park merchandise exclusives and licensed products. Purchase limits will apply.
• Amenity Gift

Tickets to the event were available beginning today, September 26, at 2 p.m. EST/ 11 a.m. PST for $50/ person only available on www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com. Tickets are limited to availability and no discounts will be applied.

Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side Set to Takeoff in Disney World

Star Wars Half-Marathon - The Dark Side Set to Takeoff in Disney World:

With the success of this year's runDisney Star Wars Half-Marathon this past January, runDisney today announced Disney World would be getting its own Star Wars-themed half marathon in its newest addition called the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side next year for the weekend of April 14-17, 2016. While Disney World will embrace the Dark Side, Disneyland will also have another Star Wars Half-Marathon next year where they will embrace the Light Side of the force.

For the Star Wars Half-Marathon - Th Dark Side at Walt Disney World there will be a half-marathon, 5k and 10k races, as well as kid races. For completing the 10k and half-marathon there will be a special challenge for runners to compete in called the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge. Runners who join the Galactic Empire will enjoy a true Star Wars experience including Dark Side-inspired medals and special merchandise available throughout the weekend. 

 In Disneyland there will the half-marathon, 5k and 10k races, kids races, as well as continuing with their challenge in the Star Wars Rebel Challenge. Registration for the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side will open on September 22, 2015 at noon ET. 

Here is a complete description for each race during the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side Weekend from the runDisney release:

Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side

Sunday, April 17, 2016

5:00 a.m.

Start: Epcot^® Resort
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports 

The Power of Darth Vader Meets the Magic of Disney!

Star Wars' most legendary villain, Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire's Sith Lord, reigns over the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – Dark Side at the Walt Disney World^® Resort. Feel the force on this 13.1 mile thrilling adventure.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Highlights

• Timed Half Marathon race
• 13.1-mile course through the Walt Disney World^® Resort
• Entertainment on-course
• Family Reunion Area with live entertainment
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Race Participants Receive

• Champion^®Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women's or Men's Cut 
• Half Marathon Finisher Medal*
• Official Digital Event Guide*
• iGiftBag
• Personalized bib (Must register before January 8, 2016 for name to appear on bib)*
• On-course and post-race refreshments
• ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
• Personalized results website

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge

Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 2016 

Start/Finish: Walt Disney World® Resort

The Ultimate Darth Vader Challenge!

Darth Vader throws down a challenge of galactic proportions in the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge. Put the force to work for you in this ultimate test of your strength and endurance that combines the Star Wars 10K on Saturday with the Star Wars Half Marathon on Sunday. Choose your alliance – run for the light or run for the dark – then get set for an amazing 2-day, 19.3 mile-run. Runners who finish both races are awarded the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal in addition to the Half Marathon and 10K Finisher Medals.

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Highlights

• Two courses through the Walt Disney World^® Resort totaling 19.3 miles
• Entertainment on-course
• Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Participants Receive 

• Champion^® Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women's or Men's Cut for the Half Marathon, 10K and Star Wars Dark Side Challenge* 
• Special Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal, along with Star Wars Half Marathon and Star Wars 10K Finisher Medals for completing the Half Marathon and 10K**
• Official Event Guide
• iGiftBag
• Personalized bib (Must register by October 13, 2015 for name to appear on bib)*
• On-course and post-race refreshments
• ChronoTrack B-tag timed races, with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
• Personalized Half Marathon results website

Star Wars 10K

Saturday, April 16, 2016

5:30 a.m.

Start: Epcot^®
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports

May the Force be With You!

The Star Wars 10K is packed with 6.2 miles of running excitement. The thrills begin at Epcot^® where you'll wind your way through Future World and World Showcase, then on to Disney's Hollywood Studios^® running passed Star Tours and down Hollywood Blvd and on to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for an exciting Star Wars 10K finisher celebration.

Star Wars 10K Race Highlights

• Timed 10K race
• 10K course through the Walt Disney World® Resort
• Entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 10K Race Participants Receive: 

• Champion^® Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women's or Men's Cut* 
• 10K Finisher medal
• Official Event Guide*
• iGiftBag
• Personalized bib (Must register by January 8, 2016 for name to appear on bib)*
• On-course and post-race refreshments
• ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family

Star Wars 5K 

Friday, April 15, 2016

6:00 am

Start/Finish: Epcot^®

Galactic runs and family fun!

Now the entire family can thrill to the excitement of a Star Wars 5K run under the watchful eyes of Darth Vader and his storm troopers! Star War fans (age 5 or older) are invited to take part in all the racing fun on a thrilling course winding through World Showcase and then Future World and on to the finish. 

Star Wars 5K Highlights

• 5K course through Epcot^®
• Entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 5K Participants Receive

• 5K Unisex T-shirt*
• 5K Finisher medallion*
• Official Event Guide
• iGiftBag
• Personalized bib (Must register by January 8, 2016 for name to appear on bib)
• On-course and post-race refreshments

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Start/Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

A galaxy of fun for the youngest runners!

There's fun for runners of every age during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. Children 13 and under are invited to participate in the runDisney Kids Races taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Encourage your youngsters to join the fun and sign up for any of the Kids' Dashes or the One Mile Run. There's even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Every child who participates goes home with their own Finisher Medal. Parents are welcome to run with their child; parents participating with their child must sign a separate event waiver. Space is limited.

runDisney Kids Races Age Groups

• 12 months and under - Diaper Dash for crawlers
• 1-3 years old - 100m dash
• 4-6 years old - 200m dash
• 7-8 years old - 400m dash

runDisney Kids Races Participants Receive

• runDisney Kids Races T-shirt*
• Kids Race Finisher medallion*
• Personalized race bib (Must register by January 8, 2016 for name to appear on bib)*
• Post-race refreshments

Disney is encouraging runners to use Twitter in showing excitement for the event and to use the hashtag #StarWarsHalf. 

New York Comic Con to Have Preview of Star Wars Rebels Season 2; Blizzard Beach Annual Refurbishment Moved Up

New York Comic Con to Have Preview of Star Wars Rebels Season 2:

Are you excited for the upcoming second season of Disney XD's "Star Wars Rebels?" I know I am and now the upcoming New York Comic Con beginning October 8 will have a sneak preview for fans  of Season 2.

Also scheduled is a panel discussion with special guests and previews of two new episodes from the series. When the series left off after season one and the mid-season movie special, "The Siege of Lothal," our heroes were quickly and efficiently becoming more like rebels and were drawing attention from the top of empire with the likes of Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin. Vader and Tarkin have now been tasked with trying to eliminate the Ghost Crew. 

Our rebel heroes Kanan, Ezra, Sabine, Hera, Zeb, and Chopper return and will be on the search for some new friends as well as some old to help take down the empire. This will include the return of Ahsoka Tano as seen in "The Siege of Lothal" and three notable clones from the series "Star Wars Clone Wars" in Captain Rex, Captain Gregor, and Commander Wolffe.

Also released today is a new poster with key art from Season 2 of "Star Wars Rebels." The poster reads, "Their greatest strength will be each other."

Blizzard Beach Annual Refurbishment Moved Up:

Today, it was revealed that the annual refurbishment of Disney's water park Blizzard Beach has been moved up and extended. The refurbishment of the park will now begin October 4, 2015 instead of the previously scheduled for later that month on October 25. 

The water park is tentatively set to reopen on January 3, 2016. On that same day, the annual refurbishment of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is set to begin.

Tickets Are Going Fast for Two New Events at Food & Wine; Magic Kingdom Monorail Hours Changed for Next Two Weeks

Tickets Are Going Fast for Two New Events at Food & Wine Festival:

We are just about a month away from this year's 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that begins September 25th and runs through November 16th. Yesterday, on the Disney Parks Blog Pam Brandon revealed two new special events are quite popular this year and tickets are going fast.

The Rockin' Burger Block Party and the Yelloween Masquerade Party are the two new special events for this year's Food & Wine festival. The Rockin' Burger Block Party is set for the dates September 25, October 8, and November 6 from 7-9 p.m. The Yelloween Masquerade Party will take place on Halloween Night, October 31 from 7-9:30 p.m.

The Rockin' Burger Block Party is a designer burger party being held in World Showcase that will give guests the choice of tasting more than a dozen sliders at the party. Some burgers to be featured include: a coffee-crusted beef short rib burger topped with smoked Gouda, garlic potato string, and a sangria ketchup; a spiced lamb burger topped with feta, pickled watermelon rind, and a za'atar aioli; a mixed grill burger topped with a fried egg, bacon grease fries, and nacho cheese sauce.

For the non-meat eating crowd, a shrimp and scallop burger topped with spicy Thai slaw and a cilantro-lime mayo with a side of a smoked sea-salted fried edamame or a grilled grouper patty topped with butter-lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, and a lime aioli will be available.

For some sides with the burgers guests can taste these bites like: spicy-sticky pig wings, veggie pot stickers, cheeseburger spring rolls, mini-rolls, moonshine barbecued meatballs, chickpea and roasted corn fritters, and Caribbean spiced seafood cakes. For a sweat ending to the meal cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding with a cream cheese glaze, snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp, and Vairhona chocolate ganache brownies will be the choices. The all-you-can-eat buffet will include craft beers, wines, cocktails, and more. A DJ will also be on hand for dancing and you will get to vote for the best burger of each night.

The October 8th party will be hosted by the hosts of ABC's "The Chew." Cost for the party will be $99 for just regular entry, $119 for a reserved table on the main floor and early admission at 6:45, or $199 for Nosh Pit seating with a private reserved table, early admission at 6:45, and a specialty cocktail and premium bar.

The Yelloween Masquerade Party is of course one night only on Halloween and will be a yellow and black costume themed to the night's featured drink, golden Champagne. Guests should think elegant and plan to eat, drink, and party the night away with special entertainment. General admission for the event will be $169 plus tax, $199 plus tax for a reserved table on the main floor with a specialty cocktail toast, or $319 plus tax for a private reserved table, early entrance at 6:45, specialty cocktail toast, artisanal cheese station, and more. 

Reservations for these two special events and other special events for this year's 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can be made by calling 407-939-3378.

Magic Kingdom Express Monorail Hours Changing for the Next Two Weeks:

The monorail hours for the Magic Kingdom express monorailwill be changing for the next two weeks as it makes improvement to the monorail line. The Magic Kingdom Express monorail will open later on Monday through Wednesday and close for several hours mid-day on Thursdays for infrastructure improvements. The Resort Monorail will operate normally to the resorts and Ticket and Transportation Center, as well as Ferry Boats to the Ticket & Transportation Center, and the water transportation to the resorts will continue on as normal. Here is the schedule:

Marvel's"Agents of SHIELD" Spinoff Gets Pilot Order and Spires Return to Great Movie Ride

Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD" Spinoff Gets Pilot Order:

With the success of both Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD" and "Agent Carter" on ABC the studio is ordering a pilot for a third show called "Marvel's Most Wanted" starring Adrienne Palicki as Marvel's Mockingbird.

The show will feature Adrienne Palicki as Bobbi Morse (Mockingbird) and her on again off again love interest Nick Blood's Lance Hunter. Not many more details on the show have been released. The theory of the plot will be to focus on the hunting down of the villains who escaped the "SHIELD" detention center during the short reign of Hydra.

Marvel also has two series coming to Netflix with more in the works and even a chance for a fourth show on ABC.

All Four Spires Return to The Great Movie Ride:

Photo Courtesy of @NarlsMix on Twitter

In a scene that hasn't been seen since before the Sorcerer's Hat was put up at Hollywood Studios, all four spires have returned to The Great Movie Ride. It certainly is nice to see the beauty of the Chinese Theater once again.

Christmas Offerings for Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Junior's "Goldie & Bear" Set to Premier on Watch Disney Junior, and More

Christmas Offerings Announced for Tokyo Disney Resort:

This year at the Tokyo Disney Resort, they will be offering some new and exciting offerings this holiday season from November 9 through December 25.There will be a variety of offerings at Tokyo Disneyland Park, Tokyo DisneySea Park, and their 3 hotels.

At Tokyo Disneyland, families will be able to enjoy a "Christmas Fantasy" celebration with a theme this year of "Christmas Storybooks." The new afternoon Christmas parade will be called "Disney Christmas Stories" will bring life to Disney Christmas stories. There also will be pop-up Christmas storybooks and other decorations around the parks that will depict your favorite Disney characters celebrating the holidays.

At Tokyo DisneySea, they will celebrate "Christmas Wishes" with a new entertainment offering called "A Perfect Christmas." It will feature your favorite Disney characters sharing their dreams of Christmas. At night, the "Colors of Christmas" will return this year with its fantastically shining Christmas trees floating on the harbors. 

The signature Christmas tree will be decorated with snow crystals and will appear in front of the ocean liner, the S.S. Columbia. The Cape Cod area of the park will feature a tree decorated by Duffy, ShellieMay, and Gelatoni. The "Snow Crystal Illumination" in Waterfront Park at American Waterfront and "Fiesta De La Luz" (festival of lights) at Lost River Delta will light the park up at night. 

Disney Junior's "Goldie & Bear" Set to Premier on the WATCH Disney Junior App:

Disney Junior fans can get excited for the new series "Goldie & Bear" is set to premiere on September 12 on the WATCH Disney Junior App. They will premiere the first six episodes on the app every Monday through October 12. The animated series will premier on the Disney Channel in November. 

The show will be set in the magical world of Fairy Tale Forest and will focus on kids ages 2-7. It will reunite Goldie and Bear after the renowned porridge incident in the classic fairytale, "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Each episode will have two 11-minute stories that shows off the new and unexpected friendship of the between Goldie and Bear, as they seek out fun and adventure along with their friends and neighbors, all of whom are drawn from classic storybook characters. 

"Goldie and Bear" stars Natalie Lander (The Middle) as Goldie and Georgie Kidder (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Bear. Recurring guest stars of the series will be Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) as Fairy Godmother, Isabella Day (Cristela) as little witch Rosie, Debbie Ryan (Jessie) as Thumbelina, and Miles Brown and Marsai Martin (black-ish) as Jack & Jill. "Goldie & Bear" is co-executive produced by Jorge Aguirre and Chris Gilligan (Frankenweenie) is executive producer and director. Joe Ansolabehere (Recess) is the story editor and Rob Cantor from the band Tally Hall is the songwriter. 

Sign Removed from Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Guests today at Hollywood Studios noticed the Magic of Disney Animation Sign in front of the former attraction is now gone. The picture about is credit to Kristen from @Schmoofy on Twitter. The former Magic of Disney Animation building is supposedly set to become the new Star Wars Launch Bay that was announced at this past weekend's D23 EXPO. 

Star Wars Launch Bay is set to open at some point later this year.