Rivers of Light Previews to Begin Next Week Possibly; New Details and Concept Art for Tiffins at Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light Previews to Begin Next Week Possibly:

The amazing new nighttime spectacular at Animal Kingdom, "Rivers of Light", previews will begin next week according to WDW News Today and an internal document that is being passed around Disney. According to the document it would begin with an Animal Kingdom cast members only preview next week on April 6th. All other cast member previews will follow on April 8, April 9, April 12, and April 13. 

An Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club preview will follow the cast member previews with a special preview for up to 4,000 guests on April 15th. Normal AP and DVC member previews will be held on April 16 and 17. 

This will all lead up to the Press event on April 19th and the show opening to all guests on Earth Day, April 22nd. Also according to the document the show will be shown twice nightly at 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

New Details and Concept Art for Tiffins at Animal Kingdom Released:

Tiffins will be the newest table-service restaurant at Disney World when it opens this summer in Animal Kingdom. The 252-seat restaurant will open in the Discovery Island area of the park. The name Tiffin comes from the Indian word for a lunchbox used by travelers also a mid-day meal. 

The restaurant will open daily for lunch and dinner with a menu inspired by many locations around the world including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. When guests enter the signature restaurant they will be greeted by a detailed map of the world to help experience world travel. Around the restaurant will be bold artwork derived from sketches, journals, and research from those who created the park. 

The Disney Parks Blog and Emily O'Brien, Walt Disney Imagineering executive show producer of Animal Kingdom shared this on Tiffins and what guests will experience:

“Tiffins is the signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrating the culture of design and research that went into creating this unique park,” said Emily O’Brien, Walt Disney Imagineering executive show producer for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.O’Brien describes the interior design as “a gallery you can dine in with artwork that is a direct result of travels to Africa, Asia and South America which influenced the design of the park.” The ideas of the park’s design team, including sketches, photography, architecture and textures, are all presented in a way that is uniquely Disney.“All the senses are explored and turned into amazing works of art,” said O’Brien. “The galleries, or dining rooms, focus on Asia [Trek Gallery with 74 seats] and Africa [Safari Gallery with 64 seats], and the third [Grand Gallery with 114 seats] pays homage to animal species that the Disney Conservation Fund works to protect.”

The travel-inspired artwork includes a static, three-dimensional piece that features prayer flags blowing in the wind. “As our research team traveled up the high mountains of Nepal, the winds were strong,” explained O’Brien. “The prayer flags are rarely seen hanging, they are always blowing.” This portrayal of the motion is realistically captured in the display which will hang above a corner booth in the Trek Gallery.“Tiffins is not about a make-believe place, it’s about real people and places,” said O’Brien.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about the intrinsic value of nature, transformation through adventure and a personal call to action, and the adjacent Nomad Lounge brings into focus these core values. With beautiful waterfront views, the lounge focuses on storytelling, and also on guests’ travels, with large banners as “artistic representations” of answers to travel questions written on the perimeter wall. For instance, “what do you always do when traveling” or “what was your most adventurous moment?”“We’re trying to tell the story of how guests can make a change,” said O’Brien. While the answers of Disney experts are displayed, guests also have the opportunity to purchase a tag that supports the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and to write their own answers to the questions to display above the bar– a way to share their own travel stories “so they can be a part of the story,” said O’Brien.

The Disney Parks Blog said they will be sharing the menu for Tiffins very soon as well the partnering lounge right next to the restaurant also opening up called, Nomad Lounge.

Take a Look at New Characters from "Finding Dory"; Use Your Smartphone Now to Play Agent P at World Showcase

Take a Look at New Characters from "Finding Dory":

Today, Oh My Disney, gave us a first look at some characters we haven't necessarily seen as of yet from "Finding Dory." Amongst the characters revealed were Dory's parents Charlie and Jenny, Hank the seven-armed octopus, Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale, lazy sea lions Fluke and Rudder, Becky the loon, and the otters. "Finding Dory" and these amazingly lovable new characters will open up in theaters on June 17. Here they are:

Charlie and Jenny (Dory's Parents voiced by Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton)

Hank (Voiced by Ed O'Neill)

Bailey (Voiced by Ty Burrell)

Destiny (Voiced by Kaitlin Olson)

Rudder and Fluke (Voiced by Dominic West & Idris Elba)

Becky the loon (Voiced by Torbin Bullock)

The Otters

Use Your Smartphone Now to Play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure:

Agent P is getting a technology upgrade. Now when guests are visiting Epcot's World Showcase, they can use their smartphone to play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure. Here is the release from the Disney Parks Blog:

"Attention agents! We have an update on Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot. Instead of using a F.O.N.E., (Field Operative Notification Equipment), guests now have the option to play the game using their own personal smartphone.
In case you aren’t familiar with this game, guests of all ages can join Agent P (a.k.a., the secret-agent alter ego of Phineas and Ferb’s pet, Perry the Platypus) to help thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daringly evil plots “around the World” – Showcase that is.

Guests get started by visiting a recruitment center at Odyssey Bridge or near the International Gateway to activate their personal device or pick up a F.O.N.E. to guide you on your mission. Missions will direct you to one of the following international pavilions:Mexico PavilionChina PavilionGermany PavilionJapan PavilionFrance PavilionUnited Kingdom Pavilion
Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is included in the price of theme park admission."

Will you be playing the updated version of Agent P's World Showcase Adventure through your smartphone the next time you visit Epcot? Let us know if you do.

"Through the Looking Glass" Final Trailer, New Disney LEGO Minifigures Coming, and More

"Alice Through the Looking Glass" Final Trailer Released:

The final "Alice Through the Looking Glass" trailer has been released for the sequel to "Alice in Wonderland" that is due out in theaters May 27. The trailer which begins with Alice in a mental hospital being diagnosed by a very twitchy doctor (Andrew Scott). Alice escapes then heads back to Wonderland with the help of Absolem (voiced by the late Alan Rickman). As the trailer goes on we see a cavalcade of different sequences as we see some of our favorite characters from Wonderland including the White Rabbit, White Queen, the Red Queen, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Mad Hatter, and more. 

Check out the trailer below:

New Disney LEGO Minifigures to Debut in May:

The Disney Parks Blog announced today that the LEGO store in Disney Springs will be releasing the first ever LEGO minifigures Disney Character collection. The series will be released in May and will be sold at both World of Disney and the LEGO Store at a suggested retail cost of $3.99. 

The first series shown in the picture above will consist of some of our favorite iconic Disney/Pixar characters including Mickey, Minnie, Peter Pan, the Genie, Maleficent, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Incredible, and more. Which minifigure are you most interested in collecting?

Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire to Debut in June:

Dream Along with Mickey will be ending its run by the end of the week. We found out last month it would be replaced with Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire. The new show which will feature for the first time ever in a stage show characters from "Princess and the Frog" and "Tangled." Also appearing in the show will be Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" and a number of our favorite classic characters. Through a press release that Blog Mickey found the show is tentatively set to debut in June. No exact date has been set however. Here is the press release:

New Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show Coming to Magic Kingdom Park (June 2016) — For the first time, modern Disney characters Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of classic characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the star-studded tale of friendship presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers — Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.

Who else is excited for the new Magic Kingdom stage show?

D23 EXPO 2017 Dates Announced, The Writer's Stop to Remain Open for Now, and More

D23 EXPO 2017 Dates Announced:

The D23 EXPO will return in 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center for the fifth expo since it began in 2009. The event which is held every other year will happen July 14-16, 2017. A month earlier than this past year's expo which was held in August.

Highlights already planned for the expo include the Disney Legends Ceremony, an all-new Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Mousequerade (the D23 Expo's costume contest), the D23 EXPO Emporium where guests can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, merchandise, and more, as well as the D23 EXPO Design Challenge. Details on the Design Challenge and the Mousequerade will be released at a later date.

More from the press release:

"The 2017 Expo will feature a massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain guaranteed seats for some of Expo’s most popular presentations, and StorePass, which allows priority entry to select shopping venues at the event, will once again enhance the guest experience. Hall D23, the popular presentation and performance venue featuring more than 7,000 seats, will return, as will Stage 23, Stage 28, and Center Stage."

D23 members will receive special pricing on both one and three day tickets to the event which is open to the public. D23 Gold and Charter members will also receive special benefits. Gold members will also have the opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which will host a variety of special benefits and amenities. Ticket prices for the 2017 D23 EXPO will be announced this summer.

The Writer's Stop to Remain Open for Now at Hollywood Studios:

The Writer's Stop will remain open for now at Hollywood Studios instead of closing at the end of day this Saturday, April 2nd. Instead, beginning April 3 the shop will open at 11:30 a.m. and close 1 hour prior to close of the adjacent Sci-Fi Dine-in restaurant. 

Coffee will be served along with a new menu that will include pastries, pretzels, charcuterie, and a cheese plate will be offered along with alcoholic beverages. Also on the merchandise side, the shop will have a new wide range of home and kitchen goods will be available. 

The Writer's Stop was scheduled to close along with a number of other attractions along Streets of America in Hollywood Studios to prepare for construction of the expansion of the park. No word on how long The Writer's Stop will remain open for. 

Two New Clips for "The Jungle Book" Released Plus Disney Parks Blog Early Screening:

Over the weekend and today we got two new clips from Disney's upcoming live action re-make of "The Jungle Book" that is due out on April 15. The first clip is called "Hibernation" which shows Mowgli and Baloo getting ready for Baloo's supposed hibernation, even though bears in the jungle don't hibernate. Check it out:

The next clip which was released today called, "Mowgli Leaves the Pack," shows Bagheera trying to convince Raksha that its time for Mowgli to leave the only pack or family he knows. Check it out:

 

The Disney Parks Blog announced today that it will be showing an advanced screening of "The Jungle Book" this Saturday, April 2 at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at Disneyland. The event sold out quickly.

New "Jungle Book" Featurette and New Character Posters Released

We have had a lot of "Jungle Book" news this week with the photoshoot and the amazing first clip that was released. Today, we got another look at the film with a new feature looking behind the scenes look with interviews with the cast as well as director Jon Favreau. We also see shots from the film Mowgli (Neel Sethi) in awe of the jungle and shots the compare the film and the animated classic. Also interviewed was Bill Murray, Idris Elba, and Sir Ben Kingsley.


The original "Jungle Book" was the last film the Walt Disney worked on and as Disney Insider Drew Taylor said, "it's hard not to think he would of loved this version, especially since it features cutting edge technology and world class story-telling, two pinnacles of Walt's output."

Disney also released seven new character posters including of Baloo, Mowgli, Kaa, Shere Khan, Bagheera, King Louie, and Raksha. Here are the new posters:

Disney's "The Jungle Book" is due to be released April 15, 2016. 

Early Morning Magic Coming to Magic Kingdom in Disney World; Dates Released for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas

Early Morning Magic Coming to Magic Kingdom in Disney World:

It certainly appears that Disney World is trying to get rid of Extra Magic Hours in its parks, well at least the Magic Kingdom. Earlier this week "Disney After Hours" was announced with a hefty price tag of $150/person to stay in the Magic Kingdom an extra 3 hours after the park closes during certain dates in April and May. Today, it appears information has leaked on another premium event inside the Magic Kingdom for Fantasyland called, "Disney Early Morning Magic."

Here you'll be able to enjoy a trio of Fantasyland attractions in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Peter Pan's Flight before the park opens to guests. You'll also be treated to continental breakfast inside Pinocchio Village Haus which will include:

• Chilled juices, coffee, and teas
• Seasonal fruits and berries
• Freshly baked pastries
• Cheese and cured meats
• Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings
• Vegetable frittata
• Smoked bacon
• Pork and turkey sausages
• Fried potatoes with caramelized onions
• Mickey waffles

Check-in for the event will occur at 7:30 a.m. with admission will be from 7:45-10 a.m. Admission will be limited. Tickets, which are not on sale as of yet, will cost $69 for adults and $49 for children (tax is not included). 

Dates Released for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Yesterday, not only were the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates announced, but also the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates were also announced. The party will return November 7 and will run through December 22 this year. The party will run for 21 nights this year. Here are the dates for the party:

• November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 29
• December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22

Returning for the party this year will be Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, Castle Dream Lights, and the Celebrate the Season castle stage show. Pricing for this year's party has not yet been released yet. A date for tickets to go on sale was also not announced. 

D23 Finding Nemo Event at AMC Disney Springs; Shere Khan Lays Down the Law in New Clip, and More

D23 Finding Nemo Event at AMC Disney Springs:

D23 will be diving into the Big Blue World to celebrate the upcoming release of "Finding Dory" in June with a special event to celebrate "Finding Nemo" at AMC Disney Springs 24. The event called, Finding Nemo: D23 in the Big Blue World, will be on Saturday, May 21. Tickets will be $25 (plus $5 processing fee). Tickets will go on sale next Wednesday April 6 at 10 a.m. PT. Link to purchase tickets will be on D23.com. Here are the remaining details from D23:

OVERVIEWAs we look forward to the June 2016 release of Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, D23 is hosting a “must-sea” event celebrating the original Finding Nemo (2003) at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort!DETAILSExperience begins at 10 a.m. at AMC Disney Springs 24. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. Please do not arrive before 9 a.m.Available to Gold and Gold Family MembersYou will be required to show a valid photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.Before a screening of the award-winning Disney•Pixar film, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will learn about the creation of Finding Nemo—The Musical during a presentation by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment. The popular musical, which debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2007 with extraordinary puppets and vibrant sets, marked the first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated feature and transformed it into an original musical production.Then, go with the flow and dive into a special screening of Finding Nemo (2003)! Follow Marlin as he launches a search in the big blue world to find and rescue his son, Nemo, who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.The event will also include an exclusive gift created just for you!Each D23 Gold/Gold Family Member who registers for this event will receive the opportunity to purchase special limited-edition merchandise during the Mickey’s of Glendale • Orlando Shopping Event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort the day prior (Friday, May 20).NOTED23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest; D23 Gold Family Members may reserve tickets for themselves and up to three (3) guests. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable. Video or audio recording of any kind will not be permitted during the presentation and screening. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World during the event you will be attending. The Walt Disney Company will be taking photos and filming at AMC Disney Springs 24 located at 1500 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

Shere Khan Lays Down the Law in New Jungle Book Clip:

Shere Khan lays down the law in the very first clip from "The Jungle Book" released called "Intro to Shere Khan." In the clip, Shere Khan lays down the law of the jungle to Akela and his wolf pack that Mowgli is not welcome in the jungle. With the release of the first clip, Disney also released a new interactive website that you can visit here. Here is the spine-tingling clip:

"The Jungle Book" will be released to theaters on April 12, 2016.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates and Notes:

If you checked out Sunday's blog, we discussed the possible dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and today Disney made it official. The dates discussed on Sunday are the official dates and they are as follows if you didn't see them on Sunday:

• September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
• October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

This year will see the return of favorites "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade" and "Happy HalloWishes Fireworks. Also returning this year after a very successful debut during last year's party will be the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular."

Also of note are the new rules on costumes since costumes worn by guests 14 years or older were banned last year. For the party this year, Disney released these guidelines as costumes can be worn but to adhere to certain rules. Here is the statement:

"New this year, we have revised our costuming guidelines for special events in our theme parks. While costumed attire may be worn, guests ages 14 and older are strongly discouraged from wearing layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body as they may be subject to additional security screening. Additionally, costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon."

Ticket pricing, on-sale dates, entertainment and events were not released at this time and will be released soon, so stay tuned. 

Official Details on Disney After Hours; D-Luxe Burger Opening at Disney Springs in May

Official Details on Disney After Hours:

Yesterday, we learned of Disney After Hours in an unofficial manner as Disney hadn't made the official announcement. Today, it is officially on the Disney World website. Here are the details:

More Magic Less Time:

Treat yourself to a classic Magic Kingdom experience—complete with select attractions, ice cream novelties and more.

By purchasing a ticket to Disney After Hours, you can make the most of a truly magical occasion when Magic Kingdom park lets you in for the last few hours of the day… and then stays open for 3 extra hours at night, just for Guests of the event!

This is your chance to fit in even more theme park fun, all while enjoying many of the most popular attractions and Character Greetings around—such as: 

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• And much, much more!

Ice Cream Novelties & Select Beverages Included!
In the midst of the laughs and thrills, be sure to chill out with ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages—included with the cost of admission—available at carts stationed through the park. In addition, you can also purchase select menu items at Casey’s Corner and STARBUCKS® Coffee and specialty beverages from Main Street Bakery.

And remember: admission is limited to only a select number of Guests. Be sure to purchase your tickets today! 

You can purchase tickets today and here are the official dates and times:

• April 28 and May 5 from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.
• April 14 and 21 and May 8, 12, and 19 from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Tickets are $149 and you can call the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-827-7185. Here are more details on what you should know about Disney After Hours:

• Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to the theme park beginning at 7:00 PM.
• Please note that Magic Kingdom park will officially close to Guests who haven’t purchased Disney After Hours tickets at 10:00 PM on April 28 and May 5, 2016; and at 11:00 PM on April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016.
• Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests—including those staying at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Walt Disney World Swan Hotel—may use Walt Disney World Transportation after the event for up to 2 hours.
• Please note that the number of tickets available is limited. In addition, all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable and are only valid for admission during the special event date and hours.
• All attractions, entertainment and experiences are subject to change without notice.

D-Luxe Burger Opening at Disney Springs in May:

A few weeks ago we learned that 30 new tenants will be opening in Disney Springs beginning in May. One of those tenants will be D-Luxe Burger, a specialty burger restaurant owned by Disney, will open in the Town Center area. Today, we learned a few more details on the restaurant including the burgers on the menu with unique toppings, freshly baked buns, and a signature blend of beef. Here are the gourmet burgers that will be on the menu:

• Classic Cheeseburger – Beef patty topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle
• Barbeque Classic Burger – Beef patty topped with a fried onion ring, smoked Gouda, bacon, barbeque sauce and lettuce
• El Diablo Burger – Chorizo-and-signature-blend patty, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayonnaise
• Southern Classic Burger – Beef patty, topped with fried-green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce and bacon
• Cluck Burger – Ground chicken patty, garlic herb sauce, avocado, lettuce and tomato
• Veggie Burger – house-made patty topped with Tzatziki, green bean salad, lettuce and tomato

Fresh cut fries and your choice of dipping sauces will complement each of the burgers. Artisanal Gelato shakes will be available daily with rotating flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, strawberry, salted caramel, s'mores, and cake. Root beer, Cherry Coke and orange soda floats are also featured, as well as hard sodas, draft beer, and cider. For the adults, shakes with spirits including Smoked Bourbon, Beer, and Godiva Raspberry. 

That's not all how about this dessert? A delicious Red Velvet Burger Macaron that is loving handcrafted to look just like a burger right down to the raspberry ketchup. The Disney Parks Blog announced they will be releasing more details on another new restaurant opening in Disney Springs in Amorette's Patisserie. 

Disney World Introducing "Disney After Hours" Event; Jungle Book Cast Photoshoot

Disney World Introducing "Disney After Hours" Event for Magic Kingdom:

Disney World announced today they will be introducing a new ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom called, "Disney After Hours." The event which will cost $149 plus tax for both children and adults, will give guests an extra 3 hours inside Magic Kingdom after the park closes including select attractions and meet and greets. No word yet though if that price will be additional to regular park admission or be the total price. 

At that price however, one would be expected to be limited in space, making lines most likely nonexistent. Tickets will go on sale beginning April 6th. The event will take place on certain dates during both April and May. Here are the dates as follows: April 14, 21, and 28th and May 5th, 8th, 12th, and 19th.  

Would you pay an extravagant charge just to stay in Magic Kingdom for a few extra hours?

Jungle Book Cast Poses with their Animal Counterparts in Photoshoot:

Today, we got a pretty neat look at "The Jungle Book" cast and their animal counterparts in a special photoshoot. The gallery features Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Giancarlo Esposito. Check it out below:

Idris Elba as Shere Khan

Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha

Scarlett Johansson as Kaa

Christopher Walken as King Louie

Sir Ben Kingsley as Bagherra

Giancarlo Esposito as Akela

"The Jungle Book" hits theaters on April 15, 2016. 

Are These the Dates for Mickey's Not-So Scary?; "Zootopia" Wins the Box Office Again, and More

Are These the Dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?:

Did Disney release the dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without an announcement? If you you look at the calendar of operating hours for Magic Kingdom in September and October, you could almost guarantee which days the party will occur at the park with the park closing at 7 p.m. for the party. While there has been no announcement as of yet, last year Disney made the announcement on the dates in February for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, one would assume that we will be hearing soon.

The begin date is earlier this year as the first date for the party tentatively is September 2. It ran until November 1 last year, but that was mostly because Halloween was on the weekend. One would think if they are starting earlier this year and with Halloween on a Monday the last party could be very well on Halloween itself. November's operating hours have not yet been released. Here are the tentative dates for this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

September: 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, and 30.

October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, and 31. 

Last year's party ran for 25 nights, if you count out this year's without the possible one in November there are 29 nights for the party. These dates are of course not set in stone and we wait for Disney on the official announcement. Stay tuned.

"Zootopia" Wins the Box Office Again:

"Zootopia" is clearly a hit and Disney once again has done it again as the film won the box office for the third weekend in a row. The film took in $38 million in its third weekend in US theaters putting it over $200 million domestically and $500 million globally. The film beat out the opening release of "Allegiant" which is the third film in the "Divergent" series which only took in $29 million. 

The question is now will "Zootopia" reach Disney's last animated hit in "Frozen"? It will be a tough task next week as the film will be facing the opening of one of the big super hero films of the year in, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." You can expect the film to do just fine though in the coming weeks still as it is a clear hit with both the critics and people who have seen the film. I haven't seen the film yet, I'm hoping within the next week or two even with the release of "The Jungle Book" in less than a month.

No Disney 24-Hour Party This Year?

While this isn't confirmed, it is odd that we have not heard an announcement for a 24-hour party at Disney World and Disneyland yet. Speculation the last few days has been there won't be any party this year. A disappointment as it has been quite popular in Disney World over the last 4 years. Although, it didn't quite fit at Disneyland as guests were shut out several times during the parties especially last year during the beginning of the 60th Anniversary celebration. 

We will wait to see if the 24-hour parties are officially over at Disney theme parks or just on hiatus. Will you be disappointed if there is no 24-hour party this year?

Marketplace Menus for DCA Food & Wine Festival Released; IllumiNations to Live Stream on Monday 3/21

Marketplace Menus for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Released:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog released a little preview of the menus that are coming to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. The festival will occur on weekends during the month of April. There will be eight themed marketplaces as well as several restaurants from the park also serving special-festival inspired menu items. Here is the run-down:

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces:

LAstyle:
Chilled Ahi Poke with avocado crème and Wakame salad, topped with sesame tuile
Pork Belly Bao Taco with pickled vegetables
Milk Chocolate Caramel Tart with almond brittle and sea salt

The Vineyard:
Cabernet Flight
Chardonnay Flight
Pinot Noir Flight
Wine and Cuvée by the glass

Wine Country:
Zinfandel-Braised Wagyu Beef with creamy polenta and spring pea puree
Roasted Yellow Beets and Purple Haze Goat cheese with baby greens, green ver jus, sultanas and cashews
Blackberry Tart with rosemary vanilla bean crème fraîche and a Cabernet wine glaze

¡Viva Fresca!:
Fried Shrimp Soft Taco with pickled red onion-jalapeno, queso fresco and avocado-lime crèma
Anaheim Chile and Roasted Cauliflower Burrito with Jack cheese and avocado-lime crèma

Gold Rush:
Triple Cheese Mac with Smoked Chicken featuring Fontina, Cheddar and Gouda cheeses
Artichoke Chips with Spicy Aioli
Apple Bacon Whoopie Pie with maple cream cheese icing and bacon brittle

The Brewhouse:

Southern California Beer Flight
Northern California Beer Flight
Craft beers by the glass

The Farm:
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider with chimichurri sauce
Golden Thai Vegetable Curry with jasmine rice
Meyer Lemon Macaron with blackberry marmalade, Meyer lemon cream and dried bluberry dust

By the Bay:

White Cheddar Ale and Bacon Soup, served in a Boudin sourdough mini-boule
Chilled Shrimp and Snow Crab Cocktail
Coconut Tapioca layered with fresh mango and lychee boba, topped with green tea micro sponge and mango-couli sesame tuile

Festival-Inspired Menu Items at Disney California Adventure Restaurants:

Carthay Circle Restaurant:
Specialty menu item and wine pairing every week

Carthay Circle Lounge:
Carthay Cobb Salad
Caribbean Club Sandwich

Pacific Wharf Café:
Dungeness Crab Corn Chowder served in a Boudin sourdough boule

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill:
Shredded Pork Tostadas with grilled pineapple slaw and chipotle crèma

Lucky Fortune Cookery:

Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings

Wine Country Trattoria:
Fresh Strawberry and Pistachio Cream Tart, paired with a featured wine

Mendocino Terrace, Sonoma Terrace and Hollywood Backlot Studio Bars:
Sausage and Cheese Plate
Fruit and Cheese Plate

Hollywood Backlot Studio Bars:

Soft Twisted Pretzel with Cheese Sauce
Fruit and Cheese Plate
Sausage and Cheese Plate

For more information on this year's Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure or to make reservations for premium experiences visit Disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Disney Parks Blog to Live Stream IllumiNations on Monday 3/21:

The Disney Parks Blog has announced its next #DisneyParksLIVE stream for 'IllumiNations' for this Monday coming up March 21. The live stream will begin at 8:50 p.m. EDT. 'IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" at Epcot will promptly begin at 9:00 p.m. EST. A new blog on the Disney Parks Blog will appear on the blog when the stream goes live.

"IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" is Epcot's nighttime spectacular that celebrates the spirit of humanity through fireworks, lighting effects, moving music, and more. The centerpiece of the show is a 350,000-lb "Earth Globe" that serves as a spherical video display system where the majority of the show takes place. 

Will you be tuning in?

Disney Announces Performers for Disney's Night of Joy in September

Disney has announced today the performers for Disney's Night of Joy that will occur September 9-10, 2016 at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex for the first time ever. This year's artists will consist some of the top 15 of Christian performers including 2015 Grammy Award winner Francesca Battistelli. Here is the lineup for each day:

• September 9th - MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, and Zealand Worship
• September 10th - newsboys, for King & Country, Young & Free, Switchfoot, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Tim Timmons

Fans will also have more ticket options this year, more than ever before. Here are there options as follows:

• A single-night ticket for Friday’s concerts – $39 plus tax (in advance); $45 the day of the show (if available).
• A ticket which would include a day at one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and the concerts for Saturday night – $99 plus tax (in advance); $114 plus tax the day of the show (if available).
• A 2-Day ticket which includes both nights’ concerts, a day at one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks – $119 plus tax (in advance).

Guests who purchase the 2-day ticket before August 9, 2016 will also receive (1) admission to their choice of either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon from September 6-12, 2016. Group discounts are also available. Tickets go on sale in mid-April. For more information on Disney's Night of Joy check out nightofjoy.com. You can also stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and on here for updates on entertainment and events.