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.