Celebration at the Top Begins Next Week at Contemporary, All in the Details: Pandora: The World of Avatar, & More

Celebration at the Top Begins Next Week at Disney's Contemporary Resort:

Guests visiting Walt Disney World over the next month can send Wishes off with a celebration at California Grill inside Disney's Contemporary Resort. This new dining event beginning this Sunday, February 26 can be summed up in three words: sip, savor, and sparkle. Here are the details of what guests can enjoy:

Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Then before Wishes begins, guests will be lead to a private observation desk, which will offer stunning views of both Magic Kingdom and the fireworks. After the fireworks, guests will return to the private room for petite four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts. Reservations for the event are now available on Thursdays from February 26 through March 26. Cost of the event will be $99 per person plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is also included for the event.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

All in the Details: Pandora - The World of Avatar:

We are just over 3 months away from Pandora: The World of Avatar opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today, Joe Rohde and Walt Disney Imagineering shared with us some details on how the theming of Pandora fits in with the values of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Those values are:

• Emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature
• Exploring the idea that guests can be transformed through adventure
• Inspiring guests to understand and respect the nature that exists in our world

Check out the video below:

Pandora: The World of Avatar makes its debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Han Solo Standalone Film Now in Production:

Cameras are officially rolling on the untitled Han Solo standalone film as production officially began on Monday, February 20. Here is the release from LucasFilm:

Cameras are rolling on the adventure-filled past of the iconic scoundrel and everyone’s favorite Wookiee; principal photography on the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story officially began February 20 at Pinewood Studios, London. 

The movie will explore the duo’s adventures before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, including their early encounters with that other card-playing rogue from a galaxy far, far away, Lando Calrissian. 

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directors co-piloting the movie, with a cast that includes Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Thandie Newton, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, with Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. 

“Watching such inspired people from all over the world, with such unique voices, come together for the sole purpose of making art, is nothing short of miraculous,” Lord and Miller said. “We can’t think of anything funny to say, because we just feel really moved, and really lucky.” 

Written by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, it will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, Simon Emanuel, and co-produced by Kiri Hart, Susan Towner, and Will Allegra. Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin will executive produce. 

Crewing the ship will be some of the industry’s top talent, including Academy Award nominee for his work on Arrival, Bradford Young (Director of Photography), Chris Dickens (Editor), Dominic Tuohy (SFX Supervisor), Rob Bredow (VFX Supervisor) and Brad Allan (Action Designer). 

They will be joining returning Star Wars veteran crew members Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Neil Lamont (Production Designer), Dave Crossman and Glyn Dillon (Co-Costume Designers), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Lisa Tomblin (Hair), Amanda Knight (Make-Up) and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director). 

The untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story is slated for release on May 25, 2018.

Source: StarWars.com