Details and Concept Art Released for Shanghai's Toy Story Land

We are all anticipating the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios this Summer. This morning we got a look at Shanghai Disneyland's plans for what will be its own Toy Story Land. Here is the press release from Shanghai:

Based on the Disney•Pixar motion picture series, Disney Toy Story Land will be a high-spirited, colorful world where guests will feel as if they’ve been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys for laughter and fun with family and friends in the backyard of Andy. Woody, Buzz and their Toy Story friends come to life and play in this fully immersive land, which features three new attractions and a uniquely themed character greeting area.

Slinky Dog Spin: Slinky Dog has been amusing the toys all day long by chasing his own tail round-and-round a giant dog dish filled with toy bones – and soon Shanghai Disneyland guests will be invited to become the “honorary toys” in Disney Toy Story Land, where they will be able to take a seat inside Slinky Dog’s springy spirals and race around a wavy roundabout.

Rex’s Racer: Rex, Andy’s insecure Tyrannosaurus Rex toy enjoys playing with RC Racer almost as much as he likes playing video games. With help from his Triceratops friend Trixie, Rex will invite guests to climb into RC for a thrilling ride on the U-shaped track. With Rex at the controls, RC Racer, with guests aboard, zips forward and backward at ever increasing heights and exhilarating speed.

Woody’s Round-Up: Sheriff Woody has rounded up a herd of ponies, each one pulling a cart, in a ranch set up by Andy. Guests can climb aboard the carts as the ponies start a little square dance swinging their carts to and fro in time to the lively music.

Meeting Post: Next to Woody’s Round-Up is Old West, a town made up of a hitching post and façades for various enterprises, such as the sheriff’s office, the saloon, and the bank. Here, guests can meet and pose for photos with some of their favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye.

Guests can extend their Disney Toy Story Land experience with the fun, immersive shopping and dining opportunities in Al’s Toy Barn, the merchandise shop where some of Andy’s toys have been purchased, just like in the movie, and Toy Box Café, a restaurant themed to Andy’s packing boxes for Buzz Lightyear, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and Lotso Hugging Bear.

Shanghai Disney Resort has the only Toy Story-themed hotel in the world, while Shanghai Disneyland is home to the popular Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue attraction, a guest favorite which features the most advanced Buzz Lightyear targeting system at any Disney park in the world.

Shanghai's 7th land will open next year in Summer 2018. 

VIDEO: First "Avengers: Infinity War" Trailer Finally Released

It's finally here and it is AMAZING!!!! The first trailer for Marvel Studios "Avengers: Infinity War" has finally been released. This morning on Good Morning America, we got our first look of whats to come on May 4, 2018 with our favorite superheroes. Here is the trailer:

"It all started with an idea...." and there is so much more to come for "Avengers: Infinity War."

Teaser Poster for Infinity War Revealed Ahead of Trailer; 10 Experiences at Festival of the Arts

Teaser Poster for "Avengers: Infinity War" Revealed Ahead of Trailer:

Tomorrow, the first trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War" will finally be released to the public. The trailer was first seen at the D23 Expo back in July. Today however we got our first teaser poster for the film ahead of the trailer. Check it out:

"Avengers: Infinity War" hits theaters May 4, 2018.

10 Experiences at Epcot's International Festival of the Arts:

The 2nd Annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts is just around the corner beginning January 12 and running through February 19. This years festival will run for 39 days and today the Disney Parks Blog revealed just some of the seminars and workshops guests can experience during the festival. 

Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries you see here on the Disney Parks Blog. After this seminar, you’ll be inspired to create Disney sculptures at home to amaze your neighbors.

Watermelon Carving – You need to see this to believe it. A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at your next party. This seminar is hosted by the National Watermelon Promotion Board and will be something to talk about!

Magic with Water – The same Disney Photo Imaging team you read about here on the Disney Parks Blog will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You’ll also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.

Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators. Drop by this seminar and watch your drawings come to life!

Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make your own food photography shine.

Inspiring Floral – Over the years, the Disney Parks Blog has covered some of the amazing work created by Disney Floral Designers. This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.

Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill.

Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit your photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.

Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.

As said above this is just some of what guests can experience during this year's festival. There is so much more to look forward to. Guests can book any of these experiences by calling 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

More Details on The NBA Experience at Disney Springs

The NBA Experience coming to Disney Springs in the Summer 2019 now has a few more details of what will be inside the new experience. WDW News Today gave some details on just what will be inside including some of the interactive guests will be able to enjoy.

For the ticketed experience inside, exhibits will be distributed over 2 very tall floors, so many of the activities will be quite large and surround a “Center Court” atrium area.

On the first floor, guests will enter through the ticketing area, then go through an entry tunnel, and walk out on to Center Court. Exhibits downstairs will include the Locker Room, Hall of Champions, Hoop Sciences, and a pair of large VR Theaters. The retail shop and dining venue will also be on the ground floor, but will not require tickets.

The second floor will feature Pop-A-Shot, Dream Dunk, Big Shot, You Make the Call, the Dream Court. One of these experiences is rumored to utilize the simulators from Cyberspace Mountain, as they were maintained and removed from Disney Quest with labels marking them as the property of the NBA Experience.

While none of this is confirmed to be exact it sure does seem to be coming along quickly as Disney Quest has already been demolished to fit the new experience coming to the West Side of Disney Springs.

Source: WDW News Today

Wine Bar George Pushes Opening to 2018; Watch Disney Channel Holiday Celebration Early

Wine Bar George Pushes Back Opening Date to 2018:

Wine Bar George was supposed to be open at Disney Springs by the end of this year. New signs up at the wine bar in The Landing area of Disney Springs shows that it will not open until Spring 2018 now. It is now one of many restaurants/bars that has now missed its intended opening date by not just a few weeks but months. 

Source: Blog Mickey

Watch 'Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration" Early:

Beginning today, guests who have the DisneyNOW app can watch the "Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration" ahead of when it airs officially on Disney Channel on December 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

“Raven’s Home” stars Raven-Symoné and Issac Ryan Brown host the special, giving you a front-row seat to performances by favorite Disney Channel stars, including Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson from “Descendants 2,” Asher Angel from “Andi Mack,” and Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly from the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “Zombies,” along with popular recording artists Fitz and the Tantrums and In Real Life.  

Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson had this to share on the show in this video:

We will see performances at Disney Parks from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom to Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That's not all as "Descendants 2" star BooBoo Stewart will give us a behind the scenes look at Toy Story Land which will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios next Summer.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Black Panther Meet & Greet Coming to Disney California Adventure in 2018

Marvel's "Black Panther" hits theaters February 16, 2018 but guests visiting Disney California Adventure in 2018 will get to meet the king of Wakanda himself. Black Panther will meet with guests for a limited time. More details on the meet & greet will be released in the future.

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and Black Panther — is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

 "Black Panther" swings into theaters this coming February. Check out the trailer below:

Permit Reveals Placement of TRON Coaster and Main Street Theater

A permit filed by Walt Disney Imagineering has shown just exactly where the Main Street Theater and the TRON Coaster will be placed in the Magic Kingdom. Both projects are considered to be a part of Tomorrowland.

The Main Street Theater is labeled as MK1 and is behind the old Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland but guests will access the theater via Main Street, USA. The Theater will occupy most of what is a parking lot Southwest of Carousel of Progress.

The TRON Lightcycle Power RUN coaster at least the show building is labeled as MK2 in the permit. The footprint of the building is almost due north of Space Mountain and is larger than Space Mountain. It will be very visible from afar just like Space Mountain is now.

The Main Street Theater is expected to be completed by sometime in 2020 as filed in an earlier permit while the TRON Coaster won't be completed until 2021.

Possible Opening Date for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway; "Incredibles 2" Trailer

Possible Opening Date for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway:

WDW News Today is reporting that Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will be debuting at Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2019. This is not confirmed by Disney but according to their sources, Walt Disney Imagineering is expected to hand over operation of the attraction sometime in April 2019.

The May 1 opening would be in correspondence with the parks 30th Anniversary and ahead of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at the park later that year. They are also saying even more details on the attraction will be released at some point today so stay tuned.

Source: WDW News Today

First Teaser Trailer for "Incredibles 2" Released:

Where is my Supersuit???? The first teaser trailer for "Incredibles 2" has arrived for our viewing pleasure and we can't wait for June 15, 2018 to arrive. Check out the teaser trailer below:

BREAKING: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Planet Called Batuu; Magical Express to Pick Up 4 Hours Ahead

BREAKING: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Planet Called Batuu:

We now know what planet we will be visiting when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The planet will be called Batuu. 

The name of the planet was revealed this morning as guests visiting Star Tours with the updated scene to Crait from "The Last Jedi" got a surprise ending to the scene. The guests actually land on Batuu at the end of the ride. Stay tuned for more details from Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge which opens up in 2019.

UPDATE:

"This remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe haven for those intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order. While Batuu may be new to us, it is clearly already familiar to many characters from the Star Wars saga as a stepping off point for epic adventures." - Scott Trowbridge

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Magical Express to Pick Guests Up 4 Hours Ahead of Scheduled Flights:

Going into effect today, November 17, Disney's Magical Express will now pick up guests from their hotels 4 hours ahead of their scheduled flights at Orlando International Airport. Magical Express used to pick up 3 hours ahead of time but with changes to TSA security measures and the busy holiday season the change was made. 

Disney stated that the policy will be re-evaluated sometime in early 2018 after the holiday season calms down. So there is a chance it could change back. 

Source: WDW News Today

Milestone Celebrated for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge; First Look at Crait Plus a New Scene Coming to Star Tours

Milestone Celebrated for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Just recently a big milestone was celebrated on construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Thousands of Cast Members got the chance to sign the support beam that will top out the land that will debut in 2019.

Look closely and you’ll see that cast members and Imagineers put their mark on theme park history by drawing artistic pictures and writing messages on the beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Beam signings are part of a longtime construction tradition at Disney Parks. Recent updates on beam signings for expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, plus the Disneyland park site of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were also celebrated by Cast Members. 

Stay tuned for even more updates and milestones on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction in the coming months and year. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at Crait Plus Another New Scene to Debut at Star Tours:

The new Crait scene from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will debut at Star Tours at Disney Parks beginning tomorrow November 17. The other day the Disney Parks Blog gave us a first look at the StarSpeeder scene on the planet of Crait.

They also snuck a teaser that Crait wasn't the only new Star Tours destination that will debut this week as they teased that there is another set to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

More Details on Star Wars: Galactic Nights; Star Tours to No Longer Mix Places & Characters

More Details on Star Wars: Galactic Nights Announced:

Warwick Davis will be coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights on December 16 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That's not all though as we have even more details on the panel about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening in 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Actor David Collins will also appear at the event to host a special “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel discussion with members of the Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm team. The panel, which will include Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Robin Reardon, Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering; Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang, VP/Creative Director at Lucasfilm, will give guests an inside look at the making of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park. Attendees will also get an exclusive peek into the progress being made and learn what it’s like to bring the epic saga to life in the theme parks.

That's not all as a special projection show called Star Wars: Galactic Destinations on Sunset Boulevard on Tower of Terror. State-of-the-art projections will project on the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all evening long.

Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on Dec. 16 are 7 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9 (discounts available for Annual Passholders & DVC Members).

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Star Tours to No Longer Mix Places and Character Sequences:

According to WDW News Today as of this Friday November 17, guests riding Star Tours at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland will only find the sequences and characters from the latest trilogy. The old characters from Episodes I-VI will come back at a later time and date. 

A whole new opening sequence featuring characters from "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" followed by the Jakku sequence and the brand new Crait sequence from Episode VIII. 

When the old sequences and characters return guests will have a choice by either riding the newer sequences or the sequences from Episodes 1 through 6. This isn't expected to take place for another 6-12 months however. 

Source: WDW News Today

Jessie & Rex Installed at Toy Story Land; Dates Announced for Flower & Garden Festival

Jessie & Rex Installed at Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Jessie & Rex are now the first figures that have been installed inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Check out the video of the characters being installed earlier this week:

According to their storyline, Rex and Jessie have decided to help Andy build a rollercoaster using his Mega Coaster Play Kit in his backyard by stringing up the lights on towers of blocks. Rex, of course, has got tangled up in the lights, but Jessie is nearby to help.

Toy Story Land inside Disney's Hollywood Studios is set to open up in Summer 2018.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Dates & Details Announced for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival:

Believe it or not we are just a few months away from the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The 2018 and 25th Anniversary of the festival will run for 90 days running from February 28 through May 28, 2018. Here are some of the highlights for the upcoming festival:

• Disney Character Topiaries
• 15 Outdoor Kitchens serving creative, flavor-rich cuisine that highlights spring garden offerings
• Garden Rocks music series – with its classic rock ‘n’ roll stars from the ‘60s, ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s. Garden Rocks Dining packages will be available for certain Epcot restaurants – pairing a fabulous meal with reserved seating for your favorite concert
• Garden Tours – Including Gardens of the World Tour (spring edition); the English Tea Garden Tour; and Royal Tea Garden Tour (extra fee required)
• New interactive kids play areas
• And – of course – the millions of extra plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and themed gardens that decorate Epcot in spring. 
• Also returning will be our Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and hand-crafted and Festival merchandise to extend an already-packed day of adventure at Epcot.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months for even more details on the 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Rian Johnson Will Create All-New Star Wars Trilogy

The man behind "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson has been tabbed to create a whole new Star Wars trilogy separate from the current Skywalker saga. During today's 4th Quarter Earnings Call of the Walt Disney Company, President Bob Iger announced that Johnson would create the new trilogy. Here is the full release from StarWars.com:

For director Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was just the beginning of his journey in a galaxy far, far away. 

Lucasfilm is excited to announce that Johnson will create a brand-new Star Wars trilogy, the first of which he is also set to write and direct, with longtime collaborator Ram Bergman onboard to produce.  

As writer-director of The Last Jedi, Johnson conceived and realized a powerful film of which Lucasfilm and Disney are immensely proud. In shepherding this new trilogy, which is separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored.
“We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “He’s a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy.” 

“We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi,” Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. “Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can’t wait to continue with this new series of films.” 

Johnson’s upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in U.S. theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
No release dates have been set for the new films, and no porgs were available for comment.

 Are you excited about all the possibilities of a new Star Wars trilogy?

Source: StarWars.com

Two #DisneyParksLIVE Events Later This Week; Stitch's Great Escape Returning

Two #DisneyParksLIVE Events to be Streamed Later This Week:

This week the Disney Parks Blog will be live streaming two events. The first being on Thursday with a live stream of "A Frozen Holiday Wish" and the lighting of Cinderella Castle. The live stream will begin at 8:10 p.m. EST. 

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” stars the royal sisters Anna and Elsa, and their friends Olaf and Kristoff. In this show, Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom by transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace, perfect for the holiday season. Trust me, this must-see show will give you chills!

This is on November 9 during the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the season. 

The next live stream will happen on Friday, November 10 when we will get our first look at the new "Beauty and the Beast" musical production live from the Disney Dream. This live stream will take place at 10:40 a.m. EST. 

Here we will get a sneak peek at the newest Broadway-style musical. The new show brings the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements along with cutting-edge technology. 

Fans are encouraged to use #DisneyParksLIVE during the live stream to follow along on Twitter.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Stitch's Great Escape Returning for Holiday Season:

Much to the chagrin of many, Stitch's Great Escape will return for seasonal operation during the holiday season. The attraction which has been closed since the end of August will operate from December 23, 2017 through January 6, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. 

The ride has been turned into a character meet & greet for Stitch most recently. Rumors are still hot saying the ride will eventually close for good. 

Disney Looking to Buy Part of 21st Century Fox; New Christmas Party Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card

Disney Looking to Buy Part of 21st Century Fox:

News broke yesterday afternoon that 21st Century Fox is looking to sell part of their company to the Walt Disney Company. Although it appears talks are stalled at the moment on the deal. The deal would not include Fox News Network, Fox Business, or Fox Sports Networks. Here is the article from CNBC by David Faber:

21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Disney: Sources

21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Walt Disney Co., leaving behind a media company tightly focused on news and sports, according to people familiar with the situation.

The talks have taken place over the last few weeks and there is no certainty they will lead to a deal. The two sides are not currently talking at this very moment, but given the on again, off again nature of the talks, they could be revisited.

For Fox, the willingness to engage in sale talks with Disney stems from a growing belief among its senior management that scale in media is of immediate importance and there is not a path to gain that scale in entertainment through acquisition. The company is said to believe that a more tightly focused group of properties around news and sports could compete more effectively in the current marketplace.

The media landscape has changed considerably in recent years with giants such as Facebook, Google (Alphabet), Amazon and Netflix changing the way people consume media and dominating the digital distribution of digital video content. Being able to compete in that changing landscape, many people believe, requires scale that a Disney has, but 21st Century Fox does not.

For Disney, the opportunity to take control of another movie studio and significant TV production assets as it readies a direct-to-consumer entertainment streaming offering is attractive as is Fox's significant exposure to international markets, such as the U.K., Germany and Italy — both through its networks and 39 percent ownership of Sky. Disney recently announced it will pull all of its movies from the Netflix platform and will establish two direct-to-consumer offerings: one for sports and one including its key franchises such as "Star Wars" and Marvel.

Disney would not purchase all of Fox, according to people with knowledge of the talks.

The company could not own two broadcast networks and would therefore not buy the Fox broadcast network. It would not buy Fox's sports programming assets in the belief that combining them with ESPN could be seen as anti-competitive from an antitrust standpoint and it would not buy the Fox News or Business channel. Disney would also not purchase Fox's local broadcasting affiliates, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

In addition to the movie studio, TV production and international assets such as Star and Sky, Disney would also add entertainment networks such as FX and National Geographic.

The contemplated structure of the deal or the price that has been discussed could not be learned. Given it would involve the sale of many, but not all of Fox's properties, it's unclear how Fox would mitigate potential tax consequences of a deal.

Officials at Disney and Fox declined to comment.

Source: CNBC

New Carousel of Progress Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card for Mickey's Very Merry:

With the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party taking place on Thursday, there is a new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card being released for the party. This year's card features Rover from Carousel of Progress.

This year’s party-exclusive card, “Rover’s Christmas Carousel of Progress” features our trusty companion Rover from Carousel of Progress. According to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley, Carousel of Progress was chosen to be featured on this season’s card “because Merlin is inspired by the Carousel of Progress’ celebration of human innovation.”

The card will be available at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA where guests can pick up this party exclusive as well as complimentary cards and can purchase additional cards.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Two Disney Park Holiday Specials Coming this Holiday Season

Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us. This year there will be two Disney Parks Holiday specials one later this month on November 30 and another on Christmas Day, December 25.
Each will air on ABC.

The first will be on November 30 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. called, "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magic Holiday Celebration" hosted by Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey from Walt Disney World and Jesse Palmer will host from Disneyland. Performances announced so far are:

1. Ciara in a Christmas medley from Cinderella Castle.
2. Darius Rucker, singing “Winter Wonderland.”
3. Fifth Harmony will sing “Can You See,” from “The Star” soundtrack, and “The Christmas Song.”
4. Fitz and the Tantrums will perform “HandClap” and their original Christmas song “Santa Stole My Lady.”
5. Hanson will sing “Finally It’s Christmas,” from their recently released Christmas album.
6. Boy band In Real Life will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
7. Jason Derulo will perform “This Christmas.”
8. Lea Michele will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

More performances will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The second special will air on Christmas Day in its usual time slot of 10 p.m. until noon. This year's Christmas Day special will be called, "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration." It will also be hosted by Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey from Walt Disney World and Palmer from Disneyland. Special performances which more will be announced soon are:

• Ciara will sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
• Darius Rucker singing “Home for The Holidays.”
• Fifth Harmony performing “Sleigh Ride.”
• Fitz and the Tantrums will be performing “Last Christmas.”
• Jason Derulo will sing “Silent Night” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
• ”Glee” star Michele will perform “Let It Snow.”
• 98 Degrees will play their new song “Season of Love” from their new holiday record.
• Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs, from the stage show “Aladdin,” will perform “A Whole New World” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The holidays are upon us and we can't wait for these Disney Parks holiday specials.

Source: WDW News Today

New Details on Pixar Pier Released, What's Going Away?

During the D23 Expo in August Walt Disney Parks & Resort President Bob Chapek dropped some big news about Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure. The news was that Paradise Pier would be transformed into Pixar Pier and yesterday we learned just what will be in the newly transformed pier. The new area will bring four brand new themed areas from our favorite Pixar films including "The Incredibles", "Toy Story", "Inside Out", and more.

The first of the four themed neighborhoods guests will find is inspired by “The Incredibles.” Here, the new Incredicoaster, permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Sceamin'. This Incredicoaster will feature a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments from "The Incredibles 2", and a new look for the ride vehicles. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close Jan. 8.

The popular Toy Story Mania! will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. 

At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. New games will be themed to other Pixar films such as "Wall-E", "A Bug's Life", and "La Luna." Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close Jan. 8 to begin this transformation.

Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close Jan. 8, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after Jan. 7 may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.

The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.

Pixar Pier will open sometime during Disneyland Resort's limited time event Pixar Fest which begins April 13, 2018.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

             WDW News Today

New Clips from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released

During last night's Game 7 of the World Series, we all got a surprise with a new mini trailer being released from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." In the new trailer, we get a look at Luke for the first time in a long time on the Millennium Falcon.

We also see Snoke sitting on his throne as we hear him say, "Darkness rises..... and light to meet it." Check out the new trailer as well as all the other new clips that we saw last night:



"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will use the force as it hits theaters on December 15, 2017.

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Revealed; Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Remake Revealed:

Disney just revealed the full cast for the live-action remake of "The Lion King." We already knew some of the cast such as Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa, and Beyonce as Nala. Here is the full cast besides these amazing stars.

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar

Alfree Woodard as Sarabi

John Oliver as Zazu

John Kani as Rafiki

Seth Rogen as Pumbaa

Billy Eichner as Timon

Eric Andre as Azizi

Florence Kasumba as Shenzi

Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari

JD McCrary as Young Simba

Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala

"The Lion King" live action film which is being directed by Jon Favreau is due in theaters Summer 2019.

Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks:

Mickey's big day is fast approaching once again as it will be celebrated at Disney Parks around the world. Mickey's Birthday is November 18 as he heads out on another epic adventure around the world. Here is what is in store at Disney Parks:

Walt Disney World:

Will celebrate with special “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, merchandise and Sorcerer Mickey Cake. To commemorate the occasion, guests can sing and dance along with “Happy Birthday” during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!, Cosmic Dance Party in Tomorrowland and performances by the Dapper Dans. Plus, birthday photo props will be available at all four theme parks, and everyone who collects their photos at the parks will receive a folder with a commemorative sticker.

Disneyland:

Will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. There will be plenty of chances to sing “Happy Birthday” along the way, and of course, “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will be distributed to park guests.

Disneyland Paris:

On Main Street, USA is where the party's at. Be prepared to celebrate Mickey’s birthday just before “Disney Magic on Parade,” as well as during the Lucky Nugget Saloon show at Disneyland park and in “Mickey and the Magician” at Walt Disney Studios park. And what’s a birthday without cake? Guests can find plenty to snack on at locations around the resort.

Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland can pick up a special Mickey Birthday pin and a special edition Times Guide in honor of everyone’s favorite mouse. At Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will have the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” and join in unique photo opportunities.

Mickey will also be visiting several places around the world leading up to his big day such as Japan, Chile, Canada, China, England, and the United States on his Instagram and Facebook pages. On November 15 there will be even more surprises when he visits Good Morning America on November 15. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog