Morimoto Asia's Sakura Festival at Disney Springs; New Art Exhibition at American Adventure

Morimoto Asia's Sakura Festival Now at Disney Springs:

Through April 15, Morimoto Asia will celebrate the arrival of Spring with the Sakura Festival with a focus on the celebration of cherry blossoms. The event which kicked off a few weeks ago on March 15 features ticketed events, menu specials, and Instagram-worthy decor that showcase the pink blooms of the famed Japanese Sakura.

There are still four more events that guests can look forward to through April 15 including a Ramen Tasting. Here are the details on those four remaining events:

• Seas of Japan 101 (March 30, 2018; 4-6 p.m.; $45): Learn more about the seas of Japan and the delicacies that come from their waters. During this two-hour educational seminar, you’ll learn while tasting select menu items paired with sake.
• Morimoto Asia’s Guest Chef Series (April 3, 2018; 7-9 p.m.; $120): Take part in the inaugural event for this new series as the culinary talent from Morimoto Asia welcomes Chef Hitoshi Sugiura from Tokyo, Japan. The chefs will collaborate on a six-course Pan-Asian dinner, paired with wines from across the globe, for guests to enjoy.
• Ramen Seminar and Tasting (April 7, 2018; 12-3 p.m.; $36): Spend an afternoon learning about the many types of Asian noodles, then stick around to taste several varieties of ramen dishes.
• Matsuri Festival (April 15, 2018; 12-4 p.m.; $45 for guests ages 10 and up; children under 9 are free): Perfect for family fun, guests will have the chance to indulge in multiple street food stations, four beer and cocktail stations, and Japanese carnival games and activities suitable for guests of all ages.

There are also some amazing new menu items at Morimoto Asia while the event goes on they includeocally-brewed Crooked Can Sakura Kolsh, Cherry Blossom Martini, Blue Cherry Cocktail, Chilled Panacea Oysters, and a Sakura and Peach Bavarian Dessert. You can get more details on the event here.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Art Exhibition to Debut at Epcot's American Adventure:

This Summer, the American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure will debut a brand new art exhibition called, "Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art." 

"Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” is made possible through the collaboration of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, D.C.
Among the featured artists with works on display are fashion designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo), noted doll maker Glenda McKay (Ingalik-Athabascan), and Juanita Growing Thunder (Assiniboine Sioux) from the Growing Thunder family of Montana.

As with past exhibits, artists will share their stories with interactive elements, by sharing the creative process and inspirations behind their works in their own words. An opening date was not announced but stay tuned for future updates.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Marvel Land Coming to Disneyland in 2020; Tickets on Sale Now for Not-So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Parties

Marvel Land Coming to Disneyland in 2020:

Back in July at the D23 Expo, Disney teased a Marvel Land coming to Disneyland. Very little details were revealed and we were just told to stay tuned for updates in the future. Today, just some of those details were revealed as a fully immersed Marvel Land will be coming to the park beginning in 2020. 

At Disneyland Resort, the new Super Hero-themed land will begin recruiting guests in 2020, with even more new experiences to follow. The Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe, furthering the evolution of Disney California Adventure park. This new land will be anchored by the popular Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, in the adjacent space that is currently occupied by “a bug’s land.” “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” closed March 19 to make way for this new heroic experience; the rest of the land will close in late summer.

This goes along with previously announced for Marvel-themed lands in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Tickets Now on Sale for Not-So-Scary and Very Merry Christmas Parties:

As we begin the spring season today, we were reminded yesterday how quickly the seasons go by. Party dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party were officially announced along with tickets going on sale for each of the parties. 

Weeks ago it was rumored that Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party would start earlier than ever in the middle of August and yesterday those rumors were confirmed with the very first party date being announced as August 17. The rest of the dates are as follows:

• August 17, 24, 28 and 31
• September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, and 30
• October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, and 31

Tickets for the party will be $75 in advance and $85 if tickets are purchased the date of the party. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will delight guests during the most wonderful time of year for 22 nights this year. Parties will begin November 8 and will run through most nights until December 21. Here is the full list of party dates:

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
• December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Tickets for the party will be $95 in advance and $105 if tickets are purchased on same day as the party. Guests can purchase tickets by calling 407-939-1872.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

'Black Panther' Slashes Box Office for Fifth Straight Weekend; Imagineering Job Opens for Wonders of Life Pavilion

'Black Panther' Slashes Box Office for Fifth Straight Weekend:

One of the quickest films ever to top $1 billion globally, "Black Panther" slashed its way to number 1 at the box office domestically for the fifth straight weekend. The film is expected to bring in another $27 million this weekend topping Warner Bros. "Tomb Raider" which is intended to rack in $22 million for the weekend. 

Since its release in mid-February the film has brought in $605 million domestically and $1.183 billion worldwide. It is the first film since "Avatar" to top the box office for 5 straight weeks, in which that film topped the box office for 7 straight weeks in 2009. 

"Black Panther" is playing on 3,834 screens in the United States. There is no telling when "Black Panther" will relinquish its hold on number 1 at the box office. 

Source: Forbes

Imagineering Job Opens for Wonders of Life Pavilion:

Just a few weeks ago, Walt Disney executives and Imagineers were seen looking at the former Wonders of Life Pavilion. It was then later discovered that the pavilion which has housed many of Epcot's Festival Centers for years since the pavilion/attractions closed would no longer be home to the Festival Center. Over the last few weeks, rumors have been swirling about what could possibly be going in the pavilion. 

Yesterday, a job in Imagineering for the interior of the Wonders of Life pavilion opened. Requirement for the job titled “Interior Designer – EC Wonder of Life" include, 3 years experience with Walt Disney Imagineering or another architecture or interior design firm and commercial design experience primarily in the Retail or Hospitality sectors. 

One of the main responsibilities of the job will be the “design and production of a shop/restaurant or attraction” under the direction of a Senior or Principal Interior Designer. Additional responsibilities of the job will include the development of varied Interior Design project work at all stages of assigned projects from concept, feasibility or schematic design, through the preparation of construction documentation in accordance with established departmental and divisional quality standards. The candidate will also support the implementation of the design intent as a member of the project design team, and ensure that the interior design intent is achieved by successfully integrating design with allied disciplines, such as architecture, lighting, graphics, structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Whether we are going to be seeing the development of the space-themed restaurant that was announced at D23 in July or even a rumored Black Panther-themed pavilion (a mini Wakanda), something is happening in the former Wonders of Life pavilion. We just may soon find out what is actually going in there. 

Source: WDW News Today

Special Character Greetings at Magic Kingdom for Easter; Reservations Now Open for Pixar-Themed Play Zone at Contemporary

Special Character Greetings at Magic Kingdom for Easter:

Beginning Monday, March 19 Magic Kingdom will hop into Easter season with some special character meet & greets for guests. This will include a visit from the Easter Bunny himself from Monday until April 1 (Easter) in the Town Square Courtyard. 

That's not all as there will be a special pre-parade (before Festival of Fantasy) on March 31 and April 1 guests will be treated to a plethora of characters marching their way down Main Street featuring Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, Daisy Duck, Thumper and Ms. Bunny, White Rabbit (Alice in Wonderland), Rabbit (Winnie the Pooh), Clara Cluck, Hippos, Ostriches, Dancing Chicks, and the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama.

Characters and events are subject to change without notice. Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this Easter season?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Reservations Now Open for Pixar-Themed Play Zone at Disney's Contemporary:

Last week, it was announced that a brand new child immersed program would begin next month at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations are now open for the pilot program, called the Pixar Play Zone. It will be available nightly for kids 4-12 as they are transported into a world of their favorite characters from "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles." 

In Bonnie’s Play Room, children will find a variety of toys. Around the corner, the Living Room will be the center for most of the action, starting with Space Ranger Training where a Space Ranger will teach kids what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to identify enemies, like Zurg, and finally, the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!” Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!

Next to the Living Room will be the Radiator Springs Racetrack where youngsters will be able to build their own racecars and take turns sending them down a soapbox derby racetrack for Piston Cup Derby Races. Finally, they will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible that will be complete with a party host. That's not all as the night will include arcade games, dinner, and dessert.

The Pixar Play Zone will open doors for check-in at 5 p.m. where the experience will begin at the welcome desk, a stop at the "Monsters Inc." handwashing station, then at Boo's Closet Door, where kids will be able to store their belongings. The event will run from 6-10:30 p.m. for $65 per child (plus tax). Parents must be present for check-in and checkout and all children must be fully toilet-trained. You can now reserve this experience for your children by calling 407-824-KIDS.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

VIDEO: New Trailer for 'Avengers: Infinity War' Released Plus New Poster

Yesterday, we received a new trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War" and if you weren't already excited for the film you sure should be now. We even received a new poster and in what maybe the first time ever there are more star credits on the poster as we knew how much star power was in this film. There are two lines of incredible actors and actresses on this poster.

Really, though its the trailer for this film that will all get us excited from Star-Lord telling Iron-Man his plan sucks, to Captain America standing his ground and holding off a punch from Thanos, and finally to the scene where Spider-Man introduces himself to Dr. Strange. There is so much more, check out the trailer and poster below:

Watch the new Avengers: #InfinityWar trailer. Get your tickets now: https://t.co/xQsJemiGws pic.twitter.com/Pv9UmDBAsN — Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 16, 2018

"Avengers: Infinity War" will fly into theaters on April 27.

Disney Will Start Charging for Overnight Parking at Resorts; Incredible Summer Will Light Up Typhoon Lagoon

Disney Will Start Charging for Overnight Parking at Resorts:

After years of rumors, Walt Disney World guests will now have to pay overnight parking fees when staying at resorts. This will begin for reservations made after March 21, 2018. Guests who have made prior reservations to March 21 will not have to pay the parking fees. 

Fees will depend on what kind of resort the guest is staying either Value, Moderate, or Deluxe:

Value: $13/night

Moderate $19/night

Deluxe: $24/night, additionally Deluxe resort guests can pay $33/night to use valet parking.

Complimentary self-parking will remain for the following:

• Guests with disabilities
• Cast Members staying as guests
• Guests traveling as part of a group or convention
• Guests staying at campsites at Fort Wilderness.
• Guests who wish to dine, shop, enjoy activities, or visit a resort for the day

Guests who are Disney Vacation Club members will not be charged standard parking fees if they are staying Deluxe DVC Villas regardless of whether they used vacation club points or another form of payment. 

Source: WDW Info

Incredible Summer Will Light Up Typhoon Lagoon with Disney H2O Glow Nights:

As part of Walt Disney World's 'Incredible Summer', our favorite Pixar pals from 'Toy Story' will light up the night and summer at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon with the new event H20 Glow Nights. 

Our 'Toy Story' pals will throw glow parties inspired by the Toy Story toons short 'Partysaurus Rex."

On select summer nights starting June 21, special lighting effects will transform the water park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie will throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex. Guests will join the fun, dance on the beach, play party games, and meet up with Buzz, Woody and Jessie, plus, all attractions will be open for guest enjoyment.

Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-August 11, from 8-11 p.m.

Disney H20 Glow Nights will be separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go on sale March 19 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). For more information and to purchase tickets, guests can call (407) 939-1872.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced; Wheezy Installed in Toy Story Land

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced:

For the 23rd year, Epcot will once again welcome guests for the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year's festival will bring 75 days of fun, entertainment, events, and of course the main course of the festival in delicious food and tasty drinks. 

This year's festival will begin August 30 and run through November 12, 2018. This year’s festival will also continue the tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

While very little details for the 23rd annual festival, guests can watch TasteEpcot.com for updates and be sure to stay tuned in the future for more details on this year's celebrity chef events, "Eat to Beat" concerts, dining packages, Marketplace Menus, and so much more.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Wheezy Installed Inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

We are all patiently waiting for June 30 to arrive for when Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios to open. Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared an image of Wheezy being installed by Walt Disney Imagineers inside the amazing new land.

You can see Wheezy and all of Toy Story Land when it opens for guests on June 30, 2018. 

Get a Sneak Peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge With New Flyover Video

We are all patiently (NOT!) waiting to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, during the annual shareholders meeting, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger gave a sneak peak of the progress on both lands with a flyover of the construction site. It was then later shared on the Disney Parks Blog.

Check out the video below:

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

What is Disney Planning for Former River Country Site?

It appears Disney is planning something for the former River Country as permits have been filed for the land. According to the filing, Disney is embarking on some geotechnical borings on Walt Disney World's first water park. When this is done it is to see if a piece of land is suitable for a construction project.

It could possibly be for a new hotel, as Disney filed a similar permit for the unannounced as of yet for the hotel at the entrance to Epcot. River Country opened on June 20, 1976 and then closed indefinitely in 2001. Disney announced that the water park would be closed permanently. Since the land where the water park once stood has been abandoned and closed off for trespassers. 

Source: WDW News Today

First Teaser Trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns" Released During Oscars

Coming out this December, the nostalgia is returning just in time for Christmas. Tonight though we got the first look of all the nostalgia as the first teaser trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns" has been released. As we celebrate Hollywood tonight its the trailer that is giving us Disney fans chills as we see the return of someone we've been waiting for a very long time.

It's just like the original, "Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like something' is brewin' and bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store. But I fear what's to happen all happened before." This Christmas a new story begins and check out below the first look at "Mary Poppins Returns":



“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

"Super Saturdays" at Disney Springs for Annual Passholders

Beginning next Saturday March 10 and every second Saturday of each month, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can receive an extra benefit at Disney Springs. 

In an exclusive shopping event from 9-10 a.m. Passholders will have the stores to themselves for one hour only. In that hour they can find new treasures and take advantage of a 20% discount and there may even be a few surprises in store as well. 

The first event for March 10 is already filled, so space is limited for the remaining events. Will any Annual Passholders take advantage of this special benefit for them at Disney Springs?

Source: WDW News Today

"Infinity War" Release Date Moved Up a Week; Celebrate Mickey's 90th All Year Round

"Infinity War" Release Date Moved Up a Week:

Good news Marvel fans, we are all going to see "Avengers: Infinity War" even sooner than we thought we would.

Today, Marvel Studios along with Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) on Twitter made a huge announcement in that "Avengers: Infinity War" will now hit theaters on April 27. Up until today the film was supposed to be released in the usual Marvel film spot in May on May 4. The movie will now be released worldwide on the same date. 

It is believed that Marvel did this to protect American viewers from spoilers as international viewers would have seen the film a week earlier than Americans did on the original release date of May 4. Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, has previously stated that 'Infinity War' will have major ramifications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

How excited are you that "Avengers: Infinity War" will now be released on April 27 instead of May 4?

Celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th Birthday All Year Round:

Disney is planning a worldwide and year long celebration of the main man himself, Mickey Mouse for his 90th birthday beginning this month on March 7. This will begin with "The Happiest Show on Earth" fashion show that will feature a Mickey-inspired collection designed by couture brand Opening Ceremony founders Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. The show will also serve as Opening Ceremony’s Spring 2018 runway show, and the special “mouse-terpieces” will close out fashion week celebrations around the world. 

You can join in on this festive fashion extravaganza, as select items from the Mickey collaboration will be immediately available for sale following the runway show at shopDisney.com, OpeningCeremony.com, and Opening Ceremony stores, while remaining ready-to-wear looks will hit stores in November. Of course, no fashion show is complete without Minnie Mouse! The icon—who shares this milestone anniversary with Mickey and who recently received her official star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—will also be celebrated at the fashion show.

The fun continues for 2018 and beyond with exclusive events from D23: The Official Disney Fan Club:

• D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios, have commissioned legendary Disney animator Mark Henn to paint Mickey’s official 90th birthday portrait. Henn follows in the footsteps of artists such as Disney Legend John Hench, who crafted five of Mickey’s official portraits. Henn animated Mickey for Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and is currently at work on Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018). The new portrait will debut on the cover of the fall issue of Disney twenty-three, a publication of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.
• This November, D23 will present Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse, a two-day event at Walt Disney World Resort featuring panels, presentations and fun-filled entertainment.
• This year’s annual D23 Gold Member gift is an exclusive box set of 23 special Mickey Mouse mementos—authentic reproductions of such treasured keepsakes as pages from the script of Steamboat Willie and a miniature animation cel from Parade of the Award Nominees (1932).

That's not all though as Mickey will be celebrated all across Disney in 2018 and beyond with these events:

• This fall, ABC will air a star-studded celebration of Mickey in honor of his birthday, with special guests, musical performances and more.
• Disney Channel will debut season five of the Mickey Mouse animated shorts, including a special seven-minute extended-length birthday episode that will air later this year.
• Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the world will celebrate Mickey’s 90th on November 18, marking the day with commemorative merchandise, photo locations, and more.
• Beginning in late 2018 and into 2019 the World’s Biggest Mouse Party, saluting Mickey and Minnie, will take place at Disney parks worldwide.
• Disney On Ice will salute Mickey as the “True Original” host of Disney On Ice since its inception in 1981 by creating Mickey’s 90th pre-shows for productions touring the United States, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
• Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Special Celebration, a new production showcasing Mickey Mouse’s memories throughout the years, will launch in Japan in July 2018 and continue touring throughout the Asia-Pacific region until August 2019.
• In France, 38 design and art schools will take part in “Mickey Is Art,” a unique contest in which students will craft works of Mickey, inspired by their favorite artistic movement. The winning designs will be displayed this summer in 12 major train stations in France and for sale this September at Galerie Glénat in Paris.
• Disney store will continue to celebrate milestone moments for Mickey Mouse with the Mickey Mouse Memories Collection (launched Jan 2018), a monthly, limited-release series of 12 collectible plush, mugs, and cloisonné pins inspired by Mickey’s most memorable movie roles.
• Disney Publishing Worldwide will introduce more than 30 titles globally as part of Mickey’s 90th, including books, arts & crafts, and comics.

Follow along all year round on social media by following along with the hashtag #Mickey90. 

Source: D23