Jingle Cruise Will Return to Walt Disney World; Guardians Attraction at Epcot Will be a Rollercoaster

Jingle Cruise Will Return to Walt Disney World:

Rumors have been circulating for the last few weeks that the Jingle Cruise wouldn't be returning this holiday season at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. However, we do now know that it will be returning to Walt Disney World, but the future of the holiday overlay at Disneyland remains unclear. 

The ride will return this November and run through the holidays through January 2018. The holiday overlay wasn't announced with the other holiday offerings but it will return. It does appear though that it will not return to Disneyland at least this year. 

Source: WDW News Today

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction at Epcot will be Rollercoaster:

During Sunday's 35th Anniversary at Epcot, Vice President of Epcot Melissa Valiquette confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction being built in place of the former Universe of Energy pavilion will in fact be a rollercoaster. Long rumored to be a rollercoaster this is in fact the first confirmation that it would be from Disney. 

Source: Blog Mickey

Details on Epcot's 35th Anniversary on October 1 Announced

Next Sunday October 1 is Epcot's 35th Anniversary and Walt Disney World is ready to celebrate the park. Here are some of the highlights of the day at the park:

Commemorative Guide Map – Be sure to pick up a commemorative Epcot Guidemap and Times Guide on your way into the park. They’ll be available at the park’s Main Entrance, at International Gateway and Guest Relations.

Anniversary Celebration – A special celebration will be held at the Fountain View stage at 10:01 a.m. Gather to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot with Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty.

Exclusive Anniversary Merchandise – Guests visiting Epcot on October 1 will have the chance to grab anniversary merchandise as a part of the “I Was There” collection, which has been specifically designed for this year’s milestone. Items in the collection will be available only at a “pop-up” shop (which will be open for one day only/while supplies last), located just past the Art of Disney location at Epcot on October 1. Additional Epcot 35th Anniversary logo merchandise (not a part of the “I Was There” line) will be available in select merchandise locations at the park, such as Mouse Gear and on the Shop Disney Parks app.

Finally, there will be a very special edition of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth to end your day and commemorate the park's 35th Anniversary. That will begin at 9 p.m. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Details on D23 Fanniversary of Epcot, Gary Sinise Not Returning for Mission: Space

Schedule Details on D23 Fanniversary of Epcot:

The sold out D23 Fanniversary which is celebrating Epcot's 35th Anniversary on October 1, 2017 announced some details for the even. A sort of schedule to help D23 Gold and Gold Family Members gather excitement for the event. Here is what they announced:

• 8:30–9:15 a.m.: Event Check-In (Epcot Main Entrance—Future World)—Please do not arrive prior to 8:30 a.m. or later than 9:15 a.m. After checking in, guests will be guided to the event location.
• 10–11 a.m.: Welcome to Epcot 35th Anniversary (Details to be provided closer to event)
• 11:10–11:50 a.m.: Epcot Attractions of Yesteryear—It’s always fun looking back at tomorrow. Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through some of your favorite memories of Epcot past!
• 12–12:45 p.m.: 35 Things You Didn’t Know About Epcot—Think you know everything there is to know about the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow? Think again! Our expert presenters will reveal some secrets and details that will surprise even the most passionate Epcot fans! During this time, guests will also enjoy a boxed lunch at their tables.
• 1–2 p.m.: Epcot Dreamers and Doers—For 35 years, Disney Cast Members and Imagineers have dreamed big and done the impossible. Join a discussion with Epcot dreamers and doers who have each played a role in shaping the world of tomorrow, from 1982 to today!
• 2–2:25 p.m.: Epcot Entertainment Through the Years—A showcase of music, dance, and the arts, Epcot has been host to memorable events and performances over the past 35 years. Discover the rich legacy of Epcot entertainment in this special presentation.
• 2:30–4 p.m.: Epcot 35th Merchandise Pick-Up & Pop-Up Shop (optional)—All attendees are eligible to participate in an Advance Purchase Merchandise opportunity and can pick up these advance purchases during this time, as well as visit a D23-exclusive pop-up shop that will feature exciting merchandise coming to Epcot for the 35th anniversary.

Of course guests attending the event will also receive a one-of-a-kind exclusive gift from the event. Are you excited if you are able to attend the D23 Fanniversary of Epcot?

Source: D23

Gary Sinise Not Returning for Mission: Space, Replaced by Gina Torres

As previously reported, Gary Sinise will not be returning as CAPCOM for when Mission: Space re-opens this weekend. Sinise has played the role since the attraction opened in 2003. Instead guests will be greeted by actress Gina Torres when guests are watching the pre-show videos.

Gina Torres has appeared in many television series, including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (as Nebula), Xena: Warrior Princess (as Cleopatra), Firefly (as Zoe Washburne), 24 (as Julia Miliken), Suits (as Jessica Pearson), The Shield (as Sadie Kavanaugh), Westworld (as Lauren), and much more. She starred opposite Chris Rock in the feature film I Think I Love My Wife, as Carla in the independent film South of Pico, and she reprised her Firefly role in its feature film sequel Serenity. Since 2011, she has been known for her role on the USA Network series Suits as Jessica Pearson. She and real-life husband Laurence Fishburne played a married couple on the NBC television series Hannibal.

The new and improved version of Mission: Space opens this Sunday, August 13.

Source: WDW News Today

Mickey Mouse Club Returning as Club Mickey Mouse; New Details on Food & Wine Festival

Mickey Mouse Club Returning as Club Mickey Mouse on Facebook:

Everyone wanted to be a part of the Mickey Mouse Club as a child. Yesterday, brought news that Disney would be bringing back the famous television show back but not on television. The new revamped show called, Club Mickey Mouse, will be an exclusive series on Facebook. 

Josh Mattison, VP of Digital Ad Sales for Disney Consumer Products had this to say, "That's the beauty. We're not bound to one format. We're not bound to one length. You don't have the same lines when you're not producing 11s and 22s [referring to 11-minutes and 22-minute standard length TV series]. What makes sense for a consumer? How long would you spend looking at something?"

"Club Mickey Mouse" is one of nine programs created in partnership with Facebook Anthology, advertising partnerships between the platform, media companies, and brands. No cast for the show has been announced, but it is expected that Disney will draw from its in-house multi-channel network and talent company, Maker Studios. 

Are you excited for the return of the Mickey Mouse Club now to be known as "Club Mickey Mouse"?

Source: Yahoo Finance

New Details on the 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Announced:

It's getting closer and closer and the days goodbye and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be returning later this summer for a record 75 days. This year's festival runs August 31 through November 13, 2017. This year in its 22nd year the festival will be celebrating in conjunction with Epcot's 35th Anniversary this year. This year there will be 35 marketplaces scattered around World Showcase and stretching once again this year into Future World. 

While details on the likes of the Eat to the Beat concert series, your favorite celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations at the Festival Center, and Party of the Senses have not yet been announced we do have some of the details on some of the new food that will debut at this year's festival. 

Some of the new eats this year include a new crispy chicken with griddled cornbread and a red-eye gravy from the Farm Fresh Marketplace, the Spicy Korma Chicken with a cucumber-tomato salad, almonds, cashews, and warm Naan bread from the India Marketplace, or the charcuterie in a cone that is perfect for strolling and tasting from the Spain Marketplace. One of the new desserts for the sweet tooth guests can taste the pistachio cardamom cake with a dollop of chocolate mousse at the India Marketplace. These are just a few of the new eats guests will be able to try at this year's festival.

More details on the events and marketplaces at the 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be released in the coming weeks and months leading up to this year's festival. For all the details and more check out, epcotfoodfestival.com.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

D23's Epcot Fanniversary for 35th, A Look at Specialty Beverages for Pandora, & More

D23 Holding Epcot Fanniversary for 35th Anniversary:

D23 will be holding a special event in honor of Epcot's 35th Anniversary on October 1 called "D23's Disney FaNNIVERSARY". Here are the details on the event that will cost $135/person plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 2 at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT. 

OVERVIEW

D23’s Fanniversary kicks off a month-long celebration with a one-of-a-kind event on the 35th anniversary of the fan-favorite theme park. The event will include a series of presentations celebrating the magic of Epcot over the past 35 years.

DETAILS:

Check-in location and timing details to come. Lunch will be provided to all attendees during the event.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members

You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Join The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot during D23’s annual Fanniversary celebration throughout the month of October! Inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982, as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Gold and Gold Family Members have the chance to kick off Fanniversary with a visit to Epcot on October 1 for a D23-exclusive celebration event!

The event will take place at the World Showplace Events Pavilion and includes three presentations that celebrate the magic of this fan-favorite theme park over the past 35 years.  The presentations will include rare content and stories from Disney luminaries who played an influential role in the development of Epcot!

All attendees will also have the chance to enjoy a lunchtime look back at Epcot over the years while snacking on a boxed lunch at your table.  No event would be complete without a one-of-a-kind gift created exclusively for this celebration.

Learn more about our D23 progressive dinner, celebrating 35 years—which takes place later that evening—here! This separate ticketed event has very limited seating.

NOTE:

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.

Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 12 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.

This event does not include admission to Epcot. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Epcot to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Admission includes a prix fixe boxed lunch. Food allergy and restrictions must be communicated to our Guest Services team prior to the event.

There is a limited number of tickets available. 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 cards 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.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. 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.

Also, D23 will be holding a Behind the Scenes dinner that will be celebrating 35 years of Epcot on the same day. Details for that event can be found here.

Source: D23

A Look at Specialty Beverages that will be Exclusive to Pandora:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog featured some of the specialty drinks that will be exclusive to Pandora: The World of Avatar when it opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom next month. To start off with the Satu'li Canteen with the Pandoran Sunrise which is a non-alcoholic beverage a mix of tropical juices blended with Powerade Melon and you can get it in a souvenir Satu'li Canteen Flute Flask. 

Wine by the glass is Banshee, a small Napa Valley winery with a serendipitous name (guests fly on the back of a mountain banshee on the exciting Avatar Flight of Passage experience). A Banshee Chardonnay and Banshee Pinot Noir are on the menu by the glass. And there’s a refreshing Dreamwalker Sangria with a splash Blue Curaçao.

Two ales round out the beverage menu: Hawkes’ Grog Ale with a fruity hop character (a taste of apricot and peach, a hint of wheat on the finish), and Mo’ara High Country Ale, a malty amber ale with the aroma of herbal spice hops and tastes of caramel, toffee, and nuts.

At the Pongu Pongu try a Night Blossom which a frozen non-alcoholic mixture of limeade with apple and pear dessert flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls, this will also be served in a souvenir mug. Also the Mo'ara Frozen Margarita, a frozen drink with Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with strawberry and blood orange flavor topped with strawberry boba balls (also available in a souvenir mug).

Both the Satu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu open May 27 when Pandora: The World of Avatar debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Splash Mountain to Close for Lengthy Refurbishment:

Splash Mountain will close for a long 3 month refurbishment at the end of the summer. It is quite unusual for the refurbishment to be happening this early as it usually takes place during the winter months. Splash Mountain will close August 28 and be closed through November 16. 

The attraction will reopen to guests on November 17. No details have been announced as to what will happen during the refurbishment.

Disney Parks Unboxed: Top 10 Disney Parks Merchandise Coming in 2017

Today the great Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog unboxed some great merchandise coming to Disney Parks in 2017. From Alex & Ani to Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise to Limited Edition Merchandise, Miller today counted down the top 10 Disney Parks merchandise coming in 2017. Here is the video:



Of course this is just some of the amazing merchandise that will be released at Disney Parks in 2017. What item or items are you most looking forward to seeing inside Disney Parks?

D23 Announces Lineup of Events for 2017; MagicBand 2 Debuts at Destination D

D23 Announces Lineup of Events for 2017:

Today D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, announced its lineup of events for 2017. Of course it will include the return of the 2017 D23 Expo, a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Epcot, and so much more. Check out what's in store for 2017 for D23 members and fans:

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more. D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three,D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017.

D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

MagicBand 2 Debuts at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures:

Today, during the preview event for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, which begins tomorrow, the MagicBand 2 debuted. According to WDW News Today, the new version of the MagicBand will be mailed to Annual Passholders beginning next month. In January 2017, resort guests will begin receiving the new MagicBand 2 as well. Retail versions of the new MagicBand 2 will be released along with new accessories such as the new MagicBand 2 keychains.

The new MagicBand 2 as rumored does have a removable puck which can be removed with a screwdriver. Today, guests at Destination D: Amazing Adventures were the very first to receive the new MagicBand 2 that was specially made for the event. Check it out:

Photo Credit: WDW News Today

What do you think of the MagicBand 2? 

Tune in all weekend for news coming out of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures as I am sure this is just the beginning of a busy weekend.