New Magic Coming to Disneyland's 'Fantasmic!'; Beauty & the Beast Blu-Ray Release Date

New Magic Coming to Disneyland's 'Fantasmic!':

While one nighttime spectacular is getting ready for its debut here on the East Coast, the West Coast will soon see the return of another with some new magic added to it. 

Upon its return, “Fantasmic!” will feature new magic, including new mist screens that will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. The show will also feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin”; one of the dazzling new scenes finds Aladdin and Jasmine floating over a bed of fog on their flying carpet during “A Whole New World.”

When it returns this summer, an official date has not been set, “Fantasmic!” will still be the treasured Disneyland park experience guests have loved for 25 years. It will be complete with its original fanfare and theme song. but all taken to brilliant new heights! Stay tuned for official details on the return of "Fantasmic!" to Disneyland.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Beauty and the Beast" Coming to Blu-Ray & Digital HD on June 6:

"Beauty and the Beast" waltzed to the top of the box office now it will soon be dancing into our own homes. The film will be released on Blu-Ray and Digital HD on June 6. Here is the list of Special Features on the film that we will enjoy:

• Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
• A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
• The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
• Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
• From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
• Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon. “Beauty and the Beast”
• Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
• Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
• Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.

Wine Bar George Opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017; Guy Ritchie in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Aladdin'

Wine Bar George Opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017:

Fans of California Grill should be excited about this wine bar opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017.  Many will remember Master Sommelier George Miliotes who was part of the opening team at the restaurant when it opened in 1995. Miliotes has started a new venture that will be opening in Disney Springs next fall called, Wine Bar George. Miliotes is one of 230 master sommeliers in the world.

The wine bar will seat 210 guests and will be reminiscent of a winemaker's home estate that will feature oak wood, warm lighting, and a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. It will also include a food menu featuring small plates that will be designed to compliment the wine list. Miliotes said, "Offerings will feature local artisans and seasonal flavors - bringing guests ideal food and wine pairings and culinary explorations."

Here is more from the Disney Parks Blog release:

"Wine Bar George will offer more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Guests will be able to experience sips from acclaimed wineries as well as up-and-coming growing regions and wineries. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, says Miliotes, and he is planning special events and visits from renowned winemakers."

Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.

Guy Ritchie in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Aladdin':

In recent weeks, Disney has announced live-action re-makes of "The Lion King" and "Mulan" and today according to several reports "Aladdin" will be the live-action film Disney makes. According to reports director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) is in talks to direct the film. The script will be written by John August who performed the same role for the stop-motion film in Disney's Frankenweenie.

Previously, it was reported that a prequel to "Aladdin' was in development and that it would be centered around Genies. However, now it has seemed to transition into the more familiar animated classic from 1992. It is expected that the film will keep some of the musical elements, however the take on Robin Williams' Genie has yet to be determined. 

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO, Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed at DHS, and Aladdin Prequel

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO 2015:

Just announced by D23 that ABC will be bringing its hit tv series and its residents from  Once Upon a Time and the gang from its new series The Muppet to the D23 EXPO. Here is what they are bring for this years expo taking place August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Magic Behind The Muppets
Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 23

Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.

Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen
Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m., Stage 23

Once Upon a Time’s savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy-tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from Brave, as Once Upon a Time introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (LOST) and Adam Horowitz (LOST) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures, and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy-tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

On the Show floor:

Autograph Signings

Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

Friday, August 14
12–12:50 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)

Saturday, August 15
4–4:50 p.m.
black-ish stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, and Marsai Martin

5–5:40 p.m.
Once Upon a Time stars to be announced

Sunday, August 16
10–10:50 a.m.
Fresh Off the Boat stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, and Ian Chen

5–5:50 p.m.
The Goldbergs stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia

Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection
Limited Edition of 300, $129.95

Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, this collection brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.

Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) 

Ginnifer and Lana will sign the Once Upon a Time Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4–4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.

Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios:

The Frozen 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique' Experience that we talked about earlier this month was finally confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios. There is a difference between the two however as now the whole family can get in on the fun on select packages for what will be called the Ice Palace Boutique. Members of the party will be able to enjoy Frozen-inspired snacks from the exclusive Ice Palace Cafe. Guests will also get reserved seating at a showing of "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" at the Hyperion Theater. Here are the packages available at the Ice Palace Boutique:

• Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package – This package includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, a braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory and an exclusive photo opportunity. Cost is $75 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Package – This package includes the items offered in the Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package. It also includes access to the Ice Palace Café and reserved seating at one of the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” shows. Cost is $175 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – This package includes an Anna or Elsa costume plus the items offered in the Ice Palace Boutique Package. Cost is $240 and includes tax.

The Ice Palace Boutique and Deluxe packages are available for up to 6 guests, which includes the child getting the magical transformation. For families with boys in their group, an Olaf-inspired package is available for $19.95 plus tax. It includes a glitter hairstyle and an Olaf t-shirt. Reservations are not required and will only be available on-site at Ice Palace Boutique. 

Reservations can be made starting July 17 by calling 407-827-7400. The Ice Palace Boutique will open July 26 and the experience will run through the end of Frozen Summer Fun on September 7.

"Aladdin" Prequel Called "Genies" is in Development at Disney:

Another Disney animated classic is on its way to being a live-action film as Disney is in the development stages of making a prequel to "Aladdin." The project is currently being called "Genies." According to sources "Genies" will be an exploration of the 'realm of genies' and how one genie became trapped in the famous lamp. The hope is for the film to develop into a franchise and eventually retell the story of Disney's "Aladdin."

"Genies" and joins a growing list of live-action films of Disney's animated classic that includes:

• The Jungle Book directed by Jon Favreau out April 15, 2016
• Beauty and the Beast in theaters on March 17, 2017
• Tim Burton's remake of Dumbo
• Winnie The Pooh
• Mulan
• Pinnochio
• A sequel to Alice in Wonderland called Alice Through the Looking Glass due to be released May 27, 2016
• There also reports of a sequel to Maleficent as well as Peter Pan spinoff called Tink, with Reese Witherspoon set to star in the film as Tinkerbell

Lineup Announced for Walt Disney Animation Studios for D23 Expo

Lineup Announced for Walt Disney Animation Studios for D23 Expo:

Today, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced its lineup for this year's D23 Expo in August. Here is the D23.com Press Release on the lineup announced this morning. The lineup is Walt Disney Animation Studios' most exciting presence at the D23 Expo ever. Here is the lineup:

Every Story is a Journey: The Upcoming Films of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios:

Friday, August 14 at 3 p.m. in Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents “Every Story is a Journey.” Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Welcome to Zootopia!

Saturday, August 15 at 1:30 p.m. on Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde, and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Aladdin - The Making of a Classic:

Saturday, August 15 at 6 p.m. on Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever:

Sunday, August 16 at 11:30 a.m. on Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman, and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo, and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration:

Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. in Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar^®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa—with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening Q & A

Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. on Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman, and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

On the Expo Show Floor:

Animation - Show Floor Exhibition:

For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.

An Animator's Gallery - Eric Goldberg:

D23 EXPO 2015 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar^®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing:

With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m.

This year's D23 Expo will take place between August 14 through the 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.