"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

Destination D & More on D23's Slate of Events for 2018; Rumor: Stitch's Great Escape to Become Meet & Greet

Destination D & More on D23's Slate of Events for 2018:

Today, we all celebrated Epcot's anniversary as it opened on this day 35 years ago on October 1, 1982. One of the events was the D23 Epcot Fanniversary and during this event D23 just named some of the events they would be having in 2018 for its members. They later announced the full slate of events for next year.

Next year, 2018 will be Disney's Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary and D23 will be hosting an event at the park sometime in April. Also next year, during the Summer D23 members will be getting a sneak peak of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the new Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Also returning for 2018 will be the Sip & Stroll and holiday events at Walt Disney World. 

Just last year, members had a blast during D23's Destination D: Amazing Adventures the event will return to Walt Disney World next November with the theme of Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse. This will celebrate the main man himself and his 90th Birthday and his debut in Steamboat Willie. The event will include panels, presentations, an all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, a pop-up store from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Mickey’s of Glendale, and so much more. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.

Here is the full schedule of events:

January 12 - Lunch With a Disney Legend - TBA  in Burbank, CA

January 13 - The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour in Burbank, CA

February 2 - D23 Night at Disney’s Aladdin in Hollywood, CA

Feb 3 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan Burbank, CA

Feb 10 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan Orlando, FL

March 24 - D23 Night at Disney’s Frozen New York City, NY

April D23 Celebrates 20 Years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Apr 7 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

May 25 D23’s Return to Marceline Marceline, MO

Summer D23 Members Visit Toy Story Land Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Summer D23 Members Visit Pixar Pier Disney California Adventure

June 23 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood Burbank, CA

Jun 29 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Orlando, FL

Jun 30 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood Orlando, FL

July 20 D23 Member Mixer San Diego, CA

August 10 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Burbank, CA

Aug 11 D23’s Saturday Morning on the Lot Burbank, CA

September 8 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

Sep 8 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins Orlando, FL

Sep 15 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins Burbank, CA

October D23’s Spell-tacular Disney Fanniversary Burbank, CA

Oct 3 Sip & Stroll Epcot, WDW

Oct 5 Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA Orlando, FL

November 16-18 D23 Destination D: Happy Birthday Mickey Orlando, FL

December D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, FL

Dec Light Up the Season with D23 Burbank, CA

Dec 1 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 Burbank, CA

Source: D23 and Disney Parks Blog

Rumor: Stitch's Great Escape to Become Alien Encounter Meet & Greet:

Stitch's Great Escape seems to be going away for good with a new sign where the seasonal operating attraction has appeared. Thanks to @1ben_laurence on Twitter where the sign now says Stitch's Alien Encounter Character Greeting. 

While no details on this have been announced or available at this time it does seem that the new Stitch Meet & Greet will take the place of an attraction that just never gained popularity. Will this character encounter stay forever. I don't think so as the attraction has long been rumored to be replaced with a Wreck-It-Ralph attraction. 

Stay tuned for more details on the new Stitch's Alien Encounter Greeting when they are announced.

Source: WDW News Today

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

New Disney twenty-three Issue Celebrates 30 Years of Disney Legends

Photo Courtesy of D23

The new Disney twenty three magazine is out and this issue celebrates 30 years of Disney Legends. Here is the release from D23:

JULY 6, 2017

By D23 Team

Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality,” and The Walt Disney Company has been honoring these dream makers in a very special way since 1987. The Disney Legends award was first introduced 30 years ago, and to celebrate, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017.

For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke.

What else can you expect from this one-of-a-kind issue? Kurt Russell gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years, Richard Sherman pens a touching tribute to Annette Funicello, Dave Smith answers your Disney Legends Qs, and, of course, tons of photos from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies throughout the years.

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

The D23 Expo 2017 happens next week July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Source: D23.com

Disney Dream Store Returning for D23 Expo; Mobile Ordering Live on My Disney Experience

Disney Dream Store Returning for D23 Expo 2017:

We are just two months away from D23 Expo 2017 and yesterday D23 announced that the Disney Dream Store will be returning for this year's expo. This year's store will feature brand new collectibles and merchandise from Disney Theme Parks, official D23 Expo and Disney Legends merchandise, Dream Store autograph sessions, and so much more. Here is the release from D23:

Disney Theme Parks Merchandise––Collect merchandise celebrating some very special milestones from favorite attractions, like Pirates of the Caribbean 50th anniversary, Space Mountain 40th anniversary, Epcot 35th anniversary, and Star Tours 30th anniversary, and marvel over more magical theme-park merchandise. Plus, add to your ALEX AND ANI collection, and enjoy a sparkling selection of jewelry designs from Crislu and Rebecca Hook.

If you have an Ear headband for every occasion, get excited for the all-new Interchangeable Bow Collection, making its debut at the Disney Dream Store. The collection comes with a traditional Mickey Ears headband that guests can easily swap with one of the six specially designed bows available for purchase.

Official D23 Expo and Disney Legends 30th Anniversary Merchandise––Commemorate your weekend at the ultimate Disney fan event with official D23 Expo 2017 logo merchandise, including tees, headwear, drinkware, pins, and more. Plus, bring home your very own droid, “R5-D23,” and Brethupp the Ewok plush––both debuting at D23 Expo 2017. Celebrate 30 years of Disney Legends with a commemorative collection including a tee, limited-edition pin, and paperweight.

Guests can find an exciting assortment of items showcasing product debuts, original artwork, giclées, deluxe prints, and more from the following: Steve Adams, Dave Avanzino, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, David Bird, Britni Brault, Choice Collectibles, Joey Chou, John Coulter, Daniel’s Woodland, Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions, Dooney & Bourke, Craig Fraser, Jeremy Fulton, HARVEYS, Brian Kesinger, Daniel Killen, Ink & Paint Artists, Jerrod Maruyama, Bridget McCarty, Miss Mindy, Mark Page, Mike Peraza, Patty Peraza, Larry Nikolai, Noah, Precious Moments, Linda Rick, Shag, Jim Shore, Javier Soto, George Scribner, Sketch Artists, Vinylmation™, Joe Yakovetic, Kenny Yamada, and more!

Dream Store Autograph Sessions––Meet some of your favorite authors and artists during autograph sessions at the Dream Store. Schedules will be posted daily via the D23 Expo Mobile App (coming soon!) and daily at the Disney Dream Store.

The 2017 D23 Expo runs July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Source: D23.com

Mobile Ordering Now Live on My Disney Experience App:

Just a few months ago, it was announced that Mobile Ordering would be coming to Walt Disney World  quick service restaurants. This is beginning with the Santu'li Canteen inside Pandora: The World of Avatar which is set to debut in just 11 days on May 27. Mobile Ordering is now live on the My Disney Experience app with its newest update. 

Guests will select and pay for their food through the mobile application and pick it up at a dedicated area inside the restaurant. Right now it is only showing the Santu'li Canteen but more quick service restaurants will be added in the near future. 

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.

D23 Gold Member Benefits Changing for D23 Expo; List of Restaurants Offering Mobile Ordering

D23 Gold Member Benefits Changing for D23 Expo:

D23 announced some changes to member benefits for its Gold Members and Gold Family Members. In past years, Gold and Gold Family members were allowed 1 hour early access prior to normal attendees to the Expo. This year they will receive priority seating for the presentations being held in Hall D23 and D23 Expo Arena, an complimentary Expo-exclusive print, as well as discounts from Disney partners such as Havaianas, Ozobot, Steiff, and Thomas Kinkade. 

Also of note, D23 Charter members (members who joined back in 2009 and have maintained their Gold membership status) will have access to a private lounge that will be just off the show floor where they will be able relax and purchase food and beverage.

This year's D23 Expo will once again being using the The Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center which wasn't used for D23 Expo 2015. The 2017 D23 Expo will take place July 14 through July 16. 

Source:The Laughing Place

List of Walt Disney World Restaurants Offering Mobile Ordering Discovered:

Last month Walt Disney World announced that when Santu'li Canteen opens in Pandora: The World of Avatar opens will offer Mobile Ordering. They also announced that it would soon be coming to other Walt Disney World restaurants in the near future. Here is what the service entails:

Mobile ordering allows you to pay for meals on-the-go with the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order in the restaurant. Using the app, you can select any of the menu items, customize them as you wish, and pre-pay for the meal. Arriving at the restaurant, guests will simply tap “I’m Here”, which will notify cast members to prepare the meal. When it’s ready, you will be alerted in the app to pick up the food at a designated service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted for this service, with Dining Plan guests still having to use the normal queue, at least as of right now.

WDW News Today has discovered at least 15 Quick Service Restaurants that will offer Mobile Ordering which includes Santu'li Canteen. Here is the list:

• ABC Commissary
• Backlot Express
• Columbia Harbor House
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• D-Luxe Burger
• Electric Umbrella
• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Liberty Inn
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Satu’li Canteen
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
• Tortuga Tavern

No official start date at the other 14 restaurants has been announced, but we definitely do know that the Santu'li Canteen will be offering the service beginning May 27 when Pandora: The World of Avatar opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Source: WDW News Today

Take a Tour of Pandora with Joe Rohde with D23 and AP Previews Book Up Quickly

On Friday May 19, D23 members have a chance of a lifetime by spending an afternoon touring Pandora: The World of Avatar before it opens with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. Rohde was the lead imagineer for Pandora: The World of Avatar and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Tickets for the even is $250/person plus a $5 processing fee. Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PDT/ 1 p.m. EDT. Here is what guests can expect:

OVERVIEW:
Be among the first to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar not only before it opens to the public, but with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering! In addition to a guided walk-through of the exotic new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with Joe, attendees will enjoy lunch at Tiffins with Mr. Rohde and fellow D23 Members.

DETAILS:
Experience begins at 11:00 a.m. and will last approximately three hours. Check-in will begin in front of Tiffins restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Please do not arrive before 10:45 a.m.

Attendees are invited to return to Pandora – The World of Avatar to join an exploration window on their own from 3 – 5 p.m. the same day.

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.

Before Pandora – The World of Avatar opens May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, D23 is thrilled to transport a limited number of members to the all-new land for a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering!

Guests will travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar with Joe to explore the Valley of Mo’ara, a verdant terrain sprawling beneath mountains that appear to float in the sky. Throughout the guided tour, guests will learn how the thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure, conservation and stewardship.

In addition to the D23-exclusive tour, guests will join Joe for lunch at Tiffins—a restaurant that celebrates the adventures of traveling.

That afternoon, attendees are invited to return to Pandora to join an exploration window on their own from 3 – 5 p.m. During this time, guests will also have the opportunity to soar on the back of a mountain banshee during Avatar Flight of Passage, and venture deep into the bioluminescent rainforest during the Na’vi River Journey.*

This once-in-a-lifetime experience wouldn’t be complete without a custom gift, created exclusively for you.

*Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. As this is an early exploration of Pandora – The World of Avatar, please note that access to some areas of the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora may be limited during your visit.

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 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
• This event does not include admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom 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 Friday, May 19.
• A very limited number of tickets are 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 card 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.

Also today, Annual Passholder registration for previews of Pandora: The World of Avatar opened and booked up within hours of opening. The previews for Annual Passholders will take place between May 13 through May 22. Here are the details for their previews:

• All Guests must be Passholders in order to register for a time slot to preview Pandora – The World of Avatar.
• Guests may only register for one (1) time slot over the course of the preview period.
• If an Annual Passholder would like to register a Guest to accompany them, that Guest must also have a valid annual pass for admission to the event’s theme park location on the date of the event, be listed on your Family &
• Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.
• Passholders with confirmed reservations will receive an additional email with details on how to check in for this experience, by May 12, 2017.
• All Guests must present their valid annual pass (or linked MagicBand), government issued ID and confirmation page to a Cast Member in order to enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Pandora – The World of Avatar on the date of your preview.
• Availability is subject to change without notice.
• Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
• Guests must meet appropriate boarding and height requirements for the attractions.
• Capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Due to limited capacity, modifications to existing reservations will not be available.
• Limit one reservation per Passholder. Reservations are nontransferable and void if sold or otherwise transferred.

Pandora: The World of Avatar will open to all guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017. 

Source: D23.com

Disney Files Patent that Will Sense Guests Emotions; D23 to Hold Advanced Screening of Beauty and the Beast

Disney Files Patent that will Sense Guests Emotions Altering Ride Experience:

I love when new patents are filed by Disney because you just never know what they are going to come up with next. Today, the Orlando Business Journal discovered another Disney wonder in a patent filed that will alter a guests' ride experience by sensing their emotions while riding. The patent is called, "Sensing and Managing Vehicle Behavior Based on Occupant Awareness." For example from what was filed, from a camera on the vehicle or from a wearable device (aka the MagicBand), the ride system will read the rider's facial expressions such as being excited or bored. Then it will alter the course of the attraction to increase or decrease speed, spin more or less often, changing the tone of display scenery and/or more to improve the ride for guests.

"The technology would allow rides to adjust show content appropriate for pre-teens, teenagers or adults; or for thrill-seeking and non thrill-seeking passengers. The control system may also operate the vehicle to address (e.g. even solve in some cases) motion sickness issues for passengers such as by adjusting speed or movement patterns of a vehicle. [Through RFID or some other identifying system] access one or more ride experience goals (or expectations) for the occupant. For example, the occupant may simply desire transportation while in the automated trackless vehicle and, hence, will not be wanting to interact with to be entertained by external display systems. In other cases, though, the occupant may have provided goals/expectations (e.g. by completing a questionnaire on a website or the like) that indicate they want to be educated during the ride, be entertained in a particular manner during the ride, be informed of sales on services or merchandise during the ride, and so on. In the same or other cases, the goals/expectations may indicate whether the ride experience" should be thrilling, as smooth as possible, or something in between, said the patent.

Besides the motions of the ride the patent also stated that it will be able to sense the passengers comfort levels such as temperature by altering the air-conditioning on the ride vehicle to make it more pleasant. What do you think or should I say how do you feel about this new patent filed by Disney?

D23 to Hold Advanced Screening of "Beauty and the Beast":

D23 will be holding an advance screening of "Beauty and the Beast" for members before it is released on March 17. On March 8, members will have a chance to see the film in advance on the afternoon of Disney's Annual Shareholder Meeting at the Bellco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center. Before the screening, a limited number of D23 Gold and Gold Family members will be treated to a complimentary "Be Our Guest" luncheon. Here are more details on the event:

DETAILS
The “Be Our Guest” luncheon will begin for Gold and Gold Family Members at 12:30 p.m., following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Check-in will begin at 12:15 p.m.; please do not arrive before 12:15 p.m. RSVP is required.

The screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Bellco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. Check-in will begin at 1:45 p.m.; please do not arrive before 1:45 p.m.

Join us for a special preview of Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. On the afternoon of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Bellco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, all D23 Members are invited to see the film before its release on March 17!

Beauty and the Beast is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.

Before the screening, a limited number of D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will have the opportunity to put our service to the test and join us for a complimentary “Be Our Guest” luncheon. This opportunity is a great time to mix and mingle with fellow D23 Gold Members!

NOTE:
D23 General and Gold Members may reserve a space for themselves and one (1) guest for the Beauty and the Beast screening. D23 Gold Family Members may reserve a space for themselves and up to three (3) guests for the Beauty and the Beast screening. D23 Gold Members may reserve a space for themselves and one (1) guest for the “Be Our Guest” luncheon. D23 Gold Family Members may reserve a space for themselves and up to three (3) guests for the “Be Our Guest” luncheon. There are a limited number of spaces 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. D23 Members who do not bring their valid photo ID 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. D23 reserves the right to cancel and refund tickets not purchased by verified D23 Gold Members. Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. Photography will be permitted at specific points during the event. No video or audio recording of any kind will be permitted.

Tickets for the event will go on sale this Thursday, February 2, at 10 a.m. PT. Go to D23.com for link to ticketing. 

Stay tuned later this evening as the final trailer for Disney's live-action remake of its animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" will debut during tonight's airing of ABC's "The Bachelor" at 8 ET/7 CT. Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" dances into theaters March 17, 2017. 

2017 D23 Gold Member Gift a Tribute to Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men"

D23 Gold Members in 2016 were treated to a special gift from Walt's Office, in 2017 they will receive a gift that is a tribute to Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men." Here is the official release from D23:

“I am in no sense of the word a great artist, not even a great animator,” Walt Disney once said. “I have always had [people] working for me whose skills were greater than my own.” In celebration of Walt’s great animators, D23 presents its 2017 Gold Member Gift: Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men.”Les Clark, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Frank Thomas; this core group of animators earned their nickname from none other than Walt himself. Though the “Nine Old Men” is in reference to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s terming the U.S. Supreme Court justices, as in “nine old men, all too aged to recognize a new idea,” these animators were truly innovators—recognizing and putting into action new ideas, and bringing personalities to life through a craft that they helped create and continued to develop throughout their careers. The “Nine Old Men” are responsible for countless Disney characters, including Peter Pan (Milt Kahl), Maleficent (Marc Davis), and Jiminy Cricket (Ward Kimball).D23 worked with the Walt Disney Archives and Disney Animation Research Library to curate 23 artifacts that honor the careers and legacies of the “Nine Old Men.” Included in the array of treasures are a behind-the-scenes studio production report marking Disney’s entry into weekly television, including episodes spotlighting the animators, a pinback button saluting Eric Larson on his 50th anniversary at Disney, the distinctive program from the 1989 ceremony inducting the “Nine Old Men” as Disney Legends, and faithfully replicated animation drawings actually penciled by the iconic animators. The gift is housed in a beautiful keepsake, a book-like box, perfect for display or safekeeping on your Disney bookshelf.The gift, exclusively for D23 Gold Members, is available for Gold Members who join or renew from January 1 to December 31, 2017. For more information on membership, click here. Stay tuned––we’ll be taking a closer look at the wonderful work of these great animators in 2017.

 Will you be renewing or joining D23 to become a Gold Member to take advantage of this wonderful gift?

"Walt Week" to be Celebrated by D23 and Disney Parks Around the World

This Thursday December 15, marks the 50th Anniversary of the man that started it all, Walt Disney's passing. To honor the man that started it all, D23 and Disney Parks are launching, "Walt Week: Celebrating the Legacy of Imagination, Creativity, and Innovation." D23 will be honoring Walt with a series of features available to guests at D23.com/WalkWithWalt, its quarterly publication in Disney twenty-three, and at Disney Parks around the world.

On December 15, guests at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort are invited to join the celebration of Walt’s extraordinary life by sharing a message on Memory Boards that will be placed at each resort. The boards will be on display for all to see at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, from July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Here are the locations and time of the Memory Boards which are subject to change:

• Disneyland Resort: The gallery inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m
• Walt Disney World Resort: Inside One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Disneyland Paris: Inside the Liberty Arcade on Main Street, U.S.A., at the entrance of “Statue of Liberty Tableau” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: Inside Art of Animation on Main Street, U.S.A., from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Tokyo Disney Resort: Mark Twain Riverboat queue from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It will be an honor to give thanks to the man that started it all in Walt Disney. 

More Details on Pandora - The World of Avatar from Destination D: Amazing Adventures

The panel on Pandora - The World of Avatar with James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Imagineer Joe Rohde just ended and the detail that has gone into this world is amazing. Here is what was shared during the panel.

Cameron and Rohde were in character for the panel making Pandora a real place and that the movie was a documentary. The world that is being built will be the Moara Valley in Pandora set 100 years after the movie has ended. The floating mountains that we have seen floating is caused by the magnetic force in the world called unobtanium. 

The entrance into Pandora will be called the Alpha Centauri Expeditions opening the world of Pandora to guests. The Na'vi people will be there to teach explorers and visitors about their culture and connecting them to the nature of Pandora. The world guests enter will have evidence of the human inhabitance and structures from the war on Pandora. 

Flight of Passage will allow guests to link up with Banshee bonding them in an almost virtual reality ride experience. The journey will take guests around the planet swooping and diving in a majestical flight through waterfalls, islands, and more. Guests will be wearing 3D goggles and as they straddle the seat for the ride Cameron said guests should hold on tight for the E-ticket attraction. It will be flying right of passage guided by the Na'vi so guests don't get eaten. It will provide a majestic and magical flight through Pandora.

They gave more details on both Wind Traders and the Santu'li Canteen. The Wind Traders travel the world to trade, keep language united, and to share news. At the Santu'li Canteen guests will enjoy food that is completely unique, "alien cuisine" as Rohde called it. The food will not be 3 feet long like the Na'vi eat it will adapt to portions that humans are use to Rohde also stated. 

They finally got into the bioluminescent plants the guests will be able to interact with just by touch. The world will light up just after sunset where it will reach the mountains to the forest right down to the paving that we walk on. It will be like walking on clouds of light. They then moved onto the Na'vi River Journey which sounds like it will be amazing at night. 

Rohde said it will be a "beautiful, lyrical, musical" attraction that is more relaxing then what guests will experience with Flight of Passage. In the ride guests will be greeted by the The Shaman of Songs, an amazing musical Na'vi that sings a song that makes the forest react to her with stunning lights and sounds. The forest has its own conscious that is called "Eywa" which is almost like a "biological internet." Attendees got a preview of the Shaman of Songs which was released to the public shortly after. Here it is:

It sounds like the Na'vi will not be wandering around the park like originally thought just in the attractions. Pandora sounds amazing including both attractions in the Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey. I said two months ago when I got back Animal Kingdom at night was amazing without Pandora, but when it does open hands down I'm not sure anything will be able to compare to it. Pandora - The World of Avatar opens Summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Major Announcements from First Panel with Bob Chapek at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures

We all expected major announcements this weekend and they started off early at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures with a panel with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek. The first announcement was that Pandora - The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Summer 2017. I am sure we will get even more details on the new land tomorrow with James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Joe Rohde.

Chapek revealed that the scaffolding has recently been removed from the bridge that will connect Pandora with the rest of the park (by Tiffins) as seen above in the picture. The bridge will serve as an entrance to the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for future explorers and adventure seekers. 

Also shared were three new concept images of inside the land for the Santu'li Canteen (a quick service restaurant inside Pandora), Windtraders (a store), and Pongu Pongu ( a bar with specialty drinks). 

Santu'li Canteen will be the main restaurant inside Pandora - The World of Avatar and will feature Na'vi art and cultural items.

Windtraders will be where travelers find Na'vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and so much more.

Finally, Pongu Pongu will be a specialty drink location that will have a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

New Concept Art of Star Wars Land; "Episode 8" Scenes to be added to Star Tours:

While no new details were given on Star Wars Land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in the future. We did get our first look at a concept image of Star Wars Land at night. An X-wing soars into Star Wars Land as the new land lights up the night. Check it out below:

Also announced were scenes from "Episode 8" of  Star Wars will be added to Star Tours: The Adventure Continues next year at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland.

Other Hollywood Studios news that isn't Star Wars-related and its a big one is that Hollywood Studios's version of Tower of Terror will not be getting a Guardians of the Galaxy remake.

Big Transformations Coming to Epcot:

Big changes will be coming to Epcot in the future, no details however were announced. Chapek just said that Epcot, "will stay true to the original vision." The future changes will be more Disney, more relevant, timeless, and more family. He challenged the creative team to "dream big" on Epcot.

That's all from this morning opening panel at Destination D: Amazing Adventures. Stay tune throughout the weekend for more breaking news.