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. 

Panels at Hall D23 Announced for D23 Expo 2017

Yesterday, we received details on what panels will be held inside Hall D23 (the main expo hall) for this year's D23 Expo. The lineup is filled with some amazing panels and presentations including Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and one from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Let's check out the lineup below:

Friday, July 14:

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (10 a.m.)––Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger will kick off this year’s D23 Expo with the special ceremony that honors this year’s Disney Legends Award recipients. See the full list of 2017 honorees here.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios (2:30 p.m.)––See what the artists behind these two acclaimed animation studios are dreaming (and drawing) up. With such an exciting lineup of films––Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2, Coco, and The Incredibles 2, just to name a few––we’re sure this presentation will be full of surprises.

Saturday, July 15:

The Walt Disney Studios Live-Action Films (10:30 a.m.)––The wonderful worlds of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm come together to showcase their exciting slate of upcoming films. At D23 Expo 2015, we got our first glimpses at Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Strange, and more fan favorites… We can’t wait to see what’s on deck for this year’s presentation!

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m.)––Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16:

A Whole New World of Alan Menken (1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.)––Celebrate the magic of Disney music with Disney Legend and eight-time Oscar®-winner Alan Menken in his brand-new one-man show. Alan will perform his own music and tell tales from his storied career.

All panels are subject to change and more detailed list of all panels and presentations will be out soon. Hall D23 seats 6,800 so tickets will be limited for most panels. The 2017 D23 Expo begins July 14 and runs through July 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

"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. 

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.

D23 Expo 2017 Tickets on Sale Next Week, Star Wars Show Live from Star Wars Celebration: Europe, and More

D23 Expo 2017 Tickets on Sale Next Week:

While we are still a year away from the 2017 D23 Expo, tickets will go on sale beginning next week, July 14 for next year's expo at 10 a.m. PT. Today we got prices for the expo which will take place on July 14-16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Next year will be the 5th expo which is a biennial event. 

The event will of course celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. It will return with fan favorites such as the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, and the Mousquerade Costume Contest plus so much more. 

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From July 14–December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Here is more information on the VIP Sorcerer Package from the release from D23:

A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2017 will be available. The Sorcerer Package includes:

• Three-day admission ticket and commemorative Sorcerer credential
• Reserved seating at presentations in Hall D23, Stage 23, and Stage 28
• Limited-edition D23 American Tourister boarding bag
• Pre-Expo tour of select exhibits including Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives
• Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale
• Tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
• Welcome Reception on Thursday evening
• Exclusive entrance to the Expo each morning
• A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
• Exclusive D23 Expo gift pack including gifts from D23 and the rest of The Walt Disney Company
• Meet and Greet with a special Disney guest
• “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
• Plus, access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge and other benefits

Sorcerer Package tickets are available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,250 per ticket. Members have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefits are highlighted at D23Expo.com.

As always stay tuned to It All Started With a Mouse as more information the 2017 D23 Expo is released in the coming months.

Star Wars Show to Live Stream Star Wars Celebration Europe:

We are all excited for Star Wars Celebration Europe which is next weekend, July 15-17 in London. Today we received amazing news from The Star Wars Show that they will be live streaming the event beginning Friday, July 15 through Sunday July 17. 

The live stream will feature celebrity guests, interviews with Star Wars creators, must-see panels, and so much more. The show of course will be hosted by Star Wars Show hosts Andi Gutierrez and Peter Townley. 

That's not all as there will also be a live stream of the special Rogue One: A Star Wars Story panel (11  a.m. EST/ 8 a.m. PST) presented by Verizon. It will feature director of the film Gareth Edwards who will be joined by Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy along with other special guests for a live discussion on the much anticipated film this winter. 

We can't wait to hear all the the news coming out of Star Wars Celebration Europe next weekend.

Tokyo Disney Resort to Debut Frozen Forever Nighttime Spectacular:

Disney really just won't "Let It Go" as today Tokyo Disney Resort a new nighttime spectacular called "Frozen Forever" set to debut next year. "Frozen Forever" will run from January 13 through March 17, 2017 and will be presented as part of the Tokyo Disneyland special event, "Anna and Elsa's Frozen Fantasy." Here are some details released from Oh My Disney:

“Frozen Forever” will involve scenes from the hit Disney film, Frozen, being projected onto the exterior of Cinderella Castle, which will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to guests at the park. It will focus on the film’s themes, showing Anna and Elsa’s childhood and adventures, with an emphasis on family ties. Hit songs like “Let it Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Love Is an Open Door” will be included, with the grand finale featuring exciting pyrotechnics over the castle.

Reserved Seating for "Frozen Forever" will available via a lottery system. For more details on the show and the lottery you can visit the Tokyo Disney Resort website.