Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 Switch Release Dates, Muppet Babies Making a Return, and More

Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 Switch Release Dates:

Pixar has decided that "Toy Story 4" just won't be ready for its 2018 release date and will be switching release dates with "The Incredibles 2." Now "Toy Story 4" will be released on June 21, 2019 and "The Incredibles 2" will now be released on June 15, 2018.

"Toy Story 4" will open a new chapter of Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story gang. It will be directed by John Lasseter himself and is written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. 

“We love these characters so much; they are like family to us,” said Lasseter. “We don’t want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. Toy Story 3 ended Woody and Buzz’s story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another Toy Story movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie—and I wanted to direct it myself.” - John Lasseter.

Brad Bird who is directing the "The Incredibles 2" has just said it will be more "Incredibles" and that he isn't giving anything away and it will be a surprise for fans.

Muppet Babies Making a Return in 2018 on Disney Junior:

"Wocka, Wocka, Wocka!" Go crazy Muppets fans because the Muppet Babies are returning to tv very soon. Muppet Babies, the animated tv show that ran from 1984 to 1991 will be coming to Disney Junior in 2018. The adorable versions of Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, and Gonzo will be returning where the new series will be chronicling their playroom antics once again. Even Miss Nanny will be returning.

The show will co-produced by Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media's (DCPI) Content & Media Group, and The Muppets Studio, and will be CG-animated this time around. Each episode will feature two 11-minute stories about the Muppet Babies' adventures. The iconic characters will be doing anything from building a time machine to flying through outer-space.

The series will be geared towards children ages 4-7, but we all know millennials everywhere will want to bring the nostalgia back and watch the show too. The show will highlight creative and critical thinking. 

For one I can't wait to see this show as I loved the Muppet Babies when I was younger. 

"Once Upon A Time" Projection Show Replacing "Celebrate the Magic":

This morning the Disney Parks Blog announced that a new nighttime projection show is coming to the Magic Kingdom beginning November 4. This means we will be saying goodbye to "Celebrate the Magic" which will be ending its run at the park on November 3. 

"In this new show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them (and all of us) on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”
Scenes that are expected to be guest-favorites include a flight with Peter Pan from London to Never Land, the Mad Hatter’s whimsical tea party, and a daring duel between Gaston and Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip end their bedtime story with a grand finale that includes appearances by characters from even more Disney films."

"Once Upon A Time" was inspired by a show in similar name in Tokyo Disneyland. It will use projection mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that will appear almost three-dimensional. You can check the My Disney Experience App for show times and more information on the new show. 

New Eastern Gateway Coming to Disneyland; Princess Elena of Avalor's Royal Welcome

New Eastern Gateway Coming to Disneyland:

During last night's excitement of the Main Street Electrical Parade ending its run at the Magic Kingdom and moving to Disneyland, Disneyland broke news itself. A new Eastern Gateway will be built by late 2018. It will provide a new arrival point for guests with more choices of access and parking. Being built on the East side of the park it will include a new parking structure with 6,800 spaces, a new transportation facility, and an elevated pedestrian bridge. Here is more from today's release on the Disney Parks Blog:

The largest infrastructure project in the Anaheim Resort Area in the last 20 years, the Eastern Gateway will make it even easier to get to the Happiest Place on Earth by providing an east-side entry point to the Anaheim Resort Area. The new transportation facility will be the arrival point for buses, taxis, bicycles and various shuttles that currently use the existing transportation facility located on the west side of Harbor Boulevard. The new pedestrian pathway and elevated bridge over Harbor Blvd. will directly link guests arriving at the parking structure and eastern transportation facility with the main entrance plaza.

With exciting projects happening on both coasts, stay tuned as you never know what will happen next in the world of Disney.

Princess Elena of Avalor's Royal Welcome:

Today, guests at the Magic Kingdom as well as fans watching live on the Disney Parks Blog enjoyed the Royal Welcome of Princess Elena of Avalor. During the ceremony Princess Elena was welcomed by Cinderella and Prince Charming in a show that will run daily now at the Magic Kingdom. 

The daily show will bring Disney's first princess inspired by Latin cultures on the Castle Forecourt Stage. For those of you that missed the live stream, the Disney Parks Blog posted the live stream replay on YouTube. You can check it out below:

That's not all for Disney Channel's new Princess as Princess Elena of Avalor has already been renewed for a second season. Princess Elena of Avalor can be seen Friday's on Disney Channel at 7 p.m. ET and 11 a.m. on weekend on Disney Junior.

Watch Elena of Avalor Premiere for Exclusive Previews of Pete's Dragon, Beauty & the Beast, and More

The premiere of Disney's newest and first Latina Princess in "Elena of Avalor" is just days away from its premiere this Friday, July 22. First however, Disney will air one of its animated classics in "Frozen" at 5:15 p.m. During "Frozen" we will get a first look of the new animated short-series, LEGO Frozen Northern Lights, which premieres this fall in November on Disney Channel.

That's not all as we will get an exclusive first look at a scene from the upcoming release of the Disney's live action film in Disney's "Pete's Dragon" hitting theaters on August 12. There's more as we will get a look at a new trailer from Disney's live action remake of its animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, with narration from its star Emma Watson (Belle). "Beauty and the Beast" opens in theaters on March 17, 2017. 

Just last week we got our first teaser for the sequel to "Descendants" in "Descendants 2." We will be getting our first trailer for the Disney Channel Original Movie sequel that is set to premiere next year in Summer 2017. 

"Elena of Avalor" will premiere this Friday on Disney Channel at 7 p.m EST. The first episode will be available on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior app, Disney VOD platforms, and the Disney YouTube channel tomorrow, July 20th. Following the US debut of the new show, it will roll out in 163 countries on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior. 

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theatre at Disneyland, Olaf is Coming to "Sofia the First", and More

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theater at Disneyland:

Beginning this Friday, guests visiting the Royal Theater at Disneyland will have "The Best Day Ever" when "Tangled" returns. It will return to tell the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder all done by the amazing storytelling of resident Renaissance men, Messieurs Smythe and Jones. With the help of fellow villagers and some help from the audience members, both Smythe and Jones both lovers and legend and lore will weave their version of "Tangled" with equal doses of music, whimsy, humor, and heart. 

"The Royal Theatre Presents 'Tangled'" will play in repertory with Smythe and Jones adaptation of "Frozen." Each will be performed several times daily beginning this Friday. "Tangled" was the winner of the IAAPA Brass Ring Award in 2013.

Olaf is Coming to Disney Junior's "Sofia the First":

Disney Channel and Disney Junior's hit show "Sofia the First" will be getting a visit from a very lovable and huggable Disney character. Olaf, from Disney's hit animated film "Frozen," will be visiting Sofia in an upcoming episode. The episode will air on February 15 at 11:30/10:30 a.m. CST on the Disney Channel and at 7/6 p.m. CST on Disney Junior.

Josh Gad will reprise the voice of Olaf in the second of a four-part story arc of the show titled, "The Secret Library: Olaf and the Tale of Miss. Nettle." Also appearing in the episode will be Emmy-nominated actress Megan Mullally will voice the self-absorbed fairy Miss. Nettle, Sofia's flying horse that is voiced by Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet, and the Narrator that is voiced by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

Before the episode airs, an illustrated e-book and storybook will be released on February 2. You will also be able to watch the episode early on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and on the WATCH Disney Junior App beginning on February 8th. 

That's not all "Frozen" fans as the Oscar-winning film will air on the Disney Channel for the first time ever on February 14 at at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST. 

Daytime Monorail Closures Will Continue Through March at Disney World:

Daytime closures of the Walt Disney World Monorail beginning today will continue through March 20, 2016 with modified hours during operation. Here is the rundown:

Express Monorail

• Closed between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday's and Thursday's 
• 9:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Resort Monorail

• 8:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Epcot Monorail

• 9 a.m. delayed openings on Monday's and Tuesday's

New "The Lion Guard" Interactive Experience at Animal Kingdom; More Details on Pizza Planet Refurbishment

New "The Lion Guard" Interactive Experience Coming to Animal Kingdom:

Parents prepare your children for a new interactive experience coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom as they can become honorary members of "The Lion Guard" in The Lion Guard Adventure. The new experience will debut at the park on February 7. The experience is based off the popular tv movie, "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" that debuted in November.

The interactive experience will allow younger guests to travel around the park to find the five main characters of "The Lion Guard" - Kion, Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono. The group is represented as colorful statues that are perfect for kid-sized photo-ops. The lesson that the kids learn is just like the movie as it encourages an interest in protecting animals and caring for nature. Once the adventure is complete, each child will take a special pledge to become an honorary member of "The Lion Guard" and receive a special button.

The new experience will run through March as it will one of several activities celebrating the debut of "The Lion Guard" series on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

More Details on Pizza Planet's Refurbishment:

Today, more details have been revealed on the upcoming refurbishment of Pizza Planet that is to begin January 19 at Hollywood Studios. The refurbishment is scheduled through November 7th and the restaurant is expected to reopen later in the year. While the theming of the restaurant has not been announced yet rumor has it will be re-themed around The Muppets. 

The news however is that the restaurant will remain a quick service and continue to serve pizza. Also, along with the complete refurbishment of the restaurant, more seating space and more registers will be added to increase capacity. Stay tuned as we find out more details about the soon to be refurbished Pizza Planet.

New Twenty Eight & Main Store Coming to Disney Springs; "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" Trailer Released

New Twenty Eight & Main Store Coming to Disney Springs:

Just recently we got a sneak peek into the new Twenty Eight & Main clothing line with some limited releases on the Disney Store Online. Now we will be getting a Twenty Eight & Main Store in Disney Springs. The location will be in current Trophy Room at the Marketplace Co-op, the place will be transformed into Twenty Eight & Main and open on November 6.

The all over graphic pattern will be found on lounge pants, boxer shorts, t-shirts, polos, and many more luxurious accessories. Twenty Eight & Main will also be found in other select Disney World locations and in Disneyland. Guests will also find some items on the Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/28&Main. Finally, you'll be able to download the Shop Disney Parks App to order items and have them shipped directly to your home.

Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog caught up with merchandiser Bobby Bongiorno to get an inside scoop on Twenty Eight & Main. Here is the video:

"The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" Trailer Released:

Today, the trailer for Disney Channel and Disney Junior's animated spinoff of The Lion King, "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" was released. The tv movie will premiere on November 22 at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel. An animated series will premiere on Disney Junior in 2016. The show will star Rob Lowe as Simba and Gabrielle Union as Nala. Here is the trailer:

WATCH: Exclusive trailer for The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar with @RobLowe and @itsgabrielleu: https://t.co/60SFphlDKy

— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 16, 2015

Four New Disney World Discounts Now Available

Four New Disney World Discounts Now Available:

Four new Walt Disney World discounts are now available for guests booking a trip to the most magical place on Earth. The discounts are for this winter/early spring. The first is the "Play Stay Dine Offer" where a family of 4 can save up to $500 on a 6 day/5 night vacation with room, tickets, and Regular dining at select Moderate and Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests staying at Value Resort can save up to $300 on room, tickets, and a Quick Service Dining Plan. The offer is for stays most nights from December 13-19, and stays from January 2 through March 7, 2016. Guests can now book this offer today September 28 through December 23.

Exclusions are: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, the villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside (December dates only).

The second offer is the "Early 2016 Room Offer" where guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select  Walt Disney World Deluxe and Deluxe Villa hotels. Lower savings may be available for suites and rooms at other select resorts. This offer is available for booking for most nights January 2 - April 13, 2016. Guests must book this offer beginning today September 28 through December 23.

Exclusions are: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Standard View Rooms.

The third offer is the "Disney Junior Offer" that is specifically designed for families with small children. This offer includes savings and a Disney Junior Park Pack that will include goodies from: Disney Junior, Disney Publishing, Walt Disney Records, and GoGo Squeeze. Park Packs will be delivered to guests upon arrival and guests will receive one Park Pack per reservation.

This offer is available for most stays January 2 through April 13, 2016. Guests must book between now September 28 through December 23, 2015. Exclusions for this offer include: campsites and 3-bedroom villas.

The fourth and final offer is the "Magic Together Package" where guests can experience a 4 day/4 night room and tickets in a standard room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for a family of 4 starting at just $1,822. This offer is for stays during select Sunday through Thursday nights with dates including: January 3-6, January 10-14, and January 18 through February 4, 2016. Other great rates are available at select Disney Resort hotels through April 13, 2016. Exclusions for this offer include: campsites and 3-bedroom villas.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater to Offer 'Out-of-This World' Breakfast, Marvel's Feige to Report to Disney, and More

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater to Offer 'Out-of-this World' Breakfast for a Limited Time:

Beginning November 1, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin serving breakfast for a limited time. Right now you can only book through January 23, 2016, but it seems like this could be extended for a longer period of time. Breakfast will be served between 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. and will include breakfast pastries, a choice of appetizer, entree, and a non-alcoholic beverage for $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages 3-9. 

Some of menu items featured will be starters of may a yogurt parfait and fresh fruit as you begin your day under the stars in one of the iconic retro car tables. For entrees, guests can choose from a puff pastry filled with scrambled eggs, crab, asparagus, and a Gruyere cheese or the grilled beef tenderloin on baby spinach with bacon and cheddar custard on a roasted tomato with cheesy horseradish potatoes.

Also on the menu will be an egg-white omelet with shiitake mushrooms and caramelized onions served with roasted fingerling potatoes or a decadent macadamia-crusted brioche French toast with mascarpone and fresh berries. Also available will be a simple scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and breakfast platter, pan-seared shrimp with cheesy grits, or the famous Mickey waffle with bacon or sausage. 

For children, choices of scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, and potatoes, French toast, or a mini Mickey waffle. For reservations guests may call 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting www.waltdisneyworld.com/DINE.

Marvel's Kevin Feige Will Report to Disney Instead of Marvel:

Since Marvel was bought by the Walt Disney Company their executives still reported to their CEO in Isaac 'Ike' Perlmutter. Now, things are changing with now president Kevin Feige reporting to Alan Horn, chairman  of Walt Disney Studios. A company spokesperson said it "was the logical next step."  There have been rumors that Feige has been clashing with Perlmutter. 

Walt Disney Studios already does this with two of its other brands in Pixar and Lucasfilm with John Lasseter and Ed Catmull overseeing Pixar and Kathleen Kennedy leading Lucasfilm. Going forward Marvel Studios will centralize many of its film-related functions at the Burbank studios. Marvel's TV Group, publishing, and other Marvel activities will continue to report to Perlmutter. Along with Feige, co-president Louis D'Esposito will also report to Horn. This was all first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Merida Coming to Disney Junior's Sofia The First:

Today, it was announced that Merida from Brave! will have a run-in with Disney Junior's "Sofia the First" in an upcoming special four part episode in the television series. The 4-part episode called "Sofia the First: The Secret Library" is set to air October 12 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on the Disney Channel and later that night on Disney Junior at 7 p.m. ET/PT. 

Sofia will unlock a secret world and become the storykeeper of magical books when she runs into Merida. Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) will lend their voices for the cast as the nefarious Prince Roderick and the Narrator. Bonnie Hunt will return as Sofia's Aunt and Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) will also be back as Sofia's flying horse, Minimus. 

An Exclusive New "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" Card to be Available for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

Beginning with the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on September 15, guests to the party can pick up an exclusive new card for the interactive game "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom." This year's card, 'Minnie Mouse's Costume Chaos', features Minnie Mouse and here friends Clarabelle Cow and Daisy Duck as witches.

The event-exclusive card will be distributed along with regular "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" card packs when they attend the party. They can be picked up at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA where the journey begins. Guests must show their event wristband and party ticket to receive the exclusive card. 

First Look at The Lion King Spin-off "The Lion Guard", New Photos for The Force Awakens; and More

First Look at "The Lion King" Spin-Off The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar:

Fans at this weekend's D23 EXPO will get a special sneak peek of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, The Lion King spin-off television film that will be airing in November on The Disney Channel. The movie is a precursor to "The Lion Guard" television series that is set to premier on Disney Junior next year. Have no fear though, as a clip of the film has been released. 

The clip uncannily is similar to the basis of the show in which Kion (voiced by Max Charles) leads a group of his animal friends in The Lion Guard. The group consists of Bunga (voiced by Joshua Rush), a blustery honey badger, Ono (Atticus Shaffer), a smarty pants egret, Fuli (Diamond White), a confident cheetah, and Beshte (Dusan Brown), a friendly hippo.

James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella are reprising their roles of Mufasa and Pumbaa with their voices. While Rob Lowe is the voice of Simba and Gabrielle Union will be the voice of Nala. Kevin Schon will reprise his role of Timon from The Lion King's Timon and Pumbaa television series. Here is the clip.

New Official Photos of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Released:

Entertainment Weekly has gotten Star Wars fans excited as they have released photos from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the seventh film of the famous trilogy due out in December. The photos give a in-depth look at villains Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, and other new and old characters from the latest film. Here they are:

Confirmed: Walt Disney: One Man's Dream Closing at Hollywood Studios:

Late last month it was rumored that Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at Hollywood Studios to be closing at the end of September. Today, it has been confirmed although much sooner than originally thought. One Man's Dream is set to close next week following this weeks D23 EXPO. Yesterday, Walt's office that was in queue before the short film was removed and is set to be moved to the Walt Disney Family Museum. 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 4/8/15

While I am nowhere near 100%, I am going to continue forward today and attempt to write a blog for you guys today. I just can't bear going two days without writing one. So let's get into your news from around Disney.

Mickey and the Roadster Racers is Racing to Disney Junior in 2017:

A new animated series featuring everyone's favorite mouse is racing to Disney Junior in 2017. "Mickey and the Roadster Racers" was announced today as a new show to debut on Disney Junior. Featuring Mickey and his pals with their personalized vehicles race around the globe on adventures plus hometown capers in Hot Dog Hills. 

The announcement was made by Disney Junior Worldwide Executive Vice President to Original Programming and General Manager, Nancy Kanter. Kanter said, "Preschoolers around the world have enjoyed Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for almost a decade and we are eager to showcase these classic Disney characters once again in a new series centered around their lives in Hot Dog Hills and surprising racing adventures that take the gang to a variety of iconic locales around the world."

The show will be geared towards children ages 2-7. The production team will be comprise of Emmy-nominated talent behind Disney Junior's hit series Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Rob LaDuca will be executive producer, Mark Seidenburg will be co-executive producer and supervising story editor, and Thomas Hart will be the story editor. The series will be a production of Disney Television Animation.

Disney World Hard Ticket Events are Now on Sale:

The dates have been released for a few months now but now the tickets are on sale for Disney World's hard ticket events: Night of Joy, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The events such as the Halloween and Christmas Party begin at the Magic Kingdom at 7pm and run until midnight. As usual advance ticket orders are cheaper than same day ticket prices for both events except for October 31 for Halloween and December 18 for the Christmas party. 

Details on pricing for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party include:

Dates: September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, and October 1

Prices for tickets in advance for adults are $68 and for children ages 3-9 are $63. On the day of the event tickets for adults will be $74 and for children $69.

Dates: October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16. 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and November 1

Prices for tickets bought in advance for adults and are $74 and children prices will be $69. Tickets bought on the day of the event will be $79 for adults and $74 for children. 

For the October 31 party tickets prices are the same whenever you buy them with tickets for adults being $87 and children ticket prices being $82.

Details on pricing for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party include:

Dates: November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, and 19 and December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 15

Prices for these dates are as follows, tickets bought in advance are $74 for adults and $69 for children. Tickets bought on the same day of the even are $79 for adults and $74 for children.

Dates: November 20 and 29 and December 4, 11, and 17

Prices for these dates are the same whether bought in advance or same day with adults being $79 and $74 for children

For the December 18th party tickets will also be the same as they are bought in advance or same day with it being $82 for adults and $77 for children.

Tickets for Night of Joy which is being held September 11 and 12 can be bought as either a 2-day package or single night only. For single ticket packages it will be $65 in advance and $80 on the day of the event if available. The two-night ticket will cost $115. 

Disney and IMAX Renew Film Slate Deal Through 2017:

The Walt Disney Company and IMAX announced today that they renewed their deal on their exhibition agreement for multiple films. The deal includes live-action and animated tentpole releases from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. The major films encompassed in the deal include: "Star Wars: Rogue One," "Star Wars: Episode VIII," Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War," and Pixar's "Finding Dory." Other films in the deal include: "Ant-Man," "Doctor Strange," "Guardians of the Galaxy 2," "Thor: Ragnarok," and "The Jungle Book." The films will be digitally re-mastered to the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) technology.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (April 8) in Disney history, Disneyland Paris launches its newest attraction, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.

On this day two years ago in 2013, actress, singer, and Disney Legend Annette Funicello passes away at the age of 70 from complications of multiple sclerosis. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"You're at peace because you know it's okay to be afraid."

- Mulan

That's it for today, quite a bit going on as usual in the world of Disney. Hopefully this cold will go away soon and I will be back to myself within the next few days. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/30/15

Can you all believe that it's Monday again? I surely can't and it certainly was hard getting up for work this morning. Saturday, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto opened at the Polynesian and by the review its getting it's a huge hit so far. I can't wait to check it out in 56 days when I'll be in Florida. Today's blog is a bit straggled together from stories from today and this weekend. So let's get into the news from around Disney.

Fancy Nancy Lands on Disney Junior with TV Deal:

With her big screen debut on hold the little girl with fancy clothing and vocabulary to match has signed a tv deal with Disney for a Disney Junior television show. Disney Junior announced on Friday that it plans to create a television movie about the book series Fancy Nancy as well as a weekly tv show. Disney is also planning a licensed merchandise line as well in conjunction with HarperCollins to create more books based on the television series.

"Fancy Nancy" which is written by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser has sold over 28 million books since the introduction of the series in 2005. "Fancy Nancy" comes to Disney after a bit of bad luck in Hollywood. For years 20th Century Fox owned the rights and a live-action film that was supposed to be created never came to be. Recently Fox had moved on from the "Fancy Nancy" series. 

New TV Spot Hits Televisions for Disney's Tomorrowland:

Today, a new thrilling television spot hit tv's around the world for Disney's Tomorrowland due to be released May 22. The spot shows even more revealing footage of the film that seems like it will be a huge hit at the box office. Disney's Tomorrowland stars George Clooney who plays former boy-genius Frank, jaded by disillusionment, and Casey played by Britt Robertson who is a bright, optimistic teen busting with scientific curiosity. The two embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space know only as "Tomorrowland." Here is the tv spot that was released today:

New Baby Rhino Born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Name is Revealed:

A few weeks ago at Disney's Animal Kingdom a baby girl rhinoceros was born. Disney Parks Blog had asked for some help in naming the new rhino. Today on the Blog it was announced that the baby girl rhinoceros would be named Kiama. The name had a majority with over 50 percent of the vote. The name comes from the city Kiama in New South Wales, Australia. The blog said that Kiama would continue to bond with her mother backstage until she is ready for her big debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 30 in 1913, Marc Davis, one of Walt's 9 Old Men," is born in Bakersfield, California. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories." 

- Genie (Aladdin)

Like I said today is a little bit of everything on the blog. Tomorrow is another day and as always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."  

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/17/15

First off, Happy St. Patrick's Day from It All Started With a Mouse. Is everyone wearing their green today, if not prepared to be pinched. I do have to say I am not Irish but I do enjoy the holiday. Did everybody get their breakfast reservations for Be Our Guest? Anyways let's move onto the news of the day around Disney.

Disney Announces D23 Expo in Japan for 2015:

Disney's special event for its designated fan club, held every 2 years in the United States for their most passionate fans. Today, the Walt Disney Company Japan announced, after a successful expo held in 2013, will be hosting a D23 Expo Japan. The three day event will take place from November 6 to November 8, 2015 in Maihama in Tokyo Disney Resort. In 2013 the event held was much like the event held here in the states but it was a uniquely Japanese event that held true to D23's vision for "the ultimate fan" event.

This years event will bring together the fascinating tales from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Of course there will be expo-exclusive experiences, merchandise, collectibles unavailable elsewhere, and other surprises that await the super fans. Ticket and program information for the event will be posted on the Disney Japan website starting in late-April 2015.

A number of exhibitions will also be available throughout the days of the expo for fans. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives will be presenting a new exhibition that focuses on the enduring enchantment of the Disney princesses. The exhibition will include costumes, artwork, vintage collectables, and film props. Also expected will be an exhibit on Star Wars with the upcoming new episode that is being released in December that will immerse fans into the beloved story. A Toy Story exhibit will be on hand to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary this year. Tokyo Disney Resort will also have a special exhibit on hand for the event. More details on the event will be released later.

Disney Japan president Paul Candland on the announcement of the expo, "We heard from a lot of fans about how delighted they were with the D23 Expo we held in 2013, and this expo promises to be even more spectacular. We're very excited about being able to present this great event once again, and we know our guests will have an incredible experience during the three days we have planned for them."

Disney Junior to Premier New Muppet Shorts, "Muppet Moments":

An announcement from Disney Insider today proved to be momentous of sorts. Today, Disney Insider announced that our favorite Muppets Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and others are set to appear in "Muppet Moment" beginning April 3. The short-form series will be funny conversations and of course outrageously adorable moments that will happen between the Muppets and young kids. The conversations will be about everyday topics such as apologies, favorite foods, and manners.

In addition to Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, the series will feature appearances by the Great Gonzo, Animal, Beaker, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Rowlf, Bobo, The Newsman, Rizzo, Sam Eagle, and Pepe the King Prawn. You can see the first short on Friday, April 3 at multiple times throughout the morning. New shorts will follow every Friday through May 8. Disney says new shorts will debut throughout 2015 and will be available to watch on the Watch Disney Junior app.

Here is the link to the Disney Insider article with exclusive videos about the show:

http://blogs.disney.com/insider/2015/03/17/exclusive-go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-new-muppet-shorts/?cmp=SMC%7Cmup%7Cnatural%7Cblginsider%7CInsiderMarch%7CTWT%7Cmuppetjr-DisneyInsider%7CInHouse%7C2015-03-17%7C%7C%7Cesocialmedia

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 17) in 1968, a St. Patrick's Day parade is held in Disneyland for the first time.

Also on this day in 1999, Test Track officially opens in Epcot at Disney World. The ride is sponsored by General Motors and had been up and running since December of 1998.

Daily Disney Quote:

"I don't like formal gardens. I like wild nature. It's just the wilderness instinct in me, I guess."

Walt Disney

That's it for today Disney friends and followers, I hope everyone enjoys some St. Patrick's Day festivities. Walt Disney even had a little of Irish heritage in him. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney

Well I would rather be in beautiful Orlando, FL today than be shoveling out more snow here in Northeast Pennsylvania. That's enough here is your daily news from around Disney.

Disney Junior Announces First Latina Princess

Meet Elena of Avalor, Disney's first Latina princess, and she will appear in a special episode of Disney Junior's Sophia the First next year and then have her own animated spin-off to debut in June of 2016. Elena is described by Disney in the release as "16 year old confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairy tale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore."

Disney Announces Release Details for Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX

While we all wait for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens in December. Yesterday in a Disney shareholders report Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Episode VIII will be released in 2017 and Episode IX to finish out the Star Wars this trilogy saga will be released in 2019. That means two years between each movie. Iger also implied about more Star Wars trilogies with the new characters in the future. I for sure can't wait to see what they do with these movies.

Update: #HatWatch 2015 Continues in Hollywood Studios

Update on the view and destruction of the Sorcerer's Hat in Hollywood Studios. Photo courtesy of @ThemeParkReview. We are slowly getting closer to saying bye to the hat forever. 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day January 30 in 1988 Disney World's Epcot debuts Illuminations. A nightly firework show that has seen 3 different versions of the show since its debut on this day in 1988.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Mickey Mouse popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad 20 years ago on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner."

Walt Disney

That's it for today and in the words of Mickey: "See Ya Real Soon".