9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney; Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line

9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney:

"Zootopia" already took the Golden Globe, will it take the Oscar?

2016 was the Walt Disney Company's most successful year at the box office and it proved that today with 9 Academy Award Nominations leading the way were Walt Disney Animation's "Moana" and LucasFilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" with 2 each. "Zootopia" along with "Moana" were both nominated for Best Animated Feature. Here is list of nominations:

• Best Documentary - "OJ - Made in America", ESPN
• Sound Mixing - "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", LucasFilm
• Visual Effects - "Doctor Strange"- Marvel, "The Jungle Book" - Walt Disney Studios, and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" - LucasFilm
• Original Song - "How Far I'll Go" - Disney's "Moana" Music & Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Best Animated Feature - "Zootopia" - Walt Disney Animation and "Moana" - Walt Disney Animation
• Best Animated Short Film - "Piper" - Pixar

"Zootopia" just a few weeks ago already secured Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes. The 89th Annual Academy Awards airs on February 26th on ABC hosted this year by Jimmy Kimmel. 

Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line:

The Marvel Universe is expanding its way into 2018 aboard the Disney Cruise Line. The event aboard the Disney Magic. The events kick off with 7 special sailings in the Fall later this year from New York. In 2018 from January through April from Miami, guests will be able to enjoy one magical day with their favorite Marvel characters. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

We also unveiled new experiences in the lineup of immersive entertainment. The event features exclusive character interactions, including the debut of Black Panther and Loki as part of a Disney vacation experience. Marvel Day at Sea also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise Line ship. 

In the Walt Disney Theatre, a spell-binding new show featuring Doctor Strange will keep families on the edge of their seats. Doctor Strange will showcase his journey from doubter to practitioner as he demonstrates the power of the mystic arts. The show concludes with an epic battle where guests must help Doctor Strange against the Dark Dimension. 

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the special Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel Universe assembles on the ship. The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck party, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings. 

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of fan-favorite films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including the newest theatrical releases, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

The 2017 Marvel Day at Sea dates with sailings from New York are October 6, 14, and 28, November 4, 11, and 18. These sailings include a stop at Castaway Cay, the Bahamas, Port Canaveral, and a day Walt Disney World for 7 and 8-night sailings. There will also one more date on October 21 sailing from New York to Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney, Canada for a 7-night cruise. 

In 2018, Marvel Day at Sea will set sail from the port of Miami for 5-night cruises. These will take place on January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, March 18, and April 1, 15, and 29. These sailings will take you to Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico or the Grand Cayman. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

More Celebrity Narrators Announced for Candlelight Processional; Disney Cruise Line Announces Early 2018 Ports & Itineraries

More Celebrity Narrators Announced for Candlelight Processional:

Three more celebrity narrators have been announced for this year's Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Added to the list which is almost complete are some well-known voices that you may have seen in some Disney animated classics. Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Jodi Benson (Ariel), and Robby Benson (the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast") have all been added to the list of narrators for this year's processional. 

The only available dates now for the show with nobody announced is the 3-day gap from December 7-10. Here is the list of current narrators and when they will narrate the 2016 Epcot Candlelight Processional:

• Steven Curtis Chapman
  November 25 to 27, 2016
• Neil Patrick Harris
  November 28 to December 1, 2016
• Whoopi Goldberg
  December 2 to 3, 2016
• Edward James Olmos
  December 4 to 6, 2016
• Robby Benson
  December 10 to 12, 2016
• Meredith Vieira
  December 13 to 15, 2016
• Jim Caviezel
  December 16 to 18, 2016
• Joe Morton
  December 19 to 21, 2016
• Ming-Na Wen
  December 22 to 24, 2016
• Jodi Benson
  December 25 to 27, 2016
• Cal Ripken, Jr.
  December 28 to 30, 2016

The Epcot Candlelight Processional will take place November 25 through December 30, 2016. Show times are 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. in the American Gardens Theater. 

Disney Cruise Line Announces Early 2018 Ports and Itineraries:

Today, we learned where Disney Cruise Line will be leaving from and going to from January through May 2018. This will include visiting Bonaire, a popular Caribbean destination located just north of the South American coast, for the first time ever. The Dutch Caribbean island is favored because of its arid climate and sunny weather. It is also known for its beautiful waters, reef-lined coast that lures water-sport enthusiast for scuba-diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

Here is what early 2018 looks like aboard Disney Cruise Line:

San Juan to Southern Caribbean, including Bonaire
From San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Disney Wonder sets sail on three seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing Jan. 14, 21 and 28, each voyage offers a unique itinerary with four destinations and two days at sea. This limited-time engagement includes a combination of calls on Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.

San Diego
Our return to San Diego in April and May includes seven Disney Wonder cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, where you can enjoy world-famous beaches and snorkeling. Five-night sailings visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico, while two- and three-night cruises call on Ensenada. Friday departures for the two-night cruises offer the ultimate weekend getaway from San Diego.

Port Canaveral
With three ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, you have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral, Florida. Plus, every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay. The Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. From Feb. 8 through April 8, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three-, four- and seven-night itineraries.

Miami
To kick off 2018, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus five-night Western Caribbean cruises. You’ll also visit Castaway Cay during every one of these sailings. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.

Guests can begin booking these trips this Thursday October 27, 2016. More details on 2018 itineraries can be found here on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Donald Glover to Play Young Lando Calrissian, Mickey Mouse to Celebrate 88th Around the Globe, & More

Donald Glover to Play Young Lando Calrissian in Untitled Han Solo Film:

LucasFilm just announced who will play young Lando Calrissian in the untitled Han Solo film due to be released in 2018. Donald Glover who is an acclaimed actor, award-winning writer, and a Grammy-nominated artist was tabbed to play the young Calrissian by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Glover joins Alden Ehrenreich who will take on the role of the young Han Solo. It brings two iconic Star Wars characters back to the big screen, back to a time of their lives that haven't been explored yet.

In the film we will see Lando in his formative years as a scoundrel on the rise in the galaxy's underworld. This will take place years before the events involving Han, Leia, an Darth Vader in "The Empire Strikes Back" and his journey to Rebel hero in "Return of the Jedi."


Lord and Miller had this to say on Glover: "We're so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us. These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations. Also, we'd like to publicly apologize to Donald for ruining Comic-Con for him forever."

The untitled Han Solo standalone film will be released in theaters in 2018.

Mickey Mouse to Celebrate 88th Birthday Around the Globe:

Mickey Mouse has a pretty big birthday coming up when he celebrates his 88th on November 18. To celebrate the mouse that started it all will be traveling around the world. Over the next few weeks Mickey will be stopping at several iconic locations around the world.You’ll be able to follow Mickey’s adventures on various social channels, including: Disney Parks Blog, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook page, Mickey Mouse Instagram account, or using the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey.

Then on his big day on November 18, at select locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as Disney Stores nationwide will be distributing special "Happy Birthday Mickey" commemorative buttons.

"Disneyland park in Anaheim will host a special pre-parade birthday celebration for Mickey, and at Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, characters and performers will dance in a special birthday-themed edition of the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party. Also on November 18, fans can enjoy a new video highlighting Mickey’s travels around the world, which will also feature the new song, “What We Got.” - Disney Parks Blog

"Also on November 18, Disney Channel will air the Emmy®-winning new Mickey Mouse shorts throughout the day and premiere two new cartoon series featuring Mickey Mouse. On Mickey Meows Club, the feline hosts of a web-based talk show provide their own “cat”-mentary on Mickey’s incredible performances in their favorite shorts. Mickey’s How Not To will provide viewers with a humorous series of informative tips on how not to do things, using Mickey’s funniest fails and moments from the latest cartoons. Plus, that day Disney Junior will debut the teaser for the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers." - Walt Disney Company Press Release

I can't wait to celebrate the mouse that started it all on November 18. How about you? 

Disney Introduces Marvel Day at Sea Coming to Disney Cruise Line in Fall 2017:

Disney Cruise Line today that your favorite legendary Super Heroes and Super Villains are coming to the Disney Magic very soon for the spectacular first ever Marvel Day at Sea. There will be 7 sailings aboard the Disney Magic that will depart from New York City in Fall 2017. Here are the highlights:

• Unleash Your Inner Super Hero during the Ultimate Day at Sea 
• Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and other Marvel Universe Super Heroes are onboard for scheduled meet-and-greets and photos.
• A brand-new spectacular party fills the upper deck with music, dancing and games.
• The deck party culminates in a stunning display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship. 
• Kids and families summon their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competition during trivia games, covering courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel Universe.
• For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.

Marvel Day at Sea will be on the 7 and 8-night Bahamian cruises aboard the Disney Magic on October 6, 14, and 28 and November 4, 11, and 18, 2017. All sailing will include a stop at Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, as well as one day at Walt Disney World. There will also be one sailing to the Canadian coast which is a 7-night cruise departing from New York on October 21, 2017. This sailing will have stops in Charlottetown, Sydney, and Halifax. 

"Frozen" Fun Returning to Disney Cruise Ships; Ride Testing Begins on Iron Man Experience

"Frozen" Fun Returning to Disney Cruise Ships:

"Frozen" Fun will be returning on select sailings on the Disney Magic on its sailings through Europe and the Disney Wonder on sailings to Alaska. The ships will be transformed into a winter wonderland as you are transported to the Kingdom of Arendelle.  Here is what the Disney Parks Blog said guests will experience aboard the ships for some "Frozen" fun this summer:

"On one special morning, you’ll awake to discover a magical freeze has overtaken the atrium lobby with sparkling icicles adorning the grand staircase, resembling the majestic mountain-top ice palace of Queen Elsa. Throughout the day there will be Scandinavian-inspired family activities, a themed dining experience with a menu of traditional Nordic fare and meet and greets with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf.

This “cool” day of frozen fun culminates with an extravagant celebration, “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends.” This family-friendly interactive deck party features the famous royal sisters of Arendelle and their fun-loving Nordic companions. By now, the freeze has spread to the upper decks of the ship, with giant snowflakes, icicles and snow-covered rocks.

The celebration begins with a high-energy line dance, set to the movie’s ice cutting scene, featuring the arrival of Kristoff, impressively twirling his ice picks, and Princess Anna. Kristoff and Anna’s beloved companions, Sven, the trolls and Olaf, make virtual appearances at the party. Sven engages the crowd in reindeer games like “Sven Says” and the “Troll Stroll,” and Olaf leads a sing along to his signature song, “In Summer.”

Elsa arrives with a snowy gust of wind, calling on guests to sing “Let it Go” with her as she conjures up a wintry spectacle to cool things down for Olaf. In true Disney fashion, Elsa unleashes her magic, sending a chill through everyone as the powerful Academy Award-winning song echoes from the ship. The evening concludes with more family dancing on the pool deck. Then the fun continues just for adults in the dance club featuring performances and frozen specialty drinks."

They are encouraging guests to posts photos if you are sailing on any of these cruise sailings on Instagram and Twitter with the #DisneyCruise. Are you ready for the "Frozen" Fun to return to the Disney Magic and Wonder?

Ride Testing Begins on Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland:

Ride testing has begun for the new Iron Man Experience attraction opening soon at Hong Kong Disneyland by an expert team of Walt Disney Imagineers. Once the ride opens it will be the first Marvel-based ride-through attraction inside a Disney Park. It will open in Stark Expo in the Tomorrowland section of Hong Kong Disneyland. The theme and story of the attraction goes like this:

The story begins when Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) decides to bring the Stark Expo to the park. Guests can visit the Expo and explore the latest and greatest innovations from Stark Industries. They’ll go aboard an Iron Wing vehicle, the latest flying transport invented by Stark Industries, and journey through Hong Kong streets and the iconic city harbor as they battle against the evil forces of Hydra alongside Iron Man.

Guests will also be able to meet Iron Man himself, tryout the interactive experience, "Become Iron Man," and purchase exclusive themed merchandise. 

Reservations Now Open for Merry & Bright Dessert Party/Merry & Bright Dinner Reception; Disney Cruise Line Summer 2016 Destinations

Merry & Bright Dessert Party
Guests will be able to treat themselves to decadent desserts and drinks as they enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights for one last time this year with reservations for the Merry & Bright Dessert Party. The reservations can be made for select nights between November 6 to December 24, excluding November 17, December 9, and December 18, from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. The party will also be available from December 25 - December 30 from 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tickets are $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9, Tax and gratuity will be included. Guests will also receive a heart-warming keepsake in a custom roll-up stadium blanket. Reservations can be made now online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Merry & Bright Dinner Reception
The fun doesn't stop there as guests can ring in the new year as they enjoy the Osborne Lights with the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception. This will be available for 3 nights only from January 1-3, 2016. Guest will be treated to a holiday-theme fare of shrimp, beef, and turkey served with wine, beer, and other specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. To top it off, guests will receive a custom shadow box keepsake featuring their own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Disney is expecting this special 3-night event to sell out, so make your reservations early. Tickets will be $99 per adult and $54 for children (ages 3-9), tax an gratuity included. Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Summer 2016 Destinations:

The Disney Cruise Line announced some of the destinations its cruise ships would be touring in Summer 2016 for its cruise ships. Here they are:

Disney Magic

• Iceland and Norway - Explore the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Scotland
• British Isles - England and Scotland
• Mediterranean - Visit Naples, Rome, and Monte Carlo

Disney Wonder

• Alaska - Cruise from mountainous shores to fjords fed by glaciers en route to discovering the fabulous frontiers of Alaska

Disney Dream

• Bahamas - A Bahamian voyage for an enchanting trip to the tropics

Disney Fantasy

• Eastern Caribbean - Experience enchantment with a stop at the British Virgin Island of Tortola

Special Food and Drink at Magic Kingdom's 24-Hour Party and DCL Announces New Sailings for Fall 2016

Special and Food and Drink for 'Coolest Summer Ever' Kickoff at Magic Kingdom:

We are just days away from the kickoff of the 'Coolest Summer Ever' at the Magic Kingdom. Today, on the Disney Parks Blog they announced the special food and drink offering in the park during the 24-Hour Party. Here is the list:

• Frozen Cupcakes (pictured above): Main Street Bakery and Gaston's Tavern
• Frozen Sundae - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
• Specialty Cotton Candy: Outdoor Food Carts, Casey's Corner (with light stick Outdoor Food Carts only)
• Olaf Souvenir Cup - at all Quick Service locations

• Lemonade in Olaf Cup - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill's, Pinocchio Village Haus, Stands East, Outdoor Food Carts
• Watermelon Shaved Ice - Space Dog Cart
• BBQ Slaw Hot Dog - Lunching Pad
• Bacon, Egg, and Potatoes Breakfast Platter - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
• Flip Flog Treat - Lunching Pad and Outdoor Food Carts

Disney Cruise Line Announces New Sailing for Fall 2016:

Today, Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Parks Blog were glad to share their new sailings for the Fall of 2016. They announced that the Disney Magic will be returning to New York in the fall of 2016 with new sailings to both the Bahamas and Canada. They also announced sailings from Galveston and Miami. 

The Disney Magic is returning to New York.

Here is what the new sailings look like for Fall 2016 from Disney Cruise Line:

New York

• Sailings from New York to the Bahamas include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, plus a Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation between the ship and the resort. All New York to Bahamas voyages also include a stop at Castaway Cay.
• One five-night voyage from New York to Canada stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Check out Arny’s post, A Glimpse of a Disney Cruise to Atlantic Canada, which includes a video from our first visit to these charming ports.

Miami

• For the first time, we’re offering seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, in addition to shorter options. All sailings from Miami include a stop at Castaway Cay.

Galveston

• A variety of seven-night cruises are departing from Galveston, including Bahamian sailings and Western Caribbean sailings. Plus, for a quick getaway, we’re offering two four-night sailings to Cozumel.

Also available for Fall of 2016 will be the usual ports of call from Port Canaveral, Florida. Guests may begin bookings for the Fall 2016 sailing on DCL beginning this Wednesday May 20, 2015. You can find more details about the itineraries on disneycruise.com.