"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.
2018 is fast approaching with New Year's Eve this coming Sunday. Of course there will be many fireworks displays to ring in the new year and here is the schedule:
Magic Kingdom:
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks – Guests will ring in the New Year in front of Cinderella Castle with the cherished fireworks show on both Dec. 30 and 31, beginning at 11:50 p.m. (An additional showing – perfect for young kiddos – will light up the sky both nights earlier in the evening at 6:30 p.m.).
New Year’s Celebration Dance Parties in Frontierland & Tomorrowland – Put on your dancing shoes and boot-scoot with a hoppin’ beat ‘til midnight in Frontierland. Or jump start the New Year with an upbeat get-together in Tomorrowland, blasting into 2018 with futuristic tunes.
Magic Kingdom Park hours on Dec. 30 and 31, 2017 are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Epcot
New Year’s Countdown Fireworks – Say “au revoir” to 2017 around World Showcase as dazzling fireworks light up the sky to welcome 2018 in a booming big way. This spectacular is held only on December 31, beginning at 11:40 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Parties – A DJ dance party will have guests dancing and grooving “around the world” with special entertainment at the America Garden Stage, Future World Fountain Stage and other areas throughout the park. Just for New Year’s Eve, you can move to your own beat with music playing in your headphones at the “Silent Groove” dance party that will take place at Future World Center.
New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner – Celebrate with a lavish buffet of savory foods and decadent desserts at this ticketed buffet dinner in World Showplace. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).
Epcot park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
New Year’s Eve Dance Party – Starting at 7 p.m., guests can join in on a DJ dance party in front of the Chinese Theatre, which will come alive with special projections. The nighttime holiday show Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will take place at 8 p.m., and finally, guests can ring in the new year at midnight with a showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to midnight.
Disney Donates $2 Million to Make-A-Wish for #ShareYourEars Campaign:
Disney Parks will double its donation to Make-A-Wish from $1 million to $2 million thanks to millions of fans who took part in the #ShareYourEars campaign this holiday season. This will help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses and their families around the world.
There were many fun, silly, wacky, creative, and festive Mickey Mouse ear photos that were sent in from all corners of the world to help make this possible. Every year more than 9,000 Disney-related wishes are granted worldwide with the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Wine Bar George was supposed to be open at Disney Springs by the end of this year. New signs up at the wine bar in The Landing area of Disney Springs shows that it will not open until Spring 2018 now. It is now one of many restaurants/bars that has now missed its intended opening date by not just a few weeks but months.
Watch 'Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration" Early:
Beginning today, guests who have the DisneyNOW app can watch the "Disney Parks Presents a Disney Channel Holiday Celebration" ahead of when it airs officially on Disney Channel on December 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
“Raven’s Home” stars Raven-Symoné and Issac Ryan Brown host the special, giving you a front-row seat to performances by favorite Disney Channel stars, including Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson from “Descendants 2,” Asher Angel from “Andi Mack,” and Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly from the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “Zombies,” along with popular recording artists Fitz and the Tantrums and In Real Life.
Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson had this to share on the show in this video:
We will see performances at Disney Parks from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom to Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That's not all as "Descendants 2" star BooBoo Stewart will give us a behind the scenes look at Toy Story Land which will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios next Summer.
Tickets Now on Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire:
The VOID and ILMxLab are bringing Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, a hyper-reality experience to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland. We now have dates for both of these experiences to debut and tickets are now on sale. It will debut at Disney Springs on December 16, 2017 and on January 5, 2018 at Downtown Disney in Disneyland.
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.
Check out this new video that was released with the announcement which gives us our first look at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire:
Tickets for the experience are $29.95 per person and the experience runs every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until the last experience of the night which begins at 11:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Disney Sets Dates for Filming of Holiday Specials in the Parks:
Dates have been set for filming for the upcoming ABC and Disney Channel holiday specials from the parks that run during the holiday season. Filming at Disney Parks on location in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be from November 3-7. No name or official air dates for these events have been announced by Disney.
Sneak Peak of Pixar's "Coco" Coming to Disney Parks:
A sneak peak of the Pixar's "Coco" is coming to Disney Parks beginning November 3. At Disney's Hollywood Studios the preview will be at the new Walt Disney Presents attraction and will be accompanied by a display about the production of the film. At Disney California Adventure, guests will get to see this advance look at scenes from the film in 3D with special in-theater effects at “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” theater in “a bug’s land.”
Also at Disney California Adventure beginning this weekend, families and friends are also invited to discover Plaza de la Familia, an all-new festivity at Paradise Gardens that celebrates the Disney•Pixar film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Plaza de la Familia features daily performances of “A Musical Celebration of ‘Coco,’” “The World of ‘Coco’” exhibit, authentic Mariachi music on the bandstand, a Tree of Life interactive photo location, face painting and delicious foods, all inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. This will run from September 15 through November 2.
Let's not forget the new trailer for "Coco" that was released today.
Disney Pixar's "Coco" will play its way into theaters on November 22.
Breakfast will no longer be served at the Satu'li Canteen, well at least for now beginning this Sunday, September 17. It will return during peak seasons at Disney's convenience.
The quick service restaurant in Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom had been serving breakfast from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. daily. Satu'li Canteen will now begin serving lunch at 10 a.m. daily.
Today the great Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog unboxed some great merchandise coming to Disney Parks in 2017. From Alex & Ani to Epcot 35th Anniversary Merchandise to Limited Edition Merchandise, Miller today counted down the top 10 Disney Parks merchandise coming in 2017. Here is the video:
Of course this is just some of the amazing merchandise that will be released at Disney Parks in 2017. What item or items are you most looking forward to seeing inside Disney Parks?
First Still from Disney Pixar's "Coco" Released:
Today, we got our first still release from next year's film in Disney Pixar's "Coco." The film chronicles the journey of Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like the celebrated Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt). When Miguel strums his idol's guitar he will set off a chain of events that are a mystery. Here is the still:
In the still we see Miguel strumming on the guitar and what appears to be some bright orange flower petals scattering everywhere as he plays his idols' guitar. "Coco" is being directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The film is being produced by Darla K. Anderson. Disney Pixar's "Coco" and Miguel will be strumming into theaters on November 22, 2017.
First Television Spot for "Beauty and the Beast" Airs:
We are just about 3 months away of maybe one of the most anticipated films of the year of the live-action remake of Disney's "Beauty of the Beast." The first tv spot aired during yesterday's Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration and again in the evening during the airing of the animated classic on ABC.
It appears the tv spot is just a condensed version of the trailer but we are still in love with it. It does have one additional never before scene in it featuring Belle (played by Emma Watson). I can't wait to see this film when it hits theaters March 17, 2017.
New Behind the Scenes Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar:
During this morning's Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, we got an extended and inside look at Pandora: The World of Avatar. In the clip in which Bob Iger himself opens the segment which included segments from Joe Rohde, Jon Landau, and James Cameron. In the clip we get an inside look once again at both the Na'vi River Journey and Flight of Passage.
We also get a look at the beautiful floating mountains as well as the incredible bioluminescent plant life that will light up Pandora: The World of Avatar. Here are some images as well as the clip that was shown during the parade:
Pandora: The World of Avatar will be opening sometime in Summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Merry Christmas:
I would just like to say to all of you the readers that I appreciate all of you for joining me on this journey and most of all a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Enjoy the time with your loved one and cherish every moment with them. Hug them tight if you can and just share the joys of the holiday season. Thank you to all of you.
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.
Two New Posters for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Released:
We are just one month away from the release of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" and my excitement is over the moon. They have released two posters for the IMAX release as well as one from Dolby Cinema. Here is the one for the IMAX release:
Here is the one that Dolby Cinema released today:
Go Rogue when "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" hits theaters on December 16.
Mickey's Birthday at Disney Parks:
Mickey Mouse's birthday is this Friday and while he's been out traveling around the world celebrating it, Disney Parks will join in on the celebration as well. Here is what will be going on at each of the parks.
At Disneyland, guests can sing "Happy Birthday" to Mickey in a pre-parade moment before they enjoy "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade on Main Street, USA.
At Walt Disney World, guests can enjoy a special birthday-themed edition of the "Movie It! Shake It!, Dance & Play It!" Street Party. Special Commemorative buttons will also be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
In Shanghai Disneyland, guests will celebrate the big guy's birthday along Mickey Avenue with a special Grand-Marshal pre-parade. In Hong Kong, guests will find commemorative stickers and pins along with be able to sharing a special moment with Mickey himself.
Finally in Disneyland Paris, the park will celebrate Mickey's birthday for three full days of celebration and surprises for the special event. Mickey, himself, will be celebrating on Main Street, USA just before the Disney Magic on Parade. Birthday cupcakes will be available at several locations throughout the park.
If you can't make it to any of the Disney Parks on Friday, tune into Good Morning America where Mickey's new music video, "What We Got," will debut which will highlight his trip around the world.
Three Disney Parks Holiday Specials Coming Your Way:
The holidays are officially upon us and this year Disney Parks is bring us three amazing holiday specials. This year instead of just enjoying the amazing Disney Parks parade on Christmas Day, we will get two more holiday specials beginning on November 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and November 25.
Each of the specials will be shot at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and will feature special musical performances and celebrity appearances. This years shows will be hosted by Emmy-Award winners Julianne and Derek Hough. Here is the schedule:
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on ABC on Nov. 24, from 8-1 p.m. EST. Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough will serve as hosts for this two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort, which will also feature “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson, a duet by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, and a performance by Kelly Clarkson.
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” on Disney Channel on Nov. 25 from 8-9 p.m. EST. Musical performers include Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart, “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain, Trisha Yearwood with Garth Brooks, and Kelly Clarkson. ABC stars and Disney Channel stars will also surprise philanthropic families around the country with once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort.
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on the ABC on Dec. 25, from 9-11 a.m. EST. Join holiday hosts Julianne and Derek Hough for a magical ride down Main Street and beyond for a celebration that brings together the beloved Christmas day parade with magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories. Musical performers on tap are Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson and Jordan Fisher.
What do you think of the new format of the Disney Parks Holiday special?
Voice Cast Announced for Big Hero 6 Television Series:
Back in March, a Big Hero 6 television series was announced for Disney XD for 2017. Today, we found out who will be voicing the characters. Yes, many of the voices from the movie will be returning for the tv series. There are also some new voices coming to the show. Here they are:
Confirmed to be returning are Maya Rudolph (Aunt Cass), Jamie Chung (GoGo), Scott Adsit (Baymax), Alan Tudyk (Alistair Krei), Ryan Potter (Hiro), Genesis Rodriguez (Honey Lemon), David Shaughnessy (Heathcliff), Stan Lee (Fred's Dad). Wasabi and Fred will be voiced by Khary Payton (The Lion Guard) and Brooks Wheelan (Saturday Night Live) respectively.
Also joining the cast will be Jennifer Lewis (black-ish) as Professor Granville, Andrew Scott (Sherlock) as the villain Obake, comedian Andy Richter as Globby, Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) as Richardson Mole, John Ross Bowie (Speechless) as Mei, Diedrich Bader (American Housewife) as Bluff Dunder, Susan Sullivan (Castle) as Fred's Mother, and Haley Tju (Bella and the Bulldogs) as Karmi.
The show will pick up right after the events of Big Hero 6. Hiro and the gang are ready to set out on high-tech adventures to protect San Fransokyo. When he isn't fighting scientifically enhanced villains, Hiro will be dealing with the trials and tribulations of college life at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology.
I am so excited to see Baymax and the gang on Disney XD. This a major fist bump, Ba La La La.
Soon when guests enter their hotel rooms at Disney Parks they will be immersed into an interactive world. The Walt Disney company has filed a patent for projection technology in their hotel rooms that will allows the resort rooms to become an interactive environment, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
Here is the detailed description of the patent filed by Disney:
For instance, right now if one plays a car racing game on a computer, they not only drive the cars, they also hear them, hear other cars, hear the crowd, see fiery crashes, hear the explosions, and the game play is back-grounded by emotional music and the like. If they play with a slot car, they only get to drive a car. There are few sounds, certainly no background music to amp up the emotions. When they play on a screen, the world is completely surrounding and immersive, they only have to move by brain through the frame of the screen bezel and they are into another world. If they play in their room, none of this is true. The goal of the projector with its camera and audio attachments of the display systems described herein is to allow a room, where ever the room is located, to become as immersive as any screen environment or even more so. To this end, the display system is a device that can be both an input and an output device. On the output side, the display system is a projector of still or animated visual imagery, and the display system may include a speaker or otherwise be capable of sending audio signals to speakers elsewhere in the room. In this way, the display system may provide an audio track to projected imagery to enhance the display and/or gaming experience.
In the patent, it shows that the projection devices can be controlled by everyday electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and a radio-frequency enabled book that will communicate with the devices. This will further enhance the interactivity between the guest and the room.
Stay tuned for more details on when Disney will start using this new technology in their resort rooms at their parks.
Lin-Manuael Miranda & Alan Menken Join Forces for Live-Action "Little Mermaid":
We already have heard some of the amazing music Lin-Manuel Miranda is bringing to Disney's next animated film in "Moana." Now news has broken that Miranda and Disney Legend/iconic songwriter Alan Menken will join forces to write songs for the new live-action "Little Mermaid" that is development. Menken won 2 Oscars for the 1989 Disney animated classic sharing Best Song with Howard Ashman and winning Best Score on his own.
The songs they are working on will be a mix of pre-existing songs from the original classic as well as some new ones. Miranda is a huge fan of "The Little Mermaid" even naming his son Sebastian after the famous crab from the film. While no word on what else he will do for the film besides the music it is said they are still working on the details. He won't be writing the script but he will be supervising the story. Miranda besides this new venture with Disney will be starring in the new remake of Disney's Oscar-winning film, "Mary Poppins."
Disney appears to be developing a new prototype for its MagicBands according to MagicBandCollectors.com. The new prototype as seen above was discovered in a new FCC filing by Disney. It appears to be a puck that will fit into interchangeable bands like you would see on FitBit step trackers.
This will allow guests to keep the puck style MagicBand and interchange straps as they would like. Here is more on what they had to say on the new prototype:
"It would probably lower the cost of graphic straps for guests (because no chips would need to be embedded within each strap), and also help lower costs and IT support for Disney, as they would not need to send a new MagicBand for every trip."
There is no word on when this 2nd Generation of the MagicBand will roll out but nothing before 2017 as Disney has requested some specific information on the prototype be kept secret. The lift on the embargo is February 11, 2017. Stay tuned as we await more details on the 2nd Generation of MagicBands.
Disney PhotoPass Day Being Held This Friday at Disney Parks:
Disney last night announced the very first PhotoPass Day at Disney Parks being held this Friday, August 19. During the day guests will be able to enjoy special character experiences with rare characters, complimentary photo locations inside all Disney Parks & Disney Springs, and Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge. Here are the details:
Special Character Experiences At Magic Kingdom Park & Epcot
Enjoy special character experiences at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, where Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture your encounter with Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow in Storybook Circus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Epcot, a friend or foe will join some of your favorite Disney characters around World Showcase, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on August 19 for these Disney characters’ schedule.
Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs
There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort and at both parks at Disneyland Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture your special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland app at Disneyland Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image). Check out Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Tuesday for a list of participating photo locations.
Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge
Complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of our parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo on us. All you need to do is get your photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on August 19. Once you’ve stopped by all of the locations, visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download. Participants at Disneyland Resort will receive one 5×7 print of a Disney PhotoPass photo. Challenge locations and details will be posted on the Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Wednesday.
If you are attending Disney PhotoPass Day share your favorite all-time favorite Disney photos on social media by using the hashtag #DisneyPhotoPassDay.
Happy 4th of July everyone may everyone's day be filled with family and friends along with lots of food and fireworks. Happy 240th Birthday America!!!!
Don't forget if you're not in Disney to tune into tonight's live stream on the Disney Parks Blog at 8:50 for "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky fireworks live from the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
The Disney Parks Blog Debuts 'Inside Disney Parks' Newscast:
Go inside Disney Parks for news updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peaks in the new "Inside Disney Parks" newscast on the Disney Parks Blog. Each episode will share the latest news as the Disney Parks Blog travels around the globe to each its world-class destinations. We will now be getting an insider's look at what's happening now and in the future, with just a touch of classic Disney nostalgia. Each episode will debut monthly it seems. Check out the first episode below:
Disney Saying Goodbye to Disney Dollars:
Disney is discontinuing sale of Disney Dollars effective this Saturday May 14, 2016. The program began in 1987 at both Disneyland and Disney World. Disney Dollars have been accepted as currency at all Disney Parks and the Disney Store as well as being collector's items for many Disney fans.
Disney is said to be discontinuing the program due to the increased use of Disney gift cards and other digital currency. While the sale of Disney Dollars will stop on Saturday, use of the currency will still be accepted throughout the parks and at Disney Store's as they do not expire.
We now know what the theme for Disney World will be this summer with a new travel deal being released this morning. Disney World says, "Awaken Summer with New Magic in all Four Parks!" Guests booking from now until June 10, 2016 you can save 30% off select rooms at Walt Disney World Resorts for stays June 12 - August 25, 2016. Guests may also select a special "Awaken Summer" Magic Band on their My Disney Experience account after booking.
To receive the special "Awaken Summer" Magic Band guests must book at least a 2-day Magic Your Way ticket. The special Magic Band will activate a special sound or lighting feature at several points through out Disney World.
Offer restrictions include: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation, and the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Disney Magic Kingdoms to Release This Thursday, March 17:
The next Disney mobile game, Disney Magic Kingdoms, will be released on this Thursday, March 17. The game which Disney created with Gameloft will allow users to build their favorite attractions like Mickey's Fun Wheel, Astro Orbiters, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and be able to share spectacular Disney moments with characters from Disney Pixar's Wall-E and Toy Story, Disney's Tangled, and so much more.
The storyline of the game will bring gamers to the magical world as Maleficent as she casts an evil spell as she rids the Parks of all its powerful magic. Players will need the help of their favorite characters such as Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and more as they try to defeat the villains and create the park of their dreams.
A new trailer was also released today with the announcement:
The game will be available on the Apple App Store, Google Play, and the Window App Store this Thursday. The game was announced at last summer's D23 EXPO.
A second teaser trailer has been released for Pixar's upcoming sequel to Finding Nemo in "Finding Dory" in the United Kingdom. The movie is set to release on June 17, 2016 in U.S theaters. "Finding Dory" returns our favorite and very forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres) as here along with Nemo and Marlin search for answers to her past.
Along with DeGeneres the cast includes Ed O'Neill, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, among many others on an all-star cast. Here is the second teaser for "Finding Dory":
"Its About Time" Alice Through the Looking Glass Teaser Released:
Today, Disney released a 30-second teaser for "Alice Through the Looking Glass" called "Its About Time". It is a little eery hearing the Alan Rickman's voice throughout the teaser especially hearing him say, "You've been gone far to long Alice." Anyways check out the teaser for "Alice Through the Looking Glass" due out in theaters May 27, 2016:
It's about Time. See Alice Through the Looking Glass in theatres May 27. 🕐https://t.co/CZrGJEEmeu
Disney Cruise Line Launches Special 50% Off Deposit Offer:
Disney Cruise Line fans can now book a special offer to receive 50% off their beginning deposit when they book now through March 27, 2016. The offer is received when guests book a Disney cruise for 7-nights or longer for sailings between August and December 2016.
You can choose a 7-night cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean, or choose from one of the other fun-filled itineraries sailing through Europe, Alaska, and beyond. The offer is not valid on Categories with Restrictions such as IGT, OGT, and VGT, Suites or Concierge Level Staterooms, nor can it be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Enter to Win a Disney Parks Vacation Through the Star Wars Awakens Sweepstakes:
You can now enter to win at Disney Parks vacation at either Disneyland or Disney World to experience the new Star Wars attractions at Disneyland or Disney's Hollywood Studios. Jump into hyperspace by entering into the Star Wars Awakens Disney Parks Sweepstakes. Grand Prize is either at 5day/4 night stay at Disney World or a 4 day/3 night stay at Disneyland. Here are the complete details on the grand prize:
PRIZE: ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE (“Grand Prize” or “Prize”): Prize is in US Dollars. Winner will receive a choice of only one (1) of the following two (2) options:
Walt Disney World® Resort: a five (5) day / four (4) night trip for Winner and up to three (3) guests (individually, “Guest,” the Guests and Winner shall collectively be referred to as the “Group”) to Orlando, Florida (“City 1”) to visit Walt Disney World® Resort near City (“Trip 1”), consisting of the following elements for the Group: [a] hotel accommodations (one (1) standard room/quad occupancy, including room tax) for four (4) nights at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel selected by Sponsor in its sole discretion; [b] if Winner’s residence is located more than two hundred fifty (250) miles from City 1, round-trip coach air transportation (with possible layovers) for the Group on a Sponsor-selected carrier between a Sponsor-selected major metropolitan airport near Winner’s residence (“Airport of Origin”) and Orlando International Airport; but if Winner’s residence is located two hundred fifty (250) miles or less from City 1, then air transportation or any other form of transportation will not be provided to the Group, [c] round trip ground transfers between the Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World® Resort via Disney’s Magical Express Service when air transportation is provided; [d] four (4) 5-Day Magic Your Way® Tickets with Park Hopper® Option; [e] services of one (1) Disney VIP Guide for eight (8) hours on one (1) day for the Group (guide, services and hours to be determined by Sponsor); [f] a Disney Gift Card with a value of $300 for the Winner that may be used on Disney PhotoPassTM Service products (online registration required and restrictions apply); [g] a Disney Gift Card with a value of two hundred fifty dollars $250 that may be used for dining; including, but not limited to, the option of using it for one (1) Disney Character Dining experience for the Group (reservations required and restrictions apply); [h] one (1) $500 Disney Gift Card for Winner only (restrictions apply); [i] one (1) welcome basket in Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room for Winner only, and [j] one (1) VIP viewing for one (1) Disney Theme Park parade or show for the Group (parade and/or show selection and date of experience is at the discretion of Sponsor; based on availability; restrictions apply). Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): US$8,739.56, which will vary depending upon point of departure and seasonal fluctuation of hotel rates and airfares.
OR:
Disneyland ® Resort: a four (4) day / three (3) night trip for Group to Disneyland® Resort near Anaheim, California (“City 2”) consisting of the following elements: [a] hotel accommodations consisting of one (1) standard room (with a maximum of four (4) persons), including room tax for three (3) consecutive nights at a hotel at the Disneyland® Resort selected by Sponsor in its sole discretion (daily parking at the Disneyland® Resort is not included); [b] four (4) 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets (subject to restrictions); [c] a Disney Gift Card with a value of four hundred dollars ($400) for Winner only; [d] one (1) welcome basket in Disneyland® Resort hotel room for Winner only; [e] services of one (1) Disney VIP Guide for eight (8) hours on one (1) day for the Group (guide, services and hours to be determined by Sponsor); [f] a Disney Gift Card with a value of two hundred fifty dollars $250 that may be used for dining; including, but not limited to, the option of using it for one (1) Disney Character Dining experience for the Group (reservations required and restrictions apply); [g] one (1) Disney Character Meet and Greet with photo opportunity for the Group, specific character is subject to Sponsor’s approval in its sole discretion; [h] a Disney Gift Card with a value of $300 for the Winner that may be used on Disney PhotoPassTM Service products (online registration required and restrictions apply); [i] one (1) World of Color premium viewing for Group on a night during the trip as chosen by Sponsor; [j] if Winner’s residence is located more than two hundred fifty (250) miles from City 2, round-trip coach air transportation (with possible layovers) for the Group on a Sponsor-selected carrier between a Sponsor-selected major metropolitan airport near Winner’s residence and a Southern California airport, selected by Sponsor; but if Winner’s residence is located two hundred fifty (250) miles or less from City 2, then air transportation will not be provided, and [k] round trip ground transfers between a Southern California airport selected by Sponsor and the Disneyland® Resort if air transportation is provided (“Trip 2”). ARV: US$9,020.00, which will vary depending upon point of departure and seasonal fluctuation of hotel rates and airfares.
“Trip” shall mean and refer to each Trip 1 and Trip 2.
Travel must be taken between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. If travel is not taken within the required dates the Grand Prize will be forfeited and Sponsor will have no further obligation to Winner. Group must travel together on the same Trip and must travel from the same Airport of Origin. No extensions will be granted.
All members of the Group will be required to execute and return a Release of Liability prior to participation. Members of the Group are solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary travel documents (valid photo I.D., credit card, passport, etc.) before departure. Any picture identification requirements associated with air travel are the Group’s responsibility. If any of the Guests are a minor, the Winner or one of the other Guests must be such minor’s parent or legal guardian (“Parent”).
All expenses not specifically mentioned herein are not included and are solely the Winner’s responsibility, including but not limited to: round trip transportation between the Winner’s residence and any Airport of Origin, activities and ground transportation not expressly included in the Trip, alcoholic beverages, excess luggage fees, gratuities; travel protection insurance, laundry service, merchandise, parking, room service, service charges, souvenirs, spa services and other optional activities, telephone calls and some additional taxes which are not expressly included in the Trip. Trip components are subject to change without notice.
Any depiction of the Trip is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect actual Prize won.
Any difference between ARV and actual value will not be awarded. If Winner elects to take the Trip without Guests or fewer Guests than provided, components of the Trip will be awarded in increments/quantities suitable for the actual number of travelers and Winner will not receive any compensation or substitute/alternate Prize for same. Once selected by Winner, Guests cannot be changed without the express consent of Sponsor, which may be withheld for any reason. The Group must travel together on same itinerary. Winner understands and agrees that Sponsor has the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify and remove any member of the Group from any activity at any time if such Group member’s behavior at any point is disruptive or may or does cause damage to person, property or the reputation of Sponsor, or an affiliate, or otherwise violates the rules or policies of the Sponsor or the applicable resort. Winner acknowledges that he/she is solely responsible for any actions, claims or liabilities of any of Guests related to any Sweepstakes-related activity or travel. Any portion of the Trip not accepted by Winner will be forfeited.
Certain restrictions, as determined by Sponsor, may apply. If the Group cannot comply with these restrictions or any portion of these Rules, the Grand Prize will be forfeited in its entirety and an alternate Winner may be chosen.
Travel arrangements must be made at least forty-five (45) days in advance through Sponsor’s agent and on a carrier of Sponsor’s choice. If Group cannot travel on the dates specified by Sponsor, the Grand Prize will be forfeited in its entirety and the Grand Prize may be awarded to an alternate Winner selected in a random drawing from among all remaining eligible Entries, time permitting. Travel dates will be subject to availability. Flight details are subject to availability and airline carrier’s regulations and conditions apply. The Trip may not be combined with any other offer, and travel may not qualify for frequent flier miles, award points or other perquisites. None of the Releasees are responsible for lost or mutilated tickets and none will be replaced. Airline tickets are non-refundable, non- transferable, and are not valid for upgrades. The hotel accommodations and airline tickets will be determined at the sole discretion of Sponsor. If any portion of the Grand Prize is not available for any reason then the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute that portion of the Grand Prize with another prize of comparable or greater value.
All taxes (including, without limitation, U.S. federal, foreign, provincial, state and local taxes (including, but not limited to income and withholding taxes), sales taxes, VAT, GST, PST, HST) on or connected with the Grand Prize, and the reporting consequences thereof, are solely the responsibility of the Winner. Winner may be required to remit to Sponsor an amount to cover the balance or the entire amount, as the case may be, of all applicable withholding taxes at the normal rates required by law (notwithstanding any tax treaties that may provide for lower rates of tax withholding, including exemption from withholding with the satisfaction of qualification requirements) prior to being awarded the Grand Prize and failure to do so will result in disqualification. Winner (if US resident) will receive an IRS Form 1099-MISC reflecting the final actual value of his/her Prize. If Winner is a Canadian resident, s/he will receive an IRS Form 1042-S. In the event of a disqualification or Prize forfeiture, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, select or not select an alternate potential Winner and award or not award the forfeited Prize.
Grand Prize is not redeemable for cash or transferable. No substitutions allowed, except as set forth in these Rules and at Sponsor’s sole discretion, a Prize of comparable or equal value will be provided. Grand Prize elements may not be separated and tickets, vouchers and gift cards will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Grand Prize will be awarded provided a sufficient number of eligible Entries are received, and Grand Prize is validly claimed by March 31, 2016, after which no alternate Winner will be selected, nor unclaimed Grand Prize awarded. In the event there is a discrepancy or inconsistency between disclosures or other statements contained in any Sweepstakes promotional materials and the terms and conditions of these Rules, these Rules shall prevail and govern.
You can now enter the sweepstakes through February 18, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. Winner will be announced/notified on February 26, 2016.
Revamped Rivers of America Concept Art Revealed:
Yesterday, with great sadness many attractions around Disneyland's Big Thunder Ranch and Rivers of America closed to make way for Star Wars Land. Today, it was revealed that when Rivers of America when it reopens will be revamped with the north bank having a brand new waterfront. This concept art was released by Disney Imagineering:
In the artist's rendering along with the brand new waterfront you can see where the Disneyland Railroad will travel over an elevated trestle. In a press release, Disneyland confirmed that Mark Twain's Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Pirate's Lair will all return when Rivers of America reopens. "The Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia operate along the Rivers of America. Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island - a mysterious place rumored to have hidden treasure - is surrounded by the river."
One item left off the list was the famous canoes that traveled Rivers of America for what might be the final time yesterday. When asked the Disneyland representative had no answers on if they would be returning. Stay tuned as more details on the expansions at both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios are just beginning.
New 2016 Disney Parks Mom's Panel Released:
2015 is gone and 2016 is here, today the Disney Parks Blog welcomed the new members to this year's Disney Parks Mom's Panel. 10 new panelists both moms and dads join the panel to help us plan our Disney vacations. The new members are Brandy, Erin, Jackie, Jennifer, Kiki, Korliss, Nancy, Priscila, Ricardo, and Sally.
The 10 new panelists join the more then 2-dozen of returning panelists to the Disney Parks Moms Panel in 2016. It All Started Mouse would like to congratulate the 10 new panelists and wish them luck in helping us plan trips to the "Most Magical Place on Earth."
Princess Leia Set to Appear on Upcoming Episode of "Star Wars Rebels":
The second season of "Star Wars Rebels" will return next Wednesday, January 20th at 9/8c on Disney XD. When the show returns, Star Wars fans will see a familiar face of one of iconic characters in the saga in Princess Leia, who is just a teen during this timeline, is sent to Lothal, in the episode called, "A Princess in Lothal."
Executive producer Dave Filoni said, "We thought we had an opportunity to show her learning to be a leader, experimenting with the personality that becomes the stronger more resolute character you see in A New Hope. One of the complex challenges of depicting Leia in 'Rebels' is that we have to remind the audience that at this point she is part of the Empire. She doesn't believe in the empire, but she's acting the part, almost a double agent."
Right now this will be the only appearance for Princess Leia as it is unknown yet if she will be seen again on the show. Princess Leia will not be voiced by Carrie Fisher instead it will be Julie Dolan, who has voiced Leia before in the video game, Star Wars: Uprising.
Will you be tuning in for the return of "Star Wars Rebels" and watch a young Princess Leia?
