Anaheim City Council Votes to Extend Gate-Tax Ban for Disneyland for 30 Years and More

Anaheim City Council Votes to Extend Gate-Tax Ban for Disneyland for 30 More Years:

After a long night of deliberating and discussing Disney's plan to avoid the gate-tax on tickets at Disneyland the Anaheim City Council voted 3-2 to extend the gate-tax ban. In exchange Disneyland plans to invest $1 billion into both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. The stipulation is Disney must break ground by the end of 2017 and be completed with the expansion by 2024. 

If Disney doesn't hit the deadline, the gate-tax ban expires but could be extended if Disney embarks on another $500 million project. Over 5 1/2 hours of debate and public comment finally ended amongst much discuss to Mayor Tom Tait. Tait voted against the bill along with Councilman James Vanderbilt. Tait said, "It ties the hands of future voters to enact a ticket-tax on Disneyland if Anaheim faces a financial downturn. This just shouldn't happen. I think, down the road, people will rue this day. Other people will look at us and say that we gave away the people's right to vote." 

Disneyland President Michael Colglazier was in attendance at the meeting and said in a statement afterwards, "We applaud Anaheim's leaders for their continued foresight in ensuring the city remains a vibrant tourism destination by extending a proven policy that has created two decades of unprecedented economic and job growth. We are excited about what the future holds for Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort as we work together to ensure our city continues to thrive and grow."

Just what is Disney planning in the expansion. First, Disney plans to create a new 5000 space parking structure on the current Pumba parking lot and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor. The majority of the billion dollars will go to new themed lands and attractions in both parks focusing on recently purchased franchises Marvel and Star Wars. 

Disney Infinity 3.0 Release Date Announced:

The time has come for the Disney Infinity 3.0 release date to be announced. Today, Disney Interactive announced the third version of the popular franchise will be August 30, 2015. The starter pack will be sold for $65 and include the Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Play Set, the Disney Infinity 3.0 base, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano figures, and a code that unlocks even more content for PC and mobile. 

Other play sets and figures will be available at release as well as some unannounced figures and play sets will be released this fall. Disney has also announced that Toy Box Takeover, the expansion of Toy Box mode, will be available at retail when the game is pre-ordered for free. After release Toy Box Takeover and Toy Box Speedway will be available in the fall and sold separately for $20 each. 

Bill Cosby's Bust Removed from Disney World's Hollywood Studios:

The bust of a troubled former tv star and comedian is no longer a part of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaze at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Last night, Disney removed the bust of Bill Cosby. The removal came just days after Cosby admitted to buying drugs for girls with whom he was having sexual relations with. This morning when the park opened all that remained was  the pedestal that held the bust and the plaque which still bares Cosby's name. The bust had been at Hollywood Studios since 1994. Disney is no stranger to distancing themselves from controversial subjects, including entertainment personalities like Cosby.

Breaking: Disney Wants to Invest $1 Billion at Disneyland and California Adventure; Pixar Announces D23 EXPO Schedule and more

Breaking: Disney Wants to Invest $1 Billion at Disneyland and California Adventure:

In an article just posted by The OC Register, Disney wants to invest $1 billion at Disneyland and California Adventure in exchange for no new gate tax. At this point the company is seriously considering the deal which would bring new attractions, a 5,000 slot parking structure, and massive improvements to streets surrounding the theme park. Disney officials said they don't know whether yet if they improvements would come to one of the parks or even both but they do know that their won't be a third park opening in Anaheim. In exchange for the investment into the parks, Disney wants the city of Anaheim to not levy taxes on admission tickets at the theme parks for another 30 years, according to sources.

The City Council of Anaheim will be holding a public hearing on July 7 to consider extending the current tax exemption agreement that started in 1996 and is set to expire June 30, 2016. Michael Colglazier, president of Disneyland, said: "Anaheim has been an economic success story thanks to its policies and initiatives that allow businesses to invest and thrive. We are asking city leaders to continue with a policy set two decades ago that has driven unprecedented job creation, growth and prosperity, and enabled the city to invest in vital services that benefit every Anaheim resident."

Disney officials don't even know what new attractions, themed lands, or any other details on what would be coming but said that construction would begin no later than 2017. Disney has plenty of options since it owns the Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar franchises. If the ticket-tax exemption is approved Disney said the announcement on the expansion could be announced by December. Disney Chairman Bob Iger has told shareholders earlier this year about the plans to expand the Disneyland Resort. In other calls, he also stated that "Star Wars" attractions for Disney theme parks are being worked on by Imagineers. 

The last expansion at Disney's California Adventure ended in 2012 and cost more the $1 billion. Tune in for more news on the expansion of the Disneyland Resort as this story develops.

Pixar Announces Schedule for D23 EXPO:

Pixar is taking this year's D23 EXPO "To Infinity and Beyond!" Pixar will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Toy Story by greeting guests by the larger-than-life Buzz Lightyear helium balloon that has taken flight in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade six times. This will mark the first time that the Buzz balloon will be seen at the expo and guests will be able to see it at the expo on Friday, August 14. That is not all as Pixar plans to show never before seen footage of upcoming films The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory. Here is the full schedule from Pixar for the expo:

Every Story Is a Journey: The Upcoming Films of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios
Friday, August 14, 3 p.m.—Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents “Every Story is a Journey.” Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out
Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m.—Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!
Saturday, August 15, 3 p.m.—Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out), and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15, 2015, 4:30 p.m.—Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley, and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

Animation – Show Floor Exhibition

For the first time ever, Pixar Animation Studios is creating a Show-Floor experience at D23 EXPO. Pixar teams up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for an unforgettable adventure that showcases magic from both animation studios, featuring live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers, free giveaways, and interactive displays. With highlights from films like Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana, animation fans will get the inside scoop on their favorite films and characters.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out—Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

Fans can take home their own shirt, thanks to Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This D23-exclusive Reyn Spooner-design features characters from all the feature films produced under the creative guidance of Lasseter. The simple, appealing collage joins many of Disney’s and Pixar’s most beloved recent characters on one wearable canvas. The shirt will retail for $99.95.

The D23 EXPO 2015 will be at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 14-16, 2015.

Captain EO is Making a Return at Epcot:

In some shocking news, Captain EO is making its return to Epcot scheduled for July 19, 2015. The attraction closed back in April for preview's of Disney's "Tomorrowland" and most recently Pixar's "Inside Out." Guests can begin making Fastpass + reservation for the attraction now for July 19. It's sister attraction out in Disneyland remains closed. 

Star Wars Uprising Coming to Mobile Devices; Sneak Peek of 'Ant-Man' at Disney's California Adventure

"Star Wars: Uprising" Coming Soon to Mobile Devices:

In an announcement by Disney, Lucasfilm, and Kabam RPG Studio, "Star Wars: Uprising" is in development and coming soon to mobile devices. It will be the first mobile game to take place between Return of the Jedi in Episode VI and the upcoming Episode VII in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The game will allow players to create their own unique characters, go on missions, and build their gear and skills, while amassing a powerful crew and cartel to join in large-scale sector-wide battles that dictate the future of the game universe. Co-op will be available to players as they join with friends against the empire.

Senior Vice President at Kabam RPG Studio Aaron Loeb said: "The Kabam RPG Studio has taken its collective experience and passion for role-playing games to focus on creating a unique and immersive gameplay experience for Star Wars fans and RPG games around the world."

"Star Wars: Uprising" will introduce a new chapter of the Star Wars universe that will illuminate dramatic events in the Anoat Sector, inclusive of Hoth and Cloud City, following the battle of Endor and the death of the emperor. Loeb also said that it will be a deep role-playing game experience that will immerse game players in the Star Wars universe following the fall of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The website for "Star Wars: Uprising is now live here. The beta of the game will be rolling out in the next few weeks and players can pre-register online to help shape the future of the in-game universe and chances to win prizes like a Storm Trooper helmet by voting for exclusive in-game content. 

Tune in for an Exclusive Sneak Peek of Marvel's "Ant-Man" at Disney's California Adventure:

Starting June 19, guests visiting Disney's California Adventure will be able to get a sneak peek of the upcoming film Marvel's "Ant-Man." At the Bug's Life Theater guests will be able to get a sneak peek of the film starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, Corey Stoll, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. 

The special preview will give guests an advanced look at scenes from the film, presented in 3D with in-theater effects that can only be experienced at California Adventure. The 'Ant-Man' suit of armor will also be on display in the Bug's Life Theater. 

"Ant-Man" is about the founding member of 'The Avengers' to the big screen for the first time. Ant-Man with the ability to shrink in scale but increase strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor Dr. Pym. Lang and the doctor must protect the secrets of the suit from the towering threats from a new generation of evil. Against all odds Lang and Dr. Pym must plan and pull of a heist that will save the world. 

Marvel's "Ant-Man" hits theaters world-wide on July 17, 2015.

"World of Color" Dining Packages Now Available for Disneyland Diamond Celebration 24-hour Kickoff Event

"World of Color" Dining Packages Available for Disneyland's Diamond Celebration 24-Hour Kickoff Event:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that additional dining packages for select restaurants at Disney's California Adventure during the kickoff 24-hour event of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration. You won't want to miss the chance of experiencing the all new World of Color - Celebrate! that will premiere during the 24-hour party on May 22-23. 

Ariel's Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria will both feature a special 2-course pre-fix breakfast menus from 12 a.m.-1:45 a.m. on the 23rd, with a reserved viewing of the new "World of Color." There are lunch and dinner dining packages for "World of Color - Celebrate!" reserved viewing with 9 p.m. and 10:15 viewings available at the Carthay Circle Restaurant and the Golden Vine Winery on May 22nd. Both these restaurants will feature regular menu items and for reservations guests may visit Disneyland.com/dine or by calling 714-781-DINE. 

"World of Color - Celebrate!" premieres on May 22 and will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse. 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/9/15

It's Monday again and I only have 76 more days until my trip to Disney World. The countdown is withering away and it will be here before I know it. Disney as always is in the news and I am here to bring it to you. So without much else to blabber on about I bring you your daily news from around Disney.

Smokejumpers Grill, Part of Grizzly Peak Expansion at DCA to Open March 20:

The Disney Parks Blog today announced that on March 20, the first phase of the Grizzly Peak Expansion at Disney's California Adventure will open with the Grizzly Peak Airfield and new a new quick-service restaurant in Smokejumpers Grill. Smokejumpers Grill will be themed to honor the brave men and women that fight wildfires in California forests. With a new look and an updated menu with featured tasty items such as a bacon cheddar burger, a grilled chicken and jack sandwich, as well as a chili cheeseburger.

This is just the beginning of the expansion of Grizzly Peak as their will be new building exteriors, landscape features, and much more to the former Condor Flats area of the park. The rest of the area is set to open later this spring with Soarin' Over California set to reopen as well. Soarin' will reopen with new screens and projector system a preview of what will be done for the same attraction at Walt Disney World set to be done next year in 2016. 

Disney Seeks to Create 'Super App" to Help Families Get Fit:

Disney has launched a campaign competition worth 95,000 euros in Europe to find developers to come up with new apps to use its characters, such as Marvel superheroes, to encourage healthy living. Disney has teamed up with the non-profit organization, Creative England, to target software specialists outside London's highly competitive development scene. Matt Carroll of Disney said the competition was seeking submissions that take advantage of the latest health technology trends, such as wearable fitness sensors. He said, "We hope developers will be inspired to come up with fun and engaging digital solutions using Disney's stories and characters-for families to use, which will positively effect a healthier way of life." Disney and Creative England's competition will award 5,000 euros to three regional developers in the first round to prepare a 'proof of concept'. One team will win 80,000 euros in funding to develop the final product.

New Trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland Released:

A new trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland was released today to the public. It gives a few hints of what to expect of the movie that hits theaters May 22, 2015. Also in the trailer Disney World's Epcot and Space Mountain are seen in the background in parts of the trailer. Here is the trailer that was released today:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 9) in 1984, Roy E. Disney resigns from the central board of the Walt Disney Company, setting in motion takeover bids and maneuvering that by August will leave him in control of the company.

Also on this day one year ago in 2014, Disney World's Festival of Fantasy parade debuts at the Magic Kingdom.

Daily Disney Quote:

"We allow no geniuses around our Studio."

Walt Disney

Well that's it for today's news. I hope everyone got through this Monday and look forward to the new week. I certainly enjoyed the warmer weather that has finally arrived here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/3/15

Today into tomorrow at my house we will experience almost all forms of inclement weather snow, sleet, freezing rain, and finally rain. There are 82 days until my vacation to Disney and it can't get here fast enough. I am so sick of winter but that is enough of me complaining. Let's get into the juicy info in today's news from around Disney.

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Hold 'Galactic Gathering for Star Wars Weekends:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog released a preview of the merchandise for the upcoming yearly event at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. The big release though was the special ticketed event for the opening of Star Wars Weekends called the 'Galactic Gathering' to take place on May 14. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost will be $250 per guest with registrations beginning tomorrow March 4 at 1 p.m EST on http://www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

This event will be much like last years event in 'Rebel Rendezvous' and will allow guest to preview and purchase new products created especially for Star Wars Weekends. Packages for the 'Galactic Gathering will include:

• Rebel or Empire retail MagicBand (Guests can choose their side when registering)
• Commemorative trading pin
• Darth's Mall Light Speed Pass which gives guest expedited entry into Darth's Mall for all 5 weekends
• First opportunity to pre-purchase select merchandise
• First opportunity to purchase the new designs of Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Cards
• Han Solo inspired popcorn bucket with popcorn

Guest who attend the event will also have the chance to meet and greet with Disney characters, Disney Design Group artists, and Ashley Eckstein from her universe.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Joins Star Wars Rebels for Season 2:

Disney XD's Star Wars Rebels first season ended last night and now for season someone new will be joining the cast. Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar is joining the cast for season 2 of the animated series. The role will be a recurring role on the show. The voice cast for next season already has star-studded feel to it with Gellar's husband Freddie Prinze Jr., David Oyelowo, Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, and Taylor Gray.

Disney Parks Bringing Back Egg-stravaganza Hunt for Easter 2015:

Our last story is the arrival of what seems to be an annual event at the Disney Parks in the Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt. From March 27-April 5 the popular egg hunt will take place at Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, and Epcot. During the hunt guests will search for Disney character-themed eggs hidden throughout the parks, fill your map up and receive a prize. Guests must purchase their maps which will cost $4.95. Maps will be available to purchase at multiple locations throughout the parks. When you complete your hunt you may redeem your map for a prize that will look much like the eggs that you just hunted in smaller size. Prizes can be redeemed at the redemption location in each park (Elias & Co. in Disney's California Adventure, Disney Showcase in Disneyland, and Port of Entry in Epcot). 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 3, in 1983 EPCOT's Journey into Imagination sponsored by Kodak debuts. It will officially open two days later. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it's because he's so human; and that is the secret of his popularity."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today and I'm going to end it simply as I always do in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."