All the Details from Saturday's Destination D Parks Panel (Part 1)

Its been a while but what better to get back in the thick of things on Mickey's 90th birthday and to go over just what was announced during the Parks Panel yesterday morning at Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse. Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek kicked things off with announcements that Mickey's Mix Magic nighttime spectacular will debut on January 18 at Disneyland with all-new music, projections and lasers that set the scene for an epic dance party that takes over almost the entire park. Also returning in January will be Mickey's Soundsational Parade with a new float with Mickey himself.

Coming this May to Disney's Hollywood studios, a new nighttime cinematic spectacular experience, in the "Wonderful World of Animation" will debut in celebration with the park's 30th Anniversary. The show will use state of the art projection technology taking guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation beginning with Mickey himself. 

More details are to come later on the opening of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway which Chapek revealed yesterday that the attraction is about a year away from opening, setting it up to open in the Fall of 2019.

Next, Bob headed over to give us details about the revamp of Epcot revealing that besides the update of the circle vision show in China, the O' Canada show is also in the process of getting an update of the 360 degree show at the Canada pavilion. Just a few months ago though Disney announced that Illuminations: Reflections of Earth will be ending its run in the fall of 2019. It will be replaced with an interim show called, "Epcot Forever."

The show will feature classic Epcot tunes which will begin with a spark of imagination that will swell into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites. 

In 2020, "Epcot Forever" will be replaced with the main nighttime spectacular replacing Illuminations. This show will celebrate how Disney music inspires people all around the world. It will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers.

That's not all as Chapek revealed the name of the Ratatouille attraction coming to the France pavilion. It will be called Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. He also shared that a new Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long, will debut in France in addition to "Impressions de France." The show is being created by Don Hahn who produced both the animated and live-action films.

We are all excited for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge which will opening in Summer 2019 in Disneyland and Fall 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We now know what the two attractions will be called, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. We even received a first look into both attractions.

Smugglers Run will of course take guests right into the Millennium Falcon and feature Chewbacca and Hondo Ohnaka, right from "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and "Star Wars: Rebels." 

First Look at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run:


Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will take guests on a battle between the First Order and the Resistance including a face-off with Kylo Ren himself.

First Look at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance:

Both attractions will have optional interactive integration with the Play Disney Parks App which will invite guests to become galactic travelers and live their own Star Wars stories in a galaxy far, far away. That's not all as Bob Chapek revealed that Disney legend and Oscar-winning composer John Williams is currently creating new and original themes that will be played throughout Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Here is a preview of what Williams is creating:



Finally, Chapek shared new details on the Star Wars resort that will open next to Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

This groundbreaking experience is unlike any resort experience you’ve ever seen. From the moment you board your launch pod, it’s a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure aboard a luxury starship complete with high-end dining, space-view cabins and all of the exciting action you would expect from an authentic Star Wars experience.

Part two will include details on Disney's Riviera Resort and the new Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge plus our first look at the gondolas for the Disney Skyliner. 

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy Coming Early in 2019; New Image Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy Coming Early in 2019:

Toy Story Land may be opening tomorrow but today during the media event of What's Coming it was announced that a new show will debut in early 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that’ll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney Pixar’s “Cars.”

It will be located near Rock 'N' Roller Coaster (most likely in the Sunset Showcase Theater). In Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy you will come you’ll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who is excited to showcase what he’s learned over the years with you – the next generation of rookie racers. Of course, as Lightning McQueen has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course. With friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

Will you be ready to rev your engines up when Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy debuts early next year?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Image Unveiled for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway:

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy wasn't the only news to come out of the media event as a new image for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway was also unveiled.

The attraction will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction.
The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway although not announced officially is expected to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios sometime in Summer 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Location Confirmed for Star Wars Immersive Resort at Disney's Hollywood Studios

We learned on Sunday that the village inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be called Black Spire Outpost. Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed the location of the exclusive Star Wars immersive resort planned for Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

It is currently in development on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive. It will be seamlessly connected to Galaxy's Edge which will allow guests to fully immerse themselves into the story of Star Wars.

This experience stands out among all of our destinations around the globe. Families visiting this destination will board a starship that comes alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every cabin window has views of space! Guests visiting the multi-day adventure will also be welcome to participate as a resident of the Galaxy by dressing in Star Wars-inspired attire.

Stay tuned for future updates on the immersive Star Wars Resort and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in the coming months. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Village Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Named

Village Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Named:

During last night's Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we got some new details on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Last week it was officially announced that Galaxy's Edge would open Summer 2019 in Disneyland and late Fall 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Guests will travel to the outer rim to the planet of Batuu and last night we learned that the village on Batuu will be called Black Spire Outpost. 

The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

That's not all as we got our first look as the full size AT-AT's that are part of the unnamed Battle of the First Order attraction where guests will hop on a Resistance transport and be taken right into the middle of the battle. Guests will also see a familiar character from the saga will be recognized while visiting Batuu in Nien Nunb. 

There was more as there will be a stall full of creatures from the Star Wars universe on Batuu. This will include the famous Loth-Cats that may just be walking around the planet itself much like the rumored droids that will be roaming Galaxy's Edge. Loth-Cats are from Clone Wars as well as most recently ended "Star Wars Rebels" series.

We are getting closer and closer to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and stay tuned to hear even more details about Batuu and Black Spire Outpost in the coming months. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Opening Seasons for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, First Look at Edna Mode, and More

Just Announced: Opening Seasons for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge:

It is official as the Disney Parks Blog just announced a short while ago that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open in Summer 2019 at Disneyland and late Fall 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. 

To get us even more for the new fully immersed land they dropped another sneak peak of what guests can expect when they enter the new world:

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at Edna Mode Coming to Disney Parks:

As announced a few weeks ago Edna Mode from "The Incredibles" will be making her debut at Disney Parks. Today, we got our first look and when she will make her official debut at Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure Park.

At Walt Disney World, Edna Mode will make her debut at the Magic Kingdom starting this weekend when "Incredible Summer" kicks off for Memorial Day weekend. Guests will be able to visit the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo to party with the characters from "Incredibles 2" including Edna Mode herself.

At Disney California Adventure, she will be jetting over to greet with guests on June 15 just in time for the debut of "Incredibles 2" as part of Pixar Fest. Edna Mode will continue to favor us with her presence to celebrate the opening of Pixar Pier later this Summer. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Dates Announced for Festival of the Holiday and Candlelight Processional at Epcot:

We have one more announcement today from the Disney Parks Blog. Today, they announced the official dates for Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays and the famous Candlelight Processional. The International Festival of the Holidays will return on November 18 through December 30. The Candlelight Processional will open for the first time ever on Thanksgiving this year on November 22 and run through December 30. 

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites guests to discover holiday cheer throughout the park and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. Evenings during this time are topped off with a special holiday presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”
The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests, is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

Stay tuned in the coming months as the narrators will be announced for the Candlelight Processional as well details on the always popular dining packages.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

All in the Details: Sneak Peak of Toy Story Land Opening June 30

The countdown is on as Toy Story Land will be officially open in less than 60 days when it debuts on June 30 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, we got several sneak peaks of the new 11-acre land including some special live looks inside the land on ABC's Good Morning America, The View, The Chew, and on Nightline. 

We got a full ride-through on the newest family coaster that will debut in the land in Slinky Dog Dash. Andy has used his Mega Coaster Play Kit to build the new family coaster in his backyard. Check out the full ride through below:

As announced a few weeks ago Wheezy will appear inside Toy Story Land during their ride on Slinky Dog Dash.

Yesterday, Walt Disney Imagineers shared them installing Wheezy and how they brought him to life in a sneak peak video on the Disney Parks Blog. At the end of the attraction, Wheezy will be singing, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” assisted by Mike (the tape recorder), who's provided him with a microphone, and Mr. Spell, who “texts” funny commentary. The friends are surrounded by a collection of toys, including a Rubik’s cube, a canister for a game called Pick-Up Snakes, toy wooden blocks spelling out F-U-N, and toy packages for an RC Car and a triangle puzzle game, all framed by a towering book, Mr. Pricklepants Songs for Singing. Check out the behind the scenes look below:

That's not all as we got our first up close look at the ride vehicles on Alien Swirling Saucers. At Alien Swirling Saucers, an attraction that's  been designed to look like a toy from Pizza Planet and placed in Andy's backyard next to his Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command playset, Aliens fly around in their toy flying saucers while “The Claw” appears overhead. As guests whirl around the toy planets and space stations as part of the game, they’ll swirl to the beat of a fun electronic space music soundtrack that includes eight songs that may sound familiar, but will be heard in a quirky way you’ve never experienced before. Guests will also see pizza details throughout the attraction, including pizza columns, a pizza space station and the Planet Pepperonia.

Entertainment in the land will include Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps, who will march through the land several times a day and stop to play “Sarge Says” with guests, and other games with a larger-than-life Pixar ball and crayons. Guests also have the option to join in on their interactive boot camp to see if they have what it takes to become an official recruit in Andy’s Backyard.

Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios opens June 30. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Sweet Spells to Close Next Week; Meet & Greet Cuts Coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Sweet Spells to Close Next Week for Good:

A few months ago it was rumored that Sweet Spells and its sweet and delicious treats at Disney's Hollywood Studios would close and a Toy Story Land merchandise shop would take its place. The major renovation on the site will begin on April 16 which means the last day of operation for Sweet Spells will be April 15. 

Reel Vogue will remain open while the renovation takes place. Once the work is complete on the new store, Beverly Sunset will be the go to location for Toy Story Land merchandise as the land itself will not have a storefront that sells merchandise besides carts that will carry themed-items from the land. 

The good news is select treats from Sweet Spells will be available at other locations within Disney's Hollywood Studios. Beverly Sunset once it opens will also sell some pre-packaged snacks. 

Source: WDW News Today

Meet & Greet Cuts Coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Several fan favorite meet & greets at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be ending within the next few weeks. The first in Baloo and King Louie who meet with guests in the Upcountry Landing in Asia will stop meeting with guests after April 14. 

Over at Discovery Trails West near the Tree of Life, guests will be seeing the end of the meet & greet with Flik from "A Bug's Life." This meet & greet will end after Flik meet with guests for the final time on April 22. 

Source: WDW News Today

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced; Wheezy Installed in Toy Story Land

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced:

For the 23rd year, Epcot will once again welcome guests for the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year's festival will bring 75 days of fun, entertainment, events, and of course the main course of the festival in delicious food and tasty drinks. 

This year's festival will begin August 30 and run through November 12, 2018. This year’s festival will also continue the tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

While very little details for the 23rd annual festival, guests can watch TasteEpcot.com for updates and be sure to stay tuned in the future for more details on this year's celebrity chef events, "Eat to Beat" concerts, dining packages, Marketplace Menus, and so much more.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Wheezy Installed Inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

We are all patiently waiting for June 30 to arrive for when Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios to open. Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared an image of Wheezy being installed by Walt Disney Imagineers inside the amazing new land.

You can see Wheezy and all of Toy Story Land when it opens for guests on June 30, 2018. 

Get a Sneak Peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge With New Flyover Video

We are all patiently (NOT!) waiting to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, during the annual shareholders meeting, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger gave a sneak peak of the progress on both lands with a flyover of the construction site. It was then later shared on the Disney Parks Blog.

Check out the video below:

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Updates Revealed This Week About Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & Star Wars Hotel

This week we received some new images of what's coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios next year. First Imagineers show us how they are bringing the Millennium Falcon to life for the new remote planet.

Back in December it was revealed that Walt Disney Imagineers were going to bring a fleet of life-size X-wings to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This week we got an up close look at one of those X-wings as they are ready to arrive on the new planet. 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open first in Disneyland and then sometime soon after at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in 2019. 

Finally, though we got another update as we got another look with some live images of the Star Wars-inspired resort coming to Walt Disney World. As reported earlier this month the resort will be seamlessly connected to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Guests staying at the luxurious resort will be even welcomed to dress in Star Wars-inspired attire. 

The immerse experience offered at this hotel will stand out among all of the other resorts around the globe. As you can see, families visiting this amazing resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that will unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space! Check out one more live image released for the Star Wars resort.



As of now an opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort has not been announced.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Offer Daily Extra Magic Hours Once Toy Story Land Opens

Like Disney's Animal Kingdom last year when Pandora: The World of Avatar opened, Disney's Hollywood Studios will offer daily Extra Magic Hours once Toy Story Land opens. This will at least be through all of July and one would think will last until Labor Day weekend in September.

On opening day of the land on June 30, the park will be opened from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. and will follow up with opening from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. The park will also have Extra Magic Morning hours from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. daily. That's not all as every Friday, Disney's Hollywood Studios will have Extra Evening Magic Hours from 10 p.m. until midnight. This of course will all be exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort guests.

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios will open on June 30, 2018.

Source: WDW News Today

Toy Story Land to Open June 30 at Disney's Hollywood Studios

As reported this morning that a big announcement would be made about Toy Story Land on Good Morning America. We finally have an opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The new 11-acre land will open officially on June 30, 2018, about a month later than the originally speculated Memorial Day Weekend in May. Here is the announcement:



When it opens, guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Slinky and Jessie. The new family fun roller coaster will have a height requirement of 38".

Families will also be able to take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won from Pizza Planet. Here, adorable little green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead. Alien Swirling Saucers will have a height requirement of 32".

Check out this new concept art above for the brand new entrance to Toy Story Mania for when the new land opens for the classic attraction that has been part of the park since 2008. 

Let's not forget, Woody’s Lunch Box – actually, Andy’s lunch box that he’s set on its side – will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.

Here are some more fun facts on Toy Story Land that were released today:

· More than 400 toy blocks fill Andy’s backyard.

· Andy’s footprint is about 25 feet long or the equivalent of a size 240 shoe.

· You would need a backpack the size of a school bus to carry the Buzz and Woody figures that tower over Toy Story Land

Source: Disney Parks Blog

News Coming this Morning on Good Morning America About Toy Story Land

It looks like we will be finally getting an opening date for Toy Story Land. This morning Disney Parks released a video of Slinky Dog making his way through Times Square in New York. He is on his way to Good Morning America for some big news. 

The announcement according to the video released is said to be around 8:35 a.m. ET. Toy Story Land is the new immersive 11-acre land that will bring guests into Andy's Backyard from the beloved film franchise. It will include two brand new attractions in Slinky Dog Dash coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers and a brand new quick service restaurant in Woody's Lunch Box. 

Check out the video below of the Slinky Dog traveling through Times Square preparing for the big announcement this morning:

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Updates from the D23 Expo Japan Last Night

Due to some extenuating circumstances last night I didn't get to share all the news that was shared last night/or this morning at the D23 Expo Japan by Disney Parks & Resorts President Bob Chapek. Although as much as we were hoping to hear an official opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, that was not to be as it was not announced. We are still in the dark as to when it will open even though the long heard rumors still remain as Memorial Day weekend are as strong as ever.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will open sometime in 2019 and we got some new concept art (seen above) along with some new details on the ride. It will feature a brand new catchy theme songcreated especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins when guests will see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where they're the star and anything can happen.

Also opening in 2019 will be Star Wars: Galaxies Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but that wasn't the news they strove for as we got more details on the most-immersive resort that will be built on a Disney Parks property. The new Star Wars' themed resort will combine luxury and complete immersion into the Star Wars Universe.

Guests will take a multi-day journey by boarding a starship that will be alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy. They will become active citizens in the galaxy and even dress in proper attire during their stay. Every resort window will have a view into space. 

The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will allow for a total Star Wars experience that is out of this world. There is no official opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort.

It was confirmed a while ago that the Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction coming to Epcot that it would be a roller coaster, last night Bob Chapek officially confirmed that. The one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot. It will feature a unique story created by Walt Disney Imagineering that will 'wow' guests as part of a new innovative ride system. 

 “As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

This amazing attraction will open in time for Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ticket Prices, Parking, Minnie Van Service, and Locker Rentals Price Increases Go Into Effect Today

As it was reported just a few days ago that tickets at Walt Disney World would once again see a price increase, as they do around this time every year.  That was in fact true as ticket prices did increase as of today. You can get a complete rundown of just how much everything is increasing by reading my post from the other day here. 

Tickets weren't the only thing that increased today however as parking, use of the Minnie Van Service, and locker rentals at the park also saw price increases today. 

Parking:

Regular Parking saw an increase from $20 to $22, a $2 increase. Preferred Parking saw a $5 increase going from $40 to $45. As always once a guest purchases parking for one park, parking for the rest of the day at any of the other parks at no additional cost with receipt. 

Minnie Van Service:

The new Minnie Van Service that just began in July after the D23 Expo announcement will also see a price increase. It will no longer cost $20 to get anywhere on property as it will now cost $25 per trip to get you anywhere.

Locker Rentals:

As of right now there hasn't been any reports of how much locker rentals at the parks have gone up so stay tuned as once we find out it will be right here. 

Annual Walt Disney World Ticket Increases Expected to Go Into Effect This Sunday

It's that time of year again and is expected that Walt Disney World ticket prices for both regular guests and Annual PassHolders will go into effect this Sunday, February 11. Here is what is rumored to be the changes for this coming year:

Magic Kingdom Single Day Tickets:

• Value: From $107 to $109; $2 increase
• Regular: From $115 to $119; $4 increase
• Peak: From $124 to $129: $5 increase

Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Single Day Tickets:

• Value: From $99 to $102; $3 increase
• Regular: From $107 to $114; $7 increase
• Peak: From $119 to $122; $3 increase

Park Hopper Option for Single Day Tickets:

• Value: From $162 to $164; $2 increase
• Regular: From $170 to $174; $4 increase
• Peak: From $174 to $184; $10 increase

Multi-Day Park Tickets:

• 2-Day - From $199 to $209; $10 increase
• 3-Day - From $289 to $325; $36 increase
• 4-Day - From $350 to $400; $50 increase
• 5-Day - From $370 to $415; $45 increase

Annual Passholders:

Disney Silver Pass - New: $419 to $439, a $20 increase. Renewal: $356 to $373, a $17 increase

Disney Gold Pass - New: $559 to $589, a $30 increase. Renewal: $475 to $500, a $25 increase

Disney Platinum Pass - New Florida Resident - $679 to $729, $50 increase. Renewal: $653 to $704,  a $51 increase. Non-Resident New: $779 to $849, a $70 increase. Renewal: $662 to $721, a $59 increase.

Disney Platinum Plus Pass - New Florida Resident: $769 to $829, a $60 increase. Renewal: $653 to $704, a $51 increase. Non-Resident New: $869 to $949, a $80 increase. Renewal: $738 to $806, a $68 increase. 

These new prices do not include tax. As in recent year's the old prices are in effect until they officially increase which is expected to go into effect this Sunday, February 11. 

Source: WDW News Today

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Remain Plus Toy Story Land Details; Game of Thrones Creators to Produce and Write New Star Wars Films

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Remain Plus Toy Story Land Details:

Disney must have seen the rumors floating and today released a statement on the future of Disney's Hollywood Studios and a possible name change. That name change that I mentioned on Sunday, Disney Cinemagine Park, seems to be on hold for the foreseeable future. Here is what they said in post on the Disney Parks Blog:

"In response to questions we have been receiving, we also want to let fans know that the Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will remain the same for the foreseeable future since we are immersing our guests in a place where imagined worlds of Hollywood unfold around them from movies and music, to television and theater."

 Now to the other news in some new concept art from Toy Story Land and Alien Swirling Saucers. We got our first look at the new attraction for the land that will open this Summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Once the aliens have powered up their flying saucers, you’ll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as aliens lead the way on an interstellar romp set to an out-of-this-world beat. And if you’re really lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw!

Other news out of Toy Story Land today is that Slinky Dog Dash will have an on-ride photo for guests to create memories on the brand new roller coaster.

It is not confirmed but it will most likely be set up much like the Seven Dwarves Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom where the picture and on-ride video is directly linked to the guests Magic Band.

Sources: Disney Parks Blog and Blog Mickey

Game of Thrones Creators to Produce and Write New Star Wars Films:

Yesterday, it was announced that there will be even more Star Wars films. These are different from the films that "The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson was picked to direct last year. These films will be written and produced by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Here is the official press release from Star Wars:

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going from Winterfell to a galaxy far, far away.
It was announced today that Benioff and Weiss, creators of the smash-hit, Emmy Award-winning television series Game of Thrones, will write and produce a new series of Star Wars films. 

These new films will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently-announced trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.  

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.” 

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.” 

No release dates have been set for the new films, and there have (thankfully) been no sightings of White Walkers around Lucasfilm.

Source: StarWars.com

Just When Will Disney's Hollywood Studios Change Its Name?

In the last few weeks we have heard from Disney insider Len Testa that Disney had finalized on a new name for Disney's Hollywood Studios in Disney Cinemagine Park. Yes, I know not very exciting or even thrilling. Testa said he and another Disney Insider and legend Jim Hill would reveal more about the new name on their Disney Dish Podcast.

That episode has finally been released and Testa and Hill revealed that the new name in Disney Cinemagine Park would be announced at the media event of when Walt Disney World opens Toy Story Land at the park according to sources. Which according to him will in fact open Memorial Day Weekend in May.

The park wouldn't officially change names until the end of 2018 beginning of 2019 in preparation of when Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge open. In preparation of the park changing names of course Disney will have plenty of special edition merchandise for fans to say "Goodbye to Hollywood" as the park gets ready to change its name for a second time since it opened.

The park which opened in 1989 will also be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year and opened as Disney's MGM Studios until Disney and MGM ended their deal together in 2008.

It is rumored that Disney had chosen Disney Cinemagic Park but didn't want guests to be confused with their main park in Magic Kingdom, so Disney Cinemagine Park it is. If you notice Disney has also chosen Disney Cinemagine Park instead of Disney's Cinemagine Park in a sort of new branding for the company.

You can listen to the full episode of the Disney Disney with Len Testa and Jim Hill here. We have less than a year left of Disney's Hollywood Studios before the name change. What do you think of the name Disney Cinemagine Park?

Source: Disney Dish Podcast

Is This The Opening Date for TRON Lightcycle?; Walt Disney World's 'Incredible Summer at All 4 Parks

Is This The Opening Date for TRON Lightcycle Power Run?

According to recent permit filings, an opening date just may have been revealed for Magic Kingdom's newest coaster in the TRON Lightcycle Power Run. Announced last July at the D23 Expo, the coaster is expected to be done just in time for the park's 50th Anniversary. With this new permit filing that just may be true as filings show that work is expected to be done barring delays will be completed by August 16, 2021.

Work on TRON Lightcycle Power Run is expected to begin this coming week in Tomorrowland on February 6. You can see the attraction which is the same as was built in Shanghai Disneyland ,although it is rumored the one Magic Kingdom is expected to be longer, and its complete run-through below:

Are you as excited as I am for the TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster coming to the Magic Kingdom? 2021 can't come soon enough.

Walt Disney World's 'Incredible Summer' at All 4 Parks:

We are just a few months away from Summer kicking off at Walt Disney World. Yesterday, several new experiences were announce for the 'Incredible Summer' kicking off at all four parks and Disney Springs. Check out what was announced below:

Magic Kingdom:

The Incredibles will be taking over Tomorrowland for an incredible dance party. Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. [NOTE: Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters June 15, 2018.]

Epcot:

Guardians of the Galaxy featuring Star-Lord and Gamora and be joined by an alien band will be taking the stage this Summer at Epcot. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction coming to the park in 2021.

Animal Kingdom:

There will be two new 'incredible' experiences coming just in time for Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary. First up, guests will discover new bird species from around the world in the new show, "Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure" which stars Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and Dug. There will also be a 'dino-tastic' celebration where Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, USA in a new character celebration. 

That's not all as beginning tomorrow Jose and Panchito from "The Three Caballeros" will join the Discovery Island Carnivale through May 5. The nightly dance party celebrates the beauty and harmony of all living things in the form of an exuberant dance party that features cheerful music from the Viva Gaia Street Band!, spectacular costumes inspired by the living creatures of the air, land and sea, and more.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The big hit this summer of course will be Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Of course no official opening date has been announced, although still expected to be Memorial Day Weekend. Guests can expect to enjoy 2 brand new attractions in Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers and a new quick service restaurant in Woody's Lunch Box in the new 11-acre land. 

Stay tuned for an official opening date of Toy Story Land which should be announced in the coming days or weeks. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May; Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May:

Star Wars: Galactic Nights will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios this May 27, two days after the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The after park hours event will be held from 7 p.m. until midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverage, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Here is some of the stuff you can expect:

Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.

Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights

Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.

Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.

Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more information on Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time:

Happily Ever After has officially moved to an earlier start time at least for the winter months. The fireworks spectacular from now until March 10, 2018 will move to be presented at 7:55 p.m. nightly. Originally, the show was presented at 8 p.m. nightly. No reason has been given as to why the spectacular was moved to 5 minutes earlier nightly.