Tickets on Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire; Disney Sets Dates for Filming of Holiday Specials

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.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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. 

Source: The DIS

The Last Jedi Trailer Coming Tomorrow, Stitch Meet & Greet Opens, and More

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer Coming Tomorrow:

The next trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is in fact premiering tomorrow during halftime of the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Monday Night Football game on ESPN. Star Wars on its social media pages officially teased the trailer this morning. 

Get ready. Trailer tomorrow. #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/woC9KF4GH8

— Star Wars (@starwars) October 8, 2017

Guests visiting Disneyland more specifically Downtown Disney can watch the premiere of the trailer on a giant screen outside of AMC Downtown Disney Theaters 12. The fun will begin at 5 p.m. with a live DJ, trivia, giveaways all while counting down to the premiere of "The Last Jedi" trailer. Tickets for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will in fact go on sale officially after the premiere of the trailer.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" soars into theaters on December 15.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Stitch Meet & Greet Opens Up at Magic Kingdom:

The new Stitch's Alien Encounter Character Greeting officially opened up at Magic Kingdom. The new meet & greet is indeed in the former queue of the current seasonally operating Stitch's Great Escape. 

The hours for the meet & greet will be from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., hours for the character greeting will fluctuate daily. Disney is still saying that Stitch's Great Escape will operate seasonally saying that the ride is not closing for good. 

Rumors have been swirling since last year since the attraction began operating seasonally that the ride would be replaced with possibly a Wreck-It-Ralph attraction. Many expected an announcement during the D23 Expo, but to no avail there was no announcement. Stitch's Great Escape is expected to be replaced before Walt Disney World's and Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Walls Go Up Around Universe of Energy:

It was inevitable that it would happen but walls have officially gone up as of yesterday around the Universe of Energy. Construction has already begun on the new Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster that is expected to be completed by 2021. Ellen's Energy Adventure and Universe of Energy closed August 13. 

Source Image: WDW News Today

Star Wars Force Friday II at Disney Parks Plus Find the Force Experience

Star Wars Force Friday II is coming next Friday, September 1 in a worldwide event to celebrate new merchandise for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." A special event is coming to Disney Parks at both Downtown Disney in Disneyland and Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Here are the details for both events. 

Disneyland Resort – World of Disney Store, Downtown Disney District


Pre-registration for the Force Friday II event is required for guests attending the event in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.

Registration will be accepted only on DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning August 24 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) / 2:00 p.m. (Eastern).

Once registered, guests will receive additional instructions via email. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1.

Walt Disney World Resort – World of Disney, Disney Springs


For guests attending the event at Disney Springs, registration for Force Friday II will take place outside the World of Disney store entrance across from Basin on August 31 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Guests will be given a numbered wristband on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a wristband is received, guests are invited to return to World of Disney by 11:30 p.m. where they will be lined up in sequential order. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1.

Please park in the Lime Parking Garage at Disney Springs for shopping convenience.

That's not all as if you aren't able to be in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, you will be able to Find the Force at retailers worldwide.

To celebrate Force Friday II, fans can reveal new and favorite characters from Star Wars: The Last Jedi in augmented reality, and help the Resistance find information about key personnel:

• Download the Star Wars app (for iPhone® and Android™) and launch the “Find The Force” feature.
• Starting September 1, look for Star Wars graphics with the “Find The Force” logo at participating retail locations and websites. Click here for full list.
• Scan these graphics using the “Find The Force” feature to reveal AR character experiences.
• A data chip will be unlocked each time a new AR character experience is revealed. Unlock digital rewards as you collect more data chips!
• Each graphic reveals a different AR character experience every day from September 1-3.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" uses the force and flies into theaters on December 16, 2017.

Sources: Disney Parks Blog and StarWars.com

New VR Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire; "American Idol" Bus Tour at Disney Springs

New VR Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney:

The VOID is bringing an all new hyper-reality Star Wars experience later this year to both Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland. The new experience will be called Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. 

Beginning this holiday season, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport you to a galaxy far, far away where you’ll be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. It’ll even allow environmental effects to be felt using Haptic feedback – melding the physical and digital worlds together. So, you don’t just see the Star Wars universe, you’re part of it at Disney Parks.

More details on this new experience on both coasts will be released in the coming months, so stay tuned for them and more right here on It All Started With a Mouse.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"American Idol" Bus Tour Auditions Coming to Disney Springs:

"American Idol" will make its comeback in 2018 on ABC but first the hit show will have some of its auditions at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Auditions will kick off in Disney Springs with the "American Idol" Bus Tour. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

If you think you could be the next “American Idol”, head over to Disney Springs on August 17 to audition with “American Idol” Producers. (Celebrity Judges will not be on site.) Early arrival is encouraged. And, for you early birds, parking will be available as early as 4 a.m. – but not before. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. with auditions starting at 8 a.m. Early arrival is encouraged, as registration will close at 12:00 p.m or sooner due to capacity. No overnight camping please.
The auditions will take place outdoors, so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay in top shape for your audition. Parking will be available at the surface parking lot on the West Side of Disney Springs, near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil.
All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-Registration is encouraged. To Pre-Register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com. Those auditioning can bring one guest to accompany them and the guest must be over 5 years old.

The search is on, will you become the next American Idol?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Finding Dory" Blu-Ray/Digital HD Release Date Set; Disneyland Downtown Disney Discontinuing Valet Service

"Finding Dory" Blu-Ray/Digital HD Release Date Set:

"Finding Dory" will be making its way to Blu-Ray on November 15 and on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on October 25. There will be over an hour of deleted scenes released with the film that will include a scene with the Tank Gang called, "Starting Over," which is 20 minutes alone. It is available for pre-order now. When you pre-order on the DisneyStore.com a set of limited edition lithographs will come with the movie release.

Here are the other bonus features coming with "Finding Dory":

Deleted Scenes (with Introductions):

• General Introduction (:48)
• Losing Nemo (4:48) – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone.
• Sleep Swimming (2:50) – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past.
• Tank Gang (15:17) (DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from Finding Nemo, who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary.
• Little Tension in Clown Town (7:09) – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to ‘follow her fins’ to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion.
• Meeting Hank (3:15) – Wandering the Marine Life Institute’s elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus.
• The Pig (1:55) – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device.
• Dory Dumped (5:30) – In this early version of the story, Dory’s parents had short-term memory loss as well.
• Starting Over (21:24) – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to Finding Nemo.

Animation and Acting (6:36) – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators.

Casual Carpool (3:34) – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join Finding Dory writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work.

Creatures Features (2:51) – The cast of Finding Dory share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.

Deep in the Kelp (3:08) – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the Finding Dory crew went to make Dory’s world feel real.

Dory’s Theme (4:42) – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of Finding Dory about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.

Finding Nemo as told by Emoji (2:37) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Fish Schticks (3:23) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) (1:55)- Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang.

Rough Day on the Reef (1:04) – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making Finding Dory.

The Octopus that Nearly Broke Pixar (8:39) – Pixar’s ‘Team Hank’ unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever.

What Were We Talking About? (4:16) – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss.

Skating and Sketching with Jason Deamer (4:01) – Finding Dory character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.

Living Aquariums: Sea Grass (:34); Open Ocean (:32); Sting Rays (:32); Swim to the Surface (5:57) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

International Trailers: Sleep Swimming – United States (1:37); Theatrical Payoff – Japan (2:00); Journey – Russia (2:22) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Audio Commentary (1:33:00) – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on Finding Dory.

Theatrical Short Piper (5:46) – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore.

Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital Exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie.  And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight.

"Finding Dory" will be swimming into your hands on Blu-Ray/Digital HD very soon.

Disneyland Downtown Disney Discontinuing Valet Service:

According to a report by WDW News Today, Downtown Disney at Disneyland will be discontinuing their valet service beginning this Saturday, September 10, 2016. They said Disney is not giving any reason for the discontinuation.

It is said to be likely related to Disneyland's expansion of its park as well as the new resort being built. The space of the valet service is rumored to be the new space for a parking structure that will be shared by the new hotel and Downtown Disney. 

Disney Announces Plans for New Luxury Hotel for Disneyland to be Completed by 2021

Disney has proposed to the City of Anaheim that it will begin construction on Disneyland's 4th Disney-themed hotel in 2018 and have a completion date by 2021. They termed the new hotel a "flagship hotel" with 700 rooms, a four-diamond hotel and parking structure. The hotel will be built on the 10 acres of 1401 Disneyland Drive, the north end of the Downtown Disney parking lot. 

In an article by the OC Register it said, "Walt Disney Imagineering will design the hotel, which currently does not have a theme, Disneyland officials said. Guests will sit on a rooftop deck to watch Disneyland’s nightly fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, there will be signature restaurants, two pools, a fitness facility, concierge service and a kid’s play area."

While no theming has been announced look at the above concept art of at least one of the pools, who is in the middle of the pool but Dory, Nemo, and Marlin. Could the pool area be themed to "Finding Dory" or "Finding Nemo"?

Next up is the concept image where you can see guests greeting Mickey Mouse in the lobby of the new resort. To achieve the 4-diamond rating from AAA, Disney will have to spend $225,000/guest room which includes $30,000 in furniture, fixtures, and equipment in each room.

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said on the proposal, “This new flagship hotel would create thousands of jobs and benefit Anaheim with more than $750 million in additional tax revenue over the next four decades, while helping the city reach its stated goal of attracting more high-end visitors."

The new hotel would be first hotel built in Disneyland in 20 years once its completed. It will join the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, and the Grand Californian as the only Disney-owned hotels on Disneyland property. 

I hope this is a sign that Star Wars Land will be completed way before the hotel is in 2021 and not a sign that they will be opening them both in 2021. Are you excited for the new Four-Diamond Hotel coming to Disneyland?

D23 EXPO 2017 Dates Announced, The Writer's Stop to Remain Open for Now, and More

D23 EXPO 2017 Dates Announced:

The D23 EXPO will return in 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center for the fifth expo since it began in 2009. The event which is held every other year will happen July 14-16, 2017. A month earlier than this past year's expo which was held in August.

Highlights already planned for the expo include the Disney Legends Ceremony, an all-new Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Mousequerade (the D23 Expo's costume contest), the D23 EXPO Emporium where guests can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, merchandise, and more, as well as the D23 EXPO Design Challenge. Details on the Design Challenge and the Mousequerade will be released at a later date.

More from the press release:

"The 2017 Expo will feature a massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain guaranteed seats for some of Expo’s most popular presentations, and StorePass, which allows priority entry to select shopping venues at the event, will once again enhance the guest experience. Hall D23, the popular presentation and performance venue featuring more than 7,000 seats, will return, as will Stage 23, Stage 28, and Center Stage."

D23 members will receive special pricing on both one and three day tickets to the event which is open to the public. D23 Gold and Charter members will also receive special benefits. Gold members will also have the opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which will host a variety of special benefits and amenities. Ticket prices for the 2017 D23 EXPO will be announced this summer.

The Writer's Stop to Remain Open for Now at Hollywood Studios:

The Writer's Stop will remain open for now at Hollywood Studios instead of closing at the end of day this Saturday, April 2nd. Instead, beginning April 3 the shop will open at 11:30 a.m. and close 1 hour prior to close of the adjacent Sci-Fi Dine-in restaurant. 

Coffee will be served along with a new menu that will include pastries, pretzels, charcuterie, and a cheese plate will be offered along with alcoholic beverages. Also on the merchandise side, the shop will have a new wide range of home and kitchen goods will be available. 

The Writer's Stop was scheduled to close along with a number of other attractions along Streets of America in Hollywood Studios to prepare for construction of the expansion of the park. No word on how long The Writer's Stop will remain open for. 

Two New Clips for "The Jungle Book" Released Plus Disney Parks Blog Early Screening:

Over the weekend and today we got two new clips from Disney's upcoming live action re-make of "The Jungle Book" that is due out on April 15. The first clip is called "Hibernation" which shows Mowgli and Baloo getting ready for Baloo's supposed hibernation, even though bears in the jungle don't hibernate. Check it out:

The next clip which was released today called, "Mowgli Leaves the Pack," shows Bagheera trying to convince Raksha that its time for Mowgli to leave the only pack or family he knows. Check it out:

 

The Disney Parks Blog announced today that it will be showing an advanced screening of "The Jungle Book" this Saturday, April 2 at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at Disneyland. The event sold out quickly.

"Frozen - Live at the Hyperion" to Open May 27; Second Starbucks Coming to Disneyland Downtown Disney

"Frozen - Live at the Hyperion" to Open May 27:

"Frozen - Live at the Hyperion", the new musical replacing Aladdin, will open May 27 at Disney California Adventure the Disney Parks Blog announced today. Here is what they said about the show:

The Creative Entertainment team, led by Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment Portfolio Executive Dana Harrel, is hard at work bringing to the stage a production that stays true to the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa while presenting a unique take on the material through elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. To bring this vision to life, Dana and her team are collaborating with some of the most noted talents working in theater today including Director Liesl Tommy (Broadway’s “Eclipsed”), Writer Chad Beguelin (Tony Award® nominee for “Disney’s Aladdin” and “The Wedding Singer”), Musical Supervisor and Arranger Jason Michael Webb (Musical Director for Broadway’s “The Color Purple”), Puppet Designer Michael Curry (Tony Award® winner for “Disney’s The Lion King”) and more!

With the opening of the new musical, we will be saying goodbye to "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" which will be ending officially on April 17, 2016. In the coming months, the Disney Parks Blog will share sneak peaks of the new musical that will lead up to the grand debut on May 27.

Second Starbucks Location Coming to Disneyland Downtown Disney:

A second Starbucks location will be coming to Disneyland's Downtown Disney District in 2016. The new location will be located next to Disney Vacation Club on the west end of the Downtown Disney District. 

Disneyland-goers, are you excited for another Starbuck's location?

EW Releases Exclusive 'Force Awakens' Stills; 'The Good Dinosaur' Weekend on Both Coasts; and More

Entertainment Weekly Releases Exclusive 'Force Awakens' Stills:

It's been a week filled with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" new, and today is no different. Today, Entertainment Weekly released exclusive photos from the film that weren't seen in any of the footage already released. This is in cohesion with the release of their special 'Force Awakens' issue that is due out on stands this Friday. Here are some of the photos credited to Entertainment Weekly:

The rest of photos can be seen on the Entertainment Weekly photo gallery.

"The Good Dinosaur" Weekend Coming to Disney Parks:

Get a chance to celebrate the release of Disney/Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" during a special event next weekend November 21-22 at Disney Springs Florida Marketplace and Disneyland's Downtown Disney District. This is part of Dino Week that begin this Saturday, November 14.

During next weekend's event, guests in both locations will be treated to a live DJ and a Dinosaur Dance Party from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. As the sun sets, guests will be treated to meteor-shower lighting effects that will light up the night. Special decor, photo opportunities, and giveaways will also be available. T-Rex and the Rainforest Cafe will also be a part of the festivities.

Dino Week begins on Saturday kicking off on The Good Dinosaur's Facebook page where you can get to know the film's lead character Arlo the Apatosaurus, his unlikely but human friend Spot, and all of the T-Rexes, Raptors, Pterodactyls that they meet along the way. More details are expected to be released soon on the Disney Parks Blog. "The Good Dinosaur" hits movie theaters on Thanksgiving Day, November 25. 

New Trailer for Walt Disney Studios "The Finest Hours":

After yesterday's release of the first trailer for Disney Pixar's Finding Dory another trailer for a movie set to debut January 29, 2016, "The Finest Hours." The film is based on true story about the greatest small boat rescue in U.S. Coast Guard history. In 1952, after a massive Nor'Easter struck New England left the men on the SS Pendleton stranded. There were 32 men and only room for 12 on a 36-foot wooden lifeboat that was dispatched to save them.  Here is the trailer:

Bob Iger Enters Into 'Broadcasting & Cable' Hall of Fame; Pay Phones Becoming History at Disneyland

Bob Iger Enters Into 'Broadcasting & Cable' Hall of Fame:

Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger has been inducted into this year's class into the 'Broadcasting & Cable' Hall of Fame. Nearly 400 members have been inducted into the 'Broadcasting & Cable' Hall of Fame to date. Here is the press release from Disney:

October 21, 2015
Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger Enters ‘Broadcasting & Cable’ Hall of Fame
By Beth Deitchman, The Walt Disney Company


For 25 years, the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame has served as a gold standard within the broadcast industry, honoring the outstanding individuals whose influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. We’re proud that this year—the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary—The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger has joined this extraordinary group of pioneers, visionaries and stars of the electronic arts.

Mr. Iger, whose career began at ABC in 1974, was honored for his stewardship of The Walt Disney Company and his strategic vision focused on generating the best creative content possible, fostering innovation and utilizing the latest technology and expanding into new markets around the world. Mr. Iger officially joined the Disney senior management team in 1996 as Chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group, where he oversaw the broadcast television network and station group, cable television properties, and radio and publishing businesses and also guided the complex merger between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company. During Mr. Iger’s years with ABC, he obtained hands-on experience in every aspect of the television business—including news, sports, and entertainment—as well as in program acquisition, rights negotiations, and business affairs.

“I was lucky enough to know what I wanted to do at a very early age—thanks to watching the nightly news every single night with my parents. And I decided I wanted to be Walter Cronkite,” Mr. Iger said at the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Awards last night in New York City. “I eventually grew out of that—somewhere during my fourth or fifth month as a weatherman in Ithaca, New York. After making it through one winter, I figured I’d had enough experience giving people bad news and shifted my career goals… smartly. But, I never outgrew my fascination for television—which remains such a powerful storytelling medium in the world, even in this era of such vast change.”

Disney Legend Frank Gifford, who passed away August 9, was also honored with Broadcasting & Cable’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “He was an exceptional man who is missed by everyone who had the joy of seeing his talent on the field, the pleasure of watching his broadcasts, or the honor of knowing him,” Mr. Iger said.

Nearly 400 professionals have been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame to date. The 2015 Hall of Fame class includes:

• Ed Carroll—COO, AMC Networks, Inc.

• Michael T. Fries—president and CEO, Liberty Global


• Don Garber—commissioner, Major League Soccer; CEO, Soccer United Marketing


• Chris Geraci—president of National Broadcast, OMD


• Kathie Lee Gifford—cohost, fourth hour of NBC’s Today


• Robert A. Iger—chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company

• Lou LaTorre—president, advertising sales, Fox Cable Networks (Retired)

• Alfred C. Liggins III—chairman and CEO, TV One

• Philip J. Lombardo—CEO, Citadel Communications Company, L.P.


• Dave Lougee—president, Tegna Media


• Dr. Phil McGraw—host and executive producer, Dr. Phil


• Donna Speciale—president, Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales

We congratulate Mr. Iger and all of this year’s honorees.


Pay Phones Becoming History at Disneyland:

Photo Credit: Mark Eades, The Orange County Register

Pay Phones are slowly becoming a part of history at Disneyland. Due to the incredible growth of technology in cell phones, pay phones are just not needed as they were in the past. In an article from the OC Register said, "Resort officials said the phones were removed because there was no demand for them. They also said that anyone in the emergency could reach out to employees for help."

The phones have been in the park since the 1960's when AT&T along with Pacific Bell were major sponsors in Disneyland with the Circlevision attraction in Tomorrowland. The attraction showed the "America the Beautiful" film and showed the future of telephone technology. In the exit area, there was even a video phone, banks of pay phones, and large booths that would allow entire families to fit into the booth. Now, that area is all gone and in its place is a shop called Little Green Men Command Store.

Nothing is officially known if the pay phones in Disney California Adventure will be taken out, they still remain as of today. Pay phones still reside in Downtown Disney as well as all Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Disney Makes Dramatic Price Increases to Annual Passes for Disneyland and Disney World Overnight

Overnight, last night Disney dropped some news that has upset many Annual Passholders of their theme parks on both coasts. Dramatic price increases for annual passes at Disneyland and Disney World have been made and some have increased as much as $300 more. A Disney spokeswoman has said that the Annual Pass price hike is a way to "manage strong demand." Disney also said since the introduce of the Disneyland Annual Pass in 2001, the number of Annual Passes have increased by 250%, although they didn't reveal the exact number of Annual Passholders. “We have to look at ways to spread out our attendance throughout the year so we can accommodate demand and avoid bursting at the seams,” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek told The Wall Street Journal.

Here is a rundown of the new pricing for both parks:

Disney World:

Water Park Hopper Annual Pass
New - $110.00 Ages 10+; $99.00 Ages 3 –9
Renewal - $93.00 Ages 10+; $84.00 Ages 3 –9

Includes admission to:
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

No other inclusions, no block out dates.

Disney Gold Pass
New - $549.00
Renewal - $429.00

Includes admission to:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Theme Park Parking at Walt Disney World Resort

2015 Blockout dates:
- December:17 –31

2016 Blockout dates:
- January: 1
- March: 19 –31
- April: 1
- December 19 –31

2017 Blockout dates:
- January: 1 –2


Disney Platinum Pass - $549 to $749
Tourist New - $749.00
Tourist Renewal - $635.00
Florida Resident New - $649.00
Florida Resident Renewal - $649.00
Disney Vacation Club New - $649.00
Disney Vacation Club Renewal - $649.00
Tourist Charter - $615 Renewal ONLY
Florida Resident or DVC Charter - $539 Renewal ONLY

Includes admission to:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Also includes:
- Digital PhotoPassPlus downloads
- Theme Park Parking at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Platinum Plus Pass - $599 to $829
Tourist New - $829.00
Tourist Renewal - $705.00
Florida Resident New - $729.00
Florida Resident Renewal - $619.00
Disney Vacation Club New - $729.00
Disney Vacation Club Renewal - $619.00
Tourist Charter - $685 Renewal ONLY
Florida Resident or DVC Charter - $599 Renewal ONLY

Includes admission to:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Also includes:
- Digital PhotoPassPlus downloads
- Theme Park Parking at Walt Disney World Resort
- Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Disneyland:

Disney Southern California Pass
Renewals ONLY - $439
Parking can be added for $199

2015 Block out dates:
- All Saturdays
- November:11, 26 –27
- December:18, 21 –25, 28 –31

2016 Block out dates:
- All Saturdays
- January: 1, 3, 17
- February: 14 –15
- March: 20 –25, 27 –31
- April: 1
- May: 27, 29
- June: 10, 17, 22 –24
- July: 1, 3 –8, 10 –15, 17 –22, 24 –29, 31
- August: 1 –5, 7 –12, 14 –19, 21
- September: 4

Disney Southern California Select Pass
New- $329
Renewal - $319
Parking can be added for $199

2015 Block out dates:
- All Saturdays and Sundays
- November:11, 26 –27
- December:18, 21 –25, 28 –31

2016 Block out dates:
- All Saturdays and Sundays
- January: 1, 18
- February: 12, 15
- March: 18, 21 –25, 28 –31
- April: 1, 8, 15, 22
- May: 27, 30
- June: 3, 10, 13 –17, 20 –24, 27 –30
- July: 1, 4 –8, 11 –15, 18 –22, 25 –29
- August: 1 –5, 8 –12, 15 –19, 26

Disney Deluxe Pass
New / Renewal - $599
Parking can be added for $199

2015 Block out dates:
- November:27 –28
- December:19 –31

2016 Block out dates:
- January: 1 –2
- February: 13 –14
- March: 9, 25 –26
- April: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- May: 7, 14, 21, 28 –29
- June: 4, 11, 18, 25
- July: 2 –4, 9, 16, 23, 30
- August: 6, 13
- September: 3 –4

Disney Signature Pass
New- $849
Renewal - $799
DVC member New - $829
DVC member Renewal - $829 (not a typo)

Includes parking
Includes Digital PhotoPassPlus downloads

Blocked out December: 19 –31, 2015 and January: 1 –2, 2016

Disney Signature Plus Pass
New- $1049
Renewal - $989
DVC member New - $1029
DVC member Renewal - $1029 (not a typo)
Club 33 member New - $839
Club 33 member Renewal - $839

Includes parking
Includes Digital PhotoPassPlus downloads
No blockout dates

Disney Premier Passport:

New- $1439
Renewal - $1439
DVC member New - $1439
DVC member Renewal - $1439
Club 33 member New - $1151
Club 33 member Renewal - $1151

Includes admission to WDW and Disneyland Resort
Includes parking
Includes Digital PhotoPassPlus downloads
No blockout dates
Includes Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Parking also increased at Disneyland's Downtown Disney from $6 to $12 an hour with only two hours of free parking with an additional 2 hours with validation from a restaurant or movie.

Tables in Wonderland at Disney World Increases:

Disney has also announced a price increase in their Tables in Wonderland dining pass at Disney World. The price will increase $50 over what it used to be to $150 for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members and $175 for Florida Residents.

Disney Springs is Now Official

Goodbye Downtown Disney, Hello Disney Springs. Today, Downtown Disney officially became Disney Springs with a new website www.disneysprings.com and a little ceremony to ring in the new name. It also has changed its Twitter handle to @DisneySprings.

The Disney Parks blog is quoted in saying "the timing couldn't be better." Last week, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar opened in The Landing section of Disney Springs. Tomorrow, the new Morimoto Asia will be opening for guests.

Here is the new map for Disney Springs:

I am very excited to visit Disney Springs in the future. What does everybody think of the new and improved Disney Springs? How long will it take to remember that its not Downtown Disney anymore?

Downtown Disney to Become Disney Springs Next Week; Disney World Says Goodbye to Duffy; and More

Downtown Disney to Officially Become Disney Springs Next Week:

Well it's going to finally be official, as Walt Disney World will say goodbye to Downtown Disney next week as it officially becomes Disney Springs on Tuesday, September 29. Although construction won't be completed until sometime next year, the majority of work has been completed and the transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs is finally here.

The expansion has included new retail outlets and more restaurants including the new Morimoto Asia restaurant opening next week as well. It also opened two new 6,000-space parking garages. The name change event will take place across from the newly opened Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at 5 p.m.

Walt Disney World Saying Goodbye to Duffy:

Duffy the Disney Bear will no longer be greeting guests in Epcot, his last day will be October 3. He will be replaced by Daisy Duck in the current Duffy location after 5 years. The adjacent store from the meet & greet was stripped of Duffy merchandise and replaced with Star Wars and Marvel merchandise.

Duffy the Disney Bear debuted in 2010 on both coasts after unbridled success at Tokyo Disneyland. More experiences were planned, but never came about as sales of the plush never reached what Disney expected. Duffy is still expected to be sold in the parks and there are no plans at this time to retire the nightly bedtime story on Walt Disney World Resort TV. 

Speed Across Jakku in New 360 Experience Exclusively for Facebook:

Today, on the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Facebook page an exclusive 360 experience was debuted. The video can only be seen on Google Chrome and Firefox as the 360 video experience doesn't work on Safari or Internet Explorer. 

The experience lets you speed through Jakku as you wreckage from the Imperial Ship and the planet. Here is the link: 360 Degree Jakku Experience. Remember video can only be viewed on Google Chrome and Firefox. 

Pixar Reveals New Interactive Poster for "The Good Dinosaur"; Disneyland Debuts D-Tech on Demand on D Street; and More

Pixar Reveals New Interactive Poster for "The Good Dinosaur":

Today, Pixar revealed a new interactive poster for their next film, The Good Dinosaur. The film hits theaters this Thanksgiving, November 25, 2015. The tweet sent out to reveal the poster read, "A single moment can change everything."

A single moment can change everything. Meet @TheGoodDinosaur this Thanksgiving. #GoodDino https://t.co/NlELf6ZhGx

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) September 17, 2015

Disneyland Debuts D-Tech on Demand on D Street:

Today, much like the location in Disney World, Disneyland debuted its own D-Tech on Demand at D Street in the Downtown Disney District. Here guests will be able to create their own personalized electronic accessory case. The new location will debut 10 new designs including art designs of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and selections from the WonderGround Gallery artists like Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Jerod Maruyama, and many other artists.

The store will offer cases for the following phones: iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6/6+, Samsung Galaxy SIII, Samsung Galaxy 4, Samsung Galaxy 5, and Samsung Galaxy 6. The whole process from start to finish takes about 10-15 minutes, with some art even allowing guests with enough room to personalize the case with their name.

Kevin-Michael Lezotte, Merchandiser II, had this to say on the opening and the process, "We continue to make updates both in art selection and the process. We've watched our fans interact and listened to what they have to say. Now you'll find an easier, faster, and more user-intuitive process. We're really excited to finally be able to roll this out to our west coast fans who have been waiting so patiently for it's arrival. It's such a great opportunity for our fans to find rare Disney characters and even casual art. What's Next? You'll have to wait and see. But several of the art styles that will debut in the near future, are quite episodic and are out of this world."

Director Brad Bird Gives Scoop on "The Incredibles 2":

Last month, at the D23 EXPO, Pixar revealed at it animation booth that they are finally working on the sequel to "The Incredibles." No release date has been announced but, Collider got the scoop from director Brad Bird on the upcoming sequel. He began writing the script earlier this year and had this to say about where he's at: "I have the story arc. I'm probably three-quarters through the script, first pass through the script, but we're already boarding parts of it. I've got a lot of people that worked on the first one working on it, so we're all having a good time with it."

He then added this on what fans can expect from the sequel. He had no plot details but added that there are a lot more superhero films now that there were when "The Incredibles" was released in 2004. He said: "But what's changed is there were only two other superhero franchises at the time Incredibles came out. One of them was X-Men and the other was Spider-Man, and now there are 400 billion of them and there's a new superhero movie every two weeks. What you don't want to do is trot over the same turf in the same way everyone else is. So we're trying to keep it focused in the area that our film was, which was a little bit more about characters and relationships and stuff like that, and see where that takes us. But we're having a good time."

Although it wasn't much, I am very excited about the sequel to "The Incredibles." This is one sequel I am hoping I won't be disappointed with. Are you as excited about "The Incredibles 2"?

Star Wars and Youtube Join Forces For Force Friday; Disney World and Disneyland to Hold Force Friday Events

Force Friday is just over a week away and we will finally get to see the merchandise for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Hint: The merchandise looks amazing, trust me I've already seen some of it, since I work in retail.) Today, Star Wars and Disney and YouTube giant Maker Studios announced plans for a global live toy boxing event for Force Friday.

The event will unfold over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, where the event will see highlights from the epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year's Eve style celebrating "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" featuring Maker Studios' top digital stars. LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy said, "Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the saga. They've inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition."

The event will kickoff in Sydney, Australia on the morning of September 3 here on the east coast and travel through Asia, Europe, Canada, North America, and South America where selections of the new line will debut at each location.

The Star Wars YouTube channel will host the live stream, which kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), with the grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Each of the 15 locations will reveal a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The event will feature many Maker Studio stars from families like Bratayley, life hack specialists such as ExpCaseros, gamers such as AlexBy11, and Star Wars fans from around the world like Chris Pirillo. Several countries will join the event live from YouTube Spaces in Berlin, Tokyo, and London, with Anthony Carboni and Andi Gutierrez hosting the event live from the YouTube Space in Los Angeles. Here is the full global list of stars for the event:

COUNTRY	CITY	MAKER TALENT	LOCAL TIME 9/3	EDT
Australia	Sydney	Bratayley	07:45	17:45 9/2
Japan	Tokyo	Einshine	11:00	22:00 9/2
Korea	Seoul	Dollastic	12:00	23:00 9/2
Hong Kong	Hong Kong	Dante Basco	12:00	00:00 9/3
France	Paris	AyPierre	09:00	03:00 9/3
Spain	Madrid	AlexBy11	11:00	05:00 9/3
Germany	Berlin	Reyst	12:00	06:00 9/3
England	London	GamingBeaver	11:30	06:30 9/3
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro	Malena010102	08:30	07:30 9/3
USA	New York	EvanTubeHD	08:30	08:30 9/3
Canada	Toronto	Quill18	09:00	09:00 9/3
USA	Chicago	HobbyKidsTV	08:30	09:30 9/3
Mexico	Mexico City	ExpCaseros	09:30	10:30 9/3
USA	San Francisco	Chris Pirillo	08:00	11:00 9/3

Details Released For Force Friday Events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog revealed that Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be having their own special merchandise ticketed-events for Force Friday beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 4. It will take place at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney at Disneyland.

Tickets to the event will include:

• The opportunity to be among the first to purchase new merchandise from Star Wars and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," including Disney Theme Park merchandise exclusives and licensed products. Purchase limits will apply.
• Amenity Gift

Tickets to the event were available beginning today, September 26, at 2 p.m. EST/ 11 a.m. PST for $50/ person only available on www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com. Tickets are limited to availability and no discounts will be applied.