Brand New Experiences Coming to Disney Wonder this Fall, Disney Parks Blog Unboxed - Dooney & Bourke

Brand New Experiences Coming to Disney Wonder this Fall:

The Disney Wonder will be getting some new entertainment and experiences this fall. This will include the Marvel Super Hero Academy, a new jazzy restaurant called Tiana's Place Restaurant, an English Pub exclusive for the adults, and many stern to hull enhancements. Along with the Marvel Super Hero Academy more imaginative and fun experiences for the children themed to Frozen, Disney Junior, and Toy Story. The Disney Wonder will hit dry dock in Candiz, Spain for the work from September 9 through October 23.

Inside the new Marvel Super Hero Academy inside the Oceaneer Club, kids will enjoy extraordinary adventures as they play an integral role along with mentorship of Marvel's greatest super heroes. The young trainees will learn the value of teamwork, bravery and problem solving through hands-on play and programs.

Spider-Man will appear to help the children hone their spider senses by perfecting their skills of reflex, speed, and sharp minds. Other Marvel favorites will be available to interact through the digital world. One program will allow children to control the movement of the characters on screen to practice their super hero skills like repulsor blasting (Iron-Man).

Here is a description of the remaining new experiences coming to Disney's Oceaneer Club aboard the Disney Wonder:

• Frozen Adventures is where fun takes the form of imaginative play and hands-on activities. On the digital screen, Olaf leads summery games with a wintery twist and a sing-a-long of “In Summer.”
• In another festive activity, young guests prepare for a coronation and receive a truly royal and in-person visit by Anna and Elsa.
• Club Disney Junior features favorite Disney Junior characters, storytelling and games. During one activity, Doc McStuffins pays a visit to the club to help children diagnose and treat the stuffed animals.
• Andy’s Room where kids feel toy-sized in the multi-level play space themed to the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy. As a special treat, Woody appears in person to join youngsters in a hoedown and Jessie stops by to join in a scavenger hunt.

Tiana's Place Restaurant will be inspired by one of our favorite princesses in Princess Tiana from "Princess and the Frog." The restaurant will transport you to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz, and street party celebrations. Guests will be treated to New Orleans dining and entertainment with music that will create a French Quarter supper club atmosphere.

The menu will be inspired by Tiana's favorite recipes that bring flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou. Her personal touch will be evident in the menu, the entertainment, and throughout the entire restaurant. 

In the adult district of the ship a brand new pub that will invite guests to jaunt to an authentic English tavern. The space will be adorned with dark woods, plush leather furniture, brass accents, and will have subtle nods to Disney films set in London with artwork and props. British and specialty beers will create the perfect atmosphere where the adults can sip a pint or just sample a brew especially made for the pub.

Here is what else will be enhanced on the Disney Wonder from stem to stern:

• After Hours – a new adult district featuring the English pub, an all-new night club and a shiny new model of the popular Cadillac Lounge
• A reimagined and relaxing Senses Spa & Salon and a new Chill Teen Spa
• Animator’s Palate main dining restaurant updated to introduce the popular “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic” dinner shows
• Cabanas casual dining location
• Palo specialty restaurant makeover with Venetian-inspired décor
• D Lounge for family games and entertainment
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique providing magical makeovers for children
• Edge club for tweens
• “it’s a small world” Nursery for the youngest cruisers

The ship’s upper decks also will be redesigned for waterful fun:

• Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide provides splashtacular fun
• Dory’s Reef is a splash zone that offers fanciful water play for toddlers
• AquaLab is a pool and interactive water play area for kids and families

The new enhancements and experiences will be available to the public on the sailings from Galveston, Texas starting November 10 with sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The ship will then sail to San Juan, Puerto Rico to January 20, 2017. On January 26, 2017, a three-night cruise will take guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral, Florida where the ship will homeport for the spring. 

Disney Parks Blog Unboxed - Dooney & Bourke:

Today, Steven Miller unboxed some brand new Dooney & Bourke products that will feature patterns of "it's a small world" handbags and retail Magic Bands that will be released in July and "Beauty and the Beast" and "Dumbo" handbags that will be released in August.

More details will released in a future article on the Disney Parks Blog including news on a release event on July 23 at the Marketplace Co-op in the Disney Springs Marketplace.

Disney Offering Half-Price Tickets for Disney After Hours, Disney Posts Casting for New Jungle Book Show, & More

Disney Offering Half-Price Tickets for "Disney After Hours":

"Disney After Hours" just started two weeks ago at the Magic Kingdom and already Disney has begun offering half-price tickets to its Vacation Club Members and its Annual Passholders. Members and AP holders can purchase tickets to the after hours event at the Magic Kingdom for just $75 by calling 407-560-PASS or 407-560-7277 or by simply just visiting any Walt Disney World ticket window.

"Disney After Hours" regularly costs $149. The discount comes after Disney offered members of DVC to enter the first 'After Hours' event for free after not enough tickets sold.

Remaining nights for the event are April 28, May 5, May 8, May 12, and May 19, 2016. "Disney After Hours" allows guests to remain in Magic Kingdom after it closes for a three extra hours to a limited number of guests. Included in the event are complimentary beverage and ice cream novelties. 

Disney Posts Casting for "Jungle Book: Alive with Magic":

"Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" was announced last week during Disney's 'Awaken Summer' event. The night show will be a placeholder on Discover River until Rivers of Light is ready to debut at Animal Kingdom. Today, Disney posted a casting call for a group of four performers. The show will open May 27, 2016. 

The casting call is looking for musicians proficient on Indian style instruments that will perform live with the vocalists and dancers of the show. Musicians must be able to play instruments such as the Tabla, Sitar, Bansuri, Dilruba, and the Ravanahatha. 

"Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" - Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-time engagement show that is inspired by Disney's hit film in "The Jungle Book." The show is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, and now will be infused with an Indian influence.

Disney Announces Live-Action Films In Development for Walt Disney Studios:

Yesterday, I didn't get to add this into the blog but Disney announced titles of its live-action films that are in development for Walt Disney Studios. After, what seems could be its biggest hit yet in live action filming with "The Jungle Book" and three more live-actions due out by March of 2017. Disney is planning on recreating many of its other classic films into live-action films for the modern audience. This includes the announcement of yes, "The Jungle Book 2." Disney announced that some of the films will be dated for release in the coming weeks and months. Here they are:

• Cruella with Emma Stone set for the title role and Kelly Marcel writing.
• A Wrinkle in Time with Ava DuVernay attached to direct and Jennifer Lee writing.
• Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson set to star and John Requa and Glenn Ficarra writing.
• Dumbo with director Tim Burton and writer Ehren Kruger.
• A sequel to Mary Poppins with director Rob Marshall, starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Maleficent 2 with Angelia Jolie set to return in the title role and Linda Wolverton writing.
• The Nutcracker and the Four Realms with director Lasse Hallstrom and writer Ashleigh Powell.
• The Jungle Book 2 with both director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Marks returning.
• A Tinker Bell project with Reese Witherspoon set to star and Victoria Strouse writing.

Disney also announced their updated release schedule for their upcoming films:

• UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) previously dated on 12/22/17 moves up to 7/28/17
• UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) now dated on 4/6/18
• UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 8/3/18
• UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 12/25/18
• UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) now dated on 12/20/19

Which of these live-action films are you most excited about? I know after how great "The Jungle Book" was I am looking forward to the live-action Dumbo as well as the sequel to "The Jungle Book" and the new Jungle Cruise movie.

Walt Disney World Testing 4th Fastpass+ Option and Disney Plans Live-Action Film of Mulan 3/31/15

It is March 31 and guess what winter will just not go away here in Pennsylvania, it's snowing. I just want warm weather and sunshine to come already as I am sure everyone here in the northeast does to. Anyways, let's get on to your news from around Disney.

Walt Disney World Testing 4th Fastpass+ Option:

It appears as Disney World is testing a fourth fastpass+ option at all 4 theme parks. While it appears the test is only going on for a short time, guests can book a fourth fastpass option for the next few days. It has now been a year since the Fastpass+ has debuted at the parks where you could only book 3 fastpasses for each day. Disney then announced a few months after the debut of Fastpass+ and the magic band system that guests were able to book a 4th fastpass after using up the first three that they had booked.

As stated above the fourth fastpass option is just a test and cast members have been confirming that when asked about it. Guests are only able to book four fastpasses up until tomorrow, April 1. This just goes to show that Disney is listening to guests that they want more fastpasses. It is only a matter of time that this won't be test and guest will be able to book four fastpasses at once.

Disney Announces Next Live-Action Film in Mulan:

Disney's next live-action film of another one of its animated classics will be "Mulan." The film will be based off a script by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. The project itself has been setup with Chris Bender and J.C. Spink. The original "Mulan," released in 1998, was about Mulan disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the Chinese Army joined by here dragon friend, Mushu. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide back in 1998. 

"Mulan" will join Disney's successful live-action remakes that already include "Alice in Wonderland"(2010), "Maleficent"(2014), this year's remake of "Cinderella." Disney already plans for releases of other live-action films like "The Jungle Book" and a sequel to the "Alice in Wonderland" film for next year. In March 2017, Disney's live-action remake of the animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" starring "Harry Potter" star Emma Watson is in development. Disney has also announced that a live-action remake of "Dumbo" is in the works as well, but no release date has been announced.

No released date for "Mulan" has been announced. The news of Disney's next live-action film in "Mulan" was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day in 2004, Disney's Military-only resort Shades of Green is reopened by the U.S. Army after a $92 million expansion.

Also on this day in 2012, Disney Cruise Line launches its newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Animation is different from other parts. Its language is the language of caricature. Our most difficult job was to develop the cartoon's unnatural but seemingly natural anatomy for humans and animals."

Walt Disney

Disney is always changing and it truly is a magical place. Disney will continue to develop live-action films of its animated classics as long as they continue to be box-office hits. That is all I have for today, tomorrow will be another story. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/10/15

The thaw is continuing up here in Pennsylvania and I am one day closer to my visit to Disney World. I am hoping I won't have to look at the dirty snow outside for much longer than I already have. Without further much to say, let's get into your daily news from around the world of Disney on this Tuesday.

This is No April Fools Joke: Disney's Polynesian Bungalows Scheduled to Open April 1:

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced that the Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are scheduled to open April 1, this is no joke Disney fans. 

The 20 free-standing 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom bungalows are the first of their kind at Walt Disney World Resort. They are located over the Seven Seas Lagoon and sleep up to 8 guests. Touches of luxury throughout your private abode have playful 'pops' of color, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and distressed hardwood flooring among other things. The living room sofa pulls out to become a bed for two and there are two hidden pull-down beds (one in the living room and the other in one of the bedrooms). 

The bungalows also offer a laundry room, a full kitchen, and large glass doors that take you to the large deck with beautiful furniture and views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Let's not forget the personal plunge pool that will be perfect for that midday relaxing cool down. In the blog they said since they are perched over water they will be gated off on a private boardwalk for Disney Vacation Club members and guests who are staying in the bungalows. 

Tim Burton to Direct Live Action 'Dumbo' Film:

In other breaking news today Disney announced its next live-action film with its remake of the animated classic 'Dumbo' to be directed by 'Alice in Wonderland' director Tim Burton. Ehren Kruger, who wrote the last 3 Transformers films, recently turned in a draft for live-action film. Disney was impressed and quickly wanted to grab the A-list director. The original animation is circled around a ridiculed elephant Dumbo, who with the help of Timothy Mouse, to reach his full potential. Burton's film is said to be a mix of live-action and animation. With Disney's success of last year's live action hit 'Maleficient' and 'Alice in Wonderland', it is developing many of its animated classics into live-action films. Their next live-action film is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, 'Cinderella', which Disney is projecting a $60 million opening weekend. Walt Disney Studios is also in pre-production for the live-action film of 'Beauty and the Beast' which will star 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens, and Luke Evans. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. 

World Premiere of Second 'Inside Out' Trailer with a Look Into Riley's Head:

In our final story today Pixar released the second trailer of its anticipated summer animated blockbuster 'Inside Out'. The trailer takes a new look into the voices inside 11-year old main character Riley's head. It gives a glimpse of how her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger try to help Riley with moving to a new city, house, and school after a move across the country to San Francisco. The preview shows Joy giving a quick tour of headquarters, where the emotions live and control Riley's memories. Here is your look at the second trailer of Pixar's "Inside Out" due out in theaters June 19:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 10) in 2009, Disney officially launches its first official fan organization called D23. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever."

Walt Disney

That's all for today's busy day of news around the world of Disney. "Inside Out" definitely has picked my interest and I look forward to see it in theaters. What does everyone think of the Bora Bora Bungalows and will you pay to stay in one of them? As always I end with the words of the mouse himself, "See Ya Real Soon."