Inside Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar; Jungle Cruise to be Re-Imagined at All Parks

Inside Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar:

Yesterday, Walt Disney World gave a few media members an all-day preview of Pandora: The World of Avatar, the new world opening in less than a month at Disney's Animal Kingdom. During the preview a select group got to experience the new world including riding both new attractions in The Na'vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. 

The group also got to taste the new amazing and exotic cuisine and drinks from the Satu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu. They even got a chance to step into Windtraders and see the brand new merchandise coming to Pandora: The World of Avatar.

Disney also released another sneak peak of the Na'vi Shaman of Songs inside the new attraction of the Na'vi River Journey where boats seat up to 8 guests.

During Na’vi River Journey, guests float down the river searching for the Shaman of Songs, an incredibly lifelike, nearly ten-foot tall Na’vi woman that plays music and sings as they float by. Music and a connection with nature are so important to the Na’vi in the world of Pandora, and the ride really helps guests feel that connection. - Oh My Disney

Check out this new clip released of the Na'vi Shaman of Songs:



See the Na'vi Shaman of Songs on the Na'vi River Journey and experience Pandora: The World of Avatar when it opens inside Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27.

Jungle Cruise to be Re-Imagined at Disney Parks Around the World:

Earlier this month, it was revealed officially that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would be starring in a live-action film based on the classic Disney attraction. Yesterday, Johnson revealed in an Instagram post that he was working with Walt Disney Imagineering to update and re-imagine the classic attraction at Disney Theme Parks around the world. Here is the post:

Grateful SOB to have Walt and Mickey watching over my shoulder as @danygarciaco and I embark on this amazing project. For our big #JungleCruise creative meeting at DISNEY's highly secure R&D facilities, me and @danygarciaco were escorted into THE VAULT. A legitimate vault where all of Disney's biggest secrets and plans are kept. Curtains were pulled back for us to reveal the actual drawn up plans that Walt Disney had his brother, Roy Disney take to New York to present to the bankers in 1950 for the potential loan to build what's now known as Disney Land. Cant imagine what that meeting with bankers was like. Roy: Alright gentlemen, so me and my brother Walt, want to build the greatest multiple theme park attraction in the world. Banker: Oh that seems fun, Mr. Disney. Roy: *smiles in a playful mischievous manner, Oh yes my good man, it will have a few things that are in fact, fun. Well, clearly I don't know how the hell men were actually talking in the 50's, but what I do know is being able to star in and produce #JungleCruise is a dream come true. BUT what takes this to the next level, is that we'll partner with Disney's brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer and re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world. A very special opportunity for us and our @sevenbucksprod to create an unforgettable and fun EXPERIENCE for families around the world. And as Walt Disney himself would say... it's magical. Next step is finding our visionary director. Exciting times. #JungleCruise #TheExperience #DisneyStudios #Imagineers #SevenBucksProds #WaltAndRockWouldveBeenBesties #AndWorkoutBuddies #WaltWouldveLovedMyJackedUpPickUpTruck 😉🤙🏾

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Apr 29, 2017 at 9:59am PDT

I hope they don't to much to the Jungle Cruise as I like it just the way it is. I just viewed this attraction as untouchable on the MouseLife podcast last week. What does everyone think, do you want to see the Jungle Cruise re-imagined.

Movie Review: Disney's "Moana" is a Masterpiece from Disney Animation (Spoiler Free)

What can I say about "Moana" that has already been said, the film is a masterpiece from Walt Disney Animation. I was filled with joy last night as I finally got to see the film. Between the music and the storyline and the amazing characters, this film was amazing from start to finish. My favorite characters were Maui and Hei Hei, but our heroine, Moana (played by Auli'i Cravalho) is clearly the star of the film.

"Moana" gives us the lesson of following our hearts and that nothing is impossible. Moana follows her heart to the ocean, her true calling, despite her father's wishes against it. She chose her own path and in the end what was thought to be impossible was possible because she followed her heart. The story was perfect for the film and it played out perfectly just as Disney always makes its movies. No matter what the trouble the characters may find themselves in, they find their way to a better place. Walt Disney Animation gets even the little details in the movie right and that is why the film was so good. 

I can go on and on about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui and how we the perfect demigod but I feel like many of you already feel the same way. Really, I want to tell everyone how funny Hei Hei the chicken was during this movie. Everyone can relate to Hei Hei, well at least I can, I mean he is awkward and kind of dumb, but he's actually very heroic and does have some wit to him. They were definitely my two favorite characters. 

Also, I'm just going to say that Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius. The music that he wrote for the film was perfect. The songs have been stuck in my head all day as I sing along to "You're Welcome" and "We Know the Way." Is "You're Welcome" the next hit that takes the country and the world by storm, because I think it is. I was singing the song for days even before I saw the film. 

"Moana" is truly a masterpiece and should win many awards for how great the film is. If you haven't seen it yet, please go see it and enjoy it. Many have said how "Moana" is better than "Frozen" and I agree. 

"You're Welcome" Moana Clip Released; Man Arrested for Attempting to Bring Loaded Firearm into Epcot

"You're Welcome" Moana Clip Released:

Today, we got another sneak peak at Disney's next animated film in "Moana." The clip released today on #MoanaMonday shows Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson showing off his singing voice with a song from the film written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The song is called "You're Welcome" and it looks like it will one of the more popular songs from the film. Here is the clip:

Here’s your first listen of #YoureWelcome, the brand new song from #Moana performed by @TheRock and written by @Lin_Manuel! #MoanaMondays" pic.twitter.com/hNw4a290GA

— Moana (@DisneyMoana) October 24, 2016

Disney's "Moana" will ride the waves into theaters on November 23, 2016.

Man Arrested for Attempting to Bring Loaded Firearm into Epcot:

According to reports, a Louisiana man attempted to bring a loaded firearm into Epcot at Walt Disney World. The man, Michael Langston of Abita Springs, LA, disclosed he had the firearm before being screened. The firearm was found at the security checkpoint at the entrance to the park, prior to the metal detector area. 

The loaded weapon, a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 Automatic was found in a case tied underneath the jacket of Langston. A deputy wrote in the arrest report that Langston never had plans to declare his weapon to authorities and planned on bringing it into the park. He was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon without a permit.

Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon to Close October 2; Second "Moana" Trailer Released

Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon to Close October 2:

What has been rumored for a while now, Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon will close October 2 according to WDWMagic. The Shark Reef at the Typhoon Lagoon allows guests to snorkel through a sunken ship in a 100 x 23 saltwater pool complete with sharks and tropical fish.

An underwater observation area was also available for those guests who don't want get wet and just want to enjoy the view. The reef closure is in preparation for the new attraction in another area of the park, Miss Fortune Falls, that will open in Spring 2017. 

Second "Moana" Trailer Released:

As announced earlier this week, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson premiered the brand new trailer for Disney's "Moana" this morning on Good Morning America. Disney's "Moana" stars Johnson as the demi-god Maui and Auli'i Cravalho as the adventurous teenager, Moana. 

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient  quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Here is the trailer:

Chase the waves of a new #Moana trailer. The film, starring @TheRock and @AuliiCravalho, opens Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/b9WL3n14e7

— Disney (@Disney) September 15, 2016

"Moana" chases the waves into theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

Festival of Fantasy Lunch Package Replacing Electrical Parade Package, Meet Your 2017-18 Disney World Ambassador Team, & More

Festival of Fantasy Lunch Package Replacing Electrical Parade Package:

With the Main Street Electrical Parade ending on October 9th, so will end the Electrcial Parade Dinner Package. A new Festival of Fantasy Parade Lunch Package will take its place and begin on October 10th. This was first reported by WDW News Today.

The dining package will still take place at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. It is a prix fixe meal that costs $45 for adults and and $17 for children ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity not included. Guests will then be given a special voucher for a special viewing area for the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Guests can begin booking the package tomorrow, September 13.

The Festival of Fantasy happens every day at the Magic Kingdom at 3 p.m. 

Meet Your 2017-18 Disney World Ambassador Team:

Disney has announced the 2017-18 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team. The new ambassadors are Ken Facey and Brandon Peters. Facey and Peters were surprised with the news as Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis awarded both of them their official Ambassador pins. They both will represent the 74,000 cast members at the resort in sharing the magic of Disney throughout the resort and the community.

Ken (pictured left), is from Brooklyn, New York, currently is a leader of Housekeeping & Custodial at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Facey has had several roles at Disney World which included Attractions and Guest Relations.

Brandon (pictured right) from South Florida, is a performer at Walt Disney World. Peters roles in the parks have included Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial, The Royal Majesty Makers, and The Jedi Training Academy.

We'd like to congratulate and wish them new luck in their new roles.

New "Moana" Poster, 2nd Trailer Out Thursday:

Today, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed on Twitter the new poster for Disney's next animated hit, "Moana." He also revealed that he will debut the new trailer will be released on Thursday live on Good Morning America. Here is the tweet and the new poster:

EXCLUSIVE: 1st look at the @DisneyMoana poster! Stay tuned for more..THURSDAY I debut the trailer on @GMA! #MOANA 🌊🎼 pic.twitter.com/qiy6FkAF1Z

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 12, 2016

Disney's "Moana" hits theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

New "Moana" Trailer Lights the Torch for Disney's Next Big Animated Film

Dive right into the new trailer for Disney's "Moana" which debuted just a short while ago during the Olympics coverage. It sure lights the way for the "Moana" to be Disney's next big animated film. The film hits theaters in 3D this Thanksgiving, November 23, 2016.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The film is directed by the team of Ron Clements and John Musker with music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Check out the new sneak peak below:

Light the torch, find your way, dive right in. 🌊🌊🌊 Watch a sneak peek of #Moana and see it in 3D this Thanksgiving!https://t.co/RpPLEzsmZE

— Moana (@DisneyMoana) August 7, 2016

Official Teaser Trailer for Disney's "Moana"

I wasn't going to post this today due to this morning's tragic events in Orlando, but the show must go on and we must fight for what is right. This trailer for "Moana" is amazing and just remember to hug your loved one's today and remember to love everyone. There is no need for hate in this world. Pray for Orlando.

Disney's "Moana" stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui and Auli'i Carvalho as Moana. The film is due to hit theaters this Thanksgiving, November 23. Check out the trailer below:

Watch the teaser trailer for Disney’s #Moana! See the film, starring @TheRock & @AuliiCravalho, this Thanksgiving! 🌊https://t.co/ORZrEG15Ux

— Moana (@DisneyMoana) June 13, 2016

Disney Files Plans for Expansion & New Ride at Typhoon Lagoon, "Moana" Teaser Poster, and More

Disney Files Plans for ExpNew Ride at Typhoon Lagoon:

Yesterday, Disney filed plans for a new hotel in Disneyland. Today, they moved over to the east coast as they filed plans for a brand new family raft ride and an expansion of Typhoon Lagoon. The ride and the expansion would expand the water park another 2 plus acres.

The expansion would include new guest areas plus the new water ride that will be to the west of the Crush N' Gusher ride in the water park. Sidewalks and landscapes will be provided for guest access to the area according to state records found by the Orlando Business Journal. More details on the new family raft ride is that it will include an elevated flume/track and will be supported by columns. 

Crush N' Gusher was the last ride added to Disney's Water Parks when it was completed in 2005. Construction lasted less than a year on Crush N' Gusher. While no completion date could be found in the plans, it can be assumed if construction starts within the next few months, the ride could be completed by sometime in 2017. Most likely after the parks' closure during the winter month's.

"Moana" Teaser Poster Revealed: 

Today, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed the first poster for "Moana" which hits theaters November 23, 2016. He also revealed that we will get our very first look at the film this Sunday when the first teaser trailer is released on his Twitter. Check out the tweet below:

#MOANA EXCLUSIVE: This SUN I'm excited to share the spectacular visuals behind this movie w/ the 1st teaser trailer. pic.twitter.com/ouEnFvRqbv

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 8, 2016

2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Dates Announced:

The 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival just ended last week. Today, it was revealed that the 2017 festival will take place from March 1 through May 29, 2017. What can guests enjoy possibly at next year's festival:

• Outdoor kitchens offering delectable bites and libations
• Dozens of world-renowned, Disney-themed topiaries
• Breathtaking garden spaces and wildlife habitats
• Inspirational exhibits, seminars and how-to demonstrations
• An outdoor concert series featuring fan-favorite bands
• And much, much more

It is one of the best and most beautiful times of the year to visit Epcot and I can't wait to see what's offered at next year's festival. 

Jungle Cruise Movie to Star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson; Win a Trip to Disney World From ABC's 'The Chew'

Jungle Cruise Movie to Star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson:

For year's now Disney has been trying to develop a film around one of its classic attractions, The Jungle Cruise. After rumors of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen set to star in the 'untitled' film throughout the years, the film seems to have more traction now with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson set to star.

John Requa and Glen Ficarra (both of Crazy Stupid Love) are set to write the script. John Davis and John Fox of Davis Entertainment are set to produce the film. Kristen Burr will be overseeing the film for Disney. No plot for the film has been announced yet.

Johnson is also set to star in Disney's animated film "Moana" as Maui the demigod when that film hits theaters in late 2016.

Win a Trip to Walt Disney World From ABC's 'The Chew':

Today, on the Disney Parks Blog in conjunction with ABC's 'The Chew,' you and three guests could win a trip to Walt Disney World during this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

"The Chew's Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes" will include a visit to Walt Disney World during the week of October 8-12. The winner will get the opportunity to attend a live showing of "The Chew," a stay at Disney's Boardwalk Resort (in walking distance to Epcot), and the chance to dine at one of Disney Spring's newest restaurants in The BOATHOUSE. Yes, you'll even get to ride in an amphicar.

Here is the announcement:

You have until September 18, 2015 to enter with no purchase necessary. Good Luck!