Star Wars Land is Practically Confirmed, Ice Palace Boutique Opening Today, Final Part of Magic of Disney Animation to Close

Star Wars Land is Practically Confirmed:

We are just waiting for the big announcement on Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, Theme Park Insider wrote in an article according to multiple of their sources, Disney has selected a contractor to build the long rumored Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We have been saying for months that the announcement will be at next month's D23 EXPO beginning August 14. No announcement has be made official by Disney however.

In a direct quote from Theme Park Insider, "Still, when a theme park gets to the point of hiring outside construction help, that means the project is a go and shovels are ready to hit the ground. Fans should expect visible construction work to begin on Star Wars Land in the park not long after the official announcement, unlike the Avatar project, where designs weren't completed and a contractor wasn't hired for a few years after Disney's official announcement of the land." 

They also had a note that Star Wars Land for Disneyland will be a bit behind what is set to be built at Hollywood Studios and may not be ready to open until a year after it opens in Disney World. The only think I have that possibly could debunk the sources is that Disney just announced the return of Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights for the holiday season in the Streets of America. That area is a large part of the rumored area where Star Wars Land would go. 

As was said earlier no formal announcement has been made by Disney for Star Wars Land and we all will be eagerly awaiting this year's D23 EXPO that starts in less than 3 weeks. Stay tuned as the long rumored Star Wars Land at Disney Parks  develops into more than just a rumor and finally becomes a reality.

Ice Palace Boutique Set to Open Today at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

The Ice Palace Boutique that was confirmed just over a week ago for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios is set to open today. It will be located across from the ABC Commissary on Commissary Lane. The wintry palace boutique is for guests 3-12 as they prepare for Coronation Day as they are magically transformed into Queen Elsa or Princess Anna. There are three packages available ranging from $75 for the cheapest package and $240 for the premium package. The Ice Palace Boutique Package and the Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package is up to 6 guests including the child getting the magical transformation.

The Animation Gallery Story Set to Close August 23rd:

The Animation Gallery Store the final part of the The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios has a closing date of August 23. The rest of The Magic of Disney Animation closed earlier this month on July 12th. 

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO, Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed at DHS, and Aladdin Prequel

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO 2015:

Just announced by D23 that ABC will be bringing its hit tv series and its residents from  Once Upon a Time and the gang from its new series The Muppet to the D23 EXPO. Here is what they are bring for this years expo taking place August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Magic Behind The Muppets
Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 23

Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.

Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen
Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m., Stage 23

Once Upon a Time’s savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy-tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from Brave, as Once Upon a Time introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (LOST) and Adam Horowitz (LOST) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures, and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy-tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

On the Show floor:

Autograph Signings

Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

Friday, August 14
12–12:50 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)

Saturday, August 15
4–4:50 p.m.
black-ish stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, and Marsai Martin

5–5:40 p.m.
Once Upon a Time stars to be announced

Sunday, August 16
10–10:50 a.m.
Fresh Off the Boat stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, and Ian Chen

5–5:50 p.m.
The Goldbergs stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia

Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection
Limited Edition of 300, $129.95

Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, this collection brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.

Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) 

Ginnifer and Lana will sign the Once Upon a Time Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4–4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.

Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios:

The Frozen 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique' Experience that we talked about earlier this month was finally confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios. There is a difference between the two however as now the whole family can get in on the fun on select packages for what will be called the Ice Palace Boutique. Members of the party will be able to enjoy Frozen-inspired snacks from the exclusive Ice Palace Cafe. Guests will also get reserved seating at a showing of "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" at the Hyperion Theater. Here are the packages available at the Ice Palace Boutique:

• Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package – This package includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, a braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory and an exclusive photo opportunity. Cost is $75 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Package – This package includes the items offered in the Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package. It also includes access to the Ice Palace Café and reserved seating at one of the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” shows. Cost is $175 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – This package includes an Anna or Elsa costume plus the items offered in the Ice Palace Boutique Package. Cost is $240 and includes tax.

The Ice Palace Boutique and Deluxe packages are available for up to 6 guests, which includes the child getting the magical transformation. For families with boys in their group, an Olaf-inspired package is available for $19.95 plus tax. It includes a glitter hairstyle and an Olaf t-shirt. Reservations are not required and will only be available on-site at Ice Palace Boutique. 

Reservations can be made starting July 17 by calling 407-827-7400. The Ice Palace Boutique will open July 26 and the experience will run through the end of Frozen Summer Fun on September 7.

"Aladdin" Prequel Called "Genies" is in Development at Disney:

Another Disney animated classic is on its way to being a live-action film as Disney is in the development stages of making a prequel to "Aladdin." The project is currently being called "Genies." According to sources "Genies" will be an exploration of the 'realm of genies' and how one genie became trapped in the famous lamp. The hope is for the film to develop into a franchise and eventually retell the story of Disney's "Aladdin."

"Genies" and joins a growing list of live-action films of Disney's animated classic that includes:

• The Jungle Book directed by Jon Favreau out April 15, 2016
• Beauty and the Beast in theaters on March 17, 2017
• Tim Burton's remake of Dumbo
• Winnie The Pooh
• Mulan
• Pinnochio
• A sequel to Alice in Wonderland called Alice Through the Looking Glass due to be released May 27, 2016
• There also reports of a sequel to Maleficent as well as Peter Pan spinoff called Tink, with Reese Witherspoon set to star in the film as Tinkerbell

The Chew to Broadcast from Food & Wine Festival, Frozen 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique'-Type Experience Coming to DHS and more

'The Chew' Will Tape Shows from Epcot's Food & Wine Festival in October:

ABC's 'The Chew' is coming to Epcot in October to tape shows from Epcot's 20th Food & Wine Festival. Show hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Daphne Oz will join the festivities at the park by taping five shows October 7-9 in front of a live studio audience. The shows will air the following week, October 12-16, 2015. 

You can visit thechew.com for details on how to get tickets to the shows at Epcot. Along with the taping of the shows, 'The Chew' will be part of 2 new marketplaces where for the first time ever will expand into Future World. Both marketplaces will be located in the new 'Next Eats' festival area, one being called 'Sustainable Chew Marketplace' will have three delicious dishes from 'The Chew': Savory Pork Spareribs with Cheesy Mascarpone Grits, Ricotta & Zucchini Ravioli with Tomato Sauce, and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Figs and Pistachio Brittle. This eco-home-inspired marketplace will offer guests a chance to learn more about food growth and the importance of sustainability. All the food and its flavors will be harvested from The Land pavilion. The other marketplace, the 'Chew Lab' will be a cutting-edge marketplace inspired by food-science labs and the hottest culinary tech trends in collaboration with Disney Chefs and 'The Chew.'

Frozen Summer Fun is Getting a Frozen 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique'-Type Experience is Coming to Hollywood Studios:

'Frozen Summer Fun' is getting a Frozen-Style Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience that will run through mid-July until the end of 'Frozen Summer Fun' in September. While no exact details have been released on the experience but casting is underway for a Fairy Godmother-in-training equivalent role.

The plan will be for guests to experience Princess Anna and Queen Elsa make-overs complete with costumes, make-up, and hair much like at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. No location has been set in stone but it is rumored that the old American Idol audition rooms are the likely candidate for the location due to its proximity to the Frozen Sing Along show at Hyperion Theater. 

More information and pricing will be available once it is made public and official.

New 'Family Culinary Adventure' Coming to Disney's Contemporary Resort:

Beginning on July 8th, Disney's Contemporary Resort will offer a new 'Family Culinary Adventure' experience that will last 3.5 hours occurring two nights weekly at 5 p.m. It will take place in the Contemporary Convention Center where it will take guests backstage for a fun, interactive evening that will include time with Disney chefs, hands-on cooking and a 5-course meal served with beer and wine in the kitchen by a professional catering staff.

The event will be aimed for guests ages 9 and over, where groups of 30 guests will be split into five groups to each man a station in the kitchen. Here are the stations:

• Garde manger, is the French term for food produced in the cold kitchen, where guests learn how to make farmer cheese, from-scratch butter, and how to plate a gourmet salad on a rapidly moving electric belt in the professional kitchen.
• Sushi, with sushi chefs teaching the art of rolling sushi and sashimi. (This station may rotate with other culinary ideas.)
• Boucherie, or butcher station, where guests learn how to trim a beef tenderloin to make the perfect filet mignon.
• Pasta, with just three ingredients (semolina, olive oil and egg), guests learn to make tender noodles from scratch, along with fresh basil pesto.
• Patisserie, or bakery, where guests get to play with chocolate, mousse and other sweet endings.

The hour long prep will then see guests seated at a large table and served the 5-course meal they had just prepared. Guests will receive a chef's hat to take home, along with a Disney cookbook signed by the chef's. The whole experience will cost $175 plus tax for adults while children ages 9-12 will be $125 plus tax. To book or for more information guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY. 

Frozen Summer Fun Begins Today at Hollywood Studios

The "Coolest Summer Ever" is getting cooler as Frozen Summer Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios began today. Frozen Summer Fun will run today through September 7. Here is a little bit of what's going on during Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios:

• Frozen Royal Welcome - scheduled to run twice per day and Olaf is joining in the fun along Anna and Kristoff as well as Elsa who will appear on her new ice-palace float. (Elsa didn't appear on the float today as the float is being repaired.)
• Olaf's Summer Cool Down - The new stage show taking place on the main stage in front of The Great Movie Ride. Olaf brings his friends to have a little fun "In Summer" and as temperatures heat up Olaf shares a bit of his own personal snow flurry. Here is video from our friends at WDWMagic:

• "Frozen Fever" the animated short will be shown multiple times a day in the ABC Sound Studio.
• For the First Time in Forever: A "Frozen" Sing-Along Celebration is moving into the old American Idol location in the Hyperion Theater. The show will feature all new in-theater effects.
• "Frozen" Fireworks - The day will end after the "Coolest Summer Ever" dance party with a spectacular show of fireworks in sync with the music of "Frozen."

Here are the times guide and the new cupcakes that debuted today for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Lineup Announced/ Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package Returns

Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Lineup Announced:

The American Gardens Theater will be once again be rocking out this summer as the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series will take place June 7 to July 25 in Epcot. Today the Disney Parks Blog announced the lineup for the concert series for the rocking tribute bands that will take the stage this summer. All entertainment and times are subject to change.

June 7-13 DSB - A tribute to Journey
June 14-20 2U - A tribute to U2
June 21-26 Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot - A tribute to Billy Joel
June 27 - July 4 Don't Look Back - A tribute to Boston
July 5-11 Fire & Ice - A tribute to Pat Benatar
July 12-18 Stayin' Alive - A tribute to The Bee Gees
July 19-25 Hotel California - A tribute to The Eagles

The Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Times for the concerts are 5:30, 6:45, and 8 pm daily.

Frozen Summer Fun Premium Packages Return for Coolest Summer Ever:

The Coolest Summer Ever just got cooler as the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package returns and reservations are now available for dates between June 17 to September 7. Guests will be fit with Arendelle royalty as they will reserve a trio of Frozen Summer fun experiences along with some cool refreshments. The experiences that are returning for the premium package include:

• See Anna and Elsa in the reserved viewing for Frozen Royal Welcome, complete with regal refreshments, a selection of soft drinks, and ice cream.
• Reserved seating for your choice of (1) show time of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• Frozen Fireworks viewing with dessert party, a dazzling display of nighttime fireworks paired with Frozen-themed desserts, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The cost of the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Packages will be $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity are included). Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-939-3463. Reservations are limited.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/18/15

We are half way through the week and that much closer to the weekend. These blogs are certainly fun to write and I just want to thank you to everyone who has been reading them. Disney sure knows how to keep the news coming these days as it seems just about every day they are breaking new and exciting things out to the public. So without much further ado let's get into your daily news from around Disney.

"Frozen" Summer Fun LIVE Returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Last week as a part of Disney's announcement of their "Coolest Summer Ever", they said that Frozen Summer Fun would be returning in June to Hollywood Studios. Today, they announced more details and a new home for the event in the old American Idol Live attraction building. The event returns on June 17 and will run through September 7.

Disney's summer long special event will feature a full day of "Frozen" fun from when the park opens up until it closes. A list of what you can expect includes a royal procession, a sing-along celebration, fun photo opportunities, "Frozen" merchandise, specialty food and beverage options, and a grand finale fireworks spectacular. Here is the official list and description of events that was posted on the Disney Parks Blog today:

• Frozen Royal Welcome – Twice each day, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff take part in a festive cavalcade throughout Hollywoodland, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiiers and ice cutters – along with lovable snowman, Olaf. Anna leads the procession in a beautiful horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning, ice palace float. The entire procession pauses twice along the route in tribute to these visitors from Arendelle, as everyone in Hollywoodland is invited to join in singing “Let It Go!”
• For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – Just in time for this year’s “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE event, this popular show moves into the beautiful Hyperion Theater (formerly Superstar Television Theater), located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host a fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.
• Olaf’s Summer Cool Down – Several times each day, the Ambassador of Hollywoodland brings Olaf and some of his friends to the Event Stage to have a little fun with everyone “In Summer.” And as temperatures heat up, Olaf happily shares a burst from his personal snow cloud to cool things off.
• “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – Once the sun goes down, a dance party takes over the area around the Event Stage, with DJ Chill and some of your favorite Disney characters. Using a special event hashtag, you can share song requests and photos over social media, to be featured onscreen during the party.
• “Frozen” Fireworks – As the night comes to a close, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow!

So who will joining in the "Frozen" Summer Fun happening this summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

More Cast Announcements and Release Date for Live-Action "Beauty and the Beast":

Mark your calendars because we finally have a release date for Disney's live-action rendition of "Beauty and the Beast". It will be released on March 17, 2017 in 3D. Also more cast announcements have been made for the film. Last week, during Disney's Annual Shareholders' Meeting Josh Gad announced he had joined the cast as Le Fou. Well we have more as Emma Thompson has now been cast as Mrs. Potts and Kevin Kline will be joining the cast taking on the role of Maurice, Belle's Father. Thompson and Kline join the star studded cast that already has Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Prince/Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and as mentioned above Gad in the role of Le Fou. 

Also announced was Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner including two for 1991 animated classic, will score the film. The film will feature new recording of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Disney's live-action film "Beauty and the Beast" will be directed by Bill Condon. The script is written by Steven Chbosky and the film will be produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production is set to begin in May at Shepperton Studios in London. 

Brook Lopez, Center of the Brooklyn Nets, to Break Ground for New Home at Disney's Golden Oak:

In some news from the rich and famous, Brook Lopez (center for the Brooklyn Nets), is set to break ground for a new home right on Disney World property in Disney's Golden Oak development. Lopez a huge Disney fan at heart got the idea when his brother Chris sent him a link about the real estate development at Golden Oak. Lopez said that construction will begin in a few months and that the house should be ready in a year and a half. 

Disney's Golden Oak is 980-acre real estate development on Disney property. Home ownership in the gated-community is said to start at $1.8 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, and some of the homes have sold for over $7 million plus some hefty annual fees. 

Lopez' love of the parks stems from childhood visits to Disneyland. When he became an NBA player he began going to Disney World on road trips to Orlando. 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 18) in Disney history, ground breaks in an official ceremony in Anaheim for the Disneyland Hotel in 1955.

Also on this day in 1967, The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opens in New Orleans Square in Disneyland.

Daily Disney Quote:

"All you need is a little faith, trust, and pixie dust."

- Peter Pan

Today's news is past while tomorrow's news awaits us. What comes tomorrow nobody knows except for Disney of course. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."