Full Cast for "The Lion King" Revealed; Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Remake Revealed:

Disney just revealed the full cast for the live-action remake of "The Lion King." We already knew some of the cast such as Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa, and Beyonce as Nala. Here is the full cast besides these amazing stars.

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar

Alfree Woodard as Sarabi

John Oliver as Zazu

John Kani as Rafiki

Seth Rogen as Pumbaa

Billy Eichner as Timon

Eric Andre as Azizi

Florence Kasumba as Shenzi

Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari

JD McCrary as Young Simba

Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala

"The Lion King" live action film which is being directed by Jon Favreau is due in theaters Summer 2019.

Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks:

Mickey's big day is fast approaching once again as it will be celebrated at Disney Parks around the world. Mickey's Birthday is November 18 as he heads out on another epic adventure around the world. Here is what is in store at Disney Parks:

Walt Disney World:

Will celebrate with special “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, merchandise and Sorcerer Mickey Cake. To commemorate the occasion, guests can sing and dance along with “Happy Birthday” during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!, Cosmic Dance Party in Tomorrowland and performances by the Dapper Dans. Plus, birthday photo props will be available at all four theme parks, and everyone who collects their photos at the parks will receive a folder with a commemorative sticker.

Disneyland:

Will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. There will be plenty of chances to sing “Happy Birthday” along the way, and of course, “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will be distributed to park guests.

Disneyland Paris:

On Main Street, USA is where the party's at. Be prepared to celebrate Mickey’s birthday just before “Disney Magic on Parade,” as well as during the Lucky Nugget Saloon show at Disneyland park and in “Mickey and the Magician” at Walt Disney Studios park. And what’s a birthday without cake? Guests can find plenty to snack on at locations around the resort.

Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland can pick up a special Mickey Birthday pin and a special edition Times Guide in honor of everyone’s favorite mouse. At Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will have the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” and join in unique photo opportunities.

Mickey will also be visiting several places around the world leading up to his big day such as Japan, Chile, Canada, China, England, and the United States on his Instagram and Facebook pages. On November 15 there will be even more surprises when he visits Good Morning America on November 15. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Angela Lansbury Joins Cast of Mary Poppins Returns, Explorers Lodge Opening in Hong Kong, & More

Angela Lansbury Joins Cast of "Mary Poppins Returns":

Just announced, Disney Legend Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast) has joined the already legendary cast of "Mary Poppins Returns." She will be joining the cast as the balloon lady, a treasured character from P.L. Travers books. 

Lansbury joins a cast that already consists of Emily Blunt who will play Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will play Jack a street lamplighter. Let's also not forget that we will see the return of Dick Van Dyke for the film as well.

The story is set to take place in Depression-era London, and will follow a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by their old nanny Mary Poppins after a personal loss. Poppins will once again use her unique powers to help the family “rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.”

"Mary Poppins Returns" will dance into theaters Christmas Day 2018.

Explorers Lodge Opening in April at Hong Kong Disneyland:

A brand new resort, the Disney Explorers Lodge, will be opening on April 30 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The brand new 750-room hotel is divided into four wings, each of which will be looking over a lush themed garden named after a beloved Disney character that will celebrate different locales around the world.

There’s Kevin Garden, themed to South America and named for everyone’s favorite curious bird in “Up.” Also the Little Squirt Garden of Oceania named for the playful sea turtle in “Finding Nemo;” the Hathi Jr. Garden named for the baby elephant from “The Jungle Book” in the heart of Asia; and the Rafiki Garden on the African Savannah with its namesake from “The Lion King.”

Guests will feel as if they entered into the golden age of exploration of the 1920's with artifacts and memorabilia that will be displayed across the resort. There will be three unique restaurants that will serve up signature delights that will celebrate old and new flavors. Themed rooms will welcome back explorers after a day of discovery at the theme park. Let's not forget the Trading Post that will complete your trip for a few artifacts (souvenirs) of your own.

Online reservations are now available along with a few special offers that will make every trip an exciting adventure when visiting the new Disney Explorers Lodge. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Side Entrance at Disney's Hollywood Studios Closed:

Disney has closed a side entrance to guests entering Disney's Hollywood Studios. The entrance which was used as an extra security check line. The entrance was used by more knowledgable guests because the line was usually shorter than the main entrance to the Studios. Now guests are re-directed to the main entrance and security checkpoint.

Guests exiting the park are still able to walk through the old entrance. No word on if this is a permanent closure for the side entrance.

Source: WDW News Today

2016 Year-in-Review from It All Started With a Mouse

2016 was certainly an exciting year in the world of Disney and Disney Parks. We saw Disney break records at the box office, Shanghai Disneyland opened, and so much more. Here is our year in review for 2016.

Magic Kingdom Celebrates 45 years, Shanghai Opens, and More From Disney Parks:

2016 was a crazy year in Disney Parks around the world. We saw Hollywood Studios become literally half the park it used to be when ground was officially broken for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. The same for Disneyland where we saw the closure of Rivers of America temporarily and many other parts of the park to prepare itself for the massive 14-acre expansion of the park.  We also saw many attractions and shows close in 2016 they included:

• Phineas & Ferb Meet & Greet (Hollywood Studios)
• Lightning McQueen & Mater Meet & Greet (Hollywood Studios)
• Habit Heroes and Innoventions West (Epcot)
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (Hollywood Studios)
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure Play Area (Hollywood Studios)
• Mike & Sulley Meet & Greet (Hollywood Studios)
• Studio Catering Co. (Hollywood Studios)
• Dream Along with Mickey (Magic Kingdom)
• Shark Reef (Typhoon Lagoon)
• Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom)

With those closures though we saw so many new shows and openings. We saw Soarin' 2.0 open as Soarin' Around the World, Frozen Ever After opened, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire debuted, and we saw Animal Kingdom light the night with new nighttime experiences.

In June, we saw Bob Iger's pride and joy finally open in the Shanghai Disney Resort. Inside Shanghai Disneyland lie six themed lands, each one a unique experience, imagined and created especially for China: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland and Treasure Cove. At the heart of the park is Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over.

Over in Disneyland, some news broke the hearts of many fans as it was announced in July that the Hollywood Tower of Terror would close at Disney California Adventure. In it's place will be the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! The very first Marvel-themed ride in a Disney Park in the United States. Eventually a more expansive Marvel Land will be built over at Disney California Adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! will open in Summer 2017. 

Over in Tokyo Disneyland, an expansion was announced in a new "Finding Dory" attraction will be opening in 2017 along with a new parade during the day and at night. They also are getting a new "Big Hero 6" attraction, a Fantasyland expansion, and Soarin' which was announced back in April.

In October, Magic Kingdom celebrated its 45th Anniversary in which we saw special merchandise and so much more. Just days later Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World would be closed for the day due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew hitting Florida. Thankfully, there was no lasting effects or damage to the parks.

November was a big month as Destination D was held at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Here it was revealed that Pandora: The World of Avatar would open at Disney's Animal Kingdom would open Summer 2017, MagicBand 2.0 was introduced, and possible the biggest news is that Epcot will be receiving some major updates and expansion over the next few years. 

Also in November, Hong Kong Disneyland announced a multi-year expansion. This expansion will include a brand new redesigned castle, a Frozen-themed land with two new attractions, a dedicated Marvel themed area, and Moana's Village Festival over in Adventureland in the park. 

Rivers of Light, Where Are You?:

Did you really think I was going leave one of the biggest stories of the year and one of the biggest mysteries? 2016 was supposed to be the year when Rivers of Light, the amazing nighttime spectacular, was set to debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It was set to debut back in April alas Disney had other ideas for the nighttime spectacular. Through sources it appears as one of the Lotus flowers had sunk causing the delay.

First, they said it was delayed and would have another update on the show by the end of May. In it's place came Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, which ran through the summer months. The music was amazing but the concept felt rushed considering what Rivers of Light was supposed to be. No update ever came. Many questions and rumors began swirling if Rivers of Light would open by the end of the year. 

Disney had another golden opportunity to debut Rivers of Light in November during D23's Destination D: Amazing Adventures. They were having an in-park gathering where guests of event would take part in something inside the parks. Alas, not even a word of Rivers of Light was mentioned at the event. No official debut of Rivers of Light has been announced.

However, Disney has run several Cast Member previews over the last few weeks as well as stating in a "What's Coming in 2017" press release that Rivers of Light will debut sometime in the new year. Disney is even releasing a soundtrack for the music from the nighttime spectacular along with music from the Tree of Life Awakenings when the show debuts. Here's to seeing Rivers of Light sometime in 2017.

Disney Dominates at the Box Office Making History in 2016:

2016 was a record breaking year for Walt Disney Studios at the box office by being the very first studios to cross over the $7 billion threshold in a calendar year. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" pushed the studio into the history books after its debut in mid-December.

Disney had several films cross over the $1 billion mark at the box office which included Zootopia, Captain America: Civil War, and Finding Dory. The Jungle Book, the live-action remake of the animated classic, came very close to crossing the $1 billion mark at the box office making  $966 million. Other major contributors to Disney's history making year include more recent films like Walt Disney Animation Studios Moana and Marvel's Doctor Strange.

Here's hoping 2017 is another hit at the box office for Disney.

Thank You:

Finally, it was quite the year hear at It All Started With a Mouse. I would like to thank you, all the readers, who have supported me over the now almost two years of blogging. This year we have double our views since the blog started and that is all thanks to you. This year, I have had the pleasure of joining an amazing group of people in the MouseLife podcast crew. They have really broadened our horizons for the future. I can't wait to see what 2017 brings for both It All Started With a Mouse and the MouseLife. 

Happy New Year to all of you,

John

"Walt Week" to be Celebrated by D23 and Disney Parks Around the World

This Thursday December 15, marks the 50th Anniversary of the man that started it all, Walt Disney's passing. To honor the man that started it all, D23 and Disney Parks are launching, "Walt Week: Celebrating the Legacy of Imagination, Creativity, and Innovation." D23 will be honoring Walt with a series of features available to guests at D23.com/WalkWithWalt, its quarterly publication in Disney twenty-three, and at Disney Parks around the world.

On December 15, guests at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort are invited to join the celebration of Walt’s extraordinary life by sharing a message on Memory Boards that will be placed at each resort. The boards will be on display for all to see at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, from July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Here are the locations and time of the Memory Boards which are subject to change:

• Disneyland Resort: The gallery inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m
• Walt Disney World Resort: Inside One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Disneyland Paris: Inside the Liberty Arcade on Main Street, U.S.A., at the entrance of “Statue of Liberty Tableau” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: Inside Art of Animation on Main Street, U.S.A., from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Tokyo Disney Resort: Mark Twain Riverboat queue from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It will be an honor to give thanks to the man that started it all in Walt Disney. 

Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Plan for Multi-Year Expansion; New "Tiana's Riverboat Party & Parade Viewing" to Debut

Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Plan for Multi-Year Expansion:

Today, Hong Kong Disneyland announced a multi-year expansion that will begin in 2018 and be completed by 2023. The expansion will include new lands based off of "Moana", "Frozen", and Marvel. The expansion will cost $1.4 billion. Here is a rundown of what's coming in phases beginning in 2018:

• A transformed Castle and Hub area to showcase new daytime and nighttime spectaculars and entertainment experiences (2019)
• An all-new Frozen-themed land with two new attractions (a major E ticket and Oaken’s Enchanted Sleighs, similar to Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Disneyland Resort) where guests can experience the characters and stories from the beloved films in ways never before at a Disney park (2020)
• Dedicated Marvel themed area featuring exciting new Marvel attractions and entertainment from one of the most popular Super Hero franchises in history. New attractions will replace Autopia (2023) and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (2018)
• A new entertainment venue, Moana’s Village Festival in Adventureland, which will feature a lively stage show (2018) Credit: MouseInfo

“This proposed expansion brings the best of The Walt Disney Company to this wonderful tourist destination, giving guests an experience only Disney can deliver and infusing some of Disney’s most beloved characters and stories into this unique destination,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

The expansion includes for the first time a rebuilding of a Disney castle in Hong Kong Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle that will create a canvas for never before seen daytime and nighttime spectaculars. Entertainment experiences like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will also be added.

Are you excited about the new attractions and lands being built in Hong Kong? Do you think any of this will eventually be coming to Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

New "Tiana's Riverboat Party & Parade Viewing" to Debut:

Beginning next week, guests will be able to experience a new dessert and parade viewing party at the Magic Kingdom. "Tiana's Riverboat Party - Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing" will debut on November 29 in a special event held on the Liberty Square Riverboat. Here are the details:

Treat your senses to a Liberty Square Riverboat “sundae fun-day” and reserved viewing of one of our grandest processions.

Make the most of your next visit to Magic Kingdom park, where Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are throwing an unforgettable party… and you’re invited! The occasion begins on the dock as your royal hosts welcome you and your sweet tooth to an ice cream social, complete with ice cream and toppings, drinks, and sweet treats.

Then board the Liberty Square Riverboat and relax while enjoying the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade—all from the comfort of your special viewing location!

After the parade, Tiana and Naveen will join you to continue the party as you all cruise around the Rivers of America, circling Tom Sawyer Island.

The event will cost $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax included). To make reservations you can call (407)WDW-DINE (939-3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/Dining. 

New "Rogue One" TV Spot, Opening Date for Iron Man Experience, and More

New "Rogue One" TV Spot Released:

Five weeks from today, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be soaring into theaters. Just days after the first TV spot was released another one was released today, its called "Hope." The tv spot reveals some new footage, check it out below:

Welcome to #RogueOne. pic.twitter.com/ElCzqW48Gc

— Star Wars (@starwars) November 11, 2016

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be in theaters December 16.

Opening Date for Iron Man Experience in Hong Kong Disneyland Announced:

The very first Marvel attraction in a Disney park now has an opening date. The Iron Man Experience in Hong Kong Disneyland will open to guests on January 11, 2017.  The Iron Man Experience -Presented by AIA will allow you to soar over the skies of Hong Kong alongside Iron Man. It is an epic battle fighting against Hydra in a multi-sensory and immersive experience that will be sure leave guests breathless.

“Hong Kong Disneyland is excited to bring its first-ever Marvel-themed ride to Hong Kong,” said Samuel Lau, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “We are proud to give local and overseas guests a different perspective and experience of Hong Kong while promoting our vibrant city to the world at the same time.” - The Disney Parks Blog

You will not leave the Marvel world once you get off the attraction. Outside the ride will be the Expo Shop where guests will find Iron Man and Marvel-themed merchandise and memorabilia all in hands reach. Guests will also be able to try on Iron Man's suit of armor where they will enter an interactive game called Become Iron Man at the Stark Expo. Finally, for the first time ever you may just be able to meet with Iron Man himself in the park.

Hollywood Studios Testing Second Guest Relations Location:

Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin testing a second guest relations location inside the park at Hollywood Junction. The location on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard will begin the test on November 18.

Here guest will be able to seek help on ticket sales, ticket upgrades, and special event bookings. A second guest relations location has already been tested in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. 

Source: WDW News Today

"Frozen" Fun Returning to Disney Cruise Ships; Ride Testing Begins on Iron Man Experience

"Frozen" Fun Returning to Disney Cruise Ships:

"Frozen" Fun will be returning on select sailings on the Disney Magic on its sailings through Europe and the Disney Wonder on sailings to Alaska. The ships will be transformed into a winter wonderland as you are transported to the Kingdom of Arendelle.  Here is what the Disney Parks Blog said guests will experience aboard the ships for some "Frozen" fun this summer:

"On one special morning, you’ll awake to discover a magical freeze has overtaken the atrium lobby with sparkling icicles adorning the grand staircase, resembling the majestic mountain-top ice palace of Queen Elsa. Throughout the day there will be Scandinavian-inspired family activities, a themed dining experience with a menu of traditional Nordic fare and meet and greets with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf.

This “cool” day of frozen fun culminates with an extravagant celebration, “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends.” This family-friendly interactive deck party features the famous royal sisters of Arendelle and their fun-loving Nordic companions. By now, the freeze has spread to the upper decks of the ship, with giant snowflakes, icicles and snow-covered rocks.

The celebration begins with a high-energy line dance, set to the movie’s ice cutting scene, featuring the arrival of Kristoff, impressively twirling his ice picks, and Princess Anna. Kristoff and Anna’s beloved companions, Sven, the trolls and Olaf, make virtual appearances at the party. Sven engages the crowd in reindeer games like “Sven Says” and the “Troll Stroll,” and Olaf leads a sing along to his signature song, “In Summer.”

Elsa arrives with a snowy gust of wind, calling on guests to sing “Let it Go” with her as she conjures up a wintry spectacle to cool things down for Olaf. In true Disney fashion, Elsa unleashes her magic, sending a chill through everyone as the powerful Academy Award-winning song echoes from the ship. The evening concludes with more family dancing on the pool deck. Then the fun continues just for adults in the dance club featuring performances and frozen specialty drinks."

They are encouraging guests to posts photos if you are sailing on any of these cruise sailings on Instagram and Twitter with the #DisneyCruise. Are you ready for the "Frozen" Fun to return to the Disney Magic and Wonder?

Ride Testing Begins on Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland:

Ride testing has begun for the new Iron Man Experience attraction opening soon at Hong Kong Disneyland by an expert team of Walt Disney Imagineers. Once the ride opens it will be the first Marvel-based ride-through attraction inside a Disney Park. It will open in Stark Expo in the Tomorrowland section of Hong Kong Disneyland. The theme and story of the attraction goes like this:

The story begins when Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) decides to bring the Stark Expo to the park. Guests can visit the Expo and explore the latest and greatest innovations from Stark Industries. They’ll go aboard an Iron Wing vehicle, the latest flying transport invented by Stark Industries, and journey through Hong Kong streets and the iconic city harbor as they battle against the evil forces of Hydra alongside Iron Man.

Guests will also be able to meet Iron Man himself, tryout the interactive experience, "Become Iron Man," and purchase exclusive themed merchandise. 

New Entertainment and Experiences as Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Today, kicked off the year-long "Happily Ever After" celebration of Hong Kong Disneyland's 10th Anniversary. It was kicked off with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced new entertainment and experiences to a new Fantasyland that will be based on our favorite Disney fairytales.

First, up will be an all-new stage show that will debut on November 17, 2015 in "Mickey and the Wondrous Book." The 25-minute show will be a concert-style stage show at Disney's Storybook Theater. The show will feature Disney fairytale classics such as "Jungle Book," "The Little Mermaid," "Tangled," "Brave," "Aladdin," "The Princess and the Frog," and "Frozen."

In December, it was announced that Fairy Tale Forest would be opening in Hong Kong Disneyland which will allow guests to walk through a living, winding storybook of their favorite Disney tales. Imagineers used creative landscaping, with whimsical passages that will feature miniature scenes from "Tangled," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Beauty and the Beast," "Cinderella," and "The Little Mermaid." Tinkerbell and her friends will also greet guests in their own area of Pixie Hollow in Fairy Tale Forest.

At night, guests will be amazed and dazzled with a new fireworks show called, "Disney in the Stars." The new enhanced fireworks show will feature cutting-edge technology, lighting effects, and video projection. The new street-to-sky display will feature fireworks and an all-new moving light projection show on Sleeping Beauty Castle.

I would like to wish Hong Kong Disneyland a Happy 10th Anniversary from It All Started With a Mouse. 

Its Finally Announced: Star Wars Land in Disneyland and Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land, and More Updates From Parks & Resorts Panel

You could say we've been waiting two long years since Disney bought Lucasfilm for this announcement. Fans today it became a reality as Disney CEO Bob Iger shocked the Disney fan community at the D23 EXPO at the end of the Walt Disney Studios Panel. Star Wars Land is officially confirmed for both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios in what Iger is calling the "largest single themed-land expansion in the history of Disney Parks & Resorts." That was just the beginning of the rock-star day as even more announcements were made during the Parks & Resort Panel that just ended a little while ago.

The largest expansion ever will be the 14-acres each on both coasts as Disney Imagineering lets you dive immersively into the world of Star Wars. It will transport guests into a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port, and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. 

Iger said he was thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long history between Disney Parks and Star Wars.  He continued with this, "We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance."

That is not the only attraction coming however as fans will get to fly on one of most recognizable ships from the movies in the Millennium Falcom into an epic Star Wars adventure on a customized secret mission. Also coming is a Mos Eisley Cantina themed restaurant that will surely put guests right into the world of Star Wars. 

That wasn't all of the Star Wars news as even more details were give by head of Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek and Imagineer Scott Trowbridge took the stage during the Disney Parks & Resorts Panel. This was all announced but as it appears now nobody knows when this large expansion will be completed. As Trowbridge said they are still at the very beginning stages of the project. Chapek and Trowbridge said not to worry as more Star Wars experiences will be coming to both parks as fans await the project to be completed. 

These experiences will begin popping up in the parks on both coasts beginning later this year and early next year. One of the many experiences will be another update to Star Tours - The Adventure Continues as new destinations and characters will be added to both attractions from the upcoming new movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The Jedi Training Academy will also be receiving an update with new characters from the Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels," including a new villain battle.

Also opening later this year will be a Star Wars Launch Bay much like the one that was announced for Shanghai Disneyland when it opens next year. Star Wars Launch Bay will take guests into "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with props  from the upcoming film and past films. Guests will be able to meet their favorite Star Wars characters both old and new as well as taste food offerings authentic from the films. Also on the docket for the Launch Bay will be a chance for guests to try out Star Wars themed games such as soon to be released Disney Infinity 3.0 and Star Wars Battlefront which is due out later this year. 

Star Wars Launch Bay will most likely be located in the old Magic of Disney Animation building in Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. 

New opening early next year will be an experience much like Star Wars Weekends except on both coasts in Star Wars Season of the Force. In the seasonal event, Tomorrowland in Disneyland , guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment, food offerings and Hyperspace Mountain (Space Mountain reimagined) in which guests will be taken into an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Hollywood Studios a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic Star Wars score will dazzle guests on weekend nights. 

Toy Story Land: 

The expansion news for what was already big with Star Wars Land but it got even bigger as the lead creator of Disney World, Kathy Mangum took the stage after Chapek announced Toy Story Land as the second half of the expansion of Hollywood Studios. The 11-acre land will shrink guests into the size of Andy's toys and immerse them into Andy's backyard with two new attractions and the expansion of Toy Story Midway Mania. 

The main attraction will be a new family-friendly roller coaster as its zips and zooms guests on a thrilling and joy-filled adventure throughout the land on the back of Slinky Dog. 

The other new attraction will let guests join their favorite Green Aliens on a spin in their very own flying saucers.  Not to mention the third track being added to one of many guests' favorite attractions in Toy Story Midway Mania.

Frozen Ever After and Soarin' Over the World:

Mangum stayed on stage to give a small update on Frozen in Norway which is scheduled to open May 1, 2016. While no major details were given, Mangum promised imagineers were working on our favorite characters from Frozen including showing off the Sven animatronic that will be part of the Frozen Ever After attraction. 

Frozen wasn't the only thing announced for Epcot as Soarin' Over the World that was announced for Shanghai Disneyland just last month has been confirmed not only for Epcot but also California Adventure will debut it next year. The new update to the attraction will allow guests to fly over far-flung lands, natural landscapes of the world, and some of the most famous man-made wonders around the world. 

Pandora - The World of Avatar:

Joe Rohde, James Cameron, and Jon Landau took the stage to elaborate how extensive this amazing land truly is. One thing it isn't just Avatar Land, its going to be called Pandora - The World of Avatar. Cameron and Landau reiterated this won't be like anything you saw in the movie as this will be the guests adventure into Pandora.

The centerpiece of the land will be AVATAR Flight of Passage as it brings guests into one of the most thrilling scenes as they soar across mountains on a banshee. "Rivers of Light" will open next year as it will be a night show like no other in any Disney Park. Guests will be treated to live music, floating lanterns, water screens, and creative animal imagery for a breathtaking affair. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris will also be expanded with new species of animals (African wild dogs and hyenas) being added as the attraction becomes a new nighttime adventure. Guests will travel across the African savanna along with the orange glow of the sunset in the park beginning next spring. The glow however won't just be on the safari, the whole park at night will be a glow with the bioluminescent lights lighting up the whole park. 

Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland:

One of the last updates at panel was given on Marvel's very first attraction in Disney Parks in the Iron Man Experience that is set to open next year in 2016. The Iron Man Experience will be an epic battle between Hydra and Iron Man. The experience will begin at Stark Industries as guests board the Iron Wing and fly through Hong Kong Star Tower where they end with a fight with Hydra. If you want a comparison the clip of the attraction looked very much like the Transformers ride at Universal Studios. 

That's it for the major updates and expansions throughout Disney Parks & Resorts. A surprise was definitely that we didn't get the name change for Hollywood Studios like many including myself predicted. It is however a step in the right direction for Hollywood Studios with this major re-imagination of the whole park. I was disappointed that we didn't get any set completion date for Star Wars Land or even Toy Story Land and although it can be assumed where both lands will be placed that wasn't announced either. Nor were any additional closings inside both parks in Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.

Are you satisfied with the announcements made at the Parks & Resorts Panel and D23 EXPO as a whole? What are your thoughts?

Joe Rohde and Bob Weis' Roles Expanding at Walt Disney Imagineering

Joe Rohde and Bob Weis' Roles Expanding at Walt Disney Imagineering:

Two of the most high ranking imagineers at Walt Disney Imagineering are having their roles expanded according to WDWMagic. Joe Rohde and Bob Weis are both having their roles expanded as the bigger picture of what the future of Disney takes hold. Recently, Scott Trowbridge was appointed the lead role of all Star Wars projects in imagineering. Now both Rohde and Weiss will have their own lead roles in both Marvel and Asia. 

Joe Rohde who is currently the creative lead in the Animal Kingdom expansion projects with Avatar Land set to completed in the next few years. He is also known for his  creative work at Disney's Aulani Resort. Rohde will now take on a global creative leadership of the Marvel Property. 

Bob Weis is most known for his creative force behind the development of Disney's Hollywood Studios and the massive makeover of Disney California Adventure. Currently, he is heavily involved in the creation of Shanghai Disney Resort. Weis will also expand his role to take on the creative lead of Hong Kong Disneyland.

With these two new appointments and the appointment of Trowbridge to lead Star Wars, one could clearly see the focus of Disney Imagineering will be Star Wars, Marvel, and its theme parks in Asia. This is all adding up to an exciting future of Disney Parks & Resorts with the recently passed $1 billion investment promise to Anaheim for Disneyland and California Adventure. Then the rumor last week of a $3 billion plus expansion project for Disney's Hollywood Studios, many will be waiting for the D23 EXPO and any news of an expansion on both coasts and around the world. Tune in the coming weeks as we await the long awaited big news from Disney in hopes all these rumors could actually be true. 

Selfie Sticks Banned from Disney Theme Parks

Selfie Sticks to be Banned at Disney Theme Parks:

Guests recently saw an imposed ban on selfie sticks on Disney theme park attractions. Now, Disney is banning them throughout the parks as a whole effective this Monday, June 30, 2015. They were banned from attractions due to safety concerns the sticks posed when brought onto the attractions. Guest Relations cast members will assist security cast as they will be assigned to security screening areas to help assist in stopping selfie sticks from getting into the parks.

If found guests will be able to leave with the sticks and take them back to their resort or guests can leave it with a guest relations cast member who will give the guests a ticket so they could collect it as they leave the park.

The ban comes just days after a guest snuck a selfie stick onto California Screamin' in Disney's California Adventure. Cast members stopped the ride and it resumed shortly thereafter. However according to Twitter reports, guests had to be evacuated from the ride before it could be restarted. Selfie Sticks will be banned from all Disney Theme Parks including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

Breaking News: Disneyland to Start Testing Fastpass+ in August; Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016

While everyone is preparing for tomorrow's big kickoff to the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland to celebrate its 60th anniversary, there appears to be some breaking news out of California. For just over a year now, Disney World has successfully brought out the Fastpass+ system. Now announced today over several outlets out there, Disneyland will begin testing the system this year in August and Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016.

Now that the bugs and kinks have been worked out in Florida at Disney World, Disney Parks and Resorts is ready to take Fastpass+ and MyMagic+ globally. Hong Kong Disneyland will officially begin testing the system with the opening of the new Iron Man Experience in 2016. 

Fastpass+ is taking the Fastpass ticketing system into the digital age by removing the paper fastpass distribution systems at attractions. Like guests in Disney World, guests will be able to book fastpass+ attractions online, in the My Disney Experience app, or at designated kiosks throughout the park. The fastpasses will then be linked to magic bands (pictured above). Nothing has been said so far from Disney to confirm this or when the old Fastpass ticket distribution points will be removed. Tune into It All Started With a Mouse as more information about Fastpass+ coming to Disneyland and around the globe at Disney Parks and Resorts.