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