Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters Opening March 7; You're Invited: Pixar Party Trading Event Coming to Disney World

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters Opening March 7 at Disney California Adventure:

After being closed for nearly a year, Luigi will be finally returning to Cars Land along with his cousins from Carsoli, Italy with the opening of Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters on March 7th. Disneyland Annual Passholders will begin previewing the new attraction on March 4th.

Luigi returns by turning the tire storage yard behind Casa Della Tires into a trackless dance floor. Cars Land guests will ride along with with Luigi's cousins as they move and spin to upbeat Italian music as they perform traditional dances of their hometown village.

Each car will have its own high-spirited personality, its own name, and signature dance moves. Each ride will be unpredictable, as you won't know which way they will turn or spin next. Here is a video of how Disney Imagineering thought of all this for the new attraction:


For Annual Passholders here is what you need to know for the preview that begins on March 4th:

• Annual Passholders can experience this special opportunity from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Operation times are subject to change. Check your Passport carefully as blockout dates may apply and affect your ability to be admitted into the theme park.
• Guests must present valid Passport at attraction entrance. Photo I.D. may also be required.
• Guests must be at least 32” (81 cm) or taller to ride this attraction.
• Parking or separate theme park admission is not included with this special opportunity.No advanced registration is required. 
• Please note that this preview may involve long wait periods and the attraction may experience temporary closures. Capacity restrictions apply.
• If you have further questions, call the Annual Passport Member Services team at (714) 781-7277.

Will you be joining Luigi in a dance of at Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters?

You're Invited: Pixar Party Trading Event Coming to Disney World:

2016 is the 30th Anniversary of Pixar Studios. Disney and Pixar fans get ready because the Pixar Party Trading Event is coming to World ShowPlace at Epcot, August 26-27, 2016. You will be able to join in on the celebration with this years trading event. Registration for the event will open on April 28, 2016. Here are some more details on the event that the Disney Parks Blog released this morning:

• Introduced at last year’s event to ensure that all attendees have equal access to the trading boards, we will again provide each Pixar Party Trading Event attendee with vouchers to use for the trading board experience. Guests will have the opportunity to trade at the boards a designated number of times during the two-day event. 
• As a reminder, it is also important to note that Walt Disney World Resort has updated park rules regarding items that may be brought into the theme parks. Guests should be aware of the restrictions on bags (including suitcases, backpacks, trailers, wagons) and folding chairs. Please carefully review the list of prohibited items and other park rules at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/.
• You are welcome to bring Vinylmation figures to trade with other guests, however we will not sell Vinylmation figures nor offer Vinylmation trading activities at the event.

More information on the event will be released in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned.

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters to Replace Luigi's Flying Tires; Iger Says ESPN and Disney Channel Could Be Sold Direct One Day

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters to Replace Luigi's Flying Tires:

Months ago Luigi's Flying Tires in Cars Land closed down at Disney California Adventure and was said to be replaced by another cars related ride. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced with a first look at the new ride: Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters.

Luigi had left Casa della Tires to visit family in Italy and he will return in early 2016 with his cousins from his hometown of Carsoli, Italy. They are coming back to Radiator Springs to celebrate Race Day where they will demonstrate dances of their village with Cars Land guests. Keep an eye out as more information about Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters as Luigi and his cousins settle in at Disney California Adventure.

Iger Says ESPN and Disney Channel Could be Sold Directly to Customers One Day:

In an interview with CNBC today, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that one day ESPN as a media property could be sold directly to customers like Time Warner's HBO. Iger said not to worry as it wouldn't be happening in the next five years. Iger said, "If we end up seeing more erosion in the so-called multichannel (cable and satellite tv) bundle, quality will win out."

"While the business model may face challenges over the next few years, long term for ESPN.... they'll be fine. The have pricing leverage too. Disney (Channel) is another...brand and product that could be sold directly to the customer," Iger said. Disney owns ABC television and ESPN, theme parks and resorts, and movie studios all under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Marvel banners. 

Iger continued on with, "Technology is the most disruptive force that so-called traditional media is facing. (But) We decided to view technology as a friend not a foe to bring better customer experiences across all our businesses from making media look crisper on HD televisions to mobile and online viewing apps to enhanced attractions at theme parks."

The interview was done with CNBC's "Squawk Box."