Coming out this December, the nostalgia is returning just in time for Christmas. Tonight though we got the first look of all the nostalgia as the first teaser trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns" has been released. As we celebrate Hollywood tonight its the trailer that is giving us Disney fans chills as we see the return of someone we've been waiting for a very long time.
It's just like the original, "Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like something' is brewin' and bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store. But I fear what's to happen all happened before." This Christmas a new story begins and check out below the first look at "Mary Poppins Returns":
“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
La Nouba by Cirque do Soleil to Say Goodbye at End of 2017:
After rumors that it would be going away, Disney today announced that La Nouba by Cirque do Soleil will be saying goodbye to Disney Springs when it hosts its final show on December 31, 2017. It has been a staple of entertainment for nearly 20 years at Disney Springs since the show began in 1998 and has been seen by over 10 million guests.
“We are incredibly proud of the success that La Nouba has had for nearly two decades,” said Jerry Nadal, Senior Vice President of the Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil. “We want to thank Walt Disney World Resort for a wonderful relationship over the years. We look forward to announcing what’s next for Cirque du Soleil.”
With over 10 months to see La Nouba, you can still be mesmerized by the artistry and the talent that takes place during the show. Tickets and more information about the show can be seen here or by calling 407-939-7600.
While nothing has been announced about the future, Disney has said to stay tuned as a new show from Cirque do Soleil may be coming very soon.
Just a few weeks ago it was announced that "Mary Poppins Returns" was officially in production. Today, we got our very first look at Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins. Let me just say, how amazing she looks and how excited I am that they picked Blunt to play our favorite nanny.
"Mary Poppins Returns" stars Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Angela Lansbury, Dick Van Dyke, as well as Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep. The film is being directed by Rob Marshall. The film will fly into theaters Christmas Day, December 25, 2018.
Tony Baxter Shows us Never-Built Mary Poppins Attraction Concept Art:
Photo Courtesy of D23
Today, D23 and Disney Legend Tony Baxter showed never before seen concept art for an attraction that was never built based of Oscar-winning film, "Mary Poppins." In a video we see an attraction that would take a guest through the towns of London on a horse as they flew through the attraction in a round theater almost like Carousel of Progress. Check it out below:
New Halloween Parade Introduced at Disneyland:
The all-new "Frightfully Fun Parade" will debut during this year's Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland. The new parade will take to the streets, featuring a spectacle of spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans to Halloweentown and beyond. Here is more information released on the Disney Parks Blog:
"The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow sets the mood as he arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying a flickering jack-o-lantern as a warning to everyone along the parade route. From “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King brings greetings from Halloweentown, as residents arrive to celebrate their favorite time of year. Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize when Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction comes to “afterlife,” with swirling ballroom dancers, ominous gravediggers and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts. Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor, and the mischievous Disney Villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble. A dark and dungeon-like lair takes over the parade route, bringing with it a wicked gathering of villainy from Hades and the Evil Queen to Jafar, Cruella and more!"
The "Frightfully Fun Parade" will be exclusive to Mickey's Halloween Party which begins September 23 for 17 select nights until October 31, 2016.
Updated Costume Guidelines for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
Over to the East Coast at Disney World where Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins this Friday at the Magic Kingdom. WDWMagic has found updated costume guidelines for this year's party. Last year, the guidelines were less strict but new guidelines for costumes in the parks were updated in 2015. Here are the updated guidelines for the party which are more strict:
General:
Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
For Guests ages 13 and under:
Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
For Guests ages 14 and older:
Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)
Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
Disney Offering Half-Price Tickets for "Disney After Hours":
"Disney After Hours" just started two weeks ago at the Magic Kingdom and already Disney has begun offering half-price tickets to its Vacation Club Members and its Annual Passholders. Members and AP holders can purchase tickets to the after hours event at the Magic Kingdom for just $75 by calling 407-560-PASS or 407-560-7277 or by simply just visiting any Walt Disney World ticket window.
"Disney After Hours" regularly costs $149. The discount comes after Disney offered members of DVC to enter the first 'After Hours' event for free after not enough tickets sold.
Remaining nights for the event are April 28, May 5, May 8, May 12, and May 19, 2016. "Disney After Hours" allows guests to remain in Magic Kingdom after it closes for a three extra hours to a limited number of guests. Included in the event are complimentary beverage and ice cream novelties.
Disney Posts Casting for "Jungle Book: Alive with Magic":
"Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" was announced last week during Disney's 'Awaken Summer' event. The night show will be a placeholder on Discover River until Rivers of Light is ready to debut at Animal Kingdom. Today, Disney posted a casting call for a group of four performers. The show will open May 27, 2016.
The casting call is looking for musicians proficient on Indian style instruments that will perform live with the vocalists and dancers of the show. Musicians must be able to play instruments such as the Tabla, Sitar, Bansuri, Dilruba, and the Ravanahatha.
"Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" - Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-time engagement show that is inspired by Disney's hit film in "The Jungle Book." The show is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, and now will be infused with an Indian influence.
Disney Announces Live-Action Films In Development for Walt Disney Studios:
Yesterday, I didn't get to add this into the blog but Disney announced titles of its live-action films that are in development for Walt Disney Studios. After, what seems could be its biggest hit yet in live action filming with "The Jungle Book" and three more live-actions due out by March of 2017. Disney is planning on recreating many of its other classic films into live-action films for the modern audience. This includes the announcement of yes, "The Jungle Book 2." Disney announced that some of the films will be dated for release in the coming weeks and months. Here they are:
Cruella with Emma Stone set for the title role and Kelly Marcel writing.
A Wrinkle in Time with Ava DuVernay attached to direct and Jennifer Lee writing.
Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson set to star and John Requa and Glenn Ficarra writing.
Dumbo with director Tim Burton and writer Ehren Kruger.
A sequel to Mary Poppins with director Rob Marshall, starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Maleficent 2 with Angelia Jolie set to return in the title role and Linda Wolverton writing.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms with director Lasse Hallstrom and writer Ashleigh Powell.
The Jungle Book 2 with both director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Marks returning.
A Tinker Bell project with Reese Witherspoon set to star and Victoria Strouse writing.
Disney also announced their updated release schedule for their upcoming films:
UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) previously dated on 12/22/17 moves up to 7/28/17
UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) now dated on 4/6/18
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 8/3/18
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 12/25/18
UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE (Live Action) now dated on 12/20/19
Which of these live-action films are you most excited about? I know after how great "The Jungle Book" was I am looking forward to the live-action Dumbo as well as the sequel to "The Jungle Book" and the new Jungle Cruise movie.
California Grill to Offer 'Brunch at the Top' Beginning 2/7:
The California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort will begin offering a Sunday Brunch in February called 'Brunch at the Top.' For the first time ever the restaurant, who usually offers the sights of the beautiful skyline around the Walt Disney World resort at night, will begin with the sights during the daytime.
The new Brunch at the Top is the perfect way to indulge on a leisurely Sunday – not quite breakfast, not quite lunch. Chef Brian Piasecki’s team is excited to launch a whole new menu to showcase their fresh, market-driven cuisine. Of course a glass of bubbly or wine (the restaurant has more than 1,600 bottles on display) pairs nicely. And there’s an over-the-top Bloody Mary Bar as well as cocktails and craft brews, as well as a signature brunch cocktail and faux “mimosas” for kids (though you can also stick with the custom-roast French press coffee).
To start the experience Brunch at the Top will offer an assortment of house-made breakfast pastries (such as caramel apple Monkey bread, Tillamock Cheddar biscuit, and cranberry scones pecan) delivered to your table with house-made jams and a orange blossom honey butter. At the show kitchen small tastes will be offered such as orange honey ham, deviled Lake Meadow Natural eggs, Greek Yogurt with vanilla-scented granola and fresh berries, kale and apple salad, among other offerings.
The main courses will be delivered table side and here is what you will choose from:
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Caramelized Heirloom Apples, Dried Cranberry and Raisin Compote, Vanilla
Custard, Warm Canadian Maple Syrup;
Shrimp and Grits, Gulf White Shrimp with Tillamook Cheddar Grits, Spicy Tomato Broth, Espellette-Spiced Tomato Ragout;
Poached Lobster Benedict with Butter-Poached Tail, Two Soft-Poached Eggs, Honey Ham, Yuzu Hollandaise, Marble Potato Hash;
Chef’s Frittata with Three Lake Meadow Farms Eggs, Florida Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Poblanos, Chorizo, Creamy Goat Cheese, Marble Potato Hash;
Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Soft Poached Eggs, Chimichurri, Marble Potato Hash and Charred Red Onion.
For dessert if there is room will include sweet mini desserts, macaroons, and chocolate truffles all while enjoying the beautiful skyline. Cost will be $80 for adults and $48 for children ages 3-11. Reservations can be made beginning this Wednesday December 16 by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE.
Memory Maker Sees Price Reduction:
Disney announced today that their PhotoPass Memory Maker has decreased in price, a rarity for Disney. For guests who choose to purchase Memory Maker in advance the new price is $149, down from $169. For guests who choose not to purchase in advance the price will be $169, down from $199.
Memory Maker allows guests with the special photo package to have all their family members included in photos. Guests simply go to Disney PhotoPass photographers around the resort and then guests are allowed to download the photos when they get home. It also allows you to download on-ride photos, receive Animated Magic shots, and as well as your photos taken in restaurants.
Will you be purchasing Memory Maker the next time you visit Walt Disney World.
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 90th at Disneyland:
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday at Disneyland along with family, friends, and fans. Van Dyke received a special dedication at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, a cavalcade parade down Main Street, USA, and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday." Van Dyke on his celebration, "This is the cherry on top of my entire life." He added that when he was younger he wanted to be in a Disney movie but yesterday topped being in "Mary Poppins." Here is a video of Van Dyke's Celebration:
Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar to Open Next Week on 9/22:
Earlier this evening the Disney Springs (Downtown Disney) broke news that the Indiana Jones-themed bar, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is set to open next week. It will open on Tuesday, September 22. Jock's will be located in the former Pleasure Island area of the new Disney Spring's area called The Landing. Last month, we previewed the menu for Jock Lindsey's which can be viewed here.
Disney Working on New "Mary Poppins" Film:
Well, in a bit of surprising news today, Variety announced that Disney is the developmental stages with director Rob Marshall (Into the Woods) in making a new film on Disney's classic "Mary Poppins." John DeLuca and Marc Piatt, both of Into the Woods, will produce the film.
No word about Julie Andrews or Dick Van Dyke taking part in the film. The new film will take place 20 years after the first film and will take stories of Mary from P.L. Travers' children's books that will focus on Mary's continued adventures with the Banks family.
The original film grossed over $100 million in the box office and was a true hit. It won five Oscars that year including Andrews winning Best Actress. The news is certainly shocking after Disney tried previously back in the 1980's to make a sequel of the film, but nothing ever came of it until now.
Are you excited for a new "Mary Poppins" film? The news was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.
