"Adventure is Out There" Trip Report Part 1

It's been three weeks already since my trip and it just doesn't seem possible that it went by so fast. You've seen my review of our stay at Pop Century and the review of the amazing Caring for Giants Tour. Now its finally time for the trip report a trip that was full of adventure. 

We left for the airport around 8:30 for our 10:00 flight, we have a small airport hence the no need to rush. Our flight left on time and we got to Sanford right at 12:30 and this is where the problems began. Our pickup ran into some issues and had to go back to the depot because there windshield wiper was broke. It arrived 45 minutes late only to be told he didn't have a pickup permit. We did finally get going but after some other people were dropped off at Universal, we arrived at Pop Century finally around 3:45 p.m, more than 3 hours after we were supposed to get there.

Finally home!!!

After a quick trip to our room we headed to the food court and had a light lunch then headed over to Disney Springs. My mother and I walked around Town Center and did some shopping. We hadn't been to Town Center yet so just enjoying the sights of the area is quite nice. They did an amazing job. We headed over to The Polite Pig for dinner.

While I have no pictures of the newest restaurant in Disney Springs, it is a very nice restaurant. The food is delicious and was one of my favorite meals of the trip. I got the brisket along with a side of the Mac & Cheese and my mother got the half chicken along with a side of bbq cauliflower. Both meals were excellent and I wish I had gotten the bbq cauliflower because the taste and flavor was amazing. The Mac & Cheese was good but that cauliflower was great. I can't wait to go back there again sometime.

After dinner we just walked around Disney Springs for a little while longer before heading back to the resort to head to the pool. The Hippy Dippy Pool was quite cool on this June evening but it was relaxing. After the pool we headed back to our room, we were turning in early because we were heading to Pandora and Animal Kingdom early the next morning.

We awoke early, probably our earliest wake up call ever on a Disney trip at 5:30 and were down to breakfast by just after 6 a.m. We wanted to be sure we were on the first bus to Animal Kingdom to get in line for Pandora and Flight of Passage.

We did get on the first bus to Animal Kingdom and we arrived to see a mass of people heading over to Pandora: The World of Avatar. Here is the line of people waiting to get into the land:

The mass of people and us were all let into Pandora around 7:45 and we walked straight to Flight of Passage. The line was moving quite nicely until we got into the caves of the queue. This is where we waited the most of the 2 and half hours that we were in line. The queue itself is half the attraction. 

After about an hour in the caves we got through to the lab area of the queue. This area in itself is so awesome especially the Na'vi in the tank. We got through the lab area and got to the final room before the lines for boarding the attraction. That is when the problem arose, we were in that room when all of a sudden the lights all came on. There was then an announcement that everyone need to evacuate the building and the ride was shut down. Since our 2 and half hour wait came to an end without even riding it and it being in the same building as Na'vi River Journey (our FastPass for that was gone too). 

It was almost 10:30 when that happened and since we had to head towards Kilimanjaro Safaris for our Caring for Giants tour. If you want to check up on my thoughts on the amazing tour and see amazing photos of Baby Stella, check it out here.

After our tour, it was already time for lunch. I had made a reservation on Tusker House under the Rivers of Light Dining Package. Lunch was great and the character interaction with Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy was amazing. It was really great for my mom as she loves Goofy.

After a wonderful lunch, I headed back to Pandora and went ahead and purchased my own interactive Banshee. Since, I had only a carry-on with our short stay I had to ship him to my house. He arrived later that week, meet Bert the Banshee.

After successfully adopting Bert, we started heading over to the Finding Nemo: The Musical. What an amazing show and it was so nice to get out of the hot sun. After seeing the show it was almost time for one of mine and my mother's favorite rides in Expedition Everest, what a great roller coaster. 

It really is a thrill and so exhilarating.

While we were eating lunch, I had gotten an email that since Na'vi River Journey was shut down during our FastPass once it came back up we could use it at anytime until end of park operation. We were also told if we went to guest relations they might be able to help us get on Flight of Passage because we waited so long and we didn't get on it. We headed back to Pandora and rode River Journey. 

The Shaman of Songs is so interactive and so life-like, Joe Rohde and Disney Imagineering really out did themselves with Pandora. It was such a peaceful boat ride along the river and hearing the sounds of the wildlife and from the Shaman of Songs was breathtaking. 

After that we headed over to Guest Relations and thanks to them they were able to get us a FastPass that could be used at anytime for Flight of Passage. Instead of heading straight to Flight of Passage we stopped at Pizzafari for a quick meal. Not my favorite but it was nice and quiet in there. 

We headed over to Flight of Passage and got right through the FastPass line in 15 minutes. When everyone says this is the best ride ever, they really are telling you the truth. Flight of Passage, and I won't spoil it for those who haven't rode it yet, is absolutely amazing and it doesn't disappoint. On a scale of 1 to 10 with the 10 being the best its a 12. That how awesome this ride is. 

We finished with Flight of Passage and it was already time to head back over to the Discovery River and see Rivers of Light. What an amazing show to see the reflections of the images on the water. I thoroughly enjoyed the show seeing the animals and the music was absolutely my favorite part of the show.

Once the show was over and traveling through the crowds to get back to Pandora for the Extra Evening Magic Hours exclusive to the new land. Cast Members scan guests Magic Bands to prove they are staying at a resort and they are then allowed to get in line for the ride. We waited another two hours for Flight of Passage. It was so worth it because the ride is that amazing. Here are some shots of Pandora: The World of Avatar at night.

After 17 hours at the park it was finally time to head back to the resort. It was such a successful day in both Pandora and at Animal Kingdom. 

That's all for part 1, next week I will dive into part 2 and our adventure to the Magic Kingdom. See you all real soon. 

Pandora Opens With Long Lines as Expected; New Nighttime Projection at Hollywood Studios

Pandora Opens With Long Lines as Expected:

Pandora: The World of Avatar officially opened yesterday at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The long awaited new world which took almost 4 years to build opened to very large crowds during the Memorial Day Weekend. Waits to just get into the land reached almost two hours at one point during the day.

The two new attractions in Avatar: Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey each stayed steady at over four hour wait times throughout the day. There seemed to be no mechanical or technical issues throughout the day like Frozen Ever After had last year when it opened. The only time the rides were shut down were later in the night to prepare for the Extra Extra Magic Hours exclusive for Walt Disney World Resort guests. 

Pandora at night is such a beauty from the photos I saw online. I can't wait to see it in just 11 days. Lines during the Extra Extra Magic Hours weren't horrible going to bed last night I saw Flight of Passage at 90 minutes which was expected and River Journey was at a respectable 20 minute wait. 

Guests once again lined up this morning nearly 90 minutes before the park opened. Lines were long to get in but no reports of any phased closures like yesterday for opening day. As of around noon today waits both rides weren't as bad with Flight of Passage at 120 minutes and Na'vi River Journey was at 150 minutes. Congratulations to Joe Rohde and Walt Disney Imagineering on the opening of this beautiful new world. It is sure to be a busy summer at the parks.

New Nighttime Projection Show Debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

It is crazy to think that anything could be kept secret with social media the way it is in 2017. Disney did just that on Friday when they debuted a brand new projection show called Disney Movie Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The world learned just hours before it premiered. 

Disney Movie Magic is a new projection show on the Chinese Theatre facade that will air nightly before Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at 9 p.m. The show contains clips from several Disney live-action films including, "Beauty and the Beast", "Mary Poppins", "Cinderella", "Guardians of the Galaxy", "Tron", and much more. 

Disney still hasn't even made any official announcement on "Disney Movie Magic," but it was quite the surprise to hear they can still surprise us every once in a while with something new. 

Inside Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar; Jungle Cruise to be Re-Imagined at All Parks

Inside Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar:

Yesterday, Walt Disney World gave a few media members an all-day preview of Pandora: The World of Avatar, the new world opening in less than a month at Disney's Animal Kingdom. During the preview a select group got to experience the new world including riding both new attractions in The Na'vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. 

The group also got to taste the new amazing and exotic cuisine and drinks from the Satu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu. They even got a chance to step into Windtraders and see the brand new merchandise coming to Pandora: The World of Avatar.

Disney also released another sneak peak of the Na'vi Shaman of Songs inside the new attraction of the Na'vi River Journey where boats seat up to 8 guests.

During Na’vi River Journey, guests float down the river searching for the Shaman of Songs, an incredibly lifelike, nearly ten-foot tall Na’vi woman that plays music and sings as they float by. Music and a connection with nature are so important to the Na’vi in the world of Pandora, and the ride really helps guests feel that connection. - Oh My Disney

Check out this new clip released of the Na'vi Shaman of Songs:



See the Na'vi Shaman of Songs on the Na'vi River Journey and experience Pandora: The World of Avatar when it opens inside Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27.

Jungle Cruise to be Re-Imagined at Disney Parks Around the World:

Earlier this month, it was revealed officially that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would be starring in a live-action film based on the classic Disney attraction. Yesterday, Johnson revealed in an Instagram post that he was working with Walt Disney Imagineering to update and re-imagine the classic attraction at Disney Theme Parks around the world. Here is the post:

Grateful SOB to have Walt and Mickey watching over my shoulder as @danygarciaco and I embark on this amazing project. For our big #JungleCruise creative meeting at DISNEY's highly secure R&D facilities, me and @danygarciaco were escorted into THE VAULT. A legitimate vault where all of Disney's biggest secrets and plans are kept. Curtains were pulled back for us to reveal the actual drawn up plans that Walt Disney had his brother, Roy Disney take to New York to present to the bankers in 1950 for the potential loan to build what's now known as Disney Land. Cant imagine what that meeting with bankers was like. Roy: Alright gentlemen, so me and my brother Walt, want to build the greatest multiple theme park attraction in the world. Banker: Oh that seems fun, Mr. Disney. Roy: *smiles in a playful mischievous manner, Oh yes my good man, it will have a few things that are in fact, fun. Well, clearly I don't know how the hell men were actually talking in the 50's, but what I do know is being able to star in and produce #JungleCruise is a dream come true. BUT what takes this to the next level, is that we'll partner with Disney's brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer and re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world. A very special opportunity for us and our @sevenbucksprod to create an unforgettable and fun EXPERIENCE for families around the world. And as Walt Disney himself would say... it's magical. Next step is finding our visionary director. Exciting times. #JungleCruise #TheExperience #DisneyStudios #Imagineers #SevenBucksProds #WaltAndRockWouldveBeenBesties #AndWorkoutBuddies #WaltWouldveLovedMyJackedUpPickUpTruck 😉🤙🏾

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Apr 29, 2017 at 9:59am PDT

I hope they don't to much to the Jungle Cruise as I like it just the way it is. I just viewed this attraction as untouchable on the MouseLife podcast last week. What does everyone think, do you want to see the Jungle Cruise re-imagined.

Take a Tour of Pandora with Joe Rohde with D23 and AP Previews Book Up Quickly

On Friday May 19, D23 members have a chance of a lifetime by spending an afternoon touring Pandora: The World of Avatar before it opens with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. Rohde was the lead imagineer for Pandora: The World of Avatar and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Tickets for the even is $250/person plus a $5 processing fee. Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PDT/ 1 p.m. EDT. Here is what guests can expect:

OVERVIEW:
Be among the first to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar not only before it opens to the public, but with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering! In addition to a guided walk-through of the exotic new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with Joe, attendees will enjoy lunch at Tiffins with Mr. Rohde and fellow D23 Members.

DETAILS:
Experience begins at 11:00 a.m. and will last approximately three hours. Check-in will begin in front of Tiffins restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Please do not arrive before 10:45 a.m.

Attendees are invited to return to Pandora – The World of Avatar to join an exploration window on their own from 3 – 5 p.m. the same day.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members
You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Before Pandora – The World of Avatar opens May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, D23 is thrilled to transport a limited number of members to the all-new land for a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon with Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering!

Guests will travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar with Joe to explore the Valley of Mo’ara, a verdant terrain sprawling beneath mountains that appear to float in the sky. Throughout the guided tour, guests will learn how the thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure, conservation and stewardship.

In addition to the D23-exclusive tour, guests will join Joe for lunch at Tiffins—a restaurant that celebrates the adventures of traveling.

That afternoon, attendees are invited to return to Pandora to join an exploration window on their own from 3 – 5 p.m. During this time, guests will also have the opportunity to soar on the back of a mountain banshee during Avatar Flight of Passage, and venture deep into the bioluminescent rainforest during the Na’vi River Journey.*

This once-in-a-lifetime experience wouldn’t be complete without a custom gift, created exclusively for you.

*Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. As this is an early exploration of Pandora – The World of Avatar, please note that access to some areas of the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora may be limited during your visit.

NOTE

• D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
• Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
• This event does not include admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Friday, May 19.
• A very limited number of tickets are available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
• All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

Also today, Annual Passholder registration for previews of Pandora: The World of Avatar opened and booked up within hours of opening. The previews for Annual Passholders will take place between May 13 through May 22. Here are the details for their previews:

• All Guests must be Passholders in order to register for a time slot to preview Pandora – The World of Avatar.
• Guests may only register for one (1) time slot over the course of the preview period.
• If an Annual Passholder would like to register a Guest to accompany them, that Guest must also have a valid annual pass for admission to the event’s theme park location on the date of the event, be listed on your Family &
• Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.
• Passholders with confirmed reservations will receive an additional email with details on how to check in for this experience, by May 12, 2017.
• All Guests must present their valid annual pass (or linked MagicBand), government issued ID and confirmation page to a Cast Member in order to enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Pandora – The World of Avatar on the date of your preview.
• Availability is subject to change without notice.
• Event is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
• Guests must meet appropriate boarding and height requirements for the attractions.
• Capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Due to limited capacity, modifications to existing reservations will not be available.
• Limit one reservation per Passholder. Reservations are nontransferable and void if sold or otherwise transferred.

Pandora: The World of Avatar will open to all guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017. 

Source: D23.com

ABC Shows Show Off Sneak Peak to Pandora: The World of Avatar

This morning Good Morning America gave ABC's first sneak peak into Pandora: The World of Avatar. ABC's Paula Faris spoke with Joe Rohde and Avatar producer Jon Landau while walking through the land in our most in-depth look yet. 

In the segment we got a look at the bioluminescent plants at night, the floating mountains, a look at food that will be available to try, and our first look at what Avatar Flight of Passage will look like. Guests will slide on 3D glasses and be transformed into their own Avatar. While we didn't see any footage from the ride, it will be a simulation of you actually riding on the back of your own banshee. Here is the full clip of the segment:

WATCH: INSIDE LOOK: @VisitPandora the world of Avatar only at @WaltDisneyWorld! #VisitPandora @DisneyParks @OfficialAvatar pic.twitter.com/uFqamUfuLa

— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 9, 2017

As we said yesterday, this is just the first segment giving us an inside look at Pandora: The World of Avatar. Segments on ABC's "The View", "The Chew", and "Nightline" will be shown throughout the day on ABC.

UPDATE: Whoopi Goldberg Tours Na'vi River Journey with James Cameron on "The View":

During today's episode of ABC's "The View" live from Disney's Animal Kingdom, we got another inside look at Pandora: The World of Avatar. Whoopi Goldberg got a tour of the land with Oscar-winning director James Cameron as he showed off the floating mountains, the glowing bioluminescent plants, and finally we saw them ride the Na'vi River Journey. You will see that you will encounter a viper wolf and even hear the Na'vi Shaman singing on the ride.

Check out the clip below:

Floating mountains, glowing forests and more! @JimCameron gives @whoopigoldberg an exclusive look at @VisitPandora in @WaltDisneyWorld. pic.twitter.com/OLBuFw5sOf

— The View (@TheView) March 9, 2017

Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom inches closer to its debut on May 27, 2017.

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released; James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action Lion King

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released by Disney:

It is just a little over three months when Pandora: The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney just keeps on teasing us with excitement as today they released a 15-second clip with footage for the Na'vi River Journey. Take a look at the clip with awe and beauty that Pandora will bring to the park that is already amazing:

The beauty of Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action 'Lion King':

Last year, we learned that Jon Favreau would be directing a live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "The Lion King." Favreau made two major casting announcements on Friday for the film and I couldn't be more excited. 

Donald Glover has signed on to the film in the role and voice of adult Simba. James Earl Jones is set to reprise his role of Mufasa which he voiced in the original animated classic. This is best news ever and it has taken me a few days just to keep my excitement from getting out of hand.

No release date has been announced for the live-action film but with Jon Favreau directing and these two stars already signed on for the film. The live-action remake of "The Lion King" is sure to be a hit at the box office. 

More Details on Pandora - The World of Avatar from Destination D: Amazing Adventures

The panel on Pandora - The World of Avatar with James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Imagineer Joe Rohde just ended and the detail that has gone into this world is amazing. Here is what was shared during the panel.

Cameron and Rohde were in character for the panel making Pandora a real place and that the movie was a documentary. The world that is being built will be the Moara Valley in Pandora set 100 years after the movie has ended. The floating mountains that we have seen floating is caused by the magnetic force in the world called unobtanium. 

The entrance into Pandora will be called the Alpha Centauri Expeditions opening the world of Pandora to guests. The Na'vi people will be there to teach explorers and visitors about their culture and connecting them to the nature of Pandora. The world guests enter will have evidence of the human inhabitance and structures from the war on Pandora. 

Flight of Passage will allow guests to link up with Banshee bonding them in an almost virtual reality ride experience. The journey will take guests around the planet swooping and diving in a majestical flight through waterfalls, islands, and more. Guests will be wearing 3D goggles and as they straddle the seat for the ride Cameron said guests should hold on tight for the E-ticket attraction. It will be flying right of passage guided by the Na'vi so guests don't get eaten. It will provide a majestic and magical flight through Pandora.

They gave more details on both Wind Traders and the Santu'li Canteen. The Wind Traders travel the world to trade, keep language united, and to share news. At the Santu'li Canteen guests will enjoy food that is completely unique, "alien cuisine" as Rohde called it. The food will not be 3 feet long like the Na'vi eat it will adapt to portions that humans are use to Rohde also stated. 

They finally got into the bioluminescent plants the guests will be able to interact with just by touch. The world will light up just after sunset where it will reach the mountains to the forest right down to the paving that we walk on. It will be like walking on clouds of light. They then moved onto the Na'vi River Journey which sounds like it will be amazing at night. 

Rohde said it will be a "beautiful, lyrical, musical" attraction that is more relaxing then what guests will experience with Flight of Passage. In the ride guests will be greeted by the The Shaman of Songs, an amazing musical Na'vi that sings a song that makes the forest react to her with stunning lights and sounds. The forest has its own conscious that is called "Eywa" which is almost like a "biological internet." Attendees got a preview of the Shaman of Songs which was released to the public shortly after. Here it is:

It sounds like the Na'vi will not be wandering around the park like originally thought just in the attractions. Pandora sounds amazing including both attractions in the Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey. I said two months ago when I got back Animal Kingdom at night was amazing without Pandora, but when it does open hands down I'm not sure anything will be able to compare to it. Pandora - The World of Avatar opens Summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Disney Princesses Meet & Greet Coming to Disney Springs; New Birnbaum Disney World Guide Offers Pandora Ride Descriptions

Disney Princesses Meet & Greet Coming to Disney Springs:

Beginning this Saturday, October 1, guests visiting the World of Disney story in Disney Springs will have a chance to meet Cinderella and other Disney Princesses for a limited time. There will be surprise appearances each day from the likes of Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana, or another surprise visit from another princess. There will no set times to meet the princesses but each visit will be treated as if you are at a royal reception. 

Entertainment Show Director Tom Vazzana told the Disney Parks Blog, “Cinderella had a wish for her and her fellow royal princesses to have a place to meet new friends. The Fairy Godmother was able to grant her this wish, and now, tucked away in a magical corner of World of Disney is a location befitting Cinderella’s request. A magical ‘royal hall’ was created complete with tapestries and images inspired by classic fairytales.”

With a Disney PhotoPass Photographer on hand, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. everyday from October 1 through November 1, guests will be greeted by a cast member will give them an approximate time to return for their personal royal reception. When guests return to the queue they will be moments away from meeting a Disney Princess.

New Birnbaum's Walt Disney World Guide Offers Description for Pandora Attractions:

Thanks to The Laughing Place for the discovery of the complete descriptions of the two new attractions hitting Disney's Animal Kingdom next year when Pandora - The World of Avatar opens. The two new attractions are the Na'vi River Journey and AVATAR Flight of Passage. Both attractions are set to open sometime in the latter half of 2017. Here are the descriptions:

Na’Vi River Journey (FP+)
A musical voyage into Pandora’s bioluminescent forest, this trip is as calm and family-friendly as they come. The adventure begins as guests board canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the rainforest. The grandeur of Pandora is revealed as canoes float past exotic glowing plants and an array of amazing creatures, include native humanoids known as Na’vi. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life of Pandora and sends positive energy into the forest with her music. Na’vi River Journey is generally appreciated by guests of all ages (through timid tykes who are spooked by darkness may find parts of this expedition unsettling).

AVATAR Flight of Passage (FP+)
The crowning jewel of Animal Kingdom’s newest neighborhood, AVATAR Flight of Passage invites daredevils to take a scenic trip to Pandora on the backs of a flying Mountain Banshee. The intense journey takes place in a cutting-edge, simulator-like environment and offers much more than a thrill a minute. Guests are treated to a bird’s-eye view of all the sights, sounds, and smells of the majestic moon that the Na’vi call home.
A high-flying “E-Ticket” experience, Flight of Passage is a most realistic, immersive experience. It is not recommended for guests with motion sensitivity, heart conditions, fear of heights, or any other physical issues. This experience is quite popular, book a Fastpass+ assignment if you can. For height requirements, visit www.disneyworld.com.

More details on Pandora - The World of Avatar are slated to be revealed at the upcoming D23 event, Destination D: Amazing Adventures, being held at Disney's Contemporary Resort on November 19-20. James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Disney President of Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek are slated to be on hand. We may even here an opening date so stay tuned. 

New LEGO Star Wars Series Coming to Disney XD This Summer, Dream Big Princess: Disney's New Campaign, and More

New LEGO Star Wars Series Coming to Disney XD This Summer:

With the popularity of the LEGO Star Wars series, Disney XD announced a new series would be premiering on the channel this summer. LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures will center around the Freemakers who are a family of scavengers who sell and build starships from the scoured debris of space battles strewn across the galaxy. When the youngest Freemaker discovers an ancient lightsaber the family is thrown into the struggle against the Galactic Empire as they try to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. The storyline occurs between Episode's V and VI of the saga.

Of course there will be some familiar faces making appearances in the series as well as some new heroes and villains. Jill Wilfert, VP of Licensing and Entertainment at LEGO said, "We are very excited to launch, for the first time, a TV series with Disney XD. The creative team behind The Freemaker Adventures is extremely talented, and the series is a great testament to our longstanding and successful partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney. The show masterfully combines the rich heritage of storytelling, great characters, action, and adventure in a galaxy far, far away with the creativity, imagination, and humor that only LEGO Star Wars can deliver. We are sure fans young and old are going to love the show."

"LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was announced just last week will come out on gaming systems in June. As well as the popular mini LEGO Star Wars series that have been on Disney in the past you already know The Force will be strong with this one.

Dream Big Princess: Disney's New Campaign:

In a release today from Disney by Jennifer Lee, Academy Award-winning director/writer for Frozen and writer for Wreck-it-Ralph, announced a new campaign inspiring young girls to dream big. Here is the video and the press release:

For every girl who dreams big, there's a princess to show her it's possible. #DreamBigPrincesshttps://t.co/24CBLNkFXd

— Disney (@Disney) February 11, 2016

Dream Big

By Jennifer Lee (Academy Award®-winning director/writer of “Frozen,” writer, “Wreck-It Ralph”)

One of my favorite things about being a writer and director at the Walt Disney Animation Studios is that I get to dream for a living. Right now, I’ve been doing a lot of dreaming. I’m working with songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez in New York City, writing the book for the upcoming Frozen musical for Broadway. There will be many more songs in the stage version, so we’re having a blast digging deeper into the characters and really opening up the story.

Back in California, I’ve also been dreaming alongside my Frozendirecting partner Chris Buck as we develop the feature film sequel to Frozen. I can’t give away any details, but I can tell you that our story room is a creative mess of research, character analysis, and colorful cards with many “what ifs” written on them.

I feel so lucky to be able to bring my dreams to Disney, especially because it was Disney who taught me to dream big. My very first Disney film—and my favorite growing up—was Cinderella. Cinderella was a dreamer, herself, which I loved. But what inspired me most about her was her kindness in the face of adversity. Cinderella was a part of my earliest memories, but she was also there for me in middle school, when I was bullied very badly. I thought of how Cinderella endured despite the cruelty of her stepsisters and wicked step mother. I thought of her singing: “No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” Cinderella went on to a better life and left the bullying and meanness behind. She gave me the courage to remain true to myself and believe that one day I’d be able to leave the bullying and meanness behind. And I did just that.

When it came to dreaming up Anna and Elsa, Chris Buck and I, along with the Lopezes and our amazing story team, talked at length about the qualities we most admired—strength, humility, generosity, courage, and love. Both Anna and Elsa exhibit these qualities in their own way. We also talked about the challenging emotions we’ve all faced—self-doubt, loneliness, rejection, and most of all fear. Anna struggles with loneliness, and she messes up a lot, but she’s fearless, and never gives up. Elsa may have amazing powers, but, like anyone, she battles self-doubt, rejection, and fear. Their bond as sisters and support of each other gets them through.

It has been an overwhelming experience to watch the world embrace Anna and Elsa. We are still hearing from girls, boys, women, and men from all over about our heroines. I’ll never forget seeing the video of a room full of Marines singing and cheering to “Let It Go,” or hearing about the young girl who found the strength to handle her cancer treatments by wearing her Elsa dress, or the teen who was feeling hopeless, but found hope in Anna’s perseverance. It’s been such an honor to contribute to Disney’s canon of powerful heroines. The idea of Anna and Elsa bringing strength to people the way Cinderella did for me is my dream come true.

Disney Files New Permits Showing Layout for Na'vi River Journey in Pandora:

New permits filed by Disney today show the future layout for the Na'vi River Journey in Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The permits filed by Disney with the South Florida Water Management District show the water area highlighted in blue and scenes throughout the ride highlighted in peach. BlogMickey.com also mentions through some investigation that the permit shows that it will appear to use about 1/4 of the water used in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. With using that as a benchmark, that would make the ride an estimated 4-5 minutes long.

Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is expected to open sometime in 2017.