Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Replacing Celebrate the Season; Olaf Meet & Greet Opens

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Replacing Celebrate the Season:

With tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party going on sale today, we got some details on this year's party including that "Celebrate the Season" is being replaced with a new show this year. The long-time running show during the popular Christmas Party will be replaced with a new show called, "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration." Here are the details on the new show that you can find on Disney World's website:

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Feel holiday magic come alive in a jubilant new stage show that fills the air with music, laughter and shimmering snowflakes!

It’s just days before Christmas and all through this house, excitement is stirring thanks to Mickey Mouse.

Mickey is thrilled that the holidays are here, and he knows the only way to make this season more special, is to share it with friends. So he’s throwing a Most Merriest Celebration and inviting lots of Disney pals—and you—to join the festive fun!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story are galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.

This joyous performance is the perfect yuletide treat to share with your family. You’ll hear favorite Characters ring and sing in the holidays with carols old and new—more than a dozen delightful songs in all! You’ll witness the splendor of Cinderella Castle—aglow with enchanting and ever-changing holiday illuminations. And you’ll feel the warmth and wonder of the season as this unforgettable performance is Christmas-wrapped up in one sensational, snowy, show-stopping finale.

Olaf Meet & Greet Area Opens at Hollywood Studios:

Get excited "Frozen" fans as the Olaf meet and greet at Hollywood Studios officially opened yesterday. At Celebrity Spotlight, located in the Echo Lake area of the park, guests can meet the lovable snowman while he is living his dream "In Summer" and chilling out on the beach. Olaf is ready to give those warm hugs that are worth melting over to all his new friends.

The other new meet and greet involving Mickey and Minnie will open to guests this Sunday on Mother's Day, May 8. "Mickey & Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams" is just around the corner from Olaf's meet and greet on Commissary Lane. 

Here, you’ll discover Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, living the dream as A-list Hollywood stars. Walk the red carpet and step right into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. Next, join Mickey in a scene from “Fantasia,” where he’s portraying his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

I can't wait to get to Hollywood Studios in September where I will surely go and meet Olaf. How about you?

Olaf Will Finally Greet Guests at Hollywood Studios Along with New Mickey & Minnie Meet & Greet

Two new character meet & greets are coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this Spring. In the Echo Lake district, the all new Celebrity Spotlight, will be the perfect place to encounter everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf. Olaf will be living his dream "In Summer" where he will be chilling on the beach and ready with warm hugs for all his friends. 

Mickey & Minnie will also have a new home located near Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in there new experience called, "Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams." Here Mickey and Minnie will be living out there dreams of being A-list stars. Guests will walk the red carpet will they will meet Minnie dressed as a Tinsel Town starlet setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. Nearby, you will meet Mickey portraying his iconic role of the Sorcerer's Apprentice from Fantasia.

Who's excited to finally be meeting Olaf or for the new Mickey & Minnie Meet & Greet?

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theatre at Disneyland, Olaf is Coming to "Sofia the First", and More

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theater at Disneyland:

Beginning this Friday, guests visiting the Royal Theater at Disneyland will have "The Best Day Ever" when "Tangled" returns. It will return to tell the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder all done by the amazing storytelling of resident Renaissance men, Messieurs Smythe and Jones. With the help of fellow villagers and some help from the audience members, both Smythe and Jones both lovers and legend and lore will weave their version of "Tangled" with equal doses of music, whimsy, humor, and heart. 

"The Royal Theatre Presents 'Tangled'" will play in repertory with Smythe and Jones adaptation of "Frozen." Each will be performed several times daily beginning this Friday. "Tangled" was the winner of the IAAPA Brass Ring Award in 2013.

Olaf is Coming to Disney Junior's "Sofia the First":

Disney Channel and Disney Junior's hit show "Sofia the First" will be getting a visit from a very lovable and huggable Disney character. Olaf, from Disney's hit animated film "Frozen," will be visiting Sofia in an upcoming episode. The episode will air on February 15 at 11:30/10:30 a.m. CST on the Disney Channel and at 7/6 p.m. CST on Disney Junior.

Josh Gad will reprise the voice of Olaf in the second of a four-part story arc of the show titled, "The Secret Library: Olaf and the Tale of Miss. Nettle." Also appearing in the episode will be Emmy-nominated actress Megan Mullally will voice the self-absorbed fairy Miss. Nettle, Sofia's flying horse that is voiced by Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet, and the Narrator that is voiced by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

Before the episode airs, an illustrated e-book and storybook will be released on February 2. You will also be able to watch the episode early on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and on the WATCH Disney Junior App beginning on February 8th. 

That's not all "Frozen" fans as the Oscar-winning film will air on the Disney Channel for the first time ever on February 14 at at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST. 

Daytime Monorail Closures Will Continue Through March at Disney World:

Daytime closures of the Walt Disney World Monorail beginning today will continue through March 20, 2016 with modified hours during operation. Here is the rundown:

Express Monorail

• Closed between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday's and Thursday's 
• 9:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Resort Monorail

• 8:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Epcot Monorail

• 9 a.m. delayed openings on Monday's and Tuesday's

Frozen Summer Fun Begins Today at Hollywood Studios

The "Coolest Summer Ever" is getting cooler as Frozen Summer Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios began today. Frozen Summer Fun will run today through September 7. Here is a little bit of what's going on during Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios:

• Frozen Royal Welcome - scheduled to run twice per day and Olaf is joining in the fun along Anna and Kristoff as well as Elsa who will appear on her new ice-palace float. (Elsa didn't appear on the float today as the float is being repaired.)
• Olaf's Summer Cool Down - The new stage show taking place on the main stage in front of The Great Movie Ride. Olaf brings his friends to have a little fun "In Summer" and as temperatures heat up Olaf shares a bit of his own personal snow flurry. Here is video from our friends at WDWMagic:

• "Frozen Fever" the animated short will be shown multiple times a day in the ABC Sound Studio.
• For the First Time in Forever: A "Frozen" Sing-Along Celebration is moving into the old American Idol location in the Hyperion Theater. The show will feature all new in-theater effects.
• "Frozen" Fireworks - The day will end after the "Coolest Summer Ever" dance party with a spectacular show of fireworks in sync with the music of "Frozen."

Here are the times guide and the new cupcakes that debuted today for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios.

'Coolest Summer Ever' Shirt for Magic Kingdom's 24-Hour Party and Tonight's AFV Season Finale Live from Disneyland

'Coolest Summer Ever' Shirt for Magic Kingdom's 24-Hour Party:

The other day we showed off some of the merchandise that the Disney Parks Blog wrote about that was coming to Disneyland for their 24-hour party this coming weekend. Yesterday, the blog showed off the 'Coolest Summer Ever' commemorative shirt that is coming to the Magic Kingdom for its party this Friday. The shirt will feature this year's host Olaf, from Disney's "Frozen." The front of the shirt features Olaf with it saying 'Imagine How Much Cooler I'll be in 24 Hours' and the dates of the party May 22-23, 2015. The back of the shirt says 24 Hours Coolest Summer Ever, Magic Kingdom, and again the dates. This year's shirt also changes color with the sun. Here it is:

The Front

The Back

The shirt can be found at The Emporium on Main Street, USA and the shirt will also be offered online from May 22-31 at DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents.

Tonight's AFV Season Finale will be Live from Disneyland:

Tonight's America's Funniest Home Videos Season Finale will be airing live tonight from Disneyland. The finale of AFV will be a farewell to the show's host Tom Bergeron (pictured above). The show will also crown the winner of the shows two $100,000 winners as they battle out to see who will win the grand prize of vacation of 60 people to the Disneyland Resort in honor of its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. It will include a visit to both of Disneyland Resort theme parks in Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Tonight's show airs at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST on ABC. 

New Magic Coming to Classic Disneyland Attractions and Frozen Fun is Coming to Disney Cruise Linew

New Magic Coming to Two Classic Disneyland Attractions:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog made a special announcement concerning two classic attractions at Disneyland for its Diamond Celebration. Disney Imagineers will be bringing new magic into the Matterhorn and Peter Pan's Flight.

Concept Art for Matterhorn Bobsleds

Some new effects are being added to the Disneyland classic ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds. As seen in the picture above the Abominable Snowman will be added to the attraction. The attraction will re-open in May.

Peter Pan's Flight Concept Art

For Peter Pan's Flight new magic will be centered around the Darling Family and the nursery scene of the attraction. Instead of Wendy and the boys laying in bed like they have always been, Disney Imagineers are re-imagining the scene where Wendy and the boys are now flying. The shadows of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell will also be present in the scene. Peter Pan's Flight is also re-opening in May in time for the Diamond Celebration.

Frozen Fun Coming to Disney Cruise Line This Summer:

Guests aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will get to experience some "Frozen" fun this summer aboard the cruise ships. Starting out with their voyages to Alaska and Northern Europe where one day guests will wake up to the ship transformed into a winter wonderland. A magical freeze will overtake the atrium lobby where it will resemble the ice palace of Queen Elsa. 

Kids will feel as if they are in Arendelle, kids will be able to receive hugs from Olaf or join in on a scavenger hunt, "Anna's Chocolate Chase," to share Anna's sense of adventure with a special surprise for finishing the game. Another activity will be "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" activity where they'll be able to take on Elsa's magical powers to make snow and ice. Families will be able to enjoy "Oaken's Maypole Swirl and Twirl," to learn the tradition Scandinavian dance spinning and braiding giant ribbons. There will also be a specially themed dining experience with a menu that will be inspired by traditional Nordic Fare.

The day will conclude with at huge deck party called "Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa, and Friends." The party will include a sing-along and dance with the royal sisters and their companions. It will include line dancing that is led by Anna and Kristoff. Sven, the trolls, and Olaf will make virtual appearances on the ship. Sven will lead the party with games like "Sven Says" and "Troll Stroll." Olaf will lead the crowd in song with his hit "In Summer." As the party goes Elsa will arrive in a snowy gust of wind and lead the guests in the singing of "Let It Go." Elsa will unleash her magic, which will send a chill through everyone as the powerful Academy Award-winning song echoes from the ship.

Some "Frozen" fun is headed to Disney cruise ships this Summer. Are you going to join the fun this summer on Disney Cruise Line? 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/13/15

TGIF!!! It's Friday and I am definitely ready for the weekend. Yesterday's shareholders' meeting showed that at any time Disney can break news. Boy, did they break news. For further updates about yesterday's meeting check out yesterday blog and my recap of the meeting. Let's move onto today's news from around Disney.

Josh Gad Joins Disney's Live Action "Beauty and the Beast" Cast:

Today it was announced that the voice of Olaf from Disney's "Frozen", Josh Gad, has joined the cast of Disney's live action remake of the its animated classic "Beauty and the Beast." Gad who has taken the role of Le Fou, the buffoonish and loyal sidekick of villain Gaston. Gad is the first American actor to join the cast of British actors so far as Emma Watson will play Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast/Prince, as well as Luke Evans who will play Gaston. Bill Condon will be directing and David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman will be producing the live-action film. Gad, who was part of Disney's announcement at their shareholders' meeting to announce "Frozen 2", also is reprising his role as Olaf in "Frozen Fever" (the animated short that is appearing before "Cinderella" starting today in theaters).

 Well-known Disney Architect and Designer Michael Graves Passes at the Age of 80:

It is with great sadness to report that well-known Disney architect and designer Michael Graves passed away yesterday at the age of 80. Graves was paralyzed from the chest down from a spinal cord infection since 2003. Michael Graves is most known for being the creative mind behind many designs of well-known Disney buildings. His works include the design of the Team Disney building in Burbank which the Parthenon-inspired facade featuring the dwarves from Snow White as pillars are because of him. He also went onto design the Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts, Disney's Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris, as well some Disney Consumer Products which included housewares, bookends, and watches. He was one of the first outside designers to be granted "artistic freedom" to use Disney characters outside of their character integrity guidelines. I would like to wish my deepest condolences to the Graves family, may Michael Graves rest in peace.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 13) in 1928, Walt Disney on a train back to California from New York City sends a Western Union telegram to his brother and partner Roy that reads: "Leaving tonite, stopping over KC, arrive home Sunday morning 7:30, don't worry everything ok, will give details when arrive." This is in reference to losing right to their creation Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Walt has a new idea for an animated character, that will be what we know as today as Mickey Mouse. 

On this day in 2005, Walt Disney Company directors choose Robert A. Iger to succeed Michael Eisner as CEO of the company. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"There is more treasure in books, than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island."

-Walt Disney

Well, that all for today's blog, hope everyone enjoys the weekend. I will return on Sunday with part 3 of my in-depth series of Disney's deluxe resorts with Disney's Grand Floridian. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Recap of Disney's 2015 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Well another Disney shareholders' meeting has come and gone and Disney has made waves after today's with some breaking news. Disney CEO Bob Iger started the meeting off with some Star Wars news. Meeting began with a re-watch of the teaser trailer for the upcoming "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" that will open in December. After that is when Iger broke the news that the first standalone Star War film will be called "Rogue One". In other Star Wars news Episode VIII will be released on May 26, 2017.

For other Disney movie news, the average Marvel movie (Disney has released) makes is about a billion dollars each. Shareholders were treated to a scene from Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron." Shareholder's were also treated to the trailer for the upcoming "Tomorrowland" film. Pixar CCO and director John Lasseter joined Iger on stage next for Pixar. They will have two films coming out in 2015 "Inside Out" this summer and "The Good Dinosaur" later this year. 

After a viewing of Disney's animated short "Frozen Fever" that will be released tomorrow before Disney's live-action film "Cinderella" is when Disney dropped more big news. Josh Gad (Frozen's Olaf) joined Iger and Lasseter on stage to announce that Disney Animation is in the works for the production of "Frozen 2", no release date was announced. Frozen 2 will reunite directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee along with producer Peter Del Vocho. 

Iger then briefly discussed now COO Tom Staggs promotion and the business portion of the meeting got under way. Nothing really to report from the business side of the shareholder's meeting. Next, was the start of the open questioning portion of the meeting. First question to Iger is if Figment and Dreamfinder would reunite at Epcot's Imagination pavilion. Iger answered while the new comics are impressive at this time there is no plans to re-imagine the pavilion or attraction. The big question however came from a 6-year old shareholder about a name change to Hollywood Studios. Iger answered with the following reply: "No...... Well we are doing a lot of work there that may result in a name change, wait we haven't announced that yet have we? Can we announce that? Ok, how about this, we will confirm that we will be changing the name of the park, but not tell you the new name, we will announce that later." So Hollywood Studios will be no more just as MGM Studios is no more.

What's Next?

That is a wrap on the 2015 Disney Annual Shareholders' Meeting. What does everyone think of Frozen 2 finally being announced? Again I can't tell you how excited I am about Star Wars and what Disney will bring to the table for the franchise. Last but not least Hollywood Studios is getting a new name. What do you think it will be? Rumor has it will be: Disney's Hollywood Adventure.

24-Hour Party to Kick Off 'Coolest Summer Ever' at Walt Disney World

As many of you have heard by now Disney World will once again be holding 24 all-night party at the Magic Kingdom May 22-23 from 6 a.m. - 6 a.m. to kick off what it has termed to be the "Coolest Summer Ever." The announcement was made this morning on Good Morning America.

For the third straight year in what now is a tradition of kicking off the summer will be a non-stop fun and park will not close for 24 hours. The announcement was made in Boston where the winter has been brutal. Some Disney magic was brought to them in the form of Olaf, who will be the host of 'Coolest Summer Ever', and 20 foot wide beach that included Cinderella Castle made out of sand, beach chairs, beach balls, and other summer fun reminders of Walt Disney World. Here is a clip of how it all came together in Boston for the announcement:

Some of things planned at Walt Disney World for the "Coolest Summer Ever include:

• A return of Frozen fun at Hollywood Studios from June 17-September 7
• Cool Thrill rides in all four parks
• Star Wars Weekends taking place on weekends at Hollywood Studios from May 15-June 14
• New Restaurants and Shopping at the new Disney Springs
• New Epcot Entertainment
• A new splash of fun deal at Disney World's Water Parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon

Also on the Disney Parks Blog today it was announced a 24-hour party at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will also be happening on May 22-23 to kick off Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration. As announced back in February, Disneyland's Diamond Celebration will kick off on May 22 with some new events coming to the park. Slated to kickoff the celebration will be the "Paint the Night" parade, "Disneyland Forever" fireworks, and the new "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney". Tune in the future for more information on the blog on both the "Coolest Summer Ever" at Walt Disney World at Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration.