Video: 'Happily Ever After' Gets Ready for Debut; Rumor: Once Upon a Time to End?

Believe it or not, we are just a week away from "Happily Ever After" debuting at the Magic Kingdom on May 12. While the sadness of saying goodbye to "Wishes" remains, the previews of "Happily Ever After" have been amazing and it is sure to be an awesome replacement. 

The other night Disney tested the show after park hours and today, we got a video from the Disney Parks Blog showing a preview of the run-through that makes me so excited for the new fireworks/projection show. Check it out:

I am so excited for this show after seeing all the previews and I can't wait to see it in 34 days when I'm down there. This leads into the next story and rumor that just surfaced over the last few days.

RUMOR: Once Upon a Time Projection Show to End?:

This has not been confirmed by Disney but rumors have surfaced that the "Once Upon a Time" projection show will be ending with the debut of "Happily Ever After." The projection show which replaced "Celebrate the Magic" last year is rumored to be "glowing away" as soon as June 3rd.

With the debut of "Happily Ever After" the new fireworks show has both fireworks and projections on the castle as seen in the video above. While news of the show's demise was shot down back in February when "Happily Ever After" was confirmed, it seems Disney never actually planned to keep the new projection show. It has been said that "Once Upon a Time" was just a filler until "Happily Ever After" debuted.

None of this has been confirmed by Disney themselves but with "Happily Ever After" debuting next week it appears we will soon know the fate of "Once Upon a Time."

Sources: Disney Parks Blog
               WDWThemeParks.com

Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 Switch Release Dates, Muppet Babies Making a Return, and More

Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 Switch Release Dates:

Pixar has decided that "Toy Story 4" just won't be ready for its 2018 release date and will be switching release dates with "The Incredibles 2." Now "Toy Story 4" will be released on June 21, 2019 and "The Incredibles 2" will now be released on June 15, 2018.

"Toy Story 4" will open a new chapter of Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story gang. It will be directed by John Lasseter himself and is written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. 

“We love these characters so much; they are like family to us,” said Lasseter. “We don’t want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. Toy Story 3 ended Woody and Buzz’s story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another Toy Story movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie—and I wanted to direct it myself.” - John Lasseter.

Brad Bird who is directing the "The Incredibles 2" has just said it will be more "Incredibles" and that he isn't giving anything away and it will be a surprise for fans.

Muppet Babies Making a Return in 2018 on Disney Junior:

"Wocka, Wocka, Wocka!" Go crazy Muppets fans because the Muppet Babies are returning to tv very soon. Muppet Babies, the animated tv show that ran from 1984 to 1991 will be coming to Disney Junior in 2018. The adorable versions of Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, and Gonzo will be returning where the new series will be chronicling their playroom antics once again. Even Miss Nanny will be returning.

The show will co-produced by Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media's (DCPI) Content & Media Group, and The Muppets Studio, and will be CG-animated this time around. Each episode will feature two 11-minute stories about the Muppet Babies' adventures. The iconic characters will be doing anything from building a time machine to flying through outer-space.

The series will be geared towards children ages 4-7, but we all know millennials everywhere will want to bring the nostalgia back and watch the show too. The show will highlight creative and critical thinking. 

For one I can't wait to see this show as I loved the Muppet Babies when I was younger. 

"Once Upon A Time" Projection Show Replacing "Celebrate the Magic":

This morning the Disney Parks Blog announced that a new nighttime projection show is coming to the Magic Kingdom beginning November 4. This means we will be saying goodbye to "Celebrate the Magic" which will be ending its run at the park on November 3. 

"In this new show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them (and all of us) on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”
Scenes that are expected to be guest-favorites include a flight with Peter Pan from London to Never Land, the Mad Hatter’s whimsical tea party, and a daring duel between Gaston and Beast. Mrs. Potts and Chip end their bedtime story with a grand finale that includes appearances by characters from even more Disney films."

"Once Upon A Time" was inspired by a show in similar name in Tokyo Disneyland. It will use projection mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that will appear almost three-dimensional. You can check the My Disney Experience App for show times and more information on the new show. 

The Disney Store Shows Off What It's Bringing to the D23 EXPO

This year's D23 EXPO is only 3 weeks away and today the Disney Store showed off what new-collections and limited edition items they are bringing this year. At this year's expo, the Disney Store will have an over 3,000-square foot retail space for a Disney fan experience like no other. It will be located within the Disney Consumer Products pavilion. In addition to the new and exclusive merchandise not yet available to the public, fans will be able to meet and greet with the artists of the new collections. 

Fans will also be treated to the Disney Store's opening ceremony on Friday, August 14. During the opening ceremony, one special guest at the expo will be chosen to "unlock imagination" at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney's most famous characters. Guests of the expo will get first look at the new collections including the next set of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection, a Limited Edition Doll Collection from ABC's Once Upon a Time,  Star Wars, Toy Story 20th Anniversary, and the newly minted Disney Tsum Tsum. 

Here is a sneak peak and highlights of the new collections coming to the D23 EXPO:

Disney Fairytale Designer Collection—Happily ever after meets happily evil in Disney Store’s newest series of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection being previewed at D23 EXPO. Featuring five sets of Limited Edition pairs, these collector doll sets were designed by Disney Store artists and carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romance of fairytale friends and foes.

Available for the first time at D23 EXPO, guests can pre-purchase the complete set of five Hero/Villain pairs prior to the general public pre-sale beginning online Monday, September 14.

Following the preview at D23 EXPO, the doll sets will be released and available for purchase in stores and online starting September 29, with a new pair released each week. Each set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This line expands into a collection of apparel, mugs, journals, home décor, and more, available to the general public in stores and online on September 14.

Once Upon a Time—Continuing the ‘heroes and villains’ theme, Disney Store will introduce the Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection, available exclusively at D23 EXPO. Limited to an edition of 300, the doll collection, inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairytale characters from the show. Exclusively for guests who purchase the doll set at D23 EXPO, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) will be available for an autograph signing at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO floor from 4–4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. This special opportunity will be followed by the Once Upon a Time panel taking place in Stage 23 from 6–7 p.m.

Star Wars—Disney Store will launch an exclusive collection of Star Warsitems at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14. The collection will feature apparel, collectibles, and toys, including the Star Wars Elite Series, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures, representing characters from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The action figures will be sold individually at Disney Store locations beginning later this year; however, D23 EXPO attendees have the opportunity to purchase the full set of Star Wars Elite Series action figures, which includes D23 EXPO-exclusive versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Additionally at D23 EXPO, Disney Store will introduce Star Wars Legion Helmets, a series of eight vinyl collectible helmets inspired by the Star Wars Legion Helmet project launched in early 2014. Celebrating creativity and Star Wars, the project pulled together artists from across The Walt Disney Company, resulting in 300 Stormtrooper helmets being transformed into diverse pieces of art, which inspired these collectible recreations—epic additions to every Empire.

Toy Story 20th Anniversary—In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of DisneyPixar’s Toy Story, Disney Store gleaned art from the adored film’s archives to illustrate the evolution of the beloved characters, Buzz and Woody. Featuring toys, collectibles, apparel, and more, this collection will be released at the Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14.


Disney Tsum Tsum—All-new collections of everyone’s favorite stackable plush will be unveiled at D23 EXPO, with one releasing each day in limited quantities in mini, medium, and large sizes. In addition, limited-edition mini box series—exclusive to D23 EXPO—will be released along with each collection, and a Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum mini vinyl figure will be available for $5 with any purchase, while supplies last.

The Disney Store's "Disney's 3D Print Studio" is also launching at this year's D23 EXPO. It offers fans the chance to personalize figures, including Marvel's Iron Man, with their likeness with the use of facial-scanning kiosks. The figures will come with special packaging exclusive to the D23 EXPO.

Also new this year will be StorePass which we talked about in yesterday's blog. StorePass will allow fans to get a better shopping experience with minimal wait times in line. StorePasses will be available at 10 a.m. on August 14 with limited availability. 

This year's D23 EXPO is just 3 weeks away beginning Friday, August 14 and ending on Sunday, August 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

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