One Man's Dream to Become Walt Disney Presents; Rumor: Changes Coming to All-Star Movies & Music Resorts

One Man's Dream to Become Walt Disney Presents:

Two years ago before all the changes coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios were announced, rumors swirled that One Man's Dream would be going away for good. Even recently, it was rumored that it would be demolished to make way for the new entrance into Toy Story Land. Today, the fate of tribute to Walt himself was revealed. 

The building will be reimagined into Walt Disney Presents and the film along with the many historical items from Walt's history such as sketches, storyboards, and photos will remain a part of the attraction. Also the film will be switched out from time to time to preview upcoming films. The meet & greet with Star-Lord and Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy will also be staying. 

That's not all as Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview center where guests explore what’s next for the park. Starting in mid-September, you’ll be able to view concept art, ride vehicle maquettes and a never-before-seen model for Toy Story Land. A portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model also will be on display, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.

Are you excited about the new Walt Disney Presents Preview Center coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

RUMOR: Changes Coming to All-Star Movies and Music Resorts:

It wasn't that long ago that we were talking about all the rumors swirling around Walt Disney World before the D23 Expo. Now that the expo is over of course more rumors are surfacing as Walt Disney himself said, "Around here we don't look backwards for very long, we keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

With the recent remodel of rooms at Disney's Pop Century expected to be completed in the next year or so it seems that Pop won't be the only Disney resort seeing a remodel of of its rooms. A rumor has begun surfacing that the rooms at Disney's All Star Movies and All-Star Music will be seeing a similar reimagining of there rooms expected to be completed by 2019. 

That's not all as a rumored table service restaurant, likely a buffet style restaurant, is expected to be built in between the resorts. With the expected increased occupancy rates all the 3 All-Star Resorts in 2019 with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening. It is being felt that guests may want to skip the lines at the busy counter service to relax at this proposed family style buffet experience.

This is all a rumor as of now and this has not been pushed forward as of yet. However, if they expect to have this complete by 2019 one would think we may see building permits very soon.

Source: WDW News Today

Hear a Clip of "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast; Strike a Pose with an Oscar at Walt Disney World

Hear a Clip of "Belle" from "Beauty and the Beast":

Sing along and get ready for "Beauty and the Beast" with this clip of Emma Watson singing "Belle" from the film. In this clip from the beginning of the film shows several of the amazing townspeople that we know and love from the animated classic now in live-action form. The costumes in this clip just look amazing. Check out the clip and sing along to "Belle":

Sing along with Emma Watson as Belle when "Beauty and the Beast" hits theaters March 17.

Strike a Pose with an Oscar at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

This Sunday is the Oscars and from now until Sunday at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can strike a pose with an actual Oscar statuette. Guests can visit One Man's Dream at the park where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be available during regular park hours to take the photos as you strike a pose. 

The Oscars will air on ABC this Sunday February 26 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST with Jimmy Kimmel hosting. Guests are encouraged to share their poses using "My Oscar Moment" using #Oscars by tweeting their photos to @WaltDisneyWorld. 

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened; Preview of Beauty & the Beast Coming to Disney Parks

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened:

After weeks of speculation and delays, the Planet Hollywood Observatory officially opened today. The re-imagined restaurant transformed from its iconic globe into a 4-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu with the help of Food Network's Guy Fieri, and an exciting new look and feel to the restaurant. 

Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.

Classic dishes remain on the menu but it is the new over the top burgers and sandwiches inspired by Fieri that highlight the new menu. Of course, we can't forget the hand-dipped milkshakes and generous sweets that highlight the dessert menu. Beer, wine and cocktails offer a little something for every taste, and Stargazers Lounge has a beverage menu that focuses on Florida craft beers (with 20 on tap) and 10 signature cocktails. The Stargazer Lounge has yet to open but will be soon.

Check out this quick video of Guy and a look inside the Planet Hollywood Observatory:



Source: Disney Parks Blog

Preview of 'Beauty and the Beast" Coming to Disney Parks:

Beginning February 10, guests visiting Disney Parks will get a special sneak peak into the live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "Beauty and the Beast."

At Disney California Adventure park, the preview of “Beauty and the Beast” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, while guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at a segment from the film as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction. Each sneak peek location will also include a display featuring a collection of props and costume pieces actually used in the film’s production.

You can catch the 8-minute sneak peak of the film at Disney Parks beginning February 10 then experience the film as it waltz' into theaters March 17, 2017.

Special 2-Year Anniversary Note:

Today, marks the two year anniversary of It All Started With a Mouse and I just wanted to send a special thank you to you the readers. Never did I think two years ago, how I would continue to blog almost everyday. I also never thought I would be so involved in the Disney community which is amazing. Year 2 brought even more changes with the addition of me joining the podcast world.

The MouseLife family has helped me improve It All Started With a Mouse. Speaking of the MouseLife, I cannot wait to share with all of you what's coming very soon. Stay tuned. Thank you all so much don't forget that it was all started by a mouse and please continue living the MouseLife.

- John

'Nightmare Before Christmas' As Told by Emoji; Sneak Peak of "Moana" Coming this Week to Hollywood Studios

'Nightmare Before Christmas' As Told by Emoji:

"What's this, What's this? The Monsters are all missing." In the spirit of Halloween, Disney released their version of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" as told by Emoji. As Disney said their's Emoji's everywhere. Check it out below:

What’s this? What’s this? There's emojis everywhere! #DisneyHalloween pic.twitter.com/2NLuDkOHAm

— Disney (@Disney) October 29, 2016

Sneak Peak of "Moana" Coming this Week to Hollywood Studios:

Disneyland is already catching a sneak peak of what is sure to be Disney's next animated hit in, "Moana." Now the sneak peak is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Beginning November 5, guests who visit One Man's Dream will catch an advanced look at the new film.

“Moana” is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought – her own identity.

Disney's "Moana" rides the waves into theaters on November 23, 2016.

Wilderness Lodge Villas and New Development Get New Names; Several Summer Refurbishments Announced

Wilderness Lodge Villas and New Development Get New Names:

The Villas at Wilderness Lodge will be renamed the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney Vacation Club announced today. They also announced a name for the new development of the cabins and villas being built at the resort. 

The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge will become the 14th Disney Vacation Club Resort. They also announced that a new name would be coming for the redesigned Hidden Springs Pool at the resort. 

No announcement has been made however on when these new cabins and villas will be open at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Several Summer Refurbishments Announced for Walt Disney World:

Several refurbishments were announced today for this summer at Disney World for some of our favorite attractions. This will include a lengthy refurbishment for DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here is what was announced today:

• DINOSAUR (Animal Kingdom) - July 25 through September 29
• Swiss Family Tree House (Magic Kingdom) - July 6 through September 24
• Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) - August 1 through August 7
• One Man's Dream (Hollywood Studios) - July 16 through July 19
• MuppetVision 3D! (Hollywood Studios) - August 15 through August 22

These attractions join a few other who are on the list for summer/fall refurbishment that includes Big Thunder Mountain which is expected to close August 8-November 18 and it's a small world which will be closed for nearly a month from August 22 through September 16. 

Good Dinosaur Preview at Disney Parks; Kennedy Says Skywalker Family to be Core of Upcoming Star Wars Trilogy

Good Dinosaur Preview at Disney Parks:

Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" will be hitting theaters on Thanksgiving, November 25, 2015. Beginning October 16th, though guests visiting Disney Parks on both coasts will be able to sneak a preview of the film.

At Disney's California Adventure, the preview will be shown in the Bug's Life Theater with special in-theater effects. At Disney World's Hollywood Studios however the film preview will be shown in the after show of One Man's Dream. It has been reported however that the Walt Disney film usually shown will return. "The Good Dinosaur" will be shown until December 4th, and the Walt Disney film will return in time for Walt Disney's birthday on December 5th.

"The Good Dinosaur" is an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend named Spot. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he truly is capable of. The film is directed by Peter Sohn ("Partly Cloudy") and produced by Denise Ream ("Cars 2"). The film once again hits theaters Thanksgiving Day.

Kennedy Says Skywalker Family Will be Core of Upcoming Star Wars Trilogy:

Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, said in an interview with Costco Connection, that the upcoming films of the Star Wars Saga will focus on the Skywalker family. Here is what she said, 

"The Saga films focus on the Skywalker family saga. The stories follow a linear narrative that connects to the previous six films. The Force Awakens follows Return of the Jedi and continues that generational story. The Anthology films offer opportunities to explore fresh characters, new storylines and a variety of genres inside the Star Wars universe."

We already know at least what's been rumored is that Rey and Kylo Ren are descendants of the Skywalker family as Han and Leia's children. What we don't know is if Luke had any children and could there be another Skywalker child that we haven't heard about yet. This is all leading up to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" that hits theaters December 18, 2015. 

Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive to Combine, List of Allowable Camera Accessories, and More

Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive to Combine into One Division:

In news breaking today Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive are going to combine into one single division to be named Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media. The reasoning behind the conversion of the two divisions is increasing overlap of both consumer and interactive products. The new division will be headed by the two previous heads of the divisions, Jillian Ferraro who became president of Consumer Products back in May, and Jimmy Pitaro the current president of Disney Interactive. 

In the statement released by Disney, Disney COO Thomas Staggs stated: As technology and digital entertainment continue to evolve, a shared innovation strategy will enable this new segment to create unique and engaging products and experiences that exceed customers' expectations.

The development of Disney Interactive's Disney Infinity video game had helped the division become profitable. It operated at a $116 million profit last year, where as recently as 2011 the division had a reported $308 million loss. Disney Consumer Products unveiled its newest product earlier this month in Playmation which is a line of wearable toys that use radio waves and other technologies to interact with each other. Sales for Disney Consumer Products last year rose 12 percent to $4 billion. Now seems the perfect time for these two divisions to combine. 

Disney Releases List of Allowable Guest Camera Accessories in Time for Upcoming Ban on Selfie Sticks:

Last week it was reported that selfie sticks would be banned from all Disney Theme Parks effective tomorrow, June 30, 2015. Guests have been worried that camera accessories similar to selfie sticks would not be allowed into the park either. Here is a list released by Disney of camera accessories that are and aren't allowed into the park:

• Tripods that can be folded and stored in a reasonable size bag are allowed. Large tripods are not allowed.
• Extendable camera monopods are allowed.
• GoPro brand name body and head harnesses are allowed.
• Short, brand name GoPro handles are allowed.
• Brand name or similar style GRIP & SHOOT handles are also allowed.
• GoPro 3-way or similar style extending handles are now allowed.
• Selfie Sticks of any kind are not allowed.

More Details  The Magic of Disney Animation Closing at Hollywood Studios:

Last week it was reported on the possibility that The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios would be closing in part of the intended massive makeover project at the park. The closing of The Magic of Disney Animation will be July 12, 2015 as reported by Cast Members. It was also discovered on the My Disney Experience app that the last day for the character meet & greets in the area would be ending on July 18, 2015. 

Although no word has been announced by Disney of the closing of any of the other attractions in the area this is just the one of many signs of the impending closing. One Man's Dream is also expected to be closing around the date of the meet & greets. 

UPDATE: With the confirmation of the closing of The Magic of Disney Animation here are some details of what will happen to the area. The Hiro and Baymax meet & greet will be ending and Minnie Mouse will be moving to the central hub of the park in front of the Chinese Theater with other characters. Mickey Mouse is moving to a new home across from the Studio Catering Company. The Animation Gallery store at the exit of the attraction will remain open until August.

It still remains unclear however if any of the parts of the attraction will be returning or if the area is destined for demolition. Rumors have not had this part of the park set for any kind of expansion of the park, but that may have changed. This is now the second major area of the park that is closing ( the other the Backlot Tour last fall) in what seems to be a major expansion of Hollywood Studios not yet announced by Disney. Tune in as this story of what could be a very large expansion to Disney's Hollywood Studios develops.