New Photo Capture Coming to Pirates of the Caribbean; Classics Set for Return to Disneyland

New PhotoPass Capture Coming Aboard to Pirates of the Caribbean:

Ahoy there Mateys! Beginning this Monday, June 19 guests jumping aboard the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction should be ready for a new photo capture being added to the attraction. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning June 19, Disney PhotoPass Service will be at the helm ready to capture whether a pirate’s life is for you, or if you’re more likely to strike your colors and run up a white flag.
As you prepare to exit a haunted grotto and dive into the Golden Age of Piracy, a Disney PhotoPass camera will capture the perfect treasure of your swashbuckling voyage. Properly warned ye be, says I!
To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing an active MagicBand linked to your My Disney Experience account. Your photo will be automatically associated to your account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

Be prepared to set sail and smile on your next voyage.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Fantasmic!, Rivers of America, and Disneyland Railroad Set for Return to Disneyland:

Fantasmic!, Rivers of America, and Disneyland Railroad are all set to return to Disneyland this Summer and now we know the dates for their official return to the park. Fantasmic! is set to return on July 17 in celebration for the park's 62nd anniversary and it will bring new magic to the classic and beloved nighttime spectacular. 

"The treasured Disneyland park experience guests have loved for years, complete with its original fanfare and theme song, will be taken to brilliant new heights. New mist screens will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before, and the show will feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”

The classic Rivers of America attractions will reopen, starting with Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island this Friday, June 16, followed by Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes on July 29. For decades, guests have traveled the landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande; each carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife. The return of these watercraft will bring even more breathtaking views for guests to discover, including an enhanced adventure featuring the new Columbia Gorge section, highlighted by five picturesque waterfalls.

This new waterfront will also include several elevated trestles over which the Disneyland Railroad will travel when it reopens along with the Rivers of America attractions on July 29. An icon for more than 60 years, the Disneyland Railroad holds a special place in the hearts of guests, and it will once again take them on the grand circle tour of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom. This classic experience will also feature new and enhanced adventures! For the very first time, the Disneyland Railroad will make a left-hand turn to continue around Disneyland park, and Walt Disney’s legendary dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World have been carefully restored to their original splendor, with a bit of new magic added to both.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

 

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! Opens May 27 Beginning Summer of Heroes

It's the Summer of Heroes this year at Disney California Adventure. Today, the opening date of Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! will open May 27 this year at the park kicking off the summer that will themed to your favorite Marvel super heroes in addition to the Guardians of the Galaxy. The Summer of Heroes will run through September 10. 

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! will blast guests right into the storyline of helping Rocket Raccoon bust out his pals from Collector's Fortress. Each ride will be a randomized experience that is complete with all new visual, audio effects, and music inspired from the film's soundtracks. 

There also will be some brand new Marvel experiences that guests will be able to experience during the Summer of Heroes and year-round even after the summer ends:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Don’t be surprised if you run into the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to the Milano, with Star-Lord firing up his old-school boom box to get the party started. Gamora may prefer to stand back and observe, but everyone else is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash!
• Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! You can also step up to meet the First Avenger, Captain America, along with everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

And for a limited time, step up to the challenge with new adventures during Summer of Heroes:

• Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
• Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.
• Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – All that heroism making you hungry? Want a token as proof of your adventures when you get home? Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

That's not all as this summer over at Disneyland, guests will see the reopening of Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions that no official reopening date has been announced. Also, later in the Summer, Fantasmic! will make its return to the park. 

Rivers of America Re-Opening Summer 2017, The Muppets Officially Coming to Magic Kingdom, and More

Rivers of America and Disneyland Railroad Re-Opening at Disneyland in Summer 2017: 

The Disney Parks Blog revealed today that Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad will be re-opening by next Summer. This includes the famous Disneyland Railroad, Fantasmic!, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. It was revealed in a blog about the area's history and how it was one of the parks original attractions.

Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad were closed last year in anticipation of construction of Star Wars Land being built. Here is what to expect when the area re-opens Summer 2017:

"And next year, history will be made on the Rivers of America once again with a gorgeous new riverbank and an elevated trestle over which the iconic Disneyland Railroad will travel. For now, be sure to stop by the Main Street and New Orleans Square stations now to get an up-close look at the steam engines of the Disneyland Railroad, and we’ll be back with a look at how the railroad has changed through the years while remaining a Disneyland icon."

I expect the next news will be finally when Star Wars Land will open. Are you excited for Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad to be re-opening next year? 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The Muppets Officially Coming to Magic Kingdom this Fall:

A rumor that began late last month is now official. A new live show featuring The Muppets will be coming to the Magic Kingdom this October. It is called, "The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History." Here is what we can expect:

Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical fashion as only they can. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets appear throughout the day to share with Guests, their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America.

The new live show will also feature an all new original song and of course plenty of that Muppets humor we all know and love. I can't wait to see "The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History" and the hilarious fun it will bring to Liberty Square.

Re-Imagined Flying Fish Opening Next Week, Reservations Begin Tomorrow:

The re-imagined Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk will be opening next week on August 3. Reservations will open for the restaurant starting tomorrow July 29. The restaurant has an all new interior that includes the on-stage kitchen with an all new menu crafted by Chef Tim Majoras, a veteran of the Flying Fish kitchen.

"The seafood-centric menu features entirely sustainable fish and shellfish, and includes Chef Majoras’ creations such as corn-crusted wild Gulf shrimp, wild Alaskan king salmon and plancha-seared Hokkaido scallops. For carnivores, there’s Wagyu filet mignon, Kurobuta pork belly and bison striploin. General manager and sommelier Stig Jacobsen has crafted a new wine list with nearly 80 selections by the glass." - Pam Brandon, Food Writer for Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort, Disney Parks Blog

For reservations that open tomorrow you can visit, DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Easter is Hopping into Tokyo Disneyland Beginning March 25

Mickey Mouse says grab your Easter baskets and comfy shoes because Tokyo Disneyland will host a "secret Easter garden" race during "Disney's Easter" where the springtime fun will begin March 25 and run through June 15.

Mickey, Minnie, and their pals will be dressed in new threads and their bunny ears in a new parade called the, "Hippity-Hoppity Springtime" parade. It will include three stops along the way on the parade route for an egg race hosted by Mickey. 

The "Egg Hunt in Tokyo Disneyland" will send guests on an egg hunt around the park, much like the egg hunt around Epcot at Disney World last year. Here guests will have three courses to choose from, all different levels of difficulty, in this separate ticketed event. The Disney Parks Blog asks which character would you want to help with your egg hunt? That's an easy answer Mickey Mouse of course. 

Quick Note:

Not much news today, on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Walls have gone up in Disneyland around Rivers of America to prepare for the construction for Star Wars Land. Other than that enjoy the rest of your day and "See Ya Real Soon."

Revamped Rivers of America Concept Art, New 2016 Disney Parks Mom Panel, and More

Revamped Rivers of America Concept Art Revealed:

Yesterday, with great sadness many attractions around Disneyland's Big Thunder Ranch and Rivers of  America closed to make way for Star Wars Land. Today, it was revealed that when Rivers of America when it reopens will be revamped with the north bank having a brand new waterfront. This concept art was released by Disney Imagineering:

In the artist's rendering along with the brand new waterfront you can see where the Disneyland Railroad will travel over an elevated trestle. In a press release, Disneyland confirmed that Mark Twain's Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Pirate's Lair will all return when Rivers of America reopens. "The Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia operate along the Rivers of America. Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island - a mysterious place rumored to have hidden treasure - is surrounded by the river." 

One item left off the list was the famous canoes that traveled Rivers of America for what might be the final time yesterday. When asked the Disneyland representative had no answers on if they would be returning. Stay tuned as more details on the expansions at both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios are just beginning. 

New 2016 Disney Parks Mom's Panel Released:

2015 is gone and 2016 is here, today the Disney Parks Blog welcomed the new members to this year's Disney Parks Mom's Panel. 10 new panelists both moms and dads join the panel to help us plan our Disney vacations. The new members are Brandy, Erin, Jackie, Jennifer, Kiki, Korliss, Nancy, Priscila, Ricardo, and Sally. 

The 10 new panelists join the more then 2-dozen of returning panelists to the Disney Parks Moms Panel in 2016. It All Started Mouse would like to congratulate the 10 new panelists and wish them luck in helping us plan trips to the "Most Magical Place on Earth."

Princess Leia Set to Appear on Upcoming Episode of "Star Wars Rebels":

The second season of "Star Wars Rebels" will return next Wednesday, January 20th at 9/8c on Disney XD. When the show returns, Star Wars fans will see a familiar face of one of iconic characters in the saga in Princess Leia, who is just a teen during this timeline, is sent to Lothal, in the episode called, "A Princess in Lothal."

Executive producer Dave Filoni said, "We thought we had an opportunity to show her learning to be a leader, experimenting with the personality that becomes the stronger more resolute character you see in A New Hope. One of the complex challenges of depicting Leia in 'Rebels' is that we have to remind the audience that at this point she is part of the Empire. She doesn't believe in the empire, but she's acting the part, almost a double agent."

Right now this will be the only appearance for Princess Leia as it is unknown yet if she will be seen again on the show. Princess Leia will not be voiced by Carrie Fisher instead it will be Julie Dolan, who has voiced Leia before in the video game, Star Wars: Uprising.

Will you be tuning in for the return of "Star Wars Rebels" and watch a young Princess Leia?

Breaking: Seasons of the Force Begins November 16 at Disneyland; Star Wars Land Construction to Begin January 11,

News just broke out of Disneyland that Seasons of the Force at the park will begin November 16. Opening on November 16 at Disneyland, guest will be able to experience:

Star Wars Launch Bay: The new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and much more. Choose the light side or the dark side as the path of the force is your choice:

• Dark Side - Encounter Darth Vader, one of Star Wars most iconic characters
• Light Side - Check into the Rebel Base, and meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca

Also explore the Dark and the Light in Themed Galleries:

• Dark Side Gallery - Get a look at authentic pieces of stormtrooper armor as well as famous Sith lightsabers, once wielded by the masters of the Dark Side
• Light Side Gallery - Explore a gallery filled with Rebel Flight helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi Knights
• Preview Gallery - See props from the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Starship Gallery - Discover models of famous starships and their pilots from throughout the Star Wars Saga

Join the battle in the Star Wars Game Center where you'll be able to play the latest games from the Star Wars galaxy, including Disney Infinity 3.0 - featuring park-exclusive Toy Box levels. 

Star Tours - The Adventure Continues: The popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple: Coming in December, a twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels."

Hyperspace Mountain: For a limited time, guests will be able to join an X-wing straighter battle in the reimagining of the Space Mountain attraction.

Other limited time opportunities will include an opportunity to visit your favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films in the Tomorrowland Theater along with special themed food and beverage, merchandise, and entertainment. Info on Seasons of the Force at Disney World's Hollywood Studios will be revealed soon, the Disney Parks Blog said.

Star Wars Land Construction to Begin January 11, 2016:

Along with the news on Seasons of the Force at Disneyland, word has broke out that construction will begin at Disneyland for Star Wars Land on January 11, 2016. With room being made for Star Wars Land, Big Thunder Ranch including Big Thunder Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm, and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will permanently close on end of day January 10, 2016. 

With the construction beginning the following attractions along Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad will be closed temporarily: 

• Disneyland Railroad, (all stations)
• "Fantasmic!"
• Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia
• Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes

Follow along on It All Star With a Mouse as news breaks on the exciting expansions coming to Disney Parks on both coasts.