Marvel Announces Experiences for D23 Expo; Mobile Ordering Coming to Pizzafari Next Week

Marvel Announces Experiences for D23 Expo:

Today, Marvel and D23 announce what Marvel would be bringing to this year's D23 Expo in July. Awesome presentations and an epic pavilion celebrating upcoming films from Marvel Studios as well as an all-new game console and mobile games that are coming from Marvel Games. Here is what to expect:

Presentations
If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure to add these two panels to your must-do list! On Friday, July 14 at 1:15 p.m., Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, will take the stage in the D23 Expo Arena for Cup o’ Joe, a no-holds-barred panel on everything Marvel. Later that day, Marvel Animation will hold a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28 at 6 p.m.

Pavilion

Get a closer look at some of the costumes from two highly anticipated Marvel Studios films: Thor: Ragnarok, debuting this November, and Black Panther, in theaters 2018. Plus, explore some of the props from the upcoming Thor film and don’t miss photo opps with exclusive set pieces from the movie. Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events, and even give fans a chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available in the D23 Expo App (available soon!).

For the first time at D23 Expo, play as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more on new console and mobile games at the Marvel Games Pavilion. Read on to see what games you can experience during D23 Expo:

• LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
• Adding to the infinitely exciting D23 Expo activities at the Marvel booth, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.
• Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe.
• Netmarble is bringing all the best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can drop by the Netmarble booth and try their hand at saving the universe.
• Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game out on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-vs-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more.

The 2017 D23 Expo takes place July 14-16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Source: D23

Mobile Ordering Coming to Pizzafari Next Week:

Mobile Ordering will be expanded to Pizzafari beginning next week after its successful debut at the Santu'li Canteen when Pandora: The World of Avatar opened this past weekend. This will begin on Tuesday, June 6.

Using the My Disney Experience app, Guests can select menu items, customize their order and pre-pay for their meal. When they arrive at the restaurant they tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare the meal. Once it is ready, Guests are alerted through the app to pick up their meal at a designated window.

DuckTales, Descendants 2, & More at D23 Expo, 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series, and More

DuckTales, Descendants 2, and Tangled: The Series Panels at D23 Expo 2017:

Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior will all be featured at this year's D23 Expo. Exciting panels, appearances, and experiences will be taking place throughout the three-day weekend. Here is what D23 announced today:

All weekend long, you can take a dive in Scrooge McDuck’s Money Bin on the Expo show floor. While you’re there, visit McStuffins Toy Hospital, where younglings can give toy babies a checkup and play with the brand-new Doc McStuffins Baby app, set to launch this summer. Read on to see what sorts of Disney magic you can expect from Disney Channel and Disney XD on each day of D23 Expo.

Friday, July 14:

Catch a special appearance from Descendants 2 stars Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, and Booboo Stewart, and Emmy® Award-winning director, executive producer, and choreographer Kenny Ortega.

Saturday, July 15:

DuckTales Q & A panel (4:15 – 5:15 p.m., Stage 28)––Excited for the new DuckTales series on Disney XD? Want to learn more? Stars Ben Schwartz (Dewey), Kate Micucci (Webby Vanderquack), Beck Bennett (Launchpad McQuack), and Toks Olagundoye (Mrs. Beakley) will join executive producer Matt Youngberg and co-producer/story editor Francisco Angones for a Q&A panel on the highly anticipated new show.

Sunday, July 16:

Tangled: The Series Q & A panel (10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Stage 28)––Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Eugene) will be joined by executive producer Chris Sonnenburg, co-executive producer Ben Balistreri, and Broadway stars Eden Espinosa (Cassandra) and Jeremy Jordan (Varian) for this hair-raising panel on the new Disney Channel show.

Source: D23.com

'Delicious Disney' Chef Series Coming to Walt Disney World:

The 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series is coming to Walt Disney World with its first event being held later this month. The event will feature world-renowned culinarians that will present unique culinary creations with delectable wine pairings. Bookings to the events are now open to Tables in Wonderland guests as well.

The events will begin on May 31 and one day in each month running through December. Each event will have different and unique culinary offerings. All of the events are $249 per person except for the final event on December 6 which is $199 per person. Here is the rundown on the events:

Tickets to the 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series are now available while supplies last. Guests can purchase tickets by calling 407-939-5773 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET if you are a Tables in Wonderland member.

Source: WDW News Today

Mobile Ordering Will Be Expanded to Several Restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Mobile Ordering was officially added the other day on the My Disney Experience app ahead of its official debut on May 27 at Santu'li Canteen when it opens in Pandora: The World of Avatar. Mobile Ordering will be expanded to several other Disney's Animal Kingdom quick service restaurants this summer. It will expand to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus sometime this summer. 

Even more restaurants at other Walt Disney World parks will have access to Mobile Ordering in the very near future as well. Here is the rundown as well as a video of just how Mobile Ordering works:

Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.
It’s easy to do. After you’ve placed your order and pre-pay in the app, and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you’ll just tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick up sign.

Reminder: Right now credit card is the only accepted form of payment for Mobile Ordering. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Dream Store Returning for D23 Expo; Mobile Ordering Live on My Disney Experience

Disney Dream Store Returning for D23 Expo 2017:

We are just two months away from D23 Expo 2017 and yesterday D23 announced that the Disney Dream Store will be returning for this year's expo. This year's store will feature brand new collectibles and merchandise from Disney Theme Parks, official D23 Expo and Disney Legends merchandise, Dream Store autograph sessions, and so much more. Here is the release from D23:

Disney Theme Parks Merchandise––Collect merchandise celebrating some very special milestones from favorite attractions, like Pirates of the Caribbean 50th anniversary, Space Mountain 40th anniversary, Epcot 35th anniversary, and Star Tours 30th anniversary, and marvel over more magical theme-park merchandise. Plus, add to your ALEX AND ANI collection, and enjoy a sparkling selection of jewelry designs from Crislu and Rebecca Hook.

If you have an Ear headband for every occasion, get excited for the all-new Interchangeable Bow Collection, making its debut at the Disney Dream Store. The collection comes with a traditional Mickey Ears headband that guests can easily swap with one of the six specially designed bows available for purchase.

Official D23 Expo and Disney Legends 30th Anniversary Merchandise––Commemorate your weekend at the ultimate Disney fan event with official D23 Expo 2017 logo merchandise, including tees, headwear, drinkware, pins, and more. Plus, bring home your very own droid, “R5-D23,” and Brethupp the Ewok plush––both debuting at D23 Expo 2017. Celebrate 30 years of Disney Legends with a commemorative collection including a tee, limited-edition pin, and paperweight.

Guests can find an exciting assortment of items showcasing product debuts, original artwork, giclées, deluxe prints, and more from the following: Steve Adams, Dave Avanzino, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, David Bird, Britni Brault, Choice Collectibles, Joey Chou, John Coulter, Daniel’s Woodland, Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions, Dooney & Bourke, Craig Fraser, Jeremy Fulton, HARVEYS, Brian Kesinger, Daniel Killen, Ink & Paint Artists, Jerrod Maruyama, Bridget McCarty, Miss Mindy, Mark Page, Mike Peraza, Patty Peraza, Larry Nikolai, Noah, Precious Moments, Linda Rick, Shag, Jim Shore, Javier Soto, George Scribner, Sketch Artists, Vinylmation™, Joe Yakovetic, Kenny Yamada, and more!

Dream Store Autograph Sessions––Meet some of your favorite authors and artists during autograph sessions at the Dream Store. Schedules will be posted daily via the D23 Expo Mobile App (coming soon!) and daily at the Disney Dream Store.

The 2017 D23 Expo runs July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Source: D23.com

Mobile Ordering Now Live on My Disney Experience App:

Just a few months ago, it was announced that Mobile Ordering would be coming to Walt Disney World  quick service restaurants. This is beginning with the Santu'li Canteen inside Pandora: The World of Avatar which is set to debut in just 11 days on May 27. Mobile Ordering is now live on the My Disney Experience app with its newest update. 

Guests will select and pay for their food through the mobile application and pick it up at a dedicated area inside the restaurant. Right now it is only showing the Santu'li Canteen but more quick service restaurants will be added in the near future. 

D23 Gold Member Benefits Changing for D23 Expo; List of Restaurants Offering Mobile Ordering

D23 Gold Member Benefits Changing for D23 Expo:

D23 announced some changes to member benefits for its Gold Members and Gold Family Members. In past years, Gold and Gold Family members were allowed 1 hour early access prior to normal attendees to the Expo. This year they will receive priority seating for the presentations being held in Hall D23 and D23 Expo Arena, an complimentary Expo-exclusive print, as well as discounts from Disney partners such as Havaianas, Ozobot, Steiff, and Thomas Kinkade. 

Also of note, D23 Charter members (members who joined back in 2009 and have maintained their Gold membership status) will have access to a private lounge that will be just off the show floor where they will be able relax and purchase food and beverage.

This year's D23 Expo will once again being using the The Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center which wasn't used for D23 Expo 2015. The 2017 D23 Expo will take place July 14 through July 16. 

Source:The Laughing Place

List of Walt Disney World Restaurants Offering Mobile Ordering Discovered:

Last month Walt Disney World announced that when Santu'li Canteen opens in Pandora: The World of Avatar opens will offer Mobile Ordering. They also announced that it would soon be coming to other Walt Disney World restaurants in the near future. Here is what the service entails:

Mobile ordering allows you to pay for meals on-the-go with the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order in the restaurant. Using the app, you can select any of the menu items, customize them as you wish, and pre-pay for the meal. Arriving at the restaurant, guests will simply tap “I’m Here”, which will notify cast members to prepare the meal. When it’s ready, you will be alerted in the app to pick up the food at a designated service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted for this service, with Dining Plan guests still having to use the normal queue, at least as of right now.

WDW News Today has discovered at least 15 Quick Service Restaurants that will offer Mobile Ordering which includes Santu'li Canteen. Here is the list:

• ABC Commissary
• Backlot Express
• Columbia Harbor House
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• D-Luxe Burger
• Electric Umbrella
• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Liberty Inn
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Satu’li Canteen
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
• Tortuga Tavern

No official start date at the other 14 restaurants has been announced, but we definitely do know that the Santu'li Canteen will be offering the service beginning May 27 when Pandora: The World of Avatar opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Source: WDW News Today

First Look at Santu'li Canteen Menu Plus Mobile Ordering; Beauty and the Beast Dazzles at the Box Office

First Look at Santu'li Canteen Menu Plus Mobile Ordering:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog gave us our first look at the menu of the Santu'li Canteen that will open inside Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Santu'li Canteen was once the main mess hall of the Resources Development Administration (RDA) but now is owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE). 

The interior of the restaurant has been transformed with colorful Na'vi items filling the walls and hanging from the ceiling. This includes hand-woven tapestries, natural Pandoran elements, and even cooking tools. 

Look for familiar dishes with a twist in the fast-casual restaurant, with bowls that allow diners to customize their lunch or dinner. Diners start with a base of quinoa and vegetable salad; red and sweet potato hash; mixed whole-grain and rice or romaine and kale salad. Next is either with wood-grilled chicken, slow-roasted beef, sustainable fish or chili-spiced fried tofu. And the bowl is finished with charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette or creamy herb dressing. 

The menu also offers steamed “pods” – bao buns with either cheeseburger or vegetable curry and served with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw. 

For little ones, there’s an option of grilled chicken or beef, fish or tofu with greens or rice; a hot dog wrapped in Parker House dough; cheese quesadilla, or a steamed “pod” (cheeseburger bao bun).

Walt Disney World will also debut Mobile Ordering with Santu'li Canteen. Mobile Ordering will allow guests to order and pay for meals-on-the-go through the My Disney Experience app allowing guests to bypass the queue to order when they arrive at the restaurant. Guests will be able to customize their order, pre-pay, and upon arrival guests will tap the "I am here" button on the app to alert the kitchen to begin preparing the food.

Once the food is ready, guests will receive an alert through the app to to pick up their meal at a designated window. Right now Credit Cards are the only accepted form of payment for Mobile Ordering. More Walt Disney World restaurants will debut Mobile Ordering later this year.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Beauty and the Beast" Dazzles at the Box Office on Opening Weekend:

"Beauty and the Beast" dazzled at the box office in its opening taking in $174 million domestically and $357 million total worldwide. This was the largest March opening ever overtaking Batman v. Superman last year which took in $166 million in its opening last year. 

It also landed in the #6 spot on the all-time opening weekend chart that, placing it just above the opening of Marvel's Iron Man 3. This gives Disney 6 of the top 7 spots on the chart. After just one weekend, it is already number 2 on the top-grossing live-action musicals behind Grease. Although it is sure to take over the top spot after next weekend. 

Source: The Laughing Place

Food and Attraction Details Released for Pandora: The World of Avatar

We are just about 2 months away from Pandora: The World of Avatar opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today, Disney released some details about the specialty food at both Santu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu as well as more details on both The Flight of Passage & The Na'vi River Journey.

Santu'li Canteen:

Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.

Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.

Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

Navi' Blueberry Cheesecake served with Passion Fruit Card

Pongu Pongu:

Meaning "Party Party" in the Na'vi language, Pongu Pongu welcomes weary travelers to try the bioluminescent frozen cocktails, indigenous beers, or even a sweet snack that you won't find elsewhere.

Quench your thirst the Pandoran way at an otherworldly pit-stop offering Na’vi-inspired refreshment.

Are your expeditions at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey leaving you parched? Hike to the corner of Windtraders where you’ll find Pongu Pongu—when you spot a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks, you’ve come to the right place.

Avatar Flight of Passage:

Height Requirement: 44 inches

Get a banshee’s-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of Pandora on a rite of passage you won’t soon forget!

Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, discover Avatar Flight of Passage—an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers like you climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape.

Bonding with a mountain banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter—and flying on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage.

Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you’ll finally have the chance to test yourself in a similar way!

Nav'i River Journey:

No height restrictions.

Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed!

As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs.

The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!

Disney also released another national ad for the upcoming opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar, check it out below:

A world beyond what you thought was possible. A world beyond belief. #VisitPandora Opens 5.27.17 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/6jJdgC2TTY

— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) March 6, 2017

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

Source: Walt Disney World