"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" News, Previews for Seasons of the Force Begin Tonight at Disneyland, and More

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" News:

It seems we can't go a day without more news about "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as it is only 36 days away from release. Today, we got a release of the IMAX poster featuring Rey and BB-8 with the sunset on Jakku in the background. Will you be seeing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX 3D. Here is the poster:

As you already have seen the TV spot that was released last Sunday with new footage it appears as a much shorter TV spot has also been released that is only 15 seconds. There is some new footage including scenes that we saw stills in the Entertainment Weekly exclusive. Here is the second 'Force Awakens' TV spot:



During the next two nights we will see some exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Tonight, as we wrote on the blog earlier this week we will get an 'Exclusive Special" look during #TGIT with Shonda Rhymes and the casts of "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away With Murder" hosting.

UPDATE: Here is the TV spot that debuted tonight during ABC's #TGIT. There is some new footage and dialogue. This would include Han giving Rey what appears to be either a lightsaber or a blaster saying she may need it. Check it out:


Tomorrow night on Disney Channel we will also get a behind-the-scenes look where it appears we will get some snippets and interviews. Here is the preview:



Previews for Seasons of the Force Begin Tonight at Disneyland:

Tonight, previews for Star Wars Seasons of the Force begin at Disneyland. We now have even more details on the event that were released by Disneyland Resort. Here is what they released:

STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY
Located on the lower level of the Tomorrowland Expo Center, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central space for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Guests will be welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.…” Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise.

• First Order stormtroopers patrolling the area outside Launch Bay and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue are on a mission to find members of the rebel alliance
• After entering a themed atrium with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests may Journey to the dark side and come face to face with Darth Vader, or they may choose the light side by stopping in at a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
• Inside, guests may encounter iconic characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca or even Boba Fett.
• Inspired by the iconic opening crawl in every Star Wars film, a welcoming text scroll on the carpet will greet guests as they enter the building
• Launch Bay Theater – Guests will hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and other key crew members who continue to bring the saga to life.
• The Cantina is a unique experience inspired by the “hive of scum and villainy” guests will recognize from the Star Wars From bounty hunters and smugglers to aliens, guests never know who they may meet here.
• The Cantina becomes the gathering place to take memorable photos with a holochess or sabacc (Sabacc is a popular card game played throughout the galaxy, often with high stakes. Holochess is a chess-like game that utilizes holographic representations of the playing pieces.)
• Guests may join the Resistance or come to the dark side, choosing a path that takes them into one of two character greeting
• When it’s time to meet the character, portal doors open to welcome guests into a fully immersive 360-degree space, inspired by a Rebel base or Star (Destroyer?)
• Throughout the space, guests will find Aurebesh writings in the Aurebesh is a writing system used to transcribe Basic, the most used language in the Star Wars galaxy.
• Guests may play current and upcoming Star Wars video games at the Game Center, including new and exclusive Disney Infinity toy box levels created exclusively for this experience.
• Exploring the Light Side Gallery, guests will find replicas of iconic helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi heroes, including Luke And in the Dark Side Gallery, they’ll discover replicas of helmets and lightsabers used by the Sith, mortal enemies of the Jedi.
  • The Dark Side Gallery features pieces of Stormtrooper armor and Sith lightsabers.
  • The Light Side Gallery displays rebel flight helmets and Jedi lightsabers.
  • Authentic replicas of props and costumes from both the light and dark sides of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will appear in the Preview Gallery.
  • Models of famous starships and their pilots will be on display in the Starship Gallery.
• Large-scale replicas of film props, costumes, ship models, droids, artwork and other notable items are on display for Star Wars fans to enjoy.
• Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home high-end artifacts and treasures, including signed memorabilia, studio models and personalized D-Tech on Demand mobile device cases.

STAR TOURS – THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE

• A new adventure awaits guests as they climb aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars universe.
• The new adventure includes scenes and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

HYPERSPACE MOUNTAIN

• The popular Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle as they race through the galaxy
• The guest experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the film
• The soundtrack was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra

JEDI TRAINING: TRIALS OF THE TEMPLE

• This re-imagined battle experience takes younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple, where they discover if they have the makings of a true jedi
• It debuts December 8, 2015
• Villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series ‘Star Wars Rebels’ join the battle

STAR WARS: PATH OF THE JEDI

• Guests can relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through this short, film compilation at Tomorrowland
• It includes moments from the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
• This cinematic short connects iconic scenes from the films in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker

GALACTIC GRILL AND STAR WARS-INSPIRED MENUS

• The Force takes over the Tomorrowland Terrace to offer dark side and light side menu items
• For breakfast, guests may enjoy a blue corn Darth Tamale, with scrambled eggs and chorizo, red chili sauce and For lunch and dinner, the First Order Specialty Burger is tempting with a patty of angus beef and chorizo, topped with fried cherry peppers and spicy-lime aioli on a dark bun.
• Fun collectible items to take home include the BB-8 sipper cup and TIE Fighter premium popcorn bucket
• Pizza Port in Tomorrowland also will offer new Star Wars-inspired menu items

Walt Disney World Releases New 360 Video Hosted by Goofy:

A new 360 degree video was released by Walt Disney World on their Facebook page. The tour of the parks by Goofy in a helpful and accidental way. The tour highlight the thrills, sights and you may even run into a few familiar friends. You the guest controls the full-circle tour of all four theme parks. 

It is almost as if your are visiting the most magical place in the world in person. To note though the video is not supported on all browser. I got the best experience by using my phone.

First 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Reveals More New Footage; Disneyland Prepares for Seasons of the Force; and More

First 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Reveals More New Footage:

Earlier this afternoon, more new footage can be seen in the first "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" TV spot to air. In the 30 second clip the voice over done by Lupita Nyong'o's character pirate Maz Kanata saying, "I have lived long enough to see the same eyes in different people. I see your eyes. I know your eyes." While she is saying this though you see photos of Rey and Han Solo, but we aren't sure if it is related to the two characters.

Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren are also seen in the clip but Rey is clearly once again the dominant  figure as she was in the international trailer released just two days ago. Rey is seen on Jakku, being held captive by Kylo Ren and the First Order, and even seen driving the Millennium Falcon. Watch the first "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" TV spot here:



Disneyland Preparing Tomorrowland for Seasons of the Force:

We are only 8 days away from Star Wars Seasons of the Force beginning at Disneyland. It appears as it is almost ready by pictures taken today in the park. Tomorrowland looks to be well prepared for the new event that is set to begin November 16. Here is what is coming:

Star Wars Launch Bay: It will be in the Innoventions area of the park and will hold meet & greets with Star Wars characters along with interactive exhibits, games, and 'historical' museum exhibits from the original films.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple: The updated experience will include new characters and a villain from the Disney XD television series Star Wars Rebels. 

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue: The attraction will have new scenes added from the new film. This will be added once "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters on December 18.

Hyperspace Mountain: The classic Space Mountain attraction will be getting a Star Wars overlay for Seasons of the Force. The new attraction sign was just recently added to the park.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi: In the Magic Eye Theater that housed Captain EO will reportedly show clips of the original films telling the story of the Jedi Knights.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Begins Tonight at Magic Kingdom:

Earlier this week, we talked about how Disney World parks were quickly transforming from Halloween into Christmas for the holiday season. Tonight, is the very party for the annual Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party held at Magic Kingdom. Here is the map for the special event.

Also if you are not in Disney World tonight, visit the Disney Parks Blog to watch 'A Frozen Holiday Wish' live streamed at 6:15 P.M. EST. You could join the conversation while watching the live stream by using the #DisneyHolidays on Twitter.

New Wearable Gift Card Designs for 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; Seasons of the Force to Begin January 8th at DHS

On Friday, the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began. Now, guests visiting Epcot during the festival can have the gift of convenience and complete their experience with the Festival-themed wearable Disney Gift Card.

In addition to the many features a Disney Gift Card has, this gift card comes with a wearable wrist band for easy access to use at festival kiosks. It will be as easy activating your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15. Then you just swipe or scan to pay as you sample the delicious foods and beverages from throughout the festival. These gift cards are available all-throughout Epcot as well as all surrounding Disney World resorts including Disney's Boardwalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club, Disney's Beach Club, and at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels while supplies last.

Something new to this year's festival, a limited-release design card is available when guests load $200 onto the card. It will come with a Food & Wine festival-themed lanyard, medallion, and carrying sleeve. This will be only available with this card and will have limited availability. 

It doesn't end there as guests can reload their gift cards even after the conclusion of the festival on property for use for practically all things Disney at Disney World and many other Disney destinations nationwide. 

Seasons of the Force at Disney's Hollywood Studios to Begin January 8th:

Go look on Disney World's website and look at upcoming events. Here Disney reveals that Seasons of the Force at Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin January 8th and run through March 20, 2016. I'm sure more details will be released this week on Seasons of the Force at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Late last week, it was revealed that Seasons of the Force will begin November 16 at Disneyland. 

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. 

Holiday Details For Disneyland Released, Is Star Wars Weekends Done at Disney World; and More

Holiday Details for Disneyland Released:

We are now just about two months away from all the holiday fun at Disney Parks returning. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced details for the Disneyland Resort where holiday festivities begin November 13 and run through January 6. The big news is the "Believe.... In Holiday Magic" fireworks will not be presented instead a Holiday Version of the Disneyland Forever Fireworks will take its place.

"A Christmas Fantasy" parade will return to Disneyland and will show daily along with the new "Paint the Night" parade each night. At Disney California Adventure, "World of Color - Celebrate!" will continue throughout the holiday season along with "World of Color - Winter Dreams."

Santa Claus will greet guests in a new location this year in Disneyland in Critter Country and in Disney California Adventure he will greet guests at Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street. Here are more of your returning holiday favorites at the Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland:

• Jingle Cruise
• "it's a small world" holiday
• Haunted Mansion holiday

Disney California Adventure:

• Disney !Viva Navidad!
• Holiday decor in Cars Land, "a bug's land", and Buena Vista Street
• Olaf's Snow Fest
• Buena Vista Street Community Choir

Downtown Disney:

• Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink

Is Star Wars Weekends Done at Walt Disney World?:

With more Star Wars coming to Disney Parks year round with Star Wars Land, a strong rumor is saying that Walt Disney World may shelve the annual event beginning next year. The rumor was first reported be WDW News Today. With Star Wars Launch Bay opening in December, (signs went up today) and Star Wars Seasons of the Force beginning on both coasts in January, it is with thought the Disney World will elect to end Star Wars Weekends.

It's official! @WDWNT pic.twitter.com/F4kvxWg1by

— Disney Dictionary (@disneylexicon) September 14, 2015

It is expected however that Disney World will still celebrated seasonal offerings like the annual Star Wars Day on May the 4th. The annual celebrity appearances and shows though appear to not be returning anytime soon.

Another rumor has surfaced according WDW News today in the same article that Disney plans to retire all Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters in all merchandise, logos, and meet & greet appearances. Here is what they said:

"The decision was made along the same lines of the retirement of Hyperspace Hoopla a few years back as Disney and Lucasfilm are “re-positioning the brand” leading into the new films. Basically, it’s an image perception concern with Lucasfilm and Disney looking for a more serious tone with the brand."

No confirmation from Disney on if any of this is actually true but like it was said earlier there has been a strong case that 2015 was the last year for Star Wars Weekends. Stay tuned for details on this rumor as it develops.

'Andy's Room' in the Works for Magic Kingdom?:

A recent permit filed by Walt Disney World Resort shows a project called 'Andy's Room' for what looks like the former Tomorrowland Arcade area in the Magic Kingdom, according to The Inquisitr. We all know Andy as the main child character in the "Toy Story" franchise. This comes after last month's D23 EXPO announcement that a Toy Story Land would be built in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

If you look at the permit filed to the Orange County Comptroller, the area is very large at over 15,000 square feet. It appears to be located in the old Tomorrowland Arcade area that closed months ago. Here is the diagram of the area:

At the beginning of this year, Florida passed a new law that states people can't win more than 75 cents worth of prizes for each game played. This led to Disney closing the Tomorrowland Arcade and other arcades or simply just removing a number of games including claw machines and other ticket-spewing machines. There is also speculation that this could be an interactive queue for the Toy Story-themed attraction, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin also in Tomorrowland. 

Nothing is confirmed by Disney and this just remains a permit filed by the company at this time. Stay tuned to see what "Andy's Room" will be in the Magic Kingdom.