Angela Lansbury Joins Cast of "Mary Poppins Returns":
Just announced, Disney Legend Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast) has joined the already legendary cast of "Mary Poppins Returns." She will be joining the cast as the balloon lady, a treasured character from P.L. Travers books.
Lansbury joins a cast that already consists of Emily Blunt who will play Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will play Jack a street lamplighter. Let's also not forget that we will see the return of Dick Van Dyke for the film as well.
The story is set to take place in Depression-era London, and will follow a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by their old nanny Mary Poppins after a personal loss. Poppins will once again use her unique powers to help the family “rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.”
"Mary Poppins Returns" will dance into theaters Christmas Day 2018.
Explorers Lodge Opening in April at Hong Kong Disneyland:
A brand new resort, the Disney Explorers Lodge, will be opening on April 30 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The brand new 750-room hotel is divided into four wings, each of which will be looking over a lush themed garden named after a beloved Disney character that will celebrate different locales around the world.
There’s Kevin Garden, themed to South America and named for everyone’s favorite curious bird in “Up.” Also the Little Squirt Garden of Oceania named for the playful sea turtle in “Finding Nemo;” the Hathi Jr. Garden named for the baby elephant from “The Jungle Book” in the heart of Asia; and the Rafiki Garden on the African Savannah with its namesake from “The Lion King.”
Guests will feel as if they entered into the golden age of exploration of the 1920's with artifacts and memorabilia that will be displayed across the resort. There will be three unique restaurants that will serve up signature delights that will celebrate old and new flavors. Themed rooms will welcome back explorers after a day of discovery at the theme park. Let's not forget the Trading Post that will complete your trip for a few artifacts (souvenirs) of your own.
Online reservations are now available along with a few special offers that will make every trip an exciting adventure when visiting the new Disney Explorers Lodge.
Side Entrance at Disney's Hollywood Studios Closed:
Disney has closed a side entrance to guests entering Disney's Hollywood Studios. The entrance which was used as an extra security check line. The entrance was used by more knowledgable guests because the line was usually shorter than the main entrance to the Studios. Now guests are re-directed to the main entrance and security checkpoint.
Guests exiting the park are still able to walk through the old entrance. No word on if this is a permanent closure for the side entrance.
