New Signs and Fencing Added at Disney World Resort Beaches:
Disney World has made quick response after the tragic alligator attack that took the life of a 2-year old boy at the Grand Floridian. Today, Disney released a statement saying they would be adding temporary fencing along with new signage to deter guests from going into Seven Seas Lagoon. Here is the statement from Walt Disney World Vice President Jacquee Wahler:
"We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches. We continue to evaluate processes and procedures for our entire property, and, as part of this, we are reinforcing training with our Cast for reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife and are expanding our communication to Guests on this topic."
Here is a look at the fencing that was being erected at the Grand Floridian beach this afternoon. Tweet courtesy of Tharin White @TharinWhite:
Also the new signs that warn of both alligators and snakes. Also a warning to not feed the wildlife.
Good on Disney for quickly working on a solution after this tragedy, the beaches at the resorts around Disney World remained closed today. The new signs should give guests an understanding that they should keep out of the water. Although the fencing will not keep animals away from guests, it should prevent guests from going into the water. Stay tuned as the aftermath of the tragic gator attack at the Grand Floridian continues.
More Attractions Open for Awaken Summer at Disney Parks:
Today, the next round of attractions opened for 'Awaken Summer' at Disney Parks. Most notably, Soarin' Around the World at Epcot and Disney California Adventure, or Soarin' 2.0 as many are calling it. The new digitally enhanced attraction takes guests around the world to Monument Valley, over the Great Wall of China, and many more famous sights around the world.
Have no fear our favorite flight guide Patrick, Patrick Warburton, has not left us like many believed. Also while guests are waiting in line for the new updated attraction guests will be able to test their knowledge in a special game of "Soarin' Challenge." Guests will answer questions through displays in the queue or by using their mobile devices to compete against hundreds of others.
Also debuting today in an early soft opening was the Royal Sommerhus with the new meet & greet with Anna & Elsa in the Norway pavilion. This is four days earlier then expected as it wasn't expected to open until Tuesday when Frozen Ever After opens on June 21.
At Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire debuted as the new castle stage show. The show features Mickey & Friends along with characters debuting for the first time on stage including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Princess Tiana, and Prince Naveen. The show will run 6 times daily during park hours.
Tonight at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will debut tonight as the new fireworks projection spectacular. I can't wait to get to Disney World in 93 days.
Names for Toy Story Land Attractions and More Details:
On the final day of their Awaken Summer Media Event, Disney revealed major details on plenty of their future attractions, shows, and dining. First up was an update on Toy Story Land. Guests will shrink down to the size of Buzz and Woody to explore the world of Andy's backyard with their favorite Toy Story characters. Today, they announced the two names of the attractions: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Slinky Dog Dash will be a family style coaster that guests will want to ride again and again. The attraction features a coaster track assembled by Andy all across his backyard with his Mega Coaster Play Kit. He's used his pretty amazing imagination so he's combined it with some of his other toys. Kathy Mangum shared a concept video of the ride that zips, dodges, and dashes around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to their limits. Check it out:
Alien Swirling Saucers will be an attraction that has been built from a play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet. Aliens will be flying around in their flying toy saucers as they attempt to capture your toy rocket vehicle with "The Claw."
"As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you."
While Toy Story Land and its two brand new attractions won't open for a while some good news on the third track at Toy Story Midway Mania was announced by Mangum. The third track will open in time for this Memorial Day Weekend so even more guests will be able to experience the popular attraction.
Update on Star Wars Land:
During today's event, Scott Trowbridge gave an update on Star Wars Land. While not much was updated we did get a look at a small clip for the battle with the First Order attraction and a look at some new concept art. We also found out that the Cantina will be a quick-serve and the dinner club that will be fine dining to the max. For the full update watch this video from The DIS Unplugged team of today's event:
Soarin' Around the World will Debut at Disney Parks Beginning June 17:
Yesterday, Disney released the first look at Soarin' Around the World, today during their Around the World event they announced just when the Soarin' sequel will be taking off at Epcot and at Disney California Adventure. Beginning June 17, guests will hang-glide across the world just a day after the premiere of the ride which will make its official grand opening at Shanghai Disneyland.
Guests will board the exhilarating aerial adventure that will immerse them in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds, and even those famous subtle scents. Guests can begin booking their FastPass+ for Soarin' Around the World tomorrow, April 21.
That's not all as the third theater at Epcot will also be opening on June 17 when the attraction re-opens. Here is the clip again where guests glide over China and Australia:
Frozen Ever After Will Debut in June at Epcot's Norway Pavilion:
While an exact date wasn't announced for the opening of Epcot's other newest attraction, Frozen Ever After, one can take a guess that it will be opening along with Soarin' Around the World on June 17. Here is the description from the Disney Parks Blog announcement today:
Frozen Ever After will take guests on an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Once inside, guests will be transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers and creates a winter-in-summer day for the entire kingdom. Guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace, and later on return to the Bay of Arendelle.
After guests take a ride on this amazing new attraction, they can top off their experience by visiting both Queen Elsa and Princess Anna in their new meet & greet location inside the Royal Sommerhus. The summer home of the royal sisters is inspired by a Norwegian countryside cabin.
"Finding Dory" Characters will Debut at "Turtle Talk with Crush" Next Month:
Characters from Pixar's next hit film "Finding Dory" the sequel to "Finding Nemo" will debut at Epcot's "Turtle Talk with Crush" next month in May. Some of the new characters coming to the attraction will be Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale, and Hank the 'septopus' (a seven-legged octopus).
That's not all as Squirt, Crush's son, will be swimming by the attraction for the first time ever. You may even spot Nemo and his dad Marlin inside the show. "Finding Dory" will be swimming in to theaters June 17, 2016.
"Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" to Open in June:
At Magic Kingdom, we just said goodbye to "Dream Along with Mickey" and soon we will be saying hello to "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire." The new stage show in front of Cinderella Castle will debut in June. Special appearances from Tiana and Naveen from "The Princess and the Frog," Rapunzel and Flynn from "Tangled," and Anna and Elsa from "Frozen."
The show will bring to the stage fantastic costumes, lively dancing, special effects magic, and memorable musical moment including an original song, "On This Day," by songwriters Brendan Millburn and Valerie Vigoda ("Toy Story the Musical" and "Tinker Bell: The Secret of the Wings").
Here is the description of "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" that appeared on the Disney Parks Blog:
In the show, Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have been preparing to host a joyous festival and have ventured far and wide to invite friends from other lands to join their celebration. From the Land of the Bewitching Bayous, Goofy has invited Tiana, Naveen and Louis to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party. From the Land of the Enchanted Woods, Donald Duck brings some new friends he met at the Snuggly Duckling, and Daisy introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn. Finally, Mickey shares a surprise with Minnie, as he has traveled to the Land of the Mystic Mountains to invite Olaf, Anna and Elsa, who contributes a blast of her icy magic. It all culminates in a grand dance, as the Merry Makers invite all their new friends to join in the fun on this special day in Magic Kingdom Park.
The fun will begin in June, again probably June 17, Disney is known for opening multiple things on the same day. Are you excited for "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire."
Small Announcement:
Sorry for the blog being up late, there is a reason as I said a few days ago on Twitter, that I was trying for a trip back to the Kingdom in September. Well, that trip has become to fruition as I will be in Walt Disney World from September 18 through September 24. Only 150 days until I'm home.
Disney World has been holding their annual summer media event over the last two days. Although not much has been announced as in opening dates including "Frozen Ever After." Everything has been announced as debuting "In Summer" but they did release some new details on the popular attraction. The info included:
Song writers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez created new lyrics for the attraction to the "Frozen" film songs.
All of the original voice talent from the returned to voice their respective characters in the new attraction.
Walt Disney Imagineering traveled to Norway to research architecture, decor, and artifacts all to be seen in the Royal Sommerhus.
The design and the Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.
"Frozen Ever After" and the Royal Sommerhus will both open this summer in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.
Clips from Soarin' Around the World Released:
That wasn't all the Epcot news announced at the media preview as the media got a sneak peak of what's to come in the new Soarin' Around the World set to open you guessed it this summer. No opening date has been announced yet. The clip shows a preview of how guests will be flying over China and Australia. Here is the clip:
Soarin' closed back in January and will be reopening as Soarin' Over the World. Stay tuned for an opening date which will be announced soon you would think.
"Alice Through the Looking Glass" Preview Coming to Disney Parks:
Guests will soon to be able preview "Alice Through the Looking Glass" at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and at Disney California Adventure. The preview at both parks will begin May 6 for a limited time.
At DCA, guests will preview the sequel to "Alice in Wonderland" will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater (formerly where MuppetVision 3D was located). At Hollywood Studios, One Man's Dream will be housing the preview and seeing advance clips of the film.
The preview will go on through June 12, so if you're visiting Disney Parks catch the 10-minute preview before time runs out. "Alice Through the Looking Glass" hits theaters May 27, 2016.
Soarin' to Close January 4 to Become Soarin' Around the World in Summer 2016:
Soarin' will close down January 4th to begin transitioning over its new show to become Soarin' Around the World, Walt Disney World has confirmed. The construction will last until sometime in Summer 2016 where Soarin' will open up as Soarin' Around the World and open its third theater that construction began last year on.
The new attraction will take guests over historic landmarks and places around the world such as the Great Wall in China, the Painted Desert, and so much more. This will be all seen in a more clearer picture that is crystal-clear and in high definition. It has been rumored that it will open around May 1, 2016 when the new Frozen Ever After attraction is expected to open in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. Stay tuned for details.
Sony Releases Star Wars Battlefront Holiday Commercial:
We are less than a month away from one of the biggest releases in video game history, when Star Wars Battlefront is released on November 17 for Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC. Today, Sony released its holiday commercial with Star Wars Battlefront being front and center for the commercial.
The story behind the commercial is two friends who grew up loving Star Wars who eventually end up playing Battlefront in the commercial. Check out the trailer below:
Note: Tune in later on It All Started With a Mouse for the final trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Just a few days we were all excited as Disney teased us with just a six second clip of their upcoming live-action film of their animated classic, "The Jungle Book." Today, we finally got to see the full teaser trailer and it did not disappoint. "The Jungle Book" is directed by Jon Favreau and is due out in theaters, April 15, 2016. The film stars newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, Idris Elba as the voice of Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley voices Bagheera, Bill Murray as the voice of Baloo, Scarlett Johansson as the voice of Kaa, and Christopher Walken will voice King Louie. Also joining the all-star cast will be Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of Mowgli's fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of the wolf pack's alpha male, Akela. The film seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. Here is the trailer:
Today the Disney Parks Blog announced that Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian will begin offering a brunch on Sunday mornings beginning November 22. Reservations are now open for the brunch.
For a menu: to start things off with a specialty beverage such as Champagne, Mimosa, or the signature Bloody Mary for adults, and a smoothie for children. There will be a shared pastry basket for the table filled with house-made chocolate and traditional croissants, muffins, Danish, pecan sticky buns, Vermont cultured butter, and seasonal jams.
Guests will enjoy choices of an appetizer:
Onion Soup Graitnee
Shrimp and Grits
Seafood Charcuterie
Artisanal Cheese Selection
Romaine Salad
Entrees to choose from will be tradition brunch favorites with a "refined" twist:
Brioche French Toast
Lobster Eggs Benedict
Chicken and Waffles
Freshly Caught Seasonal Fish
Steak and Eggs
Much More
Guests will be able to complete their meal with a trio of desserts. Cost will be $61 for adults and $41 for children (ages 3-9). Reservations can be made beginning today by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Miscellaneous Disney Parks News:
Pop Secret is now the official popcorn at Disney parks and the official sponsor of Fantasmic! at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
Soarin' in Epcot will close in January for 4-6 months as it prepares for its layover to Soarin' Around the World.
New Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party Reservations Available Today:
Reservations are now available for the new Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that begins September 15 and runs on select dates through November 1. This premium offering will include reserved seating in the center flag pole are of Town Square on Main Street, USA for Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. After guests will be invited to Tomorrowland Terrace for some sweet treats and a prime view of Cinderella Castle during Mickey's HalloWishes Nighttime Spectacular.
Here are some of the treats that will be awaiting guests:
Tables will be laden with goodies such as Halloween-themed chocolate dipped strawberries, adorable ghost meringue, candy corn panna cotta, peanut butter chocolate pretzel 'witch fingers', spiced pumpkin cheesecake brownies, peanut butter 'spider' whoopie pies, seasonal fruits and cheeses, hot chocolate, signature lemonade and Halloween specialties, and coffee and tea. For the younger ghosts to enjoy: mummy cupcakes, candy corn cupcakes, and 'worm and dirt pots.'
For the adults, they can enjoy a toast of sparkling cider and a skull mug for your very own trick-or-treat takeaway. The costs will be $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3 to 11. For reservations guests can call 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE.
Making of Soarin' Around the World for Epcot and California Adventure:
During the Parks & Resorts Panel at this past weekends D23 EXPO it was revealed that the long rumored Soarin' Around the World would be coming to both Epcot and Disney California Adventure next year in 2016. Yesterday, on the Disney Parks Blog a little sneak peek video of the making of Soarin' Around The World was released giving fans just a taste of what they'll experience in the new version.
Here is the synopsis of Soarin' Around the World:
"Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. It will use the same technology that will make the Shanghai attraction, Soaring Over the Horizon, so spectacular, ensuring that the very best Disney has to offer can be experienced at Disney Parks around the world."
As well as the sneak peak of the making of Soarin' Around the World:
Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak to Debut During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
Help Remy find all the ingredients for his signature dish, ratatouille for Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak set to debut during this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Beginning on September 25, the start of the festival, while supplies last guests can purchase maps and stickers at certain locations in the park listed for $9.95 plus tax.
Disney Traders
Festival Center
Pin Central
Port of Entry
World Traveler (International Gateway)
What is the goal of the game: Record your discoveries as you help Remy find each ingredient by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed map. Find all ingredients and earn one of the special surprise pins.
When completed guests much turn in there map at the redemption location (Port of Entry) by November 16, 2015 to pick up their surprise.
