Disney Looking to Buy Part of 21st Century Fox; New Christmas Party Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card

Disney Looking to Buy Part of 21st Century Fox:

News broke yesterday afternoon that 21st Century Fox is looking to sell part of their company to the Walt Disney Company. Although it appears talks are stalled at the moment on the deal. The deal would not include Fox News Network, Fox Business, or Fox Sports Networks. Here is the article from CNBC by David Faber:

21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Disney: Sources

21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Walt Disney Co., leaving behind a media company tightly focused on news and sports, according to people familiar with the situation.

The talks have taken place over the last few weeks and there is no certainty they will lead to a deal. The two sides are not currently talking at this very moment, but given the on again, off again nature of the talks, they could be revisited.

For Fox, the willingness to engage in sale talks with Disney stems from a growing belief among its senior management that scale in media is of immediate importance and there is not a path to gain that scale in entertainment through acquisition. The company is said to believe that a more tightly focused group of properties around news and sports could compete more effectively in the current marketplace.

The media landscape has changed considerably in recent years with giants such as Facebook, Google (Alphabet), Amazon and Netflix changing the way people consume media and dominating the digital distribution of digital video content. Being able to compete in that changing landscape, many people believe, requires scale that a Disney has, but 21st Century Fox does not.

For Disney, the opportunity to take control of another movie studio and significant TV production assets as it readies a direct-to-consumer entertainment streaming offering is attractive as is Fox's significant exposure to international markets, such as the U.K., Germany and Italy — both through its networks and 39 percent ownership of Sky. Disney recently announced it will pull all of its movies from the Netflix platform and will establish two direct-to-consumer offerings: one for sports and one including its key franchises such as "Star Wars" and Marvel.

Disney would not purchase all of Fox, according to people with knowledge of the talks.

The company could not own two broadcast networks and would therefore not buy the Fox broadcast network. It would not buy Fox's sports programming assets in the belief that combining them with ESPN could be seen as anti-competitive from an antitrust standpoint and it would not buy the Fox News or Business channel. Disney would also not purchase Fox's local broadcasting affiliates, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

In addition to the movie studio, TV production and international assets such as Star and Sky, Disney would also add entertainment networks such as FX and National Geographic.

The contemplated structure of the deal or the price that has been discussed could not be learned. Given it would involve the sale of many, but not all of Fox's properties, it's unclear how Fox would mitigate potential tax consequences of a deal.

Officials at Disney and Fox declined to comment.

Source: CNBC

New Carousel of Progress Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card for Mickey's Very Merry:

With the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party taking place on Thursday, there is a new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card being released for the party. This year's card features Rover from Carousel of Progress.

This year’s party-exclusive card, “Rover’s Christmas Carousel of Progress” features our trusty companion Rover from Carousel of Progress. According to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley, Carousel of Progress was chosen to be featured on this season’s card “because Merlin is inspired by the Carousel of Progress’ celebration of human innovation.”

The card will be available at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA where guests can pick up this party exclusive as well as complimentary cards and can purchase additional cards.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Poster for "Olaf's Frozen Adventure"; Country Bears Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card

New Poster for "Olaf's Frozen Adventure" Revealed:

A new poster has arrived for "Olaf's Frozen Adventure" which will premiere ahead of Pixar's "Coco" this November. In the poster we see our favorite snowman Olaf sitting atop another favorite character in Sven.

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will show us Olaf’s (and Sven’s) quest to find a new holiday tradition for Anna and Elsa, and all the adventures they experience along the way. The adventure begins in front of "Coco" on November 22.

Source: Oh My Disney

Country Bears Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card for Mickey's Not-So-Scary:

They year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins this Friday, August 25. As always guests will be able to receive a very special and limited edition Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card when they attend the party. This year's card is themed to the Country Bear Jamboree.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an in-park interactive experience that allows guests of all ages to join Merlin’s quest to stop Disney Villains from taking over Magic Kingdom Park. Guests use a map to search for villain hideouts throughout the park, and visit magic portals where they use spell cards to fight back against a villain’s plan. The journey begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up everything you need to play.

This special event card will be distributed separately (and in addition to) the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs you’re given at this location. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Teaser & Poster of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Released, Schedule for Destination D, and More

First Teaser & Poster of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Released:

Today, excitement arose with not only a new poster but the very first teaser of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" were released by Marvel. The film is the sequel to the hit film Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy." The newest chapter of the hit film will soar into theaters May 5, 2017.

Here is the poster:

The trailer is just over 1 minute and 30 seconds long and features the song "Hooked on a Feeling" that was featured in the first film. Here it is:

Obviously. #GotGVol2 pic.twitter.com/NwuaCIYqcd

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 19, 2016

Full Schedule for Destination D: Amazing Adventures Released:

The full schedule for Destination D: Amazing Adventures has been released. The D23 event that takes place next month at Disney's Contemporary Resort takes place November 18-20. The main event though takes place on Saturday and Sunday. 

The main events look to be a special announcement from Walt Disney Studios on Saturday, what's new at Walt Disney World on Sunday morning, as well as the Pandora - The World of Avatar panel that takes place just after the New Walt Disney World Adventures panel. Here is the full schedule:

Friday, November 18

10 a.m.–6 p.m. — Registration Open
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—East Registration

11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. — “Walt’s Great Adventures” Exhibit Open
Walt Disney Archives Exhibit
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Olympus A & B

2–8 p.m. — Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Open
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Sorcerer’s Apprentice Room

Saturday, November 19

7 a.m –1 p.m. — Registration / Guest Services Open
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—East Registration

7–9 a.m. — “Walt’s Great Adventures” Exhibit Open
Walt Disney Archives Exhibit
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Olympus A & B

7 a.m.–5 p.m. — Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Open
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Sorcerer’s Apprentice Room

8:15–9 a.m. — Doors Open to Fantasia Ballroom
General Admission Seating

9 a.m — Welcome!

9:10 a.m. — A Conversation with Bob ChapekBob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, will sit down with D23’s Jeffrey Epstein to share his insights on the parks.

9:50 a.m. — A Look Back at Walt Disney’s True-Life AdventuresJoin film producer Don Hahn and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline on an expedition through the landmark True-Life Adventure series, which earned the Disney Studio eight Academy Awards®!

10:45–11 a.m. — Break

11 a.m. — Albert Schweitzer, Harper Goff, Bill Evans, and “The Wonderland of Nature’s Own Design”Welcome to Adventureland! Disney Legend and Imagineering ambassador Marty Sklar presents a tour through the earliest concepts for the themed realm and how Harper Goff, Morgan “Bill” Evans, and other legendary designers brought Walt Disney’s vision to life.

12–2 p.m. — Afternoon Break
Walt Disney World Resort restaurants will be open, and snack carts will available. Please note that all seating in the ballroom will be cleared. No reserved seating upon return.

12–2 p.m. — “Walt’s Great Adventures” Exhibit Open
Walt Disney Archives Exhibit
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Olympus A & B

1:30–2 p.m. — Doors Open to Fantasia Ballroom
General Admission Seating

2 p.m. — A Special Announcement from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

2:05 p.m. — Disney Adventurelands Around the WorldSet off on a journey through exotic realms at Disney theme parks around the globe, as Imagineers Tony Baxter, Jason Grandt, and Luc Mayrand explore “Adventurelands” from Florida to Shanghai.

2:45 p.m. — Tales from the Jungle CruiseFans of “the backside of water” unite! Discover the legendary history of the world-famous attraction with a panel of experts and designers, including archivist Justin Arthur and Imagineers Alex Grayman, Chris Merritt, and Wyatt Winter.

3:30–3:45 p.m. — Break

3:45 p.m. — Disney’s Polynesian Resort 45th AnniversaryFrom tropical hideaways to enchanting entertainment, celebrate the spirit of aloha as D23 looks back at 45 years of the classic South Pacific-themed getaway.

4:40 p.m.— MOANA: Building a LegendFor centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium—and no one knows exactly why. Screenwriter Jared Bush (co-director/co-screenwriter, Zootopia) shares how that question became the jumping-off point for the story of Moana, and presents exclusive footage from the film.

5:30–7:30 p.m. — Evening Break

7:30 p.m. — An Evening at Disney’s Polynesian Village ResortJoin us for a special celebration of the 45th anniversary of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

10 p.m. — Conclusion of today’s adventures.

Sunday, November 20

7 a.m.–1 p.m. — Guest Services Open
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—East Registration

7–9 a.m. — “Walt’s Great Adventures” Exhibit Open
Walt Disney Archives Exhibit
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Olympus A & B

7 a.m.–5 p.m. — Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Open
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Ballroom

8:15–9 a.m. — Doors Open to Fantasia Ballroom
General Admission Seating

9 a.m. — It All Started with a MapDiscover details on why and how Disney theme park maps have changed over time with historians Kevin Neary and Susan Neary, two co-authors of Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai (Disney Editions, 2016).

9:20 a.m. — New Walt Disney World AdventuresGet an insider’s glimpse into the latest experiences across Walt Disney World Resort with behind-the-scenes looks at new and upcoming entertainment!

10:05–10:20 a.m. — Break

10:20 a.m. — Magic Journeys: 45 Years of Walt Disney World AdventuresAs we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, join Imagineers Jason Grandt and Alex Wright for a nostalgic journey through some of the Vacation Kingdom’s most unique and fondly remembered adventures!

11:05 a.m. — Pandora – The World of AVATARAVATAR creators James Cameron (writer, director, producer) and Jon Landau (producer) and Imagineer Joe Rohde unveil new details about the immersive, 12-acre land coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

12–2 p.m. — Afternoon Break
Walt Disney World Resort restaurants will be open and snack carts available. Please note that all seating in the ballroom will be cleared. No reserved seating upon return.

12–2 p.m. — “Walt’s Great Adventures” Exhibit Open
Walt Disney Archives Exhibit
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center—Olympus A & B

2 p.m. — The Art and Adventures of Marc DavisFrom Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room to Pirates of the Caribbean, discover the adventurous artwork of artist and animator Marc Davis with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Production Designer Chris Merritt, who is co-authoring a new book on the Disney Legend.

3:05 p.m. — The Imagineering AdventureIn this two-part session, discover how Imagineers bring adventurous Disney experiences to life, with an in-depth look at attractions from Indiana Jones Adventure with Disney Legend Tony Baxter, to Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, with Shanghai Disneyland Portfolio Creative Executive Luc Mayrand.

4:15–4:30 p.m.      Break

4:30 p.m. — Guiding Animals Through ChangeWith brand-new evening experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, how does one prepare animals for changes to the nighttime ambience of the park, and how does one know if these animals are happy with the changes? Animals, Science and Environment Vice President Dr. Mark Penning will talk you through the process they followed and share stories of the great care our animals get.

4:55 p.m. — Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Evolving a New Species of Theme ParkImagineer Joe Rohde shares the origins and incredible evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from early concepts to new experiences to be discovered at the park!

6 p.m. — Farewell

 6–8 p.m. — Evening Break

8 p.m. — In-Park Gathering (Optional)Walt Disney World Resort theme park admission required.
Details forthcoming.

9:30 p.m. — Conclusion of Destination D’s amazing adventures.

A printed event program will be distributed to attendees upon check-in.

Wilderness Explorer VIP attendees will receive a separate agenda with event details soon.

*Please be advised: All schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice. For the enjoyment of all attendees, access in and out of the Fantasia ballroom may be limited during presentations.

First Look at 'Goofy's Festive Fiasco' Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom for MVMCP:

We are fast approaching the holiday season inside Disney Parks with the very first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party just three weeks away on November 9. Today, we got our first look at the special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card that will be exclusive for this year's party. This year's card will feature Goofy and be called, 'Goofy's Festive Fiasco.'

This year's card "celebrates the glorious holiday chaos created by Goofy as he attempts to decorate for the season," according to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley. The card will be available at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA where the game begins. Additional cards can be purchased at select merchandise locations throughout the park. 

First Photos Released from Live Action "Beauty and the Beast"; New Clawhauser Sorcerers Card Released for MNSSHP

First Photos Released from Live Action "Beauty and the Beast":

Today, we got our first look at some stills from the live action remake of "Beauty and the Beast." This includes our first look at Ewan McGregor as Lumiere and Ian McKellen as Cogsworth. For reference we got a look at the animated versions of the characters with the live action characters below.

The next photo is the scene from Gaston's Tavern with Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as Le Fou. It's almost as if they took the scene right out of the animated film.

The live action remake of "Beauty and the Beast" will hit theaters March 17, 2017.

New Clawhauser Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Released for Not-So-Scary:

This year's new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card being released during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will feature Clawhauser from Disney's "Zootopia." The card will be released during next Friday, September 2, for the first Halloween party of the season at Magic Kingdom. The card is called, "Clawhauser's Tricky Treat."

Here is info on the new card from the Disney Parks Blog:

Why Clawhauser? Because he loves sweets, particularly donuts! On Halloween he enjoys sharing the delicious, ring-shaped delights with the trick-or-treaters who come to his door. Merlin the Magician was so impressed with the cheetah’s generosity, that he created a spell in his honor, “Clawhauser’s Tricky Treat.” When a sorcerer casts this spell, dozens of magical donuts appear! But spell-casters must be wary: careless use might result in an explosion of rainbow sprinkles!

The special event card will be distributed separately in addition to regular cards for the game at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA. Guests must register to play the game with their party ticket and event wristband to receive "Clawhauser's Tricky Treat."

Source: Disney Parks Blog

'Force Awakens' Character Posters Revealed and They're Awesome!; New Olaf Sorcerers Card For MVMCP

'Force Awakens' Character Posters Revealed and They're Awesome!!!!:

Earlier this morning, John Boyega said he had surprise for Star Wars fans this afternoon. He didn't disappoint his fans as his (Finn) along with other main characters of the film posters were revealed. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters in 44 days and today we got a look at Han, Leia, Kylo Ren, Finn, and Rey posters.

Finn has something to fight for. #TheForcAwakens

Rey is ready to battle on Jakku. #TheForceAwakens

Kylo Ren is ready to finish what Vader started. #TheForceAwakens

The scoundrel returns. #TheForceAwakens

Leia has the force. #TheForceAwakens

New Olaf 'Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom' Card to Debut During MVMCP:

Christmas is now in full force at Magic Kingdom as decorations and the tree have gone up. This weekend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins at the park. During, the party this year and like during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card will be released exclusively for the party. This year's card features Olaf and his Snowgies. 

The card will be distributed in addition to regular Sorcerers card packs. You will be able to pick it up at either the Magic Kingdom Firehouse or the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom location behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. To retrieve the card guests must register to play the game with their event party ticket and event wristband. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins this Sunday, November 8 and runs through December 18. 

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater to Offer 'Out-of-This World' Breakfast, Marvel's Feige to Report to Disney, and More

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater to Offer 'Out-of-this World' Breakfast for a Limited Time:

Beginning November 1, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin serving breakfast for a limited time. Right now you can only book through January 23, 2016, but it seems like this could be extended for a longer period of time. Breakfast will be served between 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. and will include breakfast pastries, a choice of appetizer, entree, and a non-alcoholic beverage for $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages 3-9. 

Some of menu items featured will be starters of may a yogurt parfait and fresh fruit as you begin your day under the stars in one of the iconic retro car tables. For entrees, guests can choose from a puff pastry filled with scrambled eggs, crab, asparagus, and a Gruyere cheese or the grilled beef tenderloin on baby spinach with bacon and cheddar custard on a roasted tomato with cheesy horseradish potatoes.

Also on the menu will be an egg-white omelet with shiitake mushrooms and caramelized onions served with roasted fingerling potatoes or a decadent macadamia-crusted brioche French toast with mascarpone and fresh berries. Also available will be a simple scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and breakfast platter, pan-seared shrimp with cheesy grits, or the famous Mickey waffle with bacon or sausage. 

For children, choices of scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, and potatoes, French toast, or a mini Mickey waffle. For reservations guests may call 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting www.waltdisneyworld.com/DINE.

Marvel's Kevin Feige Will Report to Disney Instead of Marvel:

Since Marvel was bought by the Walt Disney Company their executives still reported to their CEO in Isaac 'Ike' Perlmutter. Now, things are changing with now president Kevin Feige reporting to Alan Horn, chairman  of Walt Disney Studios. A company spokesperson said it "was the logical next step."  There have been rumors that Feige has been clashing with Perlmutter. 

Walt Disney Studios already does this with two of its other brands in Pixar and Lucasfilm with John Lasseter and Ed Catmull overseeing Pixar and Kathleen Kennedy leading Lucasfilm. Going forward Marvel Studios will centralize many of its film-related functions at the Burbank studios. Marvel's TV Group, publishing, and other Marvel activities will continue to report to Perlmutter. Along with Feige, co-president Louis D'Esposito will also report to Horn. This was all first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Merida Coming to Disney Junior's Sofia The First:

Today, it was announced that Merida from Brave! will have a run-in with Disney Junior's "Sofia the First" in an upcoming special four part episode in the television series. The 4-part episode called "Sofia the First: The Secret Library" is set to air October 12 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on the Disney Channel and later that night on Disney Junior at 7 p.m. ET/PT. 

Sofia will unlock a secret world and become the storykeeper of magical books when she runs into Merida. Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) will lend their voices for the cast as the nefarious Prince Roderick and the Narrator. Bonnie Hunt will return as Sofia's Aunt and Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) will also be back as Sofia's flying horse, Minimus. 

An Exclusive New "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" Card to be Available for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

Beginning with the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on September 15, guests to the party can pick up an exclusive new card for the interactive game "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom." This year's card, 'Minnie Mouse's Costume Chaos', features Minnie Mouse and here friends Clarabelle Cow and Daisy Duck as witches.

The event-exclusive card will be distributed along with regular "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" card packs when they attend the party. They can be picked up at the Firehouse on Main Street, USA where the journey begins. Guests must show their event wristband and party ticket to receive the exclusive card.