Disney Cancels Lake Nona Project; Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser Closing Permanently in September

There is some breaking news out of the Walt Disney Company concerning Florida as they have decided to cancel the $1 billion Lake Nona project and the Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser will permanently close in September. 

Disney Cancels Lake Nona Project:

In an email to to staff, President of Disney Parks & Experiences, Josh D'Amaro says the company has decided not to move forward with the construction of the Lake Nona campus. The $1 billion campus which was supposed to be ready by next year with staff moves to the Orlando campus delayed until 2026. 

In the memo, he stated that it was not an easy decision but believes it is the right one to make. He also stated that the company will no longer be asking employees to relocate and that conversations with those of who have already relocated to possibly relocate back to California. 

The situation and feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis looms large as Disney is not playing around. D'Amaro stated, "I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business. We have plans to invest $17billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next 10 years. I hope we're able to do so."

Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser Closing Permanently in September:

Walt Disney World announced more shocking news today that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will close permanently as of October 1, 2023 with the final voyage on the immersive experience occurring September 28-30,2023. Here is official announcement:

Many fans will say they saw this coming right from when Galactic Starcruiser opened due to the price. Going forward, Disney says it will focus resources on other opportunities that will be more accessible to its large group of fans. 

Location Confirmed for Star Wars Immersive Resort at Disney's Hollywood Studios

We learned on Sunday that the village inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be called Black Spire Outpost. Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed the location of the exclusive Star Wars immersive resort planned for Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

It is currently in development on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive. It will be seamlessly connected to Galaxy's Edge which will allow guests to fully immerse themselves into the story of Star Wars.

This experience stands out among all of our destinations around the globe. Families visiting this destination will board a starship that comes alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every cabin window has views of space! Guests visiting the multi-day adventure will also be welcome to participate as a resident of the Galaxy by dressing in Star Wars-inspired attire.

Stay tuned for future updates on the immersive Star Wars Resort and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in the coming months. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Just When Will Walt Disney World Get New Monorail Fleet?; Star Wars Resistance Animated Series to Debut This Fall

Just When Will Walt Disney World Get New Monorail Fleet?:

Over the last few years the Walt Disney World monorail fleet has seen its better days. Rumors began early this year when video surfaced that doors on the monorail were having trouble staying closed even one incident where Monorail Red was in movement. Then there was the sudden cancellation of the Magic Kingdom theater that was announced during last summer's D23 Expo which led to rumors that Disney would be using that money to purchase a new fleet of monorails. 

Rumors died down until a few weeks ago when WDW News Today reported that a new fleet had been ordered and were being built by Bombardier in Canada. Those rumors were quickly shut down as sources had said while Disney is in interested in purchasing new monorails for the resort to replace the current fleet that have been in operation since 1989, the fleet had not been ordered from Bombardier yet. They are planning on replacing them in time for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary in 2021. 

That was until last night when, Disney Legend and former Imagineer Bob Gurr while speaking at an event stated that a new contract has in fact been drawn up with Bombardier and that the fleet is now in production despite not yet being announced. Gurr did say though that the fleet while they are being built are years away from delivery which would confirm what sources are saying that they won't be around until probably the 50th Anniversary. 

Now we wait until Disney officially confirms that a new monorail fleet at Walt Disney World. I expect that to be sometime next year most likely during the 2019 D23 Expo. 

Star Wars Resistance Animated Series to Debut This Fall:

Earlier this week, a brand new Star Wars animated series was announced to debut this Fall on Disney XD and the Disney Channel. The new series called, "Star Wars Resistance", will take us on the adventures of Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order.

Featuring the high-flying adventure that audiences of all ages have come to expect from Star Wars, Star Wars Resistance — set in the time prior to Star Wars: The Force Awakens — will feature the beloved droid BB-8 alongside ace pilots, colorful new characters and appearances by fan favorites including Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma, voiced by actors Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, respectively. 

The series was created by renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels); executive-produced by Athena Portillo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), Justin Ridge (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) and Brandon Auman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); and art-directed by Amy Beth Christenson (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels). 

In addition to Isaac and Christie, the voice cast includes actors Christopher Sean (Days of Our Lives), Suzie McGrath (East Enders), Scott Lawrence (Legion), Myrna Velasco (Elena of Avalor), Josh Brener (Silicon Valley), Donald Faison (Scrubs), Bobby Moynihan (DuckTales), Jim Rash (Community), and Rachel Butera (Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time).

No official released date for 'Resistance' has been announced as of yet but as stated previously it will debut this Fall. After the ending to "Star Wars Rebels" this past winter I can't wait to see what Filoni brings to the table for "Star Wars Resistance."

Source: Star Wars

New Infinity War Trailer; "Solo" Set to Premiere at Cannes Festival, and More

New 'Infinity War' Trailer Released:

We were greeted with a new mini "Avengers: Infinity War" trailer yesterday. In the trailer called "Chant" we see the Cap reunite with Bucky and we are asked, "Where will you be when it all ends?" Check it out below:

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" Set to Premiere at Cannes:
It was revealed that "Solo: A Star Wars Story" will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2018.

This will be the third Star Wars film to appear at the festival the first two being "Attack of the Clones" in 2002 and "Revenge of the Sith" in 2005. "Solo: A Star Wars Story" is directed by Ron Howard and will premiere in the United States on May 25, 2018.

"Toy Story 4" Will Hit Theaters in 2019:

The toys will be back officially next June. Toy Story 4 will officially be released on June 19, 2019 according to its Facebook page. The film will bring back Woody & Buzz and all the toys as they search for Bo Peep to reunite her with Woody.

The film will be written by Stephanie Folsom and directed by Josh Cooley. 

Get a Sneak Peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge With New Flyover Video

We are all patiently (NOT!) waiting to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, during the annual shareholders meeting, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger gave a sneak peak of the progress on both lands with a flyover of the construction site. It was then later shared on the Disney Parks Blog.

Check out the video below:

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Updates Revealed This Week About Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & Star Wars Hotel

This week we received some new images of what's coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios next year. First Imagineers show us how they are bringing the Millennium Falcon to life for the new remote planet.

Back in December it was revealed that Walt Disney Imagineers were going to bring a fleet of life-size X-wings to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This week we got an up close look at one of those X-wings as they are ready to arrive on the new planet. 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open first in Disneyland and then sometime soon after at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in 2019. 

Finally, though we got another update as we got another look with some live images of the Star Wars-inspired resort coming to Walt Disney World. As reported earlier this month the resort will be seamlessly connected to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Guests staying at the luxurious resort will be even welcomed to dress in Star Wars-inspired attire. 

The immerse experience offered at this hotel will stand out among all of the other resorts around the globe. As you can see, families visiting this amazing resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that will unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space! Check out one more live image released for the Star Wars resort.



As of now an opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort has not been announced.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Remain Plus Toy Story Land Details; Game of Thrones Creators to Produce and Write New Star Wars Films

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Remain Plus Toy Story Land Details:

Disney must have seen the rumors floating and today released a statement on the future of Disney's Hollywood Studios and a possible name change. That name change that I mentioned on Sunday, Disney Cinemagine Park, seems to be on hold for the foreseeable future. Here is what they said in post on the Disney Parks Blog:

"In response to questions we have been receiving, we also want to let fans know that the Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will remain the same for the foreseeable future since we are immersing our guests in a place where imagined worlds of Hollywood unfold around them from movies and music, to television and theater."

 Now to the other news in some new concept art from Toy Story Land and Alien Swirling Saucers. We got our first look at the new attraction for the land that will open this Summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Once the aliens have powered up their flying saucers, you’ll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as aliens lead the way on an interstellar romp set to an out-of-this-world beat. And if you’re really lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw!

Other news out of Toy Story Land today is that Slinky Dog Dash will have an on-ride photo for guests to create memories on the brand new roller coaster.

It is not confirmed but it will most likely be set up much like the Seven Dwarves Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom where the picture and on-ride video is directly linked to the guests Magic Band.

Sources: Disney Parks Blog and Blog Mickey

Game of Thrones Creators to Produce and Write New Star Wars Films:

Yesterday, it was announced that there will be even more Star Wars films. These are different from the films that "The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson was picked to direct last year. These films will be written and produced by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Here is the official press release from Star Wars:

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going from Winterfell to a galaxy far, far away.
It was announced today that Benioff and Weiss, creators of the smash-hit, Emmy Award-winning television series Game of Thrones, will write and produce a new series of Star Wars films. 

These new films will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently-announced trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.  

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.” 

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.” 

No release dates have been set for the new films, and there have (thankfully) been no sightings of White Walkers around Lucasfilm.

Source: StarWars.com

Teaser for Solo: A Star Wars Story Released During Super Bowl, Full Trailer Tomorrow

We finally have a teaser for "Solo: A Star Wars Story" as one was just released during tonight's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. The full trailer for the film will be released tomorrow morning on Good Morning America. Here is the teaser:

Solo: A Star Wars Story. Trailer Tomorrow. #HanSolo pic.twitter.com/y6l5P0K53n

— Star Wars (@starwars) February 4, 2018

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" is directed by Ron Howard and flies into theaters May 25, 2018.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May; Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May:

Star Wars: Galactic Nights will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios this May 27, two days after the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The after park hours event will be held from 7 p.m. until midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverage, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Here is some of the stuff you can expect:

Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.

Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights

Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.

Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.

Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more information on Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time:

Happily Ever After has officially moved to an earlier start time at least for the winter months. The fireworks spectacular from now until March 10, 2018 will move to be presented at 7:55 p.m. nightly. Originally, the show was presented at 8 p.m. nightly. No reason has been given as to why the spectacular was moved to 5 minutes earlier nightly.

Galactic Nights Gives Us an Update on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

During last night's Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests at the event were treated to an update on Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Lead Imagineer Scott Trowbridge along with fellow Imagineers Robin Reardon and Chris Beatty along with Doug Chiang from Lucasfilm shared details on the new land opening up in 2019.

Earlier last week Disney shared a photo of what looks to be the queue area of the Millennium Falcon attraction and Trowbridge had this share about the attraction:

"We talked a lot about authenticity – how we are building a real place in the Star Wars universe and how we are working hard to get the details right. One of my favorite examples is the Millennium Falcon. We’ve all seen her on screen, but until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside the cockpit, power her up and actually FLY her yourself, it’s not quite the same."

One of the most exciting details was that they are actually building a fleet of X-wings for the new world. One tap of the metal tells you these are real starships ready for action. I can't wait to see these for real on Batuu. 

In the panel, Chris Beatty also discussed how Imagineers visited Istanbul and Marrakech. They were a big part in helping to tell the story of Batuu and the village/marketplace inside the planet where guests will be able to visit a rich collection of shops and merchant stalls. 

Chris gave an example of a Toydarian in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" and what does he sell toys of course. Concept art of the stall can be seen above. Inside you'll be able to discover all kinds of  fun and cool toys straight out of the Star Wars galaxy. Exclusive to this outpost, all these offerings will look like they were hand-crafted by local artisans. 

As always stay tuned for more updates on Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney, 21st Century Fox Deal Likely to be Announced Thursday

The Disney-Fox mega deal could be announced as early as tomorrow according to CNBC. According to insiders, the companies are on a 'glide path' to make an announcement Thursday. Disney in fact became the sole bidder for Fox after Comcast dropped its pursuit on Monday. 

In the deal the Walt Disney Company would acquire most but not all of Fox's television and movie assets, while Fox's news and business network. along with its broadcast and sports networks would remain separate. Fox's assets in the deal with Disney are seen as more than a $60 billion value. The exact amount has not been confirmed though. 

The enterprise value of the Fox's assets in the Disney deal is seen as above $60 billion, according to sources. Current Fox shareholders would get one share of the Fox company that remains after the movie and television assets are sold plus shares of Disney in a fixed exchange ratio.

Stay tuned as this deal would come on the same day as many fans flock to see Episode VIII in the Star Wars trilogy tomorrow night in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

Source: CNBC

Rian Johnson Will Create All-New Star Wars Trilogy

The man behind "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson has been tabbed to create a whole new Star Wars trilogy separate from the current Skywalker saga. During today's 4th Quarter Earnings Call of the Walt Disney Company, President Bob Iger announced that Johnson would create the new trilogy. Here is the full release from StarWars.com:

For director Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was just the beginning of his journey in a galaxy far, far away. 

Lucasfilm is excited to announce that Johnson will create a brand-new Star Wars trilogy, the first of which he is also set to write and direct, with longtime collaborator Ram Bergman onboard to produce.  

As writer-director of The Last Jedi, Johnson conceived and realized a powerful film of which Lucasfilm and Disney are immensely proud. In shepherding this new trilogy, which is separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored.
“We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “He’s a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy.” 

“We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi,” Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. “Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can’t wait to continue with this new series of films.” 

Johnson’s upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in U.S. theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
No release dates have been set for the new films, and no porgs were available for comment.

 Are you excited about all the possibilities of a new Star Wars trilogy?

Source: StarWars.com

New Clips from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released

During last night's Game 7 of the World Series, we all got a surprise with a new mini trailer being released from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." In the new trailer, we get a look at Luke for the first time in a long time on the Millennium Falcon.

We also see Snoke sitting on his throne as we hear him say, "Darkness rises..... and light to meet it." Check out the new trailer as well as all the other new clips that we saw last night:



"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will use the force as it hits theaters on December 15, 2017.

New Clip from Pixar's 'Coco', Ron Howard Announces "Solo: A Star Wars Story", and More

New Clip from Pixar's "Coco" Released:

We are just over a month away from Disney Pixar's "Coco" and today we got a new clip from the film today. It features Miguel attempting to play a guitar with a mariachi and his grandmother stopping him telling he cannot have music in his life. Check it out below:

Grandma knows best. 💕 Watch a clip from #PixarCoco, and see the film in theatres this Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/C3OD16Cgak

— Disney (@Disney) October 17, 2017

Disney Pixar's "Coco" hits theaters this Thanksgiving.

Ron Howard Officially Announces "Solo: A Star Wars Story":

We finally have have a name for the untitled Han Solo anthology film thanks to director Ron Howard.  The film has just finished wrapping up production and Howard released a video on Twitter announcing the name of the film, "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Here is the video:

Hey #Twitterville we just wrapped production so here's a special message #StarWars pic.twitter.com/8QJqN5BGxr

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) October 17, 2017

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" punches its way into theaters next year on May 25, 2018.

Details on "Big Hero 6" The Series Announced:

A premiere date for "Big Hero 6" the series on Disney XD has been announced for November 20 at 8 p.m. with a 1 hour special called "Baymax Returns." It will air simultaneously on Disney XD, Disney Channel, the DisneyNow App, and on Disney XD Video on Demand. 

Set once again in San Fransokyo, the television movie Baymax Returns explores that tear-jerking moment in Big Hero 6 after Hiro believes that his robot friend is lost in the portal forever, before discovering the chip his brother Tadashi designed to create Baymax. The series continues the adventures and friendship of Hiro, Baymax, and the rest of the superhero team, picking up immediately following the events of the feature film. We can’t wait to see them in action!
As if that wasn’t enough to fill our hearts with joy, beginning Friday, November 24, Big Hero 6 The Series shorts will roll out every Friday for six consecutive weeks on Disney XD, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney XD YouTube. We’ll be watching every single video on repeat.
Deep breaths everyone. There’s more. On November 20, “Pocket Baymax” launches on DisneyNOW. What is “Pocket Baymax” you ask? It is a customizable, interactive virtual assistant that brings Baymax to life—and it sounds like the best thing we never knew we needed.

Following the movie special of "Baymax Returns" two special full-length preview episode of "Big Hero 6" The Series will debut exclusively on the DisneyNOW App and Disney XD VOD.

Source: Oh My Disney

 

First 'Last Jedi' TV Spot Airs; Final Candlelight Narrators Announced

First "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" TV Spot Airs:

The very first of what I'm sure will be many tv spots for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" has aired. Just days after the trailer was released we got more dialogue out of Luke Skywalker as he asks Rey why she is there. We also got some new images in the tv spot.



"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15.

Final Candlelight Narrators Announced:

Two new narrators and two returning complete the list of celebrities for this year's Epcot Candlelight Processional. Disney Legend and actor Kurt Russell as well as Olympic Champion Laurie Hernandez will be reading at the processional for the first time. Meanwhile Jodi Benson and actress/comedian Ana Gasteyer will return this year as narrators. Here is the complete schedule for the Candlelight Processional which runs November 24 through December 30:

• Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
• Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
• Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
• Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
• Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
• Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
• Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional allows narrators to tell the story of Christmas along with a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir. The show is performed 3 times nightly at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre. 

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

VIDEO: "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer Released

Well the trailer just dropped and it may just break the internet. Check it out below:

Once again "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" uses the force and jumps into theaters December 15, 2017.

New Poster Revealed for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Ahead of Trailer

We are all waiting patiently for the new trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" to premiere during halftime of Monday Night Football. Ahead of the trailer a new poster for the film has been revealed.

Again we see Luke at the top over many of the characters including Rey and Kylo along with General Leia, Finn, Poe, Rose, Chewbacca, the Praetorian Guards, BB-8, BB-9E, C-3PO, R2-D2, Captain Phasma, and General Hux. 

Watch out for the trailer right here on It All Started With a Mouse. We will have it up shortly after it premieres. Meanwhile, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15. 

New Disney Parks Blog Newsletter Launches; News about Last Jedi Trailer & Ticket Sales

New Disney Parks Blog Newsletter Launches:

A new sleek newsletter with new features was launched today by the Disney Parks Blog that will help improve fans experience the Disney Parks stories in a newsletter that fans already love.

It now has an easier layout for easier scanning with larger images that will highlight fans' favorite stories. The layout will also now snap to fit any size mobile device, tablet, or computer for a quick look at what is happening. Finally, you can now find it easier to explore a topic in detail by following links to the story on the Disney Parks Blog. 

You can sign up for the newsletter here on the newly redesigned signup page. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

News About the "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Trailer and Ticket Sales:

Weeks ago it seemed that Mark Hamill revealed when the next "Last Jedi" trailer would be released. It does seem that he was right in that a new trailer for the next story in the saga will be released during Monday Night Football this coming Monday, October 9. It also appears that advance ticket sales will also begin on Monday. This has not been confirmed but it appears we will find out in just a few days as we wait.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters on December 15, 2017.

Source: Star Wars News Net

First Half Schedule for Final Season of Star Wars Rebels Announced

"Star Wars Rebels" will return to Disney XD on Monday, October 16 for its final season. Yesterday, the first half schedule for Season 4 was announced with some episodes airing back-to-back beginning October 16 and running through November 13. The show will take a hiatus during the holidays and return sometime in early 2018 to finish the season leading up to the top-secret finale. Here is the schedule:

Monday, 10/16 – “Heroes of Mandalore”  Parts 1 & 2

Monday, 10/23 – “In the Name of the Rebellion” Parts 1 & 2

Monday, 10/30 – “The Occupation” and “Flight of the Defender”

Monday, 11/6 – “Kindred” and “Crawler Commandeers”

Monday, 11/13 – “Rebel Assault”

Each episode will air five times throughout the day at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT, 3:00 a.m. ET/PT, 7:30 a.m. ET/PT, 5:30 p.m. ET/PT, and finally at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD. StarWars.com's Rebels Recon  will post online after the 9:00 p.m. show. Episode guides will be posted the next day on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. ET/ 6:00 a.m. PT. 

Source: StarWars.com

J.J. Abrams to Write & Direct Episode IX, Film Pushed Back; New "Coco" Poster Released

J.J. Abrams to Write & Direct Star Wars: Episode IX, Film Pushed Back a Few Months:

The man behind "The Force Awakens" will now take the reins for the final film of the Star Wars saga in Episode IX. J.J. Abrams will now direct the film after last week Colin Trevorrow was let go as director of the film last week. Abrams will also co-write the film with Chris Terrio.

"Star Wars: Episode IX" will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm. 

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

The film which was scheduled to be released on May 24, 2019 has now been pushed back to December 20, 2019. 

Source: Star Wars

New Poster Released for Pixar's Coco:

A new poster has been released for Disney Pixar's "Coco" today. A new trailer for the film will be released tomorrow, September 13 at 12 p.m. EST/ 9 a.m. PST. Check out the poster below:

Disney Pixar's "Coco" hits theaters November 22.