Changes to Star Wars Tour and Fantasmic Dining Packages Coming Soon

There are some changes coming to the Star Wars Tour and Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The first change is coming to the Star Wars Tour beginning October 1. The tour will now shift to the early morning and part of the afternoon instead of the afternoon into the evening.

The dessert party will no longer be part of the tour, but guests will still be able to have a reserved viewing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. The price of the tour will now be reduced from $129 to $99 per person.

The reason for the removal of the dessert party could be because Star Wars Launch Bay is also expected to begin closing earlier beginning October 1 due to budget cuts.

The next change at Hollywood Studios won't begin until next year in 2018, but appetizers are being removed from the Fantasmic! Dining Packages at the Hollywood Brown Derby and Mama Melrose's.  No changes are coming to the Hollywood & Vine Dining Package. Here is what the 2018 dining package will include:

• One entrée, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage at select full-service restaurants or one buffet (where applicable)
• One voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area

New pricing for the dining package is $3 cheaper due to the removal of the appetizer at both Hollywood Brown Derby at Mama Melrose's. At Hollywood Brown Derby it will be $62 for adults and $22 for children (plus tax and gratuity) for lunch or dinner. At Mama Melrose's it will be $42 for adults and $18 for children (plus tax and gratuity) again for lunch or dinner.

The Jawas Are Leaving Hollywood Studios; Great Movie Ride "That's a Wrap!" Merchandise

The Jawas Are Leaving Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Yesterday, appears to have been the final day guests were able to greet and trade with the Jawas at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios according to Kenny the Pirate. This doesn't mean they are going away forever just that for now they are being retired from meet & greets as well as trading with them. 

Rumor has it that Rey will begin meeting with guests along with BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay. Rey recently began appearing along with other favorite Star Wars characters in the stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Rey has yet to appear for any kind of meet & greet at the park. 

While the Jawas are going, one could only hope they will return when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens in 2019.

Source: Kenny the Pirate

Great Movie Ride "That's a Wrap!" Merchandise to Hit Disney Parks & Online:

During Friday's, Disney Park Blog Meetup with their farewell to The Great Movie Ride, it was revealed that Disney would be releasing special Farewell merchandise. The Great Movie Ride is slated to close for good on August 13, 2017 where it will be replaced by Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. 

The "That's a Wrap!" merchandise will be available late this week in Walt Disney World. Some of the items will be released on Disney Store online on August 10, 2017.

BB-8 Meet & Greet Coming to Star Wars Launch Bay

Yes, I am writing a blog just to announce this news because my obsession and a dream is finally coming true. A BB-8 meet and greet is coming to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios this Spring. 

BB-8 will appear in addition to Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, two characters from the Star Wars galaxy who guests regularly encounter at Star Wars Launch Bay. In addition to character greetings, the location also offers guests the chance to explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including some from the latest film in the franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

I couldn't be more excited to finally be able to meet BB-8 although I am also heartbroken as I won't see him until next year as no visit is planned this year. Stay tuned as BB-8 will be making his debut in the coming weeks.

New "Rogue One" Inspired Experiences Coming to Hollywood Studios

Spaceship Earth was transformed into the Death Star tonight during the special "Rogue One" Disney Parks Blog meet-up that was live streamed. During the live stream, several new "Rogue One"- inspired experiences were announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios. They were announced by Michael Roddy of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Entertainment & Merchandise. 

First, up Advanced Weapons Research Troopers, the Imperial Death Troopers, from "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be added along with scenes from the film to the stage show Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. The show will return December 16.

Also at Star Wars Launch Bay, new props from "Rogue One" have already been added. These items include: A Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic's Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-Wing gunship, and so much more. Also scenes will be added to the Launch Bay Theater with making-of footage and a behind-the-scenes look at "Rogue One."

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will return beginning December 16 and will run along with "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" as a second nighttime fireworks spectacular that will run through December 31. Over at Star Tours, guests will go back to randomized beginnings (instead of starting each journey on the planet of Jakku from "The Force Awakens") also beginning December 16.

A new seven-hour Star Wars guided tour is coming soon to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here are some of the details that were released although final details will be released soon:

This seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide that will include: a journey on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (for guests age 4-12); a guided exploration of Star Wars Launch Bay, dinner at a quick-service restaurant featuring Star Wars-themed items; the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; fireworks viewing and more. - Disney Parks Blog

Also appearing during the meet-up was Mads Mikkelsen, who plays Galen Erso in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." During the meet-up Mikkelson helped release a never before seen clip from the film between his character and the formidable Director Krennic.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" soars into theaters in just 11 days on December 16.

"Hakuna Matata, It Means No Worries" Trip Report Part 1

It's been a week since I've been back from another amazing trip at Walt Disney World. Last week, I shared what my thoughts on what my stay at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Today, we begin what the rest of my trip was like. This is for my trip September 18-24, 2016. Part 1 will be the beginning of my trip.

Sunday, September 18 - Epcot

The day began bright and early arriving at our local airport just after 6 for our 8 a.m. flight to Orlando (MCO). Getting an early flight to Disney is the best because not only do you get to Disney early but the airport isn't busy with those early flights. This means getting through security was pretty easy and without stress. We boarded our flight around 7:30 and we were on our way and up in the air shortly after 8. Flight was just over 2 hours and we were downstairs waiting for the Magical Express to our resort before 11:00.

We had to wait a bit for our Magical Express as my father needed a lift for his wheelchair. Boarding the Magical Express is always the best when you get there, however we all know what its called when you're leaving the World. We arrived at our resort around noon and by the time we got there our room was ready.

After arriving at Caribbean Beach, we picked up my dad's motorized wheelchair that we rented for the week and we then waited for the internal bus to get to our room. As I stated in my resort review we were on the opposite end of the resort in Trinidad South. We checked out our room and after a long morning and part of the afternoon it was time to finally head to Epcot. After a short 10 minute drive on the Bus we arrived and vacation in the happiest place on Earth could begin.

We arrived at Epcot and it was already around 1:30 and we were starving. I didn't have a FastPass until after 3 for Soarin' so we had some time to head over to start tasting foods from the Food & Wine Festival. Now as you know last November when for my short trip I raved about the food I got to try at Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. One of the amazing dishes last year returned in the loaded Mac & Cheese at the Farm Fresh marketplace. New to this year's festival at the booth was the Chicken & Dumplings with Mushrooms & Spinach, both were excellent. Also returning this year at the Hawaii marketplace was the Kalua Pork Slider. Now I am a pretty picky eater so I got it with just the pork and not pineapple chutney or the spicy mayonnaise. Once again it was absolutely delicious.

Loaded Mac & Cheese and the Chicken & Dumplings from Farm Fresh

Kalua Pork Slider from Hawaii

Now here is where the photos stop from day 1 because oops failed to take my camera out of its bag until we got back to the resort. 

After eating the slider, we started heading over to The Land pavilion to try out Soarin'. First, though my dad wanted to try the Empanada from Patagonia. He loved it, but overall I thought it was just ok. Making it over to the Land is where one minor problem began. My Dad's wheelchair was showing it was low on power. Now as I have previously stated in my other trip reports, my dad needs the wheelchair due to him being paralyzed on his right side, so unfortunately while his wheelchair was charging he was stuck. So my mother and I regrettably went onto Soarin' without him. 

Spoiler Alert:

Soarin' Around the World is simply amazing and is just as good if not better then the first. However, there is one complaint, some of the scenes including the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal scenes are CGI'd in. Overall, though smells are amazing there and its the same music from Soarin'. Of course it was great to see Patrick as well, I'm not sure how I would feel about it if he wasn't back in the pre-show. Overall, very well done and I can't wait to go back to ride it again. 

After we rode Soarin' my dad's chair was said to be charged (more on that later) so we headed back over to Spaceship Earth for our next FastPass. It was time to thank the Phoenicians as they say. It was then time to head over to Italy for our reservation at Via Napoli. Via Napoli in my opinion is the best pizza on property at Disney World. Now we had free dining but since two of our reservations later in the week were using two credits, we decided we would pay for Dinner tonight ourselves.

They had a special pizza that had authentic Italian Bufalo mozzarella and their signature tomato sauce. We got the large which was a whopping $42 for 8 slices and a personal pepperoni pizza. The pizza although expensive was very good. I really can't complain because I've never had a bad meal at Via Napoli. 

After dinner this is when the day turned as we were heading into the America Pavilion my father's chair was getting low on power again. We headed into Chase Lounge to get some charge so we could make it back to the front of the park to get back to the resort. My mother then called Buena Vista Scooter Rental where we rented from to see if we could get another chair. After we got it charged we did in fact make it back to the resort and thankfully my mother was able to get another chair to be delivered the next morning. 

We got to our room where I logged on to my computer and called into the MouseLife podcast to record live from my room on how the first day went. After we headed over to Old Port Royale for our mugs. My mother and I made it back to the room just in time as the rain came down just as we got back. It was time to turn in and get some rest for our first full day in the parks. 

Day 2 - Hollywood Studios:

As I said we were getting a new chair this morning so after breakfast we returned the chair to the Custom House. While we were returning the chair, my mom got a call from Buena Vista that they would deliver the chair right to our room. So that would be the end of that story you would think however I'll leave you on a cliffhanger that the story isn't just over yet and you'll find out the end of this one in part 2. 

So after that bit of delay it was time to head over to Hollywood Studios. Let me just tell you how excited as I would finally be seeing all the new Star Wars stuff at the park including Launch Bay which I hadn't seen on my last trip. 

First up after arriving at the Studios, we headed towards Toy Story Mania and the Pixar Place for our first FastPass. However, we still had some time before it so we headed into One Man's Dream first. I would love if they kept One Man's Dream because it is such a great place dedicated to Walt but I fear it will be gone for Toy Story Land. After we headed over to Toy Story Mania where I did just ok with a score of 98.800. Although, that is pretty good for me as I'm not as good on Toy Story Mania as I am on Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom.

Before lunch we headed over to the Great Movie Ride. Another classic attraction that I ride every time I go. For lunch we headed over to The Commissary for some lunch, I had the Angus Bacon and Cheese Burger with fries and the Darth Vader chocolate peanut butter cupcake. Last time we were here I had the steak but I didn't want anything big due to us eating at the Brown Derby for dinner. 

After lunch, it was time to head over to Launch Bay where I fell in love and didn't want to leave. I am a huge Star Wars fan, so this place is like a dream to me. Over there I of course met Chewbacca and Kylo Ren which were both amazing meet & greets. Here are some photos of Launch Bay and of my meet & greets.

Why yes Chewie, we are home!

Kylo doesn't scare me.

After my experience at Launch Bay it was time to head over to Tower of Terror and our next FastPass. This was a special experience as this 4 year old boy in front of us was getting to ride it for the first time ever with his grandfather. He was so awesome because he loved it and wasn't scared at all. Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides in Hollywood Studios so thumbs up to this kid, I hope it becomes of his favorites too.

We had a while before our next FastPass at Star Tours so we headed over to the Muppets area. While I didn't go onto Muppets this time (sad face) I did get to meet Olaf and capture some photos of the area that will soon become Star Wars Land/Toy Story Land and some photos of the soon to opened Pizza Rizzo. 

It was then time to ride Star Tours and I was finally able to see the Episode VII scene which was quite amazing. Ever since they updated this to Star Tours: The Adventure Continues I've never had the same scene. I had thought that my day of Star Wars wasn't over as we were heading over the Brown Derby for dinner but the sky was darkening. I was hoping that it would pass while were at dinner. 

This was our first time at the Brown Derby, all these times visiting we never went. It was worth it this time as dinner was so good. I had the charred filet of beef, my father had the roasted rack of lamb, and my mother had the pan seared black grouper. Everything was amazing. While we were in dinner it started pouring buckets however.

By the time we got out of dinner of course it was still raining. It was still almost 2 hours away from the fireworks so there was hope. We waited inside until there was no hope and it was decided that we come back the next night for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. The rain just didn't let up and we decided to head back to the resort. I'm not sure what time the rain stopped but it was lighter once we got back to the resort but picked up again shortly after. 

This ends the first two days of my trip, next week for part 2 you will hear about our first day at the Magic Kingdom and my trip to Animal Kingdom for the amazing nighttime experiences in the park. 

Kylo Ren Officially Greeting Guests at Hollywood Studios; Blizzard Beach Closed Through Mid Week

Kylo Ren Officially Greeting Guests at Hollywood Studios:

While, Kylo Ren has been greeting guests at Disneyland's Star Wars Launch Bay for a few weeks, today officially the new Star Wars villain has begun greeting guests at Hollywood Studios. Kylo Ren is replacing Darth Vader who was originally meeting with guests when Star Wars Launch Bay opened. Darth Vader can still be seen at the new Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple along with the Seventh Sister from Star Wars Rebels. Although it is rumored that Kylo Ren will also be replacing the Seventh Sister very soon at the new Jedi Training Academy where he will join Darth Vader.

Kylo Ren now graces the Times Guide at Hollywood Studios.

Chewbacca remains as the character meet & greet on the Light Side of Star Wars Launch Bay.

Blizzard Beach Closed Through Mid Week:

Disney's Blizzard Beach water park is closed through Wednesday February 10, 2016. beginning today due to cold weather temperatures in the Orlando area. The park is expected to reopen on Thursday. Disney's other water park Typhoon Lagoon is already closed through March due to its annual refurbishment. 

Kylo Ren to Encounter Guests at Disney Parks Next Month; Mid-Season Trailer for "Star Wars Rebels"

Kylo Ren to Encounter Guests at Disney Parks Next Month:

Many Disney fans saw Kylo Ren aboard Disneyland's Rose Parade float on New Year's Day and were wondering when we'd see him at Disney Parks. We now have an answer as Kylo Ren will begin greeting guests at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests will encounter Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. 

Kylo Ren will replace the current Darth Vader Meet & Greet at Star Wars Launch Bay. Although, it is not known if Darth Vader will totally leave as it has been said he will switch out with Kylo Ren at Disneyland. No word if the Visa Cardholder Meet & Greet with Darth Vader at Hollywood Studios will remain. 

The Launch Bay as said on the Disney Parks Blog is designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. You still will be able to see Chewbacca on the light side of the Launch Bay as well as a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers. What favorite Star Wars characters would you like to at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney Parks?

Mid-Season Trailer for "Star Wars Rebels" Reveals 'Force Awakens' Connections:

Earlier this week it was revealed when "Star Wars Rebels" returns next week, the show will be getting a visit from Princess Leia. Today, the mid-season trailer was released revealing connections to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." 

In the trailer we see Ezra holding a triple-blade lightsaber similar to the one Kylo Ren wields in 'The Force Awakens'. Also in the trailer Ezra is visited by a mysterious cloaked figure who calls himself "Old Master" and sounds eerily like Darth Maul. The second half of the season also returns with a visit from everyone's favorite Jedi Master, Yoda. 

Here is the description given for the second half of Season 2 of "Star Wars Rebels" along with the trailer:

"Get a glimpse of what's to come in Star Wars Rebels Season Two in this thrilling mid-season trailer featuring Ezra, Kanan, and Ahsoka, along with returning friends and foes."

"Star Wars Rebels" returns next Wednesday, January 20 at 9/8 C on Disney XD.

Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 has New Hours and New Tastes, News Around Hollywood Studios, and More

Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 has New Hours & New Tastes:

The Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 will be changing with the seasons with some new dishes. It will also be changing its open time for dinner hours with it opening now at 5 p.m. daily. 

New Starters will include:

• Sea & Land Tartare - features spiced ahi tuna, charred filet mignon, truffle aioli, and a rye crouton (pictured above)
• Fried Mushroom Ravioli - filled with grilled portobello mushroom and topped with tomato concasse and a slow-poached egg
• Short Rib Shepherd's Pie - with sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetable, and a mushroom ragout

New Entree:

• A hearty maple-glazed Kurobuta pork chop (pictured above)

Dessert:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake

Breakfast hours will stay the same and will now feature Mickey-shaped waffles topped with warm Bananas Foster or warm berries and a side of bacon or sausage. Reservations can be made by calling 714-781-DINE or by visiting Disneyland.com.

News Around Disney's Hollywood Studios:

The Star Wars Launch Bay sign has officially been put up in preparation for the official opening on December 1. A soft opening is tentative for November 27. 

We also learned today that Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple will also be debuting on December 1 when Star Wars Launch Bay opens. 

Moving on from Star Wars at Hollywood Studios, also starting December 1 for the holidays a nightly holiday dance party will take place called Holiday Happens Here Dance Party. It will take place on a stage set up in front of the Great Movie Ride. Guests may even get a chance to dance around with their favorite Disney characters. The Holiday Happens Dance Party will occur nightly from 5 p.m. until park closing. 

WATCH: Why Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel: The Musical:

Check out this video released by Disney Parks for Walt Disney World in musical style on why you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

Captain EO Says Goodbye Again?; Colortopia Opens at Epcot; and More

Captain EO Says Goodbye Again?:

UPDATE: Disney has confirmed the closing of Captain EO. The Disney Parks Blog has announced that the "Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival" will debut in the Magic Eye Theater. Guests will experience beloved Disney and Pixar animated shorts in a new 4D experience. The film festival will have a look into the visionary minds behind some of the world's most iconic animated films today. Inside the theaters guests will put on their 3D glasses and experience the imaginative worlds of 3 animated shorts, which will burst onto the screen.

Guests visiting Epcot this morning got a surprise with a sign that was quickly covered by cast members. It appears that Captain EO will be closing for good on December 7 with its last performance being held on December 6, 2015.

Adios Caption EO. Closing 12/6. #epcot pic.twitter.com/9IiHXJpeKp

— Marc (@marcglorioso) November 13, 2015

Captain EO just recently was opened again after being on hiatus for a few months with its theater showing previews of "Tomorrowland" and "Inside Out" during the summer months. Captain EO has long been rumored of closing for good and being replaced with different attractions including a rumor of an attraction based on Disney Pixar's "Inside Out." Disneyland's version of Captain EO has been closed since July of 2014.

Disney has yet to confirm the closing of the attraction in Epcot but as you can see on the sign it will be ending. We should hear confirmation within the next few days as the closing date is only 3 weeks away.

Colortopia Opens at Epcot:

The Colortopia presented by Glidden exhibit has opened officially today in Innoventions East at Epcot. There three different zones that show off the power of color. The first area takes place in the 'Power of Color' Theater. Here vibrant hues along with harmonious sounds and narration guide guests as they explore the psychology of color. 

The second zone is called "The Color Lab" that has two interactive stations. The first station is called Color Mix 'n Match where you can mix colors to create new colors. The second interactive station is called Spinning Spectrums. Here you will be able to test your color perception using revolving multi-colored discs that go at different speeds. 

The third and final zone is called 'Color Our World' and features color shadows and magic paintbrush. With the magic paintbrush you'll be able to choose a color palette to create a scene and story on the digital screen. Depending on which color you use, the scene and storyline changes. Colortopia doesn't just stop in the exhibit it expands into World Showcase with the new mobile app. Here you'll be able to collect colors from around the world to add them to your own personal color palette.

Exclusive Star Wars Imperial Meet 'N' Greet Locations Revealed for Chase Disney Cardholders:

Its been a full week of Star Wars news and what would Friday be without some more news from the popular franchise just breaking the barriers entering into Disney Parks. Months ago it was announced a special and exclusive Meet 'n' Greet would be available to Chase Disney Visa Cardholders. Today, we found out just where the meet 'n' greets would take place inside Disney Parks.

Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland opened to previews last night. Beginning November 16 guests can meet Darth Vader from 4-8 p.m. inside Star Wars Launch Bay. Beginning December 1, inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney World's Hollywood Studios the meet 'n' greet will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Chase Card Services GM B.J. Mahoney said, "With excitement at an all-time high for the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, we are delighted to unveil this new experience for our Cardmembers. This immersive experience will delight fans and continues our efforts to bring the magic and wonder of Star Wars to Cardmembers."

No word has been heard if any other Star Wars characters will be available for the exclusive meet and greets. 

New Star Wars Events at Hollywood Studios Begin December 1, Star Wars Weekends Officially Over, and More

New Star Wars Events at Hollywood Studios Begin December 1, Star Wars Weekends Are Over:

Well, finally details have been announced of what's coming to Hollywood Studios that is related to Star Wars. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that since it was announced in August at the D23 EXPO it was time to share the details on when Star Wars would hit Hollywood Studios. Construction will begin on the new 14-acre Star Wars-themed land next year. Beginning December 1, guests will be immersed into new events making a galaxy far, far away much closer.  Here is a closer look at what is coming:

Star Wars Launch Bay - Guests will dive into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with special exhibits, peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise, and opportunities to meet both Darth Vader and Chewbacca.

Star Tours - The Adventures Continue - The attraction will be revamped with a new scene into the Battle of Jakku as the Starspeeder 1000 follows the Millennium Falcon as it is being chased by the first order. This will begin in early December and for the first few months everyone will get a chance to experience the new scene. After, that it will be up to the Force if you get to see the new scene. They also released a sneak peek of the new scene:

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi will be a compilation of the Star Wars saga videos most likely shown in the ABC Sound Studio, although that has not yet been confirmed.

Jedi Training - Trials of the Temple will be the reimagined experience of the Jedi Training Academy where it will take younglings to the secret site of the ancient Jedi Temple where they will face off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister inquisitor from the Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels."

Lastly, as seen in the headline Star Wars Weekends is officially ending at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With the construction beginning next year, Disney said it was "a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Hollywood Studios every day."

To note Seasons of the Force is still set to begin in January along with the specially-themed Star Wars Fireworks Show.

Disney & Lucasfilm Announce Star Wars Hour of Code:

With the support of Disney Interactive's Disney Infinity, Disney and Lucasfilm along with Code.org announced a new computer science tutorial inspired by Star Wars. The new tutorial features Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, along with Rey and BB-8 from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The online lesson will kickoff the third-annual global Hour of Code campaign in honor of Computer Science Education Week, December 7-13, 2015. 

Students will learn to write code to create games using Star Wars characters. They will be able to join forces with Rey and BB-8 through a space mission or team up with Princess Leia to build their own game along with C-3PO and R2-D2. Students will also be able to share their games with friends and play the games they have created on their smartphones.

President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy said this on the new venture, "For generations, Star Wars has sparked kids' curiosity and imagination, and we hope the appeal of characters like Princess Leia and Rey will help fuel greater participation in science and math, especially among girls around the world. Computer science has helped shape our legacy and changed the way movies are made, which is why programs like the Hour of Code are so important to us."

Along with the lesson, role models in technology including Kennedy, Rachel Rose, a senior R&D engineer working on the new film, and Charita Carter, Senior Creative Producer with Walt Disney Imagineering have provided short video lectures to help students through the one-hour activity.

Finding Dory Poster Released, Trailer to be Released Tomorrow:

In collaboration with star Ellen DeGeneres (voice of Dory) a new trailer for next June's sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory will be released. The trailer will be released on Ellentube and seen on tomorrow's episode. In anticipation of the release of the trailer, Disney Pixar did release a new poster for the film, with the quote, "She just kept swimming...":

"Finding Dory" hits theaters June 17, 2016. 

Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood Studios Rumored Opening Date; Alice Through the Looking Glass Teaser

Star Wars Launch Bay Rumored Opening Date at Hollywood Studios:

Since it was announced during August's D23 EXPO along with Star Wars Land, Star Wars Launch Bay has had a December opening date on the map for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Now we can say, that Disney Cast Members have been telling insiders to expect an November 27 soft opening and a December 6 official opening.

What does a soft opening mean? It means it will be a test and open at certain times and then be closed  at certain times as well. We will get a look at Disneyland's Star Wars Launch Bay in just 10 days when it opens along with Seasons of the Force that begins on November 16.

Star Wars Launch Bay will feature interactive exhibits, live video games, and opportunities to meet and greet with your favorite Star Wars characters. Launch Bay is just the stepping stool as we all await the opening of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land in the near future.

"Alice Through the Looking Glass" Teaser Released:

Disney's "Alice Through the Looking Glass", a sequel to its live-action remake of "Alice in Wonderland", is due out May 27, 2016. Today the teaser was released for the film. The film's plot is Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film is directed by James Bobin and written by Linda Woolverton.

The film returns its all-star cast in Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, and Helena Bonham Carter. The voice cast also returns with the likes of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, and Timothy Spall. The movie also introduces some new characters include Zanik Hightopp played by Rhys Ifans and the Mad Hatter's father and Time himself, a peculiar creature that is half human and half clock played by Sacha Baron Cohen.

Here is the teaser for "Alice Through the Looking Glass":

Just in time. Here's your first peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass. 🕛 https://t.co/7kKl9CC4aL

— Disney (@Disney) November 5, 2015

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.