Disney Springs Welcoming Three New Italian Restaurants; New Concept Art for Sunshine Season Greetings

Disney Springs will Welcome Three New Italian Restaurants:

Three new restaurants with an Italian flare are coming to Disney Springs very soon this winter. All three restaurants will be brought to us from the Patina Restaurant Group with each featuring unique menus and authentic Italian foods in a beautiful and expansive dining complex.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante:

The first concept, called Maria & Enzo’s, is a trattoria set in the town’s abandoned 1930’s airline terminal which has now been transformed into an open and airy restaurant. Featuring gorgeous views of Lake Buena Vista and incredible 50-foot ceilings, the interior dining room is adorned with artifacts that reflect air travel of the time such as maps and historic flight paths. Inspired by Sicily, the menu has a delightful range of family-friendly dishes – Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan), and handmade pastas including Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab) and ‘Ncasiata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – all served tableside. Other delectable highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar:

The second concept is Enzo’s Hideaway – Enzo’s own personal speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars. Located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s and steeped in Florida’s true history of rum-running, Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman Dishes such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Pizza Ponte:

Pizza Ponte rounds out the group with a fast-casual restaurant serving pizza, pastries, Italian sandwiches and espresso. With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, Pizza Ponte is the ideal place quick bite. On the savory side, the menu features Pizza al Taglio (Sicilian-style pizza served by the slice), signature Tirangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, and Porchetta (roast pork). To satisfy your sweet tooth, pastry specialties include Bombolini (Italian donuts), Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream), and Tiramisu.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, Enzo's Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte will all open this winter at Disney Springs in the dining complex located adjacent to The Edison, which is also slated to open soon. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Concept Art Revealed Sunshine Seasons Greetings at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Today, Disney released some new concept art of the Hollywood Tower Hotel which will become the Hollywood Toy Hotel in one scene during the new Sunshine Seasons Greetings. The new projection onto the Tower will begin on November 9 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

“Toy Story” is just one of of the four special projections that will be shown on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The other scenes projecting on the Tower will include:

• Mickey and Minnie reminisce about hometown Christmas as a romanticized, Norman Rockwell-inspired scene changes from black & white to color
• The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbles in front of giant gingerbread houses
• Olaf pines over his holiday wish and iconic music from “Frozen” plays as the scene transforms into a winter wonderland – complete with projected falling snow and dancing Aurora Borealis lights

Sunshine Seasons Greetings will debut next Thursday, November 9. 

Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney's Hollywood Studios; Holidays Around the World to Become Festival of the Holidays

Sunset Seasons Greetings Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Disney's Hollywood Studios will have a new way to celebrate the holidays this holiday season when a new experience begins at the park called, Sunset Seasons Greetings. Here are the details:

From Nov. 9 through Dec. 31, 2017, guests can enjoy Sunset Boulevard as it is transformed into an unforgettable sight each evening. The billboards lining the tops of buildings will move and tell their own stories about the season with some memorable characters, and even the Tower of Terror will transform and bring life to the characters’ stories.

The Disney character moments that guests can enjoy include:

• The “Toy Story” characters making guesses at which new toys are coming to join them this Christmas as the scene becomes enveloped in wrapping paper
• The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbles as he does while turning the street into giant gingerbread houses
• Mickey and Minnie looking back at a hometown Christmas as the scene turns into a beautiful Norman Rockwell-style town, starting in black and white before slowly developing color
• Olaf dreaming of his holiday wish as the scene turns into a Frozen snowscape, with a beautiful Aurora Borealis and projected snowfall.

For more information, visit WaltDisneyWorld.com.

Holidays Around the World to Become Epcot International Festival of the Holidays:

Holidays Around the World at Epcot is transforming this year into a new name for the holiday event. It will now be called the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. It will begin November 19 and run through December 30, 2017. Here are some details on the renamed event:

An International Yuletide Extravaganza

Discover a festival like no other, featuring the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season as celebrated by cultures near and far.

Come, delight in stirring live musical productions; savor seasonal food & beverage specialties at the expanded Holiday Kitchens; and take a festive global tour as costumed performers bring time-honored traditions to life throughout World Showcase!

Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

Chip and Dale are collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree—and they need your help! To get started, simply purchase a map and sticker from select merchandise locations, including Pin Central, Disney Traders and World Traveler at International Gateway.

As you travel around World Showcase, be on the lookout for Chip and Dale as they gather ornaments from holiday decorations in each World Showcase pavilion. Once you spot them, add the corresponding ornament sticker to your map. Then, take your completed map to Disney Traders and exchange it for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale!

Maps are $6.99 plus tax, and are available throughout Holidays Around the World at Epcot while supplies last. Valid theme park admission is required.

Holiday Kitchens:

Explore the tastes of the holidays around the world as each marketplace celebrates a different nation.

American Holiday Table -

From the tender roast turkey to the tasty pork tenderloin, memories of grandma’s kitchen will come flooding back when you visit this salute to the great flavors of America.

Feast of the Three Kings -

Dine like royalty as you enjoy scrumptious foods and delicious drinks from the Caribbean at this holiday kiosk inspired by the story of the Magi. While you nibble, learn about the celebration of Three Kings’ Day, El Día De Los Reyes Magos!

Holiday Sweets and Treats -

From decadent desserts to savory snacks and merry libations, you’ll be in full swing of the season at this festively-appointed holiday kiosk. Enjoy the view here at Showcase Plaza, meet up with friends or just take a moment to unwind.

Mexico -

Watch mariachi dancers celebrating a Feliz Navidad, while imbibing on the zippy spices of Mexican cuisine. The carnitas tacos and horchata margaritas will have you singing, “olé!”

Even more Holiday Kitchens will be announced in the coming weeks so stay tuned. 

Source: Walt Disney World

New Specialty Eats to Celebrate Tower of Terror Final Check-Out; Sneak Peak of New "Moana" Trailer

New Specialty Eats to Celebrate Tower of Terror Final Check-Out:

Two new specialty eats are debuting at Disney California Adventure to celebrate the final check-out of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The classic attraction will be closing for good on January 2, 2017 to make way for the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

First up for guests to try is the Tower Drop Dog at Award Wieners. It is an all-beef frank dipped in red-pepper ketchup, topped with grilled onions, peppers, and an onion crunch on top of a black noir potato bun. One bite of the awesome dog and you just might think you have traveled into the Twilight Zone.

The Drop, is a specialty drink that will be featured at the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. It features a Midori with Irish cream and grenadine "dropped" in. One look at the creepy cocktail is not for the faint of heart. 

Hurry up and try these new specialty eats before the Tower of Terror checks out at Disney California Adventure.

Sneak Peak of New "Moana" Trailer:

Earlier this week, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed a new poster and said that he would be premiering a new trailer for Disney's "Moana" this Thursday on Good Morning America. Today, before the trailer is released tomorrow, Disney gave us a sneak peak of the new trailer set to debut. Check it out below:

.@TheRock is set to make a splash on @GMA tomorrow morning with a special look at the #Moana trailer! pic.twitter.com/HyTHgftKlz

— Disney (@Disney) September 14, 2016

Disney's "Moana" stars Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the demi-god Maui. Disney's "Moana" rides the wave into theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

Note: 

The 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began today and will run for the next 61 days until November 14. Who's excited to try all the amazing food at this year's festival? I know I can't wait, I'll be there in 4 days where I'll be pigging out around the world.

'Late Check-Out" Coming to Tower of Terror at DCA; New Entertainment & Dining Coming to Celebrate Aulani's 5th Anniversary

"Late Check-Out" and More Coming to Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure:

With the Tower of Terror checking out this coming January 2, 2017 at Disney California Adventure, Disney is offering some special experiences before the ride closes beginning next week. For the Halloween season, from September 9 through October 31, guests can experience the attraction like never before after twilight in complete darkness. It will be called, "Late Check-Out." 

In addition to this limited time experience, guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items through out the celebration. Here's more from the Disney Parks Blog:

"You’ll also get the chance to picture yourself “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town."

Also in the Tower of Terror area during Halloween time, the Silver Lake Sisters, will be performing. Dolly, Dottie, and Ethel Bounds are veterans of the vaudeville circuit professionally known as Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical, performed throughout their glittering career atop the rooftop lounge at the famous Hollywood Hotel. They then opened the Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Cafe where a wall inside shows pictures and memorabilia of their many performances. They will be returning to the Hotel for a farewell tribute to the Tower of Terror.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror says goodbye on January 2, 2017. The attraction will be re-imagined as Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT opening in Summer 2017.

New Entertainment & Dining Coming to Aulani to Help Celebrate 5th Anniversary:

Aulani is in the midst of celebrating its 5th anniversary of opening and this Fall, Hawaii's top family beach resort, will experience some new dining and entertainment options.

In November at KA WA'A, a luau at Aulani, will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests visiting the resort. Guests at the luau will feast on sumptuous local island buffet, enjoy live music, and traditional Hawaiian dance. It will include hula kahiko and modern hula 'auana. Before the luau there will be pre-show entertainment family activities, traditional crafts, and more for guests to enjoy.

Also in November, Moana will make her debut at the resort to help celebrate the release of Walt Disney Animation Studios next hit film out this Thanksgiving Day. She will meet and greet with guests and recount tales of her adventures. The film tells the tale of Moana, a teenager who with the help of the demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Both new experiences brace the Hawaiian culture and its deep roots in canoe exploration, a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful 'Ewa Loa plains surrounding the Aulani Resort. 

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! Coming to Disney California Adventure

Rumors have been circulation for months now that Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure would be closing and a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction would be taking its place. Those rumors have now been confirmed at tonight's Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Marvel President Kevin Feige along with Disney Imagineer Legend Joe Rohde announced that Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! will be coming to Disney California Adventure in Summer 2017.

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

Here is the announcement from Joe Rohde himself:

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

Here is the description for Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT! from the Disney Parks Blog:

"Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They are trapped in customized display cases, suspended over a vast abyss. Unbeknownst to their unscrupulous captor, the intrepid Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity."

Concept Art from Disney Imagineering

That's not all as the ride will be bordering on what will eventually become an expanded Marvel Land at Disney California Adventure. Hurry up and ride Tower of Terror at DCA as it will close in early 2017 as the new attraction is expected to be opening by next Summer. Now we wait to see if Disney gets cleared to build any Marvel attractions in Florida, as rumors have been surrounding Universe of Energy at Epcot. 

Stay tuned for more information on the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction and the future Marvel Land coming to Disney California Adventure right here on It All Started With a Mouse.

D23 to Hold Exclusive Tower of Terror After Hours Event

D23 will be holding an event exclusive for its Gold Members in a place where everyone dreams they could in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Gold members will get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" at Disney World's Hollywood Studios. The event will take place on October 5, 2016. Here are the details of the event:

This intimate D23 Behind-the-Scenes experience is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. We invite you—if you dare—to join us on October 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you are the star. Because this event travels directly to…The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.Your evening will begin at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which was once a beacon amid the glitz and glitter of a bustling, young movie town. There, you’ll discover the details and secrets that surround you during an after-hours, behind-the-scenes discussion of the legendary park attraction.Then, when the clock strikes 12, it’s time to delight in a private midnight soirée at the historic hotel. Enjoy themed food, beverages, and entertainment recalling the legendary night in 1939, when five unlucky passengers first stepped through the door of an elevator and into a nightmare.This Behind-the-Scenes Experience wouldn’t be complete without an exclusive photo opportunity inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel with a special guest directly from the Twilight Zone!

Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning July 11, 2016 at 3 pm. EST/12 p.m. PST. Just how much will these tickets cost for this once in a lifetime event. Tickets will cost $245 and are limited to D23 Gold Members/Family Members plus one guest. Tickets can be purchased here on the day of the sale.

New Disneyland Limited Time Jungle Cruise Experience, Tower of Terror Getting a Bar, and More

New Disneyland Limited Time Jungle Cruise Experience:

The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland maybe closed right now, but guests can still experience the hilarity of the Jungle Cruise skippers in a limited time offer. The skippers will present their sly humor and zany puns in the new experience called, "Land Cruise." In the playful recreation of the attraction the skippers will used stuffed animals to recreate scenes from the attraction. "Land Cruise" will be seen several times daily. Here is a video released on the Disney Parks Blog for a preview:


Hollywood Studios' Tower of Terror Getting a Bar:

Is the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios getting a bar inside the attraction? According to multiple sources, the attraction will be getting a bar inside due to the lack of entertainment and food options inside the park during construction of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.

The bar will not be on the balcony called the "Tip Top Club" as referenced in the storyline of the attraction. The bar is set to be located instead at the desk across from the PhotoPass area, just near the entrance of the Tower of Terror gift shop. The drinks are set to be themed to the Tower of Terror. 

Of course none of this is official as it has not yet been announced by Disney. The story first broke last night and was reported by WDW News Today.

First "Doctor Strange" Trailer and Poster Released:

If you haven't seen the trailer yet for "Doctor Strange" that was released last night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is a must see. The film which stars Benedict Cumberbatch which is set to hit theaters on November 4, 2016. 

In the trailer we see just a little of what the film will bring us and how Cumberbatch will fill the role as "Doctor Strange." Check out the trailer below:

Disney Springs' Town Center to Open Beginning May 15:

Yesterday, it was announced that the Town Center in Disney Springs would begin opening up its new locations by May 15. By July 1, everything in the Town Center will be open including the new food and beverage options. A list of stores and restaurants have been announced already and even more are expected to be announced in the near future. Here is the list of what we know will be opening in the Town Center so far:

ALEX AND ANI • American Threads • Anthropologie • Coca-Cola Store • Columbia Sportswear • Edward Beiner • Everything But Water • francesca’s • Free People • JOHNNY WAS • Johnston & Murphy • kate spade new york • Kipling • LACOSTE • Lilly Pulitzer • L’Occitane En Provence • Lucky Brand • Luxury of Time by Diamonds International • M·A·C Cosmetics • Melissa Shoes • Na Hoku • Oakley • PANDORA • Sephora • Shore • Sperry • Tommy Bahama • TROPHY ROOM • UGG • Under Armour • UNIQLO • UNOde50 • Vince Camuto • Vera Bradley • Volcom • Zara

Is anybody else as excited as we are about the new offerings coming to Disney Springs?

'Tower of Terror' Movie in the Works at Disney; BoxOffice Makes First Prediction on 'The ForceAwakens'

'Tower of Terror' Movie in the Works at Disney:

Disney has hired Big Fish scribe John August and is looking to hire a screenwriter to make a movie out of one of its hit attractions Tower of Terror. Jim Whitaker is scheduled to co-produce with August after they hatched an idea together to make a movie based on one of Disney's most popular attractions and the studio loved their vision.

'Tower of Terror' has previously been made into a film, the very first Disney attraction based film, in 1997. The film was only made for television though and starred Steven Guttenburg and Kirsten Dunst. The premise of this film will be much like the attraction that five people enter into a posh hotel's elevator that is hit by lightning and they disappear into the Twilight Zone. 

This isn't the only Disney attraction film that is in the works as "The Jungle Cruise" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, no date has been set for the film's release. Also the popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series is scheduled to released its fifth film in 2017. 

BoxOffice Makes First Prediction for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens":

BoxOffice has made a long range forecast and its first prediction on how big "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be in theaters. They state the pros and cons of the film which are:

Pros:

• Every single trailer has been met with a wave of enthusiasm that no other franchise can match.
• Disney's marketing campaign has wisely avoided giving too much away.
• An aggressive merchandising push has helped engage a new generation of fans.

Cons:

• With so much hype, the film has a lot to live up to.

So what is BoxOffice is predicting? For "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on opening weekend they are predicting the film to make $215,000,000 and overall $762,000,000. That would be a record opening weekend. 

My Top 5 Favorite Attractions at Hollywood Studios

Today we return to our series we began last weekend with my top 5 attractions at the parks. Today we dive into Hollywood Studios. Once again this is my opinion of my favorite attractions and in no way am I saying these are the best. So lets dive into my top 5 favorite attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

5.) The Great Movie Ride:

Let's go to the movies. In at no. 5 in my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is The Great Movie Ride. Sitting at the end of Hollywood Boulevard in the reproduction of Mann's Chinese Theater this classic ride takes you straight into your favorite movies. From Casablanca to The Wizard of Oz this ride makes you feel like you are part of the movie. This ride is a great family ride and I know that my family enjoy's it every time we are at Disney World. Like I said its a classic and has it humor too with your cast member that leads you into your journey. There are more than 50 realistic audio-animatronic figures with the likeness of Gene Kelly, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, James Cagney, John Wayne, and so much more. So why don't you just step into the movies with no. 5 of my favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios, The Great Movie Ride.

4.) Muppet Vision 3D:

It's time to Meet the Muppets, in at no. 4 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is Muppet Vision 3D. I can't tell you how much I love the Muppets. From Kermit to Miss Piggy to Fozzie and Gonzo, you will see all your favorite Muppet stars. So let's put on our 3D glasses and dive into this crazy and funny attraction. While waiting for the show there is a 12-minute video of everything the Muppets do at their laboratory. It is the typical Muppet mayhem that happens in this video. You then step into the theater for more hijinx. With your 3D glasses on you head into Muppet Laboratories with Kermit who takes you meet Dr. Bunson Honeydew and his assistant Beaker. Things get disastrous when from their experiment the impish 3D experiment named Waldo is released. You have things going from bad to worse as they are preparing for the ending when Bean Bunny gets yelled at by Miss Piggy and he decides to run away. In the end you have Sam Eagle doing a dedication to America and Waldo making a big bang to end it exploding the lab. It ends with Kermit riding in on a fire truck through the wall of the theater that appears to be blown apart. It is a great show for people of all ages to enjoy. Muppet Vision 3D is no. 4 of my top 5 favorite attractions. 

3.) Toy Story Midway Mania

Jump into the Pixar World at Hollywood Studios with no. 3 of my top 5 favorite attractions, Toy Story Midway Mania. Another shooting arcade-like attraction, much like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in the Magic Kingdom, this attraction is in 3D and involves all the Toy Story characters. This ride is for everyone and is very much a ride that I love. The ride usually has lines lasting over an hour so a fastpass is a must for Toy Story Midway Mania. The ride consists of five 30 second games that let's you compete against family members while shooting different targets in the games. It is all in good fun because everyone is having a blast in your car. The ride lasts about 5 and half minutes and is worth every minute you are there. In my opinion this ride has potential to be my favorite ride but it isn't and that is why there is 2 more great attractions to go. For now no. 3 for Toy Story Midway  Mania of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios.

2.) Star Tours-The Adventures Continue:

Off in a galaxy far far away is no. 2 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios, Star Tours-The Adventures Continue.  My love of Star Wars helps this ride be no. 2 on my list. From riding with C-3PO and R2-D2 and getting the chance to go on a different journey every time you ride. There are more than 50 different journeys you can take while on this ride. You get to visit either Naboo, Tatooine, Hoth, Kashyyk, and Coruscant. You also may encounter some of your favorite characters such as Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Chewbacca, Sebulba, Princess Leia, and Jar Jar Binks.  This ride takes you into the world of Star Wars and you feel like your actually in the movie. I love Star Wars so anything with Star Wars at the parks is going to make my list. I really can't wait for Star Wars in the parks. In at no. 2 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is Star Tours- The Adventure Continues.

1.) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:

We go to the Hollywood Hotel for my no. 1 favorite ride at Hollywood Studios with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Are you ready to be taken into the twilight zone? Are you ready to be dropped 13 stories only to be tossed right back up? The Tower of Terror brings all those thrills and more on my favorite attraction. This ride is great no matter when you ride it. I love the thrill of not knowing whether I'm going to drop or be tossed up in the air like a rag doll. It's just great and the adrenaline rush you get from riding it is just exhilarating. The basis of the ride is a story of a family who while staying at the Hollywood Hotel while in an a elevator get sucked into the twilight zone when it is hit by lightning. The journey begins as you glide through different passageways in your elevator and then you go into the twilight zone. Just when you think your safe the thrill begins and the elevator drops you dramatically down and then pushes you back up and drops you again. It really is a great thrill ride and that is why it is no. 1 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios.

So this was supposed to go up yesterday but I was busy and it never got finished so today you get a bonus blog. That's right 2 blog posts today, the next one will be up later on today. So literally in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."