Zootopia, Finding Dory, and More Nominated for Annie Awards; Rivers of Light Cast Member Preview

Zootopia, Finding Dory, and More Nominated for Annie Awards:

Today, the 44th Annie Award nominations were announced and Disney Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, and Marvel Studios received a total of 33 nominations combined. "Zootopia" led the group with 11 nominations. Other films to be nominated included "Finding Dory", "The Jungle Book", "Doctor Strange", and the recently released "Moana."

Six different Disney Television Animations shows were nominated 10 times those shows included: Star Wars Rebels, Gravity Falls, Milo Murphy's Law, and Disney Mickey Mouse. Here is a full list of nominations:

Finding Dory

-Best Animated Feature

-Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production: Character Development and Animation: Erick Oh; Characters: All characters

-Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production

Moana
-Best Animated Feature

-Animated Effects in an Animated Production

-Character Design in an Animated Feature Production

-Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production

-Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: Auli’i Cravalho as Moana

–Editorial in an Animated Feature Production

Zootopia

-Best Animated Feature

-Animated Effects in an Animated Production

-Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production: Animator Dave Hardin; Characters: Judy Hopps, Stu Hopps, Bonnie Hopps, Chief Bogo, and Nick Wilde

-Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production: Animator Chad Sellers; Characters: Mr. Big, Koslov, Judy Hopps, Nick Wylde, and Flash

-Character Design in an Animated Feature Production

-Directing in an Animated Feature Production

-Production Design in an Animated Feature Production

-Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production

-Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: Jason Bateman as Nick Wylde

-Writing in an Animated Feature Production

–Editorial in an Animated Feature Production

Piper

-Best Animated Short Subject

BFG

-Animated Effects in a Live Action Production

Doctor Strange

-Animated Effects in a Live Action Production

The Jungle Book

-Character animation in a Live Action Production

-Character animation in a Live Action Production

Captain America: Civil War

-Character animation in a Live Action Production

Star Wars Rebels
-Editorial in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

-Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

-Music in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

Gravity Falls

-Editorial in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

-Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

Elena of Avalor

-Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Children

Milo Murphy’s Law

-Storyboarding in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

Disney Mickey Mouse
-Storyboarding in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

-Music in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

-Editorial in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production

Winners will be announced during the ceremony of the Annie Awards on February 4, 2017.

Rivers of Light Cast Member Preview:

Picture Courtesy of Walt Disney Company

It actually happened, Rivers of Light actually had a preview to Animal Kingdom Cast Members last night. While I wish I was there to see it, it does appear that Rivers of Light still isn't ready for the public according to reviews of the show. Rivers of Light is a modern technological marvel but there were some technical issues that did occur last night. 

For example, the show had to be stopped 6 minutes into the the show after what was heard that two of the floats collided. The show did restart and had a complete run through. Guests felt that while the show and music were amazing, it did feel like there was no wow moment. 

I will leave out any of my own opinion until I see the show myself. I will end with this request from Disney. I plead with Imagineers and Disney that they do not release the new nighttime spectacular to the public until the show is absolutely perfect. We waited this long, we could wait until you (Disney) can make Rivers of Light absolutely perfect and truly what could be the best nighttime show in the parks. I hope they won't let me down on this one. 

New "Moana" Trailer Lights the Torch for Disney's Next Big Animated Film

Dive right into the new trailer for Disney's "Moana" which debuted just a short while ago during the Olympics coverage. It sure lights the way for the "Moana" to be Disney's next big animated film. The film hits theaters in 3D this Thanksgiving, November 23, 2016.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The film is directed by the team of Ron Clements and John Musker with music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Check out the new sneak peak below:

Light the torch, find your way, dive right in. 🌊🌊🌊 Watch a sneak peek of #Moana and see it in 3D this Thanksgiving!https://t.co/RpPLEzsmZE

— Moana (@DisneyMoana) August 7, 2016

Disney's Next Short "Inner Workings" to Play Before "Moana"; PhotoPass Debuts Zootopia Magic Shot at Disney World

Disney's Next Short "Inner Workings to Play Before "Moana":

Disney's next animated short will be called "Inner Workings" and will debut at the Annecy International Animation Festival in France in June. The short will then appear before Disney's next animated film, "Moana", when it hits theaters November 23, 2016. 

The Annecy International Animation Festival is one of the most prestigious and well-regarded animation festival's in the world. Disney has premiered its shorts' many times before including most recently in 2013 with its short, "Get a Horse." "Inner Workings" will be directed by Leo Matsuda, a story artist for Big Hero 6 and Wreck-It-Ralph, and produced by Sean Lurie. The short is "the story of the internal struggle between a man's Brain-a pragmatic protector who calculates his every move, and his Heart- a free-spirited adventurer who wants to let loose." 

The film pays homage to Disney's animated classics of the past like 1943 wartime short "Reason and Emotion" and the Cranium Command, the 17-minute long short that appeared in Epcot's Wonders of Life pavilion between 1998-2007, with an entirely new spin. 

"Moana" will also be previewed in work-in-progress sequences during the Annecy International Festival on "June 17.

PhotoPass Debuts Zootopia Animated Magic Shot at Disney World:

Disney's PhotoPass just got furrier and funnier as they give guests the opportunity join in on the fun in Zootopia with Nick Wilde when the visit Disney World. You can get a animated magic show when guests get their picture taken by PhotoPass photographer at the Magic Kingdom entrance or on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood Studios.

All guests will be able to view the animated magic shots in their accounts before they expire. Guests must have an active Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement to download and share them online.

Spring Issue of Disney twenty-three Dives Inside Walt Disney Animation, El Capitan Announces Special Guests for Disney Animation Festival, and More

Spring Issue of Disney twenty-three Dives Inside Walt Disney Animation Studios:

The Spring issue of Disney twenty-three dives inside Walt Disney Animation Studios as it looks at the creative talents of the writers, directors, producers, and animators that have driven a wave of superior filmmaking. Here is the release from D23 on what's in the Spring issue:

In the 10 years since John Lasseter and Ed Catmull took over the reins of what is now Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney has enjoyed incredible creative and box office success with such films as Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, and, of course, Frozen. The spring 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three looks at the creative talents—from writers and directors to producers and animators—who have driven this wave of superior filmmaking that has resulted in two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature for the studio.

Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, includes exclusive interviews with Lasseter and Catmull, as well as the teams behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ run of hits, discussing the secrets behind their work and how a Disney animated film goes from concept to creation. Plus, Disney twenty-three unveils rarely seen visual development art created for the Studio’s most recent films. There are also advance looks at the upcoming animated films Zootopia—including a revealing one-on-one with star Ginnifer Goodwin—and Moana.

In addition to the animation celebration, the issue offers a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War, featuring exclusive interviews with star Chris Evans and one of the film’s directors, Joe Russo. And director Jon Favreau details the incredible work behind crafting the stunning live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, including how he snared Bill Murray to voice Baloo the bear.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:
Three cheers for the 10-year anniversary of High School Musical, including interviews with the director and members of the cast
A look at the colorful concept art from the 1967 animated hit The Jungle Book, with stories from Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who worked with Walt Disney on the film
A walk through Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studio lot, recently restored by the Walt Disney Archives
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late February.

El Capitan Theatre Announces Special Guests for Disney Animation Festival:

Last month, it was announced that the El Capitan Theatre would be holding a Disney Animation Festival leading up to the release of Disney's next animated film, "Zootopia." Today, the theatre announced the special guests to appear at each film in a special presentation with discussions on the films. Each film will have multiple showings each day but the 7 p.m. showing will have the presentation. Here is the impressive list

February 18 - "Wreck-It-Ralph" - Director Rich Moore

February 19 - "Frozen" - Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

February 20 - "Tangled" - Voice Talent Mandy Moore and Director Nathan Greno

February 21 - "Big Hero 6" - Voice Talents Scott Adsit and Ryan Potter, Director Chris Williams, and Producer Roy Conli

February 22 - "Bolt" - Director Chris Williams

February 23 - "Winnie the Pooh" - Voice Talent Jim Cummings and Producer Peter Del Vecho

February 24 - "The Princess and the Frog" - Voice Talents Anika Noni Rose, Jim Cummings, and Michael Leon-Wooley - Directors John Musker and Ron Clements

Everyone in attendance for the panels will receive beautiful pieces of artwork created specifically for the films. Additionally, the first 75 guests will get to meet with the filmmakers who will autograph the artwork. Each of the films will be screened at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" Begins Production, First Picture Tease Released:

Principal photography has begun on "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta. With the beginning of photography Marvel released the first photo featuring our heroes including a Baby Groot standing on Drax's shoulder. The sequel is set to the music of Awesome Mixtape #2 will hit theaters next year on May 5, 2017. 

The sequel is once again directed by James Gunn and returns stars Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord),  Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Groot), Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon), Michael Rooker (Yondu), Karen Gillan (Nebula), and Sean Gunn (Kraglin). The film also has some new stars to add to the list including Kurt Russell (Furious 7, The Hateful Eight), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop), Elizabeth Debicki (Everest, The Great Gatsby), and Pom Klementieff (Old Boy). 

Disney Plans Expansion of ESPN Wide World of Sports, New Clip of "Zootopia" Featuring Chief Bogo, and More

Disney Plans Extensive Expansion of ESPN Wide World of Sports:

Disney has filed plans for an extensive expansion of their ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World. The filed the plans with the South Florida Water Management District calling for a new multi-story building behind the current Josten's Center, with 286,000 square feet of space. The plans also call for additional parking being added.

The last time the complex was expanded was in 2008 with the addition of the Josten's Center. The complex originally opened in 1997 and took on the ESPN branding back in 2010. Previous plans for a bowling complex were scrapped during the economic downturn. No word however on what the expansion of the complex will be used for. 

An influx of events are planned for the complex such as the upcoming Invictus Games as well as rumors of an NBA D-League team coming on site to ESPN Wide World of Sports. Stay tuned for details on what will happen with the expansion of the complex once they are officially announced by Disney. 

New Clip Released of Disney's "Zootopia" Featuring Police Chief Bogo:

Idris Elba is Police Chief Bogo in Disney's "Zootopia" due to hit theaters March 4th. In an exclusive clip from USA Today the large and in charge cape buffalo runs through a morning meeting at the police office completely ignoring his new officer Judy Hopps played by Ginnifer Goodwin (ABC's Once Upon a Time), the first ever bunny officer on the force. Here is the clip:

“We need to acknowledge the elephant in the room.” #Zootopia https://t.co/VWof37eSbO

— Zootopia (@DisneyZootopia) January 27, 2016

Disney's "Zootopia" is directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore and is about Hopps joining a shady fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they try to crack a missing mammal case before they hit the 48-hour deadline. The film hits theaters nationwide March 4, 2016.

Disney Interactive Announce New Tron-Themed Game:

Disney Interactive today announced a new game themed around Tron called TRON RUN/r due to be released next Tuesday February 2, 2016. It is a new lightning, fast action-adventure runner with a twist. The game will be released to Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam. Here is the teaser trailer that was released:

Behind the Scenes: Putting the 'Springs' in Disney Springs, Iger Confirms More Star Wars Films, and More

Behind the Scenes: Putting the 'Springs' in Disney Springs:

Today the Disney Parks Blog, released a behind the scenes look at how Disney Imagineers put the springs in Disney Springs. Construction on the now almost completed renovation of the old Downtown Disney began back in 2013. Here is what they had to say followed by the video:

"Today we wanted to share the story Walt Disney Imagineering created that immerses guests into the rich heritage and natural beauty of Florida through unique architecture, color schemes, horticulture and more. At the heart of Disney Springs is a bubbling spring located in Town Center that represents not only the power and beauty of nature, but optimism and possibilities. More than a century ago, this spring attracted the first settlers and over time, the town of “Disney Springs” grew around the spring, eventually creating three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm."

"But how do you build a representation of an authentic Florida spring? The answer: research, technology and artistry. In this video, you can see the level of detail the project team went to in recreating a natural Florida spring like the ones they visited on their many research trips. In it, you’ll see how Imagineers used various shades of bright glass pieces as accent colors to make the springs glitter; how nearby live oak and cypress trees were incorporated into the design of the spring’s bank; and how sculpting added even more depth to the area. Simply amazing."

Iger Confirms More Star Wars Films Beyond What Has Been Announced:

Today, news broke out that Bob Iger, Disney Chairman and CEO, has indeed confirmed that more Star Wars films will be made. That is beyond what has been announced past episode IX and the standalone film set to be released in 2020. Here is what he told the BBC:

“There are five Star Wars films – four more with Episode VII: The Force Awakens – that are in varying stages of development and production,” Disney chairman Bob Iger has told Newsbeat.

“There will be more after that, I don’t know how many, I don’t know how often.”
Now what kind of films after Episode IX is completed have yet to be answered but Star Wars fans can't help but be excited that Star Wars films will apparently be here forever. At least for now with what Bob Iger is saying.

El Capitan Theatre to Host Countdown to "Zootopia" Film Festival:

With the release of Disney's "Zootopia" on March 4, the El Capitan Theatre will be hosting a film festival showing the most recent Disney films including "Wreck-it-Ralph" and "Frozen." The festival will begin on February 18th with "Wreck-it-Ralph" and ending February 24 with "The Princess and the Frog." Each film will also be accompanied by a recent animated short including the likes of "Paperman" and "Feast." Each presentation of the films will also include presentations with discussions from the filmmakers and other special surprises. Here is the complete list:

• Wreck-It Ralph (2012) Thursday, February 18 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• Frozen (2013) Friday, February 19 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• Tangled (2010) Saturday, February 20 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• Big Hero 6 (2014) Sunday, February 21 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• Bolt (2008) Monday, February 22 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• Winnie the Pooh (2011) Tuesday, February 23 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation
• The Princess and the Frog (2009) Wednesday, February 24 at 10:00a, 1:00p, 4:00p, and 7:00p with special presentation

James Wood, Operations and Stage Production at the El Capitan Theatre said, "We are thrilled to be bringing the filmmakers to talk about these special films and this will be the first time that El Capitan guests can hear them talk about their work. Our guests will also have a larger picture of the scope of Walt Disney Animation Studios by seeing the short subjects created during that time."

Tickets are now available online at www.elcapitantickets.com, by calling 1-800-DISNEY6, and can be purchased in-person. Disney's "Zootopia" hits El Capitan Theatre on March 4 and will run through April 10, 2016.

Multiple Offerings Ending at Hollywood Studios on Monday; "Zootopia" Trailer Released, Sneak Preview Coming to Disney Parks

First off Happy New Year, 2016 is off and running and so is the Disney news. Last night's live stream of the 'Fantasy in the Sky' fireworks on the Disney Parks Blog was the perfect way to ring in the new year. I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their new year as well. I would also like to thank each and everyone that reads what is put out the blog for making 2015 such a great year. I'm hoping 2016 is just as good if not better for It All Started With a Mouse.

Multiple Offerings Ending at Hollywood Studios on Monday:

In preparation of the construction of both Star Wars and Toy Story Lands at Hollywood Studios, multiple offerings on the Streets of America will be permanently ending at end of business day Monday, January 4th. With the last night of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights ending on Sunday, two character meet & greets will be ending. 

The Lightning McQueen & Mater as well as the Phineas & Ferb meet & greet will be ending in preparation for the incoming construction. Also closing on Monday will be the recently built Joffrey's  Coffee kiosk. 

This is just speculation and not anything I've heard however I believe the Lightning McQueen & Mater meet & greet will eventually return once Cars 3 hits theaters in a few years. No word on any other removal of attractions on Streets of America or any other nearby establishments that have long been rumored to be going when construction on Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land begins. Stay tuned for details.

"Zootopia" Trailer Released, Sneak Preview Coming to Disney Parks:

Yesterday, on New Year's Eve (or as they are calling it Zoo Year's Eve.) the second trailer for Disney's Zootopia was released. The trailer features the new song "Try Everything" sung by one of the film's stars and Grammy-winning artist, Shakira. Here is the trailer:

The Disney Parks Blog also released that guests will be able to get a sneak preview of the film at Disney Parks beginning January 21. At Disney California Adventure, the preview will be shown inside the Bug's Life Theater with special in-theater effects. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the preview will once again be shown inside the One Man's Dream attraction where guests will see advance clips from the film.

Zootopia is a melting pot, where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, con-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Walt Disney Animation Studios brings "Zootopia" to theaters in 3D on March 4. The film is directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It-Ralph, The Simpsons) and is produced by Clark Spencer (Wreck-It-Ralph).

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Debuts, "Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie, and More

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot:

Last year on Black Friday, we got our first tease of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Yesterday, as we are only a 3 weeks away on Thanksgiving, a Kylo Ren focused TV spot debuted. We now have more dialogue to dissect as we hear both Kylo Ren's and Supreme Leader Snoke's as they voice over the minute long TV spot.

We also see what looks like an under duress Finn and Rey telling him to fight on. We also see Han and Chewie as they emerge from the wreckage from the temple previously seen in other television spots. Han than appears to be taking on the same Stormtrooper that Finn was battling in his TV spot.

While there was very little new footage, it certainly keeps the anticipation for "The Force Awakens" very high when it opens on December 18. Check out the new Television Spot below:



"Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie:

Earlier this week we got our first look inside the world of Disney's next animated feature in "Zootopia." In anticipation for the holidays this season Disney released two different promos one featuring stars Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), while the other features the whole cast taking a selfie. These are promos for what Disney is calling the Countdown to Zoo Year's which begins December 3.

Judy and Nick Promo:



The Whole Cast Promo:


Disney's "Zootopia" hits theaters on March 4, 2016.

Santa Claus Meet & Greet Now Open at Magic Kingdom:

The meet & greet with Santa Claus at Magic Kingdom is now officially open today. You can find Santa Claus in Town Square Courtyard where Princess Aurora usually greets guest. For the time being through the holiday Aurora will greet guests in Fantasyland. The Santa Claus meet & greet will be open daily and run through Christmas Eve, December 24th. 

First Clip and New TV Spot for 'Force Awakens' Debut, The Ganachery to Open at Disney Springs 12/15, and More

First Clip and New TV Spot for 'The Force Awakens' Debut During AMA's:

During last night's American Music Awards show we got our first clip from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" before an epic performance of the Star Wars theme by the vocal talents of Pentatonix and an orchestra. The brief clip show Rey and Finn escaping from Jakku amidst multiple explosions. Here is the clip:



Also another TV spot was released featuring X-Wing pilot leader Poe Dameron and his Blue & Red Squad pilots Jessika Pava (Blue Three) and Nein Numb. The clip shows them preparing for an attack on TIE-fighters. Here is the seventh TV spot:


The Ganachery to Open at Disney Spring December 15:

Back in October, it was revealed that a new experience featuring hand-crafted chocolate would be opening in Disney Springs. Today, on the Disney Parks Blog it was revealed  that it would be opening December 15 along with some details on the experience. Disney Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer calls it, "the most beautiful product in the world."

You will be stepping inside the jewel-box shop that will be reminiscent of an apothecary of another era, as a chocolatier is similar to a scientist, Chef Riemer said. Guests will look up at the elegant chandelier made of copper saucepans, a classic tool of a chocolatier. Chef Stefan used the last couple of years on an international quest to find the world's best chocolate. He said, "It has nothing to do with 'candy'." This has nothing to do with sugar and sweets with the star of the show being a custom-made ganache, a luxurious, proprietary mixture of melted chocolate and cream. 

The Ganachery will use a bold, 65% dark chocolate with a touch of vanilla, since dark chocolate is the trend in the United States. The blend is a "a beautiful balance of fruitiness and acidity," says Chef Stefan. The shop won't just offer dark chocolate but also milk chocolate so that there will be something for everyone. 

"Textures, tastes, colors – this is about relaxing and enjoying a bite-size indulgence,” says Chef Stefan. He mentions flavors such a dark chocolate with a touch of shaved Egyptian salt, or a simple milk chocolate with a dash of dark chocolate and a pinch of Sri Lankan cinnamon. The signature flavor is dark chocolate with a note of Florida orange. All of the flavors fall into four categories: Spices, such a chipotle; Classic, such as orange, vanilla and caramel; Trendy, such as matcha yuzu chocolate; and Fruit, such as passion fruit and calamansi. There’s nothing ordinary about these tastes.

To add an element of delicious whimsy, nine varieties of custom-made chocolate bars (not made in house) celebrate Disney’s iconic destinations and the “Fab Five” (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck).

• The Aulani bar is white chocolate with pineapple and coconut.
• The Disneyland Paris bar is dark chocolate with liquid caramel and fleur de sel.
• The Disneyland Resort bar is milk chocolate with raisins and almonds (an ode to California’s top crops).
• The Minnie bar is milk chocolate with dried strawberries.

It's not only about chocolate as Chef Stefan created something special for the winter holidays in a mini-stollen fruit bread covered in marzipan, then enrobed in a dark chocolate blend. This unique treat is something you won't find anywhere else. Will you be checking out The Ganachery when it opens in the next coming weeks?

Disney World Monorail Black Gets 'Force Awakens' Wrap:

Photo Credit: Brian Carey, Walt Disney World News Today Reporter

Today, Monorail Black debuted the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" wrap in preparation for the film's release next month. The wrap features scenes from the planet Jakku and the famous Millennium Falcon chasing after some TIE-fighters. Be on the lookout during the next few months for Monorail Black and it's new wrap.

Disney's "Zootopia" First Trailer Released:

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the first trailer for its next animated feature in Disney's Zootopia. Here is the description that was released along with the trailer:

ZOOTOPIA – FLASH, THE FASTEST SLOTH AT THE DMV — When rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) has only 48 hours to crack her first case, she turns to scam-artist fox Nick Wilde for help, but he doesn’t always have her best interests at heart. Their investigation takes them to the local DMV (Department of Mammal Vehicles), which is staffed entirely by sloths. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and produced by Clark Spencer, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” opens in U.S. theaters on March 4, 2016.

Lineup Announced for Walt Disney Animation Studios for D23 Expo

Lineup Announced for Walt Disney Animation Studios for D23 Expo:

Today, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced its lineup for this year's D23 Expo in August. Here is the D23.com Press Release on the lineup announced this morning. The lineup is Walt Disney Animation Studios' most exciting presence at the D23 Expo ever. Here is the lineup:

Every Story is a Journey: The Upcoming Films of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios:

Friday, August 14 at 3 p.m. in Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents “Every Story is a Journey.” Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Welcome to Zootopia!

Saturday, August 15 at 1:30 p.m. on Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde, and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Aladdin - The Making of a Classic:

Saturday, August 15 at 6 p.m. on Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever:

Sunday, August 16 at 11:30 a.m. on Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman, and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo, and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration:

Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. in Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar^®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa—with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening Q & A

Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. on Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman, and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

On the Expo Show Floor:

Animation - Show Floor Exhibition:

For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.

An Animator's Gallery - Eric Goldberg:

D23 EXPO 2015 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar^®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing:

With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m.

This year's D23 Expo will take place between August 14 through the 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.