First Teaser Trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns" Released During Oscars

Coming out this December, the nostalgia is returning just in time for Christmas. Tonight though we got the first look of all the nostalgia as the first teaser trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns" has been released. As we celebrate Hollywood tonight its the trailer that is giving us Disney fans chills as we see the return of someone we've been waiting for a very long time.

It's just like the original, "Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like something' is brewin' and bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store. But I fear what's to happen all happened before." This Christmas a new story begins and check out below the first look at "Mary Poppins Returns":



“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Disney Pulling Out of Netflix Deal, Launching Own Streaming Service

During today's earnings call, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney would be pulling its movies and ending its deal with Netflix and starting its own streaming subscription service.  The streaming service is expected to be launched in 2019. The deal with Netflix will end and Disney will pull its content at the start of the year in 2019. 

The new service will become the exclusive in-home service in the US for on-demand of the latest live-action and animated Disney and Pixar films. This announcement came on the heels of Disney acquiring majority ownership of BAMTech, which is a global leader in direct-to-consumer streaming technology and marketing services, for $1.58 billion. Disney, which previously owned a 33% stake in BAMTech, added an additional 42% today to become the majority owner. 

“The media landscape is increasingly defined by direct relationships between content creators and consumers, and our control of BAMTech’s full array of innovative technology will give us the power to forge those connections, along with the flexibility to quickly adapt to shifts in the market,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Disney. “This acquisition and the launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands.”

During the call, Iger said it was unclear whether any Marvel or Lucasfilm films would be part of the new streaming service. He also stated that it was possible that each (Marvel and Lucasfilm) would have their own separate streaming services. They also said that the new service would follow the launch in 2018 of ESPN's own streaming service. It will feature approximately 10,000 live regional national and international games and events per year, including content from NHL, MLB, MLS and more.

First Teaser Trailer for "Black Panther" Released; "Cars 3" Just 5 Days Away

First Teaser Trailer for Marvel's "Black Panther" Released:

Marvel's "Black Panther" doesn't hit theaters until 2018, but on Friday we got a look at the first poster as well as the first teaser trailer of the film.

Black Panther is directed by Ryan Coogler, and stars Chadwick Boseman as T’challa, successor to the throne of of Wakanda. Upon his return, he faces an enemy and conflict that jeopardizes not only Wakanda but the entire world. Black Panther also stars Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

Check out the trailer below:

Marvel's "Black Panther" slashes into theaters February 16, 2018.

"Cars 3" is Just 5 Days Away:

The excitement is racing in as "Cars 3" is just 5 days away from racing into theaters. The other day while I was in Walt Disney World. The final trailer for the film was released called, "The Limit." Check it out below:

"Cars 3" races into theaters this Friday, June 16.

New Magic Coming to Disneyland's 'Fantasmic!'; Beauty & the Beast Blu-Ray Release Date

New Magic Coming to Disneyland's 'Fantasmic!':

While one nighttime spectacular is getting ready for its debut here on the East Coast, the West Coast will soon see the return of another with some new magic added to it. 

Upon its return, “Fantasmic!” will feature new magic, including new mist screens that will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. The show will also feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin”; one of the dazzling new scenes finds Aladdin and Jasmine floating over a bed of fog on their flying carpet during “A Whole New World.”

When it returns this summer, an official date has not been set, “Fantasmic!” will still be the treasured Disneyland park experience guests have loved for 25 years. It will be complete with its original fanfare and theme song. but all taken to brilliant new heights! Stay tuned for official details on the return of "Fantasmic!" to Disneyland.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Beauty and the Beast" Coming to Blu-Ray & Digital HD on June 6:

"Beauty and the Beast" waltzed to the top of the box office now it will soon be dancing into our own homes. The film will be released on Blu-Ray and Digital HD on June 6. Here is the list of Special Features on the film that we will enjoy:

• Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
• A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
• The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
• Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
• From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
• Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon. “Beauty and the Beast”
• Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
• Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
• Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.

Panels at Hall D23 Announced for D23 Expo 2017

Yesterday, we received details on what panels will be held inside Hall D23 (the main expo hall) for this year's D23 Expo. The lineup is filled with some amazing panels and presentations including Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, and one from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Let's check out the lineup below:

Friday, July 14:

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (10 a.m.)––Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger will kick off this year’s D23 Expo with the special ceremony that honors this year’s Disney Legends Award recipients. See the full list of 2017 honorees here.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios (2:30 p.m.)––See what the artists behind these two acclaimed animation studios are dreaming (and drawing) up. With such an exciting lineup of films––Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2, Coco, and The Incredibles 2, just to name a few––we’re sure this presentation will be full of surprises.

Saturday, July 15:

The Walt Disney Studios Live-Action Films (10:30 a.m.)––The wonderful worlds of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm come together to showcase their exciting slate of upcoming films. At D23 Expo 2015, we got our first glimpses at Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Strange, and more fan favorites… We can’t wait to see what’s on deck for this year’s presentation!

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m.)––Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16:

A Whole New World of Alan Menken (1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.)––Celebrate the magic of Disney music with Disney Legend and eight-time Oscar®-winner Alan Menken in his brand-new one-man show. Alan will perform his own music and tell tales from his storied career.

All panels are subject to change and more detailed list of all panels and presentations will be out soon. Hall D23 seats 6,800 so tickets will be limited for most panels. The 2017 D23 Expo begins July 14 and runs through July 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

From The Lion King to Frozen 2 to Cars 3 to Indiana Jones 5 and More Movie News

Today, Walt Disney Studios made a few major announcements considering release dates for future films. "Frozen 2" will be released on November 27, 2019 and that was just the start of the news announced today. They announced that Star Wars 'Episode IX' will be released May 24, 2019 and most notably in 2019, the live-action version of "The Lion King" will be released on July 19, 2019. 

Also in separate news for "The Lion King," Disney is in talks with Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner to play Timon and Pumbaa. Rogen would play Pumbaa while Eichner would voice Timon. They would join the cast that already consists of Donald Glover Jr. (Simba) and James Earl Jones (Mufasa). 

It was also announced that several films have either been pushed up or pushed back with their release dates. "Indiana Jones 5" was supposed to be released on July 19 but now has been pushed back to July 10, 2020. "A Wrinkle in Time" has been moved up from its original date of April 6, 2018 to March 9, 2018. "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2" originally held that March 9 release date and has now been moved to November 21, 2018. Finally, "Gigantic" (the animated retelling of Jack and the Beanstock) originally was supposed to be released on November 25, 2020.

2019 will be a big year for Disney as The Lion King, Episode IX, and Frozen 2 will join Toy Story 4 (June 2019), Captain Marvel (March 2019), and Avengers 4 (May 2019). 

More news came out as a new "Cars 3" trailer will be released tomorrow. Check out the teaser for the trailer below:

Watch out: the new trailer for #Cars3 debuts tomorrow. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/S5DFD81Gi0

— Disney (@Disney) April 25, 2017

Pixar's "Cars 3" is set to race into theaters June 16, 2017.

Movie Review: "Beauty and the Beast" is Magnificently Done, Still a Classic

After seeing "Beauty and the Beast" it brought me back to a place of my childhood a rebirth of Disney animation back in 1991. I was just a young toddler back then but seeing the re-make into the fine piece of a motion picture into a live-action film. I won't lie I may have shed a tear towards the end of the film. Bill Condon did a wonderful job directing and the cast was just amazing.

Many had doubts about Emma Watson portraying the role of Belle, but she held her own. I was simply amazed, how well she played the role. Her voice while not perfect was good enough for me to make me satisfied that they had picked her. The true star is Dan Stevens playing the Beast. I can listen to him sing "Evermore" all day long if I had too. I will be humming songs from this film not just the old songs but the new one's as well. 

Back to the cast Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as LeFou were perfectly cast for their roles. The controversy before the film came out was unnoticeable to the common eye. Josh Gad was perfect and I'm not sure anyone else fit for the role. Emma Thompson as Mrs.Potts while she is no Angela Lansbury who voiced the role in the animated classic, was amazing in singing "Days in the Sun" and even "Beauty and the Beast." I was quite surprised how beautiful of a voice she had. 

I can go on and on about the music from the film as I will be humming and singing the songs for the foreseeable future. Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice have all done it again and the addition of Josh Groban and Celine Dion have brought this music to a whole new level. 

I end with saying go see this film and its magnificent and will be a classic just as its animated predecessor was. Relive your childhood as well and you may even shed a tear too. 

First Look at Santu'li Canteen Menu Plus Mobile Ordering; Beauty and the Beast Dazzles at the Box Office

First Look at Santu'li Canteen Menu Plus Mobile Ordering:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog gave us our first look at the menu of the Santu'li Canteen that will open inside Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Santu'li Canteen was once the main mess hall of the Resources Development Administration (RDA) but now is owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE). 

The interior of the restaurant has been transformed with colorful Na'vi items filling the walls and hanging from the ceiling. This includes hand-woven tapestries, natural Pandoran elements, and even cooking tools. 

Look for familiar dishes with a twist in the fast-casual restaurant, with bowls that allow diners to customize their lunch or dinner. Diners start with a base of quinoa and vegetable salad; red and sweet potato hash; mixed whole-grain and rice or romaine and kale salad. Next is either with wood-grilled chicken, slow-roasted beef, sustainable fish or chili-spiced fried tofu. And the bowl is finished with charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette or creamy herb dressing. 

The menu also offers steamed “pods” – bao buns with either cheeseburger or vegetable curry and served with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw. 

For little ones, there’s an option of grilled chicken or beef, fish or tofu with greens or rice; a hot dog wrapped in Parker House dough; cheese quesadilla, or a steamed “pod” (cheeseburger bao bun).

Walt Disney World will also debut Mobile Ordering with Santu'li Canteen. Mobile Ordering will allow guests to order and pay for meals-on-the-go through the My Disney Experience app allowing guests to bypass the queue to order when they arrive at the restaurant. Guests will be able to customize their order, pre-pay, and upon arrival guests will tap the "I am here" button on the app to alert the kitchen to begin preparing the food.

Once the food is ready, guests will receive an alert through the app to to pick up their meal at a designated window. Right now Credit Cards are the only accepted form of payment for Mobile Ordering. More Walt Disney World restaurants will debut Mobile Ordering later this year.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Beauty and the Beast" Dazzles at the Box Office on Opening Weekend:

"Beauty and the Beast" dazzled at the box office in its opening taking in $174 million domestically and $357 million total worldwide. This was the largest March opening ever overtaking Batman v. Superman last year which took in $166 million in its opening last year. 

It also landed in the #6 spot on the all-time opening weekend chart that, placing it just above the opening of Marvel's Iron Man 3. This gives Disney 6 of the top 7 spots on the chart. After just one weekend, it is already number 2 on the top-grossing live-action musicals behind Grease. Although it is sure to take over the top spot after next weekend. 

Source: The Laughing Place

La Nouba by Cirque do Soleil to Say Goodbye; First Look at Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins

La Nouba by Cirque do Soleil to Say Goodbye at End of 2017:

After rumors that it would be going away, Disney today announced that La Nouba by Cirque do Soleil will be saying goodbye to Disney Springs when it hosts its final show on December 31, 2017. It has been a staple of entertainment for nearly 20 years at Disney Springs since the show began in 1998 and has been seen by over 10 million guests. 

“We are incredibly proud of the success that La Nouba has had for nearly two decades,” said Jerry Nadal, Senior Vice President of the Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil. “We want to thank Walt Disney World Resort for a wonderful relationship over the years. We look forward to announcing what’s next for Cirque du Soleil.”

With over 10 months to see La Nouba, you can still be mesmerized by the artistry and the talent that takes place during the show. Tickets and more information about the show can be seen here or by calling 407-939-7600. 

While nothing has been announced about the future, Disney has said to stay tuned as a new show from Cirque do Soleil may be coming very soon. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins: 

Just a few weeks ago it was announced that "Mary Poppins Returns" was officially in production. Today, we got our very first look at Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins. Let me just say, how amazing she looks and how excited I am that they picked Blunt to play our favorite nanny. 

"Mary Poppins Returns" stars Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Angela Lansbury, Dick Van Dyke, as well as Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep. The film is being directed by Rob Marshall. The film will fly into theaters Christmas Day, December 25, 2018. 

New "Pirates 5" Trailer & Poster Released; Countdown to Pandora Merchandise Released Today

New "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" Trailer & Poster Released:

This morning exclusively on EllenTube the new trailer for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" was released. It will be seen this morning on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. A poster was released yesterday ahead of the trailer release.

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack's only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

Check out the new trailer below:



"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" sails into theaters May 26, 2017.

Countdown to Pandora: The World of Avatar Merchandise Released Today:

Beginning today, the first merchandise for Pandora: The World of Avatar will be available today at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the form a limited edition pin set. There will be a new pin released each month for the next three months ahead of the grand opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar. 

The first pin in this collection (above left) will be released today, March 2. The second countdown pin (center) will be released on April 6. The final individual limited edition pin (above right) will be released on May 4. Each pin will have an edition size of 1,250 and will be released at the Discovery Trading Company inside Animal Kingdom.

The final two pins in this collection, called “Completer pins,” will only be found in the five-pin boxed set (seen at top) containing all five travel posters. The boxed set will have an edition size of 250, and will be released during the opening of this new land on May 27. There will be a purchase limit of two limited edition pins, per style, per guest, per release. These pins will not be available via Shop Disney Parks app or the Disney Parks online store.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Two New Clips from "Beauty and the Beast" Released; New "Cars 3" Trailer Released:

Two New Clips from "Beauty and the Beast" Released:

Over the last two days, we got a new tv spot as well as a new clip for the upcoming release of the live-action re-telling of "Beauty and the Beast." Today's clip gives us our first glimpse of Josh Gad as LeFou and Luke Evans as Gaston showing off their pipes singing the famous song from the animated tale, "Gaston." Check it out below:

Last night, a new television spot aired during the Oscars, where we catch a glimpse of what will be the beginning of the song "Be Our Guest" as several other new scenes we haven't seen before.



"Beauty and the Beast" will waltz into theaters in less than 3 weeks on March 17.

New "Cars 3" Trailer Released During Daytona 500:

It was very fitting yesterday that a new "Cars 3" trailer was released during yesterday's opening Nascar race in the iconic and legendary Daytona 500. The new trailer states, "The Next Generation is Coming." You hear someone telling Lightning he'll never be the racer he once was and he can't turn back the clock but he can wind it up again. Check out the new trailer below:

"Cars 3" races into theaters June 16, 2017.

Hear a Clip of "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast; Strike a Pose with an Oscar at Walt Disney World

Hear a Clip of "Belle" from "Beauty and the Beast":

Sing along and get ready for "Beauty and the Beast" with this clip of Emma Watson singing "Belle" from the film. In this clip from the beginning of the film shows several of the amazing townspeople that we know and love from the animated classic now in live-action form. The costumes in this clip just look amazing. Check out the clip and sing along to "Belle":

Sing along with Emma Watson as Belle when "Beauty and the Beast" hits theaters March 17.

Strike a Pose with an Oscar at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

This Sunday is the Oscars and from now until Sunday at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can strike a pose with an actual Oscar statuette. Guests can visit One Man's Dream at the park where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be available during regular park hours to take the photos as you strike a pose. 

The Oscars will air on ABC this Sunday February 26 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST with Jimmy Kimmel hosting. Guests are encouraged to share their poses using "My Oscar Moment" using #Oscars by tweeting their photos to @WaltDisneyWorld. 

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released; James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action Lion King

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released by Disney:

It is just a little over three months when Pandora: The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney just keeps on teasing us with excitement as today they released a 15-second clip with footage for the Na'vi River Journey. Take a look at the clip with awe and beauty that Pandora will bring to the park that is already amazing:

The beauty of Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action 'Lion King':

Last year, we learned that Jon Favreau would be directing a live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "The Lion King." Favreau made two major casting announcements on Friday for the film and I couldn't be more excited. 

Donald Glover has signed on to the film in the role and voice of adult Simba. James Earl Jones is set to reprise his role of Mufasa which he voiced in the original animated classic. This is best news ever and it has taken me a few days just to keep my excitement from getting out of hand.

No release date has been announced for the live-action film but with Jon Favreau directing and these two stars already signed on for the film. The live-action remake of "The Lion King" is sure to be a hit at the box office. 

Angela Lansbury Joins Cast of Mary Poppins Returns, Explorers Lodge Opening in Hong Kong, & More

Angela Lansbury Joins Cast of "Mary Poppins Returns":

Just announced, Disney Legend Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast) has joined the already legendary cast of "Mary Poppins Returns." She will be joining the cast as the balloon lady, a treasured character from P.L. Travers books. 

Lansbury joins a cast that already consists of Emily Blunt who will play Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will play Jack a street lamplighter. Let's also not forget that we will see the return of Dick Van Dyke for the film as well.

The story is set to take place in Depression-era London, and will follow a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, who, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by their old nanny Mary Poppins after a personal loss. Poppins will once again use her unique powers to help the family “rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.”

"Mary Poppins Returns" will dance into theaters Christmas Day 2018.

Explorers Lodge Opening in April at Hong Kong Disneyland:

A brand new resort, the Disney Explorers Lodge, will be opening on April 30 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The brand new 750-room hotel is divided into four wings, each of which will be looking over a lush themed garden named after a beloved Disney character that will celebrate different locales around the world.

There’s Kevin Garden, themed to South America and named for everyone’s favorite curious bird in “Up.” Also the Little Squirt Garden of Oceania named for the playful sea turtle in “Finding Nemo;” the Hathi Jr. Garden named for the baby elephant from “The Jungle Book” in the heart of Asia; and the Rafiki Garden on the African Savannah with its namesake from “The Lion King.”

Guests will feel as if they entered into the golden age of exploration of the 1920's with artifacts and memorabilia that will be displayed across the resort. There will be three unique restaurants that will serve up signature delights that will celebrate old and new flavors. Themed rooms will welcome back explorers after a day of discovery at the theme park. Let's not forget the Trading Post that will complete your trip for a few artifacts (souvenirs) of your own.

Online reservations are now available along with a few special offers that will make every trip an exciting adventure when visiting the new Disney Explorers Lodge. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Side Entrance at Disney's Hollywood Studios Closed:

Disney has closed a side entrance to guests entering Disney's Hollywood Studios. The entrance which was used as an extra security check line. The entrance was used by more knowledgable guests because the line was usually shorter than the main entrance to the Studios. Now guests are re-directed to the main entrance and security checkpoint.

Guests exiting the park are still able to walk through the old entrance. No word on if this is a permanent closure for the side entrance.

Source: WDW News Today

Hear a Clip of Josh Groban's "Evermore"; Disney Parks Unboxed: Rivers of Light

Hear a Clip of Josh Groban's "Evermore" from "Beauty and the Beast":

Last night, Grammy-winning artist Josh Groban gave us all a Valentine's gift with a clip from his original song, "Evermore." The song will be included on the soundtrack for the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic "Beauty and the Beast." The film is due out in theaters March 17, 2017. Here is his announcement from his Twitter account:

A Valentine's Day gift for you!! Hope you enjoy this snippet of my recording of "Evermore" from @beourguest! 💙 https://t.co/I24kcllqka

— josh groban (@joshgroban) February 14, 2017

You can listen to the 30-second clip here on soundcloud.

Disney Parks Unboxed: Rivers of Light Merchandise:

We are all anxiously awaiting for the official debut of Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Friday. The new nighttime spectacular will finally debut after months of delay. Yesterday, Steven Miller, the merchandise guru on the Disney Parks Blog, shared with us some of the merchandise that is now for sale at the park specifically made for Rivers of Light. Let's check out the new episode of Disney Parks Blog Unboxed.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Song for "Tangled Before Ever After"; "Mary Poppins Returns" Now in Production

New Song Debuts for "Tangled Before Ever After" Sung by Mandy Moore:

Just a little bit ago D23 released a clip of a new song that will debut during the "Tangled Before Ever After" Disney Channel Original Movie that will debut next month. The brand new original song is sung by Mandy Moore (voice of Rapunzel) which is called, "Wind in My Hair." "Tangled Before Ever After" will premiere on the Disney Channel on March 10. Check out the clip of the song below:

Listen to a brand new song from Tangled Before Ever After: https://t.co/a9ilEdBW88 pic.twitter.com/IT2iYECWLD

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) February 10, 2017

This will lead up to the new "Tangled: The Series" that premieres two weeks later on March 24 on the Disney Channel.

"Mary Poppins Returns" Now in Production:

"Step in time, step in time." Today, we learned that production has begun on "Mary Poppins Returns." The film which is set to star Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

The story follows Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), who are now grown up. Michael is living with his three children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson) and housekeeper Ellen (Julie Walters), in the house on Cherry Tree Lane! After Michael has a personal loss, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) comes back into the lives of the Banks family. She is joined by a street lamplighter named Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), and an eccentric cousin named Topsy (Meryl Streep). And we are so excited that Dick Van Dyke will play a role in the film as Mr. Dawes Jr., the chairman of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, which is now run by William Weatherall Wilkins (Colin Firth).

The film will be directed by Rob Marshall and produced by John DeLuca and Mark Platt. The screenplay of the film was written by David Magee and is based on "Mary Poppins Returns" the book written by P.L. Travers. "Mary Poppins Returns" will step into theaters Christmas Day 2018. 

New "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Pirates 5" TV Spots Air During Super Bowl LI

Of course Disney is going to use Super Bowl LI to promote their movies. Two of their upcoming films got tv spots during the first half of the game. First up was a new trailer for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." A new poster also was released:

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" hits theaters May 5, 2017.

Next up was the new preview for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" which makes the return of Captain Jack Sparrow. Here is the new poster and the extended tv spot:

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack's only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced. 

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” also stars Kevin R. McNally as Joshamee Gibbs, Golshifteh Farahani as the sea-witch Shansa, Stephen Graham as Scrum, David Wenham as Scarfield and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa. 

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hits theaters Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2017.

Final "Beauty and the Beast" Trailer Released

Tonight, during ABC's "The Bachelor,"  Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (LeFou) helped debut the final trailer for "Beauty and the Beast." The trailer did not disappoint as I am still unsure my emotions can handle seeing this film (Don't Judge). Check it out below and try not to cry:

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

"Beauty and the Beast" will waltz into theaters March 17.

9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney; Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line

9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney:

"Zootopia" already took the Golden Globe, will it take the Oscar?

2016 was the Walt Disney Company's most successful year at the box office and it proved that today with 9 Academy Award Nominations leading the way were Walt Disney Animation's "Moana" and LucasFilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" with 2 each. "Zootopia" along with "Moana" were both nominated for Best Animated Feature. Here is list of nominations:

• Best Documentary - "OJ - Made in America", ESPN
• Sound Mixing - "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", LucasFilm
• Visual Effects - "Doctor Strange"- Marvel, "The Jungle Book" - Walt Disney Studios, and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" - LucasFilm
• Original Song - "How Far I'll Go" - Disney's "Moana" Music & Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Best Animated Feature - "Zootopia" - Walt Disney Animation and "Moana" - Walt Disney Animation
• Best Animated Short Film - "Piper" - Pixar

"Zootopia" just a few weeks ago already secured Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes. The 89th Annual Academy Awards airs on February 26th on ABC hosted this year by Jimmy Kimmel. 

Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line:

The Marvel Universe is expanding its way into 2018 aboard the Disney Cruise Line. The event aboard the Disney Magic. The events kick off with 7 special sailings in the Fall later this year from New York. In 2018 from January through April from Miami, guests will be able to enjoy one magical day with their favorite Marvel characters. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

We also unveiled new experiences in the lineup of immersive entertainment. The event features exclusive character interactions, including the debut of Black Panther and Loki as part of a Disney vacation experience. Marvel Day at Sea also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise Line ship. 

In the Walt Disney Theatre, a spell-binding new show featuring Doctor Strange will keep families on the edge of their seats. Doctor Strange will showcase his journey from doubter to practitioner as he demonstrates the power of the mystic arts. The show concludes with an epic battle where guests must help Doctor Strange against the Dark Dimension. 

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the special Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel Universe assembles on the ship. The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck party, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings. 

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of fan-favorite films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including the newest theatrical releases, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

The 2017 Marvel Day at Sea dates with sailings from New York are October 6, 14, and 28, November 4, 11, and 18. These sailings include a stop at Castaway Cay, the Bahamas, Port Canaveral, and a day Walt Disney World for 7 and 8-night sailings. There will also one more date on October 21 sailing from New York to Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney, Canada for a 7-night cruise. 

In 2018, Marvel Day at Sea will set sail from the port of Miami for 5-night cruises. These will take place on January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, March 18, and April 1, 15, and 29. These sailings will take you to Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico or the Grand Cayman. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New "Beauty and the Beast" Poster; Permits Filed for Disney's Caribbean Beach Expansion

New "Beauty and the Beast" Poster:

A brand new poster for "Beauty and the Beast" was released today featuring a triptych image packed with characters that we haven't seen before as well as some familiar ones. Yahoo had the details on the new poster which you can check out below:

Check out the larger image of here. Here is what we can see from the image:

"At the center of the poster are Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens), dancing in the iconic title-song sequence. Instead of the ballroom from the actual scene, they appear to be in a dilapidated, crumbling tower. To the left is an image of Belle wandering through the snow, approaching the castle as wolves close in on her. On the far left are characters from Belle’s life in the village: Her father Maurice (Kevin Kline) at the top, her devious suitor Gaston (Luke Evans) at the bottom, and Gaston’s sidekick Le Fou (Josh Gad) in the center. 

At the bottom of the poster are the servants who have been transformed into castle objects — from left to right, Plumette the feather duster, Lumière the candelabra, Garderobe the wardrobe, Cogsworth the clock, Chip the teacup, the coat rack (whose name, if he has one, has not been announced), and Mrs. Potts the teapot. 

Finally, to the right is a scene from a ball; it seems to be taking place at the castle, in happier times. The towers in the background are bright and shimmering, not like the dark and foreboding image to the left. Among the dancers are the human versions of Lumière (Ewan McGregor) and Plumette (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). To the left, we see the human Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), and to the right, from the top, the human versions of Cadenza (Stanley Tucci, playing a musician-turned-grand-piano), Garderobe (Audra McDonald), and Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson)."

 The live action remake of Disney's animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" waltzes into theaters March 17.

Permits Filed for Disney's Caribbean Beach Expansion:

Permits have been filed for an expansion of the Disney Vacation Club at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The project is set to begin this year with a completion date sometime in 2019.

The details are that the permits show a large, multi-story building that will part of the Disney Vacation Club wing of the resort. Six new structures will be built replacing some of the existing Barbados Village. Finally, there is a series of roadway and waterway improvements that have been planned. 

Source: WDW News Today