New Details and Amazing Concept Art for Star Wars Land Revealed During Disneyland 60 Special

Well the West Coast right now is watching "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" special and they won't want to miss the details that Harrison Ford and Disney revealed during the Star Wars Land segment. In what they are now calling the "Star Wars Experience" guest will dive deep into the world of Star Wars. Still no opening date has been revealed but rumors of late have been saying late 2018.

Thanks to @DisneybySteph for recording the segment:


In the segment of course, what was revealed was you the guest will be taking full control of the Millennium Falcon, be in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order in a race against time. You will meet droids and aliens in the street market, tasting the local delicacies. You can go upscale in the planets best dinner club or go down below for drinks at the cantina.

Here is the amazing concept art that we didn't see during the announcement at the D23 EXPO in August:

Who's ready for Star Wars Land at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios? I know after seeing this concept art that if this is actually built like they are saying, Disney will once again be the dominant force it once was. 

First Trailer for "Pete's Dragon Revealed during Disneyland 60

First Trailer for "Pete's Dragon" Released During Disneyland 60:

The first trailer for Disney's live-action remake of "Pete's Dragon" was just released during the Disneyland 60 special on ABC. So without further ado, here is the trailer:

The mystery takes flight. 🐉 Here's a first look at #PetesDragon. See the film this August.https://t.co/qPlhdEhjg9 

— Disney (@Disney) February 22, 2016

Plus 4 new stills were released:

"Pete's Dragon" hits theaters August 12, 2016.

2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchen Menus; Toy Story Mania to Close for One Day

2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchen Menus:

Are you visiting Epcot during this year's International Flower & Garden Festival? For the second straight year, the outdoor kitchens will be returning with two new kiosks in La Isla Fresca and the Cider House. This seemed to be popular when I posted the menus for the marketplaces for last fall's Food & Wine Festival. Today, I bring you the menus for all 13 Outdoor Kitchens. The small dishes from the kitchens will allow you taste flavors fresh from the garden.

La Isla Fresca

• Jerk-spice Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa, Chayote and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette(GF)
• Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
• Tres Leches with Guava Purée
• Red Stripe Jamaican Style Lager
• Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
• Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink (Non-Alcoholic)

Cider House

• Land-harvested Field Greens with Apples, Dried Blueberries, Stilton Cheese and Apple Cider Vinaigrette (GF)
• Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Pears and Branston Dressing
• House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
• Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries (GF)
• Sonoma “The Pitchfork” Organic Pear Hard Cider, Healdsburg, CA
• McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
• Keel & Curley Mad Man Blueberry Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
• Cigar City Brewing Tampa-style Lager, Tampa, FL
• Snakebite: Cigar City Tampa-style Lager mixed with McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider
• Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
• California (Non-Alcoholic)
• Beer & Cider Flight

Urban Farm Eats

• Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction
• Vegetable and White Bean “Naanwich” with Arugula Pesto and Oven-dried Tomatoes featuring Seeds of Change® Quinoa, Brown & Red Rice
• Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
• Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine, France
• King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon
• Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, Chico, CA
• Urban Mary

Pineapple Promenade

• Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Taro Chips
• Pineapple Soft-serve
• Sparkling Pineapple Wine, Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, FL
• Ocean Tropical Pineapple Hard Cider, Florida Beer Company
• Pineapple Soft-serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)

Jardin de Fiestas

• Tacos de Camarón: Tempura Shrimp served with Hibiscus Flower, Caramelized Onions and Habanero Sauce
• Corn Tortilla Quesadilla served with Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini Blossom topped with Green Tomatillo Sauce
• Flan de Rosas served with Hibiscus Reduction
• Tecate Light Beer
• Rose Margarita
• Elderflower Watermelon Sangria

Lotus House

• Gaoli Beef Bun
• Beijing-style Candied Strawberries
• Vegetable Spring Roll with Orange Sauce
• Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
• Plum Wine
• Honey Mango Wine Cooler
• Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls
• Tsingtao Beer

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

• Chicken Fricassee with Green Asparagus and Peas served with Uncle Ben’s® Rice Pilaf
• Currywurst with Paprika Chips: Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips (GF)
• “Armer Ritter” Egg Battered Toast with Cherry Compote and Powdered Sugar
• Hugo-Charles de Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
• Paulaner Original Munich Lager
• Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen
• Warsteiner Dunkel
• Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager
• Beer Flight

Primavera Kitchen

• Pollo alla Parmigiana: Breaded Breast of Chicken, Tomato, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
• Mezze Lune Primavera: Egg Pasta stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach in a Creamy Sauce with Spring Vegetables and Pecorino Cheese
• Cremoso al Pistacchio: Pistacchio Cream, Strawberries and Mascarpone Cream (GF)
• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Corbinello
• Moscato
• Bellini: Sparkling wine and Peach purée
• Rossini: Sparkling wine and marinated Strawberries
• Frozen Italian Primavera: Assorted fruit slushy, Limoncello and Vodka
• Moretti Lager
• Moretti La Rossa
• Italian Seasonal Selection
• Beer Flight

The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews

• Pulled Pig Slider with Crispy Onions and Coleslaw
• Smoked Pork Ribs with Roasted Corn Salad (GF)
• Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
• Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans
• The Great American Wine Company Red Blend, Sonoma, CA
• Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen, Oakland Park, FL
• Orlando Brewing Company Uncle Matt’s Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale, Orlando, FL
• 3 Daughters Rod Bender Red Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
• Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
• Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
• Frozen Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
• Sweet Tea (Non-Alcoholic)
• Beer Flight

Hanami

• Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon Rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side
• Chicken Edamame Bun: Steamed Bun filled with Chicken and Edamame and topped with Curry Sauce
• Beef Teriyaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
• Sapporo Draft Beer
• Yuzu Plum Wine Slushy: Sweet refreshing taste infused with the tangy flavor of Citrus
• Suigei Sake: Bold flavor with a crisp, clean finish

Taste of Marrakesh

• Harissa Chicken Kebab with Sweet Couscous Salad
• Falafel Pocket with Cucumber-Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
• Baklava
• Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
• White Sangria
• Guerrouane Red Wine
• Casa Beer

Florida Fresh

• Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds, Goat Cheese and White Balsamic Vinaigrette (GF)
• Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro (GF)
• Florida Larder Board: Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles
• Key Lime Sparkling Wine, Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, FL
• Sea Dog Acai Berry Hefeweizen, Clearwater, FL
• Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Florida Beer Company, Cape Canaveral, FL
• Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendrick’s Gin
• Watermelon Cucumber Slush (Non-Alcoholic)
• Fresh-squeezed Watermelon Juice (Non-Alcoholic)

Fleur de Lys

• Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Puff Pastry Crust
• Cassoulet au Confit de Canard: Pulled Duck Confit with Braised Flageolet Beans
• Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam
• Ice Pop Grand Marnier Peach Cocktail: Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry, Vodka, Iced Tea
• La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice
• Merlot Bordeaux, Château La Gravière, 2013
• Kir Imperial: Sparkling Wine with Chambord Black Raspberry Liquor
• Kronenbourg Blanc 1664: Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes

The dishes should cost around $3-$8, much like a the Food & Wine Festival. This year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will run March 2 through May 30, 2016. 

Toy Story Mania to Close for One Day Next Month for Work Related to Third Track:

Yesterday, news broke that Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios will close for one day on March 15. The reason for the closure is for work related to the third track that is being built for the attraction. Disney also confirmed that the third track will open this Summer. 

Note: Don't forget tonight's special on ABC in "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" at 8 p.m. EST. The two-hour special will feature new details on Star Wars Land. Stay tuned later tonight for the new details on the blog. 

Disney Releases Behind the Scenes Video of Disneyland 60, What's Coming to Disney Infinity 3.0?, and More

Disney Releases Behind the Scenes Video of Disneyland 60 Special:

This Sunday will be a huge night for Disney fans as ABC will air its special "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60." The special which begins at 8/7 p.m. CST will feature tons of celebrities and even a behind the scenes look of Shanghai Disneyland and the upcoming Star Wars Land.

The two-hour special will also take note in the celebration of Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration and will be hosted by ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" Derek Hough. Today, the Disney Parks Blog gave us a little sneak peak with a behind the scenes video of the special. Check it out:


What's Next for Disney Infinity 3.0 to be Announced March 1:

What's next for Disney Infinity 3.0 you ask? We will find out in a live stream on YouTube on March 1st. The live stream will be hosted by John Blackburn and John Vignocchi in the titled show, "Disney Infinity Next." The show will begin at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

We will be receiving an update on the game and possibly a reveal of some new characters. We still have not officially heard on announcements on new characters such as Marvel's Ant-Man, Black Panther, and Vision as well as Disney characters Baloo or Alice in Wonderland. We may even see some new Star Wars characters. What are you most looking forward to in the announcement of what's next for Disney Infinity 3.0?

Animal Kingdom Begins Lighting Tests on Rivers of Light:

Last night, Animal Kingdom appeared to be testing the lights for its new nighttime spectacular, Rivers of Light, that is set to debut this Spring. This photo courtesy of @braedon_godin on Twitter, shows what was going on last night:

.@Attractions They're doing lighting tests for #RiversofLight tonight. pic.twitter.com/cCT4kv0Z2L

— Braedon Godin (@braedon_godin) February 18, 2016

The photo shows what appears to be vessels out on the water as well as lighting being tested for the show. It can't be more than a few weeks away from debuting and I couldn't be more excited. An announcement on the official debut of "Rivers of Light" should be coming soon.

Disney Officially Announces Wide World of Sports Expansion, Josh Gad Will Take Viewers Around Disneyland, and More

Disney Officially Announces ESPN Wide World of Sports Expansion:

Last week, Disney filed permits for an expansion of its ESPN Wide World of Sports complex for a new 286,000 square foot building. We now know exactly what is being built as Disney made it official today with the announcement they are breaking ground on an 8,000 seat venue geared towards cheerleading and dance competitions. They will break ground this month with an expected completion by mid-2017. 

Disney in conjunction with Varsity Spirit teamed up to create the first state-of-the-art venue that is specifically designed for cheer and dance competitions. The venue will include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas are being tailored for warming up and practicing, along with an area for judges and officials. 

The new multi-use sports and entertainment venue will also have the ability to host up to six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts, or concert configurations. There will also be concessions throughout the venue with an additional box office and entry to the complex. 

“As our sports business continues to grow, we’re thrilled to work alongside Varsity Spirit to create a sporting and entertainment venue that will not only complement our existing venues, but will be a model for cheerleading and dance team competitions,” said Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of ESPN Wide World of Sports. “We value our young athletes and want to give these incredible guests an experience that can only be achieved at Disney.”

“Varsity Spirit invented the modern day cheerleading and dance competition, and we are proud to be the force behind this project, which represents our commitment to providing the very best and safest environment in the world for our athletes and coaches,” said Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Brands. “Since this building has been designed specifically for spirit teams, we can’t wait to provide an even more high quality competition experience to thousands of athletes each year.”

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts six cheer and dance competitions annually through its collaboration with Varsity Spirit. The events bring tens of thousands of athletes along with there family and fans to Walt Disney World yearly. According to Varsity Spirit, the sport of cheerleading continues to rise in popularity around not only the country but around the world. 

Josh Gad Will Take Viewers Around Disneyland During Disneyland 60 Special:

The actor who plays the lovable character Olaf in "Frozen", Josh Gad, will take viewers around Disneyland to rarely seen places during the upcoming Disneyland 60 special on ABC. Gad will take us on tour to see Walt's famous apartment above Main Street, USA and the Disneyland Dream Suite in New Orleans Square. He will even explore some Disney fan favorites such as everybody's favorite the Dole Whip during the two-hour special on February 21.

It appears as Disney isn't done adding to its list of stars for the special as Ne-Yo, Little Big Town, Fall Out Boy and Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke have all been added to the list for the special night. The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 special will air from 8-10 p.m. on February 21 on ABC.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to Break $2 Billion Globally This Weekend:

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" continues to slash through records at the box office as it is expected to cross over $900 million domestically on its 50th day since its release. It is the only film in U.S. box office history to cross that plateau. That is not all as the film is expected to cross $2 Billion Globally only the second film ever in its original theatrical release.

“This is a historic moment for Star Wars, for Lucasfilm, and for Disney, and all of us here are extremely gratified to be a part of this journey with fans around the world who have made Star Wars: The Force Awakens such an extraordinary success,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “The film’s achievements are truly astounding, and it’s our great honor to relaunch this cinematic galaxy not only for all the devoted decades-long fans but for a new generation who will keep the Star Wars legacy alive for many years to come.”

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in its 8 weeks since being released has broken numerous records at the box office both domestically and globally. The Star Wars saga will continue with Star Wars: Episode VIII due to be released December 15, 2017 which will pick up where 'The Force Awakens' left off. "Star Wars: Rogue One" which will detail the events leading up to "Star Wars: A New Hope" will be released later this year on December 16, 2016.

Disney Announces Third Year of Startup Accelerator Program, Full Line-up of Celebrities for Disneyland 60, and More

Disney Announces Third Year of Startup Accelerator Program:

Today, the Walt Disney Company announced that it is now accepting applications for Disney Accelerator program for its third year. The program has brought us companies such as Sphero, Naritiv, Emotiv, and Stat Muse. Here is the full press release and details on Disney Accelerator:

The Walt Disney Company Announces Third Year of Startup Accelerator Program

The Walt Disney Company announced today that it is accepting applications for its third Disney Accelerator, a program designed to accelerate the growth of startup companies from around the world. Ten exceptional startup companies will be selected for a three-month mentorship and investment program that will immerse them in the media and entertainment business. The program begins this summer and concludes with a Demo Day in October 2016. Applications are due April 10, 2016.

“The past two years of the Disney Accelerator have led to incredible innovation and success between The Walt Disney Company and our participating startups, helping to establish the Disney Accelerator as the premier media and entertainment accelerator,” said Kevin Mayer, Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “We look forward to further shaping the future of our industry through this unique program.”

The Los Angeles-based program is open to both early and venture-backed technology startups with a vision for making an impact on the future of media and entertainment. The Disney Accelerator provides participating companies investment capital, access to co-working space at Disney’s creative campus and mentor support and guidance from top Disney executives, entrepreneurs, investors and other notable business leaders from the entertainment and technology communities.

Since the Disney Accelerator started in 2014, companies from across the United States, Europe and Asia have participated in building the future of media and entertainment with technologies as diverse as robotics, artificial intelligence, wearables, messaging and virtual reality, for example:

— Sphero, based in Boulder, Colorado, joined the Disney Accelerator in 2014 and developed the successful BB-8 droid in collaboration with Lucasfilm during the program. Sphero’s BB-8 sold out the day it was released and was dubbed the ‘Best Star Wars Toy Ever’ by Forbes. Since completing the program, Sphero raised an additional $45 million in venture capital, bringing their total financing to $80 million.

— Los Angeles based Naritiv, the first media company born on Snapchat, was created during the 2014 Disney Accelerator, and recently secured $3 million in Series A funding. Naritiv’s total network on Snapchat currently generates more than 16 billion views per month and has delivered more than one billion total branded views to date.

— EMOTIV, a 2015 Disney Accelerator company, is the developer of the Insight wireless headset, which measures brain fitness and emotions. EMOTIV’s Insight was recently featured on ABC Television’s ‘The Bachelor.’ With offices in Australia, Vietnam and San Francisco, EMOTIV has sold hardware and software to 70,000 developers and researchers in 120 countries and has already built a profitable business.

— ​StatMuse entered the Disney Accelerator in 2015 as a three-person team and launched a public beta of its interactive sports stats platform powered by natural language search on Demo Day. Now a team of 12, StatMuse is currently providing ESPN with statistical content for the NBA season and closed $10 million in Series A financing in January 2016.

For more information and to apply go to DisneyAccelerator.com.

Full Line-Up of Celebrities for Disneyland 60 Special on ABC:

Last night, the final line-up of stars that will appear during the The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 special that will air on February 21 from 8-10 p.m. on ABC. The show had previously announced that it will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Derek Hough. Other appearances that were previously announced were Harrison Ford, Sir Elton John, Josh Gad, Tori Kelly and Kermit the Frog, Jessie J, Kelsey Ballerini, Witney Carson, Maddie Ziegler, Pentatonix, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel.

Here is the remaining list of stars:

• Alfonso Ribeiro
• Ariel Winter
• Bryce Dallas Howard
• Eric Stonestreet
• Ginnifer Goodwin
• Dame Helen Mirren
• Hilary Duff
• Jason Bateman
• Jessica Alba
• Jimmy Kimmel
• John Stamos
• Julie Bowen
• Kerry Washington
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Kristen Bell
• Lupita Nyong'o
• Neil Patrick Harris
• Nolan Gould
• Pink
• Priyanka Chopra
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sarah Hyland
• Sofia Carson
• Ty Burrell
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya

It has already been announced that Harrison Ford will reveal details on Star Wars Land for both coasts in Disneyland and in Disney's Hollywood Studios during the special. 

"Zootopia" Monorail Wrap Debuts at Disney World:

Just a few weeks ago, Monorail Black at Walt Disney World returned to normal after it had the Star Wars wrap to promote "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Today, Monorail Orange got a wrap of its own to promote Disney's "Zootopia" that hits theaters March 4, 2016.

Photos Credit to: The Walt Disney Company, Attractions Magazine, and @DallasORL

Harrison Ford to Reveal New Star Wars Land Details During ABC Disneyland Anniversary Special

Just a little while ago, it was revealed when we would possibly hear more details about Star Wars Land at Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It appears that during the Disneyland 60 Special on ABC, Star Wars' star Harrison Ford, who plays Han Solo in the films, will be highlighting new details on the land.

The special will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies Dancing with the Stars Derek Hough and will air on February 21, 2016 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT. Stars featured in the show include Sir Elton John, Josh Gad, Tori Kelly, Pentatonix, Jessie J, Meghan Trainor, Fallout Boy, and Witney Carson. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, will join the celebration performing "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from Walt Disney's acclaimed animated film, Fantasia.

No word on what kind of details will be announced as the details on the project have been kept quiet since the announcement back in August at the D23 EXPO. We still don't even have an opening date for the new land on both coasts. We will be patiently awaiting what Ford will announce on February 21.

ABC to Air Disneyland 60 Special in February Featuring Elton John, Pentatonix, and More

Just a few days ago, it was revealed that ABC will air a special on Disneyland's 60th Anniversary on The Wonderful World of Disney on February 21 at 8 p.m. (EST). Disney and ABC will be taping the show this Tuesday, January 12. Audience ticketing company 1iota is offering free tickets to the taping. Some of the performers to be featured during the show according 1iota are Sir Elton John, Pentatonix, and 'Dancing with the Stars' professional dancers Derek Hough and Witney Carson. More performers for the show are expected to be revealed this week.

According to Variety, "ABC will celebrate the inventiveness and inspiration of Walt Disney's big, bold creation with a star-studded Diamond Anniversary event, both in the heart of Hollywood at the Dolby Theater and throughout the most iconic locations at Disneyland Park, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, USA, as well as Cars Land, a themed are of California Adventure Park." The special will also showcase two displays of technology in its news night shows in the "Paint the Night" parade and the "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney at Disney California Adventure. 

That's not all fans at home will also be able to participate during the show as ABC announced they can join in on Sir Elton John's performance. During the performance along with Disney Applause app, using Walt Disney Imagineering technology "Made With Magic" Applause delivers a second screen, an interactive experience that will sync directly with the broadcast's major musical segments, displaying colorful light shows and original content on viewers' phones. Their display will be in harmony with the illuminated accessories worn by guests and elaborate lighting design during the performance. 

Fans will also have a first ever opportunity that will allow guests to view a special performance in virtual reality through the Jaunt VR app. The app will transport fans into joining the celebration at Sleeping Beauty Castle for the musical superstar's concert and then to Main Street for a very special dance routine. A 360-degree view of the virtual reality elements will also be available on ABC.com. More details ABC's special on Disneyland's 60th are expected to be released in the coming weeks so stay tuned.