Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/10/15

The thaw is continuing up here in Pennsylvania and I am one day closer to my visit to Disney World. I am hoping I won't have to look at the dirty snow outside for much longer than I already have. Without further much to say, let's get into your daily news from around the world of Disney on this Tuesday.

This is No April Fools Joke: Disney's Polynesian Bungalows Scheduled to Open April 1:

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced that the Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are scheduled to open April 1, this is no joke Disney fans. 

The 20 free-standing 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom bungalows are the first of their kind at Walt Disney World Resort. They are located over the Seven Seas Lagoon and sleep up to 8 guests. Touches of luxury throughout your private abode have playful 'pops' of color, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and distressed hardwood flooring among other things. The living room sofa pulls out to become a bed for two and there are two hidden pull-down beds (one in the living room and the other in one of the bedrooms). 

The bungalows also offer a laundry room, a full kitchen, and large glass doors that take you to the large deck with beautiful furniture and views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Let's not forget the personal plunge pool that will be perfect for that midday relaxing cool down. In the blog they said since they are perched over water they will be gated off on a private boardwalk for Disney Vacation Club members and guests who are staying in the bungalows. 

Tim Burton to Direct Live Action 'Dumbo' Film:

In other breaking news today Disney announced its next live-action film with its remake of the animated classic 'Dumbo' to be directed by 'Alice in Wonderland' director Tim Burton. Ehren Kruger, who wrote the last 3 Transformers films, recently turned in a draft for live-action film. Disney was impressed and quickly wanted to grab the A-list director. The original animation is circled around a ridiculed elephant Dumbo, who with the help of Timothy Mouse, to reach his full potential. Burton's film is said to be a mix of live-action and animation. With Disney's success of last year's live action hit 'Maleficient' and 'Alice in Wonderland', it is developing many of its animated classics into live-action films. Their next live-action film is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, 'Cinderella', which Disney is projecting a $60 million opening weekend. Walt Disney Studios is also in pre-production for the live-action film of 'Beauty and the Beast' which will star 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens, and Luke Evans. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. 

World Premiere of Second 'Inside Out' Trailer with a Look Into Riley's Head:

In our final story today Pixar released the second trailer of its anticipated summer animated blockbuster 'Inside Out'. The trailer takes a new look into the voices inside 11-year old main character Riley's head. It gives a glimpse of how her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger try to help Riley with moving to a new city, house, and school after a move across the country to San Francisco. The preview shows Joy giving a quick tour of headquarters, where the emotions live and control Riley's memories. Here is your look at the second trailer of Pixar's "Inside Out" due out in theaters June 19:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 10) in 2009, Disney officially launches its first official fan organization called D23. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever."

Walt Disney

That's all for today's busy day of news around the world of Disney. "Inside Out" definitely has picked my interest and I look forward to see it in theaters. What does everyone think of the Bora Bora Bungalows and will you pay to stay in one of them? As always I end with the words of the mouse himself, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/9/15

It's Monday again and I only have 76 more days until my trip to Disney World. The countdown is withering away and it will be here before I know it. Disney as always is in the news and I am here to bring it to you. So without much else to blabber on about I bring you your daily news from around Disney.

Smokejumpers Grill, Part of Grizzly Peak Expansion at DCA to Open March 20:

The Disney Parks Blog today announced that on March 20, the first phase of the Grizzly Peak Expansion at Disney's California Adventure will open with the Grizzly Peak Airfield and new a new quick-service restaurant in Smokejumpers Grill. Smokejumpers Grill will be themed to honor the brave men and women that fight wildfires in California forests. With a new look and an updated menu with featured tasty items such as a bacon cheddar burger, a grilled chicken and jack sandwich, as well as a chili cheeseburger.

This is just the beginning of the expansion of Grizzly Peak as their will be new building exteriors, landscape features, and much more to the former Condor Flats area of the park. The rest of the area is set to open later this spring with Soarin' Over California set to reopen as well. Soarin' will reopen with new screens and projector system a preview of what will be done for the same attraction at Walt Disney World set to be done next year in 2016. 

Disney Seeks to Create 'Super App" to Help Families Get Fit:

Disney has launched a campaign competition worth 95,000 euros in Europe to find developers to come up with new apps to use its characters, such as Marvel superheroes, to encourage healthy living. Disney has teamed up with the non-profit organization, Creative England, to target software specialists outside London's highly competitive development scene. Matt Carroll of Disney said the competition was seeking submissions that take advantage of the latest health technology trends, such as wearable fitness sensors. He said, "We hope developers will be inspired to come up with fun and engaging digital solutions using Disney's stories and characters-for families to use, which will positively effect a healthier way of life." Disney and Creative England's competition will award 5,000 euros to three regional developers in the first round to prepare a 'proof of concept'. One team will win 80,000 euros in funding to develop the final product.

New Trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland Released:

A new trailer for Disney's Tomorrowland was released today to the public. It gives a few hints of what to expect of the movie that hits theaters May 22, 2015. Also in the trailer Disney World's Epcot and Space Mountain are seen in the background in parts of the trailer. Here is the trailer that was released today:

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 9) in 1984, Roy E. Disney resigns from the central board of the Walt Disney Company, setting in motion takeover bids and maneuvering that by August will leave him in control of the company.

Also on this day one year ago in 2014, Disney World's Festival of Fantasy parade debuts at the Magic Kingdom.

Daily Disney Quote:

"We allow no geniuses around our Studio."

Walt Disney

Well that's it for today's news. I hope everyone got through this Monday and look forward to the new week. I certainly enjoyed the warmer weather that has finally arrived here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 2: Disney's Contemporary Resort

Today we return with part two of our in-depth look of Disney's deluxe resorts with another original hotel in Disney's Contemporary Resort. Here is a small overview of the Contemporary from Disney World's website:

Retreat to this ultra-modern Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, white-sand beaches, spectacular views and dazzling pools. Walk to Magic Kingdom park, or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the iconic A-frame Contemporary Tower. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest. 

Disney's Contemporary Resort is the other original hotel besides the Polynesian to open when Disney World opened in 1971. It is located between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon and of course it is on the monorail loop along with the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. It is also a very short walking distance to the Magic Kingdom. 

Rooms and Rates:

Like at the Polynesian and all the other deluxe resorts rooms can be a little expensive to stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Room rates begin at $356/night and up and most rooms sleep up to 5 adults. Amenities for your basic room and suites include a hair dryer, coffee maker, in-room safe, pack n' play crib, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voicemail, as well as an iron and ironing board. Your basic room is the Garden Wing standard view room that sleeps up to 5 adults with views of the parking lot as well as obstructed views for $356/night. The room includes 2 queen beds and 1 day bed or 1 king bed and 1 day bed. The next room would be your Garden Wing - garden view room that begin and $385/night with views of the gardens, pools, marina, or Bay Lake. This room has the same choice of beds as the standard view and sleeps up to 5 adults as well. 

The room upgrade from the garden view is the Garden Wing - Deluxe room has views of the gardens, pools, marina, and Bay Lake for $444/night. These rooms only sleep up to 4 adults and consist of 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. Your next basic room is the Tower - Bay Lake View with views of Bay Lake and is $507/night. Rooms sleep up to 5 adults and has the same choices of beds as the standard and garden view rooms. Your final basic choice of room at Disney's Contemporary Resort is the Tower - Theme Park View with views of the Magic Kingdom and the parking area for $547/night. Room fits up to 5 adults and has the same choices of beds as the other standard, garden, and Bay Lake view rooms. 

You can also book rooms and suites with club level service at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Amenities in these rooms include:

• evening turndown
• complimentary fax assistance and health club access
• personalized front desk and guest services
• secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• access to concierge service at the Atrium Club or Tower Club
• pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning
• complimentary newspapers in Club level lounge
• all basic room amenities plus in-room dvd player

Here is a run-down of the rooms/suites rates for club level service at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Your standard room at the Atrium Club level is $655/night, sleeps up to five adults, and consists of 2 queen beds and 1 day bed or 1 king bed and 1 day bed. The theme park room in the Atrium Club level is $707/night and has the same accommodations as the standard room at the Atrium Club level. The Garden Wing 1 Bedroom Suite Access is $1,066/night, sleeps up to 5 adults, and consists of one king bed, one queen-size sleeper sofa, and one twin-size sleeper chair. The Garden Wing - Hospitality Suite access is $1,257/night, sleeps up to 7 adults, and consists of one king bed, one queen-size sleeper sofa,  and one daybed or two queen beds, one queen-size sleeper sofa, and one daybed. The Bay Lake view - 1 bedroom suite with club level is $1,541/night, sleeps up to 6 adults, and consists of 2 queen beds and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. Your final choice for a club level suite is the Bay Lake View - 2 Bedroom Suite at Club Level. It is $2,006/night, sleeps up to 8 adults, and consists of four queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa or two queen beds, a king bed, and a queen-size sleeper sofa.

Dining:

As stated on the Contemporary's site on Disney World's website, Disney's Contemporary Resort is conveniently located across from Magic Kingdom park and offers classic yet contemporary, award- winning American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The Contemporary's California Grill allows guests to enjoy a fine/signature dining experience with award-winning cuisine all with a great view of Cinderella Castle and fireworks at night. Chef Mickey's allows guests to enjoy an all-you-can-eat American fare buffet with Mickey and pals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a unique and casual dining experience guests can make reservations at The Wave.... of American Flavors. For quick-service restaurants at Disney's Contemporary Resort consist of: The Contempo Cafe, Contemporary Grounds, and The Sand Bar. The Contemporary has 4 different bars and lounges which include the California Grill lounge, the Cove Bar, the Outer Rim, and the Wave lounge. Disney's Contemporary Resort also has 24-hour room service.

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Contemporary Resort:

There are many things to do while you are staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort. To start out there is the main pool with waterslide as well as another more private pool at the resort. At the pools you can rent your own private cabana as well. You can go to Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre for some fun activities such as parasailing, wake boarding, waterskiing, tubing, as well as personal watercraft rentals. You can rent motorized boats or experience fishing with a guided catch and release excursion. There are volleyball and tennis courts at the resorts and don't forget the jogging trails all around Walt Disney World. Disney's Contemporary also has Campfire Activities, movies under the stars, a game arcade, and Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage. 

Amenities at the resort include:

• Disney monorail, water, and bus transportation
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access
• Complimentary parking
• Valet parking
• Online Check-in and Resort Airline Check-in
• ATM's and Banking
• Business Center
• Childcare Services
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Disney Meetings
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Services
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Spa & Fitness

Disney's Contemporary Resort is as close as you can get to Magic Kingdom with how close it is. It is sure to be an enjoyable stay for anyone that is interested. That is all for part two of our in-depth look of Disney's deluxe resorts in Disney's Contemporary Resort. Next up in part three of the series, I will take a look at Disney's Grand Floridian.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/6/15

It's Friday night and I'm finally going to watch Big Hero 6. I never got to see it in the theaters but I'm really looking forward to finally seeing Hiro and Baymax. However, we will now move on with today's news from around Disney.

Show Your Disney Side App Allows Selfies to be Turned into 3D Disney Characters:

Yesterday Disney and Disney Parks in collaboration with app developer TYFFON, released their new app, Show Your Disney Side. The declared ultimate selfie app for Disney fans allows users to superimpose their faces on their favorite Disney characters. The user can be characters such as Maleficent, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, or even Captain Hook. Characters from Star Wars are also available but Marvel and Pixar characters have yet to be released for the app.

The app is actually designed to coincide with both Disney Parks in California in Florida. The characters themselves are limited to select rides at the parks. When you visit one of the parks and launch the Show Your Disney Side app, you can unlock additional characters from the ride such as the Haunted Mansion. Options for characters are limited to 3 per ride however the list should grow to more. 

Toy Story 4 Plot Will Not Continue Storyline from Previous Films:

Pixar president Jim Morris gave Toy Story fans a glimpse of the upcoming film Toy Story 4 in an interview with Disney Latino. The sequel will not be a traditional one like a usual sequel Morris said in the interview. He said, "The third movie was over in a beautiful way and completed a trilogy. We are putting together a very nice story. It is not a continuation of the end of the story of Toy Story 3. Temporarily it is, but it will be a love story. It will be romantic comedy. It will not make much focus on the interaction between characters and children. I think it will be a very good movie." Originally there was never a thought for another Toy Story movie but when director John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and Lee Unkrich came up with the idea, Lasseter said he couldn't stop thinking about it. Lasseter knew he had to make this film and he would be the one to direct it. Rashida Jones and Will McCormack are co-writing the script. Toy Story 4 is due to be released in theaters on July 16, 2017.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day in 2012 Disney Cruise Lines newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, sails into Port Canaveral, Florida in preparation for its maiden voyage on March 31.

Also on this day in 2013, Disney at its annual shareholder's meeting in Phoenix, Arizona unveils the first rendering for its Shanghai theme park, Shanghai Disneyland.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today, I hope everyone enjoys the weekend. Warmer weather is finally on the way here in Pennsylvania. As always I end with the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Soarin' and Toy Story Mania to be Expanded at Walt Disney World

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced that Soarin' in EPCOT and Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios would be receiving expansions to their attractions. Soarin' will be adding another theater along with updating the screens and the projection system to bring a better visually enhanced experience. Toy Story Mania will be expanding with more midway track. The expansion for Toy Story Midway Mania will be placed in the Stage 1 building which right next to the attraction anyway.  Both expansions are to be completed by late 2016.

Quoting from the blog today, "Here at Disney Parks & Resorts we're always making investments to exceed your expectations, whether it's creating new attractions and entertainment or making experiences even better." They are expanding these beloved attractions to lower guest wait times. Toy Story Mania and Soarin' almost always have that longest wait times in each of their respected parks.

The expansion of these rides could only mean a better experience and even a better opportunity to enjoy these attractions when visiting Walt Disney World. I for sure can't wait to see these rides be expanded and other future enhancements that are coming to the parks. What is everyone's opinion on these rides finally being expanded? What other enhancements to the parks are you hoping for? The future of Walt Disney World is certainly bright in my opinion.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/3/15

Today into tomorrow at my house we will experience almost all forms of inclement weather snow, sleet, freezing rain, and finally rain. There are 82 days until my vacation to Disney and it can't get here fast enough. I am so sick of winter but that is enough of me complaining. Let's get into the juicy info in today's news from around Disney.

Disney's Hollywood Studios to Hold 'Galactic Gathering for Star Wars Weekends:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog released a preview of the merchandise for the upcoming yearly event at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. The big release though was the special ticketed event for the opening of Star Wars Weekends called the 'Galactic Gathering' to take place on May 14. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost will be $250 per guest with registrations beginning tomorrow March 4 at 1 p.m EST on http://www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

This event will be much like last years event in 'Rebel Rendezvous' and will allow guest to preview and purchase new products created especially for Star Wars Weekends. Packages for the 'Galactic Gathering will include:

• Rebel or Empire retail MagicBand (Guests can choose their side when registering)
• Commemorative trading pin
• Darth's Mall Light Speed Pass which gives guest expedited entry into Darth's Mall for all 5 weekends
• First opportunity to pre-purchase select merchandise
• First opportunity to purchase the new designs of Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Cards
• Han Solo inspired popcorn bucket with popcorn

Guest who attend the event will also have the chance to meet and greet with Disney characters, Disney Design Group artists, and Ashley Eckstein from her universe.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Joins Star Wars Rebels for Season 2:

Disney XD's Star Wars Rebels first season ended last night and now for season someone new will be joining the cast. Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar is joining the cast for season 2 of the animated series. The role will be a recurring role on the show. The voice cast for next season already has star-studded feel to it with Gellar's husband Freddie Prinze Jr., David Oyelowo, Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, and Taylor Gray.

Disney Parks Bringing Back Egg-stravaganza Hunt for Easter 2015:

Our last story is the arrival of what seems to be an annual event at the Disney Parks in the Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt. From March 27-April 5 the popular egg hunt will take place at Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, and Epcot. During the hunt guests will search for Disney character-themed eggs hidden throughout the parks, fill your map up and receive a prize. Guests must purchase their maps which will cost $4.95. Maps will be available to purchase at multiple locations throughout the parks. When you complete your hunt you may redeem your map for a prize that will look much like the eggs that you just hunted in smaller size. Prizes can be redeemed at the redemption location in each park (Elias & Co. in Disney's California Adventure, Disney Showcase in Disneyland, and Port of Entry in Epcot). 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 3, in 1983 EPCOT's Journey into Imagination sponsored by Kodak debuts. It will officially open two days later. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it's because he's so human; and that is the secret of his popularity."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today and I'm going to end it simply as I always do in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/2/15

It's Monday and although it was a dreary weekend up here in Pennsylvania, it is March and that could only mean we are that much closer to warmer weather. We will get right into the news however with your daily news from around Disney.

New Character Dinner Coming Animal Kingdom's Tusker House:

Donald's Safari Dinner will begin at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House beginning this Sunday March 8, 2015. Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and friends will greet guests in the fun-filled character dinner at the Tusker House. It's going to give guest the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters while enjoying an all you can eat meal with spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian options, hearty stews, and delicious desserts with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting Guest Relations at any of the Disney theme parks or at Guest Services/Concierge at any of the Disney resorts. Donald's Safari Dinner will begin serving at 4 p.m. daily.

Walt Disney Studios Promotes Lylle Breier to Lead Promotions, Partnerships and Special Events:

Walt Disney Studios has promoted Lylle Breier to lead of Promotions, Partnerships, and Special Events. This will expand Breier's duties at the studios where she has overseen event strategies across all of Disney's motion picture brands which includes Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Touchstone, Disneynature, and Dreamworks' live action releases. As part of the promotion, film-related promotions and non-broadcast synergy activities will now be centralized under her leadership. Breir said of the promotion, "This is an extremely talented group of people and this new structure will enable us to better serve our partners and optimize our strengths and resources. We are very excited about the wealth and opportunities ahead." Bremer is a 25-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company.

Star Wars Saga to be Retold by Lego Droids in Upcoming Disney XD Series:

Last week we brought you the news of the return of Ducktales in a new series on Disney XD set for 2017. This week Disney XD got more news, this time in the form of the Lego Star Wars series. In a release Disney XD announced that our favorite droids R2-D2 and C-3PO will retell the Star Wars Saga in Lego form from their point-of-view in a 5-episode series to be released later this year. The series Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales will be a 22-minute 5 episode series. The series will be set after the Ewok celebration in "Return of the Jedi" as R2-D2 and C-3PO retell their adventures starting with "The Phantom Menace" all the way up to "Return of the Jedi". However according the release from Disney, there will be a kidnapping of some sorts while the 2 droids are reminiscing and suddenly viewers will be taken on another adventure. The airdate has yet to be announced but it will be before the December 18 release of Episode VII of the trilogy "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens."

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 2nd in 2009, Disney Cruise Line announces that construction has started in Germany on its two news ships the Disney "Dream" and the Disney "Fantasy".

Daily Disney Quotes:

"Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating those who work with me and aiming their efforts at a certain goal."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today, I know I am looking forward to the Star Wars saga being retold by R2-D2 and C-3PO. Man, do I love those droids. As always I end with the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."