Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/18/15

We are half way through the week and that much closer to the weekend. These blogs are certainly fun to write and I just want to thank you to everyone who has been reading them. Disney sure knows how to keep the news coming these days as it seems just about every day they are breaking new and exciting things out to the public. So without much further ado let's get into your daily news from around Disney.

"Frozen" Summer Fun LIVE Returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Last week as a part of Disney's announcement of their "Coolest Summer Ever", they said that Frozen Summer Fun would be returning in June to Hollywood Studios. Today, they announced more details and a new home for the event in the old American Idol Live attraction building. The event returns on June 17 and will run through September 7.

Disney's summer long special event will feature a full day of "Frozen" fun from when the park opens up until it closes. A list of what you can expect includes a royal procession, a sing-along celebration, fun photo opportunities, "Frozen" merchandise, specialty food and beverage options, and a grand finale fireworks spectacular. Here is the official list and description of events that was posted on the Disney Parks Blog today:

• Frozen Royal Welcome – Twice each day, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff take part in a festive cavalcade throughout Hollywoodland, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiiers and ice cutters – along with lovable snowman, Olaf. Anna leads the procession in a beautiful horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning, ice palace float. The entire procession pauses twice along the route in tribute to these visitors from Arendelle, as everyone in Hollywoodland is invited to join in singing “Let It Go!”
• For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – Just in time for this year’s “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE event, this popular show moves into the beautiful Hyperion Theater (formerly Superstar Television Theater), located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host a fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.
• Olaf’s Summer Cool Down – Several times each day, the Ambassador of Hollywoodland brings Olaf and some of his friends to the Event Stage to have a little fun with everyone “In Summer.” And as temperatures heat up, Olaf happily shares a burst from his personal snow cloud to cool things off.
• “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – Once the sun goes down, a dance party takes over the area around the Event Stage, with DJ Chill and some of your favorite Disney characters. Using a special event hashtag, you can share song requests and photos over social media, to be featured onscreen during the party.
• “Frozen” Fireworks – As the night comes to a close, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow!

So who will joining in the "Frozen" Summer Fun happening this summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

More Cast Announcements and Release Date for Live-Action "Beauty and the Beast":

Mark your calendars because we finally have a release date for Disney's live-action rendition of "Beauty and the Beast". It will be released on March 17, 2017 in 3D. Also more cast announcements have been made for the film. Last week, during Disney's Annual Shareholders' Meeting Josh Gad announced he had joined the cast as Le Fou. Well we have more as Emma Thompson has now been cast as Mrs. Potts and Kevin Kline will be joining the cast taking on the role of Maurice, Belle's Father. Thompson and Kline join the star studded cast that already has Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Prince/Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and as mentioned above Gad in the role of Le Fou. 

Also announced was Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner including two for 1991 animated classic, will score the film. The film will feature new recording of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Disney's live-action film "Beauty and the Beast" will be directed by Bill Condon. The script is written by Steven Chbosky and the film will be produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production is set to begin in May at Shepperton Studios in London. 

Brook Lopez, Center of the Brooklyn Nets, to Break Ground for New Home at Disney's Golden Oak:

In some news from the rich and famous, Brook Lopez (center for the Brooklyn Nets), is set to break ground for a new home right on Disney World property in Disney's Golden Oak development. Lopez a huge Disney fan at heart got the idea when his brother Chris sent him a link about the real estate development at Golden Oak. Lopez said that construction will begin in a few months and that the house should be ready in a year and a half. 

Disney's Golden Oak is 980-acre real estate development on Disney property. Home ownership in the gated-community is said to start at $1.8 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, and some of the homes have sold for over $7 million plus some hefty annual fees. 

Lopez' love of the parks stems from childhood visits to Disneyland. When he became an NBA player he began going to Disney World on road trips to Orlando. 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 18) in Disney history, ground breaks in an official ceremony in Anaheim for the Disneyland Hotel in 1955.

Also on this day in 1967, The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opens in New Orleans Square in Disneyland.

Daily Disney Quote:

"All you need is a little faith, trust, and pixie dust."

- Peter Pan

Today's news is past while tomorrow's news awaits us. What comes tomorrow nobody knows except for Disney of course. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/17/15

First off, Happy St. Patrick's Day from It All Started With a Mouse. Is everyone wearing their green today, if not prepared to be pinched. I do have to say I am not Irish but I do enjoy the holiday. Did everybody get their breakfast reservations for Be Our Guest? Anyways let's move onto the news of the day around Disney.

Disney Announces D23 Expo in Japan for 2015:

Disney's special event for its designated fan club, held every 2 years in the United States for their most passionate fans. Today, the Walt Disney Company Japan announced, after a successful expo held in 2013, will be hosting a D23 Expo Japan. The three day event will take place from November 6 to November 8, 2015 in Maihama in Tokyo Disney Resort. In 2013 the event held was much like the event held here in the states but it was a uniquely Japanese event that held true to D23's vision for "the ultimate fan" event.

This years event will bring together the fascinating tales from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Of course there will be expo-exclusive experiences, merchandise, collectibles unavailable elsewhere, and other surprises that await the super fans. Ticket and program information for the event will be posted on the Disney Japan website starting in late-April 2015.

A number of exhibitions will also be available throughout the days of the expo for fans. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives will be presenting a new exhibition that focuses on the enduring enchantment of the Disney princesses. The exhibition will include costumes, artwork, vintage collectables, and film props. Also expected will be an exhibit on Star Wars with the upcoming new episode that is being released in December that will immerse fans into the beloved story. A Toy Story exhibit will be on hand to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary this year. Tokyo Disney Resort will also have a special exhibit on hand for the event. More details on the event will be released later.

Disney Japan president Paul Candland on the announcement of the expo, "We heard from a lot of fans about how delighted they were with the D23 Expo we held in 2013, and this expo promises to be even more spectacular. We're very excited about being able to present this great event once again, and we know our guests will have an incredible experience during the three days we have planned for them."

Disney Junior to Premier New Muppet Shorts, "Muppet Moments":

An announcement from Disney Insider today proved to be momentous of sorts. Today, Disney Insider announced that our favorite Muppets Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and others are set to appear in "Muppet Moment" beginning April 3. The short-form series will be funny conversations and of course outrageously adorable moments that will happen between the Muppets and young kids. The conversations will be about everyday topics such as apologies, favorite foods, and manners.

In addition to Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, the series will feature appearances by the Great Gonzo, Animal, Beaker, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Rowlf, Bobo, The Newsman, Rizzo, Sam Eagle, and Pepe the King Prawn. You can see the first short on Friday, April 3 at multiple times throughout the morning. New shorts will follow every Friday through May 8. Disney says new shorts will debut throughout 2015 and will be available to watch on the Watch Disney Junior app.

Here is the link to the Disney Insider article with exclusive videos about the show:

http://blogs.disney.com/insider/2015/03/17/exclusive-go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-new-muppet-shorts/?cmp=SMC%7Cmup%7Cnatural%7Cblginsider%7CInsiderMarch%7CTWT%7Cmuppetjr-DisneyInsider%7CInHouse%7C2015-03-17%7C%7C%7Cesocialmedia

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 17) in 1968, a St. Patrick's Day parade is held in Disneyland for the first time.

Also on this day in 1999, Test Track officially opens in Epcot at Disney World. The ride is sponsored by General Motors and had been up and running since December of 1998.

Daily Disney Quote:

"I don't like formal gardens. I like wild nature. It's just the wilderness instinct in me, I guess."

Walt Disney

That's it for today Disney friends and followers, I hope everyone enjoys some St. Patrick's Day festivities. Walt Disney even had a little of Irish heritage in him. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/16/15

I hope everyone is getting through their Monday's as quickly as possible. The weekend has come and gone and we are at the start of another work week. Disney once again broke more amazing and magical news today so let's get into your daily news from around Disney.

Breakfast at Be Our Guest to Begin This Friday March 20:

Yesterday, Attractions Magazine reported that on Disney's website that the option for breakfast was added for Be Our Guest. It's been long rumored that Be Our Guest was going to start serving breakfast. Well today the rumors became reality as the Disney Parks Blog announced Be Our Guest will begin serving breakfast this Friday, March 20. It will be quick service option with the restaurant serving breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every morning. Guests can begin making reservations beginning tomorrow March 17 for the dates March 20 - June 18, 2015. Guest can make reservations via DisneyWorld.com/dine, the My Disney Experience app, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

It will be a fast casual breakfast menu with a French touch of course. Each meal will begin with a pastry basket for sharing if you so choose. Entrees include assorted cured meat and cheese served with marmalade, fresh fruit and a fresh baguette or how about eggs florentine served in a puff pastry with country ham and roasted plum tomatoes. Also on the menu is an open face bacon and poached egg sandwich. For a lighter fare you can have scrambled egg whites with roasted tomatoes, a multi-grain croissant, and fresh fruit or a vegetable quiche with zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, onion and chive, also served with fresh fruit. 

For something different and indulgent guests will have a chance to try the croissant doughnut, which will be a fried doughnut topped with banana caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, and whipped cream. The kids menu will include a brioche french toast served with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with applewood bacon and fresh fruit, fruit crepes with yogurt and fresh fruit with a berry foam, as well as cereal and oatmeal. 

March Magic Returns Once Again in Time for March Madness on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who's ready for some March Magic!!! For the second year Disney is getting in the spirit of March Madness by creating their own bracket to find out their guests favorite ride. It is East Coast vs. West Coast as attractions from both coasts will be pitted against each other to crown a champion. Starting today guests will begin to show their Disney side and voting for their favorite attractions from either Disneyland or Disney World. Match-ups will be posted on both parks Facebook pages as well as their Instagram accounts. Match-ups will be posted daily with the final two attractions, one from each park, will be posted on April 6. 

Disney's Live-Action Film Cinderella is Box Office Royalty on Opening Weekend:

Disney's live-action film "Cinderella" certainly took to the ball on its opening weekend at the box office making $70 million from its North American total and $132 million with its International total added in. Last year, Disney's live action film "Maleficient" took in $69 million on its opening weekend. "Cinderella" cost Disney $95 million to make so taken into account of what it made on opening weekend it's a winner and the belle of the ball. 

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 16) in 2002, Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Resort Paris has it grand opening with rides that include Rock N' Roller Coaster, Animagique, and Armageddon: Les Effetcs Speciaux. It is Disney's 10th theme park to open as well as its smallest park.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Well there's one thing. They can't order me to stop dreaming."

- Cinderella

So who is making breakfast reservations for Be Our Guest tomorrow morning? Anyways that's all for today's Disney news. As always in the words of Mickey, "See Ya Real Soon." 

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 3: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Last week we dug deep into Disney's Contemporary. This week we are digging deep into one of most luxurious resorts at Disney World in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It opened in 1988 as Walt Disney World's 5th resort and is widely considered as Disney World's flagship resort. Here is the small overview of Disney's Grand Floridian from the Disney World website:

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish bayside Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Bask on the white-sand beach, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch the fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is the most expensive resort on Walt Disney World property. The 900-room resort sits on 40 acres on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon.

Rooms and Suites Rates:

As stated about Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the most expensive resort to stay at. There are standard and deluxe rooms as well as suites to accommodate you for your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. I will start off with the standard and deluxe rooms. Amenities for the standard and deluxe rooms include: a hair dryer, coffee maker, in-room safe, pack'n play crib, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voice mail, and iron and ironing board. 

Lowest rate for a room at the Grand Floridian is in the outer building - Garden View with rooms starting at $514/night. The room is available with views of the courtyard, marina or pool areas, sleeps up to 5 adults, and has the options of 2 queen beds and 1 day bed, 2 queen beds, a king bed and a day bed,  or a king bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. The Outer Building-Lagoon view is $549/night with a view of Seven Seas Lagoon, sleeps up to 5 adults, and has the choice of 2 queen beds and a day bed, 2 queen beds, a king bed, or a king bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. The Outer Building Deluxe Room - Garden view is $604/night with views of the courtyard pool or the marina, sleeps up to 4 adults, and has 2 queen beds. The Outer Building- Theme Park view which is the final choice of standard/deluxe rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is $636/night. The room has a view of the Magic Kingdom, sleeps up to 5 adults, and you have the choice of 2 queen beds and a daybed, 2 queen beds, or a king bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. 

Now moving onto rooms and suites with club level service at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The amenities for these rooms include: evening turndown, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary health club access, complimentary newspapers in club lounge, security key access to the club-level lounge which serves refreshments from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning, and all the amenities for standard and deluxe room plus a dvd player. 

To start off with rooms with club level service, the Outer Building- Standard Room w/Club Level Service is $636/night. The room has views of the courtyard pool or marina, sleeps up to 5 adults, and you can have the choice of 2 queen beds and a day bed, 2 queen beds, a king bed and a day bed, or a king bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. You can also stay in the Main Building/Standard Room-Club Level which is $862/night. The room has views of the courtyard pool, Magic Kingdom, or Seven Seas Lagoon and sleeps up to 5 adults. You can have the choice of 2 queen beds, 2 queen beds and a day bed, or a king bed. Next up we have a deluxe king room in the Main building at Club level that sleeps 3 adults at $893/night. You can have views of the Magic Kingdom or resort grounds and have the choice of a king bed or a king bed and a day bed.

The Main Building/Theme Park view at club level is $911/night with views of the Magic Kingdom. It sleeps up to 5 adults and has 2 queen beds and a day bed. For the suites you have a 1 bedroom suite or a 2 bedroom suite. The 1 bedroom suites are in the Outer Building with Club Level access and is $1,256/night. They sleep up to 6 adults, a view of the courtyard pool, and had 2 queen beds and a double-size sleeper sofa. The 2 bedroom suite is also in the Outer Building with Club Level access and is $1,942/night. It has views of the courtyard pool or Seven Seas Lagoon, sleeps up to 8 adults, and has 2 queen beds, a king bed, and a double-size sleeper sofa. 

Dining:

As described on the Disney World website dining at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is like: 

Amid elegant Victorian surroundings, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers distinctive dining selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner to please almost any palate. 

You have many dining choices at Disney's Grand Floridian with fine/signature dining, character dining, unique/themed dining, casual dining, lounges, quick-service dining, and 24-hour, in-room dining. 

You have three choices of fine/signature dining at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with Citricos, Narcoossee's, and Victoria & Albert's (pictured above). At Citricos you can enjoy American cuisine that is infused with Mediterranean flavors plus you have the choice to pick from an award-winning, international wine list. At Narcoossee's you can slip away into the elegant waterfront retreat for some exquisite seafood specialties and a spectacular view of Seven Seas Lagoon, a perfect view for the Wishes fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. Finally, at Victoria & Albert's you can enjoy and experience Victorian elegance which meets haute American cuisine at this restaurant who has a AAA Five-Diamond Award Recipient since 2000. 

For character dining enjoy the experience at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner as well as an afternoon tea party. Each of these choices is all hosted by your favorite Disney characters. For a more casual dining experience, one I recommend at Disney's Grand Floridian is the dining experience at Grand Floridian Cafe. Here you can enjoy fine and elegant American cuisine that can't be beat according to Disney World's website. 

Also at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa you have two lounges in Citricos Lounge and Mizner's Lounge. You have quick-service dining at the Gasparilla Island Grill, the Beach Pool Bar, as well as the Courtyard Pool Bar. Also don't forget as stated above you have 24-hour in-room dining available to you while you are staying at the resort. 

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

Recreation is plentiful at Disney's Grand Floridian and here is what you can enjoy:

• A refreshing swim at one of the two pools located in the resort
• Private Poolside Cabanas
• Motorized Boat Rentals
• A Pirate Adventure Cruise for children ages 4-12
• Movies Under the Stars
• Fishing
• Arcade Games
• World-Class Shopping all located in the Main Building
• Jogging Trails
• Grand Floridian Campfire Activities for some good old-fashioned family fun

Amenities and services at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa include:

• Transportation from Disney's monorail and bus
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express transportation
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
• Complimentary parking as well as use of valet parking
• Online Check-in
• Resort Airline Check-in
• 24-hour ATM and Banking
• Business Center
• Childcare Services
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Disney Meetings at Disney's Grand Floridian Convention Center
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Services
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Enjoy some rest and relaxation at the world-class Senses Spa and Fitness

As you can seen Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is truly a world-class resort and the flag ship resort at Walt Disney World. If you want luxury and elegant accommodations all while enjoying the fun of Walt Disney World this is the resort for you. That's it for my in-depth look at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Tune in next week for part 4 in the series where we dig deep into Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/13/15

TGIF!!! It's Friday and I am definitely ready for the weekend. Yesterday's shareholders' meeting showed that at any time Disney can break news. Boy, did they break news. For further updates about yesterday's meeting check out yesterday blog and my recap of the meeting. Let's move onto today's news from around Disney.

Josh Gad Joins Disney's Live Action "Beauty and the Beast" Cast:

Today it was announced that the voice of Olaf from Disney's "Frozen", Josh Gad, has joined the cast of Disney's live action remake of the its animated classic "Beauty and the Beast." Gad who has taken the role of Le Fou, the buffoonish and loyal sidekick of villain Gaston. Gad is the first American actor to join the cast of British actors so far as Emma Watson will play Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast/Prince, as well as Luke Evans who will play Gaston. Bill Condon will be directing and David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman will be producing the live-action film. Gad, who was part of Disney's announcement at their shareholders' meeting to announce "Frozen 2", also is reprising his role as Olaf in "Frozen Fever" (the animated short that is appearing before "Cinderella" starting today in theaters).

 Well-known Disney Architect and Designer Michael Graves Passes at the Age of 80:

It is with great sadness to report that well-known Disney architect and designer Michael Graves passed away yesterday at the age of 80. Graves was paralyzed from the chest down from a spinal cord infection since 2003. Michael Graves is most known for being the creative mind behind many designs of well-known Disney buildings. His works include the design of the Team Disney building in Burbank which the Parthenon-inspired facade featuring the dwarves from Snow White as pillars are because of him. He also went onto design the Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts, Disney's Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris, as well some Disney Consumer Products which included housewares, bookends, and watches. He was one of the first outside designers to be granted "artistic freedom" to use Disney characters outside of their character integrity guidelines. I would like to wish my deepest condolences to the Graves family, may Michael Graves rest in peace.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 13) in 1928, Walt Disney on a train back to California from New York City sends a Western Union telegram to his brother and partner Roy that reads: "Leaving tonite, stopping over KC, arrive home Sunday morning 7:30, don't worry everything ok, will give details when arrive." This is in reference to losing right to their creation Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Walt has a new idea for an animated character, that will be what we know as today as Mickey Mouse. 

On this day in 2005, Walt Disney Company directors choose Robert A. Iger to succeed Michael Eisner as CEO of the company. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"There is more treasure in books, than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island."

-Walt Disney

Well, that all for today's blog, hope everyone enjoys the weekend. I will return on Sunday with part 3 of my in-depth series of Disney's deluxe resorts with Disney's Grand Floridian. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Recap of Disney's 2015 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Well another Disney shareholders' meeting has come and gone and Disney has made waves after today's with some breaking news. Disney CEO Bob Iger started the meeting off with some Star Wars news. Meeting began with a re-watch of the teaser trailer for the upcoming "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" that will open in December. After that is when Iger broke the news that the first standalone Star War film will be called "Rogue One". In other Star Wars news Episode VIII will be released on May 26, 2017.

For other Disney movie news, the average Marvel movie (Disney has released) makes is about a billion dollars each. Shareholders were treated to a scene from Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron." Shareholder's were also treated to the trailer for the upcoming "Tomorrowland" film. Pixar CCO and director John Lasseter joined Iger on stage next for Pixar. They will have two films coming out in 2015 "Inside Out" this summer and "The Good Dinosaur" later this year. 

After a viewing of Disney's animated short "Frozen Fever" that will be released tomorrow before Disney's live-action film "Cinderella" is when Disney dropped more big news. Josh Gad (Frozen's Olaf) joined Iger and Lasseter on stage to announce that Disney Animation is in the works for the production of "Frozen 2", no release date was announced. Frozen 2 will reunite directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee along with producer Peter Del Vocho. 

Iger then briefly discussed now COO Tom Staggs promotion and the business portion of the meeting got under way. Nothing really to report from the business side of the shareholder's meeting. Next, was the start of the open questioning portion of the meeting. First question to Iger is if Figment and Dreamfinder would reunite at Epcot's Imagination pavilion. Iger answered while the new comics are impressive at this time there is no plans to re-imagine the pavilion or attraction. The big question however came from a 6-year old shareholder about a name change to Hollywood Studios. Iger answered with the following reply: "No...... Well we are doing a lot of work there that may result in a name change, wait we haven't announced that yet have we? Can we announce that? Ok, how about this, we will confirm that we will be changing the name of the park, but not tell you the new name, we will announce that later." So Hollywood Studios will be no more just as MGM Studios is no more.

What's Next?

That is a wrap on the 2015 Disney Annual Shareholders' Meeting. What does everyone think of Frozen 2 finally being announced? Again I can't tell you how excited I am about Star Wars and what Disney will bring to the table for the franchise. Last but not least Hollywood Studios is getting a new name. What do you think it will be? Rumor has it will be: Disney's Hollywood Adventure.

24-Hour Party to Kick Off 'Coolest Summer Ever' at Walt Disney World

As many of you have heard by now Disney World will once again be holding 24 all-night party at the Magic Kingdom May 22-23 from 6 a.m. - 6 a.m. to kick off what it has termed to be the "Coolest Summer Ever." The announcement was made this morning on Good Morning America.

For the third straight year in what now is a tradition of kicking off the summer will be a non-stop fun and park will not close for 24 hours. The announcement was made in Boston where the winter has been brutal. Some Disney magic was brought to them in the form of Olaf, who will be the host of 'Coolest Summer Ever', and 20 foot wide beach that included Cinderella Castle made out of sand, beach chairs, beach balls, and other summer fun reminders of Walt Disney World. Here is a clip of how it all came together in Boston for the announcement:

Some of things planned at Walt Disney World for the "Coolest Summer Ever include:

• A return of Frozen fun at Hollywood Studios from June 17-September 7
• Cool Thrill rides in all four parks
• Star Wars Weekends taking place on weekends at Hollywood Studios from May 15-June 14
• New Restaurants and Shopping at the new Disney Springs
• New Epcot Entertainment
• A new splash of fun deal at Disney World's Water Parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon

Also on the Disney Parks Blog today it was announced a 24-hour party at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will also be happening on May 22-23 to kick off Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration. As announced back in February, Disneyland's Diamond Celebration will kick off on May 22 with some new events coming to the park. Slated to kickoff the celebration will be the "Paint the Night" parade, "Disneyland Forever" fireworks, and the new "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney". Tune in the future for more information on the blog on both the "Coolest Summer Ever" at Walt Disney World at Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration.