My Wishlist for Disney Parks & Resorts at D23 EXPO 2015

We are just 5 days away from this year's D23 EXPO and the anticipation for an huge announcement from Disney Parks & Resorts is what everyone is waiting for. While I will not be in attendance, I will be closely monitoring this year's Disney Parks & Resorts presentation set for Saturday. I am going to begin with Hollywood Studios.

Note: None of this confirmed by anybody, this is just my wish list of what I hope is announced at this year's D23 EXPO.

Over they last year, Hollywood Studios has gone from a park filled with enough attractions to almost make a full day out of the park to a half-day park for most guests. There are a few exceptions like when they are having special events such as Star Wars Weekends or Frozen Summer Fun. Over the last year we saw the closing of the Studio Backlot Tour (October 2014) and even more recently The Magic of Disney Animation. Also rumored to be closing are One Man's Dream and Journey of the Little Mermaid, (both of which are said to close at the end of September.)

For this stretch of land in Hollywood Studios, I am expecting part of the rumor about Toy Story Play Place coming to Florida. Instead, Hollywood Studios will get a Pixar Land (another rumor that has surfaced before). Inside of this Pixar Land I believe will be a Monsters Inc attraction (yes, this is more of dream but, a man could hope right), 2 attractions from Toy Story Play Place, and an expected smaller version of Cars Land.

Here is where things get a little more complicated on the other side of the park with Streets of America and the expected Star Wars Land. Nothing has been announced to close as of yet even though Lights Motors Action has be rumored to be closing over the last year and Streets of America is set to stay at least until after the holidays with the return of the Osborne Light Spectacular. I do expect Streets of America to close after the new year though. I expect that Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will close and the Indiana Jones Adventure from Disneyland to come to Hollywood Studios.

For Star Wars Land I expect a Mos Eisley Cantina restaurant will be part of the land as well as a speeder bike coaster. I also expect another smaller C or D ticket Star Wars-themed attraction to be part of the land. I also want to say a life-size Millennium Falcon will also be built. As far as more details, we will just have to wait until the expo for the finite details. I also expect that we will hear the new name to be announced as Hollywood Adventure as many have predicted.

For Disneyland, I expect it to get Star Wars Land but not as big as Hollywood Studios, I'd say they won't get the C or D ticket attraction and the walk-through Millennium Falcon. We will hear more details on Shanghai Disneyland as well as updates on Avatarland. Disney World will hopefully be the big show off for the presentation.

Again I remind you this is not what you will exactly hear everything that will be announced. Although, I do expect to hear at least part of theses wishes to come true. What is everyone else's wishes for the Disney Parks & Resorts presentation at this week's D23 EXPO?

Check Out What's Coming to the Disney Dream Store for D23 EXPO; New Retail MagicBands Are Coming

New Art, Music, and Books Coming to the Disney Dream Store at D23 EXPO:

The D23 EXPO is just a week away. Who's Excited! I know I am. Yesterday, the Disney Parks Blog showed a sneak peak of what's coming to the Disney Dream Store that is returning again for this year's expo. 170 new items will be debuting along with over 80 signings will be available for fans at this year's expo inside the Disney Dream Store.

This year you won't want to miss one-of-a-kind pieces of framed art and sculptures, limited edition giclees and deluxe prints from some of your favorite Disney artists as well as the new Storybook Collection from Disney Publishing. One of the pieces will be a Custom Name Disneyland Ticket Books by Dave Avanzino. It will allow you to create your own ticket book featuring your first or last below. Color will vary to the customization. 

Several authors will also be on hand including David Bossert, Melissa De La Cruz, Eric Goldberg, Ridley Pearson, Bill Scollon, Disney Legend Dave Smith, and Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar who will debut his new book One Little Spark!: Mickey's Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering.

For Disney Music fans, guests will be able to purchase a variety of selections such as the Walt Disney  Records The Legacy Collection, which will celebrate milestone anniversaries of classic Disney soundtracks including one of its newest inspired by Disneyland's 60th. Also available for the first time ever will be the box-set of The Silly Symphony Collection which will include music remastered from all 75 Silly Symphony shorts.

For more information and to stay up to date on the Disney Dream Store, fans can now download the new official D23 EXPO App.

New Retail MagicBands to be Released This Month:

This month new retail MagicBands are set to be released for sale. Next week, on August 14 two new open edition MagicBands will be released. One will be Winnie the Pooh and the other Jack Skellington. These open edition MagicBands will be sold for $19.95 each like other open editions that have been released. They also can be purchased and linked at a later date. 

Also later this month, the three more open edition MagicBands will be released for the three remain park MagicBands: Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom MagicBand was released earlier this year. Figment is featured on the Epcot band and I am so excited. Will you be purchasing any of the new retail MagicBands?

Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Reservations Now Open; Full Holiday Lineup for Magic Kingdom Released

Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Reservations Now Open:

A few weeks ago it was reported a new character dining experience was coming to Hollywood Studios at Hollywood & Vine called Minnie's Holiday Dine. Today, it was revealed that reservations are now open for the experience. The experience will take place on select dates between November 7, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Minne Mouse will host guests at Hollywood & Vine for a holiday dinner with special friends Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and special guest Santa Goofy. Holiday themed-decor, food, music, and activities will make Hollywood and Vine the perfect place to hold the celebration. 

The price for Minnie's Holiday Dine will be $46.99 for adults and $27.99 for children or one table-service entitlement can be used on the Disney Dining Plan. Fantastic! dining can also be paired with Minnie's Holiday Dine and will cost $52.99 for adults and $31.99 for children (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Full Holiday Lineup for Magic Kingdom Released:

We are just a few months away from the holiday season and today Disney announced its holiday lineup for Magic Kingdom. This will include the return of last year's favorite, "A Frozen Holiday Wish", which features Queen Elsa and friends as she transforms Cinderella Castle into her shimmering ice palace with lights and fireworks. 

The Jingle Cruise, Disney World's holiday version of The Jungle Cruise, will also be returning along with the annual Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party which begins on November 8 and will run through December 18 this year. 

The party will include special holiday entertainment including Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! Dance Party, 'Celebrate the Season' musical stage show featuring everyone's favorite Disney characters, and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular.

Enjoy all these holiday festivities at the Magic Kingdom this holiday season at Walt Disney World. 

Rumors: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close; Major Refurbishment at Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk

Rumor: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close in 2016:

After more land was acquired by Disneyland more rumors of expansion are coming out of California. Today, a rumor reported by WDW News Today shows that Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland could be closing in 2016 with a Star Wars Land on the way. Along with the area north of Mickey's Toontown, which currently holds backstage offices that would move to the area of the newly acquired land. 

If the rumors are true, the new Star Wars Land would have entrances at the northern end of Critter Country/Frontierland and next door to "It's a Small World (where the Toontown entrance currently exists). The land would cover the entire north end of the Disneyland Resort property, making it one of 

the largest areas of the park. Along with all other rumors it is expected that this would be announced at next week's D23 EXPO. Tune in as more details and confirmations come out for expansions on both coasts in Disneyland and Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

Major Refurbishment of Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk:

The Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk is expected to close early next year for a lengthy and major refurbishment. The restaurant is expected to close February 1, 2016 and is expected to last through November of 2016. 

No major changes to the theming of the restaurant is expected to take place. Throughout the closure however, the kitchen and dining room are expected to be renovated. This was reported by WDWMagic.  

The New Disneyland App Looks A Lot Like the My Disney Experience App and Tons of Star Wars News

The New Disneyland App Looks A Lot Like the My Disney Experience App:

The other day I wrote about a new Disneyland App coming out this week, well it now has been released. Once you download the new app you'll notice it looks eerily similar to the My Disney Experience App for Disney World. Disney has stated MagicBands are not coming to Disneyland but it was reported a few months ago that it will be testing My Magic+. Here is a look at the new Disneyland app.

See Wait Times in Real Time

Link Your Annual Passes

Make Dining Reservations right on the app.

Toys "R" Us To Launch New Star Wars Saga Products With Midnight Events Worldwide:

Force Friday is a month a way today on September 4 and Toys "R" Us announced today that it was going into hyperdrive for this global experience today. Here is the full release today from the toy store: 

WAYNE, NJ (August 4, 2015) – Toys“R”Us^® is going into hyperdrive and preparing an out-of-this-galaxy, global celebration for the upcoming debut of toys based on the next chapter of the Star Wars^™ Saga at 12:01am on Force Friday, September 4. Counting down to the highly anticipated toy launch and this fall’s new theatrical release, Toys“R”Us stores worldwide and Toysrus.com have transformed into Destination: Star Wars, every fan’s retail source for The Force with hundreds of new products, including those only available at Toys“R”Us. On Force Friday, Toys“R”Us stores around the globe will open their doors for special midnight opening festivities, providing customers of all ages the opportunity to be among the first to purchase must-have merchandise, receive exclusive giveaways and immerse themselves in all things Star Wars. The company’s international flagship store, Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City, will host a historic Star Wars toy exhibition leading up to the grandest midnight opening celebration of all, welcoming legions of eager fans with costumed characters, signing events, giveaways and more all day on Thursday, September 3.

Click to Tweet: .@ToysRUs announces nationwide midnight openings for #ForceFriday & epic #ToysRUsTimesSquare celebration! #DestinationStarWars

“Since the introduction of the first Star Wars toy in 1977, Toys“R”Us has served as the ultimate destination for Star Warsplaythings, providing millions of kids and collectors worldwide with their most beloved memorabilia,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Since then, Star Wars has become a time-honored franchise with loyal fan interest, making it a perennial, top-selling licensed property. With the upcoming introduction of the new Star Wars toy line, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of fans into our stores around the world with exclusive products, special events, feature shops and giveaways.” 

Toys“R”Us to Help Fans Worldwide Build Their Toy Empires

With operations in 38 countries, Toys“R”Us is leveraging its global footprint and position as the toy authority to provide an unprecedented Star Wars experience worldwide. On Force Friday, September 4, Toys“R”Us locations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the U.K, will open at 12:01am to welcome eager shoppers. The first customers to line up for the big product debut will receive Star Wars giveaways, including an exclusive poster, as well as the chance to be among the first to purchase exclusive Star Wars merchandise in dedicated front-of-store feature shops.

Leading up to Force Friday, stores in each of these countries will count down the minutes to 12:01am on September 4 with digital clocks, as well as Star Wars-themed microsites on each of their respective e-commerce pages. Social media users can follow the company’s worldwide midnight openings on each country’s social media channels, as well as via the Toys“R”Us U.S. Twitter channel, @Toysrus.

Midnight Openings Descend on Destination: Star Wars in the U.S.

When the clock strikes 12:01am on September 4, all Toys“R”Us stores in the U.S. will open their doors, giving customers the opportunity to be among the first to purchase hundreds of new Star Wars playthings, including a wide variety of merchandise they can’t find anywhere else.^*As an added bonus, little Jedi Knights and their families attending midnight opening events will have the chance to receive special giveaways, including a limited edition LEGO^® Star WarsCommemorative Brick and an exclusive Star Wars poster, while supplies last.^** Also at midnight on Force Friday, shoppers will be able to browse and purchase the new products online at Toysrus.com/StarWars.

Those eager to count down to the highly anticipated toy debut can now find digital clocks at all Toys“R”Us locations nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/DestinationStarWars. Beginning on Force Friday, dedicated Star Wars feature shops will be found at the front of all stores nationwide, featuring a combination of figures, construction sets, accessories and more, plus updated countdown clocks reset to tick off the minutes to the release of the new movie.

Additionally, gamers can now preorder Star Wars Battlefront^™, the ultimate Star Wars video game experience, along with Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars, at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/StarWars.

For the latest Destination: Star Wars news and updates, fanatics can follow @ToysRUs on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Facebook.com/Toysrus. Followers are encouraged to post photos of their Star Wars toy empire, themselves dressed in their best Star Wars cosplay and their midnight opening experience, as well as engage with one another and Toys“R”Us using #DestinationStarWars.

The Force is Strong at Toys“R”Us Times Square

The biggest midnight opening celebration will take place at the company’s international flagship store in New York City, Toys“R”Us Times Square, where fans of all ages are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character and take part in dozens of one-of-a-kind activities designed especially for Star Wars aficionados.^***

The World’s Greatest Toy Store^™ is kicking the party off early with a special exhibition featuring prototypes, originals and early editions of some of the best-known Star Wars toys in the world, curated by Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., a non-profit museum that houses the Guinness World Record-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Presented prominently throughout the store, “Destination: Star Wars – The Experience,” will be on display from Wednesday, August 26 through Monday, September 7 and will feature dozens of notable collectibles based on all six feature films from the Star Wars Saga, including the original first four mail-away action figures from 1978, a large-sized Chewbacca figure in never publicly-released The Empire Strikes Back packaging from Kenner Products and a rare 2003 LEGO Star Wars Cloud City building set.^****

The adventure kicks into high gear on Thursday, September 3, when the store hosts Star Wars activities throughout the day, beginning at 9am^****, including:

• A book signing and meet and greet with Steve Sansweet, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., storied Star Wars author and former Head of Fan Relations and Director of Content Management at Lucasfilm Ltd.
• An art class and meet and greet with fan-favorite Star Wars and science fiction artist, Jeff Carlisle.
• Star Wars product demonstrations and activations throughout the store, including Star Wars-themed 3-D action figure creation with 3D Plus Me, video gaming on Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars kiosks and experiencing intergalactic sound on Star Wars-themed headphones powered by SMS Audio.
• A LEGO Star Wars make and take for rebels looking to build their toy empire brick by brick.
• A Light Saber Academy with members of New York Jedi, a community of cosplayers, martial artists and teachers who share practical stage combat techniques oriented toward Light Sabers.
• Photo opportunities with costumed characters, including Furbacca, a character versioned after the Hasbro^® toy that makes wookiee sounds like CHEWBACCA, Geoffrey the Giraffe and more.
• Ice cream flavors inspired by the Star Wars Saga from Scoops“R”Us^™, the flagship store’s in-house ice cream shop located on the Lower Level.
• Star Wars-themed cookie decorating at a “Wookiee” Cookie Party on Level 1.
• Special giveaways for the first fans in line, including a Collector’s Edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick, an exclusive, limited edition Star Wars poster and a Star Wars Character Flashlight from JAKKS Pacific.^***
• Star Wars trivia, a costume contest and a galaxy of excitement and prizes, while supplies last, for those fanatics waiting in line.
• A panel discussion with Steve Sansweet and Jeff Carlisle for select lucky fans, which will also be livestreamed via Periscope @Toysrus on Twitter.
• The ultimate unveiling of the official Toys“R”Us Times Square Star Wars feature shop at 12:01am on Force Friday, September 4.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Won't Be the Only Star Wars Topic at the D23 EXPO:

The D23 EXPO is sure to have tons of news on the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" but that won't be the only Star Wars topic. With the release of the new official D23 EXPO app it shows that a change in Saturday's schedule will not only include information on "The Force Awakens" but all Star Wars live-action projects.

With this news it is possible we will get news on the two anthology films "Star Wars Rogue One" and  the Han Solo film, as well as possible news on the rumored Netflix original series.

Analysts Project $2.2 Billion Box Office for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens":

We are just months away from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and as the summer months come to an end movie analysts have turned their attention to the expected move hit due out in December. Analysts are saying it the movie blockbuster could approach "Avatar" statistics by predicting $2.2 billion for the new film in the Star Wars trilogy.

"Avatar" opened on the same day (December 18) in 2009 and over 34 weeks it made $761 million domestically (people saw it multiple times) and $2 billion internationally ($380 million from China and Japan alone). Analysts from Stifel are saying the new Star Wars film has favorable conditions to what "Avatar" had in 2009. 

Since 2009 however there is twice as many IMAX screens, four times as many 3D screens, significant growth in middle class in major international markets, along with the rising cost of movie tickets all set up for a potential giant box office for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." How much do you think "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will make at the box office? 

Breakfast at Be Our Guest Now Permanent; Disney Buys More Land Across From Disneyland

Breakfast at Be Our Guest is Now Permanent:

Months ago it was announced that Be Our Guest would begin a test phase of serving breakfast. Today on the Disney Parks Blog, it was announced that the testing phase is now over and it is now a permanent offering. Reservations will begin for the new permanent breakfast beginning this Wednesday, August 5 for dates beginning October 4 and beyond.

Here is a picture of just some of what they offer:

The picture above with Belle and Beast is a sneak peek of artwork for the new kid's souvenir cups that will debut in October. They will be available to guests to purchase for an additional cost. For reservations, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. 

Disney Buys More Land Across From Disneyland:

Back at the the beginning of last month the City of Anaheim voted to extend the gate-tax ban at Disneyland, in exchange for Disneyland who promised to invest $1 billion into either Disneyland and California Adventure or both parks. It is now apparent how Disney plans to do the expansion or at least by the looks of it. Disney has now bought more land across the street from Disneyland with the recent acquisition of 1515 and 1585 South Manchester Avenue for $48 million. This is after the acquisition of The Carousel Inn in April for $32 million. In a photoshop by Slashfilm you can see where the acquisitions are located in across from the parks below. 

According to the Anaheim Planning Department, Disneyland plans to use the new land acquisitions for office and warehouse support for Disneyland's theme park and hotel operations. This along with the promised 5,000 space parking structure that is rumored to be built in the current Pumbaa Parking Lot located next to the recent acquisitions. 

If this is true it seems the rumor of Disney moving its backstage offices to the recent acquisitions it is possible that this would free up space for new lands and attractions in the back of Disneyland. Another photoshopped area by Slashfilm shows the are in question.

What does everyone think is coming to Disneyland?

You Can Experience More at This Year's D23 EXPO

This year's D23 EXPO is only 12 days away and while everybody is preparing for all the announcements and other cool experiences, you can experience even way more at this year's expo. Not only experience it but live the expo like never before.

D23 EXPO 2015 Official Mobile App (Launching this month):

The D23 EXPO 2015 Official Mobile App will help you navigate the D23 EXPO like the seasoned Disney pro you are. All the entertainment, presentations, shopping, photo opportunities, and magic that Disney has in store will be right at your fingertips—including maps to help you find everything you need, from stages and stores to photo spots; the full schedule of presentations and special entertainment; and up-to- the-minute info on StagePass availability. You’ll be able to personalize a schedule that helps you make those hard decisions about what to do next a little bit easier, and it’ll help you “shop ‘til you drop” with all our Disney and partner stores. Look for it in the App Store in August, available on iOS and Android.

Official D23 EXPO Trading Card Quest Presented by Disney Visa Card:

Your favorite Disney characters—from Princesses to Villains and everyone in between—will come to life through a series of collectible Disney trading cards. You’ll receive a “starter pack” of cards in your D23 EXPO 2015 Souvenir Guide; then, throughout the weekend, search for opportunities to collect different cards from locations all over the show floor. (Check your D23 EXPO 2015 floor map for more information, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises!) Make sure to download the Official D23 EXPO 2015 Mobile App and follow D23 on social media all weekend long, because we’ll be announcing very special card “drops” you won’t want to miss. But that’s not all: Meet up with fellow fans at Trading Card Quest Headquarters at the Disney Visa® Card Booth in Exhibit Hall B all weekend to trade cards in hopes of completing your collection. There are 30 cards in all, and they’ll come together as singles, pairs, and even trios.

Augmented Reality with HP Aurasma:

This year, you’ll be able to interact with D23 EXPO in a whole new way, thanks to HP Aurasma’s augmented reality technology. You can access Aurasma just by downloading the D23 EXPO Official Mobile App. Aurasma is an interactive “augmented reality” technology that brings everything around you to unexpected life! Find an Aurasma location, launch the Official Mobile App and open Aurasma in the menu to unlock special content. All you have to do is point your phone at the image, or object to enjoy. And make sure to check out the cover of the D23 EXPO 2015 Souvenir Guide for a special “Aura” to get you started! Aurasma locations are listed in the Guide Map and within the D23 EXPO Mobile App.

Official Photo Spots Brought to You by D23:

D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, presents a whole slate of photo opportunities at D23 EXPO 2015, located throughout the convention center. These photo spots are made up of figures and scenes from your favorite Disney films, TV series, and attractions—including Big Hero 6, Toy Story, Star Wars Rebels, and Frozen. It might be a fun item on display, like an actual vintage Skyway vehicle from Disneyland, or a colorful scene from The Pirate Fairy to pose in. And, as if that weren’t enough, celebrated Mouseketeer Annette Funicello’s actual Disney Legend handprints will be on display the entire weekend. Get those cameras and smartphones ready!

This year's D23 EXPO takes place August 14-16, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center.