Avatar Land Preview Model Dazzles at D23 EXPO

Disney fans got an impressive first look at the Avatar Land Preview Model that debuted in the Disney Parks Exhibit area of the show floor at the D23 EXPO.

We have seen glimpses of Avatar Land over the months since they have began building but nothing compared to what is being showed off at the expo. This is Imagineer Joe Rohde's most amazing works yet. The details in the model not only show the unique world of Pandora with its flora and fauna but the model shows the existence of a military zone with large building and perimeter fences. 

There appears to be a possibility of two or three entrances including one where the old Camp Minnie Mickey used to be (located where the bridge is in the picture), another entrance appears to be near the Africa part of Animal Kingdom.  Other parts of the model of detail to notice, are the floating mountains in the back of the model. A cliff face which appears to force perspective that will make the cliffs look larger when they are actually smaller. The cliffs will hide the main building which will hold the main attraction of Pandora, the Banshee ride, which will feature similar technology to Epcot's Soarin'.  The other boat ride attraction set to be the second big attraction of the land is not shown in the model. 

Joe Rohde was on hand to answer any questions on the details of the impressive model, with nothing like it never seen before. A bust of a native Navi from Pandora was also on hand for photo ops with fans. 

Breaking: Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant to Open in Magic Kingdom

Just breaking in from the D23 EXPO, Jungle Cruise fans can now be excited for a new restaurant opening in the Magic Kingdom. For months, the rumored restaurant has been being built inside of Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. We now have a name for the restaurant, Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen, will open this winter in late 2015.

At the Skipper Canteen, guests will be able to experience the "World Famous Jungle Cuisine" in one of several unique dining rooms - including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. It will be staffed by Jungle Cruise skippers. 

The restaurant is currently under construction and more details will be released as we get closer to the opening. 

D23 Disney Legends Ceremony Honors 8 Plus a Surprise Honoree in Johnny Depp

The D23 EXPO 2015 is off and running and just an hour ago the Disney Legends ceremony ended and it honored its 8 honorees plus a surprise honoree in a definite Disney Legend, Johnny Depp. The ceremony kicked off with a video montage to kickoff the D23 Expo. Inducted in this years class included: George Bodenheimer, Andreas Deja, Eyvind Earle, Danny Elfman, George Lucas, Susan Lucci, Julie Reihm Casaletto, and Carson Van Osten.

Bob Iger kicked the ceremony off as the master of ceremonies. He noted previous history on announcements at the expo and how he expects this year's expo to be the biggest and best yet. Iger teased what's coming to this year's expo previews of the Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, and Star Wars. Iger promised a lot of Star Wars news this weekend. He also promised George Lucas that Disney will carry on the legacy the Lucas created with Star Wars. Iger stated he already saw Star Wars and reminded fans only 126 days until Episode VII.

The Legends Ceremony was then officially kicked off with another montage honoring past and the current class. The montage ended with a nice touch of honoring legend Robin Williams who had passed away last year. The first inductee was first Disney Ambassador, Julie Reihm Casaletto.

Casseletto shared stories of working with Walt in her thank you speech. She remembered the day when Walt asked her to become Disney's first ambassador it was a tall order but it was like an 'E-ticket ride' and she was off. Caseletto said her life has been filled with "pixie dust and magic" ever since the day Walt called her on to the position. She also said Walt would be proud and pleased with what the Walt Disney Company is today. 

Next on stage was a surprise performance from Disney Legend and musical genius, Richard Sherman. He began solo with a performance of "Kiss Goodnight," the song he wrote for the Disneyland Forever fireworks. He was later joined by Broadway's original "Mary Poppins" Ashley Brown in a duet of the song. George Bodenheimer was next to be honored.

Bodenheimer is a former ESPN president who began with the company as a mailroom clerk. He said that Disney acquiring ESPN changed the game and that Disney's support is what has made ESPN today. He also said sports is what built ESPN as a company. New to be honored was Eyvind Earl where his daughter accepted the award on his behalf. She said, "Creating art was his passion." Actress Susan Lucci was the next to be honored as a Disney Legend.

Iger said Lucci was a valued member of the Disney community that he has known and worked with throughout his entire career at Disney. Lucci thanked Disney as she believes that because of it, she was able to be an actress. She said, "It's all prime time to me as far as I'm concerned because it's so much fun to do what I do." In her speech if she could design a theme park ride about her career she said, "it would be a lot of husbands, and definitely a rollercoaster." Carson Van Osten was next. 

Carson Van Osten noted that he had his mother to thank for his love of art. He also took a look back on the story of the day he was offered a full-time position to draw Mickey Mouse comic-strips. After Van Osten's speech a In Memorium montage played with Frank Gifford who just passed last week and once again ending in a wonderful tribute to the late Robin Williams. Singer Ne-Yo sang "Friend Like Me" as a tribute to Williams. Animator Andreas Deja was the next to be honored. 

Deja was most known for his drawings of famous Disney villains Gaston, Jafar, and Scar. His work at Disney Animation was noted as he worked on films "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and many more Disney films. Deja mentioned to the crowd how "The Jungle Book" and how much of an impact it had on him and his home country of Germany. He even asked Iger for a Jungle Book attraction in Disneyland Paris. Composer Danny Elfman was the next to be honored as a Disney Legend.

Elfman scored "The Nightmare Before Christmas,""Alice in Wonderland," "The Avengers," "Dick Tracy," and much more. In honor of Elfman, Broadway star James Monroe Inglehart performed Elfman's famous "Oogie Boogie" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Elfman said that working with Disney today must feel like how it felt to work during the Golden Age in Hollywood. The crowd then erupted as what was thought to be the final presentation for Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas was honored. 

Iger reiterated that Disney will strive to continue George Lucas' legacy of Star Wars. Lucas was welcomed to the stage by C-3PO and R2-D2. "Disney has always given me a great deal of inspiration," Lucas said on the impact Disney has had on him. He also revealed that Jar Jar Binks was based off of Goofy. He professed his love of Disney and how it inspired him on his career path to making Star Wars. He ended with saying it took years to get more Star Wars and Indiana Jones into the theme parks and it finally took Iger and Disney to buying his company for it to happen. 

Then the surprise came as Johnny Depp famous for his roles as Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and the Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland." 

Johnny Depp was surprised and started off with saying, "Hi, I don't know why I'm here." He thanked his fans in saying, "Thanks for this great opportunity to basically do stupid stuff for a living." He said he was honored just to be in the same room with likes of George Lucas and Dick Van Dyke. Depp ended with saying he hopes he could meet Mickey Mouse. Iger said he wished he could dress like Johnny Depp. Iger ended the ceremony by thanking the new inductees and the fans. 

First Look at Disney/Pixar "Inside Out" Animated Short "Riley's First Date"; Star Wars Launches Promotional Campaign

First Look at Disney/Pixar "Inside Out" Animated Short Riley's First Date:

In a Good Morning America exclusive this morning "Inside Out" fans got a first look at a clip of the new animated short "Riley's First Date." The new short see's Riley one year later after the happenings of "Inside Out." It will be released as an exclusive bonus feature when "Inside Out" hits shelves with the October 13 digital release and the Blu-Ray release on November 3.

The emotions are back as Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness help 12-year Riley with the emotions of dating. The exclusive clip shows Riley hanging out with her Mom and Dad in San Francisco when a boy shows up and asks if Riley is home.

It also takes a look at the parent's emotions as Riley's fathers emotions go on red alert that his daughter begins dating. Riley's mothers' emotions take a much calmer approach as they discuss how best to handle the situation and ask Riley what is going on. The clip can be seen here in the exclusive article from Good Morning America.

Star Wars Launches Promotional Campaign for The Force Awakens:

Lucasfilm and Star Wars announced today that is launching a promotion campaign in advance of Episode VII "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" along with 7 major companies. CoverGirl, Max Factor, Duracell, FCA US, General Mills, HP, Subway, and Verizon are all collaboration to promote the film that opens on December 18. 

Lynwyn Brennan, General Manager of Lucasfilm had this to say on the announcement: 

"We are thrilled to be working with such a stellar roster of promotional partners. The 'Star Wars' brand has endured over the years, across generational audiences because it connects with people in a very special way. Our partners have all delivered original, stand-out campaigns that capture the familiar fun and excitement of our galaxy far, far away that we hope will delight fans as they get ready to experience 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'" 

Here is a little more information on the seven global partners with Lucasfilm as they prepare for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens":

COVERGIRL & MAX FACTOR

Easy, breezy, beautiful from the start, COVERGIRL now holds an iconic position in the world of beauty and pop culture: the brand that has been empowering women to rock their beautiful for more than 50 years. Throughout its history – and still today – COVERGIRL has been known as a cosmetics category leader and innovator, with first-to-market technologies, famous faces, and on-trend marketing campaigns. Whether how to get the look, or how to get behind-the-scenes access to the hottest celebrity event, COVERGIRL has got it covered. Recently, the brand committed $5MM over five years to enable women and girls to break boundaries at school, at work, and in entrepreneurial endeavors via its #GirlsCan initiative. Visit www.covergirl.com or find @COVERGIRL in social media for more information.

Max Factor is the make-up of make-up artists.  The story begins from the founding days of Mr. Max Factor, a true make-up artistry icon and pioneer, who created a world full of glamour. The make-up products and techniques he created for the movie industry and his Hollywood clients, Marilyn Monroe being just one of his many famous clients, earned him an Academy Award, but his guiding philosophy was that any woman could be glamourous given the right tools and make-up artistry skills. From mascara to foundation, eye shadow to lip gloss – Max Factor put the transformative tools for make-up artistry into the hands of every woman, enabling her to create her own personal glamour statement every day. Today, the Max Factor brand continues to empower women to look and feel glamorous via its talented Network of Make-up Artists, headed by the make-up visionary Pat McGrath (Max Factor and COVERGIRL Global Creative Design Director), sophisticated diagnostic tools and artistry, and an ever expanding range of tools and tips. Visit www.maxfactor.com or find @MaxFactor in social media for more information.

DURACELL

Duracell is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance alkaline batteries.  As the leader in the personal power category, Duracell has a rich history of innovation continuously introducing batteries that are more compact, more powerful and longer lasting than competitor brands.  Since 1973, the Duracell Bunny has been at the heart of the brand demonstrating Duracell’s longer lasting power.  Today Bunny is one of the most recognised brand icons in the world.  Duracell batteries power many devices across the globe, including toys such as the Hasbro Lightsaber. In addition to its alkaline batteries, the company sells primary lithium, zinc air, and rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries as well as a line of flashlights.

FCA US

FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.

GENERAL MILLS
General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries around the world. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., USA, General Mills had fiscal 2015 worldwide sales of US $18.8 billion.

HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. With the broadest technology portfolio spanning printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP delivers solutions for customers’ most complex challenges in every region of the world. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

SUBWAY®

Customers in 110 countries have easy access to a fresh line-up of vegetables for their made-to-order sandwiches and salads at any of the more than 44,000 franchised locations. The company, founded 50-years-ago by then-17-year-old Fred DeLuca and family-friend Dr. Peter Buck, is still a family-owned business with thousands of dedicated franchisees/entrepreneurs in neighborhoods around the world, providing easy access to vegetables, detailed nutrition, dietary, and healthy lifestyle information. This has been a priority for the SUBWAY® chain for many years. To learn more information about us, visit www.subway.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/subway and follow us on https://twitter.com/subway. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

VERIZON

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world. Verizon operates America’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE wireless network with 109.5 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. A Fortune 15 company with more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,500. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" releases in US theaters on December 18, 2015.

First Look at The Lion King Spin-off "The Lion Guard", New Photos for The Force Awakens; and More

First Look at "The Lion King" Spin-Off The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar:

Fans at this weekend's D23 EXPO will get a special sneak peek of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, The Lion King spin-off television film that will be airing in November on The Disney Channel. The movie is a precursor to "The Lion Guard" television series that is set to premier on Disney Junior next year. Have no fear though, as a clip of the film has been released. 

The clip uncannily is similar to the basis of the show in which Kion (voiced by Max Charles) leads a group of his animal friends in The Lion Guard. The group consists of Bunga (voiced by Joshua Rush), a blustery honey badger, Ono (Atticus Shaffer), a smarty pants egret, Fuli (Diamond White), a confident cheetah, and Beshte (Dusan Brown), a friendly hippo.

James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella are reprising their roles of Mufasa and Pumbaa with their voices. While Rob Lowe is the voice of Simba and Gabrielle Union will be the voice of Nala. Kevin Schon will reprise his role of Timon from The Lion King's Timon and Pumbaa television series. Here is the clip.

New Official Photos of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Released:

Entertainment Weekly has gotten Star Wars fans excited as they have released photos from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the seventh film of the famous trilogy due out in December. The photos give a in-depth look at villains Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, and other new and old characters from the latest film. Here they are:

Confirmed: Walt Disney: One Man's Dream Closing at Hollywood Studios:

Late last month it was rumored that Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at Hollywood Studios to be closing at the end of September. Today, it has been confirmed although much sooner than originally thought. One Man's Dream is set to close next week following this weeks D23 EXPO. Yesterday, Walt's office that was in queue before the short film was removed and is set to be moved to the Walt Disney Family Museum. 

Delicious Menu Items Are On the Way to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Delicious Menu Items Are on the Way to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar:

We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival this Fall of Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. Today, the Disney Parks Blog revealed some of the delicious menu items that are on the way to the Indiana Jones aviation-themed bar. The bar is based off of Indiana Jones' frequent pilot from the films , Jock Lindsey.

Dr. Elsa's She-Deviled Eggs

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar will feature food and drinks inspired by Jock's globe-trotting to all continents from a Hovito Mojito to Dr. Elsa's She-Deviled Eggs. The 150-seat bar and restaurant is located between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE. It will feature some of Jock's mementos such as spare airplane parts and salvaged equipment.

Rolling Boulder Sliders

Along with beer and wine, guests can start with unique cocktails such as Reggie's Revenge or The Fountain of Youth featuring Florida vodkas, the Hovito Mojito and The Bitter Barkeep with Peruvian Pisco, Anything Goes with an Asian spirit, The Aviator's Flight and The Scottish Professor, and the Cool-Headed Monkey with African spirits. 

Pretzels with House-Made Honey Mustard and Beer Cheese Fondue

Some creative yet delicious small meals are coming to Jock Lindsey's. Dr. Elsa's She-Deviled Eggs are brined in a beet juice with a lump crab filling. "Good" Dates will feature goat cheese-stuffed dates with Marcona almonds and pickled veggies. The Snack of Ra will give a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. Tanis Tacos will be filled with falafel, shredded lettuce and a cucumber-tomato salad. The pretzels as seen above will be served with a house-made honey mustard and a beer cheese fondue. 

Other items on the menu will be the Rolling Boulder Sliders with three spice meatballs on mini-buns served with a yogurt sauce. Brody Brats which are grilled bratwurst with mustard and a pickled cabbage. Jock's even takes on chicken wings with an Asian twist called Lao Che's Revenge. Last but not least "Squid! Why'd It Have to be Squid" is a fried calamari flatbread that is served with a spicy harissa sauce. 

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar will be opening this fall on the waterfront in the soon to be Disney Springs.

Fall Issue of D23; New Force Awakens International Trailer; and Much More

Fall Issue of D23 Focuses on This Week's D23 EXPO and Shanghai Disneyland:

The fall issue of Disney's official fan club, D23, will show a focus on this week's biennial event the D23 EXPO and Shanghai Disneyland. The magazine, Disney Twenty Three, is delivered to D23 Gold members will be delivered to their doorsteps in the middle of August. It will focus on this week's D23 EXPO and will show fans some of the remarkable things that will be shown off at the expo. Fans will also see in the issue an in-depth look at next year's opening of the new Shanghai Disneyland. It will include spectacular concept artwork as well as a look at some of the new attractions.

Also in this issue, fans will get a look back with two original member's of the Toy Story team as they reflect on the 20th anniversary of the film. That will include a never heard before encounter with the late Apple and Pixar founder Steve Jobs by the film's art director, Ralph Eggleston. In addition, you will get a look at the three very successful titles of comic books (Figment, Big Thunder Mountain, and Seekers of the Weird) created by a team of Marvel artists and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Other topics included in the fall issue:

• Profiles of the 2015 recipients of the Disney Legends Award including George Lucas, Andreas Deja, Eyvind Earle, and Danny Elfman
• A tribute to Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club, on its 60th anniversary
• A look at the impact of the Silly Symphony cartoons by historian and world-renowned film critic Leonard Maltin
• A look inside Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit with a preview of some of the classic and contemporary pieces included in the breathtaking display
• The dazzling illustrations created by Disney animator Eric Goldberg for Shanghai Disney Resort and a new book
• Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

New Force Awakens International Trailer Released:

A new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" international trailer has been released. The new footage shows a first look of the army of First Order stormtroopers. The clip is just 30 seconds and was released in Korea. There is only 131 days until the film is released on December 18, 2015.

A "Shop Disney Parks" App is Coming Soon:

A 'Shop Disney Parks' App will be released in the coming weeks. It will allow guests to find the not-so-easy and easy to find Disney Parks Products that they are in search for from the many Disney-operated stores at Walt Disney World. The app will be available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. It will be a separate app from the My Disney Experience app but the two will be linked for ease of navigation.

The app will allow guests to search for a particular item, and the app will show guests where to find it in the parks or at resorts. It will also show how many of the item is remaining at each location. The app will work with standard merchandise as well as limited edition items such as pins and Vinylmation. 

Some Disney Parks Product will remain on the DisneyStore.com, but a much larger selection will be available on the app. More details will come when the new app is released in the coming weeks.

Disney Announces Partnership with Havaianas:

A popular Brazilian footwear company is forming a strategic alliance with Disney and Disney Theme Parks. Havaianas along with Disney announced its partnership with Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and the Disney Vacation Club. 

In a statement released from Havaianas' US President Marcio Moura stated: "We are thrilled to have entered into a relationship with the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club because they embody instant joy much like Havaianas. We look forward to creating a harmonious relationship and further expanding opportunities within the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club in the coming years."

The relationship began four years ago with Disney-themed flip-flops produced by Havaianas, but with the new alliance will give brand opportunity to further engage with Disney fans. Havaianas will soon be made available across 22 retail locations across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club including a dedicated retail build-out at Disney's Blizzard Beach, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney California Adventure. 

Havaianas is currently working with Disney Theme Park Merchandise to create exclusive co-branded flip-flops. In November, Havaianas will also become an official sponsor of all runDisney races that will provide runners with a unique Disney experience.