RUMOR: Dream Along with Mickey Ending at Magic Kingdom; Character Cuts at Disney World

RUMOR: Dream Along with Mickey Ending at Magic Kingdom:

Rumors began surfacing the other day that Dream Along with Mickey at Magic Kingdom will be ending in April. According to sources and several cast members have been told that the stage show will be ending. Of course no official announcement has been made by Disney yet. 

The stage show which debuted at Magic Kingdom on September 30, 2006 hasn't really been updated since its debut. The show is 20 minutes long and features many of our favorite characters as they celebrate the magic of dreams as "happily ever after" comes alive before your eyes. 

Rumor is the show will be replaced by a new "Frozen" stage show but again nothing is confirmed and is just rumor. Stay tuned as we await the fate of "Dream Along with Mickey" among any other things that seem to be going away at Disney World these days.

Character Cuts at Disney World: 

According to Kenny the Pirate, Lady Tremaine will be going away from her Magic Kingdom meet & greet on February 21, 2016.  She will continue to greet guests during dinner at 1900 Park Fare. That's not the only character cut from Disney World Parks:

Yesterday, Epcot saw the last day of greeting guests for several characters including, Princess Aurora from the France pavilion, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, and Chip & Dale from their regular meet by Innoventions. There is a chance that these characters could be back greeting guests in the coming months but no word has been announced.

There is also a chance for some new characters to begin greeting guests inside the parks but again no announcements have been made. 

LEGO Star Wars Short to Debut with Focus on 'The Force Awakens', New Concept Art for Rivers of Light, and More

New LEGO Star Wars Short to Debut on Disney XD to Focus on 'The Force Awakens':

With a focus on what happened during "The Force Awakens", a new LEGO Star Wars 5-episode short will begin on Disney XD this coming Monday, February 15. The new series is titled, LEGO Star Wars: The Resistance Rises. This comes after yesterday's announcement that LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures, a new series will be debuting this summer. 

The action-adventure comedy series will focus on characters from Episode VII of the saga on the likes of Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Finn, BB-8, Rey, Maz Kanata, and more. The series will take place ahead of the First Order's attack on Jakku in the movie. 

The first episode is titled, "Poe to the Rescue", and focuses on Poe Dameron as he attempts to save Admiral Ackbar from the clutches of Captain Phasma and the First Order. Disney released a sneak peak of the first episode, check it out:

New Concept Art for "Rivers of Light" at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

New concept art for "Rivers of Light" has been released featuring what appears to be floating lanterns as large floating animal sculptures loom among water fountains and mist screens. "Rivers of Light" is expected to debut this Spring at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

GMA to Announce Newest Disney Princess Next Week:

While details are scarce, next Friday, February 19th on Good Morning America the newest Disney princess will be announced. It could be a new one or one that we already know of like Moana or Elena. 

This comes after yesterday's announcement of Disney's newest campaign, "Dream Big, Princess" to inspire young girls to dream big and that they can do whatever they put their heart in. Stay tuned for the big announcement next week. 

New LEGO Star Wars Series Coming to Disney XD This Summer, Dream Big Princess: Disney's New Campaign, and More

New LEGO Star Wars Series Coming to Disney XD This Summer:

With the popularity of the LEGO Star Wars series, Disney XD announced a new series would be premiering on the channel this summer. LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures will center around the Freemakers who are a family of scavengers who sell and build starships from the scoured debris of space battles strewn across the galaxy. When the youngest Freemaker discovers an ancient lightsaber the family is thrown into the struggle against the Galactic Empire as they try to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. The storyline occurs between Episode's V and VI of the saga.

Of course there will be some familiar faces making appearances in the series as well as some new heroes and villains. Jill Wilfert, VP of Licensing and Entertainment at LEGO said, "We are very excited to launch, for the first time, a TV series with Disney XD. The creative team behind The Freemaker Adventures is extremely talented, and the series is a great testament to our longstanding and successful partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney. The show masterfully combines the rich heritage of storytelling, great characters, action, and adventure in a galaxy far, far away with the creativity, imagination, and humor that only LEGO Star Wars can deliver. We are sure fans young and old are going to love the show."

"LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was announced just last week will come out on gaming systems in June. As well as the popular mini LEGO Star Wars series that have been on Disney in the past you already know The Force will be strong with this one.

Dream Big Princess: Disney's New Campaign:

In a release today from Disney by Jennifer Lee, Academy Award-winning director/writer for Frozen and writer for Wreck-it-Ralph, announced a new campaign inspiring young girls to dream big. Here is the video and the press release:

For every girl who dreams big, there's a princess to show her it's possible. #DreamBigPrincesshttps://t.co/24CBLNkFXd

— Disney (@Disney) February 11, 2016

Dream Big

By Jennifer Lee (Academy Award®-winning director/writer of “Frozen,” writer, “Wreck-It Ralph”)

One of my favorite things about being a writer and director at the Walt Disney Animation Studios is that I get to dream for a living. Right now, I’ve been doing a lot of dreaming. I’m working with songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez in New York City, writing the book for the upcoming Frozen musical for Broadway. There will be many more songs in the stage version, so we’re having a blast digging deeper into the characters and really opening up the story.

Back in California, I’ve also been dreaming alongside my Frozendirecting partner Chris Buck as we develop the feature film sequel to Frozen. I can’t give away any details, but I can tell you that our story room is a creative mess of research, character analysis, and colorful cards with many “what ifs” written on them.

I feel so lucky to be able to bring my dreams to Disney, especially because it was Disney who taught me to dream big. My very first Disney film—and my favorite growing up—was Cinderella. Cinderella was a dreamer, herself, which I loved. But what inspired me most about her was her kindness in the face of adversity. Cinderella was a part of my earliest memories, but she was also there for me in middle school, when I was bullied very badly. I thought of how Cinderella endured despite the cruelty of her stepsisters and wicked step mother. I thought of her singing: “No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” Cinderella went on to a better life and left the bullying and meanness behind. She gave me the courage to remain true to myself and believe that one day I’d be able to leave the bullying and meanness behind. And I did just that.

When it came to dreaming up Anna and Elsa, Chris Buck and I, along with the Lopezes and our amazing story team, talked at length about the qualities we most admired—strength, humility, generosity, courage, and love. Both Anna and Elsa exhibit these qualities in their own way. We also talked about the challenging emotions we’ve all faced—self-doubt, loneliness, rejection, and most of all fear. Anna struggles with loneliness, and she messes up a lot, but she’s fearless, and never gives up. Elsa may have amazing powers, but, like anyone, she battles self-doubt, rejection, and fear. Their bond as sisters and support of each other gets them through.

It has been an overwhelming experience to watch the world embrace Anna and Elsa. We are still hearing from girls, boys, women, and men from all over about our heroines. I’ll never forget seeing the video of a room full of Marines singing and cheering to “Let It Go,” or hearing about the young girl who found the strength to handle her cancer treatments by wearing her Elsa dress, or the teen who was feeling hopeless, but found hope in Anna’s perseverance. It’s been such an honor to contribute to Disney’s canon of powerful heroines. The idea of Anna and Elsa bringing strength to people the way Cinderella did for me is my dream come true.

Disney Files New Permits Showing Layout for Na'vi River Journey in Pandora:

New permits filed by Disney today show the future layout for the Na'vi River Journey in Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The permits filed by Disney with the South Florida Water Management District show the water area highlighted in blue and scenes throughout the ride highlighted in peach. BlogMickey.com also mentions through some investigation that the permit shows that it will appear to use about 1/4 of the water used in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. With using that as a benchmark, that would make the ride an estimated 4-5 minutes long.

Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is expected to open sometime in 2017.

Two New Clips from Disney's "Zootopia"; Han Solo Standalone Film Confirmed for May 2018

Two New Clips from Disney's "Zootopia":

Between yesterday and today, Disney released two new clips from its upcoming film Zootopia which is due out in theaters next month, March 4th. The first clip features a closer look at Officer Clawhauser (Nate Torrence), a cheetah in the force who has a love for donuts. Personally, after seeing the clip he may be one of my favorite characters from the new film. The clip shows Officer Clawhauser and meeting Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) for the first time.

Officer Clawhauser reporting for duty (and snacking)! See @DisneyZootopia in theatres March 4. 🍩https://t.co/MAu0Qa3ssu

— Disney (@Disney) February 10, 2016

The next clip which was just released shows Judy Hopps getting into police bunny action as she chases down a criminal. Check the new clip out:

It's the bunny cop film you've been waiting for. See @DisneyZootopia March 4.https://t.co/T8NSPbCJ85

— Disney (@Disney) February 10, 2016

Han Solo Standalone Film Confirmed for May 2018:

Well we now know that the Han Solo standalone film of the "Star Wars Anthology films" will be released in May 2018 as Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed during the quarterly earnings call. The film is already in pre-production. The first of the anthology films, "Rogue One," will be released later this year in December. 

Of course, we all know that May 2018 could be changed but we do know its a good thing its already in pre-production. That wasn't the only Star Wars news heard in the earnings call. Great news is Star Wars "Episode VIII" has begun filming. We already know that was delayed until December of 2017. 

For the First Time in Forever: Frozen is Coming to Broadway; Holiday Special to Air in 2017

"Frozen" fans get excited as some breaking new broke during Disney's earnings call this afternoon. Disney just can't 'let it go' with its popular franchise, with a sequel on the way, today the company announced that the popular movie from 2013 will be hitting Broadway in 2018. Now that's not all, as a holiday television special on ABC will air n 2017. 

The musical which will kickoff with pre-Broadway engagement in summer 2017, will be joining the critically acclaimed Broadway hits in Aladdin and The Lion King in spring 2018. The musical will have music and lyrics written by songwriters Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won Academy Awards for writing the songs for the original film. 

The story will be based on a book by the film's screenwriter, Jennifer Lee. Already attached to the project are multiple talented folks including Tony Award-winning Alex Timbers who will serve as director and Peter Darling will choreograph the show. The design team is also amazingly talented including costume designer Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), lighting designer Natasha Katz (Aladdin), sound designer Peter Hylenski, and music supervisor Stephen Oremus (Wicked, Book of Mormon). 

For more information on "Frozen" on Broadway and for updates you can visit FrozenTheMusical.com.

That wasn't all the "Frozen" news announced during the call as ABC will air an untitled holiday special during Christmas 2017. While little details were announced, we do know that Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven will all return for the special. 

The special will be directed by two-time Emmy-winning directors Kevin Deters and Steven Wermers-Skelton (Prep & Landing, Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa). The special will be produced by Oscar Award-winner Roy Conli (Big Hero 6). Members of the original voice cast will return Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), and Josh Gad (Olaf) will all reprise their roles for the special. 

Preview of Flower & Garden Merchandise Gets Unboxed; Have You Seen Dory? New "Finding Dory" Posters Revealed

Preview of Epcot's International Flower & Garden Merchandise Gets Unboxed:

With the background of Epcot's France pavilion, Disney Parks Blog Merchandise Expert and Steven Miller revealed a preview of the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The preview was apart of their "Unboxed" series. 

The 23rd International Flower & Garden Festival will begin March 2 and run through May 30 for the longest festival ever, 90 days. The previewed merchandise along with much more, which will be released in the coming weeks, will be available in the Festival Center located this year between Mission: SPACE and the Universe of Energy pavilions. The festival center will be open on weekends during the festival on Friday through Sunday throughout the event. 

Here is the preview of Disney Parks Blog Unboxed: 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise edition:

Have You Seen Dory? New "Finding Dory" Posters Revealed:

Have you seen Dory? That's the question on all four new posters that were revealed by Ellen DeGeneres (Dory) and the three major movie theater companies. Disney/Pixar's "Finding Dory" will be released nationwide on June 17, 2016. Here are the four new posters:

Poster Released By Ellen

Regal Theaters Poster

AMC Theaters Poster

Cinemark Theater Poster

Peyton Manning Goes to Disneyland, Skipper Canteen to Accept Same-Day Reservations for Limited Time, and More

Peyton Manning Goes to Disneyland:

Every year a player or two from the winning Super Bowl team will do a spot with Disney shouting, "I'm going to Disney World/Disneyland." Not this year as no ad was created. Have no fear though as Super Bowl-winning QB Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos did make the trip to Disneyland with his family. Manning and his family participated in a ticker-tape parade this afternoon at the park.

Here is the video from Disneyland of Manning at the parade celebration:

It was the first time since 2005 that no "I'm going to Disney" ad was created. Congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on their Super Bowl 50 win. 

Skipper Canteen to Accepted Same-Day Reservations for Limited Time:

For a limited time later this month, from February 12 to February 27, guests at Disney World will be able to make same-day reservations at the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd Skipper Canteen. Guests will be able to make same-day reservations for either lunch or dinner.

Reservations can be made by either visiting jungleskippercanteen.com or by calling 407-993-1933. Will you be taking advantage during this limited time at the newest restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. It seems like this is another test and something more permanent on reservations will be made in the future for Skipper Canteen.

The Circle of Life at Epcot's The Land Pavilion Closed For Good?:

Today it was discovered that the Circle of Life show inside the Land pavilion at Epcot closed for a lengthy refurbishment unexpectedly. The attraction actually closed down yesterday. The show is expected be closed through April 2 and reopen on April 3. 

The question remains though that will the movie based on the Circle of Life and the effects on the environment will return when the attraction reopens. No word has officially been announced of what kind of work is actually being done on the attraction that has been inside the pavilion for 21 years since 1995. 

Speculation is that a new film will debut once the attraction reopens to modernize the film. The Circle of Life was a 20-minute 70 mm movie film that teaches the conservation with Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba from "The Lion King."