Disney Vacation Club Tours to be Offered Through My Disney Experience; "Captain America: Civil War" Nabs 5th Best Opening Ever

Disney Vacation Club Tours to be Offered Through My Disney Experience:

According to WDW Magic, later this week Disney World guests staying at a moderate or deluxe resorts when booking their FastPass+ reservations will have a chance to book a Disney Vacation Club  Open House Tour through My Disney Experience. 

Guests who take up the offer during this test run, will also receive three additional FastPass+ entitlements added onto their My Disney Experience accounts. The additional FastPass+ entitlements must be used on the same day that the tour is give. 

Currently, guests must book the open house tours through Disney Vacation Club representatives that are all around the resorts, Disney World theme parks, and at Disney Springs. Again this will just be a trial of booking the reservations through My Disney Experience. No word on when this will fully take effect. 

"Captain America: Civil War" Nabs Fifth Best Opening Ever Domestically:

"Captain America: Civil War" kicked the Box Office's butt in it's opening weekend nabbing the fifth best opening weekend ever domestically. The film which pits our favorite superheroes against each other raked in $181.8 million in the U.S. alone. 

The film has already made almost a half billion internationally after raking in $496. 6 million worldwide. The film has already made $678 million just 12 days after its release overseas and since its release on Friday in the U.S. The film is all but assured to be the first film in 2016 to rake in $1 billion at the box office worldwide. 

It's the third best Marvel film on its opening weekend domestically behind "The Avengers" ($207.4 million) and "Age of Ultron" ($191.3 million). Disney meanwhile has its third successful film of the year through the huge success of "Zootopia" and the continued success of "The Jungle Book" which was No. 2 at the box office behind "Civil War" and has already grossed $776.2 million worldwide. 

I'll be seeing "Civil War" on Tuesday and I can't wait. #TeamCap all the way. 

Disney Reportedly Casts Young Han Solo; Black Widow Standalone Film in the Works

Disney Reportedly Casts Young Han Solo:

Disney and Lucasfilm may have created a little outrage with fans with who they picked for their untitled "Young Han Solo" standalone film as young Han Solo. The film which is due out in 2018 and now directors Phil Lord Chris Miller seem to have found their young Solo in Alden Ehrenreich ("Hail Caesar!"). Ehrenreich is final negotiations to don the famous vest and pick up that blaster that Harrison Ford brought to the role.

The film which centers around Solo in his younger days in the galaxy far, far away and will even tell how Solo met with our favorite Wookie, Chewbacca. Although not official as it hasn't officially been announced by Disney or by Ehrenreich's representation in CAA.

Ehrenreich won over the directors over two others who were on the final shortlist such as Kingsman actor Taron Egerton and Transformers: Age of Extinction's Jack Reynor. In earlier rounds that seem to have been eliminated from the shortlist were Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, and Brooklyn breakout star Emory Cohen.

Lord and Miller will co-direct the film with the script being written by father-son duo in Lawrence and Jon Kasdan. The film once again hits theaters in 2018.

Black Widow Standalone Film Reportedly in the Works:

Marvel President Kevin Feige confirmed in an interview with Deadline.com that Marvel is reportedly working on a Black Widow standalone film. The interview which highlights the release of "Captain America: Civil War" today among many other things. Two questions stuck out however as what superhero would be next to get a standalone film. Here is what he said when asked:

DEADLINE: You’ve got a bunch of characters in this movie from Falcon and War Machine and Black Widow and Hawkeye, who have so far guest starred in movies with another characters title above the fold. Is there one destined to get a solo movie down the line?FEIGE: We’ve announced the next nine movies, ten counting Civil War, through the end of 2019. Where we go beyond that are ongoing discussions that we’ll focus on in the next few years because we have a lot to do before then. Of the characters that you’ve just mentioned I would say certainly the one creatively and emotionally that we are most committing to doing is black widow.
DEADLINE: Why?FEIGE: We think she’s an amazing character. We think Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of her is amazing. She’s a lead Avenger and has amazing stories in her own right to tell that we think would be fun to turn into a standalone franchise.

It's clear that we will eventually get to see the lead female Avenger get her own film and the only question remains is when we will get it.

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Replacing Celebrate the Season; Olaf Meet & Greet Opens

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration Replacing Celebrate the Season:

With tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party going on sale today, we got some details on this year's party including that "Celebrate the Season" is being replaced with a new show this year. The long-time running show during the popular Christmas Party will be replaced with a new show called, "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration." Here are the details on the new show that you can find on Disney World's website:

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Feel holiday magic come alive in a jubilant new stage show that fills the air with music, laughter and shimmering snowflakes!

It’s just days before Christmas and all through this house, excitement is stirring thanks to Mickey Mouse.

Mickey is thrilled that the holidays are here, and he knows the only way to make this season more special, is to share it with friends. So he’s throwing a Most Merriest Celebration and inviting lots of Disney pals—and you—to join the festive fun!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story are galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.

This joyous performance is the perfect yuletide treat to share with your family. You’ll hear favorite Characters ring and sing in the holidays with carols old and new—more than a dozen delightful songs in all! You’ll witness the splendor of Cinderella Castle—aglow with enchanting and ever-changing holiday illuminations. And you’ll feel the warmth and wonder of the season as this unforgettable performance is Christmas-wrapped up in one sensational, snowy, show-stopping finale.

Olaf Meet & Greet Area Opens at Hollywood Studios:

Get excited "Frozen" fans as the Olaf meet and greet at Hollywood Studios officially opened yesterday. At Celebrity Spotlight, located in the Echo Lake area of the park, guests can meet the lovable snowman while he is living his dream "In Summer" and chilling out on the beach. Olaf is ready to give those warm hugs that are worth melting over to all his new friends.

The other new meet and greet involving Mickey and Minnie will open to guests this Sunday on Mother's Day, May 8. "Mickey & Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams" is just around the corner from Olaf's meet and greet on Commissary Lane. 

Here, you’ll discover Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, living the dream as A-list Hollywood stars. Walk the red carpet and step right into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. Next, join Mickey in a scene from “Fantasia,” where he’s portraying his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

I can't wait to get to Hollywood Studios in September where I will surely go and meet Olaf. How about you?

Star Wars Celebration Returning to Orlando in 2017; Tiered Pricing Announced for Halloween & Christmas Parties

Star Wars Celebration Returning to Orland in 2017:

In honor of today first, "May the 4th be with you." Happy Star Wars Day! Today, Star Wars Celebration announced they will be returning to Orlando in 2017. Star Wars Celebration will take place April 13-16, 2017.

Tickets for the celebration will go on sale beginning May 25 at 12:00 p.m. PT, 3:00 p.m. ET, and 8:00 p.m. GMT. Will you be attending Star Wars Celebration in Orlando?

Tiered Pricing Announced for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Tickets for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will officially go on sale tomorrow May 5. Pricing will be different this year for the parties as tickets for the parties will go to tiered pricing. Here is the rundown:

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 - Tickets will cost $72 plus tax for 10+ and $67 plus tax for children age 3-9 in advance. Tickets will cost $79 for 10+/$74 for 3-9 when purchased same day for event. 

September 23 - $85 plus tax for ages 10+ and $80 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for this party can't be bought in advance. 

September 29 and 30 - Tickets will cost $79 plus tax for ages 10+ and $74 plus tax for children ages 3-9 in advance. $88/$83 for same day. 

October 2nd and 6th - Tickets will cost $86 plus tax for ages 10+ and $81 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 in advance. $95/$90 for same day.

October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 - Tickets will cost $91 plus tax for ages 10+ and $86 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $95/$90 for same day. 

October 7, 14, 21, 28, 30 - $95 plus tax for ages 10+ and $90 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

October 31 - $105 plus tax for ages 10+ and $100 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for this party cannot be bought in advance. 

Passholders will get discounted rates for the party dates of 9/2, 9/8, 9/11, 9/13, 9/16, 9/18, 9/23, 9/25, 9/29, 9/30, 10/2, and 10/6. Tickets will range from $67-$80 plus tax depending on the date. DVC members have discounts on those nights plus 10/4, 10/10, 10/11, 10/13, 10/16, 10/18, and 10/20. Tickets will range from $62-$83 depending on the night.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

November 10 and 13 - Tickets will cost $86 plus tax for ages 10+ and $81 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $91/$86 for same day purchase.

November 18, 27, 29 and December 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 - $97 plus tax for ages 10+ and $92 plus tax for ages 3-9 in advance. $96/$91 for same day purchase.

November 7, 8, 11, 15 and December 1 - Tickets will cost $91 plus tax for ages 10+ and $86 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

December 9 and 15 - Tickets will cost $96 plus tax for ages 10+ and $91 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for these parties cannot be bought in advance.

December 16, 18, 22 - Tickets will cost $99 plus tax for ages 10+ and $94 plus tax for ages 3-9. Tickets for the parties cannot be purchased in advance.

Passholders will receive discounts on these dates 11/7, 11/8, 11/11, 11/15, 12/1, 12/11, and 12/13. Tickets will range from $74-$84 plus tax depending on the night. DVC members have those nights plus some additional nights: 11/10, 11/13, 11/18, 11/27, 11/29, and 12/6. Tickets will range from $74-$89 plus tax depending on the night. 

Details on Disneyland's FastPass+ System, Disney Park Pack is Expanding, and More

Details on Disneyland's FastPass+ System:

We already know that Disneyland will not be getting Magic Bands when their FastPass+ system is rolled out in the parks out west. Last night it appears as WDW News Today found out just how the system will work and it looks like it won't change too much from their regular FastPass system they currently have.

With the FastPass+ system at Disneyland guests will only be able to make the reservations for the FastPasses the day of and none will be available in advance like in Disney World. Guests will make the reservations via the mobile app, website, or in-park kiosks. Concerning the kiosks, guests won't have to go to each individual attraction kiosk, there will be a few kiosks around the park for guests to make reservations.

Guests will make reservations for one attraction at a time just like the old paper FastPass system. Essentially, Disneyland's FastPass+ system will just be the paperless version of the old version. There is no word on when Disneyland will switch over to the new system.

Disney Park Pack is Expanding:

If you love the Disney Park Pack - Pin Trading Edition, get ready because Disney is expanding the service. The Park Pack which is essentially a mystery-box that no one knows what's inside until it is opened. On May 9, they will be releasing a one-time only box with collector's memorabilia that will take the collector back to opening day at Disneyland, July 17, 1995. 

The special one-time only box will have an edition size of only 1,200. Guests may purchase this item with a limit of 2 per household. That's not all as Disney will releasing a new special Disney Park Pack this July.

As you can tell by the sneak peak of the packaging above will give collector's that Christmas feeling. This was specially designed for a new collection of specially designed ear hat ornaments. Disney gave a hint that fans of birds that are orange, ghosts, attractions, and more will go wild over this new Disney Park Pack. I can't wait for this Disney Park Pack.

'Frozen' Games Begin May 27 at Blizzard Beach:

The Summer is about to get a lot cooler at Blizzard Beach beginning May 27. Kristoff and Olaf are set to host the inaugural 'Frozen' Summer Games that will run through August 21 at the water park. Kristoff and Olaf are inviting guests to join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf each day  to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities. They include:

• Ice Pail Relays where teams line up and pass pails of water to one another, trying to be the first to fill a container at the end.
• A “Snowball” Toss where pairs compete in a snow-themed water balloon toss.
• Ski Pole Limbo, a snowy twist on traditional limbo—using a ski pole as the limbo bar!
• Slide Races that allow teams to race down one of the signature water slides at Blizzard Beach

Olaf and Kristoff will be on hand every day appearing on the observation deck of Summit Plummet as they will take part in the opening and closing ceremonies each day, and giving updates on their team's progress throughout the day. The games will be an all-day event. Guests can sign up for the events when they arrive at the park's entrance. All activities will be included with park admission. 

Will you be visiting Blizzard Beach this summer for the 'Frozen' Summer Games?

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Told in Emoji's; Disney Channel Classics to Air on Freeform in May

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as Told in Emoji's:

Today, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was told in a form that has never been seen before. Like many other of its films Disney released the emoji version of 'The Force Awakens' and of course it was amazing. I won't rattle on just watch:

It's true. All of it. @StarWars: #TheForceAwakens gets the emoji treatment. 😱https://t.co/dnsqcFfr3g

— Disney (@Disney) May 2, 2016

Disney Channel Classics to Air on Freeform in May:

Are you missing your favorite Disney Channel shows that aren't on anymore from the 2000's? If the Disney Channel Original Movie Marathon that is airing on the Disney Channel later this month isn't enough to make you sob, this will. 

This month on Freeform, Disney Channel classics will air on the station from midnight to 2 a.m. every Monday through Thursday. Every night for two hours four of our favorites will air starting of tonight with Lizzie McGuire, then That's So Raven, followed by Hannah Montana, and ending with Kim Possible. 

That's not all as every Friday during the month Freeform will air a Disney Channel Original Movie during the two-hour block. The schedule is as follows: Twitches (May 6), Get A Clue (May 13), Stuck in the Suburbs (May 20), and finally Smart House (May 27). 

The throwback begins tonight on Freeform beginning at midnight. Oh the feels. 

Happy 27th Anniversary to Disney's Hollywood Studios - A Timeline of Walt Disney World's Third Theme Park

As today marks, the 27th anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios I figured I would do a timeline of the history of the park and what's to come in the future. This park holds a special place in my heart as the park opened just five days before I was born. Yes, that means my birthday is this week and just as the Studios is 27, so am I. This isn't about me though as its about how Hollywood Studios came to be. 

In what originally was supposed to be a pavilion in Epcot, turned into a whole theme park dedicated to the guest entering into the movies. The theme park came into fruition in 1986 after Universal announced it would be building a theme park in the Orlando area. Disney figured it had to answer and so the war began and the creation of then MGM Studios began. Here is the timeline of the park:

March 27, 1986 - Ground is officially broken on Disney's MGM Studios with special celebrity guest Bob Hope

May 1, 1989 - Disney's MGM Studios officially opens with the following attractions: The Monster Sound Show, Super Star Television, The Great Movie Ride, Backstage Studio Tour, The Magic of Disney Animation, and Indiana Jones: Stunt Spectacular (dress rehearsals only).

August 25, 1989 - Grand Opening of Indiana Jones: Stunt Spectacular and Ewok Village which opened the day before with George Lucas and Michael Eisner in attendance. 

December 15, 1989 - Star Tours opens at MGM Studios, dedication takes place in January 1990 with Star Wars Director George Lucas and Star Wars film Stars Mark Hammil and Carrie Fisher are in attendance as well as Disney CEO Michael Eisner.

December 17, 1990 - "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure Opens at MGM Studios

April 20, 1991 - Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant opens.

May 16, 1991 - Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D film attraction opens.

November 22, 1991 - "Beauty and the Beast" LIVE stage show opens coinciding with the film's release (a first that a stage show and a movie release on the same date).

January 7, 1992 - "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" opens.

June 12, 1994 - "Beauty and the Beast" - Live on Stage reopens at the new Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard in the Disney-MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.Sunset Boulevard officially opens in the Disney-MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

July 22, 1994 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens at MGM Studios.

June 23, 1995 - "The Spirit of Pocahontas" stage show opens at MGM Studios. The stage show lasts less than a year at the park, performing its final show on February 24, 1996.

November 22, 1995 - Disney's Toy Story parade debuts and performs for two years. The final performance of the parade takes place on June 8, 1997.

November 24, 1995 - The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights debuts at Disney's MGM studios. 

February 1996 - The American Film Institute opens at the theme park. The American Film Institute Showcase is dedicated later that year on October 5, 1996. 

June 21, 1996 - "Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Musical Adventure" stage show premieres.

June 30, 1996 - The Studio Backstage Studio Tour is renamed as the Studios Backlot Tour combining both the Special Effects Water Tank Show and the Backstage Studio Tour.

June 27, 1997 - A parade based of Disney's "Hercules" called "Zero to Hero" Victory Parade opens at the Studios. The parade lasts less than a year and ends with its final performance on April 18, 1998.

July 1, 1997 - ABC Sound Studio: One Saturday Morning opens. The show will last for two years and closes on February 21, 1999. 

April 6, 1998 - The new Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida building opens and is later dedicated on April 22, 1998.

June 19, 1998 - The Mulan parade premieres at the park. The parade lasts 3 years and gives its final performance on March 11, 2001.

October 15, 1998 - Fantasmic! a nighttime spectacular premieres in the park officially, it replaces "Sorcery in the Sky."

March 15, 1999 - Disney's Doug Live! stage show opens. It will be opened for two years and give its final performance on May 12, 2001.

April 22, 1999 - SOUNDS DANGEROUS Starring Drew Carey opens in the ABC Sound Studio replacing ABC Sound Studio: One Saturday Morning.

June 7, 1999 - The Bear in the Big Blue HouseTM-Live On Stage! debuts in Soundstage 5 (Restaurant) at the Disney-MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The show ends its run on August 4, 2001.

July 29-30, 1999 - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is dedicated with the band Aerosmith in attendance. The following day on the 30th the attraction officially opens to guests.

April 7, 2001 - Who Wants to be a Millionaire-Play It! a live attraction opens with show host Regis Philbin from the tv show there to help dedicate it. The live show closes on August 19, 2006. 

October 1, 2001 - Disney World begins its celebration of what would have been Walt Disney's 100th birthday. The 17-month long celebration called "100 Years of Magic" will be centered at MGM Studios with the park having a new icon a 122-foot tall Sorcerer Mickey Hat on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Great Movie Ride.

Playhouse Disney Live on Stage opens and features characters from shows such as Bear in the Big Blue House, "Rolie Polie Olie," "Stanley," and many other Playhouse Disney show favorites. Walt Disney: One Man's Dream opens. Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade opens (actually unofficially debuted September 24, 2001). 

October 1, 2004 - "Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D" attraction at MGM Studios changes its name to just Muppet*Vision 3D.

May 5, 2005 - Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show debuts in the park, a high-octane stunt show featuring specially designed cars, motorcycles, and jet skis with spectacular special effects.

December 9, 2005 - Journey into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, a walking tour attraction, featuring the sets from the film, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," opens in Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue at MGM Studios. 

January 7, 2008 - Disney's MGM Studios officially changes its name to Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

February 2008 - Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! is updated to include new characters from programs such as "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," and "The Little Einsteins."

March 9, 2008 - Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade ends its run at Hollywood Studios. It is replaced by another parade called, "Block Party Bash," which features favorite Disney*Pixar characters such as Buzz and Woody from "Toy Story", Mike and Sulley from "Monsters Inc.", and many more. 

May 31, 2008 - Toy Story Mania! opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

June 27, 2008 - Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian, a walking tour attraction based on the film, opens in Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue, it replaces Journey into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe walking attraction.

December 7, 2008 - Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey ceases to be a daily attraction at the park and becomes a seasonal attraction.

February 14, 2009 - The American Idol Experience opens and replaces Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It! live which closed in 2006. 

September 8, 2010 - Star Tours closes at the end of day operation to re-open as a new 3D Star Wars film experience that is scheduled to open in 2011. 

January 17, 2011 - Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade debuts and replaces Block Party Bash. The parade ended on April 6, 2013.

March 4, 2011 - Disney Junior Live on Stage! opens and replaces Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!

May 20, 2011 - "Star Tours - The Adventures Continue" opens at the start of Star Wars Weekends at the Studios. The Grand Opening takes place with George Lucas and Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger in attendance.

December 6, 2012 - The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow opens in Soundstage 4 replacing Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian. The attraction is there until it closes for good November 6, 2014.

Here is where the closings begin at Hollywood Studios:

September 27, 2014 - The Studios Backlot Tour closes permanently, no announcement is made on what will happen to one of the Studios original attractions.

Early 2015 - The Sorcerer Hat is taken down and removed from the Studios. It had been the parks icon since 2001. 

March 2015 - During Disney's Annual Shareholders' Call, when Iger is asked about Hollywood Studios by a young shareholder, he mistakingly announces that the Studios will be seeing a name change in the future

July 12, 2015 - The Magic of Disney Animation closes again no word on what would replace it.

August 15, 2015 - At Disney's D23 EXPO Disney CEO Bob Iger announces largest themed land expansion in its theme parks. Disney's Hollywood Studios will be transformed with two new lands being built including a 14-acre Star Wars Land and an 11-acre Toy Story Land. No set date has been announced for the lands to open.

December 1, 2015 - Star Wars Launch Bay opens inside the old Magic of Disney Animation building.  Jedi Training Trials of the Temple opens a reimagining the original Jedi Training Academy at the Studios.

December 18, 2015 - Symphony in the Stars - A Galactic Spectacular a nightly new Star Wars-themed fireworks show debuts. 

January 6, 2016 - In preparation for the Star Wars and Toy Story Lands, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights ends its run at Hollywood Studios.

April 2, 2016 - Several closures occur at Hollywood Studios to prepare for the expansion construction including: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, Studio Catering Co., Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, Streets of America, and Watto's Grotto. 

April 14, 2016 - Ground is officially broken on both Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.

April 29, 2016 - Disney's Hollywood Studios first official icon, the Earffel Tower, is removed overnight from the Studios. It was due to be removed due to the construction of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.

Disney's MGM Studios/Hollywood Studios sure has seen a ton of changes throughout its 27 years and will continue to see changes well into the future. The future sure is bright for Hollywood Studios and I can't wait to grow along with it.