More Details Revealed About 'Rogue One' Including New Character Details, New Interactive Experience at Magic Kingdom, and More

More Details Revealed about 'Rogue One' Including New Exciting Character Details:

Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we now have some exciting new details on "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" along with details on the characters of the film. The new issue reveals details that Lucasfilm and Disney have been keeping secret for so long until now. We now have details and names of characters that we hadn't before as well as confirmation that.... yes, Darth Vader will be making an appearance in the film.

Here is what you can see in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly:

• The background of our cover showcases new Imperial weaponry being used against the nascent Rebellion: taller, slimmer walkers known as AT-ACTs hauling cargo, and flatter, fang-like interceptors known as TIE Strikers.
• New information about Jyn Erso (The Theory of Everything’s Felicity Jones), the outlaw who has clashed with both the Rebellion and the Empire, and now has a chance to clear her ledger of past wrongs by leading a mission for the good guys. It’s also personal – her father, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is a scientist whose knowledge is sought by both sides.
• Full details of the squad of characters uniting to take on the Empire, played by the most multicultural cast to appear in a Star Wars film yet: Diego Luna, Jiang Wen, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, Forest Whitaker, and Alan Tudyk – as a performance-capture droid. (One of these has been seen before by Star Wars fans.)
• A look at the skullduggery inside the Imperial ranks, as seen through the eyes of a new villain: Ben Mendelsohn’s ambitious officer, who’s eager to earn the favor of the Emperor – and avoid the wrath of his black-masked enforcer.
• Candid revelations from the filmmakers about what the current reshoots are adding to the story as the film nears its December release.
• Finally, confirmation of what fans have hoped ever since the project was announced: Vader is back. We have a run-down of the Sith lord’s first day on set, and what his return means for the larger Star Wars storytelling universe.

Let's take a look at the characters that have been revealed (All Photos Credit to Entertainment Weekly and Lucasfilm:

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is a streetwise delinquent who has been on her own since the age of 15, she has fighting skills and a knowledge of the galactic underworld that the Rebel Alliance desperately needs.

Diego Luna is Captain Cassian Andor. Andor is by-the-book Rebel intelligence officer that is brought in to steady the volatile Erso. He's committed, steady, and practical, and has seen more than his share of combat. 

Donnie Yen plays Chirrut Imwe, who is no Jedi but is devoted to their ways and has used spirituality to overcome his blindness to become a formidable warrior.

Jiang Wen plays the heavily armored Baze Malbus. Baze prefers a blaster to hokey religions and ancient weapons. He is also devoted to protecting Chirrut (Donnie Yen) at all costs.

Bodhi Rook is played by Riz Ahmed and is the Rebel squad's lead pilot. He tends to be hot-headed, but any abrasiveness is overshadowed by his skills in the air and the void of space. 

Alan Tudyk voices the powerful security droid, K-2SO, "the antithesis of C-3PO" as described by director Gareth Edwards. He is tough, confident, not especially interested in the "human/cyborg" relations, in other words he's the complete opposite of the fussbudget that is C-3PO.

Mads Mikkelsen plays Jyn's estranged father, Galen Erso. He is like the galactic version of nuclear pioneer, J. Robert Oppenheimer, with doomsday knowledge that is sought by both the Empire and the Rebellion.

Ben Mendelsohn plays the villain in the film, Director Orson Krennic. He is an ambitious Imperial apparatchik who intends to use his squad of Deathtroopers to pulverize the Rebel uprising and ascend into Emperor Palpatine's good graces, all while trying to avoid the wrath of his enforcer, Darth Vader.

Finally, Forrest Whittaker will be playing a familiar face that Star Wars fans will recognize in Saw Gerrera. The last we saw Gerrera was in The Clone Wars battling alongside his sister Steela and young Jedi in Anakin Skywalker. He was a young man then fighting the Separatists on his home planet of Onderon. For a little more detail on what has become of Gerrera since then and what he is seen as in "Rogue One" check out Entertainment Weekly's detailed story on Whittaker familiar character here.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" hits theaters in 177 days on December 16, 2016. 

Treasures of the Seven Seas Experience Now Available at Magic Kingdom:

According to WDWMagic, guests can now earn a bonus FastPass when they complete 3 of the 5 missions in the new interactive experience called, "A Pirates Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas." The FastPass will be for Pirates of the Caribbean. 

“A Pirates Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas” is an interactive experience that takes place throughout Adventureland. Guests can sign up for a mission at The Crow’s Nest, just beyond Pirates of the Caribbean. Each mission takes approximately twenty minutes to complete.

Refillable Popcorn Buckets to be Offered at Walt Disney World:

WDW News Today is reporting that beginning this Sunday, June 26 for a limited time Disney World will begin offering refillable popcorn buckets. Guests at Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports will be able to purchase the refillable buckets at $10 and will be enjoy refills for $1.50 for remainder of the day. 

Frozen Ever After Opens; Frozen Goes LEGO with "Frozen Northern Lights" Animated Shorts

Frozen Ever After Opens:

The wait is over...... 'Frozen Ever After' is opened and people are waiting and waiting and waiting. For the people that have gotten to ride the newest attraction it has gotten some rave reviews. The problem is with no soft opening of the attraction there have been some kinks and shut downs of the ride have occurred throughout the day.

At one point today, Epcot stopped accepting people in the stand-by line and were only accepting guests with FastPass+ reservations were allowed in line. The wait time posted reached the maximum 300 minute wait. Cast Members were seen handing out cold water and Mickey ice cream bars while guests waited in the hot sun waiting to get on the newest attraction. 

I haven't watched any video of 'Frozen Ever After' as I am trying not to spoil the surprise when I return to Disney World in just 89 days. Again reviews are saying the attraction is well improved over Maelstrom and the animatronics added to the attraction are absolutely amazing. We will see if the kinks get worked out of 'Frozen Ever After' over the next few days and weeks. 

Frozen Goes LEGO with "Frozen Northern Lights" Animated Shorts:

Frozen will be going LEGO with a new animated short series beginning in this fall called, "Frozen Northern Lights." The new series will also include a companion collection of books which will begin release in July. It will be an original story from Arendelle where Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven will embark on an epic journey to restore the glimmer of the Northern Lights.

"Natural phenomenon meets cultural phenomenon in this all new story, Frozen Northern Lights. We're excited to share this new adventure and offer fans great new ways to connect with their favorite characters thanks to a host of related books, digital games, and activities," said Andrew Sugerman, Executive Vice President of Disney Publishing Worldwide.

The new story, which is entitled Disney Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights, will be introduced as a deluxe novelization in July, ahead of an extended collection of books. In the book series, we’ll see some of our favorite characters return alongside a brand new protagonist named Little Rock. 

Back to the shorts, even more exciting news is that the original cast will be reprising their roles for the series. Here is Josh Gad, voice of Olaf, announcing "Frozen Northern Lights."

The shorts will air on Disney Channel this fall.

Disney Dining Plan Makes Changes for 2017; "Finding Dory" Swims to Opening Weekend Animation Record

Disney Dining Plan Makes Changes for 2017:

2017 will bring changes to the Disney Dining Plan, but not the changes most thought would be coming. One major change will be coming to the Quick Service meals where a dessert will no longer be offered, instead guests using the Quick Service Plan will now have 2 snack credits per day per person. The Basic Dining Plan is also expected to receive two snack credits a day per person. The quick service meal will no longer offer a dessert either Nothing is expected to change on Disney's Deluxe Dining Plan.

Yesterday, when the 2017 brochures released one change which was expected after a glitch earlier this month isn't happening. Many thought that many of the Character Meals with the exclusion of Cinderella's Royal Table will remain as 1 Table Service credit. A glitch earlier this month showed on Disney's dining site that Chef Mickey's, Akershus, and Tusker House would be listed as two table service credit meals. That however has not change as many thought for 2017 as they remain just 1 meal credit. 

Here is run down of what will be available to guests on both the Quick Service and Basic Dining Plans:

Quick Service Dining Plan-

•  2 quick service meals (Entree & Drink) per person per day
•  2 snack credits per person day

Basic Dining Plan -

• 1 quick service meal (Entree & Drink) per person/day
• 1 table service meal (Entree, Drink, and Dessert) per person/day
• 2 snack credits per person/day

No word on what the Dining Plans will cost for 2017 but guests can begin booking 2017 Disney World vacation packages tomorrow June 21, 2016.

"Finding Dory" Swimming to Opening Weekend Animation Record:

"Finding Dory" is swimming into the record books after its opening weekend. The sequel which returns our favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, smashed the opening animation weekend record, held previously by Dreamworks' "Shrek the Third" since 2007, grossed $136. 2 million on its opening weekend. More than $12 million more than its predecessor. 

Pixar's previously held the number 2 film on the list when "Toy Story 3 was released in 2010 and it made $110.3 million. Analysts expected the film to open with $100 million-plus numbers, but never thought it would smash the record. Paul Dergarabedian, comScore's senior media analyst said, "The thought was: 'Could this be the movie to eclipse "Toy Story 3's" opening?' not 'Could it become the biggest animated opening of all time? That's the power of the Pixar brand."

2016 remains a huge success for Disney at the Box Office as "Finding Dory" becomes Disney's third film this year to hold the box office crown along with "Zootopia" and the live-action remake of "The Jungle Book." "Finding Dory" may have hold of no.1 at the box office for at least a few more weeks until Universal's animated film, "The Secret Life of Pets" hits theaters on July 8. 

Movie Review: "Finding Dory" (No Spoilers)

We waited 13 long years for the sequel to Disney Pixar's "Finding Nemo" and Friday the long awaited release of "Finding Dory" hit theaters nationwide. The film brings back our favorite forgetful blue tang fish, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) who suddenly remembers that she has lost her parents and now needs to go find them. She goes on the search of where she is from, the Jewel of Morro Bay, California, where she knows she lived with her parents.

The film has its highs and lows especially the chemistry between Dory and her new friend in Hank the "septopus" (played by Ed O'Neill) as he helps her find her parents. Hank is a great added character to the film. While in the beginning he comes off this mean old animal who just wants to be isolated by the end of the film Dory teaches him that living in the wild is going to be alright.

Dory also reunites with old friend in 'pipe pal' Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), a near-sighted whale shark, who along with a new friend in Bailey (Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who lost his echolocation due to a concussion, unite with each other to help Dory and each other to who they truly are and what they can do for each other. I can't forget Rudder and Fluke, the hilarious and territorial sea lions in the film or those adorable sea otters.

Back to Dory who throughout the film is just as forgetful as she was in the original film. By the end however she uses her short term memory loss to her advantage to help find her parents Jenny (Diane Keaton) and Charlie (Eugene Levy). There are points in the film where you get lost in the story and not sure where your going but overall it was a great film and sequel to "Finding Nemo." The ending  to the film will definitely make you want to get your tissues out.

The film shows the true meaning of family and that when lost you will always find your way home if you follow your heart. Or in this case, "Follow the shells, and you will find your way home." Like I said the film was amazing but doesn't live up to the original film I believe. "Finding Nemo" was simply amazing and was going to be hard to top. Still "Finding Dory" should leave you thinking after the film just how amazing Pixar is when making films.

Overall, I don't give "Finding Dory" a perfect score but it still get 4.5 out of 5 popcorn bags. It's a film you should definitely go see with your family or no matter what your age is you will enjoy this film. Oh and, "Just Keep Swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming."

New Signs and Fencing Added at Disney World Resort Beaches; More Attractions Open for Awaken Summer

New Signs and Fencing Added at Disney World Resort Beaches:

Disney World has made quick response after the tragic alligator attack that took the life of a 2-year old boy at the Grand Floridian. Today, Disney released a statement saying they would be adding temporary fencing along with new signage to deter guests from going into Seven Seas Lagoon. Here is the statement from Walt Disney World Vice President Jacquee Wahler:

"We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches. We continue to evaluate processes and procedures for our entire property, and, as part of this, we are reinforcing training with our Cast for reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife and are expanding our communication to Guests on this topic."

Here is a look at the fencing that was being erected at the Grand Floridian beach this afternoon. Tweet courtesy of Tharin White @TharinWhite:

Fence being constructed at #GrandFloridian after #alligatorattack @CNN @Attractions @FoxNews @orlandosentinel pic.twitter.com/PU1ELxF7YK

— Tharin White (@TharinWhite) June 17, 2016

Also the new signs that warn of both alligators and snakes. Also a warning to not feed the wildlife.

Good on Disney for quickly working on a solution after this tragedy, the beaches at the resorts around Disney World remained closed today. The new signs should give guests an understanding that they should keep out of the water. Although the fencing will not keep animals away from guests, it should prevent guests from going into the water. Stay tuned as the aftermath of the tragic gator attack at the Grand Floridian continues.

More Attractions Open for Awaken Summer at Disney Parks:

Today, the next round of attractions opened for 'Awaken Summer' at Disney Parks. Most notably, Soarin' Around the World at Epcot and Disney California Adventure, or Soarin' 2.0 as many are calling it. The new digitally enhanced attraction takes guests around the world to Monument Valley, over the Great Wall of China, and many more famous sights around the world. 

Have no fear our favorite flight guide Patrick, Patrick Warburton, has not left us like many believed. Also while guests are waiting in line for the new updated attraction guests will be able to test their knowledge in a special game of "Soarin' Challenge." Guests will answer questions through displays in the queue or by using their mobile devices to compete against hundreds of others. 

Also debuting today in an early soft opening was the Royal Sommerhus with the new meet & greet with Anna & Elsa in the Norway pavilion. This is four days earlier then expected as it wasn't expected to open until Tuesday when Frozen Ever After opens on June 21. 

At Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire debuted as the new castle stage show. The show features Mickey & Friends along with characters debuting for the first time on stage including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Princess Tiana, and Prince Naveen. The show will run 6 times daily during park hours.

Tonight at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will debut tonight as the new fireworks projection spectacular. I can't wait to get to Disney World in 93 days. 

Shanghai Disney Resort has Officially Opened

Last night here in the United States it may have been June 15, but over in China it was already June 16 which meant that the Shanghai Disney Resort was opened. At around 10:30 a.m. in Shanghai the resort was officially dedicated by Bob Iger, Wang Yang (the vice premier of China), and many Chinese dignitaries and Disney executives along with thousands of guests.

Tune in tonight on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD will air the special, Shanghai Disney Resort Grand Opening Special at 8 p.m. ET. It will be hosted by Disney Channel star and singer Sofia Carson (Descendants). It will re-air tomorrow on Freeform. The Walt Disney Company released this press release on the opening of Shanghai Disneyland:

Shanghai Disney Resort Opens in Mainland China

“This is one of the proudest and most exciting moments in the history of The Walt Disney Company,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger on stage at the Grand Opening ceremony of Shanghai Disney Resort on Thursday, June 16.

Chinese dignitaries, Disney executives and thousands of guests were also in attendance to welcome the latest addition of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts family—and Disney’s first destination resort in Mainland China.

Iger continued a tradition started by Walt Disney himself—one that has occurred at the opening of every Disney park around the world—by reading the park’s dedication: “To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Shanghai Disneyland is your land. Here you leave today and discover imaginative worlds of fantasy, romance and adventure that ignite the magical dreams within all of us. Shanghai Disneyland is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. It was created for everyone, bringing to life timeless characters and stories in a magical place that will be a source of joy, inspiration and memories for generations to come.”

During the ceremony, Iger read a congratulatory letter from U.S. President Barack Obama that stated the resort blends “American business with the beauty and rich cultural heritage of China.” President Obama also wrote that Shanghai Disney Resort “captures the promise” of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China.

Wang Yang, the vice premier of China, also shared a letter of congratulations written by Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the note, President Jinping congratulated “the successful cooperation between Shanghai and The Walt Disney Company.” He also mentioned, “By adding to the classic Disney style a stroke of Chinese characteristics, and by blending international standards with best local practices, the resort demonstrates our commitment to cross-cultural cooperation and our innovation mentality in the new era.”
In 1955, Walt Disney envisioned Disneyland, a place where millions of guests could interact with beloved stories and characters—and with their families—in new ways. More than 60 years later, with the opening of the most technologically innovative theme park Disney has ever built, Shanghai Disney Resort continues this time-honored legacy.

Inside Shanghai Disneyland lie six themed lands, each one a unique experience, imagined and created especially for China: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland and Treasure Cove. At the heart of the park is Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over.

Beyond the park, the resort boasts Disneytown and two imaginatively designed hotels—the elegant Art Nouveau-influenced Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the colorful Toy Story Hotel, inspired by Disney·Pixar’s hit films. Wishing Star Park offers a relaxing natural escape with a promenade and lake.

“It’s the privilege of a lifetime to lead this phenomenal company as we continue to find new ways and new places to bring our stories to life and to bring people together to create cherished memories that last forever,” Iger said. “Today is a celebration of creativity and collaboration, commitment and patience, the triumph of imagination and innovation, and a testament to the strong partnership between Disney and China. Together, we have created an extraordinary destination.”

Just watching the dedication ceremony last night brought me to tears and made wish I was there to join in on the celebration of the grand opening of this amazing theme park. I could only hope that one day I will get to experience Shanghai Disneyland in person. I believe in my heart that Walt would be proud of this park. 

The Making of Shanghai Disneyland, Anthony Daniels at Star Wars Celebration, and More

The Making of Shanghai Disneyland:

We are just hours away from the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. I could only wish I was there to be joining in on the fun and excitement of Disney's newest theme park. Today, Disney released a six-minute plus video on how the new Shanghai Disney Resort became authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. Check it out:

See how Shanghai Disney Resort became authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese:https://t.co/qUbfiLQTiQ

— Disney (@Disney) June 15, 2016

 Anthony Daniels Joining the Fun at Star Wars Celebration London:

Anthony Daniels, the only actor to work on all 7 Star Wars films as C-3P0 will be joining many of his fellow all-star cast members next month at Star Wars Celebration in London. He will meet with fans in the Celebration Autograph Hall and will join the fun on stage with host Warwick Davis.

Daniels not only appeared in all seven movies as the lovable droid also in television appearances, in animation, and public service announcements. He is the arms, legs, and voice of one of favorite droids of the saga. He also toured as host of "Star Wars in Concert" in presenting the wonders of music from the movies to audiences around the world.

Also appearing with Daniels in the Celebration Autograph Hall for all three days of Star Wars Celebration will be: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Jeremy Bulloch, and Daniel Logan. Star Wars Celebration in London takes place July 15-17, 2016.

Body of 2-Year Old Recovered in Seven Seas Lagoon After Horrific Gator Attack at Grand Floridian:

As many of you know the horrible week in Orlando continued last night when a 2-year old (which I will not name for privacy of the family) on vacationing at Disney's Grand Floridian with his family was tragically dragged into Seven Seas Lagoon by an alligator. His body was recovered fully intact this afternoon by divers around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon and turned over to a medical examiner.

Disney had closed all beaches at its resorts and water transportation while in search for the remains of the boy. The body was found about 15 yards from shore where the water is about 6 feet deep. George Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World released this statement on the tragedy: 

"There are no words to convey the profound sorrow we feel for the family and their unimaginable loss. We are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic accident and are doing what we can to help the family during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we offer our deepest sympathies."

I questioned whether I would even write this story after the horrible tragedy this weekend. I pray for the family of this child that they may heal. I can't imagine the pain they are going through as no parent should have to go through the loss of a child. Please join me in sending thoughts and condolences to the family in their time of need.