Dive right into the new trailer for Disney's "Moana" which debuted just a short while ago during the Olympics coverage. It sure lights the way for the "Moana" to be Disney's next big animated film. The film hits theaters in 3D this Thanksgiving, November 23, 2016.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The film is directed by the team of Ron Clements and John Musker with music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Check out the new sneak peak below:
Light the torch, find your way, dive right in. 🌊🌊🌊 Watch a sneak peek of #Moana and see it in 3D this Thanksgiving!https://t.co/RpPLEzsmZE
Who knew the Olympics were going to be such a good promotion for Disney. With the release of the new "Moana" trailer later tonight during coverage, Disney and Lucasfilm will use the Olympics again later this week. The new "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer will be released this Thursday night (August 11) during coverage of the Olympics.
Stay tuned for the new "Moana" trailer tonight as well as the new "Rogue One" trailer that will be released on Thursday. You can see them both here on It All Started With a Mouse.
Walt Disney Imagineering Hit with Layoffs:
Rumors began swirling around the internet early Friday that Walt Disney Imagineering had begun laying off many of its Imagineers. While the rumor of big names like Joe Rohde and Tom Fitzgerald being ousted have been found to be untrue, Disney has confirmed that layoffs in the division have occurred.
With the opening Shanghai Disneyland and the norm of any large project, layoffs do happen such as this one at Disney Imagineering. The reduction of staff has come through a mix of voluntary departures and layoffs. Severance packages were offered to senior staff, those that have been with Disney for many years or those nearing retirement. Some of the imagineers were offered other roles within the company.
In a quote from Disney through a spokesman they said, “Walt Disney Imagineering is a project-based organization, and we continually evaluate and adjust our resources to support the design and development of Disney theme parks, resorts and experiences around the globe."
There have been no confirmation however on how many people were laid off but rumor has it is around 200. That is a small percentage compared to the over 2000 Imagineers that work at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Catch a Sneak Peak of "Moana" During the Olympics on Sunday:
Disney is releasing another sneak peak of "Moana" during Olympics coverage on Sunday. "Moana" is the next Disney Animation hit that is due out in theaters this Thanksgiving, November 23, 2016. Disney's "Moana" stars Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the demi-God Maui.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), “Moana” sails into US cinemas November 23, 2016. Here is the teaser for the sneak peak on Sunday:
According to a report by WDW News Today, Shark Reef could be closing at Typhoon Lagoon according to management at the water park. This is after this week's official announcement for the new family water attraction, Miss Fortune Falls that will open next Spring. According to the sources the classic attraction that opened with Typhoon Lagoon in 1989.
Shark Reef allows guests to snorkel through an unheated, saltwater reef that is populated with stingrays, bonnethead sharks, leopard sharks, and many tropical fish. No word on what would replace the attraction and of course nothing is official until Disney announces anything. However, the attraction has been rumored to be closing for years. Could this be the final nail in Shark Reef's coffin? Stay tuned.
Win a Chance to Visit Food & Wine from ABC's The Chew:
ABC's The Chew is returning to this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and they want you to join them. The Chew's Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes Presented by Hidden Valley will give one lucky winner along with three guests for a trip to Walt Disney World for the week of October 5-9, the same week ABC's The Chew will be taping shows live from Epcot.
The winner will enjoy and attend a live taping of the show, sip and savor food and drink from the more than 30 global marketplaces during the event, including one inspired from the show in The Chew Collective in the Next Eats area of Future World. Here are more details on the sweepstakes released in a video:
You have until 11:59 p.m. on September 2 to enter.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 PM ET on 9/2/16. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 years of age or older. Winner must travel between October 5 – 9, 2016. Limit one (1) entry per person per day. See Official Rules for full details including entry requirements, eligibility restrictions, odds of winning, prize description and limitations. Void where prohibited. Introducing The Star Wars After Show Presented by Verizon:
We all have been loving The Star Wars Show, but now we will be getting even more insider info into the saga and Lucasfilm with The Star Wars After Show presented by Verizon. The show debuted today and will be released every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on Verizon's YouTube channel.
The show will offer a deeper inside look and perspective of the news and content that is presented weekly on The Star Wars Show. Featuring our favorite hosts from The Star Wars Show and experts from Lucasfilm. The discussions will be lively, fun geek outs over everything happening in a galaxy far, far away. Here is the first show that was released today:
Prince Elena of Avalor's Royal Welcome Live Stream:
We just came off a month of amazing live streams on the Disney Parks Blog. Today, the next one was announced as Disney Parks Live will be live from the Magic Kingdom next Thursday, August 11 for Princess Elena of Avalor's Royal Welcome. The live stream will begin at 10:45 a.m. ET.
The "Royal Welcome of Princess Elena of Avalor" is a new stage show on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage that will be presented several times daily beginning August 12. Here is a description of what will happen during the stage show for Disney's newest princess:
Cinderella and Prince Charming appear on the stage of the castle, dándole la bienvenida (giving a welcome) to everyone to this magical kingdom and introducing their special guest from Avalor. Princess Elena arrives accompanied by a troupe of regal banner carriers and musicians and when asked to share her historia, Elena picks up a guitarra and joins her musicians in a performance of the song “My Time,” recounting her magical adventures and triumphant return to Avalor.
You can also catch Princess Elena on her new Disney Channel original series, "Elena of Avalor," that airs Friday's at 7:30 p.m.
"Let it go, Let it Go," if you haven't figured it out more "Frozen" is on the way this time on the Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wonder. This time in the form of a musical called, "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular." The new show will debut beginning November 10, 2016 along with other new enhancements on the ship sailing from Galveston, Texas.
Here is what the Disney Parks Blog had to say in its announcement today:
"The story of royal sisters Anna and Elsa will be presented like never before, with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy, completely unique to the Disney Wonder production. The show features dynamic costumes and sets, remarkable special effects, and spectacular production numbers that expand upon the most imaginative elements of the film. To adapt this blockbuster animated feature into a quintessential stage production, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Executive Kevin Eld assembled a team of distinguished creative talent with Broadway credits and theatrical accolades. The production is led by Tony Award-nominated director Sheryl Kaller (“Next Fall,” “Mothers and Sons”). Joining the creative team are Tony Award-winning costume designer Paloma Young (“Peter and the Starcatcher”), choreographer Josh Prince (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), scenic designer Jason Sherwood (“Paint Your Wagon”), and writer Sara Wordsworth (“In Transit”). “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” will feature music direction by Marco Paguia, projection design by Aaron Rhyne and lighting design by Rui Rita. Dynamic puppetry by Michael Curry, whose designs are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “The Lion King,” will bring exciting physicality to characters like Sven and Olaf."
Stay tuned though because in coming months the Disney Parks Blog promises to give us an inside look at the production of the new musical coming to the Disney Wonder.
New Typhoon Lagoon Attraction to be Called 'Miss Fortune Falls':
Last month it was discovered through a permit that Disney would be building a new family water attraction at Typhoon Lagoon. We now know that it will be called, ' Miss Fortune Falls.' The ride will be completed by Spring 2017.
A description of the ride was released on the Disney Parks Blog:
Miss Fortune Falls will be a family-style raft attraction that takes guests on a splashing journey through the fabled Captain Mary Oceanear’s past. Legend has it that Captain Oceanear, a treasure-hunting heroine, travelled across the sea collecting unique artifacts before she became stranded at Typhoon Lagoon many years ago by a rogue storm. Onboard treasure rafts, guests will ascend to the top of the attraction before plunging into a white-water adventure where they will be able to spot some of the treasures Captain Oceanear gathered from around the world. With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney Water Parks.
Miss Fortune Falls is sure to be an amazing attraction for all families to enjoy. 2017 is sure to be an exciting year at Disney World.
World of Color, Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Returning to Disneyland Resort:
The set date for Disneyland's Diamond Celebration to end has been known for awhile in September 5. Rumors have long been swirling that also ending would be the World of Color: Celebrate and the Disneyland Forever fireworks would be ending as well due to budget cuts. Today, all of that was confirmed as the original World of Color will be returning to Disney California Adventure. This will begin September 6.
The Disneyland Forever fireworks have long been rumored to be cut. With today's announcement, Disneyland will see the return of the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. These will be shown Friday through Sunday beginning September 9.
The most heartbreaking of the news however as it was just confirmed by @DisneylandToday on Twitter is that Paint the Night will also be ending on September 5. We however don't know the details of what will take its place or if it will be moved to another Disney Park. Paint the Night was a lot of guests favorite parade when it debuted last year at the kickoff of the Diamond Celebration.
Stay tuned for more details on the fate of Paint the Night as we learn more.
First 'Rogue One' TV Spot Airs:
The first "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" TV Spot has aired, it is called "Rebellion." We see multiple clips that we have seen previously in the first trailer but has the message of, "Hope begins with rebellion." Check it out:
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" hits theaters December 16, 2016.
Disney World Introduces Refillable Mugs Without Handles:
According to WDW Info, Disney has begun introducing a new refillable mug without handles at Saratoga Springs. The mugs without handles will rollout at other Disney World resorts based on guest feedback according to resort managers.
The cost of the mugs remain the same as their counterparts with handles at $17.99. The picture also remains the same with Mickey and Minnie in a car and the rest of gang on the mug. Right now the mugs only come in green and purple.
The main reason for the new mugs could be that the mugs previously didn't fit into car cupholders with their handles. What does everyone think of these new refillable mugs without handles?
Disney Parks Blog Holding "Pete's Dragon" Early Screening:
The Disney Parks Blog will be holding an early screening of "Pete's Dragon" in theaters August 12, this Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The screening will be held under the stars at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Here is what you need to know about the event if you got your RSVP in time:
All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older.
Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” is rated PG.
Limit one guest per registrant.
We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up.
If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in at the front of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at the Walt Disney World Resort for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details.
Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest.
If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted.
The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Some more information you need to know since it is an early screening:
This is a pre-release screening of the movie. Captioning, descriptive video and assisted listening devices will not be available.
Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), its affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time.
NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to use any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras and phones) in the venue. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. WDSMP and its related companies reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. Further, by attending, you grant permission to WDSMP and Disney Destinations, LLC, their licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie.
You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event.
Disney's "Pete's Dragon" stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Oscar-winning actor Robert Redford. The film flies into theaters August 12.
