Inside Look at Disney Channel's "Descendants 2," Sneak Peak of "Doctor Strange" at Disney Parks, and More

Inside Look at Disney Channel's "Descendants 2":

Today, we got our first look at the sequel to Disney's very successful franchise in, "Descendants 2." The film while it won't be out until 2017 will build on what "Descendants" has become a big hit. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay the sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains find their way in Auradon. Joining them in the sequel will be Uma (Ursula's daughter), Harry (Captain Hook's son), and Gil (Gaston's son) making their debut. 

The first film was a smash hit as it was the No. 1 cable television movie of 2015. It was also the fifth highest-rated original movie ever on U.S. cable TV in total viewers. Consumer interest remains strong as the books the films are based off are hits on the New York Times Best Sellers List. The first book, The Isle of the Lost, was No.1 on the Best Sellers List for 14 weeks and has spent 45 weeks on the Best Sellers list. The sequel in, Return to the Isle of the Lost, entered the New York Times Best Sellers List at No.2 when it was released. It has since reached No.1 and has spent 15 weeks on the Best Sellers list. 

Sneak Peak of "Doctor Strange" Coming to Disney Parks:

The very strange and mysterious world of Marvel's "Doctor Strange" is coming to Disney Parks. The film which hits theaters November 4, 2016 will have a sneak peak at Disney Parks beginning October 7. Here is some info on the sneak peak from the Disney Parks Blog:

At Disney California Adventure park, the preview of “Doctor Strange” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, while guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at clips from the film as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction. 

“Doctor Strange” follows the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange who, in his quest for healing after a horrific car accident, discovers powerful magic in a mysterious place known as Kamar-Taj – the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality.

Here is the trailer for "Doctor Strange":



#DisneyParksLive to Feature the "WonderFALL" Experiences at Disney World This Sunday:

The next Disney Parks Live stream will happen this Sunday September 18, and will feature the "WonderFall" World of Disney experiences at Disney World. Inside this live stream fans will get a chance to see a portion of the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular," the thrilling stage show that takes place during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. 

The live broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. on the Disney Parks Blog. During the live stream we will get a peak at the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular" and have a behind-the-scenes look at the show during a live interview with one of the show's directors. Also they will take us to Epcot for updates on the International Food & Wine Festival and an update on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They will also be give us a sneak peak at what else is in store this Fall at Walt Disney World.

Could we finally be getting an update on Rivers of Light? Tune in this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST. 

Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon to Close October 2; Second "Moana" Trailer Released

Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon to Close October 2:

What has been rumored for a while now, Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon will close October 2 according to WDWMagic. The Shark Reef at the Typhoon Lagoon allows guests to snorkel through a sunken ship in a 100 x 23 saltwater pool complete with sharks and tropical fish.

An underwater observation area was also available for those guests who don't want get wet and just want to enjoy the view. The reef closure is in preparation for the new attraction in another area of the park, Miss Fortune Falls, that will open in Spring 2017. 

Second "Moana" Trailer Released:

As announced earlier this week, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson premiered the brand new trailer for Disney's "Moana" this morning on Good Morning America. Disney's "Moana" stars Johnson as the demi-god Maui and Auli'i Cravalho as the adventurous teenager, Moana. 

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient  quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Here is the trailer:

Chase the waves of a new #Moana trailer. The film, starring @TheRock and @AuliiCravalho, opens Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/b9WL3n14e7

— Disney (@Disney) September 15, 2016

"Moana" chases the waves into theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

New Specialty Eats to Celebrate Tower of Terror Final Check-Out; Sneak Peak of New "Moana" Trailer

New Specialty Eats to Celebrate Tower of Terror Final Check-Out:

Two new specialty eats are debuting at Disney California Adventure to celebrate the final check-out of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The classic attraction will be closing for good on January 2, 2017 to make way for the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

First up for guests to try is the Tower Drop Dog at Award Wieners. It is an all-beef frank dipped in red-pepper ketchup, topped with grilled onions, peppers, and an onion crunch on top of a black noir potato bun. One bite of the awesome dog and you just might think you have traveled into the Twilight Zone.

The Drop, is a specialty drink that will be featured at the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. It features a Midori with Irish cream and grenadine "dropped" in. One look at the creepy cocktail is not for the faint of heart. 

Hurry up and try these new specialty eats before the Tower of Terror checks out at Disney California Adventure.

Sneak Peak of New "Moana" Trailer:

Earlier this week, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed a new poster and said that he would be premiering a new trailer for Disney's "Moana" this Thursday on Good Morning America. Today, before the trailer is released tomorrow, Disney gave us a sneak peak of the new trailer set to debut. Check it out below:

.@TheRock is set to make a splash on @GMA tomorrow morning with a special look at the #Moana trailer! pic.twitter.com/HyTHgftKlz

— Disney (@Disney) September 14, 2016

Disney's "Moana" stars Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the demi-god Maui. Disney's "Moana" rides the wave into theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

Note: 

The 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began today and will run for the next 61 days until November 14. Who's excited to try all the amazing food at this year's festival? I know I can't wait, I'll be there in 4 days where I'll be pigging out around the world.

New Holiday Offerings at Disneyland Resort; Opening Date for New Magic Kingdom Muppets Show

New Holiday Offerings at Disneyland Resort:

The holidays are just around the corner at Disneyland Resort. The holiday offerings will begin November 10, 2016 and run through January 8, 2017. It will bring some new experiences as well as some that will return favorites we already know and love.

First up at Disney California Adventure, a brand new holiday-themed World of Color will debut. "World of Color - Season of Light" will celebrate the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays. It will take guests on a sparkling winter fantasy, combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments for our favorite Disney films that will create an experience filled with Disney magic.

Also new at Disney California Adventure will be the Festival of Holidays. 

The entire family will delight in diverse cultural holiday celebrations, including the popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and the global sounds of special guest musical groups will ring throughout the festival. Guests will enjoy delicious, internationally inspired food and beverage at 14 themed festival marketplaces, and the young and young-at-heart will celebrate with some of their favorite Disney Characters. Princess Elena of Avalor will make her Disneyland Resort debut during Festival of Holidays, and after Holidays at the Disneyland Resort conclude January 8, she will remain at Disney California Adventure park to continue visiting with guests.

Over in Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle will be transformed into Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle. It will feature magical snowfall moments and will conclude with the "Believe.....in Holiday Magic" fireworks show. Also returning will be "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, "it's a small world" Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Of course we can't forget about Santa, who along with his mischievous elves, will be greeting guests at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. In Disneyland, guests will find the jolly old elf in a special location in Critter Country.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Opening Date for New Magic Kingdom Muppets Show:

According to WDW News Today, the new Muppets Show in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom will be debuting very soon, although nothing is official from Disney. "The Muppets Present.....Great Moments in American History" will debut on October 2, 2016 according to internal documents at Disney. 

While this is not officially announced as the opening date could always be delayed sans Rivers of Light. Stay tuned as we wait on the official word from Disney. I'm sure if this is the true date we will be hearing about it officially sooner rather than later. 

Festival of Fantasy Lunch Package Replacing Electrical Parade Package, Meet Your 2017-18 Disney World Ambassador Team, & More

Festival of Fantasy Lunch Package Replacing Electrical Parade Package:

With the Main Street Electrical Parade ending on October 9th, so will end the Electrcial Parade Dinner Package. A new Festival of Fantasy Parade Lunch Package will take its place and begin on October 10th. This was first reported by WDW News Today.

The dining package will still take place at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. It is a prix fixe meal that costs $45 for adults and and $17 for children ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity not included. Guests will then be given a special voucher for a special viewing area for the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Guests can begin booking the package tomorrow, September 13.

The Festival of Fantasy happens every day at the Magic Kingdom at 3 p.m. 

Meet Your 2017-18 Disney World Ambassador Team:

Disney has announced the 2017-18 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team. The new ambassadors are Ken Facey and Brandon Peters. Facey and Peters were surprised with the news as Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis awarded both of them their official Ambassador pins. They both will represent the 74,000 cast members at the resort in sharing the magic of Disney throughout the resort and the community.

Ken (pictured left), is from Brooklyn, New York, currently is a leader of Housekeeping & Custodial at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Facey has had several roles at Disney World which included Attractions and Guest Relations.

Brandon (pictured right) from South Florida, is a performer at Walt Disney World. Peters roles in the parks have included Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial, The Royal Majesty Makers, and The Jedi Training Academy.

We'd like to congratulate and wish them new luck in their new roles.

New "Moana" Poster, 2nd Trailer Out Thursday:

Today, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed on Twitter the new poster for Disney's next animated hit, "Moana." He also revealed that he will debut the new trailer will be released on Thursday live on Good Morning America. Here is the tweet and the new poster:

EXCLUSIVE: 1st look at the @DisneyMoana poster! Stay tuned for more..THURSDAY I debut the trailer on @GMA! #MOANA 🌊🎼 pic.twitter.com/qiy6FkAF1Z

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 12, 2016

Disney's "Moana" hits theaters this Thanksgiving Day, November 23.

Today We All Remember 9/11

15 years ago, I was just a young 7th grader naive to the world and its surroundings. 15 years ago, today the United States changed forever. 15 years ago, we were all attacked, but yet we all joined together to become a stronger nation. Today, is September 11 a day that we will all never forget and will always remember the innocent lives we lost in New York at the World Trade Center, in Washington at the Pentagon, and those braves soles on Flight 93 who fought before crashing in Shanksville, PA.

You never forget where you were that day when you found out. I was just in my 2nd week of classes as I started my high school career (7th and 8th grade is at the high school at my alma mater). The first plane had crashed into the North Tower while I was in my second period gym class. I didn't find out until next period when I was in Science class. I remember thinking how could this happen and why is this happening? My teachers tried to teach the rest of the day but they all knew we were distracted. How could we not be? Our nation had just been attacked. I remember getting home from school that day and just hugging my parents and we watched the news for days, that's all that mattered. We were just glued to the television and the newspapers just watching in horror.

Today, we all remember and will never forget a day that will live in infamy. May everyone who lost their lives on this day 15 years ago, Rest in Peace. 

Disney Parks Unboxed - Epcot Food & Wine Edition; Scoop Sanderson's Contract Not Renewed at Magic Kingdom

Disney Parks Unboxed - Epcot International Food & Wine Edition:

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is upon us as it begins next Wednesday, September 14. Today, Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog showed us some of the merchandise that will be available during this year's event. Here is what he unboxed for us:

Here are just some of the items that will be available at this year's festival including shirts, hats, accessories, drinkware, dinnerware, magnets, and so much more. Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will also return for this year's festival.

All the pins available at this year's Food & Wine Festival:

This year's 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs from September 14 through November 14, 2016.

Scoop Sanderson's Contract Not Renewed at Magic Kingdom:

One of your favorite Main Street characters won't be appearing at the Magic Kingdom much longer. Scoop Sanderson, one of the citizens of Main Street, USA, contract was not renewed and his last day will be October 8, according to LaughingPlace.com. 

Photo Credit: Holland Hayes' Facebook Page

The pin trading expert stopped trading pins recently but was still one of the lighthearted citizens that guests know and love. His portrayer, Holland Hayes, posted this on Facebook, as an almost goodbye to his fans:

"You know that sudden empty feeling of sad disappointment when you discover Scoop is not on Main Street today? Get ready to feel it a lot more.
More often I mean. It will still be brief, disappearing the instant you encounter one of the other dazzling Citizens of Main Street USA. Or handsome Leading Man and Magic Kingdom Park Vice President Dan Cockerell. Or at the very least you shall be restored upon entering one of the six other magical themed lands of The Most Magical Place on Earth
You’re gonna miss me!
And I you."

In the comment section he had posted that his contract wasn't renewed, however that he still will fill-in at Disney World when other cast members are on vacation or have called in.  We will surely miss you, Scoop.