D23's Epcot Fanniversary for 35th, A Look at Specialty Beverages for Pandora, & More

D23 Holding Epcot Fanniversary for 35th Anniversary:

D23 will be holding a special event in honor of Epcot's 35th Anniversary on October 1 called "D23's Disney FaNNIVERSARY". Here are the details on the event that will cost $135/person plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 2 at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT. 

OVERVIEW

D23’s Fanniversary kicks off a month-long celebration with a one-of-a-kind event on the 35th anniversary of the fan-favorite theme park. The event will include a series of presentations celebrating the magic of Epcot over the past 35 years.

DETAILS:

Check-in location and timing details to come. Lunch will be provided to all attendees during the event.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members

You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Join The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot during D23’s annual Fanniversary celebration throughout the month of October! Inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982, as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Gold and Gold Family Members have the chance to kick off Fanniversary with a visit to Epcot on October 1 for a D23-exclusive celebration event!

The event will take place at the World Showplace Events Pavilion and includes three presentations that celebrate the magic of this fan-favorite theme park over the past 35 years.  The presentations will include rare content and stories from Disney luminaries who played an influential role in the development of Epcot!

All attendees will also have the chance to enjoy a lunchtime look back at Epcot over the years while snacking on a boxed lunch at your table.  No event would be complete without a one-of-a-kind gift created exclusively for this celebration.

Learn more about our D23 progressive dinner, celebrating 35 years—which takes place later that evening—here! This separate ticketed event has very limited seating.

NOTE:

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.

Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 12 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.

This event does not include admission to Epcot. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Epcot to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Admission includes a prix fixe boxed lunch. Food allergy and restrictions must be communicated to our Guest Services team prior to the event.

There is a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership cards may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.

All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

Also, D23 will be holding a Behind the Scenes dinner that will be celebrating 35 years of Epcot on the same day. Details for that event can be found here.

Source: D23

A Look at Specialty Beverages that will be Exclusive to Pandora:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog featured some of the specialty drinks that will be exclusive to Pandora: The World of Avatar when it opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom next month. To start off with the Satu'li Canteen with the Pandoran Sunrise which is a non-alcoholic beverage a mix of tropical juices blended with Powerade Melon and you can get it in a souvenir Satu'li Canteen Flute Flask. 

Wine by the glass is Banshee, a small Napa Valley winery with a serendipitous name (guests fly on the back of a mountain banshee on the exciting Avatar Flight of Passage experience). A Banshee Chardonnay and Banshee Pinot Noir are on the menu by the glass. And there’s a refreshing Dreamwalker Sangria with a splash Blue Curaçao.

Two ales round out the beverage menu: Hawkes’ Grog Ale with a fruity hop character (a taste of apricot and peach, a hint of wheat on the finish), and Mo’ara High Country Ale, a malty amber ale with the aroma of herbal spice hops and tastes of caramel, toffee, and nuts.

At the Pongu Pongu try a Night Blossom which a frozen non-alcoholic mixture of limeade with apple and pear dessert flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls, this will also be served in a souvenir mug. Also the Mo'ara Frozen Margarita, a frozen drink with Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with strawberry and blood orange flavor topped with strawberry boba balls (also available in a souvenir mug).

Both the Satu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu open May 27 when Pandora: The World of Avatar debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Splash Mountain to Close for Lengthy Refurbishment:

Splash Mountain will close for a long 3 month refurbishment at the end of the summer. It is quite unusual for the refurbishment to be happening this early as it usually takes place during the winter months. Splash Mountain will close August 28 and be closed through November 16. 

The attraction will reopen to guests on November 17. No details have been announced as to what will happen during the refurbishment.

Gondolas Confirmed, Exclusive Star Wars Resort on the Way?, and More

Gondolas Confirmed for Walt Disney World:

Just a few weeks ago it seemed the Gondola system for Walt Disney World was just about to become a reality when Imagineering filed permits to start building. Today, through the media the Reedy Creek Improvement District confirmed that the Gondola system rumored for months is coming to Walt Disney World.

The route which was picked up in a permit filed just a few weeks ago will connect Epcot's International Gateway, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Caribbean Beach, and stop by Disney's Pop Century and Disney's Art of Animation. Rumors have been saying this will be completed by 2019 but I believe this will be done closer to the 50th Anniversary in 2021. Stay tuned for details on Walt Disney World's new transportation system. 

Exclusive Star Wars Resort on the Way?:

A survey is being conducted by a contracted third party of Disney asking guests about letting them stay in an actual Star Wars starship. This was first reported by WDW News Today. The survey includes concept art and details on what would be an all-inclusive resort. Here is what the resort would include:

• The opportunity to experience a 2-day story set in the the Star Wars universe
• Be surrounded in a continuous, story-driven entertainment experience as it unfolds over the course of the 2-night stay
• Have personal interactions with Star Wars characters, live performers throughout the starship (experience the story or simply observe the action according to personal preference)
• Engage in the story with programs such as flight training, ship exploration, lightsaber training, and personalized secret missions (both on the starship and throughout the Star Wars themed planet)

The all-inclusive resort would include meals that would include buffets for breakfast and lunch and a signature dining event. It will also include featured entertainment and dinner shows and exclusive park admission to Star Wars Land that will open in 2019. Amenities will include a pool, fitness area, a Cantina-themed area for snacks outside of meal times, and robotic droid butlers. 

Right now the Star Wars hotel and experience would cost roughly between $900-$1000 a night. While this is not confirmed the concept art being added to the survey seems to make this a serious project under consideration. As always stay tuned.

Walt Disney Archives to Celebrate Pirates of the Caribbean at D23 Expo:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that the Walt Disney Archives will be paying tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean at this year's D23 Expo. This year's pavilion will be titled, "A Pirate's Life for Me: Disney Rascals, Scoundrels and Really Bag Eggs." The exhibit will pay tribute to Disney's most memorable pirates from Captain Hook to Captain Jack Sparrow. 

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, beloved around the world from Anaheim and Orlando to Paris, Tokyo and Shanghai, will have its own section featuring iconic props, Audio-Animatronics and ephemera. Along with some familiar figures, look for concept art for the Disneyland park attraction, classic merchandise items, and canons from the original attraction.

This year's D23 Expo will be held July 14 through July 16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center across from Disneyland.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Frozen Summer Games Returning to Blizzard Beach; Frozen on Broadway Cast Announced

Frozen Summer Games Returning to Blizzard Beach:

The Frozen Summer Games will be returning to Disney's Blizzard Beach on May 26. After the success of its inaugural year last year, the games return pitting guests against each other with Team Kristoff vs. Team Olaf. Guests will play different games such as the Ice Pail Relays, Snowball Toss, Ski Pole Limbo, and slide races. 

New this year, guests will be able to meet and take photos with Kristoff and Olaf at Blizzard Beach. Either Kristoff or Olaf will be at the designated photograph location inside the water park. Here you can take photos with them telling them which team you chose to play on.

Between crafts, the games, and a DJ spinning some up-tempo tunes, the Frozen Summer Games are sure to be highlight of the day for guests visiting Disney's Blizzard Beach this summer. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Frozen on Broadway Cast Has Been Announced:

Disney's Frozen the Broadway Musical won't open until 2018, but today the cast has been announced for the musical. The musical will premiere next year at the St. James Theater.  Here is the stars of the show:

Cassie Levy as Elsa:

Levy has starred on Broadway in Ghost, Wicked, and the 2014 revival of Les Misérables.

Patti Murin as Anna:

Murin was in the original Broadway productions of Lysistrata Jones and Xanadu.

Jelani Alladin as Kristoff:

This will be Alladin’s Broadway debut, and what a debut it will be.

Greg Hildreth as Olaf:

Hildreth previously stared in Peter and the Starcatcher and Cinderella on Broadway.

John Riddle as Hans:

Riddle previously starred in The Visit’s Young Anton.

Robert Creighton as the Duke of Weselton:

Creighton previously starred on Broadway in The Little Mermaid and Anything Goes.

Frozen on Broadway will be directed by Tony-award winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by Tony-award winner Rob Ashford. Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.  The show will start out of Broadway later this year at the Buell Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, beginning August 17 through October 1, 2017. It will then join The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway in Spring 2018.

Source: Oh My Disney

New Star Wars Land Details Revealed, New Planet Stop for Star Tours Announced

Today at Star Wars Celebration, Walt Disney Imagineers along with Lucasfilm shared new details on Star Wars Land. We already knew that the land will be based off a planet never seen before in the Star Wars Universe. Today, they elaborated a little bit more on the new planet that lies somewhere on the Outer Rim lying on the edge of the Unknown Regions. 

The remote village was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but the prominence of the outpost has been bypassed with the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer less attention, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe-haven for others intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order.

Check out the video that was shared during the presentation on just how immersive the land will take you into the Star Wars Universe.

That's not all as guests will be able to choose their reputation as they step aboard the Millennium Falcon. Here they will board the ship with their crew and they will be able to control their destiny and reputation in the planet with how well they commandeer the legendary ship. The First Order ride is said to be the most epic attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering has ever undertaken.

Both new and old characters will be encountered throughout the land. They have landed there from across the galaxy, preferring the "no questions asked" environment along with the easy access to exotic supplies and an abundant supply of ready rogues looking to join the crew for their next adventure. 

Star Wars Land will open sometime in 2019 in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios. More details should be coming in the next few months when the D23 Expo occurs in Anaheim in July.

New Planet Stop for Star Tours Announced:

That's not all that was announced as it was revealed that the planet stop based off "The Last Jedi" was revealed.

Tom Fitzgerald announced that #StarTours will be going to the planet Crait for #TheLastJedi. #SWCO pic.twitter.com/dpq48T8Qgu

— Inside the Magic (@InsideTheMagic) April 15, 2017

The planet guests will be visiting will be the mineral planet of Crait. The new stop should debut in late December 2017.

Season 4 will be Final Season for Star Wars Rebels, Warwick Davis Joins Cast

"Star Wars Rebels" Season 4 will be the final season for the animated series. Director Dave Filoni announced during the Rebels panel today at Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Filoni said he wanted to end the series on his own terms. He said, "We've done something really special here, I'm very proud of these characters."

During the panel, we also got our first look with the first trailer for season 4 which can be seen below:

Also of note, Warwick Davis will be joining the cast for the final season. Davis will play Rukh, who is Grand Admiral Thrawn's bodyguard assassin.

Guests of the panel were shown the first episode of Season 4. The final season of "Star Wars Rebels" premieres this fall on Disney XD.

Carrie Fisher Won't Appear in Episode IX, First Trailer for "The Last Jedi", and More from Celebration

Carrie Fisher Will Not Appear in Episode IX:

For months since the passing of our beloved princess, Carrie Fisher, it has been speculated whether she would appear in Star Wars Episode IX. At first, it was said she definitely would not appear. In recent weeks leading up to Star Wars Celebration Orlando, her brother Todd revealed that she would be appearing in the final film of the saga.

However today, in an exclusive interview with ABC's Paula Faris, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Carrie Fisher will not appear in the film. Here is the part of the interview where Kennedy is asked about Fisher's role in the final film:

EXCLUSIVE: Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy says Carrie Fisher will NOT be in @StarWars Episode 9 as General Leia. #SWCO #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/gxH80QteYb

— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 14, 2017

First Poster and Trailer of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released:

Finally, today the long awaited first trailer of "The Last Jedi" was released along with a new poster during Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Director Rian Johnson, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill showed off the trailer today during the amazing panel detailing the film. Here is the poster:

The poster shows off Rey holding a lightsaber up flashing with half of Luke's face and half of Kylo Ren's face. Now here is the trailer:

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15, 2017.

Several Stills Released for "The Last Jedi" Revealed:

Also during today's panel several stills from the film were released, check them out below.

I am so excited for this film and I know most are just as excited. December cannot get here fast enough.

Club 33 Coming to Walt Disney World

Disney announced today that Club 33 will be coming to Walt Disney World. The exclusive restaurant in Disneyland will finally be coming to Florida. That's not all as each of Walt Disney World's four theme parks will get a separate location. Each location will be themed to Walt and Lillian's world wide adventures, plus other unannounced benefits.

Here is a letter of the announcement:

@Startedwmouse Looks like it pic.twitter.com/Mff9uzEbnO

— Mark E Floyd-Thaut (@MarkFloydThaut) April 14, 2017

It is also be said that each of the establishments will carry the same name or each will have a similar name. Club 33 members from the location in Disneyland will not have membership carry over to any of the new locations. Membership for the new locations will have to be purchased separately. 

More information on the new Club 33 locations at the Walt Disney World Resort will be released sometime this Fall. Guests are encouraged to email WDWClub33@disneyworld.com for information if they are interested in joining. 

Are you excited that Club 33 is coming to Walt Disney World? Is anyone interested in becoming a member of the exclusive Club/Restaurant?