Marvel MagicBands Arrive at Walt Disney World; Minnie Vans Expand to Grand Floridian

Marvel MagicBands Arrive at Walt Disney World:

Marvel MagicBands 2.0 have finally arrived at Walt Disney World and the Shop Disney Parks app. The MagicBands feature the likes of IronMan, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, and the Black Widow. 

Each of them feature there comic book selves not the live-action likeness. As seen above the IronMan  is yellow, Captain America is blue, and Thor is grey. The Spider-Man is red and the Black Widow MagicBand 2.0 is black. Each of the MagicBands will be sold at retail for $22.99.

Source: MagicBand Collectors

Minnie Vans Expands to Disney's Grand Floridian:

Beginning today the Minnie Van Service is once again expanding to another Walt Disney World Resort. The service will be expanding to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Guests can activate the point-to-pointo service by going to the front desk.

The new transportation service that debuted back in July after it was announced at the D23 Expo already has debuted at several Walt Disney World resorts. These include: Disney's Boardwalk, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge. 

Source: WDW News Today

Imagineers Ready Slinky Dog Dash Vehicle for Testing; Inside Look at Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark

Imagineers Ready Slinky Dog Dash Vehicle for Testing:

Just a few weeks ago the very first Slinky Dog Dash ride vehicle arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Toy Story Land. Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared with us how Walt Disney Imagineers are getting that ride vehicle for testing on the track. 

"The ride vehicle, which is themed after the character of Slinky from “Toy Story,” took Imagineers from multiple disciplines a few years to design, so the group was thrilled to see the finished product arrive on the site firsthand. According to the Imagineers, the vehicle was created to reflect Slinky’s personality, the movement and motion of a Slinky toy, and of course Slinky’s adorable look which will be visible throughout the land as the coaster moves along the track.
“This is a ride for the whole family: it’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s thrilling, but it’s not scary,” said Imagineer Bob Vignec. “It’s a rollercoaster, but it’s also this fun character that will be out in the land. You sort of get a little bit of goosebumps seeing it here for the first time.”

I know I'm excited for Toy Story Land and I can't wait for it to open in Summer 2018 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Inside Look at Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark:

Today, we also got an inside look at Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark which will debut soon at Disney California Adventure when nights falls on the Collector's Fortress. Here is what guests can expect:

"While escaping The Collector’s Fortress, the Guardians have accidentally left Groot behind, so Rocket needs your help to find and rescue his little buddy. But along with the creatures that have been accidentally released inside The Collector’s Fortress, one terrifying monster you will encounter is Surtur’s Fire Dragon, seen in the artist’s rendering above from Walt Disney Imagineering. This terrifying monster will also appear in the upcoming “Thor: Ragnarok” in theaters on November 3."

Guests can experience Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark beginning tomorrow September 15 through October 31 each night during Halloween at Disney California Adventure.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney After Hours Returning to Magic Kingdom in 2018

Disney After Hours will return to the Magic Kingdom on select nights from January through March 2018. Those dates are January 19, 26, and 30, and February 8 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., February 15, March 1 and 8 from 9 p.m. until midnight. 

The 3-hour after hours event allows a limited number of guests to experience Magic Kingdom and many of its attractions and character meet & greets. Also available will be ice cream novelties and select beverages that are included in admission of the event. There will be even more available as guests can purchase select items from the Main Street Bakery and other locations throughout the park. 

Admission to Disney After Hours can be purchased in advance for $119 per adult or child, plus tax or tickets can be purchased on the day of the event for $124 per adult or child, plus tax. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of specially priced tickets for just $89 per adult or child, plus tax.

You can purchase tickets online here or by calling the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 827-7185.

Sneak Peak of "Coco" Coming to Disney Parks; No More Breakfast at Satu'li Canteen

Sneak Peak of Pixar's "Coco" Coming to Disney Parks:

A sneak peak of the Pixar's "Coco" is coming to Disney Parks beginning November 3. At Disney's Hollywood Studios the preview will be at the new Walt Disney Presents attraction and will be accompanied by a display about the production of the film. At Disney California Adventure, guests will get to see this advance look at scenes from the film in 3D with special in-theater effects at “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” theater in “a bug’s land.”

Also at Disney California Adventure beginning this weekend, families and friends are also invited to discover Plaza de la Familia, an all-new festivity at Paradise Gardens that celebrates the Disney•Pixar film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Plaza de la Familia features daily performances of “A Musical Celebration of ‘Coco,’” “The World of ‘Coco’” exhibit, authentic Mariachi music on the bandstand, a Tree of Life interactive photo location, face painting and delicious foods, all inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. This will run from September 15 through November 2. 

Let's not forget the new trailer for "Coco" that was released today.

Disney Pixar's "Coco" will play its way into theaters on November 22.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

No More Breakfast at Satu'li Canteen:

Breakfast will no longer be served at the Satu'li Canteen, well at least for now beginning this Sunday, September 17. It will return during peak seasons at Disney's convenience.

The quick service restaurant in Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom had been serving breakfast from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. daily. Satu'li Canteen will now begin serving lunch at 10 a.m. daily.

Source: WDW News Today

The Walt Disney Company Donates $2.5 Million to Humanitarian Aid for Hurricane Irma

We are all praying for the victims to get the help they need now that Hurricane Irma has devastated the state of Florida, the Caribbean, and other areas. The Walt Disney Company has donated $2.5 million in Humanitarian Aid to support these communities. This donation will support the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other nonprofit organizations. 

“As millions of people now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together in the wake of these historic hurricanes, they need our help,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re donating $2.5 million to support relief and recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Irma. This is in addition to nearly $16 million we raised after Hurricane Harvey to help ensure storm victims have the support needed to recover and rebuild.”

In addition to Disney’s donation announced today, contributions from Disney employees to eligible relief and recovery organizations will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

During Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line donated meals, provided storage for supplies and power-utility vehicles, donated bedding to shelters, and made rooms available for first responders. Disney will also be donating goods and services throughout the region as specific needs are identified.

Last night, in partnership with other media companies, ABC will broadcast Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief, a telethon special to raise awareness and additional money to help the millions of people displaced and devastated by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. As of this moment over $44 million has been raised.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by this horrible disaster.

Source: The Walt Disney Company

J.J. Abrams to Write & Direct Episode IX, Film Pushed Back; New "Coco" Poster Released

J.J. Abrams to Write & Direct Star Wars: Episode IX, Film Pushed Back a Few Months:

The man behind "The Force Awakens" will now take the reins for the final film of the Star Wars saga in Episode IX. J.J. Abrams will now direct the film after last week Colin Trevorrow was let go as director of the film last week. Abrams will also co-write the film with Chris Terrio.

"Star Wars: Episode IX" will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm. 

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

The film which was scheduled to be released on May 24, 2019 has now been pushed back to December 20, 2019. 

Source: Star Wars

New Poster Released for Pixar's Coco:

A new poster has been released for Disney Pixar's "Coco" today. A new trailer for the film will be released tomorrow, September 13 at 12 p.m. EST/ 9 a.m. PST. Check out the poster below:

Disney Pixar's "Coco" hits theaters November 22.

Some Walt Disney World Attractions Will Remain Closed for Cleanup

Walt Disney World parks have re-opened this morning after being closed for 2 days due to the effects of Hurricane Irma. Guests visiting the parks today however have been greeting by some attractions not being ready to re-open just yet. 

The biggest being Jungle Cruise which will at least be closed for another week according to Cast Members. Damage caused by Hurricane Irma has caused boats not even being able to turn on the first turn due to tree damage.

The Walt Disney World Railroad also will not be re-opening today, but Cast Members do hope the train station will re-open tomorrow. The railroad remains closed today due to debris cleanup on the tracks. 

Tom Sawyer Island will also remain closed today with no word on when it will re-open yet. The other attraction not re-opening today is Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom.