"To all who come to this happy place, Welcome."

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome Disneyland is your land." - Walt Disney

Happy 60th Birthday Disneyland!

Disney Imagineering Legend Tony Baxter arriving for the festivities.

Richard Sherman and Ashleigh Brown on stage for the celebration.

And one last picture of the man who brought it all to us, Walt Disney, thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives.

Walt would remind us today though that, "It was all started by a mouse." 

Happy Birthday, Disneyland!!! 

From: It All Started With a Mouse

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO, Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed at DHS, and Aladdin Prequel

Once Upon a Time and The Muppets at D23 EXPO 2015:

Just announced by D23 that ABC will be bringing its hit tv series and its residents from  Once Upon a Time and the gang from its new series The Muppet to the D23 EXPO. Here is what they are bring for this years expo taking place August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Magic Behind The Muppets
Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 23

Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.

Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen
Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m., Stage 23

Once Upon a Time’s savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy-tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from Brave, as Once Upon a Time introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (LOST) and Adam Horowitz (LOST) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures, and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy-tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

On the Show floor:

Autograph Signings

Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

Friday, August 14
12–12:50 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)

Saturday, August 15
4–4:50 p.m.
black-ish stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, and Marsai Martin

5–5:40 p.m.
Once Upon a Time stars to be announced

Sunday, August 16
10–10:50 a.m.
Fresh Off the Boat stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, and Ian Chen

5–5:50 p.m.
The Goldbergs stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia

Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection
Limited Edition of 300, $129.95

Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, this collection brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.

Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) 

Ginnifer and Lana will sign the Once Upon a Time Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4–4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.

Ice Palace Boutique Confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios:

The Frozen 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique' Experience that we talked about earlier this month was finally confirmed for Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios. There is a difference between the two however as now the whole family can get in on the fun on select packages for what will be called the Ice Palace Boutique. Members of the party will be able to enjoy Frozen-inspired snacks from the exclusive Ice Palace Cafe. Guests will also get reserved seating at a showing of "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" at the Hyperion Theater. Here are the packages available at the Ice Palace Boutique:

• Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package – This package includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, a braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory and an exclusive photo opportunity. Cost is $75 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Package – This package includes the items offered in the Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package. It also includes access to the Ice Palace Café and reserved seating at one of the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” shows. Cost is $175 and includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – This package includes an Anna or Elsa costume plus the items offered in the Ice Palace Boutique Package. Cost is $240 and includes tax.

The Ice Palace Boutique and Deluxe packages are available for up to 6 guests, which includes the child getting the magical transformation. For families with boys in their group, an Olaf-inspired package is available for $19.95 plus tax. It includes a glitter hairstyle and an Olaf t-shirt. Reservations are not required and will only be available on-site at Ice Palace Boutique. 

Reservations can be made starting July 17 by calling 407-827-7400. The Ice Palace Boutique will open July 26 and the experience will run through the end of Frozen Summer Fun on September 7.

"Aladdin" Prequel Called "Genies" is in Development at Disney:

Another Disney animated classic is on its way to being a live-action film as Disney is in the development stages of making a prequel to "Aladdin." The project is currently being called "Genies." According to sources "Genies" will be an exploration of the 'realm of genies' and how one genie became trapped in the famous lamp. The hope is for the film to develop into a franchise and eventually retell the story of Disney's "Aladdin."

"Genies" and joins a growing list of live-action films of Disney's animated classic that includes:

• The Jungle Book directed by Jon Favreau out April 15, 2016
• Beauty and the Beast in theaters on March 17, 2017
• Tim Burton's remake of Dumbo
• Winnie The Pooh
• Mulan
• Pinnochio
• A sequel to Alice in Wonderland called Alice Through the Looking Glass due to be released May 27, 2016
• There also reports of a sequel to Maleficent as well as Peter Pan spinoff called Tink, with Reese Witherspoon set to star in the film as Tinkerbell

More Details on Shanghai Disneyland

As many of you know now late last night, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger made the big reveal of the new Shanghai Disneyland that is set to open in the Spring of 2016. Well the dust has settled and we have even more details including how one attraction could be coming over here to the American parks.

Shanghai Disneyland Map

Here is the overview video released by Disney for Shanghai Disneyland:

With Soarin' Over the Horizon announced for Shanghai Disneyland many are speculating this very same version could be making its way over to Epcot and at Disney California Adventure by 2017. Especially with the third theater being added in Epcot, and since that is set to open late 2016 I could see Epcot getting the updated version of Soarin' Over the Horizon when that is completed. Here is the description for the Shanghai Disneyland attraction Soarin' Over the Horizon:

Soaring Over the Horizon

Anyone who has dreamed of seeing the world or soaring like a bird will enjoy the exhilarating experience at Soaring Over the Horizon, with an aerial tour of the globe never seen before. High above some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Soaring over the Horizon will take travelers on a voyage of discovery that tours every continent. Starting from an ancient observatory nestled in the cloud forest, guests will soar and explore spectacular scenic wonders, with special segments for guests of Shanghai Disneyland overlooking Shanghai and The Great Wall of China.  An ideal attraction for the entire family, it offers an original story, a new walk-through experience and a new aerial tour.  The attraction is an epic re-mastering of the popular attraction at Disney California Adventure, in the United States.

Here are some stills released by Disney imagineering of them filming the new Soarin' attraction including a scene of flying over the Great Wall in China. It remains unclear if that will be included in the version that will most likely be coming to Epcot and California Adventure.

And one last video of ABC News' Bob Woodruff interviewing Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger as he gets a sneak peek of Shanghai Disneyland.

Breaking: Exciting Details for Shanghai Disneyland Revealed

It is July 15 in Shanghai, China and just a little while ago Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced some exciting details for Shanghai Disneyland. The park is set to open in the Spring of 2016. It will be the first Disney theme park in the mainland of China and will have six themed lands with innovative attractions and immersive entertainment designed especially for Chinese guests.

In a presentation presented by Iger, Disney COO Tom Staggs, and President of Disney Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek at the Shanghai Expo Center revealed a full scale model of Shanghai Disneyland. It showcased key highlights of unique attractions, entertainment, dining and hotels. 

The park will feature two hotels, the Art-Nouveau-inspired Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Toy Story Hotel, inspired by the beloved Disney/Pixar films. Disneytown shopping district will include shopping, dining, and entertainment will be home to the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which will be a separate ticket venue for the global premiere in Mandarin of Disney's theatrical event, The Lion King. Nearby the Wishing Star Park will offer natural wonders that include lovely gardens and a glittering lake.

Iger said, "We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney’s storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China’s incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come,” Iger said. “We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations—along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese."

Adventure Isle

Adventure Isle will immerse guests in a newly discovered lost world, filled with hidden treasures. The mighty Roaring Mountain will tower over guests and they may blaze their own trails at Camp Discovery, travel around the world on Soaring over the Horizon, or embark on the thrilling rafting adventure through the heart of Adventure Isle on Roaring Rapids.

Gardens of Imagination celebrates the wonders of nature and the joy of imagination. Guests will take a spin on the Fantasia Carousel, soar on the back of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and enjoy the area’s iconic Disney entertainment, including Castle stage shows and Ignite the Dream, a Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light. From several places in this land, guests will enjoy Mickey’s Storybook Express, a parade with its own musical soundtrack and colorful performers on the longest parade route in a Disney park.

Mickey Avenue is the first main entry at a Disney park inspired by the colorful personalities of Mickey Mouse and his pals. In the neighborhoods of this whimsical avenue, guests will share a hug and get a photo with some all-time favorite Disney characters. Avenue M Arcade, one of the many shops along the avenue, will feature the largest selection of gifts and collectibles inside the theme park.

TRON Lightcycle Power Run

Tomorrowland celebrates the limitless possibilities and optimism of the future in Shanghai. Disney’s innovative use of technology has produced a land where guests will go to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a new space ranger adventure, or break the bonds of gravity on Jet Packs. A massive, color-shifting canopy will lure guests to TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a coaster-style attraction where guests board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for one of the most thrilling adventures at any Disney park.

Pirates of the Caribbean-Battle for the Sunken Treasure

Treasure Cove will be the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park, a place to join the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones. As guests explore this pirate world, they will enter Pirates of the Caribbean—Battle for the Sunken Treasure, an attraction that transforms a boat ride into a journey with cutting-edge innovations in robotics, animation, set design, and multimedia. Guests will board a pirate ship, paddle through the scenic cove on Explorer Canoes, and dine at Barbossa’s Bounty.

Fantasyland, inspired by Disney’s animated films, will be the largest land and home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Guests will experience familiar Disney stories as they ride Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, go in and out of tunnels glowing with dazzling diamonds on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and take flight over the skies of London on Peter Pan’s Flight. They may also explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh or follow Alice through a Wonderland maze.

Also near Tomorrowland will be two new experiences exclusively made for Shanghai Disneyland. Star Wars Launch Bay will be a celebration of the Star Wars galaxy that will immerse guests in a state-of-the-art cinematic experience and Marvel Universe will bring guests up-close-and-personal with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes while taking them inside the world of Marvel. The parks center will be the Enchanted Storybook Castle which will be the tallest, largest, and most interactive castle in all of the Disney parks. It will also be the first castle to house all of the Disney princesses. 

More attractions to be featured at Shanghai Disneyland opening in Spring of 2016:

Roaring Rapids at Shanghai Disneyland

Celebration Square

Sweetheart Confectionary

D23 Announces Disney Legends Class of 2015 and Invictus Games Coming to Walt Disney World in 2016

D23 Announces Disney Legends Class of 2015:

The wait is finally over as Disney and D23 announced the inductees of Disney Legends to be honored during next month's D23 EXPO. This years class will include Star Wars creator George Lucas, composer Danny Elfman, All My Children star Susan Lucci, animator Andreas Deja, former Executive Chairman of ESPN George Bodenheimer, artist Eyvind Earle, Disneyland's first ambassador Julie Reihm Casaletto, and artist Carson Van Osten.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m. and will be hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. It will take place in Hall D23 and include special musical performances. Iger said in the release, "The Disney Legend Award is our highest honor, and we are incredibly proud to recognize these eight talented individuals who have contributed so much to the world of entertainment and the Disney legacy. Their vision and dedication to their work have brought joy to audiences around the globe and earned them a place in Disney history."

Here are the eight individuals who will be honored (the list is in alphabetical order):

GEORGE BODENHEIMER, who retired from his role as Executive Chairman of ESPN in May 2014, enjoyed a remarkable 33-year career that began in the company’s mailroom in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he became executive vice president of sales and marketing in 1996, before being named the network’s fifth president in 1998. He held that role until 2012, when he stepped down from day-to-day operations.

ANDREAS DEJA is a link to Disney’s past and one of the greatest animators of its modern era. Deja is known for his rich portraits of villainy, having animated Gaston for Beauty and the Beast, Jafar for Aladdin, and Scar for The Lion King. He has also brought life to heroes such as mighty Hercules, the precocious Lilo (Lilo & Stitch), regal King Triton (The Little Mermaid), wise Mama Odie (The Princess and the Frog), and loveable Tigger (Winnie the Pooh). In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Winsor McCay Award for his contributions to the art of animation.

EYVIND EARLE, one of the greatest of Disney artists, brought his unique style to a number of memorable projects but perhaps the purest realization of his vision remains the visual styling and backgrounds for the Disney classic Sleeping Beauty. Earle’s career with Disney began in 1951, working on background artwork for Peter Pan. He created the look of the 1953 animated short Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom, which won an Academy Award® for Best Short Subject, Cartoons in 1954. His most noticeable contribution, however, remains his work on Sleeping Beauty. The film’s eye-catching look, in its design and backgrounds, are the perfect representation of his unique style.

DANNY ELFMAN provided the songs and score for Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, for which he also provided the singing voice of Jack Skellington. He also scored several Disney films including Alice in Wonderland, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dick Tracy, Dead Presidents, Flubber, Good Will Hunting (Oscar® Nomination: Best Score), A Civil Action, Instinct, Frankenweenie, and Oz the Great and Powerful. Elfman also wrote the theme for ABC’s Desperate Housewives and penned the music for the Mystic Manor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. His music is featured in Disneyland’s annual Haunted Mansion Holiday. His upcoming Disney projects include Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.

GEORGE LUCAS, whose Star Wars films made him one of the most successful filmmakers of all time, is also a longtime Disney fan who has left an indelible impression on Disney parks. His first project with Disney was Captain EO, the 1986 3-D spectacular starring Michael Jackson and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Star Tours and Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, as well as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril in Disneyland Paris, and two blockbuster Indiana Jones Adventure attractions at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, round out Lucas’ timeless work in conjunction with Disney.

SUSAN LUCCI portrayed Erica Kane on ABC’s fabled soap opera All My Children for 41 years, a role that TV Guide deemed unequivocally the most famous character in the history of daytime television, earning Lucci 21 Daytime Emmy® nominations to which she won the prestigious Emmy for Best Actress to an industry-wide standing ovation on her 19th nomination. Shortly thereafter, she received her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, presented to her by Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The iconic actress has also appeared on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Hope & Faith, as well as Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. Lucci currently stars in the international hit Lifetime series, Devious Maids, produced by ABC Studios, as the wealthy and effervescent socialite, Genevieve Delatour.

JULIE REIHM CASALETTO, who began her Disney career as a tour guide, became Disneyland’s first Ambassador in 1965—a role created to help Walt, who found it increasingly difficult to attend all the events to which he was invited. As Disneyland’s first Ambassador, she was chosen “as a personification of Disneyland’s world-famous spirit of friendliness and happiness.” She became the template upon which decades of Ambassadors would pattern themselves.

CARSON VAN OSTEN helped bring Disney characters to life in a variety of media, all around the world, for three decades. During Van Osten’s tenure, he oversaw creative content for motion picture tie-in advertising, many Disney publications, and also established some of the first licensing style guides for Disney Consumer Products. The talented artist designed logos for Mickey Mouse’s 50th and 60th birthdays, the Walt Disney Studios logo and water tower design, and the Disneyland Hotel clock tower “Mickey” logo in Paris.

Each honoree will receive a two-foot tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the company. After the ceremony each honoree will participate in a handprint ceremony, and the bronze prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at Disney's headquarters in Burbank, California. 

This years D23 EXPO will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 14-16, 2015.

The Invictus Games are Coming to Walt Disney World in 2016:

In a royal announcement on the Disney Parks Blog this morning, it was announced that Prince Harry will be bringing the Invictus Games to Walt Disney World at Disney's Wide World of Sports in 2016. The event will take place May 8-12, 2016. The Invictus Games are an event that celebrates our wounded serviceman and women from around the world competing in different sports events.

Last year's inaugural games held in London drew more than 400 athletes from 13 countries and drew more than 65,000 spectators. For the first time ever next year the event will be held in the United States. A similar number of athletes will compete from up to 14 different nations. They will compete in 10 different sports: archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track & field, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis.

The idea behind the games is that the event uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for all those who serve their country as well as their family and caregivers. More details on the event will be posted in the coming months on the Disney Parks Blog.

Disney Interactive at D23 EXPO, Rumors Swirling at Hollywood Studios, Update on Food & Wine, and More

Disney Interactive at D23 EXPO:

We are just a little over a month away from the much anticipated D23 EXPO. Today, Disney Interactive announced it will have a huge presence at the expo next month August 14-16. It will feature the biggest Star Wars and Disney video games in a special presentation in the signature 7,500 seat Hall D23 theater as well as in the Disney Interactive pavilion on the show floor.

In the Hall D23 presentation on Sunday, August 16, at 11 a.m., fans won’t want to miss never-before-seen gameplay, trailers, new reveals, and surprises from Disney Interactive’s most anticipated games. Among the games participating in the presentation are: Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, Star Wars™ Battlefront™ from Electronic Arts, and KINGDOM HEARTS III from Square Enix. Disney Interactive will showcase more Star Wars characters and Play Sets new to Disney Infinity 3.0 Editionand provide the entire audience with limited-edition giveaways exclusively for Hall D23. Electronic Arts will give guests an in-depth look at Star Wars Battlefront, the authentic Star Wars gaming experience coming November 17. Square Enix will also bring special guests and surprises to Hall D23 to reveal new information from KINGDOM HEARTS III.

Here is what fans will see at Disney Interactive's pavilion on the show floor of the D23 EXPO which promises hands-on demos of upcoming games, innovative interactive experiences, and premium giveaways for all guests:

• Players will join forces with Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and Disney•Pixar characters in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the next chapter in the best-selling “hybrid toy/video game” series. Guests will have the chance to play some of the new Disney Infinity Play Sets, Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic, Star Wars™ Rise Against the Empire and Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, and the fully enhanced Toy Box mode. Pavilion guests will also be able to visit the “Only in the Toy Box” Experience. Using a new augmented reality technology, fans can step into a virtual Toy Box environment and interact alongside their favorite Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters found inside Disney Infinity. Disney Infinity will also be giving away thousands of pre-release Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition figures featuring popular characters from across The Walt Disney Company (while supplies last).

• Pavilion guests will also be able to live out some of their Star Wars battle fantasies by going hands-on with Star Wars 

• Fans can experience the latest arcade sensation from Disney Interactive, Lucasfilm and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Star Wars™:Battle Pod™. Featuring cutting-edge, arcade-style video gameplay, Star Wars: Battle Pod brings players right into the action with a totally unique experience featuring a dome-shaped screen, air jets, and rumble seat.

• In the pavilion’s game lounge, fans can take a break from the show floor and try out the hottest mobile games including Star Wars: Commander, Frozen Free Fall and LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum.

Rumors Swirling at Hollywood Studios:

Yesterday, was the final day of the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With all the rumors swirling of the impending expansion project at the park, two new rumors have surfaced of what will take place of the Magic of Disney Animation.

WDWMagic is reporting that according to multiple sources that the building will be converted to a preview center for the impending makeover project of the park. It will be much like the Blue Sky Cellar at Disneyland that operated while California Adventure was being made over. You would see models, plans, and more as the planning and construction progresses.

With this model, guests would expect many updates throughout the progress and would include exhibits of past attractions and other items of historical interest much like of what you see in One Man's Dream. If One Man's Dream were to close like rumors are saying many of those exhibits would be moved over to where Magic of Disney Animation is in what would become the preview center. 

The other rumor that surfaced is from The Disney Blog and its sources saying the Magic of Animation building will become a preview of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" along with a meet & greet. In the new building guests would get a preview of the movie opening in December. There will be behind-the-scenes details, movie props, and a meet and greet opportunity with some of the new characters from the film. It will be much like what Disney did for Maleficent, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Cinderella but kicked up a few notches.

None of this of course has been confirmed by Disney and we will be wait for official confirmation of either of these rumors if true.

Updated Details on the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

A few weeks ago it was announced that ABC's "The Chew" would be filming at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival as well as new marketplaces expanding for the first time into Future World. Today, the Disney Parks Blog continued on the expansion of the marketplaces into Future World.

As guests walk along Future World West, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area will feature the new Cheese Studio and Wine Studio. The new Cheese Studio will be offering a cheese sampler served on an artist's palette to pair with wines. The Wine Studio will offer premium wines on tap with each keg keeping wine's fresh and hold the equivalent of 26 bottles of wine. This will eliminate the use of bottles, corks, cardboard, and paper waste. These materials are recycled at other marketplaces throughout the park.

The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opens September 25 and runs through November 16, 2015. 

Teaser Trailer and Concept Art Released for Shanghai Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean:

The Pirates of the Caribbean themed land called Treasure Cove in Shanghai Disneyland got a tease of what it will look like released. The artwork in the video is much like what has been shown in previously released images and shows to scale of what to expect on the new attraction.

Shanghai Disneyland's version of Pirates will have cutting-edge technology and be much bigger in scale compared to its counterparts in Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. The Shanghai Disney Resort has an announcement planned for this coming Wednesday, July 15 so stay tuned for details. You can see the teaser video on thedisneyblog.com.

Star Wars:The Force Awakens Panel from SDCC 2015

We are just 159 days away from the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and we just got a little more excited for it after the panel that ended at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. With J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and Lawrence Kasdan taking the stage along with the 9 main characters of the film, the panel was outstanding. Yes, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and yes Harrison Ford were all there.

The panel began with host Chris Hardwick taking the stage along with Abrams, Kasdan, and Kennedy. Abrams told the crowd they are currently cutting and editing the film and saying, "We're working hard to make the movie what it wants to be." There was no trailer or new scenes released but, a behind the scenes reel was shown. 

Hardwick asked Abrams about practical effects, he responded with the first Omaze video, they were able to show a creature to prove they were doing practical effects. They then brought a new creature out on the stage named Bobbajo. Bobbajo walked across the stage with Abrams saying, "It gives actors things to respond to." Bobbajo was one of hundreds of creatures built for Episode VII. 

The next question was if each film will be its own standalone or apart of an arc. Kennedy responded, "VIII and IV will be part of that arc." She also added that "Star Wars Rogue One," the first standalone film, will begin production in three weeks. After the showing of the reel of behind the scenes, the new characters of the light side took the stage: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac. 

Here are some of the responses from the light side of the cast:

Boyega on what it's like being on both sides, meaning being fan and now a part of the cast: "It's been awesome." For both Star Wars Celebration and SDCC he was walking around with a clone trooper helmet.

Ridley on what training for the movie was like: "It was amazing and I hope the look of it pays off."

Isaac said his character is carrying on the legacy of Han and Luke, "Poe was probably watching the medal ceremony saying, 'I want to be a hero.'"

Ridley on working with the original cast: "Working with legends.....was everything we could've hoped for and more."

The dark side characters then took the stage Adam Driver is playing Kylo Ren, Gwendolyn Christie as Phasma, and Domhall Gleeson will be General Hux. During the questioning it was revealed Starkiller Base will be the home of the First Order (the dark side). Star Wars also released new hashtags to be used seen below. 

The dark side on what their characters are about:

Driver said he wasn't approached on whether he was good or evil on his connection to the dark side. To which Gleeson replied that he was definitely evil and he was told his character was in charge in some way. That was when Abrams stated that General Hux's home base would be Starkiller. Christie on her character, "I found it very exciting that underneath the armor is a woman. And it makes it more relevant than ever." After some fan questions the first member of the original cast came on stage, Carrie Fisher.

Fisher on what it was like to come back to the set and see it all over again, "It was like a flashback.....I didn't think it would happen again. There were times the three of were standing together and it just felt natural." That was when Hardwick introduced Hamill to the stage. "Without you guys (the fans) we're nothing," Hamill stated. He also went on to say how he's very moved when he hears from the fans - whether they named their son Luke or met their wife at the premiere of Return of the Jedi. He said you don't often realize the impact you could have on someone's life. 

So with Fisher and Hamill on the stage many wondered where the last of the trio was and if he's alright. Harrison Ford finally walked on stage, his first appearance since he crashed his private plane earlier this year. 

Ford: "Im fine, I walked here."

After Ford's grand entrance and on how he is doing, "I'm fine. I walked here." Ford then explained how it felt to be back where his career began, "It felt great.....the original Star Wars was the beginning of my working life..... so it was great to be back. Thank You." Abrams then took to the stage to end the panel. He invited all the guests at the panel to a private live Star Wars concert and the crowd went wild.