Imagineering Shake-up: Bruce Vaughn Leaving WDI; Bob Weis Named New President

If today's news wasn't enough for you it appears as there has been a major shake-up today at Walt Disney Imagineering. In a memo today by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek, it was revealed that current president of WDI, Bruce Vaughn is stepping down and Bob Weis will step into the lead role at Imagineering. Vaughn will stay on to help the transition and then look for other career opportunities.

Weis was currently working on Shanghai Disneyland which just this week was announced to be opening on June 16. Weis was also the creative lead for the major renovation of Disney California Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and the Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Craig Russell, who has served as co-executive leader of WDI, will be taking on a new role focusing on project execution and integration around the world.

Today's news at Imagineering came upon the multiple closures at Disney World's Hollywood Studios today that were announced in preparation for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Also the closures at Disneyland for the preparation of Star Wars Land. Additionally, Kathy Mangum has added Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris to her creative responsibilities along with her leading role at Walt Disney World.

It sure has been a crazy day as the changes of the theme parks are just beginning. Bob Weis seems to be just the right person to lead Imagineering as the major push for new attractions across all the parks begins.

Kylo Ren to Encounter Guests at Disney Parks Next Month; Mid-Season Trailer for "Star Wars Rebels"

Kylo Ren to Encounter Guests at Disney Parks Next Month:

Many Disney fans saw Kylo Ren aboard Disneyland's Rose Parade float on New Year's Day and were wondering when we'd see him at Disney Parks. We now have an answer as Kylo Ren will begin greeting guests at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests will encounter Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. 

Kylo Ren will replace the current Darth Vader Meet & Greet at Star Wars Launch Bay. Although, it is not known if Darth Vader will totally leave as it has been said he will switch out with Kylo Ren at Disneyland. No word if the Visa Cardholder Meet & Greet with Darth Vader at Hollywood Studios will remain. 

The Launch Bay as said on the Disney Parks Blog is designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. You still will be able to see Chewbacca on the light side of the Launch Bay as well as a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers. What favorite Star Wars characters would you like to at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney Parks?

Mid-Season Trailer for "Star Wars Rebels" Reveals 'Force Awakens' Connections:

Earlier this week it was revealed when "Star Wars Rebels" returns next week, the show will be getting a visit from Princess Leia. Today, the mid-season trailer was released revealing connections to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." 

In the trailer we see Ezra holding a triple-blade lightsaber similar to the one Kylo Ren wields in 'The Force Awakens'. Also in the trailer Ezra is visited by a mysterious cloaked figure who calls himself "Old Master" and sounds eerily like Darth Maul. The second half of the season also returns with a visit from everyone's favorite Jedi Master, Yoda. 

Here is the description given for the second half of Season 2 of "Star Wars Rebels" along with the trailer:

"Get a glimpse of what's to come in Star Wars Rebels Season Two in this thrilling mid-season trailer featuring Ezra, Kanan, and Ahsoka, along with returning friends and foes."

"Star Wars Rebels" returns next Wednesday, January 20 at 9/8 C on Disney XD.

Breaking: More Closures Announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios, Including Iconic Earful Tower

This morning, it was announced that Lights, Motors, Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios would be closing on April 2, 2016. That is not all however, as we are just learning of more closures at the park. Shortly ago, we learned multiple attractions and sights around the park would also be closing. The biggest being the iconic Earful Tower will be removed in the coming weeks if not at least by April 2. The following attractions, meet & greet, and quick service will be closing April 2 as well:

• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure 
  
• Mike and Sulley Meet & Greet
• Studio Catering Co. (Quick Service)
• Watto's Grotto
• The Writer's Stop

The Earful Tower being removed is just a sign of the times however as the future of the park is letting guests step into the movies. The location of the park's former icon is in the middle of where the future of Toy Story Land lays so the removal makes since. The question remains however will it be permanently removed from the park or just moved somewhere else inside the park.

Of course all this is due to the impeding construction that is about to begin on the park. With Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land construction just beginning, the closures of these attractions are important just as the Big Thunder Ranch Area (permanent) as well as Rivers of America (temporarily closure) at Disneyland are important. 

We will all certainly miss seeing the Earful Tower inside the park and I hope it isn't totally removed but this all important for the future of Hollywood Studios or whatever they choose to name the park. Again as always stay tuned for more details about the largest-expansion ever at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Will you be missing any of these attractions closing at Hollywood Studios?

Breaking: Lights, Motors, Action! to End Run at Hollywood Studios April 2

We all knew it was coming eventually, for years now Lights, Motors, Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios has been rumored to be closing. With August's announcement of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land, it was speculated that it may even stay open during construction since it seats 5000 guests. That is not true however as the Disney Parks Blog announced just a short while ago that the attraction is ending its run on April 2, 2016.

Here is what the Disney Parks Blog said:

"In order to bring our new lands to life, the first steps of the expansion will be happening soon. We wanted to let you know that Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and nearby locations around Streets of America will be closing on April 2, 2016. The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show attraction will continue its daily shows until the closing date. 

While the new areas of the park come to life, we’ll continue bringing new things to Disney’s Hollywood Studios such as the recent opening of Star Wars Launch Bay, the nighttime spectacular “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” and Sunset Showcase."

So with the closing of Lights, Motors, Action! and the remaining attractions around Streets of America major construction should be beginning right after the closures on April 2. Stay tuned for more information on what will be the largest-ever expansion at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Disney Parks Blog promises to share more information soon. 

Disney Films Nominated for 9 Oscars this Morning

Just about an hour ago we learned the nomination for the 88th Annual Academy Awards as they were revealed in Los Angeles. 2015 was possibly the biggest film year for the Walt Disney Company and Oscar Nominations didn't disappoint. Disney films were nominated for 9 categories. The nominations were announced by actor John Krasinski (The Muppets, Monsters University) along with filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Ang Lee. Here is a list of the nominations:

• Costume Design - Sandy Powell, "Cinderella"
• Sound Editing - Matthew Wood and David Acord, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Sound Mixing - Benjamin A. Burtt, Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Animated Short - "Sanjay's Super Team"
• Animated Film - "Inside Out"
• Visual Effects - Robin Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neil Scanlon, and Chris Courbould, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 
• Film Editing - Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
• Original Screenplay - Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, and Ronnie del Carmin, "Inside Out"
• Original Score - John Williams, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" leads the way with 5 nominations but was shutout from Best Film, Director (J.J. Abrams), and what some thought to be Harrison Ford as he was not nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. For a complete list of the nominations visit here. The 88th Annual Academy Awards will air on ABC on February 28 at 8/7 C and will be hosted this year by Chris Rock. 

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theatre at Disneyland, Olaf is Coming to "Sofia the First", and More

"Tangled" Returning to the Royal Theater at Disneyland:

Beginning this Friday, guests visiting the Royal Theater at Disneyland will have "The Best Day Ever" when "Tangled" returns. It will return to tell the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder all done by the amazing storytelling of resident Renaissance men, Messieurs Smythe and Jones. With the help of fellow villagers and some help from the audience members, both Smythe and Jones both lovers and legend and lore will weave their version of "Tangled" with equal doses of music, whimsy, humor, and heart. 

"The Royal Theatre Presents 'Tangled'" will play in repertory with Smythe and Jones adaptation of "Frozen." Each will be performed several times daily beginning this Friday. "Tangled" was the winner of the IAAPA Brass Ring Award in 2013.

Olaf is Coming to Disney Junior's "Sofia the First":

Disney Channel and Disney Junior's hit show "Sofia the First" will be getting a visit from a very lovable and huggable Disney character. Olaf, from Disney's hit animated film "Frozen," will be visiting Sofia in an upcoming episode. The episode will air on February 15 at 11:30/10:30 a.m. CST on the Disney Channel and at 7/6 p.m. CST on Disney Junior.

Josh Gad will reprise the voice of Olaf in the second of a four-part story arc of the show titled, "The Secret Library: Olaf and the Tale of Miss. Nettle." Also appearing in the episode will be Emmy-nominated actress Megan Mullally will voice the self-absorbed fairy Miss. Nettle, Sofia's flying horse that is voiced by Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet, and the Narrator that is voiced by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

Before the episode airs, an illustrated e-book and storybook will be released on February 2. You will also be able to watch the episode early on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and on the WATCH Disney Junior App beginning on February 8th. 

That's not all "Frozen" fans as the Oscar-winning film will air on the Disney Channel for the first time ever on February 14 at at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST. 

Daytime Monorail Closures Will Continue Through March at Disney World:

Daytime closures of the Walt Disney World Monorail beginning today will continue through March 20, 2016 with modified hours during operation. Here is the rundown:

Express Monorail

• Closed between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday's and Thursday's 
• 9:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Resort Monorail

• 8:30 a.m. delayed opening on Monday's and Tuesday's

Epcot Monorail

• 9 a.m. delayed openings on Monday's and Tuesday's

Opening Date for Shanghai Disneyland Set; Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Returning to DCA

Opening Date for Shanghai Disneyland Set:

We have an opening date for the first theme park to be built on the Mainland of China with the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. The date currently is set for June 16, 2016 according to the Wall Street Journal. Here is a piece from the article:

"After more than a decade of planning and five years of construction, Walt Disney Co.plans to open its first theme park in mainland China on June 16, according to people close to the project.

After initially setting a plan to launch it in 2015, Disney said last year that the Shanghai Disney Resort would open in the first half of 2016. The official date, on the tail end of that time frame, represents not only the significant construction challenges of a $5.5 billion, 963-acre theme park, hotel and entertainment complex, but the political and cultural barriers of such a massive project undertaken in partnership with a state-owned consortium."

UPDATE: The Walt Disney Company Press Release -

JANUARY 12, 2016
Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney’s Newest World-Class Destination


The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group announced today that Shanghai Disney Resort will host a multi-day, grand opening celebration, culminating in a spectacular welcoming ceremony for the resort’s first official guests on June 16, 2016. The world-class resort, located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, will be Disney’s first destination resort in mainland China, featuring classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new experiences tailored for the people of China.



“When it opens in June, Shanghai Disney resort will be a one-of-a-kind, world-class destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “The resort reflects Disney’s legendary storytelling along with China’s rich culture, and showcases some of the most creative and innovative experiences we’ve ever created. We’re looking forward to showing it to the world and sharing it with the people of China for generations to come.”

In 2014, Disney and Shanghai Shendi Group, joint shareholders of the Resort, announced an accelerated expansion plan to capitalize on the tremendous growth in China’s tourism sector – adding additional attractions, entertainment and other offerings to increase capacity at the theme park. On opening day, Shanghai Disney Resort will include:

– Shanghai Disneyland, a world-class theme park with six themed lands: Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove and Fantasyland, all centered around the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest and tallest castle at any Disney theme park. Guests will enjoy numerous thrilling attractions and live entertainment spectaculars – many of them first-of-a-kind for a Disney park.

– The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, imaginatively themed resort-hotels conveniently located near the theme park. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired resort with a touch of Disney magic and imagination, while the Toy Story Hotel immerses guests in a world inspired by the toys from the Disney•Pixar series of Toy Story animated films.

– Disneytown, an international shopping, dining and entertainment district, adjacent to the entrance of Shanghai Disneyland. Disneytown will include the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, home to the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway hit Disney’s THE LION KING. Another “must-see” for guests will be the World of Disney Store, offering an impressive collection of Disney merchandise, including many products designed especially for Shanghai Disney Resort.

– Wishing Star Park, a recreational area with beautiful gardens, a walking path and a glittering lake. With approximately 40 hectares, Wishing Star Park presents guests with awe-inspiring natural views and beautiful sunsets.

The resort represents the largest foreign investment project in Shanghai, and one of the largest foreign investments in the history of China. The opening of Shanghai Disney Resort will mark a key milestone in the development of tourism in Shanghai, changing the landscape of the industry and delighting guests for generations to come.

Shanghai Disney Resort broke ground in 2011 and has celebrated numerous construction milestones since then, including the topping off of the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle in spring 2015. In October, the resort kicked off the first of several large-scale job fairs aimed at ultimately recruiting thousands of cast members from across China to provide Disney’s legendary service to guests on opening day.

Now of course this is tentative and no word on if the actual whole park will be done by this date. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened partially in 1998 but the Asia section of the park wasn't completed until 1999. We will just have to see if Shanghai Disneyland will be totally complete when it opens on June 16. 

Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Returning to Disney California Adventure:

2016 is the Year of the Monkey and with the turn of the new year the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration is returning to Disney California Adventure. The event will take place next month at Paradise Gardens from February 5-8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event celebrates the time-honored traditions of the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures all while inviting guests of all backgrounds to join in on the festivities. 

The Disney Parks Blog said, "Mulan and Mushu will join friends Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Chip n’ Dale during the festivities, celebrating the Year of the Monkey. Special merchandise and authentic food offerings will be available, and colorful live performers, musicians and local artisans will enrich the celebration. Local community groups will perform throughout the day at the Paradise Garden Stage and on the performance corridor outside Paradise Gardens."

Will you be visiting the fun of the Happy Lunar New Year Celebration?