DuckTales Gets Premiere & Opening Title Sequence; Walt Disney World to Honor Lane Graves

DuckTales Gets Premiere Date & New Opening Title Sequence:

The long awaited date for the premiere of Disney XD's revival of DuckTales has finally been revealed. On Saturday, August 12 the show will premiere a 1 hour episode at midnight and play for 24 hours continuously on Disney XD. The show will then commence a few weeks later with two new episodes on September 23 coincidentally that is the 30th anniversary of the shows original premiere date. Episodes will air at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m., EDT/PDT.

Along with a new poster, the new opening sequence of the show was also revealed. Check it out below:

 It all starts with a coin, as we follow Duckburg’s trillionaire, Scrooge McDuck, and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with Webby Vanderquack and Donald Duck tagging along as they all chase down the runaway 10 cent coin. They run through comic book style settings featuring monsters, villains, epic adventures, and piles of gold. It’s amazing! With an animation style inspired by the classic Carl Barks’ comic designs, this opening combines classic DuckTales elements with a new updated look that has got us feeling both super nostalgic and super excited for this new series. The ending is perfectly tied together as Scrooge McDuck impressively catches the stray coin with his cane, followed by Launchpad McQuack literally crashing into the DuckTales title.

I can't wait for August 12.

Source: Oh My Disney

Walt Disney World to Honor Memory of Lane Graves:

One year ago today, 2-year-old Lane Graves' life was taken way too soon as an alligator dragged him into the Seven Seas Lagoon from the shores at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. His death was ruled an accident but in the months since, changes were made to Walt Disney World properties that sit alongside bodies of water. Rockery was placed right at the edges of the lagoons, roped fences were also added along with signs warning guests of the presence of snakes and alligators.

His parents, Matt and Melissa Graves, made a public announcement stating that they would not be suing The Walt Disney Company over their precious son’s traumatic death; instead, they would establish the Lane Thomas Foundation in his honor. The purpose of the foundation is to support pediatric organ donation.

The official symbol of the Lane Thomas Foundation is a beautiful lighthouse which Walt Disney World is planning to have sculpted and placed at an undisclosed site on their property.

“To provide continued awareness of the foundation and its mission, we’ve commissioned an original sculpture of the lighthouse the foundation uses as a symbol of love and hope, to be installed on our property this summer,” George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement Tuesday.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Frozen Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party Coming to Epcot; Cruz Ramirez Meet & Greet Begins Friday

The Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party will end July 14 and a new fireworks dessert party will take its place. The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will begin in July and focus on both Illuminations and the Frozen Ever After attraction in Norway.

The dessert party portion of the event will take place just steps away from the current FastPass+ viewing area for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. After guests enjoy a spread of delectable desserts, drinks, and the nightly fireworks show, they will then head over to Frozen Ever After where they will enjoy a ride on the attraction with little-to-no-wait after Epcot closes.

The Frozen Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party will take place Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The price for the party will be $79 for adults and $47 for children ages 3-9. Booking for the event should open once Disney makes an official announcement.

Source: WDW News Today

Cruz Ramirez Meet & Greet Begins Friday at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

A Cruz Ramirez Meet & Greet that was announced during the Pandora: The World of Avatar media event a few weeks ago will begin this Friday, June 16. Guests will be able to meet & greet with Cruz Ramirez at the end of Pixar Place near the exit of Toy Story Midway Mania. 

"Cars 3" races into theaters this Friday, June 16. 

First Teaser Trailer for "Black Panther" Released; "Cars 3" Just 5 Days Away

First Teaser Trailer for Marvel's "Black Panther" Released:

Marvel's "Black Panther" doesn't hit theaters until 2018, but on Friday we got a look at the first poster as well as the first teaser trailer of the film.

Black Panther is directed by Ryan Coogler, and stars Chadwick Boseman as T’challa, successor to the throne of of Wakanda. Upon his return, he faces an enemy and conflict that jeopardizes not only Wakanda but the entire world. Black Panther also stars Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

Check out the trailer below:

Marvel's "Black Panther" slashes into theaters February 16, 2018.

"Cars 3" is Just 5 Days Away:

The excitement is racing in as "Cars 3" is just 5 days away from racing into theaters. The other day while I was in Walt Disney World. The final trailer for the film was released called, "The Limit." Check it out below:

"Cars 3" races into theaters this Friday, June 16.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan?; Star Wars Land Pavilion at D23 Expo

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan in 2018?:

A rumor has begun circulating that alcoholic beverages could become part of Walt Disney World's Dining Plan in 2018. The new plan will allow guests 1 specialty (non-alcoholic) or alcoholic beverage (if they are over the age of 21).

A single serving non-alcoholic specialty beverage may includes items such as Artisanal Milkshakes, Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolates, Soda, Coffee, or Tea. A single serving alcoholic beverage might include items such as Beer or Cider, Wine or Sangria, or even Mixed Drinks such as specialty cocktails.

An official announcement is expected sometime this week. With the new entitlement it is expected that the Dining Plan's price will once again rise for 2018. Guests who have already booked trips in 2018 will already get these new entitlements at no extra charge.

Source: WDW News Today

A Pavilion Entirely Dedicated to Star Wars Land Coming to D23 Expo:

We are just a few weeks away from D23 Expo 2017. The excitement is just beginning after the 2015 Expo when Star Wars Land was announced. This year Walt Disney Parks & Resorts along with Walt Disney Imagineering will have a whole pavilion dedicated to the new land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

At the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion, guests will discover “A Galaxy of Stories,” with an exclusive first-look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that will bring Star Wars to life when the new lands open in 2019––not to mention the fully detailed model of the overall vision! The pavilion will be available to “ooh” and “aah” over all weekend long on the D23 Expo show floor.

In this announcement they also announced the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panels and presentations that will happen throughout the weekend. Check out what's coming at the D23 Expo 2017:

Friday, July 14

Pirates of the Caribbean: 50 Years of Swashbuckling Adventures in Disney Parks (3:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) - If ye be seekin’ adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Dead men may tell no tales, but these amazing Imagineers will during this swashbuckling session tracing the attractions early origins to the latest technical achievements of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland.

Saturday, July 15

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m., Hall D23) - Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16

Inspiring Women of Imagineering (12:15 p.m., Stage 28) - Get a good dose of girl power with this awesome panel featuring just some of the many talented women of Walt Disney Imagineering. Expect to hear some inspiring personal stories and get an insider’s look at the Imagineering process from these creative and technical professionals building on Disney’s rich legacy of female Imagineers.

Voices of Disney Parks (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) - Put names to some of the most recognizable voices heard across Disney Parks as these talented voice actors share stories from their vocal vocations.

New Trailer for Pixar's Coco Released; Memory Maker Prices Increase

New Trailer for Pixar's "Coco" Released:

Yesterday, we learned the details of the wonderful cast of Pixar's Coco" which can be checked out here. Today, we got another look with a new trailer from the film which will hit theaters this November.

Disney•Pixar’s "Coco" is a multi-generational story about the power of family relationships and features characters from the Land of the Living, and their loved ones who’ve moved on to the Land of the Dead. The story follows young Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. After a mysterious chain of events, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead, where he meets charming trickster Hector, and sets off on a journey to find out the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

It is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist for Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3). Check out the trailer below:

On November 22, you're invited on a journey of a lifetime. The new trailer for #PixarCoco is here. pic.twitter.com/HQmytkAlwh

— Disney (@Disney) June 7, 2017

Disney Pixar's "Coco" hits theaters on November 22, 2017.

Memory Maker Sees a Price Increase at Walt Disney World:

The Memory Maker package at Walt Disney World has seen a price increase as of today. The same day Memory Maker package went up to $199. The advanced day ticket that must be purchased within 3 days in advance of your trip is now $169 up from $149.

Memory Maker allows guests to obtain digital downloads of photos and videos taken by Disney PhotoPass Photographers and on-ride cameras at select attractions for their entire vacation without any worries.

Toy Story Characters on Apple Watch Faces; Disney World Cracking Down on Guests Cheating the FastPass+ System

Toy Story Characters on Apple Watch Faces:

This fall when the new Apple Watch comes out Buzzy, Woody, and Jessie are coming to the new Apple Watch os4. Our favorite Toy Story characters will animate on the watch face throughout the day which means updates, appointment reminders, and checking the time of day will become infinitely more awesome. 

Woody:

He’s the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the west, and now he’ll be able keep you company as you listen to music and workout. With this cowboy on our wrists, we’ll always remember to “reach for the sky!”

Jessie:

Yee-haw, this is one awesome watch! We already feel a little more energetic thinking about how awesome it will be to have this feisty and enthusiastic cowgirl with us all day!

Buzz Lightyear:

It’s “to infinity … and beyond” on this Apple Watch face! With the courageous, confident space ranger and all the new Apple updates and awesome features of the watchOS 4, we’ll feel a little more heroic in our daily lives.

This is so exciting and I just may have to get an Apple Watch now. 

Source: Oh My Disney!

Disney World Cracking Down on Guests Cheating FastPass+ System:

Disney will be cracking down on guests cheating the FastPass+ system very soon with an "In-Park Validation" system as they are calling it according to WDW News Today. Guests have been using expired tickets to gain extra FastPasses after they've entered the park with a valid ticket. It has been a loophole that allows bookings through the in-park kiosks with expired tickets or a second ticket that has been linked to their account. 

Another issue is with 3rd party tour guides, who promise guests FastPass+ usage for all the attractions. Their employees have been rope-dropping at the parks with the expired tickets and cards and booking the most popular attractions first thing in the morning at the kiosks. This prevents paying guests from being able to pick the attractions they want to FastPass because they aren't available.

"This in-park validation system will check to ensure that a guest used an active ticket for admission before redeeming a FastPass+. If you didn’t, the Cast Member at the FastPass+ line at any attraction can see this and deny you entry. Repeated attempts will lock MyDisneyExperience accounts from utilizing the FastPass+ booking option, which can be a serious deal for those abusing the system. Guest Relations will be able to unblock accounts if the behavior was deemed non-abusive."

This validation system is set to roll out in the next few weeks, but no official date has been set.

Source: WDW News Today

Summer Discount on Express Bus Service for AP Holders; Shoulder Banshees Sold Out Already

Summer Discount on Express Bus Service for Annual Passholders:

Annual Passholders are getting a real treat this summer with a nice discount on the Express Bus Service at Walt Disney World theme parks. Beginning tomorrow, June 5, annual passholders will be able to purchase the all-new Express Transportation Summer Pass for just $59 per guest.

The pass will be able to be purchased through July 31, 2017. The pass will be able to be used in unlimited fashion from June 5 through August 10, 2017. Prices for the Express Bus Service usually run $19 for single day use per guest and $29 for a multi-day pass per guest. 

Source: WDW News Today

Shoulder Banshees Sold Out Already in Pandora: The World of Avatar:

I was so excited to adopt a banshee later this week inside the Rookery at WindTraders. The popular Interactive Banshees that debuted during previews and the grand opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar last week are already sold out.

Yesterday morning, when the park opened there were just a few left and by mid-morning the banshees were officially sold out after only a week. Guests are being told it could be a few weeks before the interactive banshees are re-stocked at WindTraders. 

I will be visiting Pandora on Friday and I will be much to my dismay most likely not be able to adopt my own banshee. I guess I will just have to wait a little bit longer. 

Note: Later this week I will be returning to my second home in Walt Disney World, there will be no blog Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. I can't wait to visit Pandora and oh yeah for those of you who listen to myself and MouseLife crew know how excited I am for the Caring for Giants Tour. I can't wait to see Stella the Baby Elephant. That's all for now, I'll see you real soon. 

- John