'Black Panther' Slashes Box Office for Fifth Straight Weekend; Imagineering Job Opens for Wonders of Life Pavilion

'Black Panther' Slashes Box Office for Fifth Straight Weekend:

One of the quickest films ever to top $1 billion globally, "Black Panther" slashed its way to number 1 at the box office domestically for the fifth straight weekend. The film is expected to bring in another $27 million this weekend topping Warner Bros. "Tomb Raider" which is intended to rack in $22 million for the weekend. 

Since its release in mid-February the film has brought in $605 million domestically and $1.183 billion worldwide. It is the first film since "Avatar" to top the box office for 5 straight weeks, in which that film topped the box office for 7 straight weeks in 2009. 

"Black Panther" is playing on 3,834 screens in the United States. There is no telling when "Black Panther" will relinquish its hold on number 1 at the box office. 

Source: Forbes

Imagineering Job Opens for Wonders of Life Pavilion:

Just a few weeks ago, Walt Disney executives and Imagineers were seen looking at the former Wonders of Life Pavilion. It was then later discovered that the pavilion which has housed many of Epcot's Festival Centers for years since the pavilion/attractions closed would no longer be home to the Festival Center. Over the last few weeks, rumors have been swirling about what could possibly be going in the pavilion. 

Yesterday, a job in Imagineering for the interior of the Wonders of Life pavilion opened. Requirement for the job titled “Interior Designer – EC Wonder of Life" include, 3 years experience with Walt Disney Imagineering or another architecture or interior design firm and commercial design experience primarily in the Retail or Hospitality sectors. 

One of the main responsibilities of the job will be the “design and production of a shop/restaurant or attraction” under the direction of a Senior or Principal Interior Designer. Additional responsibilities of the job will include the development of varied Interior Design project work at all stages of assigned projects from concept, feasibility or schematic design, through the preparation of construction documentation in accordance with established departmental and divisional quality standards. The candidate will also support the implementation of the design intent as a member of the project design team, and ensure that the interior design intent is achieved by successfully integrating design with allied disciplines, such as architecture, lighting, graphics, structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Whether we are going to be seeing the development of the space-themed restaurant that was announced at D23 in July or even a rumored Black Panther-themed pavilion (a mini Wakanda), something is happening in the former Wonders of Life pavilion. We just may soon find out what is actually going in there. 

Source: WDW News Today

Special Character Greetings at Magic Kingdom for Easter; Reservations Now Open for Pixar-Themed Play Zone at Contemporary

Special Character Greetings at Magic Kingdom for Easter:

Beginning Monday, March 19 Magic Kingdom will hop into Easter season with some special character meet & greets for guests. This will include a visit from the Easter Bunny himself from Monday until April 1 (Easter) in the Town Square Courtyard. 

That's not all as there will be a special pre-parade (before Festival of Fantasy) on March 31 and April 1 guests will be treated to a plethora of characters marching their way down Main Street featuring Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, Daisy Duck, Thumper and Ms. Bunny, White Rabbit (Alice in Wonderland), Rabbit (Winnie the Pooh), Clara Cluck, Hippos, Ostriches, Dancing Chicks, and the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama.

Characters and events are subject to change without notice. Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this Easter season?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Reservations Now Open for Pixar-Themed Play Zone at Disney's Contemporary:

Last week, it was announced that a brand new child immersed program would begin next month at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations are now open for the pilot program, called the Pixar Play Zone. It will be available nightly for kids 4-12 as they are transported into a world of their favorite characters from "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles." 

In Bonnie’s Play Room, children will find a variety of toys. Around the corner, the Living Room will be the center for most of the action, starting with Space Ranger Training where a Space Ranger will teach kids what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to identify enemies, like Zurg, and finally, the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!” Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!

Next to the Living Room will be the Radiator Springs Racetrack where youngsters will be able to build their own racecars and take turns sending them down a soapbox derby racetrack for Piston Cup Derby Races. Finally, they will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible that will be complete with a party host. That's not all as the night will include arcade games, dinner, and dessert.

The Pixar Play Zone will open doors for check-in at 5 p.m. where the experience will begin at the welcome desk, a stop at the "Monsters Inc." handwashing station, then at Boo's Closet Door, where kids will be able to store their belongings. The event will run from 6-10:30 p.m. for $65 per child (plus tax). Parents must be present for check-in and checkout and all children must be fully toilet-trained. You can now reserve this experience for your children by calling 407-824-KIDS.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

VIDEO: New Trailer for 'Avengers: Infinity War' Released Plus New Poster

Yesterday, we received a new trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War" and if you weren't already excited for the film you sure should be now. We even received a new poster and in what maybe the first time ever there are more star credits on the poster as we knew how much star power was in this film. There are two lines of incredible actors and actresses on this poster.

Really, though its the trailer for this film that will all get us excited from Star-Lord telling Iron-Man his plan sucks, to Captain America standing his ground and holding off a punch from Thanos, and finally to the scene where Spider-Man introduces himself to Dr. Strange. There is so much more, check out the trailer and poster below:

Watch the new Avengers: #InfinityWar trailer. Get your tickets now: https://t.co/xQsJemiGws pic.twitter.com/Pv9UmDBAsN — Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 16, 2018

"Avengers: Infinity War" will fly into theaters on April 27.

Disney Will Start Charging for Overnight Parking at Resorts; Incredible Summer Will Light Up Typhoon Lagoon

Disney Will Start Charging for Overnight Parking at Resorts:

After years of rumors, Walt Disney World guests will now have to pay overnight parking fees when staying at resorts. This will begin for reservations made after March 21, 2018. Guests who have made prior reservations to March 21 will not have to pay the parking fees. 

Fees will depend on what kind of resort the guest is staying either Value, Moderate, or Deluxe:

Value: $13/night

Moderate $19/night

Deluxe: $24/night, additionally Deluxe resort guests can pay $33/night to use valet parking.

Complimentary self-parking will remain for the following:

• Guests with disabilities
• Cast Members staying as guests
• Guests traveling as part of a group or convention
• Guests staying at campsites at Fort Wilderness.
• Guests who wish to dine, shop, enjoy activities, or visit a resort for the day

Guests who are Disney Vacation Club members will not be charged standard parking fees if they are staying Deluxe DVC Villas regardless of whether they used vacation club points or another form of payment. 

Source: WDW Info

Incredible Summer Will Light Up Typhoon Lagoon with Disney H2O Glow Nights:

As part of Walt Disney World's 'Incredible Summer', our favorite Pixar pals from 'Toy Story' will light up the night and summer at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon with the new event H20 Glow Nights. 

Our 'Toy Story' pals will throw glow parties inspired by the Toy Story toons short 'Partysaurus Rex."

On select summer nights starting June 21, special lighting effects will transform the water park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie will throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex. Guests will join the fun, dance on the beach, play party games, and meet up with Buzz, Woody and Jessie, plus, all attractions will be open for guest enjoyment.

Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-August 11, from 8-11 p.m.

Disney H20 Glow Nights will be separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go on sale March 19 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). For more information and to purchase tickets, guests can call (407) 939-1872.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced; Wheezy Installed in Toy Story Land

2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced:

For the 23rd year, Epcot will once again welcome guests for the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year's festival will bring 75 days of fun, entertainment, events, and of course the main course of the festival in delicious food and tasty drinks. 

This year's festival will begin August 30 and run through November 12, 2018. This year’s festival will also continue the tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

While very little details for the 23rd annual festival, guests can watch TasteEpcot.com for updates and be sure to stay tuned in the future for more details on this year's celebrity chef events, "Eat to Beat" concerts, dining packages, Marketplace Menus, and so much more.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Wheezy Installed Inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

We are all patiently waiting for June 30 to arrive for when Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios to open. Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared an image of Wheezy being installed by Walt Disney Imagineers inside the amazing new land.

You can see Wheezy and all of Toy Story Land when it opens for guests on June 30, 2018. 

Get a Sneak Peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge With New Flyover Video

We are all patiently (NOT!) waiting to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, during the annual shareholders meeting, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger gave a sneak peak of the progress on both lands with a flyover of the construction site. It was then later shared on the Disney Parks Blog.

Check out the video below:

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

What is Disney Planning for Former River Country Site?

It appears Disney is planning something for the former River Country as permits have been filed for the land. According to the filing, Disney is embarking on some geotechnical borings on Walt Disney World's first water park. When this is done it is to see if a piece of land is suitable for a construction project.

It could possibly be for a new hotel, as Disney filed a similar permit for the unannounced as of yet for the hotel at the entrance to Epcot. River Country opened on June 20, 1976 and then closed indefinitely in 2001. Disney announced that the water park would be closed permanently. Since the land where the water park once stood has been abandoned and closed off for trespassers. 

Source: WDW News Today