Month: November 2016

Disney Announces that ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’ to open Summer 2017

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek has today confirmed that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open in the summer of 2017.

Chapek shared a look at a recent construction milestone -scaffolding has just been removed from the entry bridge into the new land (near Tiffins restaurant), officially connecting the land with the rest of the park.

pandora-entrance

According to the storyline developed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment, this bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA came to Pandora. Now that they’re long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence. This bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for future explorers and adventure seekers.

The story of the bridge is just our first look inside this land, which fulfills the original mission of Disney’s Animal Kingdom of being a park that honors animals and natural environments “real, ancient and imagined.”

The entire Pandora – The World of Avatar land is set to open in 2017, and will transport guests to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. Here, guests will be able to experience two excursions that will truly push adventure to the next level. First, the family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And second, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion will offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

MagicBand 2.0 unveiled at D23 Destination D

Disney unveiled MagicBand 2.0 for the first time at Destination D. The new MagicBand features an updated look designed to be more customizable for guests. 

Attendees at D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures also got a look at some accessories that will be released in the future. The new band’s design allows guests to take out the middle disc and attach it to accessories other than the band, to be used for lanyards, keychains, etc.

Guests will need a small screwdriver to be able to transfer the disk between accessories. No word if any will be included in the future.

Disney plans to roll out MagicBand 2.0 to their Annual Passholders in the next few weeks. Guests will start seeing them available in the parks by the end of December. After that, guests booking resort stays at Walt Disney World will begin receiving the new band.

 

D23 Announces Event Line Up for 2017

In 2017, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT:

Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more. D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

studios-official-tour

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: 

D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES:

In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND:

Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS:

Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three,D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35:

D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary.

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY:

After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017.

d23-expo-2017

D23 EXPO 2017:

The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
  • February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
  • May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
  • July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
  • August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
  • Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Introduces Limited Time 4 Park Magic Ticket with Lower Priced Park Entry

Walt Disney World has introduced a new limited time special ticket offer. The 4 Park Magic Ticket gives guests the chance to experience each park for only $70 per day plus tax.

The 4 Park Magic Ticket, provides one admission to each of the four theme parks on four separate days. The special ticket offer must be used between November 15, 2016 and May 26, 2017, with block out dates include the Christmas holiday period of December 17, 2016 to January 2, 2017 and the Easter holiday period of April 10 to 21, 2017.

Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use or by May 26th of 2017.

The 4 Park Magic Ticket is available for purchase through March 5, 2017 at DisneyWorld.com/tickets or by calling (407) 939-5277.

Pricing is $279 for adults, and $259 for ages 3 – 9.

Crepes Return to New Seasonal Menu at Aristocrepes

After a brief hiatus, crepes are have returned to the menu at Aristocrepes in the Marketplace at Disney Springs.

Various crepes are part of the new seasonal menu. There are four sweet crepes, including a Gingerbread Cheesecake, Banana Nutella, Strawberries and Cream, S’Mores – all priced at $6.99.

 

Shanghai Disneyland Breaks Ground on Toy Story Land

Just four months after its launch, Shanghai Disneyland has already broken ground on an expansion. Construction of Toy Story Land, the park’s seventh themed area, is now underway, the Walt Disney Co. said in a statement Thursday.

Based on the hit Pixar franchise featuring the characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the new attraction is expected to open in 2018. Neither Disney nor its Chinese partner, the Shanghai Shendi Group, which holds majority control, shared how much would be invested in the expansion.

But Disney offered that the addition should be taken as a sign of the company’s confidence in the growing demand for themed entertainment in China.

Earlier this week, a new study projected that the Chinese theme-park industry was on track to surpass that of the U.S. in the next few years. By 2020, ticket sales at Chinese theme parks will surge to $12 billion from $4.6 billion last year, according to a joint report by market research firm Euromonitor International and World Travel Market.

Theme park revenue in the U.S., meanwhile, is expected to inch upwards to $9 billion in 2020 from $8 billion in 2015, the researchers said.

Fountainview Espresso & Bakery Opens at Epcot on This Date in 1993

One visit to the Fountainview Espresso & Bakery at Epcot and you’d understand how it got its name when you see the spectacular view of the musically synchronized Fountain of Nations. Opening on this day in 1993, the bakery immediately made a splash with guests by serving up fresh baked goods, specialty desserts and pastries. From crème brûlée to coconut flan, the offerings were enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And for those looking to “wet” their whistle, a variety of drinks were available, including an option to add various liquors to any coffee.

 

From D23

Drone Light Show to Debut at Disney Springs for the Holidays

Within days of receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones during their nighttime shows, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.

The new show has been in development for some time, with Disney working alongside experts in the field with experience in drone-based shows. No further information has been released, but according to those familiar with the situation, look for a debut of the show in mid November, with viewing areas likely to be located in the Marketplace area.

A show using drones at Disney Springs will debut for the holidays. A brief clip Disney unveiled Monday shows people using remotely controlling devices that create a Christmas tree of green lights in the sky.

A New Holiday Experience is Coming to Disney Springs

“This holiday season, the idea of “wishing upon a star” will take on an even more magical meaning in the skies of Disney Springs,” the Disney Parks Blog said.

According to Scott Smith, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism at the University of South Carolina, putting the drones at Disney Springs instead of in a theme park is a sound strategy.

“It’s a smart way of getting people out and introducing them to Disney Springs, especially to locals who may end up doing some Christmas shopping out there,” he said. “But I suspect once they reach that goal, they will pick this up and move this somewhere else where they need attendance.”

Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland Gets Opening Date

The Iron Man Experience, the first Marvel-themed ride for any Disney park, has an opening date set for Hong Kong Disneyland.

The simulator ride billed as a multisensory immersion experience will open January 11, 2017.

“The Iron Man Experience is a unique immersive motion experience using Hong Kong as the story background for the very first time,” said Samuel Lau, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in a press release. “We are proud to give local and overseas guests a different perspective and experience of Hong Kong while promoting our vibrant city to the world at the same time.”

The ride will be located in Hong Kong Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, which is  home to the Stark Expo. Tony Stark’s creations will be on display in exhibition halls the Hall of Legacy, the Hall of Protection, the Hall of Energy and the Hall of Mobility. Riders will then climb aboard the Iron Wing flight vehicle to take part in the ride, which will put them alongside Iron Man battling the forces of Hydra in Hong Kong.

“We’re excited to be able to create the Iron Man Experience with an authentic Iron Man Super Hero adventure that takes place in a real city, Hong Kong,” said Ted Robledo, Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering in a press release. “We’ve set this up as the next Stark Expo after the one Tony Stark did in 2010 in New York. He’s showcasing his latest and greatest products from Stark Industries, so guests see all kinds of things in the exhibition halls when coming through the Expo. But the ultimate experience is to get on this brand-new Iron Wing vehicle, which is essentially a really large Iron Man suit that 45 guests can get into. And guests will be going out on a tour of Hong Kong ending at the Hong Kong Stark Tower.”

Because Universal Orlando owns the rights to many of the existing Marvel properties east of the Mississippi in regards to the theme parks, there has a minimal presence at Walt Disney World beyond the Iron Man-skinned monorail a few years back.

Disneyland’s California Adventure park, though, is changing the Tower of Terror ride into one based on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. And Disney Cruise Line now has two ships with Marvel play spaces.

Iron Man won’t be confined to the ride, though. There’s an Expo Shop with more than 70 Iron Man-themed items exclusive to the park and the opportunity for visitors to try on the Iron Man suit in an interactive game “Become Iron Man at The Stark Expo,” which also features a 35-second video of their transformation available for purchase.

There will also be Iron Man-themed food and beverage options such as the Iron Man Waffle, Iron Man stein, Iron Man desserts at Chef Mickey Buffet and Iron Man beverages served at the resort hotels.

And the man himself will be in character at the park.

“Anybody who visits a Disney park loves color and spectacle and excitement and adventure, and that’s all that Iron Man is,” said Iron Man creator Stan Lee.

 

‘Doctor Strange’ Tops Box Office

Walt Disney Co. topped the weekend box office with “Doctor Strange,” the newest comic-book-to-film character from its Marvel superhero hit factory.

Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, “Doctor Strange” collected an estimated $85 million in its debut in the U.S and Canada, ComScore Inc. said Sunday in an e-mailed statement. It beat two other new releases, 20th Century Fox’s “Trolls,” which placed second, and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.’s “Hacksaw Ridge,” which garnered a third-place finish for Mel Gibson’s first directorial feature in a decade.

“Doctor Strange” scored the biggest debut among Marvel movies that introduce a single character since Robert Downey Jr.’s 2008 blockbuster “Iron Man,” which generated $98 million. It gives Burbank, California-based Disney its fifth No. 1 movie this year, extending an industry lead after becoming only the second studio in history to cross $6 billion in annual sales worldwide. Disney’s $6.07 billion in sales this year trails only the $6.89 billion that Universal Pictures tallied in 2015.

Disney is “on a trajectory to be the No. 1 studio, if not for the next five years, then for the next decade,” said Jeff Bock, senior box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations. “We are living in a superhero world right now and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.”

The studio plans to bring more superheros to audiences in coming years, such as “Black Panther” and “Captain Marvel.”

Before reaching screens in North America, “Doctor Strange” had already garnered $122 million in foreign ticket sales, researcher Box Office Mojo said on Thursday. Cumberbatch portrays a talented neurosurgeon whose hands are mangled in a car accident. In his search to find a way to repair them, he is led to the Ancient One, played by Tilda Swinton, who teaches him the ability to harness mystic powers.

The film earned top scores from critics, with 90 percent giving positive reviews, according to aggregator Rottentomatoes.com. It cost $165 million to produce, excluding marketing expenses, and was set to generate $85 million on its first weekend, according to analysts at Box Office Mojo.

From Bloomberg

 

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