Month: January 2017

Disneyland Introduces New Fine Dining Experience, 21 Royal

Disneyland Resort has recently introduced a new and exclusive fine dining experience, 21 Royal. If you thought dining at Club 33 was the pinnacle of fine dining at Disneyland, this new experience takes it to another level.

The 21 Royal experience includes dinner for 12 guests inside 21 Royal Street, a space that was meant to be Walt and Lillian’s private apartment overlooking New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park.

21 Royal is available for a single party of 12 once per evening. The cost is $15,000 and includes tax, gratuity, valet, and park admission. Reservations can be made by calling the 21 Royal Concierge at (714) 300-7749.The evening begins at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, where valets will give you and your guests a VIP escort to 21 Royal Street. Diners will enjoy signature cocktails served by professional butlers in the salon, followed by a reception on the patio. Guests will also have a chance to explore the rooms in the apartment, in addition to learning the history of the space from guides including sommelier Matt Ellingson.

Dinner is a seven-course meal prepared by executive chef Andrew Sutton and chef de cuisine Justin Monson. Sutton is the culinary director for Disneyland’s signature restaurants. The dinner is meant to reflect the type of dinner party Walt and Lillian might have hosted, and Ellingson and Sutton introduce each course and wine pairing with stories about the inspiration behind the dish.

After dinner guests enjoy coffee and desserts in the dining room or on the private balcony.

From the Disney Food Blog

 

Disney Files Patent that Would Alter Rides Based on Passenger Emotions

The Walt Disney Co. hasn’t ignored the emergence of auto-driving cars and what that may mean for the future of theme parks.

That’s why a new Disney patent, titled “Sensing and Managing Vehicle Behavior Based on Occupant Awareness” looks at a way to read riders’ emotions or pre-determined interests to customize ride experiences. For example, the patent states that via a camera on the vehicle or a wearable ID device — say Disney’s MagicBands — a ride system could read rider facial expressions such as being excited or bored, and then alter the course of the attraction to increase/decrease speed, spin more or less often, change the tone of display scenery and/or more to improve the ride for guests.

“The technology would allow rides to adjust show content appropriate for pre-teens, teenagers or adults; or for thrill-seeking and non thrill-seeking passengers. The control system may also operate the vehicle to address (e.g. even solve in some cases) motion sickness issues for passengers such as by adjusting speed or movement patterns of a vehicle. [Through RFID or some other identifying system] access one or more ride experience goals (or expectations) for the occupant. For example, the occupant may simply desire transportation while in the automated trackless vehicle and, hence, will not be wanting to interact with to be entertained by external display systems. In other cases, though, the occupant may have provided goals/expectations (e.g. by completing a questionnaire on a website or the like) that indicate they want to be educated during the ride, be entertained in a particular manner during the ride, be informed of sales on services or merchandise during the ride, and so on. In the same or other cases, the goals/expectations may indicate whether the ride experience” should be thrilling, as smooth as possible, or something in between, said the patent.

The technology may add more speed changes, spins and sharp corners for riders who seem bored or have provided prior information that they enjoy thrill rides. In addition, the patent states it may be able to sense passenger comfort levels such as temperature and alter the air-conditioning of the ride to make it more pleasant.

From the Orlando Business Journal

DisneyQuest to close in July

The end is drawing near the once-popular DisneyQuest arcade at Walt Disney World.

Disney announced today that the 5-story center of “gaming awesomeness” at Disney Springs will close for good on July 3.

The NBA Experience will open in the soon-to-be vacant space at the resort’s open-air shopping and entertainment complex.

The end of DisneyQuest, which opened in 1998, has been expected, but delayed multiple times before the complex finally received its final death sentence.

Home to some of the first immersive virtual reality rides like CyberSpace Mountain, DisneyQuest was the model for what Disney hoped would be a franchise with locations all over the country.

However, when attendance dipped in the Central Florida location, as well as one in Chicago, the plans were quickly canceled.

So if you’re an old-school or new-school gamer, you better hurry to get into the action before DisneyQuest closes its doors for good.

Square Enix and Marvel Team for Multiple Games, Starting with the Avengers

Square Enix is working with Marvel on multiple games from the Marvel universe, starting with an Avengers title as the first of its projects. The game is being promoted with the hashtag #Reassemble, and appears to center around the aftermath of the events of Captain America: Civil War, which likely means it’ll either precede or coincide with the next Avengers movie, which is set for release in May 2018.

The Avengers Project Trailer

The trailer basically gives us a look at the battle-worn, discarded equipment of a number of avengers, including Thor, Iron Man and Captain America. It also tells us that Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal are also involved in the game’s development.

So far, we know little else beyond that, but it’s exciting to see a developer like Square Enix get behind a franchise as successful and beloved as Marvel’s.

From TechCrunch

Paddlefish in Disney Springs Opening February 4th

Diners will be able to “embark” on a new culinary journey on Paddlefish in Disney Springs on February 4th.

The iconic paddle-boat restaurant closed months ago for a full revamp- from a renovation to the change of its name to Paddlefish.

It sits in the entertainment complex of Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, which went through its own overhaul in the past two years by adding restaurants, shopping and more.

The changes at Disney Springs prompted restaurant operator Levy Restaurants to modernize Paddlefish – but hallmarks of its past lives as Fulton’s Crabhouse and The Empress Lily, remain.

Paddlefish will return with its famous smokestack and paddle wheel from its days as The Empress Lily as well as with popular dishes from Fulton’s such as Florida Stone Crab, Alaska King and Queen crab and lobster corn dogs.

Renovations were geared to making the restaurant have a more “modern yacht” feel with sleek complementing colors.

In addition to the main dining room, there’s outdoor seating in a lounge on the first floor with space for a fish boil and oyster bar, a bar on the second level, and a rooftop deck.

From the Orlando Sentinel

Guests Can Enjoy a Special Hotel Offer at the Disneyland Resort

Guests heading to the Disneyland Resort in the next few months will be delighted to welcome back the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland park for a limited time. For those wishing to stay in the middle of the magic, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are not only convenient options, but they’re also treasured Disney experiences.

Now is the ideal time to visit when you book a room at one of our three on-property hotels! Save up to 25 percent on premium rooms at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. This special offer is available on select Sunday through Thursday nights between January 8 and April 20, 2017. Book through March 9, 2017.*

Click here to book your vacation today and enjoy more magic this spring!

*Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights. Valid for travel between 1/8/17 to 4/20/17. Book from 10/26/16 through 3/9/17, with travel completed by 4/21/17. Savings on premium rooms are available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms. Offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

Disney Cruise Line Expands Marvel Day at Sea to Select Disney Magic Sailings from Miami in 2018

In 2018, Disney Cruise Line guests will celebrate Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic during eight special voyages from Miami departing January through April. The new Marvel Day at Sea voyages from Miami follow the premiere of the epic event on seven special sailings from New York City in the fall of 2017. New character interactions and an immersive show with Doctor Strange take center stage in the lineup of entertainment throughout the day-long celebration on all Marvel Day at Sea cruises.

Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for the adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.

The event features exclusive character interactions, including the debut of Black Panther and Loki as part of a Disney vacation experience. Marvel Day at Sea also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

In the Walt Disney Theatre, a spell-binding new show featuring Doctor Strange will keep families on the edge of their seats. Doctor Strange will showcase his journey from doubter to practitioner as he demonstrates the power of the mystic arts. The show concludes with an epic battle where guests must help Doctor Strange against the Dark Dimension.

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the special Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel Universe assembles on the ship. The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck party, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of fan-favorite films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including the newest theatrical releases, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Marvel Day at Sea hosts an awesome mix of immersive entertainment that is sure to empower guests to unlock their hidden superhuman abilities as they assemble their own Super Hero community onboard the Disney Magic on this very special day. Highlights include:

Unleash Your Inner Super Hero during the Ultimate Day at Sea

  • Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Black Panther, Loki and other Marvel Universe Super Heroes and Villains are onboard for scheduled interactions and photos.
  • During an immersive show in the Walt Disney Theatre, Doctor Strange demonstrates the power of the mystic arts and enlists guests in an epic battle against the Dark Dimension.
  • A brand-new spectacular party fills the upper deck with music, dancing and games.
  • The deck party culminates in a stunning display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship.
  • Kids and families summon their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competition during trivia games, covering courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel Universe.
  • For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in the Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.

The new 2018 Marvel Day at Sea sailings depart from Miami on Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 18; April 1, 15 and 29. The five-night cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico, or Grand Cayman.

Marvel Day at Sea from New York will be on seven- and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises departing on Oct. 6, 14, 28; Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 2017. All will include a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Fla., with a day at the Walt Disney World Resort. Marvel Day at Sea will be on one seven-night Canadian Coast cruise departing from New York on Oct. 21, 2017, with stops at Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

The Official Title For STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII Revealed

The title for Episode VIII of the Skywalker Saga has been announced on StarWars.com.

The statement on the website says –

We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.

star-wars-the-last-jedi

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15, 2017. 

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Hits $1 Billion in Worldwide Box Office

Disney-Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” has surpassed the $1 billion milestone at the worldwide box office, becoming the 28th title and 13th Disney film to do so.

“Rogue One” needed 39 days to cross the mark with $512 million domestically and $499 million internationally. It’s the third “Star Wars” movie to gross more than $1 billion, joining “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($2.07 billion) and “Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace” ($1.03 billion).

“Rogue One” is also Disney’s fourth 2016 release to cross the $1 billion mark, joining “Captain America: Civil War,” “Finding Dory,” and “Zootopia.” It’s the top domestic grosser released in 2016 and ranks seventh on the all-time list.

The tentpole took in $7 million at 2,603 North American sites in its sixth frame and another $9 million internationally over weekend. The U.K. is the top market at $79.4 million, followed by China with $61.3 million, Germany with $44.8 million, Japan with $36.8 million, France with $35.8 million, and Australia with $35.6 million.

“Rogue One” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Forest Whitaker, and Jiang Wen. The eighth “Star Wars” movie is set immediately before the events of the original “Star Wars” with rebels attempting to steal plans for the Death Star weapon.

Disney also announced that its animated “Moana” has crossed the $500 million mark worldwide, with an estimated $237 million domestically and $272 million  internationally.

From Variety

 

Get Discounts at Disney Springs by Wearing Polka Dots this Sunday

Disney Springs is celebrating National Polka Dot Day in a big way this Sunday January 22nd.

By wearing your favorite polka dot outfit this Sunday, guest can get some significant discounts on shopping and entertainment. Some of the best deals include:

  • 50% discount on admission to DisneyQuest.
  • Complimetary stitching when you purchase a Minnie Mouse Dot ear hat at Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories from 12-5 p.m.
  • 20% discount at American Threads, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, JOHNNY WAS, Sperry.
  • 15% discount at Dino-Store TREX, Kipling, Ship’s Store at The BOATHOUSE, Sugarboo & Co. and Volcom.
  • 10% discount at basin, Edward Beiner, L’Occitane en Provence, Paradiso 37, Portobello, Set the Bar, Sublime, Something Silver, United World Soccer, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe.

Along with the discounts, there will be special entertainment in the Town Center from 1pm to 5pm, and guests in polka dots can also receive a special commemorative button (while supplies last) from these locations:

  • The Welcome Center
  • Marketplace Co-Op
  • Tren-D
  • World of Disney
  • Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
  • DisneyQuest
  • Select participating retailers