Month: February 2017

New Breakfast Menu Debuts at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

There is no better way to start your morning at the Disneyland Resort than with a leisurely breakfast. One of our favorite breakfast spots is Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel. The Old Hollywood-inspired restaurant is just as charming in the morning as it is at night. If you haven’t had breakfast at Steakhouse 55 lately, a brand-new menu filled with indulgent breakfast items—and creative cocktails—makes it a must-try!

If you love a savory breakfast, we love the new Pork Belly Chilaquiles, with two eggs, tortilla chips, salsa roja and a delicious charred avocado crèma; or try the Chicken and Waffles, served with Vermont maple syrup. If you simply can’t visit Steakhouse 55 without having steak, the 7-ounce New York Steak and eggs with pomme frites is for you!

New Breakfast Menu Debuts at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

Sweet dishes include a new German Apple Pancake with Lingonberry jam and Stuffed Brioche French Toast with crème Anglaise, fresh macerated berries and Chantilly crème.

New Breakfast Menu Debuts at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

Eggs Benedict lovers will be delighted to find three versions – classic with Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin; Serrano ham with steamed asparagus and blood orange-Hollandaise on a homemade cornmeal biscuit; and smoked salmon with hollandaise and caviar on an English muffin. Steakhouse 55 is also offering two takes on Steel-cut Oat Porridge – choose from sweet toppings (Muscovado sugar syrup, dried fruit, almonds and coconut) or savory (sautéed spinach, Cheddar cheese, a sunny-side up egg and scallions).

If you’re looking for a more traditional breakfast, the American features two eggs any style, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, pork sausage or country ham, shredded potato cake and toast. The Continental Breakfast features an assortment of pastries and cereals and a three-egg omelet with your choice of fillings.

New Breakfast Menu Debuts at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

New signature breakfast cocktails include the Steakhouse 55 Ultimate Bloody Mary, Morning Mule, Irish Coffee, Mango Bellini and a Blood Orange Mimosa.

Non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as the cool lime or mixed berry refreshers, and assorted juices including orange, grapefruit, cranberry, apple and tomato. For those looking for a bit of caffeine, Joffrey’s Coffee, full-leaf tea, hot chocolate and espresso drinks are offered. Steakhouse 55 is open daily for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel. For reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dining or call 714-781-DINE.

D23 Gold Member Exclusive – Walt Disney Studios Tour

D23 Members have the rare opportunity to enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour tour of The Walt Disney Studios. This exclusive experience includes a visit to Walt Disney’s office suite and the Walt Disney Archives.
Tours will take place at The Walt Disney Studios on April 8th at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Check-in will begin outside the Hyperion Bungalow at The Walt Disney Studios 30 minutes before your tour.

The cost of the tour is $75 per person (plus $5 processing fee). Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, March 9, at 10 a.m. PT. Please check here for ticketing link.


The tour is only available to Gold and Gold Family Members. You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Join your D23 tour guide on a stroll through the original Animation building, where beloved animated films (including Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, and The Jungle Book) were created; see the historic soundstages used for filming such Disney live-action movie classics as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mary Poppins, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; plus explore the beautiful Disney Legends Plaza, which honors those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. Many guests will also recognize the exterior spaces on the lot, which have been featured in productions from the Mickey Mouse Club and The Absent-Minded Professor to Saving Mr. Banks, Muppets Most Wanted, and ABC’s black-ish!

Then, explore the rich legacy and historical collections of The Walt Disney Company during a tour of the Walt Disney Archives and Walt Disney’s restored 3H office suite, filled with original furnishings, awards, and items from the master showman’s personal collection. Upon exiting the suite, all guests will receive an exclusive pin to commemorate this memorable experience.

Guests will also have the opportunity to shop at the Disney Studio Store and purchase items only available on the Studio lot!

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. Due to the nature of this experience, children under the age of 10 are not able to partake in The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23. Only confirmed ticketed attendees will be able to enter The Walt Disney Studios on April 8, 2017.

D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) will not be permitted inside Walt Disney’s office suite. Guests utilizing a wheelchair will need to transfer to a wheelchair supplied by the Walt Disney Archives. Photography and video recording will be permitted during portions of the tour, but flash photography and recording of any kind will not be permitted inside Walt Disney’s office suite.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at The Walt Disney Studios during the event you will be attending. The Walt Disney Company will be taking photos and filming at The Walt Disney Studios located at 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

Enter the “Be Our Guest to Endless Magic Sweepstakes” for Your Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

There are endless ways to explore and enjoy all of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort, and now you could win a chance to experience it all yourself with the Be Our Guest to Endless Magic Sweepstakes!

Starting today through March 31, you can enter for your chance to win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including airfare, accommodations and theme park admission.

Here are just a few of the magical experiences that await you:

  • Experience the new nighttime show, “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which takes you on journey with music, special effects and animal folklore.
  • Step into Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with new and updated Star Wars experiences that bring you closer to the epic saga than ever before.
  • At Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll enjoy all of the classic Disney attractions, meet your favorite Disney characters and delight in the new nighttime projection show on Cinderella Castle, “Once Upon a Time.”
  • Epcot welcomes you to take an enchanted adventure aboard the new Frozen Ever After attraction, as well as the exciting new Soarin’ Around the World attraction.

Click here for the official sweepstakes rules.

New Personalized Storybook Available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Resort is known for being the place where fantasy becomes reality, and Disney PhotoPass Service is helping your child’s fairytale come to life long after your visit with our newest product, the Personalized Storybook.

The Personalized Storybook features your young princess in a favorite Disney story, told over 24 pages!*

Through a customized photo session at the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs (and a little post-production pixie dust!) your child will be the star of the story. Your little one can go to the ball like Cinderella, explore the world under the sea like Ariel, learn to let go in the mountains of Arendelle like Elsa, or choose from other magical adventures.

The following Personalized Storybook themes are currently available: Anna, Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Elsa, Mulan, Rapunzel and Snow White.

Visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs today to learn more and to purchase your child’s Personalized Storybook!

*The Personalized Storybook photo session is only for guests age 14 and younger. This product is only available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and a specialized, same-day photo session is required. Photos taken during the Personalized Storybook photo session can only be purchased as a complete storybook and cannot be reproduced individually. Personalized Story photos will also not be associated to your PhotoPass account and are not included in any Memory Maker products.

Walt Disney World Announces Menu for Bon Voyage Breakfast at Disney’s BoardWalk, Reservations Now Open

Walt Disney World has released new details for the new character dining experience with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Bon Voyage Breakfast will cost $34 for adults, and $20 for children, beginning April 2 2017. Breakfast will be available from 7:30am to 11am, and is 1 credit  on the Disney Dining Plan.

Breakfast will begin with a choice of a mixed berry parfait or fresh fruit salad and a frying pan of pastries featuring braided breakfast bread and clam shell pastries. Entree choices will include:

“Shipwreck al Forno”
Calzone with scrambled Eggs, Soppressata, Bacon, Sausage,
Blend of Cheeses and Sunday Gravy

“Golden Frittata”
Prosciutto di Parma, Piquillo Peppers, Green Onion,
Pecorino Romano and Roasted Potatoes

“Tangled Eggs”
Tomato & Basil Scrambled Eggs,
Fresh Mozzarella, Sunday Gravy and Roasted Potatoes

“Two Eggs Poached Under Water”
House-made Fennel sausage, Parmesan, and Sunday Gravy
over Golden Polenta and Toasted Ciabatta

“Tower of Pancakes”
Seasonal Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage

“Royal Breakfast”
Oak-Grilled Steak, Cheesy Egg Torte, Asparagus,
Crispy Onions and Roasted Potatoes

“Swimmers di ‘light’”
Smoked Salmon Egg White Omelet with Spinach, Mushrooms,
Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Roasted potatoes

Kids can choose a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which will feature an egg, bacon and toast.

Reservations are now open at 407-WDW-DINE or online.

Star Wars.com Announces Video Release Dates for Rogue One

StarWars.com is excited to deliver some special rebel intel: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the thrilling tale of how the Rebellion stole the Death Star plans, is officially coming home. (Just don’t tell Director Krennic.)

The film will arrive in a variety formats, including Digital HD on March 24, and Blu-ray, DVD, and On-Demand on April 4. Take a first look at the box art below.

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack
Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack
DVD
                              DVD

A wide array of bonus features, ranging from never-before-seen cast and creator interviews to a look at hidden Easter eggs, will take fans deeper into Rogue One than ever before:

  • A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
  • Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
  • Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
  • K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
  • Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
  • Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
  • The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time. 
  • Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
  • The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of Star Wars: A New Hope – as well as one of her most memorable foes­ – back to the screen.
  • Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
  • Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect Rogue One to the Star Wars universe.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

RETAILER EXCLUSIVES

In addition, a selection of retailer exclusives will be available for pre-order starting February 23, featuring unique packaging and configurations:

  • Target Exclusive: 5-disc set includes collectible packaging with interchangeable character covers and exclusive bonus content (Blu-ray 3D + two Blu-ray + DVD + DVD exclusive content – 2 additional bonus features + Digital HD + collectible packaging)
  • Best Buy Exclusive: 4-disc set with exclusive SteelBook packaging (Blu-ray 3D + two Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD + SteelBook packaging)
  • Walmart Exclusive: 3-disc set with exclusive K-2SO packaging and two Galactic Connexions trading discs (two Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD + K-2SO packaging + two Galactic Connexions trading discs)

Get a sneak peek at each retailer exclusive packaging below.

rogue-one-target-digipack

5-Disc Target Exclusive

rogue-one-bby-steelbook

4-Disc Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook

rogue-one-bd-combo-pack-wmt

3-Disc Walmart Exclusive

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 133 min.
RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: 
Blu-ray 3D Feature Film =2.39:1
Blu-ray Feature Film = 2.39:1
DVD Feature Film = 2.39:1
AUDIO:
Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio Language Tracks
LANGUAGES: English, French & Spanish
SUBTITLES: English SDH, French & Spanish

Rogue One, from director Gareth Edwards, has become the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the US, garnering two Academy Award nominations.

Prepare to go on the mission again.

 

Disney Cruise Line Offers Families a Chance to See the World and Explore Magnificent New Destinations in Summer 2018

In summer 2018, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to destinations in Italy and Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Bookings open to the public on Feb. 23, 2017. More details on 2018 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2018 page of disneycruise.com.

New sailings from Rome and Barcelona

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the rich culture of Barcelona and inspiring history of Rome as bookend experiences in a single cruise.

In Rome, guests can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, the market streets of Las Ramblas, the artistic architecture of Gaudi and the famed Sagrada Família church.

On June 16, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome). Ports of call include Marseilles and Villefranche, France; and Genoa (Milan), Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Naples, Italy.

On June 23, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night itinerary from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona. Ports visited on this cruise are Naples, Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Genoa (Milan), Italy; and Cannes and Marseilles, France.

First-time visits to Milan, Italy

Disney Cruise Line will call on Genoa, Italy for the first time in 2018, as part of three special sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). The historic port town of Genoa, located on the Italian Riviera, is a gateway to the beautiful metropolis of Milan and the picturesque locale of Portofino. Milan is a global capital of fashion and design, featuring top-name designer stores, boutiques, open-air markets and art galleries.

A 10-night Mediterranean itinerary sailing from Barcelona on July 7, 2018, calls on Genoa, as well as other popular ports in Italy, France and Spain.

First-time visit to Cork, Ireland and first seven-night British Isles

The Disney Magic will call on Cork, Ireland for the first time as part of Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever seven-night British Isles cruise, departing on Sept. 2, 2018. Additional ports visited on this sailing include Dublin, Ireland; Greenock, Scotland; and Liverpool, England.

Cork is home to a vibrant culinary scene and a plethora of pubs, shops and cafes. It invites visitors to connect with Ireland’s ancient past, with historic sites like Blarney Castle, where visitors can kiss the famed Blarney Stone.

Throughout the summer, the Disney Magic’s tour of Europe continues with engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, British Isles and the Mediterranean.

Return to Alaska                   

In 2018, the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Southern Caribbean special sailing

The Disney Fantasy will embark on a special 11-night southern Caribbean itinerary departing June 30, 2018, visiting tropical destinations, renowned for beautiful sun-kissed beaches, including Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and the Disney private island, Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disney’s exclusive private island

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is consistently a top-rated destination. In 2018, the Disney Dream will sail a series of cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay so guests can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of the pristine island paradise.

On June 6, 20, and July 4, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay.

On June 1, 10, 15, 24, 29, and July 8, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

Celebration at the Top at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill Now Open for Reservations

Imagine being able to delight in the sparkle of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular from an intimate and private observation deck. Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, can be perfectly summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle.

Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Just before the night spectacular begins, guests will be lead to their private observation deck, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom park and the fireworks. After taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds, guests can return to the private room for petit four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for Thursday evenings from February 26 to March 26. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included.

Disney Research Builds Prototype Living Room With ‘Safe and Ubiquitous Wireless Power’

Disney Research has constructed a prototype living room with “ubiquitous wireless power delivery,” allowing users to move around while their technology charges without any cables, wires, or charging pads (via Ars Technica). Disney’s technology mirrors some early rumors for the 2017 iPhone 8, which suggested Apple was building a long-range wireless charging solution instead of the Apple Watch-style inductive charging solution of more recent reports.

The room’s walls, ceiling, and floor were built with aluminum panels, and a large copper pipe was placed in its center. The middle of the pipe was cut out and in the gap the researchers placed fifteen capacitors, “and it’s those capacitors that set the electromagnetic frequency of the structure, and can find the electric fields.”

To generate the power that is relayed into the room, a signal generator sits just outside the prototype living room and outputs a 1.32MHz signal to the capacitors in the pole, producing what the researchers call “quasistatic cavity resonance.”

“In this work we’re demonstrating room-scale wireless power, but there’s no reason we couldn’t shrink this down to the size of a toy box or a charging chest, or scale up to a warehouse or a large building.”

Given that it’s still a very early prototype, there’s a few caveats to Disney’s wireless charger, including the limit on the power that can be pumped into the room before it reaches dangerous levels for humans. The specific absorption rate, a measure of how much energy can be absorbed by the human body, is capped at 1900 watts. The copper pole at the room’s center requires the nearest person to have at least 46 centimeters of clearance before they’re put in danger. Besides these restrictions, Disney says it’s “completely safe” for anyone to occupy the room for any period of time.

In order for the devices to receive the charging signal, Disney had to design a receiver that allowed the researchers to “power many devices simultaneously.” Including an iPhone, the other objects included an RC car, a fan, a lamp, and six other devices. Although the technology is still nascent and the receiver is bulky, Disney’s “Volumetric Wireless Power for Livable Spaces” is an interesting look at what future wireless charging systems might be able to accomplish without the restrictions of the inductive charging pads popular today.

Disney Research Video

Because of the restrictions of charging mats, Apple’s Phil Schiller has said in the past that the introduction of a wireless charging pad for iPhone would actually be “more complicated” and he remained unconvinced that it was actually a convenient solution to traditional outlet and USB cable charging. Still, a prominent rumor for the iPhone 8 is its inclusion of wireless charging in some form, with Apple recently joining the Wireless Power Consortium in order to assist in the open development of the Qi wireless charging standard.

Read more about Disney’s findings here, and check out another video that dives deep into the science behind the researcher’s wireless charging living room.

From MacRumors

James Earl Jones and Donald Glover Cast in Disney’s Live-Action “Lion King”

Donald Glover is going to be the mane event in Disney’s live-action version of “The Lion King.” And he’ll be joined by an actor whose voice is as legendary as they come.

Glover has been cast as Simba in the studio’s new take on the 1994 animated classic.  James Earl Jones has also come aboard the project. He will play Mufasa, reprising the role he previously voiced.
Matthew Broderick and Jonathan Taylor Thomas shared the role of Simba in the animated film, voicing the older and younger versions of the character, respectively.
Director Jon Favreau broke the news on Twitter.  He tweeted a picture of Glover with a caption referencing “Lion King” tune, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”  A subsequent tweet was accompanied by a photo of Jones.  “Looking forward to working with this legend,” he wrote.
Disney later confirmed the casting news in a press release.
The high-profile role will add yet another job to Glover’s already full plate.  In addition to starring in and executive producing FX’s “Atlanta,” Glover just inked an overall deal with the network in January under which he will develop new series.  He was also cast as young Lando in the Han Solo standalone film late last year.
Jones joins the project after just recently reprising another famous voice role of his — Darth Vader in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
Favreau signed on to direct the live-action “Lion King” film in September, hot off the success of his “Jungle Book” reimagining.
“The Jungle Book” grossed $966 million worldwide.
From CNN