D23 Teases Sunday's Disney Park News

D23 is finally upon us again. I'm opting for a wrap up video this time. I'm hoping covering it all at once will save some time. Until then though, we've got a small taste of what's coming Sunday through their “Imagining Tomorrow, Today" Parks Pavilion. Obviously there's progress on Tron & Mickey's Railroad form the last D23. Some new offerings have been thrown out there now. The biggest of which for me is details on upcoming changes to Epcot. With talk of it being split into “neighborhoods”, & the addition of a Moana attraction where guest will interact with living water. Can’t wait to see some details for this! Especially what the neighborhood thing means for Future World. They also unveiled the Halcyon. This us the name of the “starship” you will be staying in if you opt to stay the night at Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios in the future. There's also a pretty bad ass model to go with. On top of all this Tony Stark has set up an expo to display Avengers Campus coming to California, Hong Kong, & Paris! I had first seen it in stills, but Disey Parks put out this video previewing the pavilion. Check it out for a small sample of the excitement to come. Can't wait to get into it! Definitely more to come. Check out the awesome pics below the video form D23 featuring g concept art for everything as well as a teaser of legacy & news things coming to Epcot.

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Disneyland Gives A Look At Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run In Action

I've still got awhile to wait before Galaxy's Edge opens in Hollywood Studios, & I get to find myself behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon. Until then though, Disneyland just put out this cool little video of what to expect from queue to actual ride. This attraction has a lot of layers to it. From the initial intro to the mission, to the waiting dock of the Falcon's inside designed with implicit attention to detail, all the way to the cockpit where you actually pilot the attraction. Which, by the way, I've completely made up my mind is the only way to go, pilot or co-pilot. This looks absolutely amazing. I was more excited about the actual land than I was this opening attraction. Now however, I'd have to say my excitement level is about even for both. How bout y'all? Who's made it to the Land already, & who can't wait for Hollywood Studios to take a chance at piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

"Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" Dedication Ceremony Gives Amazing First Look

Disney has dropped two amazing videos for the opening of their new addition to Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. One is the live stream of the dedication, the other is a montage from the first families allowed in. The best part about both of these hands down is the in the trenches look of what to expect when you get there. Not just new shots of the land either. A full run-through, complete with looks at the food & merchandise. Even a small sample of some lightsaber building. This was more of a teaser trailer for me, as I have to wait until August 31st before I get to visit Batuu in Hollywood Studios when it opens. This has definitely got my anticipation level ramped up though. All kinds of surprise stars pop in for the dedication. Make sure to check it out. Amazing vid! Especially if you're a Star Wars fan! The second video on the list isn't as exciting as the dedication ceremony, but it's still cool to get some more looks at the park. A few families who've had Star Wars touch their lives got to be the first to experience the land, & this one follows their journeys. Both together, these have me all kinds of hype for Hollywood Studios' opening. I'll probably be watching these again before that day comes.

Disney Reveals Name of Tokyo DisneySea's 8th Port

After breaking ground in what is to become Tokyo DisneySea's 8th port, we now have its official name. Fantasy Springs will be the title, but that's not all Dismey released on the subject. They also released some beautiful day & night concept art depicting the look of the new lands. Oriental land is investing 250 Billion Yen on this project that will feature lands themed to Frozen, Tangled, & Peter Pan. Frozen's land of post film Arendelle will feature an attraction that tells the story of Elsa and her beloved sister, Anna. Sounding like the familiar Epcot ride, suests will board boats and experience the sisters’ heartfelt journey, enjoying songs from the film, and encountering surprising thrills. There will also be a restaurant set inside the beautiful Arendelle Castle. Tangled's land will naturally feature  Rapunzel’s tower rising above the forest. It will also include an boat attraction where guests will board gondolas for a romantic boat tour of Rapunzel’s “Best Day Ever” as she journeys with Flynn to the lantern festival. Flickering lanterns illuminate the attraction’s climactic scene while Rapunzel and Flynn sing an iconic song from the film. The pand will also feature a restaurant, inspired by the hideout of the band of thugs who appeared in the film in the "I've Got A Dream" sequence. Neverland will also be home to two attractions and a restaurant. Featuring landmarks including verdant mountains, Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Skull Rock. One attraction will fly over the jungles of Neverland into a battle with Captain Hook and his crew of pirates to rescue Wendy’s younger brother, John, who has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his pirates. You'll board boats and follow the Lost Boys down a river until Tinker Bell sprinkles the boats with pixie dust, & you take off flying through Neverland on an adventure that featuring iconic music and dynamic 3D imagery of the characters from the film. The second attraction immerses us in the oversized world of Pixie Hollow, while the restaurant is inspired by the Lost Boys and their hideout. There will also be a new Disney Hllyel in the park. Themed to Disney fantasy, it will rise above and around the magical springs that serve as the core of the new themed port’s story. Offering 475 deluxe-type and luxury-type guest rooms, this park facing hotel will also feature a merchandise shop that helps share the story of the magical springs. One day I'll make it out here to see all the amazingly beautiful things TokyoSea has to offer. Luckily, I have one more reason to postpone that adventure until this amazing new addition is done.

 

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Meet Grace, The New Baby Gorilla At Disney's Animal Kingdom

I always love the new additions to Disney's Animal Kingdom. This time we have Grace. She's the newest addition, a baby girl that I hope to see really soon. This video was really fun. Not only did it give you a look at Grace, it shows the gender reveal party the Gorillas had at the park for all the guests to see. Gotta get to the park early usually to see the babies. So, sometime in the next couple of weeks, I'm gonna drag myself up to Animal Kingdom early to meet this adorable new addition.

Disney Parks Live For Hollywood Studio's 30th Anniversary Celebration

I had a really big choice this week. Actual monetary work was interfering with my Disney life. Putting me in between a rock and a hard place. I could've either made it to today's 30th Anniversary Celebration of Hollywood Studios, or made it to Hollywood Studios for May the 4th's Star Wars Day. Obviously me being me, I chose the latter of the two. So I had to live vicariously through Disney Parks Live for the Celebration's parade & wait till Saturday to see the new Wonderful World of Animation Fireworks & Projection show. Needles to say, that choice left me a little bummed. After seeing this though, I think I really made the right choice. Though I'll miss out on my 30th Anniversary button, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything I can't see Saturday. This 30th Anniversary parade was a little disappointing. Not only was the commentary as annoying as the worst Macy's Day Parade coverage, a lot of what could've been big payoffs were very anti-climactic. I thought we were gonna see something really cool with Indiana Jones. Only to be very dissatisfied with the final payoff. Same thing goes for the big Galaxy's Edge reveal to a very not enthused Chewy firing his bowcaster. No Droids, no Kylo, no Boba Fett, no Phasma. This whole thing felt like a lot of missed opportunities. For that matter, it felt like it was thrown together today. The only success for ke out of this went to Toy Story. They stole the show in my opinion. At least the speech at the end & shout out to the cast was more entertaining than the commentary. I definitely know I made the right choice on this one. May the 4th be with me. On a bright note however, I do really like the new logo for Hollywood Studios. What do y'all think? Did y'all see something I didn't? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Preview Of New Firework Show "Epcot Forever"

This looks absolutely amazing! I Epcot's current show Illuminations , but if I'm being honest, I don't love it. Especially after all the advances in the firework presentations at the other parks.  The current one comes off as a little tame to me. Looks like they're going to fix that. Disney just released this preview of their new show, Epcot Forever, set to debut October 1st, 2019, & it looks absolutely amazing. A combination of all the aspects of the previous shows, with a host of new features. Including remote, glowing kites, & more. You get some real looks here, as well as some absolutely beautiful concept art. I can't wait for this. I've thought it was needed for awhile, & this looks like a lot of fun. What do y'all think? I know some love Illuminations , but will this help you "Let it go"? Put your thoughts in the comments, like, & share.

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The Food Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Three things I immediately noticed when D23 released all their pics & descriptions of the food. One, I immediately got a Satuli's Canteen from Pandora vibe. Second, it seems there won't be a traditional sit down restaurant, which is A-Ok with me. And third, even a galaxy far, far away has tacos! Here's the full rundown. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, owned by Chef Strono "Cookie" Tuggs, will feature Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse, and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. With two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing). Ronto Roaster will have a pod racer engine powered BBQ pit featuring Meiloorun Juice, the Turkey Jerky, and the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. On a lighter snack note hit Kat Saka’s Kettle for the colorful Outpost Mix, a popcorn snack combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. It seems like the hardest part of all this will be figuring out what you want. That’ll be my main issue. Make sure to check out the drinks too in the article before this.

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The Many Drinks Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!!

As part of D23's major drop of all things Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, they released pics & descriptions for all the various drinks of a galaxy far, far away. From the looks of it alcoholic or non you will have plenty of choices while voyaging the planet of Batuu. I love how other worldly some of these concoctions look. Here's the rundown from place to place. First there's Oga's Cantina where the establishment's owner, Oga Garra, will invite you to try exotic beverages served in unique vessels. Alcoholic beverages will include the Bespin Fizz, Bloody Rancor, Dagobah Slug Slinger, Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, Spriran Caf, T-16 Skyhopper, and Yub Nub. While non-alcoholic libations include Black Spire Brew, Blue Bantha, Carbon Freeze, Cliff Dweller, Hyperdrive Punch It!, Jabba Juice, Moogan Tea, and Tarine Tea. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo will feature a host of otherworldly grub we'll go over next time around, but the drinks featured will include Non-alcoholic beverages the Phattro and Moof Juice. While Ronto Roasters will go the non-alcoholic route as well with their food in the form of the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset. There will also be a milk stand where we can try Star Wars famous blue milk of A New Hope & green milk of The Last Jedi. Now if I'm being truthful those are the only two I could pick up out of this line up below, but nonetheless I can't wait to try them all!

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Hondo For Galaxy's Edge Proves Animatronics Are Getting So Realistic

This is insane. The level of realism with every new Audio-Animatronic is doubling down. I thought the Shaman of Souls in Pandora moved realistically, but this Hondo from Smuggler's Run in Galaxy's Edge looks like it's on a whole other level. It moves so fluently, that it's gonna be hard to realize it's not just a person in makeup & costume. This came on the same day as D23 dumping all kinds of stuff Galaxy's Edge on us from food & drinks, to merchandise & looks at concepts & attractions. Be on the lookout as I'm gonna break 'em all down over the next couple days, & share my thoughts. Until then, what do y'all think of this amazingly ultra-realistic Hondo Audio-Animatronic? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Cast Member Costumes For "Galaxy's Edge" Revealed

Blog Mickey put up all these cool shots of the Galaxy's Edge costume reveal, & a little background to go with them. The ones up top are the village costumes of the various patrons you'll encounter as you enter Batuu in Hollywood Studios or Disneyland. The coolest part about these are they're deemed interchangeable. Cast members will have a lot of control over how they accessorize throughout the day, & will even have the option to change. I love all the different variations. It's gonna create a more realistic living environment. Down below you see the best & caps that will be donned by the cast members involved with Smuggler's Run , the Millennium Falcon attraction. I like the look, but for some reason I'm just not really feeling the color scheme. They need a little more change up from the full solid color in my opinion, even if it was just expanding the size of the lines on front. On the other hand, right next to them is the costumes for the Rise of the Resistance . I would totally buy these for myself. I don't even know which one I like more. All in all this is even more than I was expecting from the costumes. They're really going all out to make this look like a diverse, real city in a galaxy far, far away. The level of detail to making this feel like a real populated place is blowing me away every time. I can't wait to see this in action. What about y'all? What do y'all think of this costume reveal? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

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New Plans Unveiled For Epcot's WDW 50th Anniversary Updates

We've known for awhile my favorite park was going to go through some big changes for the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. Now Disney's gave us a concept look at some of these major changes to come. First, they're finally going to do something permanent with the "Wonders of Life" pavilion. Turning into an interactive "city", full of interactive experiences, Disney characters, hands on activities, & engaging entertainment. Reminds me of a suped up Innovations of the past, but they're saying this will be a play pavilion unlike anything we've ever seen. According to Zach Ridley, portfolio executive at Imagineering it's described as an "immersive 'city'" where we'll "explore, create, & interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. Also mentioned was more details for the update coming to the park's entrance. The "Leave a Legacy" photos will be moved just outside the gate. Hopefully minus the giant "tombstone" looking objects they're attached to. They'll be replaced by a beautiful new setup of pathways, greenery, & a newly reimagined fountain. There will also be significant redevelopment between Spaceship Earth & the Wolrd Showcase Promenade that will be announced at a later date. Until then they releases this amazing concept art of what's to come. However, if you really can't wait to see more, they also announced a new Experience Center coming later in the year to the Odyssey Events Pavilion. Her you'll find interactive exhibits to help fully visualize all the park projects taking place. More on that once it pops up. While the downtime for Epcot during all this is going to drive me crazy, I can't wait for this amazing park to get a much needed facelift. It's probabaly my favorite place on the world, & I hope this can help make it that for more people.

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Some New Looks Behind The Construction Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

In this "Every Role a Starring Role" we get to see some behind the scenes as Batuu was going up in Disneyland. Once again, this really gives you a look at the scope & scale of this enormous land. Not only that though, in this video you get to see a little of the extreme care going into all the minor details that will bring Batuu to life. All in all, it just gets me that more excited to finally be immersed in a galaxy far, far away. Anyone else totally blown away by the size of this thing? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

A Little Underwhelmed With Description Of "Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy"

Disney put out this video getting into the details for the Lighting McQueen's Racing Academy attraction coming to Hollywood Studios, & honestly, I'm a little let down. The description given sounds pretty much exactly like Turtle Talk with Crush . Which if you're not familiar is an attraction at The Seas with Nemo & Friends  in EPCOT, where you sit in a theater & talk to a giant screen with Crush the turtle. He interacts with the audience questions via an actor behind the screens, with the animation keeping up in real time. Giving us the illusion of actually speaking to Crush. It's an alright concept, the little ones love it, but I'm not sure they love it enough to throw in what sounds like an exact carbon copy with Lightning McQueen replacing Crush, only one park away. I was excited for a Cars  attraction. Lord knows how much I love Cars  & Cars 3 , but this let me down a little. I was really hoping for something new. I'll definitely still check it out, just in hope of being pleasantly surprised. After this I'm not holding my breath though. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Disneyland Gives A Sneak Peek Of New Nighttime Show For The Get Your Ears On Celebration

An awesome new nighttime projection show has come to Disneyland for the Get Your Ears On Celebration with Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Lighting up "it's a small world" all the way through Main Street USA, even just this small look is amazing. I love it that it features classic characters right alongside the new Mickey & friends Disney animation. This is one of those moments I wish the Star Trek teleporter was a real thing. As I would totally beam there to check this out. I absolutely love these projection shows Disney's doing now. This one looks like those on steroids. Anyway, it's a short preview with a lot to see. Check it out & let me know your thoughts on this, or any of the amazing projection shows Spread throughout the world of Disney parks. Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Tokyo DisneySea Getting New Soarin' And Shanghai Disneyland Getting Zootopia Land!

Tokyo & Shanghai's Disneylands are really starting to eclipse our own. Their attractions are always on the next level of innovation. Their two amazing announcements this week are no exception. First, Soarin' is coming to TokyoSea, but not the way we're used to. It will feature a trip around the world, feeling the breeze with new sights of famous landscapes & scents, but this one will have it's own theme & backstory. Not to mention cool DaVinci-esque looking flyers. Oriental Land Company gave a look at its backstory, "Nestled in the hills of Mediterranean Harbor, amidst the backdrop of an old-world Italian village, the Museum of Fantastic Flight is dedicated to humankind’s enduring dream of flying. Today, the museum celebrates Camellia Falco—a visionary innovator in the fledgling field of aviation—with a special retrospective of her life.

A grand tour of the museum includes a magical visit from the spirit of Camellia and culminates with Guests boarding her latest and greatest achievement—a flying vehicle of her own design called the Dream Flyer. Guests soon experience what Camellia believed, that our imagination can propel us into the future and take us everywhere in the world we wish to go. And before Guests know it, their spirits are sent soaring." This sounds totally amazing on so many levels. I love Soarin', but with this announcement it seems second rate all the sudden. While the next announcement from Shanghai Disneyland doesn't come with that much detail, it makes up for it in size. They've announced a whole Zootopia themed land! Their 8th themed land at that. It will feature a state of the art attraction that will bring the characters of Zootopia alive. Along with the obvious amount of merchandise & foods, fully immersing fans in the world of Zootopia. Construction is targeted for this year. Shanghai has become the park I want to visit the most. It's a little too far to hop in the car & go. There's also the matter of all that water in between. There's some concept art below that came with these articles, check it out. Afterwards throw your thoughts in the comments, like, & share.

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New Details On "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"

New details just came out for my number 1 anticipated thing coming this year. It originated from a strange place, financial newspaper, Barron's. I came across it via The Disney Blog. A reporter got a full walkthrough of the attraction's, & gave some pretty thorough details of the experience. Like the bridges to Pandora, both entrances will serve as a kind of scene change. You'll go from dark to light as you're immersed in a brand new world that'll look, smell, feel, & sound totally Star Wars. One of the main attractions, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run , will put you in control of the fastest ship in the galaxy. Apparently Hondo Ohnaka of Star Wars: Rebels  fame will lead the adventure, as he's borrowed the Falcon from Chewbacca for a special mission. You'll head through to the 6 person cockpit passing familiar settings, specifically mentioning the 3-D holographic chest board. Your input at the controls will affect the actual ride in real time. Not only determining your outcome, but also affecting your experience in the land as a whole. For example, hearing about how well or not you did through whispers around the area when you visit the store or Oga's Cantina . There was also a couple new details on the other attraction, Rise of the Resistance.  The ride will start off with the queue, walking through a Resistance base. Then you're "captured" by the First Order, & taken aboard their ship. That's where the trackless ride comes in with the transport. Leading to the escape complete with Kylo Ren, stormtroopers, & an AT-AT Walker the reporter was especially impressed by. He talked a little about Oga's Cantina , it having a real feel of A New Hope's  cantina scene. Featuring alcoholic beverages, a first for Disneyland, & a non-dairy blue milk, the seating will be sparse. Most likely to encourage guests to move on through with their drinks. There will be one less seat among tubes & vessel filled bar, if I have anything to say about it. I'm planning on spending a good amount of time there in particular. The final piece of light shedded on the new land came in its form of Pandora's Banshee. Visitors will have the option of purchasing, or "adopting", their own droid. Even giving it it's own personality. Examples were given of it being scared, & signaling when stormtroopers are near. These are portable, & as awesome as it sounds, they went on to mention possibilities of full size R2-D2 style droids for those that want to shed out some big bucks. Could you imagine having your own full size droid? Depending on how deep your pockets have to be, I might have to settle for mini droid, but I'll still take it either way. All in all, the biggest detail I'm excited about that came out is hands down the ones about these droids. Much like Pandora's Banshees, I'm sure I'll brave the 5 plus hour lines to get my hands on one day one. Anyway, what do y'all think? Any of these details get you more excited for the new land? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

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Disney Parks Releases Sneak Peek At "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"

This is the Christmas present I was waiting for! Disney Parks has released a sneak peek at their newest addition to both Disneyland & Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I've already watched this video three times through, & I'm totally convinced I'm going to break down in tears as I finally get to walk through this highly detailed, emersive land. They break down the attractions, the "Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run" & the "Rise of the Resistance". The latter of which is actually starting to sound more impressive, but the attractions just don't matter to me yet. I can't wait to get totally lost in this land. Just to be immersed in a galaxy far, far away does everything for me. To be able to sit in a bar, sorry, cantina with aliens, my lightsaber & blaster by my side, is more than I could possibly imagine I was ever going to get in my lifetime. Just seeing this, & knowing how close it is has me all emotional. I can't wait for this to happen. How bout y'all? I'm not gonna ask your excitement level. I wanna know what you're looking forward to the most? Put it in the comments, like, & share. And may the Force be with you!

New Info On Disney Spring's "NBA Experience"

Disney Parks blog has just unleashed a whole slew of updates & some concept art for Disney Spring's upcoming NBA Experience that has been being built where DisneyQuest used to stand. This thing sound awesome. When I was a kid I was all about some NBA basketball, & I would have totally went nuts for this. In addition to a NBA themed retail store, this place is going to totally put you right in the middle of the NBA. Or as close as you can be without actually being drafted. Check it out:

  • Experience one of the biggest milestones for a basketball player at the NBA Draft with a photo moment that re-creates the atmosphere of the draft stage.

  • Track and improve their jump shots and passing skills in a replicated NBA Combine challenge, complete with a scouting report that highlights their stats at the end of the session.

  • Step onto the court and hear the roar of the crowd as they maneuver through a series of timed shots to aim for a high score.

  • Execute the perfect slam dunk just like NBA superstars, captured by cameras surrounding adjustable baskets.

  • Test their ball-handling skills with an interactive trainer who will challenge them with a variety of dribbling routines.

  • Use an oversized slingshot to launch basketballs at hoops of varying heights, making as many shots as possible before the clock runs out in this thrilling timed challenge.

  • Immerse themselves in the rich legacy and history of NBA and WNBA championship-winning teams.

  • Access a team locker room that showcases up-to-date statistics and visuals of top NBA and WNBA players.

  • Test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA – past and present – during a trivia game with up to 25 participants competing against one another to be champion.

  • Enjoy two 180-degree cinematic presentations that showcase the in-arena experience moments before the start of the game, as well as special stories from the players’ perspectives.

  • Take a seat at an interactive multi-screen module to watch replay clips from NBA games, using the tools at their stations to make the right calls.

  • Play interactive basketball games, from the fan-favorite Pop-A-Shot to modern video games.

I'm going to be so all over this. I actually can't even figure out what I want to do more. The slingshots, dunk cam, Combine challenge, or just let lose on some interactive basketball games. I had my doubts on this one, but it's shaping up to he pretty cool. Your thoughts? Put it in the comments, like, & share. 

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