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.
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.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge The Merchandise
A wise old hermit once said, "Merchandising, Merchandising, Merchandising!" And that's what it's all about. More of the D23 Galaxy's Edge everything you should know covered all the amazing merchandise we can expect from our trip to Batuu.
Read MoreThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Amazing New Details & Teasers For "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"
If you've managed to just patiently wait for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, coming next year to Disneyland & Disneyworld, then this is about to destroy that patience. Disney Parks Blog released some amazing information that came out of DestinationD this weekend. First, was the only thing we didn't know we need for a Star Wars themed land. Paying attention to what seems like every detail, John Williams himself has created the score that will accompany us through our own Star Wars stories. That video was followed by our first teaser look at the attractions. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will put guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles. While, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will puts guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The videos look amazing, even if you only get a vague feel of the attractions. This is also all paired up with the Disney Play app for an extra hands on level of emerson. At DestinationD, Chapek also shared new information about the currently in-development Star Wars -themed resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort. From the moment you board your launch pod (teased in the concept art below), you’ll experience a fully-immersive, multi-day Star Wars adventure aboard a luxury starship complete with high-end dining, space-view cabins, and exciting action. Scheduled to open at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and at Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019, I can't wait. My lightsaber & heavy blaster are ready. Part of me feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this. Anyway, what do y'all think of this awesome new Galaxy's Edge details? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyland Gives A Glimpse Into The Opening Of "Pixar Pier"
Disneyland's California Adventure officially opened their newly revamped Pixar Pier last weekend. I didn't figure we'd have to wait until last night for some video footage though. Finally arriving, you get to see the ribbon cutting, some Incredibles meet n greets, the Incredicoaster, & all the new places to eat, along with some carney games as well. Out of everything, I have to say, I'm still blown away by the style of the new food spots. This is probably my favorite part of all of the revamped Pixar Pier . Unfortunately, I haven't heard great things about the actual food. Hearing the fried chicken is a total no-go hurt me a bit. Especially since you order it out of a giant happy meal shaped building. The Incredicoaster redo is pretty cool. I like the new effects, but wonder if fans think it's enough change. As of right now, I look at everything, & am not surprised there's more to come. This is a vast improvement from what was there, but all in all, it's just a fancy reskinning right now. Hopefully some new innovations occur here before I get a chance to check it out. As of right now, Pixar Pier is a beautiful yet unfinished idea. What do y'all think though? Is there enough changes here to be new? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Pixar Pier Opens Today, With More To Come!!
Today marks the opening day of Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park. It'll feature the newly themed Incredicoaster, Pixar Pal-Around, the Lamplight Lounge, awesome new food locations, merch, & more. All that crammed into four "neighborhoods": Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade, & Inside Out Headquarters. Yesterday however, Disney Blog wanted to make sure we knew there was even more to come. The Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will be debuting in 2019. From the concept art it looks like a cross between the Dumbo ride & those swings on chain ride at most carnivals. Beautiful setup though, judging from the concept art. They also announced the 2019 addition of classic boardwalk carousel themed, Jessie's Critter Carousel . Which will take its inspiration from Jessie's wilderness friends in Woody's Round-Up from Toy Story 2 . I'm definitely more a fan of the Emotional Whirlwind on paper. As honestly the carousel is pretty standard. Luckily, all these major additions at all the parks around the world are giving me some extra time to figure out some fundings. I'm gonna need it if I ever want to really see this stuff. Disney Parks is doing big things everywhere right now. Looking forward to these additions, as well as some looks at this new Pixar Pier, opening today. What do y'all think of these attractions to come? Emotional Whirlwind or Jessie's Critters ? Put it in the comments, like & share.
New Details & Pre-order Available For "Play Disney Parks" App
Disney released more details onnew mobile app coming for use at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this summer. Now available for pre-order, at the App Store and Google Play, the Play Disney Parks app will allow guests to play with family and friends while waiting in line for attractions. They're not really giving any exact details, just the activities will interact with select attraction queues, & the app will feature games that bring favorite Disney stories to life in immersive new ways. They've also mentioned that guests can earn and share digital collectibles when they reach achievements for experiences in the app, across the Disney parks. If that doesn't do it for ya, they're throwing in some Disney trivia as well. This will definitely help kill boredom while in the queue, provided you can keep your battery charged as well. There's some screenshots below, as well as the title page. I really want to see this in action before I judge it. How "queue interactive" it is will he the thing that really does it for me. If the app makes stuff happen, that's friggin awesome. If it's just another glorified cell phone game, I'll pass. What do y'all think though? Does this sound exciting? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Lots Of Details For Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Come From Galactic Nights 2018
Last night was 2018's Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Hollywood Studios. Which means they dropped a lot of news regarding the upcoming land of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, coming to both Disneyland & Disneyworld next year. First off was the name of the village you will be visiting when you get to the planet Batuu, the Black Spire Outpost . In which, I can't speak for everyone, but that's an awesome name. I can't wait to see what the merch looks like now. I definitely see at least a new hat on my future if that reads across it. Besides that though, they also gave this background description: "The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself." This really sounds like it's going to make Pandora: World of Avatar look like a small tasting ground when it comes to the level of immersion they're going for. Here's the concept art they released with this.
The next part though is what really got me excited. I wasn't present so I'm using the powers of WDW News Today & Chip & Co. combined. Between them both I've learned that there will be a Creature Stall, where you can adopt creatures to bring home. Your Banshee won't be lonely anymore. Specifically they name dropped Star Wars: Rebels Loth-cats. Chip & Co. was also did report they mentioned other creatures as well, yet the Loth-cats were the only specifically named. On another note WDWNT has Disney Immagineering working on bringing to life a "walking, breathing, real creature" in the form of the Loth-cat. They're thinking these will be like the free roaming droids. Below is a concept of the Creature Shop, with a pic of a Loth-cat. I'm actually really excited about both these notions. A creature shop to adopt Loth-cats sounds awesome itself. Throw in the possibility of other animals to adopt & I just might have to catch 'em all. Then the possibility of animals roaming the park with droids? That is just totally mind blowing. I get goosebumps just thinking about the level of immersion we're about to be delivered. It's starting to feel like one might actually be able to lose track of reality in this place. I can't wait! Which of these announcements excites you the most? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Parks Announce Opening Season For "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"
Disney Parks has announced the opening seasons for both Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge parks. Disneyland's is scheduled to open in the summer next year with Hollywood Studio's version following closely behind, opening late fall. Not sure why the gap between the two. Either Hollywood Studio's park is planned bigger, or they're planning on trying to open the Star Wars themed resort at the same time. This announcement just makes the whole thing that much more real. I'm more excited about these lands than I am for any Star Wars release. Didn't dream I was going to have to wait until late fall for it. This is gonna be a hard one. I almost don't even want any sneak peeks, just so it can all hit me at once. And though I'm saying that now, I know I'm lying. If I can, I'm gonna know this place's whole layout before I even step foot in the place. Hell, I've been waiting for this my whole life, & just didn't know it. Who else is already planning next year's seasons around these openings? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Parks Goes Live For "Together Forever-A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular"
Disney Parks went live last night to give us an amazing look at the new projection & fireworks show, Together Forever-A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular . Running through Sept 3rd., this is Disneyland's answer to Happily Ever After over in Disneyworld. It's there to help celebrate Pixar Fest, & I so wish I could go see this in person. While overall I'm still a bigger fan of Disneyworld's show, this one has some amazing extras to it. Such as, Buzz & the flying house from UP! . They look absolutely amazing as they fly by. I think the projection mapping works better with Sleepin Beauty Castle though. That's the biggest reason I think I give Disneyworld the win between these two. Awesome show though, & no one streams these like they do. Check it out, & let me know what you think.
New "Play Disney Parks" App Coming In Time To Relieve Your Summer Queue Pains
Disney just announced an awesome new FREE app coming to Android & iOS sometime this summer. Play Disney Parks is said to let us explore Disneyland & Walt Disney World in a whole new way. This app will access exclusive experiences that interact with the surrounding environment. Turning wait times into play times, there's more to discover the more you explore the Disney parks. This sounds really fun. Not only that, I'll take anything to keep the kids busy in line. No telling what they have in store for this. The various games in the park such as Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom & the Agent P found in Epcot are so interactive. Playing affects hidden animatronics throughout the parks. I'm wondering if some of that will make it into this app? Can't wait to hear more about this one. This could shape up to being something really fun. What do y'all think? Any hopes & ideas on what features this app will have? Put it in the comments, like & share.
I Can Barely Wrap My Head Around Disney's New "Show Environment Room" Patent
This one is not as much technical as it is hard to even fathom. This is a pic attached to a patent I saw first on DIZ, published by Disney Enterprises Inc., titled "Multimedia System for Transforming Any Room Into a Show Environment". The pic is somewhat overwhelming, but I'm going to try to sum up their explanation of what all's goin' on. Building on Disney's recent pattern of immersion, this is a way to make a room more enjoyable through in-room entertainment. I'm gonna say this is with Hotel rooms in mind. Mainly because they really go into Hotel use, & their want to change the mindset behind Hotel rooms. Saying, "Conventional thinking in the hotel industry has been that it is desirable to make their guest very comfortable while they sleep but to otherwise encourage their guests to leave their room to partake in entertaining activities such as shopping and dining on-site or elsewhere in a resort or nearby city." So, now they want you to have a reason to stay in your room. That said, the wording uses Hotels as an example, but does also mention it could be used in a home & other waiting areas like those seen in airports & hospitals as well. Best guess though, this has Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge written all over it. They sound like they're totally trying to bring your room to life though. I could see this used in all the resorts eventually. The whole room is basically going to be an attraction. The system will generally include a controller for selectively operating a television like device, a video projector, an audio system, & other show components like, lights, fan, mechanical props, electrical, illusionary props, & so on. Basically, your room is a friggin' ride attraction. It will have the ability to "tell a story &/or magically transform the space into a multidimensional & immersive entertainment space." Mind Blown. I never thought I'd be excited to stay in my room at Disneyworld. I could speculate what they're going to do with this, but they've basically turned into your room into Happily Ever After. Infinity & beyond is literally the limit of this. This is the first step to Star Trek: The Next Generation 's holodeck. I'm ecstatic! Please, let this happen! What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New "Paint The Night" Parade Debuts; Absolutely Beautiful!!
With "Pixar Fest" starring up, Disneyland's newest parade has debuted, & it may be the most magical parade I've ever seen. Inside the Magic shared this video of the debut of Paint the Night . Disney's newest parade in the vein of the old Electric Parade, makes it's predecessor look like I set it up in my back yard. I can't even begin to address what I liked most about this, & that's just seeing it on screen. All bet this thing is a sensory overload in person. For me, it's the Monsters Inc. & Mack from Cars that really stole the whole show, but I've also got to mention those amazing, giant puppets of Tigger, the Genie, & Lumiere. I've never seen anything like those in my life. Definitely do yourself a favor & watch this one. You won't regret it. The only way I would tell you not to watch this, is if you're in the vicinity to go see it in person. If that's the case, do that, yesterday. Anyway, let me know what you think of this spectacle. Put it in the comments, like, & share.