Na'vi — The E Ticket — Snipes n Snarfblatts

Want to go to Pandora but don't know how to speak the language of the natives? Disney Parks blog says don't worry they've got it figured out. They released more information on the Na'vi translator that will be available at "Windtraders" in Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They have merchandise product developer Cody Hampton saying this about the device, "This device was originally developed by Alpha Centauri Expeditions founder Marshall Lamm. The Na'vihave no written language, so the translator will be a helpful tool for any human visiting Pandora. Guests using the translator can learn how to pronounce 90 Na'vi words using interchangeable translation cards. The device also lights up at night, which makes it perfect for nighttime explorations on Pandora." The article went on to say that the translator will be sold in a set that comes with 15 translation cards, and that there will be additional cards sold in trading packs that will include 8 randomly selected cards. There will be nouns, adjectives, animals, landscapes, phrases, plants, and gear. They were all based on audio recordings from Lightstorm Entertainment and Dr. Paul Frommer, the creator of the actual Na'vi language used in Avatar. So, looks like we have one more thing we have to get when we go to Pandora. Official opening day is May 27th and we'll be there. I can't wait to tell you how this thing works. What do you think you think? Is this a cool addition for the park to be even more interactive? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to like and share.

Disney let out some details of the various refreshments & nourishments that will be available in Pandora: World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They kept Pongu Pongu tight lipped in only letting us know that the name of the refreshment bar means Party Party in it's native Na'vi. They also let us know it will feature indigenous beers, an exclusive sweet snack, & even more curiously, a "bioluminescent" frozen cocktail.

Disney was more forthcoming about Pandora's fast-casual restaurant Satu'li Canteen even displaying some pictures which I've collaged together at the bottom. The Satu'li Canteen will feature wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, & hearty proteins with an on stage grill.

They give us a little backstory on the place letting us know it was the main mess hall of the Resources Development Administration base in the Valley of Mo'ara. It's now been beautifully redesigned into a dining room decked out with various Na'vi items filling every nook & cranny.

An interesting menu to say the least invites diners to start with quinoa & veggie salad, red & sweet potato hash, mixed whole grain & rice, or romaine & kale salad. Starring wood-grilled chicken, slow roasted beef, sustainable fish, or chili-spiced tofu. The bowl is then topped off with charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette, or creamy herb dressing. On a stranger, more unique note, they'll have steamed "pods" - Bao buns with cheeseburger or veggie curry served with root veggie chips & crunchy vegetable slaw. Don't despair kiddies, there's something for you too. Kids will have grilled chicken or beef, fish or tofu with greens or rice, a hot dog wrapped in dough, cheese quesadilla, or a steamed "pod" (cheeseburger).

Originally coming from Chipandco.com, they also went on to mention that Satu'li Canteen will be the first in the park to offer mobile order with the "My Disney Experience" app. This lets guests preorder their food & bypass what will surely be some long queues. After ordering they will hit "I'm Here" on the app & then be alerted to pick up their food from a designated window. This feature is supposed to roll out among other eateries later this year.

So there you go. I'm excited. Like I said Snipes n Snarfblatts will be there opening day & now I have even more to look forward too. Can't wait to share it with y'all, but until then what sounds the like the most yummy, can't wait for, item to you? I gotta have a "pod". Write yours in the comments & don't forget to like & share.

Jun 18, 2019

Michelle Rejwan Now Senior VP Live Action Development And Production For Lucasfilm

Hollywood Reporter reports Michelle Rejwan is now the Senior VP of Live Action Development & Production. She will oversee new feature films as well Disney+ series while still producing with president Kathleen Kennedy. That seems like a hefty responsibility to drop on someone who's previous credits at Lucasfilm are producing The Force Awakens & The Rise of Skywalker. Kennedy really sees something in her though, having “seen first-hand her skills collaborating with writers and directors, and I've been incredibly impressed with her creative skills and her ability to manage the complexity surrounding these massive projects.” Can she be the Feige of Star Wars? Time will tell. After the hate Kennedy got from the last installment, which I loved by the way, one could think this is just to give her a scapegoat if things don't go as well over the next few projects. Curious to see how much influence this winds up having as a whole. What do y'all think? Trust in Kennedy? Or do you think maybe a more vetted choice would have been better? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

May 21, 2019

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.