Join Avatar creator James Cameron & Disney CEO Bob Iger as they kick off Pandora: The World of Avatar. I can't wait. The official opening is Saturday May 27th & we'll be there. First, here's a look at some of the show we're expecting, with drums & what seemed to be totems representing the different Na'vi clans. You can tell how they talk even the people who helped bring this to life are amazed by it. Anyway, check it out.
Disneyworld Might Be Having Trouble With Donald Trump & We May Have A Solution
Ever since Bill Clinton, Disneyworld's Hall Of Presidents has had the residing presidential robot stand & address the audience. Rumor has been this might not be the case for current POTUS, Donald Trump. This rumor has been tracked down to Motherboard, who quotes an inside source with Imagineer knowledge. No word from Disney at all, but this has been a very heated subject with multiple petitions calling for the silence/removal of the current President. Honestly, they have themselves in a pickle that I would never want to find myself in. This is definitely a damned if you do or don't moment. I might have an accurate solution to this problem though. What if instead of words, when Trump stands up, he pulls out a cellphone, pushes it, & a couple tweet chirps ring out through the crowd. Problem fixed, everyone could be happy with this. It is his favorite way to communicate anyway. What do y'all think? Any other ideas appreciated. Just drop em in the comments, like, & share.
This Beauty and the Beast Show Has Me Looking Into A Disney Cruise
Disney Parks put up this video today talking about the new show they're planning for the Disney Cruise Line. Belle's journey will be told by one of her father Maurice's music boxes. As he opens it you will be transported inside via high-def projections, dynamic scenery, & a little Disney magic. This thing looks like it's going to be an awesome live spectacle to see. Usually, I'm not a fan of anything I can't walk away from. Such as being surrounded for miles by water with nothing else in sight, on a vessel so heavy it logically shouldn't float. Disney keeps trying to find a way to intice me, & between this & the Star Wars & Marvel Days At Sea, they're doing a really good job. What do y'all think? Doesn't this look amazing, & what are you're thoughts on cruises?
"Happily Ever After" Is Amazing!! Check it out!
I've always thought Fantasmic in Disney's Hollywood Studios was the best firework show ever created. Until now. Disney put up a live stream of the new firework show Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom. Paired with music and animation that brings the castle to life, this thing is breathtaking. I can't wait to see this in person. It is a truly beautiful sight, filled with many surprises along the way. Check it out & let us know what you think in the comments below.
Disneyworld's "Happily Ever After" Animator Interview Is A Real Treat
Disney released this trip down memory lane with the animators behind Disneyworld's Happily Ever After. It's newest firework show that includes new hand-drawn animation by the original artists. I honestly could sit & listen to these guys talk for hours. I don't know what it is, whether it's these guys, the nine old men, or Walt himself, this stuff just fascinates me. Anyway are there any hand-drawn animation enthusiasts out there as excited as me about this show? Let us know in the comments, like & share.
Disney May Be Trying To Get Rid Of EPCOT's Figment Again
I've been going to Disneyworld's EPCOT almost since it's inception. In fact, my first trip to EPCOT might be one of my most detailed, early memories. The fondest of those memories though, belong to Figment & his Journey into Imagination. I've since passed those memories onto both my little girls with Figment becoming their favorite part of EPCOT as well. Now it seems that Disney may be trying to get rid of my favorite little dragon, & it's not the first time. According to Chip & Company a recent survey to EPCOT guest asked on a scale of 1 to 10 how familiar & if they liked Imagination's mascot. Usually a sign of changes to come. Like I said, this wouldn't be the first time either. Figment's attraction joined the fray about 5 months after the initial opening of EPCOT. Figment was actually to be one of the only characters in the park as that was to be a Magic Kingdom thing. The ride was overhauled in 1998, giving it less appearances from Figment. After so much backlash from that, another renovation in 2002 brought back the fan favorite. EPCOT is supposed to be going through what Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks & Resorts, called "a major transformation". Which if the changing of the very popular Maelstrom to Frozen & adding The Three Caballeros to EPCOT's Mexico are any hints to what's to come, we've got another Disney license about to pop up. Obviously, I can't stand the idea of this going away. My only wish is they would put the ride back to it's original form or at least an upgraded version of the complete ride with the re-addition of Dreamfinder. If anyone knows or sees of any surveys or petitions online to help save Figment let us know in the comments so we can keep Imagination going. Oh, don't take it from me though, take a look at this little Figment Fan:
Ever Wonder How Disney's Imagineers Dream Up Something Like Pandora: The World of Avatar?
Disney Parks released a short video today showcasing some of the inspiration behind Pandora - The World of Avatar. Follow Imagineers to Bali & Jakarta as they find inspiration for an alien world right here on planet Earth. They also go more into the immersive design of the spectacle that will by all means convince you that you've entered a whole new world. Exciting is hardly the word for me. The park's Grand Opening is May 27th in Disney's Animal Kingdom & we''ll be there in the middle of the craziness. Let us know in the comments below if there's anything in particular you want to see or know about the park when we're there.
Check Out Johnny Depp At Disneyland Surprising Fans Riding "Pirates of the Caribbean"
With Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales coming to theaters soon & the ride that inspired 5 films now recently having it's 50th anniversary Johnny Depp suited up to surprise fans from inside the New Orleans Square staple last week. What would you even do in this situation? Riding in your boat, singing "A Pirate's Life", & admiring how you don't really remember the audio-animatronics looking so lifelike. That's when that curiously real Captain Jack figure begins to talk, & if that doesn't get your attention it moves around as well. Then you realize oh #@$^, that actually is Captain Jack, followed by the realization that it's actually Johnny Depp. Followed by silently freaking out. This is not only one of the coolest things I've ever seen an actor do, he's done it more than once. Last time it was the surprise appearance for Alice Through the Looking Glass. So what would you do?
Is There Room In The Magic Kingdom For Another Mountain?
If the rumors are correct there is. Chip & Co. is saying rumor is Disney officials are floating around the idea of a volcano-themed roller coaster coming to Adventureland. It's actually a revived plan from the early 2000's for what was to be called Fire Mountain. Put on the shelf due to not making it through testing, it was to be an indoor flying coaster. For those not thinking this would fit, Chip & Co. makes sure to remind us of a certain Polynesian Princess, Moana. Pretty sure after her recent box office success the park heads have been beating their heads against the wall trying to figure out how to capitalize on getting her in as soon as possible. Especially after the success of the quick addition of Frozen replacing Maelstrom in Epcot. I know I'm all for this. Everyone knows the highlight for thrill-seekers at the Disney Parks are the mountains. So all in all another one just has to be looked at as a plus right? And Moana themed? What do ya think? Let it be known in the comments, like, & share.
Can The Rock Make "Jungle Cruise" The Most Electrifying Ride In Disney Parks?
The most electrifying man in sports entertainment has taken Hollywood by storm, dominating box offices world-wide. Recently announced to lead Disney's upcoming Jungle Cruise however, might have just added another skill to Dwayne Johnson's repertoire... Imagineer? Yup, The Rock took to his Instagram posing with a picture of the actual plans to Disneyland from The Vault, but the real story comes underneath where the Jungle Cruise star goes on to say, "..... we'll partner with Disney's brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer & re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world." That's just an excerpt from the whole, but I think it totally gets the point across. New things are coming to the jungle. I'm kinda torn at this news as my only comparison is the changes that were made to Pirates of the Caribbean post movie. And while I highly enjoy the additions of Davy Jones & Captain Jack Sparrow, I'm bummed that the ride is shorter. Disney was built to grow forever though, & that should even go for one of Walt's opening day rides as well I guess. As of now I have faith in The Rock so let's just see where this goes. What do you think? Changes to one of Walt's originals, or is this sacrilege? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.
Is Disneyworld Contemplating A Star Wars "Starship" Resort?
Apparently it's on the table. WDW News Today reports Disney has begun surveying guests about the possibility of a Star Wars "Starship" luxury resort attached to Hollywood Studios. Price range will look like $900-$1000 per guest, but this isn't just a place to sleep. This sounds like a whole friggin experience. It includes 2 nights in a resort that looks & feels like a starship on specific dates as it involves a totally immersive storyline. The rooms will have an interactive "view" (galaxy or pool/atrium) & accommodate up to 4 people. You'll also get 5 meals total throughout with evening entertainment & 1 day at Hollywood Studios to visit Star Wars themed land on day 2. The most intriguing part to me however, is what's described as story-driven entertainment including live character chance encounters, & the opportunity to watch or engage in the story through things like personalized missions, flight training, starship exploration, & lightsaber training. Though this is only a survey at this time the inclusion of these concept art photos make it look like they're pretty serious about considering this one. I'm going to either have to sell off body parts or figure something out. Disney's already taking all my money, now they're taking money I don't have as well. Obviously, this is a must for me. The hard part will be getting me to leave when it's over.
Amazon Really Wants You To Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
That's right, Amazon wants to send 10 sets of 4 to Disneyland. 10 sets of 4. Sorry, I had to say that last bit again, but these ten grand prizes include round trip airfare for up to 4 people, A 2 night stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotel, up to 4, 3 day, 1 Park Disneyland Resort tickets, and the opportunity to attend not only the shows and activities celebrating the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, but also a tour of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction as well. All that's only for the opening so you have to be able to redeem the vacation package and travel from May 25th to May 27th. The opening weekend events will be forfeited if you don't go on these times. I entered y'all. So, I apologize if I don't wind up going to Pandora on opening day. We'll just have to mark that down for a later date, and change it to the debut of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. They're also offering 10 first prizes where each winner will receive a $100 Disney gift card. For those who don't know what the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction is. It is a redone version of the old Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror. Now apparently reskinned as Guardians of the Galaxy to go with Disney's new approach to getting some of the Marvel licenses in the Disney Parks. Enter for you're chance to win here.
Walt Disney World's Gondolas Finally Confirmed
I've been watching rumors of this for a while and now finally Orlando Sentinel have obtained documents that confirm the planning of "The Italian Job". No they're not remaking that movie again. "The Italian Job" is the name used in reference to the Disney and Ready Creek highly rumored gondola project they've been trying to keep under wraps. The notes mention 6 stations with 3 lines linking Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the lakeside area between Pop Century and the Art of Animation Resort. Each cab would hold 10 people. It even listed the gondola vendor Doppelmayr. No one answered questions, but Disney released the following statement: "We are always looking to explore new transportation options that will make the resort experience even more magical for guests. We're excited about our future plans on this front and look forward to sharing details at a later date. So there we go it finally seems like it's real now. Me personally. I am very happy that they are finally taking to the "Skyways" once again and I will most definitely use this to go from park to park once it's up many times.
Man, look how safe those things use to look.
Another Pandora: World of Avatar Video Showcasing The Native Plants & Animals
Why isn't May 27th here yet? I can't take another one of these videos. The word of the day today is, immersion. It seems like that was their main goal. With every sense they want you to feel as if you're on another planet. They explain how they're going to be tricking your senses through the use of light & sound to fell like you're in an area heavily populated with wildlife. This place just looks more & more stunning with every glimpse they give us. Like I said before, I can't wait. We'll be there on the 27th, opening day with pics, videos, descriptions, product demos, & ride reviews for you every step of the way. Let us know if there's anything special on your minds about Pandora in the comments, & we'll try to figure it out (Like how we don't need breathing masks.), don't forget to like & share.
Disney Imagineers & Lucasfilm Talk Star Wars Lands
Imagine sitting in the Millennium Falcon. You might not have to imagine in about a year, & that's not the only thing learned today. The Star Wars themed lands being added to Hollywood Studios in Disneyworld & Disneyland Parks are to contain things familiar to the Star Wars universe, but will be themed to completely new worlds. The focus of this world will be on the story being told. I'm not going to lie, I might have shed a tear during this video. I never thought in my wildest dreams as a child growing up that even a facsimile of this world from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away would ever happen. Described as, "the most ambitious project I've ever seen in the history of Walt Disney Imagineering" by Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering, I would have to agree based on the artist renderings & the sheer scope of the thing. What do y'all think? Let me know in the comments if you're as excited as I am or could care less to get to come as close as possible to the Star Wars universe? Or maybe just hit up an alien cantina for awhile?
Animal Kingdom Is Adding More Viewing Areas For Tree of Life Awakenings
If you've seen the Tree of Life Awakening show at Animal Kingdom it's been from the only viewing place at Discovery Island. However, according to Chip and Company, Animal Kingdom will be adding two more viewing spots between Africa and Asia to help accommodate more guests to see the show, as Discovery Island can crowd up very quickly. Every 10 minutes after nightfall the Tree of Life comes to life with holographic projections of the animals carved into it. Check the video it's amazing. They're adding the extra viewing spots to hopefully offset the crowd numbers that likely will spike with the addition of Pandora: World of Avatar opening in late May. I've actually never got to see this nightly occurrence as it's been over a year since I've vistied the Animal Kingdom, & this wasn't a thing. So I will definitely have this on my list of things to see when we go to the Pandora opening on May 27th. Don't worry I'll have some video for all to enjoy. Let me know in the comments if you've seen this & what you thought.
Here's Some Of The Kiosks For Epcot's Food & Wine Festival 2018
Epcot Food and Wine Fest is coming closer and closer with August 31st right around the corner. According to the Orlando Business Journal Disney has some Orange County permits for which they're expecting to be for Food and Wine kiosks for said event. Scotland, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium (my favorite), the Caribbean (wife's favorite), Patagonia, Brazil, along with 2 other kiosks, "Chocolate" and "Sustainable Chew" will be joining the annual food festival throughout November 13th. And that's just a portion of the 30 international kiosks. I got a chance to go to this last year and it was amazing. Everything is pretty conveniently priced, we had at least one item from every kiosk & the portions were just enough for 3-4 to get a couple small tastes. Even at that rate we left the park too full to even think about any more food. Definitely put this on your to-do list, grab a Food & Wine "passport", & try some of the best food from around the world.
Club 33 Coming to Disneyworld
Club 33. Walt Disney's exclusive club once very hidden in Disneyland's New Orleans Square is coming to Disneyworld. While the club is not so hidden as it was anymore, with the door more visible now than in it's original years, it's still by invite only. It's also not the cheapest thing in the world. Dont believe me? Just go to the Club 33 site & check out the $120 a plate dinner menu. The site also mentions the waiting list if asked is measured in years so don't hold your breath trying to get in soon. Too rich for my blood. My only hope is I shake the right hands one day to at least get invited by a member. Though I probably won't see it, I still think this is pretty cool as it brings even more "Walt Disney" legitness to the park in my neck of the woods. What do you think? Are you going on the waiting list? Let us know in the comments along with an invitation maybe if you're in?.? Worth a try...
Disneyland Tokyo Breaks Ground on Giant Expansion
Last week Oriental Land Co., Ltd broke ground on a huge expansion of Tokyo Disneyland Park. Kyoichiro Uenishi, President & COO of Oriental Land Co., LTD led the ceremony, with Mickey & Minnie Mouse of course. Set to open in 2020 & making me have to push back an inevitable trip to the Land of the Rising Sun this looks like an amazing addition to what already looks like an awesome park. The groundbreaking will include a Beauty & the Beast land & attraction, a live theater in Fantasyland, a Minnie Mouse greeting facility, & one of my favorites, a Big Hero 6 attraction. (Just go ahead & make a whole San Fransokyo land) Here's some artist concepts Disney put out with the announcement.
Disney Raising the Bar With "Happily Ever After"
I got to see "Wishes" at the Magic Kingdom on a few occasions. The most amazing sight to me of the whole show was the use of the castle as a theater screen to play all kind of effects on it. Last year, however, I got to see the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show, & I noticed more effects. Or more specifically, more animated effects. Now today Disney has released this video to help build excitement for the new firework show debuting in the Magic Kingdom May 12. It includes the classic animators explaining how they will bring the castle to life with hand drawn animation. The original artists will be putting together brand new, hand drawn sequences with Ursula, Aladdin, Princess Tiana, & more. These shows keep getting bigger & better with every change. It's no secret my love for classic hand drawn animation. I will definitely be losing a little sleep looking forward to this show.