This first part is still pretty far off in the future with further plans to be revealed in May 2018, & construction beginning in 2025. Viral Disney has reported that Disney & it's partners in the Oriental Land Company have revealed plans for an all-new Japanese theme park with the focus on it's host country with new characters. It will be focused on the culture of Japan much like California Adventure to California most likely. That's about all there is on that, but if you factor in Studio Ghibli they already have some very interesting things already sharing the Disney branding. I'm very curious to see where this is going, I've been thinking about planning a trip to Japan just for Disneyland. I might have to postpone it if this thing looks really cool. The next bit is way more fleshed out, but that's probably because it's right around the corner. WDW News Today reports Shanghai's Disneyland's Toy Story Land, opening summer 2018, has released some concept art & details about the layout. I hate to say, their Toy Story Land looks like it's gonna destroy ours. Shanghai's Toy Story Land looks huge with some awesome attractions. Slinky Dog Spin, where you'll take a seat inside Slinky Dog's spirals & race around a wavy roundabout. There's Rex's Racer, an RC car that goes forwards & backwards increasing height & speed. They'll have Woody's Round-Up where you'll swing to & fro in time to lively music in pony drawn carts. After that there's the obvious Meeting Post (Meet & Greet), Al's Toy Barn (Merchandise), & the Toy Box Café (Restaurant). The whole land is set up around immersion on a Pandora: World of Avatar level. There's a whole story of being shrunk down to toy size that goes with the land. I'm really blown away by these concept photos. If you haven't seen some of the ride videos already from Disneyland in Shanghai watch them. This park is becoming a must-see very quickly. What do y'all think of these amazing additions? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Permits Filed For New Main Street Theater, Tron Lightcycle Coaster, & Ratatouille
Awhile back, at D23, a bunch of new attractions were announced. Now WDW News Today has reported new rounds of permits filed for three of these. I put the specs they released all together down there with the Main Street Theater & Tron Lightcycles being added to Magic Kingdom on top, & Ratatouille in EPCOT on bottom. On top, the theater is labeled MK1, where as Tron is labeled MK2. This is a big project, technically all in Tomorrowland, so they're sharing the same permit. However, the theater will be accessible from Main Street U.S.A.. Until seeing this, I never realized all this space was even there. This is awesome. Under those you've got the space being used for Ratatouille in EPCOT, which is everything in the dotted lines. This too, looks like a pretty good sized attraction, & I can't wait to see how it blends into the façade of France in the World Showcase. To me, the best thing about these permits is it makes it just that much more real. At this point, you can stop & say, "Wow, this is really happening now." I can't wait to see more of this as they become more of a reality. What about y'all, do these permits raise any questions, concerns, or excitement? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I Still Can't Believe Some Lucky Passengers Got To Star Tour With Luke Skywalker
This was all over Twitter & Instagram, but if you didn't see it, check it out. These folks got a once in a lifetime chance to ride the 5-D version of Star Tours. How is it 5-D you ask? Well, simple, you get to ride witb Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. I don't know how many times I've watched this, but I have a smile on my face every time. I don't know how I'd react to this. That said, I love the fact that there's a certain level of fame that reduces people to screaming. It's great! When he enters the room all words are lost. Just woos, eees, & aaahhs!!! I love it. Thank you Mark Hamill for being you! The Force is truly strong with you. What did y'all think of this visit though? What would y'all do? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Second New Destination For Star Tours Reveals "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" Planet's Name
Last month we talked about Star Tours going to it's new Star Wars: The Last Jedi location of Crait. Over the past week, leading up to it's debut, Disney's been giving more little tidbits of info, like the addition of another undisclosed destination, Kylo Ren, & Poe Dameron. The addition of the newer characters led to rumors that when the ride is put back on random, there will be no mixing of the Star Wars generations now. Meaning whatever "time" your ride is based in will reflect the characters you see. I actually like this concept, but I'm a cannon freak. I like to know everything has its proper place in my stories. One of the very few things I do take seriously. I didn't want to really talk about these new disclosures until we got to the part I cared about. What is the undisclosed destination? Well, upon its release yesterday, Disney announced the destination as Batuu. Apparently C-3P0 knows of this planet, a remote outpost on the "galaxy's edge", once booming, & now fell to the rise of hyperspace travel. Now it's a port for smugglers, traders, & us adventurers traveling uncharted regions. They also mentioned it's an unoccupied safe haven from the First Order. The best part is what all this really is. If you haven't caught on from the concept art they released below, or the wording used, then surprise! This is the planet shown to us in model form, that will be the subject of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This just upped my excitement to jump on this ride ten fold. I can't wait to get a first look at this planet being created for us to explore in less than a couple years. This is just one more step in building the anticipation for this monumental event, & I can't wait for more. There's still a part of me that can't believe this is happening. Anyway, what do y'all think about this revelation, & what do y'all hope gets announced next when it comes to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Disney Attractions Win Thea Awards!!
I didn't even know this was a thing until today, but apparently it is. There's not only a Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), they also give out awards. Awards for, go figure, themed entertainment. And obviously if I just heard of them, that must mean Disney has won some of said awards. Orlando Sentinel reports that Disney has picked a handful of TEA Thea Awards. First, Frozen Ever After, in EPCOT won for outstanding achievement in "attraction reimagining". Originally this was my favorite ride in EPCOT, the Maelstrom, a journey through Norway, populated by trolls. I wish I could say that this ride wasn't half the ride Maelstrom was, but I can't. This reimagining is truly amazing. The animatronics are the best I've ever seen, & the story is told flawlessly throughout the ride. Next, they picked up a couple for Pandora - World of Avatar, in which we detailed our own opening day experience here. Not only was the new addition to Animal Kingdom recognized for outstanding achievement in "theme-park area development", Flight of Passage was also recognized for it's achievement, going on to say it was "flawlessly executed". We've made it back to Pandora since opening day, & I must say, I was just as blown away the second time around. As for Flight of Passage? "Flawlessly executed", as great as that sounds, is still an understatement. That might be one of the most thrilling experiences I've ever had. Truly out of this world. Disneyland got a little love too. With Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout, the remixed Tower of Terror in Disney's California Adventure was also recognized in the "attraction reimagining" category. Even though I'm not a fan of being dropped, much less repeatedly, I always do something once. I really do want to check this out, I love me some Guardians of the Galaxy. It'll be awhile before I make it out there though. Anyway, congrats to Disney for winning these well deserved awards. The achievements recently made by these parks, is the main thing that keeps me excited to see what could possibly be coming next. With Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & Toy Story Land right around the corner, I can't wait. What do y'all think of these awards though? Any thoughts on any of these attractions? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Star Wars Galactic Nights" At Hollywood Studios Shaping Up To Be A Must For Star Wars Fans
If you got some spare funds lying around & nothing to do on December 16th, you might want to make your way to Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Galactic Nights. You'll be joining the man who's been all over the Star Wars universe as many different characters ever since debuting as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi, Warwick Davis. David Collins will host Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a panel with members of Walt Disney Imagineering & Lucasfilm, giving attendees an inside look at the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & the progress being made with these lands being added on both coasts to Hollywood Studios & Disneyland. Guests will get to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Star Wars Launch Bay & Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. As well as having new touches added to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular from the films debuting that night. All that, along with photo-ops throughout the park with three new backdrops, character encounters, special themed food, beverage, merchandise, & more. There's two major things however that are making me even consider this. One, is the ability to dress up Star Wars. That was probably my favorite part of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Adults just don't get to wear costumes that much without being judged, so we take every chance we get. Second, is my new infatuation ever since Happily Ever After, state-of-the-art projections. Disney put out this picture of what the Hollywood Tower will look like as it's transformed into different locations from the Star Wars galaxy, accompanied by special effects, lighting, & the iconic Star Wars score. This projection looks like you could walk right up to Jabba's Palace & knock on the door. This sounds amazing. So you see all those lightsabers in the street? It'll set you back a little with the ticket price for the 7pm-midnight event coming in at $129, with discounts for Annual Passholders & DVC Members. Times four, that's the only thing really holding me back from this, this year at least. I'm making a list for next year though, & this just found a spot on it. This sounds amazing, & coming right off The Last Jedi release, I'm going to bet the Force will be strong with this event. What do y'all think though? Impressive? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I've Never Seen Anything Quite Like This Live-Stream Excerpt From Disney Cruise Line's "Beauty & The Beast"
Do yourself a favor & watch this excerpt from the debut of Disney Cruise Line's Beauty & the Beast. Disney Parks live-streamed the show from the time that Belle takes her father's place up to the end of the "Be Our Guest" performance, & I was blown away. I'm probably going to have to book a cruise now to catch this whole show. It took me awhile to get use to seeing the puppeteers work their puppets, but the way they did it pulled me in. I loved how seeing them, it felt like you could see the character trapped in the furniture. It gave a double performance to the roles. I thought the Beast looked amazing for a live action performance. The prosthetics & make-up were exquisitely on point. The most unbelievable thing however, was the set changes. I've never seen anything like that. The way the sets rose & fell from the ground was amazing. Coupled with the use of projections, I could almost forgo the show & watch the scenery change over & over again. I don't normally do the whole surrounded by water thing, but like I said, I might have to book a cruise to catch this. They outdid themselves with this one, making this look like a huge production in a pretty tight space. I don't watch plays, so I'm not sure if this whole sets rising from the ground & dropping from the ceiling thing is normal, but if not? They have created an amazing thing here, that I'm sure will be imitated by many. Check it out though, & let me know what y'all think of this live excerpt. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
If You Haven't Seen Elsa "Freeze" The Castle At The Magic Kingdom Check This Out
Disney Parks live-streamed the first Frozen Holiday Wish of the year at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. If you've never seen this, it's amazing. This video doesn't even do it justice. Watching the castle "freeze over" in "ice" is one of the most breathtaking sights I can think of. Only second to maybe Happily Ever After. Even the little warm-up play beforehand is really cute. Especially, my favorite summer lovin' snowman Olaf. Wouldn't that be awesome to play for one night? Anyway, check this out. Like I said it is a beautiful sight that shouldn't be missed, even if you can only watch this stream. Let me know what y'all think. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Last Chance For The Redhead
If you want one last shot at that beautiful redhead lined up in the front of the "wench auction", you're going to have to get yourself to Walt Disney World before February 26th, 2018. That's the day Pirates of the Caribbean will go down for refurbishment. Upon it's return March 19th, 2018 the classic auction will be replaced by the politically-correct version with the redhead joining into the pirating fray overseeing a "loot auction". I still don't understand this mass stupidity. They're pirates, not nice people, scallywags, crooks, & thieves. They're supposed to be unsavory characters, I've heard Walt describe this ride. We erase history to make us feel better now a days, & I'm wondering when this will stop? Some things are wrong, but they are there to open up conversations on why they're wrong. Anyway, I know I will be visiting this classic redhead at least one more time before she's retired. What do y'all think about this though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Here's An Attraction Video For The "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train"
This is awesome! If you don't know what this is, it's comparable to the photos that are taken on many rides, except this one is in video form. When you see people in this video that would be you instead of them. I love it though, because the real hard to believe part is this is the actual ride. I love the audio-animatronics used on this ride. It really looks like the cartoon has been brought to life. If you've never got the pleasure of riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom then here's a good chance to check it out. This is one of the growing attractions that I also love the queue as well. It's got all kind of things to explore while you're waiting to board. Anyway, check out the video, & when you get a chance, visit the Mine Train & make your own. Two things today y'all. For those that have rode the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, what do you think of the attraction? And whether you have or not, what do you think of these keepsake videos? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Magic Of The Holidays" Video Shows Festivities Throughou The Disney Parks
Disney put out this Magic of the Holidays video to show all the different ways Disneyworld & Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays this year. There's some amazing stuff in here. Sad I can't attend any of the Disneyland offerings, as my daughters would probably sell me to check out that restyling of the Haunted Mansion for the holidays. My thing is the Hollywood Studios set-up though. After Happily Ever After, I'm all into this projection thing. It's probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I'm still trying to find some time to sneak away from my other life to see this before the holidays end. Currently it is an uphill battle. I've seen the Magic Kingdom for the Holidays, even going as far as attending Mickey's Christmas Party. Which was awesome by the way, all-you-can cocoa & cookies has to be the greatest add-on ever! I've saved my personal favorite for last though. Every year I try to find some time to go to EPCOT to check out Christmas as it was thought up & celebrated around the world. The stories are amazing, & help paint a picture of the real meaning to all of this Holiday stuff, celebrating family, celebrating life, & celebrating love. I hope I can steal a couple days away from the man & see my favorite places in the world as they celebrate the holidays. What did y'all think of this video though? Will anyone be trying to sneak away for any of this as well? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Another Tease For "Beauty & The Beast" Disney Cruise Line Show Raises Anticipation
Disney keeps releasing these teases for their Beauty & the Beast show coming to Disney Cruise Lines. It's all to look like it takes place inside a music box, with live-action song & dance telling the tale as old as time. This newest peek is at the set up & choreography for the Be Our Guest number that no telling of Disney's Beauty & the Beast could be without, & I have to say everything I see about this show makes it look like it's a must see. Disney Cruise Lines is doing it's hardest as of late to try to get me on the water. Between this & Star Wars Cruises they might be getting there as well. I really want to see this. Mainly out of curiosity. After seeing the Little Mermaid show at Hollywood Studios reluctantly, & thoroughly loving it, I'm all game when it comes to shows involving puppets. That's what really caught my eye the most in this sneak peek. The puppets for Lumiere & Cogsworth look very intriguing. I've never seen a sneak peek that has made me want to see the finished project so bad, & I think that's usually because I'm pretty good at filing in the blanks. Here however, I can't even fathom what the final product is going to look like. Very excited for this, but I really want to know what y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
More On Pixar Fest, Coming To Disneyland
Pixar Fest was one of the things announced at D23, & now Disney has released some more details about the celebration. Starting on April 13, 2018 Together Forever - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, a new "fireworks spectacular" will debut. Sounding a lot like Happily Ever After on steroids this will involve pyro, projections on the castle, the water screens of Rivers of America, it's a small world, Main Street U.S.A., & Buzz Lightyear flying over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Pixar Play Parade will make it's way to Disneyland with new features including characters from UP, the Pixar lamp, & characters from Inside Out. Meanwhile, Paint The Night with Toy Story, Monsters Inc., & Cars will be joined by another Pixar Story at Disney's California Adventure park later in the year. In addition, the Sunset Showcase Theater will host a Pixar Shorts Film Festival, rotating Pixar shorts throughout the fest. That's not even including yet to be announced food, beverages, merchandise, whatever else gets added to this. I might have to find a way to attend this. It's on the other coast but this sounds amazing, & who knows how long it's going to last. I hope they stream the debut of this just so I at least get to see it for sure. Wow! What do y'all think of the details to this amazing show? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
SpectacuLAB Is Coming To EPCOT
I love me some Innoventions. I've spent hours playing with music playing robots, & all kind of other advancements in science. Now according to WDW News Today a new show is coming, set to debut November 11th. Guests will be invited to join a group of scientists for a series of experiments putting principles such as ultrasonic pressure, barometric pressure, acceleration & force to the test. Groups of all ages will be able to participate in the also humorous demonstrations. Disney will work with sponsor Murata & Science from Scientists to make this happen, & I hope to see more of this type of thing in the future. This actually relaxes me about the changes coming to EPCOT as it lets me know the purpose o the park is not being abandoned. Science, discovery, & learning for a better future is what EPCOT is all about, & I'm glad to see someone still sees it that way. I'm pumped, what do y'all think of this though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyland Resort Is Getting Another Hotel, I Probably Won't Be Able To Afford
Disney Resort Hotels are some of the most amazing hotels I've ever had the pleasure of staying in. However, that being said, I usually stay off grounds due to the fact that the difference between the cheapest rooms & where I stay winds up being about a hundred dollars a night. That adds up quick. So I'm only guessing that this will also be the case for the new 700-room hotel coming to Disneyland Resort. Set to open in 2021 this is the concept for the new hotel that will connect all four Hotels of the Disneyland resort. The concept looks beautiful, & will contain extensive landscaping & water elements. As well as an upper-level restaurant that will give guest a view of the fireworks over the Downtown Disney District. This will create a new gateway to the Downtown District as well as contain a platform to access the Disneyland Monorail. Beautiful concept once again, I do hope one day I can find it in my pockets to stay here when I visit the Disney of the other coast. What do y'all think of this awesome hotel concept though? Has anyone got to stay at a Disneyland Resort? I've stayed only in WDW so I would love to hear your experience. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Gives A First Look At Woody's Lunch Box For Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is shaping up to look pretty awesome. Hollywood Studios needs it too. The whole park has been under construction for to long now with this & Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Now Disney just gave us a look at the quick service meal restaurant that will reside in Toy Story Land. Woody's Lunch box will serve tasty meals & old-fashioned soda floats from a spot designed to look like a giant lunch box & thermos. It totally fits the motif, & I'm all for quick service food. I actually prefer quick serve spots to Disneyworld's sit-down restaurants. Eating gets in the way of my fun anyway. Plus it helps that the food is usually close to the same food cheaper, & amazing none the less. The real thing's that got me excited though, is the old-fashioned soda floats. As long as it isn't any of the nasty sodas offered at EPCOT's Club Cool. If this is really old-fashioned soda it's going to be amazing. This is definitely on my list for Summer 2018. How bout y'all? Couple of things, your excitement for Toy Story Land, & your preference sit-down or quick serve restaurants at Disneyworld? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Coco" Family Celebration Starts Soon At Disney Springs
I live in Florida. The bad part is I live as far away from Disneyworld as one possibly can & still live in Florida. I'm in the process of getting closer, & stuff like this is the reason why. Pixar's causing quite a frenzy of anticipation for the upcoming Coco. With a display in EPCOT's Mexico pavilion, & Plaza De La Familia at Disney's California Adventure the party's already going coast to coast. Now according to Chip & Co., Disney Springs is getting in on the action too. From October 27th to November 26 Disney Springs will be hosting the family-friendly Coco Family Celebration. From 6pm-10pm guests can enjoy Coco themed décor, music, & food, with face painting & activities for kids Fridays-Sundays. For a limited time get some vanilla flan at Spring's Street Tacos Food Truck, also joining the fray. I wouldn't just make a day of this, I'd probably make a week out of it. Tacos & mariachi music? Count me in. How bout y'all? Who's goin to attend this Coco Family Celebration, & who would if they could?
Disney Unveils Concept Art For NBA Experience At Disney Springs
Here's the concept art for something I'm not even sure I want yet that NBA President, Global Partnerships Sal LaRocca, recently described as a, “one-of-a-kind experience is sure to be enjoyed by basketball and Disney fans of all ages who visit Disney Springs from around the world.” NBA Experience, which will be replacing the recently deceased Disney Quest, will contain a restaurant, interactive games, immersive fan experiences, and a retail store. The building's in the concept art are absolutely amazing, based off NBA arenas. I just always had a hope that there would be some upgrades to Disney Quest, or at least have a similar theme. I'm willing to give it a shot though. I used to be a real big NBA fan. If the games & experiences are actually on point & innovative I could totally be on board with this none the less. Anyway, what do y'all think? Not just about the concept art, the building's going to be beautiful, but the actual concept as a whole? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
A Look At Plaza De La Familia In Disney California Adventure Park
I want to attend this so bad. I'm am on the other coast though, & that makes it a little hard to attend the other parks, for now. I was just at EPCOT though, & they are putting up a Coco themed Day of the Dead exhibition right as you enter the Mexico pavilion similar to this. That pavilion was actually the first thing I thought of when I saw this video. This kinda reminds me of an outside, more family orientated version. At Plaza De La Familia there's a Day of the Dead celebration every day, celebrating family. You can also get some background into Coco while you're there. This is one of those things you attend at a Disney Park, & the next thing you know you've spent all you're time here. Anyway, what do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Dates Have Been Announced For New "Star Tours" Destination
I had the pleasure last week of taking a couple different Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I got to go to the busy, cityscape of Corucsant, followed by another trip to the underwater, Gungan cities of Naboo. On my travels, I couldn't help but think of my last trip to Jakku being timed with The Force Awakens, & when they would be adding any new planets from The Last Jedi. I wasn't too surprised to get home & see that Disney has now announced that November 17th in the states, November 22nd in Paris, & December 15th in Tokyo, Star Tours will be taking passengers to Crait. Right in the middle of the battle featured in the trailer. If you don't know what I'm speaking of, it's the scene with all the ships blowing red sand or smoke behind them. This is cool, I love Star Tours, it's my second favorite ride in Hollywood Studios. (Next to Aerosmith Rocking Roller Coaster nothing beats speeding around a coaster to the tune of Sweet Emotion in the dark.) Now that I finally got to go to two different destinations on the same day, I'm really digging how this ride can be a totally different experience every time you get on. If this is anything like last time they will turn all the tours to Crait for about a month so everyone gets a chance to check it out. What do y'all think of this addition to the list of out of this world destinations for Star Tours? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
