Looks like us humans aren't the only ones excited for the June 30th opening of Toy Story Land. The animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom are pumped too. Don't believe it? Check out this adorable video of the animals of Rafiki's Planet Watch playing with Pixar balls. These should just always be a thing now. I saw some familiar faces among that animal crew. This would be so much fun to watch live, & to participate in with the petting zoo crew. I'd stand around & play ball with these guys all day!
Did You Miss The 6+ Hour Stream Of "FanDaze" At Disneyland Paris?
Disney made sure no one got left out for the inaugural Disneyland Paris FanDaze party. For six-plus hours in Saturday they went live with almost every part of this amazing event. There's parades, interviews with artists & imagineers, & every character they could think up (including the debut of Ortensia), an awesome stage show with Max from A Goofy Movie all capped off with a farewell parade. I watched some of this off & on live, then scanned through & caught what I hadn't seen. Probably going to watch it again with the whole family. This had to be the most entertaining live stream I've seen from any park. Disney went all out for this event. They need to take FanDaze on tour throughout all the parks. I'd spend multiple days just running around madly trying to meet all the 50+ characters. I'm so glad they went live with this. Do yourself a favor & scan through it at least to catch the parades (especially the DuckTales one) & Max's show. If you do have the time though, the interviews are great, & the character list features characters you'll never see from all over the years. Even Kuzco & Ysma were there. This is the most unbelievable event I've ever seen or heard of throughout all the Disney parks. Huge is an understatement. Unfortunately, I can't make it to Paris, but this was the next best thing. Extra thanks to Disneyland Paris for letting us all in on the party!
Hollywood Studios Is Adding A "Disney Junior Dance Party!"
My daughter has drug me to the same Disney Junior Live On Stage show over four times now. Not saying that the first time wasn't fun. We had a blast. The next few however, I was wondering when the lineup of shows involved would get updated? I wonder no more. Disney Parks just announced this fall there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming. This will replace the current show, which ends Sept 1st 2018. “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a high-energy, live show experience that will take inspiration from Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard and Vampirina. In which, my daughter is totally going to freak out about the addition of her newest favorite, Vampirina . The new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will be a musically infused, interactive concert, hosted by Finn Fiesta and a DJ, named Deejay of course. You'll be involved in all the fun, including some live appearances from favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior, and much more. It even sounds more fun for me with the addition of The Lion Guard & Roadster Racers . What do y'all think about the new addition? When this replaces the old show what will you miss? Sorry Jake & the Neverland Pirates. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Happy Anniversary To Pandora: The World Of Avatar!!
I can not believe it's been a whole year since the opening of Animal Kingdom's Pandora: The World of Avatar. To celebrate below there this new Disney Parks tribute video, along with one of my first videos discussing our first thoughts on the park's opening day. Disney Parks has put together an awesome video, Pandora - The World of Avatar: From Beam Signing to One Year Anniversary documenting the land from its beginning through its first year. With some insights from a bunch of Imagineers. I love hearing them talk about this place. You can really get the feel of how much they've poured their hearts into it. I'm absolutely crazy about this land. I checked out my old video below, & I'm just as blown away now as I was day one. Pandora has become my biggest highlight at the parks. The immersiveness is insane. You truly feel transported. The video's long, & you can definitely tell it's one of my firsts, but check it out if you want a full rundown of the park. As well as some insight to how insane a Disney Park opening day can be.
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.
"Stickman" Robot More Acrobatic Than I Am
Some of the things that come out of Disney Research just blow my mind. This video is a perfect example of one of them. This is Stickman. Stickman does what I can best describe as perfect gymnastic dismounts. Even throwing in specific numbers of flips because, why not? If robots ever do take over, this place is going to be their first stop. After this one I'm convinced. As cool as this is though, I can't figure out for the life of me what it could be used for. Usually I can make up something. I'm just drawing a blank for gymnast robot. Unless we're trying to make stunts safer. Kinda takes the thrill away though. If anyone has any ideas what this could be applied to, put it in the comments. Like & share while you're there.
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.
Check Out The Size Of The Upcoming "Guardians Of The Galaxy" Epcot Attraction
Not much to see, but a while lot of work has already been done on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy attraction coming soon to Epcot in Walt Disney World. Disney Parks Blog has put up this first look at where there at so far. The 3 Olympic size swimming pools worth of foundation have been layed. This really is going to be one heck of a long indoor coaster. I think they're shooting for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, so even though it'll feel like it, we don't have too long to wait. I'm very curious for this one. I'm one of the few people who dug The Energy Ride, so for me this has big shoes to fill.
New Zebra Foals Announced At Disney's Animal Kingdom!! Zebra Babies!!
Look at those adorable stripes! Disney Parks Blog helped Disney's Animal Kingdom announce the births of two female Grevy's zebra foals. Grevy'szebras are the most endangered species of zebra, with approximately 2,500 in the world. The first foal was born April 26 to Laylee, with the second born to Zuri on May 1. They're nursing and bonding with their moms right now, hoping to join the herd on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail overlook soon. These births mark another success for Disney's animal care experts and the Species Survival Plan, a program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that helps ensure a diverse, healthy population of threatened and endangered species. These zebra foals are making an important contribution toward the worldwide conservation and understanding of the Grevy's species, helping to ensure a future for these endangered animals. It's awesome how much Animal Kingdom does to help protect all these endangered species. To make another point though, aren't those little foals so friggin cute? Can't wait to see these guys in person. Put your thoughts in the comments, like, & share.
New Looks At Toy Story Land And A Ride On The Slinky Dog!!
GMA did a big feature on Hollywood Studios' upcoming Toy Story Land this morning. Some of the stand outs included a look the Flying Saucer attraction. I still can't make much out of this thing. The claw's involved in the middle, but it looks like the aliens just pull you around in a circle. I really hope there's more to it than that. As boring as that sounds, it's all I can make of it from what I've seen. Next, there was this ride through of the Slinky Dog Rollercoaster. Which if I'm being honest looks almost too tame. I won't know for sure until a hands on, but for right now I'm more excited by the Wheezy after the coaster that will be singing "You Got A Friend In Me". Not the best first look for me. I'm just gonna have to hope that come June 30th being shrunk down to the size of a toy will be better in person. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Can't Go To Pandora? Check Out The 360 Video!!
Disney Parks just put out this awesome 360 of Disney Animal Kingdom's Pandora: The World of Avatar. I fell completely in love with this place from my first visit on opening day. If you can't see this wonder, take some time to check it out in the amazing 360 video. It's so awesome we have the ability to do things like this now. Throw some VR goggles on & this is the closest thing you'll get to being there yourself. This is by far the most immersive attraction I've ever seen to date. This land plucks you out of the real world, & tosses you right into an alien planet. Love this place! Check it out, & let me know what you think. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
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.
Disneyland's "Together Forever - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" Has A Couple Big Surprises
Pixar Fest is upon us, & Disneyland has debuted their newest projection/firework show, Together Forever-A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. WDW News Today caught the first showing, put up this awesome video for us all to capture a little of the magic. Now at first glance this show isn't on the level of Happily Ever After in Disneyworld, but it's a very, very close second. Beautiful moments abound during this, but the biggest highlight for me was seeing the real, "flying" Buzz Lightyear, & even more so the "flyby" from the house from Up! . Those were just amazing, & the house was totally unexpected. I also happened to notice some good ol' Disney reuse of some animation in here, seeing some scenes used in Happily Ever After. You really had to look to find them though. Other highlights in this show for me were the always friends line with Buzz & Woody, obviously the aliens with the claw, & more than any, the first projections from Coco . The little mariachi doesn't have a spot yet in the Happily Ever After , so that was really cool to check out. I wish I could see this live as video doesn't even do these shows any justice at all. To see the actual scale, & scope of these is a real breathtaking treat. If you're anywhere in the vicinity of this, make a point to go see it. You will not be disappointed, I promise you that. Until then though, what did you think of this video version of the debut? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
At First, Not Sure What To Think Of Millennium Falcon Attraction Video
If you didn't know already Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is coming to Disneyland & Hollywood Studios next year. If you have been under a rock on this, I'll also surprise you with the notion there will be a Millennium Falcon Attraction as well. WDW News Today got to see the in-ride video to be synced with this attraction, & they were kind enough to share it with the world. Now, when I first started watching the video, I couldn't help but think that this doesn't look much different than Star Tours. Then, they started in with the distortion for the cockpit, with the added reminder that this will be surrounding your vision. Even when you turn left to right, you will be see the world of Star Wars. The more I started to think about that, the more I started thinking about how much more immersive that will be to the notion you're actually there. As opposed to Star Tours , where you just see what's directly in front of you. Add the notion of the dials & switches you'll be required to "use" for "flight", & I think this is going to be an amazing experience. So, I went into the first part of this video with a meh, only to end in it in high anticipation. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Tokyo Disneyland Puts You In The Center Of The Magic With Their 35th Anniversary Projection Show
It's probably going to be awhile before I ever make it over to Tokyo Disneyland. Which is really a shame, they have some really cool stuff going on right now. Luckily, we are in the age of the interwebs, & I can live vicariously through others. WDW News Today has been there all week, & they keep sharing some very interesting videos of what the park is doing to celebrate 35 years. This one is their projection show, & while it's not quite the spectacle of Happily Ever After , it has to get extra points for being done in what is almost 360-vision. The way this is set up all around you has to send you into a state of awe. I would probably find myself spinning in circles, not knowing which way to look. This is definitely a beautiful sight, even on video. I would love to be surrounded by this in person. Until then, keep putting up these awesome video WDWNT!
Watch How Disneyland Paris Is Celebrating Earth Month 2018
Disney is really big in EarthMonth. Each year Disneynature goes above & beyond to help try to save this great planet we tend to take for granted. Today, this preview was released of Blue . This show features scenes from Disneynature's Dolphins projected on Sleeping Beauty Castle, along with lights & water, bringing it to life "under the sea". This looks like it's going to be absolutely beautiful. I would love to be able to attend this spectacle, but there's a good amount of land & water separating myself & Disneyland Paris though. If you are in the vicinity though, make sure to check this out. If it's anything like Happily Ever After , you're in for a real treat. Until then, check out this preview, & let me know what you think. Put it I the comments, like, & share.
Disney Research Just Blew My Mind With Body Channel Comunication
This video is crazy-amazing! I don't know how this works, or what they'll even use it for, but for the first time in awhile I'm amazed at the fact that it can happen. While I was first watching this, I was like, cool, this could probably be shrunk down into our magic bands, & make parks even more interactive. Then I saw the uses without the band, & totally freaked out when out when I saw them bridge the tech through another, unconnected person. What?!? That can happen now? I can't wait to see where they're going with this one. This could have amazing implications when it comes to the various interactive games around each park now, like Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom . Check it out though, see if anyone else can come up with some theories. Put em in the comments, like, & share.