Developers have released details for the upcoming TRON:Identity Video Game
TRON fans and video game enthusiasts will soon be able to enter the grid in a whole new way. TRON:Identity will be released on Nintendo Switch and PC on April 11. Creative Director Mike Bithell from Bithell Games and game producer Heidy Vargas from Disney Games recently released some details for the upcoming game, and it sounds epic!
Users playing the game will find themselves in a game grid that has been neglected by its creator and free from any user influence, allowing for the programs to grow the grid organically.
The universe in which the game exists is described by the developers as “a world built on unstable foundations and filled with whispered knowledge” in which “it’s up to you to question suspects and investigate your surroundings to piece together the truth.”
Players play as a detective program known as Query, who is tasked with solving the disappearance of an important artifact from the Repository. Evidently, the information contained within this artifact could upend the fate of the entire grid if revealed!
The game is highly interactive, with choices the players make impacting the direction and outcome of the game. Other features include solving puzzles via defragging corrupted Identity Disks and interactive dialog with various options the player can select from.
Bithell commented on the mystery aspect of the game, telling Disney Parks Blog ““We wanted to place the power of Query’s choices directly into the hands of the players, to make them feel like they are on the Grid.”
Since the choices the player makes impacts the game (including the ending), “You can take a completely different journey each time you play” according to Vargas.
Are you excited to enter the grid with Query and solve the mysteries of TRON:Identity? Drop is a comment and let us know!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
TikToker @Kurttocci, recently spread Disney magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney magic is an amazing thing to witness when it is created and spread by cast members. The magic is taken to a whole new level, however, when it is generated via a random act of kindness by a guest. Recently, TikToker @Kurttocci decided to spread Disney magic himself at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In Kurt’s video above, you can see the TikTok influencer go on a bit of a shopping spree in Star Wars Galaxies Edge, purchasing over $800 worth of Light Sabers
Kurt then headed out in Galaxies Edge and handed out the newly purchased Light Sabers to kids in the park.
Kurt’s TikTok account, @Kurttocci, has over 1 million followers and over 32 million likes. The description on Kurt’s account notes ‘my “Niche” is making people smile’ which is an ideal Kurt certainly lived up to during this trip to Hollywood Studios!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Marvel President Victoria Alonso Was Fired by Disney
We have been following the story of Victoria Alonso’s exit from Marvel Studios. Earlier this week, the news broke that Alonso was blindsided and forced out of her position at Marvel Studios. The Hollywood Reporter shed light on her departure, stating that Alonso has repeatedly breached her contract with Disney by working on another studio’s film Argentina, 1985.
The agreement between Disney and Alonso established a standard of business conduct whereby creatives were forbidden from working on films for a competing studio. According to sources, Alonso was repeatedly warned about her breach of contract and was eventually let go due to her unwillingness to comply.
A new report claims that longtime Marvel executive Victoria Alonso, who was in charge of visual effects among her many other duties, was fired by Disney in a move that left her blindsided. https://t.co/eYBJiBjROspic.twitter.com/9SzeNX0zVI
Victoria Alonso was one of eight producers of the Argentine historical drama Argentina, 1985. The show was distributed by Amazon and competed for the best international feature Oscar. Alonso’s firing shakes up what many call the trinity at Marvel Studios, consisting of Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Victoria Alonso.
According to Disney, Alonso did not give notice or gain permission to create content for Amazon. When Disney discovered the breach, Alonso was offered forgiveness on the condition that she cease work on the film project. This grace was offered to Victoria Alonso only because of her longstanding tenure and great service to Marvel and Disney.
As part of that agreement, Alonso was not permitted to promote or publicize the film in any way. After the Oscars, Disney terminated Alonso and moved forward without her services. Disney has declined to comment.
Victoria Alonso’s attorney, Patty Glaser, released a public statement when the news of her client’s termination went public. Glaser stated, “The idea that Victoria was fired over a handful of press interviews relating to a personal passion project about human rights and democracy that was nominated for an Oscar and which she got Disney’s blessing to work on is absolutely ridiculous.”
“Victoria, a gay Latina who had the courage to criticize Disney, was silenced. Then she was terminated when she refused to do something she believed was reprehensible. Disney and Marvel made a really poor decision that will have serious consequences. There is a lot more to this story and Victoria will be telling it shortly—in one forum or another.”
All of this drama is unfolding at a busy time for Marvel Studios, which has come under heavy criticism as of late for its treatment of the VFX artists headed by Alonso. Marvel has been under fire for imposing long hours and unrealistic timelines on its visual effects artists amidst unprecedented content being released for film and Disney+. It is unknown what effect Alonso’s exit will have on the studio, which has already delayed many upcoming movies and shows.
The firing shocked Hollywood due to its sudden nature. Many are siding with Alonso and her attorney, saying that her termination is due to her outspoken nature on Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Legislation. As part of the gay community, Alonso has fought vehemently against the bill, saying, “As long as I am at Marvel Studios, I will fight for representation.”
Who will take over Victoria Alonso’s position at Marvel is currently unknown. Still, this replacement is critical given the breakneck pace that Marvel continues to work at with its films and shows. It is unclear if Alonso’s termination played into CEO Bob Iger’s decision to slow down the release of Marvel and Star Wars content in the near future. Stay tuned for more updates on this story and more from Marvel Studios.
Cover your heart! It is being reported that the Indiana Jones series in development for Disney+ has been crated and shipped to a museum. Earlier in 2022, it was widely reported that Lucasfilm was developing a series set in the Indiana Jones world as the film studio preps for the fifth and final film about archaeologist Henry Jones Junior. Speculation about the project stated that it was to be a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, focusing on Indiana’s mentor Abner Ravenwood.
All of these rumors are courtesy of The Hot Mic Podcast, which reported that Disney had told Lucasfilm to focus exclusively on Star Wars. Disney recently shelved Willow for Disney+ after only one season on the streaming platform.
Disney and Lucasfilm are expected to announce a slate of new Star Wars films at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration from London. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in theaters worldwide on June 30, 2023. The film stars Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Toby Jones, and Mads Mikkelsen. Indiana Jones 5 will be the first Lucasfilm release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
TRON Lightcycle Run Attraction Photospass Plus Video Memories and More Announced. The ability to download all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from your Walt Disney World vacation with Memory Maker is such an underrated tip.
Disney PhotoPass Service continuously adds new photo ops, so there’s always something exciting for you to download when you have Memory Maker. Below, check out 10 recent or soon-to-launch experiences offered by Disney PhotoPass Service that you can download with Memory Maker.
The newest addition to Memory Maker is access to Disney PhotoPass video memories, which launched yesterday!
With this brand-new offering, you can create and share video memories using your Disney PhotoPass photos or your personal photos. You can create and customize these Disney-themed video templates with stickers, music, and text— or, you can let us completely create the video memory for you in a matter of moments using the photos from your Disney PhotoPass gallery. This exciting new offering is available exclusively in the My Disney Experience app. Learn more by clicking here.
2. Tiny World Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom Park
Photographers offer a number of Tiny World Magic Shots across the theme parks, with our newest launching last week at Magic Kingdom Park! You can find this 360-degree photo op next to Cinderella Castle during daylight hours.
3. Indoor Photo Studio at EPCOT
Disney PhotoPass Studios are located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and now EPCOT too! At the Wandering Reindeer in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT, you’ll find our newest studio location. Like all of our studios, it’s staffed by our talented photographers, no reservations are required, everyone is welcome to visit, and the photos captured are included with Memory Maker at no extra cost.
4. Seasonal Backdrops at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs
Speaking of photo studios, our location at Disney Springs recently started offering backdrops with themed designs and props that change with each season.
5. Return to Dining Locations
We know when you visit one of our incredible dining locations, your focus is probably on the food. Fair! But we love putting the icing on that cake by offering you a photo op with a Disney Character. You can now find photographers at Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
6. Attraction Photo and Video Onboard TRON Lightcycle / Run
Let’s talk TRON! TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise opens at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4. You can relive your race through this computerized world when you preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account through one of the following methods:
Use your eligible mobile device, enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app* before riding, ensure you’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day, and keep your device out of low power mode. Make sure your mobile device boards your Lightcycle with you and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.
Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to your account.
You can also use the methods above to link and download your photos taken onboard more than a dozen attractions across Walt Disney World Resort – all included with Memory Maker.
7. Prop Available Soon Near TRON Lightcycle / Run
You can find numerous Disney PhotoPass props during your visit, but our newest will be available near TRON Lightcycle / Run when it opens April 4!
8. More Classic Magic Shots
Photographers currently offer more than 70 classic Magic Shots. These photos are so unexpected and fun, with Disney characters and other themed effects applied to your photo. We’re constantly adding new Magic Shots, our newest being Bruni, a large assortment for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and a TRON Magic Shot (available starting April 4). More new offerings will be released very soon!
You can view all the Magic Shots we currently offer at Walt Disney World Resort – and see where they’re captured – by viewing our Facebook albums, found here. The albums are kept up to date, so be sure to check them out right before your visit. You can also ask each photographer which options they have available to capture at their location.
9. Fairytale Photos at Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle recently reopened at Magic Kingdom Park. And it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that I share that photographers are now capturing memories in the library as you relive a tale as old as time. This is one of the nearly 40 locations where you can find Disney PhotoPass Service ready to capture your encounter at character experiences.
10. Transformation Photos at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park
While a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice helps your princess or knight undergo a royal transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, a photographer will be there to capture it. Tip: Visit the Royal Portrait Studio nearby in Sir Mickey’s where a photographer can capture more photos of your child’s transformation.
TRON Lightcycle Run Attraction Photospass Plus Video Memories and More Announced
Scaffolding Covers Almost the Entire Front of Splash Mountain. Construction update for the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It appears things are moving really fast, and unfortunately, we will have to wait until late 2024 to see it completed. In the meantime, we have been told that the facade will show major changes by this summer with the coming of princess Tiana’s water tower topped with her tiara.
The whole front is covered with scaffolding for workers to get around the face of the old mountain. Huge holes can now be seen next to the drop of the ride. Workers can be seen at all levels. We have been told the whole inside has been gutted and crews can be seen hauling things out on the crane.
Disney Parks guests will get to experience Princess Tiana’s story like never before following the attraction’s debut at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, and what a party it will be!
The story will pick up where the film left off as guests join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure down the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film.
Disney News Highlights: Disney Cruise Line 2024 Itineraries, Cast Members Celebrate the New Roundup Rodeo BBQ Opening, Fairytale Fireworks Cruise Refurbishment, Halle Bailey at Disney Dreamers Academy and more.
Pathways Around Moana’s Journey of Water Almost Complete in EPCOT Pathways Around Moana’s Journey of Water Almost Complete in EPCOT. Ground Work being done around Epcot’s newest attraction has been laid, and new walls have gone up surrounding it. Now, it looks like guests will have a new walkway between Spaceship Earth and The Seas building.
Banners have Returned to Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom Banners have Returned to Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. When Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary started Fantasyland looked almost brand new. Disney had refurbished and painted almost the whole land. Princess Fairytale Hall looks stunning with the gold marquee, flags flying, and a new blue paint job.
Celebrate National Cocktail Day at these Locations in Magic Kingdom! Before 2012, having a cocktail at Disney wasn’t possible. With the opening of Be Our Guest, more alcoholic beverages have made their way into a select few sit-down dining locations. There are plenty of beverage options (alcohol and non-alcohol choice) for all tastes so make sure you go to Walt Disney World’s website and check out the corresponding menus! If you’re interested in their locations and what there is to offer? Check out the list below!
Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best returns to Star Wars as a Jedi in The Mandalorian Mesa was so excited that Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best has returned to the Star Wars universe once again via The Mandalorian. Demanded by the Gods it was! John Favreau and Dave Filoni have made cannon Jedi Kelleran Beq who appears on Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. This is not the first time Favreau and Filoni have elevated deep-cut Star Wars references, but in doing so, it offered the much-maligned Ahmed Best an opportunity for redemption.
Disney News Highlights
Halle Bailey Makes Dreams Come True During Disney Dreamers Academy at Disney World Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who will play the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” left two aspiring teen filmmakers speechless when she surprised them Friday during Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with a personal invitation to join her on the red carpet at the movie’s world premiere in Hollywood.
Freeform Stars Mariel Molino and Sherry Cola take on thrills at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World resort is truly the Most Magical Place on Earth, with attractions ranging from cute and family-friendly to thrilling and adventurous. Recently, Mariel Molino, from Freeform’s “The Watchful Eye,” and Sherry Cola, from Freeform’s “Good Trouble,” took in some thrills during a 3-day visit.
CITIZEN Donating Mickey Mouse Clocks to Marceline Schools
As Disney celebrates a century of storytelling, join D23 for a return to Walt Disney’s hometown, Marceline, Missouri! Walt’s childhood memories in this small town provided a fount of inspiration during his career. “I’m glad I’m a small-town boy, and I’m glad Marceline was my town,” he once said.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is proud to invite D23 Gold Members back to Walt’s boyhood hometown for a one-of-a-kind experience that includes exploring the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, visiting Walt Disney Elementary School, strolling down Marceline’s own “Main Street, U.S.A.,” and even a special dinner reception outside Walt’s former farmhouse!
In addition to this fan-favorite event, join Citizen in dedicating a clock to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. Continue to celebrate Disney100 by following in the footsteps of the man who started it all!
DETAILS EVENT INCLUDES:
Motorcoach transportation for the round-trip journey from Chillicothe, Missouri, to Marceline
Special presentation and Q&A with Bob Wilson, retired CEO, COO of Retlaw Enterprises, the Disney family’s private corporation
Lunch at your choice of one of Marceline’s local restaurants
Access to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Ability to explore various parts of Marceline, such as the Marceline Post Office, Walt Disney Elementary School, and other locations on Main Street
Access to a clock dedication ceremony, from CITIZEN, at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum Garden
Visit to the property of Walt Disney’s former family farm, featuring live music and a hometown dinner
A commemorative gift created exclusively for this special occasion
To learn more about this event visit the D23 Website.
Florida Residents and the general public can save 30%, while Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save 35%. Guests can reserve these rooms starting March 28. The discount applies to stays from July 11 to September 28, 2023.
The discount will apply to all room types, except the following:
All rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Copper Creek Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
All 3-Bedroom Villas
Are you hoping to visit Walt Disney World this summer?
If you’d like help taking advantage of this special offer, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
DVC Construction Towers over Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Construction continues on the new DVC tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World. The tower has gone vertical and more floors are being added.
The core of the tower has reached 7-8 stories tall. The elevator shaft continues to grow taller than the rest of the tower. Concept art of the building shows it will be approximately 10 stories tall when finished. Work is also continuing on the grounds around the building.
Construction can be seen from the monorail and across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
When it’s finished, the new Disney Vacation Club tower will compliment the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands. It is scheduled to open in late 2024.
What do you think of the new DVC tower coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort?
Want to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort on your next Disney World trip? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
While at Cafe Daisy, we tried something from the grown up menu as well as the kid’s menu. On the grown up side we got the Pepperoni Pizza Flop-Over for $10.49. It’s similar to a calzone and had great flavor! The presentation isn’t the best but it did taste good.
From the kid’s menu we tried the Minnie’s Mini Corndogs. 8 mini corndogs came in a small container with a Cuties orange and applesauce on the side. Kid’s also get their choice of a small water or small milk with it. The meal is $7.99. The min corndogs were really tasty!
If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Halle Bailey surprises two aspiring teen filmmakers with an invitation to be the star’s personal guests at Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” live-action movie world premiere!
Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, who will play the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” left two aspiring teen filmmakers speechless when she surprised them Friday during Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with a personal invitation to join her on the red carpet at the movie’s world premiere in Hollywood.
Dylan Jones of Atlanta and Madison Henderson of Los Angeles were in the middle of a movie production training session Friday morning during Disney Dreamers Academy when Bailey, the program’s celebrity ambassador, made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation to come to Hollywood. For the students, it was a truly magical dream come true moment.
The movie’s world premiere takes place just before the film officially hits theaters nationwide on May 26.
Bailey is one of several celebrities taking part in the program that runs through Sunday. Music producer Questlove, R&B singing sensation H.E.R. and other TV and movie stars are serving as mentors and speakers.
This is the 16th year of Disney Dreamers Academy, a four-day, transformational, mentoring program designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for 100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America each year.
