Live-Action ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ In the Works
Dean DeBlois, the man who helped created the original animated trilogy of How to Train Your Dragon is making a live-action adaptation of the film. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has begun developing a live-action retelling with Dean DeBlois at the helm as writer and director.
Universal is already deep into the production process and has set a date for the release of March 2025. Sources have also stated that casting is well underway at Universal.
The original animated trilogy was a commercial and critical success. The three films earned 1.6 billion at the box office. How to Train Your Dragon was nominated for two Academy Awards in 2010. Its sequels were also nominated for the best-animated film. The franchise later developed into an animated television series that aired on Netflix and HULU.
How to Train Your Dragon follows a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a young dragon named Toothless. DeBlois wrote and directed the first film and will make his live-action debut with this adaptation.
Universal is following a strategy pursued by Disney, transforming beloved animated classics into live-action remakes. While Disney has struck gold with several of these films, most notably Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, it has failed miserably with films like Lady and the Tramp and Pinocchio. Will Universal find success behind DeBlois and his live-action adaptation? Let us know if you think this is a good idea for Universal in a comment? What Universal films, if any, would you like to see adapted into a live-action format?
Disney News Round-Up: Pick-a-Pearl in Epcot Reopens, Disney Springs AMC24 all ready for Quantumania, The Dress Shop returns to Springs, Disneyland After Dark Returns. New Cinderella Castle Fireworks dress, First look at RunDisney Merch, plus more.
Disney Cast Members Fighting Bob Iger’s Four Day Office Work Week Mandate
Bob Iger has returned as Disney’s CEO and he recently implemented a four day office work week for hybrid employees. This means employees currently working in a “hybrid fashion” to be on-site four days a week. Over 2,300 employees have have signed a petition asking Iger to reconsider.
The Washington Post reports the petition argues that the mandate is “likely to have unintended consequences that cause long-term harm to the company.” Employees also argued that the mandate will lead to “forced resignations among some of our most hard-to-replace talent and vulnerable communities” while “dramatically reducing productivity, output, and efficiency.”
“This policy will slow, or even reverse, our post-COVID recovery and growth by creating critical resource shortages and causing irreplaceable institutional knowledge loss,” the petition reads. The petition also asks Iger to allow employees that want to work remotely to do so.
The petition has been signed by employees from various departments in The Walt Disney Company including Pixar, Hulu, FX, ABC, and Marvel. A lot of the employees are parents worried about childcare or neurodivergent and/or disabled with concerns about how office work will affect them.
Disney Vacation Club Announces $3-Per-Point Price Increase on One Time Use Points
The Disney Vacation Club has announced a price increase on one-time-use points. One-time-use points are a simple way for DVC members to temporarily add points needed to complete a reservation. These points just got more expensive.
DVC members received an email with the price increase notification:
“Dear Disney Vacation Club Member,
We’re reaching out with an important Member update regarding one-time-use (OTU) Vacation Points. Effective, February 16, 2023, the price of (OTU) Vacation Points will increase from $19 per point to $22 per point. This program gives Members the opportunity to purchase up to 24 non-deeded Vacation Points each Use Year they may need to complete a reservation for Disney Vacation Club accommodations in the 7-month booking window or Disney Collection and World Collection reservations.*
For more information about how to use OTU Vacation Points to complete a booking, visit DisneyVacationClub.com or call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
We look forward to welcoming you home very soon.
Sincerely,
Disney Vacation Club Management
*Exchange options through the Disney Collection and hotel exchanges through the World Collection require eligibility for Membership Extras.”
That is a $3 per point increase for one-time-use points. Do you use those points often?
You don’t have to be a DVC member in order to stay at a DVC resort! If you’d like to plan your next stay at a DVC resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan your next magical vacation.
The Marvels Movie was Pushed Back To November and Haunted Mansion Moved Up. Disney’s new live-action Haunted Mansion movie, most recently scheduled to haunt theaters on August 11, 2023. But that date has been changed, again The popular Disney attraction will now be heading to movie theaters on July 28, 2023. But why you ask? Well, we have that answer also, in the form of The Marvels.
Today, Marvel Studios released a brand new poster and post saying “Higher. Further. Faster. Together. Check out the brand-new teaser poster for Marvel Studios’ The Marvels, coming to theaters November 10”
This is coming off fans being disappointed that there was no love for The Marvels during this year’s Super Bowl. Fans had expected a Trailer at the least. The movie, features Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), along with Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau.
In The Marvels, following the events of Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau begin swapping places with each other every time they use their powers and must team up to figure out why. The film will also see the franchise returns of Samuel L. Jackson, Saagar Shaikh, Zenobia Shroff, and Mohan Kapur. New cast members will be Zawe Ashton and Park Seo-Joon.
The Marvels Movie was Pushed Back To November and Haunted Mansion Moved Up
Summer House on the Lake Construction Update from Disney Springs. Back in 2019, you could have eaten at one of the oldest restaurants in Disney Springs called Bongo’s cafe. Owned by Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan, and located in the west end district across from the AMC24 theaters. Unfortunately in August 2019, the eatery shut down and was demolished immediately.
When walls went up around the construction site there was hope that the site would be replaced by Beatrix Health Foods. This brings us to the pandemic and Disney Springs shuttering for a little while, reopening with covid protocols and the sign for Beatrix had been removed. Apparently, during the pandemic, the company decided to pull out of the deal to open a store in Disney Springs.
Now, we have a brand new place called Summer House on the Lake Disney Springs that will open sometime in 2023. You can read the whole press release below. As for the area, it is fully under construction now, with walls and steel structures in place.
Summer House will open a new location called “Summer House on the Lake” in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
“Lettuce Entertain You is thrilled to be working with Disney to bring Summer House to Disney Springs,” says R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You. “Disney is a company we’ve long admired and we’re excited about this upcoming project.”
Summer House on the Lake will feature a California-inspired menu with simple, sustainable ingredients. With flagship locations in Chicago, Illinois and North Bethesda, Maryland, the Summer House brand is known for its breezy, beach house environment. The full-service restaurant will also include an in-house bakery, as well as an extensive wine and handcrafted cocktail list.
Summer House on the Lake Construction Update from Disney Springs
The concept was created by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Founder Rich Melman, Executive Partner and Divisional President Chris Meers, Partner Corey Milner, Culinary Director Ben Goodnick, and Executive Chef Josh Williams.
“At Summer House, our motto has always been ‘say yes,’” shares Executive Partner and Divisional President, Chris Meers. “Whether that is ‘saying yes’ to a special request on a menu item, or helping to make a celebration memorable, we aim to consistently go above and beyond our guests’ expectations every time they walk through the door.”
NEW Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania Experiences Coming to the Disney Parks
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania experiences are coming to Disney parks to celebrate the film’s debut! For those looking to celebrate the release, here are some exciting and new experiences at Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Park, Shanghai Disney Resort and onboard Disney Cruise Line.
Encounter the Mysterious Kang the Conqueror at Disney California Adventure Park
Kang the Conqueror has slipped through time and arrived at Avengers Campus! Quite possibly the biggest threat Ant-Man and The Wasp have ever encountered, Kang moves stealthily throughout the campus, engaging recruits and seeking information on the heroes in this timeline.
Be on the lookout. Kang is only at Disney California Adventure Park for a limited time.
A Drink Vessel Fit for the Quantum Realm
Trust us, you’re going to be obsessed with this new “Ooze Cauldron,” inspired by a hilarious and pivotal scene in the new film. Sure to be a fan favorite, grab one while supplies last! Available at Pym Test Kitchen featuring IMPOSSIBLE™ within Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park.
Join in the Action with Ant-Man and The Wasp at Hong Kong Disneyland!
Guests to Hong Kong Disneyland have had the opportunity since 2019 to suit up and fight alongside Ant-Man and The Wasp in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, the only attraction in the world centered around these characters. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! is an interactive dark ride where guests embark on a high-energy, high-tech immersive adventure as they shrink to the size of an ant and team up with S.H.I.E.L.D. to battle the forces of Hydra.
And starting today, guests have the chance to meet Ant-Man and The Wasp in Tomorrowland. The last day for this heroic encounter is March 5, 2023.
Sail the Seas Like an Avenger!
The Disney Wish, the newest ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, is the destination for all things Ant-Man and The Wasp when sailing the seven seas. Visit Worlds of Marvel restaurant where guests play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around them, complete with a worldly menu inspired by fan-favorite Super Hero films. Throughout dinner, guests take part in a demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, during an Avengers technology showcase hosted by Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne during “Avengers: Quantum Encounter.”
At Marvel Super Hero Academy aboard the Disney Wish, young recruits ages 3 to 12 can join a hands-on training session with Ant-Man and The Wasp, who will teach them how to create and test their very own Pym Particles, the technology that allows these heroes to shrink and grow objects (and themselves).
Guests can also experience Ant-Man and The Wasp aboard the Disney Dream for the epic Marvel Day at Sea cruises, including during “Heroes Unite” – an action-packed stage spectacular featuring more than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains.
Encounter Ant-Man and The Wasp at Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort hosted the China premiere of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania at The Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown on Feb. 14. In celebration of this premiere, guests can head to the Marvel Universe inside Shanghai Disneyland for an opportunity to encounter Ant-Man and The Wasp for a selfie moment.
Additionally, now through March 17, 2023, full-sized movie posters and the official trailer will be on display in the Marvel Universe to bring extra excitement to guests of all ages. The display brings the adventures of Ant-Man and The Wasp back from the big screen to the park, giving Super Hero fans and movie buffs the chance to visit and rediscover the immersive offerings at the Marvel Universe.
Experience the Wonder of PYM Technology at Disneyland Paris
To celebrate the release of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, guests are invited to embark on a family adventure at Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris to experience the wonder of PYM technology.
Recruits can share a new heroic moment with Ant-Man and The Wasp back from their quantum journey. And if you are hungry for more action, head over to PYM Kitchen where growing and shrinking technology is used to create big bites and tiny treats in this buffet restaurant. Beyond the Campus, the celebration continues at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel with new drinks inspired directly from the Quantum Realm, available at Skyline Bar for a limited time.
Are you ready to go subatomic and join Ant-Man and The Wasp on an adventure in the Quantum Realm!? Watch Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania now in theaters.
If you’d like to experience Marvel at the Disney parks, 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.
Mannequin in Wheelchair Added to World of Disney in Disney Springs. We have seen Disney World try to become more inclusive and represent everyone recently. This is a long-term goal of the Walt Disney Company, but it is great to see it implemented locally. Importantly, it is nice to see World of Disney have this right in front, and not just put randomly in the back of the store.
This is not the first time we have seen Disney try and represent the whole community. Recently in Disneyland, for the “it’s a small world” 25th Anniversary Holiday overlay, we saw a few dolls added that were wheelchair-bound. Furthermore, we have seen mannequins added to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot that represent people with disabilities.
“At Disney, we amplify underrepresented voices and untold stories and champion a multitude of perspectives, recognizing that we are all greater than a single story and we all deserve to feel seen, heard and understood.” – LATONDRA NEWTON Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Explore a vast collection of Disney merchandise, where you’re sure to find something memorable for virtually everyone.
A renowned centerpiece of Disney Springs, World of Disney is an attraction by itself. Inspiring touches are on display all around inside the store, including mystical movie posters, enchanted art and animation ink jars that spring to life with a trail of pixie dust.
Get lost in the magic as you browse through a masterfully curated collection of wonderful Disney finds—from huggable plush characters and colorful Minnie Ears to stylish collaborations with some of your favorite brands.
So what in the world are you waiting for? Come experience the undeniable allure of the World of Disney store!
New Disney100 x COACH Collection Available At Walt Disney World!
Celebrate 100 years of wonder in luxury style with the new Disney100 x COACH collection we spotted at Disney Springs! The collection features so many cute designs with beloved Disney characters, take a look at the few pieces we found at Disney World:
This bag is a modern crossbody inspired by the compact functionality of retro airline attendant bags. It features a whimsical backyard adventure with the one and only Mickey Mouse printed with water-based ink, this streamlined regenerative leather style has a secure zip top, an inside multifunction pocket for small accessories and an outside pocket to keep documents, a phone and other essentials organized.
DONALD DUCK WRISTLETS
These wristlets featuring Coach’s signature hardware and farm-fresh fun with Mickey Mouse’s excitable pal Donald Duck printed with water-based ink or patches, this regenerative leather wristlet is perfectly sized for cards, cash and a phone. Wear it on your wrist or clip it inside a larger Coach bag.
Featuring floral fun with the one-and-only Minnie Mouse printed with water-based ink, this well-organized regenerative leather accordion zip wallet includes full-length bill compartments, card slots and a zippered coin pocket.
This playfully practical carryall is crafted of 100 percent recycled canvas made from recycled plastic bottles––even its leather contains at least 50% recycled content. It features the one-and-only Mickey Mouse and an earth-loving graphic set against a fresh pastel floral print.
A matching Mickey Mouse in floral print plush is also available!
MICKEY MOUSE PINK JACKET
This lightweight souvenir jacket features a whimsical backyard adventure with the one and only Mickey Mouse. The iconic Coach silhouette is finished with colorblock sleeves and varsity stripe trim, so cute!
Take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s a visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood (located at the bottom lot by Jurassic World). With vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features a tech advanced “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.
Along with themed dining at Toadstool Café and shopping at the 1-UP Factory retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park. If you’re a fan of Nintendo and Mario characters, you will fall in love with this new land.
From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they become an integral part of their universe.
At a glance, this is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:
“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”: This all-new, technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track.
Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles.
This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions. You can also test the seat before you get on the actual ride.
The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.
Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
As guests navigate the corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land. When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app.
The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores. Guests with a Power-Up Band may enjoy an enhanced experience when meeting Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They are available in six design options with character themes and can be purchased both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located within the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land, employing augmented reality technology. Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
Toadstool Cafe: The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Café will serve a delicious menu perfected by Chef Toad where he greets guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.
1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia.
The 1-UP Factory offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser.
Now that SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is open, plan the perfect vacation to Hollywood. Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you with your vacation. Fill out the form below and a friendly travel agent will get in touch to book your trip.
More Disney100 Oswald Merchandise Spotted At Hollywood Studios!
Bring the good luck to your life with these new Disney100 Oswald merchandise we spotted at Hollywood Studios! We found apparel, home decor and more, take a look:
Between the clothes we found was a black t-shirt featuring Oswald bursting through a hole on the front and back.
The other two items we found was a black and white Oswald woven shirt featuring an all over pattern of Oswald ears. The second woven shirt is pale blue with Oswald’s ears on the front pocket and the lucky rabbit playing the banjo in the back, both very cute options!
Other pieces includes an adorable Oswald plush with a banjo, a decorative pillow that will bring good fortune to your home and a collectible figure featuring Oswald driving a silver car.
You can take a closer look at this nostalgic collection in our Instagram post:
The Flower and Garden Festival is almost here and you can smell it in the air. Flowers are being planted and topiaries are popping up all over Epcot literally overnight.
Epcot’s annual Flower and Garden Festival isn’t due to begin until March 1st, 2023. In fact, the Festival of the Arts is currently underway and will end on February 20th.
That hasn’t stopped Disney from getting the park ready for one of its most popular springtime festivals.
So far we have seen quite a few in place. Many of the classic topiaries like Pooh and Friends, Peter Pan, Hook, and the Croc, and even Woody and Bo Peep have been spotted.
The characters have been placed in their usual spots.
This year however we can expect a few new surprises!
New Topiaries Coming Soon
New topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” will appear this year near the main entrance.
Keep an eye out for an all-new Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” topiary in the American Pavilion.
Not only are we awaiting a sighting of the new topiaries but we are still on the lookout for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast ones as well.
Of course, Disney has plenty of time and it seems like they can completely transform the parks overnight so I am sure they will pop up soon!
It seems a bit unusual to see Disney putting up the topiaries so soon before the festival of the Arts has even ended. However, I am excited about the new festival and can’t wait to see what’s in store!
A Great Time to Visit
Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival is one of the best festivals to plan your visit around if you are looking for lower crowds and milder weather. It’s also my second favorite festival right next to the Festival of the Holidays because I love all the beautiful flowers and gardens.
