Disney News Round-Up: Harry Potter Legend Passes, New Snacks for the WDW 50th, Cool Ship has Reopened, New AP Popcorn Bucket is Coming Soon. We say goodbye to a Harry Potter and James Bond Legend. Also, eating and drink new snacks at the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, and we check in on how Tokyo celebrates Halloween.
National Geographic is kicking off a touring series across cities in North America. Nearly 60 cities, with more than a dozen new markets and venues combined, a celebrated group of 37 new and returning experts will grace stages across the United States and Canada, immersing audiences in the natural wonders of the world through gripping footage and unforgettable imagery.
The National Geographics roster includes experts in every field from scientists, photographers, explorers, filmmakers, and more from every continent on earth. With more than 200 planned events, National Geographic Live features something for everyone of all ages
“National Geographic is a beloved brand known for its captivating content and inspiring stories that have the ability to leave an imprint on consumers globally,” said Stephanie Young, president of Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions, and Enrichment Programs. “We’re proud to be expanding our programming and bringing even more National Geographic Live shows to cities across North America. Whether you are in Florida, California, the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, or beyond, we’re giving you the ability to explore scores of new places – all from the comfort of your seat.”
14 new cities have been added to this year’s line up including :
Appleton, WI: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Austin, TX: The Long Center
Burlington, ON, CAD: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Carmel, IN: Center for the Performing Arts
Charleston, SC: Charleston Gaillard Center
Collegedale, TN: Southern Adventist University
East Lansing, MI: Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Houghton, MI: Rozsa Performing Arts Center
Kalispell, MT: Wachholz College Center
Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Playhouse
San Francisco, CA: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
8 new speakers will join this year’s lineup. Guests are invited to journey to past and present lands, both near and far away, through global expeditions. Guests will hear about some of the planet’s most unforgiving climates, the Paleozoic era when dinosaurs ruled the globe, space exploration of the solar system, migratory patterns, and more. These new Explorer and Speaker sessions include:
Alizè Carrére – Adaptation: Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to climate change with environmental anthropologist and filmmaker Alizé Carrère.
Diana Magaloni-Kerpel – Mesoamerica Illuminated: Art historian and microarcheologist Dr. Diana Magaloni-Kerpel uncovers millennia-old murals and sculptures throughout Mexico and Central America to understand what they reveal about these ancient cultures.
Diva Amon – From Shallows to Seafloor: Dive in with marine biologist Diva Amon to get to know the fascinating creatures in each unique layer of Earth’s massive underwater habitat—from the familiar sea creatures near the surface to their otherworldly, alien-like cousins that wander the ocean floor.
Lindsay Zanno – T. rex Rises: Travel back in time with paleontologist Dr. Lindsay Zanno and discover the fascinating story of how a Cretaceous climate crisis gave rise to the most famous megapredator of all time—T. rex.
Lucy Hawkes – Life on the Move: Physiological ecologist Lucy Hawkes shares an inside look at what she’s learned tracking some of Earth’s greatest animal athletes on their iconic migrations across the planet.
Robbie Shone – In Deep: Adventures in Caving: Join renowned cave photographer Robbie Shone for a gripping, first-hand account of the climb for his life out of Veryovkina, the world’s deepest known cave.
Sandesh Kadur – Wild Cats of India: Journey with photographer and filmmaker Sandesh Kadur through the diverse landscapes of India to discover its lesser-known felines—from the tiny, grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat to the elusive clouded leopard.
Tracy Drain –Cosmic Adventures: Join aerospace engineer Tracy Drain to discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it.
Many fan favorites will return as well! Carnivore ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant, award-winning photographer Brian Skerry, who specializes in marine wildlife and underwater environments, African diaspora archaeologist Alicia Odewale, wildlife filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade, big cat photographer Steve Winter, para climber and 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year,Maureen Beck, and photographer RonanDonovan, are all scheduled to present at multiple venues throughout the course of the tour.
National Geographic Apparel Collection Coming Soon
Disney is also celebrating National Geographic’s launch of its newest apparel collection. Inspired by nature’s marine eco-systems and an appreciation for the ocean’s timeless beauty and magnificent strength, the lifestyle collection is available on shopNatGeo.com and at select stores throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs, Disneyland Resort, and Downtown Disney District. Soon, with more details to be released, National Geographic Live attendees will be guided to locate QR codes present at the in-person events that will bring them to the virtual store, offering a variety of long- and short-sleeve tops to jackets and pants for sale. Every purchase from the National Geographic lifestyle collection helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its work to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education. To learn more, visit NatGeo.com/info.
For tickets and to learn more about how you can see National Geographic Live in or near your city as part of the 2022-2023 North American Tour, visit the National Geographic Live website here. The full schedule of events and speakers may be found here.
The “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series at Disney+ has added three new actors to its cast.
Adam Copeland will appear in a recurring guest star role as Ares, the god of War. Ares is described as “handsome in a wicked way and arrogant, despite not always being the sharpest tool in the shed. He loves conflict and acts as an agent of chaos wherever he goes.”
Suzanne Cryer will guest star as Echidna, The Mother of Monsters. The character is said to be “dangerous, intimidating, and strangely maternal. She enjoys her task of challenging heroes and will test Percy’s faith in the gods.”
Jessica Parker Kennedy will guest star as Medusa, the infamous gorgon. Per her official character description, Medusa is “wronged by the gods and bitter. Medusa lives in isolation until travelers stumble on her emporium. She is welcoming to some and a threat to others.”
Fans of the Percy Jackson book series by author Rick Riordan have eagerly awaited news and images as the new Disney+ Original Series is currently filming.
The new series stars Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood), Virginia Kull (Sally Jackson), as well as a variety of supporting cast members including Jason Mantzoukas, Dior Goodjohn, Glynn Turman, Charlie Bushnell, Timm Sharp, Olivea Morton, and more.
“The live-action series tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. Now Percy must trek across America to find it and restore order to Olympus.”
Riordan and Jon Steinberg will serve as writers of the pilot, and James Bobin will direct. Steinberg will oversee the series with his producing partner Dan Shotz. Steinberg and Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, Anders Engström, Jet Wilkinson and The Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and D.J. Goldberg.
Currently, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is slated to premiere on Disney+ in 2024, but an official release date has yet to be announced. Are you excited about the new series?
Several Critical Economic Items Remain Open between Disney and the Local Union. With a current contract being extended on a month-to-month basis right now Disney Unions and Walt Disney World continue negotiations. Here is an update from the Representatives of the Service Trades Council Union.
Representatives of the Service Trades Council Union have concluded an additional 2 days of bargaining with Disney Management. While progress has been made on many workplace improvements, several critical economic items remain open:
The current Contract has been extended on a month-to-month basis with the agreement that all wage increases be retroactive to October 2, 2022. The next bargaining session has been scheduled for November 1 and 2. The meeting location and start times are TBD.
Once a full agreement is reached by the parties, the deal will be subject to a vote of the Disney Union members.
For more information, speak with your Shop Steward or Organizer. We are going to win a good contract!
Disney Vacation Club Construction at the Polynesian Resort. A lot of changes have been happening on the Monorail resort line lately. The new DVC tower being built as part of the Polynesian Resort and Spa is one of the major projects. We saw the construction from the air and saw that most of the ground was now clear. They have saved one of the largest trees on the lot and are about to move it. No word on where the tree will end up, or if it will just find a new home at the Poly.
Inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition. Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.
“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”
New Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Tie-Dye Spirit Jersey to join the most magical celebration on Earth!
We spotted this fun spirit jersey at World of Disney in Disney Springs for $84.99. It is also available online at shopDisney right now, so hurry up and get yours before it goes away.
The purple tie-dye spirit jersey features artwork of Cinderella Castle with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto in their EARidescent outfits ready to celebrate! The Walt Disney World logo with Tinkerbell is also featured across the back.
A new movie based on Disney theme park attraction and folklore is in the works! Disney has tapped Strange World filmmaker Qui Nguyen to pen a Society of Explorers and Adventurers film with Ryan Reynold’s Maximum Effort aboard to produce.
The Society of Explorers and Adventurers also known as SEA, started out as a part of the lore and attractions at Tokyo Disneyland. The characters are also included in the Mystic Manor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Originally founded in 1538 in Italy, the society soon expanded around the globe. The SEA counts not just explorers and adventurers in its wide-ranging membership, but also includes scientists, artists, and travelers of all stripes. Names of some of the eclectic crew include Harrison Hightower III, Mary Oceaneer, and Lord Henry Mystic. Though the SEA crew originated in these two rides, it has since touched many parts of the Disney parks and properties to the point that keen-eyed fans can find connections across many rides, and you can catch SEA paraphernalia around various theme park rides and attractions.
Disney’s upcoming live-action theatrical feature, eyed as a franchise launcher, is billed as an adventure tying together the lore behind several of Disney’s most famous theme park attractions, with a modern twist. This new take on the SEA mythology will pursue alternative angles in present day by adding a new supernatural element to the history and following new characters not present in the original lore.
Nguyen is set to write the film, which will be live-action. Ryan Reynolds will be serving as a producer on the project along with the executives at his banner Maximum Effort.
Further details regarding the upcoming project have not yet been released.
Disney World Extends Theme Park Hours for Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom for 2022
Walt Disney World theme park hours have been extended at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the rest of 2022. If you will be visiting the parks this year, you will want to know this information when making your plans.
From October 30 through November 24 Epcot will now open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. every day (except November 6). The park will still close at 9:00 p.m. every day.
On October 30 and 31 Magic Kingdom will now open at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. Early entry for hotel guests will begin at 7:30 a.m. Magic Kingdom will be closing at 6 p.m. on both days for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The park will also open an hour earlier at on November 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29, December 1, and 2. It will open at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Magic Kingdom will still open at 9 a.m. on November 4 – 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23 – 26, 28, 30, and December 3. However, the park will remain open late for an extra hour until 11 p.m. on these days.
On October 30, November 4 – 14, November 17 – 28, and December 1 – 3 Animal Kingdom will open an hour earlier, at 8 a.m., and close an hour later, at 8 p.m., Early entry for hotel guests will begin at 7:30 a.m. on these days.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this year?
If you would like to get one more trip in before the new year, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I would love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Scottish Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films has just passed away at the age of 72.
“Robbie will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid… a role which brought joy to children and adults alike, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years,” according to a statement released by his agent Belinda Wright.
While being a stand-up comedian as of late and starring in various movie roles in the 80s he is most known for playing the lovable Rubeus Hagrid in all of the Harry Potter Movies.
Create your own magic and buy your own magic band scanner at home!
Is your magic band feeling a little unused? Well, have no fear you can buy your OWN Magic Band Scanner for your home!
The website Props88 has created magic band scanners that work like the ones in the park and you can even customize the light color after you scan your magic band.
They have over 50 designs for you to choose from Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and More!
Check out this video of a few in action!
You can order one on their Etsy site or request to have one made on their website but be warned the prices are a little high at around $349 plus shipping, but honestly, that is a steal for a working Magic Band Scanner for your home!
If you’re looking for other ways to bring your magic home, try some of our Disney recipes like the classic Dole Whip or keep up to date on the latest collaboration between Thomas Kinkade Studios and Marvel Comics and see your favorite characters brought to life!
The Orlando Entertainment District can now enjoy the best quality Colombian coffee. Juan Valdez® has opened its first amusement park store in Orlando at ICON Park.
Juan Valdez is an international coffee brand that’s committed and cares deeply about Colombian coffee growers. It’s owned by more than 540,000 coffee-growing families that harvest the best, 100-percent Arabica premium coffee in Colombia. Its purpose is to serve the world and its people with excellent quality coffee, while providing the coffee growers with social programs and giving their labor and efforts global visibility.
There are over 500 Juan Valdez Coffee Stores globally and the brand is just beginning its expansion in the United States through its franchisee, Best Coffee Franchise Company. There are currently stores in Miami, Windermere, and Ocoee.
Now Juan Valdez is proud to open at ICON Park and is aiming to become the area’s favorite coffee shop and destination, giving the Orlando Entertainment District high-quality, 100-percent premium Colombian coffee from the growers to your cup. The initial plan is to open over 100 more stores in Florida, helping to provide stable and meaningful employment to the state’s population, and ICON Park is the third in the Central Florida area.
The Juan Valdez Coffee Store at ICON Park is located inside The Wheelhouse, the center of energy at the entertainment destination.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is hiring
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, an original concept restaurant opening in Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood in early 2023, is hiring. The innovatively themed dining establishment is seeking to employ approximately 250 candidates to fill a variety of newly-created positions.
The new restaurant will be one of three worldwide locations, exclusively at Universal CityWalk locations in Orlando, Beijing and soon to be, Hollywood. Featuring an extensive menu of eclectic brunch, lunch and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts and delectable confectionary treats, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen brings an entirely new take on culinary inspirations that will appeal to the entire family.
When it opens in early 2023, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen will not only bring an exciting level of dining to Universal CityWalk, it is sure to become one of L.A.’s must-go eateries.
With preparations underway for its opening, the restaurant is seeking to fill approximately 250 newly-created jobs.
A sampling of the full and part-time positions available include: Restaurant Managers and Sous Chefs, Servers, Bussers, Runners, Hosts, Bartenders, Dessert Cashiers, Retail Associates, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Bakers, Dishwashers, Receivers and Wardrobe attendants.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen will be located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema and joins recent dining establishment additions, including NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Firehouse Subs®, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, The Habit Burger Grill, Voodoo Doughnut and Chick Chick Chicken.
The spotlight continues to shine brightly on Universal CityWalk, one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers, which has boosted the city’s rhythm with a variety of memorable experiences for close to 30 years.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal Orlando is described as:
“Extraordinary foodstuffs abound at this full-service restaurant, bar and confectionary. Indulge in classic dishes like steak and seafood, but save room for the grand finale. Our chefs create culinary alchemy with gourmet chocolates, artisanal milkshakes and sumptuous sundaes. It’s a 19th century themed dream, and a truly fantastical feast.”
Have you ever dined at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando?
If you would like to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I would love to help you plan a wonderful vacation!
