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New Star Wars Experiences added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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As so much construction is being done at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney is trying to make sure there is still plenty of things for guests to do, as so much of the park has been closed off to be transformed into the new Star Wars Land. In keeping with the Star Wars theme, we have seen a few new things added recently, such as the April 4th debut of the new Star Wars: A Galaxy Far Far Away Stage show, that takes place in front of the Chinese Theater multiple times a day. The popular stage show celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.

Other recent additions to the park include The March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession led by Captain Phasma from the Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, which adds a touch of menace to the entertainment.

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The just-opened Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.

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In addition to these new Star Wars attractions for fans, Disney will be upgrading the Star Wars nightly fireworks show as well. Here is what Disney had to say about the new show to debut this summer:

There’s a lot of fun in store for Star Wars fans this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Starting this June, fans won’t want to miss the grand debut of a new Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” This new nightly show is the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. It will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Finally as seen above Disney released an artist rendering of an all new Star Wars themed Dinner Club coming to Star Wars Land. No details other than the photo have been released but it sounds very exciting!

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This will go hand in and hand with the Cantina Restaurant coming to Disney World & Disneyland. So far all we have is concept art as Disney is running pretty lean on details.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co, as we get more details we will post them!

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience these Star Wars special events, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credits: Disney parks Blog

Captain America: Civil War Press Conference- Team Captain America

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From Left to Right: Kevin Feige, Joe Russo, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, and Paul Rudd

I’m back to talk about the second part of the “Captain America: Civil Warpress conference, which was all about Team Captain America! This panel was equally amazing as Team Iron Man, with producer and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige returning to speak on this panel, joined by co-director Joe Russo, actors Paul Rudd (Ant-Man/Scott Lang), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon), Jeremy Renner (Clint Baron/Hawkeye), Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch), and of course Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America).

Kevin Feige spoke incredibly in-depth about the process of making the movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the Team Iron Man panel, and reiterated his love and dedication for all the work he and his fellow artists put into these movies. Feige said he absolutely loves the diversity of tones they get to play around with with all the Marvel movies. He often gets to work with the same characters he knows and loves, but he still gets a wide-range of films he is able to produce, whether the very humorous such as “Ant-Man“, or a darker story like “Age of Ultron”, his job always remains interesting.

Director Joe Russo spoke in admiration of the actors he is able to work with on these films, and said during “Captain America: Civil War” they would always keep the cameras rolling and try to give just 2-3 word directorial notes so the actors could just jump back into character immediately. He feels it is important to keep rolling and build upon each take rather than constantly stopping and starting the cameras again. He wants to work to maintain the anticipation and momentum we see as audiences in the final product. Working with this line-up of superheroes, he discusses how growth arcs can be quite difficult with such powerful characters. It is crucial to make sure we can see their more-human personalities and their flaws, or else the superheroes would be limitless. Interpreting their flaws and their emotions on screen makes for a more interesting story, and more relate-able.

Paul Rudd, who was introduced last year as Ant-Man in the Marvel universe, was just as funny and quick-witted in person as one would imagine him to be, making the audience of the press conference laugh continuously! (He’s also incredibly funny in “Civil War” too) Rudd said that “Captain America: Civil War” was a very unique experience for him, even after having filmed Marvel’s “Ant-Man”. He said this experience seemed much more surreal, since he could see all of the iconic props and costumes in-person, such as Captain America’s shield or Iron Man’s suit. Rudd said that it felt as if the superheroes he loved in comic books as a child were real.

Sebastian Stan, with each Marvel film he does has the intricate task of figuring out how much of Bucky Barnes versus how much of the Winter Soldier he should incorporate into his performance. This balance alters constantly for him, not only with each film but even with each scene. Although challenging to say the least, Stan also finds this aspect of his role exciting, as he never knows what corner his character will turn with the next film until he receives a new script.

Elizabeth Olsen also plays a character with much inner turmoil, discussing how Wanda is different from many superheroes, as her opponent isn’t a villian, but herself. The Scarlet Witch isn’t fully in control of her powers, or her emotions, and this can sometimes be frustrating and frightening to her character, with her ongoing battle trying to figure herself out more.

When we last saw Clint/Hawkeye, he had decided to retire from the Avengers to be with his wife and children, but he makes his return in “Captain America: Civil War”. Actor Jeremy Renner talked about how he felt that making a comeback was inevitable, as his character seeks adventure and enjoys the action too much to stand back from the Avengers for too long, Hawkeye craves the excitement of battle.

Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans were quite entertaining, by making jokes and laughing with one another during the press conference, and even admitting they have burpee and push-up competitions with one another on set. They definitely seem like a fun duo on-screen and off. Chris Evans seemed as kind-hearted as his character Steve Rogers, and complimented his fellow actors, directors, and crew members, saying how their dedication to the film was palpable; it helped motivate and inspire him to feel the air of excitement from everyone around him. This film was particularly interesting for him, as he got to play around with his character in a way he hadn’t been able to before. He explained that Captain America is a very binary person, normally being very moral and perfect. With “Captain America: Civil War”, he was able to experiment and figure out more layers to Captain America, and make his emotions a little more grey, a little less black and white. In this film, he has to decide if he should be on his new family’s side (the Avengers team) or his old family’s side (Bucky Barnes). In his venture of figuring himself out on a deeper level, more character flaws become revealed.

“Captain America: Civil War” was indeed a complex film, with many layers, and story and character developments. The actors, directors, and scrip writers executed it flawlessly, and I can’t wait to see what else is up their sleeve for these characters’ future stories.

Finding Dory Characters Joining Turtle Talk with Crush

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Finding Dory is set to hit the big screen on June 17th, but for anyone eager to meet some of Dory’s new friends up close and personal you can!  Starting in early May, you can find some of her new friends swimming over in Epcot at Turtle Talk with Crush, in the Seas!

While little dudes and dudettes have a great time interacting with Crush, another favorite shelled dude will be cruising off the EAC to visit as well, Squirt (Crush’s son), will be visiting with his out of water friends for the first time at Turtle Talk!

Some of Dory’s new friends that you might be able to see swimming on by are Bailey the beluga, Destiny the whale shark, and Hank who is a “Septopus”….seven legged Octopus of course!

Keep your eyes on the water because Nemo and his Dad Marlin, may be out swimming for some fun too.

I know I can’t wait to see what fun they will be having together.

Can’t wait to plan your trip to see Dory’s new friends, and all the fun of Awaken Summer?  As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help you plan your trip! Contact me anytime [email protected], or on my Facebook page. Services are 100% free!

photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frozen Attraction to Open at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion this June

2016 04 20 10 06 51 Releases   Walt Disney World News
2016 04 20 10 06 51 Releases Walt Disney World News

Frozen Ever After

Frozen fans heading to the park this Summer will be pleased to know that Walt Disney World has announced that the much anticipated Frozen Ever After attraction will open in Epcot’s Norway pavilion this June.

Designed to take visitors on a boat ride through the Kingdom of Arendelle, visitor will be transported to a “Winter in the Summer” Celebration hosted by Queen Elsa who uses her magic powers to create a Winter wonderland for her visitors.  Guests will pass a valley full of trolls and climb up the famous Icy North Mountain where they will view Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before making their decent to the Bay of Arendelle.

The ride will feature the voice talent of original “Frozen” cast members with new dialogue and songs by composers Bobby and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

The Frozen fun won’t stop there. Visitors to the new Frozen themed attraction will also get to meet Anna and Elsa in their new Royal Sommerhaus greeting location inspired by the quaint cottages dotted along the Norwegian countryside.

Watch this space for further details on an official opening date.

Want to plan a Frozen themed getaway for you and your family? As an agent with MickeyTravels I can help you create a magical vacation to Walt Disney World with lots of Frozen touches.  Drop me an email at [email protected] or get in touch via Facebook

 

Disney releases a First Look at the upcoming attractions of Toy Story Land

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We have some great news on the upcoming expansion of Toy Story Land! Not only will Toy Story Land have some all-new themed rides unique to the movies, but they will also be adding an additional track to Toy Story Midway Mania over Memorial Day Weekend, which should help alleviate the extremely long stand-by wait times. Disney made an announcement today on what we can expect from this new “land”:

In Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. There are two new themed attractions being developed for Toy Story Land.

The first – Slinky Dog Dash – will be a family coaster attraction you’ll want to ride again and again. The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys, according to Imagineer Kathy Mangum. Take a look at a concept video of Slinky Dog Dash that Kathy shared earlier.

On Slinky Dog Dash, you will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

The second all-new attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This attraction is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you.

Which attraction are you looking forward to most?

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience Hollywood Studios’ new “Lands”, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo and Video Credit: Disney

Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World & Disneyland starting this summer!

2016 04 20 10 06 51 Releases   Walt Disney World News
2016 04 20 10 06 51 Releases Walt Disney World News

Princess Elena of Avalor

Staring this summer Disney will welcome its first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.

Kids and families worldwide will be enchanted by the story of Princess Elena, a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old who is ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of Avalor.  The series follows the story of Elena, who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council and some magical friends by her side. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders, while highlighting the importance of family and family traditions.

The inspiring story of Elena of Avalor will be shared in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide. And, Disney Parks, where universally enchanting stories come to life every day, will be the place where families can see Disney’s newest princess in person.  At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure.  The Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World Resort will welcome Elena in August. Her Disneyland arrival date will be announced in the near future.

Soarin’ Around the World opening this June!

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Everyone has been eagerly awaiting Soarin’ Around the World to open.

Good news! Disney announced this morning that guests will be able to experience the new adventure starting on June 17th in Epcot and at Disney’s California Adventure Park!  With the new opening the Epcot location has also added a third viewing theater and an interactive ride queue while you wait if you don’t have a fast pass!

Need help planning or booking your next trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland to experience the all new Soarin’ Around the World?  As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help you plan your trip! Contact me anytime [email protected], or on my Facebook page. Vacation planning services are 100% free. 

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival celebrates Earth Day

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If you’ve ever experienced the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, then you know just how “green” and earth-friendly the festival is, and how it works to bring conservation awareness to guests. It only seems appropriate then that the Festival will be celebrating Earth Day for the weekend of April 22-24, 2016. Here is what Disney has to say about the special offerings for the weekend:

Start your Earth Day fun by checking out the Festival’s first-time expansion into The Land, where you can see large overlays of edible flowers. The greens harvested from the pavilion are part of the Field Greens salad at the Cider House outdoor kitchen.

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A pocket beagle named Captain Ron is gearing up for beach season, and is taking a break to meet guests at The Seas. During the summer, three days a week, he can be found at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, assisting Disney’s Sea Turtle Conservation team in detecting the location of freshly laid eggs in sea turtle nests. This helps the team protect the nests.

You’ll have a chance to meet Captain Ron and his trainer Pepe Peruyero, at 10:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Earth Day weekend. The duo will give a short presentation about their work, and will be available for photos.

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You can help Disney’s butterfly scientists collect data about these creatures and their plant preferences in our new Citizen Science project at the Pollinator Garden. The data will be used to help some of the endangered butterfly species.

Also,  at 11:00 a.m. each day during Earth Day weekend, you can get an up-close look at a nest with a purple martin expert, presented by the The Florida Audubon.

At the Festival Center, catch horticulture and wildlife experts leading seminars about aquaponics, making your property wildlife-friendly and how to grow new plants from the plants you already have.

If you’ll be at Epcot this coming Earth Day weekend, be sure to check out some of these great activities that are planned!

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience one of Disney’s special events, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Captain Ron/butterfly Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary with 10 Year Initiative to Protect the Planet

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The Disney Conservation Fund celebrates its 20 year anniversary with a 10 year commitment to protect the planet through its Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time initiative.  The initiative builds upon DCF’s 2012 commitment to connect 35 millions kids with nature by 2015.

The Disney Conservation Fund released a video highlighting the two focal points of the upcoming project:

There are two focal points to the initiative.  The first is to develop strategies to reverse the decline of 10 endangered species including: big cats, butterflies, coral reefs, elephants, great apes, migratory birds, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks and rays.  Disney Conservation Fund will aim to accomplish this by providing grants, working with leading nonprofits, and engaging Disney employees and Cast Members to develop strategies to protect the natural habitats of these species and raise awareness through global educational and conservation focused programs.

The second part of the initiative will aim to connect children and families with nature and to inspire a lifelong commitment to care about their planet. Disney will aim to accomplish this through collaborating with agencies such as the 4-H, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, National Park Foundation, and the National Wildlife Foundation to make sure that nature inspired events, educational activities and resources are available to a greater number of children, families and educators.

Over the past 20 years Disney Conservation Fund has been responsible for providing $40 million in funding to over 114 conservation-focused non profit organizations throughout the world.  More information about the Disney Conversation Fund can be found by following their Facebook page. 

Did you know that Walt Disney World is filled with educational experiences designed to enrich the lives of your little ones.  As an agent with MickeyTravels, I love helping families come up with ways to make their trips both educational and fun.  From Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the amazing pavilions at Epcot, there are a ton of ways for your family to learn and grow.  To find out more contact me at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. 

 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Offer Evening Hours and Jungle Book Show Starting Memorial Day

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Animal Kingdom finally goes nocturnal with the announcement that Disney will release a range of evening offerings starting Memorial Day weekend.

A highlight of the festivities will be a new Jungle Book show designed to take the place of the delayed Rivers of Light .  ‘Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ will be packed with music, special effects, Indian theming and classic songs that will have you singing along with Baloo and friends.

With the help of some cunning fireflies, the Tree of Life will also spring to life sharing its story of wonder to visitors throughout the evening.

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Animal Kingdom will also give guests an opportunity to experience headline attraction the Kiliminjaro Safaris with an After Dark option.  Special lighting will allow guests to view the animals in the savanna throughout the evening.

Disney also brings a bit of the nightlife to Animal Kingdom with its Discovery Island Carnivale and Harambe Wildlife Party.  Discovery Island will come alive in this nightly party featuring stilt walkers, music and food in a celebration of nature.  While Harambe Market will be abuzz with African music, African inspired cuisine and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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Visitors to the Animal Kingdom will also have an opportunity to experience some of their favorite attractions under the cover of darkness as rides like Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids will remain open to visitors.  And the midway of Dinoland USA will bring a bit of Coney Island color to the evening.

Tiffins, the newest addition to Animal Kingdom’s culinary line-up will also be open for dinner with delectable options like Berber-spiced Lamb, New York Strip Steak, Thai Curry Soup and Miso-glazed Black cod with Forbidden Rice.

Watch this space for further details of the events listed above including showtimes.

Want to experience all the Animal Kingdom has to offer? As an agent with MickeyTravels I’d love to help you plan a Walt Disney World holiday jam-packed with all of Disney’s new Summer festivities. Drop me an email at [email protected] or via Facebook

Robert Downey Jr Displays Team Iron Man Pride on the Eiffel Tower

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CAP Character 1Sht IronMan v5 lg 1

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The Paris premiere of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” was today, and Team Iron Man members Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Emily Van Camp, and director Anthony Russo were there for the special occasion, held at Le Grand Rex theatre.

Robert Downey Jr., to make it clear to Team Captain America that he stands strongly on his side of the Avengers, paid a special visit to the Eiffel Tower (aka The Iron Lady). Seeing as how Paris is known as “the city of lights”, why not share his pride for Team Iron Man by decking out the Iron Lady in red and gold?

We all know that Tony Stark creates some pretty spectacular gadgets…controlling the colors of the Eiffel Tower with just an iPhone app? That is way too cool.

“Captain America: Civil War” comes out in theatres May 6th, you can catch the latest trailer below:

Alice Through the Looking Glass Preview Coming to Disney Parks

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The Disney Parks are getting another movie sneak peek–coming May 6th guests will be able to experience a 10-minute preview of “Alice Through the Looking Glass“. Guests will be able to experience clips and scenes from the upcoming film, which is a sequel to the 2010 “Alice in Wonderland” movie.

At the Disneyland Resort, the preview will be at Disney California Adventure at the Sunset Showcase Theater (formerly known as the Crown Jewel Theater). At the Walt Disney World Resort, it will be playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in One Man’s Dream.

Alice Through the Looking Glass” comes to theaters May 27th, and stars Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter.