‘Soul’, ‘Luca’ and ‘Turning Red’ heading to theaters for the 1st time
In a cinematic treat for audiences, three beloved Disney and Pixar feature films— “Soul” (2020), “Luca” (2021), and “Turning Red” (2022)—are set to make their nationwide big-screen debut in 2024. Starting January 2, 2024, tickets will be available for special engagement theatrical runs, providing moviegoers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of Pixar’s storytelling before the anticipated June 2024 release of “Inside Out 2.”
The theatrical experience promises to deliver these Pixar gems in the grandeur they deserve, offering audiences a unique chance to relish the films as intended. As an added delight, each feature film will be complemented by a Pixar animated short film, a tradition that has enchanted viewers in previous Pixar theatrical events.
“Soul,” slated for a theatrical opening on January 12, will be paired with the SparkShort “Burrow.” Following suit, “Turning Red,” premiering on February 9, will be preceded by the SparkShort “Kitbull.” Lastly, “Luca,” gracing the big screen on March 22, will be accompanied by the timeless Pixar short “For the Birds.” This cinematic celebration is a prelude to the much-anticipated release of “Inside Out 2” later in June 2024, ensuring that audiences can bask in the magic of Pixar’s storytelling prowess on the silver screen.
Guests visiting EPCOT can enjoy a brand new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” which shines a light on the shared experiences that connect people across the globe. With a dazzling display of fireworks, fountains and lights, the show features two original songs plus new arrangements of iconic Disney hits that enliven the story. (Matt Stroshane, Photographer)
(Matt Stroshane, Photographer)
Luminous the Symphony of Us Debuts in EPCOT on Dec. 5th
EPCOT, renowned for celebrating the common threads that unite people, introduces a mesmerizing nighttime spectacular, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” set to gather guests around the enchanting World Showcase Lagoon. This spectacular show illuminates the shared human experiences through a captivating blend of fireworks, fountains, lights, and music, providing a spectacular conclusion to a day filled with EPCOT’s unique charm.
Much like a harmonious musical composition, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” unfolds in a series of movements, each representing universal themes of the human journey. The soundtrack features fresh arrangements of beloved Disney classics, such as multilingual renditions of “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Proud Corazón,” alongside timeless favorites like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Friend Like Me.”
(Matt Stroshane, Photographer)
The musical journey also includes a sweeping rendition of “So Close” from Disney’s “Enchanted” and heartfelt performances of “When She Loved Me,” “Remember Me,” and “Into the Unknown.” The grand finale crescendos with the enchanting “I See the Light” from “Tangled.”
(Matt Stroshane, Photographer)
Elevating the experience are two original compositions crafted exclusively for the show: “Heartbeat Symphony” and “Beating of Our Hearts,” adding an extra layer of magic to this extraordinary presentation.
Continuing its commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences, Disney unveils “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT. Alongside this spectacular addition, the recently opened World Celebration Gardens introduces Dreamers Point, featuring the inspiring “Walt the Dreamer” statue. Depicting Walt Disney in his later years, the statue reflects his visionary spirit as he conceived the initial concepts for the park and the broader Florida Project. Positioned in a relaxed and contemplative posture, the statue pays homage to Walt’s unwavering optimism for the future and the boundless magic of possibility that fueled his visionary dreams.
Within the lush environs of World Celebration Gardens, guests can discover ample seating, shaded areas, and a central planter inspired by the iconic five rings of the EPCOT logo. This vibrant space invites visitors to connect with one another and embrace the surrounding nature. Each garden area will evolve with the changing themes of EPCOT festivals throughout the year, offering a dynamic and immersive experience.
Adding to the excitement, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are set to debut in 2024, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT.
Amidst the global Disney100 celebration, EPCOT at Walt Disney World has been a focal point for guests enjoying exclusive experiences, from the special illumination of Spaceship Earth to innovative culinary creations and character interactions. The festivities will continue through December 31, 2023, ensuring that the magic of Disney’s centennial celebration resonates with visitors around the world.
Menu Revealed for Summer House on the Lake Coming to Disney Springs
The full menus for Summer House on the Lake have been released! The new restaurant is coming to Disney Springs soon. Let’s take a look at what eats and drinks will be offered.
Summer House on the Lake will offer lunch and dinner daily along with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The lunch and dinner menus include items like signature guacamole, a variety of sandwiches, tacos, pasta, pizza, and comfort foods. The brunch menu includes foods like breakfast burritos, pancakes, waffles, and different egg dishes.
There is also a kid’s menu and a specialty drinks menu. The drinks menu includes specialty cocktails and “zero proof” beverages. The younger ones in your group can enjoy classic kid’s foods like mac & cheese, grilled cheese, breakfast for dinner, and more.
There is no set opening date for Summer House on the Lake yet but we expect it to be open before the end of the year!
Ready to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World? 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.
First Look at New Lighting Effects Added to EPCOT’s World Celebration Area
Now that the World Celebration area is open in EPCOT tonight was the first night we were able to see the new lighting effects. We were not expecting them to be as amazing as they are!!!
Brie Larson kicks off Christmas season at Disneyland by Narrating Candlelight Processional
The Disneyland Candlelight Processional was performed this past weekend with celebrity narrator Brie Larson. The event is a holiday tradition that’s been in place since 1958.
The Disneyland Candlelight Processional was held on December 2 and 3. Each year it is performed for invited guests, Club 33 members, and other VIP guests. Regular park guests can watch the performance from limited, standing-room only locations on Main Street.
The 45-minute musical performance recounts “The First Christmas” story using song and scripture, with a central focus on a mass choir. The Disneyland Symphony Orchestra, fanfare trumpets, hand bell ringers, and a celebrity narrator come together to enhance this festive holiday tradition.
Disneyland president Ken Potrock posted on Instagram about the event and Brie Larson as the narrator.
“Since 1958, @Disneyland Cast Members, guests and community partners have gathered on Main Street, U.S.A., for our annual Candlelight Ceremony and Processional. Our Cast Choir and Orchestra, along with special performers, were joined by the fantastic @brielarson as celebrity guest narrator for some special holiday magic.
Thank you to all who came to support this special event – we wish you all a wonderful holiday season!”
Have you ever tried to see the Disneyland Candlelight Processional?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disneyland, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
Peter Pan Sequence Returning to Fantasmic! in Disneyland
Fantasmic! is returning to Disneyland on May 24, 2024, and so is the Peter Pan sequence of the show! We can’t wait for the nighttime spectacular to light up the Rivers of America once again.
When Fantasmic! returns to Disneyland, it will feature new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.
The Peter Pan segment, a distinctive part of the inaugural “Fantasmic!” show at Disneyland Park in 1992, got replaced during the extensive 2017 refurbishment by a Pirates of the Caribbean scene. Inspired by the 1953 animated film “Peter Pan,” the original sequence depicted Peter and Wendy on Captain Hook’s pirate ship. Peter and Hook were seen engaging in a bold sword fight, followed by a Tick-Tock Crocodile float.
Fantasmic! has been on hiatus since April when the Maleficent dragon caught on fire. The dragon will not be returning with the show in May but we can’t wait to see what the new battle scene will look like!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
This is such a cute tray to throw your keys after you get home or any other trinkets you have around the house. You can pick between more then 10 different colors and add a magic touch to your home!
New Walt Disney World 2024 Mickey And Friends Loungefly Backpack Now At shopDisney!
A new Disney World 2024 Mickey And Friends Loungefly Backpack just arrived to shopDisney for $78. The 2024 merchandise is full of bright neon colors and this backpack is no exception, very eye catching.
It features blue and hot pink colors with an allover pattern of Mickey, Minnie, Tinker Bell, Dumbo, Orange Bird, Figment, Buzz, José, Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World attraction icons and 2024. Definitely a very fun backpack to welcome the new year!
Mickey And Minnie Gingerbread Cookie Cutters For This Holiday Season!
If you love baking like me then you will love these Mickey And Minnie Gingerbread Cookie Cutters from ThreeDGeek on Etsy for $4.50. You can order them here!
The set includes two cookie cutters inspired in Mickey and Minnie and you can even choose the size of them starting at 2 inches up to 6 inches. They are super cute and a must in your kitchen this holiday season!
New Disney Wish MagicBand+ Spotted At Animal Kingdom Lodge!
You will feel extra magical every time you wear this Disney Wish MagicBand+ we found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for $44.99! You can also order yours online at shopDisney before your trip and get ready for an enchanting time with its lightning effects.
The MagicBand features Asha nose to nose with the adorable Star on one side of the band and the magical Star shinning bright on the other side. The tap icon features “Magic in every wish” text and lots of star dust all around, super cute!
You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:
First Look At New Luminous Merchandise Available At Epcot!
Today is the day! An all new nighttime spectacular is about to light up the sky over World Showcase Lagoon, so to celebrate we want to give you a sneak peek at the new Luminous merchandise we found at Epcot!
First we spotted this dark purple t-shirt with the Epcot Luminous The Symphony Of Us logo on the front and the artwork of the nighttime spectacular on the back featuring World Showcase lagoon with a heart shaped fountain in the air, Spaceship Earth in the back and bright fireworks in the sky, so cute!
This one is available for $34.99 at retail stores around Epcot.
With the holiday season happening right now, what better way to celebrate this new show then with an ornament! There is one featuring the show logo and artwork that will add a dazzling touch to your tree for $19.99.
We also found the iconic Walt The Dreamer ornament inspired in the new Walt Disney statue that just debuted at Epcot! You can get this one online at shopDisney for a special price of $16!
And for magnets lovers, this one features the Luminous logo and artwork for $14.99, super cute!
You can take a closer look at these pieces in our Instagram post:
Visitors are invited to stroll up to the bench adorned with the Walt the Dreamer Statue, positioned to overlook EPCOT, offering a picturesque backdrop for a memorable photo opportunity.
On either side of the bench where Walt sits are two plaques.
The one on the left reads:
“Walt the Dreamer”
Dedicated to all who dream of a better tomorrow
December 5, 2023
The one on the right reads:
“…always be in a state of becoming.” — Walt Disney
Situated on the bench, Walt is portrayed in the latter stages of his life, exuding a contented smile with hands clasped. The bench is strategically positioned in front of a partially obscured view of Spaceship Earth, creating a unique and captivating setting.
Adding an extra layer of significance, the back of the bench showcases intricate detailing inspired by the envisioned design for Walt’s E.P.C.O.T.—the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This ambitious concept originally conceived EPCOT as a fully functional city rather than the theme park it eventually became.
Yesterday was the official dedication of the Walt the Dreamer Statue which you can see the video below:
