Official Trailer & Featurette Revealed for Star Wars Ahsoka
Today, Disney+ released an exciting new trailer for Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars Ahsoka” and also announced that the series will debut on August 23rd with a kick-off event showcasing the first two episodes of the series.
Check out the featurette “Journey to Ahsoka” to learn more about the series from its creators and stars.
Set after the fall of the Empire, “Star Wars: Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
“Ahsoka” stars Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, David Tennant, Lars Mikkelsen and Eman Esfandi. The episodes are directed by Dave Filoni, Steph Green, Peter Ramsey, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Vasant Patel and Rick Famuyiwa. Dave Filoni is the head writer and executive produces along with Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist serves as co-executive producer.
Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Ahsoka” launches on August 23, exclusively on Disney+.
Disneyland Premiere of Haunted Mansion Will Go Ahead Despite Potential SAG-AFTRA Strike
Despite the looming possibility of a SAG-AFTRA strike, Disney’s grand red carpet premiere for “Haunted Mansion,” set to take place on July 15 at Disneyland, remains undeterred. According to inside sources, in the event of a strike, the premiere will adapt into a “fan event” instead. Interestingly, this premiere marks the first major world premiere scheduled after the strike deadline.
If the strike is called, the movie’s cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Daniel Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Hasan Minhaj, Marilu Henner, and Lindsay Lamb, may no longer be able to grace the event with their presence, leaving fans disappointed. The fate of director Justin Simien, producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, executive producers Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman, and composer Kris Bowers participating in a traditional red carpet affair with photographers and interviews is also uncertain. It remains to be seen if Disney will still roll out the coveted red carpet under these circumstances.
However, strike or no strike, Disney is expected to host approximately 2,000 guests, including enthusiastic fans donning costumes, for the premiere. The screening itself will commence at 7 p.m. PT at the illustrious Hyperion Theater, preceded by a pre-reception at around 5 p.m., featuring delectable food and refreshing beverages.
Inspired by the iconic theme park ride of the same name, “Haunted Mansion” has generated substantial buzz. Ahead of the premiere, some of the cast, such as Haddish, Stanfield, Dawson, and director Simien, actively promoted the movie at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans on July 1, as evidenced in the accompanying photo.
Anticipation continues to build as the film’s theatrical release date draws near. Fans can mark their calendars for July 28, when “Haunted Mansion” will finally hit the big screens, promising an unforgettable blend of thrilling storytelling and spine-tingling adventure.
First Trailer for ‘Wonka’ Starring Timothée Chalamet Revealed
Check out the all-new trailer for Wonka, an upcoming movie starring Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, and Olivia Colman.
The film also stars Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” “Gravity,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Paddington,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire (the “Paddington” films, “Jurassic World: Dominion”) and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s The Witches”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor.
Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big-screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Wonka, Wonka is set to open in theaters and in IMAX internationally beginning in December 2023 and in North America on December 15, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Get ready to bid on Disneyland items as the World’s Largest Single Owned Disneyland Collection gets ready to hit the auction block
If you’re a Disney enthusiast or a fan of the magical world created by Walt Disney, get your auction paddles ready. The largest individually-owned Disneyland collection in the world is about to hit the auction block in less than a week. The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection, consisting of over 1,500 items amassed over a 30-year period, will be auctioned off at Van Eaton Galleries in Los Angeles, California, starting on Monday, July 17, 2023.
The anticipation surrounding this auction is immense, as the collection showcases a visual history of Disney Parks, including many rare artifacts that haven’t been seen by the public for over 60 years. The exhibition, which began on June 28, 2023, has already attracted over 40,000 visitors who were captivated by the extensive display of Disney memorabilia. If you haven’t had the chance to witness this extraordinary collection, you still have until Sunday, July 16, 2023, to visit the exhibition at the Burbank Town Center Mall in Burbank, California.
What makes this auction truly remarkable is the sheer magnitude and diversity of the items included. From iconic vehicles like the 1917 Model T Ford Moving Van from Main Street, created by Walt Disney himself, to rare animatronic figures like the set of three Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion, this collection is a treasure trove for Disney aficionados and fans of the beloved theme park.
Among the standout pieces up for auction is a Peter Pan Ship Ride Vehicle, estimated to fetch between $50,000 and $100,000. Also in the spotlight is a Haunted Mansion “Doom Buggy” with an estimated value of $30,000 to $60,000. Another noteworthy item is a restored set of Tiki Birds from the Enchanted Tiki Room, which is expected to sell for $80,000 to $100,000. These are just a few examples of the incredible range of artifacts that will be available to the highest bidders.
The auction also features items from Walt Disney World, such as a Tower of Terror (1994) Twilight Zone Bellhop Costume and an Original Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Sign. The inclusion of these pieces ensures that Disney enthusiasts from both coasts can participate in this extraordinary event.
Walt Disney’s vision and creativity revolutionized the entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world. The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection auction is a fitting tribute to Walt Disney, Disneyland, and the enduring magic that has brought joy to generations of visitors. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply a fan of Disney, don’t miss the chance to be a part of this historic event.
To participate in “The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection” auction or to view the catalog, visit the Van Eaton Galleries website, which includes instructions for in-person, absentee, and online bidding. The auction will take place from Monday, July 17, 2023, to Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Auction times vary each day, so be sure to check the website for more information.
Photo credits: Van Eaton Galleries
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New Figment Artist Series Pin Available At Magic Kingdom!
Spark your imagination with this new Figment Artist Series Pin we found at Magic Kingdom for $44.99! This is a limited edition jumbo pin designed by Jess Willis showcasing her love for stained glass and representing our favorite imaginative dragon.
The beautiful pin features Figment with a light bulb on top, some clouds at the bottom and a gorgeous rainbow stained glass on the back! It will definitely make a great addition to your collection and remind you to dream big and let your imagination fly!
The stainless steel tumbler features an allover diamond pattern in white and blue with accented colorful buttons, Tinker Bell in different poses and a press-on pink sipper lid. A great travel tumbler to take your favorite beverage with you anywhere you go!
New Grogu Light Up Ear Headband Available At Magic Kingdom!
How adorable is this Grogu Light Up Ear Headband? We found it at one of the merchandise kiosks in Tomorrowland for $22 and thought it was great to light up your way across the galaxy!
The headband features Grogu clear ears with sketches of Grogu making some frogs float in the air on one ear and Din Djarin’s N-1 starfighter on the other. The rest of the headband is light green just like baby Yoda and features the Star Wars logo in gold.
A fun accessory for any Star Wars fan or to complete your costume this Halloween season!
New Polynesian Resort Ear Headband Spotted At Walt Disney World!
Say aloha to the new Polynesian Resort Ear Headband available now at Walt Disney World for $44.99! It will add a tiki vibe to your outfits and remind you of paradise every time you wear them.
They feature Maui on each ear, a fringe rim around the ears that makes it look like bamboo and hibiscus flowers in the middle for some extra color! On the back, the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is engraved in black ink.
Disney100 The Exhibition Heading to London this Fall
Disney100: The Exhibition—the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created—continues its European tour at London’s ExCeL starting October 13, 2023, in celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary on October 16. In the lead-up to this very special exhibition, fans will be able to join an exclusive waitlist on July 11 to get tickets to the exhibition, which will run until 2024.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to London,” said Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives. “We can’t wait for guests in the U.K. to experience their favorite Disney stories, characters, and attractions in new and immersive ways as we celebrate all the wonderful worlds of Disney.”
The 20,000-square-foot exhibition, only 12 minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line, will provide fans of all generations with the opportunity to immerse themselves and rediscover some of their favorite Disney stories in 10 magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries. With moving stories, historical artifacts, original costumes, and unique interactive installations, visitors can take a mesmerizing, nostalgic, and educational journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.
After previous residencies captivating audiences at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the U.S., and Munich’s Small Olympic Hall, this exhibition will provide fans in the United Kingdom with the opportunity to explore a vast array of artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives alongside many of the “Crown Jewels” from renowned classics including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to contemporary releases such as Encanto (2021), as well as the latest members of the Disney family—Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.
With awe-inspiring memorabilia and never-before-seen works of art, visitors will be taken on a journey as they explore special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions—from Disneyland Paris to Walt Disney World® Resort and beyond.
In the gallery “Where Do the Stories Come From?” visitors can see the actual Dutch language prop storybook from the opening scene of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the carousel horse from Mary Poppins (1964) which Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke rode in his role as the lovable Bert. The stunning crystal glass slipper from Cinderella (2015) will also be on display alongside original artwork from the 1950 animated classic.
In “The Illusion of Life” gallery, the original artwork for the animation of Cruella from One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and the renowned red dress from Cruella (2021) will be showcased, conveying the fully developed personality of the “erratic and eccentric” character. Visitors will also discover more about the creation of Disney heroes, villains, and sidekicks that have inspired and entertained audiences across the globe for 100 years—from the first sketch to the finished animation.
The stories of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel invite you on a journey in “The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery” gallery, where fans can look forward to seeing Iron Man’s helmet from Avengers: Infinity War(2018), among other treasures. Of course, Disney100: The Exhibition also includes a look at Disney’s world-renowned theme parks. In the gallery “Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks,” visitors will feel as if they are standing within a version of Main Street, U.S.A., where they will see an attraction vehicle from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland® Park and a model of the Castle of Magical Dreams for Hong Kong Disneyland® Park shine in the colorful light of fireworks.
During a visit to Disney100: The Exhibition, guests are encouraged to capture cherished moments. With a series of extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities with some of their favorite and beloved Disney characters, fans, families, and kids can unleash their inner superhero as they take a photo with the life-sized Incredibles family from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004), alongside photo opportunities with Mickey, Goofy, and Dopey. Kids can also test their observation skills with a series of “Did you know?” flip-style question-and-answer boards, offering child-friendly fun facts about assets found in each gallery.
It took four years to plan and assemble the artifacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, many of which will be on display for fans and Disney lovers for the first time. The majority of artifacts presented are from the collection of the Walt Disney Archives, with additional items from Marvel Studios, the Pixar Living Archives, the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and the collections of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Open throughout the holiday season and into 2024, families and loved ones can celebrate their love of Disney’s most timeless stories. With a gift shop featuring an array of exclusive and unique merchandise, visitors can purchase gifts to mark their visit and celebrate the holiday season.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on July 18, 2023, starting from £16.50 off-peak for children.
To receive an exclusive preview of ticket dates and learn more about The Walt Disney Company’s 100-year celebration, sign up at: Disney100exhibit.com/london
New Chicken Ham and Cheese Spring Roll at the Magic Kingdom. We may have lost my favorite spring roll from the Spring Roll Cart in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but we gained a spring roll that has no clue what it is or how it wants to taste. Does not mean it is bad, just means it is not great as it could be, had it stuck to one flavor.
Disney has just introduced a chicken, ham and cheese spring roll in the snack cart and it suffers from too many flavors together. When you get the chunks of ham and cheese it reminds you of a delicious hot pocket. Same when you get chicken and cheese, both delicious separately. Combined, when you get all three flavors, there is too much going on.
In the meantime, the Rueben has been removed from the menu. The other choice for spring rolls is the Cheeseburger Spring Roll.
Chicken, Ham, and Cheese Spring Roll with Honey Mustard – Choice of 2 $9.50
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Cast Member Previews, Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Closing in August, First Look at Food and Drinks Food & Wine, Ryan Reynolds Shares Sneak Peek of Deadpool 3, and more.
Canada Far & Wide Staying Open During 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival As the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival approaches, visitors to the Canada Pavilion can rejoice in the knowledge that Canada Far & Wide will remain open. However, the same may not be true for the popular Appleseed Orchard. Uncertainties surrounding the availability of Appleseed Orchard this year have raised questions among festival-goers since Canada Far & Wide is currently not showing any downtime for the festival.
Tomorrowland Boulders Repainting Almost Complete in the Magic Kingdom As guests venture into the futuristic world of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, they may have noticed a recent transformation taking place among the iconic Tomorrowland Boulders. These massive rock formations, which have long been a staple of the Tomorrowland landscape, have been undergoing an extensive repainting process to restore their vibrant and futuristic appearance.
Sneak Peek of TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure from Disneyland Paris Debuting this summer is an all-new musical adventure – a Disneyland Paris original and exclusive production – that will celebrate some of the most beloved Pixar characters on the Studio Theater stage every day at Walt Disney Studios Park from July 15, 2023.
Top 10 Tips to Start Planning your Disney World Vacation Planning a Disney World vacation can be stressful and overwhelming. Disney trips are a big investment and there are so many details! Here are our top 10 tips to start planning your next Disney World vacation.
Ryan Reynolds Shares Sneak Peek of Deadpool 3 Ryan Reynolds, the adored Canadian actor celebrated for his portrayal of the irreverent superhero Deadpool, recently set the internet on fire with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Deadpool 3 costume. Delighting fans worldwide, Reynolds took to social media to share a photo showcasing the iconic red and black suit, hinting at the character’s triumphant return to the silver screen.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s box office numbers continue to dropIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny continued to underperform in its second week. The film opened to 60 million domestically with a 295 million dollar production budget. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was supposed to be a huge moneymaking film for Lucasfilm and Disney as they bid farewell to Indiana Jones in the fifth and final installment.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Cast Member Previews, Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Closing in August, First Look at Food and Drinks Food & Wine, Ryan Reynolds Shares Sneak Peek of Deadpool 3
Toy Story Midway Mania Closing Next Week at Disney California Adventure
A popular attraction in Disney California Adventure will be closed for a month this summer. Toy Story Midway Mania will close next week and reopen on August 18.
Toy Story Midway Mania will be closed for refurbishment from July 17 through August 17. This attraction is more than just a ride. Guests can play games and earn points! It’s fun to try to beat your best score (and the other guests in your group).
Andy’s got some new games—and the toys are taking over. Put on your 3D glasses, take a seat in a swiveling carnival car and twirl through the portal to a wild world of toys.
Grab your Spring-Action Launcher and shoot at moving objects with virtual darts, baseballs, eggs and other toy-jectiles. It’s a fast-paced, spinning trip around Andy’s room, complete with Toy Story friends Hamm, Rex, Trixie, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and more.
Compete with other players for the highest score on all the action-packed games. May the best toy win!
Tips for High Scores Points pile up when you hit your mark. As any good cowpoke knows, hard-to-hit targets are worth more. Hit secret targets to unleash “Easter eggs” worth even more points!
Other Refurbishments at Disneyland Resort
Soarin’ Around the World in Disney California Adventure is currently closed until July 15
Alice in Wonderland in Disneyland is currently closed and will reopen on July 21
Disneyland Monorail is closed now and will reopen August 31
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I would love to help you plan a magical vacation!
