Disneyland Adds New Window on Main Street, U.S.A. for Make-a-Wish
In celebration of World Wish Day Disneyland and Make-A-Wish have partnered up for 3 new Main Street, U.S.A. windows, dedicated to #MakeAWish kids. This is the Disney Parks window dedicated to a nonprofit company.
Disney released the video above featuring Glenn Duncan, a sign painter at the Disneyland Sign Shop. Glenn shows us the behind-the-scenes of how Disney creates the windows on Main Street USA.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 blasts off for one final ride
Who would have imagined a movie franchise featuring a talking raccoon, a living tree, and a group of aliens would capture our hearts and take the Marvel Cinematic Universe by storm. James Gunn did, and he returned to direct one final ride with this lovable cast to say goodbye in Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.
We knew this film would be emotional and have been bracing for months to say goodbye to our beloved heroes. Several cast members and James Gunn stated that this would be their last appearance in the MCU. Recently Zoe Saldana said she was saying goodbye to Gamora, while Dave Bautista publicly stated that he was finished playing Drax. James Gunn will move on to helm the DCEU and is slated to direct and write numerous shows and films for a new pantheon of superheroes.
For those reasons, we steeled ourselves when the film started, expecting one, if not more, of our heroes to be killed. The film takes little time to establish high stakes for our heroic team. A still grieving Starlord and the Guardians are almost immediately set upon by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter.)
Warlock was teased in a post-credit sequence in GOTG Volume 2, whose sole purpose is to hunt down and annihilate the Guardians. After a grueling battle with Warlock, the team must undertake a mission to save one of their own. The perilous mission brings the team face to face with the High Evolutionary, the intergalactic mad scientist who created Rocket Raccoon, played by Chukwudi Iwuji.
James Gunn understands these characters intimately. In a theatrical landscape where superhero films can feel generic and impersonal, Gunn reminds us why we fell in love with this ragtag group almost instantly. Like a symphony conductor, Gunn knows precisely when to feature a different character to stand out from the ensemble. In doing so, Guardians hits all the right emotional notes, investing the audience in the film.
Gunn showcases unique and visually appealing locales making the Galaxy feel fresh and exciting. The organic and dystopian world cultivated by the High Evolutionary offers audiences something we haven’t seen before in the Marvel Universe. Fans expecting an interconnected narrative with the happenings of the Kang Dynasty will be disappointed, as GOTG3 is a sandbox film that investigates the Guardians exclusively.
Gunn accomplishes stunning visuals paired perfectly with a rousing soundtrack to evoke all the right emotions. His signature style is fully displayed again in his final franchise installment, complete with heists and hijinx. The action sequences and battles are a visual delight, and the film is anchored by comedic banter and lighthearted moments.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 ultimately closes the book on this team of superheroes. While the Guardians of the Galaxy may continue sans James Gunn, this iteration of the team is finished, and we felt every bit of that emotional goodbye.
Ultimately GOT3 is an exhilarating joyride down memory lane with a group of endearing characters we have come to love. Guardians 3 is a perfect remix that will have audiences dancing and singing along once more. Chock full of cameos and throwback references, Guardians 3 plays like a greatest hits album that has us falling in love with the band all over again. 4 out of 5 Stars.
The upcoming Disney+ series Agatha Coven of Chaos will feature musical numbers
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always been known for its innovative storytelling. WandaVision, the first live-action Disney+ show based in the MCU, garnered a whopping 23 Emmy nominations, with Katheryn Hahn being nominated for best supporting actress in a limited series for her portrayal of Agatha. Agatha is returning to Disney+ in a whole new way: Marvel’s Agatha Coven of Chaos will evidently be a musical!
Reporting from both IGN Southeast Asia and The Hollywood Reporter point toward Coven of Chaos containing a heavy dose of musical inspiration. The fact the series will be a musical, or at least contain a fair number of musical numbers, makes sense when you couple the casting of three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone with the fact the Wanda Vision song It Was Agatha All Along was a fan-favorite.
Agatha Harkness, the mesmerizing character introduced in the hit Disney+ series “WandaVision,” was portrayed by the talented Kathryn Hahn, who is returning to reprise her role as the lead character in Agatha Coven of Chaos. LuPone notes Hahn is the lead singer when the witches break into song, with LuPone singing backup. LuPone is playing Lilia Calderu, a 450-year-old Sicilian witch and member of Harkness’s coven, in the series.
Agatha Coven of Chaos is slated to premiere on Disney+ in either late 2023 or early 2024. The series was created by Jac Schaeffer who also serves as head writer and lead director.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Director Steven Spielberg Watched Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and LOVED it!
Steven Spielberg recently watched the fifth installment of Indiana Jones at a private event recently and LOVED it! This is the first time that Spielberg was not at the helm to direct Harrison Ford as Indy.
“I just had that experience two nights ago,” Spielberg said at the Time 100 Summit when asked what it’s like watching an “Indiana Jones” movie he didn’t direct.
“Bob Iger had a screening for a lot of the Disney executives, and I came to the screening along with the director James Mangold. Everybody loved the movie. It’s really, really a good ‘Indiana Jones’ film. I’m really proud of what Jim has done with it.”
Spielberg added, “When the lights came up I just turned to the group and said, ‘Damn! I thought I was the only one who knew how to make one of these.”
Spielberg launched the “Indiana Jones” franchise in 1981 with “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which had a story co-created by George Lucas.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is set for a theatrical release on June 30th from Disney after a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month.
Universal Theme Park Revenue Rose 25% in the First Quater of 2023
Yesterday Comcast parent company of Universal Theme Parks released their first-quarter earning for 2023 which ended on March 31st.
“We delivered strong first quarter results as our team executed exceptionally well,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation. “We grew Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, and generated a significant amount of free cash flow. We accomplished all of this while continuing to invest in future growth initiatives.
Also, importantly, we had solid revenue growth in our high-margin connectivity businesses, while increasing our Peacock subscribers by more than 60% year-over-year. Our theme parks set a new record of Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter.
In addition, we returned a healthy amount of capital to our shareholders and maintained an enviable balance sheet. As we look ahead, we have great momentum across the company, including Studios where Super Mario Bros. has smashed global box office records to become one of the most successful movies of 2023.”
Universal Theme Park revenue rose 25% to $1.95 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased 46% to $658 million, the company reported.
The boost in revenue was mostly from the company’s international parks, which had been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions in the prior year.
Universal Orlando in Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood in California where Super Nintendo World just opened continue to do really well, according to executives.
Adjusted EBITDA for Theme Parks increased, reflecting higher revenue, which more than offset higher operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was due to higher costs associated with increased guest attendance.
Super Nintendo World – Coming to Universal Orlando
Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts Mark Woodbury made the announcement during the Super Nintendo World event in Universal Studios Hollywood.
“Soon, we’re going to add another Super Nintendo World to Universal Orlando Resort,” revealed Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodbury. “The worst kept secret in history.” With the first two being in Japan and California, the Orlando location will be the third worldwide.
Marvel Studios Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere from Hollywood
Marvel Studios has released photos & video from the World Premiere of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which took place last night in Hollywood.
Stars Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Debicki, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rosenbaum, Will Poulter, Chukwudi Iwuji, Maria Bakalova, Miriam Shor and Nico Santos joined filmmakers Kevin Feige and James Gunn for a walk down the red carpet, greeting fans along the way. (watch the video below)
In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.
Advance tickets for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” are on sale wherever tickets are sold. The Guardians of the Galaxy’s final ride blasts into U.S. theaters on May 5th.
Disney News Highlights: DeSantis Responds to Disney Lawsuit, Star Wars Around Disney Parks, Corkcicle at Disney Springs, Live-action Ariel Coming to the Parks.
Disney Suing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Walt Disney Parks And Resorts has just filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stating that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company.
Celebrate The Wonder Of Star Wars With These New Disney100 Products! Add an out of this world touch to the Disney100 celebration this May with “The Wonder of Star Wars”! a celebration of everyone’s favorite galaxy far, far, away, so take a look at some of the products that will help you join the celebration:
Celebrate Star Wars at the Disney Parks & Resorts May is almost here and guests will have multiple options to celebrate Star Wars at the Disney parks and resorts! From the parks to Disney Cruise Line, there’s something for all Star Wars fans.
Disney News Highlights
Corkcicle First Retail Location Soft Open at Disney Springs Corkcicle First Retail Location Soft Open at Disney Springs. Back in 2021, Corkcicle became The Official Premium Drinkware of Walt Disney World Resort. Now they are expanding into the storefront market at Disney Springs with its first retail location at Walt Disney World.
Disneyland Resort Announces Star Wars Month Offerings Starting on May 1stStar Wars Month returns to Disneyland Resort from May 1 to June 4, 2023, bringing epic adventures, familiar encounters, exciting flavors and more to Disneyland Park and beyond. Take a look at what you can expect to experience at the Disneyland Resort next month!
6 Ways To Celebrate Disney100 at Disney World! It’s crazy to believe that The Walt Disney Company is turning 100! Many generations have grown up with unforgettable stories and made lifelong memories in many different ways like watching a movie together, going on vacation to a Disney Park, relating to an specific character and many more.
Number of Post Credit Scenes Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Marvel fans have come to expect post-credit scenes as part of their viewing experience, helping signal upcoming stories for the MCU. To date, only one film, Avengers: Endgame, did not have a post-credit scene. Fans expect additional post-credit sequences in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, and James Gunn has confirmed via Instagram that patrons should stick around after the credits roll.
The nighttime spectacular isn’t expected to return until at least May 14. Fantasmic! was initially removed from the schedule through May 25.
When the show does eventually return, it will operate in “B-mode” without the dragon since it was completely destroyed by the fire. Instead, the dragon will be projected on a mist screen.
Will you miss Fantasmic at Disneyland?
Want to experience the other nighttime shows at Disneyland? 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!
New Winnie The Pooh Vera Bradley Collection Available At Disney World!
Best friends, hunny pots and your favorite kind-hearted bear are featured in this Winnie the Pooh Vera Bradley Collection with delightful details perfect for all your adventures across the Hundred Acre Woods and beyond!
Going home for the weekend or out for an overnight gateway? This sweet dufle bag will help you pack it all in style, plus is made from recycled cotton!
Before you head out to take on the day, pack up this scaled down backpack that holds just what you need plus is also made of recycled cotton and features the sweetest embroidery with Winnie the Pooh, Tiger and floral details, so cute.
The iconic tote bag has been scaled down to the size of a handbag for everyday ease! It features a gorgeous blue color and embroidery with Piglet, Pooh and Tiger having a fun time in the garden.
New Mickey And Minnie Picnic Dooney & Bourke Collection Now At Magic Kingdom!
If you are looking for a bag that is both magical and classic, the Mickey and Minnie Picnic Dooney & Bourke Collection have three different styles for you! It’s available at Magic Kingdom, as well as, online on shopDisney.
This crossbody bag is very practical and perfect for everyday wear. It features Mickey and Minnie enjoying dancing along the music from their record player under the watchful gaze of a passing bird.
A very cute option that is timeless like the Mickey and Minnie!
How adorable is this drawstring bag? It features a black and white all over pattern with Mickey and Minnie surrounded by picnic icons inspired in the 1930’s short!
This tote bag will allow you to carry all your essentials! It features a all over print featuring scenes from the 1930 Mickey Mouse short “The Picnic” with Mickey and Minnie as they encounter all the joys and pitfalls of eating outdoors. Definitely a very stylish and spacious bag to own.
You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Open Later and Later. From time to time, a virtual queue—accessible via the My Disney Experience app—may be used for select attractions or experiences. When a virtual queue is in place, you can request to enjoy that attraction or experience later in the day, so you can enjoy other experiences while you wait.
During the past year, we have monitored the virtual queue times for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and they seem to be going longer and longer into the day. We are talking about the 1:00 PM VQ sign-up time.
While the first few months we saw a steady VQ time gone within 10 minutes, there were days it would last until 4 or 5 pm. Obviously, crowded times were the exception and the VQ would be gone in 5 minutes.
There are mitigating circumstances. This week we have seen heavy storms pass through the Disney area, but those storms did not pop up until very late afternoon. So even with the storms, the VQ is staying open later. For example, it is 5 pm EST and both Tron Lightcycle Run and Guardians Virtual Queues are open still.
How Virtual Queues Work for Attractions
Before Your Visit
Make sure you have the My Disney Experience app, with notifications enabled so you receive important updates about the virtual queue—including callback details and daily distribution times.
Get Ready to Join the Virtual Queue!
On the day of your visit, you may have the opportunity to join the virtual queue at daily distribution times, which are subject to change or cancellation as availability allows. Distribution schedules will be available in the My Disney Experience app.
Select one member of your party to access the virtual queue to check for an available boarding group for everyone in your party. If multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may inhibit your ability to join a group.
Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Open Later and Later
Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” Live-Action Film Coming to Disney Parks
Fans of Ariel will get a new opportunity to meet her at the Disney parks soon! Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” live-action movie will meet guests starting in late May.
Life truly is the bubbles at Disney Parks! Beginning in late May, Ariel is trading her fins for human legs and stepping into a world beyond the sea as she appears in the all-new live-action story “The Little Mermaid,” releasing in theaters May 26, 2023. In celebration of the film’s release, Ariel will be venturing out to select Disney Parks where guests will get to meet her this summer.
Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Paris, guests can share an interactive and fun experience with the character Ariel, from the live-action story, as she invites everyone at Walt Disney Studios Park to join a joyful, limited-time celebration in honor of the new movie release. From “Under the Sea” to “Kiss the Girl”, come and join in this unforgettable musical moment!
Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Ariel’s adventures on land take her to Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be able to meet her by visiting Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ariel invites guests to be “part of her world” and for a limited time, see a special sneak peek and props from the film available at Walt Disney Presents Theater. Come be immersed in the live-action “The Little Mermaid” story at Walt Disney World!
Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Park
Heading west to Disneyland Resort, Ariel will venture on land to greet guests along the promenade near “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park. Is life under the sea better than anything they have on land?! Guests will have to come see for themselves at Disneyland!
Starring singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel, the film holds an all-star cast, including Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. Check out Halle’s announcement below!
“The Little Mermaid,” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
If you’d like to head to the parks to meet the new live-action Ariel, 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.
