Author: Vikki

  • Adidas Drops a Baby Yoda Sneaker with New Mandalorian Collection Release

    Adidas Drops a Baby Yoda Sneaker with New Mandalorian Collection Release

    Adidas has released a new line of Star Wars sneakers inspired by Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and it is strong with the force.

    The Mandalorian x adidas Originals collection ranges from $70 to $150 USD and releases on November 4 at the adidas website.

    The collection includes designs based on The Mandalorian’s armor, the Darksaber, and, of course, Baby Yoda. As you’ll see in the images below, several of the designs reference key moments from Season 1.

    NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes

    “Upgrade your armor just like the Mandalorian with these beskar steel Mandalore inspired NMD shoes. Part of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, where iconic adidas silhouettes are transformed into the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments. Designed with silver details and tongue logo, reflecting his durable armor. Inside, see the sockliner show off a special print to celebrate the series.”

    The NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes will be available here at adidas for $140. 

    NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes #2

    “The Mandalore is a creed, a way of life when you decide to put the uniform on. A collaboration with Star Wars and Lucasfilm that brings together a collection from Star Wars: The Mandalorian. These NMD_R1 shoes are based on the galaxy’s most formidable bounty hunter, Mando. The heel tab confirms this is the way of life, with a helmet inspired design and all-over armor print.”

    The NMD_R1 Mando shoes will be available here at adidas for $120.

    ZX 2K Boost Mudhorn Shoes

    “The symbolic creature that paved the way, the Mudhorn proved to be a mighty challenge for the Mandalorian. This ZX 2K Boost takes inspiration from the Child and Mandalorian’s epic battle and a story so true to finding the way. Shades of brown, green and speckled print bring these characters together and symbolize the bond between the clan of the two. Made with a unique sockliner that tributes the iconic scene. Bestow the Mudhorn signet, just like Mando with the tongue logo.”

    ZX 2K Boost Mudhorn Shoes will be available here at adidas for $150. 

    Gazelle Darksaber Shoes

    “From the Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, debuting nine shoes tributed to the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments from the series, see the Gazelle shoes appear as if they are the Darksaber. Making an unexpected return, the Darksaber is a one of a kind black bladed lightsaber. Designed with glowing 3-Stripes that honor the sword. If you know, you know.”

    The Gazelle Darksaber shoes will be available here at adidas for $100. 

    The Child Superstar Shoes

    “From Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, these Superstar shoes join a collection of nine silhouettes dedicated to the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments. Though 50 years old, the cutest bounty in the galaxy brings curiosity and mystery to the galaxy. Now, not all species or shoes age the same. This Superstar celebrates 50 years of it’s iconic design with inspiration from the most adorable 50 year old you’ll ever see and says “The Child, 50th anniversary” in Aurebesh.”

    The Child Superstar shoes will be available here at adidas for $90. 

    Top Ten The Child Shoes

    “As part of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, these Top Ten shoes are transformed into the galaxy’s cutest bounty, the Child. Undoubtedly the most adorable, mysterious and sought after with his new-found force powers. Designed with a suede upper and canvas heel collar, inspired by the Child’s outfit. His picture on the tongue and iconic line “The force is strong with this little one” remind us, just how much of an impact the Child has on everyone that encounters him. Walk a similar path in the Top Ten shoes.”

    Top Ten The Child shoes will be available here at adidas for $90. 

    Top Ten The Child Shoes

    “Feel the force as much as the Child does. The Top Ten shoes are all about the galaxy’s cutest and cheekiest creature. Joining the Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™ Collection, debuting nine shoes celebrating the series greatest characters and moments. See the Child’s little face printed on the tongue logo. These shoes are designed with a colorway inspired by it’s favorite place, his pod. Look inside and see a special sockliner print that gives a nod to the starting point of the duo’s journey.”

    Top Ten The Child shoes will be available here at adidas for $80. 

  • Disney Cruise Line Could Sail Again Soon After CDC Lifts No-Sail Order

    Disney Cruise Line Could Sail Again Soon After CDC Lifts No-Sail Order

    Disney Cruise Line could soon be returning to the high seas and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that it will let the current no-sail order expire at the end of the month and it will be replaced with a “Conditional Sailing Order.”

    The no-sail order expires Saturday. The new conditional order will remain in effect until either Nov. 1, 2021, the expiration of the Department of Health and Human Services’ declaration of a public health emergency or when CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield decides to end it.

    Disney officials announced that all cruises would be canceled through at least Dec. 6 which gives them time as cruise lines will have to prove to the CDC that its COVID-19 protocols are effective before they will be allowed to sail with passengers.

    The new order establishes a framework that will help the industry implement safety measures that will enable it to resume operations in U.S. waters in a phased approach, the CDC said in a statement. Before restarting passenger operations in any commercial form, the companies will face tests from the CDC on how safe their protocols are, the agency said.

    The first phase will include virus testing for all crew members and ensuring operators have safety measures in place for testing locations on ships. Later phases will include simulated voyages to test safety measures and the risk of COVID-19.

    “This framework provides a pathway to resume safe and responsible sailing,” Redfield said in a statement. “It will mitigate the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks on ships and prevent passengers and crew from seeding outbreaks at ports and in the communities where they live.”

    The CDC originally issued a no-sail order for cruise ships in U.S. waters on March 14 after hundreds of coronavirus infections and several Covid-19 deaths were reported onboard ships with outbreaks across the world. The CDC previously said “that cruise ship travel exacerbates the global spread of Covid-19” in justifying the order.

    Port Canaveral recently reported a $18 million loss for this budget year due to halted cruise operations.

  • Disneyland Paris Shuts Down Again as France Enters Second Lockdown

    Disneyland Paris Shuts Down Again as France Enters Second Lockdown

    Disneyland Paris is temporarily closing again as France enters a second nationwide lockdown to curb a surge in coronavirus infections.

    In Europe, health experts have seen a surge in new COVID-19 cases, prompting elected officials to take immediate action. The closure is “in line with the latest direction from the French authorities,” Disneyland Paris said in a statement.

    The park will be closing its gates at the end of the day Thursday and it will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted as you can see in the post below:

    It hopes to open for the holiday season and will be taking reservations from December 19 through January 3 “based on prevailing conditions and government guidance at that time,” it added. The theme park will be shut from January 4 through February 12.

    France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced a new nationwide lockdown on Wednesday that he said will last until December 1 “at minimum.” Non-essential businesses, restaurants and bars will be closed starting Monday as the country battles a surge in coronavirus cases that hospitals warn could cause capacity issues.

    The shutdown will come as a fresh blow to Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products business, which suffered a $6.2 billion decline in revenue in the first half of the calendar year, compared to the same period in 2019. All 12 of its parks in North America, Asia and Europe were closed between March and May.

    While Disney has since reopened theme parks in Shanghai and Florida, Disneyland remains closed in California. The company said last month that it is laying off 28,000 people, or more than a quarter of workers in its parks and resorts business.

    Earlier this month, Disney unveiled a major reorganization of its media and entertainment business, highlighting the company’s focus on growing its streaming service Disney+.

  • Florida Governor Pushing for Cruises to Resume

    Florida Governor Pushing for Cruises to Resume

    Tuesday, at a press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for international travel restrictions to be lifted and cruises to resume and said he’s been in touch with the White House about how to do it.

    The statement from the governor comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s no-sail order is set to expire this weekend, however the CDC has not given any indication as to whether it will extend the order.

    DeSantis acknowledged that it is more high risk than attending other outdoor gatherings, but said he thinks cruising can be done safely.

    “Obviously, that is going to be an environment that is a different level of risk than going to an outdoor football game or some of these other things,” DeSantis said. “It has all kinds of impacts throughout different parts of Florida where the ships leave. Central Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay. And we want to see that resume. So, I’ve worked with the White House on that. I do believe the president is supportive of it.”

    With advances in rapid testing and airline cleaning protocols, DeSantis said relaxing rules about travelers would help Central Florida, particularly entertainment venues that have also stepped up efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.

    DeSantis said he thinks rapid tests could be helpful in getting the cruise industry back into business and said if a cruise line wanted to test everyone on board, they could.

    The governor pointed to the economic value the industry brings to the state as the reason why he has been working to get cruises going again.

    DeSantis said he’s worked with the White House on the issue and believes the president is supportive of it.

    The “no sail” order, initially issued in March, has been extended three times. Currently, no major cruise lines are selling departures for November out of U.S. ports.

  • First Look: Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Coming Soon to Disney Springs

    First Look: Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Coming Soon to Disney Springs

    A new sweet spot is coming to Disney World and today, Disney shared a first look at — Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew — the new specialty food and beverage location opening soon at Disney Springs West Side.

    Disney Springs recently shared a sneak peek at a few of the delicious donuts that will soon be baking at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. These beauties are over-the-top and will only add to the amazing variety of sweet spots you can find on property.

    The overall design of this sweet spot will have a unique spin on a classic donut shop featuring graphic pops of color, iconic signage, and a beautiful outdoor seating area in the “donut garden.” Take a look below at the new renderings released by Disney:

    Before guests enter the venue, they may catch a glimpse of a culinary experience unfolding through the windows of the exposed kitchen where hot and fresh donuts will bake daily.

    “We like to say our little oasis of indulgences is going to be where ‘Happiness is Glazed Daily,’” says Mark Gibson, co-owner of Everglazed. “The menu will be full of sweet surprises and a unique spot for guests wanting a quick treat, cold brew or nitro-infused chilled coffee.”

    Everglazed will specialize in hand-crafted donuts featuring mouthwatering yeast and cake donuts with an assortment of cold brew lattes and coffee cocktails and a few sweet-yet-savory sandwich bites.

    “The humble donut has truly become a global phenomenon. The fried circle of dough is a simple concoction with the ability to showcase chef-inspired flavors and toppings,” says Guy Revelle, co-owner of Everglazed. “We can’t wait to offer guests at Disney Springs our robust menu of sweet delights, but you are officially warned: We spoke to your diet – and it’s taking some time off when we open our doors.”

    Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew will be located adjacent to Splitsville and near the west entrance and exit of the Orange Parking Garage.

  • Walt Disney World Entrance Sign is Getting a Makeover

    Walt Disney World Entrance Sign is Getting a Makeover

    Starting today, the iconic entrance into Walt Disney World Resort is getting a makeover.

    These magical gateways to a Disney vacation are about to get some pixie dust as they begin to adorn them with a new color palette that complements the recent royal makeover of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park.

    When you arrive at Disney world the very first bit of magic you experience is actually driving underneath these grand arches stretching over the roadways that tell you, yes, you’ve finally arrived at The Most Magical Place on Earth. You are here! 

    The rendering above gives you a first glimpse at what the entrances will look like when they’re finished; in addition, you’ll see these colors appear on the Magic Kingdom Park Auto Plaza as we bring a new shimmer to that iconic entryway.

    These refreshed gateways will continue to set the tone for all the stories you’ll tell and the memories you’ll cherish long after your visit. They’re also part of the broad tapestry of new experiences happening across Walt Disney World as part of the resort’s historic transformation that includes expansive themed lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, new attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and new places to stay like Disney’s Riviera Resort.

  • Disney World Announces Extended Holiday Hours

    Disney World Announces Extended Holiday Hours

    Disney World has just announced that it will be offering extended hours for Guests to experience the magic this holiday season at all four of its theme parks.

    Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Disney World has made several adjustments to its normal holiday plans over the past several months. While the park may not be holding its normal Christmas celebrations, it will have extended hours during the Christmas season.

    According to the Disney World website, the Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. from the beginning of December until the week of Christmas. Starting on Sunday, Dec. 20, the Magic Kingdom will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

    These hours will continue until Dec. 30. On New Year’s Eve, the park is still listed as being open only from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

    Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom will also have extended hours. Similarly to the Magic Kingdom, these extended hours appear to end on New Year’s Eve.

    Disney World also has the hours for the first full week of January listed on its website. The Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Epcot from noon until 8 p.m., Hollywood Studios from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Animal Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Downtown Disney Expanding into Disney California Adventure Starting Next Month

    Downtown Disney Expanding into Disney California Adventure Starting Next Month

    Disney announced that the Downtown Disney District will be expanded to include parts of Disney California Adventure park, Disneyland Resort starting next month.

    While the Anaheim theme park itself remains closed, fans will be able to shop and eat at the stores and eateries that line Buena Vista Street, near the park’s entrance,

    Take a look below at what you can discover – be sure to put these places on your shopping and dining list:

    • Holiday shopping? Head to Elias & Co. The store is divided into distinct sections for men, women and children, so you’ll find something special for the entire family! At Julius Katz & Sons, peruse even more holiday merchandise and Disney-themed home décor. At Kingswell Camera Shop offers great gift-giving ideas like frames, photo albums and more. Buena Vista Street stores have a variety of your Disney favorites!
    • If you are looking to tempt your taste buds with a snack, Trolley Treats offers classic candies, old-fashioned confections and all kinds of freshly made treats. Vending carts will offer popcorn, churros, ice cream and other “must-bite” treats.
    • Swing by Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe for the enchanting sights and sounds of Buena Vista Street—and a cup of coffee or scrumptious artisan sandwich.
    • Sit-down dining options include Carthay Circle Lounge, where you can unwind in our expanded outdoor seating area featuring an all-new menu of cocktails and dining. Smokejumpers Grill is serving up tasty American classics for lunch and dinner with a streamlined menu of burgers, fries, onion rings and craft beer, located just around the corner from Buena Vista Street. The primary way to place your order at this dining location is through mobile order on the Disneyland App.*

    Only the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street will be accessible from the Downtown Disney District at this time, as Disney California Adventure park is currently closed.

    Disney reminded guests that they will still need to follow the health and safety measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing requirements, temperature checks and mandated face mask for all visitors over the age of 2.

  • Disney Releases First Trailer for ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

    Disney Releases First Trailer for ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

    Disney has released the first trailer for its action-packed animated film Raya and the Last Dragon and it is action packed.

    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon features Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of Raya, a lone warrior whose mission is to track down the legendary last dragon in a bid to save Kumandra and unite its lands.

    “However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world — it’s going to take trust as well,” the film’s description reads. Take a look at the trailer below:

    Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

    The film is directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, and it was written by Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim. The film will release in theaters on March 12, 2021.

  • Disneyland Not Opening Anytime Soon After California Issues Reopening Guidelines

    Disneyland Not Opening Anytime Soon After California Issues Reopening Guidelines

    California released its long-awaited guidance for how theme parks in the state can safely reopen and it appears Disneyland will likely stay closed for several more weeks.

    California will allow large theme parks to reopen with modifications when the counties where they’re located move into the state’s least-restrictive “yellow” tier, a change that likely puts theme parks at least weeks — and potentially months — away from resuming operations.

    Orange County, where Disneyland is located, is currently in the second, “red” tier of the state’s four-tier reopening system, which represents a “substantial” spread of the virus. Under state guidelines, all theme parks must remain closed under this tier. Disney’s California Adventure theme park will also remain closed because Los Angeles County is also in a “widespread” tier.

    The announcement was made Tuesday by California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, who released the state’s much-anticipated reopening protocols for theme parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines had been expected earlier this month but were delayed.

    When theme parks do welcome back guests, larger locations will have to limit capacity to 25% and must require advance reservations, Ghaly said. Visitors will also have to wear face masks while in the parks, except when eating and drinking.

    Just minutes after California’s Director of Health and Human Services on Tuesday unveiled restrictive new guidelines under which amusement parks in the state could reopen, the industry fired back.

    “We have proven that we can responsibly reopen, with science-based health and safety protocols strictly enforced at our theme park properties around the world,” said Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock. “Nevertheless, the State of California continues to ignore this fact, instead mandating arbitrary guidelines that it knows are unworkable and that hold us to a standard vastly different from other reopened businesses and state-operated facilities.”

    Disney reopened its Florida theme parks in July with safety protocols and health measures that included reduced capacity at its parks and requiring all employees and guests to wear masks.