Author: Nate

World’s Biggest Mouse Party Brings New Experiences Disneyland Paris

Disney Parks around the world are gearing up to celebrate 90 years of Mickey magic at the World’s Biggest Mouse Party, kicking off later this year and continuing into 2019. Disneyland Paris recently announced a lineup of new experiences set to launch during their festive 90-day celebration, beginning in October.

On October 1, “Mickey and his PhilharMagique Orchestra” will make its big debut at Disneyland Paris. This 3D experience will take guests on a musical adventure through classic Disney animated films at Discoveryland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

This Halloween season, he will appear in a brand-new float in the Halloween cavalcade from October 1 through November 4. He will also reveal his mischievous side at “Mickey’s Illusion Manor,” performing Halloween tricks from the steps of his house. The celebration continues into the holiday season, November 10 through January 6, 2019, when Mickey Mouse plays drums in “Mickey’s Christmas Big Band” in Walt Disney Studios Park.

We’ll keep you updated as the World’s Biggest Mouse Party continues to take shape at Disney Parks, with special festivities coming to each resort around the world. And you won’t want to miss Mickey’s birthday on November 18, when they celebrate with commemorative merchandise, treats, photo locations and more!

May 25, 2018
The Four Neighborhoods of Pixar Pier Opening This Summer at California Adventure Park

When Pixar Pier opens this summer in Disney California Adventure park, guests will find four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories. Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect!

Incredibles Park – Inspired by “The Incredibles,” Incredibles Park will be an inviting plaza featuring mid-century modern design aesthetics. Guests will enter through an archway where the iconic Incredibles logo will be seen overhead. Once inside, the new Incredicoaster will take you on a thrilling race alongside the Parr family. A combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects will bring all the action to life! Upon exiting the attraction, the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums stand will tempt guests with freshly-baked treats.

Toy Story Boardwalk – Adjacent to Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk will be themed to “Toy Story.” Guests will be shrunk down to the size of a toy on the fan-favorite Toy Story Midway Mania! Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel (opening in 2019). At Poultry Palace, big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy a fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry.” There will even be a fun-sized Zurg—perfect for photo ops! You can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this classic treat. ¡Delicioso!

Pixar Promenade – This charming seaside promenade inspired by classic turn-of-the-century California boardwalks will celebrate the heartwarming stories and beloved characters from all of Pixar’s films. The focal point of Pixar Promenade will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round. This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. But now, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals!

Pixar Promenade will also feature the Games of the Boardwalk, offering guests a chance to test their skills and win a prize. The four colorful game booths will include Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Also featured along the promenade will be a classic band-shell stage, ideal for musical entertainment acts and encounters with your favorite Pixar characters. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will feature delightful confections, including saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. For some savory bites, head over to Angry Dogs, where the dogs heat up as Anger from “Inside Out” burns with rage!

Inside Out Headquarters – Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful area inspired by “Inside Out” will be known as Inside Out Headquarters. This playground for the emotions will feature a whimsical family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

May 24, 2018
OFFICIAL: Talking Mickey Meet and Greet Now Gone From Magic Kingdom

As we reported back in January, there have been rumors of the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet getting the hook at Disney World. Well those rumors proved true last week and the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has now gotten the silent treatment permanently.

Back in 2013 guests were amazed when Magician Mickey Mouse started interacting and talking with them. Looking dapper in his magician suit, Mickey could carry on conversations, blink, say cheese for the camera, and even perform magic tricks with guests.

Reports are that the closure is due to multiple issues, including technical difficulties, cost and general confusion from guests since other Mickey characters in the park do not talk.

For the curious guests that may ask why Mickey isn’t talking anymore, cast members have a cute little response prepared stating that Mickey no longer talks is because he needs to rest his voice for all of his show appearances that he makes around Walt Disney World.

Mickey will continue to meet guests at this location, but from now on he will no longer communicate with guests in the same way.

May 23, 2018
The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

From the moment Michael Eisner became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 1984, plans for expansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World were on the forefront of his mind and in 1991 Eisner’s original plans for the expansion of the Disney empire in Anaheim included a version of Orlando’s EPCOT called WestCOT.

In 1991, Disney announced plans to build WestCOT on the site of Disneyland’s parking lot. It was themed around a Utopian vision of the future, similar to EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World, and would be the first Disney theme park to contain hotels within the park.

WestCOT was a planned second theme park for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It was essentially a replica of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and was dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture. The park was represented by SpaceStation Earth, a larger version of the geodesic sphere Spaceship Earth featured at EPCOT Center.

The project would have been made up of two parts: Future World and a kind of World Showcase area. Future would still be a place for guests to get hands on with science, but the World Showcase would be a little different. Instead of being divided into individual countries, the area would be split into different regions like the The Americas, Europe, Asia and others. Rides included a James Bond-esque chase on a train, a trip through an Egyptian palace and a Native American Spirit Lodge.

In the 1990s, The Walt Disney Company decided to expand the original Disneyland Park into a multi-park, multi-resort business model with WestCOT intended to be the centerpiece. A ton of fanfare came with the new projects announcement and the mere thought of it had Disneyland fans waiting with bated breath, but the project had more than a few hurdles.

The biggest challenge was the budget. WestCOT project was projected to cost an estimated $3.1 billion which was a lot back then, even for Disney. The company wasn’t able to find any funding from outside sources and the price tag was a large part of the decision not to move forward with the project.

The project was scrapped in 1995, but Disney would still be moving forward with plans for a second theme park in Anaheim, however; and after a three-day summit in Colorado the plans for what would truly come next were born. The planned site for WestCOT would later house what would become the resort’s second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001.

May 22, 2018
Mobile Order Service Coming to 15 Disneyland Resort Locations

As we reported back in april, the new mobile order service will be available soon to Disneyland Resort guests and we now know the 15 locations you’ll be able to use this convenient, new feature.

Mobile Order will be available at six Disneyland park locations – Bengal Barbecue, Galactic Grill, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Red Rose Taverne – and nine Disney California Adventure park locations – Award Wieners, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Corn Dog Castle, Flo’s V8 Café, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Pacific Wharf Café, Paradise Garden Grill and Smokejumpers Grill. Order customization will be available directly on the app, including allergy-friendly offerings at select locations.

Mobile ordering is just one more option for guests to further customize their Disney vacations, allowing them to conveniently place orders at select fast casual and quick-service restaurant locations using the Disneyland App from anywhere across the resort.

Using the new mobile ordering service, guests will be able to easily search for a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose items from the menu and place their order. As an added convenience, Annual Passholders will be able to apply their discount to meal purchases using the app. Guests notify the restaurant of their arrival on the app and within minutes, an app notification indicates the meal is ready to pick up at a designated window – without ever waiting in line to order and pay.

To use this service, guests can easily download the Disneyland App and follow the prompts to register for an account. Take a look at the video below for more on how the mobile ordering feature works!

This new service is just one more way we’re enhancing the guest experience. Mobile ordering and the recent launch of Disney MaxPass provide convenient options that maximize each visit to the Disneyland Resort with family and friends.

May 22, 2018
Romantic Royal Vacations with Adventures by Disney

Thanks to the royal baby and the royal wedding, everyone has royalty on the mind! For those of us who weren’t lucky enough to snag a proposal from a prince, experiencing the splendor and romance of England’s first family is as easy as taking a trip across the pond on the Adventure by Disney England and France vacation.

The trip starts at Westminster Abbey, the beautiful cathedral that has been the site of countless coronations and royal weddings – including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. And, what is a monarchy without their Crown Jewels? The crown’s finest royal artifacts will steal the show during a special, private tour of the Tower of London!

Visit Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite weekend getaway. Home to British royalty since the 11th century, the castle features grand buildings and stunning grounds. The chapel on castle grounds is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will say “I do.”

With Adventures by Disney you’ll also savor afternoon tea at Guildhall, the historic venue of glittering banquets with heads of state, dignitaries and the royal family since the 12th century. Fun fact: Guildhall was the backdrop for the wedding of Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.

England is just the beginning of this romantic royal adventure. Next you’ll travel to France, home to the historic, glitzy and glamorous Palace of Versailles and Paris, arguably the most romantic city in the world. With Adventures by Disney you’ll feel like kings and queens as you see it all!

These are just a few of the regal activities included in the England and France vacation. If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

May 21, 2018
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Returns September 7
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning for even more days of wicked fun! Beginning September 7 through October 31, a spell will be cast at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, transforming the Disneyland Resort into a frenzy of happy haunts.

This limited-time seasonal celebration will include special attraction overlays, themed décor, seasonal treats and merchandise, plus spooky encounters with favorite characters.

Oogie Boogie will once again take over Disney California Adventure park with stylish Halloween decor along Buena Vista Street and a swarm of bats encircling Carthay Circle Theatre. Cars Land will celebrate Haul-O-Ween as Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams! For the occasion, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will transform into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree while Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters changes into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. In Hollywood Land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Over at Disneyland park, the Pumpkin Festival will greet guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A. Fan-favorite attractions will also return, including the eerily delightful Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.

Additionally, the highly anticipated Mickey’s Halloween Party will host 15 nights of fun. This separate-ticket, after hours event gives you the chance to make your Halloween Time experience even more fun with some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire and trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland park!

Be sure to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets* early and mark your calendars for the dates below.
- June 5: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
- June 12: Tickets on sale to general public
- Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 dates: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 5, Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Oct. 16, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Oct. 31
For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, contact me anytime. If you need any help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
May 18, 2018
Disney Cruise Line Debuts 2019 Fall Lineup of Itineraries and Home Ports
Disney Cruise Line has announced an exciting lineup of vacations for fall 2019, including returns to captivating destinations like Bermuda, Bahamas, Baja, Canada and the Caribbean on a variety of itineraries from home ports in New York, California, Texas and Florida.

With cruises ranging from two-night getaways to weeklong vacations and beyond, this season of sailings offers countless opportunities for families to delight in Disney magic, explore exotic locales and make lifelong memories together.

Read on to discover all the ways your family can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in fall 2019.

Sailings to Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada from New York
The Disney Magic will return to New York in September 2019 for an exclusive selection of departures to a diverse collection of destinations, including luxurious Bermuda, sun-kissed Bahamas and historic New Brunswick, Canada.

Three special five-night cruises feature two days in Bermuda, allowing extra time for guests to indulge in the island nation’s famous pink-sand beaches, world-class shopping, abundant water activities and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture.

A single five-night cruise to Canada will transport guests from New York to charming Saint John, New Brunswick with a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine. Saint John is the home of majestic natural phenomena like the renowned Reversing Falls and the world’s highest tides, located where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy.

And during two seven-night sailings from New York to the Bahamas, cruisers will be treated to a double-dose of pixie dust. We are pairing a stop at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay, with a magical day at Port Canaveral, Florida… where every guest receives a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation to the theme parks in nearby Orlando!

Baja and Mexican Riviera Voyages from California
Also in September 2019, the Disney Wonder will set sail for a limited engagement in San Diego, where guests can embark on adventures to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Baja itineraries highlight the region’s famous beaches and exciting water activities with calls on Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. Two exclusive seven-night Mexican Riviera sailings feature the snorkeling and scuba diving hot spots Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Disney Cruise Line guests can add even more magic to these vacations by combining select San Diego-based cruises with a pre-cruise package from Adventures by Disney. During this three-night itinerary, guests will embark on a rare behind-the-magic visit to The Walt Disney Studios and Disney Archives, a private tour of Walt Disney Imagineering and a visit to the place where it all began — the Disneyland Resort!

Vacations to Bahamas and Caribbean from Texas
Beginning late November 2019, the Disney Wonder will make Galveston its home port for a special series of sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with itinerary options at four, six and seven nights.

Caribbean cruises include stops in Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Falmouth, Jamaica. Bahamian itineraries feature stops in Castaway Cay and Key West, Florida. Two of the Bahamian sailings also take guests to Nassau, Bahamas, while another includes an exclusive second day on Castaway Cay.

Tropical Escapes from Florida
The Disney Magic will return to Miami in November 2019 with a diverse lineup of cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, with most itineraries featuring a day ashore at Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing guest-favorite itineraries out of Port Canaveral, and every sailing includes a stop at Castaway Cay. The Disney Dream sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises, while the Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

The Disney Fantasy will also sail a selection of special itineraries in fall 2019:
- In October, an eight-night voyage transports guests south to St. Kitts, Antigua and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A six-night Western Caribbean itinerary in October includes calls on Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. Both itineraries are capped off with a day at Castaway Cay.
- In December, two unique seven-night itineraries on the Disney Fantasy include one cruise to San Juan, Tortola and Castaway Cay, and another voyage featuring two days on Disney’s private island after visits to Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
Disney Vacation Club Charter Cruises for 2019
Today, Disney Vacation Club announced the dates for two special members-only Disney Cruise Line charter cruises: a five-night Pacific Coast sailing aboard the Disney Wonder on May 15 and a seven-night cruise to Bermuda aboard the Disney Magic on October 5. Bookings for both cruises open to Disney Vacation Club members on June 23, 2018.

Which cruise will you choose? Bookings for fall 2019 sailings open May 24, 2018. If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
May 18, 2018
“Willow” Sequel Talks Confirmed By Director Ron Howard

Ron Howard will be leaving his mark on a galaxy far far away when “Solo: A Star Wars Story” hits theaters next week, but Howard has worked with Lucasfilm before. Back in 1988, Howard directed the epic fantasy film “Willow” and now he has confirmed that there have actually been discussions on making a sequel to the cult classic.

Nearly three decades to the day later, Howard is talking about the possibility of a sequel and what direction the potential film might go in. Howard reveals that the story for the sequel would focus on the character Elora Danan, the infant that Willow comes across in the original film.

“I don’t want to give away too much, but there is a little talk of Willow. We wouldn’t call it Willow 2, I think it would focus a lot on Elora Danan, although Willow would have to be significantly involved.” Howard told ComicBook.com in a recent interview.

George Lucas produced the film which starred Val Kilmer as the mercenary Madmartigan and Warwick Davis as Willow. Davis played the eponymous lead character and hero: a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world.

In the interview Howard also said that experience informed a lot of his decisions while working on the Han Solo spinoff movie.

“I thought about that movie a lot as I was working on Solo because there are certain scenes, especially around some of the Madmartigan stuff, was reminiscent of a character with that kind of swagger and bravado. And also some of the humor around some of the action in Willow was something I inspired to get into Solo.”

Of course there is no word yet on if these talks will actually lead to film development, but for fans of the film its great news. Howard has teased a Willow sequel in the past, but with the slew of remakes and reboots that Hollywood is seeing it seems like the timing couldn’t be better. The film was anything but a flop as it raked more than $57 million at the box office domestically. It’s a classic 80’s movie and if you haven’t seen it then you should check it out.

For now while we ponder if this fantasy will become a reality, fans can see Howard’s latest film Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters on May 25th.

May 17, 2018
Obi-Wan Star Wars Spin Off Has a Synopsis and Set To Begin Production

It’s been five years since Lucasfilm officially announced that “new spinoff films that will expand the mythos and depths of the Star Wars universe in previously unexplored ways.” Now with the release of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” only a week away, it seems like a great time for some production news about the next movie in the ‘Star Wars Story’ franchise to make its way to the internet.

Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger positively announced that a third standalone Star Wars film would roll out in 2020. In a newly released production bulletin making its rounds on the internet, Disney’s next spin-off series appears to be called “Obi-Wan: A Star Wars Story,” with a working title of “Joshua Tree.”

The Obi-Wan Movie will not be an origin story though. The synopsis reads as follows: “Obi-Wan is on Tatooine being an elusive hermit and stuff, but secretly watches over an infant Luke Skywalker, whom he delivered to his uncle, Owen. Tensions between the local farmers and a tribe of Sand People — headed by a ruthless war chief — eventually brings Obi outta hiding … and into Jedi kickass mode. Scene.” according to the bulletin.

Stephen Daldry is listed as the director which confirms his involvement which has been rumored from the beginning. Production is set to begin next spring and the movie is shooting in London’s Pinewood Studios, recently used for ‘The Last Jedi.’

May 17, 2018