Author: Nate

Toy Story Mania Closing For A Week To Prep For Toy Story Land
The Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to be closed for an entire week this June in preparation for the opening of Toy Story Land. According to Disney the attraction will be unavailable June 11-18 and is expected to reopen on June 19.

The closure will allow work to progress on the reconfiguration of the main entrance of the attraction. Currently Toy Story Mania’s entrance and exit are located in the park’s Pixar Place area, but after Toy Story Land opens they will both be located in the new land. When it reopens, the entrance will remain in Pixar Place until it permanently moves to Toy Story Land for the grand opening of the new land.

Toy Story Mania will also return to full capacity on May 20 2018, with all three tracks becoming available following queue reconfiguration work. FastPass+ reservations should already be available for rides beginning May 20, if there not already booked up.

When Toy Story Land debuts on June 30, guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

Check out the list below for more stories on the new Pixar experiences coming to Hollywood Studios.
May 10, 2018
Disney Files Permit For Another Magic Kingdom-Area Project

Disney filed another permit on Monday with the South Florida Water Management District seeking to use a 30-acre site south of the theme park for temporarily stockpiling fill. The project which is named in the documents as “Stolport Stockpile” plans to use the area for “temporary stockpiling of earthwork”.

The project is most likely named “Stolport Stockpile” because it sits just east of the old STOLport. The Lake Buena Vista STOLport, or “Short Takeoff and Landing” port was built in 1971 to serve as a private airfield for Walt Disney World guests and employees.

This immediately brought up speculation about if the project might have something to do with a revamp of the airport, but documents included in the filing show it appears to be related to Disney’s “Project 89”. Disney filed permits for “geotechnical work” at the site of Disney’s former River Country water park back in March.

According to those permits, Disney is going to “Conduct geotechnical investigation to assess the suitability of subsurface soils”. In layman’s terms, they will be drilling to evaluate the soil conditions at the River Country site.

No one knows for sure what Disney’s plans for the area are, but many have speculated that a new Magic Kingdom resort could be in the works and it’s likely another DVC resort. At this point Disney hasn’t released any information about what either project is for.

May 10, 2018
Disney Announces More ‘Avengers’ Movies Could Happen And New Marvel Franchises

After the worldwide and record-breaking success of “Avengers: Infinity War,” more “Avengers” movies could still be made Disney announced on Tuesday.

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger discussed the future of the franchise beyond Phase 3 with analysts in a recent earnings call. Iger told analysts that next year’s “Avengers 4” would have a “significant conclusion”, but still hinted at a future for the Avengers Franchise.

“Given the popularity of the characters and given the popularity of the franchise, I don’t think people should conclude that there will never be another ‘Avengers’ movie.” Iger said.

Although next year’s “Avengers 4” is being billed as the end of the journey for many of Marvel Studios’ favorite heroes, it still won’t be the end of the Avengers. “There’s certainly a lot more stories to tell, a lot more characters to populate those stories with,” Iger said.

Bringing together more than 20 Marvel superheroes, “Avengers: Infinity War” set a new box office opening weekend record for North America raking in more than $250 million at the box office. The film also set the record for the fastest film to cross the $1 billion mark and it achieved that milestone in just 11 days.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo shot the as yet untitled follow-up back-to-back with “Infinity War.” There have been no details released on the plot of the film which is due to be released in May 2019.

Iger also teased the MCU future with what he called a “franchise beyond Avengers”, noting that there were some 7,000 characters in the Marvel universe that could be explored in film.

All this came after Disney announced quarterly profits that were above Wall Street expectations in large part because of the success of Marvel’s “Black Panther”. Disney has two other Marvel movies already set to be released within the next year – “Ant-Man and the Wasp” in July, and “Captain Marvel” in March 2019.

May 9, 2018
Space-Themed Restaurant Planned For Epcot Now Has A Landing Spot

Last summer, Disney announced that a one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth. Today they announced that this new restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.

Once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

But Epcot guests don’t have to wait until the restaurant opens to enjoy a thrilling adventure in space. Last summer, the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction launched new experiences: the enhanced Orange Mission offers a truly intense experience that lets guests feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars; while the all-new, family-friendly Green Mission takes guests on an exciting orbit around Earth.

And this summer – starting June 9 – Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” as a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer” offerings. Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, five times a day from June 9 through August 19.

May 9, 2018
Disney Springs Is The Perfect Spot For Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is less than a week away! Whether you want to treat your mom to a memorable experience that you can enjoy together or a keepsake item that will show her how much you care all year long, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for at Disney Springs.

Below are a few of-the-moment offerings she’s sure to treasure:

Brunch with Her Brood: If you’re a mom who’d rather not spend her Mother’s Day in the kitchen, a meal where she’s the pampered patron is always a good idea! While there are many awesome options, the newest brunch option from Maria & Enzo’s where endless mimosas and bellinis are just $15 extra.

Something that Sparkles and Shines:
- Pretty Pieces from PANDORA Jewelry: PANDORA Jewelry is currently offering some incredible Mother’s Day promotions. From stand-alone charms to pre-packaged gift sets, there seemed to be something to suit every mom at a variety of price points.
- A Little Love from Alex and Ani: Another guest favorite with so many jewelry options to choose from. Necklaces, rings, and of course, bangle bracelets are available in an array of styles.
- A Tiny Treasure from Rebecca Hook Jewelry: Representatives from this popular brand will be at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories on May 11 and 12, 2018 to showcase core jewelry and additional items available for a limited-time, while supplies last. Rebecca Hook herself will appear on May 11, giving you a chance to meet the designer; if you’re stuck, perhaps she can help you decide which piece is best for your mom?
- Hands-on Macramé with Mom: Sugarboo & Co. Here, you’ll enjoy the art of macramé, complete with extra time for shopping and coffee. The class is $60 for two guests; $35 for each additional person.
- Something Sweet: With a floral motif in punchy pastels, the perfectly packaged chocolates from Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop are almost too pretty to unwrap.
With less than a week before Mother’s Day, you’ve still got time to pick up the perfect something. Of course, if you really have no idea what she’ll love most, a Disney gift card lets your mom treat herself to whatever she desires at Disney Springs.
May 9, 2018
Exclusive Pixar Fest Merchandise at the Disneyland Resort

Now through September 3, the first-ever Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort celebrates the heartwarming stories and characters of Pixar films. Guests of all ages can get into the spirit with fun Pixar Fest merchandise—from apparel and accessories, to home goods and souvenirs. Here’s a roundup of the new merch!

On the apparel front, pullover sweaters, t-shirts and baseball caps feature colorful Pixar Fest character designs. Items are available in men’s, women’s and youth sizes, so you can easily match with your friends and family.

Guests can embody their favorite Pixar characters with special themed headwear. From Woody, Space Alien, WALL•E, EVE and Lightning McQueen ears to Buzz Lightyear glow headbands, and hair bows inspired by Dory, Jessie, and Mike and Sulley, it might be difficult to just choose one character!

Best friends visiting the Disneyland Resort can commemorate their visit with Pixar-themed friendship charm bracelets. With nine sets of Pixar pal charms, friends can choose their favorites or collect them all.

Continue the celebration of friendship and beyond with special drinkware that adds a little Pixar flair to your beverages. “Ooh” and “ahh” with a Light Up Tumbler, which features an illuminated claw reaching down toward our little friend. For tea and coffee lovers, pick up a mug adorned with Pixar pals.

Send a message to a friend with a special Pixar Fest greeting card. The note cards feature Pixar pals Lightning McQueen and Mater, Dug and Russell, Remy and Linguini, and Sulley and Boo on the front cover, with space to write a personalized message for your friend inside.

Take home the fun with a puzzle magnet featuring Pixar Fest character artwork—iconic Pixar characters will come to life on your refrigerator!

You can even bring the Pixar spirit into your holiday celebrations later this year. Two-sided, Pixar Fest ceramic disk ornaments showcase Pixar friends Mike and Sulley, WALL•E and EVE, Miguel and Dante, and Joy and Anger, with one pal on each side.

These Pixar Fest items are available throughout the resort for a limited time, including Emporium in Disneyland park, Knick’s Knacks in Disney California Adventure park, World of Disney in Downtown Disney District.

May 8, 2018
Celebrate National Share A Coke Day Today At Disney Parks

Today is National Share a Coke Day, and what better way to celebrate than with these new 20oz “Share a Coke” Disney bottles! At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, you will soon find brand new bottles featuring three iconic Disney attractions.

You’ll be able to share a Coke at Haunted Mansion, a Diet Coke in Tomorrowland, and a Coke Zero Sugar at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.

They’re all picture perfect, and can be found at many of the outdoor vending and merchandise locations throughout the parks, in addition to a variety of Coca-Cola fountain beverages available at all of our restaurants and quick-service locations.

So grab a friend and share a Disney experience together with these fun – and refreshing! – new “Share a Coke” bottles.

May 8, 2018
First Ever Donald Duck Annual Passholder Magnet Coming Soon To Disney World

Annual Passholders love their Annual Passholder magnets and guests are going to be really excited about the first ever magnet to feature Donald Duck.

Annual Passholders will be able to pick up their complimentary magnet at Hollywood Studios starting May 18th and will be offered though June 29th.

This is the first time Donald Duck has appeared on the AP magnet. Back in April Disney introduced the first ever Minnie Mouse AP magnet at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Typically Mickey Mouse has been on the Annual Passholder magnet for the past few years. Prior to that the magnet used to be a simple black and white magnet with plain text that said AP with a little Mickey head in the middle.

We love the new magnets and the fact that they keep adding new characters. One more thing to collect!

As always, with a sure to be popular item like this, get yours while supplies last.

May 5, 2018
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Is Fastest Ever To $1 Billion at Global Box Office

“Avengers: Infinity War” marks yet another milestone this weekend crossing $1 billion worldwide at the box office in just 11 days, becoming the fastest film to reach that mark. The global gross through Friday is $974.5 million.

“Infinity War” will take in around $122 million domestically this weekend which will push it over the $1 billion mark when you include international totals. Marvel’s Black panther also recently hit that milestone and making this Marvel’s sixth films to hit $1 billion, and the 17th Disney production to cross that threshold as well.

Last weekend Marvel’s newest superhero flick raked in an estimated total of $258.2 million at the US box office over the weekend, blasting past “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” by almost $11 million, with the snap of a finger, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend of all time.

The film stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman, and Zoe Saldana just to name a few. They reunite two years after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” for “Infinity War,” which also stars Josh Brolin as Thanos, the intergalactic force bent on destruction. Joe and Anthony Russo directed the film which was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

May 5, 2018
Concrete Foundation For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Roller Coaster At Epcot Has Been Poured

Earlier this year Disney announced a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-Themed Roller Coaster coming to Future World at Epcot and earlier this week, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete was poured to create the foundation of what will soon take shape as Epcot’s mammoth attraction.

It’s now on track to become one of the world’s longest enclosed coasters, and to house it, a new facility is being built adjacent to the existing Universe of Energy building.

Inspired by the films, the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World, with an epic storyline being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with the original filmmakers.

Take a look at the construction progress below in this awesome time-lapse video from Disney Parks.!

While the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction is currently set to debut at Epcot just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, guests don’t have to wait too long to get a “Guardians” fix at Epcot. As a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer,” Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.

Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” five times a day from June 9 through August 19.

May 4, 2018