Author: Nate

Toy Story Mania FastPasses Will Not Be Available for a Month Starting April 9

As we reported back in january, the third track of Toy Story Mania was closed to accommodate the ride’s new entrance into the new land. This caused increased wait times and now Stand-by lines are about to get a little longer as the attraction will stop offering fastpasses for a brief time.

As the park makes final preparations for the grand opening of Toy Story Land, guests will not be able to book FastPass+ for the attraction from April 9th through May 7th. Guests will be able to use the stand-by que during this time.

So if you want to get on the ride you may want to be first in line. Disney has announced the highly-anticipated toy-filled land inspired by the beloved “Toy Story” films, will open to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 30, 2018.

March 30, 2018
8 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Star Wars: Galactic Nights
Star Wars: Galactic Nights, the one-night special event, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Here’s what you’ll find this year:
- The event-exclusive projection show, Star Wars: Galactic Destinations, will debut a new, surprise planet. Keep your eyes open!
- New talent from the Star Wars galaxy will make a special appearance during the event.
- Guests can meet an array of legendary Star Wars characters, many who are available only during Star Wars: Galactic Nights, including Rey, Captain Phasma, the 7th Sister, AWR Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and even EWOKS.
- Fan-made Droids! Droid Builders, the international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots from the Star Wars galaxy returns with new droids to surprise guests.
- The Seize the Saga Scavenger hunt returns with a new immersive photo location. Guests who collect all the clues will be rewarded with exclusive artwork that will enhance their event credentials.
- An exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Nights poster will be given to every guest.
- Limited-edition, event-exclusive merchandise will be available featuring art from the upcoming movie Solo: A Star Wars Story.
- Guests can savor their way through the galaxy with new menu offerings available only during this event. Tasty new items include loaded red curry duck fries inspired by the Battle of Crait and dueling gazpacho inspired by the famous lightsaber duel between Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Sith Lord Darth Maul.
Park access and all activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders.

Tickets are now available at all Walt Disney World ticket locations and are priced at $129 for adults and $124 for children ages 3-9
March 30, 2018
New Four Diamond Luxury Hotel Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2021

Construction is set to begin soon on the upcoming New Four Diamond luxury hotel at Disneyland Resort! It will be the first new resort in almost two decades and will transform the west end of the Downtown Disney District and anchor a new gateway to the Disneyland Resort.

The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park.

Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. In addition, an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland park fireworks.

The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for our Disneyland Resort guests.

And that’s not all. This new hotel creates great benefits for the community, generating approximately $25 million in new taxes in its first five years of operation that go directly to Anaheim’s general fund. It also will create thousands of additional construction and permanent jobs and attract new hotel guests to the resort area.

Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2018, with a grand opening slated for 2021.

March 30, 2018
Pulse Nightclub Shooter Originally Planned To Attack Disney World

According to prosecutors Omar Mateen, the Pulse nightclub gunman, was originally targeting the Disney Springs entertainment center at Walt Disney World in Orlando, but he later decided to attack the Pulse nightclub.

You can get a full look at him scouting and making preparations in the video below:

Jurors deliberated all day Thursday and still no verdict on day two of deliberations. Jurors began deciding Wednesday whether the widow of the Orlando nightclub shooter lied to the FBI and helped her husband in the attack that killed 49 people or was an abused wife who knew nothing of his plans.

Noor Salman is charged with obstruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization. She faces up to life in prison if convicted of all charges.

She lied to the FBI about the number of guns her husband had and his internet use, which included watching beheadings and visiting Islamic State group websites and she knew he was buying ammunition for his AR-15 in preparation for a jihadi attack.

“She does not have to be his equal in the attack, and in fact she is not,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney said.

Salman was born in California to Palestinian parents was described by defense attorneys as a simple woman with a low IQ. Her husband cheated on her with other women and concealed much of his life from her and he abused her, they said.

Attorney Charles Swift said there was no way Salman knew that Mateen would attack the Pulse nightclub because even he didn’t know he would attack the nightclub until after he went to the Disney Springs complex.

“It’s a horrible, random, senseless killing by a monster,” Swift said. “But it wasn’t preplanned. The importance to this case is that if he didn’t know, she couldn’t know.”

Salman’s confession was coerced and she signed it because she was tired and scared of losing her son, he said.

The statement said in part that “the last two years, Omar talked to me about jihad.” Swift said Salman was not capable of such a discussion because she wasn’t an extremist.

*UPDATE*
After three days of deliberation, Noor Salman, the wife of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, was declared not guilty on all counts Friday morning.

March 30, 2018
RUMOR: Meryl Streep Considered To Replace Carrie Fisher As Leia In Episode IX

After the passing of Carrie Fisher, Star Wars fans were left wondering what would happen to her titular role as Princess Leia and since that time rumors about the possibilities have been swirling around the internet like Midi-chlorians swirl around the galaxy far far away. With the production of Episode IX expected to begin in July, the internet is kicking up rumors again and the word is that Meryl Streep is being considered to replace Carrie Fisher as Leia.

According to Fansided, there are several options being considered on how to handle the loss of the actress and still try to keep her character alive in the Star Wars universe, and the one gaining the most stem is that Meryl Streep is seriously being considered to take over the role.

Fans were devastated after the death of the beloved Star Wars princess. Fortunately all of her scenes in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” had already been completed before she died, but this still left fans and filmmakers wondering what to do next.

There is always the option of adding her in with CGI much like they did in “Rogue One”, but this option doesn’t seem befitting to the actress or the character and Lucasfilm said in a statement, “We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.”

A few other options have floated around. Some have suggested a large time jump between “The Last Jedi” and Episode IX and explaining her death in the opening crawl of the film. Others propose ending her story in a Star Wars canon novel or killing Leia on-screen without actually showing her close enough to tell it’s not her.

Truthfully there is no right answer as we all know that Carrie Fisher is irreplaceable, but if the rumors prove true, Meryl Streep could be the next best choice as the two became close friends on the set of “Postcard From The Edge”. The screenplay, by Carrie Fisher, is based on her 1987 semi-autobiographical novel of the same title about her growing as the daughter of the famous actress Debbie Reynolds. Meryl Streep actually played the role of Suzanne Vale who was based on the real-life Fisher.

“Star Wars: Episode IX” is expected in theaters on December 20, 2019, but like all rumors we will just have to wait and see. What we know for now is that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy wanted a prominent role for Leia in Episode IX and with Fisher and Streep’s close friendship and history there probably isn’t a better choice out there if they were going to go the route of replacing her.

Would you want to see Leia’s role recast and do you think Streep is the right person for the job? Let us know what you think in the comments.

March 29, 2018
PHOTOS: Disney Skyliner Construction Update

After our most recent trip to Walt Disney World we’re back with some updates on the progress of construction for Disney’s new gondola system. We were able to get a good look at the mechanical and aerial components that will make up the Disney Skyliner entrance area at the Hollywood Studios.

Just past the bus loop, within viewing distance of Tower of Terror, you can see the Dream Builders are hard at work.

One of the poles that will hold up the new transportation system has already been put into place.

And right next it on the ground you can see the actual parts that will attach the gondola to the cables.

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions.

When it’s finished, the transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

There is no official date, but the Disney Skyliner project is expected to be completed by 2019.

March 29, 2018
New Must Have Millennial Pink Ears and Spirit Jersey Arriving at Disney Parks

Millennial Pink is the new Black and now you can sport the trendy shade with a variety of stylish new merchandise from Disney Parks; including Millennial Pink Ears and Spirit Jersey this April and the already released MagicBand.

A millennial pink headband will first debut exclusively at World of Disney in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort this Sunday.

Additional locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts will carry the sequined headband starting in mid-April.

“We experiment with popular color trends when designing merchandise for Disney Parks,” explained Jeanne Lewis from the headwear development team. “With its soft, blush hue, millennial pink is one of the hottest colors in the market, making the new headband an on-trend, must-have item for springtime visits.”

The colors popularity is rivaled only by the rose gold trend, which Jeanne was also the driving force behind. The wildly popular rose gold headband introduced last fall, which inspired apparel, jewelry and even tasty treats created especially for Disney Parks. The new sequin-filled headband gives a nod to the rose gold-dusted original, while setting the stage for additional color-trend headbands arriving later this year.

In mid-April, the headband will be joined by another beloved apparel item at Disney Parks, a new millennial pink Spirit Jersey.

“We know Guests enjoy creating fashionable looks using products designed to complement each other. We closely aligned the launch of [Spirit Jerseys] with the headband so Guests could make fun outfits for spring,” said women’s apparel merchandiser Angelique Vu.

These 100% cotton, pullover tops have theme park logos printed on the front. Pink glitter puff ink lettering of the respective Disney Resort destination is emblazoned across the back of these long sleeve shirts.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort have one additional millennial pink accessory to complete any outfit—a retail MagicBand 2 currently available in select merchandise locations.

With the innovation of MagicBand 2, guests can use this MagicBand and others to unlock the magic of a Disney vacation—from skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room, effortless theme-park entry, to FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association.

While the retail MagicBand is currently available online, look for the millennial pink headband and Spirit Jerseys to be added to ShopDisney.com and Shop Disney Parks at a future date this spring.

March 29, 2018
VIDEO: ‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular’ at Disneyland Park Premiering April 13 During Pixar Fest

As we shared in last week’s first look, Disneyland park will light up when “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” celebrates the heart of Pixar!

Debuting at the start of Pixar Fest on April 13, this all-new nighttime spectacular will take guests on an emotional journey of friendship with their favorite Pixar Pals—when unlikely characters first meet one another, set out on adventures and overcome adversities that forge everlasting bonds. Learn more about “Together Forever” in the video below.

The stories will come to life through dazzling pyrotechnics, memorable music and colorful projections at iconic locations throughout the park. I hope you can join us to experience “Together Forever” when Pixar Fest kicks off April 13!

March 28, 2018
Disney’s Easter Brings the Start of Tokyo Disney Resort 35th ‘Happiest Celebration’

With the 35th Anniversary “Happiest Celebration!” just around the corner, Tokyo Disney Resort guests can now enjoy the first springtime offerings during Disney’s Easter at Tokyo DisneySea, including a sneak peek of the theme song for the celebration.

Colorful decorations, entertainment, special menus and exclusive merchandise bring this season to life at the resort. Tokyo DisneySea will host an egg hunt for the very first time this year, and guests who find the whimsical eggs themed to Disney characters will receive with an exclusive Bunny Ears hair clip.

At the Mediterranean Harbor, Mickey and Minnie are joined by Disney characters to perform in the renewed Fashionable Easter show celebrating the arrival of spring. Exciting pyrotechnics and the premiere of the theme song for the “Happiest Celebration!” make this show a can’t-miss. Over at Waterfront Park, members of the Tokyo DisneySea Maritime Band are also be dressed in new costumes in honor of the season.

The first Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary merchandise is now on sale alongside dozens of new Easter designs, including the fan-favorite Bunny Ears Headbands and Easter “Bunny” Bonnets. Delicious new food and drink items are available at Café Portofino, New York Deli, Barnacle Bill’s, Sebastian’s Calypso Kitchen and Tropic Al’s.

Disney’s Easter will be at the resort until June 6, and the “Happiest Celebration!” begins on April 15. Stay tuned for more updates from Tokyo Disney Resort!

March 28, 2018
Planned Parenthood Deletes Tweet Calling For Disney Princess Abortion

A Pennsylvania branch of Planned Parenthood said a tweet declaring the need for a Disney princess who’s had an abortion was not appropriate and the organization has taken it down.

The tweet read:

“We need a disney princess who’s had an abortion. We need a disney princess who’s pro-choice. We need a disney princess who’s an undocumented immigrant. We need a disney princess who’s actually a union worker. We need a disney princess who’s trans.”

An executive for Planned Parenthood Keystone says the group believes pop culture plays a “critical role” in educating the public and sparking “meaningful conversations about sexual and reproductive health issues and policies, including abortion.”

However, Melissa Reed, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, says the seriousness of the point they were trying to make was not appropriate for the subject matter. Though the tweet was taken down in the end, a Planned Parenthood executives said it is still shedding light on real-world issues.

“Today, we joined an ongoing Twitter conversation about the kinds of princesses people want to see in an attempt to make a point about the importance of telling stories that challenge stigma and championing stories that too often don’t get told.,” Reed said in a news release. “Upon reflection, we decided that the seriousness of the point we were trying to make was not appropriate for the subject matter or context, and we removed the tweet.”

March 28, 2018