Author: Nate

Game of Thrones Creators Tapped To Create New Series of Star Wars Films

Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss set to write and produce a new “Star Wars” series of films, Disney announced on Tuesday. The creative duo is going from Winterfell to a galaxy far, far away.

With Star Wars: Episode IX set to cap the trilogy of trilogies and Game of Thrones approaches its 2019 conclusion, the timing is right for both parties. While no one has ruled out future films continuing the main Star Wars storyline in the future, it’s clear that Disney and Lucasfilm plan on taking the franchise into a multitude of new territories.

These new films will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently-announced trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

Disney acquired Lucasfilm for more than $4 billion in 2012. From that moment the studio has been exploring every avenue to expand the famous far way galaxy to get the largest return on their investment. They immediately delved into a new trilogy that brings together familiar characters with new ones. The studio also started standalone spinoff films such as Rogue One and the upcoming Solo, a peek at Han Solo’s younger days.

Lucasfilm and Disney did not give release dates for the new films but joked that there “have (thankfully) been no sightings of White Walkers around Lucasfilm.”

February 8, 2018
‘Once Upon A Time’ Cancelled After Seven Seasons

All Magic comes with a price dearie… And it appears ABC isn’t willing to foot that bill for the once popular fairytale drama any longer. It seems that the magic has run out for ABC’s Once Upon A Time and the series will end its run after seven seasons.

ABC has confirmed the shows cancellation and that the final episode will air this May. “Once Upon a Time has been an amazing journey for all of us at ABC Studios and for fans around the world,” said Patrick Moran, president of ABC Studios. “We’re so proud and appreciative of the hard work and creative talent that Eddy Kitsis, Adam Horowitz and their cast and crew brought to this show for seven magical seasons.”

After many of the shows leading characters exited at the end of season six, ratings for the series dropped to an average of 2.5 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating per episode. The change to a Friday night time slot didn’t help either.

Once Upon a Time premiered in fall 2011 and it was an instant hit. It attracted fans from all over the world and much more than just Disney fans. The show featured classic Disney fairytale characters reimagined in dramatic fashion. The original cast starred Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla, Josh Dallas, Robert Carlyle and Jared Gilmore.

At the end of season six, two of the most popular main characters, Jennifer Morrison and Ginnifer Goodwin, departed as regulars on the show. Without Emma Swan and Mary Margaret (a.k.a. Snow White) the series went in a new direction, essentially rebooting itself. Storybrooke was left behind and the seventh season picked up in Seattle where a brand new curse basically started the same plot all over again.

“Seven years ago, we set out to create a show about hope, where even in the darkest of times, a happy ending would always be possible,” said Once creators/executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. ” But we never imagined the happy ending that was actually in store for all of us — years and years of adventure, romance, magic and hope. We’re so grateful to our brilliant collaborators – the cast, crew, and writers — as well as our partners at the studio and network for making this journey possible. But most of all, we want to thank the fans. Their fierce loyalty and devotion was the real magic behind Once Upon A Time. We hope they join us for these last few hours as we journey to the Enchanted Forrest for one more adventure.”

The show is currently in its mid-season break and after more than 150 episodes it will return for the second half of its final season on March 2.

February 7, 2018
Hot New Colors and Dooney & Bourke Designs Highlight New MagicBands

Last month Disney released a brand new MagicBand color, millennial pink, and now there are two more exciting colors to introduce, as well as several new designs based on some of your favorite Disney films.

With Walt Disney’s timeless classic “Peter Pan” marking its 65th anniversary this month, they are rolling out our latest color, navy blue, in a design that features the London night sky – plus a bit of pixie dust. This MagicBand is currently available online at shopDisney and will be in stores Feb. 9 and retails for $22.99 plus tax.

A second new color, cream, will be available on a limited release Dooney & Bourke MagicBand that will come in specialty suitcase-themed packaging and may be purchased exclusively in the theme parks for $48 plus tax.

Another Dooney & Bourke-branded MagicBand, with a limited edition size of 500, will be offered at the 10th Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend expo beginning on Feb. 22 while supplies last for $48 plus tax.

The highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film, “Black Panther,” hits theaters on Feb. 16 and we’re celebrating its release with this super new MagicBand. The MagicBand has a limited edition size of 2,500 and will be available for purchase while supplies last online and in stores beginning Feb. 16 for $32.99 plus tax.

Other new MagicBand releases for February feature designs inspired by “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” including one of my personal favorites, a glow-in-the-dark Oogie Boogie-themed black MagicBand. These MagicBands will be available for purchase beginning Feb. 12 online and in stores Feb. 16.

Don’t forget, the MagicBand is your key to unlocking your Disney vacation and connects you to the choices you make in My Disney Experience – from effortless theme park entry to Disney PhotoPass association, FastPass+ redemption, room entry with Online Check-In Service and more.

Which MagicBand are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

February 6, 2018
Eagles Star Quarterback Nick Foles Celebrates Super Bowl Title at Walt Disney World

It was a fairytale scene Monday, complete with its own castle, as Super Bowl hero Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles starred in a milestone moment – a celebratory “I’m Going to Disney World!” parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.

In front of the majesty of Cinderella Castle the day after the Eagles’ 41-33 improbable Super Bowl victory, park guests and Eagles fans lined the famous street as a smiling Foles waved from a float he shared with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other beloved Disney characters. Balloons and a blizzard of confetti in the Eagles’ team colors completed the happy scene.

“World champions,” shouted Foles. “To be at Disney World is unbelievable.”

Afterward, Nick Foles and the gang spent some time enjoying Disney World, experiencing several signature Disney attractions and interacting with Mickey and Minnie.

It was a magical experience for the hero of Super Bowl LII who passed for three touchdowns and caught a fourth touchdown pass (unprecedented for a quarterback in Super Bowl history) in Philadelphia’s upset victory on Sunday night in Minneapolis. A backup quarterback for most of the season, Foles stepped into the starter’s role in December and turned in a stunning performance in Sunday’s big game. His heroics helped him deliver Eagles fans their first world championship in franchise history and earned Foles the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

After the Super Bowl victory, Foles looked into the TV cameras and announced he was “Going to Disney World,” an iconic line that is part of a TV ad airing nationally.

Foles’ trip Monday to Walt Disney World Resort continued a rich Disney history that began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms first uttered those famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” Thirty-one years later, the post-championship celebrations that take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California remain an enduring reminder of the power of magic that happens at Disney Parks.

February 6, 2018
Even The Snacks Have Rose Gold Fever at Disney World

Rose Gold Fever has spread throughout Disney Parks & Resorts! With the extreme popularity of the rose gold ears and spirit jerseys, the chefs at the Walt Disney World Resort wanted to get in on the fun themselves with some beautifully delicious sweets.

You may have already seen the rose gold cupcake at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot – a beautiful vanilla cupcake with hazelnut swirl, rose gold buttercream, fondant ears, edible glitter and chocolate pearls.

Well, in addition to Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are now offering their own versions! In Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll find a Rose Gold Red Velvet Swirl Cupcake topped with a mini-vanilla cupcake, rose gold buttercream, chocolate crispy pearls and chocolate rose gold Minnie ears at Main Street Bakery. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find a Strawberry Rose Gold Cupcake with strawberry icing and crispy pearls at The Trolley Car Café.

Outside of the parks, the resorts have come up with some rose gold cupcakes as well! On the monorail loop around Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is serving up a tropical Rose Gold Vanilla Cupcake with guava pastry cream at Capt. Cook’s and Kona Café.

There is also a Rose Gold Margarita with lime and a gold sugar rim might be arriving this week at the Barefoot Pool Bar! Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort now has a Rose Gold Vanilla Cupcake with strawberry filling, vanilla buttercream, strawberry crispy pearls and a dark chocolate rose gold Minnie hat. And Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a Rose Gold Unicorn Cupcake with rose gold sponge and hazelnut cream cheese filling at Gasparilla Island Grill!

At Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you’ll find a Rose Gold Chocolate Cupcake with strawberry buttercream filling and topping, chocolate ears and chocolate crispy pearls. These can be found at Intermission Food Court, The Artist’s Palette and The Paddock Grill.

And finally, around Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll find even more cupcakes! At BoardWalk Bakeryyou’ll find a Rose Gold Yellow Cupcake with rose mousse and topped with whipped cream frosting, rose gold Minnie ears and rose gold crispy pearls. And at the Beach Club Marketplaceand The Market at Ale & Compass, you’ll find a Strawberry-Chocolate Mousse Cupcake with buttercream icing.

If you’re visiting one of these locations, you won’t want to miss these dazzling rose gold sweets. And not only are they delicious, they can also make for a cute pic for your social media. Put on those Rose Gold Ears and your Rose Gold Spirit Jersey to add a little flair and create the perfect composition, and comment below to tell us which one is your favorite!

February 6, 2018
Eagles MVP Nick Foles Is “Going To Disney World”

Sunday night Philadelphia clinched its historic Super Bowl title in Minneapolis and in historic fashion, moments after the victory, the Eagles star Nick Foles was asked what he is going to do next and he shouted those five immortal words: “I’m going to Disney World!”

Indeed, the hero of Super Bowl LII will soon be on his way to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida after becoming the latest NFL star to utter those iconic words as part of a national TV campaign following his team’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. He played a huge role in Philadelphia’s triumph, throwing three touchdown passes and he, himself, catching a touchdown pass, becoming the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to do that. In the end, Foles helped propel his team past the Patriots and into the Super Bowl record books.

Once he arrives at Walt Disney World Resort, they will pay tribute to him and the Eagles with a magical celebration at Magic Kingdom Park on Monday at 2:40 p.m.

Foles will be the star of a hero’s parade down Main Street, U.S.A., with popular Disney characters, festive music and lots of confetti. Afterwards, he will enjoy some fun time in the park, experiencing some of Walt Disney World Resort’s signature attractions.

If you happen to be at Walt Disney World Resort on Monday, head to Magic Kingdom for all of the merriment and fun as they celebrate the Eagles and their amazing Super Bowl accomplishment.

February 5, 2018
Breaking: Full Han Solo Trailer Debuts On Good Morning America

After last nights sneak peek teaser for “Solo: A Star Wars Story” airing during Super Bowl LII, fans have been eagerly awaiting the full trailer. This morning their patience paid off and the full Solo trailer was shown on Good Morning America on ABC.

Check out the full trailer below:

In the two-minute trailer — we first meet Han Solo, the “Star Wars” icon — long before he met Luke and Leia or became a hesitant hero fighting the Empire.

“I’ve been running scams on the street since I was 10,” Alden Ehrenreich, who plays the young Solo, says in the clip. “I was kicked out of the flight academy for having a mind of my own.”

The film follows the young Han Solo and Chewbacca’s adventures before joining the Rebellion, including their encounters with Lando Calrissian.

The full trailer also shows a few other characters for the first time including; Donald Glover’s young Lando Calrissian and Emilia Clarke’s Qi’Ra.

“I might be the only person who knows what you really are,” Clarke’s character tells Solo, the clip hinting that they might be friends or have had some kind of previous relationship.

Solo: A Star Wars Story opens May 25, 2018. Written by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan and directed by Ron Howard, it stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany.

February 5, 2018
Solo: A Star Wars Story Teaser Trailer Caught During The Super Bowl

Finally, after much speculation over when the trailer for “Solo: A Star Wars Story” would be released, we finally get to see it! The questions can finally be put to rest as it debuted tonight during Super Bowl LII.

Take a look below and see what all the hype has been about:

The film follows the young Han Solo and Chewbacca’s adventures before joining the Rebellion, including their encounters with Lando Calrissian.

Solo: A Star Wars Story opens May 25, 2018. Written by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan and directed by Ron Howard, it stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany.

It’s just a Teaser to hold us over. The full trailer is expected to air Monday morning on Good Morning America on ABC. Let us know what you think about the trailer in the comments below.

February 4, 2018
Star Wars Day at Sea Is The Cruise You’re Looking For

Yesterday we got a chance to attend a Star Wars Day at Sea media preview on board the Disney Fantasy and we brought you some of the delicious delights that the cruise has to offer. Now we would like to take a moment to show you some of the activities you can find on the ship.

JEDI TRAINING: TRIALS OF THE TEMPLE

Younglings are invited to train in the ways of the Force—and then test their new skills against Darth Vader and Kylo Ren. Family and friends can watch the younglings test their lightsaber-wielding skills against the villains they love during this impressive and fun show.

You will have to use the force and your lightsaber skills to defeat Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.

OCEANEER’S CLUB – STAR WARS: COMMAND POST

In the revamped Oceaneer’s Club children ages 3-12 can play in the Star Wars: Command Post. From the icy planet of Hoth to the vast forests of Endor, kids can take a seat and set course for some pretty far out places in the galaxy via Starfighter Training Simulators.

CHARACTER EXPERIENCES

Star Wars Day at Sea will also have more opportunities than ever to meet your favorite Star Wars characters.

New in 2018, you are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, you have the chance to reserve time with these character experiences.

These are just a few of the things you’ll be able to do on this out-of-this-world sailing adventure. And you’ll have plenty of time… With seven-night cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy, there’s enough time for lots more epic fun. If you love Star Wars then this is a something you have to try out.

February 4, 2018
Star Wars Day At Sea Has Some Out of This Galaxy Food On The Disney Fantasy

Earlier today we got a chance to attend a Star Wars Day at Sea media preview on board the Disney Fantasy and the Star Wars inspired menu options are strong with the force.

After a tour of some of the ship and its activities we got a chance to sit down and dine at Animator’s Palate. We started of with an appetizer sampler that was so good it was gone in less than 12 parsecs.

Here is a run down of some of the appetizing treats you can expect:

Marinated Opee Sea Killer
Marinated Shrimp on Iceberg Lettuce with Gooberfish, Cucumber, Lemon and Cocktail Sauce.

Sand People Salad
Marinated Chicken, Tomatoes, Tuskan marinated Cracked Wheat, Romaine LEttuce and Red Onions with a Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

Mos ESPA Grand Arena Tailgate Sandwich
Soft mini Brioche filled with cured Country Ham and an Orange Cranberry Marmalade.

The entrees were just as impressive. I had the Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken which was amazing with its smoked Bacon Sauce. My daughter had the Obi-Wan Shroom Steak and she loved it so much it was gone before we could snap a pic.

Here is a full list of the offered entress:

Grilled Alderaan Fish Filet (Swordfish)
With seared Pineapple and Black Pepper Salsa, Roasted Chili Sweet Potatoes and preserved Lemon.

Grand Moff Tarkin’s Spiced Pork Tenderloin
With Chorizo Hash, Buttered Kale and Ancho-Chipotle Salsa

Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken
With crushed Potatoes, Buttered Green Beans, Biscuit and smoked Bacon Sauce.

Obi-Wan Shroom Steak
Portobello Mushroom katsu on Sticky Rice with Curry and Green Onions.

Last but not least was a desert sampler that could turn your taste buds to the dark side it was so delicious.

Here is a peek at some of the decadent options you might encounter on this cruise:

Cairissian Velvet Cake
Layers of Red Velvet Cake and White Chocolate Ganache served with Zoochberry Sauce

Cloud City Macarons
Raspberry and Lemon Macarons, served with Raspberry and Vanilla Sauce.

NSA – Galactic Senator Bail Organa Flan
Dark Chocolate Flan with Mandarin and Strawberry Salad.

It should be noted it was so delicious that my daughter had two appetizer samplers and two dessert samplers. This is just a taste of what you can expect aboard the out of this galaxy cruise.

There is still plenty of sailings left if you want to experience the tastes of Star Wars on the high seas. After the cruise that set sail today, you can still book cruises departing Feb. 17; March 3, 17, 31; April 14, 2018 and multiple dates in 2019 as well.

February 3, 2018