Author: Nate

  • Avatar Very Important Piece to Disney Fox Deal

    Avatar Very Important Piece to Disney Fox Deal

    As what could be considered one of the largest media deals of all time, with Disney buying up assets from Fox, could be announced as early as tomorrow, so many fans are focused on the multiple Marvel titles and characters that could be brought home to the company who purchased Marvel for $4 Billion in 2009. But another possible acquisition that deserves a deeper look, if the deal goes through, is that of Avatar and the four sequels that are being directed by James Cameron.

    With an entire land devoted to Avatar at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Disney already has a vested interest the film franchise, but it means more than another blockbuster at the theater. It also gives them licensing and merchandise rights. Disney’s theme parks and retail stores will be filled with little ‘plush banshees’ and every other merchandising opportunity they can come up with.

    Avatar is still the highest grossing movie of all-time and with multiple sequels on the way, Avatar gives Disney yet more chances to continue its streak of smashing worldwide box office records. If this deal goes through you could count Disney as owning seven of the top ten worldwide highest grossing movies of all time. Worldwide Avatar is still extremely popular, but If the sequels don’t rival the success of the original, it will still be a win even if they bring in just a small fraction of the money that the first film did.

    During a recent interview, director James Cameron was asked what it would mean to him if the movie studio was sold to Disney. “Probably not that much,” answered Cameron. He says he’s “always had a good relationship with Fox,” so any sale to Disney “wouldn’t be bad,” he explains. He says Disney “actually at this point in time has a bigger investment” in the franchise than Fox.

    Disney and Avatar have been working together on their joint theme park venture for some time and the relationship has been mutually beneficial. The newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar has been a huge success, but the chance to bring the entire franchise into the Disney fold makes the possibilities limitless for the company.

    How they will integrate the various Fox assets if the deal goes through has been a big question, but integrating this into their portfolio will be as easy as bringing the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Bringing home the rights to the original Star Wars film along with several key Marvel titles are extremely important, but if you consider the total revenue that adding Avatar to the mix could bring in, this could end up being the most important piece of the pie.

  • New Sumatran Tiger Cubs Make an Appearance at Animal Kingdom

    New Sumatran Tiger Cubs Make an Appearance at Animal Kingdom

    Starting this week, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may get a glimpse of Anala and Jeda, the first Sumatran tiger cubs to be born at the park. The nearly four-month-old cubs are slowly being introduced into their habitat on Maharajah Jungle Trek. The sister and brother pair will be visible periodically as they acclimate to their new area.

    Below is an amazing first look of these adorable tigers in their new habitat.

    Disney plays an important role in the worldwide conservation and understanding of Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered species whose worldwide population has grown by two with the birth of Anala and Jeda. As part of these efforts, Disney participates in the Species Survival Plan, a breeding program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which helps ensure a diverse, healthy population of threatened and endangered species for years to come.

    Their dedicated and highly trained team of animal care experts and veterinarians spent three years preparing for the birth of these Sumatran tigers and have worked tirelessly to provide them with the best possible care so they can grow and thrive. Part of this work included creating a special new backstage play area where the tiger cubs could learn to swim and climb before venturing into their habitat at Maharajah Jungle Trek.

    As you may remember from our previous updates, Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species with fewer than 500 left in the wild. The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is working with groups like the Wildlife Conservation Society on its Reverse the Decline initiative to develop strategies for saving these majestic animals.

  • New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

    New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

    Walt Disney World Resort is the place to countdown to 2018 with dining extravaganzas, sparkling toasts, luminous fireworks and rocking New Year’s Eve parties throughout the vacation kingdom. These unforgettable events are filling up quickly and include special ticketed dinner galas, dance parties and more. Here’s the lineup of ways to ring in the New Year:

    Magic Kingdom Park

    • Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks ­– Guests will ring in the New Year in front of Cinderella Castle with the cherished fan-favorite fireworks show that will take place Dec. 30 and 31, 2017, beginning at 11:50 p.m. Additional showings will light up the sky both nights at 6:30 p.m.
    • Frontierland and Tomorrowland New Year’s Celebration Dance Parties – Put on your dancing shoes and boot-scoot with a hoppin’ beat ‘til midnight in Frontierland. Or jump start the New Year with an upbeat get-together in Tomorrowland, blasting into 2018 with futuristic tunes.

    Park hours on Dec. 30 and 31, 2017 are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

    Epcot

    • New Year’s Countdown Fireworks – Say “au revoir” to 2017 around World Showcase as dazzling fireworks light up the sky to welcome 2018 in a booming big way! This one-night spectacular starts at 11:40 p.m.
    • New Year’s Eve Parties – A DJ dance party will have guests dancing and grooving “around the world” with special entertainment at the America Garden Stage, Future World Fountain Stage and other areas throughout the park. Just for New Year’s Eve, you can move to your own beat with music playing in your headphones at the “Silent Groove” dance party that will take place at Future World Center.
    • New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner – Sip and dip your way into 2018 by indulging in a lavish buffet of savory foods and decadent desserts at this ticketed event in World Showplace. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).

    Park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    • New Year’s Eve Dance Party – Revelers will get the party started with a DJ dance party all around Center Stage in front of the Chinese Theatre with special projections on the theatre. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the nighttime holiday show will take place at 8 p.m. wrapping fireworks, state-of-the-art projections, special effects and music into one grand spectacle. The elaborate nightly themed firework show, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, will bring in the New Year with a special twist at midnight!

    Park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to midnight.

    Resorts
    Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    • Disney Countdown to Midnight – Guests will clink glasses at midnight after an unforgettable evening of live music and dancing in the Fantasia Ballroom. Taste buds will be celebrating, too, with savory bites and wine pairings from the California Grill, Flying Fish, Citrico’s and other signature Walt Disney World restaurants. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends will also join in the fun! Festivities begin at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to attend. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).
    • Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience – This dining extravaganza brings New Orleans to Walt Disney World on New Year’s Eve. It’s a night filled with exquisite dishes, champagne toasts, and the ultimate viewing location for Magic Kingdom fireworks. Exclusive for guests 21 years of age or older. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).
    • Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration (SOLD OUT) – A family-friendly celebration, Pixar Party immerses guests in the beloved Disney-Pixar films with lively music, a mouthwatering buffet, Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing, character meet-and-greet opportunities and more. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).
    • California Grill New Year’s Eve Hollywood Hideaway (SOLD OUT) – Swing in the New Year with “stars and starlets” high in the sky at this cool and classy California Grill get-together. Schmooze the last hours of 2017 away at this “Rat Pack” inspired shindig where favorite Disney characters make a guest appearance and the evening caps off with spectacular views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground 

    • Mickey’s New Year’s Eve BBQ (SOLD OUT) – Mickey and friends invite guests to join in a rootin’ tootin’ celebration that includes a scrumptious unlimited BBQ feast. Bluegrass music and a DJ are sure to have everyone on their feet to ring in the New Year. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.
  • Cruise Critic picks Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney for Top Awards

    Cruise Critic picks Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney for Top Awards

    Disney made out at the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards with three wins.

    The editors of Cruise Critic have selected Disney Cruise Line for best entertainment (ocean) and best for families (ocean). Disney’s Adventures by Disney won best for families in river cruising.

    According to one Cruise Critic editor, “With all the magic of The Mouse behind it, Disney Cruise Line features some of the most enchanting spectacles afloat, including at-sea fireworks, interactive art and phenomenal production shows.”

    Another editor said, “Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways vessels and rebrands them for selected sailings, turning a traditional river ship into a fun-filled family cruise. Highlights include…family-specific programming and thoughtful shore excursions such as a tree canopy walk or apple strudel making.”

    Awards like these are a true testament to the magical experience our Cast and Crew Members create each and every day. What’s your top pick about cruising with Disney?

  • Disney Parks & Resorts Honored for Allergy-Friendly Food Options

    Disney Parks & Resorts Honored for Allergy-Friendly Food Options

    Disney’s dining experience is out of this world, and they go above and beyond to make sure they have options for people of all dietary needs. Earlier this month, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recognized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as an industry leader in providing safe, quality dining experiences to guests with allergies and special diets at the 20th annual Food Allergy Ball in New York City.

    “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by FARE for our efforts to make our dining experiences enjoyable for all our Guests,” said Mandy Bond, Director of Food & Beverage Strategies and Standards, who accepted the award on behalf of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We truly appreciate having FARE as a partner to educate and inform us as we evolve our allergy efforts and resources so we can continue to deliver excellent offerings for our guests with food allergies.”

    Disney Fare Award

    Disney Parks is proud to serve up magical meals for every guest, whether they are enjoying a five-star dining experience or a quick-service option. Each year, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts serves more than 700,000 meals at over 650 Disney dining locations to guests with food allergies and special diets. Guests from all over the world, including those with food allergies, can dine with confidence at Disney dining locations across our Parks and Resorts with allergy-friendly menus and snack options, as well as easy to note special dietary needs during the booking and ordering process.

    Disney Dining

    FARE works to improve the health and quality of life for the 15 million Americans with food allergies and gives them hope through research and treatment options.

  • Tickets Are Now On Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Immersive Hyper-Reality Experience

    Tickets Are Now On Sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Immersive Hyper-Reality Experience

    Tickets are now available for a new hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID, an offering that will debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort December 16, and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, January 5, 2018.

    Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

    Free Poster with Star Wars: The Last Jedi Tickets

    “We are so excited about this magical collaboration between three boundary-pushing companies in the burgeoning out-of-home VR entertainment sector,” says Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “We can’t wait to share the experience of hyper-reality with everyone.”

    Guests can experience the excitement of hyper-reality today with this first look at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire below.

    “People have longed for a chance to step into the Star Wars universe and this incredible new hyper-reality experience will allow them to do just that in a totally unique way,” notes Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge, ILMxLAB. “It’s a group experience that evokes the senses in bold new ways.

    About The VOID
    By combining physical sets with real-time interactive effects, The VOID allows guests to step beyond reality, engaging all senses in new and unimaginable hyper-realistic worlds. In July 2016, The VOID opened its first public experience at Madame Tussauds New York. In 2017, The VOID expanded with locations at The Rec Room in Toronto, The Beach in Dubai, and at the company’s headquarters in the greater Salt Lake City area. The VOID was also chosen to participate in the acclaimed Disney Accelerator program during the summer of 2017.

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thevoid.com.

    About ILMxLAB
    Founded in 2015, ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division, combines compelling storytelling, technological innovation and world-class production to create truly impactful, immersive entertainment experiences. ILMxLAB develops experiences for virtual reality, augmented/mixed reality, real-time cinema, theme park entertainment and narrative-based experiences for future platforms.

  • New Ray-Ban Sunglasses Featuring Mickey Mouse Now Available

    New Ray-Ban Sunglasses Featuring Mickey Mouse Now Available

    About a year ago Mickey Mouse started throwing some shade.  Shading your eyes from the sun that is.  Ray-Ban introduced a new sunglass design, inspired by the one-and-only Mickey Mouse and to no one’s surprise, the glasses were a huge hit!

    Back by popular demand, guests can soon discover a fresh take on the popular product which will now feature polarized grey gradient lenses with that classic black and white Mickey Mouse pattern you loved so much. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend, I think you may have just found it!

    As Sunglass Hut is the official sunglass retailer of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, these sunglasses will be available in limited quantities, while supplies last, at the following locations, beginning on December 8:

    Walt Disney World Resort:

    • Sunglass Icon at Disney Springs
    • Island Supply by Sunglass Hut at Magic Kingdom Park

    Disneyland Resort:

    • Sunglass Icon at Downtown Disney District
    • Disney California Adventure Kiosk

    With a retail price of $243, you can also expect a special gift with purchase – an exclusive Mickey Mouse cleaning cloth – when you purchase in-store. Discounts do not apply and there is a five-pair purchase limit per customer.

  • Whoopi Goldberg to Host Freeform’s ‘Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic’

    Whoopi Goldberg to Host Freeform’s ‘Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic’

    Freeform, Disney’s young adult television and streaming network, recently announce that Academy Award-winning actress and “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg will host its upcoming holiday special “Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic.”

    Premiering DEC. 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST, with special co-hosts Disney Channel’s “Descendants” star and Hollywood Records/Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson and “Dancing with the Stars” winner and Hollywood Records recording artist Jordan Fisher, the festive one-hour event will reveal how the holiday magic and spirit come to life as the Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks and resort hotels are transformed into winter wonderlands filled with seasonal attractions, joyful entertainment, festive décor and special treats that make every day feel like a holiday. The spirit of the season shines even brighter in these magical places where families share traditions and make memories together.

    “As a longtime friend of Mickey, there’s no place I’d rather spend the holidays than at the Happiest Place on Earth,” said Whoopi Goldberg. “To see the incredible work that goes into turning the parks into a winter wonderland is truly magical, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

    From the executive producers of the “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” series, Ann Lewis Roberts, Simon Lythgoe and Jenny Daly, viewers will meet the dedicated team of Disney cast members and Santa’s helpers, who meticulously plan, design, build and bring to life wondrous Christmas trees, life-size gingerbread houses and much more!

    “Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic,” hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, will air during Freeform’s annual “25 Days of Christmas” programming event. Now in its 21st year of bringing holiday cheer to viewers, Freeform’s 25 continuous days of holiday-themed entertainment for the whole family runs from DEC. 1–25, and viewers can ring in the season with festive specials, classic holiday movies and returning favorites.

  • ‘That’s No Moon’ It’s a Tree Topper

    ‘That’s No Moon’ It’s a Tree Topper

    For a Star Wars fan, the only thing cooler than a regular Star Wars ornament might be one that lights up. And maybe has sound effects. And wouldn’t it be amazing if this dream Star Wars ornament could was actually available?

    Well, our Star Wars tree-decorating dreams are coming true. This classic Hallmark Keepsake is available at ThinkGeek.com for only $79.99.  It’s on sale right now and that’s a good twenty dollars less than even The Hallmark Website.


    Free Poster with Star Wars: The Last Jedi Tickets

    Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper OrnamentThe Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper features the iconic Imperial battle station as a tree topper. With the included remote you can have the Death Star itself light up blue or red with a green laser dish. Spice up your traditional holiday classic carols with the Imperial March or the classic Star Wars theme. Connect to the included universal adapter for continuous lighting effects. For safety, keep at a safe distance from Alderaan. Click Here to get yours while you still can.

     

    Product Specifications

    Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper
    Officially-licensed Star Wars merchandise
    Includes a remote control featuring the iconic Imperial crest
    Lights up blue or red with green in the laser dish
    Plays the Star Wars main theme and the Imperial March
    Materials: Plastic
    Batteries: 3 LR44 button-cell batteries (included)
    Plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet or requires Hallmark’s Magic Cord power source (sold separately)
    Dimensions: 6 1/2″ sphere
    Weight: 14 1/5 oz.
    Includes: Death Star tree topper, remote control, and Hallmark universal adapter

  • New ‘Up’ show to Replace Flights of Wonder at Disney World

    New ‘Up’ show to Replace Flights of Wonder at Disney World

    There is an all-new experience coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom slated to start in Spring 2018. The new show features Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “UP” and will take the place of ‘Flights of Wonder’ in the Caravan Theater in the Anandapur village section of the park’s Asia land.

    If you love the bird show don’t worry.  The still untitled Up production will also be a bird centric.

    This new experience will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure in Animal Kingdom. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures!

    In order to begin to prepare for the new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ‘Flights of Wonder’ will plays its final performances on December 31st. So until the end of this month, you can still experience Flights of Wonder at the park.