Author: Nate

PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

So some park guests got it in their head that it would be a good idea to climb the “Tree of Life”, the iconic symbol in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Gonna go out on a limb here and say this is on the list of things to not do at Disney World.

Onlookers hoped the trespassers would just make like a tree and leave. The Four guests were caught quickly after the shenanigans, but according to reports they were up there for a good twenty minutes. Plenty of time for guests to see the whole thing and even snap a few photos.

The incident took place on Sunday around 2 p.m. and is slightly reminiscent of when a park guest tried climbing The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The Tree of Life stands 145-foot-high and has numerous animals that “appear to magically emerge” from it, but no one though people would end up emerging from it.

Luckily no one was injured and security got them to come down rather quickly.

There has been no word on if there were any repercussions for the guests, but this is the type of behavior that can easily get you banned for life.

You guys thought drunk people climbing the Mexico Pavilion was bad? Apparently 4 people tried to climb the Tree of Life at DAK today. pic.twitter.com/YDQubwpyOO

— Nick Cucerzan (@NCucerzan) December 3, 2017

December 8, 2017
Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

The new gondola system known as The Disney Skyliner isn’t running yet, but is still flying high today with some really exciting new details and visuals. Today Disney unveiled concept art and elaborated on new the gondolas that will connect A few of the theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

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, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

December 8, 2017
Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

At Disney the resort experience is out of this world, but they now have plans for a resort that comes from a galaxy far far way. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced to fans at D23 Expo last summer that a “Star Wars” hotel will be coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Chapek didn’t reveal a date for the opening of the “Star Wars” hotel, but with the new themed land coming to Disney World in 2018, it probably can’t be too far behind.

December 8, 2017
‘Treasures from the Disney Vault’ Returns This December
Every few months, Turner Classic Movies offers up an evening of Disney classics, and the next installment of Treasures From the Disney Vault will air Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Hosted by noted film critic Leonard Maltin, the programming begins at 8pm and continues into the early hours of Thursday morning. Here is the complete schedule of this month’s collection of Disney films and TV shows.

December 20, 2017
- 8:00pm – Brave Little Tailor (1938)
  When a giant threatens the land, the city folk mistake Mickey’s boast of killing seven flies with one blow to be giants. He is then forced to fight the giant for real.
- 8:15pm – The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952)
  This rousing tale of England’s renowned rebel to the rich and patriot to the poor is brimming with Disney’s storytelling magic. Go bow-to-bow alongside Robin, Friar Tuck, Little John, and Maid Marian in this classic adventure full of gallantry, romance and adventure!
- 9:45pm – The Sign of Zorro (1960)
  In this film, edited from eight episodes of Disney’s hit TV series, Don Diego returns home to find his town under the heel of a cruel dictator, Capitan Monastario. Diego dons the mask of Zorro to fight the evil commandant’s tyranny, and, with the help of his mute servant Bernardo, free the pueblo from his oppression.
- 11:30pm – Toby Tyler (1960)
  A Disney film released on January 21, 1960 by Buena Vista Distribution Company, based on the 1880 children’s book Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus by James Otis Kaler.
- 1:15am – Tricks of Our Trade (1957)
  Walt Disney takes a look at the technical improvements in animation, such as in more fluid animation of bodies and clothing, advanced special effects such as bubbles bursting and water splashing, and the development of the multiplane camera for a greater feeling of depth.
- 2:15am – Pete’s Dragon (1977)
  It is a live-action film but its title character, a dragon named Elliott, is animated. It is about a young orphan named Pete (Sean Marshall) who enters a small fishing town in Maine in the early 20th century. His only friend is Elliott (voiced by Charlie Callas and animated by Don Bluth), who also acts as his protector.
- 4:30am – Fuzz Bucket (1986)
  1986 television film written and directed by Mick Garris starringChris Hebert as a young Michael Gerber and Phil Fondacaro as his invisible friend, Fuzzbucket. The films also stars Joe Regalbuto as Michael’s dad, Wendy Phillips as his mother, Robyn Lively as his older sister, and John Vernon as the Principal.
It will be a long night of Disney movie magic so get your pop corn and get comfy. Fuzz Bucket tops the list of under-rated movies and is worth staying up for!
December 8, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide
Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other. Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

ENTERTAINMENT

Experiences available only during this special event:
- Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
- Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
- DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
- Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
- Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
- Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.
ATTRACTIONS

The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
- Star Wars: Launch Bay
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Toy Story Mania
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Walt Disney Presents
CHARACTERS

Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
- Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
- Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
- Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
- Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
- Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
- Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
- Echo Lake – Olaf
- Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
- Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot
PHOTO BACKDROPS

There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.

Backdrop locations:
- Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
- Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
- Batuu – Grand Avenue
- Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
- Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
- Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
- Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
- Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase
MERCHANDISE

Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.

Special event merchandise is available at:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Once Upon a Time
- Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE

This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
December 8, 2017
Disney Developing Fireworks You Can Feel For The Visually Impaired

With the new year right around the corner fireworks certainly come to mind and we all know that no one does fireworks like Disney Parks and Resorts. In an effort to make their fireworks spectacular inclusive for everyone, Disney recently announced they are working on a way for visually impaired guests to ‘Feel’ fireworks.

Known as Feeling Fireworks, Disney Research has been hard at work developing a prototype of a unique haptics-supported fireworks display experience specially tailored to visually impaired users.

Unveiled at the User Interface Software and Technology conference held in Quebec City, Canada back in october, the low-cost technology is still in very early stages, but it has a 66 percent success rate and is making good progress. The team plans to continue improving the experience and believes that the day will come when everyone will be able to enjoy the thrill of fireworks shows.

Tactile effects are created using directable water jets that spray onto the rear of a flexible screen, with different nozzles for different firework effects. The approach is low-cost and scales well, and allows for dynamic tactile effects to be rendered with high spatial resolution. A user study demonstrated that the tactile effects are meaningful analogs to the visual fireworks that they represent, with sighted users able to label the correct correspondence of tactile-to-visual effects by a large margin over chance. Beyond the specific application, the technology represents a novel and cost-effective approach for making large scalable tactile displays, with the potential for wider use.

As Disney continues to take more steps to find creative solutions—with the use of new technology—for ensuring the most inclusive experience possible for all the visitors to its parks, we look forward to hearing about even bigger and more innovative designs in the future.

December 7, 2017
VIDEO: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Milestone Celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Recently, thousands of Disney cast members excited to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coming to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated a major construction milestone with the signing of a support beam that’ll top out the new land.

Look closely and you’ll see that cast members and Imagineers put their mark on theme park history by drawing artistic pictures and writing messages on the beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

As regular readers know, beam signings are part of a longtime construction tradition at Disney Parks. We’ve shared updates on beam signings for expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, plus the Disneyland park site of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

December 7, 2017
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Expands to Six Weeks in 2018

It’s day four for Disney’s 12 Days of Disney Parks Christmas and it’s time for another exciting new announcement.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will return March 2 through April 12, 2018, bringing delicious cuisine, specialty beverages and exciting entertainment to Disneyland Resort guests for its third season. The culinary festival will expand to six weeks, with more days for guests to enjoy the flavors of the Golden State.

More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will feature California-inspired tastes and sips. Guests will experience presentations and demonstrations with celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine and Alex Guarnaschelli; food and beverage tastings; winemaker dinners; beer, wine and spirit seminars – all in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the festival.

The festival’s signature events will include new experiences such as the Disney Family of Wines Dinner, as well as returning favorites like Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. Another guest-favorite returning to the festival is the Junior Chef experience, with hands-on fun led by Chef Goofy, for children ages 3 to 11.

Keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog and Disneyland.com for more information about the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, returning March 2 through April 12, 2018!

December 7, 2017
Transformation Details Revealed for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

It’s day three for Disney’s 12 Days of Disney Parks Christmas and it’s time for another exciting new announcement. Earlier this year we found out that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World would undergo some transformations. Today we have new colorful details about those enhancements debuting late this summer.

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined as the port of entry where guests will check in before embarking on their island vacation. This centralized location will offer resort guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining, including an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, an all-new Shutters restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

Centertown Market will be expanded and enclosed, creating a quick-service restaurant with an indoor street market vibe. Guests will enter the space under a large palapa-like structure, accented with glowing colored light pendants made from glass bottles. The market will feature open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, ornamentation and unique seating areas. Guests will also have access to the Grab n’ Go market for a specialty coffee and quick bites.

Shutters, a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant, will be located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale, transporting guests to a beachfront home in the tropical islands. Large open shutters will allow the sun to cast a warm light into the space adorned with handmade items that appear as they’ve been found on the islands. Leaves and floral design motifs will fill the space, celebrating the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

A festive poolside bar, Banana Cabana will be a great place to gather for food and drinks, immersing guests into the fun and relaxation of island life. Cabana-style drapes will flank seating areas and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat.

Forget something? No worries! With its history of being the port’s import and export facility, Calypso Trading Post will offer shoppers Disney merchandise and other vacation essentials.

December 6, 2017
Hot New Walt Disney Limited Release MagicBand

A special new MagicBand was released Wednesday for Walt Disney’s Birthday. This beautiful purple magic band features Tinker Bell and a black-and-white photo of Walt Disney on one side and his signature on the other.

This one’s already wildly popular as it’s the first ever MagicBand with Walt on it available for purchase and not promotional use. You’ll feel like the king of Walt Disney World Resort when wearing this limited release MagicBand 2. With a simple touch, redeem FastPass+ selections, enter parks, charge purchases to your room, and much more.

MagicBands are colorful, waterproof wristbands – resembling a watch or bracelet – that you can quickly and easily touch to a sensor called a ”touch point.” You will receive a MagicBand 2 if you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel in Florida or you are a Walt Disney World Resort Passholder.

This beauty is available at shopDisney.com for $27.99 and is a very good price for a Limited Edition. Especially when it has the face of Walt himself.

December 6, 2017