Author: Nate

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Debuts at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Today

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Debuts at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Today

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance made its public debut Dec. 5, 2019, inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and this is the Disney attraction you’re looking for!

    After years of anticipation for this groundbreaking new attraction, guests will now become heroes of the Resistance in a climactic battle with the First Order.

    During a special dedication ceremony Wednesday night inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek lauded the attraction’s immersive storytelling and technological innovation.

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance sets a new standard for what a theme park experience can be,” Chapek said. “Tonight, we’re welcoming the world to experience the Star Wars galaxy like never before, with the opening of the most ambitious, immersive, advanced, action-packed attraction we’ve ever created.”

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most ambitious attractions ever created for a Disney park. The thrilling action takes place in massive sets that give guests the feeling of stepping inside a Star Warsfilm as they elude the clutches of Kylo Ren and the First Order in a mad dash through a Star Destroyer.

    The new attraction adds to the adventures that await inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 14-acre land that opened earlier this year at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests become part of their own Star Wars stories as they take control of the fastest ship in the galaxy in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sample galactic food and drink, craft their own lightsabers and build their own droids in interactive retail experiences, and encounter some of their favorite Star Wars characters.

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the latest chapter in the collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd., a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production, including the Star Wars franchise. The work on Star Wars between these two creative powerhouses dates back to 1987, when the groundbreaking Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland.

    As a reminder, guests at Disneyland park in California can begin enjoying Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance when the attraction opens there on January 17, 2020.

  • First ‘Black Widow’ Trailer Finally Released by Marvel

    First ‘Black Widow’ Trailer Finally Released by Marvel

    Marvel Studios just released the much anticipated teaser trailer to Black Widow, the standalone adventure of Natasha Romanoff’s super spy-turned-Avenger and her blood-stained past.

    Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller Black Widow — the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    During “Avengers: Endgame” her character sacrificed her life to help save half of humanity, but “Black Widow” takes place between the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Take a look at the trailer below:

    “Black Widow” centers on what Natasha Romanoff was up to at the time: evidently, the ex-KGB agent reunites with some of her former comrades, fellow assassins from the “Black Widow program” that spawned an army of highly-trained agents like her.

    “I’m done running from my past,” she tells William Hurt, reprising his role as General-turned-Secretary of State Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.

    Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

    Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, Black Widow hits U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020.

  • Disney Introduces New ‘Let it Glow’ Trees to Downtown Disney District

    Disney Introduces New ‘Let it Glow’ Trees to Downtown Disney District

    This holiday season, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort is brimming with bold and brightly colored trees, tasty treats, holiday entertainment and unique shopping options for the entire family. And to light up the shopping, dining and entertainment experience, Downtown Disney District will be all aglow for the season with an all-new visual experience, “Let it Glow,” bringing eclectic light and new colors to the holidays.

    • Let it Glow:  A must-do experience, this vibrant showcase features 200 UV glow trees along the promenade and a distinctive new seasonal look for both day and night. The solid-colored trees in florescent shades of blue, green, yellow, orange and pink vary in size, with the tallest measuring approximately 15 feet, and the smallest at four feet. Unlike traditional Christmas trees, there’s not a single ornament, as their brightness makes them brilliant. More than 70 glow rings adorn the ficus trees throughout Downtown Disney District, adding to the neon elements at night. More than 10,000 individual plants and 30 topiaries will live around the trees to further enhance the planters, complemented by 24 hanging baskets filled with poinsettias, cyclamen and dusty miller. “Let it Glow” begins Nov. 22, 2019 and will be on display through Jan 5, 2020.
    • Sips, Eats and Sweets: Visitors may enjoy a bite at an open-air café, sip hand-crafted cocktails, indulge in gourmet desserts or savor an exquisite sit-down dinner in the Downtown Disney District. During the holiday season, a number of the district’s restaurants and stops offer seasonal menus and sweet treats such as Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal Restaurant, Uva Bar, Marceline’s Confectionery, Salt & Straw scoop shop, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Starbucks, to name a few.
    • Holiday Shopping: There are scores of stores and kiosks to browse apparel, jewelry, Disney art, plush and collectibles. World of Disney is a must for Disney fans with 40,000 square-feet of Disneyland Resort-themed toys, apparel and souvenirs in an interactive environment sprinkled with pixie dust surprises. PANDORA Jewelry offers limited-edition collections for holiday shoppers and Sanuk is a spot for cozy footwear, while Disney Home, The Disney Dress Shop, Sephora, The LEGO Store and Curl Surf all offer unique gift items. New family-owned boutiques that joined the Downtown Disney District this year, Rinse Bath & Body Co. offering all natural skincare products and Sugarboo & Co. featuring inspirational treasures, are both ideal for gift-giving.
    • Entertainment: The Downtown Disney District comes alive with nightly entertainment featuring four a cappella groups ­– Holiday Harmony, The Sugar Plums, The Moonrays and Jingle 5 ­– during the month of December, plus other musicians, magicians and talented artists throughout the holiday season.
  • NEW Footage of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride Released by Disney

    NEW Footage of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride Released by Disney

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is just days away from opening at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney has released a new video giving us another sneak peek inside the upcoming attraction.

    Airing Thursday night during “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration on ABC, the new behind-the-scenes footage included footage of passengers on the ride, droids, explosions, Kylo Ren and even new glimpses at the ride’s queue.

    Disney Parks released some extra footage Friday which shows some of the the same scenes, but also features Disney’s “Volunteer Family of the Year,” which got to experience the attraction ahead of its debut as you can see in the video below.

    As the story of the ride goes, riders will be recruited to fight the First Order. They will first board a full-size transport shuttle before being captured by a Star Destroyer and the First Order. From there, they’ll come face-to-face with Kylo Ren as they try to escape.

    Trackless ride vehicles will transport rides through various scenes, where they’ll encounter Stormtroopers, TIE fighters, lightsabers and full-sized AT-ATs.

    Rise of the Resistance is comprised of multiple ride systems, making it one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions.

    Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is scheduled to open December 5 at Hollywood Studios and on January 17 at Disneyland in California.

  • New Frozen Dooney & Bourke Collection Released by Disney

    New Frozen Dooney & Bourke Collection Released by Disney

    With “Frozen 2” freezing the competition at the box office and the holiday shopping season in full swing, it’s the perfect time for the New Frozen Dooney & Bourke collection just released by Disney.

    The newest collection is a great way to accessorize this holiday season which showcases several new handbags by Dooney & Bourke, adorned with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf featured on the allover icy blue print.

    The new Frozen collection includes pouch, tote and cross-body styles. Take a look at the collection below:

    Frozen Pouch by Dooney & Bourke – $128.00

    With the elegant styling of this “Frozen” pouch purse, you’ll be able to venture into the unknown with all your essentials on hand. This bag includes a top carry handle that can be released on one side, a front zip pocket, and interior slots.

    Frozen Crossbody Bag by Dooney & Bourke – $198.00

    The “Frozen” Crossbody Bag includes a leather Disney Frozen dangle.

    Frozen Tote Bag by Dooney & Bourke – $298.00

    The “Frozen” tote bag has a striking styling and spacious size. The allover print captures Arendelle’s spectacular landscape in different seasons, with Elsa on one side and her sister Anna on the other side.

    The whole collection is avaiable now on shopDisney and at Ever After Jewelry Co. and Accessories in Disney Springs.

  • Experience the Excitement of a Visit to Walt Disney World Resort with Newest 4-Park Magic Ticket

    Experience the Excitement of a Visit to Walt Disney World Resort with Newest 4-Park Magic Ticket

    There’s so much to look forward to at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, with the holiday season in full swing and a year of new experiences on the horizon. To immerse themselves in all this magic, guests can take advantage of the newest four-day 4-Park Magic Ticket, now available from $89 per day (plus tax), or $356 total (plus tax) – a great value option for everything from a last-minute getaway to a meticulously planned dream vacation.

    The 4-Park Magic Ticket has proven to be a favorite ticket option for guests in recent years, as it provides one visit to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. For the first time, this latest version of the 4-Park Magic Ticket debuting today can be upgraded to include one admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, plus one admission to the new NBA Experience at Disney Springs.

    Here are details about this special offer:

    • 4-Park Magic Ticket is a four-day ticket that includes one admission to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks (one park per day).Guests must select a start date on or before Sept. 30, 2020, and the ticket expires seven days after the selected start date.
      • Adult (ages 10+): from $89 per day, plus tax (from $356 total, plus tax); prices vary based on start date selected; lower prices may apply on certain dates
      • Add one admission to one water park and one admission to NBA Experience for an extra $40, plus tax (ages 10+)
      • Child (ages 3-9) prices available

    For more information about the 4-Park Magic Ticket, guests can visit Disneyworld.com/4ParkMagic.

    With holiday festivities happening all across Walt Disney World Resort, the 4-Park Magic Ticket is a great way for families to share in this joyous season:

    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fully decked for the holidays for the first time, with holiday décor in every land, plus festive new entertainment.
    • The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays takes place Nov. 29-Dec. 30, featuring the beloved Candlelight Processional along with special Holiday Kitchens and more.
    • At Magic Kingdom Park, Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a glittering centerpiece of the season during “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”
    • “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-see holiday nighttime spectacular.

    The magic continues into 2020, when guests will discover even more unforgettable experiences across all four Walt Disney World theme parks:

    • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests are now living their own Star Wars adventures inside the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and, starting Dec. 5, they can join a climactic battle against the First Order as part of the groundbreaking new attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
    • Magic Kingdom Park offers unlimited enchantment with classic, fan-favorite attractions and spectacular entertainment, such as the must-see fireworks-and-projection show “Happily Ever After,” or the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.
    • At Epcot, the new limited-time nighttime spectacular “Epcot Forever” dazzles with soaring fireworks, inspiring music, lasers and colorful glowing kites that light up the sky above World Showcase Lagoon. In early 2020, Epcot welcomes another exciting festival season with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Jan.17-Feb. 24, followed by the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 4-June 1.
    • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rain forests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

    Florida Residents can experience all this magic with special 3-day and 4-day Disney Theme Park ticket prices just for them. To book your magical vacation contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations today. Their services are free and it will never cost you more to book with them than it would with Disney.

  • Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    In 2020, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, an opening day attraction, will celebrate 65 years at Disneyland and Disney has announced that the attraction will be undergoing a major refurbishment and getting a new ending.

    This classic Fantasyland attraction, Disneyland park’s only ride-through princess attraction, will be updated with new magic inside and out in 2020. Walt Disney Imagineering is reimagining how the classic tale of Snow White lives happily ever after, and guests will be invited to follow along with her story.

    In addition to experiencing familiar elements of the attraction you know and love, you’ll discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. For example, a new vignette will show Snow White in a beautiful forest setting waking up from her deep sleep as you can see in the concept art below:

    Also, the attraction will conclude when Snow White is reunited with her animal friends and a shimmering castle is seen in the distance. The ride currently ends with a bolt of lightning sending the wicked witch tumbling to her death from a mountaintop with a terrifying scream.

    Imagineers are implementing state-of-the-art audio and visual technology throughout the attraction, including new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system. The exterior of the attraction will be completely refreshed with new, fairy tale-inspired details to complement the nearby charming Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    This isn’t the first time the attraction has undergone a significant refurbishment. In 1983, as a whole new version of Fantasyland was unveiled, Snow White’s Adventures reopened with new technology and a brand-new facade, along with the new name.

  • Five Disneyland Resort Experiences to Give for the Holidays

    Five Disneyland Resort Experiences to Give for the Holidays

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are filled with magical entertainment, attractions, food and décor that guests will enjoy from Nov. 8, 2019, through Jan. 6, 2020. And if your looking for that perfect gift for someone then here are five Disneyland Resort Experiences you can give for the Holidays

    To extend that Disney magic beyond the winter season, here is a Holiday gift guide filled with experiences and products that are sure to delight every Disney fan – from Disney-themed dining to entertainment in the theme parks, hotel stays and more.

    Disneyland Resort Holiday Gift Ideas:

    1. Tickets to be among the first to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Opening Jan. 17, 2020, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will thrill guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive new land at Disneyland Park. A gift of theme park tickets will provide admission to the land and this new attraction, where guests will join the Resistance in the middle of an epic battle against the First Order. Guests who visit the planet of Batuu can also build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, create a personalized droid at Droid Depot, or purchase a Porg from the Creature Stall. The adventures continue back home with Star Wars-themed gifts, a reminder of the joy experienced at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
    2. Tickets to experience the new “Magic Happens” parade in spring 2020: A gift of tickets to Disneyland Resort for the spring season are ideal for discovering the extraordinary new parade “Magic Happens” at Disneyland. Magic happens with grand storytelling as stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters fill the procession – led by Mickey Mouse and his pals. While watching this magical parade, guests may complement their viewing experience by waving a celebratory bubble wand  and displaying a magically-themed popcorn bucket, memorializing their first time experiencing this new parade.
    3. A Disneyland Resort Hotel stay: Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel will enjoy fabulous décor, themed restaurants and pools, legendary Disney guest service and more. Create a gift with a Disneyland Resort hotel stay and your loved ones will enjoy exclusive benefits such as Extra Magic Hour, easy access to hotel dining and close proximity to the parks and Downtown Disney District. For an added surprise, loved ones will be thrilled with the gift of a Holiday In-Room Celebration with Disney Floral and Gifts. These experiences open even more opportunities to create precious memories together.
    4. The Frozen Dining Package at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge: Dining packages make great gifts for Disney fans, whether it’s for a nighttime spectacular like “Fantasmic!” or a fireworks show. To celebrate the debut of Disney’s new film “Frozen 2,” guests may enjoy the Frozen Dining Package: a royal three-course feast at Carthay Circle Restaurant that comes with priority seating for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” at Disney California Adventure. Advance reservations for the Frozen Dining Package are highly recommended and can be booked at Disneyland.com up to 60 days in advance. Separate theme park admission is required. Guests may want to complement their experience with new products from the Frozen-inspired Arendelle Aqua color collection. “Frozen” fans will appreciate gifts from this line, including the Loungefly Minnie Mouse mini-backpack, Arendelle Aqua Ear headband and accompanying spirit jersey.
    5. Disney Gift Cards for Holiday Shopping and Dining: Glistening ornaments, apparel, toys and more fill shop windows at the Disneyland Resort, and the gift of Disney gift cards will make it easy for family and friends to bring home a favorite item. Guests may choose from shopping opportunities inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as well as the Downtown Disney District with its expansive World of Disney store. For dining, a Disney gift card presents a chance to enjoy a special meal or sample some of the fun treats throughout the resort. Guests are encouraged to make reservations for dining at table service locations, including Café Orleans in Disneyland, Golden Vine Winery at Disney California Adventure, and Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney. 
  • New Dark Gray and Mint Green MagicBands Coming to Disney World

    New Dark Gray and Mint Green MagicBands Coming to Disney World

    MagicBand collectors are going to be thrilled! Today, Disney gave us a first look at a brand new MagicBand colors — dark gray and a mint green — which will be debuting at Walt Disney World Resort on November 29.

    The first new MagicBand is a dark gray color that is fashion-forward and sleek. This bold color complements any look for your Disney Parks visit.

    The second new color is a mint green color showcasing an effervescent and fun look. This cheerful color is sure to be a fan favorite!

    MagicBands are an all-in-one device that allow you to access your Walt Disney World Resort plans in the My Disney Experience app, from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, connecting Disney PhotoPass photos and more.

    Items will be available for purchase wherever MagicBands are sold throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

  • 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Disney World January 17

    2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Disney World January 17

    Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort will unveil its annual global celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts Jan. 17 and continue for 39 days through Feb. 24, 2020.

    The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.

    The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:

    • 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
    • 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
    • 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
    • 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
    • 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
    • Additional January and February performances still to be announced.

    All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving aDisney on BroadwayDining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. Packages are available to book starting Nov. 14, 2019, at participating Epcot restaurants; guests can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation.

    Food Studios Serve Up the Culinary Arts

    Twelve festival Food Studios plus additional food and beverage locations will take culinary arts to the next level with scrumptious, imaginative dishes – artistically sculpted and ready for camera closeups.

    Festival guests will discover seven-days-a-week fun including a colorful new interactive mural, that everyone in the family can help paint, workshops, artful photo ops, art galleries and mesmerizing performance art like the daily Epcot Living Statues and Art Defying Gravity shows.

    More to See, Do and Eat During the Festival

    • Indulge in new culinary fun at the Le Cellier Brunch in the Canada pavilion, a leisurely prix fixe bounty each Saturday and Sunday in the relaxing Canadian chateau. Reservations required.
    • Explore the Green Landing Family Play Zone where Wall-E and Eve invite the entire family to enjoy a lush, green environment built for exploring.
    • Jump into photo-ops located throughout Epcot, such as the Peter Pan Storybook installation by the United Kingdom pavilion where guests can flap their fins in Mermaid Lagoon or get their pirate on at Skull Rock.
    • Grab a paintbrush and add color to a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.
    • Join Figment’s Brush with the Masters, a scavenger hunt where the friendly dragon has painted himself into famous pieces of art in each World Showcase pavilion.
    • Marvel at and purchase works by Disney’s iconic artists in displays throughout World Showcase.
    • Watch visiting artists as they create new pieces, from Disney-inspired works to creative art across diverse mediums.
    • Create festival-inspired t-shirts and candles.

    Premium festival experiences that include Paint with a Disney Artist and the World Showcase: Destinations Discovered guided tour are available to guests for a fee.