Category: Attractions

Avatar Flight of Passage Honored with Award for Outstanding Visual Effects

The Visual Effects Society (VES) announced the winners of their annual VES Awards last night, honoring outstanding visual effects in motion pictures, television and other Media. Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom won the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project.

Avatar Flight of Passage is an innovative 3-D ride experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that allows guests to soar over the incredible landscape of Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee.

This multi-sensory experience uses cutting-edge technology and intricate special effects like never before. Guests can actually feel the banshee breathe beneath them as they fly high above floating mountains, plunge through ancient caverns and skim across roaring oceans.

This marks the second major industry award for this attraction as it also picked up a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement: Attraction.

February 14, 2018
D23 Expo Reveals New Details For Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction and it is opening in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and after the D23 Expo Japan on Sunday we now have some exciting new details about the attraction.

Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Bob Chapek, announced the opening year and showed how they are pulling out all of the stops to make Mickey’s first attraction an unbelievable experience for everyone. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. And for the first time, we shared a preview of what the cars will look like when you board the attraction for a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

The teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation—the people who create the popular and award-winning Mickey Shorts – to keep the characters and story authentic and to make sure you’re able to step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before.

February 12, 2018
New Details For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Coaster at Epcot Revealed At D23 Expo

At the D23 Expo in Japan on Sunday, Disney revealed plenty of new details about the upcoming additions to its parks. Disney execs shared a first look at Epcot’s highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction which they describe as one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

“With the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-inspired coaster, we’re going big. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot.” said Disney reps. It’ll feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney.

“As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

February 12, 2018
‘Incredible Summer’ Will Bring New Experiences to All Four Parks at Disney World
From Super Heroes to an intergalactic concert, from eye-popping shows to a nighttime beach party to get your glow on, from new reasons to love Disney Springs to an all-new land where toys reign supreme, there’s only one way to describe summer 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort. Incredible! This summer, beloved stories from several Pixar films will come to life bringing new experiences to all four parks!

When Disney kicks off its Incredible Summer over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, guests will kick up their sandals to nonstop fun, immersed in favorite Disney films, entering the worlds of beloved characters and experiencing exciting new attractions and entertainment.

And, with the addition of a nighttime party at Typhoon Lagoon, this summer will be even more incredible.

At Magic Kingdom Park from May 25 through Sept. 3, favorite Disney•Pixar Super Heroes will take over Tomorrowland with the premiere of the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo that celebrates all things super. Guests will interact with Mr. Incredible, Frozone and other characters from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and upcoming “Incredibles 2.” And, for the first time ever, guests will get to see Edna Mode, the world’s greatest costume designer for the Supers. Tomorrowland gets decked out for this Supers celebration with Incredibles décor and the sounds of incredible music. High-energy fun builds to a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters nationwide June 15.

There will be more Super Hero action at Epcot where Star-Lord and Gamora, from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos. The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! concert series will feature hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes – fun and favorite tunes from the two movie soundtracks. There will be five show times daily, running June 9 through Aug. 19.

This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 20^th anniversary with two super new experiences:
- UP! A Great Bird Adventure premieres April 22, Earth Day, coinciding with the start of the park’s 20^th anniversary celebration. The show features Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar animated film “UP,” as they discover bird species from around the world.
- Donald’s Dino-Bash!, which opens Memorial Day Weekend, is a “dino-tastic” celebration where Donald Duck takes over Dinoland U.S.A. The world’s most famous duck is celebrating his recent discovery that ducks are descendants of dinosaurs. He’s brought along feathered friends Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack, plus other Disney characters to meet guests. In addition to bringing his own decorating touch to the land, Donald puts on a nightly dance party where everyone can shake their tail feathers. The dance party is the newest addition to the lineup of after-dark entertainment that keeps the fun going past sundown at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition to the fun new entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can still thrill to the park’s newest land, Pandora – The World of Avatar. There they can experience Avatar Flight of Passage, which quickly became the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World.

New Nighttime Fun at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Just announced, Rex and his “Toy Story” pals will be throwing a glow party bigger and better than ever at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Disney H2O Glow Nights will transform the water park like never before. Rex, a.k.a. Partysaurus Rex, serves as host and promises a sudsy good time. All attractions will be open for guest enjoyment and, as part of the fun, a DJ will host dancing on the beach. This special-ticket event will crank out the fun Thursdays and Saturdays only, June 21 through Aug. 11, from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Tickets go on sale March 19 and are $55 per person plus tax for adults and $50 per person plus tax for children ages 3-9.

Exciting Adventures and Delicious Delights at Disney Springs

Summer 2018 also marks the first summer for incredible new offerings at Disney Springs, including “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire,” a hyper-reality experience from Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID; and new restaurants and bars have popped up to tempt any appetite. These include The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant and bar; Maria & Enzo’s, an open and airy Italian trattoria featuring family-friendly dishes inspired by Sicily; Terralina Crafted Italian, a new concept from James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano; and Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, brought to Disney Springs by former California Grill manager and Master Sommelier George Miliotes (opening this spring).

Toy Story Land Opens

The capstone of the Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World is the June 30 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Part of a multi-year reimagining of the park, this new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will experience two new attractions. Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster that will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops that Andy has created to stretch Slinky and his coils to the max. “Toy Story” pals also come to life in another fresh-from-the-box themed attraction – Alien Swirling Saucers. This Pizza Planet toy play set is loaded with aliens circling about in their flying saucers pulling along rocket ships full of guests. The new land will also encompass Toy Story Mania! Already one of the most popular attractions, it will feature a brand-new entrance designed to look like a play set filled with carnival games. Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service kiosk serving tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats inside Toy Story Land.

Immersive New Pixar Character Experience for Children

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will soon be home to an immersive new Pixar character experience that is exclusively for children ages 4-12 and takes place nightly from 5-10:30 p.m. Pixar Play Zone will offer a playful and exciting evening that will transport kids on an adventure with their favorite characters from “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles.”

Kids will learn how to battle the enemies of Star Command in Space Ranger Training, and they’ll learn the ropes of the Wild West with Woody and Jessie during Woody’s Roundup. As part of The Piston Cup Challenge, youngsters will build and race cars on the Radiator Springs Racetrack. Kids will also will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible. The evening includes dinner, other activities and arcade games.

The new Pixar experience is $65 per child plus tax.
February 3, 2018
A Closer Look at Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park

One of the things guests love most about Disney Parks is the way they immerse guests in a story, often down to the tiniest details. Thanks to Disney Parks Blog, today we take a closer look at details you might have missed in some of your favorite attractions or maybe even details you may have noticed and always wondered about! Let’s dig deeper with one of history’s most famous archaeologists at Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland park.

From the moment you enter the queue, Indiana Jones Adventure transports you to the past with immersive details and interactive elements. Take a close look into Indy’s office and you’ll find 1930s copy of “Life” magazine featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the cover.

There are also nods to the famous films. The wall of Indy’s office is made of crates, one of which is labeled, “Deliver to Club Obi Wan.” This is a reference to the opening sequence of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” – which takes place in Club Obi Wan, itself an homage another famous Lucasfilm character.

There are also clues to the adventure ahead. Next to his desk, you will find a bulletin board posted with correspondence between Indy and Sallah as well as a large map of the entire temple drawn by Dr. Jones himself. Depicted here are traps, landmarks and even a guide to which gifts can be found behind each of the doorways inside the Chamber of Destiny.

There are even hidden details to find once on board your troop transport. Past a menacing 45-foot-tall decaying skull of Mara and before a lunging 100-foot long King Cobra, you’ll see a skeleton wearing Mickey ears embroidered with the name “Bones.”

The Temple of the Forbidden Eye is full of many more immersive details. The next time you make your way through the temple passageways, keep an eye out for archaeological tools, traps and even try to decipher some of the Maraglyphics carved into the walls.

February 2, 2018
New Specimens Join the Collection at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at California Adventure

Taneleer Tivan is expanding his collection of rare items from across the galaxy with three new acquisitions. These Vyloos, native to the planet Berhert, may look familiar to Terrans who have seen the film, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Guests visiting The Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure park will find these little birds to be very responsive, friendly and outgoing – responding to noises and movement – but they can also suddenly become extremely shy and introverted.

They may look adorable, but beware! These little birds have been known to defend themselves when threatened, so the Tivan Group has assured us that they will be kept fully enclosed in their glass display case at all times. As long as the fortress power source remains operational, they will be safely contained.

The Collector invites you to come see these new acquisitions for yourself, on display beginning this week at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure park!

January 22, 2018
“It’s A Small World” Getting A Makeover at Disneyland

The holidays are over and Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” is about to start transitioning from the Holiday version back to the classic version, but the work doesn’t stop there.

Work will continue in the promenade in front of the attraction. The queue location is being moved – along with other enhancements, including a new parade route entrance and stroller area – allowing guests to travel through “it’s a small world” Mall with greater ease.

“it’s a small world” Mall is a popular area of Disneyland park. In addition to accessing “it’s a small world,” guests use the promenade in front of the attraction to get to Mickey’s Toontown and Fantasyland Theatre, among other offerings. The slightly adjusted parade route will make room for the attraction’s new queue, creating more space in the area.

“it’s a small world” Holiday will close on Jan. 22 and “it’s a small world” will reopen on Feb. 2. The aforementioned changes are expected to complete in spring, when “Pixar Play Parade” will step off the new parade route entrance during Pixar Fest, beginning April 13.

January 20, 2018
14 ‘Must Do’ Coasters At Disney Parks Around the World
When it comes to immersive, high-energy thrill rides – Disney Parks does it better than anyone. Disney coasters are among the best in the world and millions of guests “get their coaster on” at worldwide Disney Parks every day.

Here is a list of some best Disney coasters from around the world!
1. Space Mountain – A classic. From Disneyland Resort in Anaheim to Hong Kong Disneyland and everywhere in between, this indoor coaster has dipped and tripped guests on a one-of-a-kind outer space adventure. At Disneyland Paris, you can find the Star Wars version of the attraction, Hyperspace Mountain; and a ghoulish version shows up at the Disneyland Resort during Halloween called Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
2. TRON Lightcycle Power Run – An ode to the hit Disney films, “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy,” guests of Shanghai Disney Resort hop on the iconic lightcyles and Experience high-speed thrills and chills as the Grid comes alive in a heart-pounding race for survival. And we just announced its inclusion in Magic Kingdom Park here at Walt Disney World – VERY exciting!
1. Barnstormer, Featuring the Great Goofini – Much more my speed. Located in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, The Great Goofini is known for his aerial expertise and high-flying stunts. Perfect for smaller visitors, Barnstormer has guests rolling through some of his most iconic swoops and swirls – at a graceful pace.
1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – a HUGE hit at Magic Kingdom Park and now the toast of Shanghai Disney Resort. Guests “rock” and “roll” through scenes from Dwarfs’ mine – showcasing characters and songs from the iconic film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” You haven’t lived until you’ve heard “Heigh Ho” sung in Mandarin!
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Amid rugged bedrock and desert cactus, venture inside a nearly 200-foot mountain to the Big Thunder Mining Company, established in the early days of America’s Gold Rush. Traipse down into an abandoned mine shaft and discover a mysterious 5-car locomotive waiting to take you on a journey inside an abandoned shaft. Guests around the world love this attraction with versions at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.
1. Expedition Everest – A trek through the Himalayas and “The Forbidden Mountain,” no coaster tour of Walt Disney World Resort would be complete without a ride on Expedition Everest. Walt Disney Imagineers spent years researching legends and myths of Southeast Asia to be able to accurately immerse guests into this world. The views from the climb to the top are some of the most exquisite on Walt Disney World Resort property. It makes you anticipate and appreciate the inevitable thrills and chills as you fall even more.
1. California Screamin’ – Soon to be reimagined as the new Incredicoaster as the entire area reopens as Pixar Pier summer 2018. The coaster has been an icon for Disney California Adventure park, and regardless of the theme you’re still going through the 120-foot plunge to 360-degree loop.
1. Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril – Guests of Disneyland Paris can re-create their favorite mine car scene “Temple of Doom”-style as they twist and turn through dark, cursed ruins.
1. Crush’s Coaster – Guests of Walt Disney Studios Paris join Crush and friends in Toon Studio, where they board turtle shells and prepare for a ride through memorable moments from the the Disney•Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.” This is a REALLY cool ride for younger and young-at-heart guests alike.
1. Raging Spirits – A hallmark attraction of Tokyo DisneySea, this is a high-speed rollercoaster attraction racing through the excavated ruins of an ancient ceremonial site. This thrilling ride will turn your world upside down – literally.
1. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Another Disneyland classic – taking guests twisting and turning through the Swiss Alps. As guests swoop in and out of shadowy caves and along jagged rocky ledges; throttle through icy chutes and around frozen precipices, the “real” danger is not in the landscape. I won’t spoil it for newbies who haven’t ridden yet. Opening in 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds was the very first tubular steel roller coaster in the world.
1. Water Coasters – Those looking for a wetter coaster experience look no further than Disney Parks. Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park pushes and splashes guests through 400-foot-long tubes with uphill climbs and a plunge into Hideaway Bay at the end. And we can’t forget the water coasters aboard our Disney Cruise Line ships – the AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and the AquaDunk aboard the Disney Magic give Disney Cruise Line guests a ride they will never forget.
1. Gadget’s Go Coaster – Another attraction for the entire family, this engaging “coaster” is based on the work of the character Gadget Hackwrench from the Disney animated series Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Guests of both Disneyland Resort in California and Tokyo Disney Resort can enjoy its family-friendly twists, turns, humps and bumps.
1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith – A game changer in indoor rollercoasters, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features one of the fastest rides at Disney Parks paired with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Guests of both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris know to “hang on” when the 0-to-60-MPH launch starts.
January 15, 2018
Dumbo and Main Street Vehicles Close for Refurbishment

A temporary closure for two of Disneyland original attractions start Monday as they undergo refurbishment. Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A. are both getting an update.

The horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A., will be replaced in its entirety. This will temporarily pause the operation of all Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles.

While sections of the Main Street, U.S.A., track have been replaced before, this the first complete replacement. The modifications will incorporate new brickwork that will enhance the look of the iconic thoroughfare. The pieces of original track that remain today will be salvaged and preserved, and the previously updated pieces of track will be recycled.

Also, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is receiving a new queue location. Were not talking New Fantasyland queues here, but it will increase guest comfort and accessibility.

The attraction will close temporarily to move the location of its queue and erect a new shade structure. The attraction will also be up to its “ears” in fresh paint!

Refurbishment is a common practice that Disney performs periodically to keep their attractions fresh and up to date. Main Street, U.S.A., vehicles and Dumbo the Flying Elephant will reopen in late winter and early spring, respectively.

January 8, 2018
BREAKING: Circle of Life Attraction To Close Permanently at Epcot

The Circle of Life, at the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, is closing it doors permanently. This circle is complete for this long running attraction which has been educating guests about the environment for more than two decades.

On Thursday, it was announced that the attraction, which opened on January 21, 1995 will make its last run on February 3, 2018.

Shortly after the closure, the space will be used to host the student workshops and other events which are currently housed in the trailer between Germany and Italy. The trailer’s closure could possibly make way for the new rumored Brazil Pavillion in World Showcase.

The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable is a 20-minute widescreen film about conservation, with color commentary from the stars of Walt Disney’s The Lion King. Guests laugh and learn as Simba teaches Timon and Pumbaa an important lesson about the environment.

The Circle of Life features a magical mix of animation and live action. Presented in stunning 70mm footage shot in over 30 countries, this panoramic film provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the concept of eco kindness.

If you haven’t had a chance to see it in person check out the video below.

January 5, 2018