Category: Disney Parks

New Details Revealed About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – X-Wing Fleet

New details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were revealed during last night’s discussion panel at Star Wars: Galactic Nights and it has fans over Endor about it. From the Millennium Falcon ride to a fleet of X-wings, Disney Imagineers are really starting to bring Batuu to life.

They discussed the Millennium Falcon Ride which Disney teased earlier in the week on their twitter feed. “We’ve all seen her on screen, but until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside the cockpit, power her up and actually FLY her yourself, it’s not quite the same.” Here is a photo of the inside of the ship!

The team’s progress includes the building of a fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters. One tap on the metal side of these ships tells you that they are real, and ready for action!

They also discussed the depth of storytelling you can find in this remote outpost. Imagineers researched the exotic markets of Istanbul and Marrakech which were a great source of inspiration for the marketplace in the village where you can explore a rich collection of shops and merchant stalls. Here is a piece of concept art for what that toy stall will look like.

And inside, you’ll be able to discover all kinds of fun and cool toys straight out of the Star Wars galaxy. Exclusive to this outpost, all these offerings look hand-crafted by local artisans. They’re going to be really fun, unique, and completely in-story.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won’t arrive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland until 2019

December 17, 2017
New Epcot Resort Planned Inside Park Could Land In Front of Spaceship Earth

Walt Disney World is getting a new resort that could be located inside Epcot and would give guests a direct entrance into the park according to multiple online reports. Depending on where it ends up being located it might even be connected to Epcot’s monorail loop.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to roll out of bed and just stroll into the park, or call it a night early and watch Illumination from your balcony. If rumours prove to be true it just might happen.

Disney has recently announced a massive overhaul of Future World including the upcoming addition of the new Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster which will replace the Universe of Energy and this might be the perfect time for such an addition to the park. If Disney was looking for sure way to increase attendance to Epcot then adding a Resort inside the park isn’t a bad idea.

There are two possible locations Disney is considering. The first location would be right at the main gate and would be the easiest to connect to existing monorail lines. Having a resort right in front of Spaceship Earth would be amazing, but how it might affect the park aesthetically immediately comes to mind. Disney is the best when it comes to design so there is no doubt they will find a way to incorporate it without detracting from the park’s famous icon.

The second proposed location would be on the west side of future world in the area between The Seas and The land. This also would make for a convenient entrance and still not be an eyesore in any way. It might not be as easy to connect to the monorail there, but there would probably be much better views of World Showcase Lagoon and Illuminations.

While a hotel in an actual park would be new to Walt Disney World, the company already has two such hotels at Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland Paris.

The plans are still in the early stages of development so things could easily change. But the possibility of a hotel in a Walt Disney World theme has fans really excited.

December 16, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Blast Off Tonight
Star Wars then there is only one part of the galaxy you want to be tonight as Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns at Hollywood Studios.

Following a sold-out event last April, this gala evening will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score will fill the park all evening long. So get your tickets online while you still can.

Among the many thrills in store, guests will be treated to a red-carpet arrival, iconic attractions with little to no wait time, amazing fireworks and projections, and experts sharing details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an entirely new land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019. Below you can find some of what to expect or check out our complete guide to the event.

Hyperdrive powers the night with:
- The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga. In between, a DJ will keep things spinning at Center Stage for a Star Wars dance party.
- The Epic Theater plays host to a special, celebrity-led panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Experts from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will share some of the excitement coming to the 14-acre Star Wars-inspired expansion opening in 2019 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Panelists will be joined by Warwick Davis, beloved by Star Wars fans since appearing as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi” among many Lucasfilm roles. Actor David Collins will host the special insider’s look.
- Park-wide, guests will step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including a new backdrop inspired by Star Wars Rebels.
- Star Wars: Galactic Nights features encounters with Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and stunning projection effects on park icons such as the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Tower, whose façade will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. At Star Wars Launch Bay, the theme park’s home base for Star Wars fandom, guests will meet denizens from the light and dark side of The Force.
- Darth Vader and a battalion of Imperial Stormtroopers will march menacingly down Hollywood Boulevard.
- Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
- Select park attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.
- Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their finest Star Wars costumes, however, masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older. Arriving park guests will walk a red carpet that runs the length of Hollywood Boulevard. The street itself will be dressed in all the trappings of a Tinseltown premiere.
December 16, 2017
Hot New Rose Gold Shirts Are The Next Disney Parks Must Have

Disney has rose gold fever and with the success of the Rose Minnie Mouse Gold Ears it’s no wonder. Disney fans got a first look at the Rose Gold Shirts this week, which will retail at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts very soon.

On Instagram last week, Disney uploaded a sneak peek of the jersey-style tops, and they are totes adorbs. The first look video below shows a comfy, long-sleeved tee in Millennial Pink fabric sprinkled with rose-gold glitter.

Disneyland Resorts or Walt Disney World Resorts on the back are spelled out in glittery words, while a cute “D” or Walt Disney World logo lends a touch of Disney Magic to the front. According to the video, which shows off a couple different ways to style the jerseys—it looks just as great tied around your waist, by the way—the shirts will be available at select stores some time in December.

December 16, 2017
Pixar Pier Model Shows Newly Themed Areas For Disney California Adventure Park

Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure Park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout.

Here is a first look at the transformation through photos of a working model now in use at Walt Disney Imagineering. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories.

Featuring newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise, this area will introduce new neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories. The neighborhood inspired by “The Incredibles” will be anchored by the Incredicoaster, which will feature a new mid-century-modern-style loading area inspired by the Parr family home as seen in the upcoming “Incredibles 2.”

Another of the neighborhoods will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, each of the 24 gondolas on what is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel will feature different pairs of Pixar pals, and at the Games of the Boardwalk, all of the midway games will be inspired by characters from films such as “a bug’s life,” “WALL·E” and the Pixar short “La Luna.”

Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13. The celebration will include the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade, and much more throughout the entire Disneyland Resort.

December 14, 2017
BREAKING: Stitch’s Great Escape To Close Permanently

It looks like we’ll be saying aloha to Stitch’s Great Escape for the last time very soon. The attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will close permanently after this final seasonal opening.

Opening starting December 13, 2017 through January 6, 2018, the attraction will then close forever. Disney has not yet officially confirmed the permanent closure, but “it is expected to occur very soon.”, according to a report from Kenny the Pirate. Disney is expected to announce a new attraction for the space.

For the past few months, the outer lobby area has been used as a Stitch meet and greet space. During Christmas break Stitch will move back to his former location near Space Mountain, but there has been no word on the future of his meet and greet beyond early January 2018.

The closing has been predicted for quite a while now and many ideas have been thrown around about what might replace the attraction. Among a host of reports, a Wreck-it Ralph themed attraction has been considered, which is set to release a new movie March 2018.

Hopefully they have another plan as that doesn’t really feel like a good Tomorrowland fit.

December 13, 2017
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.

December 13, 2017
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.

December 13, 2017
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.
December 13, 2017
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 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.

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.

December 12, 2017