WDW Daily News

D23 Expo fans heard more details about the “Zootopia”-themed land coming to Shanghai Disney Resort. In addition to a major new attraction that blends storytelling and state-of-the-art technology to bring this favorite film to life, guests can expect immersive entertainment, merchandise, and dining options that can only be found in this mammalian metropolis.

The story of a generation comes to an end. Watch the D23 special look for Star Wars the Rise of Skywalker

This past weekend I had the great opportunity to go to WIZARD WORLD Chicago.

If you have never been to a convention like this, then you are definitely missing out. Whether you are a fan of Marvel, Disney, WWE, Star Wars, or just about anything in pop culture, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

I have been several times over the years and I continue to be entertained by the fans in their Cosplay, the wide variety of merchandise and the amazing artwork. Where else can you walk past Ironman, Arya Stark and Jon Snow, and a zombie at the same time?

Where else can you see people bring their favorite characters to life with no judgment from others for “playing dress up”? Where else can you walk up to both a famous comic book artist and someone who is just starting their career to discuss their pieces and why they chose that particular character and style? There are even opportunities to meet celebrities from TV, movies, and more. The crowd pleasers this past weekend were Jeff Goldblum and John Travolta.

WIZARD WORLD Chicago also amazes me every year because of the LACK of people on their electronic devices. It is a rarity to see so many people in one place just enjoying the event and each other. It is so refreshing to see people smiling, laughing, and living life without having to be attached to their phones. If shopping is more your style, then there are plenty of opportunities for that.

I know we spent hours winding through the many shops looking at pop culture figurines, comics, tshirts, and posters. I even managed to find a few items from my favorite Broadway shows as well as a picture book for my classroom.

Like I said, there is something for everyone. WIZARD WORLD convention information can be found at wizardword.com, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. No matter where you live in the USA, there is a Wizard World convention coming to a venue near you in 2019-2020. Go ahead and get those tickets so you too can be part of one of the best fan conventions in the country. I promise you will have an awesome time!

Guests will be able to visualize these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open Oct. 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experiencein the Odyssey Events Pavilion. Guests will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the park’s future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.

Clearly … there’s a LOT happening at Epcot. Stay tuned for more updates during the park’s historic transformation!

At D23 Expo 2019, Bob Chapek, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products shared details about the next generation of animated stories we’re bringing to life – starting at the Disneyland® Resort!

Debuting in spring 2020, the all-new, extraordinary “Magic Happens” parade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland® Park.

Celebrating awe-inspiring moments of magic—both large and small—that are at the heart of so many Disney stories, “Magic Happens” reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.

This daytime spectacular will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters – all led by Mickey Mouse and his pals.

On her voyager wa‘a (or canoe), Moana journeys forth on the crest of a beautiful wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings inset with LED panels, providing a dazzling glimpse into the magic the ocean holds.

Celebrating the magic that happens when Miguel strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz, the spectacular float inspired by the Disney and Pixar film “Coco” bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds. Fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.

The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” parade celebrates magical moments from classic Disney stories, including the trio of fairies from “Sleeping Beauty” who transform Princess Aurora’s gown from pink to blue and back again!

In addition, the parade will feature ​even more floats and characters, an energetic musical score and a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. The high-energy music combines this original song with classic Disney tunes in a fresh, contemporary style.

Stay tuned for more updates on “Magic Happens.”

• Also in the France pavilion, the classic Impressions de France film will be joined by the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” debuting in January 2020 and directed by Don Hahn, producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time.

• “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360”will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story.

• In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take you on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products have announced tickets are on sale for the highly anticipated new show coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The yet-to-be-named production, a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering will open for previews March 20, 2020, and officially premiere April 17, 2020. The show will take residency at Disney Springs. Tickets information is available online at Disneyworld.com.

This original creation coming to Disney Springs celebrates the art of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature way, with a tribute to thecraftsmanship that makes Disney so extraordinary.It will transport the audience into the world of Disney animation with new original acrobatic sequences, dazzling choreography, musical masterpieces and whimsical characters.

Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, stated “We have joined forces with Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios to create a show that combines Disney animation and heart with the unique artistry and theatrical sensibility of Cirque du Soleil. We are honored to be the first company trusted to work and create around these classic Disney characters in this unique way.’’

“For more than 60 years, we’ve been bringing Disney stories and characters to life in our theme parks around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Now our teams at Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios have joined with Cirque du Soleil to create an entirely new experience that will wow Walt Disney World guests and bring timeless, enchanting Disney stories to life in an unforgettable new way.”

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products first teamed up to bring La Noubato the stage at Disney Springs (then Downtown Disney) in 1998. Twenty years later, the two organizations are excited to be working together on a new project.

For more information on show tickets, dates and pricing, visit Disneyworld.com.

Take a look at concept art for the entrance of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. It will be a unique hotel and proposed Disney Vacation Club resort inspired by the wonders of nature and artistry of Walt Disney. 

• A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.

• The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, you will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, you have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.