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Whoopi Goldberg, Mark Hamill, Leonard Maltin, John Stamos and more coming to D23 Expo

The excitement is ramping up from “zero to hero” for D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the three-day spectacular, which takes place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will have the chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hercules with members of the cast and creative team; hear from Disney Legends, including 2017 inductee Mark Hamill, during a panel hosted by Leonard Maltin; and enjoy the music of Walt Disney’s classic live-action musicals in a remarkable stage production featuring Lesley Ann Warren and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. John Stamos will host a chat with Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering. Plus, the Walt Disney Archives will host three days of presentations on its own stage. And, for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy a daily “Ultimate Fan Street Party” right on the show floor.

Just-announced panels:

Mousequerade
Friday, July 14, 11 a.m., Stage 28
Mousequerade, the fan-favorite costume competition that invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired designs, returns to D23 Expo 2017. Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels), Kara Saun (costume designer for Descendants 2), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalists compete in five exciting categories for the $2,300 grand prize!

The Golden Girls: A Celebration of Friendship, Laughter, and Cheesecake
Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m., Stage 28
In the 25 years since the final episode of The Golden Girls aired in 1992, the television series has become an enduring fan favorite that continues to be watched throughout the world. Celebrate with us as we bring together the show’s creators and other special guests for this unforgettable event.

Disney Legends 30th Anniversary
Friday, July 14, 4:15 p.m., Stage 28
Join film historian Leonard Maltin as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends program with a remarkable lineup of individuals who have each left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy, including Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Imagineering Legend Bob Gurr, Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and 2017 inductee Mark Hamill.

Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
In the 1960s, Walt Disney sought to expand his filmmaking style beyond animation and bring music to a variety of new live-action film projects. D23 Expo will celebrate these magical, musical movies in a live stage extravaganza—hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Dotrice, and other renowned guest stars, joined by live musical performers and a 20-voice chorus—to showcase Summer MagicMary PoppinsThe Happiest Millionaire, and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, as well as others.

Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules
Sunday, July 16, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
From the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the Underworld, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney classic that put the “glad” in gladiator! Join a group of legendary artists and filmmakers who brought Hercules to life, including directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (“Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Megara”), as well as Megara and Hercules themselves—Susan Egan and Tate Donovan—as they recount stories of making one of the most epic animated features of all time.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 80th Anniversary Screening
Sunday, July 16, 3:15 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
For eight decades, Disney fans have whistled “Heigh Ho” while they worked. Now, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Walt Disney’s first-ever animated feature, D23 Expo is proud to present a special screening of the film that started it all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
Join a fascinating conversation, hosted by John Stamos, with three Imagineering Legends—Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson—as they recount true-life anecdotes and share personal stories about the celebrated artists, designers, and technical wizards who established the foundation and guiding principles for groundbreaking Disney experiences around the globe.

Also coming to D23 Expo…

Walt Disney Archives Stage
The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, more than doubling its capacity, as it hosts 17 panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Disney notables, such as director Pete Docter, Disney Legend Jim Cora, producer Don Hahn, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse), Imagineers Diana Brost, Jason Grandt, and Chris Merritt, plus many more, will participate in panels throughout the weekend. Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, from the incredible work of Marc Davis and the original characters of the Disney Parks (such as Figment and the Country Bears) to the women of Disney animation and an incredible virtual walk-through of the Walt Disney Studios on Hyperon Avenue. Visit D23expo.com for the complete schedule.

Center Stage
Located in the center of the D23 Expo show floor, Center Stage will be the heartbeat of the Expo and a hub of activity throughout the weekend. Aimee Carrero, the voice of Disney’s Elena of Avalor, will perform live for the first time, and will be joined by special guests including Lou Diamond Phillips who voices series’ villain, Victor Delgado. Also performing on Center Stage will be Temecula Road, Tomasina, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, nerd-rock group Kirby Krackle, and Susan Egan, who will sing favorites from Beauty and the Beast. Disney animators, including Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn, will show aspiring artists “how to draw” throughout the weekend. Marvel’s Brian Crosby will show fans how to draw Spider-Man and Groot. And Bill Rogers, the “voice of Disneyland,” will be on-hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages in his signature dulcet tones. The complete lineup will be available in the coming weeks on the D23 Expo app.

D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party
For the first time at D23 Expo, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind street party—right on the D23 Expo show floor. Twice each day the cavalcade will travel down Mickey Avenue, with a live band, beloved Disney characters, high-energy dancers, and celebrity grand marshals! Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will grand marshal the first cavalcade on Friday, July 14, and members of the cast of Descendants 2 will lead the second that day. Additional talent and times to be announced in the coming weeks and will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Talent subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

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DESSERT PARTIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTY NIGHTS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Tickets are now available for holiday party nights at Walt Disney World® Resort! Whether guests are heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this winter, they can make the evening even more magical with these delicious additions.

At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party, guests can raise a glass for a ghostly toast of sparkling cider while indulging in Halloween-themed eats, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies created daily by our master pastry chef. Specialty drinks, signature lemonades, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also be served.

Guests can top off this delectable event with boo-tiful views of the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular over Cinderella Castle for a fright fest of color, music and light they’ll never forget! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party takes place select nights Aug. 29 – Nov. 1, 2017.

If guests are planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, they can experience spectacular views of the holiday fireworks and sweet treats at the Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, select nights from Nov. 9- Dec. 22, 2017.

Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats – like chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. And raise a cup of good cheer with sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and lights!

The cost is $79 plus tax for adults; $47 plus tax for children ages 3-9.

A valid ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend the fireworks dessert parties.

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Unveils “A Galaxy of Stories” Pavilion At D23 Expo, July 14–16, 2017

Showcasing the creative process of bringing new Disney park experiences to life, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts invites guests to discover its pavilion, “A Galaxy of Stories,” at D23 Expo, July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Guests will get an exclusive look at the new Star Wars-themed lands currently under development for Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this year’s pavilion. Guests to the pavilion will also hear personal stories of cast members and Imagineers working to create transformational experiences every day at Disney Parks.

Showcasing models, artwork, and media, the pavilion will provide a first-ever look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that will bring Star Wars to life at the new Star Wars-themed lands, which are set to debut in 2019. For the first time, guests will be able to view a fully detailed model of the overall vision for this new experience that was once “far, far away,” but is now very, very near!

D23 Expo guests will once again have the chance to explore Mickey’s of Glendale, an Imagineering-exclusive merchandise store, to shop for unique souvenirs, specialty pins, limited-edition collectibles, and merchandise not available anywhere else.

In addition to the previously announced Hall D23 presentation of what’s new and next with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek, which will take place Saturday, July 15, at 3 p.m., D23 Expo guests also will be able to attend three unique panel presentations:

Pirates of the Caribbean: 50 Years of Swashbuckling Adventures in Disney Parks
Friday, July 14, 3:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
From its early origins at Disneyland Park to the latest technical achievements of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland, Imagineers will share buccaneering tales of developing this signature Disney Parks attraction around the globe.

Inspiring Women of Imagineering
Sunday, July 16, 12:15 p.m., Stage 28
Meet some of the talented women of Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests will hear personal stories and get an insider’s look at the Imagineering process from these creative and technical professionals building on Disney’s rich legacy of female Imagineers.

Voices of Disney Parks
Sunday, July 16, 2:30 p.m., Stage 28
See—and hear—the people behind some of the most recognizable voices heard across Disney Parks. From famed attractions to favorite characters, these talents have done it all, and guests will hear personal stories and feel as though they’ve stepped into a Disney Parks recording booth!

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

 

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Summer of Heroes Food and Beverage at Disney California Adventure: Fact Sheet

As part of the Summer of Heroes celebration at Disney California Adventure Park, guests will find Super Hero-inspired food and beverages at six different locations in the Hollywood Land area of the park, including Schmoozies, Award Wieners and Market Place. New locations include the Cosmic Canteen and Knowhere Eats. Dishes and drinks in lively colors of green, purple, red, blue and orange reflect the bold personalities of some favorite Super Heroes. One of the fun new desserts is inspired by baby Groot. The Angry Little Pudding Cup features chocolate pudding with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookie, whipped cream and funnel cake fries. Guests who enjoy the Mickey-shaped sourdough bread available in Disney California Adventure will want to check out the fun, new Groot-shaped breads, in  sourdough and jalapeno-cheddar flavors. The Most Dangerous Tacos in the Galaxy, a must-try, are inspired by the fiery personality of Gamora, featuring barbacoa, green onion slaw and habanero salsa. In addition, guests can try the Savory Strength Falafel Pita, Super Size Subs, Space Outpost Tacos, Gamma-Sized Donuts and Bifrosties (shave ice with fun themed flavors).

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Marvel Announces Epic Experiences for Fans at Disney’s D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, July 14–16

Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo’s show floor from July 14–16 with an exciting look at its upcoming film titles in the Marvel Studios Pavilion, featuring an array of props and costumes from the Studios’ upcoming slate, including Thor: RagnarokBlack Panther, and more. Fans will also be able to enjoy all-new console and mobile Marvel Games, plus incredible exclusive content and announcements throughout the weekend!

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk. Fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from Thor: Ragnarok, as well as photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film.

The incredible costumes from Black Panther will also be on display. Black Panther follows the journey of T’Challa after the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War, where he returns to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader.

In addition to the exciting props and costumes on display, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B. Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests will be able to get their hands on the hottest new console and mobile games featuring favorite Marvel Super Heroes, playing as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more!

  • LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
  • Adding to the infinite excitement of D23 Expo, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a variety of exciting and accessible single-player modes and rich multi-player content for new players and longtime fans alike and will be released on September 19, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
  • Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs and MMOs with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. With thousands of hours of character progression and rewards, Marvel Heroes Omega comes packed with tons of replay value and a steady stream of new challenges with regular updates.
  • Netmarble is bringing its best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can try their hand at saving the universe.
  • Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game available on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-versus-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more. Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero and wage war against their enemies. Learn more at www.marvelpuzzlequest.com.

Marvel will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including the fan-favorite Cup o’ Joe on Friday, July 14, at 1:15 p.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, featuring Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Joe Quesada, in a no-holds-barred panel of everything Marvel! That same day at 6 p.m. on Stage 28, Marvel Animation presents a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28. Details will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

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5 New Dining Concepts Coming Soon to Disney Springs At Walt Disney World Resort

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, the Disney Springs restaurant will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. Designed by noted Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful culture of Spain.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Opening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

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New Pool Deck at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa at the Disneyland® Resort is currently undergoing an exciting hotel-wide renovation—the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening.Guests have already been enjoying some of the updates—with many new Guest rooms already available and the redesigned pool area now open for summer fun! Here’s a look at some of the details found at our refreshed pool deck.

Each pool area was designed with a variety of natural stones and brick to not only create a warm and welcoming environment, but also define three distinct pool settings. In keeping with the Arts and Crafts style of the hotel, the stone work was hand-laid by master stone mason

The Redwood Pool, with its irregular shape, features earthy, organic-feeling materials, including rustic brown flagstone and multicolored brick bands and slide accents. Situated just behind the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, the 90-foot-long waterslide curves around a giant Redwood tree stump!

Golden flagstone is used throughout the Fountain Pool. The new urn-shaped fountain serves as the pool area’s centerpiece. Our original turtle fountain can now been seen nestled in the garden as a fun addition to the Craftsman-inspired landscape.

The quiet Mariposa Pool features serene bluestone laid in an ashlar (or rectangular) pattern creating a sleek look. For Guests who wish to stretch out and relax, private cabanas line the edge and are available for half-day or full-day rentals.

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Video – Stan Lee Assembles Super Heroes for Disney Cruise Line Marvel Day at Sea

Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero this fall on the inaugural sailings of Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line on select 7-night cruises from New York City. Check out this video as Captain America, Iron Man and more get the call from a Marvel legend.

Marvel Day at Sea kicks off in October on select 7- and 8-night cruises from New York City. The excitement continues on select 5-night voyages from Miami departing January through April.

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Cool off with the “Frozen” Summer Games at Disney’s Blizzard Beach

“Frozen” Summer Games has returned to Disney’s Blizzard Beach® Water Park at Walt Disney World® Resort.

In addition to the return of the games, guests can now meet the team captains, Kristoff or Olaf, near the Beach Haus merchandise shop! In fact, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the only location at Walt Disney World Resort where guests can meet Kristoff, so be sure they take the opportunity to say hello to the “Frozen” star.

Meeting a few “Frozen” friends is the perfect way to kick off the “Frozen” Summer Games, where once again Guests visiting Blizzard Beach can join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf to participate in a variety of friendly competitions, including Ice Pail Relays, Ski Pole Limbo and Slide Races. Plus, they can also enjoy family activities, crafts and a DJ playing the “coolest” hits.

It’s a really fun way for guests to “chill” out as the weather heats up!

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Disney Reveals Coco Voice Cast And Character Details

Pixar’s is finally nearing the finish line with their new project Coco, and with a new trailer coming later today the studio released more details about the film’s talented cast.

Coco deals with a young boy who discovers his idol is in the land of the dead. As seen in the trailers, this is a rather magical place, and director Lee Unkrich describes just how different this place is in comparison to the land of the living.

Full Story

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