Few companies have been able to create a brand as long-running, insular, and self-referential as the behemoth that is Disney. And that translates into plenty of Easter eggs in the studio’s animated films. The Disney fan site Oh My Disney helpfully breaks down some of those references in a new two-minute video that showcases the many, many nods to past properties Disney has hidden in its films over the years.
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Marvel heroes finally land at Disney theme parks
Mickey Mouse welcomed Captain America, Thor, and the rest of the Avengers gang into the fold when Disney acquired Marvel in 2009. But the superheroes have not made much of a mark in Mickey’s theme parks — until now.
A Dozen Ways to Have an Enchanting “Beauty and the Beast” Experience Across Walt Disney World Resort
On March 17, the much anticipated live-action film “Beauty and the Beast” will premiere in theaters nationwide. Fans looking to celebrate the classic fairy tale before the new film’s release need look no further than Walt Disney World Resort, where there are a multitude of unique “Beauty and the Beast” experiences just waiting to say “bonjour.”
Here are a few options:
Tale as Old as Time: Guests are invited to be a part of the story at Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests are transported through an enchanted mirror to Beast’s castle. They’re just in time to help Lumiere and Madame Wardrobe host a very special surprise for Belle. The audience gets to play various characters from the film to re-tell the story of how Belle and Beast met just before she has dinner with Beast.
Song as old as Rhyme: Guests can also interact with the story and the music from “Beauty and the Beast” with several entertainment options at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage! immerses guests in a Broadway-style show where Belle, Gaston, Beast, Mrs. Potts and other characters perform songs and scenes from the classic film. The 25-minute performance takes place daily at the Theater of the Stars.
- A sneak peek of the upcoming live-action film is screening at the theater inside of the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream attraction now through March 26. Guests also can see Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown and the Enchanted Rose from the live-action film in a gallery exhibit inside the attraction.
Magic Kingdom Park:
- Belle and Beast lead off the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade as it loops from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A. This sight-and-sound spectacular celebrates the magic of Fantasyland with several Disney friends and colorful floats. Parade kick off is 3 p.m. daily.
Put Our Service to the Test: Soup du jour, hot hors d’oeuvres, Walt Disney World restaurants only live to serve. Guests can find several “Beauty and the Beast” dining opportunities throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs.
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: This one-of-a-kind dining experience can be found inside Beast’s castle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Be Our Guest brings the story of “Beauty and the Beast” to life with atmospheric and culinary delights. It features an elegant ballroom, a Rose Gallery and the infamous West Wing for diners, with snowy views of the French countryside. Guests can even try the Grey Stuff, which is sure to be delicious. Beast, the master of the castle, meets with diners in his study after their meal. The French-style restaurant serves quick-service breakfast and lunch, and full-service dining for dinner.
- Gaston’s Tavern: This French-style lodge is decorated with hunting trophies and other keepsakes dedicated to Gaston. Guests can sit in his fireside chair, complete with signature antler décor, and sip on LeFou’s brew, a frozen apple juice beverage infused with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with mango foam. The Tavern, located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, also serves a variety of pastries, including the signature giant cinnamon roll. The strapping Gaston himself can be found meeting adoring fans outside the Tavern as well.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Guests can dine with several Disney Princesses, including Belle, in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Guests of all ages can visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner in this medieval castle setting, mingling with the princesses who pose for photos and sign autographs.
- Guests also can find unique pastries inspired by the Beauty and the Beast story at several locations, including the Enchanted Rose cake at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs and a Belle-inspired vanilla cupcake at Main Street Confectionary at Magic Kingdom Park.
A Beauty but a Funny Girl: Belle meets her fans in the France Pavilion at Epcot. Topiaries in France shaped like Belle, Beast and other “Beauty and the Beast” characters are showcased during the International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs now until May 29.
Little princesses also can get the royal Belle treatment at Bibbidi Bobbiidi Boutique, located at both Disney Springs and inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training transform young guests with princess costumes, hairstyles, nails and more.
For brides-to-be, there are endless ways to include “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired touches to their big day thanks to Disney’s Fairytale Weddings and Honeymoons. Brides can customize everything from their wedding decorations to the menu to wearing a Belle-inspired gown.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Available Today, March 10
Available today wherever music is sold and streamed, the “Beauty and the Beast” original motion picture soundtrack features an unforgettable score from eight-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken along with new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and two-time Academy Award® winner Howard Ashman. Also included are three new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice.
The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Directed by Bill Condon from a screenplay by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” stars: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Audra McDonald with Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson. “Beauty and the Beast” opens in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.
From early on, one of Condon’s key objectives was to build upon the story from the animated classic, and the Oscar-winning director realized music could play a significant role in making that happen. By finding interesting variations on beloved songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston” and with the addition of new songs, music could help push the story forward while elevating its emotional content at the same time.
New songs featured in the film and included on the soundtrack are: “Evermore,” a soaring ballad performed by the Beast (Dan Stevens); the heartwarming “Days in the Sun,” sung by Belle (Emma Watson), the Beast and the castle’s enchanted staff; and “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” sung by Maurice (Kevin Kline) and in a reprise, by Belle.
The soundtrack also features three brand new recordings including the duet “Beauty and the Beast” by GRAMMY® nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Ariana Grande and 10-time GRAMMY, Oscar®-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/musician John Legend. The iconic song originally recorded by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson, features Alan Menken’s haunting melody and Howard Ashman’s memorable lyrics, and, upon its release in 1991, went on to receive an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and GRAMMY Award. The music video for “Beauty and the Beast” was directed by Dave Meyers (P!nk’s “Just Like Fire,” Katy Perry’s “Firework”) and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axySrE0Kg6k.
In addition, five-time GRAMMY winning and best-selling recording artist Celine Dion performs “How Does A Moment Last Forever” and multi-platinum international recording artist and songwriter Josh Groban performed the third track, “Evermore.”
The “Beauty and the Beast” original motion picture soundtrack features 19 tracks and is available wherever music is sold and streamed (http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrkP, http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrk, http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrkWS). The Beauty and the Beast two-disc deluxe edition and the digital deluxe edition soundtrack, which are also available March 10, feature additional tracks including score, demos and outtakes.
Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Explore the Magic of Nature in a Distant World
Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens May 27 at Walt Disney World Resort. The all-new land will immerse guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.
The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora carries on the park’s tradition of celebrating the intrinsic value of nature, transformation through adventure and a personal call to action.
Based on Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron’s record-breaking box-office hit, AVATAR, the new land welcomes guests to the lush world of Pandora long after the human conflict with the native Na’vi inhabitants has ended. The dramatic daytime beauty of the land transforms to glow by night when bioluminescent flora and intricate nighttime experiences add a dreamlike quality to Pandora.
Pandora – The World of Avatar is a creative collaboration of Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.
“We are taking our guests on a journey to this world in an experience that’s as realistic and immersive as possible,” says Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. “In the movie, the world of Pandora is a setting for the action and characters whose story we follow. Here, guests are the primary characters immersed in an extremely vivid, authentic experience.”
Guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom cross the park’s Discovery River into Pandora – The World of Avatar and continue along a winding rainforest path for their first glimpse of the land’s iconic floating mountains.
“When guests come across the bridge, they are transferred light-years away, to the Alpha-Centauri solar system and Pandora,” says Jon Landau, AVATAR producer, Lightstorm Entertainment. “It’s an otherworldly, fully-themed experience.”
As guests explore the verdant terrain sprawling beneath mountains that appear to float in the sky, they see waterfalls cascading down the mountainside into meandering streams and pools, and they discover two thrilling new expeditions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
Avatar Flight of Passage launches each guest on an exhilarating, wind-in-your-face experience on a winged mountain banshee over the awe-inspiring world of Pandora. Guests will actually feel the banshee breathe beneath them as they soar through the forest and past floating mountains. What was a rite of passage for Na’vi in Cameron’s film becomes a multisensory experience for guests seeking the ultimate adventure – a faceoff with the most feared predator of Pandora, the Great Leonopteryx.
On the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, guests travel down a sacred river deep into a bioluminescent rainforest. The eight-seat reed boats float past exotic glowing plants and Pandoran creatures into the midst of a musical Na’vi ceremony. The mystical journey culminates in an encounter with a breathtakingly realistic Na’vi Shaman of Songs who is deeply connected with Pandora’s life force and sends positive energy through her music into the forest.
“The Pandora landscape will be alive with creatures,” Rohde says. “We’re bringing to life everything from the largest creature you might encounter to the most microscopic. Animals will appear out of the underbrush – big Pandoran animals will appear at the edge of the forest and you’ll hear the very complicated calls they issue back and forth.”
The thriving Pandoran landscape conveys intrinsic park messages of the value of nature, transformation through adventure and conservation and stewardship.
The artful storytelling in Pandora continues as guests stop for sustenance at the land’s Satu’li Canteen (pronounced “Sa-too-lee”), a Quonset-hut-style building. The fast-casual restaurant is inspired the healthful bounty of Pandora – wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins. Guests can grab a drink at nearby Pongu Pongu.
Windtraders is a shopper’s delight where guests can choose from Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more.
Authenticity and realism were drivers in the creation of Pandora, and the result is a world beyond belief.
“The attractions have very deliberate emotional moments crafted into them, the way a good story does, the way a good film does.” Rohde says. “It’s not as simple as just coming to a place that looks realistic. It’s a place that’s been deliberately imbued with the emotions of awe, of wonder, of respect, of harmony.”
DISNEY CRUISE LINE TO ADD EXCITING NEW EXPERIENCES ON THE DISNEY FANTASY
Exciting new experiences designed for Guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Fantasy in May 2017. From exploring the universes of Star Wars and Marvel, to shopping at unique new onboard venues, new highlights include:
Imaginative New Spaces for Kids in Disney’s Oceaneer Club
- The new Star Wars: Command Post takes kids on a journey where they will train with heroes of the Star Wars saga and help with missions against the First Order. Here, they will interact with holographic models at a one-of-a-kind Star Wars holotable that projects 3-D images of the Millennium Falcon, Death Star and other famous Star Wars ships, meet members of the Resistance and learn to channel the Force.
- In the all-new Marvel Super Hero Academy, kids will learn from real-life Super Heroes the heroic values of enlightenment, worthiness and loyalty. In this innovative space, kids can learn the ways of the mystic arts with Doctor Strange who is making first-ever appearances onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship.
Tasty Treats to Delight the Entire Family
- The new Sweet on You ice cream shop, themed after the iconic Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, features hand-crafted gelato and ice-cream, specialty sundaes, homemade chocolates, truffles and a large selection of candy for purchase, all just steps from the family pool.
Luxury Shopping for Adults
- Disney Cruise Line will welcome the world’s premier jewelry and iconic American luxury brand, Tiffany & Co., with an exclusive store aboard the Disney Fantasy. Your Clients can indulge in timeless collections of jewelry and luxury accessories, including the effortlessly elegant Tiffany T collection and other glamorous pieces featuring renowned Tiffany & Co. diamonds.
These additions are part of an overall commitment by Disney Cruise Line to invest in our ships, helping to deliver incredible family vacation experiences for years to come. While making these enhancements to the Disney Fantasy, crews will also perform regularly scheduled and wide-ranging maintenance that keeps the fleet in tip-top shape.
The new enhancements will debut on Disney Fantasy sailings starting May 17, 2017 from Port Canaveral, FL. The first sailing will visit the Bahamas on a 3-night voyage. Beginning May 20, the ship will resume a regular sailing schedule that includes 7-night voyages alternating between the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
‘Last Jedi’ sneak peek reveals key Rey, Luke Skywalker meeting details
The Force was with Walt Disney Studios shareholders in Denver on Wednesday, as they were surprised with a sneak peek of the upcoming, top-secret Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Join The Rebellion at SXSW
Rebel Mission – Escape from Scarif challenges participants to steal the plans to the Death Star!
WHAT: Rebel Mission – Escape from Scarif, an all-new, immersive experience inspired by Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” will challengeSouth by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals attendees to join the rebellion, March 10 – 12. Participants will infiltrate the Empire and must pass a series of tests in order to steal the plans to the Death Star and transmit them back to the Rebel Alliance. Will the Force be with you?
WHO: South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals attendees
WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 10 – SUNDAY, MARCH 12
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE: GRIMES STUDIO
500 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78701
ABOUT “ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY”:
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The story is by John Knoll and Gary Whitta, and the screenplay is by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy. The epic action-adventure thriller arrives home early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4.
For more information, visit www.starwars.com/rogue-one and connect via www.Facebook.com/StarWarsMovies.
Newest Kiehl’s Store Now Open at Disney Springs
Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care preparations, will open its first retail store in Disney Springs on March 3. Kiehl’s is proud to add a sixth location in Florida to discover Kiehl’s efficacious skin, hair and body care products, personalized customer service, and 165-year-old heritage through the complete Kiehl’s experience.
“We are extremely excited to give central Floridian locals and Disney visitors a new opportunity to discover our heritage and history, our philanthropic mission, our sampling and service-oriented approach to retail, and of course, our full line of skin, hair and body care for women, men, children and even dogs,” said Chris Salgardo, Author and President, Kiehl’s USA. “Our customers in Florida have helped drive our company’s growth, supporting Kiehl’s both in stores and online. Demand for a new local retail store has grown, and we’re so excited to open another Kiehl’s to be part of Disney Springs, the world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining destination. Each element of our new store, from the design of the fixtures explaining our skin, hair and body formulations, to the historical photographs, mementos and Kiehl’s icons, helps tell the extensive story of this unique company that began as an old-world apothecary at the corner of 13th Street and Third Avenue in New York’s East Village.”
Kiehl’s at Disney Springs mirrors the unique ambiance found in the company’s original New York Flagship, which began as a neighborhood apothecary in 1851. The new store brings a modern New York apothecary to Florida, referencing the company’s original East Village roots and blending antique apothecary fixtures with modern flair.
Kiehl’s at Disney Springs continues the company’s commitment to superior customer service through its traditional practices:
- Kiehl’s commitment to environmental responsibility and Recycle and Be Rewarded! Kiehl’s utilizes natural, sustainable materials and energy-efficient light fixtures – and encourages patrons to recycle Kiehl’s packaging with a specially designed recycling bin, promoted through Kiehl’s Recycle and Be Rewarded! The program offers customers the opportunity to return empty Kiehl’s jars, bottles and tubes to the store for recycling, in exchange for complimentary products.
- Kiehl’s commitment to education through attentive service is accentuated through a dedicated personal consultation area. The enhanced space provides an opportunity for Kiehl’s Customer Representatives (KCRs) and patrons to converse privately about products best suited for the customer’s individual needs. KCRs also use tools such as Skin Barrier Testing Tabs and a revolutionary Dehydration Analyzer Tool to help diagnose the health and hydration level of a customer’s skin, and recommend the most appropriate products for him or her.
- Simple, no-frills packaging allows Kiehl’s to formulate its products with high quantities of the most efficacious, natural ingredients available.
- Kiehl’s Since 1851 Rewards, the company’s point-based loyalty program that honors and rewards customers with benefits including special invitations, offers, and early access to new products and formulations.
- Generous sampling through Kiehl’s “try before you buy” program offers the complete Kiehl’s line of skin and hair care for men, women, children and babies with a generous offering of its traditional product samples. To assure its customers always find exactly what they need, Kiehl’s offers a 100% money back guarantee on all purchases, and guarantees that customers will see revitalized skin in 28 days or their money back.
- Custom gifting 365 days a year allows customers to create personalized gifts year-round. A Kiehl’s Customer Representative will help the customer assemble a personalized, custom gift box, choosing items based on recipient, theme, ingredient or price, from any and all products in the store.
The 1,681 sq. ft. retail space maintains Kiehl’s signature apothecary aesthetic and features:
- Personal consultation table – A designated table provides patrons a comfortable station for complimentary Healthy Skin Consultations by KCRs, which helps them determine the formulas best suited for their personal needs.
- Men’s Destination – an unintimidating space for specialized grooming education and demonstrations designed for men. A KCR will be on hand to offer quick, straightforward service and recommendations on the Kiehl’s products that are most tailored to men’s needs. Specially designed accents such as military-style lockers and props bring this relaxing stop to life for Kiehl’s male patrons.
- Carrara marble tables, counters and trim – provide a utilitarian, functional approach.
- Natural, sustainable materials – such as tabletops made from paperstone, a waterproof material made from 100 % post-consumer recycled paper.
- Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting – spotlights Kiehl’s products in an environmentally friendly way.
- “Mr. Bones” – the teaching skeleton and Kiehl’s icon. Pharmacist and Kiehl’s founding family member Mr. Aaron Morse valued education for his employees and his customers. As he prescribed treatments for his customers, he would use a teaching skeleton nicknamed “Mr. Bones” to explain the uses of the suggested formulas.
- Kiehl’s signature motorcycle – this icon of Kiehl’s heritage will be on permanent display, evocative of the passions and adventurous spirit of Kiehl’s founding family.
- Vintage photographs and mementos take customers on an exciting journey through Kiehl’s rich history.
- Botanical-inspired graphics – The walls feature custom graphic designs that highlight the botanicals used in Kiehl’s products and elements nodding to our 165-year history.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STAR WARS: GALACTIC NIGHTS ON APRIL 14
Today, we’re excited to share more details on this new Hollywood-inspired special evening, which will include celebrity chats, behind-the-scenes looks, attractions and much more.
Guests of all ages can explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt, searching for unique Star Wars photo backdrops. Your Clients will step into immersive and iconic scenes from the films, including a newly created backdrop from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and receive a themed piece representing each of the eight Star Wars films. These pieces will come together to form a one of a kind event keepsake.
And as previously announced, the event will mark the debut appearance of BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay.
Park access and activities will be limited to Star Wars: Galactic Nights event ticket holders only. Here’s a look at other event offerings:
- Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more taking place in the center of the park.
- Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – Guests can don their Star Wars finest (see costume guidelines here) and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including the debut appearance of BB-8, Han Solo cast in carbonite, Jabba the Hutt’s Palace, the Hoth Wampa Cave and more.
- Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.
- Imperial March & March of the First Order – Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.
- “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – High-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
- “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, Star Wars-themed F&B, special merchandise and much more.
The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Tickets to the Star Wars: Galactic Nights event is separate from admission to Star Wars Celebration at the Orange County Convention Center, April 13-16, 2017. Tickets are extremely limited. Please call 407-827-7036 for more information or to book your now.
Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
