Archive for Scott

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Finding the cheaper Disney

Disney is on every little kid’s bucket list — and on lots of big kids’, too. But a trip to one of the parks for a family can be an expensive endeavor.

Full Story

Share this:

PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS TO HIT D23 EXPO 2015 AUG. 14 – 16

Buzz Lightyear will welcome visitors to D23 EXPO 2015 as Pixar Animation Studios celebrates the 20-year anniversary of Toy Story, among a host of exciting presentations, demonstrations and panels that pay homage to Pixar’s past while looking ahead to its roster of exciting new films. The fearless space ranger, who appeared in Pixar’s groundbreaking CG-animated feature-film debut Toy Story in 1995, as well as Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010), has taken flight in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® six times as a giant character helium balloon, measuring 67.7-feet long, 39.9-feet wide and 34.3-feet tall. This summer, the Disney•Pixar Buzz Lightyear balloon travels to the West Coast for the first time ever, welcoming guests to D23 EXPO 2015 as it soars outside the Anaheim Convention Center on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. D23 EXPO 2015 takes place through August 16.

CALENDAR OF KEY PRESENTATIONS/ PANELS/ EVENTS:

Every Story Is a Journey: The Upcoming Films of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios
Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm – Hall D23
After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents “Every Story is a Journey.” Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out
Friday, August 14, 2015, 11:30 am – Stage 28
Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!
Saturday, August 15, 2015, 3:00 pm – Stage 28
Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15, 2015, 4:30 pm – Stage 23
From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan,Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

Animation – Show Floor Exhibition
For the first time ever, Pixar Animation Studios is creating a show-floor experience at D23 EXPO. Pixar teams up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for an unforgettable adventure that showcases magic from both animation studios, featuring live demonstrations, presentations and autograph signings with top filmmakers, free giveaways and interactive displays. With highlights from films like Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, animation fans will get the inside scoop on their favorite films and characters.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts
Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

Fans can take home their own shirt, thanks to Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This D23-exclusive Reyn Spooner-design features characters from all the feature films produced under the creative guidance of Lasseter. The simple, appealing collage joins many of Disney’s and Pixar’s most beloved recent characters on one wearable canvas. The shirt will retail for $99.95.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Share this:

THIRD ANNUAL “A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER” EVENT COMING TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT JANUARY 29-31, 2016

Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. will host the third annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter,” a special gathering of Harry Potter fans from around the globe. The three-day weekend event will take place January 29 – 31, 2016 and will feature an array of experiences.

All general admission park guests will have the opportunity to:

·         Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent (complete talent lineup will be announced at a later date)

·         Experience and participate in the interactive and unique exhibits at the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, featuring Harry Potter brand partners such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Pottermore, Scholastic, MinaLima, and Harry Potter: The Exhibition

·         Enjoy special panels and demonstrations regarding various aspects of the Harry Potter stories

Additionally, guests will be able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands with a park-to-park ticket.

Special vacation packages, including annual passholder packages, will go on sale at noon EST on August 19. On-site hotel packages start at $235 per adult per night and include exclusive benefits such as special guest access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, admission to a private evening reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and special guest access to panels and demonstrations. Packages also include three-night hotel accommodations, three-day park-to-park tickets to both Universal Studios Florida & Universal’s Islands of Adventure, a special welcome parcel and more. For complete package details, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

Share this:

Wizard World Comic Con Chicago Presents ‘Kick off the Con,’ Wednesday, August 19, At Level 257, Schaumburg

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced details of “ Kick off the Con,” the first official event of Wizard World Comic Con Chicago. The evening features some of the top celebrities, cosplayers, and artists in comic and sci fi entertainment on Wednesday, August 19, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Level 257 (2 Woodfield Mall, Unit A, Schaumburg, located between Sears and the entrance to Stir Crazy on the lower level, east side of Woodfield Mall).

Special guest celebrities expected to attend include Michael Rooker ( Guardians of the Galaxy, “The Walking Dead”), Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes,” “Gotham”), Sean Patrick Flanery ( Boondock Saints), Barry Bostwick ( Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Spin City”), Chris 51 (“Epic Ink”) and others.

Tickets for “Kick off the Con,” which include a one-hour Level Up card for free game play at Level 257, one house cocktail, beer, or wine and complimentary appetizers, are $20 “early bird,” $30 with transportation to and from Hyatt Regency O’Hare, available at wizd.me/KOTCChicago.

“Kick off the Con” is presented by Wizard World, Level 257 and Verizon.

Read more

Share this:

Hunker down because Orlando’s theme park war has only just begun

The battle for the best theme park with the best rides between Orlando’s Big Three theme parks is heating up, and trends show the best is yet to come.

Full Story

Share this:

Disney to Revive ‘Lion King’ With ‘Lion Guard’ TV Series

Characters from the 1994 Walt Disney movie “The Lion King” have not been seen in new settings since a direct-to-video sequel appeared more than a decade ago. Now the company is preparing a series that will burnish the franchise to a new generation of viewers who are often harder to win.

Full Story

Share this:

No new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Disney’s D23 fan convention

It’s okay, R2. The new trailer will be here soon. Soon.

But if you’re waiting for a new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer at Disney’s D23 fan convention this weekend … sorry, you are going to have to keep waiting.

Full Story

Share this:

Ice Palace Boutique at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Open Through Sept. 7

Don’t Forget…Young Guests can revel in a flurry of “Frozen” Summer Fun as they undergo a magical transformation at the Ice Palace Boutique at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort.

For a limited time, now-Sept. 7, 2015, Guests ages 3 to 12 can become their favorite character from the movie “Frozen” at this wintery salon.

And, unique to this location, guests can purchase packages that allow the whole family to join in the “Frozen” fun. Additional party members can enjoy included snacks at the exclusive Ice Palace Café, an immersive “Frozen”-themed café. Each party will also get priority seating at one show of For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration at Hyperion Theater. The package is available for up to six Guests, including the child getting the magical transformation.

Guests can choose from the following packages:

 “Frozen” Summer Fun Boutique Package – $75 (includes tax)

  • Includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory

Ice Palace Boutique Package – $175 (includes tax)

  • Includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory
  • Also includes access to the Ice Palace Café, exclusive to Guests purchasing the package, where you can enjoy “Frozen”-themed snacks
  • Priority seating to one (1) show of the For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
    (Family Package is for up to 6 Guests, including the Guest getting a transformation)

Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – $240 (includes tax)

  • Includes choice of either Anna or Elsa costume dress with shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory
  • Also includes access to the Ice Palace Café, exclusive to Guests purchasing the package, where you can enjoy “Frozen”-themed snacks
  • Priority seating to one (1) show of the For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
    (Family Package is for up to 6 Guests, including the Guest getting a transformation)

Guests can also ask about a special Olaf-inspired glitter hairstyle with Olaf t-shirt!

The Ice Palace Boutique is located on Commissary Lane across from ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Reservations can be made in advance and are highly recommended. Packages will be available to book on July 17, 2015 for appointments July 26 Sept. 7, 2015, during “Frozen” Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Guests can get all their Disney PhotoPass photos from the Ice Palace Boutique with the purchase of Memory Maker, a Disney Photo Pass Service product. Disney PhotoPass Service lets you capture all the special moments of your Frozen Summer Fun memories in great photos – and gets everyone in the shot! Plus, when guests purchase Memory Maker for their visit to Ice Palace Boutique, they’ll receive unlimited digital downloads of all their Disney PhotoPass photos, including those from their Coronation Day experience, and select attraction photos and videos.* *Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the guest’s Disney account. A Magic Band is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content.

Share this:

Halloween on the High Seas – A Frightfully Good Time Aboard Disney Cruise Line

When guests sail on a Disney Cruise Line vacation this fall, they’ll enjoy a wickedly good time as the Disney ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland. Several spooky events are planned to celebrate Halloween including a costume contest for adult Guests and a special costume parade for children.  From spellbinding storytelling, fun-filled family entertainment and yummy treats, the Halloween on the High Seas voyages are truly special.

Guests can join the special Halloween celebration by bringing along their own costumes. When considering costume options, guests should refrain from bringing toys or props that resemble guns, knives or other related implements, as these items will not be allowed onboard.

Halloween on the High Seas will be offered on cruises that depart in the following time periods:

  • Disney Magic – Oct. 4-28, 2015
  • Disney Wonder – Oct. 1-23, 2015
  • Disney Dream – Sept. 7-Oct. 30, 2015
  • Disney Fantasy – Sept. 5-Oct. 31, 2015
Share this:

WATCH – Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Latest Trailer

The Star Wars Korea Channel has a brand new Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer.  Check it out:

Share this: