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20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Announces Future World Marketplace Expansion

Walt Disney World Resort announced today that four new food and beverage marketplaces will open in Future World during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015. It’s the first time in the festival’s 20-year-history that global marketplace experiences, now numbering more than 30, have expanded from the park’s World Showcase into Future World.

During the 53-day festival, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area featuring the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces will evoke the ambiance of Napa Valley with grape vines and welcoming pergolas along the walkway to Future World West.

  • At the Cheese Studio, a cheese sample platter will be served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines.
  • The Wine Studio will serve premium wines on tap and showcase palate-pleasing wine varietals organized by color in artful displays.

At the new Next Eats area near the Epcot Character Spot, Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces will be inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award® winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. “The Chew” announced July 2 that the show will broadcast from Epcot during the festival.

  • At Sustainable Chew Marketplace, guests can taste delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” co-hosts.
  • At Chew Lab, food science meets the hottest culinary tech trends to present innovative dishes like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

“The Future World festival marketplace expansion gives our guests more reasons than ever to help us celebrate 20 delicious festival years,” says Jens Dahlmann, general manager of Epcot Food & Beverage. “Adding even more sizzle, our collaboration with ABC’s ‘The Chew’ brings the cachet of a major daytime network television series and its celebrity hosts.”

More news to celebrate:

  • One of a series of popular Party for the Senses premium events will be the first-time Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses Oct. 31, an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food. Guests will be encouraged to masquerade in chic yellow and black. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for festival premium events also to include the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Japanese Craft Beer Tasting, French Family Meal Traditions and dozens of events including Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining.
  • “The Chew” cast will host a new premium event: the Rockin’ Burger Block Party Oct. 8, with specialty burgers and sliders inspired by top names in the music industry such as Dave Matthews and his Dreaming Tree Wines and Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila. Two additional Burger Block Parties are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.
  • The Dominican Republic Marketplace will return with fresh flair, serving new dishes including Pescado con Coco – seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce. And at the Festival Center, the new Monday-through-Thursday “Spotlight on Dominican Republic” will showcase the country’s culture, crafts and culinary delights with artists and chefs at the Festival Center.
  • Two 20th-year celebratory wines were created just for this fall’s festival: a Napa Valley Festival Chardonnay and a Paso Robles Festival Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will be able to purchase tastes of both wines at the Sustainable Chew marketplace, and the Festival Center Wine Shop will carry bottles.

At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels.  Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, and other special beverage and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for all premium events including the new Rockin’ Burger Block Party.  Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com beginning July 15.

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Comic-Con: Is Disney Pulling Away From San Diego?

The lack of much new finished footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Friday’s Lucasfilm panel at San Diego Comic-Con might have been a surprise for attendees…

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WATCH – Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Comic-Con 2015 Reel

Fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of Star Wars:The Force Awakens by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan. The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.

At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.

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Disney’s long-ago West Coast Epcot project may outline the impact of a $3B renovation

What could you do with $3 billion?

If recent rumors are correct, Walt Disney World Resort will use that very amount to redevelop Disney’s Hollywood Studios into Disney’s Hollywood Adventure.

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Photos: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Update

Take a look at some photos from around Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

INside OUt (1)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (35)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (36)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (37)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (38)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (39)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (40)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (44)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (45)

Star Wars Weekends 2015 (46)

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Disney Has Big Plans for Its Gutted Theme Park

Something else just left Disney‘s least visited theme park in Florida, but there are more cheers than jeers this time around.

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Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Fact Sheet

Overview

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the newest addition to the growing Disney Vacation Club portfolio, delivers the spirit of the South Pacific coupled with fun Disney touches to create a resort that only Disney Vacation Club can provide. Near the picturesque white-sand shore of Seven Seas Lagoon, these new accommodations are located a quick monorail ride to the enchanting Magic Kingdom Park, and steps away from the various world-class amenities available at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, one of the original Walt Disney World Resort hotels. 

South Pacific Ambiance Meets Disney Magic

Transporting guests to a tropical haven, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows reflects the classic features and atmosphere of its sister resort hotel with authentic South Pacific styling and whimsical details. The Polynesian theming and detailed architecture of this resort are visible from the minute guests step into the Great Ceremonial House, the resort’s re-imagined lobby. A large Tiki statue welcomes guests with outstretched arms as it sits on a lava rock water feature. A charming chandelier inspired by Polynesian native navigational instruments, including bamboo finishes and glass globes gives the lobby an even more authentic feel.

Disney Vacation Club Villas

The new resort features Villa accommodations that sleep anywhere from five to eight guests, providing enhanced flexibility and choice to members (fully accessible Villas are available).

  • Deluxe Studios – Sleeps up to 5 guests
  • Bungalows – Sleeps up to 8 guests

Deluxe Studios

Disney Vacation Club is building 360 Deluxe Studios, opening in phases beginning April 1, which are the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort and feature a queen-size bed, queen-size sleeper sofa and a pull-down bunk-size bed beneath the television. They also offer a kitchenette, private porch or balcony, wall coverings and upgraded finishes. These rooms feature a split bath design, with one bathroom area housing a walk-in shower and sink, and the other bathroom area providing a tub/shower combination, toilet and sink. This innovative design allows for multiple members of a party to get ready at the same time.

Bora Bora Bungalows

The following are some of the many features that can be found in the resort’s 20 two-bedroom, two-bath over-the-water Bungalows:

  • Artwork – Pops of color combined with classic mid-century modern style are found throughout the Bungalows, along with tropical hanging lanterns on the back deck, and special artwork on the wall and pullout beds.
  • Living Room – Offering one queen-size sleeper sofa, one pull-down bunk-size bed with custom artwork, flat panel TV, ceiling fan, one broad area rug and glass doors that open up to the back deck.
  • Full Kitchen – Including dinnerware, coffee maker, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and volcanic rock-inspired countertops.
  • Master Bedroom – Featuring a king-size bed, ceiling fan, flat panel TV, custom artwork, two nightstands and windows overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon.
  • Master Bathroom – Connected to the master bedroom, the master bath includes a walk-in shower with rain showerhead, whirlpool tub, toilet and in-mirror TV.
  • Second Bedroom – Featuring one queen-size bed, one pull-down bunk-size bed, flat panel TV, ceiling fan and two nightstands.
  • Second Bathroom – Separated into 2 sections – one with a tub/shower combo and vanity, and a second area offering a powder room with toilet and vanity.
  • Private Deck – Private back deck runs the full width of the Bungalow and features a plunge pool, lounge furniture and speakers designed to play the soundtrack in sync with the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks.
  • Plunge Pool – Located on back deck, a handrail and steps lead into the plunge pool, offering views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
  • Laundry – Stacked washer and dryer in each Bungalow.

Dining

Guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows can enjoy any of the following delicious dining options at the nearby Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:

  • ‘Ohana – Delight in ‘Ohana’s Best Friend Breakfast buffet featuring Lilo and Stitch, or a Hawaiian-style feast dinner.
  • Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show – Enjoy an enchanting luau with Polynesian dancing and an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family style feast.
  • Kona Café – This relaxed café infuses a bit of Asian zest into traditional American meals and features an onstage sushi kitchen.
  • Tambu Lounge – At this island-themed watering hole, find tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers.
  • Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – This themed lounge serves handcrafted Tiki cocktails served in souvenir mugs, as well as small plate snacks.
  • Cook’s – At this 24-hour quick service restaurant enjoy signature specialty items, pastries, grilled chicken sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, hamburgers and more.
  • Pineapple Lanai – Indulge in the world-famous Dole Whip soft-serve treat along with bottled beverages.
  • Kona Island – Enjoy everything from coffee and pastries in the morning to made-to-order sushi and sashimi in the evening.
  • Barefoot Pool Bar – Relax by a white sandy beach as you sip on Tiki drinks and take in magical views.
  • Private Dining (Room Service) – Room service available

Recreation

Disney Vacation Club members staying at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are just steps away from an abundance of recreational opportunities at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Some fun and relaxing activities include:

  • Pools – Enjoy a refreshing swim in the resort’s feature Lava Pool, delight in the Kiki Tiki Splash Play Area or lounge the day away in the Oasis Pool.
  • Seven Seas Marina – The lakeside marina offers an assortment of watercraft available to rent along with private cruises and excursions on Seven Seas Lagoon.
  • Campfires – Roast marshmallows and relax around the campfire once the sun begins to set.
  • Fishing – Guided fishing excursions and dockside fishing are available at the marina.
  • Lilo’s Playhouse – Little ones from ages 3 to 12 years of age can enjoy making crafts, playing games, and other Disney activities in this supervised club.
  • Movies Under the Stars – Watch favorite Disney films at outside movie screenings.
  • Jogging Trails – Enjoy jogging around one of the resort’s trails.

Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club is a flexible vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy both the magic of Disney and savings on Disney vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families can choose from among a variety of vacation destinations, including a stay at any of the 13 Disney Vacation Club resorts or at thousands of other popular Member Getaway vacation destinations around the globe. When purchasing directly from Disney, members can also take trips on one of the Disney Cruise Line ships or guided vacations with Adventures by Disney. Vacations at a Disney Vacation Club resort can last anywhere from one night to several weeks.

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Disneyland expansion expected to kick into gear

The Walt Disney Co. is committed to starting construction by the end of 2017 on at least $1 billion for new attractions, a 5,000-space parking structure and other improvements at Disneyland..

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Marvel Contest of Champions Unveils New Game Update in Anticipation of Marvel’s Ant-Man Feature Film

Kabam, a world leader in developing AAA high quality mobile games, announced today the release of new game content for its global hit Marvel Contest of Champions, inspired by the highly anticipated Marvel’s Ant-Man film hitting theatres on July 17. The Marvel Contest of Champions Ant-Man update feature includes new summoner masteries, new alliance quest game modes, special in-game Ant-Man story quest, events and more. New characters including Ant-Man, Yellowjacket, Elektra, War Machine and more will make their debut in-game throughout the upcoming weeks.

“Kabam continues to update Marvel Contest of Champions to new and exciting places,” said Cuz Parry, Creative Director for Kabam’s Vancouver Studio. “The Ant-Man update was created for our loyal fans who love the Marvel Cinematic Universe and in anticipation of Marvel’s Ant-Man feature film coming later this month.”

As part of the update, Kabam has added a brand new Alliance feature called Alliance Quests, where Summoners can strategize and quest through an all-new map in real time with their Alliance.

In the Marvel Contest of Champions Ant-Man update, Ant-Man has discovered something odd happening in the ant-sized world of the Battlerealm. While he was ant-sized, Ant-Man notices a battalion of tiny Adaptoids carrying tiny fragments of ISO-8 to a mysterious location. Unravel the mystery of what’s going on in the Battlerealm in the brand new Ant-Man Event Quests.

More on the latest update for Marvel Contest of Champions:

Alliance Quests:

  • Brand new game mode providing a new challenge for competitive alliances
  • Alliance Quests will pit your alliance against a map of challenging champions and bosses
  • Summoners will be able to play alongside their teammates on the quest-board synchronously completing objectives
  • Alliance members work together to defeat the quest’s boss
  • The first Alliance Quest will have an upgraded Ultron Prime as the main boss, urging Summoners to get Ant-Man to help defeat him
  • Quests will be driven by Live Operations, with new challenges for alliances coming out regularly

Event Quests:

  • Expect to see a new Ant-Man quest every four to five days, expanding the storyline and introducing new content
  • Ant-Man joins the contest, alerting the Summoner to shrunken Adaptoids mining ISO-8 in the Battlerealm
  • Summoners progress through the quest to learn that Yellowjacket is heading up the mysterious Adaptoid worker army

Arenas:

  • Summoners can compete on their own in the Player vs. Player Arenas or team up with their alliance in the Alliance Arenas for both Ant-Man and Yellowjacket
  • To participate in the Alliance Arenas, alliance members must acquire Pym Canisters through the event quests and redeem them to access the arenas

Marvel Contest of Champions is the only arcade-style fighting mobile game that goes beyond the films and dives deep into the Marvel Universe. Heroes and villains from Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers, Thunderbolts, X-Men, Inhumans, Guardians of the Galaxy and more battle it out in iconic Marvel locations, in an epic storyline that stays true to classic Marvel storytelling. Marvel Contest of Champions was immediately awarded Editors’ Choice on the App Store following launch in December 2014.

For more information and the latest updates, visit www.playcontestofchampions.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marvelcontestofchampions. Also, follow Marvel Contest of Champions on Twitter at @MarvelChampions. Find press kit here: https://kabam.box.com/s/7wzxv5jgkyxbvgph43vokn6izzsf95pt

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The Walt Disney Company’s Startup Accelerator Program Announces 2015 Participants

Today The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced the 2015 class of the Disney Accelerator program powered by Techstars. The second Disney Accelerator program features ten startup companies that will participate in a three-month mentorship and investment program beginning today and concluding with a Demo Day on October 6, 2015.

The companies selected for the 2015 Disney Accelerator program include:

  • Decisive: Decisive is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that uses real time data to enable advertisers to optimize mobile ad creative and targeting based on user engagement.
  • EMOTIV: EMOTIV is a bioinformatics company that uses electroencephalography (EEG) to track mental performance, monitor emotions, and control virtual and physical objects with thoughts.
  • FEM Inc.: FEM Inc. has developed a personalized video engagement platform based on neuroscience and psychology that maps the emotional dimensions of how and why content resonates.
  • HYP3R: HYP3R enables businesses and brands to identify influential customers at their locations and engage them in real time, when it matters most.
  • imperson: imperson provides an artificial intelligence platform enabling fans to have conversations with their favorite movie and TV characters.
  • Littlstar: Littlstar aggregates industry leading virtual reality content with its device agnostic discovery and distribution platform.
  • MakieLab: MakieLab lets kids bring toys to life by building their own customizable 3D-printed toys through creative games and apps.
  • Open Bionics: Open Bionics is a robotics company creating affordable 3D-printed bionic hands for amputees, researchers and makers.
  • Pundit: Pundit lets creators host audio Ask Me Anything (AMA’s) with their Twitter network, transforming the talk radio experience for the social media age.
  • StatMuse: StatMuse is developing an artificial intelligence platform to help sports fans explore data using simple, natural language.

“Last year’s Disney Accelerator exceeded our expectations on many fronts,” said Kevin Mayer, Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “We are excited to roll up our sleeves again this year and help these cutting-edge startups achieve their goals.”

Participants receive up to $120,000 in investment capital to develop their ideas, along with mentor support from top Disney executives, including Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, and leaders from Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering, among others. Mentors will also include other entertainment industry leaders, venture capitalists, and Techstars’ extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors and executives.

The startups from the 2014 Disney Accelerator have reached many milestones since completing the program. All of the startups have either raised capital, been acquired or become profitable since the end of the Accelerator and many of the participating companies have launched products and programs in conjunction with The Walt Disney Company:

  • ChoreMonster launched a Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out takeover of their app that unlocks characters from the film with completed chores.
  • Naritiv’s Snapchat campaign for ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars has amassed more than 1.3 million followers on Snapchat.
  • Robotics company Sphero is currently building an official toy based on the BB-8 droid used in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens that will be available later this year.
  • App creator TYFFON released the Show Your Disney Side app for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, which was downloaded more than 1.25 million times in the first two weeks.

For more information on both the 2014 and 2015 Accelerator programs, please visit: http://DisneyAccelerator.com.

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