Disney Parks Blog’s Facebook page has released some photos of the Pizza Restaurant, Pizzerizzo, which replaces Pizza Planet in the Muppets Courtyard area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Photos – Pizzerizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s ‘Avatar’ theme park robots are as amazing as the film characters
Disney’s live-action amusement park experience called “Pandora: The World of Avatar,” which promises to deliver some of the magic of the Avatar film, was previewed on Sunday, and the sample is stunning.
Disney’s “Moana” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Available
Available today wherever music is sold and streamed, the Moana original motion picture soundtrack features seven original songs and a full original score, plus two reprises as well as two end-credit versions of songs from the film. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton” and the Tony-winning “In the Heights,” three-time Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina (“Speed,” “Tarzan” and the Oscar®-winning “Training Day”) and Opetaia Foa’i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, a winner of numerous world music awards.
Miranda said, “Moana has a family that she loves, an island that she loves, but there’s a voice inside that’s calling. The idea of quieting life enough so that you can hear that inner voice was something really worth writing about for me because I think it’s so important.”
According to Mancina, the music is designed to propel the story. “Music is like a gigantic magnifying glass when it comes to the emotion of a story,” said Mancina. “It can enhance it; it can manipulate the story—you have to be very careful. I like to leave a theater with those tunes in my head. And if I still have them in there the next day, I’m really happy.”
Opetaia Foa’i added, “For more than 20 years, I’ve been touring the world telling stories of our ancestors, who were the best navigators the world has ever seen. When I first learned that ‘Moana’ was about voyaging, I thought ‘when you dream upon a star.’ Everything really aligned with my purpose of sharing this awesome culture.”
The Songs of “Moana”:
- Written and performed by Foa’i and Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors.
- “How Far I’ll Go” is Moana’s song performed by Auli’i Cravalho. “It’s intimidating to write an ‘I want’ song for a Disney animated movie,” said Miranda. “You think of Ariel with ‘Part of Your World’ or ‘Reflection’ from ‘Mulan.’ This is Moana’s chance to say for herself how she feels and where she belongs.”
- “Where You Are” is written by Miranda, Foa’i and Mancina and performed by Christopher Jackson, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger, Auli’i Cravalho and Louise Bush. The song introduces the audience to Moana’s village and the key players.
- Written by Miranda and performed by Dwayne Johnson, “You’re Welcome” showcases the colorful personality of Maui. “I just thought that it would be really fun to hear The Rock sing ‘You’re welcome for my existence. You’re welcome that you get to meet me,'” said Miranda. “Dwayne has such incredible charm and he totally delivers the character’s confidence and cockiness.”
- Jemaine Clement was tapped for “Shiny,” a song written by Miranda and Mancina that spotlights Tamatoa, the 50-foot crab with trust issues. Miranda said “Tamatoa is mean and ostentatious, so we really wanted to create the anti-lesson of the movie. If Moana’s journey is listening to her inner voice, Tamatoa is there to say, ‘It doesn’t matter. Who cares? It’s really about how you look.’ He’s from the deepest, darkest part of the sea and feels his armor is important. You got to be shiny.”
- “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” was written by Miranda, Mancina and Foa’i and performed by Rachel House and Cravalho. The song marks an important moment in the film when Moana is doubting her decision to take on this huge challenge.
- With music by Foa’i, Miranda and Mancina, and lyrics by Foa’i and Miranda, “Know Who You Are” is performed by Cravalho, Vai Mahina, Olivia Foa‘i, Foa’i and Matthew Ineleo. The song is heard late in the film as Moana’s journey nears its culmination.
- The end credit version of “How Far I’ll Go” is performed by Canadian singer/songwriter and Def Jam recording artist Alessia Cara(“Here,” “Wild Things,” “Scars to Your Beautiful”).
- Hollywood Records artist Jordan Fisher teams up with Miranda for the end-credit version of “You’re Welcome.”
For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
The Moana original motion picture soundtrack features 14 tracks and is available wherever music is sold and streamed on Nov. 18, 2016. The Moana two-disc deluxe edition and the digital deluxe edition soundtrack, which are also available Nov. 18, feature additional tracks including demos, outtakes and instrumental karaoke tracks. The soundtrack can be purchased at http://disneymusic.co/MVOSndtrk and at streaming partners http://disneymusic.co/MVOSndtrkWS. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic.
Disney World’s New Ticket Is Brilliant
There’s a new way to shave travel costs if you’re heading to Disney ‘s Florida theme parks in the coming months. The family entertainment giant rolled out the 4-Park Magic Ticket earlier this week, giving visitors access to four days at Disney World for less than current multi-day offerings for non-Florida residents.
Photos – New Images Released of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Opening in summer 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora-The World of Avatar will bring a variety of new experiences to the park, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey and new food & beverage and merchandise locations. Pongu Pongu (pictured here) will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney Parks)
Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Opening Summer 2017
Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts, gave a look into the future of the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Resort today, unveiling some exciting new updates coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom expansion – Pandora – The World of Avatar.
As part of Chapek’s conversation with D23 host Jeffrey Epstein, he revealed the new entry bridge to Pandora – The World of Avatar. According to the storyline developed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment, this bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA – Resources Development Administration came to Pandora. Now that they are long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence. This bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that will host explorers on their Pandora adventure.
“I think the thing I’m most excited about right now to experience would be everything in Pandora.” Chapek said. “From the place-making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land – both the Na’vi River Journey as well as Avatar Flight of Passage, these promise to set new high-watermarks for our experiential magic we give our guests.”
Chapek shared details of the two, new signature attractions of Avatar Flight of Passage, where guests will fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests. He also gave a first look at the new Satu’li Canteen, which is the main dining establishment for Pandora, featuring Na’vi art and cultural items; Windtraders, where travelers can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more; and the Pongu Pongu, a drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.
Coming in summer of 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar will complete the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment is bringing to life the mythical world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s AVATAR, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The awe-inspiring land of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees will give guests a transformational experience they will never forget.
Chapek gave the sneak peek at the updates to an enthusiastic crowd of Disney fans at the “Destination D: Amazing Adventures” conference for D23, the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. The “Destination D” Convention, held this year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, also features a panel by the creative team behind Pandora – The World of Avatar including filmmaker James Cameron, producer Jon Landau and Joe Rohde, Creative Director for Disney’s Animal Kingdom from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney Art Gallery Celebrates the Moana Directors
With Walt Disney Animation Studios gearing up to release their latest animated adventure, Gallery Nucleus has shared more than 35 pieces from their upcoming show that celebrates the long Disney history of Moana directors Ron Clements and John Musker.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Brings the Joy of the Holidays to Magic Kingdom Park
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and dozens of their other Disney pals help ring in the festive spirit of the holiday season during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
On select nights from Nov. 7 – Dec. 22, guests with tickets to this special, after-hours event can enjoy an evening filled with all the magic and wintry wonderment of the season, complete with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, snow flurries falling on Main Street, U.S.A., a jolly parade, a breathtaking fireworks show and A Frozen Holiday Wish, where Queen Elsa from “Frozen” uses her powers to turn Cinderella Castle into a sparkling icy centerpiece.
New this year, Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends over for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun in a new castle stage show titled “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” This spectacular show includes medleys of delightful holiday songs both classic and contemporary, along with special effects and magical projections.
Twice during party nights, guests can enjoy “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” and watch as more than 160 performers, 12 floats and catchy Christmas music fill the streets of Magic Kingdom. Festive floats, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, skiers and ice skaters bring the sights, sounds and even the smells of the holidays to life at 8:30p.m. and 10:30p.m. each night of the party.
Sweet aromas of peppermint and gingerbread leap out of the kitchen and onto Main Street, U.S.A. from Goofy’s Candy Company and the Bake Shoppe floats, while the scents of fresh-cut evergreens and pine trees wafts from the Christmas Tree and the Ski Shoppe float.
Guests can dance with polar bears and gingerbread men at Club Tinsel Character Dance Party held at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.
2016 party dates are:
- Nov. 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 29
- Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22
For ticket prices* or to purchase tickets for this special holiday party, guests may visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/WDW-7679. The party starts at 7 p.m., but party guests with tickets will be allowed admission into Magic Kingdom beginning at 4 p.m. on party nights.
*Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start at $86 for ages 3-9, and can range to $91 for ages 10 and up. This price may vary depending on the party night selected to attend, and does not include tax.
D23 ANNOUNCES NEW SLATE OF EVENTS TO DELIGHT DISNEY FANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
In 2017, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.
SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more.D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.
THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.
D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.
D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.
ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary.
SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.
MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017.
D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.
Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.
Current event calendar:
- January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
- January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
- February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
- February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
- February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
- April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
- April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
- April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
- May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
- May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
- May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
- Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
- July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
- August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
- August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
- September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
- September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
- Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
- Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
- October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
- November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
- November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
- December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
- December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels atD23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
Disney Springs Treats Holiday Guests to Festive Entertainment, World-Class Shopping, Special Events and More at Walt Disney World Resort
With its multi-year makeover from Downtown Disney nearly complete, Disney Springs at every corner will be unwrapping its very first full-on holidays gala. For the first time, the just-expanded shopping, dining and entertainment district will be filled with festive decorations, the merriest of special events, and fun for the whole family.
During the celebration — now through Jan. 8, 2017 — Disney Springs puts a big red bow around the season of cheer with three extra special events:
- Stitch’s Holiday Gift A fun scavenger hunt will allow guests to explore all four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Guests pick up their Holiday Hunt booklet at any participating location, then explore Disney Springs in search of a unique Stitch icon at each participating location. Once complete, guests redeem the booklet at a redemption location to receive a free “completer” button.
- The Festival of Toys. The Once Upon a Toy Fountain area comes alive with a holiday dance party, deluxe hot chocolate for sale, pin trading and a nightly tree lighting ceremony inviting a select family to turn on the holiday lights.
- Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail. This immersive and enchanting walk-through experience features 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. Custom music and a light snowfall completes the Christmassy scene.
Holiday Shopper’s Paradise
Talk about shopping, Disney Springs will be the address for shoppers at holiday time – from name-brand retailers to unique boutiques stocking that special trinket for under the tree to everything in between.
Some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors in Town Center, newest neighborhood of Disney Springs. These include Anthropologie, Lucky Brand, kate spade new york, UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE, Tommy Bahama and Sephora – plus brands unique to Central Florida including UNIQLO, Melissa Shoes and UNOde50.
In Marketplace, guests can shop for seasonal offerings at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, World of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds, and Marketplace Co-Op.
At Art of Disney, shoppers can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Goofy’s Candy Co. for the holidays is a yummy wonderland of chocolate-dipped candy canes, Olaf caramel apples, Mickey Santa Krispy Treat, miniature fruit cakes and a Mickey Santa Cupcake.
Disney Springs also unwraps a special, hard-to-find present found on every shopper’s wish list: convenient, close-in and complimentary parking.
With the proximity of two “smart” garages where open parking spaces are readily identified, Disney Springs guests are spared the holiday angst of jockeying up and down rows of parked cars for the elusive slot. Disney Springs also is connected to Disney resort hotels by complimentary motorcoach or watercraft service. After 4pm, transportation is available from all four Theme Parks to Disney Springs.
Holiday Feasting at Disney Springs
When the holiday hungries strike, there is no need to pack back into the car. Great dining options abound at every corner of Disney Springs, whether it’s grab-and-go (food trucks at West Side), casual sit-down (Earl of Sandwich, Paradiso 37, Wolfgang Puck Cafe) or a memorable dining experience at venues such as STK and Morimoto Asia. At select locations such as The BOATHOUSE, Raglan Road, T-Rex Café, Rainforest Cafe and Splitsville, entertainment becomes an extra added attraction to holiday feasting.
Frontera Cocina, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, D-Luxe Burger, Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine are new Town Center dining discoveries holiday shoppers will find. Also new for 2016: a holiday cocktails and craft beer in Marketplace.
Byways and stages filled with holiday entertainment
Between great shopping and dining, Disney Springs treats guests to a sleighful of holiday entertainment.
- At Marketplace, Living Statues (World of Disney/Poutine Courtyard)
- At Marketplace, The Festival of Toys
- At Marketplace, Carolers (near Disney’s Days of Christmas and Santa’s Chalet).
- At Waterview Park (The Landing), Hanukkah-inspired troupe Kalinka 24-30
- At Waterside Stage (Marketplace), DJ Holiday Dance Party
- At Waterside Stage, UHURU celebrating Kwanza Dec. 26-27
- At Marketplace, Toy Soldier stilt walkers
Best News of All
That would be the Jolly Old Man himself. Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus invites the young and young-at-heart to share their Christmas wishes at Santa’s Chalet (Marketplace) Nov. 11-Dec. 24 (Noon-10:00 p.m.) and Black Friday Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). Santa Goofy joins the fun Dec. 25-Dec. 30 (Noon-10:00 p.m.).
