These days, there’s a lot of construction going on in both Florida and California. Disney is usually very tight-lipped about everything they are building.
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LOOK OUT FOR CRUELLA DE VIL! BY SAM ALLEN
When it comes to Disney Villains, few have been as memorable as the outrageous Cruella de Vil. With an entire section of Disney’s All Star Movies Resort dedicated to 1961’s “101 Dalmatians,”
Disney and Destination Imagination Inspire Fans to Think Outside the Toy Box in Celebration of “Moana”
Disney is inspiring fans to think outside the toy box and help protect the planet in celebration of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” a film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people in theaters November 23.
Destination Imagination, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching skills-based learning, has launched their “Amazing Invention Photo Challenge,” which gives parents a fun activity to do with their kids, creating their own inventions out of recycled materials found in the home.
The challenge was inspired by Disney Store’s new Classic Moana doll box, which was created through the use of Disney’s Smart Packaging Initiative, a program dedicated to creating environmentally conscious product packaging to protect the planet. Made with 70 percent recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks, the easy-to-open Moana package was designed without glue or tape, allowing the packaging pieces to separate easily. In addition to making it easier than ever to recycle, the box itself can be turned into a boat inspired by Moana’s journey, providing an added element of fun for parents and kids.
See how the packaging transforms here.
“Everything at Disney starts with storytelling, even our toy packaging,” said Luis Fernandez, senior vice president, central creative, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “By combining Disney magic and our smart packaging principles, we created a package that’s not only better for the environment, but also a way to continue Moana’s story.”
Entrants can now submit a photo and name of their invention, along with a brief description about what it does and the materials used, for a chance to win a grand prize trip for four to the Moana premiere on November 14 in Los Angeles at the El Capitan Theatre, including airfare and hotel accommodations. The contest ends on Thursday, October 27.
“We are honored to have our film, Moana, associated with the important work of Destination Imagination, and look forward to hosting the winners of this exciting challenge at our premiere,” said the film’s producer, Osnat Shurer. “With Moana’s voyage across the open ocean as inspiration, the creative possibilities are endless — and I can’t wait to see what the fans dream up.”
For more information on the Amazing Invention Photo Challenge, visit the Destination Imagination website.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil announces savings for Florida’s first responders
As a thank you to those who keep Florida safe, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is offering first responders (Florida police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel) tickets at 39 percent savings on Category 2 tickets for themselves and up to five (5) guests per show. With the discount, tickets for first responders are $49.
Florida first responders can visit the La Nouba box office to take advantage of the savings. Offer is valid for Category 2 tickets. Florida emergency responder personnel ID required. The first responder offer is available for sale now for shows running through Dec. 16.
For more information about La Nouba, visit www.lanouba.com.
FIRST LOOK AT STARGAZER LOUNGE AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD OBSERVATORY AT DISNEY SPRINGS
The theme of the re-imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort will still feature stars from the big screen but much of the new focus will be on stars in the sky, as the restaurant completes its transformation into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory.
Opening later this year in Town Center at Disney Springs, the restaurant will feature Stargazer Lounge where your Clients will find signature craft cocktails with names that reflect the planets and space travel – including The Observatory and the Sparkling Sputnik.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE INTRODUCES FIRST-EVER MARVEL DAY AT SEA ON SELECT DISNEY MAGIC SAILINGS FROM NEW YORK IN FALL 2017
In 2017, Disney Cruise Line Guests will unite and celebrate the epic adventures of the legendary Super Heroes and Super Villains from the Marvel Universe during a brand-new, day-long celebration: Marvel Day at Sea.
Marvel Day at Sea hosts an awesome mix of immersive entertainment that is sure to empower Guests to unlock their hidden superhuman abilities as they assemble their own Super Hero community onboard the Disney Magic on this very special day. Highlights include:
- Unleash Your Inner Super Hero during the Ultimate Day at Sea
- Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and other Marvel Universe Super Heroes are onboard for scheduled meet-and-greets and photos.
- A brand-new spectacular party fills the upper deck with music, dancing and games.
- The deck party culminates in a stunning display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship.
- Kids and families summon their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competition during trivia games, covering courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel Universe.
- For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.
Marvel Day at Sea will be on seven- and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises departing from New York on Oct. 6, 14, 28; Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 2017. All will include a stop at Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, with a day at Walt Disney World®Resort. Marvel Day at Sea will be on one seven-night Canadian Coast cruise departing from New York on Oct. 21, 2017, with stops at Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax.
As “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” New, Exclusive Extra Terrestrial Star Wars Products Coming To A Galaxy Near You
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will light up movie screens on December 16, and the What on Earth catalog (WOE) is proud to announce that it has obtained exclusive rights, for a second year, to produce a variety of select Star WarsTM items. These fun, timely and exceptional products are also functional which makes them ideal for Star Wars fans. They are available through the WOE catalog, its website, and on the Amazon Marketplace and Amazon Prime.
“We are delighted to work with Disney to offer unique Star Wars merchandise,” said Ken Harris, CEO of What on Earth. “We have concentrated on developing merchandise that has a practical everyday use that can be enjoyed all the time by Star Wars fans. We have also focused on the Star Wars theme and its iconic characters rather than individual movies. We are very pleased with the public’s acceptance of our unique products.”
Star Wars Rogue One Darth VaderTM Light Saber Handheld Immersion Blender – this powerful immersion blender features a realistic ABS light saber handle with a metal look and feel. Great for whipping-up smoothies, mayonnaise and sauces. – $49.99
This year’s exclusive new products include:
Star Wars Rogue One Darth VaderTM Light Saber Handheld Immersion Blender – this powerful immersion blender features a realistic ABS light saber handle with a metal look and feel. Great for whipping-up smoothies, mayonnaise and sauces. – $49.99
Star Wars Rogue One Death StarTM Hot Air Popcorn Maker with Removable Bowl – That’s no moon, it’s a popcorn maker from a galaxy far, far away. Produce popcorn to munch on while viewing your favorite Star Wars films. This product is a hot air popper for quicker and healthier popcorn. The top of the Death Star doubles as a fun serving bowl. – $49.99
Star Wars Darth Vader Anakin Luke SkywalkerTM Rey and Finn Light Saber Salt & Pepper Mills – These elegant light saber grinders have a ceramic mechanism that provides for adjustable grinding from fine to course. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the exteriors are durable ABS plastic molded to look like your favorite Jedi weapon. Set of two grinders – one red and one blue. – $49.99(This product will be available at the end of November.)
Exclusive Star Wars Rey & ChewieTM Millenian Falcon Cockpit Hyperspace Heat Changing Coffee Mug – Watch Rey and Chewbacca blaze into hyperspace when you pour your morning coffee into this Star Wars thermal changing mug. As you fill the mug with any hot liquid, a stunning array of light space stars appear through the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit. This large mug holds 20 ounces. – $14.99 (This product will be available at the end of November.)
Best-selling What on Earth Star Wars items from last year, which are still being offered, include:
Star Wars Death Star Waffle Maker – Designed for fans of the original and rebooted Star Wars saga, this waffle maker creates waffles in the image of the Death Star. A collectible item, it features a regulating thermostat and dual indicator lights that tell you when the iron is hot and when your waffle is ready. A fun way to start the day for kids of all ages. – $39.99
Darth Vader Toaster – This helmet-shaped fun toaster brands the Star Wars logo on each piece of toast. – $39.95
What on Earth’s (http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com) collection appeals to those with a sophisticated sense of humor and a curious mind. The catalog’s buyers strive to introduce customers to unusual and innovative products that are clever, quirky and interesting. All items include an element of surprise as in: “What on Earth is that?”
Inside Disney’s Tech Partnerships
What could connect a German technology conglomerate with a media giant renowned for its colourful characters? Quite a lot actually. Sponsorship of theme park attractions sounds like a new concept as the marketing landscape is dominated by sports. However, in fact, it is as old as the industry itself.
TIMON AND PUMBAA POINT THE WAY TO THE CIRCLE OF LIFE BY SAM ALLEN
Just one year after 1994’s record-breaking debut of “The Lion King,” Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa appeared in another film: “The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable.”
Walt Disney World Refurbishments – Fall 2016
| Magic Kingdom® Park | |
| Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. |
Through October 2016 |
| Swiss Family Treehouse Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Haunted Mansion Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Walt Disney World Railroad Hall of Presidents |
Jul. 6 – Oct. 24, 2016 Aug. 8 – Nov. 18, 2016 Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2016 Dec. 7, 2016 Jan. 3 – 12, 2017 Jan. 9 – Feb. 16, 2017 Jan. 17 – Jun. 29, 2017 |
| Epcot® | |
| Infrastructure Work | Sep. 28 – Dec. 17, 2016 |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios® | |
| Pizza Planet Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster |
Jan. 19 – Late 2016 Oct. 27 – Nov. 9, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park | |
| DINOSAUR Dino Institute Shop Kali River Rapids |
Jul. 25 – Nov. 19, 2016 Jul. 25 – Nov. 19, 2016 Jan. 3 – Jan. 29, 2017 |
| Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | |
| Annual Refurbishment | Dec. 25, 2016 – Mar. 11, 2017 |
| Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park | |
| Annual Refurbishment | Oct. 16 – Dec. 24, 2016 |
| Disney’s All-Star Music Resort | |
| Piano Pool During this time Guests may use the Calypso Pool located near Melody Hall. |
Dec. 12, 2016 – Feb. 3, 2017 |
| Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort | |
| Grand Slam Pool During this time Guests may use the Surfboard Bay Pool, located near the main lobby. |
Oct. 10 – Dec. 13, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village | |
| Soft Goods Refurbishment This work will be conducted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. |
Jul. 15, 2016 – January 2017 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | |
| Room Refurbishments Guests may see or hear work in progress. Additionally, Guests may have an interruption to water service during the overnight hours. |
May 16 – Oct. 31, 2016 |
| Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | |
| Hard Goods Refurbishment Guests may see or hear construction taking place, or encounter alternative paths of travel throughout the Resort hotel. To minimize any possible disruptions, all work with the most potential for noise will be limited each day between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. |
Beginning November 2016 |
| Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | |
| Gasparilla Island Grill | Oct. 17 – Dec. 14, 2016 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | |
| Beach Renourishment Project | May 1 – Nov. 15, 2016 |
| Water Tower Slide Pool will remain open |
Oct. 1 – 31, 2016 |
| Routine Maintenance | Nov. 1 – Dec. 14, 2016 |
| Broad Creek Merchantile Merchantile will remain open, but noise and visual impacts are expected. |
Jan. 2 – Feb. 28, 2017 |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | |
| Sandcastle Pool The leisure pools located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road will remain available |
Jan. 2 – Feb. 24, 2017 |
| Disney’s Pop Century Resort | |
| Computer Pool During this time Guests may use the Hippy Dippy Pool or Bowling Pool. |
Oct. 31, 2016 – Jan. 3, 2017 |
| Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter | |
| Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Refurbishment | Jul. 11 – Late Fall 2016 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to several refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work throughout the villas, spa and dining areas. We will attempt to limit any work most likely to cause a noise impact to the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sonya’s restaurant and Bleachers Bar & Grill have permanently closed to make way for exciting new experiences. In the meantime, the table-service restaurant, Shutters, will be temporarily relocated to the nearby SeaGrape Room. |
Now through Oct. 2016 |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to extensive refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work in various areas throughout their stay. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit work until after 9:00 a.m. At this time, many popular areas will remained closed – including the Hidden Springs Pool (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), beach, marina, playground and more. In addition, certain pathways, like our nature trail, will be unavailable, and surrounding views may be altered. However, the recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool will remain open and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom park will continue to be offered. |
Through 2017 |
| Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable | Through 2017 |
| Disney’s Yacht Club Resort | |
| Room Refurbishments During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. |
Beginning in January 2017 |
| Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center | |
| Expansion Work During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m. |
Aug. 4, 2016 – Feb. 1, 2018 |
| Disney Springs™ | |
| Planet Hollywood | Jan. 6 – Fall 2016 |
| Fulton’s Crab House – reopening as Paddlefish | Apr. 4 – Fall 2016 |
| Golf Courses/Miniature Golf | |
| None | |
Information and dates subject to change without notice.
Last Updated October 19, 2016
