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FASTPASS+ ENHANCEMENTS FURTHER CUSTOMIZE GUEST EXPERIENCE BEGINNING APRIL 10

At the Walt Disney World® Resort, we are always looking for ways to help Guests further customize their experience and make it even easier to create unforgettable moments with their families and friends.

Starting April 10, 2016 guests will notice the following enhancements to how they make FastPass+ selections:

  • Guests will now be able to choose individual FastPass+ experiences and times, and will no longer need to make all selections for the same day at the same time.
  • While guests will continue to be able to select up to three experiences in advance, they now will be able to book fewer than three selections, if desired.
  • In addition, when guests have used their first three FastPass+ selections, they will now be able to make an additional FastPass+ selection via the My Disney Experience mobile app, in addition to in-park kiosks. Once they’ve used the fourth, they will be able to select another, and so on.
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SENSE OF AFRICA TOUR AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Guests can indulge their senses during the new Sense of Africa tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This 3.5-hour long experience is designed to immerse Walt Disney World® Resort Guests in the richness, culture and history of the African-inspired resort and give a backstage peek at the care, feeding, well-being and social interactions of the resident animals.

A typical tour begins with a unique twist on breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa, followed by encounters with animals such as okapi, giraffe, ostriches and red river hogs. Sense of Africa is a real chance to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic.

The cost is $249, and staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is not required. Experiences may vary.

The experience will be offered on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, beginning April 9, 2016. Reservations are now available. Book by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

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The Case For Why Disney Should Buy Netflix

In the past year, Walt Disney, a company that sells itself on magic and nostalgia, has struggled with some very real problems.

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MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY FILLS 21 NIGHTS WITH HOLIDAY CHEER IN 2016

Recently we shared the dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Today we’re back with dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This favorite Walt Disney World® Resort holiday tradition returns to the Magic Kingdom® Park for a festive 21 nights this year.

Mickey Mouse presides over the holiday festivities during this enchanting after-hours party that showcases special entertainment, including “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and a holiday edition of the fireworks spectacular “Wishes,” as well as meet-and-greet opportunities with favorite Disney characters in holiday attire.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place the following nights:

  • November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29
  • December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22

Tickets for both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will go on sale later this spring.

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NEW AQUATIC PLAY AREA OPENS AT DISNEY’S PORT ORLEANS RESORT – FRENCH QUARTER

Just in time for warm summer days, there’s a new space at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter that’s just for little ones who like to splash around and stay cool.

Decked out in the bold hues of Mardi Gras gold, purple and green, this new aquatic play area lets Guests 48 inches and under enjoy water slides that are just their size, play with fun water cannons, and splish-splash among fountains.

The new area is located next to the whimsical Doubloon Lagoon pool, so guests and their little ones can easily go back and forth between the two water-filled spots while staying at this resort.

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Norman Reedus On Board First Wizard World Cruise, Dec. 2-5

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Rose Tours today announced its first Wizard World Cruise, a pop-culture, comic con themed, three-night journey on the Norwegian Sky, December 2-5, from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. The event will feature celebrities including Norman Reedus as well as an Artist Alley with noted comics creators, cosplay contests, exhibitors, parties, video game tournaments and more.

This will be the only cruise appearance for Reedus. Others scheduled to appear include Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Spin City”), Sara Underwood (“Attack of the Show”), Billy Martin (lead guitarist/keyboardist, Good Charlotte; artist, “TMNT”), Phil Ortiz(animator, “The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), cosplayers Jackie Craft, Abby Dark Star and Zen Dragon. Additional celebrities and creators to appear aboard Wizard World Cruise will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are excited to partner with Rose Tours for our first-ever Wizard World Cruise!,” said Randy Malinoff , Wizard World COO. “Rose Tours has the best reputation for providing the fans with a great experience on their celebrity cruises. And having Norman Reedus among our inaugural guests is the best treat we can give our loyal fans!”

A variety of packages will be available, starting at $749.00 per person. The Wizard World Cruise base package includes photos with the celebrities, all meals onboard as well as open bar, a special cruise-only gift item and access to all Wizard World events on the ship. The Norwegian Sky ( https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky) also features a casino, spa, full gym, basketball/volleyball court, arcade, 10 bars (all included), four restaurants (included) and three of Norwegian’s famed specialty restaurants.

For more on the 2016 Wizard World Cruise, visit http://www.wizardworldcruise.com .

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How Technological Advancements In Animation Force A Focus On Storytelling

John Lasseter, CCO of Pixar and Disney animation, once said; “The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art”. I agree with that, and I think it’s an appropriate way to think about how technological advancements have influenced artistic and creative decisions.

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JEDI PERFORMERS ENGAGE IN EPIC LIGHTSABER CHALLENGE AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING

To celebrate today’s digital release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, two Jedi performers ascended to new heights to engage in an epic lightsaber challenge on the 152nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai City – the world’s tallest building. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available to download from iTunes and broadcaster OSN.

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THE LEGACY OF DREAM ALONG WITH MICKEY BY SAM ALLEN

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After nearly a decade-long run on the Magic Kingdom’s “Castle Forecourt Stage,” the final performance of “Dream Along with Mickey” was presented on April 2nd, 2016.

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DESTINATION D: AMAZING ADVENTURES CELEBRATES THE EXCITEMENT OF DISNEY’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Since Walt Disney first brought his groundbreaking True-Life Adventures to the big screen, adventure has played a pivotal role in Disney entertainment, from the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbeanto the new planet of Pandora, which will soon be unveiled at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This year, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are invited to join the excitement at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a celebration of these landmarks of the past, present, and future. The two-day event will take place November 19 and 20, 2016 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Joe Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast); and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline—plus more to be announced.*

Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.

Highlights of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures will include*:

  • New Walt Disney World Adventures: From Soarin’ Around the World to Rivers of LightGet an insider’s glimpse into the latest experiences across Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney Imagineers provide a behind-the-scenes look at new and upcoming entertainment.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Evolving a New Species of Theme Park—Explore the origins and incredible evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from early concepts to new experiences to be discovered at the park.
  • Magic Journeys: 45 Years of Walt Disney World AdventuresCelebrate the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort with a nostalgic journey through some of the Vacation Kingdom’s most unique and fondly remembered adventures!
  • A Look Back at Walt Disney’s True-Life AdventuresJoin Disney historians on an expedition through the landmark True-Life Adventure series, which earned the Disney Studio eight Academy Awards®!
  • The Art and Adventures of Marc Davis—Discover the adventurous artwork of artist, animator, and Disney Legend Marc Davis with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Production Designer Chris Merritt, who is authoring a new book on the Disney Legend.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets go on sale April 21, 2016, and are $190 each for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Tickets are also available to D23 General Members for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift created exclusively for the event, and attendees are guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations. A limited number of Wilderness Explorer VIP tickets will be available, which includes early shopping, an exclusive evening experience on November 18, reserved seating for all presentations, a special gift bag, unique collectibles, and more.

Further details about the program and tickets for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, can be found atD23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

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