WDW Daily News

Both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts have been raising their annual pass prices aggressively over the past few years, especially so at Disneyland, where a no-blockout annual pass now costs more than $1,000 a year.

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If there was one thing that didn’t come as a surprise in Disney‘s quarterly report on Tuesday afternoon it’s that its theme parks are hurting for turnstile clicks. The media giant confirmed that it experienced lower attendance for the quarter. It went on to elaborate during the call, revealing that its domestic theme parks suffered a 4% dip in attendance.

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Disney Floral & Gifts, in partnership with Lucasfilm, is happy to announce the launch of the new Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure. For those brave enough to answer the call for this mission, an adventure awaits.

The Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure takes guests from your resort room “barracks” on an interactive role-playing mission to the Star Tours® Attraction. They’ll go “under cover” as an Imperial Security Officer, complete with rank bar, cap, satchel, and diversion tattoos.

Top Secret Mission Detail #2: The Tech

The adventure features unique technology exclusive to this experience. Through an augmented reality app on their smartphone, Ezra Bridger leads guests on a mission to thwart the Empire. By scanning targets or “wayfinders” featured around their resort room and Star Tours, Ezra leads guests to hidden information and gear needed to complete their mission.

The rebel tech on their phone allows guests to experience the adventure again and again, even after returning home from the Disney Parks!

Top Secret Mission Detail #3: The Gear

With equipment to help on their adventure, the mission includes a disguise and a data card to transmit information to the rebels at Star Tours. Other collectibles include a Jedi holocron, lightsaber, Rebel journal, 4 Empire recruitment posters, and an Empire door banner.

And if guests have multiple rebels in your party, they can add-on elements of this adventure for everyone to experience!

Top Secret Mission Detail #4: The Reward

Once guests have completed their mission, they’ll be rewarded like any true hero with a Medal of Bravery. Presented in a rebel lock box wrapped with a Phoenix symbol, this medal can only be recovered upon completion of the mission. Like the one seen in the film Star Wars: A New Hope, the medal’s design features a lanyard, which can be personalized, to identify guests victory.

“This tram stops at Journey, Discover, Amaze, and Create,” our tram announcer said as we were heading out of Epcot and into the parking lot last week. “It does not stop for Bulbasaur, Pikachu, or Squirtle.” The nod to the then bubbling Pokemon Go frenzy didn’t end there.

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In many of Disney’s classic animated films, the princess finds her beloved prince and, in true fairy tale form, they live happily ever after (once they deal with missing glass slippers, evil sorcerers, and other plot detours, that is).

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In one of the most impressive gatherings of professional wrestling talent in Wizard World history, fans can meet some of wrestling’s biggest names when WWE® Superstars John Cena®, Seth Rollins™, Dean Ambrose™, Sasha Banks™, The Bella Twins™ and Becky Lynch™ attend Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, August 18, 19 and 20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

“We’re very excited to have such a large group of incredibly talented WWE® Superstars attending Wizard World Chicago,” said John Maatta, CEO of Wizard World. “The addition of these world-class athletes to Chicago’s already impressive lineup of stars from film, television, comics and more will give fans a unique and exciting experience, and shows Wizard World’s commitment to including all forms of pop culture entertainment at its shows.”

The dates and times for each appearance are as follows:

Thursday, August 18

• WWE® Superstar Seth Rollins™ (4-7 p.m.)
• WWE® Superstar Sasha Banks™ (5-8 p.m.)

Friday, August 19

• WWE® Superstar John Cena® (3-7 p.m.)
• WWE® Superstar Dean Ambrose™ (4-7 p.m.)
• WWE® Superstar Becky Lynch™ (2-5 p.m.)

Saturday, August 20

• WWE® Superstars The Bella Twins™ (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)

They will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and more, at the largest and longest-running Wizard World show.

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An incredible lineup of new attractions and experiences kickoff summer vacation season with new magic across all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs and beyond.

Guests are invited to set sail on the all-new Frozen Ever After attraction to celebrate a “Summer Snow Day” with all of the favorite “Frozen” friends aboard a Norwegian vessel travelling through Arendelle. And, guests can meet Anna and Elsa in Royal Sommerhus, with authentically Norwegian-inspired settings all in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.

The fun heats up with a brand new nighttime experience that awakens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show that is themed to music from the film saga and incorporates stunning new lasers and other special effects.

Guests also can experience the enhanced Soarin’ Around the World attraction at Epcot and the star-studded new stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” at Magic Kingdom Park.

More Magic, More Memories, More Fun

Across its four theme parks, multiple resort hotels and diverse shopping and dining offerings, guests will find unforgettable experiences to share with family and friends at Walt Disney World Resort, making every moment as magical as it can be:

Epcot

Anna, Elsa and other beloved characters from the blockbuster film, “Frozen,” will give the summer season a warm hug at Epcot. Meanwhile “Turtle Talk with Crush” makes fun waves and Soarin’ Around the World takes guests to new heights.

• Anna, Elsa and their “Frozen” friends are welcoming guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride that sails into a “Frozen” world at the Norway Pavilion. Passengers glide along and visit Queen Elsa’s ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

• Also at the Norway Pavilion, Anna and Elsa now greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, themed as a cozy summer cabin.

• In Future World, guests can take a glide on the expanded Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land Pavilion. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the enhanced attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders.

• Guests can now find new additions at “Turtle Talk with Crush” with characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”. When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at Epcot, he’s joined by Dory and some of her new friends.

Magic Kingdom

Classic Disney characters will join contemporary animated film stars in a new extravaganza on the grand Cinderella Castle stage, and Magic Kingdom guests can experience a new dining adventure.

• For the first time, Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of favorite Disney characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the star-studded tale of friendship presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers – Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.

• Disney Parks will welcome Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Elena of Avalor will appear at Walt Disney World Resort later this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.

• Next door to the legendary Jungle Cruise, guests can enjoy the bold flavors of “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” served by the wisecracking crew of the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. It’s the first Disney full-service restaurant themed after a specific park attraction.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the galactic wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, new Star-Wars-themed experiences shift into light speed.

• The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” dazzles with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.

• The live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.

• First Order Stormtroopers led by Captain Phasma march from Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, adding menace to the entertainment. Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the first time in its 18-year history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature.

• The park’s iconic Tree of Life awakens each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail creature feature.

• Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

• Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant on Discovery Island. Guests seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip libations and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors.

• Across the park, guests can experience wondrous new nighttime experiences and entertainment celebrating marvels in nature and enjoy long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids and more – in a whole new light.

Disney Springs and Disney’s Water Parks Make a Splash

Inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs is a charming district filled with unique retailers and restaurants from award-winning chefs. Throughout the summer, new stores and restaurants will open as Disney Springs more than doubles the number of retail, dining and other venues for guests.

• As Disney Springs continues to expand and diversify its dining, shopping and entertainment, more exciting high-profile tenants are coming onboard, including Anthropologie, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others. Other new shops opening in 2016 include Zara, Tommy Bahama and UNIQLO.

• More than 30 new tenants will be coming to Disney Springs this summer, including retail shops and dining venues.

• Home to world-class dining, Disney Springs is shaping up to be a culinary dream. With many unique flavors, there is something for all different tastes with exquisite selections such as STK, Frontera Cocina and Morimoto Asia.

• More new eateries are gearing up to open in the coming year, including Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith; Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a modern-day “pizza joint” with artisanal pies; and the reimagined, Planet Hollywood Observatory with new outdoor terrace and live entertainment.

• Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Cocina) and Chef Art Smith (Homecoming) join master Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a growing collection of James Beard Award winning chefs at Disney Springs.

• At Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba,” the new B-Boys hip-hop, breakdancing threesome showcases a rare mix of rhythm, strength and “how-did-they-do-that?” moves. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, the masterful Aerial Bamboo act joins recent additions of madcap clowns and a breathtaking rolla bolla juggling act.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Water Parks ramp up with playful spirits and summer fun faster than Olaf can beg for warm hugs.

• At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host the “Frozen Games” of friendly, fun competitions that run through Aug. 21.

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.

Disney guests will have a magical summer experience wherever they play, dine, relax or celebrate at Walt Disney World theme parks, entertainment venues and resort hotels. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneyparksblog.com.

Inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs is a charming district filled with unique retailers and restaurants from award-winning chefs. Throughout the summer, new stores and restaurants will open as Disney Springs more than doubles the number of retail, dining and other venues for guests.

• As Disney Springs continues to expand and diversify its dining, shopping and entertainment, more exciting high-profile tenants are coming onboard, including Anthropologie, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others. Other new shops opening in 2016 include Zara, Tommy Bahama and UNIQLO.

• More than 30 new tenants will be coming to Disney Springs this summer, including retail shops and dining venues.

• Home to world-class dining, Disney Springs is shaping up to be a culinary dream. With many unique flavors, there is something for all different tastes with exquisite selections such as STK, Frontera Cocina and Morimoto Asia.

• More new eateries are gearing up to open in the coming year, including Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith; Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a modern-day “pizza joint” with artisanal pies; and the reimagined, Planet Hollywood Observatory with new outdoor terrace and live entertainment.

• Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Cocina) and Chef Art Smith (Homecoming) join master Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a growing collection of James Beard Award winning chefs at Disney Springs.

• At Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba,” the new B-Boys hip-hop, breakdancing threesome showcases a rare mix of rhythm, strength and “how-did-they-do-that?” moves. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, the masterful Aerial Bamboo act joins recent additions of madcap clowns and a breathtaking rolla bolla juggling act.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Water Parks ramp up with playful spirits and summer fun faster than Olaf can beg for warm hugs.

• At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host the “Frozen Games” of friendly, fun competitions that run through Aug. 21.

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.

Disney guests will have a magical summer experience wherever they play, dine, relax or celebrate at Walt Disney World theme parks, entertainment venues and resort hotels. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneyparksblog.com.

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