WDW Daily News

 D23 Expo 2019 will be a must for fans of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. An immersive pavilion will provide an insider’s look at new themed lands, attractions, shows, and more, in addition to a jam-packed schedule of entertaining presentations and a number of exclusive shopping opportunities for every Disney fan.

Showcasing an array of new experiences for guests around the world to enjoy for years to come, the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion will give fans a unique look at the exciting developments underway at Disney parks around the world. Attendees will see a dedicated space showcasing the historic transformation of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. They will also see Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.

The fan-favorite Hall D23 presentation with Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take place Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be treated to more details on much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and transformative storytelling that set Disney apart.

During the three-day event, fans can scoop up never-before-seen collectibles across the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products-operated retail shops on the Expo floor: shopDisney.com | Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.

There are many other exciting offerings to discover, including several special panel presentations:

The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Friday, August 23, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

Sound design is an instrumental layer of storytelling found throughout every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.

Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between

Friday, August 23, 4 p.m., Stage 28

Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.

Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years

Saturday, August 24, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!

Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks
Saturday, August 24, 3:30 p.m., Stage 28
Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.

Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers

Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.

Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m., Stage 28

Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.

Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty

Sunday, August 25, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.

Marc Davis in His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Park

Sunday, August 25, 5:30 p.m., Stage 28

Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.

Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule

Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, Talent Central

Come meet the artists and designers behind some of our amazing D23 Expo product ranges:

• Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
• Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson – Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
• The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection with Steve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez – Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central  

Disney Parks Designer Collection Artist Signing Schedule

Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Talent Central

Meet the artists behind the latest releases from this exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands:

• Jerrod Maruyama – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central; Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central  
• SHAG – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
• Noah Fine Art – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
• Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe – Saturday, August 24, 9:30  – 11 a.m., Talent Central; Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central

Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; the world’s largest games licensor across all platforms; more than 200 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

About D23 Expo 2019

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

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 with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

At Marvel Studios’ panel in Hall H at SDCC on Saturday, Kevin Feige announced there will be 10 projects in Phase 4 for the MCU.

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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland® Park will transport you to a galaxy far, far away. While on the planet Batuu, you may spot some iconic starships and vehicles up-close. Here’s what you may encounter:

A-wing Starfighter

With its sleek arrowhead shape, streamlined cockpit and massive twin engines, the A-wing suggests raw speed. Used first by the Rebel Alliance and now the Resistance, it is well suited for quick strikes. You can find the A-Wing Starfighter at the Resistance encampment.

First Order TIE echelon

A new assault vehicle in the TIE (twin ion engine) series, this echelon shuttle is used by the First Order mainly for small troop and cargo transport. You can see this starship at the First Order Cargo area.

Landspeeders

There are two models of speeders in for repairs in the garage at Black Spire Station: a X-34 model like the one Luke Skywalker used on Tatooine, and a Jakku speeder, built from scavenged parts.

Millennium Falcon

Once flown by iconic smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee first mate, Chewbacca, and more recently by Rey, the Millennium Falcon is sometimes lovingly referred to as “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” The YT-1300 Corellian freighter is located at the Spaceport and is currently being loaned to Hondo Ohnaka, the former pirate who owns and operates Ohnaka Transport Solutions.

Sienar-Chall Utilipede Transport

Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs uses this modified shuttle as a mobile kitchen and restaurant, jumping from one planet to the next as a “traveling diner for diners traveling.” It is currently atop Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Black Spire Outpost.

X-wing Starfighter

A versatile ship balancing speed and firepower, the X-wing is a nimble starfighter used in dogfights first by the Rebel Alliance and now the Resistance. Its name comes from the “X” its four wings create when they’re locked in attack position. Take a closer look at the X-wing Starfighter at the Resistance encampment.

Whether you are part of the Resistance or supporting the First Order, you can activate your hyper drive and head on over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

NBA Experience evokes the feel of a modern NBA arena, and its retail location maintains that same vibe – it’s sleek and vibrant. As Guests explore the space, they’ll find a diverse collection of merchandise, from clothing to purses and backpacks to pins, toys and collectibles … and much more.  Items include:

Character Clothing – Disney created new basketball action poses for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy just for NBA Experience, and each character is featured on his or her own special shirt – and socks! 

Official NBA Experience Apparel – The slick NBA Experience logo can be found on polos, t-shirts, tanks, long-sleeve shirts and more. 

Customizable Collection – In the middle of the store you will find a D Tech on Demand station that allows them to add customization to MagicBands, water bottles, smartphone cases, magnets and ornaments. 

Backpacks – Sure to be a fan favorite is the Loungefly mini-backpack featuring Mickey Mouse Ears and a pebble-grain design that mimics a basketball. There’s also a stylish full-size backpack with the NBA Experience logo that would be great for that next outing to the gym or for kids going back to school. 

Exclusive Mickey Mouse Ear Hats – The NBA Store also features an exclusive set of Mickey Mouse Ear Hats that look just like Guests are wearing a basketball! 

And there’s so much more to find in this expansive new store, including plenty of NBA team apparel, player jerseys (including all-time great retired players) and collectibles. 

Be sure to go check it out, and then get ready for tipoff at NBA Experience on Aug. 12, 2019  – tickets are on sale!

It’s a great summer to visit Disneyland® Resort, with incredible new experiences from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks at Disneyland Park, to Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and the limited time “Tale of the Lion King” show at Disney California Adventure® Park. And right now through Aug. 1, you can catch “Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade” twice daily on the parade route at Disneyland Park.

Mickey Mouse and his friends are joining the world-famous Disneyland Band for this delightful procession, featuring live music and a host of favorite Disney characters. The march steps off in grand style, complete with colorfully-adorned Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles, and continues through the park with stops for special show moments where Guests can dance and clap along with their fantastic friends.

In “Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade,” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are joined by Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and a parade of seldom seen Disney characters. Guests never know who they might see when they visit. It could be Peter Pan and Captain Hook, Genie and Aladdin, King Louie, Terk, Marie and more!

Catch a glimpse of the cavalcade below:

“Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade” only runs through Aug. 1, so mark your calendars for Aug. 2 for the limited-time encore engagement of the one-and-only “Main Street Electrical Parade”!

“Descendants” fans and VKs (that’s Villain Kids for the uninitiated) are invited to celebrate this summer’s release of “Descendants 3” at the Disney DescenDANCE Party, rocking the Marketplace Stage at Disney Springs® for a limited time July 26-Aug. 11, 2019. At the Disney DescenDANCE Party, Guests can hit the dance floor to some wickedly good beats, snap and share great pics at a pair of cool photo ops, and catch on-screen shout-outs from some of the stars of the movie.

And if you can’t make it to Disney Springs for this limited run, fear not! The DescenDANCE Party fun will carry on, taking over the stage at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café as an added feature during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, offered select nights at Magic Kingdom® Park starting Aug. 16, 2019.

In “Descendants 3,” after a barrier breach threatens the safety of Auradon during the VKs’ departure off the Isle, Mal decides to permanently close the magical barrier, fearing Uma and Hades will do irreparable damage. But an unfathomable, unforeseen dark force threatens the people of Auradon, and it’s up to Mal and the VKs to save everyone in the kingdom before it’s too late.

Fans can watch “Descendants 3” on Aug. 2, 2019 at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel! 

Today I had the amazing opportunity to watch Disney’s THE LION KING in 4DX. Wow! This was the first time I had ever been to a 4DX movie so I was really excited to see what it was all about. If you have never been, it can be explained as a totally immersive experience. The chairs move, sound surrounds every person in the theater, there are water, wind, scent and fog effects, plus it is 3D. I guess the closest I have been is Mickey’s Philharmagic at Walt Disney World. THE LION KING had just the right amount of action with the moving seats. This “Savanna Riding” motion really moved along with the animals as they ran, flew, or even splashed around. The scenes of the hyenas chasing young Simba and Nala, the wildebeest stampede in the gorge, as well as Simba and Scar fighting for the Pride Land literally put me on the edge of my seat. There was even motion that matched the songs from the movie. The Live Action version is truly remarkable. I felt like I was watching a Disney Nature feature is was so real. The script follows very closely to the 1994 original with some fun updates. No spoilers here, but be sure to pay close attention to the banter between Timon and Pumbaa. Hilarious! The movie has an all-star cast with James Earl Jones in the role of Mufasa once again, Donald Glover and Beyoncé as Simba and Nala, Billy Eichner and Seth Roman as Timon and Pumbaa, Keegan-Michael Key as a hyena, and John Oliver as Zazu. The list could go on and on. In this Live Action version, the emotion really comes through with each character. The stampede scene is both riveting and shocking even though I knew what would happen. I think watching in a 4DX theater intensified the whole experience. THE LION KING is most definitely for the whole family whether it is the first time watching Simba’s journey or the 50th (I think I burned through our VHS tape back in the day). With temperatures climbing this summer, gather up the gang and head to the closet movie theatre to see Disney’s THE LION KING. If you are lucky enough to live near a 4DX screening, take advantage of it! It was an experience like no other.

Whether you want to take a break from the crowds or you just want to spend a day lounging poolside, Walt Disney World’s resorts offer plenty of delicious dining options for every kind of traveler. Even better, you don’t have to be staying at these resorts—or even on-property at all—to treat yourself to a little extra Disney magic.

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How major architects of the 1980s and early 1990s brought a new fantastic point of view to the Walt Disney Company’s buildings.

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