There is a lot of debate out there as to what comes next for entertainment giant Disney (NYSE: DIS ). Everyone knows streaming will have an impact on Disney stock, but whether it’s a good or bad one remains undecided.
Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, Tron: When will these new Disney World rides open?
The renderings of new Orlando attractions that Disney Parks unveiled a year ago — including a roller coaster based on the movie “Tron,” another based on “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and a Star Wars themed hotel — have now turned into concrete and steel.
First 11 Locations, Dates Set On 2019 Wizard World Calendar
With several of its traditional cities plus the exciting “ Ghostbusters Fan Fest” as highlights, Wizard Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced the initial 11 events to be held in 2019, beginning with New Orleans, January 4-6. Additional cities and venues are still to be scheduled and will be announced when finalized.
Wizard World also announced that its Springfield, Mo., and Montgomery, Ala., shows, which were originally scheduled for October 26-28 and November 9-11, 2018, as first time markets, will not be held. All remaining 2018 Wizard World events will proceed as scheduled.
The 2019 calendar will see the return of Wizard World’s two longest-running events, Chicago (22nd year) and Philadelphia (19th annual). In addition, Wizard World will hold its tenth Austin and ninth New Orleans and Columbus shows, as well as its seventh visits to Portland and St. Louis , respectively. The dates for Tulsa and Sacramento will be established following the 2018 events in those cities. Tickets for all 2019 Wizard World events are available for sale now at http://www.wizardworld.com.
The 2019 schedule to date is as follows (*denotes new for 2019):
· January 4-6, New Orleans, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
· February 22-24, Portland, Ore., Oregon Convention Center
· March 8-10, Cleveland, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
· April 5-7, St. Louis, America’s Center
· *June 8-9, Ghostbusters Fan Fest Presented By Wizard World, Sony Pictures Studio Lot in Culver City, Calif.
· June 13-16, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Convention Center
· July 19-21, Boise, Idaho, Boise Centre
· August 22-25, Chicago, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
· October 18-20, Columbus, Ohio, Greater Columbus Convention Center
· October 25-27, Madison, Wis., Alliant Energy Center
· TBD, Tulsa, Okla., Cox Business Center
· TBD, Sacramento, Calif., Cal Expo
· November 8-10, Austin, Texas, Austin Convention Center
· 2020 TBD, Des Moines, Iowa, Iowa Events Center
Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2 Arrives Digitally Oct. 23 and on Blu-ray Nov. 6
Disney Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” the sequel to 2004’s beloved Oscar®-winning “The Incredibles,” received a mega-strong reaction from critics and audiences — earning a 93 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, rocketing atop the list of highest-grossing animated films, and surpassing $1 billion at the global box office. Family members of all ages will be hypnotized by hours of delightful entertainment, with never-before-seen “Incredibles 2” bonus material highlighting the beloved characters in the film and the filmmakers who bring them to life. When audiences instantly bring home the film two weeks early on Digital, they will receive additional exclusive featurettes, including two SuperScene Breakdowns and Samuel L. Jackson discussing his character Frozone a.k.a. “The Coolest Guy in Show Business.” Overall bonus includes an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna,” which gives a glimpse of fashion visionary Edna Mode’s all-night endeavor to design a suit to best harness baby Jack-Jack’s expanding super powers. Also included are an inside look at the impressive production team at Pixar Animation Studios; documentaries highlighting the film’s relatable characters and stand-out scenes; 10 never-before-revealed scenes; filmmaker commentary; the touching theatrical short “Bao” and a corresponding featurette about how the dumplings sprung to life; and much, much more. Fans can reunite with this incredible family of Supers instantly on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere on Oct. 23, and on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Nov. 6.
Exciting Dining Enhancements Coming Soon to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Two hotel fast-casual food spots are getting spruced up at the Disneyland® Resort, also adding gorgeous new bar seating for pool goers and hotel Guests.
Tangaroa Terrace, the South Seas hideaway at the Disneyland Hotel, is closing soon and will re-open in early 2019 as Tangaroa Terrace Bar & Grill. The restaurant’s ‘50s Tiki-inspired design, however, will remain the perfect tropical complement to the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel. Guests can expect a new outdoor bar and refreshed patio, serving island cocktails and Asian-inspired fare. New details will also be added to the interior space, including light fixtures made of colorful fishing floats and netting, a tropical mural and bamboo accents. Guests will also be delighted to find a dedicated service window for various coffee selections in the morning and the popular Dole Whip throughout the day, perfect while enjoying time at the pools. The grill will offer options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an open-air marketplace for quick bites. While Tangaroa Terrace is under refurbishment, menu offerings will be available at The Coffee House, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Steakhouse 55.
White Water Snacks at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also close soon and re-open later this year with a fresh new look. In the meantime, Hearthstone Lounge will offer grab-and-go food and beverage options.
Guests of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also be able to lounge in even more luxury, poolside, with a new pool bar opening in spring 2019. As you can see in the artwork above, the new pool bar area will keep with the hotel’s signature Arts and Crafts design with natural boulder stonework and clinker bricks. A custom tile mural at the back bar will also set the craftsman tone in the new space. In addition, a trellis structure will provide shade and a perfect respite to enjoy sipping beverages and snacking on appetizers. A variety of new lounge and table seating will also be available.
Stay tuned for more details!
New Dates Announced for ‘Disney After Hours’ at Magic Kingdom Park
Disney After Hours has been a huge hit with guests looking to maximize their time at Magic Kingdom® Park when the sun goes down. Today we’re very excited to announce new dates available for purchase from Dec. 3, 2018 to March 7, 2019. And ticket are commissionable!
During this special ticketed event Guests can get in as early as 7 p.m. to experience the fireworks before hitting more than 25 attractions and experiences with little to no wait!
Here are the new dates and times:
- 12/3: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- 12/10: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- 1/7: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 1/17: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 1/24: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 1/28: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 2/7: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 2/28: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 2/14: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 3/7: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Vampirina Arrives at Disney Parks This Weekend – Here’s Your First Look!
Vampirina (aka “Vee”), that lovable girl vampire from the hit Disney Junior series “Vampirina,” is making her Disney Parks debut this weekend, and today we’re giving you a first look at this fangtastic new Disney character!
Starting today, Vampirina is stopping by Disneyland® Resort for Halloween Time, meeting fans at Disney California Adventure® Park and getting ready to make a special appearance in the “Frightfully Fun Parade” during Mickey’s Halloween Party.
We’re also happy to announce that Vampirina is on her way to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic KingdomPark! During the party, you can show off your best dance moves with Vee and other favorite Disney Junior pals at the all-new Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam.
Vampirina is bringing spooky fun everywhere she goes, from Transylvania to Pennsylvania … to Disney Parks!
Hauntingly Fun Facts About ‘Haul-O-Ween’ at Cars Land
Mater, Lightning McQueen and the residents of Cars Land have transformed the town of Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams for Halloween Time and guests are invited to join the frightful fun. As the Cars prepare to celebrate Halloween, or as they call it “Haul-O-Ween,” they have decorated their establishments for the occasion. They even wear their favorite “car-stumes” to celebrate. This festive celebration takes place at Disney California Adventure Park, as part of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, from Sept. 7 – Oct. 31, 2018.
In addition, two favorite Cars Land attractions get a new look for Haul-O-Ween. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. Both attractions have themed décor and new music to accompany the ride experiences.
From spinning webs to “Spokey”-Cone Macarons, here are some fun facts about Haul-O-Ween at Cars Land:
- Cars wear their favorite “car-stumes” for Haul-O-Ween – Mater dresses up as a “van-pire,” Lightning is a super hero, Cruz Ramirez is a pirate, Red the Fire Truck is a clown and DJ is a punk rocker.
- Sha-BOO! – This Haul-O-Ween, Cars Land is taken over by supernatural spirits each evening for a haunting Sha-BOO! Sheriff’s voice arrives on the scene to return the town to order and welcome guests to Radiator Screams.
- Trunk-or-Treating Tunes – The background music in Cars Land features a lineup of kooky Halloween-inspired songs.
- Scary the Scare-car – Greeting guests as they enter Radiator Screams is Scary the Scare-car. Guests hear the story about how Scary came to be while riding Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.
- A Creepy, Crawly Cruiser – Spinning a web of mayhem at Flo’s V8 Cafe is a “terrifying” Spider-car. Guests need not fear though, since this eight-legged friend is available for photos. The Haul-O-Ween designers repurposed a “Toadmobile” from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride for this unique experience.
- Zombie Car Effect – An out-of-service car with an undead battery refuses to “rust in peace” as it attempts to come back to life in front of Lizzie’s Radiator Springs Curios. Contrary to popular rumor, these are not the remains of her beloved Stanley.
- Sarge’s Pump–kin Patch – Sarge is growing a patch of seasonal pump-kins. He plans on gifting these gas cans on a vine to his neighbor, Fillmore, to make some “organic fuel.”
- Fillmore’s Yard Art – Fillmore, the resident free spirit of Radiator Screams, adds his artistic touch to the Haul-O-Ween season. His most prominent piece is a wacky, kinetic sculpture: a spinning mobile of “jack-oil-lanterns.”
- Witchy Miss Lizzie – Flying over Cadillac Range is Old Witchy Miss Lizzie. Her curiosity shop, now appearing as if it belongs to a vintage witch, specializes in special Haul-O-Ween Boo-veniers!
- Disorder in the Court – Strange things are brewin’ over at the old courthouse. A mad scientist has hooked up jumper cables, giving the old building new life (with moving eyes in the window).
- Horn-O-Plenty – This mysterious artifact was unearthed on Haul-O-ween Night in 1936. Every year the residents of Radiator Screams bring it back to its rightful home and adorn it with seasonal gifts.
- Mater’s Junkyard JamBOOree’s Tunes – The tractors are spinning to beloved Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree songs as well as fun Haul-O-Ween themed takes on the popular songs Monster Mash (Monster Truck Smash) and Purple People Eater (Purple Fender Bender).
- Luigi’s Favorite Holiday – Luigi and Guido never celebrated Haul-O-Ween before moving to Radiator Springs. Now it’s their favorite holiday, and they’re inviting the cousins to come celebrate for the first time. Their “Terror-antella” tells the story of Luigi and Guido building the town’s beloved Scare-Car, Scary.
- Ramone’s House of Body Art– While not part of Haul-O-Ween, Ramone is celebrating Day of the Dead at his detailing shop. Newly painted hoods, marigolds and a sugar car (named Sugar) decorate the outside. Inside, Ramone has built an ofrenda to celebrate the life of the town’s good friend, Doc Hudson. Items celebrating the life and career of the old racecar are on display.
- Brake’s Motel – Sally seasonally creates a themed miniature model of the Cozy Cone Motel out of seasonal candy displayed for all to see. It is on display in the lobby of the Cozy Cone Motel.
- Spiders – Guests will find 30 car-achnids lurking around Radiator Screams!
- Frightfully fun food and beverage – A tempting menu of Halloween food and beverage is available throughout Cars Land, including Candy Cone Pie (cream pie with vanilla, butterscotch and white chocolate pudding) and Pumpkin Spice Shake at Flo’s V8 Café, plus a Slow-Burnin’ Mac and Cheese Cone and “Spokey”-Cone Macaron at Cozy Cone Motel.
Vera Bradley to team up with Disney theme parks for new collection
Vera Bradley Inc. VRA, +14.77% announced another new licensing agreement early Wednesday, saying it has teamed up with Disney Theme Park Merchandise to create a limited edition pattern called Mickey’s Paisley Celebration that will launch on Sept. 6.
Prince Harry and Prince George Have the Same Favorite Disney Movie
Prince Harry has just provided definitive proof (as if any was needed) that The Lion King spans the generations. Like his nephew George, Harry is a fan of the 1994 Disney film, which came out in theaters when he was nearly 10 years old.
