Over the next few years, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has plans to bring one of its flagship franchises to theme park visitors in a big way. Star Wars land, a new 14-acre attraction, will be coming to both Disneyland in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and it will officially be called Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Construction Photos – Toy Story Land Exterior at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
As we get closer to the June 30 Grand Opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World we wanted to share a few exterior photos of the area. While there is not a lot to see the wall displays help build excitement for the upcoming new addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Photo Gallery – Character Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Take a look at some beautifully decorated Easter Eggs displayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Click on the photos for larger views.
Disney’s Aulani resort: A Hawaiian vacation, with characters
Southern California and Central Florida are lovely places to visit. But the Disney theme parks that are located there use their locations as portals to transport guests to other, often mythical destinations. They are way stations en route to, for example, Pandora, Neverland, and a subterranean pirates’ lair in the Caribbean where “dead men tell no tales.”
Pandora Utility Suit Will “AMP” Up the Excitement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A 4.2-ton, towering mechanical suit is sure to stop guests in their tracks when it debuts at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22. The new Pandora Utility Suit is inspired by the iconic Amplified Mobility Platform (AMP) suits of power armor from the epic film AVATAR.
Perched ten feet high, a human pilot straps into the cockpit of this exo-carrier and controls its powerful, yet agile movements. The giant walking suit was designed with articulated hands and a shoulder span of more than five feet. It also bears claw marks and battle scars from a Thanator – an alpha predator on Pandora.
But the Pandora Utility Suit was actually designed for restoration, while the film’s AMP suits were created for infantry missions of destruction. Its streamlined structure and technical upgrades make it the perfect tool to collect plant samples, study flora and survive Pandora’s wild terrain.
Like all the lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora is rooted in nature. The Pandora Utility Suit showcases that in dramatic fashion. As the suit traverses the land daily, its pilot will interact with guests, share details about the land’s otherworldly landscape, and highlight the importance of preserving nature.
The Pandora Utility Suit continues the collaboration between Disney and Lightstorm Entertainment that first brought Pandora – The World of Avatar to life nearly a year ago. The suit will debut April 22 as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disneyland Resort Celebrates the First-Ever Pixar Fest for a Limited-Time, April 13-Sept.3, 2018
Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks, brings guests together to celebrate friendship and beyond from April 13 through Sept. 3, 2018, at the Disneyland Resort.
This first-ever Pixar Fest presents some of the beloved stories from Pixar Animation Studios in new ways at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks, with characters and experiences from films such as Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo” and “Up.” Guests will join the fun as they experience a new nighttime spectacular, the return of two favorite parades with fresh new Pixar surprises, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, creatively themed food and beverage and exclusive event merchandise.
A new fireworks show, “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” will celebrate Pixar stories through the decades as it lights up the sky over Disneyland, connecting guests with characters they’ve come to know and love. Along with dazzling pyrotechnics and memorable music, a heartwarming story celebrates the theme of friendship, an ever-present concept in Pixar animation.
“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” invites guests to embark on an emotional journey that begins with the meeting of unlikely Pixar pals and follows their adventures as they overcome obstacles and forge everlasting friendships. “Together Forever” comes to life through projections on iconic park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. The grand tradition of Tinker Bell flying over Sleeping Beauty Castle also gets a Pixar twist, with a special flyover by none other than Buzz Lightyear.
For the first time, “Pixar Play Parade” will make its way through Disneyland Park this spring, and it’s being led by someone new. The parade will begin just as all Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar Lamp. Rolling ahead of the famous lamp will be the familiar yellow Pixar Ball. Also joining the parade are characters from the beloved film, “Up.” Wilderness Explorer Russell will appear astride the colorful flightless bird, Kevin. Carl Fredricksen and Dug follow behind, amid green foliage and snipe chicks, with Carl’s tethered house floating above. “Inside Out” also joins the “Pixar Play Parade,” with Joy and Sadness perched atop colorful memory orbs as they take flight aboard Bing Bong’s rocket wagon, with Bing Bong himself cheering them on.
Also on April 13, “Paint the Night” parade returns, and this time guests will enjoy the parade’s 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and catchy tunes at Disney California Adventure. “Paint the Night” features pals from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars.” And another beloved Pixar story will join “Paint the Night” in June; a new, high-energy float inspired by “The Incredibles” will add to the fun. Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone will showcase their superhero awesomeness as they take on their newest threat, the Underminer. Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack also showcase their unique powers in surprising new ways, as shown through dynamic and innovative visual technology. Like the other elements in this spectacular parade, this new float will come to life through a series of dazzling LED lights, new music elements and high-tech, pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films.
A collection of Pixar Shorts will be featured at the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure during most of Pixar Fest, including favorites such as “For the Birds” and “LAVA.” The short films will rotate during the celebration.
A musical troupe will entertain guests with Pixar-inspired performances in the Paradise Gardens area of Disney California Adventure. Guests may also discover opportunities to greet Pixar characters, and younger guests will enjoy crafts and an activity area.
For those who wish to get into character and celebrate friendship, an exclusive Pixar Fest charm bracelet will be part of the merchandise selection. With multiple bracelet options and a variety of charms with fun friendship messages and Pixar characters, guests can mix and match for themselves, or friends and family.
A celebration of friendship this big is only complete with beloved characters like Buzz, Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” Nemo and Dory from “Finding Nemo,” and Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars.” Those pals – and more – will be part of the fun at Pixar Fest.
All these exciting changes add to the existing attractions and entertainment in the parks that feature many favorite Pixar characters.
At Disneyland
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: In this interactive attraction, guests fire lasers to help battle Evil Emperor Zurg, who is trying to steal the batteries from helpless toys.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: Guests take a submarine voyage to explore the world of Nemo and his underwater friends.
- “it’s a small world”: Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from “Toy Story” are among the many toys and dolls found in this classic attraction.
- Character encounters with Pixar pals: Guests can continue to meet Merida from “Brave” in Fantasyland and Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” in Frontierland.
- “Fantasmic!”: Favorite Pixar characters appear in the finale of “Fantasmic!” nightly on the Rivers of America.
At Disney California Adventure
- Cars Land: Guests step into the world of Radiator Springs with three attractions plus themed shopping and dining locations across 12 acres.
- Toy Story Mania!: Guests shrink to the size of toys and take aim at objects to score points in 4D midway-inspired carnival games hosted by the characters from the “Toy Story” films.
- “a bug’s land”: Shrinking to the size of a bug, guests experience this story through family-friendly attractions.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!: Guests take a wild taxi ride through Monstropolis with Mike and Sulley as they search for their lost human friend, Boo.
- Turtle Talk with Crush: Crush, the sea turtle from “Finding Nemo,” interacts with guests in live, real-time, animated conversations.
- DJ’s Dance ‘n Drive: Interactive dance party in Cars Land gets guests moving to the music.
Mobile Ordering Service Coming Soon to Disneyland
A new mobile ordering service will soon be available at the Disneyland® Resort!
Using the new mobile ordering service, guests will be able to easily search for a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose items from the menu and place their order. As an added convenience, Annual Passholders will be able to apply their discount to meal purchases using the app. Guests notify the restaurant of their arrival on the app and within minutes, an app notification indicates the meal is ready to pick up at a designated window – without ever waiting in line to order and pay.
The mobile ordering functionality is part of our continued efforts to enhance the Guest experience. Combined with the recently launched Disney MaxPass, also part of the Disneyland App, guests can spend more time with family and friends enjoying everything Disneyland Resort has to offer – including the upcoming Pixar Fest celebration!
Stay tuned for more details – including which Guest favorite locations will be featured.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE EPIC SUMMER MOVIE SPECTACULAR ISSUE FEATURES AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, INCREDIBLES 2, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP, AND CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Summer is always a time for incredible films, and this year, Disney’s slate is both incredible and Incredibles. The new issue of Disney twenty-three goes behind the scenes of some of the year’s biggest films. The summer edition is so big, in fact, that every reader will get to enjoy five stunning covers, each featuring one of the new movies: Avengers: Infinity War, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Incredibles 2, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Christopher Robin.
The issue is filled with exclusive interviews with the casts and creative teams behind this season’s films. Directors Anthony & Joe Russo—along with Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Saldana, and Sebastian Stan—take readers inside the thrilling ride that will be Avengers: Infinity War. And just for Disney twenty-three, Marvel’s Ryan Meinerding has created a spectacular piece of artwork, “The Road to Infinity War—10 Years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” featuring 14 characters heading into a battle. Director Ron Howard and star Alden Ehrenreich talk about filling the big boots and capturing the swagger of the galaxy’s greatest smuggler in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) takes off on his character’s greatest adventure yet: being a stay-at-home dad in Incredibles 2. Plus, Edna Mode gives her list of the best-dressed Disney characters. Ant-Man and the Wasp director Peyton Reed reveals he had a special visit from exterminators after finishing the first Ant-Man, while the hilarious Evangeline Lilly talks about playing it cool with co-star Paul Rudd. Rounding out the summer, Christopher Robin promises to charm us, and Ewan McGregor, who plays the title character, talks about relating to the challenges of the now-grown-up Christopher, as he meets up once again with Winnie the Pooh and his childhood friends.
The issue also takes readers down the aisle for a first-look at Freeform’s Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Disney twenty-three spoke to some of the happy couples—and happy hosts Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker—about tying the knot at the happiest places on earth: Disney theme parks and resorts.
Plus, in honor of the 20th anniversary of Mulan, actress Ming-Na Wen shares some of her memories of making the beloved film—and the traits she thinks the animated warrior shares with Wen’s current role as Agent Melinda May on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three:
“From the Desk of” Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige
A celebration of all things tiki at Disney parks and resorts around the world
A look at the groundbreaking short Three Little Pigs
The rich history—and vibrant present—of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Regular features including Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-April.
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 ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Photo – New Brickwork For Horse-Drawn Streetcar Track On Main Street, U.S.A.
NEW BRICKWORK FOR HORSE-DRAWN STREETCAR TRACK ON MAIN STREET, U.S.A. (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park has a new look with bricks lining the street for the new horse-drawn streetcar track. Guests can enjoy the beautiful enhancements while strolling down the iconic thoroughfare or riding aboard Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles. This is the first time the horse-drawn streetcar track has been replaced in its entirety.
Disney Springs Gets Its Spring On with Late-Night Offerings and Trend-Setting Styles
Springtime in Florida means longer, sun-filled days followed by warm-breezy nights perfect for spending time outside. And with dynamic, late-night entertainment, fresh dining experiences and stylish new stores, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort is the place to be … and be seen … this spring season.
Enjoy Late-Night Your Way
Every Thursday through Saturday after the clock strikes 10 p.m., Disney Springs comes alive with late-night offerings until 2 a.m., perfect for those wanting that extra zing for an adult fun-filled weekend.
The Landing neighborhood is the place where late night is taken to the next level with a collection of venues offering a variety of unique experiences, all within steps of each other. Guests can mix and match their options to design the perfect night, with choices that range from sophisticated to laid back; romantic candlelight to high-energy dancing; and the ability to hop to each venue (with complimentary parking and no cover charges).
Flapper-style dancers lead the way to the dance floor at The Edison. The lavish “Industrial Gothic” – themed restaurant offers hand-crafted cocktails and live entertainment. Follow the sake sangria to the sophisticated Forbidden Lounge at Morimoto Asia, where a separate entrance welcomes guests for a late-night menu and libations. Or witness the art of pouring the perfect pint at Raglan Road, singing is a must to keep up with the Irish spirit.
Other venues welcoming late-night explorers include Enzo’s Hideaway, Paradiso 37, The BOATHOUSE, STK Orlando, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Vivoli Il Gelato.
New Retail Locations
Fresh and fabulous trends will debut at Disney Springs with the May arrival of DisneyStyle. This Instagram-worthy location will have fans swooning over spirit jerseys galore and an endless supply of Disney Parks-inspired accessories.
DisneyStyle will join the lineup of other Disney-chic locations such as The Disney Corner. Open for a limited time, this retail location is a two-story Disney dream come true filled with apparel for kids – including infants – a fun mix of accessories and selfie-worthy backdrops.
Also in Town Center, Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories is now the ultimate spot for high-end fashion jewelry from Disney Parks. It offers an even larger selection of favorite brands and products including PANDORA Jewelry, Alex & Ani bracelets and charms, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, stylish headwear and more.
Delicious New Flavors Coming Soon
The highly-anticipated Wine Bar George will open its doors later this spring, bringing the expertise of Master Sommelier George Miliotes to Disney Springs. The wine list will feature more than 135 wines by the ounce, glass and bottle, and the menu will include small plates, cheese and charcuterie, and sharable entrees. The design of the two-story space will reflect the style of a winemaker’s home estate, with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Guests will learn about food and wine pairing while enjoying stunning views of Disney Springs.
Also opening this spring is Terralina Crafted Italian. The new dining experience, curated by celebrity and James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, will transport guests to the splendor of the Italian countryside with cuisine combining authentic Italian flavors and an unparalleled ambiance.
Disney Springs is open every day of the year from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, with select restaurants, lounges and entertainment locations open late-night hours until 2:00 a.m. on select nights. To learn more about Disney Springs, visit DisneySprings.com or call (407) 939-6244.
