Make sure to Follow Us on Twitter for more Disney News

We know you guys love hearing about the latest in Disney news from our WDW Daily News website and we appreciate you checking in here every day.  But there are many news articles and photos that we “tweet” that do not appear on the website, so we encourage you to “Follow Us” on Twitter to get the most information from WDW Daily News.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be featuring our journey to and from the 2017 D23 Expo and will be posting many Twitter exclusive photos of our travels and from the event.

Thanks again for everyone who follows us and we hope you continue to spread the word to your Dis Pals!

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ABC’s ‘The Chew’ to Broadcast From the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival October 4-6

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” returns to Walt Disney World Resort this fall to broadcast five shows from the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  “The Chew” shows, to record October 4-6 against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop, will air on the ABC Television Network, October 9-13, 2017, at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 p.m. PDT (check local listings).

The dynamic, Emmy Award-winning co-hosts, who delighted audiences last year with stories of their Disney adventures as they whipped up delectable dishes and drinks, will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.  Throughout the festival’s unprecedented 75-day culinary celebration, which runs August 31-November 13, 2017, “The Chew” also will feature segments highlighting food and beverages from “around the world” of Walt Disney World Resort and its four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Today also kicks off “The Chew’s” Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes presented by Hidden Valley Ranch.  The winner gets a vacation for four to see a “Chew” taping at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. To learn more, visit www.TheChew.com.

“It’s our favorite week of the year,” raved Gordon Elliott, executive producer of “The Chew.”

“The hosts enjoy the excitement of the park along with their fans, and for a few days everyone is on holiday–with amazing food!”

Delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” also will be featured throughout the festival in the themed global marketplace, “Earth Eats, Hosted by The Chew.” Park guests will be able to savor these menu stars: Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce and a sweet finish: Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with Caramel Drizzle.

Epcot vice president Melissa Valiquette said she and the entire festival team are delighted to welcome back “The Chew” hosts, producers and crew for their third year of on-site production.

“’The Chew’s’ production adds another level of excitement and fun to our iconic fall food and wine festival,” Valiquette said. “It’s magical to see our Epcot stage light up as the show’s celebrated hosts cook, dish and entertain each live audience of festival guests.”

At the Festival Center, guests can watch screenings of “The Chew” show highlights, cooking and entertaining tips. Instructions on how to obtain show taping tickets will be announced at a later date.

“The Chew” celebrates life through food – from cooking and home entertaining to exploring food trends and bringing original ideas to holiday events. The show’s award-winning dream team of culinary and lifestyle experts dish up useful, creative solutions for busy viewers who want to make cooking and home entertaining easy, affordable, and always fun. “The Chew” has spawned five cookbooks, and the sixth, “The Chew Quick & Easy: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Occasion,” will be published September 26, 2017. “The Chew” airs on ABC Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. EDT, noon CDT. For details, visit www.TheChew.com.

Produced by Gordon Elliott’s Chew Productions for the ABC Television Network, “The Chew” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with stereo sound.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival celebrates 22 delicious festival years featuring the returning partnership with “The Chew” plus a lineup of delicious new food and beverage menu items, global marketplaces, premium experiences and entertainment.  For updates about festival events and premium experiences, visit epcotfoodfestival throughout the summer.

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Applications Now Open for Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort

High school students nationwide can now apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, mentoring program that takes place in March at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

For over a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has helped to inspire young minds from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, immersive career workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills, such as communication techniques, leadership qualities and networking strategies, and are inspired by celebrity speakers and special guests who share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG.

The program has produced many success stories, inspiring students to become authors, nurses, pilots, doctors, journalists and engineers following the three-day all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World Resort where the theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms’ leading to career discoveries and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

“After 10 years and over 1,000 Disney Dreamer alumni, we’re excited to begin the next decade of Disney Dreamers Academy,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World vice president of commercial management resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “We are excited about the many success stories, as this program continues to cultivate and inspire the minds of young high school students from across the nation to follow their dreams and accomplish their goals. By applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, future leaders of this country are taking a step toward an experience that can change their lives.”

Program applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Selected applicants, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2017. A distinguished panel of leaders will evaluate the applications, and selected participants will be announced in early 2018.

For more information regarding applications, interested applicants can visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or learn more about the program on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

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Disney’s Descendants 2 on DVD August 15th

In Descendants 2 the villain kids are back and the stakes are even higher in the highly anticipated sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants”! The story deepens in the music-driven sequel to the global smash hit “Descendants,” as the teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most infamous villains try to find their place in idyllic Auradon. When the pressure to be royally perfect becomes too much for Mal, she returns to her rotten roots on the Isle of the Lost where her archenemy Uma, the daughter of Ursula, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed queen of the run-down town.  Uma, still resentful over not being selected by Ben to go to Auradon Prep with the other Villain Kids, stirs her pirate gang including Captain Hook’s son Harry and Gaston’s son Gil, to break the barrier between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, and unleash all the villains imprisoned on the Isle, once and for all. Bring home all the mischief on DVD August 15th
Also beginning July 1, visit DisneyMovieRewards.com  and enter to win a Disney Channel 5-movie collection including “Descendants” and “Descendants 2”!
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2017 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL DINNER PACKAGES ON SALE TODAY

Today we’re excited to share that 2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages at Epcot® are now on sale! As a part of  Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The processional is performed three times per night (5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

For more information or to book Candlelight Processional dining packages please call 407-WDW-DINE.

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs Nov. 24-Dec.30, 2017 at Epcot.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

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Celebrating the Fourth of July Across the Walt Disney Resort

Are you visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort over the 4th of July? Be sure you don’t miss the special entertainment planned throughout our parks for Independence Day! Here’s a quick look:

  • Magic Kingdom® Park – “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” rockets into the air above – and all around – the park. This special, fireworks spectacular will be presented two nights in a row, at 9 p.m. on both July 3 and 4. Guests can also rock out each night to DJ dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland, each a great location from which to catch the fireworks!
  • Epcot® – On July 4, guests can enjoy special evening concerts of great American songs by Voices of Liberty at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the America Gardens Theater. Throughout the day, they can also meet Mickey and the gang in patriotic attire outside The American Adventure, and at 9 p.m. that night “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” joins the celebration with the addition of a heart-pounding, all-American grand finale!
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – Guests can spend the Fourth celebrating some of the great icons of American popular culture at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., the all-new “Disney Movie Magic” experience at 9 p.m. and “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” which takes to the skies at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks, lasers, projection effects and more!

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Latest on Enhancements to Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom

Since the Magic Kingdom® Park opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents has brought together a one-of-a-kind look at the office of the President of the United States through film and the magic of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics technology. Despite some media reports to the contrary, President Trump will have a speaking role in The Hall of Presidents, like every president since 1993. Disney has been working closely with the current White House — just as they have with previous administrations — and the president’s recording session has been scheduled. The attraction will re-open in late 2017.

Whenever Disney refurbishes one of their attractions, they take the opportunity to consider a broad range of enhancements. In this case, The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history.

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Disney’s Born in China on Digital and Blu-ray Combo Pack on Aug. 29

Disney’s Born In China, narrated by John Krasinski, transports audiences to some of the world’s most extreme environments of China where few people have ever ventured to witness wildly intimate and adorable moments in the lives of three animal families – a doting panda bear mother, a 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, and a mother snow leopard. It is the seventh theatrical release from Disneynature, which brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share wildlife stories that engage, inspire and educate. The breathtaking footage and high-definition quality picture is captivating for audiences of all ages and is a must-add to the in-home collection. Disneynature’s newest true-life adventure film “Born in China” journeys into homes on Digital and Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on Aug. 29.
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The Walt Disney Studios Presents Upcoming Film Slate from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm at D23 Expo 2017

The Walt Disney Studios presents an exclusive look at its unparalleled film slate at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California, taking place July 14–16.

At two marquee Hall D23 presentations, the Studio will give fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at its upcoming releases, with animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios showcased on Friday, July 14, and live-action projects from Disney, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm taking the stage on Saturday, July 15.

Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm are responsible for some of the world’s biggest movie hits, including recent blockbusters such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and The Jungle Book; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Moana; Pixar Animation Studios’ Inside Out, Finding Dory, and Cars 3; Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Doctor Strange, and Captain America: Civil War; and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While the films to be featured in Hall D23 will remain under wraps until showtime, the Studio’s upcoming slate includes Pixar’s Coco; Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and Avengers: Infinity War; Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi; Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time and Mary Poppins Returns; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2; and more.

In addition, a new event has been announced for Sunday, July 16, at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena: Celebration of an Animated Classic: The Lion King. Producer Don Hahn, director Rob Minkoff, animators Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn, and special guests will be in attendance during this not-to-be-missed look back at the timeless and beloved Disney animated film.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter
Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m. – Hall D23
Were you there in 2015 when Ellen DeGeneres and Dwayne Johnson wowed the crowds? When Zootopia’s sloth scene screened for the very first time? And when Randy Newman, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody celebrated the 20th anniversary of Toy Story? Then you know the Animation presentation at Hall D23 is a MUST. Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 will be unveiled, as well as surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Disney, Marvel Studios & Lucasfilm – Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios
Saturday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. – Hall D23
The Walt Disney Studios is home to the biggest and most beloved brands in filmmaking today, with a number of highly anticipated projects from Disney, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm in the works. At this exclusive Hall D23 presentation featuring never-before-seen footage, surprise star appearances, and more, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at an exciting array of spectacular films on the horizon from these world-class studios. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

The Power of the Princess
Saturday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. – Stage 28
Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you to The Power of the Princess, featuring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)—the talented actresses who brought these iconic characters to life—as they share stories of making their films and the impact of their characters on people around the world. Hosted by Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki.

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe
Saturday, July 15, 12:15 p.m. – Stage 28
Pixar’s films are filled with beloved characters living in relatable yet previously unimagined worlds. Join Pixar production designers and artists who have created the mountain tops, oceans, and “monstropolises” in which your favorite characters live. These artists create the setting and cultivate the mood of every scene using extensive research, incredible imagination, and each individual director’s vision, giving life to the amazing worlds in Pixar’s movies.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Featurette
Saturday, July 15, 2:30 p.m. – Stage 28
Be among the first to see both exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday featurette, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters
Saturday, July 15, 6 p.m. – Stage 28
From the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet, Pixar characters are designed to be full of personality and to tell a story. Hear from the legendary Pixar artists who have created the most memorable characters in Pixar’s history. These are the visionaries who start with an initial doodle and see the evolution of a character through to final animation—the people who let technology influence the art and make the impossible, possible.

Celebration of an Animated Classic: The Lion King
Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m. – D23 Expo Arena
Join a Disney celebration of the magic, the music, and the majesty of the animated classic The Lion King. Producer Don Hahn, director Rob Minkoff, and animators Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn, along with some very special guests, reveal the secrets behind the making of the timeless animated classic.

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary
Sunday, July 16, 11:30 a.m. – Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join us as we commemorate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi, the endearing, timeless tale of a wide-eyed fawn that has touched generations. Audiences can look forward to hearing personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more. It’s groundbreaking animated classics like Bambi that were created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney and still influence many great visionaries and animators today.

ALL WEEKEND ON THE D23 EXPO SHOW FLOOR

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios once again join forces for a must-see animation experience at D23 Expo. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways and interactive displays featuring the latest films including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, make this booth one to visit over-and-over again.

Marvel Studios Pavilion
At the Marvel Studios Pavilion, fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from Thor: Ragnarok, including photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film, as well as incredible costumes from Black Panther. Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B. Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.

Disney Music Emporium – Album Signings and Exclusive Products
Disney Music Emporium, the online destination for collectible Disney music products, returns to D23 Expo 2017 with a pop-up store on the show floor. Over the three-day Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the Emporium will feature album signings by artists and award-winning composers. Limited quantities of a wide assortment of music products will be available, including new releases from Marvel, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, and Disneyland attraction picture discs, plus lithographs, Crosley turntables, and posters. For a complete list of talent appearances and album signings, visit http://waltdisneyrecords.com/d23expo/signings.html.

Disney Movie Rewards and Disney Movie Club
Throughout the D23 Expo 2017, Disney fans will be able to experience a unique augmented reality photo booth presented by Disney Movie Rewards, the premier loyalty program for all your favorite Disney Movies. Fans will be able to earn mystery points which can be used for great rewards like Blu-rays, movie tickets, and exclusive collectibles only available at DisneyMovieRewards.com. Disney Movie Club, the ultimate source for building your Disney movie library, will also be there hosting a special augmented reality gallery. Come by for free giveaways and a special sign up offer just for D23 Expo 2017 attendees. For more magic and savings visit DisneyMovieClub.com.

Disney Family Movies
The subscription, video-on-demand service Disney Family Movies provides the ultimate in family entertainment from one of the world’s largest film libraries, giving viewers unlimited access to a selection of beloved classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios. Each of the 12 titles remains in rotation for a month, with new movies added weekly. Stop by our booth in Hall C to learn about this fun service, available through your television provider.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

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Disney’s ‘Cars 3’ secrets and fun facts

A new generation of race cars blindside McQueen and he finds himself pushed out of the sport. “The next-gen racers are cool,” said director Brian Fee in a news release. “You can see instantly that cars like Jackson Storm are effortlessly fast. We designed these younger, faster cars to be sleek and aerodynamic — and they’re a sharp contrast to Lightning McQueen.”

Full Story

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