We were big fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, and not only because it featured swoon-worthy Chris Pratt. It was an overload of fun and adventure, duh! Naturally, we’ve been excited about the sequel ever since that first set picture, and now we have even MORE reason to feel giddy: Concept art by Andy Park has revealed a kickass new female character.
WWE Stars Cena, Rollins, Ambrose, Bellas among Seven at WW Chicago in August
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.
How to Make the Most of Your Nights at Walt Disney World
Visiting Walt Disney World can be stressful and tiresome, especially when the weather in Florida creeps toward the triple digits. If you want to avoid the summer heat while still packing in everything you came for, believe it or not, you can.
Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration Details
This summer Disney Springs is the place to be by day and by night! With a Grand Opening Summer Celebration taking place all season long, Disney Springs features an array of hard-to-pass-up deals and a variety of delectable new dining options at the newest neighborhood–Town Center, plus free nightly entertainment featuring more than 20 different acts performing across all four neighborhoods – The Marketplace, Westside, The Landing, and Town Center.
To kick off the grand opening season, on July 15, the best of summer and Central Florida came together to celebrate Disney Springs-style – in Town Center, with an outdoor party under the stars where guests strolled into all sorts of discoveries designed to delight the senses — renowned chefs serving up scrumptious samples from their restaurants, performances by nationally recognized entertainers, and proprietors showcasing their products and store designs that make shopping at Disney Springs simply special.
Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch. By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene at Disney Springs, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.
Now and every day, guests can enjoy the benefits of a dramatically transformed exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment featuring more than 150 establishments across its four neighborhoods.
Discover Disney Springs like never before! Here are just a few of the highlights:
Town Center – Spectacular Shopping and Award-winning chefs
- Some of the most unique and recognizable names in retail such as UNIQLO, Vince Camuto, Anthropologie, Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Columbia Sportswear, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley all call Town Center home.
- Among new dining choices awaiting Town Center guests are restaurants developed by James Beard award-winning chefs. Frontera Cocina serves up gourmet Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner. Chef Art Smith, two-time winner of the James Beard Award brings a unique taste of gourmet southern cuisine and Florida agriculture to the heart of Disney Springs with Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine.
The Landing – Inspired dining, breathtaking waterfront views, and unique boutiques
- High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along lantern-lined byways.
- Dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. STK Orlando offers guests a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings. Finish off the evening with a relaxing stroll to grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria or a crafted cocktail at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar.
The Marketplace — Family-friendly delights for guests of all ages
- Beautiful waterside shopping that combines new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded new Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside the newly re-designed World of Disney store.
- Nearby, the new Lime garage makes getting to the Marketplace a breeze
The West Side – Exuberant entertainment retail and dining options
From new acts at Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).
Two new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces make parking convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and it’s free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.
Sprinters Who Train at Disney Earn Spots on U.S. and Jamaican Olympic Teams For Rio Games
The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials recently took place in Eugene, Oregon and several hopefuls who regularly train at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort participated. These athletes train at Disney under the watchful eye of former U.S. Olympic Track & Field head coach Brooks Johnson, who has coached at least one athlete in every Olympics since 1968. Continuing that streak, sprinter LaShawn Merritt and hurdler Andrew Riley have earned spots on the United States and Jamaican National Olympic Teams, respectively.
Riley, who made NCAA history in 2012 when he became the first male athlete to win national titles in the 100-meter and 110-meter hurdles in the same year, is making his second Olympics appearance. Riley qualified to represent Jamaica in the 2012 London Olympics.
For Merritt, this will be the veteran sprinter’s third Olympics. Merritt took home gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won the 400-meter dash and was on the team that won the 4×400-meter relay. Merritt also has 11 World Championships medals, eight of which are gold.
Merritt entered this month’s trials focusing exclusively on the 400-meter race, but decided to enter the 200-meter trials as well. In what came as a surprise to many, Merritt posted a world-leading time of 19.74 seconds in the 200-meter semifinals and would finish second behind fellow veteran sprinter Justin Gatlin (19.75) in the 200-meter finals.
In earning a spot in both races, Merritt puts himself in position to pull a 200-400 double in Rio. This is especially difficult at the Olympics, where the races are on back-to-back days instead of three days apart, like in the trials.
While Merritt is chasing sprinting legend Michael Johnson’s 400-meter world-record time of 43.19, he could also set his eyes on another milestone: Johnson is the only male ever to win gold in both the 200-meter and 400-meter in the same Olympics, a feat he accomplished at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
The Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, take place Aug. 5-Aug. 21. But before they go for gold, Riley, Merritt and Coach Johnson will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex mid-July to complete training.
Headless Horseman Haunts Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort
Halloween time, a season for fun-loving spirits of all ages, adds spooky excitement to the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31. Special Halloween-themed attractions–Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy–return to Disneyland Park, while the haunts who reside year-round at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror invite guests to “drop in” at Disney California Adventure Park.
The separately ticketed Mickey’s Halloween Party also arrives at Disneyland in September with a thrilling new surprise: The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides through the park, bringing new chills to the family friendly party. The character is from Disney’s animated feature, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.”
MICKEY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular lights up the skies surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park, as part of the entertainment exclusive to the annual Mickey’s Halloween Party. Returning for 17 nights in 2016, beginning Friday, Sept. 23, Mickey’s Halloween Party is a time for guests to dress up for a ghoulish good time and enjoy seasonal scares such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion…
Currently at the Disneyland Resort, guests continue to enjoy the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, with sparkling décor in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows, all of which are presented nightly throughLabor Day, September 5.
As the summer season turns to fall, Mickey’s Halloween Party will begin Friday, Sept. 23, for 17 select nights. The after-hours party treats guests to unforgettable entertainment including the sensational “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a guest favorite that is exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party. Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for a scary good time. Guests may check www.Disneyland.com for Mickey’sHalloween Party costume policy guidelines prior to their arrival.
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa card holders on Thursday, July 21. General public ticket sales begin Thursday, July 28.
Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event, include:
- New for Mickey’s Halloween Party in 2016, The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides his ghostly black steed and carries his flickering jack-o-lantern through the heart of Disneyland, heralding the arrival of Mickey’s Halloween Party character cavalcade, presented on the 17 nights of this special party.
- Entry to Disneyland Park before the party is included with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket. Guests have the opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, and then go trick or treating – for candy and healthy treats – in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.
- The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party, is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.
- Party guests will rock out at Tomorrowland Terrace in a family-friendly dance party.
- Guests can “Party Like a Villain” as Disney villains appear in select locations for photos and character greetings. Mickey Mouse and his pals will appear as well, dressed in their Halloween costumes.
- Enhancing the eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., animated Halloween images – ghosts, bats, pumpkins and skeletons – appear and disappear mysteriously on the facades of buildings throughout the evening.
- The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet performs Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft, on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.
- Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, will be open to party guests.
On select, non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, guests visiting Disneyland will enjoy a special treat: the “Fantasy in the Sky”fireworks spectacular. In addition, the dynamic “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” will march down Main Street, U.S.A., each day throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.
Guests in search of Halloween chills may “drop in” to visit the ghostly full-time residents of The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terrorin Disney California Adventure. Here, in the remains of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, dwell the spirits of hotel guests who disappeared during a “supernatural” event on Halloween Night in 1939.
With the arrival of Halloween time, Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer. Oct. 3, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of this special attraction’s premiere in Disneyland.
Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland draws guests back again and again during the Halloween season. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.
In Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed through Tuesday, Nov. 1, with a holiday skeleton display in the plaza near the entrance of Rancho del Zocalo.
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10;Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26;Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.
Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.
For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, see http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Guests may visit the site for additional details.
*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.
Haunted Mansion Holiday inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Photos – ‘Frozen Ever After’ in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot
Frozen Ever After takes guests through the kingdom of Arendelle from the Disney animated hit, ‘Frozen.’ Located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Frozen Ever After celebrates a ‘Summer Snow Day’ on a journey through a frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to Queen Elsa’s palace high up on the north mountain. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)
Photos – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new nightly Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” combines fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show also features a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. (Gregg Newton, photographer)
CHEF ART’S HOMECOMING NOW OPEN AT DISNEY SPRINGS
Guests can dig into delectable farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’ fresh flavors at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, now open at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort. This new dining location features feel-good favorites such as deviled eggs, fried chicken and the restaurant’s signature Shine Cake – all crafted from recipes by award-winning celebrity chef, Chef Art Smith.
After dinner, guests can stroll through the beautiful new retails shops at Disney Springs. Reservations open July 21, 2016 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
New Vinyl Single From Star Wars Headspace Set For Release At Star Wars Celebration Europe On July 15
A selection of collectible Disney Music Group products will be available at the official Lucasfilm festival that celebrates all things Star Wars. Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 comes to the ExCeL London Exhibition Centre, Celebration July 15 – 17.
First-to-market at Celebration is the new vinyl single from the Hollywood Records and American Recordings compilation, Star Wars Headspace, executive produced and curated by visionary GRAMMY Award®-winning producer Rick Rubin. The 10″ vinyl single features the track “Jabba Flow: Rick Rubin Re-work (Feat. A-Trak)” by Shag Kava on both sides with Kylo Ren and BB-8 character images.
New 10″ Vinyl Single From Star Wars Headspace
Additional collectible titles include Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack 2-LP Hologram Vinyl with one-of-a-kind 3D holograms of the Millennium Falcon and TIE Fighter; Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack Picture Disc (Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Finn and Rey character images); and BB-8 Picture Disc 10″ vinyl (“March of the Resistance”/”Rey’s Theme”), all featuring music by Oscar-winning composer John Williams.
The Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2-LP hologram soundtrack, Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack Picture Disc, and BB-8 10″ vinyl are all available at Disney Music Emporium, the destination for collectible Disney music products.
For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us atTwitter.com/disneymusic. For more information on Disney Music Emporium, please visit DisneyMusicEmporium.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusicemporium or follow us at Twitter.com/DisneyMusicEmp.
