When Stuart Vevers, the executive creative director of Coach, tells you this is a very important year, he isn’t referring to the upcoming election or the looming Brexit vote—no, what he means is, Shanghai Disney Resort is opening!
Share this:
‘DESCENDANTS 2′ GREENLIT, THE SEQUEL TO DISNEY CHANNEL’S GLOBAL HIT
The imaginative story about the teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most infamous villains will continue in “Descendants 2,” a Disney Channel Original Movie set to begin production this summer for a 2017 premiere, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.
Marsh said, “Just when you thought ‘Happily Ever After’ had come to the land of Auradon, ‘Descendants 2′ turns the page to reveal a whole new level of mystery and surprise.”
It is the highly anticipated sequel to “Descendants,” the No. 1 cable television movie of 2015 and the fifth highest-rated original movie ever on U.S. cable TV in Total Viewers. It is also the No. 1 Disney Channel Original Movie ever among kids in France, Netherlands, Belgium (south), Portugal, South Africa and Spain. In Italy, it is the No. 1 Disney Channel Original Movie ever among girls.
Emmy Award-winning director Kenny Ortega (“Descendants,” “High School Musical” movies, 2016′s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”) will return as director, executive producer and choreographer.
Consumer interest remains strong in new “Descendants” stories as Disney Publishing’s sequel book, “Return to the Isle of the Lost” written by Melissa de la Cruz, entered the New York Times Best Sellers List (Middle Grade Hardcover) at No. 2 last week, its first week of release. The first book, “The Isle of the Lost,” was No. 1 for 14 weeks and this week, reentered for its 37th week on the best sellers list.
Dove Cameron (“Liv and Maddie”), Cameron Boyce (“Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything,” “Jessie”), Booboo Stewart (“X-Men Days of Future Past”), Sofia Carson (“Adventures in Babysitting”) and Mitchell Hope will reprise their starring roles as Mal, Carlos, Jay, Evie and King Ben, respectively. China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”) will join the cast as Uma, the daughter of Ursula from “The Little Mermaid.” Casting will be announced soon for additional new characters including the progeny of villains Captain Hook and Gaston.
Lauded writers Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon (“The Starter Wife,” “Runaway Bride”), who won a 2016 Writers Guild Award for “Descendants,” wrote “Descendants 2” and will also executive-produce with Wendy Japhet (“Descendants,” “An Education”, “The Italian Job”). “Descendants” costume designer Kara Saun (“Project Runway”) and production designer Mark Hofeling (“Teen Beach Movie,” “High School Musical”) are also signed on for the sequel. Tony Testa (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “This Is It”) will join the creative team as choreographer with Ortega, and Shawn Williamson (“Adventures in Babysitting”) will join as producer.
Share this:
THE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION OF SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT TO BE PRESENTED THURSDAY, JUNE 16 ON DISNEY CHANNEL, DISNEY JUNIOR AND DISNEY XD
Disney will welcome viewers from around the world to experience an authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese celebration — the spectacular one-of-a-kind grand opening celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in mainland China.
Showcasing the beauty of Chinese art and tradition, and bringing magical Disney stories and characters to life for kids and families, the music-filled television special, “Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort,” will be presented THURSDAY, JUNE 16 (8:00-8:30 p.m.) simultaneously on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD and each channel’s App, and FRIDAY, JUNE 17 (10:00-10:30 p.m.) on Freeform, without breaks or commercials.
Actress and recording artist Sofia Carson (Disney Channel’s “Descendants,” “Adventures in Babysitting”) will narrate the telecast.
Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will be joined by nearly 3000 distinguished guests, celebrities and government officials at the largest, tallest and most interactive castle at the heart of any Disney Park, The Enchanted Storybook Castle. The occasion showcases creativity, choreography, acrobatics, costumes and technology in grand scale, with dazzling lights, Disney music, pageantry, special effects and fireworks.
The one and only Mickey Mouse will join in the enchanting celebration.
World-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform a custom arrangement of the musical sensation “Let It Go” (Disney’s “Frozen”) and China’s television and movie superstar Sun Li will take center stage. Each is a Shanghai Disney Resort Honorary Ambassador.
The historic event includes the debut of an original song, “Ignite the Dreamer Within,” written especially for the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun, widely known for his stirring scores for the films “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero,” will lead the Shanghai Symphony with an original composition of the new song, celebrating the occasion’s poetic message. Additional featured music includes “Once Upon a Dream,” “Heigh Ho” and “Some Day My Prince will Come.”
Produced by Disney Parks in partnership with IMG, the television special will be directed by the award-winning Hamish Hamilton. The gala concert from The Enchanted Storybook Castle stage is created by Disney Parks Entertainment in collaboration with Hasbas Entertainment.
Share this:
Disney May Score Five $1 Billion Blockbusters In Single Year
It’s shaping up to be one heckuva great year for Disney. With Captain America: Civil War already passing $1.13 billion worldwide and Zootopia now north of $1 billion, it appears The Jungle Book could be the next Disney picture to top the magic number and claim $1 billion at the global box office.
Share this:
NICK AND JUDY MOVE IT AND SHAKE IT AT MAGIC KINGDOM
Since its release in March, Disney’s “Zootopia” has obviously struck a chord with moviegoers all around the world. As of this past weekend, the film has earned $1 Billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the second highest grossing movie based on an original concept (i.e. not a sequel, remake, reboot, or adaption) of all time, only behind James Cameron’s “AVATAR.” Given this amazing achievement, there is certainly reason for those responsible for creating Disney’s latest blockbuster to celebrate.
Share this:
10 Disney-inspired dream trips
From Cinderella to Ratatouille, Disney movies have always taught us that dreams do come true. They also inspire many of our own dreams to travel to and immerse ourselves in their magical worlds.
Share this:
Marvel Announces New Enchanted Tiki Room Series For Disney Kingdoms Line
After Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, the publisher launched a new line of comics The Disney Kingdoms in 2014. The popular series has already published several titles like Figment, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Seekers of the Weird.
Share this:
‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Director Shares New Photo, Says Filming’s in the ‘Home Stretch’
Depending on what you choose to believe, reports of reshoots on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story either reflect a natural part of the tonal-shifting filmmaking process or signs that the production is in trouble and trying to navigate a mid-course correction. When it comes to Star Wars: Episode VIII, the next installment of the series proper, however, there seems to be no such drama.
Share this:
Curtain Call! A New After-Dark Experience Treats Epcot Guests to One More Bite of Fun
The magic doesn’t end once the sun sets during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. A new after-dark experience gives guests one more taste of World Showcase excitement like never before.
After a day of blooms and bulbs, the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party bursts with color in the sky, and bubbles in the glass. Guests can sample decadent desserts from around the world, paired with the perfect international sparkling wines in an intimate and exclusive environment – all while watching Epcot’s nightly fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Reservations begin March 12. The first IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party is March 15.
Here are details:
IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party
Dates: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Time: 7:45 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Location: Showcase Plaza
Prices (including tax and gratuity): Adults $49, Children $29
Menu (subject to change):
• Italy: Tiramisu
• France: Vanilla Pot de Crème
• United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies
• Morocco: Traditional Baklava
• American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream
• Disney Parks ice cream novelties
• Lemonade, coffee, teas
• Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy
How to Book: Guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY
For more information: Disneyworld.com/spring
Share this:
SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES RETURNS TO EPCOT
This summer at Walt Disney World® Resort, your Clients can rock out to sizzling tunes as the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series returns to Epcot®
Here’s a look at this year’s lineup (entertainment and times are subject to change):
- June 5-11, 2016: Don’t Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
- June 12-18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
- June 19-24: Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
- June 25-July 1: Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
- July 2-9: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
- July 10-16: Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
- July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey
Showtimes are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. and concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.
Share this:
