Tickets for Walt Disney Co.’s $5.5 billion Shanghai park will be priced at about 20 percent cheaper than for Hong Kong, as the company aims to draw families across income levels to its first theme park in mainland China.
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‘D’s Throwback Disney: Progress Comes Full Circle’ – Part 2 – by David Caamano
Walt’s four new and exciting attractions from the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair were a smash hit. All four attractions were considered part of the top exhibits at the fair. As a result, after the fair came to end, he moved all four attractions to Disneyland in California. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln found a new home on Main Street; ‘it’s a small world’ received a new show building facade designed by Rolly Crump. Although Ford’s Magic Skyway didn’t move intact, the dinosaurs found a new home along the Disneyland Railroad and General Electric renewed their sponsorship of The Carousel of Progress. The show would find a new home as the centerpiece attraction for the New Tomorrowland expansion of 1967. Unfortunately, Walt died seven months before the new land opened, but he would have been proud. The new slogan for Tomorrowland became ‘A World on the Move’. The expansion included the openings of Adventure Thru Inner Space, the WEDway People Mover, Rocket Jets and of course Carousel of Progress. This concept of the future constantly in motion, progressing forward was truly apparent around the lagoon area by Submarine Voyage. There was a great combination of kinetic energy in this area; the Monorail zigzagged the PeopleMover above both the cars of Autopia and the submarines in the lagoon. Above all these modes of transportation, you also had the Skyway flying above. But The Carousel of Progress show was truly the heart and soul of all this progress.
The show moved relatively intact. The show received a new show building that did not include a dome similar to the fair. However there were still two levels, with a post show on the second level. Guests would enter the show from the ground level and once again during Act VI there was a speed ramp up to the second level. The first minor changed was in the set for the final scene with the family in the present/future. In this version, mother and father are seated in the living room enjoying a quiet Christmas. Mother constantly interrupts Father excited to show her latest in kitchen appliances and their entertainment center. They talk about the new and exciting community they live in, and in the window guests could see a familiar model city of the future.
The major difference to the Carousel of Progress at Disneyland was that it incorporated Walt’s final dream for the E.P.C.O.T. that never was. Out the window of mother and father’s living room was a mural of the futuristic city. In the final act guests would then ascend to the second level of the building where they could see the complete model for the community of tomorrow that is now famous from Walt’s Florida Project television show. But by 1973, G.E. wanted a change of scenery and it was time to move on.
Once the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World opened to major success in Florida, G.E. wanted to move their presence to the newest piece of Disney real estate. The company insisted on moving the show to Tomorrowland in Florida and renewed their sponsorship. But this renewal came with demands. Executives from G.E. realized that they didn’t want guests to wait until ‘a great big beautiful tomorrow’ to purchase the latest G.E. products. They wanted guests to buy products now; the future was now. So one of the first demands was to rewrite the beloved theme song. The Sherman Brothers were once again called upon to work their magic. Although they did produce a new catchy song, ‘Now is the Best Time of Your Life’, they’ve always admitted that it didn’t have the same spirit of Walt as their original song. The good thing was that the new Florida guests had no clue that this was a new song.
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The Walt Disney Company Announces Third Year Of Startup Accelerator Program
The Walt Disney Company announced today that it is accepting applications for its third Disney Accelerator, a program designed to accelerate the growth of startup companies from around the world. Ten exceptional startup companies will be selected for a three-month mentorship and investment program that will immerse them in the media and entertainment business. The program begins this summer and concludes with a Demo Day in October 2016. Applications are dueApril 10, 2016.
“The past two years of the Disney Accelerator have led to incredible innovation and success between The Walt Disney Company and our participating startups, helping to establish the Disney Accelerator as the premier media and entertainment accelerator,” said Kevin Mayer, Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “We look forward to further shaping the future of our industry through this unique program.”
The Los Angeles-based program is open to both early and venture-backed technology startups with a vision for making an impact on the future of media and entertainment. The Disney Accelerator provides participating companies investment capital, access to co-working space at Disney’s creative campus and mentor support and guidance from top Disney executives, entrepreneurs, investors and other notable business leaders from the entertainment and technology communities.
Since the Disney Accelerator started in 2014, companies from across the United States, Europe and Asia have participated in building the future of media and entertainment with technologies as diverse as robotics, artificial intelligence, wearables, messaging and virtual reality, for example:
- Sphero, based in Boulder, Colorado, joined the Disney Accelerator in 2014 and developed the successful BB-8 droid in collaboration with Lucasfilm during the program. Sphero’s BB-8 sold out the day it was released and was dubbed the ‘Best Star Wars Toy Ever’ by Forbes. Since completing the program, Sphero raised an additional $45 million in venture capital, bringing their total financing to $80 million.
- Los Angeles based Naritiv, the first media company born on Snapchat, was created during the 2014 Disney Accelerator, and recently secured $3 million in Series A funding. Naritiv’s total network on Snapchat currently generates more than 16 billion views per month and has delivered more than one billion total branded views to date.
- EMOTIV, a 2015 Disney Accelerator company, is the developer of the Insight wireless headset, which measures brain fitness and emotions. EMOTIV’s Insight was recently featured on ABC Television’s ‘The Bachelor.’ With offices in Australia, Vietnam and San Francisco, EMOTIV has sold hardware and software to 70,000 developers and researchers in 120 countries and has already built a profitable business.
- StatMuse entered the Disney Accelerator in 2015 as a three-person team and launched a public beta of its interactive sports stats platform powered by natural language search on Demo Day. Now a team of 12, StatMuse is currently providing ESPN with statistical content for the NBA season and closed $10 million in Series A financing in January 2016.
For more information and to apply go to www.DisneyAccelerator.com.
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Garden Rocks Concert Series Brings Pop Favorites to 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Thirteen pop bands with hits spanning several decades will play the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 30, 2016. This year’s festival expands from 75 to 90 days, adding two additional concert series weekends to the lineup and extending the final weekend of performances to Memorial Day.
Blood, Sweat & Tears, BRIAN HOWE, former lead singer of Bad Company, Darlene Love and Georgia Satellites will rock Epcot audiences for the first time. Night Ranger, a fan favorite band that’s played the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, will make a Flower & Garden Festival debut. The Orchestra starring former members of ELO, who topped charts in the 1970s and ‘80s, will kick off the concert series March 4-6.
Guests can dance in their seats each festival weekend to classic tunes at the park’s America Gardens Theatre. An eclectic mix of Flower & Garden Festival fan favorites includes the Village People, who debuted at the festival in 2013. With a nod to the 1960s, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will rock the house April 1-3. On Memorial Day, The Spinners will close the 90-day festival on a high note, extending their weekend performance to Monday.
Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission. Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 4-6 The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
March 11-13 Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
March 18-20 Little River Band “Lady”
March 25-27 Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
April 1-3 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
April 8-10 The Guess Who “These Eyes”
April 15-17 NEW! Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
April 22-24 NEW! Brian Howe, former lead singer of Bad Company “Can’t Get Enough”
April 29-May 1 NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
May 6-8 Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
May 13-15 NEW! Darlene Love “Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home”
May 20-22 Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
May 27-30 The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
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12 Destinations That Inspired Disney’s Greatest Movies
Discover the real-life locations that influenced Disney’s fantasy worlds.
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Mickey and Minnie’s All New Date Ideas for the Month of Love in 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love and romance are in the air at Walt Disney World. Guests can celebrate this month of love near the most famous couple of all, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
A variety of offerings and memorable experiences are available all month long – from Valentine’s Day merchandise and special entertainment to romantic dinners for two. With so many of Cupid’s arrows flying about, guests should be sure to book early and perhaps celebrate their love any time during this sweet month of February.
1. A romantic ride on Italian Water Taxi Cruise/VIP Wine Tour – Guests can experience the unforgettable romance of an intimate cruise aboard Venezia, the breathtaking 40-ft Italian Water Taxi. Couples will relax and unwind to beautiful Italian music, savor award-winning wines and feast on an array of delicious hors d’oeuvres. The BOATHOUSE’S trusted captain and crew take guests on a whimsical water journey through the waters of Lake Buena Vista and the gorgeous scenic riverway. Sweetheart Wine Tasting Cruises embark Friday. Call 407-939-2628 to make a reservation.
2. The new Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise – Couples can take in a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom Park night time fireworks from an exclusive and romantic spot on Seven Seas Lagoon with desserts and drinks. Guests can enjoy this sweet ending to their day, before watching the “Wishes” nighttime spectacular overhead, the largest fireworks show at Walt Disney World Resort. The medley of famous Disney songs and the voices of Disney characters are piped through the boat’s sound system for this magical viewing. For reservations, visit com/DINE or call 407-WDW-DINE. Anchors Aweigh!
3. The new Brunch at the Top at California Grill – Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday and the Brunch at the Top is a fabulous way to indulge. Chef Brian Piasecki’s team launches a whole new menu in February to showcase their fresh, market-driven cuisine. Of course a glass of bubbly or wine (the restaurant has more than 1,600 bottles on display) pairs nicely. And there’s an over-the-top Bloody Mary Bar as well as cocktails and craft brews (though guests can also stick with the custom-roast French press coffee). Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
4. An out-of-this-world evening – Sweets and stars collide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as guests look to the sky January 5 – March 19, for a special viewing of the Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks. Guests enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with an arsenal of impressive fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time. On the menu are Star Wars-themed desserts treats, including the popular Droid and Darth Vader cupcakes and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE.
5. Disney Springs shopping spree – Disney Springs continues to expand and transform with all new shopping options. The World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace recently expanded with an additional 6,000 sq. feet of retail selling space. Couples can spend the day searching for some new Disney merchandise to celebrate their love for each other … and Disney. Nothing says “love” like chocolate so the shopping spree can continue with a stop for some handcrafted sweets at The Ganachery. Or perhaps couples are looking for an all-vegan treat? Erin McKenna Bakery NYC is a unique bakery with savory offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu.
6. Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine – Just in time for Academy Awards season, Minnie Mouse and her friends celebrate the magic of the movies and glamour of Hollywood with an epic feast at the new Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dinner guests will walk the red carpet and get ready for their close-up with some of the biggest stars of the silver screen, beloved Disney characters dressed in their designer best. Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine runs from Jan. 4 to March 20, 2016. Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
7. All new acts at La Nouba at Disney Springs – La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and stimulates the imagination from beginning to end with daring acrobatics, dazzling choreography, vibrant music and whimsical characters only at Disney Springs. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, La Nouba continues to bring new acts: B-Boy, commonly referred to as breakdancing, and Aerial Bamboo, a technique mastered by only a handful of performers worldwide. The acts join the recent additions of uproarious clowns and a breathtaking juggling rolla bolla act. For more information about La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, visit DisneyWorld.com/entertainment.
8. Sushi Bar at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs – Morimoto Asia is a one-of-a-kind dining experience from Chef Masaharu Morimoto. From Feb. 12 – 14, a special Valentine’s Day romantic dinner for two includes a four course, prix-fixe menu starring Chef Morimoto’s signature Peking Duck for two. For an even more exclusive and intimate culinary experience on Feb. 14 only, it’s chef’s choice with a five-course Omakase dinner at the intimate second-level 14-seat sushi bar. With a “hidden” VIP entrance along the side of the building, the Forbidden Lounge is a great place to hang, late-night, at Disney Springs any night in February. An exclusive menu is featured upstairs from 10pm to 2am and features a variety of late-night dining. For reservations, call 407-939-6686 (MOTO).
9. Monsieur Paul Proposal-popping and Vow Renewal dinner at Epcot – In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower (replica), indulge in a decadent meal by new chef Nicolas Lemoyne who just joined the restaurant from Monsieur Paul Bocuse’s restaurant in Lyon, France. Peer out of the second story windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon, toast with champagne, and dessert is served with an extra sparkle on the plate: the big question, and your token of “l’amour.” Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
10. Sunset and cocktails at the Polynesian – Disney has some spectacular beaches that are perfect locations to watch the sunset, like the one at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Sip on some champagne and strawberries against the backdrop of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the beautiful new Bora Bora Bungalows. Take a moonlit stroll along the torch-lined waterfront and visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, the latest addition to the newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Located off the Great Ceremonial House, the themed lounge will serve exotic drinks and small plates, while offering scenic views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon.
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High School Students Nationwide Chosen for 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort
Approximately 100 students from across America will soon pack their bags for a fabulous, fun-filled and educational trip to Walt Disney World Resort as part of this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, March 3-6, 2016.
The teens, along with a parent or guardian, will take off on an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will experience once-in-a-lifetime educational and mentoring program designed to inspire them to dream big and discover a world of possibilities that will help them prepare for their future.
The students, known as “Dreamers,” are taken on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms’ and students discover new careers and pursue their dreams while also creating fun memories that last a lifetime.
During Disney Dreamers Academy, students participate in hands-on, immersive career-oriented workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. Each student is given important tools such as effective communication techniques, leadership skills, and networking strategies.
Additionally, Dreamers are exposed to acclaimed motivational speakers and popular celebrities who share their stories and insight on achieving success and DREAMING BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while gaining first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and renowned entrepreneurs and executives.
“Disney Dreamers Academy is a one-of-a-kind program that, since its inception, is helping more than 800 students achieve their dreams,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts. Powell serves as Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “As we prepare for our ninth annual event, the greatest reward has been seeing so many of our previous Dreamers use their experience at Disney Dreamers Academy to expand their dreams and move even closer to making them a reality. After all, that is what the program is all about,” said Powell.
Walt Disney World Resort, along with syndicated television and radio personality Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Communications, will host the selected Dreamers during their magical four-day career and educational exploration.
“Disney Dreamers Academy provides an excellent learning environment to help young students with their aspirations and to dream even bigger,” said Harvey. “I can’t wait to meet this year’s new students and kick off the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort in March.”
Michelle Ebanks, president of ESSENCE Communications, added: “We are excited to once again join with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey to encourage our youth to dream big. Our expectation is that this group of remarkable teens will be the leaders of tomorrow and positively impact the world for years to come. It is our honor and commitment at ESSENCE to be part of that process.”
This year’s students were selected from thousands of applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and dreams for the future. The students were chosen by a judging panel that included: gospel music legend Yolanda Adams; ESSENCE magazine editor-at-large Mikki Taylor; education advocate Dr. Steve Perry; The Sister Accord founder and author Sonia Jackson Myles; award-winning motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles; Simply Ellis Custom Clothier CEO Dr. Alex O. Ellis; Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation executive director Brandi Harvey; Steve Harvey Products creative director Karli Harvey; and professional speaker and Disney Dreamers Academy alumnus Princeton Parker.
For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Regular updates about Disney Dreamers Academy are also available on social media at Facebook/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter/DreamersAcademy.
For a list of 2016 Dreamers and Bios, please visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com/dreamers/2016/
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Disney’s Zootopia To Be Released In IMAX® 3D Theatres Domestically And In Select International Markets
IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that Zootopia, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 55th feature-length animated film, will receive a special one-week domestic engagement in IMAX® 3D theatres beginning March 4. The film will also have an IMAX release in select international markets starting Feb. 12, including China on March 4.
Zootopia, about an optimistic bunny, Officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), who teams up with the fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), to solve a mystery, is directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph,The Simpsons) and co-directed and co-written (along with Phil Johnston, Wreck-It Ralph) by Jared Bush (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero).
Commenting on the announcement, Dave Hollis, Executive Vice President, Theatrical Distribution, The Walt Disney Studios, said, “Zootopia features some of the richest and most inventive environments ever created for an animated film, and we are thrilled that moviegoers around the world will have a chance to experience it in IMAX® 3D.”
“We are excited to team with Disney and the talented filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios on what is sure to be another animated Disney classic,” said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. “Zootopiais a visually stunning and layered film — not to mention a whole lot of fun — that we believe will resonate with IMAX audiences of all ages worldwide.”
The IMAX® 3D release of Zootopia will be shown in its digitally re-mastered format, which includes the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
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Video – 10 Amazing Hidden Details In Star Wars: The Force Awakens
With the arrival of J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, the galaxy far, far away is back and fans couldn’t be happier. As the record-breaking box office numbers indicate, many moviegoers have been making multiple trips to the theater to see the next generation of the Skywalker saga unfold. The thrilling action, fun story, and memorable characters are enough to warrant repeat viewings, but there are plenty of other reasons to check it out.
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How ‘I’m Going to Disney World!’ Began as Post-Super Bowl Slogan
Though glitzy new commercials are a big part of what attracts some viewers to the Super Bowl, Disney has barely changed its ad spot for nearly three decades.
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