The Force Awakens at Disney Parks with New and Enhanced Star Wars Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

The Force awakens at Disney Parks with the addition of new and reimaginedStar Wars experiences debuting in both California and Florida just in time for the Dec. 18 release of the new movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Celebrating all things Star Wars, the exciting experiences at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Floridawill entertain fans of the movie saga and guests who are looking forward to future Star Wars-themed lands.

New experiences debuting on both coasts include:

Star Wars Launch Bay

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California now open; Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida now open.

Star Wars Launch Bay is the central location within the parks for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. In this multi-sensory space, guests will interact with iconic Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and detailed replicas of Star Warsprops, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games and have access to special Star Wars merchandise.

  • Special Character Encounters: After entering a themed atrium complete with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests journey to the dark side and come face to face with Darth Vader in a 360-degree immersive area themed around the Star Destroyer, or they may choose the light side by stepping into a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
  • Launch Bay Theater – Guests hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers, key movie crew members and Imagineers who bring the saga to life.
  • The Cantina – This setting, inspired by the unsavory “hives of scum and villainy” in the Star Wars galaxy, is a fun place to explore and take photos near elements of the cantina, such as a holochess game table.
  • Star Wars Game Center – Guests will play current and upcoming video games, including new Disney Infinity 3.0 content created exclusively for this location.
  • Themed Galleries – Special immersive galleries featuring authentic replicas of movie props, starships and more are located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
  • Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork and collector’s items.

Star Wars: Path of The Jedi 

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California now open; Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida now open.

Guests looking to relive – or discover – the stories from the Star Wars saga, or be introduced to the iconic characters, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will watch an abridged, cinematic reel celebrating the Star Wars saga (episodes I-VII) in a theater setting. The movie connects iconic scenes from the movies in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California now open; Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida now open.

Fans of this popular attraction will experience journeys involving new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Based on the Star Wars movies, Star Tours takes guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with characters from throughout the saga. And it is all in Dolby 3D. With an eye-popping digital presentation leveraging Dolby 3D to deliver a vivid and realistic experience, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests are immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California beginning Dec. 8; Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida now open.

This popular entertainment offering is being reimagined with new characters and a new villain to battle from Star Wars Rebels, the popular Disney XD series. Younglings will be magically transported to a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will face villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels, and discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.

Stormtrooper Patrols

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California; Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

As guests enjoy the sights and attractions, they may come face-to-face with First Order stormtroopers who patrol the area near Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Resort

Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in California now open.

The classic Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into the darkness for an action-packed battle between Rebel X-wings and Imperial TIE fighters.

More Galactic Adventures

Adding to the fun, guests at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will enjoy tasty food and beverages inspired by a galaxy far, far away. More unique Star Wars experiences will make their galactic debuts:

“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” at Walt Disney World Resort

Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida beginning nightly Dec. 18.

Guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their park visit with a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

The new experiences further expand the Star Wars presence ahead of the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Groundbreaking in California and Florida is expected in 2016.

For more information about the Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com or visit www.DisneyParksBlog.com.

For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.Disneyworld.com or visit www.DisneyParksBlog.com.

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Atlanta Braves to Face Five Playoff Teams During 2016 Spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney

The Atlanta Braves’ 2016 spring training schedule at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort is filled with games against marquee playoff teams, including two games against the New York Mets, runners up in this year’s World Series.

The Braves, who have trained at Disney since 1997, will confront the Mets on March 8 and March 26 at Champion Stadium. The Braves will also face off against the National League Central champion St. Louis Cardinals on March 16; the Houston Astros on March 17, March 25 and March 30; the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 5; and the New York Yankees on March 28.

First baseman Freddie Freeman and the rest of the Braves report to Disney for two weeks of training in mid-February, then begin play March 1 against the Baltimore Orioles. Three games will be played under the lights at Champion Stadium – against the Washington Nationals on March 12, the Phillies on March 24 and the Yankees on March 28. The Braves also face the Tampa Bay Rays on March 14 and a yet-to-be-named opponent on April 1.

Braves spring training games always have unique Disney touches, such as in-game entertainment, Disney character appearances and on-field moments such as the kid-friendly experience of running the bases after every game.

Individual spring training game tickets go on sale December 7, through the Atlanta Braves’ website (braves.com/springtraining), through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Spring training ticket prices range from $15 (general admission lawn seating in left field) to $57 (lower level reserved seats).

Information on Braves spring training season tickets, suite/hospitality, group tickets and mini-plans is available by calling the premium sales team at (407) 939-GAME (4263) and online at www.espnwwos.com/braves. The popular mini-plans are on sale again this season, featuring four separate three-game options.

 

2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule

Date Opponent Time
Tuesday, March 1 Baltimore Orioles 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 3 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Saturday March 5 Pittsburgh Pirates 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 11 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 Washington Nationals 6:05 p.m.
Monday, March 14 Tampa Bay Rays 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 17 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 18 Miami Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 24 Philadelphia Phillies 6:05 p.m.
Friday, March 25 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 26 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 28 New York Yankees 6:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Friday, April 1 TBD 1:05 p.m.

 

All dates, times and opponents are subject to change.

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Interview Insider: How to Get a Job at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Making “magic” at Disneyland and its sister parks takes a big team. More than 130,000 employees work at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts around the world — each of whom is called a “cast member.”

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George Lucas Has Seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and “Really Liked It”

‘Star Wars’ creator George Lucas may get a raw deal from fans and critics nowadays after the special editions and the prequels – but surely his blessing on the new movies counts for something.

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The Dazzling Adventures of the Disneyland Resort Come to Pasadena in a Float Entry for 2016 Rose Parade

The magic of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will come to life as a float in the 127th Rose Parade, broadcast live from Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2016. The parade will step off at 8 a.m. (PST) with the theme “Find Your Adventure,” and the Disneyland Resort float honors some of the most exciting adventures awaiting guests at the Happiest Place on Earth.

DISNEYLAND RESORT DIAMOND CELEBRATION TO DAZZLE AT 2016 ROSE PARADE (December 2, 2015) – The magic of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will come to life in the Rose Parade, broadcast live from Pasadena, Calif., on January 1, 2016. This year’s parade theme is “Find Your Adventure,” and the Disneyland Resort will celebrate 60 dazzling years with a float honoring some of the exciting adventures that await guests at the Happiest Place on Earth. A sparkling recreation of Sleeping Beauty Castle sits at the heart of the float, with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcoming guests to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Flanking the castle are two adventures that are brought to life at the Disneyland Resort. The first comes from the world of “Frozen,” featuring Elsa’s ice castle accompanied by Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. Then, the float travels to a galaxy far, far away for a thrilling adventure dedicated to the Star Wars films and exciting new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland park. (Disney Parks)

At the heart of the float will be a sparkling recreation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcoming everyone to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Flanking the castle are two adventures that are brought to life at the Disneyland Resort. The first comes from the world of “Frozen” and depicts Elsa’s ice castle – straight out of Arendelle – accompanied by Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. A separate adventure depicted on the float makes the jump to hyperspace and travels to a galaxy far, far away for a thrilling adventure dedicated to the Star Wars films and exciting new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland Park.

Since its premiere in spring 2015, the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration has thrilled resort guests with sparking décor and spectacular entertainment, including the after-dark “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!’ The celebration will continue to dazzle Disneyland Resort guests through Sept. 5, 2016.

Since the blockbuster success of the Disney animated motion picture “Frozen” in 2013, Disneyland Resort guests have enjoyed multiple opportunities to relive the adventures of Anna and Elsa – in character encounters at Disney California Adventure Park, on floats in “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” and “Paint the Night” in Disneyland, in a live “Frozen” show at Fantasy Faire in Disneyland, and in a “Frozen” sing-along celebration. An all-new “Frozen”-inspired stage musical will open in summer 2016 in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.

The recent debut of Season of the Force in Tomorrowland at Disneyland has taken guests into the Star Wars galaxy with new experiences as well as enhancements to popular attractions. Star Wars Launch Bay immerses guests in familiar Star Wars-inspired locations where they may encounter favorite characters, take a peek behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars films, and find special exhibits and collectibles. Hyperspace Mountain and a new Star Tours destination from Star Wars: The Force Awakens take guests on thrilling journeys. Additional highlights include “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” a short film connecting iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga, and a reimagined “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” show featuring new characters and a new villain. Star Wars fans are anxiously awaiting the Dec. 18 release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as the new Star Wars-themed land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. Work on the new land will begin in 2016.

The appearance of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration float in the 2016 Rose Parade marks the continuation of a tradition Disney relationship with the Tournament of Roses that began in 1938.

  • The relationship began when characters from the newly premiered “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) were prominently featured in the parade.
  • Each year since 1960, the Rose Queen and her Royal Court, along with the competing Rose Bowl football teams, have visited Disneyland Resort.
  • In 1966, Walt Disney served as Grand Marshall of the parade. Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew and the head of Disney Animation, served as Grand Marshall in 2000. Members of the Disney creative team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Entertainment have served as float judges numerous times.
  • In 2004, Disneyland Resort presented “A Sudden Drop in Pitch.” At the time, it was the tallest float in Rose Parade history (110 feet, with live performers at the top). The float’s title played off that year’s theme of “Music, Music, Music,” and the float was inspired by The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror” attraction, which opened in Disney California Adventure that spring.
  • In 2005, the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland was celebrated with both a dazzling Rose Parade Opening Show and a spectacular castle float called “The Happiest Celebration on Earth.” Mickey Mouse served as Grand Marshall.
  • In 2006, the longest float (150 feet) in Rose Parade history, entitled “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth,” celebrated Disney Parks around the world.
  • In 2013, the characters and fun of Cars Land raced into Pasadena for “Destination: Cars Land,” a float showcasing the landmarks of the newly opened land in Disney California Adventure. The 125-foot long float featured replicas of Lightning McQueen and Sally recreating their fun-spirited road race from the first “Cars” movie. Mater, the tow truck, followed along behind the float.
  • In addition to Rose Parade float entries, Disney has presented many Rose Parade Opening Shows through the years, celebrating such milestones as the 35th Anniversary of Disneyland in 1990, the debut of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland in 1995, and the motion picture premiere of “Fantasia 2000,” in 2000.

For more information about the Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com or visit www.DisneyParksBlog.com. These sites are updated regularly.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.    ©Disney/CBS, Inc

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Holiday Fireworks Making Spirits Bright During Annual Christmas Bricktacular Celebration at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

This December, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will celebrate the holidays in a uniquely LEGO® way with the return of Christmas Bricktacular Presented by Shutterfly®, the theme park’s annual seasonal celebration for kids. This year, the festivities expand with an exclusive yuletide fireworks spectacular presented each night, plus a more than 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made entirely of LEGO and DUPLO® bricks, a life-size LEGO model of Santa, his reindeer and sleigh, themed scavenger hunts and more.

Included with park admission, Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates through December and provides a fun and interactive place for kids to enjoy holiday festivities in a playful way only LEGOLAND Florida Resort could imagine. In addition to creative holiday photo opportunities and festive décor throughout the park, activities will include:

  • Meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier
  • A LEGO Christmas mosaic guests can assemble with our Master Model Builders
  • Holiday-themed scavenger hunts in Miniland USA and DUPLO Valley with a chance to win a LEGO prize pack
  • A station where kids can write a LEGO letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole
  • A Jingle Jam to kick off the event, dance and celebrate with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier
  • A competition build in DUPLO Valley with another chance to win a LEGO prize pack

The wintertime fun concludes each night with a holiday-themed fireworks show presented only during Christmas Bricktacular. For the best viewing location, guests should head for the spacious Ski Stadiums in Pirates’ Cove or the grass lawn in between.

Looking for a special LEGO gift? Select stores will stay open for an extra hour of holiday shopping each night after the park closes. Guests will find a dizzying variety of LEGO-branded toys and souvenirs throughout the park, including hard-to-find LEGO sets, children’s and adult apparel, and great stocking stuffers.

Guests can share their favorite Christmas Bricktacular photos with #ChristmasBricktacular on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tag @LEGOLANDFlorida for a chance to win a special LEGO prize.

For even more fun, guests can book a spot at LEGO Santa’s Christmas Workshop, a special VIP experience.  The workshop includes a playful interaction with holiday characters, tasty seasonal treats and the chance to meet a Master Model Builder and create an exclusive Christmas decoration to keep.

2015 Christmas Bricktacular Presented by Shutterfly® Dates:

  • December 5-6 (Saturday & Sunday)
  • December 12-13 (Saturday & Sunday)
  • December 19-20 (Saturday & Sunday)
  • December 26-30 (Saturday-Wednesday)

On Thursday, Dec. 31, ring in 2016 at the high-energy Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration, which features a LEGO brick-drop countdown to midnight Kid Standard Time (that’s 8 p.m. to moms and dads), a kid-centric dance party and a dazzling fireworks display to end the year with a bang. It’s all included with park admission.

For more about everything there is to do and see at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including the brand-new, onsite LEGOLAND Hotel, visit http://florida.legoland.com and our official blog at www.llfblog.com.

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WATCH: San Francisco Giants’ Hunter Pence got engaged at Disney World and it was adorable

Fellas, Hunter Pence just raised the proposal bar.

During a recent trip to Disney World, Pence proposed to his girlfriend Alexis

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Disney’s SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS on Digital HD Jan 19th & Blu-ray Feb 2nd

Available for the First Time Ever on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) January 19th
and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack February 2nd

Marking the launch of The Walt Disney Signature Collection

Featuring In-Depth Brand New Bonus Material Including “In Walt’s Words: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Iconography,” “@DisneyAnimation: Designing Disney’s First Princess,” “The Fairest Facts of Them All: 7 Facts You May Not Know About Snow White,” “Snow White in Seventy Seconds,” “Alternate Sequence: The Prince Meets Snow White” and Much More!

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A GOOFY GHOST STORY BY SAM ALLEN

With Christmas now less than a month away, special holiday decorations can now be found all over Walt Disney World. One holiday tradition on display in many department stores around the world is elaborate holiday window displays, and The Emporium at Magic is no exception.

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The Walt Disney Company Declares Semi-Annual Cash Dividend of $0.71 Per Share

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors today declared a cash dividend of $0.71 per share for the second half of fiscal 2015, payable January 11, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2015.

Disney began paying dividends on a semi-annual basis this past July with a dividend of 66 cents a share, and combined with today’s declaration, the total fiscal 2015 dividend payment increased 19% on an annualized basis from fiscal 2014 to $1.37 per share. Going forward, we plan to review the dividend payment annually following the end of the fiscal year, and plan to continue paying dividends on a semi-annual basis.

“Thanks to our unparalleled portfolio of global brands and franchises and our unique ability to leverage creative success to drive value across the entire company, Fiscal 2015 marked Disney’s fifth straight year of record performance, and we are pleased to raise our dividend by 19% on an annualized basis,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

The Company also announced that it has scheduled its annual shareholders’ meeting for Thursday, March 3, 2016, in Chicago.

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