We’ve known since the day they bought Lucasfilm that Disney had big plans for Star Wars. First, they announced three new entries in the saga beloved by millions, and then they announced more.
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Holiday Celebrations at Epcot
One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional inspires guests and instills the Christmas spirit through the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a masterful orchestra and choir. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8 p.m., from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. For more information and to make reservations for a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, visit disneyworld.com/holiday. The list of celebrity narrators for this season includes:
11/27 – 11/29 — Gary Sinise
11/30 – 12/3 — Neil Patrick Harris
12/4 – 12/5 — Whoopi Goldberg
12/6 – 12/8 — Joe Morton
12/9 – 12/11 — Ana Gasteyer
12/12 – 12/14 — Meredith Vieira – NEW
12/15 – 12/17— America Ferrera – NEW
12/18 – 12/20 — Chandra Wilson – NEW
12/21 – 12/23 — Daniel Dae Kim – NEW
12/24 – 12/26 — Edward James Olmos
12/27 – 12/28 – Blair Underwood
12/29 – 12/30 — Amy Grant
Guests become immersed in holiday festivities while experiencing holiday traditions from various countries throughout World Showcase during Holidays Around the World Nov. 27 – Dec. 30. Share in the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music, interactive storytelling and time-honored traditions.
Epcot features special holiday merchandise perfect for every shopper’s Christmas list. Santa’s Village in American Adventure and Christkindlmarkt in Germany feature extra special shopping experiences with unique Christmas ornaments and holiday items.
While shopping, guests can stop by the Future World Fountain Stage for a joy-filled performance by “Joyful!” This spirited ensemble uniquely blends the soulful expressiveness of gospel and inspirational music with the sounds of jazz, R&B and urban music. This holiday performance features classic Christmas tunes with a soulful spin.
The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – Holiday Edition,” a laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.
This spectacular light display boasting millions of glittering lights is perfectly synchronized to a high-energy holiday symphony and is capped off with a flurry of snow.
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The Force Awakens Fashion World with New Charity Initiative
In celebration of Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney Consumer Products and Bloomingdale’s are joining forces with an illustrious group of designers in a new fashion-meets-fundraising initiative, “Force 4 Fashion.” Taking inspiration from the film’s costume designer, Michael Kaplan, fashion favorites Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Giles Deacon, Halston, Opening Ceremony, Ovadia & Sons, Parker, Rag & Bone, Timo Weiland and Todd Snyder are each creating an outfit to be auctioned for charity that pays homage to characters from the new movie.
“This collaboration celebrates the distinctive synergy between film and fashion in the run up to an exceptional moment in the history of pop culture. We’re excited to see how this incredible lineup of designers interprets Star Wars characters in unique ways, as well as to raise money for a great cause,” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products.
The designers’ looks will be revealed at a “Force 4 Fashion” launch event, presented byKay Jewelers, in New York City on December 2nd before going on display in Bloomingdale’s NYC flagship windows the following day. Outfits will then be auctioned off December 2-18 by Bloomingdale’s on CharityBuzz.com, with the proceeds benefiting their holiday charity partner, Child Mind Institute, on behalf of Star Wars: Force For Change – a charitable initiative that empowers people to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Additionally, Michael Kaplan has designed three, limited edition “little brown bag” reusable totes, only available for purchase at Bloomingdale’s during the holiday season starting just before Thanksgiving. The Star Wars-themed totes will be merchandised in pop-up shops featuring various Star Wars-inspired merchandise.
“Bloomingdale’s is thrilled to join forces with such a historic yet continually ground breaking film,” said Anne Keating, Bloomingdale’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Special Events and Philanthropy. “We are excited to fuse fashion with pop culture to raise awareness and funds for our long standing partner, Child Mind Institute, which has been a pioneer for children’s mental health.”
In addition to these bespoke fashion collaborations Star Wars fans can find ready-to-wear apparel and accessories at a broad range of retailers.
For more information about “Force 4 Fashion” please visit StarWars.com and follow the social conversation using the hashtag #Force4Fashion.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.
Globally: “Star Wars: Fashion Finds The Force” Launches in London
Star Wars’ association with British fashion and design will also be celebrated by London-based designers Agi & Sam, Bobby Abley, Christopher Raeburn, J.W. Anderson, Nasir Mazhar, Peter Pilotto, Phoebe English, Preen and Thomas Tait. These 10 designers have also created catwalk looks inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Their designs will be showcased at an extraordinary “Star Wars: Fashion Finds The Force” presentation on November 26th in London, following which they will be available to fans worldwide by online auction at www.starwarsfashion.london with all proceeds donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change initiative.
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Apparently Making Indiana Jones 5 Is Still A Priority For Disney
When news broke that Disney purchased Lucasfilm the news also broke that they would be making more Star Wars movies.
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How Disney Is Making Sure You’ll Never Be Able to Escape Star Wars
When it comes to marketing, Disney has it almost too easy.
Just consider the past few weeks. The entertainment giant launched a Pixar clip where the characters personifying emotions in Inside Out react to the Star Wars trailer.
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Photos: The Los Angeles Hotels That Inspired Disney’s ‘Tower of Terror’
Nick Carr recently moved from NYC to LA, and he’s brought with him his wildly popular Scouting NY site, now Scouting LA. He’s sharing some of his posts on LAist, too, and below you can enjoy his latest, where he figures out what hotels around L.A. make up the Hollywood Tower of Terror ride at Disney.
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Life-Size X-Wing Fighter Lands in Singapore’s Changi Airport
A life-size replica of an X-Wing from the “Star Wars” series has flown into terminal 3 of Changi Airport in Singapore.
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The Definitive Ranking of the Best and Worst Disney Castles to Live In
If you say you’ve never wanted to live in a castle, you’re lying. Come on, even Flynn Rider gushes about his dream of one day owning a palace to die for.
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The Force Awakens with New and Enhanced Star Wars Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort
The Force is growing stronger at Walt Disney World Resort with the addition of new Star Wars-inspired entertainment arriving in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The Star Wars themed entertainment will include new experiences as well as reimagined elements of popular Star Wars attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting Dec. 1 – just ahead of the Dec.18 movie premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. These new experiences involve the creation of Star Wars Launch Bay, a central locale for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars; Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a cinematic overview of the Star Wars saga; and cool, new enhancements for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
Additional Star Wars elements enter the galaxy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Jan. 5, 2016, such as First Order stormtroopers patrolling the park, Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings, plus a fireworks show called the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular.’’
These new experiences celebrate the Star Wars saga at Walt Disney World Resort like never before, allowing guests, as well as Star Wars fans, the opportunity to transport themselves every day to a galaxy far, far away:
Star Wars Launch Bay
Located in Animation Courtyard, Star Wars Launch Bay will be a primary location within the park for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. In this multi-sensory space with an outdoor queue area lined with special concept artwork, guests can interact with beloved Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, plus have access to special Star Wars merchandise.
- Special Character Encounters: After entering a themed atrium complete with replicas of Star Wars props, guests can journey to the dark side and encounter Star Wars characters such as 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 and coming face to face with Star Wars characters such as 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 and other key movie crew members 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 table. Holochess is a game seen in Star Wars
- Star Wars Game Center – Guests can play current and upcoming video games, including new Disney Infinity 3.0 content created exclusively for this location.
- Themed Galleries – Special immersive galleries will be located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
- Celebration Gallery will feature iconic ships from throughout the Star Wars saga, such as memorable ones of the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial Navy fleet.
- Celebration Hallway will display large-scale replicas of Star Wars props amid scenic murals.
- Preview Gallery will offer guests exclusive looks at replicas of props, artifacts and memorabilia from the latest movie in the saga, starting with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Among the items that will be on display are costumes, ship models, droids and artwork.
- Launch Bay Cargo – A unique shopping area where guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork and collector’s items.
Star Wars: Path of The Jedi
Guests looking to relive the stories from the Star Wars saga or be introduced to the iconic characters, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, can watch an abridged, cinematic reel celebrating the Star Wars saga (episodes I-VII) in a theater setting near Echo Lake.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Fans of this popular attraction will experience journeys involving new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours takes guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with characters from throughout the saga. 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
This popular entertainment offering is being reimagined with new characters and a new villain to battle from Star Wars Rebels. Younglings will be guided to the site of a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will face villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels, and discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.
Stormtrooper Patrols
As guests enjoy the sights and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they may come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers who will patrol various areas of the park, interacting with guests during their mission to find members of the Resistance.
“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’
Starting Jan. 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.
Galactic Food
Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will soon be able to purchase admission to a dessert party during the fireworks show featuring themed desserts, specialty drinks and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.
The new Star Wars entertainment coming to Walt Disney World Resort along with new Star Wars elements that recently debuted at Disneyland Resort, further expand the Star Wars presence at both resorts ahead of the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
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Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Box Set Available Now
One of this year’s most acclaimed series of special edition albums, the long-awaited, 12-album, 28-disc collectors’ box gift set Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection is now available. The individual albums celebrate the anniversaries of Disney’s most cherished and classic films that have been enchanting audiences for generations.
This CD series combines great songs, background scores and rare recordings from over a half-century of animation classics–plus music from Disneyland® Park. In addition to remastered tracks, each album in Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Box Set comes in its own hardcover book, filled with art treasures, exclusive essays, and new illustrations by Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios (“Tangled”, “Winnie the Pooh”, “Wreck-It Ralph”). Bove was recently named one of ’10 Animators to Watch’ by Variety (March 3, 2015) and her art can be seen in the hardcover book, Lovely: Ladies of Animation: The Art of Lorelay Bove, Brittney Lee, Claire Keane, Lisa Keene, Victoria Ying and Helen Chen.
Designed for display, all 12 albums are presented in a specially fitted collectors’ slipcase. The 28-disc Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Box Set contains over 130 songs; 270 instrumentals; 75 “Lost Chords” deleted songs and demos; and much more–totaling over 25 hours of matchless entertainment for all ages.
The 12 albums in the new box set are as follows:
The Lion King
The Oscar® and Grammy®-winning songs by Elton John and score by Hans Zimmer plus 30 minutes of expanded underscore andLost Chords demos not used in the film.
Mary Poppins
Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in an artistic triumph of Walt Disney and the Sherman Brothers, including the debut new recording of the lost song, “The Eyes of Love.” Album includes the Sherman Brothers’ demos of the film’s songs and is the largest collection ofLost Chords original demos and new versions in the entire series.
Sleeping Beauty
The magnificent music of Tchaikovsky is transformed into one of Disney’s most dramatic and memorable scores, plus special versions from vinyl record master tracks.
The Little Mermaid
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s multi-award-winning music and songs with the original demo recordings and previously unreleased background score.
Fantasia
Leopold Stokowski’s complete FantaSound score from the innovative film, the complete digital score conducted by Irwin Kostal plus bonus tracks by Sterling Holloway.
Pinocchio
One of the most brilliant scores in movie history—it introduced “When You Wish Upon a Star”—plus six new-to-CD Mickey Mouse Club songs sung by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards).
Cinderella
The Oscar®-nominated score and all the songs from the animated classic, plus The Lost Chords, featuring 7 original demos and new versions.
Toy Story
Randy Newman’s hit songs and score from the Disney/Pixar’s landmark animated feature, as well as bonus tracks and three never-before-released background tracks.
Pocahontas
Majestic music of Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”) plus songs that were deleted from the finished score and original demos sung by Menken himself.
Lady and the Tramp
An eagerly requested soundtrack in the series showcasing the vocal and songwriting genius of Peggy Lee, plus bonus track and rare demos.
The Aristocats
From the Disney film favorite comes the famous score, including songs by the Sherman Brothers, the voices of Phil Harris andMaurice Chevallier. This is the first time the original soundtrack has been available in its entirety.
Disneyland
Beginning with the recordings from the opening day of Disneyland in 1955, the collection guides the listener down Main Street U.S.A., through the greatest attractions, shows and lands that exist today and those that are a happy memory.
The release of Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Box Set marks the first time such a massive body of musical and visual masterworks have been contained in a single package.
Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Box Set 12-album, 28-disc set is now available at disneymusicemporium.com. For more information on the Disney Music Emporium, please visit disneymusicemporium.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusicemporium or follow us at Twitter.com/DisneyMusicEmp.
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