Yet another live-action version of a tried-and-true Disney fairy tale is wending its way to the big screen. Peter Hedges is penning a feature loosely based on the original Pinocchio story about a marionette carved from wood who dreams of becoming a real boy.
Disney deal confirms 14 new IMAX films
Disney’s major film studios are engaged in a renewed deal with large-format cinema chain IMAX that carries through to 2017.
Thanos In Avengers: Age Of Ultron? Here’s The Latest
Thanos has popped up in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe just twice so far – first appearing at the very end of The Avengers, and then finding a voice in Guardians Of The Galaxy – but his presence has loomed large, as fans have been teased and promised further interactions between the monstrous villain and the famous ensemble of superheroes.
Weather Safety at Walt Disney World by Kim Lawton
Staying safe on any vacation is of prime importance and it isn’t any different with a Disney vacation. Safety tips abound on the internet, drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, get plenty of rest and so on. But with this article I would like to explore weather safety. At this time of year the weather in Florida can change and spring and eventually summer showers can pop up and be more than a nuisance, they can become dangerous.
First and foremost pay attention to any and all Cast Member warnings and directions. Rest assured that Walt Disney World has safety plans and protocols in place. As with all service oriented establishments, safety of Guests comes first. But it never hurts to do a little pre-planning.
It is important to discuss what your travel party will do in case of an emergency, any emergency. For example, where will you meet up if separated? How will you stay in contact? A little forethought on these subjects might just help a stressful situation be a little less stressful.
Another important detail is to know the layout of the area so you can pay attention to any weather warnings that might be broadcast. It doesn’t help to pay attention to them if you don’t know if they apply to where you are. Parts of Walt Disney World are located in Orange and Osceola Counties. That information should help if weather warnings are announced. The surrounding counties are Lake and Polk to the west and Brevard to the east, on the Atlantic Coast. The counties on the Gulf Coast are Hillsborough and Pinellas. This information should be enough to interpret any weather warnings. Please pay attention as you plan your days.
Look for the Weather Channel on the television in your accommodations as well as a local channel to monitor any weather situations. Besides it might help you decide if a rain coat is necessary! Many of the local weather/television channels have apps for smart phones so does the Weather Channel. Many even have weather push alerts if conditions warrant. Download one to use while on vacation. This will help put things in perspective…..you will get a warning if anything is approaching and can just enjoy the sights. Look for MYNEWS13, WESH 2, or WFTV channel 9 for examples. All cover the Orlando area.
Be prepared and stay safe so you can share the magic!
Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund are reprising their roles in Disney’s ‘Tron 3’
Quorra and Sam Flynn are back. Olivia Wilde, 31, and Garrett Hedlund, 30, will reprise their roles in the next Tron film, according to a Tuesday article from The Hollywood Reporter. The Disney movie will also see Joseph Kosinski as the director.
10 Totally Awesome Features Of Disney Musical Projects – FROZEN, BEAUTY, TANGLED, Etc.
What a renaissance – again! Although the period beginning with the unexpected mega-hit status of THE LITTLE MERMAID in 1989 through to the doubleheader of POCAHANTAS in 1995 and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME in 1996 and ending with MULAN in 1997 is considered by House Of Mouse super-fans and many entertainment enthusiasts as the official Disney Renaissance era….
Disney Competition Challenges Kids to Design Futuristic Tech
Whether they’re designing flying cars or teleporters, aspiring young inventors will have the chance to share their visions for the technology of the future, as part of a nationwide challenge hosted by the makers of Disney’s upcoming film “Tomorrowland” and the nonprofit organization X Prize.
49 International Disney Park Differences Only Hardcore Fans Will Notice
If you’re a Disney fan, you’ve undoubtedly made the pilgrimage to Disneyland or Walt Disney World at some point in your life. Upon opening Disneyland (the original Disney park in Anaheim, CA) in 1955, the wildly successful mass-media corporation became a staple in more than just family movies — its theme park topped the bucket lists of travelers worldwide.
Disney, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox Announce The Star Wars Digital Movie Collection
“We’re thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy the Star Wars Saga on their digital devices wherever they go,” commented Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “These films broke new ground in technology, design, sound, and visual effects, and we’ve created some very special bonus material which delves into the Saga’s rich history, including new and never-before-released conversations between legendary Star Wars artists – the masters who helped George bring his iconic universe to life.”
With Star Wars: Episodes I-VI available for purchase as a complete digital movie collection and individually, viewers will have the Rebel forces at their beck and call across their favorite devices anywhere – sunbathing at the beach, relaxing in their living room with friends, or waiting to board a flight to Endor (or elsewhere).
Enhancing the movie collection are a host of never-before-seen special features including Star Wars: Discoveries from Inside and insightful Conversations between key contributors from across this celebrated film franchise, plus a curated collection of classic Star Wars extras from each film. These are the droids you’re looking for:
BONUS
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace
- Conversations: Doug Chiang Looks Back
- Discoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures
- Legacy content includes “The Beginning”; The Podrace: Theatrical Edit; plus eight deleted scenes.
STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones
- Conversations: Sounds In Space
- Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed
- Legacy content includes “From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II”; State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II; and “Films Are Not Released, They Escape”; plus Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage and six deleted scenes.
STAR WARS EPISODE III: Revenge of the Sith
- Conversations: The Star WarsThat Almost Was
- Discoveries From Inside: Hologram & Bloopers
- Legacy content includes documentaries “Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III”; The Journey Part 1; and The Journey Part 2; plus six deleted scenes.
STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A New Hope (20th Century Fox)
- Conversations: Creating A Universe
- Discoveries From Inside: Weapons & The First Lightsaber
- Legacy content includes “Anatomy Of A Dewback”; Star Wars Launch Trailer; plus eight deleted scenes.
STAR WARS EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Conversations: The Lost Interviews
- Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled
- Legacy content includes “A Conversation With The Masters” (2010); “Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk”; “George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979”; and “George Lucas On The Force: 2010”; plus six deleted scenes.
STAR WARS EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi
- Conversations: The Effects
- Discoveries From Inside: The Sounds Of Ben Burtt
- Legacy content includes “Classic Creatures: Return Of The Jedi”; “Revenge Of The Jedi Teaser Trailer”; Return Of The Jedi Launch Trailer; “It Began TV Spot”; “Climactic Chapter TV Spot”; plus five deleted scenes.
Flying Solo? 25 Ways to Do Walt Disney World Resort Alone and Have the Time of Your Life
If visiting Walt Disney World Resort solo never crossed your mind, think again. There are myriad ways to enjoy Disney’s world-class theme parks, resorts and more all by yourself.
Ride your favorite attraction more than once, shop till you drop, indulge in over-the-top treats, learn something new and make friends along the way.
Here are 25 ways you can discover another side of the magic on your own:
Epcot
- Shopping. For all its great attractions, one reason for many to hit Epcot World Showcase is to shop. Spend an afternoon at your own pace browsing and buying. Pop into boutiques stocked with French perfumes (France pavilion), silk kimonos (Japan pavilion) and artisan crafts (Mexico pavilion). Solo shoppers have eight other countries brimming with authentic merchandise to explore.
- Interactive Attractions. Many of Walt Disney World’s attractions are designed for interactive fun, so you won’t be a single rider in a space configured for two. Play interactive games along with others as you work your way through the waiting area to board Soarin’, a hang-gliding simulator experience over California, where the seating accommodates multiple riders.
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here’s an opportunity for those with a penchant for gardening to join others and hear horticulturists share their tips. Seminars are held throughout this spring festival, and speakers and topics change so you can pick and choose.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Seminars, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings held throughout the park offer guests a chance to watch, listen and learn together, and since you’re seated next to others with the same interest, it’s easy to strike up a conversation. It’s an annual rite of fall at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Food and Drink. There’s always room at the bar! So grab a beer and a bite at the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion. Known for drawing a rousing crowd, the pub is the place to make new friends and sing along with the piano player. If a tequila cocktail is more your thing, the La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion welcomes you— with a fine collection of tequilas, plus house-made guacamole.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Live Entertainment. Big spacious theaters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios make catching a show effortless. Choose from Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage; “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” and the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!”
- Play cartoonist and draw up some fun. Take a drawing lesson with the pros at the Magic of Disney Animation. In a room tucked away from the crowd, artists teach you how to draw your favorite Disney character. Paper and pencils are provided, and you’ll walk away with artwork for your wall.
- Daring Rides. If your past traveling mates were too chicken to ride two of Walt Disney World Resorts’ most thrilling attractions, now’s your chance to let loose alone on the “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” and the “Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.”
- Sugar Fix. Indulge without feeling guilty and hit the sweet shop on Sunset Boulevard for those chocolate-covered Mickey pretzels, huge caramel apples with the works and other sugar-coated delights.
- Be a History Buff. Hop aboard the Great Movie Ride to track Hollywood’s past through audio-animatronics, narration and film. Twentieth-century films from Tarzan the Ape Man and Casablanca to Alien and Raiders of the Lost Ark tell the history of the silver screen. Then poke into the attraction Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. Artifacts, from early animation storyboards to Mickey Mouse Club props, and a film featuring an interview with Walt bring the legacy of the man behind the magic to life.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Architecture Buff. As you meander the park’s pathways, look up to check out the Asian- and African-inspired architecture of the buildings, where both authentic and whimsy are on display. Rustic temples with hammered copper detail resemble those found in the Himalayas while colorful folk-art carvings of lizards decorate rooftops.
- Animal Sightings. Waiting for Mother Nature’s creatures to run, jump, play and eat sometimes requires patience. On your own, you can spend more than a few minutes observing the animals (population about 1,500). Start on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where a self-guided tour on foot provides the lowdown on the animals; highlights include picnicking gorillas and swimming hippos.
- Broadway Style. Festival of the Lion King brings a bit of Broadway to Walt Disney World Resort. With so much eye-popping pageantry, music, dance and puppetry—innovative portrayals of Mufasa, Simba and other characters—to entertain you, who needs company? Another spectacular production you can enjoy on your own is Finding Nemo – The Musical.
- Off the Beaten Path. Make new friends when you join a small intimate group on the Wild Africa Trek. With this premium add-on to a day at the park, a guide takes trekkers deep into the heart of the Africa section of the park for close-up visits with hippos, harnessed walks across swaying rope bridges with crocodiles looming below and Africa-inspired edibles overlooking the savanna.
- For the Curious. A visit to the Conservation Station is a chance to learn what it takes to keep the animals happy and healthy, from hands-on veterinary care to nutrition as well as conservation efforts. Spend as long as you want here observing the professionals at work; experts provide answers and educate folks on how the animals in the park—and worldwide—are protected.
Magic Kingdom
- Flashback! With a young-at-heart attitude, this is the place to relive childhood memories beginning with some of the longest-running attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise.
- Secret Stops. On your own time you can poke into spots off the beaten path of Main Street, U.S.A., including Harmony Barber Shop and The Chapeau, where you can get your name embroidered on a pair of ears inspired by you-know-who.
- The Performers. Strolling the park you’ll come upon song and dance. Look for the Dapper Dans performing throwback tunes on Main Street, U.S.A. On the Castle forecourt stage, watch a full musical production with elaborate costumes, music, special effects and Disney characters from princesses and pirates to Mickey Mouse
- Sightsee. Two relaxing, fun ways to see Magic Kingdom is (1) to take the complete looping excursion on Walt Disney World Railroad’s vintage steam train to get the lay of the land, and (2) board the elevated Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover for views from above the crowd.
- Innovations. Trace the technological advances at the Magic Kingdom beginning with The Hall of Presidents where longtime audio-animatronic figures updated for the 21st century create lifelike portrayals of the country’s 43 leaders. Then don a pair of “opera glasses” at Mickey’s PhilharMagic and be dazzled by the latest 3D effects played out on a huge wraparound screen as special effects tease the senses—plus music from the film Fantasia and more recent Disney hits.
Beyond the Parks
- Spa-aaaaaah. After the theme parks, find R&R at one of the Senses spas. At the Saratoga Spring Resort & Spa, the choice signature treatment is the bamboo fusion massage, and at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the duo aromatherapy massage and body wrap is sheer bliss.
- Hone Your Golf Game. Taking a lesson with a PGA or LPGA pro at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is a great way to step up your game, or if you’d rather just work on your swing, grab a bucket of balls and hit the driving range at Disney’s Palm Golf Course. If the urge to play a round is too strong to resist, the staff will happily pair you with available golfers.
- A Fresh-Air Stroll. Soak up the scene at Disney’s BoardWalk. Reminiscent of 1940s ocean-side entertainment, the wide waterfront promenade is designed for old-school fun with arcade games and vendors. Enjoy a margarita from Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas at an alfresco table or check out the home-brewed beers from a seat at the bar inside the Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Sing along with other guests at Jellyrolls piano bar or pop into the ESPN Club to join sports enthusiasts for the latest games.
- Dream Car. It’s just you and your Lamborghini — or Ferrari or Porsche. Take your pick and then hop in one of these outrageously stylish and expensive cars with price tags in the six figures and go for a spin. At the Walt Disney World Speedway’s Exotic Driving Experience, it’s all about getting behind the wheel of the ultimate vehicle. A professional instructor sitting shotgun teaches you how to use the paddle shift as you hug the track’s curves and straightaway.
- Show and Shop. Chances of finding the best seat in the house increase a hundredfold when you only need one ticket. Hit the theater in Downtown Disney for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba show and be mesmerized by the amazing acrobats and high-wire acts, surreal music and costumes that push the creative limits of the artists. Then browse the nearby shops for the ultimate Disney souvenir, from framed limited-edition prints of your favorite character to jewelry tastefully designed with – what else? – iconic Mouse ears.
