Take a look at some photos from Hollywood Boulevard of the new (old) look of Disney’s Hollywood Studios without the Sorcerer Hat. Let us know on twitter what you think of the view.
Photos: Construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Main Pool
Take a look at some photos of the ongoing construction at the main pool of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Packing for the Park – By Heather Holley
Going to Disney as a kid is the best. Everything is pure and magical… and your parents carry all your stuff. I’ve only recently started going to the parks without my family and I quickly realized the perks of having a day bag. This week I’m going to share some of my essential items for the parks. We currently pack for two adults to go into the park, so this list will not cover kids’ needs (sorry!)
First things first, you need a bag. Ours is a medium sized, cross body bag (we specifically have a Maxpedition Kodiak S-Type Gearslinger.) It’s perfect for two people. It has a large inner compartment and lots of external pockets, a place to stick a bottle of water, and the option to also carry a water bag (like a Camel bag.)
Now, what do you fill your bag with? The first thing we put in the bag is water. We start our day with four bottles and refill them throughout the day. It’s not uncommon for us to throw in some fruit and crackers. Park treats are delicious, but they can add up after a few days. The next necessary item in our bag is sun screen. I’m pale and tattooed; sunburn is something I work hard to avoid. The next layer in our bag are disposable ponchos (we’ve never used them, but they’re nice to have in case of a torrential downpour) and depending on the time of year a light jacket. The outside pockets contain some medicine (like my inhaler, Advil, and TUMS), our camera, and a handful of trading pins.
This may sound like a lot to lug around, but there’s still plenty of room for us to store souvenirs we pick up. Carrying a bag can be a hassle. It’s just another thing to keep up with and you always have long lines at security checks, but we like to be prepared and save a little money where we can in Disney.
What are your bag essentials for a trip to the park? Tell me on Twitter @hoodie_life.
Marvel Fans Assemble for THE ULTIMATE MARVEL MARATHON Presented by Nerdist Industries and Brought to You by Cheez-It and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats
As announced today by Chris Hardwick at the Nerdist Panel at WonderCon Anaheim, Nerdist Industries will present The Ultimate Marvel Marathon, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood brought to you by Cheez-It™ and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats™. This epic event will showcase all 11 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, culminating with the highly anticipated Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” The ticketed event starts at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, and ends after the 8:30 p.m. showing on Tuesday, April 21. Chris Hardwick and other Nerdist talent will host the event with help from special guests expected to appear throughout the 29-hour engagement.
Attendees who see all 11 films will receive an exclusive commemorative poster and will be entered in a drawing for two tickets to Marvel’s “Ant-Man” world premiere. All guests will receive a commemorative event credential and will be treated to meals, Cheez-It™ crackers and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats™, plus other snacks, including popcorn served in a souvenir 130 oz. metal popcorn tub. There will be an out-of-this-world costume contest, plus fun raffles and giveaways between films.
Photos: Easter Egg Characters at Epcot
Take a look at some of the character Easter Eggs at Epcot. There is an Easter Egg throughout the World Showcase. Can you identify which countries are home to which egg?
What’s Happening in April 2015 at The Walt Disney Family Museum
CURRENT EXHIBITION
Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell
Now through Jun 29, 2015
Revel in the golden age of Hollywood through an exhibition of photography from George Hurrell—one of America’s finest photographers, credited with creating the opulent glamour portrait of the 1930s and 40s. See rare and vintage prints of Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, and more, including Hurrell’s uncle-in-law, Walt Disney.
SCREENINGS
FILM OF THE MONTH | The Jungle Book
Show times: 1:30 & 4pm daily (check calendar for exceptions) | Theater
FREE with museum admission
Join Mowgli and friends in Walt Disney’s adaptation of a classic children’s story by Rudyard Kipling.
SPECIAL SCREENING | True-Life Adventures Shorts
Sat, Apr 25 | 11am, 2, 3, 4 & 5pm| Theater
FREE with museum admission
As part of the museum’s Family Day on April 25, enjoy nature shorts that are part of Walt Disney’s groundbreaking, award-winning nature documentary series, True-Life Adventures.
TALKS
TALK | How the Glamour Shot Changed Hollywood
Sat, Apr 11 | 1pm | Theater
$18 members | $20 non-members |
During Hollywood’s Golden Age still photographers took breathtaking photos of celebrities that quickly turned them into industry icons. Author and historian Kendra Bean reveals the secrets behind the craft of the Hollywood glamour shot and why it had such a tremendous impact on the movie industry and its stars. A slide show of famous publicity shots taken by photographers George Hurrell, James Abbe, and Laszlo Willinger is featured. Offered in conjunction with the special exhibition, Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell. Admission to this program is free for students and educators. Register online for your complimentary program ticket.
TALK | Animation Basics: Lighting
Sat, Apr 18 | 1pm | Theater
$18 members | $20 non-members | $15 youth (ages 17 and under)
Let there be light! As part of our program series covering the basics of animation production that were developed in Walt’s time and continue to be used today, learn about the lighting design and color choices found in animated films and how these key design techniques are used to complement the tone of a scene. Hear from guest speaker Angelique Reisch, lead lighting technical director for Pixar Animation Studios.
CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
OPEN STUDIO | Storyboarding and Animatics
Every Sat & Sun in Apr (check calendar for exceptions) | 1–4pm | Learning Center
FREE with museum admission
In the early 1930s, storyboards were introduced to The Walt Disney Studios to help animators visualize the sequence of events in their stories. Practice drawing your own storyboards to show the action in an animated scene, then turn your drawings into an animatic.
LITTLE OPEN STUDIO | Jungle Fun!
Every Sat, Sun & Mon in Apr | 10am–noon | Learning Center
Little Open Studio is a place where little ones and their caregivers can create artwork inspired by exhibitions, ideas, and objects on view at the museum. In April, transform our Learning Center into a bright and leafy jungle using scenes from The Jungle Book to inspire a magical environment.
SPOTLIGHT TALK | True-Life Adventures
Every Fri, Sat & Sun | 11am, 1 & 3pm | Museum Galleries
With more than 25,000 items in the museum’s collection and galleries brimming with art and artifacts, there is a lot to see and learn. Get the inside story on a select object on view or special exhibition during these short talks given by museum staff members. In April, join us for a talk on Walt’s groundbreaking nature documentary series: True-Life Adventures.
SPECIAL PROGRAM | An Artful Earth Day
Sat, Apr 25 | 10am–6pm | Museum-wide
FREE for ages 17 and under (with paying adult)
Celebrate Earth Day in an artful way with the whole family! Learn a dance with Native American dancer and artist, Eddie Madril, and work with Presidio Trust educators to turn branches, twigs, and other natural park materials into a lively village of habitats in front of the museum. Learn how animators create environments for their characters, and watch Walt Disney’s award-winning nature documentaries, True-Life Adventures. Complimentary admission for youth ages 17 and under available at museum ticket desk with purchase of full price adult admission.
Schedule (for An Artful Earth Day):
11am, 2, 3, 4, & 5pm | True-Life Adventures screenings | Theatre
Noon–1pm | Eddie Madril, Native American Dancer and Artist \| Theatre
1–4pm | Create with Nature | Front Lawn and Learning Studio
All Day | Animators and Environments Gallery Game | Get yours at the front desk!
SPECIAL PROGRAM | Animation Access! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fri, Apr 10 | 3pm doors open, 4pm film starts | ages 14+ | Theater
Sun, Apr 12 | 10am doors open, 11am film starts | ages 13 and under |Theater
Approx. 87 mins
FREE
Animation Access is a series of programs designed to introduce children and young adults affected by autism to The Walt Disney Family Museum. Come enjoy animation, art, and innovation in a welcoming environment. Advanced registration is required, all family members and siblings welcome.
TEACHER PROGRAM | Walt Disney and Modern Artists
Sat, Apr 18 | 10am–2pm | Learning Center
$10 for educators
Learn about Walt’s connections to modern artists, including Salvador Dalí and Diego Rivera, and connect your art curriculum to the art of animation.
The Power of the Force Takes Over Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14, 2015
Beginning May 15, 2015, the Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars franchise with the magic of Disney Parks.
This year’s event welcomes a new show, “Star Wars: Rebels,” new locations for autograph sessions and merchandise and several Star Wars luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends.
Bringing Walt Disney World Resort guests as close to the Force as they can get, Star Wars Weekends features more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings and specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and more every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) May 15-June 14, 2015.
Highlighting the event, Star Wars celebrities, including returning favorites and event newcomers, will appear in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and the motorcades each weekend. Bringing his evil prowess to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I May 15-17. To balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V June 12-14.
Celebrities scheduled to appear at Star Wars Weekends 2015 include voices from the hit Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels” and stars from Episodes I-VI of the Star Wars film franchise (entertainment is subject to change):
Weekend I (May 15 – 17)
- Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend II (May 22 – 24)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend III (May 29 – 31)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend V (June 12 – 14)
- Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)
The host of Star Wars Weekends, actor James Arnold Taylor, from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and “Star Wars Rebels,” will also host the new Star Wars Weekends show “Star Wars: Rebels,” where guests can relive the twists and turns of the first season of the Disney XD series with special guests from the show’s voice cast. In addition to Ashley Eckstein’s Weekend IV guest spot, she will also be joining every day of the event as host of “Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can enjoy year-round Star Wars favorites at the theme park with a blast through a Star Wars adventure on “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” and young Padawans can prepare to face the dark side with new lightsaber skills at Jedi Training Academy.
A celebration of all-things-Star Wars, the special event is included in regular park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For more information about Star Wars Weekends including new locations for merchandise, the autograph sessions and the “Stars of the Saga” talk show, guests may check the Disney Parks Blog, StarWars.com, and StarWarsWeekends.com. Guests can join in on the fun using #SWW2015.
Pixar Fans and Disney Investors Are Going to Love 2015
The Walt Disney Co. has made some incredible advances with its movie production in the past couple of years, with major hits in animated films, Marvel movies, and others that have helped to drive substantial income increases for the already successful company.
Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Summer!
Our Clients can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015 when they book March 23 – June 12, 2015.
Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.
With special benefits and legendary service, Disney Resort hotels are filled with wonder and excitement. Plus, your Clients can add Theme Park tickets to make the most of the magic!
From “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to new restaurants and shopping at Downtown Disney® and thrills and chills at four theme parks and two water parks, your Clients can get their cool on all summer long during “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
Over-the-top Disney: Splurge on luxury, access
Dotting the shoreline of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the 20 Bora Bora Bungalows are the first of their kind on any Disney property. Each comes with a private plunge pool (a prime spot to view the nightly fireworks). And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the music. The soundtrack is piped in through an individual sound system.
