Disney’s Live-Action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Set for March 17, 2017

Disney has set a March 17, 2017, release date for its live-action “Beauty and the Beast.”

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DISNEY ANNOUNCES D23 EXPO JAPAN 2015

The Walt Disney Company Japan announced today that it will stage D23 Expo Japan 2015, a special event for Disney fans created by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. The Expo will take place over three days from November 6 to November 8, 2015 in Maihama in Tokyo Disney Resort.

D23 Expo is a special event held every two years in the U.S. as part of D23’s ongoing engagement with Disney’s most passionate fans. In 2013, Disney launched D23 Expo Japan, a uniquely Japanese event that remains true to D23’s vision for “the ultimate fan event.” The program includes thrilling performances, as well as engaging presentations by Disney executives, and showcases what’s on the horizon from across The Walt Disney Company, including theme parks, movies, television, and music. Themed around “the power of story,” D23 Expo Japan 2015 will bring together fascinating tales from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Expo-exclusive experiences, merchandise, collectibles unavailable elsewhere, and countless other surprises await fans. Ticket and program information will be posted on the Disney Japan website starting in late-April 2015.

The event will also feature a number of exhibitions to delight Disney guests. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives will present a new exhibition focusing on the enduring enchantment of the Disney Princesses, including costumes, artwork, vintage collectibles, and film props. Another exhibit will feature hands-on experiences that will transport fans into the world of such beloved stories as Star Wars, the latest episode of which will be released in December; Toy Story, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year; and, Tokyo Disney Resort,® which will present a special exhibition. Further details will be posted at http://disney.jp/D23 as they become available.

“We heard from a lot of fans about how delighted they were with the D23 Expo we held in 2013, and this Expo promises to be even more spectacular,” said Walt Disney Japan President Paul Candland. “We’re very excited about being able to present this great event once again, and we know our guests will have an incredible experience during the three days we have planned for them. ”

To celebrate D23 Expo 2015 Japan, a Kingdom Hearts fan event will be held on November 3 at Cinema Ikspiari, Tokyo Disney Resort. Program information for the event, Kingdom Hearts―The Theater (working title), will be posted on the official Disney website starting in late April.

D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event has been held three times in the U.S., bringing Disney fans from around the world to Anaheim, California. The next D23 Expo will take place August 14–16, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center and will feature: the 2015 Disney Legends Ceremony; a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives; the Expo Emporium, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise; an all-new D23 Expo Design Challenge; and a show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world.

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New Breakfast Offering at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park

With the successful launch of the fast casual lunch experience at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort, we are now excited to announce the testing of a fast casual breakfast offering scheduled to take place March 20 – June 18, 2015. During this test period, a prix fixe breakfast will be offered from 8 a.m-10 a.m. daily.

The French-inspired breakfast menu includes pastries, cured meats and cheeses, eggs Florentine, vegetable quiche, and more. Plus, guests can indulge in the Croissant Doughnut, a fried doughnut topped with banana caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and whipped cream. Younger Guests can enjoy brioche French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit crepes, as well as cereal and oatmeal.

Reservations begin March 17, 2015 for dates March 20-June 18, 2015 via My Disney Experience, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Advance reservations are encouraged. The Disney Dining Plan will be accepted.

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Lunching at Liberty Tree Tavern by Diane Butler

When considering table service dining options at Magic Kingdom Park, most folks’ thoughts go immediately to Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, or The Crystal Palace. While those are fantastic options, their popularity can make obtaining an Advance Dining Reservation very difficult. If you are searching for a relaxing place to cool off and enjoy a meal while touring the park and are having trouble obtaining an ADR at your first choice restaurant, consider dining at Liberty Tree Tavern. This centrally located restaurant’s food offerings will appeal to young and old alike, and will frequently have last minute ADRs available.

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The Liberty Tee Tavern is located in my favorite land of Liberty Square and the colonial period theming of the restaurant is perfectly placed. Each room is themed after famous people from the United States’ Revolutionary Period, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. The artwork on the walls and placed about the restaurant is fascinating to check out, especially for history buffs.

Many fans of Liberty Tree Tavern love the family style dinner offered. The food is enjoyed by most everyone, with such American classics of turkey, carved beef, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and stuffing being offered. Although I do enjoy the dinner, I prefer lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern for 1 reason: Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. This dessert is to die for, and it one of my favorite indulgences in all of Walt Disney World. The varied lunch entrees ensure that everyone will find something that they will like (I love the Colony salad myself).

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While Liberty Tree Tavern does not offer a character meal, it is still an outstanding table service restaurant and should not be overlooked. My suggestion is to have a later lunch at about 1:00 before strolling out to snag a perfect viewing spot for the 3:00 Festival of Fantasy parade, either in front of the restaurant or in nearby Frontierland. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Liberty Tree Tavern, give it a try! I guarantee you will not regret your decision to dine in this relaxing, unique, and well-themed dining establishment right in the middle of the magic!

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Which ‘Frozen’ Star Is Headed to Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’?

Disney is shoring up its cast for the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast.

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Paradiso 37 and Planet Hollywood To Expand at Downtown Disney

As Disney Springs continues to take shape at Walt Disney World® Resort, exciting changes are in store for Planet Hollywood and Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney®.

Paradiso 37 will nearly double its seating capacity with the addition of more terrace dining and a new outdoor performance stage. The menu, “Taste of Americas,” will continue to offer a culinary tour of North, Central and South America, with popular dishes including ceviche, jalapeño burgers, Argentinian skirt steak and more. Paradiso 37 will remain open during its expansion, which will be complete in summer 2015.

Planet Hollywood will receive a full makeover as it transforms into a four-story stargazing observatory to match the design and aesthetic of Disney Springs. Inside, fans will still have an opportunity to view movie memorabilia as they celebrate a new generation of superstar entertainers. Plus, a new outdoor terrace and bar space, Stargazers, will feature live entertainment, while music in the main dining room will include a DJ. And, the menu will include popular favorites, new tastes, as well as a trendy beverage menu. This exciting expansion will be complete in spring 2016.

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‘Cinderella’ Is Belle of the Box Office With $70.1M Debut

Disney’s recent streak continued over the weekend with the $70.1 million North American debut of its traditional, sumptuously costumed fairy tale adaptation “Cinderella,” according to studio estimates Sunday.

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‘Big Hero 6′: No. 1 Animated Movie Worldwide 2014

Walt Disney Animation Studios is feeling all puffed up as Big Hero 6 today became the No. 1 animated movie of 2014 with more than $621 million worldwide.

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Why The Walt Disney Co.’s Theme Parks Are Worth the Higher Price

Visitors to The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) theme parks in the U.S. this year will have to pay as much as $105 for a single-entry adult ticket.

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It’s Time to Party by Laurie Schaerer

Can you believe the dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Part7 2015 have been announced?! I get excited just thinking about attending.

What? You’ve never been to one of the Holiday Parties at Magic Kingdom? Well, we need to talk. I’ve been to both, and I definitely recommend…….either one. They’re both so different, but they do both require purchasing a party ticket for each member of your family.
Let’s start with (MNSSHP). If you plan a Walt Disney World vacation between certain dates in Sept and Oct, you can attend MMNSSHP on select nights in Magic Kingdom. (As a bonus, EPCOT is also hosting the International Food and Wine Festival during this time). The parks and resorts are all dressed up in fall finery to add to the festive feeling. The Party events begin at 7:00 p.m. and last until 12. Kids of all ages can come in costume, and collect Halloween goodies from different locations in Magic Kingdom . The Boo to You Parade gives Disney’s Villain’s a chance to party in the streets with The Headless Horseman leading the way. Then hang onto your spot for Hallowishes Fireworks. That’s a treat in itself. This party is scary good fun.

Now, do you prefer the sights and sounds of Christmas? Then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) might be just what you need. Around the second week of November, Walt Disney World transforms, almost overnight, from fall fun to winter wonderland. (Another highlight of this season is Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Like MNSSHP, the fun begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts until 12:00 a.m. Snow in Florida? Well, it does on Main Street during MVMCP. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and some warm cookies from select locations and enjoy watching the snowfall. Disney Characters are decked out in their Christmas finest for Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade. Since it is Christmas, you know Santa’s bound to show up, too. It’s hard to find a time when Cinderella Castle looks more beautiful than when she’s dressed up for Holiday Wishes Fireworks Show.

You just can’t go wrong with either choice you make. However, just to make sure, why don’t you try Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party next year. I’m sure the folks at Disney won’t mind.

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