FastPass+ in Advance and MagicBands Roll-Out to Non-Disney Resort Guests

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Well, it finally happened. Starting today, guests not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or in possession of an annual pass can make FastPass+ reservations up to 30 days in advance, and they can buy a MagicBand to boot. Disney resort guests get up to 60 days to make the very same FastPass+ reservations.

magicBandFeatured

The MyDisneyExperience app is now equipped to make the reservations for all guests with park tickets, not just those using MagicBands while staying on Disney property.

If the plastic park ticket these guests are being issued isn’t good enough and they’re feeling left out, select Walt Disney World merchandise locations are now selling MagicBands in the seven original colors for $12.95 each. We expect some “vanity” or upscale character bands to join the merchandise fray in the not-too-distant future.

These buyable bands feature all of the capabilities of the resort guest’s bands except for one thing: they can not be linked to a credit card and used for charging.

This is all subject to change at any point as Disney has stated they are still in the testing phases for MyMagic+.

“Frozen” Becomes Highest-Grossing Animated Film Of All Time

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Over this past weekend, Disney’s Frozen surpassed a benchmark previously reached by only seven of the Walt Disney Studios’ animated feature film – it earned $1,072 million ($1.07 Billion) worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and also entered the list of the top 10 biggest films of all time. Frozen has earned an estimated $398.4 million at the domestic box office and $674 million internationally.

Along with being the first billion-dollar film for the Walt Disney Animation Studios, it is its first film to earn the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature. Frozen opened in wide release domestically on November 27, 2013, and posted the #1 all-time Thanksgiving debut ($93.6M five-day, $67.4M three-day) and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest opening ever. It stayed in the top 10 films at the domestic box office for 16 consecutive weeks, the longest run by any film since 2002.

Internationally, Frozen is the biggest Disney or Pixar animated film of all time in 27 territories. It is alo Disney’s biggest release of all time in Korea, as well as the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Denmark and Venezuela. Since its debut March 14 in Japan, Frozen has claimed the #1 spot in its first three weekends and continues to play strongly with an estimated $50.5 million to date.

Frozen was released on digital February 25 and on disc March 18, and has become the fastest-selling digital release ever and sold over 3.2 million Blu-ray/DVD units in its first day, putting it on track to be one of the biggest home entertainment sellers in a decade.

The film’s Platinum-certified soundtrack returned to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart last week for a seventh time with more than 1.6 million copies and over 5 million individual tracks sold. The Oscar®-winning song “Let It Go” has sold over 2.6 million copies, and the film clip of the song has racked up over 160 million views on YouTube.

Frozen is still available in theaters in 2D, 3D and Sing-A-Long, as well as on Digital HD & 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and On Demand.

 

 

Tom Corless’ 3/23/14 Disney Springs Photo Report (Pollo Campero Closes, Concept Art, New Shirts, ETC.)

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Plenty is going on at Downtown Disney as it slowly transforms into Disney Springs, so I took my camera and headed over to the districts to see what new merchandise has been popping up and exciting changes are happening to the area:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

New kid’s shirt featuring PIXAR characters

There’s also a new kid’s shirt with Disney characters

A few new adult t-shirts have also been released

Railroad t-shirt

I love this new shirt that not only features a Friendship boat, but also says Lake Buena Vista on it

Work continues on the Marketplace bridge

Pollo Campero and Babycakes NYC have closed to make way for Disney Springs construction

This location will be knocked down, but it remains unknown if either tenant will return in a new location

On the West Side, you can now find concept art for the new parking structure

WDWNT The Magazine: The Original Captain America – Winter Soldier

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Captain America: Winter Soldier

Ed Brubaker’s Captain America: Winter Soldier hit my reading wish list for one simple reason, I love the trailer for the upcoming movie of the same name.  I am excited about this Marvel Cinematic Universe feature and really wanted to dig into one of the story sources of this hopefully epic movie.

Captain America’s arch-enemy Red Skull has acquired a very weak Cosmic Cube .  And since Captain America’s actions have become increasingly violent some people, including Nick Fury, wonder if Cap kill the Red Skull.  The search for the Red Skull’s murderer leads deeply into Captain America’s past.  General Aleksander Lukin, the apparent mastermind behind the theft of the Cosmic Cube was mentored by Soviet Colonel Vasily Korpov who has links to Captain America, Bucky and the Invaders.  Apparently General Lukin has inherited control over a Cold War assassin known as the Winter Soldier who is cryogenically frozen until needed to complete his master’s bidding.  The search for the Cosmic Cube includes the stories of other men who had worn the uniform of Captain America and the unbelievable identity of the Winter Soldier!

The big question is of course what could be kept in a film version.  The origin of the Winter Soldier could actually hold up, where he was a tool of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.  In fact, based on the trailer that element could really be a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  The trailer, with its political thriller feel,  could easily be set in a post Cold War World.  And the use of that element could allow the master villain pulling the strings of the Winter Soldier to be a former disgruntled Soviet.  And the fact that there are flashbacks to World War II would allow us to see Peggy Carter, Bucky or Howard Stark, which would make MCU fans happy.  Also we already have Cosmic Cubes in the MCU, the Tesseract from Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers.  However, the one seen in The Avengers is now being stored in Asgard.  I wonder, based on the mid-credit scene of Thor: The Dark World if another object may take the place of the Tesseract, one which might also catch Thanos’ interest.  But Avengers 3 is a long way off and Marvel may not feel the need to reveal another piece of Thanos’ future.

There are some changes that will need to be made.  First, in the comic universe,  Agent Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp in the new movie) and Steve Rodgers have a prior romantic relationship in the original story.  Since we have yet to see Agent Carter the past on the screen , the tension between the two shown in the book would be lost to the viewer.  Second, there are a number of MCU cast in the movie that have no role in this story including Black Widow (will she be stealing Agent Carter’s role?), Agent Sitwell, and Alexander Pierce.  Of course the role we see Robert Redford playing as Pierce is completely different from the comic’s Agent Pierce.  So while there are great elements from this book which the MCU can adapt, clearly the story must be greatly revised to fit within the MCU.

I think one of the biggest possible changes is the tone of the story.  The trailer shows a political thriller.  It appears that Pierce and Fury are in a struggle of some sort to control S.H.I.E.L.D..  Yes Captain America: Winter Soldier does have elements of a political/business thriller, but honestly, it is really a very personal story of Steve Rodgers’ past.  One of the reoccurring events is Rodgers hallucinating about his past. In fact he misremembers events like Bucky’s death.  And the use of other Captain Americas reinforces the story element of identity.  I really hope that the personal tone of the story is kept on the big screen.  Because, while it may be a big story I hope it is also a little story about a man and his past.

I really enjoyed Captain America: Winter Soldier.  I found it to be an excellent story that explored Steve Rodgers’ past and his struggles to fit into the modern world.  And the reveal of the Winter Soldier’s identity is one that rocks Captain America to his core, while for the reader you have enough warning to keep from being completely shocked.  Sadly since Marvel has apparently been on a spoiler kick lately with them announcing the identity on national television, the big reveal may not be as impactful to those who still do not know the secret.  In the end, I found this to be a great story which is worth adaptation within the MCU.

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind Tickets On Sale April 16th

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

D23_Event_DestD_PressLogoWalt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

Highlights of D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus will include*:

  • Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
  • Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
  • Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
  • That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

About H2O Plus, LLC

H2O Plus, LLC is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of prestige, marine-based skincare products for the face and body. Their parent company, Pola Orbis, is the fourth-leading beauty care company in Japan. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, H2O Plus continues to develop innovative products based on their heritage of water-based formulas powered by exclusive marine blends and state-of-the-art technology. H2O Plus has a large and expanding global presence in more than 9,000 points of distribution, worldwide. For more information on H2O Plus, please visit www.h2oplus.com

Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Offering Star Wars Character Meals in May & June 2014!

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

While not officially announced by Disney yet, anyone who calls (407) WDW-DINE starting today will have the opportunity to book one of two Star Wars character meals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in celebration of Star Wars Weekends. The meals will be offered daily May 4 to June 15, 2014:

101-XL

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine

The Fantasmic! dinner experience at Hollywood and Vine has been transformed into a Star Wars theme where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip & Dale will all be dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters (Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip & Dale). The characters will meet and greet and interact with Guests throughout the evening. Meals are offered from 4:15pm to 8 or 8:30 pm (sometimes 9pm to 9:30 – based on park closing). The price is $59.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $55.99 without for adults, $36.99 with Fantasmic! Package or $32.99 without for children. A digital photo of the party with the Ewoks Chip & Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater becomes the Star Wars Dine-in Theater for this character dining experience. Characters include Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, and Boba Fett and a Darth Vader Meet & Greet after check-in. Additionally, the traditional Sci-Fi clips will be replaced with Star Wars clips, trailers and music.  Meals will be offered from 8am – 12pm daily. Price for adult is $47.99, child is $29.99. A digital photo of the party on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Disney Set To Test Live Karaoke Band Concept at Atlantic Dance Hall

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

For 8 weeks starting March 27th, guests visiting Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk can get on stage and rock out, living out their rock star fantasies.

atlanticdancehall

The Tom Casey Band will be presenting “Totally Rockin! Live Interactive Band”, an interesting concept at Atlantic Dance Hall on Thursday evenings through May 15th. The new experience will essentially has guests picking a song and either singing or playing the guitar or keyboards along to it. Think karaoke with instruments and a full 6-person band.

Show times on Thursdays will be 9PM until 1:30AM and costumes will be provided in case guests really want to get into the act.

Whether or not this becomes a permanent addition to Walt Disney World will rely on the success of this test.

New Gameplay, Artists, and Realm Announced for ‘Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved’

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Disney-Fantasia-Music-Evolved-Logo

Disney Interactive and Harmonix Music Systems today reveal new details about the upcoming “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” video game. Newly revealed details include multiplayer gameplay, an all-new realm, as well as new songs from award-winning artists, including Lorde, Nicki Minaj, David Bowie and White Stripes, and classical composer Antonin Dvorak.

The two-player multiplayer gameplay for “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is played cooperatively and as part of a friendly competition, allows players to collaborate and engage with the classic hits that they love in an entirely new way. By choosing unique remix paths and discovering musical interactions to create new melodies, beats, and more, “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” gives players an unprecedented amount of freedom to be creative while having fun!

  • Newly announced tracks that will appear in the game are:
  • David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”
  • Antonin Dvorak – “Symphony No. 9 from the New World”
  • Lorde – “Royals”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
  • White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”

Disney and Harmonix also reveal an all-new interactive discovery realm, “The Hollow.” This mysterious forest environment comes to life as users perform songs and interact with the world to add light, color, and characters to the scene. From creating their own melody by sprouting musical mushrooms to guiding frolicking fairies through this woodland wonderland, players will be delighted by what they discover in “The Hollow”.

A video demonstration of the “The Hollow” can be found below.

“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is a breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia,” and will be available for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Kinect for Xbox 360 in 2014. Featuring over 30 tracks – including contemporary hits, classic rock, classical music, and more – “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” transports players to a breathtaking world where music and magic combine to transform extraordinary interactive landscapes in entirely new and creative ways.

“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” will be available in 2014 and is currently not rated by the ESRB.
For additional information about “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved,” join the Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/fantasiagame, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FantasiaGame and view all videos on our YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/FantasiaGame.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.

About Disney Interactive
Disney Interactive, one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the part of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and family-focused content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. Disney Interactive produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from Disney Interactive Games and Disney Interactive Media. Products and content released and operated by Disney Interactive include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, #1 kid’s entertainment destination Disney.com and the #1 Family/Parenting portfolio on the Web.

VIDEO: “Nothing’s Impossible” Disney Art Gallery Overview

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Oh My Disney, the pop culture blog from Disney.com, partnered with Mondo, the collectible art division of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, to present Nothing’s Impossible, a gallery event at this year’s SXSW festival that celebrated classic and contemporary Disney films.

mondo-nothings-impossible-postcard

To celebrate the end of the exhibit at SXSW, the team created a wrap-up video of the gallery opening, featuring some cool Disney-related posters, a few of Mondo’s talented artists and interviews with some of the fans at the exhibit. Check it out below.

Oh My Disney brings classic and current Disney characters to life for digital audiences through humorous and heartfelt original artwork, stories, articles and videos. Be sure to visit Oh My Disney to check out all the new posters like the ones below.

soto_fantasia_press

edmiston_maleficent_press