D23 Expo 2015: Walt Disney Studios Presents It’s Upcoming Film Slate And Much More

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

‘Can’t Miss’ Offerings Include Frozen Sing-Along, Toy Story 20th Anniversary, Star Wars, and Secret Special Guests

The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slates via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm – Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.

Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios

Saturday, August 15, 10:30 am – Hall D23

Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more. 

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!

Sunday, August 16, 3:00 pm – Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa––with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out

Friday, August 14, 11:30 am – Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Welcome to Zootopia!

Saturday, August 15, 1:30 pm – Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!

Saturday, August 15, 3:00 pm – Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life,Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back

Saturday, August 15, 4:30 pm – Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

Aladdin – The Making of a Classic

Saturday, August 15, 6:00 pm – Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever

Sunday, August 16, 11:30 am – Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A

Sunday, August 16, 6:00 pm, Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

 

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

The Walt Disney Studios – Show Floor Exhibition

Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:

–         For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the filmsInside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.

–         Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite

Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—fromFinding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg

D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing

With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 am.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

7/23/15 Marvel News Mash-Up (Spider-Man, Punisher, Ant-Man, Etc.) np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

 

How Did They De-Age Michael Douglas In “Ant-Man”?

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My answer would be witchcraft but it turns out that the answer is the people at Lola VFX, who were also behind skinny Steve Rogers in “Captain America: The First Avenger”, Magneto and Professor X in “X-Men: The Last Stand” and Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button”.

From Vulture:

Mostly that meant no anti-aging makeup on the 70-year-old Douglas (it messes with the way light works on the face) and a sprightly stand-in to give a reference point for the way young skin looked on the S.H.I.E.L.D. set. Unlike on previous transformations, they had a plenty of reference material — multiple feature films’ worth — of exactly what a 45-year-old Michael Douglas would look like.

The only solution was to view as much of Douglas’s late-’80s oeuvre as possible, as closely as possible. They found themselves watching Wall Street not only for its dramatic indictment of corporate greed, but also for its great shots of Douglas’s middle-aged wrinkles. “What’s really important is the way his face moves as he speaks, the way that the muscles in the face have changed over time, the way the skin reacts to those muscles. To sell the effect you have to look at the way [the face] looks in motion.”

De-aging an actor is essentially giving them a digital face-lift, and Lola’s team do the same work with digital composites a skilled plastic surgeon would do with a scalpel. “The most obvious thing is that the skin along the jaw in most people tends to get lower and lower and sag a little bit as you get older. Particularly around the throat and the Adam’s Apple area, you’ll get a build-up of extra skin down there,” Claus told me. “One thing we’ll have to do to de-age someone is restore that elasticity and try to not only to remove the excess skin, but pull it back up to where it once was.”

Our cheeks thin out and sink as we get older, so Lola also added a little more fat to the middle of Douglas’s cheeks. And since human ears and noses never stop growing, they also had to shrink Douglas’s back to their 1980s’ sizes, as well as remove some of his ear wrinkles. Then it came time to restore what Claus called Douglas’s “youthful glow,” adding shine to his skin and hiding the blood vessels in his nose.

Source: Vulture

The New “Spider-Man” Meets The New “Punisher”

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What is going on here? Recently Tom Holland, who has been cast to play Spider-Man, posted a photo of Jon Berthnal, who has been cast to play The Punisher, and himself on Instagram. This could be purely coincidence that they happened to meet or it could be that maybe The Punisher will appear in “Captain America: Civil War”. In the Civil War comic book series, The Punisher had a impactful role and helped save Spider-Man from Iron Man’s goons. Only time will tell.

Civil War:

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The Punisher also made his first appearance in the comics in Amazing Spider-Man #129.

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Source: Tom Holland Instagram

First Look At Jon Berthnal As “The Punisher” Filming “Daredevil: Season 2″

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Here is the first look at actor Jon Berthnal as The Punisher on the set of “Daredevil: Season 2″. This looks like a daytime shot of Frank Castle and definitely expect to see the classic skull on his chest when he goes to work as The Punisher at night. Looking good so far.

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Source: Just Jared

Kevin Feige Talks About How The Movies Of John Hughes Will Inspire The New “Spider-Man” Movie

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This should be interesting! While talking about “Ant-Man” Kevin Feige was discussing the upcoming Spider-Man movie and that the movies of John Hughes will play a role in how Peter deals with some of his High School days.

It’s the soap opera in high school, and those supporting characters, that are interesting. Just as we hadn’t seen a heist movie in a long time, or a shrinking movie in a long time, we haven’t seen a John Hughes movie in a long time. Not that we can make a John Hughes movie — only John Hughes could — but we’re inspired by him, and merging that with the superhero genre in a way we haven’t done before excites us […] Particularly at that age, in high school, everything feels like life or death. The tests feel like life or death. Coming home from being out with your friends seemed like life or death. The stakes are high at that age.
Source: Screen Crush

The Great Spider-Man Conspiracy!

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I saw this in the New York Post and I have to say something definitely was covered up. Back in 1954, Ben Cooper Inc, a Brooklyn costume manufacturer, created a Halloween costume called “Spider Man”. In 1964, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced The Amazing Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy No. 15. Grant it, it is primarily yellow but the Cooper design looks a lot like the Spider-Man costume that we are familiar with. Steve Ditko was the artist who designed Spider-Man’s costume in 1964 but there were rumors that artist Jack Kirby was asked by Stan Lee to design the costume and before Kirby worked with Stan Lee he was employed by Ben Copper Inc.! It sounds like Ben Copper may have approached Marvel about the similarities of his and Marvel’s costume and a deal was made between the two. What do you think?

John "The Mega Stretch Hulk" Cimino of Waltham, Massachusetts holds his 1963 Ben Cooper Spider-Man Halloween costume, the first product licensed by Marvel, signed by Stan Lee as his daughter Bryn, 10, holds a late 1950's Ben Cooper Spider Man costume.

John “The Mega Stretch Hulk” Cimino of Waltham, Massachusetts holds his 1963 Ben Cooper Spider-Man Halloween costume, the first product licensed by Marvel, signed by Stan Lee as his daughter Bryn, 10, holds a late 1950’s Ben Cooper Spider Man costume.

The 1963 Ben Cooper Spider-Man Halloween costume, the first product licensed by Marvel, signed by Stan Lee, right and the a late 1950's Ben Cooper Spider Man costume, left, owned by John "The Mega Stretch Hulk" Cimino, of Waltham, Massachusetts.

The 1963 Ben Cooper Spider-Man Halloween costume, the first product licensed by Marvel, signed by Stan Lee, right and the a late 1950’s Ben Cooper Spider Man costume, left, owned by John “The Mega Stretch Hulk” Cimino, of Waltham, Massachusetts.

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 Source: New York Post

“Ant-Man” Coming To Disney Infinity 3.0

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Recently Disney Infinity teased that “Something Big Is Coming To Disney Infinity” and it clearly is the MCU’s newest hero, Ant-Man. This could actually be a fun character with his shifting size and his ability to communicate with ants.
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SideShow Collectible Corner:

“Ant-Man Collectible Set”

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The newest release in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man, will give audiences an interesting perspective. In this superhero hit, ex con-man, Scott Lang, is armed with a super-suit that has the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength. He must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a heist that will save the world against the Yellowjacket.

Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys are delighted to officially introduce the Ant-Man Cosbaby Series! This series includes Ant-Man and the movie’s villain – Yellowjacket. The Collectible Figure each stand approximately 9.5cm (3.75 inches) tall and have a bobble-head. The Collectible Set of 3 is also available, which will feature the Ant-Man and Yellowjacket plus a special Ant-Man (Black Out Version) that is only available in the set.

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The Ant-Man Collectible set is available for pre-order exclusively through SideShow Collectibles at a price of $46.99 and will ship in the last quarter of 2015.

Source: Sideshow Collectibles

That’s it for this time!

D23 Expo 2015: Disney Store To Unveil All New Product Collections At D23 Expo 2015 np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Disney Store to unveil ALL-new product collections at D23 Expo 2015

Disney Store today announced the all-new collections and Limited Editions set to launch at this year’s D23 EXPO 2015, Disney’s ultimate fan event held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 14–16. Located within the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion at D23 EXPO, the Disney Store shop will feature new and exclusive products showcased throughout more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space. New items celebrating everyone’s favorite characters will be unveiled each day throughout the weekend.

In addition to offering attendees the chance to shop special products not yet available to the general public, fans will also have the chance to meet the artists and designers who created these exciting new collections and be treated to the official Disney Store opening ceremony on Friday, August 14. During the ceremony, a special attendee will be chosen to “unlock imagination” at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney’s most famous characters.

D23 EXPO attendees will get a first look at collections making their debut at the event, including the next installment of the popular Disney Fairytale Designer Collection; a Limited Edition Doll Collection from ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time;Toy Story 20thAnniversary; and Disney Tsum Tsum.

Highlights of the new collections include:

  • Disney Fairytale Designer Collection– Happily ever after meets happily evil in Disney Store’s newest series of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection being previewed at D23 EXPO. Featuring five sets of Limited Edition pairs, these collector doll sets were designed by Disney Store artists and carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romance of fairytale friends and foes.

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Available for the first time at D23 EXPO, guests can pre-purchase the complete set of five Hero/Villain pairs prior to the general public pre-sale beginning online Monday, September 14.

Following the preview at D23 EXPO, the doll sets will be released and available for purchase in stores and online starting September 29, with a new pair released each week. Each set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This line expands into a collection of apparel, mugs, journals, home décor and more, available to the general public in stores and online on September 14.

  • Once Upon a Time – Continuing the ‘heroes and villains’ theme,Disney Store will introduce the Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection, available exclusively at D23 EXPO. Limited to an edition of 300, the doll collection, inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, brings to life the beauty, magic and charm of the iconic fairytale characters from the show.

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Exclusively for guests who purchase the doll set at D23 EXPO, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) will be available for an autograph signing at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO floor from 4 – 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. This special opportunity will be followed by the Once Upon a Time panel taking place in Stage 23 from 6 – 7 p.m.

  • Star Wars – Disney Store will launch an exclusive collection of Star Warsitems at the EXPO on Friday, August 14. The collection will feature apparel, collectibles, and toys, including the Star Wars Elite Series, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures, representing characters from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The action figures will be sold individually at Disney Store locations beginning later this year; however, EXPO attendeeshave the opportunity to purchase the full set of Star Wars Elite Series action figures, which includes D23 EXPO-exclusive versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

 

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Additionally at D23 EXPO, Disney Store will introduce Star Wars Legion Helmets, a series of eight vinyl collectible helmets inspired by the Star Wars Legion Helmet project launched in early 2014. Celebrating creativity and Star Wars, the project pulled together artists from across The Walt Disney Company, resulting in 300 stormtrooper helmets being transformed into diverse pieces of art, which inspired these collectible recreations – epic additions to every Empire.

  • Toy Story 20th Anniversary – In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Disney∙Pixar’s Toy Story, Disney Store gleaned art from the adored film’s archives to illustrate the evolution of the beloved characters, Buzz and Woody. Featuring toys, collectibles, apparel and more, this collection will be released at the Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14.
  • Disney Tsum Tsum –All-new collections of everyone’s favorite stackable plush will be unveiled at D23 EXPO, with one releasing each day in limited quantities in mini, medium and large sizes. In addition, limited-edition mini box series – exclusive to D23 EXPO– will be released along with each collection, and a Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum mini vinyl figure will be available for $5 with any purchase, while supplies last.

Also launching at D23 EXPO is Disney Store’s “Disney 3D Print Studio,” which offers fans the chance to personalize figures, including Marvel’s Iron Man, with their likeness through the use of facial-scanning kiosks. The figures ordered at the event will feature packaging unique to D23 EXPO.

New this year, in an effort to minimize wait times for guests, D23 is introducing StorePass at select D23 EXPO shopping locations, including the Disney Store shop. A limited quantity of StorePass tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, and while they last, at the StorePass desk located adjacent to the StagePass distribution area in Hall A. Guests can visit D23EXPO.com’s “Things to Know” page for more details.

The Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO can be found in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion. Additional details and updates about Disney StoreD23 EXPO events and activities will continue to be updated on https://www.D23EXPO.com, on Facebook, and Twitter @DisneyD23.

AVATAR, Shaghai Disneyland, and More To Be Explored with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts at the D23 Expo

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts show floor pavilion will give D23 EXPO 2015 guests a look into the much-anticipated Shanghai Disney Resort, as well as a preview of the Avatar project coming to Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, in addition to the previously announced Hall D23 presentation on Saturday, August 15, guests will have the opportunity to hear from executives, Imagineers, designers, Disney Legends and others directly involved with various projects for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in five engaging panels.

On The Show Floor

Located in Hall C, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Pavilion is a 12,500-square-foot exhibit that gives guests a glimpse of the creative process in designing and building Shanghai Disney Resort, along with a preview of the Avatar project coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In a celebratory exhibit on Shanghai Disney Resort, maquettes, artist illustrations, and media clips capture the designers’ journey as the resort comes to life. Guests can learn about the show design process and discover the tradition and innovation infused into the resort.

Guests will also get an in-depth look at Pandora when they explore what’s to come for the AVATAR project, with models, images, and exhibits on display.

Additionally, Mickey’s of Glendale, the Imagineering-exclusive merchandise store, will open an outpost at the Pavilion where guests will have the opportunity to purchase merchandise specially designed for D23 EXPO 2015.

Presentations and Panels

Friday, August 14
1:30–2:30 p.m.         60 Years of Disney Parks Merchandise (Stage 28)

Join our talented Disney Design Group artists, merchandisers, and special guests as they take you from concept to reality with behind-the-scenes storytelling about classic Disney souvenirs and how they have become tangible lasting memories. Guests will get a first look at some of the exciting new merchandise coming to Disney parks.

3:15–4:15 p.m.         Safari So Good—60 Years of the World Famous Jungle Cruise (Stage 23)

Skippers from throughout the years reflect on their experiences at the Jungle Cruise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of Disneyland’s opening-day attractions. They will also discuss changes to the attraction over the years including recent holiday overlays and other additions.

5–7 p.m.         Imagineering 60 Years of Disneyland (Stage 23)

In a two-part panel discussion about Disneyland with Disney Legends and current Imagineers, panelists will discuss how it all began, what it took to carry on Walt Disney’s legacy, and how Imagineers are continuing to deliver magic well into the future. The panel is moderated by Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who will present a new trailer from her forthcoming documentary about Walt Disney Imagineering.

Sunday, August 16
10–11 a.m.         Disney Kingdoms (Stage 28)

Guests will learn about Disney Kingdoms, a joint collaboration between Marvel Comics and Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests will hear how these popular comic book series got started and discover the creators and theme park inspirations behind these popular titles, including Seekers of the Weird,Figment, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

3–4 p.m.         Experience the World with Disney: Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Vacation Club (Stage 28)

This panel will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Disney is creating new vacation experiences for families all around the world. The first 400 guests in attendance will get a D23 EXPO-exclusive pin set.

VIDEO: The Princess and the Frog, FROZEN, and Tangled Added to Fantasmic! at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Seemingly out of nowhere, the first change to the projection portion of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the show’s 17 year history happened this week. Clips from Tangled, the Princess and the Frog, and of course, Frozen were added to the “bubble montage” portion of the show:

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While unexpected now, rumors are swirling that sweeping changes to the Fantasmic! show at WDW are coming in 2016 and the show may even go dark for a few months to install more major upgrades and bring in some new scenes. Since Frozen Summer Fun is not expected to return next year, rumor has it that a Frozen segment will replace the Pocahontas portion of Fantasmic! at that time. These changes are expected to coincide with the overhaul of the park that may or may not be announced at the 2015 D23 Expo.

Video by WDWNT Reporter Brian Carey

Luigi’’s Rollickin’ Roadsters to Open in Cars Land in 2016 np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Luigi’s Flying Tires in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is being replaced with a dancing car ride as rumored, but the ride now has a name: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

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The backstory:

Luigi has invited all of his cugini (cousins) from his hometown of Carsoli, Italy, to visit his Casa della Tires. To help celebrate Race Day in Radiator Springs, they will demonstrate the dances of their village with Cars Land guests when the all-new Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opens early next year.

The ride will incorporate trackless ride technology to bring the dancing cars full of guests to life.

Phil Holmes No Longer VP of Magic Kingdom, Management Shaking Up As “Studios” Expands np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

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In a surprising move, current Disney’s Hollywood Studios vice president Dan Cockerell will trade places with long-time Magic Kingdom vice president Phil Holmes at some point in the next month. Phil Holmes has been the VP at Magic Kingdom for 14 years, starting his tenure in 2001. Cockerell has had his position at Hollywood Studios since 2011, previously being assigned vice president of Epcot. Disney announced they are moving Melissa Valiquette from director of operations at the Magic Kingdom to vice president of Epcot a few weeks ago as well.

Since Holmes has experience running the world’s most visited theme park, his leadership will be called upon to guide Hollywood Studios through what is expected to be a period of overhaul and expansion, including new Star Wars attractions.

PHOTOS, CONCEPT ART: Even More Details on Shanghai Disneyland Park np

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Thanks to Disney Insider and the official Shanghai Disneyland website, we now have even more details of what will be awaiting guests when the park opens in Spring 2016.

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This land, just inside the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, is the entrance corridor for the entire park. It’s cheerful, bright, and fun, with an emphasis on the classic Disney characters that audiences around the world know and love.

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The Avenue M Arcade will feature the largest selection of gifts and accessories in the park and everything in it is themed to the max, including the checkout area, which is centered around Scrooge McDuck.

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The Mickey & Pals Market Café is designed like an open-air market where guests can choose a table in one of four themed dining rooms (Mickey’s Galley, Tony’s from Lady and the Tramp, Daisy’s Café, and the Three Caballeros).

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There is also Remy’s Patisserie, a French-inspired bakery based on characters from Brad Bird’s brilliant Ratatouille (be sure to look closely, at the tiny scaffolds and ladders that line the walls, as proof that Remy is hard at work). Finally there is the Sweethearts Confectionary, a sweet shop representing the childhood home of Minnie Mouse.

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The first pirate-themed land at a Disney park will feature Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (a new take on the classic boat ride), as well as Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular. There will also be Explorer Canoes, which will allow guests to take to the water, as well as Shipwreck Shore, a water play area located onboard the remains of a shipwrecked French galleon and the surrounding beach.

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Treasure Cove is also home to one of the largest restaurants in all of Shanghai Disneyland, Barbossa’s Bounty. It’s a lively “grog shop,” this specializes in spicy barbeque (the pirate chefs show off in a demonstration kitchen), and guests can dine in a themed dining room of their choosing or inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction (a la the Blue Bayou at Disneyland). The official site also makes mention of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure’s high tech ride system (premiering in Shanghai). According to the site, the boats are “able to spin, move and react smartly to their position, triggering action and synchronized music as they travel through breathtaking scenes and lively battles.”

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Most of what we learned about Tomorrowland was about the TRON Lightcycle Run, and while a Buzz Lightyear ride and Jet Pack attraction were teased, there is now more solid information.

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Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue is the next iteration of the popular Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster/Space Ranger Spin system, but with an “immersive, new storyline combined with a new, interactive targeting system.” This attraction also features new ride vehicles (called Space Cruisers), animated targets, LED screens, and real time feedback from the targeting system.

In the Jet Packs attraction, guests will be “strapped into individual Jet Packs, with legs dangling.” At the center of this attraction is some kind of “energy sphere,” which spins faster and faster as the ride progresses. Guests can control how high their jetpack goes and how dramatic the pitch of their vehicles is.

Also in this land is Star Wars Launch Bay, which is a kind of meet-and-greet mixed with a museum, promising immersion into a “state-of-the-art cinematic experience.” The Marvel Universe is a similar experience, with a chance to meet the famous superheroes, as well as being briefed on a “multimedia mission,” while you can also learn to draw some of the characters.

Rounding out the land is the Stitch Encounter, with guests engaging in unrehearsed banter with your favorite cuddly alien and the Stargazer Grill, located at the upper concourse of Tomorrowland. Not only will it be the largest restaurant in the theme park, offering spectacular views of the rest of Shanghai Disneyland, but the design will be incredible, with a curved ceiling and glass orbs of twinkling light. We can’t wait for Tomorrow(land).

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Adventure Isle is home to a new variation on the Soarin’ attraction and the Roaring Rapids raft ride, but also the Tribal Table, a festive restaurant that promises guests a “sensory dining experience.” This means that sights, sounds, and smells will permeate the restaurant, modeled after an ancient gathering house in the Arbori village (adorned in murals, artifacts and illustrations).

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The most traditionally Chinese, Gardens of Imagination is the place where guests can stop and appreciate the “wonders of nature and joy of imagination.”

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We already mentioned that this is the place where guests can ride the Fantasia Carousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, wander around seven uniquely themed gardens, and experience both the Ignite the Dream nighttime spectacular and Mickey’s Storybook Express, a daytime parade that will feature the longest route in a Disney park.

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The Wandering Moon Teahouse, located along the parade route

This section of the park also features the Wandering Moon Teahouse, a teahouse that honors the restless creative spirit of China’s wandering poets; this quick-serve location will feature Chinese dishes and recreate authentic Chinese architecture.

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Fantasyland is the largest land in the park and home to classic favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight (featuring a brand new “inverted-coaster ride system”) and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, as well as the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto (an excursion through the waters of Fantasyland, complete with colorful fountains, wonderful music and a spin underneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle) and Hunny Pot Spin, a Winnie the Pooh-themed attraction where guests board whirling honey pots. There will also be an Alice in Wonderland-themed maze (the first attraction at a Disney park themed to the Tim Burton version of the story), featuring delightful surprises around every corner, and “Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration,” located at the Evergreen Playhouse. Maybe most excitingly for Tangled fans is the Tangled Tree Tavern, inspired by the Snuggly Duckling from the recent animated classic.

Listen to The Jedi, Hero & Princess Podcast Episode #5 “The Ohana Chicken Crisis”

WDWNT on April 3, 2014

Hosted by Nick, Brendt and Zoe, The Jedi, Hero and Princess Podcast brings together the best of the Disney universe. This week starts out with a lot of Disney food talk. Zoe tells us about her experience at the Disneyland 60th. We have the latest Marvel and Star Wars Headlines, an Ant-Man movie review, and a Playmation toy review. And we play the Great Disney Movie Game with a special guest host! After the show, make sure you vote in our “Most Embarrassing Moment Since the Last Show” poll.

You can download the latest episode here or subscribe on iTunes.

You can also catch The Jedi, Hero & Princess Podcast streaming live every other Thursday night directly following WDWNT The Radio Show via WDWNT: On the Air at listen.tdrnt.com.

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