7/23/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs/Downtown Disney over the weekend and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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Olaf made of sand welcomes guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Frozen Summer Fun

Guardians of the Galaxy billboard now up near PIXAR Place

Work has begun to turn the Red Car building into Starbucks for the Studios

Moving to Disney Springs, road work has begun to widen Lake Buena Vista Drive and make other road changes in the area

The latest progress on the parking structure

The roadways over here are going to be a mess for a while

Days are numbered for this sign…

You may want to avoid Downtown Disney for a while…

Marketplace Co-Op is having a hard time keeping most items in Centerpiece in stock…

All that remains of the Orange Bird items in the pillow

Marketplace bridge work is really ramping up now

In the distance, work continues on new buildings for The Landing

goodbye…

Yikes…

CONCEPT ART: Significant Road Changes Coming in Preparation for Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

With the first parking structure nearing completion (opening later this year with over 4000 spaces), major roadwork around Downtown Disney has commenced as we get closer to the first phases of the Disney Springs project’s completion. Right now, Lake Buena Vista Drive is expanding from seven to 10 lanes and a second multi-level parking garage will be constructed beginning early 2015. Two pedestrian bridges are also planned that will help lead guests into Disney Springs near the current Marketplace side, while the other will offer access in through the West Side.

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As you can in the renderings, the changes will also include a new I-4 interchange that will offer guests direct access to Disney Springs.

Disney also confirmed that The Landing, the waterfront dining area which will replace Pleasure Island, will indeed open to guests in early 2015.

VIDEO: Win a Private Hometown Screening “Star Wars: Episode VII”

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

On the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, Director J.J. Abrams was interrupted by an X-Wing pilot and rogue robot as he announced the chance for fans to win an advance private screening of Star Wars: Episode VII.

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During the announcement, Director J.J. Abrams unveils the Star Wars: Episode VII X-Wing in support of Star Wars: Force for Change campaign’s final week, which benefits UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and programs and draws participants from over 119 countries.

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“We are so grateful for the support that the fans from over 119 countries have shown for Force for Change,” said Abrams. “As we close this final week, we’ve added an additional prize that allows the fans the opportunity to see the movie early as a thank you for supporting such a great cause as UNICEF’s innovative, lifesaving work for children.”

By contributing at any level by July 25th, participants will be eligible for all prizes including a chance to be in the movie.

Watch the announcement below:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWBGrkc360M]

In addition to the hometown advance screening of Star Wars: Episode VII, the winner will also receive a Grand Prize from Star Wars: Force for Change that includes:

  • Airfare and accommodations to London for one winner and a guest
  • Behind-the-scenes access on the closed set of Star Wars: Episode VII as VIP guests of J.J. Abrams
  • Winner will have the opportunity to meet members of the cast
  • Winner and their guest will then be transformed by makeup and costume teams into a Star Wars character and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII

Be sure to visit Omaze.com/StarWars to enter for a chance to win!

Star Wars: Force for Change impressively raised over one million dollars within the first 24 hours of its launch—a record for Omaze, the fundraising platform. So far contributors from 119 countries around the world have backed Force for Change, in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) Innovation Labs and programs. UNICEF’s network of 14 Innovation Labs help create sustainable solutions to critical issues facing children around the world in the areas of nutrition, water, health, and education. The funds raised through Star Wars: Force for Change will impact the lives of children around the world, through projects like MobiStation, a portable, solar-powered educational kit to ensure children have access to quality learning anywhere, and Rapid FTR (Family Tracing and Reunification), a mobile phone application that helps reunite separated and unaccompanied children with their families in natural disasters. Fans can continue to pledge support and enter for a chance win until 11:59pm on July 25.

Disney committed US $1 million to support the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change. Star Wars continues to inspire generations of dreamers and doers to use their creativity to accomplish great things. Star Wars and Lucasfilm were built on the belief that in uniting creativity with innovation, you can make the impossible possible.

Visit StarWars.com/ForceForChange to learn more about this new charitable initiative and the work of UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and programs, and be sure to enter through contribution or free entry for your chance to win at Omaze.com/StarWars.

May the Force be with you!

Connect Live With Cast & Crew of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” TODAY!

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Fans of the upcoming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will have the opportunity to connect live with the film’s cast and crew during two special fan Q&A events, featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, director James Gunn and producer Kevin Feige. Both events will take place on Tuesday, July 22.
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On Tuesday, July 22, there will be two opportunities to connect with the makers of the film:

  • Twitter Fan Q&A: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, James Gunn and Kevin Feige will do a Twitter Fan Q&A from Twitter Headquarters in San Francisco at 2:30 p.m. EDT/ 11:30 a.m. PDT.
  • Yahoo/Tumblr Fan Q&A: Yahoo Entertainment will host Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, director James Gunn, and producer Kevin Feige on the Yahoo campus in Sunnyvale, Calif., for a live Tumblr Ask Q&A. Fans tuning in will see an exclusive clip from the film and, If they submit a video question, they have the chance to win a signed cast movie poster. Fans will be able to live stream the event on Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile Web, desktop, and Smart TV platforms, including AppleTV, Roku and Xbox 360. Link: The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Stars Answer Your Questions Live! This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT.

If you’d like to submit questions for either event, follow these instructions:

  • For the Twitter Fan Q&A: Use hashtag #AsktheGuardians to ask your questions.
  • For the Yahoo/Tumblr Fan Q&A:Upload a video post to your Tumblr: use #GOTGask and tag @yahooentertainment in the caption, or via the Yahoo Entertainment Tumblr Ask page.

7/21/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and Epcot this past weekend and have a number of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at what’s new around Walt Disney World:

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A new Elsa mug for sale at Oaken’s Trading Post

If you spend $25.00 on Frozen merchandise, you can get this lithograph for $14.95, it’s a Limited Release item

Some Yoda MagicBands remain in the Darkroom, Vader has sold out…

Moving over to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs…

Work on Food Truck Park and the elevated walkway on the West Side is progressing

Pleasure Island’s transformation is really starting to take shape

The large building on the waterfront in The Landing has most of its framework completed

New structures also taking shape in the center of the island

This will mostly be new dining options

Heavy dirt moving happening where the Town Center will be, the former main entrance of Pleasure Island

Some work occurring in the waterway by T-Rex

Pavement work continuing near Portobello and Fulton’s

The first large details on the Marketplace bridge are showing

You may recognize this blue steel truss from the concept art

With the construction mess there currently, you may want to stay away from Downtown Disney this summer

There is a new display when you enter Marketplace Co-Op

Items from the Wonderground Gallery at Disneyland are now being sold in the center

Hipster Mickey and Minnie along with “it’s a small world” on one side

Disney Princesses on the other side

Some benches have also been placed in the center

Signage is being replaced on the World of Disney store, so a temporary sign is up

Moving back to Hollywood Studios, Frozen was added to the front of the map this week

A Guardians of the Galaxy photo-op was added near the preview, they add the other characters in if you buy the Photopass picture

New Rebels shirt at Tatooine Traders

#OlafSummerVacation over…

The new Hollywood Studios popcorn bucket features the Disney characters dressed at Streetmosphere from the park

The Red Car building has begun its conversion into Starbucks, the canopy on the front has already been removed

This really cool new book has started appearing around Walt Disney World

You can write down memories and important trip information in here

I love the artwork inside

FUZZY PENS!

SURPRISE!

On to Epcot, where some planter work is happening outside of the park

NEW iPhone cases

Some fairly new Toy Story ear hat ornaments have been released

New Characters to Join Disney Infinity 2.0 Lineup

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

After soliciting fan input over the past year, Disney Interactive has announced the addition of the top two requested characters to the upcoming Disney Infinity 2.0 lineup of Merida, Maleficient, the Marvel Superheroes and others: Tinker Bell and Stitch!

 

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Stitch, The lovable “experiment 626″ from the popular Lilo & Stitch films, comes to the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 along with his trusty cosmic blaster and the ability to super jump to galactic new heights.

 

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One of Disney’s most iconic characters, Tinker Bell also enters the world of Disney Infinity with her magical healing Pixie Dust and the ability to glide to the stratosphere for fast-flying action.

Players will be able to create all-new adventures featuring the entire collection of characters from across the Disney Infinity universe, along with hundreds of Disney and Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles.

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To start your adventure with Stitch and Tinker Bell, pick up Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) when it hits stores this fall.

See Guardians of the Galaxy Cast on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” July 21st

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

On Monday, July 21, Jimmy Kimmel welcomes the cast of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper to a special Guardians of the Galaxy episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. That night also happens to be the same evening as the film’s worldwide premiere.

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The stars of the highly anticipated new film will talk about the project and debut exclusive content.

Kimmel will also test the Guardians’ Marvel knowledge as each actor goes head-to-head in a trivia contest against Mia Grace, a 5-year-old superhero expert from Albany, New York.

Be sure to check out the show! Let us know what you thought about the episode in the comments below!

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration Announced & Logo Revealed

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

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Today, as the Disneyland Resort celebrated its 59th anniversary, it unveiled the logo for next year’s 60th anniversary event, a Diamond Celebration that will salute 60 years of magic. The dazzling yearlong celebration will launch in the spring of 2015. No further details on the Celebration have been made public yet, but they are expected to be released around September of this year.

VIDEO: Alice in Wonderland Recieves High-Tech Upgrades, Other Fantasyland Dark Rides Next?

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Alice

Thanks to OSHA, we were forced to stare at some temporary tarps and railings at the Alice in Wonderland attraction at Disneyland for a few years. Finally, earlier this year, the attraction closed for a refurbishment that would repair the outdoor portion of the ride to meet legal requirements and make it look visually appealing to guests. During this time, several high-tech projection-based additions were made to the attraction to give it some new life. The ride recently re-opened to guests, allowing them to take in the Disneyland classic with a whole new sparkle:

This isn’t the first time this has happened to one of Disneyland’s classic dark rides, some similar projection-based modifications were made to Snow White’s Scary Adventures a few years ago. Rumor has it that Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey will also be getting similar updates for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary next year. These changes could be announced on Thursday, Disneyland’s 59th birthday, where the park is set to announce all of the festivities planned for the 60th anniversary celebration.

Stay tuned for more information.

VIDEO: New Trailer for “Big Hero 6” Available

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

The Walt Disney Animation Studios has released a new trailer for Big Hero 6, which will be released in theaters November 7, 2014.

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Take a look at the new trailer here:

 [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3biFxZIJOQ]

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action, Big Hero 6 is directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, and produced by Roy Conli. The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.