PHOTOS, VIDEO: Moana Meet and Greet Replaces a Portion of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

The mystery construction inside off Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was finally completed yesterday when a Moana character meet and greet was unveiled, just in time for the new movie hitting theaters.

Wait times and hours for the meet and greet are posted outside of the exhibit

Wait times and hours for the meet and greet are posted outside of the exhibit

The meet and greet replaces a large portion of “The Legacy Continues” section of the exhibit which featured models of Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and other display pieces.

The entrance, just steps away from the 1964-65 World's Fair exhibit area and Walt Disney's EPCOT

The entrance, just steps away from the 1964-65 World’s Fair exhibit area and Walt Disney’s EPCOT

While it will utilize a pager system to let guests know when it is time to get in line, I needed up waiting about 30 minutes yesterday when the system was not in use.

The pagers, not in use at the time

The pagers, not in use at the time

The space is surprisingly well-themed, with a rocky grotto constructed, complete with a projection based waterfall. The rest of the experience is mostly wall-stickers and small plants, but it is cute enough for something temporary.

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There are no ropes separating guests in the switchbacks, just lines in the “sand”. I have too wonder if this will continue to work…

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Moana has a backdrop straight out of the film, flanked by tropical rocks and plants.

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Our interaction with Moana was pretty awesome, especially considering it was her first day meeting with guests. You can see that in our video below:

While I lament the loss of exhibit space, I understand the need to have this in the park and it has been a noticeable void since the Magic of Disney Animation closed last year. In fairness, it is in “The Legacy Continues section” of the attraction and the latest animated film is certainly continuing in the traditions of Walt Disney. I am curious if the rest of the exhibit will return when the expansion of the park is completed, but we will have to wait to find out.

All-Star Resorts Are Selling Pizza at the Bus Stop

This is a weird one folks, but some of the All-Star Resorts will be selling pizza nightly at their bus stop areas.

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Starting November 23rd, the locations will be open nightly from 7-10pm at Disney’s All-Star Music and Movies Resorts. The locations offer a very limited menu, mainly cheese and pepperoni pizza.

Disney Announces New Restaurants and Pool Enhancements for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The Disney Vacation Club accommodations formerly known as The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have assumed a new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but this is just the beginning of the changes at the resort as the cabins outside of the main lodge are erected.

A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool is also underway. Depicted in the artist rendering below and scheduled to open in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.

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A nearby “Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co.” water tower will be among the pool area’s landmark reminders of its pioneering past, while a vintage mine cart supports the mining theme with an affectionate nod to Disney history.

Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort are “chugging along” and include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where guests can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool. The rendering for this area highlights ample outdoor seating and architecture that looks right at home with that of the existing Lodge, as well as Boulder Ridge Villas.

BREAKING: Cast Member Previews for Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom Announced

While they didn’t quite make the November 18th date originally set over a month ago, Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom will finally have its very first cast member previews next week.

"Rivers of Light,"the majestic nighttime jewel, coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom creates an illuminating musical experience for guests. Currently in development with a premiere date to be announced soon, "Rivers of Light" will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery. (David Roark, photographer)

Rivers of Light has been delayed since April 22nd, 2016.

The cast member previews (only for cast of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park) will take place on the evenings of November 27th and 28th at 8pm. No photography or video recording will be allowed at the event.

With cast member previews happening soon, a formal debut for the long-delayed nighttime show is imminent.

The Stars Of “Rogue One” Team Up To Help Support A “Force 4 Fashion”

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Continuing with the trend that was started by JJ Abrams and the crew from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with “A Force For Change”, the cast of “Rogue One”, along with stars from music, film fashion and sports are joining together to make a difference by supporting a “Force 4 Fashion”. Check out some of the t-shirts that will be available for purchase on November 27th:

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As fans count down to the premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Disney, Target and Star Wars: Force for Change are launching a new fashion-meets-fundraising initiative inspired by the themes of rebellion from the new movie. Ten influential names across film, music, fashion and sports have come together to support UNICEF Kid Power by creating a line of “Force 4 Fashion” T-shirts available exclusively in the U.S. at Target beginning November 27.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will introduce fans to a group of rebels who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves. Each of the T-shirt designs celebrates this theme using a powerful slogan to represent the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

Five dollars from the sale of each shirt will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power. Through this unique initiative, kids can complete physical activities and interactive challenges to earn points—which ultimately are used to provide life-saving packets of food for severely malnourished children around the world. The more kids move, the more points they earn, the more kids they help.

“This campaign is about raising funds and awareness for UNICEF Kid Power’s mission to improve the lives of children everywhere,” said Paul Southern, senior vice president of licensing for Lucasfilm at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “Everyone connected to this initiative has been a Force for Change in different ways, and we hope their stories will inspire others to get involved.”

The Force 4 Fashion line was designed with support from Riz Ahmed, June Ambrose, Steve Aoki, Camilla Belle, Gareth Edwards, Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Olivia Munn, Kelly Slater, and Brittany Snow, who’ve all been active in supporting different causes through their careers. In addition to purchasing the special T-shirts, fans can join the rebellion by sharing their own inspiring stories and posting on social channels how they are a #ForceForChange on “Giving Tuesday,” November 29.

“I love Star Wars and I’m passionate about giving back,” said Steve Aoki. “The opportunity to partner with Lucasfilm and Target to design a shirt that benefits UNICEF is something I’ve enjoyed being a part of and I hope my fans love it as much as I do.”

“Investing in our children means a brighter future for all, and this holiday season, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is thrilled Star Wars: Force for Change and this “Force 4 Fashion” initiative are supporting UNICEF Kid Power,” said Caryl M. Stern, President & CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “UNICEF Kid Power helps us to stand and give every child hope. With every step, kids get active and save lives, moving the world closer towards ending global malnutrition.”

Since the UNICEF Kid Power program launch in 2014, more than 190,000 UNICEF Kid Power Team Members have become active, earning more than 12.5 million Kid Power Points and unlocking more than 5.1 million packets of lifesaving therapeutic food for severely malnourished children. Star Wars: Force for Change announced its collaboration with UNICEF Kid Power in May 2015 and continues to be a presenting sponsor of the initiative program.

To learn more about the “Force 4 Fashion” shirts, visit Target.com and to learn more about being a #ForceForChange, visit ForceForChange.com.

About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

About Lucasfilm Ltd. (@StarWars)
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

About Star Wars: Force For Change

Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable initiative from Lucasfilm and Disney, harnesses the strength of Star Wars to empower and improve the lives of children around the world. Born in 2014, it was inspired by Star Wars fans, and the countless hours they have dedicated to philanthropy over the past three decades. To date, over $12 million has been raised for charitable causes around the world on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change, including $8M towards UNICEF’s programs to put children first. With a bright future ahead, and new Star Wars stories to be told, Force for Change aims to continue collaborating with causes and encouraging others to be forces for change in their own community. To learn more, please visit ForceForChange.com.

ABC Commissary at Hollywood Studios Testing New Dinner Service with Food Delivery

Beginning 11/30, ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer a “fast-casual dining experience” for dinner, providing Guests with an enhanced menu focusing on made-to-order, healthy and specialty items at the counter service location.

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After ordering at the register, Guests will receive a pager and then find a seat while their food is prepared. Their food will then be brought directly to their table. The fast-casual dining begins daily at 3:30 PM. Lunch will remain the same as it is now.

Revolutionary FuelRod Portable Electronics Chargers Have Arrived at the Disneyland Resort

Already available at Walt Disney World, FuelRod exchangable portable electronics charging batteries are now available at the Disneyland Resort. There are currently 10 locations where guests can purchase and exchange their FuelRods at the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney district. The cost for the initial rod is $30 and includes unlimited exchanges. You can read a full review of how FuelRods work at Walt Disney World here.

The locations for the Disneyland Resort are:

Disneyland Park:

  • Main Street Locker Rental & Storage
  • Starcade (near ATM)
  • “it’s a small world” Toy Shop
  • Hungry Bear (lower level)

Disney California Adventure Park:

  • Kingswell Camera
  • Treasures in Paradise

*Downtown Disney District:

  • ESPN Zone

*Disneyland Hotel:

  • Outside Business Center (Fantasy Tower)

*Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa:

  • Convention Area

*Paradise Pier Hotel:

  • Hotel Lobby Area

*Locations in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are available now, kiosks at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District will be installed in early December 2016.

CONFIRMED: Tiana’s Riverboat Party – Ice Cream Social & Festival of Fantasy Parade Viewing at Magic Kingdom On Sale Now

As we reported yesterday, a new add-on event is coming to the Magic Kingdom which includes viewing of the daily Festival of Fantasy Parade from the Liberty Belle Riverboat.

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Treat your senses to a Liberty Square Riverboat “sundae fun-day” and reserved viewing of one of our grandest processions.

Make the most of your next visit to Magic Kingdom park, where Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are throwing an unforgettable party… and you’re invited! The occasion begins on the dock as your royal hosts welcome you and your sweet tooth to an ice cream social, complete with ice cream and toppings, drinks, and sweet treats.

Then board the Liberty Square Riverboat and relax while enjoying the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade—all from the comfort of your special viewing location!

After the parade, Tiana and Naveen will join you to continue the party as you all cruise around the Rivers of America, circling Tom Sawyer Island.

Pricing and Reservation Details
This special event is available for $49 per adult and $29 for children ages 9 and under (tax included). For reservations, you can book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

Please check in at the Liberty Square Riverboat entrance 45 minutes before the parade begins.

STARTS TONIGHT – WDWNT’s 45-Hour Live Broadcast to Benefit Toys for Tots

Every year since 2008, WDW News Today has hosted a charity drive to raise money for the Toys for Tots Foundation. To date, we have raised over $27,000 for this amazing organization with donations through our website and those made during our annual live program on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, we are once again taking the event to a whole new level, and we are asking you to be a part of this holiday tradition where we continue Walt Disney’s dream and try to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Over 60 years ago, Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors of the Toys for Tots foundation, which ensures that every underprivileged child receives a toy during the holiday season. Walt and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today and the first poster created for Toys for Tots.

It was also 45 years ago that Walt’s dream of Walt Disney World began, so…

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In this spirit, WDW News Today and our many friends and partners are putting on a 45-HOUR live broadcast to raise money for Toys for Tots. We hope you will join us beginning at 10PM ET on November 25, 2016 when the broadcast begins and will help us by making a donation to this great cause at toys.WDWNT.com.

We are proud to announce Theme Park Connection once again as the official sponsor of this year’s show and charity drive. As part of their sponsorship, they are accepting cash and/or sealed, brand-new toy donations in-person at their Orlando store location this weekend and providing prizes for all of the many games that will be played during the course of the live program.

A portion of our 45-hour broadcast will be conducted live from their store on Saturday, November 26th, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM EST. You are invited to watch us broadcast live or even be a part of the show in-person during this period. Theme Park Connection can be visited online at ThemeParkConnection.com or at their physical store location at 2160 Premier Row in Orlando, Florida, near the Florida Mall.

Here’s a full schedule of events for the entire 45-hour broadcast (all times ET):

Friday, November 25th

10:00PM: Show Kick-Off
11:00PM: “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless Holiday Special (Guest: DeeJay Middlebrow of Radio Free Disneyland)
12:00AM: Jeopardy – The WDWNT Edition World Premiere

Saturday, November 26th

2:00AM: Quiplash Interactive Game
10:00AM-12:00PM: Live portion from Theme Park Connection
1:00PM: WDWNT Around the Hub LIVE
4:00PM: The Disney Parks Pursuit
5:00PM: WDWNT: The Price is Right
7:00PM-9:00PM: WDW News Tonight Season Finale (featuring WDWNT: The Map Game)
9:30PM: WDWNT: The Pyramid
10:00PM: WDWNT Nerd Alert LIVE
11:00PM: The Fan-ly Feud – Jedi Hero Princess Podcast vs. Nerd Alert 2
12:00AM: WDWNT: The Match Game

Sunday, November 27th

2:00 AM: Quiplash Interactive Game
9:00AM: The 6th Annual DeeVee Awards from Destination Vinylmation
10:00AM-12:00PM: “Cooking with Nick” – The Tom Corless Cheeseburger Flatbread Challenge
12:00PM: The premiere of episode 3 of Radio Free Disneyland – “The President of Disneyland”
1:30PM: “Where in the World is Tom Corless?”
3:00PM: Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics
4:00PM: The 45 Greatest Things Ever at Walt Disney World – #30-21
6:00-7:00PM: The Big Finish
(IF GOAL IS REACHED) 7:00PM: Back to the Future LIVE! – Disney Mountain

All other times feature live interactive chat with WDWNT personalities and special guests.

Now, as you can see, there is a segment that we will only do if we reach our goal of $6,256.00 for Toys for Tots. What is Disney Mountain?

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Well, this book contains the complete plans for a Walt Disney World project called Disney Mountain that I’m not sure I have ever seen documented anywhere else. Should we reach our goal, at 7PM on Sunday, we will reveal the amazing contents of this project in our signature Back to the Future segment, sharing never-before-seen plans and concept art for Disney Mountain.

Your Chance to be a Part of the Fun!

As always, part of this amazing event will be out signature game shows! This year we are bringing out practically every game we have ever played, giving our readers and listeners many chances to win some great prizes from our sponsor Theme Park Connection.

Currently we are taking pre-registration for the contestant spots on many of the games. Please fill out the following form should you wish to play any of the games:

 

This entire broadcast will be streamed live at listen.WDWNT.com. As well, there will be several programs during the course of the 45-hours that will also be available in video from via YouTube live streaming.

We hope you will join is for this fun show starting on November 25th at 10PM EST and will donate what you can to Toys for Tots through our FirstGiving Fundraiser Page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store.

CONFIRMED: Hong Kong Disneyland Transforming Original Castle, Announces Frozen & MARVEL Themed Lands w/ Original Rides

New Hong Kong Disneyland Castle

New Hong Kong Disneyland Castle

Some of The Walt Disney Company’s most powerful franchises will come to life in a way guests can only experience at Hong Kong Disneyland

Characters and stories from “Frozen” to await guests in an exciting, completely new themed area, while fans will be in the middle of the action with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes

HONG KONG (Nov. 22, 2016) – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) announced a multi-year development plan to take the park to a new level of excitement, leveraging some of the most beloved and successful franchises of The Walt Disney Company. Plans include new themed areas, attractions and entertainment, launching almost every year from 2018 through 2023.

Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Site Plan

Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Site Plan

Guests will experience Marvel and “Frozen” like never before as HKDL leverages the best of Disney to bring both these world-renowned franchises to life in their own immersive areas. The centerpiece of the park and the gateway to Fantasyland – the castle – will also be transformed to create spectacular entertainment experiences for guests.

“We are more excited than ever about the future of Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are bringing the best of The Walt Disney Company to this wonderful tourist destination, giving guests from around the world an experience only Disney can deliver and an experience they can only have with us at Hong Kong Disneyland.”

Some highlights of the new experiences that will delight Disney fans and guests from around the world include:

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An epicenter of Marvel Super Heroes that will continue to unfold. From the launch of Iron Man Experience, the Marvel universe continues to grow at HKDL. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will be reimagined into a brand new experience for guests to fight alongside the icons of the Marvel Universe. Further, another thrilling attraction dedicated to one of the most popular Marvel franchises will be added to expand the epicenter of Marvel Super Heroes as exciting events unfold in phases. These experiences will replace the Buzz Lightyear and Autopia attractions.

MARVEL Shooter Ride to Replace Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland

MARVEL Shooter Ride to Replace Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland

An exciting new “Frozen” themed area where characters and stories from the kingdom of Arendelle will come to life in ways guests have never experienced before at a Disney park. Guests will enjoy two new attractions and be immersed in Arendelle with uniquely themed dining, shopping, and entertainment.

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A completely transformed Castle and Hub area to showcase brand new daytime and nighttime shows and entertainment offerings that will celebrate every prince and princess who ever wished upon a star and dared to follow a dream. An “Adventureland Show Place,” which invites guests to “Moana’s Village Festival” through a series of daytime entertainment offerings anchored around a lively stage show in a new interactive entertainment environment. In addition to experiencing live shows and immersive Disney storytelling, guests can meet Moana, heroine of the new Disney animated film that will be released globally starting November 2016.

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The major development plans extend the excitement and amazing growth at HKDL, as the resort is set to open the eagerly anticipated Iron Man Experience officially on January 11, 2017 and the richly themed Disney Explorers Lodge resort hotel later in the first half of the year.

HKDL has continued to grow since its opening in 2005 and has broadened its appeal to families and young adults as well as diverse markets, including local, mainland China and overseas guests.

The three themed areas launched between 2011 and 2013, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point, have enhanced the park’s attractions and entertainment offerings and boosted the park’s attractiveness to different market segments. In 2013, Mystic Manor was awarded the prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction, the equivalent of the Oscar in the theme park industry. In the following year, the nighttime parade “Disney Paint the Night” was launched and subsequently honored with a Thea Award.

In celebration of HKDL’s 10th Anniversary in 2015, the new stage show “Mickey and the Wondrous Book” and a new walk-through experience “Fairy Tale Forest” were introduced. This past summer, “Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover” presented attractions and offerings themed after another classic Disney franchise.

“The all-new developments will further reinforce HKDL’s position as a world-class tourist destination for everyone, including families and young adults, and help build lifelong memories across generations of families,” said Samuel Lau, executive vice president and managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland.

HKDL’s two shareholders – The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government – have agreed on the development plans, subject to funding approval by the Company’s Board of Directors and Legislative Council for their respective share of investment.