Bob Iger Releases Statement Regarding Carrie Fisher Passing

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Disney chief executive officer Robert Iger released the following statement regarding the passing of Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher.

According to the Walt Disney Company blog:

Carrie Fisher was one-of-a-kind, a true character who shared her talent and her truth with us all with her trademark wit and irreverence. Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be sorely missed, and we join millions of fans and friends around the world who mourn her loss today.

Fisher passed away at age 60, just a few days after having a heart attack. Our condolences go out to Fisher’s family and loved ones.

30% Off T-Shirts & More for Disney Fans Available During WDWNT-Exclusive TeePublic Year-End Sale

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2016, you have one last chance to score some great WDWNT merchandise during our exclusive year-end sale at the WDWNT store on TeePublic. No other TeePublic store has these prices!  Everything in the store is 30% off until 2017 when you use the coupon code WDWNT30OFF.  That makes all standard t-shirts only $14, and all the other merchandise a great deal too! Our newest shirt is inspired by Pinocchio’s Village Haus at the Magic Kingdom…

With our exclusive coupon code WDWNT30OFF, you can get anything and everything in our store for 30% off the regular price. Even better, every purchase you make helps keep WDWNT.com going and supports all of the great coverage we provide every single day. Gear up with stylish Disney fan apparel while supporting the Worldwide Leader in Disney Parks News? DOES IT GET ANY BETTER? Actually it does, when you get complimented on wearing these amazing shirts at the parks…

The sale ends Saturday December 31 at 11:59 PM EST, so don’t delay!  Get your WDWNT gear now! And in case you haven’t seen some of our other recent shirts, check out these beauties:

"Make the Movie Ride Great Again" T-Shirt

“Make the Movie Ride Great Again” T-Shirt from WDWNT

WDWNT “Save the Dinos” T-Shirt

WDW News Today 9th Anniversary Shirt

WDW News Today 9th Anniversary Shirt

California Bears Shirt

California Bears Shirt

Hollywood Studios Hardhats Shirt

Hollywood Studios Hardhats Shirt

Seven Test Track Tribute Shirt

“Seven?!?” Test Track Tribute Shirt

Carrie Fisher Has Passed Away

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Actress Carrie Fisher has passed away at the age of 60.

Family spokesman Simon Halls released a statement on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd:

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

Fisher recently had a heart attack on December 23rd while on a flight from London to LAX.

Carrie Fisher was born on October 21, 1956 and was the daughter of actors Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Fisher is survived by her daughter, Billie Lourd.

Fisher was once engaged to actor Dan Akroyd and married, and later divorced, to singer Paul Simon.

All though she followed her family into the field of acting, she will be forever known throughout the world as Princess Leia Organ from Star Wars. She appeared in “A New Hope”. The Empire Strikes Back”, “Return Of The Jedi ” and recently reprized her character in “The Force Awakens”. She just recently finished filming her scenes for “Star Wars: Episode VIII” which will be released in December 2018.

Carrie Fisher was offered and turned down the role of Emmeline in The Blue Lagoon (1980), which went to Brooke Shields. She also turned down the role of Sarah Connor in The Terminator (1984), which went to Linda Hamilton. She was author William Goldman’s ideal choice for the character Buttercup in The Princess Bride (1987), a role that went to Robin Wright instead.

As mentioned, she will appear in Star Wars Episode VIII along side her daughter Billie Lourd, who also joined her mother in last year’s “The Force Awakens”.

May The Force be with you, Carrie.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 12/27/16 (Kingdom Cabanas, New Merchandise, Gingerbread Houses, Etc.)

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom and its nearby resorts for a holiday season jaunt. We’ll be checking out some changes around the park and the fantastic holiday decor at the resorts this time around, so let’s get started:

A Walk in the Park

We start our day with a monorail ride from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

The original graphic MagicBands continue to be sold, despite the looming presence of the MagicBand 2.

I found these ridiculous, oversized baseball caps for sale inside Fantasy Faire. Who is buying these?

It is always important to remember that Figaro is a Cat. Oh, and he is also a t-shirt… (Cheap plug)

Instead of dating the pressed penny book every year, this awesome new design was released recently.

The menu at the Jungle Navigation Ltd. Skipper Canteen was altered recently, so be sure to check out our review of the modified menu.

Hey, in case I forget… HAPPY GNU YEAR EVERYBODY!

At the Kingdom, Kingdom Cabanas…

There is some heavy construction work happening in Tomorrowland by the site of the Kingdom Cabanas.

Signage on the work alls directs guests to the restrooms, Space Mountain, and of course, the nearby Face Painting kiosk.

There are only 2 cabanas left standing at this point, so one has to wonder how much of a success they have been.

Holiday Shopping

Another electronic pressed penny machine has showed up, this one at the exit of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

This weird laser sculpture of Mickey Mouse painting was released recently at Art of Disney locations.

This pretty awesome Snow White and the Seven dwarfs Giclee was released recently as well.

Disney seems to be eliminating the big plastic luggage tags they introduced along with the TAG line of merchandise earlier this year. In their place are these new rubber tags, which seems like a good idea as my large plastic tag broke off on its first flight…

WE CAN’T LEAVE OUT THE STAR WARS!!!

My favorite unnecessary feature is how they all say luggage tag, I guess to prevent airline agents from removing them…

How much insanely cute plush can you handle?

Resort Hoppin’

Construction continues on the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a visit to the Grand Floridian to see all of the decorations.

Check-in for 1900 Park Fare has moved back to the hallway near the Grand Floridian Cafe, a welcome change in my book.

I had to stop at the gingerbread house to pick up my annual pin.

The gingerbread display at the Contemporary continues to be Frozen themed this year.

2017 Merchandise

2017 merchandise is now available resort-wide.

Disney is Making a Streaming Video Service Box

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

During CES 2017, Disney announced their own media streaming device, and it’s called Disney Kids TV.

Source: IGN

Disney Kids TV allows users to stream content in 4K at 60 frames per second all for the low price of $99. The device is being made by Snakebyte, creators of various third party video game hardware and accessories. If you think the device is geared towards kids based on the device’s name, you’re right, but you’re also wrong.

The box is available in three kid friendly styles: Frozen, Marvel’s Avengers, and Disney Kids. The menu is simply and easy to use for kids, and features many Disney videos and games, though none have been specifically announced. The fun part is that the device can connect to the Google Play store and download any app available, so there is nothing stopping you from downloading Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. You can basically customize the device to have whatever apps and media you like, not just kid friendly content.

In addition to the $99 box, Disney will also be selling accessories for the Disney Kids TV such as a game controller for only $40, a microphone for karaoke, and a Nintendo Wii-like wand for easy menu navigation.

On the back of the box there are three USB 3.0 ports, for adding additional media to the box, and a Micro SD card slot for expandable storage. Along with the fact that the device is no bigger than a standard Apple TV, the Disney Kids TV will be ideal for taking on the go.

Disney Kids TV will retail for $99 and is expected to release sometime in 2017. For a better look at the device, check out this video below from IGN:

http://https://youtu.be/g3InHz4a8b8

 

LIVE STREAM: Last Magic Kingdom Train Station Welcome Show

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Join us at 8:40 AM on January 8, 2017 for a live stream of the very last welcome show in front of the Main Street Train Station.

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We also have a HD video of the final show for you to enjoy now:

Be sure to join us tomorrow morning for the first-ever “Let the Magic Begin” show from Cinderella Castle at 8:55AM.

A Look at Every Movie Disney is Releasing in 2017

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

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Walt Disney Studios has released it’s complete movie slate for 2017. There are definitely a lot of fun and exciting movies to look forward to!

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Here are some high quality images of the above upcoming movies:

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Belle (Emma Watson) comes to realize that underneath the hideous exterior of the Beast (Dan Stevens) there is the kind heart of a Prince in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon. © 2016 Disney Enterprises inc. All Rights Reserved.

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BORN IN CHINA

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Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2..L to R: Rocket (Voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Voiced by Vin Diesel)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

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“PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES”..The villainous Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) pursues Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he searches for the trident used by Poseidon…©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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REAR VIEW — The legendary #95 may be leading the pack, but the high-tech Next Gen racers are closing in fast. Directed by Brian Fee and produced by Kevin Reher, “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

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Thor: Ragnarok – (L-R) Director Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth. Photo by: Jasin Boland. ©2016 Marvel Studios.

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Progression Image 3 of 3: Final Frame..ASPIRING MUSICIAN — In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,” Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like the celebrated Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). But when he strums his idol’s guitar, he sets off a mysterious chain of events. Directed by Lee Unkrich, co-directed by Adrian Molina and produced by Darla K. Anderson, “Coco” opens in theaters Nov. 22, 2017.

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BREAKING: Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon Cancelled Along with All Saturday Events

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

 

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Walt Disney World has officially cancelled the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon and all race events for tomorrow, Saturday, January 7th, 2017:

In an abundance of caution, the Walt Disney World Resort has cancelled all running events on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 due to weather conditions. This includes the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the Disney Kids Races. In addition, the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo will delay opening until 11 a.m. While we share our Guests’ obvious disappointment, the safety of our Guests and Cast is most important. Weather tracking has indicated there is an elevated risk of lightning in the area of the racecourse. In addition, there are sections of the course that do not provide immediate access to shelter. Both of these factors have influenced this difficult decision.

All registered half marathon runners will receive their half marathon medal and may choose from one of the following options:

  • A full refund for their race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.
  • Two One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
  • Defer registration to another runDisney half marathon race in the U.S. within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
  • We can offer limited availability to run the full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 during the regularly scheduled race.

All registered runDisney Kids Race runners will receive their Kids Race medal and a full race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.

Details on the fulfillment of the above options will be communicated by 10 p.m. this evening.

Animal Kingdom to Test Several New Animal Encounters Over the Next Few Weeks

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Over the next several weeks, Disney will be testing several new animal experiences around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. While many of the tests will occur prior to park open, some concepts may take place during park operating hours. In partnership with Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI) and the ASE team, testing will occur in DinoLand U.S.A., Africa and Discovery Island.

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During the testing, guests and cast may see birds and possibly other small mammals or reptiles outside of their typical locations, but be aware that members of the Natural Encounters and the ASE team will be
monitoring the animals and their training at all times.

In short, it sounds like new “roaming” animal experiences will be tested at the park as they prepare for the busy Summer season once Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens.