Disney’s latest live-action remake has officially crossed the $1 billion mark globally at the box office, making it 2017’s biggest release thus far.
Not only is Beauty and the Beast 2017’s biggest movie, it’s also the highest grossing live-action musical of all time.
To celebrate this achievement, Disney has put together a video showcasing the movie’s launch all around the world. Take a look.
http://https://youtu.be/jn0RH10tJYY
Lucasfilm has just released the tribute to Carrie Fisher that was shown during the “The 40 Years Of Star Wars” panel and introduced by Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd:
Source: Star Wars
Later this Fall, the Walt Disney World Resort will present its own version of Club 33, the unique membership club founded by Walt Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
The former entrance to Club 33 at Disneyland
At Walt Disney World, members will enjoy the legendary guest service at four themed locations (one in each of the theme park) uniquely themed to Walt and Lillian’s world-wide adventures, in addition to other unannounced benefits.
Guests interested in joining can email WDWClub33@disneyworld.com for more information.
The membership will be site specific and will not include access to the other Club 33 locations worldwide.
More details will be revealed about the Club in the fall of 2017.
ThinkGeek Drops Off Brand-New Star Wars Cargo
at Star Wars Celebration Orlando
Join ThinkGeek and pick up some items exclusive to Star Wars Celebration
Commemorate your time at Star Wars Celebration Orlando with some brand new ThinkGeek products launching at the show.
Star Wars Geeki Tikis Series 2
There’s something about a tiki bar that just makes us smile. Maybe it’s the vibrant vintage kitsch feel. What better tiki mug to drink from than one that looks like a character from Star Wars? Choose to drink with C-3PO, a Jawa, Tusken Raider, Tauntaun, Wampa or Wicket the Ewok.
Star Wars Jabba the Hutt and Salacious Crumb themed Geeki Tikis
These two characters are special. You already knew that. But they’re extra special as Geeki Tikis because the Jabba and Salacious Crumb themed ones are only available on the site and at our booth and are limited to a single run.
Nixon Rey Kensington Watch
Never lose track of time while scavenging a Star Destroyer on Jakku again. This limited edition Nixon Kensington watch will look great even if you are fixing up the Falcon or out saving the galaxy.
More Loot
In addition to these items, ThinkGeek is offering an enamel Jabba the Hutt and Salacious Crumb pin as a gift with purchases of $50 or more, a Star Wars Celebration Zeb pin, the Hope Leia poster by artist Russell Walks, and R2-D2 and BB-8 mini backpack keychains.
501st Legion Bash: Showdown at the Cantina
While at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, join the 501st Legion at the 501st Bash: Showdown at the Cantina, with support from ThinkGeek, for an immersive Mos Eisley Cantina Experience. Expect exclusive gifts and prizes and a private performance by 501st Legion honorary member “Weird Al” Yankovic. For more information on the 501st Legion and the Showdown at the Cantina, visit the event website here.
ThinkGeek is also hosting contests sweepstakes throughout the celebration online and in-person at Booth #2532, so be sure to stop by the booth and check ThinkGeek.com for additional information.
About ThinkGeek
ThinkGeek is the premier retailer for the global geek community. Since 1999, ThinkGeek has been creating a world where everyone can express and celebrate their inner geek, turn their interests into passions, and connect with one another. We are obsessed with creating and sharing unique and authentic experiences that stimulate our fans’ imaginations and fuel their geek core. We believe there is a geek in everyone and invite you to Join In. Geek Out. Learn more at ThinkGeek.com.
Disney and Lucasfilm Celebrate Iconic Heroes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…with Star Wars Forces of Destiny
Micro-series of original, animated shorts will focus on untold stories of everyday heroism that shape the destinies of Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others
Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones, Tiya Sircar, Ashley Eckstein and Lupita Nyong’o reprise their roles for new series launching in July
Books, apparel and toys including new ‘Adventure Figures’ from Hasbro launching this summer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MF2VFgCUSk
Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Star Wars Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe. An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) will explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play Star Wars.
“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”
Developed by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars Forces of Destiny will remain true to the Star Wars canon, showing how choices both big and small ultimately shape the destinies of beloved characters. Launching in July, the animated micro-series will be available on Disney YouTube ahead of a two-part TV special featuring eight additional shorts on Disney Channel in Fall 2017. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices in the series, including: Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn), Tiya Sircar (Sabine), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata as narrator).
Star Wars Forces of Destiny will also be supported by global product extensions, such as books, apparel, bedding, and toys – including the new line of ‘Adventure Figures’ created by Hasbro, which bridges the gap between traditional action figures and dolls. Each individually designed figure features dynamic action, like Rey swinging her lightsaber, along with multiple points of articulation to help recreate the characters’ adventures and heroic moments with different poses.
“From Princess Leia to Sabine Wren, Star Wars heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for Star Wars Forces of Destiny,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The result is the creation of our new ‘Adventure Figures’ that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.”
The 11-inch figures will depict characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, plus loveable sidekicks and epic villains like BB-8, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and many more. Hasbro is also rolling out Star Wars Forces of Destiny role play and accessories—from Rey’s Extendable Staff, to a new, electronic Jedi Power Lightsaber toy, which are part of the Star Wars Bladebuilders system.
Adds John Frascotti, President of Hasbro: “As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the Star Wars brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”
Fans attending Star Wars Celebration in Orlando will see a sneak peek of Star Wars Forces of Destiny during the “Heroines of Star Wars” panel on Friday, April 14. The panel, moderated by Amy Ratcliffe – host of “Lattes with Leia” podcast, will feature Carrie Beck – vice president of animation at Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni – executive producer of Star Wars Rebels, as well as Ashley Eckstein, Tiya Sircar and other surprise guests. For a first look at the new Star Wars Forces of Destiny Adventure Figures, stop by Hasbro booth #2744.
On Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th, you can get a chance to see Disney Folk Artist Jim Shore at Disney World. He will be showcasing his brand new Figment figurine that will be available for sale starting that weekend.
The Figment figurine is made out of all hand-crafted stone resin with the look of carved wood and has been hand-painted. Figment stands at roughly 6” high. It’s dimensions are approx. 6”H x 3”D x 3.75”W. He will on sale for $45 plus tax. The maximum any one guest may purchase is 2 of these pieces.
If you are interested, you can pre-purchase this item if you are unable to attend the event All pre-orders can be made here from now until May 1oth, 2017 at 5pm Eastern. Each preorder will be pre-signed by Jim. The event at Disney will be taking place May 12th at Mouse Gear in Epcot from 10am-12pm and on May 13th at Disney Springs in the Art of Disney Store from 10am-12pm.
As many of you already know, we have an exclusive merch store filled with fantastic Disney fan tee shirts! Starting today and continuing through the weekend, we were able to score all our readers an extra 30% off any order! In order to get the discount you just need to shop through this link. The coupon will automatically be applied to your cart, so you will see the discount at checkout.
This week also marks the release of two brand new shirts, Captain EO Crunch and the March Tragic 2017 winner ‘Punzel’s Poopers. In addition to our wonderful lineup of tees, you can now purchase stickers of all of your favorite artwork for under $2.00 each with the link above. This allows you to outfit your computer or anything you like with an angry Orange Bird for Tom Corless’ Mean Tweets, or with Seven?!? (yeah, seven!).
Based on the parody commercial created for the WDWNT.com Christmas Podcast Parade, celebrate Captain EO with a big bowl of Captain EO Crunch cereal! Created by artist Rob Yeo for WDWNT.com.
WDWNT.com March Tragic – ‘Punzel’s Poopers T-Shirt. Winner of the 2017 WDWNT.com March Tragic design tournament.
“Seven?!?” Sticker
Tom Corless Mean Tweets T-Shirt Sticker
Worldwide Leader in Disney Parks News
Make the Movie Ride Great Again
Again, make sure to click this link to get the coupon to apply at checkout!
Walt Disney World is hiring drivers for their once-rumored Uber-like service, which apparently will be launching soon.
The system is being described in internal documents as “transporting guests door to door or point to point within resort and theme park locations”. Drivers for the service will be expected to provide information about the advanced technology features of the proposed electric vehicles, while providing information about Disney property and vacation assistance.
Disney is only hiring cast members with at least one year of experience within the company for the positions, and only those with at least 3 years with a Florida driver’s license. It is expected that those Cast Members be knowledgeable about all aspects of the Walt Disney World vacation experience so that they can answer any questions that the guests in the vehicle may have.
Disney will be testing the service as a more personal experience as opposed to the wildly popular Express Bus Service introduced last year.
Let me start this off by saying that marijuana has not been allowed at Walt Disney World in the past, but apparently for the last few weeks, it has may have been.
You see, the list of prohibited items allowed into Walt Disney World Resort has always included illegal drugs. However, in the state of Florida, medical marijuana is no longer an illegal drug as of Election Day 2016. With this new legislature in place, Disney World will be adding “medical and recreational marijuana” to the list of prohibited items for all of their theme parks, likely sometime in the next few days. Recreational use is obviously still illegal, but Disney will be including that in the listing, regardless.
We could not confirm if the use of prescription marijuana will be restricted at resorts or other non-theme park areas though. Hopefully Disney will clarify this in the coming days.
Tonight on WDW News Tonight, we celebrate Star Wars at Disney Parks, we play the Disney Parks Pursuit, and we take a visit to the Polite Pig at Disney Springs…
If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents and announcer Michelle Wargo.
Coming up on this week’s show:
We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!
If you missed last week’s show, be sure to watch it:
