VIDEO: Creating the New Musical Score for Happily Ever After

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

As the Magic Kingdom’s newest kiss goodnight is approaching and only 22 days away, Disney is trying to promote it as much as possible. Today, Disney has released yet another behind-the-scenes video on the musical score for Happily Ever After. This is a different behind-the-scenes video of the music than the one we previously had shown you. Here is the video below from the Disney Parks Blog.:

Happily Ever After begins May 12th at the Magic Kingdom.

Chris Pratt Gets His Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

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“Guardians Of The Galaxy” star Chris Pratt was joined by his family and friends as he joined Hollywood legends with his own star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: (L-R) Actor Anna Faris, Jack Pratt and actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Anna Faris; Jack Pratt; Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Writer/director James Gunn (top L) and actor Anna Faris (L-R bottom) Jack Pratt, actor Chris Pratt and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** James Gunn; Anna Faris; Jack Pratt; Chris Pratt; Leron Gubler

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: (L-R) Actor Chris Pratt, Kathy Pratt and guest at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Chris Pratt; Kathy Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: (L-R) Actors Anna Faris, Chris Pratt, Jack Pratt and family at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Anna Faris; Chris Pratt; Jack Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Actors Anna Faris (L) and Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Anna Faris; Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Actors Anna Faris (L) and Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Anna Faris; Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (L) and actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Mitch O’Farrell; Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Writer/director James Gunn (L) and actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** James Gunn; Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: (L-R) Actors Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, Writer/director James Gunn and actor Dave Bautista at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Zoe Saldana; Chris Pratt; Michael Rooker; Pom Klementieff; James Gunn; Dave Bautista

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Chris Pratt

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 21: Actor Chris Pratt at the Chris Pratt Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on April 21, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Chris Pratt

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Disney Parks Using Projection Mapping for Human Faces, Likely in Fantasmic

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

We’ve all seen the amazing projection mapping on Cinderella Castle during Magic Kingdom fireworks, and on the Chinese Theater during Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Well now, Disney is taking this technology to the next level: projection mapping on moving objects, namely, human faces. Dubbed the “Makeup Lamp,” this system is the first of its kind able to perform dynamic facial projection mapping in real time, without the need for any physical tracking markers, and without the latency normally inherent in live augmentation systems.

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The system involves a camera which tracks the actor’s face, a high-frame-rate projector running at a 480 Hz refresh rate, and some serious processing power in between the two. This system would have multiple potential applications in various Disney performance venues. As seen below, the projection follows a performer’s facial expression (a-d), act as a simulation of a spotlight (e), follow a performer’s moving head (f), and can “evolve” over time (g). The system is also capable of working with multiple different performers (h).

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From a Disney show perspective, application (g) is especially exciting. Whereas the makeup projections of (a) – (d) can be achieved with standard makeup, a projection that can change over time can be used, for example, to transform pirates into skeletons in the new Fantasmic! show at Disneyland. Extending this technology from faces to entire human bodies will allow live actors to instantaneously transform their costume to something completely different! The scene in Disney California Adventure’s Frozen: Live at the Hyperion where Elsa’s costume is magically transformed in the blink of an eye (using standard theatrical techniques, but a difficult effect nonetheless) could be commonplace in all Disney productions with this kind of projection technology.

Below is a short video demonstration provided by the inventors.

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This is reportedly the technology that will be used in Fantasmic! at Disneyland to turn Pirates into skeletons in a new scene debuting this summer.

Disney Announces Dates for Star Wars IX, Indiana Jones, Frozen 2, Delays Wreck-It Ralph, Gigantic

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

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In a shocking move, Disney has released official dates for “Star Wars: Episode IX” and the live action “Lion King” but has switched around several big titles from their original release dates.

  • “Star Wars: Episode IX” will open on May 24, 2019.
  • “The Lion King” will open on July 19, 2019
  • “Indiana Jones 5” was set to open on July 19, 2019 but will now open July 10, 2020.
  • “Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It-Ralph 2” was set to open March 9, 2018 but will now open November 21, 2018.
  • “A Wrinkle In Time” was set to open on April 6, 2018 but will now open on March 9, 2018.
  • “Magic Camp” was set to open on August 3, 2018 but will not open on April 6, 2018.
  • “Gigantic” was set to open on November 21, 2018 but will now open on November 25, 2020.
  • “Frozen 2” is set to open on November 27, 2019.

Shanghai Disney To Host The World Premiere Of “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

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First-ever Mainland China Hollywood Movie World Premiere Will Take Place at Shanghai Disney Resort with an All-star Lineup of Special Guests on May 11

 Disney announced today that Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” will have its World Premiere in Shanghai, China, at Shanghai Disney Resort on Thursday, May 11, marking the first time a Hollywood movie will premiere in Mainland China. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer plan to attend the gala event.

The red-carpet event will take place in Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort. After the red carpet, the “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” screening will be held in Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Disneytown. Shanghai Disney Resort is also home to Shanghai Disneyland, featuring Treasure Cove, the first pirate-themed land at a Disney park, inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Premiere guests will enjoy a stunning presentation of the film in Dolby Vision laser projection and Dolby Atmos immersive audio provided by Dolby and delivered through QSC speakers and amplifiers with Q-SYS control at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre.

Samsung is the title sponsor of the World Premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” which will be released on May 26 in China, day and date with its release in the U.S.

The “D23 Expo 2017” Lineup Has Been Announced; Including Presentations For Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel And Disney Parks And Resorts

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

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GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, PIXAR, MARVEL, STAR WARS, AND WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS AT D23 EXPO 2017

Fan-Favorite Events, Including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Plus a New Concert by Alan Menken, Take Center Stage in the 6,800-Seat “Hall D23” Venue at the Anaheim Convention Center.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2017, July 14–16. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, July 14. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at all the latest from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will preview the coming slate of live-action films from Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Then, on Saturday afternoon, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during a presentation hosted by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek. Sunday afternoon, Disney Legend Alan Menken will take fans on a musical journey during an all-new concert.

These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations are as follows (all events subject to change):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 14. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Carrie Fisher, Clyde “Gerry” Geronimi, Manuel Gonzales, Mark Hamill, Wayne Jackson, Stan Lee, Garry Marshall, Julie Taymor, and Oprah Winfrey.

The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films in two jam-packed Hall D23 sessions. At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, fans will discover what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm showcase the Studios’ exciting slate of live-action films. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

On Saturday, July 15, at 3 p.m., step into the worlds of magic of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe.

To round out the weekend, Disney Legend Alan Menken will perform his exciting new one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken. The eight-time Oscar®-winner introduced new generations to musicals through such box office hits as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Tangled, as well as the Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Newsies, and A Bronx Tale, as well as the ABC television series Galavant. Menken will perform his own music and share entertaining anecdotes about his unrivaled career during the show, which will be performed Sunday, July 16, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty–three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Huge Sale on Star Wars Merchandise Just In Time For Star Wars Day

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

“Star Wars Day” is coming – May the 4th – so now is the time to gear up for the occasion with some great Star Wars merchandise from around the galaxy. And there’s no better time because right now, ThinkGeek is having a huge May the 4th Sale.

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Make some popcorn in this Death Star Popcorn Maker and then serve it in these R2-D2 bowls, while sipping your beverage of choice from the R2-D2 Can Cooler.

/> Death Star Popcorn Maker</a>, <del>$49.99</del> $39.99</td> <td><a href= /> R2-D2 Melamine Bowls</a>, <del>$19.99</del> $7.99</td> <td><a href= />R2-D2 Can Cooler</a>, <del>$9.99</del> $3.99</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Plus, with a $50 purchase you get a free Maz Kanata pin, and with an $80 purchase you get both the Maz Kanata pin and a Jabba the Hutt pin!</p> <p><a href= width=

To help you reach those thresholds, there are over 150 items on sale. Here are some of the best deals:

/> R2-D2 Dome Purse</a>, <del>$59.99</del> $35.99</td> <td><a href= /><br /> Star Wars Lightsaber Selfie Stick</a>, <del>$19.99</del> $3.99</td> <td><a href= /> Star Wars Desktop Accent Lamp</a>, <del>$39.99</del> $9.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href= /> Star Wars Death Star Heat Change Mug</a>, <del>$12.99</del> $6.49</td> <td><a href= /> Star Wars Hand Towel Set – R2-D2 & C-3PO</a>, <del>$24.99</del> $9.99</td> <td><a href= /><br /> Star Wars Death Star USB Car Charger</a>, <del>$29.99</del> $9.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href= /><br /> Star Wars Death Star Dinner Set</a>, <del>$24.99</del> $9.99</td> <td><a href= /> Star Wars Tatooine Dinner Set</a>, <del>$24.99</del> $9.99</td> <td><a href= /> Star Wars Cloud City Dinner Set</a>, <del>$24.99</del> $9.99</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Check out all the <a href=Star Wars sale items at ThinkGeek.com.

Legendary Comedian Don Rickles Passes Away At The Age Of 90

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

 

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Legendary comedian Don Rickles has passed away at the age of 90.

Publicist Paul Schrifin announced that Rickles died this morning at his home in Los Angeles due to complications from kidney failure.

Rickles is best known for his various appearances on TV shows such as The Tonight Show and The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. On the big screen, he is best know for roles in such films as Kelly’s Heroes and Casino but most Disney fans will remember him fondly as the voice of Mr. Potato Head from The Toy Story franchise.

In Disney Parks, he has portrayed Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story Midway Mania attractions, as well as one half of William and Morris in the Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management.

Disney Green Lights Dwayne Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise” Movie

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

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Dwayne Johnson is set to star and produce “Jungle Cruise”, based on the classic Disney Park attraction.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

The actor has closed a deal to star in Jungle Cruise, Disney’s live-action adaptation of its iconic theme park ride. Johnson has found room in his busy schedule, slotting the movie in for a spring 2018 start of production.

Johnson will also produce the adventure project with Dany Garcia, the co-CEO of the duo’s Seven Bucks Entertainment banner and who counts Baywatch, Ballers and the Jumanji re-imagining among her credits for 2017.

Beau Flynn, Johnson’s frequent collaborator who has worked with the actor on movies such as San Andreas, is also in negotiations to produce via his Flynn Picture Co. shingle.

Jungle Cruise is one of the Disneyland’s original rides and takes park-goers on a journey through a range of leafy settings such as Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers as well as South America’s Amazon.

Cruise has had Johnson attached since 2015, but the project was still in deep development and went through several drafts by several writers (J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay wrote the most recent draft) while Johnson filmed movies such as Central Intelligence and Sony’s Jumanji re-imagining. With the script looking more solid, Johnson was ready to slot it into his schedule.

Source: THR