Many a guest was excited to see the Three Caballeros added to Epcot’s Mexico boat ride back in 2007, but the multiple screens of animated scenes leading to one large animated scene always felt like it was lacking something. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon to hear guests insist that there should have been animatronic versions of the Three Caballeros built for the ending scene of the ride. Well, Disney solved this problem this past weekend…
With the Mickey Mouse Revue attraction closing in Tokyo in 2009, the Disney Archives found a set of Donald, Panchito, and Jose animatronic characters in their possession. In fact, these figures were even displayed at a D23 event here in Florida not too long ago. With just a little bit of restoration and some programming, Walt Disney Imagineering brought the figures back to life, now appearing in their first role at Walt Disney World since they left the Magic Kingdom for Tokyo in 1980. Be sure to catch these amazing pieces of Disney history the next time you are at Epcot. They certainly have enlivened what has been a fun, yet fairly anticlimactic attraction up until now.
The Star Wars Facebook Page released a brand new character poster for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and this time we get to see “BB-8” up close! We are getting very close to the 18th!
Disney has just released the first trailer for the upcoming movie, “The BFG”. “The BFG”, or Big Friendly Giant, is a classic story written by author Roald Dahl and the very first movie directed by Steven Spielberg for Disney:
The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg –finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
It appears that when “The Force Awakens” in theaters, the new nightly Star Wars-themed fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will awaken as well.
Originally the show was going to be presented only on weekends in early 2016, but it was then extended to nightly starting January 5th, 2016. However, it seems Disney doesn’t want to wait to unveil the new show and wants to use it to entertain the extra large holiday week crowds and stir even more interest in the new film.
The show will premiere to the general public at 11PM on December 18th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (after premiering to guests attending the special AMC Theaters event with park after party the night before). The show will then be presented nightly from that point onward, joining Fantasmic! in the park’s nighttime show lineup.
The new Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular is a brand new fireworks show using classic Star Wars music, as well as some musical entries from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Two new items recently were added to the menu at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs: A non-flatbread calamari offering, as well as a shrimp BLT flatbread.
Honestly, both are vast improvements over the previous dishes they replaced (She-Deviled Eggs and Calamari Flatbread). The calamari and fried peppers are flavorful and cooked just right.
There is also a Harissa Ailoi dipping sauce which compliments it nicely.
The shrimp flatbread was excellently prepared, all of the ingredients tasted fresh and it felt much lighter than the old flatbread. I wouldn’t order this every time, but it was good enough to order again at some point.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar seems to always be improving, so make sure to check it out on your next visit to Disney Springs Walt Disney World.
A new international trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has been released. Be warned, something a bit spoilery is in the footage that probably should have been left to be revealed in the movie.
Just in time for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, Mark Hamill will appear on ESPN to discuss the history of the lightsaber in a new documentary called ” Star Wars: Evolution Of The Lightsaber”. Hamill will be joined by J.J. Abrams, John Boyega and even the Emperor himself, Ian McDiamird.
“What people don’t realize is how much goes into what appears to be just minutes on the screen,” Hamill said in a statement about the show. “The elaborate choreography for the actual fight is done on several different sets over a period of weeks and then it is edited down to what you see on the screens, so I am happy people are able to see the amount of work that goes into it.”
We will take viewers on a unique journey that examines the connection of these duels to sports and their evolution, from the original trilogy through the prequels, and now to Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Craig Lazarus, ESPN vp SportsCenter and news, storytelling units, said in a statement.
Check out the preview video:
“Star Wars: Evolution Of The Lightsaber” will air Tuesday, December 15th on ESPN as a “SportsCenter’s Featured” segment.
Four new character posters for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” have been released in China. This time we get a closeup look at “Han & Leia”, “Rey”, Finn” and “Kylo Ren”.
Disney has just released a bunch of posters for their upcoming animated film that satires some big movies that were released this year like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “Cinderella”, “Ex Machina”, “Jurassic World”, “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fifty Shades Of Grey”. Also released today was the official poster for “Zootopia”.
Official poster:
Spoofs:
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
From November 9 until December 25, Tokyo Disney Resort celebrates Christmas in its own unique way at both of its parks. Christmas Wishes at Tokyo DisneySea and Christmas Fantasy at Tokyo Disneyland. These two celebrations offer guests limited time merchandise, food, and entertainment! Be sure to check out the full guide on Christmas at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Christmas at the resort is done a bit differently compared to the US Parks. Traditionally Christmas is not celebrated in Japan, but has made its way over in the form of marketing. December 25 is considered a date night for many couples (much like Valentine’s Day). Other differences include:
Your park ticket includes all the seasonal entertainment. There are no separate event tickets.
There is no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Haunted Mansion is transformed into the Haunted Mansion Holiday (similar to Disneyland Resort)
A small fireworks show is done in between both parks
Most restaurants at the Disney hotels and inside the parks have limited-time Christmas offerings. Some restaurants have their entire menu changed.
Decorations for Christmas come down right after the 25th to make way for New Years. Which is a bigger holiday in Japan.
Christmas Fantasy at Tokyo Disneyland
This year at Tokyo Disneyland their theme is storytelling, which is reflected in the storybook inspired decorations. Along with a brand new daytime parade “Disney Christmas Stories“. Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights also gets a Christmas version for the holiday season and a crowd favourite Country Bear Jamboree Jingle Bell Jamboree.
Snacks and merchandise are a big draw for many people. Notable the new Stitch Popcorn bucket with an adorable Santa Hat! 2015 was the Year of the Lamb, which brought Dear Danny into the parks in the form of merchandise.
Christmas Wishes at Tokyo DisneySea
Christmas is always a unique experience at Tokyo DisneySea. Since this park has its own spin on everything, Christmas is no different. From the over-the-top decorations in the American Waterfront to the Coral Reef Christmas Tree in Mermaid Lagoon. This year a brand new Mediterranean Harbor show “Perfect Christmas” was introduced, which oddly enough is the only show that includes Santa Claus. Christmas versions of two of their popular permanent shows “Big Band Beat” and “A Table is Waiting” are also showing.
Duffy the Disney Bear, Gelatoni, and Shellie May are some of the most popular merchandise at the resort every season. If you’re a fan, then getting your hands on these limited time outfits are a must. Other cute merchandise includes plush featuring Mickey and Minnie in their outfits showcased in the harbor show Perfect Christmas. A number of seasonal snacks and cocktails are also made available!
Overall Christmas is a magical time of the year at Tokyo Disney Resort. While Christmas events end after December 25th, the resort kicks it into high gear with the New Year’s offerings. Which is one of the shortest celebrations of the year, but offers limited merchandise, food, entertainment and a ticketed New Years Party!
