Fans Awaken For “Force Friday”; First Look At “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Toys np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Fans Awaken for ‘Force Friday’

More than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. open at midnight to celebrate new ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ products

Today, merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens launched at retailers around the globe as ‘Force Friday’ officially got underway. Hot off the heels of the 18+ hour global live unboxing event on YouTube where highlights of the new product range were officially unveiled, the celebration continued as more than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. opened their doors at midnight for fans to be among the first to discover new Star Wars products.

“We’ve been working closely with the filmmakers to bring the characters and storylines from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to life through an exciting array of products, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans around the world,” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products.

Starting in Sydney and ending at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media hosted an epic global live event to unveil key Star Wars: The Force Awakens products. Fans who tuned in to theStar Wars YouTube page were able to see the following toys unboxed by top digital stars from the Maker Studios network:

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  • Sydney: Star Wars BladeBuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber toy from Hasbro

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  • Tokyo: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Big Figs(31” and 48”) from JAKKS Pacific

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  • Hong Kong: Hot Wheels® Star Wars character car assortment and Escape from Jakku™ Starship playset from Mattel

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  • Seoul: LEGO Star WarsPoe’s X-Wing Fighter™

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  • Paris: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber, a Disney Store exclusive

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  • Madrid: Star Wars Micro Machines First Order Star Destroyer from Hasbro

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  • Berlin: LEGO Star WarsKylo Ren’s Command Shuttle™

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  • London: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Elite Series die-cast figure assortment, a Disney Store exclusive

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  • Rio de Janeiro:Star Wars Black Series 6” figure assortment from Hasbro

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  • ‘Good Morning America’ (New York): LEGO Star WarsMillennium Falcon™ and Star Wars BB-8 from Sphero

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  • Toronto: Star Wars Remote Controlled Millennium Falcon Quad and X-Wing Starfighter from Air Hogs, Spin Master

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  • Chicago: Star Wars: The Force AwakensRole Play for kids exclusive to Disney Store

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  • Mexico City: Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe NERF Blaster from Hasbro

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  • San Francisco: Star Wars Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Hasbro

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  • Los Angeles: Star Wars: The Force AwakensPoe Dameron’s X-Wing Vehicle from Hasbro

Additionally, fans tuning in to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on ABC were treated to a fun product reveal with Jimmy and his security guard sidekick Guillermo, showcasing Star Wars: The Force Awakens Voice Changing Masks exclusive to Disney Store.

Beyond lightsabers, construction sets, figures and collectibles, fans can find products across a wide variety of categories, including apparel for all members of the family, home décor, lifestyle accessories, books and more. New Star Wars products can be found around the world at mass and specialty retailers, such as Amazon.com, Kohl’s, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, as well as Disney Store and disneystore.com.

Highlights from the merchandise line found in the U.S. include:

–       A large collection of exclusive merchandise from Disney Store including role play items, talking action figures and figure play sets, along with themed apparel, tech accessories, mugs, journals and more

–       J. Crew apparel for men, women and kids featuring the fan-favorite “Chewie, we’re home” scene of Chewbacca and Han Solo from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer

–       A Star Wars collection of Rock & Republic® misses apparel and Mighty Fine juniors apparel offers female fans graphic tees, leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies and dresses available at Kohl’s

–       The ultimate Millennium Falcon children’s bed from Pottery Barn Kids, looking like something seen from a galaxy far, far away

–       A villainous take on home merchandise featuring new characters from the Dark Side, such as First Order Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren available at JCPenney

To preserve the integrity of key movie moments, an additional wave of products will be released closer to the film’s debut, when fans will be able to find additional items featuring the newest characters, including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-8 and more. On December 18, a Play Set based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will become available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment of the best-selling “toys-to-life” video game from Disney Interactive.

Tom Corless’s 9/4/15 WDW Photo Report (Rivers of Light, AVATAR, Star Wars Launch Bay, Food & Wine, Magic Kingdom, Etc.)

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

I managed to visit all 4 of the Walt Disney World theme parks within the last week, so let’s see what’s new and exciting around the Vacation Kingdom of the World in our latest photo report:

The large columns in MouseGear are being refurbished

Cool light-up Oogie Boogie for sale

This great Pirates of the Caribbean coaster set was just released. It comes in a resin treasure chest.

Some new t-shirts have been released recently

There’s now a Winnie the Pooh MagicBand

There are also now Magic Sliders featuring theme park attractions

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There’s now a hard plastic iPhone 6 version of this case

A Maleficent hoodie…

With horns

The MyMagic+ credit card readers across property have been replaced with new versions featuring a flatter Mickey icon and a credit card chip reader on the side

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The monorail is open, but there are construction walls all over at the TTC

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Skipper Canteen restaurant in Adventureland

A rather large expansion of the building taking place

The facade of the Country Bear Jamboree is being fixed up

A look at what will be the entrance to the Skipper Canteen in Adventureland

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New monitors for the safety pre-show at Space Moutain are being installed throughout the loading area

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No time was wasted in removing the Walt Disney World Speedway

This land will be used as part of changes to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom toll plaza

Over at Hollywood Studios, you’ll find this new Han Solo shirt

There’s also now a ladies’ section in Tatooine Traders

The Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost is now selling some of the displaced art from the Animation Gallery

They are also carrying Adventureland merchandise

Work continues to convert the Magic of Disney Animation into Star Wars Launch Bay

With the entrance now moved, the old entrance to Disney Junior is looking odd

More and more props are vanishing from One Man’s Dream as it is rumored to close. The temple head from Jungle Cruise is now gone too

Moving on to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The new building on Discovery Island is nearing completion

The repainting of the existing buildings continues

Work continues on the new nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light

AVATAR construction as seen from the top of Everest

A rock formation to hide projectors for Rivers of Light is now in place

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Lots of work happening on Kilimanjaro Safaris as they prepare for the new nighttime version debuting in the spring of 2016

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Work continues on the hyena area

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GIRAFFE!!!

The Addax have been moved out of the former Zebra Glen area

The Scimatar-Horned Oryx now fill the finale scene

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Pizzafari is currently closed for refurbishment

Lots of work and repainting around Discovery Island right now

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Another look at Rivers of Light construction

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Just one owl post remains with the original color scheme

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AVATAR construction as seen from the park entrance

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Spotted this new shirt at MouseGear

Booths have started going up for the Food and Wine Festival starting on the 25th

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PHOTOS: Disney Parks Introduces Exclusive “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Merchandise Line np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

 

With Force Friday upon us, Disney Parks has also released many Star Wars: The Force Awakens items that will be exclusive to the resort destinations, so you may want to save up a few more bucks for your next trip if you’re a Star Wars fan

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Open edition pin assortment

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BB-8 spinning top toy

 

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Limited release Kylo Ren MagicBand

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Limited release Stormtrooper Eachez Vinylmation

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Build Your Own Lightsaber now features Kylo Ren pieces

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A latex creature from The Force Awakens is available

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Jakku sand playset is perfect for the beach

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There is a new Droid Factory set featuring characters from the new film

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Stormtrooper head bank

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There is a play-set that allows you to “force push” First Order forces

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Mystery pin set

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Plenty of Disney Store products are also available through the Disney Parks

And we leave you with this awesome bb-8 light-up necklace which you will certainly see all over the parks after nightfall.

Tokyo DisneySea Celebrates 14th Anniversary

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Tokyo DisneySea opened its gate to guests on September 4th, 2001. The most ambitious Disney project at the time. Often referred to as one of the most unique Disney theme parks in the world, it is enjoyed by millions of guests every year. Earlier this year the Oriental Land Company announced a massive expansion to Tokyo DisneySea (along with Tokyo Disneyland). The future looks bright for both of these theme parks.

Before we look into the future, lets remember where Tokyo DisneySea all began. In this 45 minute documentary by the Travel Channel, they explain how this theme park came to fruition, to the challenges the Oriental Land Company faced.

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For more on the 14th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea, check out TDRExplorer and their extensive coverage.

First Look At “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Premium Collectible Figures From Hot Toys – “Kylo Ren” And “First Order Stormtroopers” np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Hot Toys has just revealed the first line of 1/6th scale premium collectible figures for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. The first figures revealed are of Kylo Ren and The First Order Stormtroopers, which will come in two versions, a standard Stormtrooper and a Heavy Gunner Stormtrooper.

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Source: Hot Toys Facebook, Superhero Hype

VIDEO: First Look At Star Wars: The Force Awakens “BB-8” App Enabled Droid Toy From Sphero np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Every kid is going to want this toy this Holiday, so expect this to fly off the shelves when it finally comes out. This miniature version of BB-8 from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” amazingly duplicates almost everything that the real BB-8 can do in “The Force Awakens”. The toy will retail for $150.00 upon release.

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Meet BB-8™ – the app-enabled Droid™ that’s as authentic as it is advanced. BB-8 has something unlike any other robot – an adaptive personality that changes as you play. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and even perk up when you give voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously, make up your own adventure and guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings.

It’s now possible to explore the galaxy with your own trusty Astromech Droid by your side. BB-8 is more than a toy – it’s your companion. Learn more: sphero.com/starwars

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Source: Sphero

Tonight’s “Star Wars” Force Friday Midnight Event At Disney Parks Now Free To All Guests np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Due to overwhelming guest demand, the Force Friday event on September 4, 2015 is now open to Star Wars fans of all ages – and will no longer be a ticketed event.

Guests who attend this midnight release party will be some of the first to find new Star Wars and Star Wars: The Force Awakens themed merchandise. In addition to items guests may find at The Disney Stores and select national retailers, we will be releasing several items found only at Disney Parks including apparel, pins, toys, retail MagicBands (Walt Disney World Resort only), Vinylmation figures, and more. Please note that purchase limits will apply.

Two merchandise locations – World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort – will join stores around the world opening their doors at midnight for a special celebration of all things Star Wars.

Beginning September 3, fans across the world will get a sneak peak of new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens via the world’s first-ever global live toy unboxing event on the Star Wars YouTube channel. The live stream kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, September 3 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 2), and concludes with a grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, September 3.

Guests are encouraged to document their experience using the hashtag #ForceFriday.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Those who signed up and paid for the event in advance were given a full refund, are still receiving the event gift, and will be the very first guests to enter the stores tonight.

Sci-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios To Test Breakfast Offerings np

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

Reservations are now open for a limited breakfast offering beginning November 1 at Sci-Fi-Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Right now you can book through January 23.

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Breakfast will be served from 8-10:15 a.m. and includes breakfast pastries and choice of appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage for $23.99, $12.99 ages 3 to 9.

Attention, Earthlings… From November 1, 2015 to January 23, 2016, your favorite 1950’s drive-in diner, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, will offer a never-before-seen dining that Earth scientists  are now calling “Breakfast.”

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Do not be alarmed. This is only a test. During this period, participating humans will be able to travel back in time to experience the “glory days” of their favorite 1950’s drive-in theater diner—in the early hours of your solar day, also known as “Morning.” Visiting humans should be prepared to encounter an “out of this world” menu of “breakfast” items, including (to name just a few):

  • Puff Pastry filled with Scrambled Eggs, Crab, Asparagus and Gruyère Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes
  • Grilled Beef Tenderloin on Baby Spinach, with Bacon and Cheddar Custard on a Roasted Tomato and Cheesy Horseradish potatoes
  • Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Sausage Links and Breakfast Potatoes
  • Macadamia Crusted Brioche French Toast with Mascarpone and Fresh Berries

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This limited-time experience is in addition to the regular lunch and dinner offerings. Thank you for your cooperation, Earthlings, and bon voyage!

Tokyo Disney Resort To Open New Resort Hotel: “Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel” np

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

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Tokyo Disney Resort has announced that a 4th Disney Hotel is in development in the Shin-Urayasu area called “Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel”. The decision for a 4th hotel stems from the fact that the 3 existing Disney Hotels operate at 90% occupancy.

This new hotel will have decorations reminiscent of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in a new concept. The concept of a “dream” after visiting the parks to continue their in-park experience while at the hotel.

Planned to open in June 2016 in the Shin-Urayasu at the Palm & Fountain Terrace Hotel location. No word on when reservations will start for guests.

For the latest on Tokyo Disney Resort visit TDRExplorer.com.