Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund will return for ‘TRON 3’

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, both Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund will return to reprise their roles as Quorra and Sam Flynn in the upcoming sequel to “TRON: Legacy,” which is for now tentatively titled “TRON 3.” Disney has yet to make an official announcement on casting, story or the official title, although recent speculation has said that the movie will be called “TRON: Accession.” Disney is probably holding back on releasing any information until D23, which will take place in August of this year.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund are set to return for Disney’s Tron 3.

The pair will reprise their characters from 2010’s Tron: Legacy in the sequel that is being directed by Joseph Kosinski.

Legacy was the sequel to the 1982 sci-fi film that took place inside a computer world known as the Grid and starred Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner. While not a hit at the time, it later drew a big cult following and became an influence on filmmakers and pop culture.

Decades later, Disney revisited the world with Legacy. The story revealed that the computer programmer character played by Bridges had a son (Hedlund) who jumps into the Grid to find his father. Wilde was Quorra, an algorithm made flesh who also happened to kick butt.

Disney has been developing a sequel to Legacy since the movie grossed $400 million worldwide. Hedlund in 2012 said he would return to the visual effects-heavy franchise but that was when the project was circling a 2014 start.

The project is now looking to shoot this fall, likely in Vancouver. Plot details are being kept offline.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Magic Kingdom Hard-Ticket Party Event Dates and Ticket Prices Announced for 2015

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

All tickets go on sale tomorrow, 4/8/15:

MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY 2015

  • September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, & 27
  • October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • November 1

All September dates & 10/1 – $68.00 plus tax age 10+, $63.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $74.00/$69 same-day

October dates & 11/1 – $74.00 plus tax age 10+, $69.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $79/$74.00 same-day

10/31 – $87.00 plus tax age 10+, $82.00 plus tax age 3-9

Passholder Rates available 9/15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; 10/1, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20; & 11/1 – Rates are $63/$58 plus tax for September nights and 10/1, $70/$65 plus tax for October nights and 11/1.


MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2015

  • November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
  • December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Advance Ticket Sales – $74.00 plus tax age 10+, $69.00 plus tax age 3-9

Same-Day – $79.00 plus tax age 10+, $74.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance

Premium Night 12/18 – $82.00 plus tax age 10+, $77.00 plus tax age 3-9

Passholder Rates available 11/8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19; 12/1, 3, & 8 – Rates are $70/$65 plus tax

Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight Enhancements Officially Announced for Disneyland

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

Just in time for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, when the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight attractions return in May, there will be plenty of brand new magic for guests to see!

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Disney has promised that guests will see the abominable snowman of the Matterhorn like never before. The new yeti look will replace the figures that have been in the attraction since the 1970’s.

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The nursery scene and more in Peter Pan’s Flight will receive it’s first major overhaul since 1983. The new nursery scene will see all of the Darling children take flight with Peter Pan for the first time-ever! Other major scene changes are expected as well.

We will provide more details as they become available on these two exciting projects.

RUMOR: Will Han Shoot Greedo First Tomorrow in the Digital Release of “Star Wars: A New Hope?”

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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According to BadAssDigest.com, those purchasing the digital version of “Star Wars: A New Hope” may be in for a very pleasant surprise.

From BadAssDigest:

If my sources are correct – and we’ll know in about 24 hours – Han will now shoot first in this edition of Star Wars. It’s probably one of the most egregious changes made to the Original Trilogy (and a lot of those changes were egregious) and now, almost two decades after it was included in the Special Edition, it will be gone.

The author says that a number of people have confirmed this to be true to him, but like us, he wont believe it till he sees it.

If this does come true this could be a very good sign that we will eventually see  the unaltered versions of The Original “Star Wars” Trilogy. Bye bye Hayden Christensen!

We wont know for sure until midnight if this is true or not but for now we have “a new hope”…for a few hours.

Source: Bad Ass Digest

*Update – Bad Ass Digest has just updated their story and they are confirming that Han still does not shoot first, based on people who already have purchased the digital versions in Australia.

They are now reporting that there is a 4K remastered version of “A New Hope” that is in the works, or possibly completed, that shows Han shooting first in that version.

There is a 4k remaster of A New Hope. In this 4k remaster, which includes tweaks and small changes, the Han/Greedo scene is altered. The 4k remaster is not what is being used for the digital editions. The existence of the 4k remasters have been known for a while – they were reported in June of last year – but which version was being remastered wasn’t exactly clear. It seems like the 4k remaster is still being held back for… something. A rerelease timed with The Force Awakens? A 40th anniversary rerelease right before Episode VIII? A new box set tied to the release of The Force Awakens?

Only time will tell if this new story is true but I think it is a no-brainier that 4K remasters are being worked on and they will probably be released this year or early next year to coincide with the theatrical release of “The Force Awakens”. And with Disney announcing the release of the digital version of the “Star Wars Saga” just 4 days before their official release, nothing would surprise me anymore.

Trader Sam’s Review, The Latest Park News, The Price is Right and 2, 5, 7 Returns Tonight (04/09/15) on WDWNT: The Radio Show

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

radio_show_post_logoTonight, on WDWNT: The Radio show, we have a lot to catch up on around Walt Disney World including a review of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. And with all the selfie stick fuss brewing, we ask you “What do you wish guests were forbidden to do at WDW?”

You can also win some great prizes from Theme Park Connection by playing The Price is Right.

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, the live radio talk show on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando focuses on the latest news and current trending topics at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. WDW News Today: The Radio Show can also be streamed live at www.1520wbzw.com. WDW News Today the Radio Show debuted in August of 2013 as a 1 hour broadcast on Saturday evenings and has grown into a 2-hour program by popular demand.

To interact with the hosts during the show, listeners can call in at (407) 774-8255, tweet @WDWNT using #WDWNTRadio, or use the new LIVE chat that will be available at Radio.WDWNT.com.

The show begins at 8PM EST every Thursday night, don’t miss it!

Blast off to Star Wars Weekends With a Special Offer at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offering guests the chance to enjoy the month-long Star Wars Weekends celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with special rates starting at $185, May 15-June 15.

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Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are within walking distance or short complimentary boat ride to all the festivities taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Weekends will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15-June 14. The 2015 event will feature Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, star conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Star Wars motorcade through the park, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise and more.

In addition to staying within walking distance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests at the Epcot Resort-area hotel will receive exclusive theme park benefits, such as complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Disney FastPass+ service, which allows guests to reserve up to three select theme park experiences up to 60 days in advance of their visit, and the extended park hours benefit, which allows guests to spend extra time and enjoy select attractions in one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks each day.

For more details about savings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, visit www.swandolphin.com/offers. To make room reservations, call 1-800-227-1500 and mention “STARWARS.” Rates start at $185 per night. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups; offer is based on rate schedule availability.

More Details, Opening Dates, and Annual Pass Previews Announced for 12 Minute Sneak Peek of Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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Walt Disney Studios announced today an unprecedented collaboration between the Studio, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort to offer park guests a 12-minute sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming thrilling, mystery-adventure film, “Tomorrowland,” opening in U.S. theaters on May 22. Guests will also enjoy an impressive exhibit that features the making of the movie with props, concept artwork and photos from the filming of the movie plus exclusive images from the Disney Archives. The sneak peek and exhibit will open April 17 in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park and on April 18 in Future World at Epcot and will be available to the public for a limited time. There will be an annual passholder preview at Walt Disney World on April 17th, but no details have been provided on that offering yet.

The must-see event marks the first time that a sneak peek has been offered at Epcot in Walt Disney World and the first time Walt Disney Studios has teamed up with both parks to showcase an upcoming Disney film with footage and an in-depth look at the making of the film. Sure to spark the imagination and curiosity of all, the special exhibit details the process of bringing director Brad Bird’s vision to life and will show how filmmakers created the world of Tomorrowland, along with archival images of iconic Disneyland attractions featured in the movie.

In the movie, the premise that the futuristic city of Tomorrowland could actually exist pays homage to Walt Disney’s vision for both Tomorrowland at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort where ever-evolving technologies are showcased along with ideas to make the world a better place for all.

Commenting on the exclusive “Tomorrowland” sneak peek event, Brad Bird, the film’s two-time Oscar® winning director, says, “We are excited that park guests will be the first to get an extended look at ‘Tomorrowland’ in the part of Disneyland that inspired the film. Tomorrowland is the one section of the park that Walt Disney himself designed to be tied inexorably to constant change. After all, the future is always in motion, continually shifting as humankind’s choices of the present remake the world ahead of us. ‘Tomorrowland’ is a state of mind. My hope is that the exhibit will convey some of the magic that went into bringing this land… and this movie, to life.”

“Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney, tells the story of former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, who are bound by a shared destiny and embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers.

New Shops & Restaurants Coming to The Landing as The Boathouse Prepares to Open April 13th in Disney Springs

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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When the Boathouse opens as the first new restaurant of Disney Springs next week (April 13th), several new retailers will be following close behind, joining it in the lineup for The Landing:

  • Erwin Pearl – offers a fine selection of enamel, precious, and semi-precious fashion jewelry marked by style, creativity, and outstanding quality.
  • Joffrey’s Tea – specializing in teas (iced or hot) featuring custom blends, accessories, and packaged teas.
  • Vivoli Gelateria – serving panini sandwiches, espresso drinks, and expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

No opening dates were given for these new businesses, but they should be fairly soon. New Downtown Disney guidemaps will be released on the 13th to reflect all of the new additions.

“Avengers: Age Of Ultron” Expected To Break Box Office Records; $200 Million Plus Opening Predicted

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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If you are planning to see “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” opening day, it may be a good idea to buy your tickets in advance. According to Deadline.com, “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” is significantly outselling the first Avengers movie. MovieTickets.com is also reporting that advance ticket sales in the U.S. are “six times” greater than that of “The Avengers.”

Most theaters around the country are already sold out and theater owners are adding additional shows to keep up with the increasing demand. You can currently purchase advance tickets online through FANDANGO.com and also directly through multiple theater chains. Although “Age Of Ultron” is slated to open on May 1st, most theaters will be having their first shows start as early as 7PM on Thursday, April 30th.

Avengers: Age Of Ultron, directed by Joss Whedon, may beat Marvel’s The Avengers (also directed by Whedon) as the highest opening ever. After debuting with $207.4M at 4,349 theaters The Avengers ended its domestic run at $623.4M becoming the third-highest-grossing film in North American behind Jim Cameron’s one-two punch of Avatar ($760.5M in 2009) and Titanic ($658.7M in 1997).

Source: Deadline

Disneyland Confirms that the Hatbox Ghost Will Return to the Haunted Mansion

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

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He’s back… The short-lived Hatbox Ghost who briefly haunted the attic of the Haunted Mansion back in 1969 will return to Disneyland this May. Due to technical issues, the figure never worked properly and was quickly removed from the ride, but he has managed to build a huge cult-following in recent years and has been featured on a ton of merchandise for the attraction. Disneyland today confirmed the long-rumored return and has stated he will be in place at the Haunted Mansion in-time for the park’s 60th anniversary celebration.