“Frozen” Returns In 2015 With New Short “Frozen Fever”

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Frozen fans rejoice! Your favorite characters from Frozen will return in 2015 in the form of a new animated short from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Frozen Fever, welcoming back to the big screen Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and, of course, the one-and-only Olaf.

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Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, with an all-new original song by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Frozen Fever marks the first project reuniting the Oscar®-winning original team from Disney’s Frozen.

The announcement was first made within the ABC Television Network special The Story of Frozen: Making an Animated Classic, which aired September 2. The special also featured the world television debut of a scene from the new action comedy adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6, as well as a sneak peek at the upcoming season of the ABC series Once Upon A Time.

In Frozen Fever, it’s Anna’s birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa’s icy powers may put more than just the party at risk.

The short debuts Spring 2015.

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VIDEO: New “Big Hero 6” Clip Now Available

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

The Walt Disney Animation Studios has made available a new clip from the upcoming animated adventure Big Hero 6.

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Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called Big Hero 6.

Take a look at the new clip:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEeBXUUOBiI]

Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring breathtaking action with all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6 is directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, and produced by Roy Conli.

The film hits theaters in 3D on Nov. 7, 2014.

First Look at Merchandise for Destination D: Attraction Rewind

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Early this morning, D23 revealed some of the merchandise they’ll be selling at the upcoming Destination D: Attraction Rewind event at the Walt Disney World Resort. Mickey’s of Glendale — the famous Walt Disney Imagineering store — is setting up a pop-up shop with exclusive merchandise just for event attendees. Below you can find a gallery of all the merchandise announced this morning.

Destination D: Attraction Rewind takes place on November 22 and 23, 2014 at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re interested in this merchandise or want to attend the event, tickets are still available for purchase.

RUMORS: 5 Walt Disney World Rumors and the Likelihood of Each

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Many of the most exciting rumors are associated with Hollywood Studios.

Many of the most exciting rumors are associated with Hollywood Studios.

With fall finally here and Labor Day behind us it’s always a good time to check in and report on the rumors that might be circulating about future changes at the World. Below is a partial list reporting what I’m picking up from behind the berm and a little bit about the likelihood of each.

Star Wars
So this is surprise to exactly … no one. When it comes to a possible Star Wars expansion the only real questions are “when?” and “what?” Possibilities include an additional attraction in Hollywood Studios, a new Land, or an entire Star Wars park. We can rule the park out right away. That’s not going to happen. What is more likely is a new Star Wars Land that would be along the lines of Cars Land in California. Initially I heard that the plan was for one E Ticket attraction but that has broadened to include multiple attractions since the original pitch. My gut tells me that the delay in any kind of formal announcement means that the expansion will be bigger than originally conceived. This means more than one E Ticket and a more immersive environment. I expect an announcement either in the spring or fall 2015.

Pixar Place
In the near-term the Disney Company won’t launch multiple large-scale enterprises like Star Wars  and Pixar expansion simultaneously at Hollywood Studios. Cost is an issue, but that’s not the most pressing factor to a cash-rich company like Disney. Simultaneous expansions are not likely more because of the impact to Hollywood Studios guests. But this doesn’t mean that a Pixar Place build-out isn’t going to happen. The sense I’m getting is that it will. The bad news is that Hollywood Studios will not receive anything on the level of Cars Land in this regard. Additions are likely to be more modest and come in the form of attractions like Radiator Springs Racers based on Pixar properties one at a time instead of a single yet significant splash. While a Pixar Place expansion will continue to be an exciting story that we will follow it can only mean …

Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Studio Backlot Tour
Yes, that would be correct. Pixar expansion would translate into major changes to the surrounding area that includes the Studio Backlot Tour and the Lights, Motor, Action! show. On a personal level I would hate to lose the Backlot Tour. I know it’s a mere shadow of its former self, but seeing the “Jacqueline” from Wes Anderson’s Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and rumbling through Catastrophe Canyon have become very near to “rites” of our annual WDW visits. The stunt show I won’t miss as much. (Have you ever sat in the Lights, Motor, Action! stands in the afternoon? That might be the hottest spot south of the sun.) Perhaps the most traumatic loss associated with Pixar additions will be the Earfel Tower. I know it’s somewhat trivial, but I love the tower’s connection to the Disney Studios in Burbank. That being said, it’s the price of progress and change and a trade I’m willing to make as a fan and customer for these additions.

Sorcerer’s Hat
Sticking with Hollywood Studios, this is one of the more interesting and under-the-radar changes in the conversation. Apparently the story is not “if” the Sorcerer’s Hat is removed, but “when.” Admittedly, the first time this was mentioned to me I was stunned. For me, Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat holds the same relative place as Cinderella’s Castle, the Tree of Life, and Spaceship Earth. While waiting for the rope to drop during one of our last visits, however, it became fairly obvious that the hat actually doesn’t work. In fact, it feels contrary to the original vision of Hollywood Studios. Clearly the Grumman’s Theater facade of the Great Movie Ride was designed to be the feature image at one end of Hollywood Boulevard “bookending” the “Hollywood that never was” with the Pan Pacific Auditorium-inspired entrance at the other end.  Moreover, if you take the time to really study the layout it’s antithetical to Disney imagineering. It’s my understanding that the biggest problem facing removal is the depth of the attraction’s anchor points. If it happens it will happen when the Great Movie Ride gets a long-overdue makeover, but it’s not a current priority. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Marvel Land
This has to be mentioned. But there just doesn’t seem to be any way for this to become a reality. In a recent conversation it was again mentioned that Universal owns the Marvel “park rights” east of the Mississippi. I’m currently reading Marvel Comics: The Untold Story and trust me when I say that the Marvel Universe in the hands of Disney imagineers would be one of the greatest things that could ever happen. It’s because of this that I won’t give up on a possible Marvel Land and I wouldn’t put it past Disney to broker a deal in this regard, but it won’t happen anytime soon.

Backburner
Star Wars, Pixar, and potential effects on Hollywood Studios is clearly the most interesting conversation but they’re not the only rumors circulating. Avatar Land at Animal Kingdom, the Fantasyland Expansion, and the work at Hollywood Studios most likely means that Epcot will be receiving attention in the not-too-distant future. Updates in Future World are in the mix—maybe Soarin’ and for sure Captain EO—but the most interesting discussion is associated with the possibility of adding pavilion(s) to the World Showcase. Not since the Norway pavilion was added in 1988 have we seen an addition there. Before that it was Morocco in 1984. There is apparently room for new pavilions and it’s interesting to consider the countries that would be candidates. I would put the odds on a South American representative, specifically one of the countries Walt visited during his WWII goodwill tour chronicled in the Walt & El Grupo documentary: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

That’s the current state of the rumor mill at least in terms of my discussions. This fan is excited about whatever Disney does with Star Wars in the parks. I’ll also be holding out for significant Marvel additions in the future, but only because it’s just more fun that way. Feel free to post what you’ve heard or even what you’re hoping for.

Tony Baxter, Tomorrowland, and Never-Built Discovery Bay Expansion All Coming to Destination D: Attraction Rewind

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

destination-d-attraction-rewind-announcement-iris1It has been a day full of Destination D: Attraction Rewind news! Disney has sent out a new Press Release for the upcoming D23 event at the Walt Disney World Resort. Basically, the PR announces that Tony Baxter will be in attendance at the D23 sponsored event, we are going to get to see a sneak peek at the upcoming Tomorrowland movie with some incredible behind-the-scenes look at how the movie was made and what inspired it, and finally we’ll get to travel to yesteryear and see the never-built Discovery Bay expansion destined for Disneyland. Check out the full Press Release below.

BURBANK, Calif. – September 4, 2014 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has unveiled more of the experiences in store for members at what is sure to be the can’t-miss Disney event of the year—D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus. Taking place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort, the event will bring Disney Legends, archivists, Imagineers, and luminaries together to celebrate fan-favorite attractions of years past, including Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, with rarely seen concept art and images, vintage video clips, and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations showcasing Disney’s contributions to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.

Tomorrowland supervising art director Ramsey Avery (Star Trek Into Darkness, Minority Report) will give members a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the making of the upcoming release from Walt Disney Pictures. Avery will detail how the production team reconstructed elements of the World’s Fair for the upcoming film, which stars George Clooney. “I had a great experience working on Tomorrowland and recreating some of the very iconic environments from the 1964 World’s Fair, especially it’s a small world, and am excited to share some of that behind-the-scenes process with Disney fans,” says Avery.

During the panel “Rediscovering Discovery Bay,” Disney Legend Tony Baxter will take guests on an in-depth tour of the never-built themed expansion for Disneyland through rarely seen concept artwork and models that he worked on during his time at Walt Disney Imagineering. Discovery Bay, as an early press release stated, was intended to “bring to life a time and place that climaxed an age of discovery and expansion.”

Additional panels have just been announced.* More information may be found at D23.com/Events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

  • Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: Historian Bill Cotter looks at Disney’s massive influence on the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.
  • A World’s Fair of Disney Legends: Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, and Bob Gurr discuss their contributions to the Fair.
  • Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: Historian Michael Kelley and Disney Legend Bob Matheison take a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking attraction.
  • Ford’s Magic Skyway: Bill Cotter and Disney Legends Bob Gurr and Bill Sullivan reveal some of the secrets behind one of the Fair’s most innovative attractions.
  • Carousel of Progress: Disney Legend Marty Sklar and Imagineer Gary Landrum talk about the creation of this one-of-a-kind show.
  • it’s a small world: Disney Legend Alice Davis discusses working on the beloved attraction with her husband Marc and artist Mary Blair.
  • Lost on the Way to the World’s Fair: Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline reveals some of the proposed creations that didn’t make it to New York.
  • A Sneak Peek at Disney’s Tomorrowland (see above).

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

  • Widen Your World: Tony Baxter, Imagineer Jason Grandt, and Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway revisit popular attractions from the early years of Walt Disney World.
  • Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past: Becky Cline and historian Stacia Martin journey through some of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions of yesteryear.
  • Retro Rewind References: Imagineers Wyatt Winter and Jason Grandt reveal some of the hidden references to past attractions in today’s theme park creations.
  • Rediscovering Discovery Bay: (see above).
  • An Evolution of Make Believe Made Real: Imagineers Dave Minichiello and Pam Rawlins detail the creation of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and explore its roots, which began in 1937.
  • That Was Entertainment!: Disney Legend Ron Logan lifts the curtain on some of the most fondly remembered events and entertainment from Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Plus, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, is setting up a pop-up shop, which will open Friday, November 21 and run through the weekend, offering a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. Mickey’s of Glendale will also carry an exclusive collection of items themed to Pleasure Island, including pins, pin sets, T-shirts, and glassware.

In addition to more than a dozen panels and presentations, the weekend will include:

  • A special weeklong exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.
  • Pleasure Island: Rewind presented by Twinings of London, a closing-night celebration themed around the former Downtown Disney nightlife district.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets are currently available to all D23 Members, and D23 Gold and Silver Members receive special ticket pricing. All guests will receive a gift created just for the event.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events.

* Events, panel order, and talent are subject to change.

9/11/14 Marvel News Mash-Up

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Guardians Of The Galaxy Becomes This Year’s Highest Grossing Domestic Movie

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I definitely was one of the doubters when this movie was first announced. I knew very little about the super hero team that contained a walking tree and a gun crazy talking raccoon and figured Disney was scraping the bottom of the barrel with it’s Marvel properties. Disney took a big risk, casting relatively unknown actors, and an unknown director, but in the end somehow it all worked and paid off.  According to Box Office Mojo, Guardians Of The Galaxy (GOTG) has become 2014’s highest grossing movie with a domestic gross of $284 million well on its way to reaching $300 million. It’s foreign gross is $273 million with a cumulative global gross of $557 million. Disney’s next gamble is with Big Hero 6, which is another Marvel property that very few have heard of.

Here are the top 5 domestic grossing movies for 2014 year to date courtesy of Box Office Mojo:Capture

 

Marvel Not Involved With The Promotion Of Big Hero 6

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Speaking of Big Hero 6, if you have seen the trailers and the posters for the movie, the name Marvel is nowhere to be seen, even though this is a Marvel property. Part of the reason is because the movie and the comic book share the name of the team, but very little else. It was decided jointly by Disney and Marvel that the characters from the Big Hero 6 movie would not be part of the Marvel Universe. In the comic, the characters and the overall mood are darker. Two main characters, Sunfire and Silver Samaria, do not appear in the animated movie. These characters have both appeared in the X-Men and Wolverine movies, who’s movie rights are owned by Fox. Recently while being interviewed by Comic Book Resources, Marvel’s Editor in Chief, Axel Alonso, confirmed that there are no plans for a comic book tie in. Alonso said, “The characters and stories that have appeared in our comics are very different from what they are in the film. Releasing material that would be viewed as movie tie-in product would be a disservice to film goers. We wanted the Disney folks to be able to create their own unique style and story, unencumbered by those older stories.” As you can see in the above image,  there is a big difference in Disney’s interpretation of the heroes and Marvels original design. Big Hero 6 is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 7th, 2014.

Stan Lee Confirms That A Black Panther Movie Is In The Works

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While attending Fan Expo Canada, Stan Lee was available to answer questions regarding a possible Black Widow spinoff movie with Scarlet Johansson. “We haven’t made a Black Widow movie but she’s been in some of our movies, and she will be featured more prominently as we move forward,” Lee said. “And the chances are she will have her own movie because eventually all the superheroes are going to have their own movies. They are already working on Ant-Man, Dr. Strange and the Black Panther and there are others I am not allowed to talk about.” So he kind of let the cat out of the bag that they are indeed working on a Black Panther movie. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the character in 1966 and the Black Panther has the honor of being the very first black super hero to appear in comics. One of the locations that was used in the upcoming movie Avengers: Age of Ultron was an area in South Africa. It’s possible that this could be used to represent the fictional kingdom of Wakanda, which is the kingdom of the Black Panther. In the comics, the Black Panther protects his kingdom from invaders by using his powers that give him animal like characteristics and super human strength. The Black Panther eventually becomes a member of the Avengers.  Nothing has been announced but it’s very possible that the Black Panther may make his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Avengers: Age Of Ultron.

Al Pacino Wants To Be In A Marvel Movie

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Recently Al Pacino was attending the Venice Film Festival and declared his love for The Guardians Of The Galaxy movie. Deadline.com was able to interview the actor and he explained to them why he felt that the movie was, in his words, “a most entertaining, inventive, beautiful film.”

Pacino said, “It was not something I would readily go see, but my kids got me to go, and one has to draw the line at where prejudice starts and where it ends — that was good stuff!” He had even more praise: “I recognized the ingenious stuff they were doing; the invention, the attractiveness of the way they were performing it. It had Shakespearian feeling to it at times. I was caught up in the big screen, the great sound…” So, would he do the sequel or another Marvel movie if one were to come his way? “I would do anything that I could understand in terms of how I fit in it. And you know, of course if I could fit in it. Anything’s possible. You know, I did Dick Tracy and I got an Oscar nomination, so come on. I mean, what can I say?”

I was with him until he reminded me of Dick Tracy. Still if they can find a character that he is suited to play, I’m sure it would be fine. Wouldn’t mind hearing him say, “I know it was you, Loki. You broke my heart. You broke my heart!”

Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice Kneels Before Captain America 3

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The biggest battle of 2016 was supposed to be who would win the box office when both Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice (BVS) and Captain America 3 were to open on the same day. Originally BVS was to be released in 2015 but due to script issues, it was pushed back to May 6, 2016. After the success of Captain America The Winter Soldier, Disney and Marvel announced that they planned to release their sequel on the same day. So the two big questions were 1) Who was going to win the box office weekend? and 2) Which one would blink first? In this game of Chicken, Captain America won because BVS eventually moved its release date to March 25th, 2016. Each company wants to make the most bang for their buck and more than likely the release of two big movie on the same day would hurt the box office for one if not both of the movies. If I had to chose who would have won that day, I would have bet the farm on BVS. As much as I love Captain America, it would be a no brainer for me to see BVS first. And even though personally I think that Warner Brothers could have thrown a dart out of the window and struck someone that would be a much better Batman than Ben Affleck, I can guarantee you that I will see that movie at least 3 times. This is the movie that most comic book nerds have been waiting for all of their life. I was kind of hoping that they would go head to head because I really think that Disney/Marvel were going to surprise us and have Captain America 3 be Captain America Vs Iron Man. Maybe.

First Look At Variant Covers Of The New Thor

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That girl has some big arms and tiny little legs. This October Marvel will debut the new Thor. Prepare for an all-new era of the God of Thunder as a brand new female hero explodes into the Marvel Universe! The great hammer Mjölnir lies on the surface of the moon, unable to be lifted by anyone in all the heavens – even the Mighty Thor! Something dark has befallen the Thunder God, leaving him unworthy and unable to lift his magic hammer. With an army of Frost Giants invading Earth, the Odinson may not have the strength to stop them – and the hammer will be lifted by an all-new Thor! A mysterious woman unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before!

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Marvel Releases Variant Covers To Support Bullying Prevention

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Marvel has teamed up with the organization STOMP Out Bullying to help promote anti-bullying awareness. “The center of Marvel’s storytelling history is the eternal struggle between good and evil, with many of its greatest Super Heroes having to contend with — and rise above — bullying, in all its forms,” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics. “We are proud to join forces with STOMP Out Bullying on its important bullying prevention awareness mission. We hope that all our fans take a moment this month to educate themselves on the need to stop bullying among our youth by checking out the free resources STOMP Out Bullying has to offer.” These special covers will be available in October which is National Bullying Prevention Month.

Amazon And Disney Battle Over Home Video Profits

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This story is not necessarily Marvel related but more Disney related. A few months ago, I noticed when the Captain America: The Winter Soldier (CATWS) Blu-ray became available for preorder on various sites, it was not available on Amazon.com

Amazon decided not to accept preorders for Disney titles, including CATWS. Amazon also refused to promote the movie as well as other Disney owned movies. Amazon has had similar disputes with Warner Brothers because they wanted more of the profits from the sale of movies on their site. I usually order my movies through Amazon so it was a bit of a surprise that they were not carrying CATWS but it seems as though it really is only hurting Amazon since most people, including me, preordered from different sites. Similar to what occurred with WB, Amazon made the preorders available for CATWS one week before release. So now you can preorder the title on Amazon but for many its to little to late. Still don’t understand the logic behind it because if a person wants the movie they will get the movie from another retailer. No agreement has been met between Amazon and Disney so expect future titles from Disney like Maleficent not to be available for preorder unless an agreement is made.

I did notice that Marvel.com has a special offer, if you want to call it that. If you preorder or purchase CATWS at Marvel.com you are entitled to order an exclusive plush figure. One for $34.99 or all three for $99.99. They actually look nice but they would be nicer if they were free. Wishful thinking.

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier will be released on various home formats on September 9th, 2014.

That’s all for this week!

Anna and Elsa from Frozen to be featured in Contemporary Resort Gingerbread House, Olaf Coming to Christmas Party?

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Today at the Imagination Gala pin celebration at Epcot, the pin preview area had some very interesting upcoming pins displayed…

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First off, Anna and Elsa and the castle of Arendelle will be featured in the annual gingerbread display on the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Secondly, a small Frozen friend may be coming to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party…

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Rumors are swirling that an Olaf meet and greet character is coming to at least the Once Upon a Christmastime parade. There is also talk of Elsa being the character who transforms the castle into a shimmering, ice covered light spectacle every evening in what in the past has been called Cinderella’s Holiday Wish.

Only time will tell if these rumors are true. Stay tuned.

6/30/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Epcot, 8-Bit Chairs, & More)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

John Corigliano and myself visited Epcot over the weekend and took some phoitos of what is new and noteworthy in the park to share with you, so let’s take a look at the latest from the park:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Welcome to Epcot

An ad for Frozen Summer fun is on the times guide at every park right now…

Work continues to repair the water main behind Innoventions

Inside Innoventions behind Club Cool and Character Spot, some tables and chairs were added to the abandoned lobby area near the restrooms

The chairs have a strange “8-bit” look

Nothing too special about the tables, but a nice offering given how many guests crash in here during the summer months

The water features at Imagination! will be off until the water main is fixed

Not sure when this happened, but the Captain EO FastPass machines were removed

It’s quite the mess

The food cart between Imagination! and The Land is behind walls

The Odyssey has been a very popular place to watch the World Cup

Your World Cup update courtesy of Epcot…

Just a few minutes before this photo was taken, the place was PACKED for the Mexico game…

There is another soccer photo-op by the Germany pavilion

They also have the brackets board back here

The Glasskunst in Germany was closed for a few weeks for a small remodeling, but it is open now and looks great

The main reason for our Epcot trip was the new snacks at the Refreshment Outpost in World Showcase. They have two new yogurts and a alcoholic rum drink

In the 30 seconds between getting the yogurt and getting to a table, the Florida heat made the yogurt a little less photo friendly, but they were still absolutely delicious!

The coconut is my favorite, but pineapple was also very good. We didn’t order the swirl, but when we mixed the two, it was incredible!

In the cultural exhibit in Mexico, they have added a pretty crazy projection-mapping effect to this large stone piece

They are projecting the original paint scheme that would have been on the piece onto the now-grey stone

Every few minutes, the coloring fades in and out

New Disney PArks umbrella for sale in MouseGear, $14.95

There is also this character umbrella

And another Disney Parks design

First-Look at Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Concept Art

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios begins on July 5th, but today we are getting our first look at what the stages for the various events will look like.

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Above, we have a concept of what the stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat will look like. This stage will be used for several events including the “coolest summer ever” dance party and the Frozen Fireworks Spectacular.

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This second piece of art shows us the interior of the Premiere Theater, home to “For The First Time in Forever”: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Guests will be able to follow the bouncing ball (or more likely Olaf) and sing along with the characters appearing live on the stage.

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is running daily July 5th through September 1st.

Looks like a lot of fun! What do you think?

July 4th 2014 Festivities & Fireworks at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Guests can celebrate America’s birthday with a red, white and blue extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort. There will be no shortage of nighttime fun as fireworks will dance across the skies above the Florida vacation kingdom. This year marks a special milestone in America’s history, too: the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” observes its 200th anniversary in 2014.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATED AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN FLORIDA

Here’s a look a what’s in store:

Magic Kingdom

The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the sky above Cinderella Castle at 9 p.m. both nights.

The fireworks are set to an exciting musical score produced in a concert band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests also can enjoy a twist on traditional fireworks with the “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.” At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the party kicks off at the Sorcerer’s Hat stage at 6 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m. on July 4 with live entertainment from “The Hollywood Rockers” whose music will take guests on a rockin’ road trip across America.

Everything leads up to a special rock n’ roll fireworks presentation above the Sorcerer’s Hat starting at 10:15 p.m.

Epcot

Guests visiting Epcot on July 4 will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire throughout the afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances at American Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. They also will perform inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m. that day. Guests also will have the opportunity to catch the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps outside at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m.

That evening, the spectacular fireworks and laser show “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights the night at 10 p.m. with a heart-pounding grand finale in a salute to America.