See Guardians of the Galaxy Cast on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” July 21st

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

On Monday, July 21, Jimmy Kimmel welcomes the cast of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper to a special Guardians of the Galaxy episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. That night also happens to be the same evening as the film’s worldwide premiere.

ft_comicon_s_t_grd09_wt06_080613.090260_R

The stars of the highly anticipated new film will talk about the project and debut exclusive content.

Kimmel will also test the Guardians’ Marvel knowledge as each actor goes head-to-head in a trivia contest against Mia Grace, a 5-year-old superhero expert from Albany, New York.

Be sure to check out the show! Let us know what you thought about the episode in the comments below!

New Characters to Join Disney Infinity 2.0 Lineup

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

After soliciting fan input over the past year, Disney Interactive has announced the addition of the top two requested characters to the upcoming Disney Infinity 2.0 lineup of Merida, Maleficient, the Marvel Superheroes and others: Tinker Bell and Stitch!

 

TinkStitch_ToyBox_3

Stitch, The lovable “experiment 626″ from the popular Lilo & Stitch films, comes to the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 along with his trusty cosmic blaster and the ability to super jump to galactic new heights.

 

TinkStitch_ToyBox_4

One of Disney’s most iconic characters, Tinker Bell also enters the world of Disney Infinity with her magical healing Pixie Dust and the ability to glide to the stratosphere for fast-flying action.

Players will be able to create all-new adventures featuring the entire collection of characters from across the Disney Infinity universe, along with hundreds of Disney and Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles.

TinkStitch_ToyBox_1

To start your adventure with Stitch and Tinker Bell, pick up Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) when it hits stores this fall.

7/21/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and Epcot this past weekend and have a number of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at what’s new around Walt Disney World:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

A new Elsa mug for sale at Oaken’s Trading Post

If you spend $25.00 on Frozen merchandise, you can get this lithograph for $14.95, it’s a Limited Release item

Some Yoda MagicBands remain in the Darkroom, Vader has sold out…

Moving over to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs…

Work on Food Truck Park and the elevated walkway on the West Side is progressing

Pleasure Island’s transformation is really starting to take shape

The large building on the waterfront in The Landing has most of its framework completed

New structures also taking shape in the center of the island

This will mostly be new dining options

Heavy dirt moving happening where the Town Center will be, the former main entrance of Pleasure Island

Some work occurring in the waterway by T-Rex

Pavement work continuing near Portobello and Fulton’s

The first large details on the Marketplace bridge are showing

You may recognize this blue steel truss from the concept art

With the construction mess there currently, you may want to stay away from Downtown Disney this summer

There is a new display when you enter Marketplace Co-Op

Items from the Wonderground Gallery at Disneyland are now being sold in the center

Hipster Mickey and Minnie along with “it’s a small world” on one side

Disney Princesses on the other side

Some benches have also been placed in the center

Signage is being replaced on the World of Disney store, so a temporary sign is up

Moving back to Hollywood Studios, Frozen was added to the front of the map this week

A Guardians of the Galaxy photo-op was added near the preview, they add the other characters in if you buy the Photopass picture

New Rebels shirt at Tatooine Traders

#OlafSummerVacation over…

The new Hollywood Studios popcorn bucket features the Disney characters dressed at Streetmosphere from the park

The Red Car building has begun its conversion into Starbucks, the canopy on the front has already been removed

This really cool new book has started appearing around Walt Disney World

You can write down memories and important trip information in here

I love the artwork inside

FUZZY PENS!

SURPRISE!

On to Epcot, where some planter work is happening outside of the park

NEW iPhone cases

Some fairly new Toy Story ear hat ornaments have been released

Connect Live With Cast & Crew of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” TODAY!

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Fans of the upcoming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will have the opportunity to connect live with the film’s cast and crew during two special fan Q&A events, featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, director James Gunn and producer Kevin Feige. Both events will take place on Tuesday, July 22.
guardiansofthegalaxy5307dfc3a6cb1

On Tuesday, July 22, there will be two opportunities to connect with the makers of the film:

  • Twitter Fan Q&A: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, James Gunn and Kevin Feige will do a Twitter Fan Q&A from Twitter Headquarters in San Francisco at 2:30 p.m. EDT/ 11:30 a.m. PDT.
  • Yahoo/Tumblr Fan Q&A: Yahoo Entertainment will host Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, director James Gunn, and producer Kevin Feige on the Yahoo campus in Sunnyvale, Calif., for a live Tumblr Ask Q&A. Fans tuning in will see an exclusive clip from the film and, If they submit a video question, they have the chance to win a signed cast movie poster. Fans will be able to live stream the event on Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile Web, desktop, and Smart TV platforms, including AppleTV, Roku and Xbox 360. Link: The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Stars Answer Your Questions Live! This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT.

If you’d like to submit questions for either event, follow these instructions:

  • For the Twitter Fan Q&A: Use hashtag #AsktheGuardians to ask your questions.
  • For the Yahoo/Tumblr Fan Q&A:Upload a video post to your Tumblr: use #GOTGask and tag @yahooentertainment in the caption, or via the Yahoo Entertainment Tumblr Ask page.

VIDEO: Win a Private Hometown Screening “Star Wars: Episode VII”

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

On the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, Director J.J. Abrams was interrupted by an X-Wing pilot and rogue robot as he announced the chance for fans to win an advance private screening of Star Wars: Episode VII.

xwing

During the announcement, Director J.J. Abrams unveils the Star Wars: Episode VII X-Wing in support of Star Wars: Force for Change campaign’s final week, which benefits UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and programs and draws participants from over 119 countries.

FFC-logo-horizontal

“We are so grateful for the support that the fans from over 119 countries have shown for Force for Change,” said Abrams. “As we close this final week, we’ve added an additional prize that allows the fans the opportunity to see the movie early as a thank you for supporting such a great cause as UNICEF’s innovative, lifesaving work for children.”

By contributing at any level by July 25th, participants will be eligible for all prizes including a chance to be in the movie.

Watch the announcement below:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWBGrkc360M]

In addition to the hometown advance screening of Star Wars: Episode VII, the winner will also receive a Grand Prize from Star Wars: Force for Change that includes:

  • Airfare and accommodations to London for one winner and a guest
  • Behind-the-scenes access on the closed set of Star Wars: Episode VII as VIP guests of J.J. Abrams
  • Winner will have the opportunity to meet members of the cast
  • Winner and their guest will then be transformed by makeup and costume teams into a Star Wars character and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII

Be sure to visit Omaze.com/StarWars to enter for a chance to win!

Star Wars: Force for Change impressively raised over one million dollars within the first 24 hours of its launch—a record for Omaze, the fundraising platform. So far contributors from 119 countries around the world have backed Force for Change, in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) Innovation Labs and programs. UNICEF’s network of 14 Innovation Labs help create sustainable solutions to critical issues facing children around the world in the areas of nutrition, water, health, and education. The funds raised through Star Wars: Force for Change will impact the lives of children around the world, through projects like MobiStation, a portable, solar-powered educational kit to ensure children have access to quality learning anywhere, and Rapid FTR (Family Tracing and Reunification), a mobile phone application that helps reunite separated and unaccompanied children with their families in natural disasters. Fans can continue to pledge support and enter for a chance win until 11:59pm on July 25.

Disney committed US $1 million to support the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change. Star Wars continues to inspire generations of dreamers and doers to use their creativity to accomplish great things. Star Wars and Lucasfilm were built on the belief that in uniting creativity with innovation, you can make the impossible possible.

Visit StarWars.com/ForceForChange to learn more about this new charitable initiative and the work of UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and programs, and be sure to enter through contribution or free entry for your chance to win at Omaze.com/StarWars.

May the Force be with you!

CONCEPT ART: Significant Road Changes Coming in Preparation for Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

With the first parking structure nearing completion (opening later this year with over 4000 spaces), major roadwork around Downtown Disney has commenced as we get closer to the first phases of the Disney Springs project’s completion. Right now, Lake Buena Vista Drive is expanding from seven to 10 lanes and a second multi-level parking garage will be constructed beginning early 2015. Two pedestrian bridges are also planned that will help lead guests into Disney Springs near the current Marketplace side, while the other will offer access in through the West Side.

NBL6868642

NBL545392

As you can in the renderings, the changes will also include a new I-4 interchange that will offer guests direct access to Disney Springs.

Disney also confirmed that The Landing, the waterfront dining area which will replace Pleasure Island, will indeed open to guests in early 2015.

7/23/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs/Downtown Disney over the weekend and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Olaf made of sand welcomes guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Frozen Summer Fun

Guardians of the Galaxy billboard now up near PIXAR Place

Work has begun to turn the Red Car building into Starbucks for the Studios

Moving to Disney Springs, road work has begun to widen Lake Buena Vista Drive and make other road changes in the area

The latest progress on the parking structure

The roadways over here are going to be a mess for a while

Days are numbered for this sign…

You may want to avoid Downtown Disney for a while…

Marketplace Co-Op is having a hard time keeping most items in Centerpiece in stock…

All that remains of the Orange Bird items in the pillow

Marketplace bridge work is really ramping up now

In the distance, work continues on new buildings for The Landing

goodbye…

Yikes…

More Details On “Villains Unleashed”, Live Action Maleficent Meet-and Greet & More Characters Revealed

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

UNLVIL4852084-613x551

Disney has released more details on the “Villains Unleashed” event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 23rd, including the addition of a meet-and-greet with the live action Maleficent character, as well as some rarely-seen baddies, and much more:

  • Hades Hangout – The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.
  • Villains Dominion – For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!
  • The Dark Side – During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.
  • Villainous Encounters – Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!
  • Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show – Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!
  • Fantasmic! – Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.
  • “Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks – Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics!
  • You can get a Villains ExScream Makeover with complimentary face painting at stations around Echo Lake
  • Join in on one of the dance parties taking place in the park
  • Enjoy a wicked cabaret atmosphere – not to mention some delectable, small-plate menu items – at Club Evil in the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Disney Bets Hard on Guardians of the Galaxy at SDCC 2014

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

The first film, Guardians of the Galaxy, may have not even been released in theatres yet, but with initial reviews of Marvel Studios’s latest flick being some of the best the company has received thus far, it was perhaps not unexpected that the future plans for the comedy sci-fi series would form a large part of the film studio’s presence at San Diego Comic Con.

Guardians of the Galaxy Animated Series

Guardians of the Galaxy Animated Series

The animated series was first rumoured to be in the works as early as January 2014, and was considered by some a risky move on Marvel’s part as a spin-off from an already fairly unknown property.  However, as buzz keeps building Guardians of the Galaxy (which, remember – is the the first non-sequel to come out of Marvel Studios since The Avengers) it seems like a sound business decision.

Sixty seconds of test footage for the animated series were shown at Marvel Animation panel at Comic Con but details about it are still fairly sketchy, other than that it will bridge the gap between the first film and the 2017 sequel, which was also announced at the San Diego event this weekend.

Guardians of the Galaxy is being created by Marvel Animation and will be a key property on the Disney XD channel.  A release date is yet to be announced, but it is likely to be sometime in 2015.

Marvel Animation also confirmed second season renewals for Hulk & the Agents of S.M.A.S.H and Avengers Assemble which will form part of their Fall 2014 lineups.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes To Release September 23 – Pre-order Now

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

The highly anticipated Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will be available at North American retailers on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.

GLO_Lineup_AVG_SPD_GOG_OnTop_Seb_Blue_12

The sequel to the #1 best-selling new family game of 2013 expands the platform with the introduction of all new super-powered Marvel play sets and characters that players can experience exclusively inside of the new version of the game. The popular Toy Box mode also returns with enhanced features where users can create their own adventures and share them online with friends.

Disney Interactive also announced the official launch of its pre-order program.  Starting July through September 22, as a bonus for pre-ordering the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack, consumers will receive a Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel figure (valued at $13.99) from top retailers nationwide.

INF2_MAR_AGNstarterpack_allhands_Ratingupdated_Small

The game will be available for pre-order this week at San Diego Comic-Con at the Disney Infinity Pop-up Shop (343 4th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101) and at the Marvel booth (#2329) inside the San Diego Convention Center. The game will also be available for hands-on demos at both locations during the show.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes is rated E10+ rating by the ESRB. All characters and power discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity will be compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box.