Get A First Look At New Characters From Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue”

Fans of Disney’s Planes who are anxiously awaiting the release of Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue, today received a first look at the characters that will star in the animated film releasing on July 18, 2014.

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Planes: Fire & Rescue continues a look into the world above the world of Cars that began with Disney’s Planes. When world-famous air racer Dusty Crophopper (voice of Dane Cook) returns home to Propwash Junction after another victorious racing season, the former crop duster revels in his new career success until a fateful training run changes his course with a career-ending injury.  Forced to shift gears, Dusty decides to train with the Aerial Fire Fighters at Piston Peak Air Attack Base as a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT). The heroic, often life-threatening efforts involved are admirable—but seemingly impossible to master—particularly if you’re a crop duster-turned-racer with an injury that can’t be ignored.

Let’s take a look at the colorful characters that make up the residents of Piston Peak Air Attack Base:

Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris), a veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter, heads up the Piston Peak Air Attack team. Haunted by a storied past, he’s a tough and demanding air boss with a wry sense of humor, and he’s not exactly enthusiastic about his new trainee Dusty. But Blade is a pro and does everything he can to bring the new SEAT up to speed.

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Outgoing and spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen) is skilled at skimming lakes, scooping up more than 1600 gallons of water and dousing angry fires. A former cargo hauler from Alaska, Dipper is an avid air racing fan with a major crush on headline racer Dusty, so she’s head-over-wheels with excitement when the new SEAT shows up at Piston Peak.

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Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi) is a heavy-lift helicopter who can hoist dozens of trees or a huge tank of fire retardant. The American Indian’s wisdom is vast—he’s chock full of fire folklore, and his connection to nature allows him to sense fires before they’re even spotted. The former lumberjack became a firefighter to help others, and no mission is too big for Windlifter.

A jolly old ex-military transport plane, Cabbie (voice of Dale Dye) used to drop airborne utility vehicles behind enemy lines in Korea. Now he drops smokejumpers at Piston Peak—it’s a lot like combat, but nobody’s shootin’ at him. With a payload of 10,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 74,000 pounds—Cabbie can carry the smokejumpers up to 2,000 miles away.

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The Smokejumpers are a fearless team of grounded firefighters, led by the strong and sassy Dynamite (voice of Regina King)—so named because you don’t wanna set her off. Pinecone (voice of Corri English), equipped with a rake tool to clear brush and debris, is an easygoing southern soul. Avalanche (voice of Bryan Callen) earned his name after triggering a massive slide, but the bulldozer—who coincidently lacks an “inside voice”—claims he was nowhere near that snow bank. Tough and over-eager Blackout (voice of Danny Pardo) once accidentally sawed down an electrical line, cutting power to the lodge for weeks and sending shockwaves through his short-term memory—at least he thinks so. Drip (voice of Matt Jones), an outgoing dude who’s always leaking oil, uses a skid-steer claw to clear fallen trees and brush.

The Secretary of the Interior (voice of Fred Willard) has many responsibilities, but none is more important than overseeing the National Parks. This rugged outdoorsman loves being in nature; he spends most of his time away from his office in Washington, visiting the National Forests and Parks and helping to spread his message of conservation.

Harvey (voice of Jerry Stiller) & Winnie (voice of Anne Meara) met many moons ago when Harvey was the manager of an RV tire store and Winnie was his showroom model. The loving couple travel to Piston Peak Park, where they celebrated their honeymoon 50 years ago.

By 1978, Nick “Loop’n” Lopez (voice of Erik Estrada) was America’s favorite helicopter cop, featured on TV’s CHoPs, a show about two California Helicopter Patrol choppers. Nick, the troublemaking macho young officer, got the nickname “Loop’n” from his signature inside loop, which no other helicopter could perform.

WDWNT will bring you more Planes: Fire & Rescue news as it come out, so keep checking back!

Epcot Adds IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party on Select Evenings

Starting March 15th, Epcot guests can now add a night of delicious desserts and sparkling wines to their day at the park with a new ticketed party.

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The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party offers a sampling of treats and drinks from around World Showcase along with premiere viewing of the nightly Epcot fireworks on select evenings, namely Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The party lasts from 7:45PM until 9:20PM. The price is $49 for adults and $29 for children.

Menu (subject to change):

  • Italy: Tiramisu
  • France: Vanilla Pot de Crème
  • United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies
  • Morocco: Traditional Baklava
  • American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream
  • Disney Parks ice cream novelties
  • Lemonade, coffee, teas
  • Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy

Aerial Construction Photos of Disney Springs From 3/15/14

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero once again takes us high above what is today Downtown Disney so we can see what is happening to make it Disney Springs for the future with his photos from last Friday:

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A lot happening in this shot… the parking structure rises as Pleasure Island becomes The Landing

The second story of the structure is starting to go in

Still one level over here

The site of the Boathouse in The Landing

The park between Bongo’s and Starbucks is becoming “Food Truck Park”, new home to the Disney food trucks

Work continues on the new bridge in the Marketplace

Pixar Working on Cars 3 and Incredibles Sequel; Star Wars Episode 7 Details

1483059-the_incredibles_the_incredibles_620936_1280_994During the Walt Disney Company Shareholders Meeting, CEO Bob Iger announced that Pixar Studios is working on 2 new upcoming movies. The first movie is a third sequel to the Cars franchise and the second movie is a sequel to the 2004 hit movie, The Incredibles. The sequel for The Incredibles is being written by Brad Bird. No more details about when these 2 movies will be released. Stay tuned to WDWNT for more information on these announcements.

Additionally, Iger didn’t give many details for the upcoming Star Wars Episode 7 film with the exception that it will take place 30 years after “Return of the Jedi”. As of now, the only officially casted robot for the movie is R2-D2.

2015 D23 Expo Advance Ticket Sales and Dates Announced!

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All the magic and excitement of the past, present, and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again under one roof when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of Aug. 14–16, 2015. Each of Disney’s wonderful worlds will unite to celebrate what’s new and what’s on the horizon from theme parks, television, music, games, and films, including Pixar, the Muppets, Star Wars, and Marvel.

“The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan event, created to honor and celebrate your love of all things Disney,” Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger told shareholders and D23 Members at the Company’s Annual Meeting today in Portland, Oregon. “And we hope to see you there.”

The fourth event promises to be the biggest ever, following the success of D23 Expo 2013, which drew more than 65,000 Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by such superstars as Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Billy Crystal, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston; watched performances by Idina Menzel, and R5 featuring Ross Lynch; enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime concert from Disney Legends Alan Menken and Richard M. Sherman; explored the inner workings of Walt Disney Imagineering; looked back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Highlights planned for D23 Expo 2015 include the 2015 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a collection of one-of-a-kind assets, props, and costumes curated by the Walt Disney Archives; and the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise. Once again the event will feature a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Plus, the event will once again feature StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain a guaranteed seat for some of the Expo’s most popular presentations.

Advance tickets for D23 Expo 2015 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 14, 2014. D23 Members will receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is open to the general public. D23 Gold and Silver Members will also be entitled to early admission to the Expo show floor. D23 Charter Members will enjoy access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

About D23 Expo 2015

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2015 news, visit D23Expo.com. To join the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three and a rich website at D23.com. D23 Members enjoy exclusive discounts and special events, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 14–16, 2015.

Fans can join D23 at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

New MALEFICENT Trailer Released

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A third and new MALEFICENT trailer has been released today for your viewing pleasure. You can find it embedded above and below you’ll find more details about the movie.

“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with AngelinaJolie, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.

Tom Corless’ 3/19/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Changes, Mine Train, Polynesian DVC)

WDWNT Reporter Tom Corless visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday afternoon and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

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It was a really beautiful day in Central Florida yesterday

With the monorail out of service in the afternoons for maintenance, the old Discovery River Boats are making trips between resorts instead of the smaller boats

The bungalows at the Polynesian are coming along nicely

I know everyone isn’t a fan, but these will have the be the coolest rooms at Walt Disney World

Maintenance vehicles out on the monorail beams

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, the hub redesign is in full swing

Tarps now block the view into the moat for guests

Cinderella Castle is getting fixed up while all of this is going on, getting ready for a new nighttime show rumored to happen in 2015

The turrets are being stripped and repainted among other changes

An empty moat

Plenty of tarps up in Adventureland

Walls also up at the Tiki Room still

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train could be soft opening any day now, some Cast Members got to ride during recent training

It is starting to look like the finished product

Another section of construction walls came down, revealing more track


Back in the hub, the expanded Casey’s Corner seating area is being enjoyed by guests

Most of the work on enclosing the balcony at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland is done

No more outdoor seating

The popcorn stand in the hub has already closed

Disneyland Paris Set to “Swing Into Spring” with new Festival Starting April 5th, 2014

From April 5th until June 22nd, 2014, Disneyland Paris will celebrate spring with the Spring Festival, a new event you might as well call “Flower and Garden Festival Lite”…

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Topiaries representing 101 Dalmatians, Bambi, Simba and Nala from the Lion King, the Aristocats, and Mary Poppins will brighten the streets of Main Street U.S.A. during the event.

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A daily highlight will be a musical event with over 90 dancers and Disney characters in new, specially-created costumes. Mickey and Minnie, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, Pinocchio, Clarabelle, Stitch, Rapunzel and many more will delight park guests along with the “Jolly Holiday Band” and “Swing into Spring Orchestra”.

This is the first time such an event has been held at the park and it is expected to become a new, annual offering.

VIDEO: “Nothing’s Impossible” Disney Art Gallery Overview

Oh My Disney, the pop culture blog from Disney.com, partnered with Mondo, the collectible art division of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, to present Nothing’s Impossible, a gallery event at this year’s SXSW festival that celebrated classic and contemporary Disney films.

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To celebrate the end of the exhibit at SXSW, the team created a wrap-up video of the gallery opening, featuring some cool Disney-related posters, a few of Mondo’s talented artists and interviews with some of the fans at the exhibit. Check it out below.

Oh My Disney brings classic and current Disney characters to life for digital audiences through humorous and heartfelt original artwork, stories, articles and videos. Be sure to visit Oh My Disney to check out all the new posters like the ones below.

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New Gameplay, Artists, and Realm Announced for ‘Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved’

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Disney Interactive and Harmonix Music Systems today reveal new details about the upcoming “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” video game. Newly revealed details include multiplayer gameplay, an all-new realm, as well as new songs from award-winning artists, including Lorde, Nicki Minaj, David Bowie and White Stripes, and classical composer Antonin Dvorak.

The two-player multiplayer gameplay for “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is played cooperatively and as part of a friendly competition, allows players to collaborate and engage with the classic hits that they love in an entirely new way. By choosing unique remix paths and discovering musical interactions to create new melodies, beats, and more, “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” gives players an unprecedented amount of freedom to be creative while having fun!

  • Newly announced tracks that will appear in the game are:
  • David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”
  • Antonin Dvorak – “Symphony No. 9 from the New World”
  • Lorde – “Royals”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
  • White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”

Disney and Harmonix also reveal an all-new interactive discovery realm, “The Hollow.” This mysterious forest environment comes to life as users perform songs and interact with the world to add light, color, and characters to the scene. From creating their own melody by sprouting musical mushrooms to guiding frolicking fairies through this woodland wonderland, players will be delighted by what they discover in “The Hollow”.

A video demonstration of the “The Hollow” can be found below.

“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” is a breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia,” and will be available for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Kinect for Xbox 360 in 2014. Featuring over 30 tracks – including contemporary hits, classic rock, classical music, and more – “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” transports players to a breathtaking world where music and magic combine to transform extraordinary interactive landscapes in entirely new and creative ways.

“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” will be available in 2014 and is currently not rated by the ESRB.
For additional information about “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved,” join the Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/fantasiagame, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FantasiaGame and view all videos on our YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/FantasiaGame.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.

About Disney Interactive
Disney Interactive, one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the part of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and family-focused content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. Disney Interactive produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from Disney Interactive Games and Disney Interactive Media. Products and content released and operated by Disney Interactive include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, #1 kid’s entertainment destination Disney.com and the #1 Family/Parenting portfolio on the Web.