In Celebration of the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, iTunes is providing a limited time offer on the film AVATAR.
The AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition on iTunes is available at the reduced price of $7.99 (reg. $19.99) through June 5th. Exclusively on iTunes, the Extended Collector’s Edition will include a video behind the scenes look inside of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The over eight minute piece features an in-depth look at how this dream world became a reality through the collaboration between Lightstorm Entertainment, led by James Cameron (Creator/Director of Avatar) and Jon Landau (Producer of Avatar), and the Walt Disney Imagineering team led by Joe Rohde, Creative Executive.
The Extended Collector’s Edition also offers a look at the filmmakers’ journey in the documentary Capturing Avatar, featuring interviews with the creative team behind the film. The set includes three versions of the film including a Family Friendly Audio version, plus over 45 minutes of never-before-seen footage, the Exclusive Alternate Opening on Earth, The Art of Avatar and more.
Visit apple.co/Avatar for this very special, limited time offer.
Pandora – The World of Avatar is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Following the success of the Satuli Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pizzafari will launch the mobile ordering program starting next week.
Pizzafari is located just steps away from Pandora on Discovery Island.
The mobile ordering program allows guests to order at Disney counter service restaurants from their mobile devices and then pick-up the order when they are ready to eat. Check out our comprehensive review of the service to see how it works.
The Cool Ship in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom is now selling Pizza Frusta, described as being “a folded pizza-like snack that is easy to eat on-the-go”.
The Cool Ship is located near Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom
The Pizza Frusta is stored in a glass display that keeps it warm
Lets try this adequately described “pizza-like snack”…
The Cool Ship menu, which basically includes soft drinks, a souvenir cup, and Pizza Frusta
Pizza Frusta ($7.99) Available in Cheese and Pepperoni & Sausage
Pizza Frusta
Despite looking like Fast Food pizza that got into a massive car wreck, this wasn’t the most abominable item at Walt Disney World. That being said, they aren’t great either.
Tomato and cheese Pizza Frusta
The crust is kind of like a rather large puff pastry, crispy on the exterior, but doughy almost to the point of being uncooked on the inside.
Pepperoni and sausage Pizza Frusta
The cheese and meats are about the same as a Disney counter service pizza, not of the greatest quality, nor inedible. If you have ever had Digiorno frozen pizzas, then you know the flavor.
Cheese Pizza Frusta
I prefer the pepperoni and sausage one as it is at least a little more interesting, but choosing between these is essentially like picking your poison.
I personally would skip the Pizza Frusta unless you have kids in your party craving pizza at the Magic Kingdom. In that case, it’s a fast and easy way to grab a counter service pizza at the park.
MARVEL ANNOUNCES EPIC EXPERIENCES FOR FANS AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO 2017 IN ANAHEIM, JULY 14–16
Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo’s show floor from July 14–16 with an exciting look at its upcoming film titles in the Marvel Studios Pavilion, featuring an array of props and costumes from the Studios’ upcoming slate, including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and more. Fans will also be able to enjoy all-new console and mobile Marvel Games, plus incredible exclusive content and announcements throughout the weekend!
In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk.Fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from Thor: Ragnarok, as well as photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film.
The incredible costumes from Black Panther will also be on display. Black Panther follows the journey of T’Challa after the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War, where he returns to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader.
In addition to the exciting props and costumes on display, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B. Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.
For the first time at D23 Expo, guests will be able to get their hands on the hottest new console and mobile games featuring favorite Marvel Super Heroes, playing as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more!
LEGO®Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO®Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
Adding to the infinite excitement of D23 Expo,Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a variety of exciting and accessible single-player modes and rich multi-player content for new players and longtime fans alike and will be released on September 19, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omegaand win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs and MMOs with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. With thousands of hours of character progression and rewards, Marvel Heroes Omega comes packed with tons of replay value and a steady stream of new challenges with regular updates.
Netmarble is bringing its best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can try their hand at saving the universe.
Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game available on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-versus-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more. Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero and wage war against their enemies. Learn more at marvelpuzzlequest.com.
Marvel will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including the fan-favorite Cup o’ Joe on Friday, July 14, at 1:15 p.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, featuring Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Joe Quesada, in a no-holds-barred panel of everything Marvel! That same day at 6 p.m. on Stage 28, Marvel Animation presents a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28. Details will be available on the D23 Expo app.
Ticketsfor D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Membersof D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.
Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly, audio and video program presented on 105.5 FM, 660 AM, and AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando, Florida, as well as online at WDWNewsTonight.com every Wednesday from 9-11pm EST. The show covers the Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney news. The show combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, call in games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind 2-hour program covering the Disney Parks. While the show is being live-streamed in both audio and video, listeners and viewers also interact via a live chat online. The show is also available on demand as an audio download, online audio stream and can be watched live or recorded on YouTube.
Located steps away from The Mad Tea Party attraction in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, the Cheshire Cafe (formerly the Enchanted Grove) has always served a selection of coffee drinks, and from time to time, some pastry desserts as well. Starting recently, the menu at this counter service window location was updated with two new offerings.
Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails, new at the Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom
Allow me to introduce those new items to you: Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails!
Cold Brew Coffee and Cheshire Cat Tails, new at the Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom
Cheshire Cafe Menu, June 2017
The remainder of the Cheshire Cafe menu remains pretty much as it was, long gone are the themed cake Cups you may remember from a few years ago. Guests were really big on those, but I had never had much success with them.
Cheshire Cat Tail ($4.49)
Cheshire Cat Tail ($4.49), Cheshire Cafe at the Magic Kingdom
The Cheshire Cat Tail is very similar to the “chocolate twist” treat that you will most commonly find around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, available as Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery and Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks. However, while I do enjoy the Animal Kingdom offering, this was far superior in every way.
The pastry was fresh, soft, and flaky, filled inside with chocolate chips and a cream filling. The colorful icing here added an extra sweetness which made this (most likely) the best theme park pastry I have ever eaten. If you acquire one of these as fresh as we did, you are in for a real treat. This is seriously my favorite snack in all of the Magic Kingdom as of right now.
Cold Brew Coffee ($3.79)
If you like Cold Brew Coffee, then you can now find it at the Magic Kingdom now at the Cheshire Cafe. I don’t know what else to say about this except that it was Cold Brew Coffee and it was what you would expect it to be. The picture above is of the drink as it is served, but cream and sugar and such are available just around the corner from the service window, so guests may make this beverage to their liking.
It’s time to check on the latest progress on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the addition of the Star Wars and Toy Story themed lands. First-up, we have a video of the current progress to share with you:
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Work continues on what is left of New York Street and what will be the transition area into Star Wars Land.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is still unknown what is happening to the space that once was the Writer’s Stop, but we are hoping for a Sci-Fi Dine-In Lounge.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
They are testing out different paint colors for the facades.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Some structural steel is visible from the end of PIXAR Place facing into Star Wars Land.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is unclear exactly what is happening to Soundstage 12 adjacent to One Man’s Dream. Will it be re-themed to Toy Story or simply demolished slowly to ensure that One Man’s Dream will not have to close?
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Toy Story Land concept art was moved near the entrance to One Man’s Dream.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The walls then transition to a Toy Story theme just around the corner.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A peek through the construction walls reveals the coaster track for the Slinky Dog Dash ride. You can get a better look at the track from above the park here.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
An opening date for Toy Story Land will be announced at the 2017 D23 Expo next month, but it is expected to be sometime in early 2018.
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom, so lets see what is new and exciting at Walt Disney World’s first park:
Road Work Rages On
Road work continues on World Drive to enhance the Magic Kingdom arrival and departure experience. Work is underway for a new “flyover” for access to Magic Kingdom resorts and completely reworked and expanded toll plaza for the Transportation and Ticket Center.
We snapped all of these pics while riding aboard the Epcot monorail.
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom
Happily Ever After
The Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular debuted a few weeks ago, taking over the park map.
The poster for the show replaces Wishes under the train station. It is also sponsored by Pandora… the jewelry, not the moon.
A number of Happily Ever After items can be found for sale in The Emporium.
An annual passholder shirt is available behind one of the registers.
Large crowds have been showing up nightly for the new show, so be sure to get there with plenty of time to spare if you care where you see it from.
If you would like our thoughts on the show, you can read them here.
We have a video of the premiere performance of thew show for you to enjoy:
We also have video of a special performance of the spectacular, which includes a live performance of the theme song at the end by the voices who recorded it for the actual show:
This and That
The attraction poster phone case designs are already gone from D-Tech on Demand. There is no word as to why they were pulled, but hopefully you were able to grab one before they were removed.
Some new MagicBand and phone case designs were made available recently.
I continue to love the fajitas platter at Pecos Bill’s, even with the yellow rice that replaced the previous iteration.
With the fixin’s bar, a kid’s meal can become a real feast.
Disney recently changed their bagged carrots for kids to a new brand. I’ve never heard of these…
The Disney Parks exclusive Jolly Roger Pop Funko figure is available again in Caribbean Plaza.
The rhino is still missing over at the Jungle Cruise.
The former hot dog stand in Frontierland now sells Mickey Pretzels and Churros.
The hearse is missing outside of the Haunted Mansion.
A new Under the Sea Treat cupcake is available at Prince Eric’s Village Market.
The interactive robot character iCan recently debuted in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.
In my opinion, this is a million times better than PUSH ever was, engaging far more guests. He is portrayed by a pretty witty performer to boot, making this Streetmosphere for Tomorrowland, essentially.
His showtimes are listed on the timed guide, so be sure to catch him next time you visit the park.
See iCan, in action below:
I shouldn’t be allowed alone on Space Ranger Spin…
Some new items found in The Emporium.
This kids Rey shirt is pretty adorable.
NEW SULLEY PLUSH!
There is a ton of new mugs for sale in The Emporium.
Small candy dishes from the Neverland Collection, $12.99 each.
Spider-Man is making a return to Disney XD this Summer in an all-new show called Marvel’s Spider-Man.
While the show was announced and teased a while back, today we got a first look at the show. Check out the clip below to get a feel for the new writing and art style featured in Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is going back to the basics with the famous web slinger. The show is set to start from the beginning with Peter Parker’s origin story. The above sneak peak shows Spider-Man battling it out with Scorpion, before acquiring his iconic suit.
It shouldn’t be long before we get an official premier date. Stay tuned for more information!
