Is Brazil Coming to World Showcase at Epcot?

WDWNT on April 21, 2011

Is Brazil going to fill one of the long empty pavilion spaces in Epcot’s World Showcase? This short article from Brazil’s largest daily newspaper, Folha, claims that it is:

TRANSLATION:

Brazil got a great seat at an International forum with Disney. Representatives of the largest complex of theme parks in the world sought the federal government this week to announce that are going to install a pavilion of Brazil at Epcot in Orlando.

Now, this wouldn’t be the first time a pavilion for World Showcase was announced and not built, so it may be too early to be concerned about this. Brazilian guests do make up a large portion of Walt Disney World’s visitors, so it wouldn’t bee too far-fetched. One question: Do Brazilian guests need to visit the country they just left? Probably not, but according to this article (how credible it may be is still debatable), it is happening.

We will keep you up-to-speed on this breaking story as more becomes available, so stay tuned…

PIXAR Celebrates 25th Anniversary with a Weekend at Epcot

WDWNT on April 21, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Heads up Pixar fans – we’re breaking an exciting announcement this morning on the Disney Parks Blog.

Pixar's 25th Anniversary Weekend May 13-15 at Epcot

The 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will celebrate all-things Pixar, including the upcoming release of “Cars 2,” during Pixar’s 25th Anniversary Weekend May 13-15 at Epcot.

Mater from Disney•Pixar's 'Cars' and 'Cars 2'

Mater from “Cars” and “Cars 2” leads the celebration, which will include special Pixar character meet and greets, kids activities, informational discussions by Pixar filmmakers and more.

Characters from Disney•Pixar's 'Up'

World Showplace (located between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions), will serve as the celebration headquarters. Inside, families can enjoy meet and greets with characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Up,” or browse a photo gallery that calls out some of Pixar’s best Easter eggs from past films. There also will be an art gallery that displays the creative work that went in to Pixar films.

'Cars' Franchise Guardian Jay Ward

World Showplace also will be the setting for informational discussions by Pixar filmmakers: Composer Michael Giacchino, Producer Jonas Rivera and “Cars” Franchise Guardian Jay Ward (pictured above). Discussions will take place May 14-15 (times are still TBD).

And the Pixar fun will continue throughout World Showcase, where characters from “Toy Story,” “Ratatouille” and “A Bug’s Life” wait to greet guests. Kids also can play the “Cars 2” Race Around the World Showcase game by picking up a booklet with clues that send them on a journey to specific World Showcase pavilions, where they’ll receive more clues, and receive a reward at the end. (All entertainment is subject to change).

You can find more information on the events official site at www.PIXARWeekend.com!

New Disney Gallery Exhibit Featuring the Art of Mary Blair

WDWNT on April 20, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

In 1964, Walt Disney introduced a concept for a new attraction at the New York World’s Fair that would celebrate children around the world. More than four decades later, “it’s a small world” continues to be one of the most beloved Disney Parks attractions of all time.

'it's a small world' at Disneyland Park

Even more than the famous song that you can’t seem to get out of your head, one thing that sticks with me from “it’s a small world” is the art that takes you on a journey around the world. Artist Mary Blair is among those who played an integral part in the development of this classic attraction. Her artwork remains to this day, an inspiration to our Disney artists and Disney fans. Her designs have captured the hearts of many and can be seen throughout each “it’s a small world” attraction at Disney Parks worldwide.

Until today, there has never been an opportunity to showcase the collection that inspired it all. But thanks to Kim Irvine, Dave Golbeck and team, The Disney Gallery will unveil a brand new exhibit May 13 to celebrate the art of Mary Blair and 45 years of this classic Disney attraction.

The other day I had the unique opportunity to get a quick peek of what you’ll see when the exhibit debuts. Here are a few of the images

Celebrating the Art of Mary Blair at The Disney Gallery

Celebrating the Art of Mary Blair at The Disney Gallery

I hope you enjoyed this inside look. As I find out more, I’ll be sure to let you know.

New Details on “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” Revealed in Press Release

WDWNT on April 19, 2011

Disney has issued an updated press release with new details on “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”, opening June 3rd at Disneyland Park:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The power of the Force and the magic of Disney have combined to create “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” a new 3-D attraction set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park on May 20, 2011. The attraction also will open at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., on June 3, 2011.

Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours will take Walt Disney World Resort guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they will interact with characters from throughout the Saga. And it will all be in 3-D.

With eye-popping 3-D digital filming, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests will be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with Lucasfilm, Ltd. and Industrial Light & Magic – the groundbreaking visual effects division of Lucasfilm – to bring the out-of-this-world attraction to life.

Star Tours, which had thrilled Disney Parks guests since the 1980s, was “powered down” at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2010 so Imagineers could begin work on the new attraction.

And in a new twist, guests may be able to enjoy the attraction multiple times without ever experiencing the same adventure. More than 50 story combinations are possible for guests to experience aboard Star Tours.

Just as the Star Wars films immerse movie-goers in storylines that keep them on the edge of their seats, Star Tours will feature multiple stories and scenarios that will hurtle park guests throughout the Star Wars galaxy. And all of the storyline’s twists and turns will be random, affording guests the chance to ride the attraction multiple times.

Whether it’s a battle with Darth Vader and his legion of stormtroopers or a plea from Princess Leia to help her save the Rebellion, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action – literally – in the 3-D, multi-sensory attraction.

Entering the attraction queue area, Star Tours guests walk into a bustling spaceport. The famed Star Wars droid duo, C-3PO and R2-D2, greet them as the Starspeeder 1000 is prepped for service. Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO and the only actor to appear in every theatrical chapter of the Star Wars Saga, reprises his role as the golden protocol droid. Daniels worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to record new dialogue for the attraction. Guests also are introduced to AC-38, a hotshot droid pilot known simply as “Ace,” and Aly San San (voiced by actress Allison Janney), the “spokesbot” for the spaceport.

After winding through the spaceport, guests board the Starspeeder 1000 spacecraft and prepare for Star Tours Flight #1401. Through a series of mishaps, however, C-3PO finds himself in the pilot’s seat instead of Ace, and it’s up to him and R2-D2 to navigate their passengers through the galaxy. However, the tyrannical Empire is out to stop the Starspeeder at all costs. C-3PO and R2-D2 take the controls and try to outwit and outrun the Imperial forces and a galactic bounty hunter hired to pursue the spaceship and its passengers.

Utilizing the 50+ random story combinations, the Starspeeder then embarks on a wild trip through the galaxy, visiting several planets made famous in the Star Wars films. Among the locations that might provide haven from the Empire’s pursuit are the icy planet of Hoth, the lush jungles of Kashyyyk and the underwater Gungan world of Naboo. And along the way guests may encounter Star Wars characters that offer to help (or hinder) their journey, including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. “Skytroopers,” a legion of stormtroopers created just for the Star Tours attraction story, might even join in the chase.

In fact, with multiple ways to experience each flight, guests will never know where the Force will take them.

At Walt Disney World Resort, Star Tours opens May 20, 2011, the same day the annual Star Wars Weekends event begins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Star Tours and Star Wars Weekends event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

New Details on “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” Revealed in Press Release

WDWNT on April 19, 2011

Disney has issued an updated press release with new details on “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”, opening May 20th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The power of the Force and the magic of Disney have combined to create “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” a new 3-D attraction set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park on May 20, 2011. The attraction also will open at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., on June 3, 2011.

Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours will take Walt Disney World Resort guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they will interact with characters from throughout the Saga. And it will all be in 3-D.

With eye-popping 3-D digital filming, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests will be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with Lucasfilm, Ltd. and Industrial Light & Magic – the groundbreaking visual effects division of Lucasfilm – to bring the out-of-this-world attraction to life.

Star Tours, which had thrilled Disney Parks guests since the 1980s, was “powered down” at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2010 so Imagineers could begin work on the new attraction.

And in a new twist, guests may be able to enjoy the attraction multiple times without ever experiencing the same adventure. More than 50 story combinations are possible for guests to experience aboard Star Tours.

Just as the Star Wars films immerse movie-goers in storylines that keep them on the edge of their seats, Star Tours will feature multiple stories and scenarios that will hurtle park guests throughout the Star Wars galaxy. And all of the storyline’s twists and turns will be random, affording guests the chance to ride the attraction multiple times.

Whether it’s a battle with Darth Vader and his legion of stormtroopers or a plea from Princess Leia to help her save the Rebellion, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action – literally – in the 3-D, multi-sensory attraction.

Entering the attraction queue area, Star Tours guests walk into a bustling spaceport. The famed Star Wars droid duo, C-3PO and R2-D2, greet them as the Starspeeder 1000 is prepped for service. Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO and the only actor to appear in every theatrical chapter of the Star Wars Saga, reprises his role as the golden protocol droid. Daniels worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to record new dialogue for the attraction. Guests also are introduced to AC-38, a hotshot droid pilot known simply as “Ace,” and Aly San San (voiced by actress Allison Janney), the “spokesbot” for the spaceport.

After winding through the spaceport, guests board the Starspeeder 1000 spacecraft and prepare for Star Tours Flight #1401. Through a series of mishaps, however, C-3PO finds himself in the pilot’s seat instead of Ace, and it’s up to him and R2-D2 to navigate their passengers through the galaxy. However, the tyrannical Empire is out to stop the Starspeeder at all costs. C-3PO and R2-D2 take the controls and try to outwit and outrun the Imperial forces and a galactic bounty hunter hired to pursue the spaceship and its passengers.

Utilizing the 50+ random story combinations, the Starspeeder then embarks on a wild trip through the galaxy, visiting several planets made famous in the Star Wars films. Among the locations that might provide haven from the Empire’s pursuit are the icy planet of Hoth, the lush jungles of Kashyyyk and the underwater Gungan world of Naboo. And along the way guests may encounter Star Wars characters that offer to help (or hinder) their journey, including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. “Skytroopers,” a legion of stormtroopers created just for the Star Tours attraction story, might even join in the chase.

In fact, with multiple ways to experience each flight, guests will never know where the Force will take them.

At Walt Disney World Resort, Star Tours opens May 20, 2011, the same day the annual Star Wars Weekends event begins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Star Tours and Star Wars Weekends event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

Animal Kingdom Tests “Truckosaurous” Dance Party

WDWNT on April 18, 2011

With the success of the Club 626 Dance Party in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney Imagineering has decided to test a similar concept at Animal Kingdom. The Truckosaurous dance party with DJ Dino-mite began its test run on Sunday and will continue daily through Thursday from 4-8PM in the Dinoland/Dino-Rama area accross from Primeval Whirl. We have video of the first test taken by WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee to share with you:

With the incredibly well-themed truck and the selection of songs from the DJ (including “Another Part of Me” from Captain EO and the Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater), I think this is a wonderful addition to a park that most complain does not offer enough to do. We’ll have to wait and see if the public agrees and if WDI will make this a permanent addition.

“Star Tours II/The Adventures Continue/3-D” Debuts a Facebook Fan Page

WDWNT on April 15, 2011

Disney has started an official Facebook group for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. The group promotes what may be another name change for the attraction, now referring to it as “Star Tours 3-D”. Many of you may remember that the attraction was titled “Star Tours II” when it was announced at the 2009 D23 Expo before being changed again in June 2010 to “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue”. Regardless, I’m sure the group will be posting regular updates on the attractions as we inch closer to the grand openings, so it’s probably worth you clicking the “like button” on this one…

UPDATE

Disney has also announced a special sneak peek event taking place in a few Florida malls over the next few weeks –


WDW Passholders Getting Exclusive Line of Star Tours Merchandise

WDWNT on April 15, 2011

While it appeared that Annual Passholder exclusive merchandise for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue was only going to Disneyland, Walt Disney World has confirmed that they will be getting in on the action:

In the coming months be on the lookout for new items in the Passholder Commemorative Collection as we prepare for the re-launch of Star Tours.
Spotting the Passholder logo will be ‘key’ to finding incredible new designs. Here’s a sneak peek of one of the items ‘in store’ for you this Summer, based on the Star Tours attraction.

Merchandise will be available at select locations this Summer. Please keep checking back for more information and details on release dates, prices, etc.