Parks & Resorts – Page 61

Young Child Hospitalized After Incident at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

A 5-year-old was airlifted to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Monday after the child nearly drowned at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

The boy is alright and was last listed as “well” in condition. The pool was closed following the incident as it became the scene of an investigation by police. Lifeguards at the resort were interviewed regarding the child’s predicament following the airlift. It is unclear exactly what happened, it is simply being called a “water emergency”.

The incident is far from the first at a Disney resort, and not even the first at the 5-year-old Art of Animation hotel.

Disney Announces Upcoming Slate For Animation Studio, PIXAR, Marvel & Lucasfilm at D23 Expo 2017

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS PRESENTS UPCOMING FILM SLATE FROM DISNEY, PIXAR, MARVEL, AND LUCASFILM AT D23 EXPO 2017

‘Celebration of an Animated Classic: The Lion King’ Event Announced

The Walt Disney Studios presents an exclusive look at its unparalleled film slate at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California, taking place July 14–16.

At two marquee Hall D23 presentations, the Studio will give fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at its upcoming releases, with animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios showcased on Friday, July 14, and live-action projects from Disney, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm taking the stage on Saturday, July 15.

Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm are responsible for some of the world’s biggest movie hits, including recent blockbusters such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and The Jungle Book; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Moana; Pixar Animation Studios’ Inside Out, Finding Dory, and Cars 3; Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Doctor Strange, and Captain America: Civil War; and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While the films to be featured in Hall D23 will remain under wraps until showtime, the Studio’s upcoming slate includes Pixar’s Coco; Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and Avengers: Infinity War; Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi; Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time and Mary Poppins Returns; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2; and more.

In addition, a new event has been announced for Sunday, July 16, at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena: Celebration of an Animated Classic: The Lion King. Producer Don Hahn, director Rob Minkoff, animators Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn, and special guests will be in attendance during this not-to-be-missed look back at the timeless and beloved Disney animated film.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m. – Hall D23

Were you there in 2015 when Ellen DeGeneres and Dwayne Johnson wowed the crowds? When Zootopia’s sloth scene screened for the very first time? And when Randy Newman, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody celebrated the 20th anniversary of Toy Story? Then you know the Animation presentation at Hall D23 is a MUST. Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 will be unveiled, as well as surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Disney, Marvel Studios & Lucasfilm – Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios

Saturday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. – Hall D23

The Walt Disney Studios is home to the biggest and most beloved brands in filmmaking today, with a number of highly anticipated projects from Disney, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm in the works. At this exclusive Hall D23 presentation featuring never-before-seen footage, surprise star appearances, and more, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at an exciting array of spectacular films on the horizon from these world-class studios. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

The Power of the Princess

Saturday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. – Stage 28

Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you to The Power of the Princess, featuring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)—the talented actresses who brought these iconic characters to life—as they share stories of making their films and the impact of their characters on people around the world. Hosted by Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki.

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe

Saturday, July 15, 12:15 p.m. – Stage 28

Pixar’s films are filled with beloved characters living in relatable yet previously unimagined worlds. Join Pixar production designers and artists who have created the mountain tops, oceans, and “monstropolises” in which your favorite characters live. These artists create the setting and cultivate the mood of every scene using extensive research, incredible imagination, and each individual director’s vision, giving life to the amazing worlds in Pixar’s movies.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Featurette

Saturday, July 15, 2:30 p.m. – Stage 28

Be among the first to see both exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday featurette, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy^®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar^®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters

Saturday, July 15, 6 p.m. – Stage 28

From the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet, Pixar characters are designed to be full of personality and to tell a story. Hear from the legendary Pixar artists who have created the most memorable characters in Pixar’s history. These are the visionaries who start with an initial doodle and see the evolution of a character through to final animation—the people who let technology influence the art and make the impossible, possible.

Celebration of an Animated Classic: The Lion King

Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m. – D23 Expo Arena

Join a Disney celebration of the magic, the music, and the majesty of the animated classic The Lion King. Producer Don Hahn, director Rob Minkoff, and animators Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn, along with some very special guests, reveal the secrets behind the making of the timeless animated classic.

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary

Sunday, July 16, 11:30 a.m. – Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join us as we commemorate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi, the endearing, timeless tale of a wide-eyed fawn that has touched generations. Audiences can look forward to hearing personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more. It’s groundbreaking animated classics like Bambi that were created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney and still influence many great visionaries and animators today.

ALL WEEKEND ON THE D23 EXPO SHOW FLOOR

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios once again join forces for a must-see animation experience at D23 Expo. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways and interactive displays featuring the latest films including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, make this booth one to visit over-and-over again.

Marvel Studios Pavilion

At the Marvel Studios Pavilion, fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from Thor: Ragnarok, including photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film, as well as incredible costumes from Black Panther. 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.

Disney Music Emporium – Album Signings and Exclusive Products

Disney Music Emporium, the online destination for collectible Disney music products, returns to D23 Expo 2017 with a pop-up store on the show floor. Over the three-day Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the Emporium will feature album signings by artists and award-winning composers. Limited quantities of a wide assortment of music products will be available, including new releases from Marvel, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, and Disneyland attraction picture discs, plus lithographs, Crosley turntables, and posters. For a complete list of talent appearances and album signings, visit http://waltdisneyrecords.com/d23expo/signings.html.

Disney Movie Rewards and Disney Movie Club

Throughout the D23 Expo 2017, Disney fans will be able to experience a unique augmented reality photo booth presented by Disney Movie Rewards, the premier loyalty program for all your favorite Disney Movies. Fans will be able to earn mystery points which can be used for great rewards like Blu-rays, movie tickets, and exclusive collectibles only available at DisneyMovieRewards.com. Disney Movie Club, the ultimate source for building your Disney movie library, will also be there hosting a special augmented reality gallery. Come by for free giveaways and a special sign up offer just for D23 Expo 2017 attendees. For more magic and savings visit DisneyMovieClub.com.

Disney Family Movies

The subscription, video-on-demand service Disney Family Movies provides the ultimate in family entertainment from one of the world’s largest film libraries, giving viewers unlimited access to a selection of beloved classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios. Each of the 12 titles remains in rotation for a month, with new movies added weekly. Stop by our booth in Hall C to learn about this fun service, available through your television provider.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of 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.

UPDATE: Disney Denies Media Reports, Claims Extensive Theater Upgrades Responsible for Hall of Presidents Opening Delay

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Disney Parks Blog:

Since the Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents has brought together a one-of-a-kind look at the office of the President of the United States through film and the magic of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics technology. Despite some media reports to the contrary, President Trump will have a speaking role in The Hall of Presidents, like every president since 1993. We have been working closely with the current White House — just as we have with previous administrations — and the president’s recording session has been scheduled. The attraction will re-open in late 2017.

Whenever we refurbish one of our attractions, we take the opportunity to consider a broad range of enhancements. In this case, The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history.

The statement was forced by the media firestorm that followed our piece on the delayed re-opening of the Hall of Presidents. Of course, Disney did confirm that President Trump would speak in the attraction after that, but erroneous reports from media sites that there was some sort of tension between the White House and Disney pretty much left them in need of some public post on the topic.

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Rey Has Joined the Cast of Star Wars – A Galaxy Far, Far Away at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

With the return of the Star Wars – A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today, the glorified character photo-op has added Rey from The Force Awakens to each performance.

Rey on stage at Star Wars – Galactic Nights back in April

This was first seen at the Star Wars – Galactic Nights event back in April, and you can see our video of Rey’s first appearance in the show below:

It is expected that she will appear in every show moving forward and this is now a permanent addition.

Magic Kingdom to Close at 6PM to Accommodate 2017 Christmas Party Events

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The Magic Kingdom will close one-hour before the beginning of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on event nights in 2017, a change from years past.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Duffy wave to Magic Kingdom guests as snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A., during ” Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at Walt Disney World Resort. The festive processional is one of the happy highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a night of holiday splendor with lively stage shows, a unique holiday parade, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. The special-ticket event takes place on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

In previous years, the park would close at 7pm just as the party was beginning. To better accommodate guests arriving for the parties and to help clear out day-guests earlier, the Magic Kingdom will close to non-party guests at 6pm on each event night this year. Basically, attraction queues and the park entrance will no longer admit non-party guests starting at 6PM.

It is unclear at this time exactly how this will affect the usual park procedures in preparing for the party.

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PHOTO: New Marquee Replaces Classic Sign for Muppet-Vision 3-D, New Theater Name at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The classic Muppet-Vision 3-D sign that has welcomed guests to the Hollywood Studios classic since 1991 has been removed and will be likely replaced today with this…

New sign being installed today at Muppet-Vision 3-D, photo by @CityBeautiful_ on twitter

The new sign gives a name to the theater the Muppets and Muppet Labs have taken over for the show, The Grand Arts Theatre. This change is likely just the next step in further changes to the Muppets Courtyard area of the park, as well as its expansion into what is left of the Streets of America next door.

Here is what the original sign looked like last week, as preparations were already underway for this new marquee:

The old sign was completely removed as of yesterday, with two new banner flanking where the new sign will go.

Photo courtesy of @LaughingPlace on twitter

With the placement of the marquee, it appears something would have to go above it, but that is purely speculation. We will be sure to show you the finished product once it is finally installed.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Star Wars Land Construction Update at Disneyland Park for June 28th, 2017

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Thanks to our friends over at Fresh Baked Disney, we have another weekly look at how the construction of Star Wars land is going over at Disneyland Park. Here is a look at the project as of June 28th, 2017: