Mulan – WDWNT Archive

D23 Expo 2017 Rumors – A Brave New Epcot with Way More Disney Character, 5 Year Expansion Plan

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek has already announced that big changes are coming to Epcot, making the statement back in November 2016 at the Destination D event at Walt Disney World. While they weren’t ready to spill the beans just yet, the D23 Expo in Anaheim next month seems like a likely venue for the announcement of the multi-year, multi-billion-dollar overhaul of Orlando’s second gate.

According to sources, with work commencing this Fall and being executed in phases, the overhaul of Epcot is slated to be completed in 5 years, just in time for the park’s 40th birthday in the fall of 2022. That being said, major components of the expansion will begin to come online starting in 2018, with at least a new E-Ticket up and running in time for Walt Disney World’s grand 50th anniversary celebration in 2021. You may recall that California Adventure went through a similar expansion, starting in 2007 and completed in 2012.

So, what is happening to Epcot? While some things are more solid, others are just low rumblings at this point. Below, we go over everything we have heard thus far. Some will come to fruition, some undoubtedly will not, but here’s what might the announced for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2017…

New Entrance Plaza

Removing the Leave a Legacy “tombstones” and most of the original 1982 structures, Epcot will receive a new entry area to bring it into the 21st century.

Spaceship Earth Update

Siemens is expected to renew its expiring sponsorship deal for the Spaceship Earth attraction and Epcot’s nighttime show, which will likely lead to another update of the classic Epcot ride. We would hope that the problematic finale portion of the attraction created in 2007 will be addressed, but at the very least, a complete overhaul of Project Tomorrow seems likely.

Innoventions Plaza Area Overhaul

Including a new multi-level table service restaurant, a remodeled Mouse Gear, and the demolition of the existing Inventions East and West buildings, a new plaza behind Spaceship Earth will offer easier access to the rest of Future World. Here’s hoping that the Fountain of Nations (and Club Cool) will remain.

Guardians of the Galaxy/TRON Replacing the Universe of Energy

We have been talking about this one for a while, but it seems as if the announcement of a Guardians of the Galaxy themed land for Epcot is just about guaranteed for the D23 Expo 2017. Cast members at Epcot are already being told that the Universe of Energy will close just after the park’s 35th anniversary on October 1st for demolition, making way for what should be a small themed land that will take guests off-world to explore the galaxy with Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot and Mantis. While some are speculating that this area will instead be home to the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, we are still hearing that the TRON coaster is set for Magic Kingdom and not here, especially considering Chevrolet is the sponsor of the ride and they already sponsor Test Track in Future World. It is also likely that the former Wonders of Life pavilion will be demolished and the plot incorporated into this themed land, which will reportedly have multiple attractions.

Mission: SPACE Update

A new on-ride film and a lot of cosmetic upgrades are likely for Mission:SPACE, the first signs of which may even be evident when it reopens from its current refurbishment in just a few weeks’ time.

Inside Out replacing Imagination

Figment will be sharing the spotlight in a new attraction themed around the Disney-PIXAR film Inside Out, slated to replace the Journey Into Imagination attraction at Epcot. Sadly, Figment will not be getting his own adventure, but will be sharing one with the 5 emotions from the film should this rumor pan out. Figment appears in the actual Inside Out film in a brief Easter egg – a framed portrait of the purple dragon is present in Riley’s imagination.

The Land Re-Imagining

Upgrades for the Living with the Land boat ride and a new film to replace Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable seem likely for The Land, while Soarin’ Around the World will continue to be the headlining attraction for the pavilion.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends becomes the Marine Life Institute

The Nemo and Friends Searider at Tokyo DisneySea

While perhaps not a part of phase one, we eventually expect to see the Seas with Nemo and Friends converted into the Marine Life Institute, the fictitious location in Finding Dory which was inspired by the real-life Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the new and popular Searider attraction from Tokyo DisneySea would be a nice addition, nothing solid on this front has come our way as of yet.

New World Showcase Pavilion

New country pavilions in World Showcase have been talked about since Epcot Center opened. Several have even been announced (but never built), and thus only two (Morocco and Norway) have been added since the park debuted. We have certainly heard about Disney sitting down with various countries and such over the last ten years to discuss a new pavilion, with rumors that Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Spain are on the short list. Spain seems the most likely as Disney would like a tie-in to the upcoming animated film Gigantic (now pushed to 2020).

Coco Replacing The Gran Fiesta Tour

As it would be an easy change in this screen-based attraction, the upcoming PIXAR film Coco may inspire some changes at the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros. Why do this after investing in a new end scene for the ride? Well, the addition of the Donald, Jose, and Panchito animatronics was a side project with a very limited budget, and not some major initiative for WDI and the company. Disney wants to invest in this park with more contemporary IPs, and Coco is both contemporary, and (sadly for those of us who love The Three Caballeros) a logical fit.

Mulan-Related Film for China

Apparently, Disney will look to keep the Circlevision 360 theater alive by adding Mushu as a narrator for the history of China. Sadly, there isn’t much space to do something else here, but Reflections of China is desperately in need of some change.

Ratatouille in France

Whether it ends up being the large-scale trackless ride from Walt Disney Studios Paris, or a new film starring Remy, a redo of the France Pavilion seems all but confirmed at this point. The pavilion already sells a ton of Ratatouille merchandise and Disney is likely chomping at the bit to rip out Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul to replace them with the lucrative Bistro Chez Remy restaurant from Disneyland Paris, where guests can dine at the size of a rat.

Something for the U.K., Germany, and Japan Pavilions

While it is unclear what might go there, the upcoming sequel to Mary Poppins and the likely closure of the Great Movie Ride may equal Disney’s first attraction based on one of its most popular films of all time for the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, show building that were never utilized for attractions still stand in both Germany and Japan, spaces which may be used for Tangled and Big Hero 6 related attractions, or something else perhaps.

New Nighttime Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations

Without a doubt, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth with be ending soon. The show is the oldest continuously-running fireworks show at any Disney Park around the globe. Despite it being a beloved and still-popular nighttime spectacular, it will likely be replaced with something new, and injected with Disney characters and franchises inspired by tales from around the globe.

Stay Tuned for More in WDWNT’s Coverage of the D23 Expo 2017

While all of this is likely not what any fan of classic Epcot would like to see, there is a new direction coming in an effort to make it as exciting as the other three Walt Disney World theme parks will be to guests by the time 2022 rolls around. While all the individual pieces of the plans will likely not be announced at the D23 Expo next month, we at least expect Disney to give us a clearer explanation of their vision for the park’s future. Stay tuned to WDWNT’s full coverage of the D23 Expo 2017 in just a few weeks!

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Disney Fans Upset With Changes Made To The Live Action “Mulan” Movie; No Songs, No Li Shang

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

Say it isn’t so! The director of the upcoming live action “Mulan” movie says there will be no songs from the original Disney animated film. Not only that, but he cut the role of Captain Li Shang, Mulan’s love interest, in his version of the film.

The following casting call shows a new character will be replacing Li Shang:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgWiMm_Nffc

Director Niki Caro also revealed the following while speaking to MovieFone:

Moviefone: So I was talking to Sean Bailey and he was telling me about your approach to “Mulan.” It sounds great!

Niki Caro: What did he say?

He said that it’s going to be very muscular and a Ridley Scott approach. But I wanted to hear from you what your approach is going to be.

Well I’m not going to contradict Sean. His sensibility and mine for the material is right in sync. It’s a big, girly martial arts epic. It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving.

That sounds awesome.

Yeah!

But from what I understand, no songs?

Yes, from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children.

I’ve heard that the deleted scene where the Huns sneak in via a Chinese dragon is going to be in this movie. Is that true?

I could not possibly comment upon that.

So there you have it: “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is out, but all sorts of thrilling awesomeness is in.

Needless to say, Disney fans did not take this well:

So what do you think? Do you think this is a good idea or not? Will this effect with or not you will see the live action “Mulan”?

You still have time to think about it. “Mulan” still does not have an official release date but filming will start soon and it is set to release sometime in Winter of 2018.

Source: MovieFone; Perez Hilton; Disney Movies Anywhere

Live Action “Mulan” Is Coming To Theaters On November 2, 2018

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

life-lessons-from-mulan-reflection

We knew the live action version of “Mulan” but now we have an official release date and it is November 2, 2018.

According to Variety:

Walt Disney Pictures has dated its live-action “Mulan” retelling for Nov. 2, 2018.

The film has been fast-tracked into production with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (“Jurassic World,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and the upcoming “Avatar” sequel) penning the script. The two came on board in 2015 to rewrite the spec by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin.

A director has yet to be announced. A global casting search will soon be underway to find a Chinese actress for the role of Mulan.

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I know not everyone is on board with so many live action retelling of Disney animated classics, but I am totally on board with this one…. if they do it right. I have always enjoyed “Mulan” and really appreciated that it introduced such a strong female role model. I feel that Mulan’s relationship with her father would play out very well on screen. Shan Yu was also one of the great Disney villains who was totally brutal and deadly and I am hoping they portray this properly on screen. I have no idea how they are going to handle Mushu and Cri-Kee in this one, but hope they tone down the comic relief aspect a bit. I can just imagine the battle scenes, especially the avalanche scene against Shan Yu and the Hun warriors.

Let’s hope they get this right, and if they do, it could be epic.

Source: Variety

Disney Offering Special Character Meet & Greets for PhotoPass Day on August 19th

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

On Friday, August 19, the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will celebrate the first-ever #DisneyPhotoPassDay, a one-day celebration that will feature special one-day offerings and experiences for guests.

Disney PhotoPass Day

Special Character Experiences At Magic Kingdom Park & Epcot

Enjoy special character experiences at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, where Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture your encounter with Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow in Storybook Circus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Foul fellow and Gideon will appear for World PhotoPass Day

At Epcot, a friend or foe will join some of your favorite Disney characters around World Showcase, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on August 19 for these Disney characters’ schedule.

Disney PhotoPass Day

Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs

There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort and at both parks at Disneyland Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer can capture your special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland app at Disneyland Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image). Check out Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Tuesday for a list of participating photo locations.

Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge

Complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of the four parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo for free. All you need to do is get your photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on August 19. Once you’ve stopped by all of the locations, visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download. Participants at Disneyland Resort will receive one 5×7 print of a Disney PhotoPass photo. Challenge locations and details will be posted on the Disney’s PhotoPass Service Facebook page on Wednesday.

WDWNT – The Magazine: The History of Hollywood Studios Parades

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been home to several memorable daytime parades. The themes of these parades include: Aladdin, Hercules, Mulan, Pixar, and more.

The first parade began in September 1991 and was titled Dinosaurs Live. It starred the Sinclair Family from the hit ABC television sitcom Dinosaurs; this parade ran around the area that now encompasses the Sorcerer’s Hat. After about two and a half minutes of its seven minute production, the main floats stopped in front of The Great Movie Ride for a short, live show. This parade ended in August 1992.

In December 1992, a parade titled Aladdin’s Royal Caravan followed in the footsteps of Dinosaurs Live. A duplicate version also ran in Disneyland beginning in 1992. Three floats of Aladdin’s Royal Caravan showcased the very amicable Genie; this included the headlining float of the parade which depicted him as 32-feet tall. This float was later re-used in The Magic Kingdom’s Remember the Magic parade. Aladdin’s Royal Caravan was seen on an episode of the ABC television sitcom Full House. This parade was the first home of the water-spitting camels that now inhabit The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the Magic Kingdom. Before they were permanently relocated to this attraction, the two camels were used as decorations in the Soundstage Restaurant in Hollywood Studios. Aladdin’s Royal Caravan closed in August 1995 to make way for a new parade oriented around the first feature-length Pixar film: Toy Story.

Toy Story – The Parade first delighted guests of Hollywood Studios in November 1995. This parade consisted of the major Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz who were walking freely, and others who were built onto the float structures such as Mr. Potato Head and Hamm. After this parade ended, the floats were later used in the small show “Operation Toy Story.” This was a focal point of the brief “Toy Story Weekends” that allowed for Buzz and Woody to hold meet-and-greets before they were given a set location in Hollywood Studios. Toy Story – The Parade’s first float was themed for the Green Army Men and was later refurbished to be transformed into the Giraffe float in the Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King show. The parade was cancelled in June, 1997.

Also in June 1997, the Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade debuted. Running twice a day, this parade allowed for a random family inside Hollywood Studios to be chosen for each performance, dressed in Hercules-inspired Greek attire, and be members of the “Theban Family of the Day.” As of May 1998, the Hercules cast of characters no longer marched down Hollywood Boulevard.

The successor of Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade was the Mulan Parade. The opening day of Mulan, the film, was also the first day of the accompanying parade in Hollywood Studios. The parade utilized fifty-three performers, and its primary theme was an instrumental version of Honor to Us All. As of March 2001, the Mulan Parade ended its tenure.

May 2001 marked the beginning of the longest running parade in Hollywood Studios–Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. This parade was brought to Walt Disney World as a part of the 100 Years of Magic Celebration and ran from around the Backlot Tour to the side of what used to be Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind shop. Disney characters either rode in or walked alongside an intricately themed car. These characters frequently interacted with those in the crowd which gave the parade a unique element. There was a Toy Story car that was designed to resemble Andy’s bed. The parade had a Mary Poppins car that had two carousel horses. The car themed for Jim Henson’s The Muppets was topped by an attached blimp. Star Wars was represented in its own car that had Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia riding inside. Mulan’s car featured a Chinese umbrella hanging over her. Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. characters Sully and Mike Wazowski sat inside a red convertible that resembled the car in the Disney/Pixar’s short film Mike’s New Car. The car that held Aladdin and Jasmine was the Genie transformed into the shape of an automobile. Serving as the finale of the parade, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy rode in a 1929 Cadillac. Other movies and characters who appeared in the parade include: Hercules, Disney Villains, Lilo & Stitch, The Little Mermaid, Power Rangers, Playhouse Disney characters, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cars, Alice in Wonderland, and Pinocchio. Disney Stars and Motor Cars ran until March 2008.

Block Party Bash began in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March 2008. This stage show/parade first debuted in Disney California Adventure and was then transported to Walt Disney World. Block Party Bash touched upon unprecedented elements within Walt Disney World parades because of its heavy emphasis on dance music. The floats and characters of this parade were representative of most Pixar movies released at that point: Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., and The Incredibles. It was replaced in January 2011 by a very similar production, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!

Pixar movies that were released after what was encompassed in Block Party Bash became a part of Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!; these movies include Ratatouille, UP, and Toy Story 3. Many of the floats from Block Party Bash were recycled for this parade. Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! was the latest parade to run in Hollywood Studios, and it ended on April 6, 2013.

Until a new parade surfaces the streets of Hollywood Studios, guests will need to settle for already existing forms of entertainment within the park. The rock band, “Mulch, Sweat n’ Shears,” still performs on a regular basis, as well as the other live stage shows: Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Disney Junior Live on Stage, and Fantasmic.

Tag: Mulan