Last year we found out that The Energizer Bunny was no longer using the power of The Force, or Energizer Batteries, to defeat Darth Vader. It turned out that Duracell was now the official battery charging up light sabers for the franchise in this fun commercial showcasing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. This year, to celebrate the release of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, Duracell returns by helping a group of young rebels spread cheer to a friend as “The Rebels Save Christmas”. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7xYeiWg54
Brave rebels, a daring mission and one powerful gift. Duracell and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are powering imaginations of brave rebels everywhere. Join Duracell in donating to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to power imagination of kids throughout the holidays. To make a donation, visit CMNHospitals.org/Duracell
Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? STOP ASKING!
Rumored New Attractions That May Be Announced Soon for Walt Disney World
Anyway, the first two times we counted down, we visited the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I decided this week it might be time to stop talking about food and get to the real bread and butter of Walt Disney World – attractions. We live in a time of great uncertainty about the future of Walt Disney World. We are 5 short years away from the golden anniversary of the Vacation Kingdom of the World and Disney is already teasing us that they have some major announcements to make before then (as alluded to during the 45th anniversary ceremony at the Magic Kingdom earlier this month. See for yourself:
There is plenty on the table that hasn’t been announced yet, but here are my Top 7 rumored additions to Walt Disney World that we could be hearing about soon.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot
The Guardians of then Galaxy could be exploding through the rubble of Epcot’s Universe of Energy…
I think you’ve probably heard enough about this one at this point, but if all goes according to plan, it seems that a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster will replace the Universe of Energy in Future World. I’m not going to waste much time on this one as I feel enough has already been said. You are going to notice a recurring theme and this list and that is that everything is tied to an intellectual property of the Disney Company. SURPRISE!
2. Wreck-It Ralph Racing Ride
Will Tomorrowland host a Sugar Rush racing ride straight out of Wreck-It Ralph?
Another one that seems almost definite at this point with Stitch’s Great Escape now operating seasonally, guests may be designing their own Sugar Rush race car and competing against each other in the first VR attraction in the parks since the Aladdin magic carpet ride experience jumped from Innoventions at Epcot to DisneyQuest in the 1990’s. Virtual reality has come a long way since then and is now becoming a theme park stable on rollercoasters, but has not been applied in an attraction quite like this yet.
3. Ratatouille in France at Epcot
Is “the little chef” coming to Epcot?
Since the Ratatouille ride opened at Walt Disney Studios Paris, guests have speculated that it could make its way to the France pavilion at Epcot. The latest rumblings say it will not, but that doesn’t mean something else themed to Ratatouille couldn’t replace Impressions De France, right? 😉
4. Star Tours Scene for Rogue One – A Star Wars Story
The Death Star under construction appears in Star Tours, so it would be a perfect fir for a Rogue One addition
This seemed like a forgone conclusion, but the rumblings on Rogue One being added to Star Tours have gone silent as of late. Walt Disney World running a holiday fireworks show rather than including Rogue One in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular seems a bit odd, so maybe we won’t be seeing much Rogue One stuff in Florida. While Disneyland has replaced their Kylo Ren meet and greet with Darth Vader, we have still not announced any plans to even make that change.
5. TRON Lightcycle Power Run
TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland
One of Shanghai Disneyland’s top attractions, TRON Lightcycle Power Run still seems likely to land in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom or in Future World at Epcot. Who doesn’t want this one to happen? It may not fit perfectly in Epcot, but it’s a pretty nifty concept that should interest most guests.
6. The New Magic Kingdom Fireworks Show
The Magic Kingdom is due for a new fireworks extravaganza
“Tale as old as time.” Wishes has been the main fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom since October 2003. In 13 years, fireworks shows and nighttime spectaculars have come a long way. Despite constant updates of the projection mapping system for Celebrate the Magic, we still haven’t seen much evidence that a new nighttime show for the park is currently in production. Fun fact: The Magic Kingdom is the only classic style Castle park that still doesn’t have a projection-heavy new age fireworks display. We can only hope that 2017 is the year Disney World finally pulls the plug on Wishes for something modern and grandiose.
7. (Yeah, Seven) Inside Out at Epcot
Since Inside Out was released in theaters, guests have been Armchair Imagineering ideas for the human emotions in Epcot, feeling they are a perfect fit as the park once boasted a pavilion about human health and even a show about the inside of a young boy’s mind in Cranium Command.
But where would such an attraction go? Well, we originally though it might inhabit the old Wonders of Life pavilion, but current rumors say otherwise. Some believe that Figment will lose his Epcot attraction so that the Inside Out gang could take over the Imagination pavilion. It’s not too far fetched considering there is an Imagination in everyone’s mind… oh, and Figment makes a cameo in Riley’s imagination the film…
Can you spot Figment in Inside Out?
Improbable, Yes. Impossible, No. – The Timekeeper
Everything you see above may never come to fruition, much like anything not yet formally announced by the Walt Disney Company, but at this point, these are 7 additions or changes that are highly likely for Walt Disney World in the not-so-distant future.
What do you think? Which of these new attractions would you be excited for? Which ones would make you sad? Let me know in the comments below.
Lucasfilm has released the final trailer for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and we get our best look at Darth Vader yet, although blink and you’ll miss it. Check it out!
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” arrives in theaters December 16, 2016.
Director Gareth Edwards has just released the final poster (below) for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and by far this is the best one yet. We see Jyn Erso along with the other members of Rogue One, while Darth Vader and The Death Star loom in the background.
It was also announced that we will also be receiving the final trailer for “Rogue One” sometime tomorrow. We will post the final trailer as soon as it is available.
“In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.”
Work continues on two massive themed lands as a bevy of modest options prepare to open in the not-to-distant future at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. PizzeRizzo is nearing completion, the Dr. Strange preview has finally opened, and something else is brewing at One Man’s Dream in our latest photo report.
A bevy of new D-Tech on Demand phone cases are available with Rogue One designs at Launch Bay.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame
Walls are up at the Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Speculation is that this is being removed.
Doctor Stranger Things
While the Doctor Strange preview has opened, the rumored meet and greet has yet to materialize. Could this be a model of an upcoming project or something else?
Doctor Strange signage can be found all around the surrounding area.
If you missed it, a great look at the Star War and Toy Story Land construction sites is offered in this week’s expansion update video:
Hurricane Matthew forced Disney to remove some netting and tarps around the construction areas this week, allowing us a better view of the construction of Star Wars land.
The base of the supports for the facades that once stood at the end of the street are all that is left of it.
Moving down towards Muppets Courtyard, there isn’t much left to see.
The fire escapes off of the New York facades all lay in a pile just behind the walls.
PizzeRizzo
Work on PizzeRizzo continues, with the sign now appearing weathered.
Toy Story Land Construction
Meanwhile, a trip down to the old Jack Sparrow queue offers a look at what will be an entrance to Toy Story Land.
The old Prop Shop is now completely demolished.
We have to wonder how much longer this tree will be left standing.
This and That
Some Dr. Strange merchandise available at Mickey’s of Hollywood.
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom on its 45th anniversary weekend, but changes in the park certainly didn’t stop for the festivities. Rapid progress on the look of Tomorrowland continues, Stitch’s Great Escape has closed, and OK, we have some duck pictures.
Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary
A special commemorative map was given out to mark the day.
The opening day resorts and the park also had complimentary buttons for guests.
The day began with a special welcome show at the Train Station:
Plenty of specialty merchandise was available (the line lasted over an hour at some points though).
The line wrapped around the Emporium and went down most of the street.
The main event of the day was a special anniversary ceremony at Cinderella Castle:
A special “Celebration Dog” was being served at Casey’s Corner:
Big Top Treats had some special candy apples.
Gaston’s Tavern and the Main Street Bakery were serving the infamous anniversary cupcake.
This time, guests could choose chocolate or vanilla cake.
The only piece of the open edition merchandise that came out on the 1st was this lanyard and pin set. That being said, most of the open edition items are currently sold out.
There’s a Tomorrowland mural under there, and no, it’s not by Mary Blair.
This and That
The Carousel of Progress finally got its new marquee sing, but you probably already saw that post…
The often congested Fantasyland bottleneck is now equipped with permanent signage for cast members to use. This only took 45 years.
Only 8 days before it happens, Disney releases a “Glowing Away Soon” shirt for the Main Street Electrical Parade. This shirt will be outdated in less than week. Why not put the final day on it? Oh, in case it gets rained out this weekend…
There is a fantastic photo-op at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe right now featuring Sonny Eclipse, “the biggest little star in the universe”.
New Space Mountain Lighting
After years of waiting, LED lighting was finally installed on the exterior of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom and it looks fantastic!
MagicBand Interactivity Returns
Right after we reported that they were off, many interactive elements returned to the Magic Kingdom. The goodbye at “it’s a small world” was turned on, but has still been breaking a lot.
Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back out to the Disneyland Resort in his latest photo report. Today, we check in on Star Wars Land, the “desecration” of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and a number of smaller projects taking place around the resort.
Star Wars Land
Work on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park rolls on (as it will be a few years).
This looks familiar…
The tunnel above is likely the one that will greet guests at the entrance to the land. An X-Wing and assorted items will greet guests just outside on the passage from Critter Country and Frontierland.
Welcome to Disneyland
The cannon in Town Square is moving into a planter to make more walking space for guests, something much needed during parade and fireworks time.
Here is the new pedestal that the cannon will call home.
Work on the Market House facade has wrapped up.
The sidewalk work on Main Street has already wrapped up.
While the Diamond Celebration ended over a month ago, the castle decorations will remain until November.
The facades behind the New Orleans Square train station are being touched up.
Mickey’s Toontown is getting some TLC (and I don’t mean tables, ladders, and chairs).
Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin is open while the facade is being fixed up.
The Crush sipper cup is now available on the West Coast at Award Weiners.
The Doctor Strange preview will be opening soon, but Disney is already stating that a Beauty and the Beast preview will occupy the space in the Spring.
Scaffolding is now going up around the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Odds are that it won’t even look like the attraction by the time in closes in January.
New merchandise celebrating Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is coming Disney Parks starting September 30, 2016. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story revolves around a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. The film arrives in theaters on December 16, 2016. Here is an overview of items created especially for Disney Parks.
Women will find a variety of stylish shirts featuring characters from the upcoming film including Jyn Erso or the Rebel Forces Tactical Droid, K-2SO. There is also apparel from the Her Universe collection including a most impressive dress covered with images of the Death Star.
Other apparel items will include hooded sweatshirts, a sleeveless zip fleece with Jyn Erso’s image, and graphic tees.
There is also a limited release Vinylmation Eachez of Shoretroopers. Each box contains one randomly selected figure with some variant figures being rarer to find than others.
Guests who enjoy collecting pins will find a variety of open edition pins with images of characters, ships, or graphics from the film. There will also be a limited release, 14-pin mystery collection. Each box will contain two pins – 1 of 7 revealed pins that guests can see, and 1 of 7 mystery pins.
Fans of the Star Wars Droid Factory will find a set of four Astromech droid action figures inspired by the new film.
For guests at Walt Disney World Resort, there are two limited release, retail MagicBands.
Finally, guests can create and personalize phone cases for select iPhone and Samsung devices with 15 new designs at the D-Tech on Demand stations in Disney Parks.
Select items from the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are also available for purchase on the free Shop Disney Parks Mobile app.
At Disneyland Resort, guests may find select items in World of Disney and D-Street at Downtown Disney District; Emporium, The Star Trader, and Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland park; Elias & Company and Gone Hollywood in Disney California Adventure park; and Fantasia at Disneyland Hotel.
At Walt Disney World Resort, look for select items at World of Disney, Once Upon A Toy, and Star Wars Galactic Outpost at Disney Springs; Emporium and Merchant of Venus in Magic Kingdom Park; Mouse Gear at Epcot; Tatooine Traders, Star Wars Launch Bay, Legends of Hollywood, and Mickey’s of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Time is running out for the heroes of the “Go Rogue” YouTube series, with just two installments left to outwit the Empire in this fan-created, toy-sized adventure. Written, directed and produced by a team of Star Wars superfans, the original four-part stop motion story stars key toys from the new “Rogue One” line before they hit stores Sept. 30. Chapter 3 is live on Star Wars YouTube.
The series follows the imagined adventures (no film spoilers!) of “Rogue One” toys as they try to track down the building instructions to the LEGO Star Wars Death Star set that have been misplaced by the Empire. Chapter 3 features the first look at the Hasbro RAPID FIRE™ IMPERIAL AT-ACT™ in action, which can be controlled remotely by smart device, as well as now familiar characters in new toy forms and scale sizes, such as Hasbro’s 3.75” action figures. Additionally, some special effects in Chapter 3 were created using the Hasbro Star Wars StudioFX™ App that launches for free on Sept. 30*.
Chapter 2 left off with Jyn Erso and an unlikely group of heroes recovering half of the Death Star building instructions. In Chapter 3, the Rebels seek the second instruction book on rain-soaked Eadu, but the Empire has beaten them to the prize. Will they be able to outsmart the scheming Director Krennic to escape with the instructions and their lives?
The four-part “Go Rogue” series has been embraced by fans worldwide, with the first two installments garnering more than 5 million views to date. The series kicks off a global UGC contest beginning Sept. 30 that asks fans to share their own “Rogue Stories.” More information is available at StarWars.com/GoRogue for ages 13+, and for parents of kids ages 8-12, have them visit Disney.com/MyRogueStory.
*About Hasbro Star Wars StudioFX™ App
Create your own Star Wars movie or #GoRogue UGC entry set in a galaxy far, far away with the Hasbro Star Wars StudioFX App! Recreate battle scenes with Hasbro figures and vehicles, and bring the action to life with visual and sound effects from the films. Simply stage the figures, choose which special effects to use, press record, and select when the effects are added to each scene. Unlock additional effects by collecting and scanning compatible Hasbro Star Wars products. With more than 50 unique effects, the Hasbro Star Wars StudioFXApp gives fans the force needed to create their own Star Wars movie magic. Available for free on iOS and Android devices beginning Sept. 30.
Alexandre Desplat was set to compose the score for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” but due to the reshoots that occurred earlier this year, he has now been replaced by Michael Giacchino.
We have heard for months rumors that Disney executives were not happy with the first cut of “Rogue One” and as a result the film had to go through 6 weeks of reshoots. We still dont know how extensive these reshoots were but I have heard rumors that they may have reshot 40-50% of the film.
It does appear that due to the amount of time that the reshoots took, it created a scheduling conflict with original composer, Alexandre Desplat, and he had to move on to other projects.
I don’t think we could have asked for a better composer than Michael Giacchino, whose list of scores includes Star Trek, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Inside Out and Zootopia.
According to The Hollywood Reporter:
Michael Giacchino, the composer behind such films as the Star Trek reboot and Pixar movies ranging from The Incredibles to Inside Out, will score the upcoming pic, stepping in for Alexandre Desplat, who was originally slated to work on the movie.
The recent reshoots are behind the switch, according to sources.
Rogue One underwent extensive reshoots this summer that saw writer Tony Gilroy take on a filmmaker role during the shoot and the postproduction process as Disney and Lucasfilm sought to clarify story and tonal issues for the pic that is set to open Dec. 16.
But the reshoots also altered the scoring calendar and Desplat, who won an Oscar for The Grand Budapest Hotel, was no longer available. Disney and Lucasfilm then turned to Giacchino, who has a long relationship with the studio and its various divisions.
For Pixar, the maestro created the music for Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up (for which he won an Oscar), Cars 2 and Inside Out. For its live-action film division, he has worked on Sky High, John Carter and Tomorrowland. For Disney Animation this year, Giacchino scored its surprise hit Zootopia. And he’s making his Marvel Studios debut with Doctor Strange, which opens Nov. 4. (With Rogue One, he will end up working for all four of Disney’s film arms.)
Giaachino will now become the first composer to work on a Star Wars movie other than the film series’ iconic mainstay, John Williams, who is slated to return for Star Wars: Episode VIII.
