Category D23

Jul 16 2017

Coming Soon to a Disney Park Near You

image

All kinds of news came out of the Disney Parks and Resorts panel presentation at the D23 Expo in Anaheim yesterday. Although we are not attending the Expo this year, I have been following all the social media platforms to find out the latest breaking Parks news. Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for sharing the highlights of the presentation with those of us who couldn’t be there. Below are brief descriptions of the news. Check out the link to the full story via the Disney Parks Blog.

Here we go:

The official name of Star Wars Land at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been announced. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, first at Disneyland and later in the year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No specific dates were noted.
Here are a couple of brief looks at what guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can expect, courtesy of Disney Parks. Star Wars-Inspired Land Model | Disney Parks: https://youtu.be/dJxDQVnOyx4
Fly-Through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Disney Par…: https://youtu.be/aP1jcbPRxc8

The first Mickey-themed attraction will soon make its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, guests will step “through the screen” and become a part of a Mickey cartoon short. To make way for this new attraction, The Great Movie Ride will close. The last day of operation will be August 13, 2017.

Two new attractions are making their way to Epcot!
A Guardians of the Galaxy themed E-ticket attraction will replace the current Universe of Energy pavillion. The last day of operation for Universe of Energy will be August 13, 2017.
A Ratatouille themed attraction will be added to the France Pavillion in the World Showcase. It is said to be similar to the 4D attraction currently at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and guests will shrink to Remy’s size and experience adventures in his world. (It is unknown if the attraction will be a duplicate, or just similar…but here is a video of the current attraction in France, courtesy of SoCal Attractions 360.)[4K] Trackless Ride – Ratatouille Ride – Disneyla…: https://youtu.be/WtZdXqY1TKs

It was noted that both attractions will open in time for the Walt Disney World 50th celebration in 2021.

The wildly popular TRON coaster from Shanghai will make its way to the Magic Kingdom, and will sit in an entirely new area adjacent to Space Mountain. TRON Lightcycle Power Run is expected to open in time for the Walt Disney World 50th celebration in 2021.

A new table service restaurant will open in Epcot. The space-themed restaurant will take guests on an “out-of-this-world” dining experience with spectacular views of Earth…from space. The new dining establishment will be located adjacent to Mission:SPACE.

Disney’s Hotel New York at the Disneyland Paris Resort will be reimagined as Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. The hotel will transport guests into the world of Marvel Super Heroes.

A brand-new Star Wars themed resort is planned for the Walt Disney World resort. This resort is said to be unlike any other experience. When guests arrive, they become a citizen of the galaxy, and are fully immersed in the Star Wars world…even down to dressing like the other citizens! This is sure to be on every Star Wars fan’s bucket list!

The Disney Skyliner will transport guests between Disney’s Art of Animation, POP Century, and Caribbean Beach resorts, and connect them with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway. Many of the gondolas will feature a character theme. This mode of transportation definitely resembles a certain attraction that has been closed for a long time (ahem, skyway).
In addition, a new Minnie Mouse themed point-to-point service was also announced.

A theater inspired by the 1920’s Willis Wood Theater in Kansas City will take up residence on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. What entertainment offerings will be performed in the new venue are yet to be seen.

Toy Story Land to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2018. The new land will include two new attractions: Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster ride, and Alien Swirling Saucers, a ride designed as a play set inspired by the first Toy Story movie.

Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure will be rethemed to Pixar Pier, and will debut during a resort-wide limited time event called Pixar Fest. During the Pixar Fest, Disneyland will debut a brand new fireworks show, and the popular Pixar Play Parade will move across the Esplanade. That means Paint the Night parade will move to Disney California Adventure, and may have a newly added float! While Pixar Fest is a limited time event, Pixar Pier will be a permanent addition.

The Disney Cruise Line will be adding three new ships by 2023. Ship names, design plans, and itineraries are still in development.

Disney California Adventure will be adding a completely immersive Super Hero Universe soon. While not many details were given, it was hinted that Spider-Man and The Avengers will be joining the Guardians of the Galaxy in the new experience.

As a special surprise, attendees of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation received special reserved seating passes to preview the newly renovated Fantasmic! show at Disneyland.
Talk about icing on the cake!

What are you looking forward to the most? Will you miss the attractions that are closing?

Mar 16 2016

A Wild Adventure in Chicago

030316_FanShare_Gazelle

If you are on the fence about seeing “Zootopia”, I am here to push you off and urge you to go see this movie!

We first heard about this film way back in 2013 as part of the D23 Expo. Even then, we thought the idea was brilliant…if done properly. The idea of a metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals sounded like a recipe for hilarity…or failure. At the 2015 D23 Expo, we saw much more of the film and it started to sink in that this could be a really well done film, but there was still a hint of uncertainty of the storyline and if it would really work. (Though I have to say, we were shown the DMV scene at the D23 Expo, and I couldn’t stop laughing. It has even become an inside joke between my husband and I. Check it out below:)

Here are a couple of other trailers released by Walt Disney Animation Studios:

Looks kind of cute and maybe a bit campy, right? Notice how not much of the story line is revealed? Disney did that on purpose, and while I was frustrated about it, now it’s completely understood why.

Recently, we had the opportunity to attend a screening of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest feature, “Zootopia”.  We went into the film only knowing that Judy Hopps was a rookie bunny cop trying to make it in the big city, when she gets tangled up with the slick, smooth-talking fox, Nick Wilde. We really didn’t know where the story was going to go from there.

What we didn’t expect was the depth of emotion and message that the film delivered. The story spoke to a plethora of current issues hounding our society; from racism and stereotypes, to empowerment. All the while, the typical “always follow your dream” Disney theme snakes throughout the story.  Shakira’s (who voiced the character, Gazelle) song titled, “Try Everything” is an upbeat mantra for anyone facing any kind of uphill battle…and it’s been playing nonstop on my music player. Below is the official video for “Try Everything”.

Surprising, right? It was to me, anyway. I anticipated at least some sort of emotion…after all, it IS a Disney movie, but this one hit the right chord with me.

Without giving too much away, the basic story is: A country bunny has the dream of being a big city cop one day. She finally makes it, but is left to be a meter maid…until she gets mixed up with the likes of Nick Wilde, a slick fox. I cannot in good conscience tell you anymore without the possibility of giving away too much. The story has complex twists and intricacies that are unexpected. I understand why Disney only released the bits and pieces of the film that they did. It makes sense since so much of the story is tied together.

Eagle-eyed Disney fans will catch quite a few “easter eggs” as well. For instance, be on the lookout for some animalized bootlegged Disney movies for sale at one point. Actress Kristen Bell (who voiced Anna in “Frozen” and has an affinity for sloths) voices Priscilla in the DMV scene.  Another “Frozen” related easter egg comes in the form of actor Alan Tudyk. His “Zootopia” character and his “Frozen” character have a little something in common and sharp fans will catch it (no spoilers here). There are others, but I will have to watch the film again to confirm (such as some of the songs listed on Judy’s music player).

In addition to the fabulous actors I have already mentioned, the rest of the cast is also stellar. Leading the way are Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”) as Judy Hopps, and Jason Bateman (“Juno”) as Nick Wilde. Joining them are: Idris Elba (Chief Bogo), Jenny Slate (Bellwether), Nate Torrence (Clawhauser), Bonnie Hunt (Bonnie Hopps), Don Lake (Stu Hopps), Maurice LaMarche (Mr. Big), J.K. Simmons (Mayor Lionheart), Tommy Chong (Yax), Octavia Spencer (Mrs. Otterton), and Raymond S. Persi (Flash, Flash, Hundred-Yard Dash…sorry, I couldn’t help it). (I should also mention that Jesse Corti voices Mr. Manchas. Disney fans may recognize him as the voice of LeFou in “Beauty and the Beast”.)

An intricately animated film, a powerful and thought-provoking message, a colorful cast of characters (and insanely talented cast, to boot), and 108 minutes chock full of laughs (not to mention the crazy plot-twist). If you haven’t seen it already, go! What are you waiting for? Adults and children alike will love it…there is something for everyone.

We were able to enjoy this experience thanks to D23. Following the movie, we enjoyed a dessert reception called what else but “Dessertopia”, where we had the opportunity to meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

(Even though the event only lasted a few hours, we made a day of it and did a little exploring. Check out the rest of our adventure here.)

Here are some photos from the event, including a few of the amazing details found within the auditorium:

 

Here are a few photos from the “Dessertopia” reception that followed the screening. (I will NOT disclose exactly how many desserts we ate…after all, Gazelle told us to “Try Everything”! But seriously, the mini key-lime pies were beyond delish! Also, the lollipop looking things were mini cheesecake pops.) There was a really neat 3-D cardboard cut-out of a subway car with [nearly] all of the characters on it. (Off the top of my head, I cannot remember if it was at the D23 Expo or not.) The detail is simply amazing! In my wishing to take photos of all the details, I seemed to have forgotten to take one of the entire piece as a whole.

In true Disney fashion, the stars from the movie showed up for an unforgettable meet and greet, that included a photo (of course).

20160303A_0649

If you would like to enjoy special events like this one*, be sure to join D23. Membership is FREE!

You can sign up here.

*The screening was open to all members, while the reception was open only to Gold members.

D23_Logo_Horiz-Lg

Dec 6 2014

Christmas Around the World: Chicago-Style

On November 13, Chicago experienced some holiday magic at the Museum of Science and Industry. The 73rd annual ‘Christmas Around the World’ (presented by Walgreens) display officially opened for the 2014 season. A time-honored tradition that began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to the Allies during World War II, this amazing display has grown from one decorated tree (in its first year) to more than fifty trees today. Each tree is decorated with various ornaments that represent its country, and is fitted with a plaque revealing a holiday tradition as well as how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in their native tongue.

In the center of the Rotunda, the 45-foot Grand Tree welcomes guests to the festivities. The Grand Tree is draped with more than 30,000 twinkling white lights and hundreds of ornaments and trimmings. (If you look close enough, you can see some very special guests helping to decorate the Grand Tree.) It even’ snows’ every half hour!

Get ready to…

…light the tree!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Local children dressed in garb from countries around the world were on hand to help kick off the festivities.

There was even some live entertainment. (She sang a wonderful rendition of ‘It’s a Small World’.)

Below are some fun facts about the traditions guests will learn about while viewing the trees in the forest.

  • The Museum’s Russian tree was created by a local family who wanted to honor their children who had been adopted from Russia. Now many more families who have adopted Russian children help decorate the tree. The ornaments include Russian nesting dolls, pinecones, and dolls dressed in traditional clothing.

  • On the Puerto Rican tree, musical instrument ornaments such as guitars and maracas symbolize the musicians or Parrandas, which go door to door during the six weeks of Christmas celebrations. This is somewhat of a Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling, and traditionally the musicians are invited into the home for refreshments before they go off to surprise another friend with their music. The poinsettias on the tree represent the flower that grows all over the island and blooms from Christmas to Easter.

  • China’s tree is decorated with handmade fortune cookie ornaments as well as colorful Chinese characters representing happiness, good will, and prosperity. Christians comprise approximately one percent of China’s population, and those who celebrate decorate their homes with illuminated paper lanterns, which are represented on the Museum’s tree.

  • The Austrian tree features the names of famous Austrian cities and notable figures, including composers, reflecting Austria’s rich musical history. Austria is the home of one of the most beloved Christmas carols, ‘Silent Night’. In 1818, in a small Austrian village, the song was composed for guitar just after the priest and church organist discovered suddenly the church organ was broken on Christmas Eve. The simple melody was written just in time for the midnight mass.

  • The majority of Japan’s population is Buddhist, so Christmas is not commonly celebrated throughout the country. However, younger generations have been known to exchange gifts during the Christmas season. The Museum’s Japanese tree is decorated with brightly colored paper origami creations in the shape of cubes, stars, and cranes.

  • On the Museum’s Slovenian tree hangs special bread that is made around Christmastime. The bread is shaped into large stars, hearts and trees, and is not eaten until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6. This is the day that marks the end of the Christmas season in Slovenia.

  • Maple leaves and hockey motifs decorate Canada’s tree, in addition to animals native to the country, like moose and geese. Figurines adorned in traditional clothing, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also make an appearance.

  • The Belizean tree is adorned with doves, symbolizing peace. The country’s maritime culture is symbolized through ship ornaments, and dolls on the tree are dressed in native Belizean clothing.

  • The Scottish tree features a number of tartan-patterned figures and images representative of Scotland’s culture. Scottish terriers, dancer, and sheep ornaments all adorn the tree, as well as tribute to golf, the sport which originated in Scotland. Scottish Celtic symbols are also featured.

  • The Columbian tree features coffee sack ornaments, referencing one of the country’s major exported goods. Traditional Columbian shoes and hats also adorn the tree.

  • Ornaments made from white drinking straws and shaped to form windmills, dancers, and crosses, adorn the tree of Lithuania. The drinking straws represent the Lithuanian tradition of ornaments made from real rye and wheat straw. Traditionally, families would get together on Christmas Eve and have a dinner of 12 courses, in honor of the 12 apostles, and play games with straw as well.

  • The Museum’s Ukrainian tree is decorated with spider web ornaments. These relate back to an old Ukrainian legend in which on Christmas Eve, a spider wove his sparkling web around the tree of a family too poor to decorate it themselves. When the poor family woke up, their tree was shining and glistening in the winter sun.

  • The wrens nesting on the Museum’s Welsh tree represent the traditional hunting of the wren, which occurred on December 26, the Feast of Stephen.

  • The Native American tree is beautifully decorated with dream catcher ornaments, small toy dolls in traditional dress, and a large feather centerpiece sitting atop. The tree is also adorned with tobacco ornaments. It was believed that tobacco was a gift from the Creator and that the exhaled tobacco smoke was capable of carrying one’s thoughts and prayers to heaven.

  • In Poland, hay is placed on the Christmas Eve table beneath the tablecloth to symbolize Christ’s birth in the manger. Colorful egg-shaped ornaments and chicken figurines adorn Poland’s tree, referencing rebirth during Christmastime.

  • Hungary’s tree features miniature candies, called szaloncukor, which are typically made of fondant or a fruit gel and covered in chocolate. Small embroidered pillow ornaments feature floral motifs consistent with embroidery stitched onto traditional Hungarian dress.

  • The Danish tree features handmade ornaments that students learn how to make while in school. Two halves of a heart-one white and one red to represent Denmark’s colors in their flag-are woven together and create an envelope to hold candies and nuts. Cone-shaped ornaments, called kremmerhuset, also adorn the tree and contain traditional Danish spiced peppernut cookies inside. Tiny men and women, or Nisseman, made of red yarn, represent Santa’s helpers. The miniature hand muffs, icicles, and North Star ornaments all help represent the country’s cold, northern climate.

To learn more about how the holidays are celebrated across the globe, download the Museum’s “Trees and Traditions” podcast here.

If viewing the exhibit in person, you can listen to the podcast (using your own device and headphones) as you browse the forest.

Here are a few more shots from around the exhibit. For a full slideshow, click here.

Thailand

Sweden

Luxembourg

India

France

Germany

Look who’s helping to decorate the tree!

The ‘Christmas Around the World’ and ‘Holidays of Light’ exhibits will run through January 4, 2015.

The Museum of Science and Industry is open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Standard Museum hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm. Extended hour days, when the Museum is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm, are as follows: November 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and January 2, 3.

There will also be a diverse offering of multicultural entertainment on the weekends throughout the holiday season.

While at the Museum, don’t forget to check out the ‘Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives: Presented by D23’ exhibit in its final few months of operation. There have been a few changes within the exhibit, and inside the Animation Academy, holiday versions of favorite Disney characters have been added to the lineup. Check out our latest trip to the exhibit here.

The exhibit is not included with Museum entry and will require an additional timed-entry ticket, which is $9 for adults and seniors and $7 for children 3-11. Tickets are on sale at www.msichicago.org

(NOTE: D23 members receive a $5 discount. Please visit www.d23.com for more information.)

 

FULL SLIDESHOW