Disney Buys LucasFilm!

Wow!  In an event that was surprising, but also, makes complete sense, yesterday, Disney purchased LucasFilm and all the properties that are included, including Industrial Light and Magic and and Skywalker Sound.

Now, as someone who isn't a Star Wars fan, having never seen the movies, even I know what a huge deal this is. Disney finally has control over a property that has worked so well in their parks.

And I think that's why there hasn't been AS MUCH backlash towards this as their has been about things recently, like Marvel and Avatar.  (I think most people are supportive, however, of course, there are a few dissenters, but not like there was with Marvel and Avatar.)  Disney has had a long standing relationship with George Lucas.  His products have been in the park for years.  It seems like an easy decision that Disney would eventually end up owning the Star Wars (and other) properties.  Star Wars has been something that has worked seamlessly in the parks for decades.

Now that Disney owns LucasFilm, what do I think is going to happen with the franchise and the parks?

Well, for a while, nothing.  Yes, we may see the characters walk around a bit now at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and eventually when the new films come out, we may see new destinations for Star Tours, but I honestly think that's about it.  It may be possible for them to change over an established restaurant to a Star Wars themed restaurant as well.  However, as far as getting the "lands" in Disney's Hollywood Studios themed after Disney movie properties that has been floating around for a few years, I think that is quite a few years off.  A larger possibility now, but at least 5 years and probably more, if it even happens.  I'm not even sure what we'll end up being able to see in the next 5 years that involves Star Wars because it takes time for these things to develop.

Another thing that I haven't seen talked about much is now Disney does own Indiana Jones.  I would hope that this would mean we would be getting an updated version of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, as well.  That show clearly needs an refurb and now is the time to do it.  

The one thing I like is the possibilities that this opens up for a park like DHS.  This is where I logically things progressing with more Star Wars, given it's already strong presence.  I think that DHS needs a shot in the arm and having a hold of Star Wars (as well as Indiana Jones) makes that a more distinct possibility it can happen sooner rather than later.

In all, it's going to be interesting to see where this leads. The sky is the limit with this and I hope that Disney makes a decision to move forward with more theme park opportunities, rather than focus their sole attention on what the franchise can do for in regards to box office numbers and merchandise sales.

To quote Stacey and her Must Dos...May the Mouse Be With You!  

What is your take on this purchase?  Let us know on Facebook or in the comments section! 

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News and Rumors 10/22/12 - 10/28/12

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Magic Kingdom

• Mermaids have been added to Pirates of the Caribbean. 
• MNSSHP is now sold out for Halloween night.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Wreck-It Ralph characters are now meeting at the Art of Disney Animation.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Zebras are now a part of the savannah at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

General WDW News

• Typhoon Lagoon is currently under refurb until Jan. 5th.

Rumors

• Avatar seems to be a go...at least as of now.  The attractions that are slated is supposed to be like a Soarin type attraction in 3-D, as well as a rumored water type attraction.

Going To this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?  Make sure to read all the delicious details in this book.

A Whirlwind Tour of World Showcase

 By Guest Columnist Disney InsidEAR Sarah Orr

Whether you are a seasoned Walt Disney World Resort veteran or a first time visitor, the new "Keep Moving Forward: See the World, Share the Dream" Segway tour has something to offer you because not only do you get a whirlwind tour of World Showcase without getting tired, you learn some fun facts about Epcot from a historical perspective.

In a nutshell, the tour started with a training session, (LaMonte was our group's instructor) followed by breakfast (preordered upon check in.) We dined in a private seating area in Sunshine Seasons. After breakfast we toured World Showcase via Segway.

I took the tour earlier this month with my mother. The Segways (designed to be intuitive personal transporters) cost about $5,000 each, and are easy to maneuver. Walt Disney would've loved these babies!

Our guide Ryan told me the new "whisper units" (ear pieces) we each wore, took this tour up a level from the previous Segway tour of World Showcase. With the whisper units, Guests can hear the guide's comments (some very funny) while riding the personal transporters through World Showcase. Before the arrival of the whisper units, the group could not hear the guide's narration until everyone in the tour was stopped and gathered around. We still gathered around Ryan at times, (beginning with China) however he gave us continuous feedback, tips and tidbits while traveling. He gave us background information about most of the countries. This was my kind of history lesson!

Our stop in the Italy pavilion was my favorite part of the tour. After Ryan pointed out several architectural highlights, LaMonte set up pylons for us to weave and zoom in and out of, using our newly acquired Segway riding skills.

The United Kingdom pavilion was our last stop on the tour. By this time, World Showcase was open and in full swing (our tour started at 8:30 a.m.) Our single file Segway parade made its way back to our starting point inside Innoventions West, waving, smiling and feeling like a VIP.

 Thanks Sarah for sharing your article with us here.  If you would like to read more of Sarah's work, please check out her blog called View from the Parlor:  Live, Give and Travel.

News and Rumors 10/15/12 - 10/21/12

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Magic Kingdom

• Country Bear Jamboree has reopened after it's refurb and it has been shortened.  Also, it has been added to Evening Extra Magic Hour.
• The Mad Tea Party will be having a refurb from Jan. 7th - Feb. 19th.  

Epcot

• Lea Salonga (the singing voice of Jasmine and Mulan) has been added to Candlelight Processional, replacing Olivia Newton John.
• A new meet and great location can be found in the France Pavilion. 
• The Character Spot is now closed for an almost 4 month refurbishment, reopening in Feb. 2013.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• The Boneyard will have a short refurb from Oct. 24th - 26th. 

General WDW News

• Disney announced their new promotion for 2013.  It's called Limited Time Magic.  See the previous post for more info. 

Rumors

• Starbucks should be coming to the Magic Kingdom at the Plaza.  
• Legend of Jack Sparrow will be opening no later than December. 

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New Celebration Announced for 2013: Limited Time Magic

As you know, Disney likes the marketing campaigns.  Each year, they have a new one that celebrates something.  Last year, it was celebrating leap day.  In the past, Disney has celebrated volunteering your time, giving "dream" gifts to guests, and celebrating birthdays and the special events that happen in life. 

Today, Disney has announced what the "Celebration" is for 2013.  It is called "Limited Time Magic." 

So, what exactly does Limited Time Magic mean? 

Well, Disney plans to have a different momentous occurrence each and every week at the Resort.  Each week is going to be set up to celebrate something different, with focus on unexpected experiences that will appear for a limited window and then disappear when the next experience debuts. 

Some experiences will include: 

• True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Turn up the romance with Cinderella Castle bathed in hues of red and pink. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus will turn up at select restaurants and Valentine collectibles will be offered for the week.
• Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as the parks salute America with a 4^th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting featured on the castle. Mickey Mouse will appear in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.
• During “Long Lost Friends Week,” lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight with meet-and-greets. Photo opportunities with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests will even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.  (I think this one is a great idea...really great way to see those characters who are lesser known!  I vote we should try to get some obscure characters in during this week!) 
• Pirate Week:  Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a buccaneer bash in Walt Disney World becomes pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.
• Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.  (Interesting....)
• Unleash the Villains: Friday the 13th in 2013 is a special day, so Disney Hollywood Studios are staying open until the 13th Hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Capt. Hook, Jafar and other Disney villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and nighttime mischief on Sept. 13.

This celebration sounds like it has some potential.  It isn't as grand as some of the other celebrations have been, but not everything can be extremely grand.  I also like that they plan on doing this throughout the year, unlike some previous campaigns, where the celebration was over after the beginning of the year.

The one thing that isn't so great...the name.  I mean, really?  Do we need to include the word Magic into everything?  I guess there really isn't a great way to describe what this celebration is, but the name certainly doesn't help to explain what the year is really all about.

I look forward to finding out what this year will eventually offer once the year actually gets started.  Honestly, it sounds like an intrguing promotion for 2013. 

What are your thoughts on 2013's campaign?  Do you like it?  Hate it?  What would you like to see for a week-long celebration?  Make sure to let me know in the comments section or on the Facebook page!  I would love to know what you think!  

News and Rumors 108/12 - 10/14/12

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such. 


News

Magic Kingdom

• The New Fantasyland section is currently open in Dress Rehearsal Soft Openings.  This means the area can close at any time, however, it is currently open for guests to visit.
• Splash Mountain will have a refurb from Jan. 2nd - March 19th.

Epcot

• Test Track is scheduled to have it's reopening from it's refurbishment on Dec. 6th.  
• The Character Spot will be closed from Oct. 21st - mid Feb for a major renovation.
• Olivia Newton John will no longer be performing the Candlelight Processional. 

Disney Resorts

• The bus station at the Grand Floridian has an LCD screen up with the transportation schedule displayed.  The screen lists the next two buses arrival time (estimated). 
• Animal Kingdom Lodge has a new nighttime safari for resort guests.  The tour costs $70 per guest for ages 8 and up and tours take place on Wednesday and Saturdays at 10pm.

General WDW News

• California Grill's refurbishment has been pushed back to Feb. 2nd, with a reopening date of Summer 2013. 

Rumors

• Mad Tea Party could be closed for refurb from Jan. 7th - Feb 18th.

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!   

Going To this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?  Make sure to read all the delicious details in this book.

WDW News 9/24/12 - 10/7/12

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom

•  FASTPASS distribution is now available in Storybook Circus for Dumbo and The Barnstormer
• Pete's Silly Sideshow is now open in Storybook Circus
• Big Top Souvenirs shop is now open as well.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be getting an interactive queue. 
• Marie from the Aristocats is now meeting in front of the flag pole on Main Street USA
• Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats have been removed from the park.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

•  WiFi is now available at DHS.

General WDW News

•  Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney is currently flying again.  Also, right now, if you go before 10 am, you will be able to only ride $10. 

Rumors 

•  I've heard that The Voyage of the Little Mermaid may be turned into a Phineas and Ferb show. 
• Beauty and the Beast at DHS could be closed as early as December.

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  

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