Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Paris: Worlds of Pixar will soon receive a new photo-location backdrop (replacing Toon Town) featuring beloved Pixar character including Ember and Wade from the upcoming Pixar film “Elemental”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646210217351299087

 

[Gusey]

Video: new official drone flyover of the Frozen-themed land and lake construction at Walt Disney Studios Park and first look at the land’s model!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646210777072779273

 

[HokieRaven5]

NEW: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will run July 27 through November 18.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646212537388765184

 

[HokieRaven5]

Prepare Your Palates – EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins July 27
Calling all foodies: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE will begin dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort starting July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023.

Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall.

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The fun doesn’t stop with the food, however. It extends to exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy!

• Fans of fromage can take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, a fun way to try tasty cheese dishes from around the world. Grab your Festival Passport and purchase any five cheese dishes listed in the back of the Festival Passport to collect a stamp. Once you’ve collected five stamps, head to Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE to redeem a sweet treat unique to the festival.
• Families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak – a “Ratatouille”-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Guests of all ages can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.
• And to celebrate the Halloween season grab your gourd-eous group and partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31.

The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details about this year’s lineup.

And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.

Hopefully this update satisfies your craving for now, and keep an eye out for more news here or on TasteEPCOT.com. Can’t wait to see all of you there!

 

[Gusey]

This is really turning into a big news day. Yet no mention yet of DLP's 31st anniversary on the Disney Parks Blog

 

[pinkxray]

I have no plans to go out of the country to different Disney Parks, but man all this stuff looks amazing. I want a Coco restaurant.We love that movie.

 

[DisSurfer878]

I don't know if it would have had the space to pull it off, but a restaurant with a view of the attraction (similar to pirates in california) would have been cool.
I've always liked the Pirates concept. I feel like they need a ride with an integral restaurant, where when done eating you get a "fast pass" for the attached attraction.

similar to the below
3 cabellaros/san Angel
small world/Pinocchio village haus
Living with the land/garden grill

Tiana is getting a restaurant, in Land, just not inside the ride.

 

[rangerxenos]

My husband wants that backpack. We will be there on the 22nd (and later in the trip), but I'm wondering if it will sell out before we get a chance to buy it. We will see.

Also, I think will be really expensive, so may be a blessing if it sells out.

I love the Spirit Jersey, but I assume that these items will only be sold in the park, not on ShopDisney.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Paris: “TOGETHER: a Pixal Musical Adventure” is the updated name for the upcoming new show, this summer at Studio Theater.

New visual for the upcoming Pixar show at Studio Theater

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646224330961846298

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646224878670839817

 

[DianaMB333]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646205108001161234

If Paris does it… DL and WDW should too, right?

 

[HokieRaven5]

If Paris does it… DL and WDW should too, right?

Disneyland is already celebrating Disney100.

Disney World is sometime this fall centering in EPCOT.

 

[DianaMB333]

Disneyland is already celebrating Disney100.

Disney World is sometime this fall centering in EPCOT.

Right but something special on Oct 16th itself?

 

[HokieRaven5]

Right but something special on Oct 16th itself?

Nothing has been specifically shared that either park will do something special on that date yet.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Concept Art For Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646228621755920384

 

[HopperFan]

Mama Odie to Appear in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Plus More Updates

The magic of the bayou is calling, so listen closely because we’re “digging a little deeper” into the experience guests can expect from the future attraction coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The enchantment of the bayou will illuminate with a celebration during Mardi Gras season hosted by Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. And today, I’m thrilled to announce that Mama Odie will reprise her role as the catalyst to that magic.

As depicted in this newly released rendering, Mama Odie jokes with guests along their journey after a special display of her magic. The two-hundred-year-old Bayou Fairy Godmother, with her eccentric belongings and “seeing eye snake,” Juju, is comically eccentric, yet wise and all-knowing, throughout the adventure. We’re so delighted that legendary actress Jenifer Lewis, who starred as the voice of Mama Odie in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog,” is once again returning to her role for the attraction.

If Mama Odie is a catalyst to the magic, then Sharika Mahdi is a catalyst to the Imagineers’ creations. This New Orleans artist and YAYA Arts Center alumna has inspired our work on the attraction with a local’s perspective. As we bring our attention to Mama Odie and the important role she plays in Tiana’s story, I’d like to share the latest in a four-part series commissioned to Sharika: a tribute to our wise and whimsical keeper of the bayou.

Notice how the long, flowing brush strokes offer visual cues for the floating journey that lies ahead in Tiana’s premier attraction. Along with “The Princess and the Frog” film, our team continues to use Sharika’s latest piece as inspiration for how Mama Odie will appear throughout the attraction. You may see evidence of this in the resemblance of the images above depicting Mama Odie.
Mama Odie joins a cast of friends – familiar and new – in Princess Tiana’s debut attraction. In December, we shared how a band of newly introduced critters will provide some of the soundtrack to your journey. In February, we shared the backstory behind the water tower that will punctuate the exterior. But what else is in store? Here’s a sample of what to expect from this musical adventure:

• Brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
• Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures
• Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans!
• New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
• Do you love beignets as much as Louis? Well, you’re in luck because the alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue!
• Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana
• Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance reminds us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true. This all-new adventure will bring Disney Parks guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before when the attraction opens in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.

If they are going to pump in the smell of beignets, they better be planning a beignet "cafe" somewhere close. The old photos/gift shop could be converted into a beignet & drink stop, the area by the bathrooms could be a courtyard of wrought iron style tables/chairs.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Concept Art For Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris

https://twitter.com/x/status/1646228621755920384

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Not gonna lie but I totally forgot Raya and the Last Dragon existed or even was released until I clicked on this thread lol wish they would've went with more "classic" Disney characters/movies for the hotel but that's just my opinion. Don't have any plans to stay here.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Travel to the Arctic with Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde and Adventures by Disney

On July 10-19, Joe will join the Adventures by Disney Arctic Expedition Cruise and share insights into his incredible 40-year career, including how travel played a significant role in his creative process designing Disney properties worldwide. His vision and imagination were instrumental in creating Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Pandora: The World of Avatar, Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, and many more guest-favorite destinations and attractions.

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  (PONANT/Nathalie Michel)

Joe’s commitment to authenticity and inspiration is rooted in extensive field research. And as a part of his sessions during this Arctic expedition cruise, he will share his sketching strategies so guests can learn how to best capture their emotions during their own travels. It’s a skill Joe used frequently during his explorations.

Nature and Wildlife are the Stars on the Adventures by Disney Arctic Sailings​

Adventures by Disney offers seasonal sailings to the Arctic, and on each trip, nature takes center stage. This awe-inspiring adventure includes gliding through the Svalbard archipelago glaciers and fjords, visiting Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world, admiring the breathtaking landscape of icebergs, ice floes and the Arctic tundra, hiking on land or taking small boat excursions through the glacial waters, and of course spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. The Arctic is home to polar bears, whales, walruses, reindeer, puffins and more. Daily activities are often “in the moment” and determined by the weather — no two adventures are the same.

Here’s a fun fact about polar bears. Each strand of their outercoat hair is transparent, meaning it has a hollow core (and no pigment). The outer hair protects the undercoat which is colorless but not hollow. So why does a polar bear look white? The physics of light. The undercoat hair reflects light and creates some pretty awesome optics, especially as the skin of a polar bear is black!

(PONANT/Margot Sib)

Adventures Guides, Expedition Leaders and Naturalists ​

The itinerary begins in Oslo where guests will be met by our amazing Adventure Guides who attend to every detail during this trip (we think they are legendary, too!). The following day, guests will fly to Svalbard and board a luxurious PONANT expedition cruise ship, their home for the next seven days. Once onboard, they will meet the Expedition Leaders and naturalists who will guide guests on daily excursions to encounter and become immersed in nature all around. This trip is all about discovering the beauty of the Arctic and learning about the natural world with your family and friends.

During his sessions, Joe will share stories from his illustrious career, including his passion for conservation and nature. In fact, he was instrumental in the creation of the Disney Conservation Fund, which supports organizations worldwide working to save wildlife and inspire positive change.

There are a few spots remaining for this Arctic expedition cruise, and details can be found here. To learn more about exciting trips with Adventures by Disney, including expedition cruises, river cruises and land excursions, visit www.adventuresbydisney.com or call 833-ABD-0103 (833-223-0103). 

 

[HokieRaven5]

One Missing Float Returns to Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom

One of the three floats that was recently missing from the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade has returned to the lineup at Magic Kingdom. The lead Princess Garden float has returned after weeks of maintenance.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Splash Mountain Tree Stump Completely Removed at Magic Kingdom

 

[HokieRaven5]

Official Disney Parks Post on all of Todays Disneyland Paris News

Disneyland Paris Reveals New Updates for 2023
Hip hip hooray, it’s Disneyland Paris’ birthday! And what better way to celebrate than to reveal some of what’s to come at the resort in 2023. There’s a ton to share from the reopening of beloved refurbished attractions like “it’s a small world” to the launch of a new Pixar show.

A Summer Marked by Pixar​

If you’re a Pixar fan, this summer will be your season at Disneyland Paris! Over at Disneyland Park, Pizzeria Bella Notte will soon welcome a new room inspired by the Disney and Pixar film, “Luca.” And this summer, the Mexican-themed restaurant Fuente Del Oro in Frontierland will also transform into Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia. We’re un poco loco for this reimagining, which features Miguel’s passion for music and love for his family.

Across the way at Walt Disney Studios Park, “Toon Plaza” will soon be transformed into an immersive experience paying tribute to Pixar films. Walt Disney Imagineering has been working with Pixar artists to develop this whimsical space including a new raised backdrop featuring Ember and Wade from the upcoming original feature film, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental.”

But the fun doesn’t stop there as we head over to Walt Disney Studios Park! We’re thrilled to reveal all-new details of the new show “Together: a Pixar Musical Adventure” coming to the Studio Theater this summer. This 30-minute show blends together both French and English dialogue in an original story. Spectacular scenic effects, innovative choreography and a live eight-person orchestra will bring audience members through five scenes of fan-favorite worlds such as “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.” and more — each as creative as the next!

Enhanced Iconic Attractions​

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been patiently waiting for the much-anticipated return of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris! We’re excited to share that the “happiest cruise that ever sailed” will make its big comeback on May 5. Special care has been taken to preserve the magic and ensure this attraction continues to shine as bright as it did on its debut in Paris over 30 years ago. Walt Disney Imagineering has worked closely with the Disneyland Paris central and maintenance workshops to refresh more than 300 dolls, animal figurines, animated accessories and more than a hundred toys! The iconic exterior, originally designed by Imagineering legends Rolly Crump and Mary Blair for Disneyland Resort in California, received a shiny, new coat of paint too.

Crews are once again preparing to navigate the corridors of Les Mystères du Nautilus this summer after a complete subsea refresh. During its downtime, numerous sets, accessories, lighting and sound systems were updated in the famous submarine.

Commemorating 100 Years of Disney​

Disneyland Paris will soon join in the worldwide Disney100 celebration at Disney Parks! An extraordinary day awaits on October 16, 2023, Disney’s 100th anniversary, with one-of-a-kind festivities, exclusive character encounters and unique Disney experiences. We look forward to sharing more details soon!

WOW, what a way to celebrate Disneyland Paris’ 31st anniversary! Although the resort’s 30thanniversary celebration is coming to a close, there are still some incredible Grand Finale experiences planned through September 30, 2023. From a drone show dedicated to your favorite Super Heroes to the return of “Disney Dreams!,” there are plenty of ways to keep the festivities going.