Papercraft artist Matt Hawkins created this wonderful sculpture as tribute to Pixar’s terrific movie ‘Up’. It’s one of the many amazing pieces of artwork that will be available at the grand opening events on Saturday June 9th for the new WonderGround Gallery at Disneyland’s Downtown… Read More »WonderGround Art Gallery Opening Event on June 9th at Downtown Disney Anaheim
I was fortunate enough to be the guest of Disney for the opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. The place is fantastic.
Before the trip I wasn’t sure whether or not the magic of Hawai’i needed a touch of Disney’s, but the fit is seamless. The combined storytelling of the islands and the mouse make for an amazing adventure. Really. I’m already making plans to return with my family so that they can also enjoy all that Aulani has to offer.
We now know the amount by which Disney Vacation Club was undervaluing their Aulani contracts — 33%. That’s the amount of the raise Disney has been given permission to add to their previous fees. According to a Disney spokesperson quoted in the Orlando Sentinel, sales… Read More »Aulani Officially Opens, Receives Permission to Sell DVC Again
With Cast Member previews of the updated Star Tours attraction underway tonight, details about the changes present in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue are beginning to leak out. There are other Disney fan sites who have an obsession with Star Tours 2.0 for those… Read More »Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Grand Opening to be Livestreamed
Please welcome guest author Daniel Wanderman and photographer Liz Degen. All photos are from Liz unless otherwise noted. A big thanks to them both.
As a Disney aficionado and frequent visitor to the parks, I jumped at the chance to experience the grand opening of the freshly redesigned Disney Store at my local mall.
Over 80 years ago, Roosevelt Field was the site of an airfield where Charles Lindbergh took off in the Spirit of St. Louis for his historic transatlantic flight to Paris. Today, the area is home to the eighth largest shopping mall in the country and the first Disney Store on the East Coast to undergo this magical makeover.
Disney Store North America General Manager Molly Adams
Our day started with a tour of the store led by Molly Adams, Vice President and General Manager of Disney Store North America. She showed us around the 4,500 square foot facility and reminded us that it’s “not just another place to buy Disney products; it’s really about being immersed in the Disney experience and feeling the magic.” This became apparent as she led us down a trail of pixie dust, one of the signature icons of the new stores.
Photo by Daniel Wanderman
Lots more below the jump:
Read More »Disney Brings Magic Back to the East Coast with new Disney Store
A new resort has opened this week in on International Drive in Orlando, and with it, a piece of Disney history is being preserved. The CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando is at 7400 International Drive, miles from Walt Disney World. But Disney historians will… Read More »Coco Key Water Resort now open in Orlando
Harry Potter fans get ready for the most immersive Wizarding World experience you can have outside your imagination. The Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort has been set for June 18 and parts of the land will be opening even sooner. Universal Orlando released details of the expansion to Islands of Adventure and the highly anticipated new attraction “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” this morning.
One of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects – and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine…
…meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
…soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
…being swept into a Quidditch match
…feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
…exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
…living adventures you’ve only been able to imagine – until now.
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry’s life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
“Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they’ve only read in the books or seen in the films,” said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Lots more below the jump, including new facts about the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey:
Read More »Harry Potter to officially open on June 18th at Universal Orlando
The magic minds behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s keystone attraction “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” have released a short clip of behind the scenes snippets from filming involved involved in creating the attraction. Watch it for yourself: This sneak peek has revealed… Read More »Harry Potter Sneak Peek reveals new details