Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge just got even better if this is what this is for. Ever since the announcement of a Star Wars themed land the question on everyone's mind has been lightsabers? They've talked AR, & it looks like they're getting ready to make that happen. This sounds amazing, technical, but amazing nonetheless. WDW News Today reported via blooloop.com, Disney has filed a patent for an AR system to make your laser sword dreams a reality. Actual wording, "relates to systems & methods for augmenting an appearance of a hilt to simulate a bladed weapon." This doesn't describe the intended use. So while could be walking around like a Jedi in Batuu, this could also be for a console or mobile game. I doubt it though, the scale of this thing is pretty intense. There will be a physical hilt containing motion & orientation sensors to determine where the hilt is. On a display (headset, phone, visor) you will see the overlay of "a broadsword, an axe, or a katana." That cover any other uses, but we all know what this is for. Especially when you look at the hilts & notice a dual-blade, "Darth Maul" option. You'll have control over type, size, shape, & color as well, with other users seeing what you see. Also in the patent is a speaker & haptic generator for sound & vibration. The blades will interact with real objects both static (doors, walls, rocks) or dynamic (moving doors & targets), as well as virtual objects both static (force field, another virtual blade, etc.) or dynamic (moving virtual blade, virtual blaster fire, virtual moving robot, etc.). Interaction with objects will trigger visual, audio, & tactile effects. If that doesn't sound like the most awesome thing you've ever heard, one diagram shows deflecting blaster fire with a flash occurring, & two lightsabers flashing as they connect eluding to dueling. The patent even goes as far to describe deflecting a blaster bolt back at the stormtrooper that fired, triggering audio of being hit. This is amazing on so many levels. I can't believe this is a real thing that is actually about to happen. So excited. What do y'all think? Wanna get your hands on a lightsaber? Put it in the comments like & share.
Another Addition To Disney's Animal Kingdom
A special congratulations to Nile hippopotamus Tuna on giving birth to her new calf over the weekend. Disney released this picture of the two. Gender & weight are unknown as the newborn's keeping close to mom right now. Tuna & mate Henry were chosen to mate through the Species Survival Plan, a group that is overseen by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. This is one of the biggest parts I love about the Animal Kingdom. Humans are horrible when it comes to wiping out whole species. The Nile hippo itself is a vulnerable species with a declining population. These births keep signifying that these animals will still get to survive. We can't stop everyone, but we can go out of our way to preserve life. More & more I'm starting to see our zoos and aquariums as a form of witness protection programs. So once again congratulations, & I hope to see you & your new addition on my next trip on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.
The Void's "Star Wars: Secrets Of The Empire" Is My Next Must-Do At Disney Springs
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is still over a year away, but the Void might have the answer to our impatience. Star Wars: Secrets Of The Empire Is now open & what I've seen looks absolutely amazing. This is everything I dreamed of back when Lawnmower Man came out, & VR was the coming future. I really want to see where this is played though. For me that will be the big defining moment for this. The actual VR looks on point, if it's accompanied by a terrain matching the game, then this thing really is one of the most immersive experiences I've ever seen. I hope I get to check this out next month. Has anyone else got a chance to try this out yet? What did you think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Stitch's Great Escape" Gets Put On Life Support While The "Children Centers" Close
Stitch's Great Escape, formally Extraterrorestial Encounter is becoming the attraction that refuses to die. WDW News Today just updated that despite previous documents stating otherwise, Stitch's Great Escape will still be operating seasonally. They then mention rumors that this is just to facilitate an upcoming refurbishment to Tomorrowland Speedway, but who knows? Funny thing is, even cast members were addressing January 6th as the final day! I just rode it myself for what I thought would be the last time, & if this thing stays, it needs some serious reimagining. The beginning works, but once you get on the actual attraction, it's all over the place. Parts are fun, while some still stayed terrifying. My daughter loves Stitch & just didn't know what to think. It's a shame, the things I've seen them pull off, I think this is still salvageable. On another note though all the Walt Disney World Resort Child Activity Centers are closing as of July 31st. There's one at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Polynesian, & The Yacht & Beach Club. They're kid centers you can drop your kids off at, & apparently I'm not the only parent that hasn't checked this out. The closure is due to lack of interest. Which I'm sure it's the coolest Activity Center on the planet, but come on, you're at Disney World. Doesn't take a genius to figure out why this could get skipped over I would think. What do y'all think though? Stitch celebration? Will you miss the activity centers? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Epcot's "Circle Of Life: An Environmental Fable" To Close For Good
February 3, 2018 looks like it will mark the last showing of a show I never really cared to go see. Located in The Land pavilion, the show is a 20 minute live action movie featuring characters from the Lion King giving a lesson about the environment. Now I LOVE The Land pavilion. Soarin' & The Living With The Land boat ride are some must do attractions for me. Hell, I even love the food, & I'm the furthest thing from a healthy eater. This show however, has never got my interests enough to want to check it out. It debuted in 95, so it's been there for awhile. Let me know in the comments if I'm missing anything. As of right now the space will be used for the youth program, Disney Performing Arts. No telling what we'll see this as in the future. Fingers crossed though, I would love a really good addition to this pavilion, making it perfect. What do y'all think of this closure though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Cards Paint A Vivid Picture Of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"
This is so cool. Apparently, last month at Galactic Nights in Hollywood Studios guests who attended the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge panel we're given some cards. WDW News Today just put up a picture of them all, & not only do they give details of what to expect, the back is map of the planet Batuu. The cards feature a host of details. Captain Rex from the original Star Tours is now a DJ in the local cantina. We'll get fired on by some AT-AT walkers in "Battle Escape". Based on your rep you could have to get out of soome situations with local thugs & bounty hunters. Speaking of which, you can join the Resistance, First Order, or become a bounty hunter/smuggler. You may even come face to mask with Kylo Ren. The maps one of the really intriguing parts though. "Black Spire Station" selling droids & parts. "Docking Bay 7" looking like the place to get some grub. The "Cantina", my favorite concept here, seems to be the main hub of all the action. "Surabat River Valley" is a spot that most likely will wind up the Millennium Falcon's backdrop for the upcoming attraction. "Merchant Row" will be home to many shops like the toy store that will carry Batuu made toys, with "Docking Bay 9" being the place the First Order will "set up shop for their recruiting." There's a part of me that still can't even believe this is happening. The level of emersion they're going for is amazing! I can't wait to walk these streets & lose myself in this world. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
I Might Have To Do This, Disney Announces Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon
This is my kind of marathon! You run wherever you want, pretty much whenever you want, & you have the option to break up your 13.1 miles over multiple days. The Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon will take place January 3rd through March 31st, 2018, with registration taking place January 3rd through February 28th. As I said it can take place anywhere, registration looks in the ballpark of 60 bucks. Just like Disney marathons, you get an downloadable race bib, downloadable finishet certificate, & a commemorative Star Wars Finisher Medal for the race. This can be added to the upcoming Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon at Disney World to complete the Kessel Run Challenge, giving you an additional medal to show off with the two others from Virtual & Dark Side. I'm probably not in for the whole Kessel Run, but this virtual thing has me curious. What do y'all think? Anyone else that would run a marathon on their own terms? Put it in the comments, like, & share. If you're interested in signing up head to rundisney.com & may the Force be with you!
We Were There!! Disney Parks Live Streams "Fantasy In The Sky" For New Years Eve, Magic Kingdom
We brought the New Year in right for 2018. We spent the whole day in Disney's Magic Kingdom. The park was at capacity by about 11! I've never got to spend New Year's Eve with that many people, most of which in great spirits for the holiday. The most crazy part is we actually still had a pretty eventful day. On a day I thought we'd be at the mercy of just our fast passes, there was so much going on we was able to do things we've never done. (Like finally take lantern pics.) The fireworks show was probably the most amazing display of pyrotechnics I've ever seen, the two dance parties were total fun, & they not only throw in the Christmas Party parades, they supplied hats & horns. It is the greatest New Year's Eve I've ever spent, & I got to spend it with my family, making it that much better. Hope y'all had a great New Year Eve experience as well. Can't wait to see what happens in 2018!
"Hall Of Presidents" in Walt Disney World Finally To Reopen
It feels like this thing has been under construction for awhile. It's been almost a year since Magic Kingdom visitors have been "Welcomed to the Hall of Presidents", an original attraction & personal favorite of Walt Disney himself. Now Chip & Co. confirms that not only is the Hall of Presidents about to open, it's opening back up tomorrow, 12/18. Supposedly it's got some amazing new enhancements, including the new ultra-lifelike audio-animatronic President Donald Trump. Whom the inevitable addition of caused quite a stir this year, after the election. The President came later to personally record his remarks, as each president has done since the early 90's. I didn't really get sucked into the whole controversy thing. He's the president when it comes down to it, it would go against history to omit President Trump. I still think it would've been hilarious if he got up & tweeted instead of talking, but that's just funny, pro or con. It's strange how much I've been looking forward to this reopening, but I really have. I've always liked the Hall of Presidents more than most folks, but this is the first time it's this high on the list of to-dos. I'll definitely make it a point to hit this on our New Year's Eve trip. Curiosity just has ahold of me, what about y'all though? Anyone else curious to the upgraded Hall of Presidents? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Springs To Get New Cirque Du Soleil Show
This news makes more since than anything I've heard in a while. I'm actually not sure why this wasn't like this from the jump? Disney Parks Blog has just announced that after the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba's run ends December 31st. It will eventually be replaced by a Disney Animation themed Cirque. Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, elaborated, sharing “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.” This is not only awesome, like I said, it's a total no-brainer. I'm excited to go see this Cirque du Soleil, & that's an excitement I've never really felt while at Disneyworld. I would totally be down for an all animation Cirque! What would be picked? Argh! Curiouser & curiouser. Excited to hear more about this, what do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Galactic Nights" Reveals New Details About Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
The other day the ominous photo from the Millennium Falcon was put out & though it looks a lot like the inside of the Falcon, there's no telling what part of the attraction we were actually looking at. Now the attraction itself get some ominous details. "...until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside her cockpit, power her up & actually fly her yourself, it's not quite the same." That was the description of the ride from a panel at Galactic Nights about Galaxy's Edge put on by Imagineers Scott Trowbridge, Robin Reardon & Chris Beatty, & Doug Chiang from Lucasfilm. I honestly have no idea how they're going to pull off the things that was just said right there. That's a tall order when you've also got to think about keeping lines moving. While that description leaves to much to the imagination, the next ones came wit these pics. First, a whole friggin' fleet of X-wing Starfighters. Metal, so they're the closest things to being real X-wings. I can't wait to see this, talk about photo op! What if they're secretly functioning X-wings? Sure there's no way, but can't I just tell myself that? The coolest part for me though is this marketplace photo & description. Overseen by a Toydarian, like from everyone's favorite The Phantom Menace, the marketplace will of course carry toys. However, they'll be toys form the Star Wars galaxy exclusive to this outpost. The real kicker is they go on to mention that all of it will look hand-crafted by local artisans, keeping even the merchandise in-story. That's level of submersion just takes this thing to a whole other place for me. Talk about make you feel like you're really there. I kept saying when it came to Pandora, wait 'till they use what they've learned here, & up it for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. That shop let's me know they really are going for something to make you feel like you are truly out of this world. I love it! What do y'all think about this exciting news?
See The Hollywood Tower Four Different Ways At "Flurry Of Fun" In Disney's Hollywood Studios
I keep seeing shots of all the tower projections from Galactic Nights, & I really wish I could've seen them in person. I found all but one a little underwhelming on video. When you see the castle transform during Happily ever After, it all but becomes something new. I'm not getting that with even this video from Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun celebration either. I just can't separate it from the Tower itself. Like I said though, I have a really good feeling this is because I'm seeing it on video though. I really want to see this in person to get a better idea of how the effect plays out without being "zoomed in". This celebration sound awesome though, not just for the projections either. That last bit where he said the parks lights were in tune to the music? I'll bet that is a sight to behold. And I always love it when they make it "snow" in the park. Not to mention, I absolutely adored Olaf's Frozen Adventure, so I would really like to see the special showing. Anyway, what do y'all think about this, & has anyone ever been to the changing of the Hollywood Tower? Does it look better in person? I still really want to see it changed into the gingerbread house if so.. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Pictures Of Tiger Cubs Are Cute But Video Is Adorable
Not much to say about these adorable cubs I haven't said, but like the title says, these guys are adorable. Check out Sumatran tiger cubs Anala & Jeda as they get used to their new spot on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Imagineers Give A Look At The Incredicoaster
This video gives a look at something I'm not sure I'd be capable of. It shows some of the major thought going into converting the coaster at Disney California Adventure into the Incredicoaster for Pixar Pier. They want the coaster to tell a story, which considering it's a high speed roller coaster, would prove quite the challenge. From the looks of this they're pulling it off, & then some. If I was on the right coast, I'd rush out for a before & after. I can't wait to get a glimpse of the finished coaster. What do y'all think? Are y'all excited about the changes? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Releases Pics Of Working Model Of Updates Pixar Pier Coming To Disney's California Adventure In Summer 2018
These are some photos released the imagineers are using to develop Pixar Pier coming to Disney's California Adventure in the summer. With new themed food, attractions, & merchandise, this new spot will introduce new neighborhoods representing Pixar. The coaster will be rebranded The Incredicoaster, after the Incredibles, complete with a Parr family home inspired loading area. Other changes include Pixar theming the games, as well as the 24 gondola on what is now Mickey's fun wheel. Which will feature different pairs of Pixar pals on each one. All during Pixar Fest! I love that this park is getting some proper theming. I've never been so I don't have much to go off, but these changes have interested me in Disney's California Adventure park for the first time in ever. I can't wait to get a look at the finished product. What do y'all think of these changes? Much needed? Or did I have to see it to know? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyworld Tidbits: Tiger Cubs, Random Millennium Falcon Pic, & Stitch's Last Ride
The past couple of days have had some major little things pop of at Disneyworld that are at least worth a mention. There's the tiger cubs, Jeda & Anala, now able to be seen on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Animal Kingdom. These endangered cuties are just friggin' adorable...
Then there's this random pic of somewhere in the Millenium Falcon attraction coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios. I'm not really sure what to make of it without knowing what exactly I'm looking at. Best guess, it's part of the queue? It's a picture though, & it's inside of something Millenium Falconey....
Last but not least there's the matter of Stitch's Great Escape. It's starting to really look like this is going to be the last season the attraction opens. December 23rd through January 6th will be the last run of this cursed attraction. I'll be down there for New Year's so I will get to ride this one more time. I hope my daughter's big enough, Stitch is her favorite. I don't remember having fond memories of this ride, as there's not much to it. I never got to ride it as it's original Exterrorestrial Encounter, I think it was called, but it's never been a fan favorite. Unlike the losses from earlier in the year, I'm excited to see this go, & honestly would love an actually good, thought out Stitch attraction.
Check Out This Awesome "Princess Castle" Coming To Hong Kong Disneyland
This thing is amazing! Work will star on January 1st to begin to bring this enormous castle to life. It will draw inspiration from a variety of storybook influences & styles. Featuring new thematic spires & domes, this sky-reaching design will also include features inspired by the Disney princesses themselves. These will include decorations on the spires of Snow White's apple, Cinderella's coach, & Belle's rose. Wow, is it funny that we remember these items as theirs, when none of them was? Anyway, that's a-whole-nother can of worms. This castle is friggin beautiful though. I hope one day I get to see it in person. If it's anything like this concept art, I'm sure it will be a sight to behold. What do y'all think of this addition though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Skyliner Transportation System Sounds Like It May Wind Up The Most Beautiful Ride In The Park
The first awesome detail about these gondolas is select cabins will have characters included in the exterior to give the appearance Disney characters are riding along, & that's just the icing on the cake. I'm putting these concept photos in order so you can get a sense of the ride this upcoming transportation system has in store. There's a station at the International Gateway of EPCOT inspired by the nearby European Pavilions where guests traveling in will get an overhead view of the World Showcase. Then there's the Caribbean Beach Resort station, designed after open air marketplaces of the Caribbean. This is the hub of the Disney Skyliner, where guests can change routes. Going from there to the Hollywood Studios hub will give you an amazing aerial view of Hollywood Studios attractions. This hub will match the façade of Hollywood Studio's main entrance. Hubs also included, but with no concept art are Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, & a slow down at a turn-station along Buena Vista Drive where you can see the components that make up the Disney Skyliner. Through those stops they do mention you will get a beautiful view of not only those two resorts, but right over Hourglass Lake as well. This sounds so friggin amazing! I can't wait for these to be up. I'm probably going to make a trip just to ride these all the way through when they are first put up.
Extensive New Details For Epcot's Coming "Guardians Of The Galaxy" Attraction
One of the major losses to the Disney Parks this year was that of Ellen's Energy Adventure, formally located in EPCOT. However, at the 2017 D23 Expo it was told that it would be replaced with a Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster. Not much has been said since then, until now. WDW News Today has basically gave a whole rundown of the mechanics of this upcoming attraction. The entrance will be in the same spot, but the doorway will now take you into the Welcome Gallery. The building appears to be many levels, where you climb a series of ramps to get to the elevated load platform. There's a second room, the Xandar Gallery, is probably filled with Xandarian relics. This room will lead to the first pre-show, labeled in their documents as "singularity". "Singularity", by the way, is the only clue we get to the actual story of what will be going on. So feel free to speculate. A second pre-show will take place in the next room, the transformation room. Where some kind of guest transformation takes place, involving a giant red cannon looking thing, Rocket Raccoon, & Groot. They will appear with a ship as projection, as it looks like there's no animatronics. Afterwards, you head upstairs to the load area. Two trains will load & unload at a time, featuring five cars that hold guests in four, two by two. Loaded up, they will then head into the launch tunnel, where they get shot into the added building behind the old attraction. Standing 12.2 stories in height at 133 feet tall, the building houses a coaster with no inversions. Making it seem to be a lot like Space Mountain with added projection effects. Many twists, turns, & straightaways follow in what they say seems to look like a pretty long coaster ride. They say it doesn't look like there's any show elements throughout the ride, which is a little disheartening. It looks instead like it's just lighting, but it also sounds like some pretty early on stuff too. Either way this ride sounds awesome. I hope the story they've been developing is really cool too. When first announced they really keyed in on that point, & that it shares an actual place in EPCOT for a reason. I can't wait to hear more about this. Mainly because I'm really curious if they are going to add some more to this or not. I personally would love for some story elements throughout this ride. What do y'all think of this run-through though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Park For Disneyland Tokyo & Toy Story Land For Disneyland Shanghai
This first part is still pretty far off in the future with further plans to be revealed in May 2018, & construction beginning in 2025. Viral Disney has reported that Disney & it's partners in the Oriental Land Company have revealed plans for an all-new Japanese theme park with the focus on it's host country with new characters. It will be focused on the culture of Japan much like California Adventure to California most likely. That's about all there is on that, but if you factor in Studio Ghibli they already have some very interesting things already sharing the Disney branding. I'm very curious to see where this is going, I've been thinking about planning a trip to Japan just for Disneyland. I might have to postpone it if this thing looks really cool. The next bit is way more fleshed out, but that's probably because it's right around the corner. WDW News Today reports Shanghai's Disneyland's Toy Story Land, opening summer 2018, has released some concept art & details about the layout. I hate to say, their Toy Story Land looks like it's gonna destroy ours. Shanghai's Toy Story Land looks huge with some awesome attractions. Slinky Dog Spin, where you'll take a seat inside Slinky Dog's spirals & race around a wavy roundabout. There's Rex's Racer, an RC car that goes forwards & backwards increasing height & speed. They'll have Woody's Round-Up where you'll swing to & fro in time to lively music in pony drawn carts. After that there's the obvious Meeting Post (Meet & Greet), Al's Toy Barn (Merchandise), & the Toy Box Café (Restaurant). The whole land is set up around immersion on a Pandora: World of Avatar level. There's a whole story of being shrunk down to toy size that goes with the land. I'm really blown away by these concept photos. If you haven't seen some of the ride videos already from Disneyland in Shanghai watch them. This park is becoming a must-see very quickly. What do y'all think of these amazing additions? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
