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Monday, August 29, 2016

ICYMI: Top 5 Stories (August 21-27, 2016)

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories
August 21 - 27, 2016


1. Annual Passholder Days Return
It's always nice to be appreciated for your loyalty! Between September 6-October 2, Disneyland Resort is saying THANK YOU to their Annual Passholders during Annual Passholder Days. If you're an Annual Passholder, get ready for exclusive buttons, special merchandise and exciting events throughout Disney California Adventure! Special time guides will be available outlining the special surprises throughout the park! Have fun and say hi to Mickey for us! For more details, visit Disneyland Resorts website.

Photo property of Mouseward Bound
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Concept Art


This week Empire magazine online released the first concept art for GOTG2 showcasing a new monster. But what everyone is talking about is the adorable look on Baby Groot's face! We can't wait to see the scene that goes along with this concept art and find out the origin of this crazy looking creature. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 hits North American theatres May 5, 2017.

3. "Descendants 2" Newest Cast Members
If you are a fan of the original Disney Channel movie "The Descendants", then you'll be excited to learn of the newest cast members announced for the sequel. This week it was confirmed that 3 of the original characters will return (Mal, Evie and Carlos), joined by 3 new Villain descendants: Gaston's son Gil, Ursula's daughter Uma and Captain Hook's son Harry. To see a photo log of the newest cast members, head over to Hello Giggles. "Descendants 2" is scheduled to be released on the Disney Channel summer of 2017. For now, enjoy this teaser trailer:


4. Haunted Mansion Gingerbread House
One of the most anticipated things about Halloween time in Disneyland is to see what the Imagineers and Disneyland's food and beverage team come up with for the annual gingerbread house in The Haunted Mansion Holiday. This week we got a sneak peek of this year's patchwork design which reminds us a lot of Sally's dress. 

Photo courtesy of Oh My Disney
Here are some fun facts about this year's gingerbread house:
  •      200 pounds gingerbread
  •      200 pounds powdered sugar
  •      4 gallons of egg whites
  •      1 gallon lemon juice
  •      50 pounds fondant
  •      1/3 pound glitter
Jack Skellington officially takes over The Haunted Mansion beginning September 9 to early 2017.

5. Zika Virus Preparation


As more reports of the Zika virus are reported in Florida, Walt Disney World is prepared to take care of their guests by providing free insect repellent. Pump bottles and towelettes will be available at all theme parks and Disney Springs, as well as aerosol cans in hotel rooms. To inform guests of the free repellent, signs will be posted throughout the resort. Thanks to WDW Info for the heads up! Visit their website for more information.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories (August 14 - 20, 2016)

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories
August 14 - 20, 2016

1. D23's Destination D
If you aren't familiar with D23, you're missing out. The original Disney fan club, D23 was founded in 2009 and is the host of several fan events throughout the year. Destination D is 2-day event which highlights a specific Disney theme. This year's theme is "Destination D: Amazing Adventures", which will celebrate Walt's desire to seek out adventure and bring it to his guests, from True-Life Adventure films to iconic rides such as Jungle Cruise or Pirates of the Caribbean. This week, 2 presentations were announced and both sound amazing!

Pandora - The World of AVATAR
Join James Cameron (writer, director, producer), Jon Landau (producer) and Joe Rhode (Disney Imagineer) as they reveal more details about the land of Pandora opening in Animal Kingdom Park in 2017. Last year we got a sneak peek at the D23 Expo and can't wait to see this land come to life!
Joe Rhode presenting a model of Pandora at the D23 Expo
Walt's Great Adventures
Walt Disney Archives are preparing a special exhibit for Destination D guests featuring the travels and adventures of Walt Disney. The exhibit will feature rare photography, models, props and Walt's personal journal from his famous trip to South America in 1941. 
Photo courtesy of D23 & Walt Disney Archives
Destination D takes place in Walt Disney World November 19 & 20. For ticket information, visit D23's website here.

2. YesterEars Vintage Clothing
Social media was all a Twitter this week when Disney Parks Blog revealed 3 new vintage t-shirts inspired by classic Walt Disney World attractions:

Dreamfinder & Figment
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Walt Disney World Preview Centre
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
ExtraTERRORestial Alien Encounter
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
All 3 shirts will be available for a limited time only: August 18-25 online at the Disney Parks Store. For more information and some historical facts about the attractions that inspired the t-shirts, visit Disney Parks Blog.

3. "The Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember"
We admit it; whenever we go to a Disney event we usually leave with an armful of books. So we were really excited to learn about a new book written by the head of Walt Disney Archives, Rebecca Cline. "The Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember" will provide Disney fans a comprehensive history of the Walt Disney Studios lot. Thanks to our good friend Drew over at Point of Drew for letting us know about this exciting new book coming in September. Check out Drew's podcast for great Disney insight and more.


4. Wreck-it Ralph VR Ride Rumour


If you follow us on Facebook, we reported earlier this week about a rumour floating around about Magic Kingdom. Rumour has it that Stitch's Great Escape could be replaced by a virtual reality racing ride inspired by Wreck-it Ralph's "Sugar Rush". This rumour has been around for a couple years but seems to be getting some attention again. Slashfilm.com did a great recap of Disney Insider Jim Hill's podcast, describing the changes rumoured to come. 

5. Halloween at Sea
Continuing with our Halloween time Disney events, "Halloween on the High Seas" returns this September and October on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and in October on the Disney Magic. Disney Parks Blog has some great suggestions on how to have a ghoulishly good time!

Happy Haunting!
Our first Halloween party at Disneyland

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories (August 7-13, 2016)

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories
August 7 - 13, 2016


1.  Main Street Electrical Parade
Last week we reported that the "Paint the Night Parade" is ending it's run in Disneyland this September. We mentioned that the rumours were that it was heading to Walt Disney World and we suggested that Disney Parks do a switcharoo for the "Main Street Electrical Parade". Looks like someone used our glass ball... 



It was announced this week that the "Main Street Electrical Parade" will come to an end at the Magic Kingdom on October 9 and return to it's original home, Disneyland, early 2017 for a limited-time engagement. Guests hoping to see the "Main Street Electrical Parade" in WDW before October 9, are reminded that the parade does not run during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and to plan accordingly. Check WDW's website for parade dates & times.

Although it isn't officially confirmed that the "Paint the Night Parade" will go to WDW, the door just opened a little bit wider. But WDW guests will have to wait a little bit longer; Disneyland announced that the "Paint the Night Parade" will continue to appear on select nights throughout the holiday season.


For some great historical information about the "Main Street Electrical Parade", visit Disney Parks Blog.

2. Fairytale Designer Dolls
One story that we feel fell under the radar this week, was the announcement of the new Fairytale Designer Dolls from The Disney Store. This has become an annual event for The Disney Store, releasing a new set of dolls every 2 weeks beginning September 6. This year's dolls continue with the Heroes and Villian's theme:



Cinderella and Lady Tremaine
Available in stores September 6; online September 7
Belle and Gaston
Available in stores September 20; online September 21
Alice and The Queen of Hearts
Available in stores October 4; online October 5
Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent
Available in stores October 18; online October 19
Each doll set is limited to 6000 worldwide at a cost of $129.95 US/$159.95 CAD each. Pre-orders for all 4 doll sets begins August 31. For a full list of North American Disney Store locations that will carry the dolls, visit The Disney Store Blog.

3. Moana's newest trailer
We have been really excited about this movie since seeing the amazing presentation at the D23 Expo last year. This week, Walt Disney Animation released another teaser trailer that added to our excitement:


"Moana" sails into theatres November 23, 2016.

4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
If you tuned in to NBC's coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics on Thursday evening you were either really excited to watch Michael Phelps or you were like us and couldn't wait to see the new "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer. On a side note, we had the added bonus of seeing Canada's Penny Olesksiak tie for Gold medal along with US swimmer Simone Manuel.

So ICYMI, here is the newest trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story":


Join the Rebellion December 14, 2016.

5. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Merchandise
Last week we shared with you some of the exclusive merchandise that will be available in Disneyland during Halloween time. This week, Disney Parks Blog Unboxed the exclusive merchandise that will be available at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.



Photos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
For the full ghoulish unboxing, head over to Disney Parks Blog.

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI Top 5 Stories (July 31-August 6, 2016)

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI: Top 5 Stories
July 31- August 6, 2016

1. We love Dooney & Bourke
If you're in love with the Dooney & Bourke purses as much as we are (addicted is more like it!), then you're going to love this! 3 new purse designs are being released this month, each one beautiful, unique and celebrate very special anniversaries:

Release date August 15: Beauty & the Beast
25th Anniversary

Release Date August 22: Alice in Wonderland
45th Anniversary

Release Date August 29: Dumbo
75th Anniversary








All 3 of these purses are being released exclusively on the Shop Disney Store mobile app. For full details about the purses and the app, visit Disney Parks Blog.












2. Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration coming to an end
With over a year of celebrations and special events, the end date of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration was officially announced this week: September 5, 2016. That gives guests 4 more weeks to enjoy the Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular, Paint the Night Parade and the 60th Anniversary version of World of Color.

We will miss the sparkly castle

We were quite shocked to hear that Paint the Night Parade is coming to an end. We absolutely love this parade and would have loved to see it become a mainstay at the park. But we are so thankful to have enjoyed it while we were able to. Rumours are flying that it might reappear in Walt Disney World. Maybe they could do a swap for the Main Street Electrical Parade?

Returning to the skies at Disneyland Resort on September 9 through to early November 2016: "Fantasy in the Sky", a Disneyland classic dating back to 1958. The original World of Color show will return to Disney California Adventure park on September 6, 2016.

3. "Frozen" takes to the sea
Making its Disney Cruise debut this November, "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular" will set sail exclusively on the Disney Wonder. Walt Disney Imagineering assembled a team of Broadway and theatrical veterans to bring this animated spectacular to life!

Over the next few months, Disney Parks Blog will be giving its fans an inside look at the making of this production. Here is the first video:


4. The Rebels have infiltrated Walt Disney World Resort
Do you have what it takes to complete all 4 missions and earn the Medal of Bravery previously bestowed on the likes of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker?  (Poor Chewbacca) 

Disney Floral & Gifts partner with Lucasfilm to bring the latest interactive game to Walt Disney World Resort: Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure.



Equipped with the tools of the Rebellion, a cap, satchel, Rebel journal, a lightsaber and a holocron, the adventure takes Rebels around their resort, Star Tours and continues once the Rebels return to their home base. The new interactive adventure begins August 15, 2016. To sign up for the Rebellion and find out more, visit the Disney Parks Blog.

5. This is Halloween at Disneyland Resort
A few weeks Oh My Disney reported that the Headless Horseman will be making his debut this Halloween season at Disneyland. This week, more details of the spooky season were released. 

Decorative ornament
We got a sneak peek of some of the exclusive merchandise making its way into Disneyland this Halloween Season. If you love special event merchandise, check out these shirts and pins:

 


TIP: Mickey's Halloween Party is a ticketed event. Guests must purchase a separated ticket in order to attend the party. For ticket prices and dates, visit Disneyland.com 

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Other exciting news for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is the new "Trick or Tea" at Steakhouse 55. Between September 30 to October 30 at the Disneyland Hotel, Guests will enjoy seasonal offerings like Apple Pie green tea blend and maple pecan scones served with bewitching orange marmalade. A special treat will be the Jack Skellington chocolate-dipped strawberries. Visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE to make reservations.

Monday, August 01, 2016

Mouseward Bound's ICYMI Top 5 Stories (July 23-30, 2016)

Welcome to our new weekly blog post. Every week we are going to share our top 5 favourite stories about Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. Let's get started...

ICYMI: Mouseward Bound's Top 5 Stories
July 23- 30, 2016

1. Guardian's of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT!
Artist rendering courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Announced officially at San Diego Comic Con (rumours have been flying around for months!), Guardian's of the Galaxy are moving into Disney California Adventure's Tower of Terror. Scheduled to open in summer 2017, we predict it will close for the update in early 2017. Watch the preview of the new ride here.

2. Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America - Reopening Summer 2017
Artist rendering courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
It's always exciting to see what the Imagineers create and re-create! With the announcement of Star Wars Land came some major changes to Disneyland Park. Guests will be able to see the first phase of these changes when the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America reopen after being closed since January 2016! Other attractions that will reopen are Fantasmic!, Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. Read about the history of this beautiful area and the plans for the future!

3. The Muppets are coming to Magic Kingdom!
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
An all-new live show, "The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History", is coming to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World October 2016. Join Sam Eagle, Kermit, Miss Piggy and more as they present historical tales outside The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. We can't wait to hear the new original song!

4. The Rocketeer Reboot
(Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
It only took 25 years, but Rocketeer fans rejoiced with the news of a reboot. Although the project is in early development, it's hard not to get excited. The new storyline will take place six years after the original Rocketeer with a female pilot taking the helm. We'll be keeping a close eye on more news as it develops. Read more about the writers and producers at Entertainment Weekly.

5. Marvel's Infinity War = 1 movie



It was announced this week that the two movies previously announced as "Avengers: Infinity War Parts 1 and 2" will now be one movie known as "Avengers: Infinity War". The date for release remains May 2018, with an untitled forth Avengers movie slotted for May 2019. Although most details for the movie are still a mystery, we can't wait to see The Avengers take on Thanos. Go to Deadline.com for more details.

And that's our top 5 picks for the week of July 23-30, 2016. What are you the most excited about?

Come back next week for Mouseward Bounds' ICYMI Top 5 Stories.