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Meet Belle at Liberty Square this month

Belle in her gownThere’s a limited-time character meet and greet going on for Memory Maker customers only in Walt Disney World this month, August 2016 — drat, I’m super sorry to be missing this one! Belle is my favorite princess.

From August 7th to the 31st, Memory Maker customers can meeting Belle in her formal gown at Heritage House at Liberty Square, in the Magic Kingdom. There is no FastPass for this experience and it is for Memory Maker customers only.

Belle will be available daily for at the following times:

  • 11 AM – 11:40 AM
  • 12 PM – 12:40 PM
  • 1 PM – 1:40 PM
  • 2 PM – 2:40 PM
  • 4 PM – 4:40 PM
  • 5 PM – 5:40 PM
At WDW Aug 7 - 31, Memory Maker customers can meet Belle at Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. Share on X

More information:

Disney PhotoPass Service will offer a character experience at Magic Kingdom Park for Guests who have a Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement, including Annual Passholders. The Guest with the Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement will need to have his/her MagicBand or Park Ticket scanned prior to entering the character experience to verify that he/she has purchased one of the two products.

Update: This limited-time event is set to coincide with the DVD re-release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

New Dooney & Bourke designs available on the Disney Parks App August 2016

An update on the much-awaited new Dooney & Bourke designs, including one for Beauty & the Beast, was shared on the Disney Parks Blog this morning.

In August 2016, we will premiere three new Dooney & Bourke collections on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. This free app offers access to thousands of products found at Disney Parks which you can have shipped directly to your home.

dooney & bourke 2016 beauty and the beast

dooney & bourke 2016 alice in wonderland

dooney & bourke 2016 dumbo

Each collection consists of  a shopper tote, a letter carrier, and a wristlet. All three collections are coated cotton. No other configurations are currently planned, which may be disappointing news to some. Also, as stated on the blog and clarified in comments, as of right now at least, these items will be for sale ONLY through the Disney Parks app. There is no current plans for their availability in the Parks themselves. Pricing information was also not released at this time. My feeling: love the designs themselves, wish there was more variation in purses, and imagine the price will be in-line (as in, steep) with other Dooney & Bourke offerings.

 

The Muppets are coming to the Magic Kingdom!

Those rumors about The Muppets coming to Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom — they’re true!

Muppets magic kingdom disney

Those rumors about The Muppets coming to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom -- they're true! Share on X

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic Kingdom Park, where they’ll take part in an all-new live show, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.”

Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical fashion as only they can. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets appear throughout the day to share with Guests, their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America.

Featuring an original song and plenty of wacky Muppets humor, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” will make its debut in October 2016.

Listen up everyone: Disney is *not* replacing the Hall of Presidents with Muppets. This is an all-new addition that will happen outside the much-beloved attraction. As a Muppets fan myself, I’m thrilled. This also dovetails nicely to the recent news about PizzeRizzo replacing Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios this fall.

New Pandora Gift Sets and Charms from Disney Parks

I love my Pandora bracelets — I have one for Disney charms and one for the rest. I like to get a new charm on each trip or special occasion, so that I can look back and remember each one just by looking at my bracelet. Though my list of “must have” charms is already rather long as it is, I can’t resist checking out the new offerings whenever they’re available.

These new Disney Parks Exclusive charms will be available in the fall. The one on the left has a mother of pearl inlay.

pandora disney 2016

Also coming from Disney Parks this fall are four new Gift Sets that include a bracelet, two clips, and a Disney-themed charm. These starter sets are available starting today (July 26, 2016) but in the Parks only — they cannot be purchased through the Disney Parks app.

disney pandora starter iconic gift sets 2016

disney pandora starter iconic gift sets 2016

More from the Disney Parks blog:

If you are looking to start your own PANDORA Jewelry collection, a new option is arriving at Disney Parks on July 26, 2016.

Four Iconic Gift Sets will be released in select merchandise locations such as La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park in California, or Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.

Each set will include one bracelet, two clips, and one of four different Disney charms. These sets make perfect gifts for loved ones. They are also a great way to jump start your own collection.

These sets will not be available via the Disney Parks online store or the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. You can, however, find many other items by PANDORA Jewelry both online and via the mobile app.

Pete’s Dragon soundtrack will feature a song by the Lumineers

petesdragonmovieThe soundtrack for Disney’s reimagining of Pete’s Dragon will feature three all-new original songs, including “Nobody Knows” performed by The Lumineers.

The album will be released on August 12, 2016, the same day Pete’s Dragon opens in U.S. theaters, and features 3 original songs written for the film including the end credit track “Something Wild” by electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling, “Nobody Knows” performed by the Lumineers, plus “The Dragon Song” performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.  The original score was composed by Daniel Hart (“Tumbledown,” “Comet”).

Performed by the Grammy®-nominated band The Lumineers, “Nobody Knows” was written by “Pete’s Dragon” co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks with Andrew Tinker.

“The Dragon Song” performed by singer-songwriter Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham) was written by “Pete’s Dragon” director/screenwriter David Lowery and co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks and bookends the film. Daniel Hart, who scored the film, is a multi-instrumental composer and performer and toured over a decade with bands from The Polyphonic Spree to St. Vincent to his own projects.    His upcoming scores include the documentary “Eating Animals” and the FOX TV series “The Exorcist” airing this fall. The soundtrack also boasts a newly-recorded version of “Candle On the Water” performed by the critically-acclaimed Okkervil River, fronted by singer-songwriter Will Sheff.  The band will release a new album this fall.

petes dragon lumineersThe Pete’s Dragon track list follows:

  1. “The Dragon Song” Performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
  2. “Something Wild” Performed by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
  3. “Nobody Knows” Performed by The Lumineers
  4. “Something On Your Mind” Performed by St. Vincent
  5. “So Long, Marianne” Performed by Leonard Cohen
  6. “Gina Anne” Performed by Bosque Brown
  7. “An Adventure”
  8. “Are You Gonna Eat Me?”
  9. “Brown Bunny”
  10. “Reverie”
  11. “Tree Fort”
  12. “North Star”
  13. “Bedtime Compass”
  14. “Timber”
  15. “Breathe”
  16. “Gavin Knows What He’s Doing”
  17. “You Are Not Alone”
  18. “Elliot Gets Lost”
  19. “Takedown”
  20. “It’ll Be Just Like It Used To Be”
  21. “Follow That Dragon”
  22. “Elliot at the Bridge”
  23. “Abyss”
  24. “Go North”
  25. “Saying Goodbye”
  26. “The Bravest Boy I’ve Ever Met”
  27. “The Dragon Song Revisited” Performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
  28. “Candle On the Water” Performed by Okkervil River

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Oscar® winner Robert Redford. For more on the story:

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.

My Disney Experience app now gives directions

app mde directions You can now get turn-by-turn directions for Disney World right from your My Disney Experience app!

In its latest update, the My Disney Experience app (available for iPhone and Android) allows you to search for an attraction within the parks. . A blue line will appear on a map leading to the destination and showing your location as you head over there, with turn-by-turn directions as well. The program will also display estimated times to reach your next stop — completely estimated, though, because the app does not live update in regards to crowds, parades, or weather. Otherwise, though, it’s kind of like Google Maps for Disney World.

From any attraction, restaurant, shop or hotel’s p age, you can touch ‘Get Directions,’ and then choose where you are departing from. People traveling between theme parks can get information on routes by bus, monorail and boat. Visitors can also find out how to reach shops and eateries within the Disney Springs entertainment complex.

There’s also been an update to the Dining Reservations section of the app, making it easier to find that ADR you’re looking for. There’s a new, clean interface for a quick and simple search, with the option to then filter by location, cuisine, Table Service vs Quick Service, Dining Plan eligibility, rating, accessibility, and price range.

The Muppets’ PizzeRizzo replaces Pizza Planet

Big news reported from both The Muppets and the Disney  — the formerPizza Planet location at Hollywood Studios will reopen this fall as the redesigned Muppet-themed PizzeRizzo, as part of Muppets Courtyard.

muppets pizzerizzo

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, where guests can grab a pizza pie and a cold drink. Enjoy a casual Italian-American dining experience in a whole new way, through the eyes of the lovable, wisecracking Muppet.

Walt Disney Imagineering hid hints of Rizzo, his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story quick-service location. In addition to the expansive indoor and outdoor seating area, guests will be able to dine in a “cheesy” banquet room, or take five in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.

This change has been rumored for awhile. And it’s a little sad for fans of the old pizzeria, but it’s a logical shift. Pizza Planet may be gone, but in years to come I’m sure we can expect new Buzz and Woody-themed restaurants in Toy Story Land.

New Muppets-themed restaurant PizzeRizzo is coming to Hollywood Studios this fall. Share on X
RizzoTheRat

Rizzo the Rat, testing out a slice.

Since Disney acquired The Muppets, it hasn’t seemed like they’ve had a big enough presence in the parks, aside from MuppetVision 3D. On the other hand, last year’s more-adult-tweaked The Muppets on ABC — which, for the record, we loved every minute of — was not renewed for a second season, which seems to indicate a lowered interest in all things Muppet. Still, all in all, it could be a great addition. Although there aren’t any other details about the menu, my guess is that it will be similar to Pizza Planet’s, possible slightly expanded.

 

Rogue One poster from Star Wars Celebration

Disney and Star Wars fans: sharing with you the newly-revealed poster from “Rogue One: a Star Wars Story“, coming to theaters this December 16, 2016, as well as a behind the scenes look at the upcoming film.

 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Gareth Edwards (Director) and Kathleen Kennedy (Producer) kicked off Star Wars Celebration with an exclusive new look at “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. They welcomed surprise special guests from the film: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, John Knoll, Executive Producer and Kiri Hart, Head of Story.

 

Club Villain returns to Hollywood Studios

Club Villain, which seemed to come to an end a few weeks ago, is alive and well and taking reservations for September and October, 2016.

clubvillain2016

There were rumors it was going to return — eagle-eyed Disney fans noticed that there were auditions posted for new Club Villain dancers, after the show had closed. The rumors were true and this unique event will return to Hollywood Studios this fall.

Held every Friday and Saturday evening in September and October 2016, as well as on on Halloween night, October 31st, this is a hard ticket event with a steep price ($129 per person, tax and gratuity included). Regular park admission is also required.  The event is offered twice nightly at 5:15 and 8:30 PM.

I haven’t had a chance to attend this one yet, but I’m interested and glad to have the chance to do so again. I’ve read very favorable reviews — like this one from the Disney Food Blog — and I’m a sucker for unique experiences.

Here’s some more information from the Disney World web site, where you can make reservations as well, up to 90 days in advance:

Dance the night terrors away with Dr. Facilier and his evil-diva cohosts at this specially ticketed dining event at Sunset Showcase.

Sunset Showcase loudly presents Club Villain, a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event featuring some famous fiends!

This spellbinding evening serves up decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef strip loin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to some chilling cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

NEW: Early Morning Magic at Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Mania Hollywood Studios Early Morning MagicWalt Disney World will begin offering its Early Morning Magic program at Hollywood Studios on August 1, 2016. This program is currently available on select days at the Magic Kingdom, and has received mostly positive reviews. (For a great run down on how it works, read Kenny the Pirate’s post about it here.)

I’m not surprised by this (in fact, I’m thrilled — and hoping it’s still booking for my next trip in December). Folks, Disney is on to the fact that a lot of people book pre-park ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) just to get a jump on liming up for the most popular rides — making an 8 AM reservation at Be Our Guest, for example, just to get in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ahead of the crowds. And rather than fight it, they’re just monetizing it instead. For a fee you can skip the shenanigans and ride in peace, and enjoy a nice breakfast at the same time. The price is a little steep, but then again, it’s far from mandatory, and it’s all about what the experience is worth to you, personally.

Disney World to begin offering Early Morning Magic at Hollywood Studios on August 1. Share on X

So, the details:

  • Early admission to Hollywood studios at 7:45 AM
  • Rides open: Star Tours, Toy Story Mania!, meet Buzz & Woody, and photos with Mickey, Minnie and Olaf
  • All you can eat buffet breakfast at the ABC Commissary, which includes:
    • Assorted chilled fruit juices
    • Sliced seasonal fruit and berries
    • A variety of freshly baked breakfast pastries, served with butter, preserves and marmalade
    • Fluffy scrambled eggs
    • Spinach and mushroom frittata
    • Bacon and pork sausage
    • Cheesy potatoes
    • Puffed French toast with butter & syrup
    • Muesli with assorted toppings
    • Coffee, decaf, milk, chocolate milk and a selection of teas
  • Cost: $69 for adults and $59 for children. Separate Hollywood Studios admission is required.
  • Reservations now available for Mondays and Wednesdays in August and September, 2016.

 

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