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

[HokieRaven5]

The Port of San Fransokyo sign has a progressive lighting effect.

PORT OF SAN FRAN SOKYO

Scott Gustin

https://twitter.com/x/status/1725525584594321470

 

[HokieRaven5]

Christmas Tree arrives at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

 

[HokieRaven5]

Port Orleans - French Quarter Holiday Decorations

 

[HokieRaven5]

New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.

From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. It’s a feast for the senses and one of my favorite Disney events as my family and I take in incredible performances, pose for Insta-worthy photos and indulge in delectable bites and sips.

Today, we’re sharing details to help you plan your artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.

Performing Arts Take Center Stage​

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage. And fans of “Aladdin,” take note: There’s some magic in store for you, too!

Performing songs from many of your favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:

• Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
• Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
• Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
• Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
• Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
• Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where you’ll find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19​

To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Biergarten Restaurant
• Coral Reef Restaurant
• Garden Grill Restaurant
• Rose & Crown Dining Room
• Le Cellier
• Spice Road Table
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.

Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures​

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. While I can’t wait to try new flavors, I’m also excited about returning favorites. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And I never miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.

Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!

If you’re up for a delicious challenge, don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. Your handy Festival Passport will show where to make your picturesque purchases and receive stamps in your passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring your passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at your leisure – so you can enjoy a new treat every time you visit throughout the festival.

Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic​

Want to get in on the art yourself? You’re in luck, as the festival offers oodles of opportunities to engage in the creative process.

At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave your creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon you to become part of the painting.

You can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**

Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe​

One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.

There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items. I’ll be first in line for the Figment Spirit Jersey.

And I have a feeling that the paintbrush cup and Figment plush will be making their way into my reusable shopping bag, too!

Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when you purchase all your festival delights.

Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, you’ll help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Restaurants and pricing for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Dining Packages

Prices listed below do not include tax or gratuity.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall​

Norway Pavilion
Breakfast - $66 - Ages 10 and up
Breakfast - $42 - Ages 3 to 9
Lunch/Dinner - $78 - Ages 10 and up
Lunch/Dinner - $50 - Ages 3 to 9

Prices listed below do not include tax or gratuity.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall​

Norway Pavilion
Breakfast - $66 - Ages 10 and up
Breakfast - $42 - Ages 3 to 9
Lunch/Dinner - $78 - Ages 10 and up
Lunch/Dinner - $50 - Ages 3 to 9

Rose & Crown Dining Room​

United Kingdom Pavilion
$61 - Ages 10 and up
$26 - Ages 3 to 9

Spice Road Table​

Morocco Pavilion
$50 - Ages 10 & Up
$21 - Ages 3 to 9

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Candy Cane Distribution Information

 

[HokieRaven5]

Riviera Resort Holiday Decorations

 

[HokieRaven5]

‘Wish’ Preshow Coming to World of Color – Season of Light at Disney California Adventure on November 17

A “Wish” preshow will be added to showings of World of Color – Season of Light starting tonight, November 17. Disney Parks announced the addition on its official Instagram account Friday afternoon.

 

[Gabby01]

New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.

From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. It’s a feast for the senses and one of my favorite Disney events as my family and I take in incredible performances, pose for Insta-worthy photos and indulge in delectable bites and sips.

Today, we’re sharing details to help you plan your artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.

Performing Arts Take Center Stage​

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage. And fans of “Aladdin,” take note: There’s some magic in store for you, too!

Performing songs from many of your favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:

• Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
• Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
• Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
• Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
• Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
• Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where you’ll find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19​

To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Biergarten Restaurant
• Coral Reef Restaurant
• Garden Grill Restaurant
• Rose & Crown Dining Room
• Le Cellier
• Spice Road Table
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.

Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures​

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. While I can’t wait to try new flavors, I’m also excited about returning favorites. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And I never miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.

Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!

If you’re up for a delicious challenge, don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. Your handy Festival Passport will show where to make your picturesque purchases and receive stamps in your passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring your passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at your leisure – so you can enjoy a new treat every time you visit throughout the festival.

Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic​

Want to get in on the art yourself? You’re in luck, as the festival offers oodles of opportunities to engage in the creative process.

At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave your creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon you to become part of the painting.

You can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**

Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe​

One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.

There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items. I’ll be first in line for the Figment Spirit Jersey.

And I have a feeling that the paintbrush cup and Figment plush will be making their way into my reusable shopping bag, too!

Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when you purchase all your festival delights.

Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, you’ll help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.

Wasn’t expecting this so soon, but cool! What do we make of the fact that the food booth locations listed are the same as last year? Will those new event spaces not be in use yet?

 

[PolyRob]

I'm doing my part in seeing it Thanksgiving weekend so we aren't stuck with Frozen 7: The Frozening.

Ok, now I am scared

 

[PolyRob]

For reference...

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Paris:
Today is the Christmas and “Symphony of Colours” media event where creative teams will share more about the new drone show and hub show premiering early 2024 at Disneyland Paris.


The new drone show inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade will be called “Disney Electrical Sky Parade”
It premieres January 8 as part of the “Symphony of Colours” offering. New concept art:





DLP Report

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Paris:
Starting February 10, 2024*, guests will be able to enjoy a colourful, musical experience in a new, energy-packed daytime show celebrating the animated films from both Disney Animation and Pixar, with a host of characters: A Million Splashes of Colour.

*Until September 30, 2024

https://twitter.com/x/status/1725834784285270377

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disneyland Paris: Concept art for the incredible new Main Street decorations during “Symphony of Colours”, starting February 10:



During “Symphony of Colours”, landscaping around Central Plaza will also be “enhanced” with whimsical translucent and glowing giant flowers and decorations



First look at concept art for the 3 floats in “A Million Splashes of Colour” hub show debuting Feb 10 at Disneyland Paris:
- Disney Creators
- Disney Music
- Disney Stories



Sneak Peek at costumes for “A Million Splashes of Colour” hub show debuting Feb 10 at Disneyland Paris:





First look at Mickey in his “A Million Splashes of Colour” outfit. Premiering Feb 10 at Disneyland Paris.



DLP Report

 

[HokieRaven5]

Celebrating Mickey and Minnie today!!

 

[Smugpugmug]

For reference...

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View attachment 811468View attachment 811469

This is how you know Rotten Tomatoes isn't always reliable because 90% fresh for Frozen is WAY too high. Even the 85 is pushing it.

 

[HokieRaven5]

This is how you know Rotten Tomatoes isn't always reliable because 90% fresh for Frozen is WAY too high. Even the 85 is pushing it.

That’s why I try to say to go past the percentages and look at overall score. A 90% score on RT only means 90% of people rated it better than a 6 out of 10 as a movie.

Wish is at 6.2 from critics scores on RT
Frozen was 7.7
Strange World was 6.3
Moana was 7.9

 

[Smugpugmug]

That’s why I try to say to go past the percentages and look at overall score. A 90% score on RT only means 90% of people rated it better than a 6 out of 10 as a movie.

Wish is at 6.2 from critics scores on RT
Frozen was 7.7
Strange World was 6.3
Moana was 7.9

That sounds more accurate. Personally I'd rank Frozen as a C tier movie but I know I'm in the minority.

I already paid for my tickets for Wish so I'll go see it and form my own opinion.

 

[SkyGuy]

That sounds more accurate. Personally I'd rank Frozen as a C tier movie but I know I'm in the minority.

I already paid for my tickets for Wish so I'll go see it and form my own opinion.

I totally agree about Frozen. DS did me a solid when he was 12 and went to see it with me because it had been so hyped up. He was the only boy in the theater. Halfway through the movie, I told him I was sorry I drug him to it. He was salty for several days.

 

[Jennasis]

I will see Wish...and the Marvels....butbim not paying to see ANY movie ever again. I already pay for Disney+ and that's where I will see it. All my movies are streaming. So box office receipts are meaningless as far as how GOOD a movie is.