The DisGeek Podcast

Your Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth

Everything You Need to Know About Star Wars Season of the Force at Disneyland

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Here are the details for everything you need to know to Travel to a galaxy far, far away.

Beginning Nov. 16, 2015, Star Wars Season of the Force will debut in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, giving guests daily opportunities to explore, interact and have fun with the power of the Force.

Here are all the facts courtesy of the Disneyland Resort:

Star Wars Launch Bay

Located on the lower level of the Tomorrowland Expo Center, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central space for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars.

  • First Order stormtroopers patrolling the area outside Launch Bay are on a mission to find members of the Inside, guests may encounter iconic characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca or even Boba Fett.

  • Inspired by the iconic opening crawl in every Star Wars film, a welcoming text scroll on the carpet will greet guests as they enter the experience.

  • The Cantina is a unique experience inspired by the “hive of scum and villainy” guests will recognize from the Star Wars From bounty hunters and smugglers to aliens, guests never know who they may meet here.

  • The Cantina becomes the gathering place to take memorable photos with a holochess or sabacc (Sabacc is a popular card game played throughout the galaxy, often with high stakes. Holochess is a chess-like game that utilizes holographic representations of the playing pieces.)

  • Guests may join the Resistance or come to the dark side, choosing a path that takes them into one of two character greeting experiences.

  • When it’s time to meet the character, portal doors open to welcome guests into a fully immersive 360-degree space, inspired by a Rebel base or Star Destroyer.

  • Throughout the space, guests will find Aurebesh writings in the Aurebesh is a writing system used to transcribe Basic, the most used language in the Star Wars galaxy.

  • Guests may play current and upcoming Star Wars video games at the Game Center, including new and exclusive Disney Infinity 0 content created exclusively for this experience.

  • Exploring the Light Side Gallery, guests will find replicas of iconic helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi heroes, including Luke And in the Dark Side Gallery, they’ll discover replicas of helmets and lightsabers used by the Sith, mortal enemies of the Jedi.

  • Large-scale replicas of film props, costumes, ship models, droids, artwork and other notable items are on display for Star Wars fans to enjoy.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

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  • A new adventure awaits guests as they climb aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars galaxy.

  • The new adventure includes scenes and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Hyperspace Mountain

  • The popular Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle as they race through the

  • The guest experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the The soundtrack was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra.

 

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

  • This reimagined battle experience takes younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple, where they discover if they have the makings of a true It debuts Dec. 8.

  • Villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels join the adventure.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

  • Guests can relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through this short, film compilation at Tomorrowland It includes moments from the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

  • This cinematic short connects iconic scenes from the films in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker.

Galactic Grill Star Wars – Inspired Menus

  • The Force takes over the Tomorrowland Terrace to offer dark side and light side menu

  • For breakfast, guests may enjoy a blue corn Darth Tamale, with scrambled eggs and chorizo, red chili sauce and For lunch and dinner, the First Order Specialty Burger is tempting with a patty of angus beef and chorizo, topped with fried cherry peppers and spicy-lime aioli on a dark bun.

  • Fun collectible items to take home include the BB-8 sipper cup and TIE Fighter premium popcorn.

  • Pizza Port in Tomorrowland also will offer new Star Wars-inspired menu.

12 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort

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The sparkle of the Diamond Celebration and the thrill of Star Wars Season of the Force make the holidays an ideal time to create magical memories with loved ones at the Disneyland Resort. From special holiday experiences and themed decorations to delicious treats and commemorative merchandise, guests will find lots of ways to celebrate at the Merriest Place on Earth.

  1. Experience the Dazzle of the Diamond Celebration: Each night at the Disneyland Resort, the all-new “Paint the Night” parade at Disneyland Park sparkles with more than 1.5 million twinkling lights and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular illuminates the skies. During the show, animated sequences are projected onto the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A.; the façade of “it’s a small world”; the mist screens of Rivers of America; and the Matterhorn. Merchandise and food and beverage locations across the Disneyland Resort will continue to offer commemorative Diamond Celebration offerings during the holidays.
  2. Join the Worldwide Celebration at “it’s a small world” Holiday: From the brilliantly lit façade to the intricate details inside, “it’s a small world” Holiday is decked out in decorations that honor cultures across the globe and how they unite to celebrate the season.

     

  3. See Two Holidays Collide at Haunted Mansion Holiday: For the first time, the Hatbox Ghost joins Jack Skellington and his frightful friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as they host a “spirited” Halloween and Christmas celebration, filled with spooky surprises and eerily cheerful décor.

     

  4. Revel in the Merry Magic of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade: Guests will witness the spirit of the season sweeping through Disneyland as Santa Claus and classic Disney characters merrily march down Main Street, U.S.A. in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a holiday tradition at the Disneyland Resort for more than 20 years.

     

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  5. Snap a Photo with Santa: Between preparing for his famous flight on Christmas Eve and leading his reindeer in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, Santa Claus visits Critter Country at Disneyland and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure Park to meet with guests and hear their holiday wishes.
  6. Delight in Special Holiday Dishes and Treats: Dining locations across the Disneyland Resort add even more merriment with delicious food, beverages and desserts guests may enjoy only during the holiday season. The classic peppermint bark and “snow-capped” dark chocolate peppermint gourmet apples may be found in the resort’s candy kitchens.
  7. Enjoy Two Different Shows at “World of Color”: This year, guests may enjoy two versions of the breathtaking nighttime spectacular “World of Color,” nightly at Disney California Adventure. The cast of 1,200 dancing fountains, lights and special effects honor the Diamond Celebration with the performance of “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” and the holidays with “World of Color – Winter Dreams.” Guests may check the park calendar for show times.
  8. Dance and Dine at Disney “¡Viva Navidad!”: José Carioca and Panchito of “The Three Caballeros” team up with Donald Duck to host a lively seasonal celebration at Disney California Adventure. Colorful “mojiganga” puppets, folklorico dancing, festive music and flavorful menu items at Paradise Pier honor Latino holiday traditions.

     

  9. Have a Flurry of Fun at “Olaf’s Snow Fest”: Stage 17 at Disney California Adventure transforms into an Arendellian winter wonderland with lively music, “Frozen”-inspired treats and an expansive play area with real snow. After zipping down the snow slide and building their own snowmen, guests may share a warm hug with Olaf.

     

  10. Take the Family to Downtown Disney Winter Village and “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink”: Just outside the parks in the Downtown Disney District, the entire family may enjoy a flurry of wintertime fun skating at “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The charming chalets in the Downtown Disney Winter Village offer holiday shopping, each with its own selection of seasonal gifts or treats. Admission to “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink,” including skate rental and helmets, is $17 for adults and $15 for children ages nine and under.
  11. Race Through the Star Wars Galaxy on Hyperspace Mountain: A brand new experience during Season of the Force, the classic Space Mountain attraction in Tomorrowland is reimagined to transport guests right onto the front lines of an exciting X-Wing battle.

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  12. Become Immersed in the Star Wars Saga at Star Wars Launch Bay: At the new Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland, guests at Star Wars Launch Bay will celebrate the Star Wars saga with fun interactive experiences, including encounters with Star Wars characters, all part of the new Season of the Force.

     

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – Nov. 13 Through Jan. 6

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Disney Press Release:

‘Paint the Night’ Parade, ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks and ‘World of Color: Celebrate!’ Bring More Merriment to Holidays 2015 at the Disneyland Resort  

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2015) – Disneyland Resort will deliver the Holidays with a shimmering sprinkle of Diamond Celebration pixie dust this year beginning Friday, Nov. 13, as holiday festivities are added to the ongoing 60th anniversary celebration. The holiday season will offer unforgettable entertainment, attractions, food and gift items day and night at the Disneyland Resort through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.

In addition to traditional Disneyland Resort holiday attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!”  and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, guests at the Disneyland Resort will enjoy all of the spectacular new nighttime Diamond Celebration spectaculars: “Paint the Night” parade  and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks in Disneyland Park, plus “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” in Disney California Adventure Park, which will be presented most nights along with the popular holiday version, “World of Color – Winter Dreams.”

Holiday time at the Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with the merriment and magical memories of the season. This year, the sparkling excitement of Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment adds to the holiday excitement throughout the resort. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure bring extra glitter to the season with diamond highlights on their facades.

The Disneyland Resort holiday traditions include soaring Christmas trees in Town Square, Disneyland, and Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure, along with visits by Santa Claus to both parks, and holiday food and merchandise items. Additional highlights include:

In Disneyland:

  • “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a Disneyland holiday treasure, presents Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and an array of Disney characters celebrating the holiday season. The daytime parade features 100-plus performers including Santa Claus, who brings jolly holiday wishes from the North Pole. After dark, the Diamond Celebration “Paint the Night” parade will bring its own brand of glittering magic to Disneyland, with dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances and spectacular floats. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights,
  • “Disneyland Forever” – The dazzling, new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort, with pyrotechnics, original music and viewing locations throughout Disneyland Park. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects.
  • “it’s a small world” Holiday offers a worldwide celebration of the season, with more than 300.000 twinkling lights on the attraction’s façade. Inside, animated dolls representing children of many nations are dressed in holiday attire, singing holiday songs as well as the classic “It’s a Small World After All.”
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a spooky but lighthearted mashup of the Halloween and Christmas holidays as imagined by Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures animated classic Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Continuing an annual tradition, a new gingerbread house is created each year for the Mansion, adding a humorous touch to the ballroom scene. This year, the gingerbread house design features gingerbread men constructing a teetering “house of cards.”
  • Jingle Cruise, an instantly popular addition in 2014, returns to take adventurous guests on a fun-filled expedition. They discover a cargo of holiday gifts and decorations that have been jettisoned over the jungles of the celebrated Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland.

In Disney California Adventure:

  • For the first time, two splendid versions of the “World of Color” spectacular will be presented most nights during the Holiday season, on Paradise Bay. The nighttime water show with animation, film, music, fountains and special effects is fully programmable, allowing guests to enjoy different experiences. The holiday-themed show, “World of Color − Winter Dreams,” features Olaf the snowman along with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films such as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” the blockbuster Disney film. For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, “World of Color – Celebrate” pays a fun, colorful, surprise-filled tribute to Walt Disney, whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters. Guests may check the park schedule for show times.
  • “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” is a daily celebration of Latino culture and holiday traditions with music, dancing, vibrant colors and delicious food. Disney characters join the fun in the lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
  • “Olaf’s Snow Fest” celebrates its return to Hollywood Land with Olaf, the comical snowman from “Frozen.” Stage 17 is transformed into a charming castle courtyard inspired by the “Frozen” kingdom of Arendelle. Kids of all ages have fun in a giant wintry play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. Guests who wish to observe the icy fun will have a nearby viewing area. Music and storytelling entertainment will be presented throughout the day.
  • The residents of Radiator Springs will welcome guests with a “snowcar” at the entrance of Cars Land. Each address along the roadway into the land – Flo’s V8 Café, Fillmore’s Taste-In, Cozy Cone Motel and more – will feature holiday decorations reflecting the personalities of the “Cars” character who lives there.
  • Flik and his buddies decorate “a bug’s land” with giant Christmas lights and holiday ornaments, adding to the festive spirit.

In the Downtown Disney District, guests may take a break from their holiday shopping and dining to go skating on “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The Downtown Disney Winter Village around the ice rink will offer shoppers holiday gift items sold from the windows of the charming village houses.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announces New Lands, Entertainment and Experiences at D23 EXPO 2015

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Official Press Release:

Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Soarin’ and Iron Man among new experiences coming for guests

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Today, Disney announced a line-up of new attractions and entertainment coming to its theme parks around the world during the D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave 7,500 lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come. He was joined by Imagineers working on these projects as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about Pandora – The World of AVATAR including the names of the land and E-ticket attraction – AVATAR Flight of Passage. Fans also got a chance to see Marvel legend Stan Lee in a cameo appearance where he posed as an unsuspecting fan during Iron Man’s dramatic entrance.

Among the many announcements Chapek shared were new and enhanced Star Wars experiences coming later this year to the Florida and California theme parks, plans for a new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more details on Pandora—The World of AVATAR, which is already under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Chapek also shared that Soarin’ Around the World will make its U.S. film debut at Epcot and Disney California Adventure taking guests to new places around the world. Additionally, fans got a preview of exclusive video of the first Marvel attraction planned for Disney parks, coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016.

“From Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration to the anticipation of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’re in the midst of unprecedented growth and expansion around the globe,” said Chapek. “With these new announcements, we continue our legacy in creating innovative attractions, worldwide entertainment, and magical lands that take our guests into the worlds of stories they love.”

In addition to these announcements, Chapek talked about the exciting news announced earlier in the day by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger for plans to bring Star Wars-themed lands to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Disneyland park in Anaheim. Each 14-acre land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle.

Details on each of the projects include:

Star Wars Enhancements & New Experiences

From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to “Season of the Force,” soon guests will be part of both new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

star-wars-launch-bay
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings.  Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park.  Also at Disneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year.
  • Jedi Training Academy— A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”
  • Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts.  In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.
hyperspace-mountain

Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida

The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land.  This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard.  Guests will think they’ve been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination.  Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite.

  • Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.
  • Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers.  The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over.
  • Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set  and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction.
toy-story-land

 After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pandora – The World of AVATAR

As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park.

  • “Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.
  • Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget.
    • AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.
pandora

Soarin’ Around the World in Florida and California

Next year, guests at Epcot in Florida and Disney California Adventure in California will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its U.S. debut.

Iron Man Unveiled for Hong Kong Disneyland

Iron Man landed at D23 EXPO today for a special appearance, and soon Hong Kong Disneyland guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Super Hero himself. Set to open in 2016, Iron Man Experience will be the first Marvel attraction at any Disney park, taking guests on an epic adventure over the streets and in the sky above Hong Kong. The adventure will begin at the new Stark Expo where guests board the Iron Wing to take flight and battle Hydra alongside fan-favorite Avenger, Iron Man.

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About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. Sixty years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. A sixth resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, is currently under construction in Pudong New District, Shanghai. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.