'Big Hero 6' Hiro and Baymax to Join Disney Infinity!

Big Hero 6 hasn’t even been released yet (out this November), but Disney has already announced protagonists Hiro and Baymax will join the Disney Infinity game!



This isn’t the first time Marvel characters have been announced for the Disney Infinity game.  When Disney Infinity 2.0 was first announced, it was actually bundled as Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes and was to come with an Avengers starter pack.

Image from a Google search.

Now, Hiro and Baymax are ready to join in the super hero fun!

...maybe.
Image from Realm Beyond Sight.

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Be Serenaded by this First Clip from Pixar's 'Lava'

We finally get our first look at the animation, voice talent and music from Pixar’s upcoming short Lava.

In the exclusive clip from Yahoo!, the volcano Uku sings of his dream: to one day find a true love of his own. Uku’s voice is simply beautiful to listen to – I’m already in love with the notes he sings (especially "I have a dream") with the ukulele accompaniment.

And Dewey, turns out it isn’t James Earl Jones playing Uku.  Instead, Uku will be played by Hawaiian entertainer Kuana Torres Kahele.



I’m also entranced by the animation of the volcanic flames (lava?) spurting from Uku, as well as the way the same flames (lava?) glow under the clouds during the time-lapse.  I'm fascinated by the column of smoke rising from Uku, and the way the colors look so vibrant in the clouds and sky during the time-lapse.

Beautiful.
Image from musicalhog.tumblr.com

Makes me wish I was an animator.

Lava is currently showing at film festivals around the globe, but will premiere theatrically in front of Inside Out in June 2015.

See you all real soon.

Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Changes Confirmed

Roughly a month ago, I shared Doctor Disney’s announcement of rumors that the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Street Parade would get “a complete overhaul.”

Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed these rumors, and added a few new details.

Among the changes confirmed (and one that Doctor Disney did not announce) is a slight change to the parade’s name.  The street party concept will stay the same, but it appears the characters themselves will do less dancing and interacting.

New logo?
Image from the Disney Parks Blog.

The "Play it!" part of the parade refers to a new way for park guests to interact with the parade: by voting for the final song to play.  Guests will vote from three current hits.

From the Disney Parks Blog post:

This fall, we’re kicking things up a notch with new music, new characters, and a new way for you to be part of the show!

Things heat up in the Central Plaza when hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy appear atop giant gift boxes, leading everyone in a medley of remixed classic party songs. Once you’ve moved it, shaken it, and danced it, it’s time to help decide what comes next, as you vote for one of three current hits during the “Play It!” part of the show.

Originally the Mad Hatter, Sebastian, Lumiere and the Genie appeared atop the floats, while the Mickey and Co. were able to step off the floats to dance with guests.  Now they won't, I guess.  Disney Parks Blog announced that Stitch, Phineas and Ferb would be added to the parade.

What do you think of the changes?

Again, below is a video of the current version.



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D23 Expo 2015 Discounted Room Rates!

D23 Expo 2015 tickets go on sale today!  For those of you who don’t know about D23, it’s the official Disney fan club, with a bi-annual meeting during which Disney reveals lots of juicy details several of their upcoming projects.

And, it’s an exclusive club, meaning you need to have a membership to join.  But don’t worry, there’s a free membership!

If you do have a membership and are dying to attend, Destinations in Florida has discounted room rates so you can attend!

Click here to buy now!
Cut off date for individuals to call in for reservations: Wednesday,
July 22, 2015.

The dates for D23 are August 12-18, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

D23 2015 is expecting 75K people, according to my agent Jennifer Hardy.  You will want to be a part of this awesome event!  Maybe I’ll see you there….

Click here to read my post from D23 Expo 2013’s animation panel, and even more coverage here from Inside the Magic.

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(PS: this is my 300th post!)

RIP Robin Williams: A Tribute

Robin Williams, who died of an apparent suicide at age 63 last night, was a well-loved and talented man.  Once the news broke, tributes filled the Internet – tributes from Hollywood celebrities to regular people – all who were touched by the incredible actor.

To Disney fans, Robin Williams is best known as the Genie from Aladdin.

We ain't never had a friend like him.

I have collected several of these tributes – the ones I believe are the most touching.  I have always loved Robin Williams and his gift for making others laugh, so hearing about his death broke my heart.

‘Big Hero 6’ Directors are Secretly Superheroes

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Facebook page posted that the animation production for Big Hero 6 has wrapped up, and the directors took the opportunity for a nerdy photo.

Post by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Big Hero 6 opens in theaters this November.  Watch the trailer below.

I'm so excited to see Baymax in the film! He's already won
my heart :)
Image from a Google search.

See you all real soon!

‘Frozen’ Summer Fun Extended!

Kids really want their Frozen.  Disney knows this, and Disney isn’t stupid.

The “Frozen Summer Fun” event at Hollywood Studios originally went from July 5 to Sept. 1.  After its (unsurprising) popularity, including all of the premium packages being sold out, Disney has extended the event for almost the rest of September.  The new ending date is Sept. 28.

Image via Jennifer Hardy.

"We're not leaving yet!"
Image from the Disney Parks Blog.

From the Disney Parks Blog: " the “Frozen Fireworks” Spectacular will be presented each night through September 1 (with the exception of August 23), and then switch to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 5-28."

Because of the extended period, more premium packages are available on the select dates (listed in image above).  Trust me, this event has been popular, so if you want a premium package, book one now before they sell out!

Click to book now with Destinations in Florida!

See you all real soon.

Who Wants Free Mickey Mouse Ears? Book Now!

Destinations in Florida has released this great offer:

Click here to book now!

Below is the list of group rates.

All of the rooms for Disney Groups are standard rooms. There are no upgrades available to other room categories. Discounted tickets and dining are available unless otherwise noted.

*October 1-6, 2014 – Starting at $84 per night plus tax

• All Star Music & Movies
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Wilderness Lodge

*October 11-18, 2014 – Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Contemporary

*November 3-10, 2014 - Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Wilderness Lodge
• Contemporary

* November 20 – 24, 2014 - Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Coronado Springs
• Animal Kingdom Lodge

* January 5th – 12th, 2015 – Starting at $88 per night plus tax - NO Dining Plan Options

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Beach Club

* January 13th – 18th, 2015 - Starting at $135 a night plus tax $13.00 per day parking (not included)

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim
• There is no FREE transportation from the airport, but can use Disneyland Express or Super Shuttle

* February 19th – 22nd, 2015 - Starting at $133 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans – French Quarter
• Contemporary (Garden Wing)

* May 6-11, 2015 Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon Disneyland - $119 per night plus tax

• Fairfield Inn Anaheim - Standard Room

Be sure to book by next Friday, August 8th in order to take advantage of this offer!

NOTE: Destinations in Florida is a proud affiliate of The Disney Freak’s Blog.