Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer luxurious sailing around the world (photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises)
When considering a big, exciting trip such as a cruise, it’s good to get an early start on planning. So when I recently received brochures from a couple of cruise lines I’ve been wanting to experience, I knew it was time to start researching.
The cruise lines that I am looking at for a possible trip in late 2019 or early 2020 are Oceania Cruises (www.oceaniacruises.com) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (www.rssc.com). Both companies specialize in boutique luxury, with relatively small ships, intimate port experiences, and premium amenities and customer service.
Formed in 2002, Oceania Cruises says it is the world’s largest upper premium cruise line. “The finest cuisine at sea, destination specialists and intimate & luxurious ships are the pillars that define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product, positioning the line as the cruise company of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience,” reads the company’s website.
Featuring a fleet of six luxurious ships, Oceania offers a vacation experience renowned for gourmet culinary programs inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, and an array of destination-rich itineraries spanning the globe. Seasoned world travelers are drawn to Oceania Cruises’ diverse voyages, which call on more than 400 ports across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Americas. Spacious and elegant accommodations aboard the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena and the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera invite guests to explore the world in unparalleled comfort and style.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises says it is the “world’s most inclusive luxury experience” with a five-ship fleet that visits more than 450 destinations around the world. The final phase of Regent Seven Seas Cruises $125 million fleet-wide refurbishments was recently completed, elevating the elegance of its fleet to the standard set by the all-balcony, all-suite Seven Seas Explorer, which entered service on July 20, 2016.
Seven Seas Explorer is joined by all-balcony, all-suite sister-ships Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, and all-suite, 90 percent-balcony Seven Seas Navigator. In early 2020, Regent will perfect luxury with the launch of Seven Seas Splendor.
One of the most exciting cruises I am looking at is a 7-day Los Angeles to Los Angeles voyage aboard the ship Sirena. Departing on December 7, this journey leaves LA and heads for Catalina Island, where it will spend the day 2. Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat, hike, bike or zip line. From here, the boat will sail the west coast of Baja California to Ensenada, Mexico, a sportsman’s paradise with popular pursuits including surfing, sport fishing, sea kayaking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
After cruising the Pacific Ocean on day 4, the ship will anchor in San Francisco on day 5. On day 6, the ship arrives in Monterey, California for nine hours. The last stop on the cruise will be Santa Barbara, California.
The 684-passenger Sirena, which was completely refurbished in 2016, is Oceania Cruises’ newest fleet addition. Across its 11 decks, the ship boasts luxury suites and staterooms with decorated in soothing palettes with traditional hardwoods, rich fabrics, fine furnishings, and original art. Rooms feature goose-down pillows with all-new, Ultra Tranquility Beds; plush couches; flat-screen TVs; and private teak verandas – a feature of the vast majority of accommodations.
Another voyage that I am looking at is a 10-day Miami to Miami cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Entitled Exotic Islands & Luxe Seascapes, this journey departs Miami on January 8, 2020. Sailing aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, this cruise cruises the Bahamian waters and the Atlantic Ocean for two days before arriving in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, the smallest piece of land shared by two sovereign states, St. Maarten.
The next port of call is Roseau, Dominica, a small town with plenty of colonial charm. Here passengers can visit the colorful open-air market and sip refreshing coconut drinks, and explore the island’s unspoiled natural landscape of dense rain forests, lush foliage, natural springs and rivers, and tall, smoldering peaks.
Castries, St. Lucia is the next stop. This is the capital, commercial center and main cruise port of St Lucia, which was founded by the French in 1768. From here it’s on to the beautiful beaches colorful coral reefs of St. John’s. The last port is St. Kitts, a stunning tropical island of unforgettable beaches, lush rainforest and a smoldering volcano.
Starting September 19th and running through November 2nd for 26 frightful nights, Knott’s Scary Farm returns for its 47th frightful year with a completely transformed park that brings terrifying nightmares to life at Southern California’s largest immersive Halloween experience. There’s nowhere to hide as every inch of the park is eerily transformed with an abundance of blood-curdling beasts, spine-chilling scares, and unearthly surprises waiting around every corner. This year, guests will face their deepest fears with the park’s 14 haunted attractions, including 4 spine-tingling scare zones, 9 menacing mazes and a seasonal overlay to the Timber Mountain Log Ride.
Check out the full 2019 Announcement Event that was held on Thursday, Aug 29:
Innovative and immersive scares await guests around every corner with the debut of two new terror-filled mazes. These new attractions will bring the mind’s most twisted delusions to life as guests are forced to confront frightening new life-like nightmares designed by Knott’s Scary Farm’s evil masterminds.
Wax Works (New for 2019) – Mysterious lights and strange noises have begun to emanate from the eerie abandoned wax museum. The once prominent plastic surgeon, Dr. Augustus Scratch, has been seen tinkering at night and is now ready to show off his beautiful yet terrifying life-like masterpieces of hot molten wax and bloody flesh. It’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard echoing through the halls of Wax Works as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax. Take a closer look at his gruesome works of art and try to escape his deadly grip or become the newest masterpiece in his collection.
Origins: The Curse of Calico (New for 2019) – Pierce the veil of time to discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm’s Ghost Town streets in the new maze Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft. All will be unveiled when the Green Witch rises up and curses the townsfolk, transforming all who have accused her into a wicked horde of malicious creatures with an eternal quench for the living.
New Show for 2019
Performing exclusively nightly at Knott’s Scary Farm for the 2019 season, Puppet Up! Uncensored is an outrageous, off-the-cuff live show featuring a combination of improvisational comedy and the magic of puppetry performed by a cast of world-class comedian puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company. Created by legendary puppeteer and award-winning director Brian Henson and directed by Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is no ordinary puppet show. In true uncensored form, the content is driven by audience suggestions and participation, topped with the zany antics and bawdy shenanigans of the colorful and brazen puppet cast. Puppet Up! – Uncensored will be performed three times each night at Knott’s Scary Farm and is intended for mature audiences.
Returning Favorites
Special Ops: Infected – Enlist to fight the zombie apocalypse in an all-out war against the undead in the interactive experience, Special Ops: Infected. Armed with specially designed laser guns, brave groups of guests embark on a mission of navigating through the city in a quest to find the infection cure. Take your last shot at saving mankind as this heart-stopping attraction is going out with a bang of new surprises, including two brand-new show scenes and characters for its final year at Knott’s Scary Farm.
Shadow Lands – A fulfilling life ensures a souls safe passage into eternity but what happens to the souls of soldiers slain in battle? Enter the hair-raising Shadow Lands maze for its final year at Knott’s Scary Farm and fight off demon samurais whose souls are cursed to rot within the depths of purgatory. Guests will embark on a quest through a sacred shrine, an ancient Japanese temple and into the midst of the shadow lands.
PARANORMAL, INC. – The Haunting of Hayden Hill: Paranormal Inc. maze once again reopens its doors to those brave enough to uncover an eerie and supernatural adventure. Guests investigate a haunted hospital where the patients were tortured for decades by deranged doctors and nurses. Demonic spirits of the murdered victims have been detected throughout the mysterious halls, while evil medical staff prowl for new patients to torture.
Pumpkin Eater – Survive the wrath of the murderous 7-foot tall creature that haunts the old woods surrounding The Hollow in the Pumpkin Eater maze. The notorious creature is on the prowl hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. To escape the sinister Pumpkin Eater’s wrath, all who enter must go on a quest through the silent town of victims, face a cave of crawling insects and solve the labyrinth of thorns that blocks the way out.
Dark Ride – Journey through an abandoned carnival ride where cruel carnie folk still linger in the shadows in Dark Ride: Castle of Chaos. The carnival has become a refuge for freaks and carnies. Now those shunned performers have created a dark world of terror which they plan to unleash on those who enter. Dark Ride will lead brave visitors through a treacherous path and into the bowels of a long-neglected attraction, as sinister shadows and horrifying scenes cast the gloom over the once pleasant ride. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, being helplessly trapped inside an abandoned carnival ride without a way out. New for 2019, Dark Ride will be debuting a brand-new ending show scene where guests can walk through the rides attached Gift Shop and come face to face with Smiley Sam and Baby Fool.
The Depths – A heavy fog drapes over an abandoned port village where ancient creatures lurk inside the pitch-black underground caves hidden below the seaside shores. The Nightwatch Mining Crew has mysteriously disappeared and village rumors point to the eerie tunnels the town sits upon. Myths of the terrifying horrors that lurk within the cave have often been whispered but never confirmed. Did the crew meet their demise at the hand of vicious creatures that live within the cave? Journey into the ominous caverns to discover if the superstitions revolving around the cave is true or not. But be warned all who have entered have never resurfaced.
Dark Entities – Teleport beyond earth into a realm where the darkness is absolute. In the depths of space, a lone station faces terror beyond all imagination. An extraterrestrial mutation has invaded the station, and it’s on the prowl for new hosts. The unearthly inhabitants’ force increases as it feeds on its unwilling victims. Escape the dark entities before its deathly force eliminates all living form aboard the station. There’s nowhere to escape when time is running out!
Halloween Hootenanny – The residents of the Timber Mountain Log Ride celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The ride’s interior features unexpected surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns.
The Hanging – It’s Knott’s Scary Farm’s annual live stage show that looks back at the year’s pop culture with some killer comedy. Notorious for its special effects and high-flying stunts, The Hanging is a no holds barred assault on pop culture’s most infamous moments of the past year. A must-see parody!
CONJURERS– Magic and Mirth in the Birdcage Theatre – The Bird Cage Theatre will once again become the home of comedy and magic. Join award-winning magicians and CW’s Masters of Illusion regulars as they take the stage to amaze and amuse. Witness magician Chipper Lowell and Dana Daniels front and center as they perform on select nights.
AWAKEN THE DEAD – A non-stop DJ dance party has taken over Fiesta Village, where guests can jam with candy skull go-go dancers and dance to music so popular it’s sure to Awaken the Dead.
Scare Zones
Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm. Ghost Town Streets is the original and largest, most terrifying scare zone that started it all. Bands of half-human, half-animal monsters prowl the streets and inhabit the fog, and beware the notoriously startling sliders, who lunge from fog-filled corners of the land. On the Boardwalk, deviant clowns crave your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone. The Hollow scare zone will terrorize guests as the Witches of the Hollow along with their armies of creatures have risen once again to battle with the Witch Hunter. The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts preying on unsuspecting visitors, looking for victims to drag back to their watery graves.
Knott’s Scary Farm Pass & Admission
The Knott’s Scary Farm Pass returns for the 2019 season and offers unlimited visits to all 26 event nights. Current 2019 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passholders can purchase the pass at the limited time price of $90 and non-passholders can purchase the Scary Farm Pass for just $100. Prices are valid through Sept. 15 or while supplies last. Plus applicable taxes and fees.
Single night tickets – Buy tickets at KnottsScaryFarm.com and save up to $41 off the regular main gate price of $84. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single night tickets. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.
Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $90 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm park admission required, and not included.
Combo Tickets offering admission plus Fright & Fast Lane are an especially great value starting as low as $125 plus applicable taxes and fees. This combo is only available online. Save up to $49 with this admission plus Fright & Fast Lane Combo and Knott’s Season Passholders save up to an additional $5.
Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-Fet – Offered at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse, munch with monsters before Knott’s Scary Farm opens each night. Meals include a 2019 souvenir bottle, which gives unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $1.00 refills for the rest of the 2019 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet early entry will be to Paranormal Inc., Dark Entities, The Depths, and the brand-new maze Wax Works as well as allow for exclusive photo opportunities with the monsters. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner is $34.99 + applicable taxes and fees when purchased online. Separate theme park admission required, and not included.
Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $22 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders. All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 46 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns September 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, October 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, November 1, and 2. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Thursdays and Sundays, and 7:00 pm – 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm experience is Where Nightmares Never End!
For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone.
The spectacular magic of Disney animation comes to life in the 3D movie musical “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in this 3D fantasy adventure in the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land. And now it has a new digital sign and a new entrance to the theater.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
This new digital sign has a look and feel of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and is a more visible entrance to the Sunset Showcase Theater. Before guests would have to go around the corner to enter the theater and if you’re not in that area, you wouldn’t know if there’s a new show or attraction. This makes it more visible off the streets of Hollywood Land and right next to Award Weiners. Previously, banners and other signages hanging along Hollywood Blvd would have to entice guests to journey into the cul de sac of Hollywoodland to find the theatre entrance.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
The surrounding area of the sign is also not branded for Mickey’s PhilharMagic so it can be easily switched out to accommodate other shows and attractions. As well as the digital sign is now animated.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
The new digital sign is flexible for any new shows. But there’s still a few posters and banners specific to Philharmagic that’s used throughout the queue and seating area as it was before.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
In addition to the sign, cast members are wearing a new costume (with Mickey style buttons) as well as the area has a new carpet leading into the theater. Those who are looking for a place to sit after getting food from Award Weiners, the newly expanded seating area is a nice touch. We also noticed to get into the seating area, you go through the same new entrance.
On Sept. 25, Mario Kart Tour, Nintendo’s newest game designed for iOS and Android devices, boosts out of the starting gate and into the palms of players’ hands around the world. This new Mario Kart game goes beyond Rainbow Road, with special city courses that let players race through courses inspired by actual locations like New York, Tokyo, and Paris. Players who want to be notified once the game is available to download can pre-register now via the AppStore and Google Play.
“For the first time ever in a Mario Kart game, players can drive past giant Warp Pipes while drifting through a New York-inspired cityscape, all with the swipe of a finger,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Whether you’re an experienced Mario Kart pro or just getting your Mushroom Kingdom driver’s license, Mario Kart Tour is a game for everyone that brings some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters into the hands of players around the world.”
In Mario Kart Tour, players can experience the endless racing fun of Mario Kart while collecting drivers, like Mario, as well as karts and gliders. Players can choose which drivers, karts and gliders to use in races across a variety of courses, including new takes on classic courses and special city courses. City courses, special in-game event courses inspired by real-world locations, will be available during specific time periods at launch and beyond. In addition to courses based on iconic locales, some Mario Kart characters will get variations that incorporate the local flavor of cities featured in the game.
Mario Kart Tour is free-to-start and will be available to download for iOS and Android devices beginning Sept. 25. A Nintendo Account is required to play Mario Kart Tour. Players can obtain their in-game registration card by linking their Nintendo Account. Those who do not already have a Nintendo Account can create one at https://accounts.nintendo.com/register.
Angelitos de Oro, a Santa Ana-based volunteer auxiliary group, is partnering with South Coast Plaza for the 18th annual Angelitos Card Week with proceeds from card sales benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. Cards, now available to purchase for $60, provide 20% savings at more than 120 participating South Coast Plaza stores and restaurants during the weeklong fundraiser, Oct. 3-9.
Community members can purchase the card and view a full list of Card Week stores and restaurants at angelitosdeoro.org. Beginning the last week in September, the card will also be available for purchase in-person at South Coast Plaza concierge locations and select participating retailers.
New Card Week participants for 2019 include AllSaints, Ann Taylor, Aquazzura, A|X Armani Exchange, Camilla, CB2, Chico’s, Crate and Barrel Home Store, Eve by Eve’s, Furla, GUESS, Harry & David, John Hardy, John Lobb, Lafayette 148 New York, Soma Intimates and TERRACE by Mix Mix. They join returning stores and restaurants including Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta, Saint Laurent, Stuart Weitzman and many more.
Those who purchase Angelitos Cards can also take advantage of Preview Day on Oct. 2. Attendees at the RSVP-only Welcome Reception can enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne and lite bites from 1-3 p.m. at TERRACE by Mix Mix and shop the savings at select Preview Day boutiques one day early, with 10% of their purchases donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. To RSVP for the Preview Day Welcome Reception, cardholders should email [email protected] by Sept. 29. RSVPs received afternoon of Sept. 29 are subject to capacity; all guests must present an Angelitos Card at the door.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the thousands of people who come out to shop for the cause each year during Angelitos Card Week,” said Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. “The ongoing support from Angelitos de Oro and South Coast Plaza helps Big Brothers Big Sisters continue to provide youth in our region with one-to-one mentoring relationships that truly change their lives.”
Over the last 58 years, Angelitos de Oro has contributed more than $6.5 million for the organization’s efforts for youth facing adversity.
OtterBox announces the new Disney Villains collection. From the Evil Queen to the Sea Witch, now you can show off your favorite villain right on the back of your magic mirror smartphone.
Credit: OtterBox
OtterBox Symmetry Series cases feature Villains favorites: Evil Queen, Ursula, Scar, and Maleficent. The Disney Villains collection is ready to protect your phones from the pitfalls of device breakage and made its evil debut at D23 in August 2019, the ultimate Disney fan expo.
Credit: OtterBox
“Disney Villains are feared by some, but loved by many,” said OtterBox CEO Jim Parke. “OtterBox now offers protection from the evils that come with dropping a phone without needing a magic spell.”
Credit: OtterBox
OtterBox Symmetry Series with Disney Villains offers sleek and stylish protection. Every selfie can be accompanied by a wicked grin from Maleficent, Ursula, Evil Queen or Scar. OtterBox drop protection keeps phones safe, even in the bumbling hands of evil sidekicks. A smoky grey bumper and vibrant, 80s-inspired metallic print ensure each Villain pops off the case, reminding the weak of heart that they’re always watching.
Credit: OtterBox
The new phone cases are available for your iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max, and XR.
Disney Villains collection cases were available for sale at this year’s D23 Expo and are available now on otterbox.com.
The magic came to life as hosts Scott Weinger (“Aladdin” animated film) and Linda Larkin (“Jasmine” animated film) took D23 Expo attendees on a magic carpet ride with a show-stopping evening of music and dance performances from stars of stage and screen in celebration of the upcoming in-home release of the live-action adaptation of ALADDIN and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ALADDIN Walt Disney Signature Collection. Check out highlights from the panel.
“A Musical Celebration of Aladdin” featured appearances from special guests, including, a surprise appearance from Mena Massoud (“Aladdin” live-action) who gave D23 Expo fans a first look at bloopers and a deleted scene of the original song “Desert Moon,” a duet with him and Naomi Scott (“Jasmine” live-action), which are available as bonus features on the live-action film’s upcoming Digital & Blu-ray release.
In addition, Brad Kane (“Aladdin” animated singing voice) also performed “One Jump Ahead.” Deedee Magno Hall (“Jasmine” in “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at the Hyperion Theater) performed “To Be Free,” an original song that Alan Menken wrote and composed for this production. Clinton Greenspan (Broadway’s next “Aladdin”) performed “Proud of Your Boy.” Jamal Sims (choreographer, “Aladdin” live-action) showcased Genie’s signature dance moves, along with a team of dancers, in a performance set to “A Friend Like Me.” Lillias White (Hercules) performed “Speechless,” an original song from the live-action film. And a surprise appearance from legendary GRAMMY Award-winning singer Regina Belle closed the show with a final performance of “A Whole New World” with Norm Lewis (“Scandal,” “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway).
The live-action film ALADDIN and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ALADDIN Walt Disney Signature Collection will be available on Digital (August 27) and Blu-ray (September 10).
On Saturday, Aug 25, thousands of fans that attended this year’s D23 Expo got an advance viewing of this special look at STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. Check out the video below.
The movie directed by J.J. Abrams, joined Lucasfilm once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away. The riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Photo Credit: Disney
President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy and director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams introduced the nine stars from the film, many of whom marked this as their first D23 Expo appearance: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams, plus special appearances from R2-D2, BB-8 and the new droid D-O. Also, a brand-new poster was revealed.
The film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, and Billy Dee Williams.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER releases in U.S. theaters on December 20.
At a special member celebration at Disney California Adventure Park during this past year’s D23 Expo, Disney Movie Rewards announced their new name and program, Disney Movie Insiders.
Launched in 2006, Disney Movie Rewards has delighted fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars movies with great rewards and one-of-a-kind experiences like touring The Walt Disney Studios lot and Walt Disney’s office. Recognizing the value of connecting 1:1 with their biggest movie fans, Disney has been reimagining the Disney Movie Rewards program to provide more personalized and engaging experiences and evolve how they interact with their members.
On September 26, 2019, Disney Movie Rewards will become Disney Movie Insiders, a place where new fans and super fans unite. The announcement teased a few of the new program features as well as a mobile app and has promised more to come. Members will be able to watch trailers and special content about upcoming movies, buy movie tickets directly, have more ways to earn and redeem points for amazing rewards, get Insiders to access to special perks and sweepstakes, and play various interactive experiences on the new mobile app.
Target and Disney announced a creative retail collaboration to help bring the magic of Disney to the joy of shopping at Target at this year’s D23 Expo.
This new collaboration encompasses experiential retail and merchandising including the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on Oct. 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. Guests will find an all-new, Disney focused the digital experience on Target.com which is available now. Additionally, a new Target store will open at Flamingo Crossings Town Center at the western entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 to bring the convenience of Target shopping to Disney park guests. Target and Disney share a strong guest overlap with a focus on families.
Disney and Target worked closely to co-develop and design an experience that will bring the magic of Disney store to Target guests in new and unique ways while extending the Disney store footprint. Disney store at Target locations will be among the select places in the U.S. where guests can browse and purchase Disney store specialty merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
Disney store at Target will launch just when the new assortment of merchandise from Disney’s Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits shelves. Additional locations will be added to more Target stores over the next year to expand the Disney store retail footprint and meet Disney fans when and where they want to shop.
Disney store at Target locations will be a Target-operated, branded “shop-in-shop” layout with an average of 750 square feet, strategically located inside Target stores adjacent to kids clothing and toys, replicated online at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app, available for download on iOS and Android. The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations.
Guests will be able to browse and shop a variety of Disney Princess, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Junior characters, classic Disney plush, apparel, home, and holiday-specific products. They’ll also be able to access collectible merchandise, including the Disney Animators’ Collection with dolls, clothing, and accessories. Items will range in price from $2 – $200, with many items under $20.
Disney store at Target will offer a welcoming and engaging shopping experience for the entire family, with music, interactive displays, photo opportunities and a seating area where families can relax and watch Disney movie clips and Park events.
Disney store at Target will launch online on Oct. 4 at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app. The new online experience serves as a hub for the Disney stories and characters guests love, all in one place. The collection of merchandise will include an expanded assortment of new items in October, coinciding with the in-store launch.
Disney store at Target will open in October in the following 25 Target stores:
Disney fans of all ages gathered at the 2019 Disney Legends Ceremony at the 2019 D23 Expo to welcome in its latest set of honorary inductees, sharing in moments of legacy and reflection.
Robert Downey Jr kicked things off, sharing his early Disney memories in a way only he could deliver, focusing on his checkered past, drugs, and jokes about Disney Jail. Nothing was off-limits and the laughs never ceased.
Every single legend had their opportunity to shine, bringing a heightened sense of pride well deserved. Superstar, Christina Aguilera, took the stage and sang her award-winning rendition of Mulan’s title song, Reflection, while Robin Roberts reminded us all of her inspiring work in the world of journalism and her personal triumph over cancer.
There were also quite a few legends who were unable to take part in the celebration, including Hans Zimmer and James Earl Jones. Bette Middler, who was held up from attending due to weather conditions, still managed to take the spotlight as her daughter delivered a heartfelt speech that brought tears across the showroom floor.
The event was a class act and a perfect reminder that Walt’s legacy endures through the magic of a Disney Legend.
For those of you who may have missed it, here’s a complete list of this year’s newest Disney Legends:
WING CHAO
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
JON FAVREAU
JAMES EARL JONES
BETTE MIDLER
KENNY ORTEGA
BARNETTE RICCI
ROBIN ROBERTS
DIANE SAWYER
MING-NA WEN
HANS ZIMMER
You can catch the rest of Day One’s excitement by clicking here. Make sure to join in the fun, as D23 will be sharing special live video throughout the event direct from the Anaheim Convention Center.
Disney+ made its D23 Expo debut with its first-ever showcase presentation, announcing six new series in development and revealing key details about the highly anticipated streaming service to an enthusiastic audience at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim. The event showcased the sweeping array of talent with in-person and video appearances from the stars of Disney+’s slate of originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic and included sneak peeks, trailer premieres, and exclusive news about the service and its upcoming projects. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who stars in the Disney+ original film “Lady and the Tramp,” hosted the lively presentation, welcoming Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, to the stage to kick off the show.
“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Mayer. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”
New Series Revealed
As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide, gave fans a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles:
● Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.
● Kevin Feige announced that Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series: “Ms. Marvel,” “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk,” all derived from Marvel comics.
● Hilary Duff surprised the audience when it was announced she will reprise the role she made famous in an all-new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky.
● Forty years after leaving the swamp in his big screen debut in “The Muppet Movie,” Kermit the Frog is heading upstream with Miss Piggy, and the gang, bringing a new kind of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, “Muppets Now.”
World Premiere Launch Content Previews
During the 90-minute presentation, a parade of celebrities, filmmakers, and creatives treated the 6,800-person audience to the first public preview of Disney+’s original movies and shows set to stream when the service launches on November 12:
● For Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian,” executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni joined series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, along with Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life, to premiere the teaser trailer for the first Star Wars live-action series. Earlier in the day at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, “The Mandalorian” follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
● The talented up-and-coming cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” brought down the house with a live performance of the multi-platinum hit song, “We’re All In This Together.” Immediately following the presentation, cast members Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Julia Lester, Larry Saperstein, Dara Reneé, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Mark St. Cyr, and Showrunner Tim Federle invited 3,600 fans to watch the first episode in the D23 Expo Arena and revealed the series’ teaser trailer. The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they countdown to the opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.”
● Host Yvette Nicole Brown joined fellow “Lady and the Tramp” cast members Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”)—the canine stars of the film—to premiere the first trailer from the film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.
● “Noelle” stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner joined Sean Bailey to announce their film will premiere on Disney+ on November 12 before sharing a new trailer. In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
● Jeff Goldblum, who stars in and hosts “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic, gave fans a peek inside the series including a new trailer for the show. Through Goldblum’s always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new 12-episode series.
● Executive Producer Kristen Bell shared a first look trailer and a taste of what’s to come in the unscripted series, “Encore!” that brings together former castmates of high school musicals, tasking them with re-creating their original performance years after they last performed it, in a high school reunion like no other.
● Tony Hale, who reprises his craft project turned toy role from “Toy Story 4” in the new collection of Pixar animated shorts “Forky Asks A Question,” premiered the first short (“What is Money?”). In the 10 shorts, Forky explores important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time?
Post-launch Originals
Disney+ also rolled out the red carpet for its titles set to premiere after the service launches, inviting stars to share new details for their upcoming projects:
● The audience was treated to a scene from the Disney+ original film “Togo,” an untold true story set in the winter of 1925 across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. An exhilarating and uplifting adventure, “Togo” stars four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe and is directed by Ericson Core. The film also stars Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton and Michael Gaston. Kim Zubick is the producer and Tom Flynn wrote the screenplay. “Togo” will launch on Disney+ in December.
● Executive Producer and recurring guest star Gina Rodriguez joined “Diary of a Female President” lead Tess Romero to announce the series will premiere on Disney+ in January. Told using the narration from her diary, this half-hour single-camera comedy follows 12-year-old Cuban-American girl Elena’s journey through the trials of middle school, which set her on the path to ultimately become president of the United States.
● Kathleen Kennedy announced that the highly anticipated new season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” will stream on Disney+ in February 2020. The Emmy® award-winning animated series will be returning with twelve all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.
● Sean Bailey shared a first look at the original film “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made.” Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy with a screenplay by McCarthy & Stephan Pastis and based on the best-selling book series by Pastis, the film follows the hilarious exploits of our quirky, deadpan hero, Timmy Failure, who, along with his 1,500-pound polar bear partner Total, operates Total Failure Inc., a Portland detective agency. “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● The stars of “Stargirl,” Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere, were welcomed on stage to help introduce the coming-of-age film based on the critically-acclaimed, New York Times’ best-selling young adult novel. “Stargirl” is directed by Julia Hart from a screenplay by Kristin Hahn and Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli. The film also stars Karan Brar, Maximiliano Hernandez, Darby Stanchfield and Giancarlo Esposito. “Stargirl” is produced by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman and Kristin Hahn. “Stargirl” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● Director Kari Skogland introduced Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the stars of Marvel Studios’ ”The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which finds Falcon and the Winter Soldier teaming up after “Avengers: Endgame.” Emily VanCamp came on stage and Feige revealed that she will reprise her role as Sharon Carter. Then, he introduced the crowd to Wyatt Russell who will play John Walker—a character from the comics coming to the screen for the first time. Head writer Malcom Spellman was also on hand to greet the crowd. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” will launch on Disney+ in 2020.
● “Monsters At Work” stars Ben Feldman and Aisha Tyler unveiled the latest design of their characters Tylor and Millie. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning feature film “Monsters, Inc.,” the new series from Disney Television Animation returns to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters with special appearances from Mike and Sulley (voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman).
● Stars Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen were on hand for their new series, Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision.” Bettany returns as Vision and Olsen as Wanda Maximoff—two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives who begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. Kevin Feige surprised the audience by bringing to the stage Kat Dennings and Randall Park who will reprise their roles from “Thor” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” and then he introduced Kathryn Hahn who has been cast as a new character in the series. Director Matt Shakman and head writer Jac Schaeffer joined everyone on stage to reveal that the streaming series will blend the style of classic sitcoms with Marvel Cinematic Universe. “WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Kevin Feige welcomed the director, Kate Herron, and head writer, Michael Waldron, of “Loki” to the stage. In Marvel Studios’ new Disney+ series “Loki,” Tom Hiddleston returns as the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain in stories that take place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” “Loki” debuts on Disney+ in 2021.
● For Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” Hayley Atwell was on hand to greet the audience. Atwell will voice Peggy Carter in Marvel Studios’ first animated series that focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what would happen if the events in the films worked out differently. Kevin Feige also introduced director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley to the crowd. “What If…?” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Stars Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk joined Kathleen Kennedy to introduce the audience to the second Lucasfilm live-action series for Disney+, which is now in development. Both actors are reprising their roles from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the stories follow Cassian Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of “A New Hope.”
World-Class Product Experience
Additionally, over on the Expo show floor the Disney+ app made its debut, complete with features and functionality confirmed for the global launch dates in November.
For a monthly price of $6.99 or an annual rate of $69.99 in the U.S. (pricing varies outside U.S.), Disney+ offers viewers of all ages a compelling price-to-value proposition, with a consumer-friendly experience that’s easy-to-navigate with personalized recommendations, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, and unlimited downloads with no up-charges.
The Disney+ app experience, available to consumers on November 12, will feature:
● Unlimited Downloads: Subscribers have access to unlimited downloads of shows and movies on the Disney+ app to watch offline later on up to 10 mobile or tablet devices, with no constraints on the number of times a title can be downloaded per year. Once downloaded, subscribers can watch on the go and without an internet connection. The number of titles stored at one time on a device is dependent upon the available storage space on a subscriber’s device.
● High-Quality Viewing: Subscribers will enjoy an ultra-high-definition viewing experience with up to 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported devices for available programming.
● Commercial-free Viewing: Subscribers can access unlimited viewing of Disney+ content without having to watch a single commercial.
● Profile Customizations: Subscribers can set up to seven different profiles and choose an avatar tailored to their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars characters, with over 200 avatars available.
● Concurrent Streaming: Disney+ allows subscribers to concurrently stream video content on up to four registered devices with no up-charges.
● Multiple Languages: At launch, Disney+ will offer support for English, Spanish, French and Dutch languages, including both user interface as well as audio support and/or subtitles for library content, with additional languages available for Disney+ Originals.
● Accessibility: The app offers support for closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance to help subscribers with disabilities discover and enjoy their favorite stories.
