A beautiful new dining space is now open in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort! As part of a larger phased renovation, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria is pleased to unveil an upstairs restaurant with a quaint walkout patio.
Twinkling chandeliers give the celestial atmosphere a warm and inviting glow. Inside, Guests are welcome to comfortably lounge in plush booth seating while looking on as their meals are being expertly prepared in the open concept kitchen.
Guests can order Napolini’s famous fresh-baked pizzas from the recently opened ground-level patio at Naples. You can also grab an individual 10-inch Neapolitan pie to enjoy by yourself on the go or share a large 20-inch amongst friends and family for a delicious meal on the go. See the full list of drool-worthy pizza to-go options below:
Margherita
Pepperoni
Marinara E. Capperi
Capricciosa
Porchetta
Pesto E Gamberi
Pollo
Melanzane
Quattro Formaggi
The third and final phase of renovations are slated to be complete later this year. These dynamic developments are part of the ongoing Downtown Disney District promenade-wide transformation. Multiple new venues — such as Salt & Straw scoop shop, Ballast Point and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes and the reimagining of the World of Disney store — will all be introduced over the next few months while Downtown Disney remains open to Guests. There is so much to enjoy — we invite you to come sip, savor and shop!
Beginning on Oct. 16, you will be able to purchase Walt Disney World® theme park tickets that are priced based on the date you choose to visit. These changes are designed to give you an enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets to more easily plan the Disney vacation of your dreams.
This approach to pricing tickets by date is modeled off of consumer demand and is part of our effort to better distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the Guest experience.
Check out the video below for a first look at how it works.
In the past five years alone, Disney Parks has invested approximately $15 billion to bring historic and exciting expansions, both completed and in development, to destinations around the world. Expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® helped drive record attendance at Walt Disney World and along with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction. In addition to building new attractions and whole new lands, we continuously update our existing attractions and create new festivals, seasonal celebrations and events to provide guests with something new when they visit. Guests tell us new offerings, paired with our immersive storytelling and creativity, is a magical part of the Disney experience.
Detailed pricing will be available beginning on Oct. 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will date-based tickets expire?
1-Day base tickets are valid for admission on the specific start date selected. Multi-day tickets are valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period.
Ticket Duration
Valid Use Period
1-Day Ticket
Only the start date selected
2-Day Ticket
Any 2 days within 4 days beginning on the start date
3-Day Ticket
Any 3 days within 5 days beginning on the start date
4-Day Ticket
Any 4 days within 7 days beginning on the start date
5-Day Ticket
Any 5 days within 8 days beginning on the start date
6-Day Ticket
Any 6 days within 9 days beginning on the start date
7-Day Ticket
Any 7 days within 10 days beginning on the start date
8-Day Ticket
Any 8 days within 12 days beginning on the start date
9-Day Ticket
Any 9 days within 13 days beginning on the start date
10-Day Ticket
Any 10 days within 14 days beginning on the start date
For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to the Disney Water Parks and other attractions—along with the ability to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. This option also extends the period of time within which you may use your ticket by one day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 10.
When will tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package expire?
Date-based tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package will have one of the following valid use periods (whichever is longer): (i) the same valid use period described above, OR (ii) a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date. See above for the explanation of valid use period and how valid use period is not the same as ticket duration.
For example, a Guest who purchases a Walt Disney Travel Company package with a 3-Day base ticket and a resort length of stay of 6 nights with an arrival date of Nov. 1; ticket is valid any 3 days from Nov, 1 – Nov. 7.
Why did you shorten the valid use window for tickets?
The new valid use window for tickets better aligns with observed Guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility can purchase a Flexible Date Ticket.
Will you still offer multi-day discounts?
Yes, the “More you Play, the Less you Pay Per Day” philosophy still applies. Similar to today, the price per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. Multi-day discounts will vary depending on the length of the ticket.
I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?
Unused, unexpired tickets will remain valid. Tickets maintain the same terms and conditions – including the expiration date – as they had at the time of purchase.
Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?
No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.
Are tickets able to be modified – what happens if a guest needs to change their date?
Yes, you will be able to modify tickets for your Clients prior to the ticket start date. And, for the first time, your Clients will be able to modify their own tickets online or through the Disney Reservation Center prior to the ticket start date. If the ticket is changed to a higher priced date, guest will be responsible for paying the difference in price. There will be no refunds to changes to lower priced dates. If modifications are needed after the ticket start date, guests must visit any Vacation Planning window.
Are stand-alone water park tickets included in this change?
1-Day Water Park Tickets are not included in this change.
Is date-based pricing being implemented at other sites at this time? This is only being implemented at Walt Disney World Resort at this time.
A winter wonderland awaits all who visit Universal Studios Hollywood this year, as the resort prepares a celebration full of holiday magic, breathtaking sights, and festive cheer. Many fan favorites are returning for this year’s holiday season, including “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter“, and “Grinchmas”.
Hogsmeade will magically transform, bringing a plethora of festive holiday experiences and delicious treats that witches and wizards the world over can enjoy. As you enter, each storefront will charm with its own special yuletide theme, shining brightly for all to see. A flurry of snowfall will also make its way across the land nightly, accompanied by a dazzling light projection spectacular on Hogwarts Castle. To help kick off the celebration, the a capella Frog Choir will return, comprised of Professor Flitwick’s talented Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs. They will entertain guests with harmonized holiday themed songs throughout the entire season.
Make sure to build up an appetite, as newly introduced holiday themed fare and treats will be sprinkled throughout Hogsmeade Village. Hot Butterbeer will also be on tap, keeping you warm on those frosty winter nights. A wide array of custom made Christmas ornaments will be available, being specifically made for the Wizarding World. Plenty of other holiday decorations will be ready to take home, including decorative Hogwarts Castle snow globes, a special house garland, Hogwarts Crest and Mascot ornaments for each house, as well as a unique tree topper collection. “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will take place daily from November 17, 2018 through January 6, 2019.
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
The Christmas magic doesn’t stop there, as “Grinchmas” returns with a “Who-lebration” of fun fit for even the Grinchiest Grinches out there. The annual favorite includes a towering 60 foot tall “Grinchmas” tree, stage performances, and other fun surprises. “Grinchmas” will take place weekends on December 1-2 and 8-9, and daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.
The Minions will be up to a very merry and mischievous Christmas takeover of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land”. Though, they won’t be alone in spreading Christmas cheer, as the Universal CityWalk will be home to a towering 40 foot tall Christmas tree, topped with over 200,000 LED icicles that will dance and dazzle along to the sounds of the season in the 5 Towers plaza. Santa will make his way down from the North Pole to make daily appearances and offer special photo ops at 5 Towers. Make sure to wear your holiday best and grab some special memories with St. Nick.
Free concerts will be hosted at 5 Towers, complete with a full ensemble of street performers. Finally, the dancing water fountain in the heart of Universal CityWalk will make a holiday splash, projecting streams of choreographed water into the air alongside red and green LED lights and an array of holiday themed music. The spirit of the season awaits you this winter. More details and dates will be available on Universal Studio’s official site.
Punch it to a new level, as Solo: A Star Wars Story brings the Millennium Falcon home in a stunning Blu-Ray collection chalked full of fun surprises, in depth features, and extended scenes. The collection has over an hour of additional footage, giving you an intimate overview of the project from start to finish.
Starting in its earliest stages, Solo was a labor of love and this collection reaffirms that in true Star Wars fashion. Viewers get the opportunity to peek into the minds of Larry and Jonathan Kasdan through their struggle at bringing the film’s story to life. It’s a tale of Star Wars, but also of family. For both father and son, the connection to the space saga is strong, but in drastically different ways. Having two differing approaches proved intriguing when watching the feature, as it aims deeper than fan service and gives you a stronger appreciation for not only the Kasdan legacy, but what it truly means to be Han Solo. For any aspiring screenwriter or movie buff, it’s a touching reflection worth watching.
Moving beyond the page, what makes Star Wars so iconic is the melding of cutting edge special effects with practical film magic. Solo is no exception to the rule, bringing in the best of both worlds to create a balance of old school film trickery with state of the art digital work. One of the best examples of this comes directly from the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. Previous filming with the iconic ship relied on green screen matting and pure imagination during shooting. Rather than stick to the past method, ILM punched things up a notch, creating a fully immersive film screen environment for the actors to interact with in real time. Every scene was shot with real reference footage, including Lightspeed. It’s innovative, fresh, and one hundred percent ILM magic.
Though, their work doesn’t stop there, as the features list pours over the use of complete practical sets, on location shooting, unique sound recordings, and an expansion on Wookie vocal range. From start to finish, there’s a lot to learn and appreciate behind the scenes. Regardless of how you may feel about the new era of Star Wars, it’s a great reminder that the traditional film making still is alive and well at Lucasfilm. It’s a fun ride!
Here’s a look at the complete list of features:
Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable
Sit down with director Ron Howard and the stars for an intimate and entertaining discussion of the film’s making.
Team Chewie
See what it takes to bring your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted look behind the scenes.
Kasdan on Kasdan Iconic Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and son Jonathan share what it was like to write the movie’s script together.
Remaking the Millennium Falcon Track the transformation of the most famous ship in the galaxy, from Lando’s swank and impeccable pride and joy to Han’s stripped-down hot-rod freighter with “special modifications.”
Escape from Corellia
Get behind the wheel for the making of this high-octane chase through the streets of Corellia.
The Train Heist
Explore the challenges and thrills of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and spectacular effects.
Becoming a Droid: L3-37
Meet the newest droid—and the talented actor who helps bring her to life.
Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso
Take an in-depth tour of the rough-and-tumble bar where strangers mix and gamblers risk all in the legendary card game, Sabaac.
Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run
Join Han and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon to see how this legendary moment in Star Wars history unfolds.
You can pick up your copy of Solo: A Star Wars Story at most major retailers, though special limited edition copies will be available from Best Buy and Target in limited quantities. To learn more about the movie, make sure to check out our complete movie review!
Prepare to take a walk on the wild side this Fall with the Discovery Cube in Orange County, as Kion and all his friends take over in a special exhibit dedicated to Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard. The center welcomed guests of all ages to celebrate the grand opening of the exhibit, which was started with a ribbon cutting and followed by a live animal demonstration. The exhibition will be on site from September 22nd through January 13th, 2019.
Bring your pride in to see all the fun and excitement, as children will get the opportunity to become part of a fully immersive and interactive experience that will bring them right into the story of The Lion Guard. As you roam the Pride Lands, you will discover unique traits of each member of The Lion Guard Team. Kion, who is the leader of the group, is the fiercest and ready for any challenge. He is joined by Bunba, a fearless honey badger, Fuli, a confident cheetah with sped that is unmatched throughout the Pride Lands; as well as Ono, an intellectual egret who is the eyes of the group, being keenest of sight. Throughout the adventure, everyone will work together to maintain the delicate balance that is the Circle of Life.
“At Discovery Cube, we believe children and adults alike can help maintain the health of our planet, starting right here in Southern California. When we learn about the connections between plants, animals, and the world around us, we are motivated to help maintain our local and global ecosystems for generations to come,” said Kellee Preston, Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Cube. “The new ‘Lion Guard’ exhibition helps children explore the concept of ecology and the circle of life in an entertaining way, learning valuable lessons about teamwork and leadership along the way. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome ‘Lion Guard: The Exhibition’ to Discovery Cube this September.”
“Helping kids learn to appreciate teamwork and recognize the attributes that contribute to being a strong leader is an important milestone in their development and we are delighted to have worked with the Miami Children’s Museum the create this exhibit featuring the characters and themes from our much loved Disney Junior series, ‘The Lion Guard,’” said Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Content and Creative Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide, and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. “Giving families a chance to experience our stories beyond the screen is a vital part of what we do and an example of how we can work together in communities to make a lasting impact.”
Make sure to come by the Discovery Cube to check out all the excitement for yourself. Once you complete your trek in the Pride Lands, don’t forget to check out the rest of the center, which is filled with educational, fun, and enriching experiences for all ages.
Keep away from contamination so as not to mutate yourself
The time has come once again my fellow fiends for Fright Fest to wreck havoc in Six Flags Magic Mountain. We share the highs and lows of this annual Halloween event. Let’s get on with the scares!
New this season is Sewer of Souls
The first and favorite among the six scare mazes this season is Fright Fest’s newest offering called “Sewer of Souls”. It’s one of the more colorful and technical mazes the park has ever designed in comparison to their past line up. This is also the only maze we came across that has a hidden bonus room for VIP patrons to take advantage of a very unique photo opportunity. The employees hand out 3D glasses for the painted blacklight. It doesn’t seem to enhance the experience at all and is not required.
Some things should be left behindEnter at your own risk
You navigate through the trenches of an underground sewer encountering lost dwellers. Careful not to come in contact with radioactive ooze.
Keep away from contamination so as not to mutate yourselfNavigate thru a tunnelMind your step of creepy crawlies
At one point you’re teetering over a bridge and then trying to avoid steeping on slithering snakes.
Do you see what I see?
A graffiti laid lair leads to the surface.
To grandmother’s house we go
Returning for another round of bloodlust is “Red’s Revenge”. Go over the hill and through the woods as Red Riding Hood seeks revenge on that mean ole wolf for eating her grandmother.
Stay on the trailThe woods comes to lifeCaught in a sticky situation
Surprises lurk everywhere. Even in the supposed safe haven of grandmother’s house.
The spirit of Red Riding Hood greets you
“Condemned – Forever Damned” is also a new maze this year.
Another new maze for this year
The set design, visual scares, and lighting really makes this one of the highlights of the evening. Find out for yourself the many possibilities why this humble home may not be in live-able conditions.
Setting an extra plate for dinner guestsNo time to rest your head on this bedThat’ll clean right off in no time
The walls call out to you. But don’t let their outreached hand fool you.
Reaching out to your soulThe yard is a bit untidyGood thing we have clean sheets
The evil spirits call “Willoughby’s Haunted Mansion” home away from home. The Victorian style art design brings a sense of time and place. Although this is a returning favorite, the lights have been too dim to appreciate the details that have been poured into the design until the very end. It may be time for this maze to find a permanent resting place.
A classic stable returnsAnyone in the basement?Perhaps best leave that question answered…
“Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising” is also an aging maze that could use a re-imagining. The open expanse of the set design is impressive. But lacks a resounding punch. The talent was here, but the energy was no where to be found as guests walk calmly by.
The city of Ash Valley awaitsLocated by the wooden roller coaster Apocalypse
[videopress 4TyvPyWd]
Source of the virus?
The one maze with a movie-tie to an upcoming release was “Hell Fest”. A lot of horror movie fans may be disappointed by this effort. Many will walk out not knowing how this maze fits with the movie and may be uninspired to watch what was being promoted. Each scene seems to have little to no connection with the other. You don’t learn much about how the maze fits with the movie. And frankly, that fact probably shows as well with the talent inside with no direction how to go about their scares. Guests will get a discount offer on movie tickets and a free green screen photo op at the exit. This is by far the most disappointing offering of the evening.
New maze with movie tie-inTickets, pleaseYou light up my lifeTied up in knotsA candlelight murder
Six Flags Fright Fest is definitely making an effort in their maze designs to compete with other competitors. They just need to start focusing on lighting, sound design, and scare talent. Either the hiring process could use a change or focus on training monsters how to scare the guests for optimal effect.
It’s that time of year again for the monsters to dig themselves out of hiding to terrorize a mountain full of scares at Six Flags Fright Fest.
Six Flags Fright Fest Turnstile Entry
Entrance to the mazes is just an additional upgrade from day admission with VIP and Express options. Be sure to keep your wristbands on for maze access. Unlike other theme parks, Fright Fest is not a hard ticket event separating day and night guests. Maze Passes can also be purchased in the Six Flags App.
A Dining with the Dead all-you-can-eat buffet is also offered on Saturday nights in October.
Enter the Demons Door Scare Zone
Fright Fest Passes located just past the park entrance
Your first rite of passage is thru a series of scare zones and live entertainment offerings.
City Under Siege Scare Zone in DC UniverseAbandoned school bus
City Under Siege located in DC Universe is now overrun by unruly characters.
Steampunk creatures and decor welcome you to Twisted Colossus and ScreamMechanical nightmare
Twisted Colossus extends its steampunk theme and merges with fear resulting in TERRORtory TWISTED.
Witches Lair Scare Zone
Witches Lair takes refuge at the entrance of Riddler’s Revenge and Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. A sort of open-air maze where many guests partake in the fun of turning at every corner encountering witches and her minions.
Step carefully walking thru The Shadows Scare Zone
The Shadows breathe life into a dark and quiet hill waiting on unsuspecting victims.
Exhile Hill is more or less the same and can be found between Willoughby’s Haunted Mansion and the new Sewer of Souls.
The colorful scare zone of Nightmares – A Twisted FantasyBlacklit creatures lurk in the woods
Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy will no doubt open your imagination to the likes of fairy tale characters awaiting to share their stories with you.
Voodoo Nights live band rock out in Full Throttle PlazaDr Fright lays down spooky tunes
For those too frightened and not yet venturous enough for the scares, you can enjoy a live stage show located in Full Throttle Plaza with performances throughout the entire evening. You can rock out or have a bite to eat while lively dancers, rock band, and DJ entertain your eyes and ears. If you are a SoCal local, it is very similar to Mad Tea Party that performed at the Disneyland Resort. Check-out a sneak preview of the shows below.
[videopress dZEt6gNu]
A Saturday evening only performance of hypnotism takes place nearby as well.
Don’t miss out on the best live entertainment show of the evening
Six Flags Fright Fest also advertises “Terror Tracks” which is essentially a few select roller coasters operating in the dark. Just be extra careful for the lack of lightning in the walkways. The most curious was The New Revolution as the VR portion of the experience is only offered “seasonally”.
Six Flags Fright Fest is offered on select nights in September and October.
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, as this week marks the 51st anniversary of the beloved program, Mister Rogers Neighborhood. To celebrate, Google commemorated the event with a special stop motion video doodle tribute, which can be seen below.
Fred Rogers, the show’s host and creator, began the series on September 21st, 1967 at station WQED in Pittsburgh. From there, the show’s unique flair went on to charm millions of children nationwide, becoming a Public Television staple for over 30 years. Throughout the shows legendary 912 episode run, the simple messages of friendship, love, and courage remained a constant, bringing children closer to what it means to be themselves in their own special way.
A quick behind the scenes look at bringing the Mister Rogers doodle to life! Image by Google.
The doodle was completed in collaboration with Google, Fred Rogers Productions, The Fred Rogers Center, and BixPix Entertainment. Hedda Sharapan, Child Development Consultant at Fred Rogers production commented on the project and the importance of Fred Rogers’ message. “Set to the iconic opening song of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’), the Doodle aims to be a reminder of the nurturing, caring, and whimsy that made the show feel like a ‘television visit’ between Mister Rogers and his young viewers. Everyone was welcome in this Neighborhood. Through his honest words, thoughtful songs, and imaginative Neighborhood of Make-Believe stories, Mister Rogers took us by the hand, helping us feel good about who we are. He encouraged us to find positive ways to deal with our feelings, to treat others with respect and kindness, and to appreciate the world around us.”
The doodle encompasses the cheerful and loving atmosphere in a way that would make Mister Rogers proud. You can see a complete behind the scenes look and learn more about the creative minds behind the Google Doodle by clicking here!
In celebration of Freeform’s recently announced “31 Nights of Halloween” programming event, the network is transforming the historic Lombardi House in Hollywood, California, into Freeform’s Halloween House, the ultimate destination for Halloween lovers. Open to the public from THURSDAY, OCT. 4 through TUESDAY, OCT. 9, visitors can enjoy an eerily immersive experience celebrating the 25th Anniversaries of “Hocus Pocus” and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Grab your lucky rat tails, join the pumpkin king and click here to reserve your spot!
A pair of skeleton hands will welcome guests straight into Mr. Oogie Boogie’s Lair, Dr. Finklestein’s Lab, and an interactive graveyard with 31 spooky tombstones. Plus, run amuck in the iconic Sanderson Sisters’ cottage and cast a spell in the giant witches’ cauldron, summon Winifred’s book, test your purity when lighting the magical black-flame candle, and see if you can spot Thackery Binx. The eerie experience will also feature one-of-a-kind photo moments for fans to capture on the scenic Spiral Hill like Jack Skellington and recreate the original film poster of “Hocus Pocus” with their witchy crews, and much more.
Freeform has expanded its annual Halloween programming event to “31 Nights of Halloween” bringing thrilling hits throughout the entire month. Beginning Oct. 1, audiences can enjoy fan-favorite Halloween movies, “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic,” and specialized short-form content celebrating the holiday. This year, Freeform will also be the exclusive television home for the film “Hocus Pocus,” which is celebrating its 25 anniversary, and will end with an all-day marathon featuring the hauntingly beautiful Sanderson Sisters. Also marking a huge milestone, “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” will celebrate its 25 anniversary on October 29.
Plenty of surprises await guests in 2019 at the Walt Disney World Resort, as 19 special and limited time magic experiences are coming to wow and amaze all who visit. Starting January 18th, a huge celebration will be kicking off, focusing on your favorite Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, The Incredibles, and The Lion King. There will be something for everyone and thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, we have a full list of what’s coming your way next year!
1. Mickey and Minnie will be bringing in a musical bash like no other with “Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration”.
2. For those just learning their dance steps, a new “Move It! Shake It! MousketDance It! Street Party” will join the fun at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests will get to dance with Mickey, Minnie, and all of their friends right out in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle. Live singers will take part with new twists on fan favorite Mickey Mouse Club songs.
3. The Dapper Dans will also be on Main Street, singing songs to honor Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They will be joined by other Magic Kingdom entertainers in joyous chorus.
4. More Mickey and Minnie Mouse themed merchandise and food will be available at Magic Kingdom, sending the party to another level.
5. There’s a special surprise event planned at Magic Kingdom, so stay tuned for more details!
6. The Incredibles are on a new mission at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, transforming Pixar Place into a Municiberg city block.
7. In the newly transformed area, a block party will be held to honor our favorite heroes Mr. Incredible, Elastagirl (Mrs. Incredible), and Frozone.
8. Edna Mode needs her own meet and greet, who will be strutting her fabulous stuff at a special location on Pixar Place. She will also showcase some of her best creations!
9. Jack-Jack will also be leaving clues behind at Pixar Place, so make sure to keep an eye out for any details on where he may be!
10. A mysterious door has arrived at an undisclosed location within Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fans will be able to take a peak inside for a chance to meet Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters Inc.
11. Prepare yourself racers! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy rolls into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Spring 2019. Old “Stickers” himself will be teaching you the tricks of the track from his years of racing experience.
12. Just outside the Racing Academy, racers will get to bump tires with Cars 3 star, Cruz Ramirez.
13. The Lion King is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in a big way as Timon and Rafiki host the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island. Let out your wild side and take part in the celebration!
14. Animal Kingdom will also be home to 3D Photo Ops, recreating scenes from The Lion King.
15. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns. The event will take place from January 18th to February 25th, bringing in world class dining and one of a kind visual and performing arts.
16. Rejoice as the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to perform 7 days a week! Make sure to check out this Disney musical magic live on stage before the end of the Festival of the Arts.
17. Once Spring arrives, the beautiful Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns. From March 6th to June 3rd, take part in a stunning display of Disney themed topiaries. Don’t forget to also check out the wide array of delectable drinks and eats that you will find throughout the park.
18. The Garden Rocks Concert Series will also expand, bringing in a new 7 day schedule. Guests will get the chance to experience over 270 unique concerts over the course of the event.
19. Come say farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – the nighttime spectacular at Epcot, which will conclude during the second half of 2019.
There’s plenty of exciting things on the way. Make sure to catch the magic while it lasts at the Walt Disney World Resort. Stay tuned for more details, you never know what may be coming next!
Dubrovnik’s walled village is located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Dalmatian Coast (photo by Greg Aragon)
I’ve seen many castles and fortresses on my travels, but none stick in my head like the fortified Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. If I didn’t actually walk upon its marble streets and touch its historic stone wall for myself, I’d swear it was a modern recreation of another time.
Founded by the Romans in the 7th century, Dubrovnik’s walled village is located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the Southeastern part of Croatia. The city was known as Ragusa until the end of WWI, when it took its present name.
My first glance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site came from the deck of a cruise ship, which approached from the Mediterranean Sea. From this vantage point I got a panoramic view of the giant stone wall surrounding the city. Jetting 100 feet high from the rocks that line the coast, the 20-ft-thick wall stretches more than 6,350 feet long as it wraps around mediaeval ramparts, draw bridges, and other castle features. For those wanting a cool, birds-eye view, it is possible to walk along the wall to get a memorable look at the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and its nearby islands.
The barrier took nearly 500 years to complete and was built to protect the town and its prized location from ambitious invaders. Today it is considered one of Europe’s finest surviving fortress walls. It’s easy to understand why George Bernard Shaw once said “if you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”
After docking in the modern Port of Dubrovnik, I took a bus to edge of Old Town, where I found an exciting seaside atmosphere. There were kids eating ice cream on green lawns overlooking the water, shops full of tourists and pubs pouring beer. On one side I watched colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor beneath the fortress wall, and on the other side, I noticed hotels blending in with regular homes.
The village is alive with proud locals and tourists from around the world (photo by Greg Aragon)
To enter Old Town I walked through the main Pile Gate, where I discovered a medieval world of densely packed brick buildings with arched doorways, marble inlays and red tiled roofs. Many of the buildings are mixed-used with private residences set atop quaint shops and charming outdoor cafes.
The town is dissected by a large and shiny limestone main street, which branches into a network of narrow, sloping alleys and steep stairways, teeming with plants. The bustling, cream-colored main street brightly reflects the sun’s rays during the day and turns them into a sandy glowing hue at night.
The landscape is speckled with Baroque churches, monasteries and palaces, Renaissance fountains and facades, all intertwined with gleaming wide marble-paved squares and those steep cobbled streets, all of which have remained unchanged for centuries. Old Town is also home to an 800-year-old Gothic church and Europe’s oldest pharmacy.
Street performers are a fun sight along the cobblestone streets (photo by Greg Aragon)
As I wandered in and out of the town’s walkways, I was overcome by the aroma of fresh seafood riding a warm Mediterranean breeze. The scent led me to a place called Pink Shrimp Street Food located in a charming little alley off the main street. Here I sat outside and enjoyed a fresh shrimp sandwich with salad and a mug of cold, Croatian beer.
As I ate my lunch I watched street performers, a parade, and people from all over the world stroll up and down the cobblestone streets. If you are out at the right time, the place can be a peaceful village, while much of the time it is bustling with tourists. The place gets about 2 million visitors per year and a good chunk of these people come by way of cruise ship. During the summer, Dubrovnik can welcome up to six cruise ships on a single day.
Cruise lines such as Holland America stop in the Dubrovnik. In fact their ship Oosterdam is leaving on a 12-day Mediterannean Romance cruise October 15 (next month), that departs from Venice, Italy and stops in Dubrovnik. For more information, visit: www.hollandamerica.com
For more info on Croatia and Dubrovnik, visit: www.visit-croatia.co.uk. Los Angeles Intl Airport (www.flylax.com) offers daily connecting flights to Dubrovnik. A good local tour company for the Los Angeles area is Adriatic Travel Inc.(www.adriatictours.com), which specializes in Croatia and Dubrovnik.
Check out a brand-new trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” introducing new characters, including the fierce and fun crew of racers from online racing game Slaughter Race. Ali Wong lends her voice to Felony, Timothy Simons voices Butcher Boy, Glozell Green brings Little Debbie to life and Hamish Blake provides the voice of Pyro. Also new to the roster of characters is Double Dan, the proprietor of the dark web’s apothecary. Voiced by Alfred Molina, Double Dan is massive, slimy and decidedly creepy with a second head called Little Dan tucked into his neck folds.
In “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” video-game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet—the Netizens—to help navigate their way. Lending a virtual hand are Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site “BuzzzTube,” and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces—so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had. Directed by Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) and Phil Johnston (co-writer “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Zootopia,” writer, “Cedar Rapids”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt,” “Lilo & Stitch”)
“Ralph Breaks the Internet” hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.
