Dive into the Movies at the all new ScreenX Theatre

By

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August 16, 2018

CJ 4DPLEX and Regal announced that the latest ScreenX location in the U.S. will be at the Irvine Spectrum Center, opening Friday, August 17. The launch is the first of the previously announced major expansion plan with the Cineworld Group and its subsidiaries, which include Regal, to bring 100 ScreenX screens locations to the U.S. and Europe in the coming years.

This latest ScreenX opening brings the total global footprint to 148. In the past year, the number of ScreenX screens has increased exponentially, with auditoriums opening in Europe for the first time and with additional locations to launch across China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, France, Turkey and Middle East by the end of 2018—a 40-plus percent growth compared to the end of 2017.

[videopress LPgPnRkw]

“Cineworld and Regal have been excellent partners and supporters over the years, especially of our immersive 4DX cinema technology that features motion seats and environmental effects. We are excited that ScreenX will follow in its footsteps, with this new location marking the first in a wave of new locations rolling out thanks to our strong partners,” said Brandon Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX Americas.

“Guests are invited to ‘Dive into the Movies’ with ScreenX at Irvine Spectrum. Through our partnership with CJ 4DPLEX, this is an excellent representation of our commitment to bringing patrons the most innovative and exciting options for enjoying the newest films,” said Ken Thewes, CMO at Regal. “Starting with the action-packed and thrilling blockbusters The Meg and Ant-Man and the Wasp, we expect fans who experience ScreenX to come back again and again.

Audience members will be able to experience the Warner Bros. Pictures and Gravity Pictures underwater action-adventure picture, The Meg, expanded onto a three-panel screen, allowing a more immersive, 270-degree view of the film’s selected scenes. The film features deep water exploration and aquatic action sequences, creating an ideal canvas for the panoramic format. The release of The Meg in ScreenX is part of a larger agreement with Warner Bros. to release several films in the immersive format, following the previously released Rampage, and including the much-anticipated upcoming releases The Nun, Aquaman and Shazam!

ScreenX is the world’s first multi-projection theatre technology designed to enhance the moviegoing experience. ScreenX allows the audience to go beyond the frame of the traditional movie screen, utilizing a proprietary system to expand select scenes of feature films and pre-show advertising to the left and right walls, creating an immersive, panoramic, 270-degree environment.

Lions, Tigers and Gondolas at Two California Zoos

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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August 16, 2018

I love zoos. I love the awareness they bring to the plight of animals, and the joy and intrigue they bring to kids of all ages. So when I heard that two of my favorite California zoos recently added a couple of must-see attractions, I knew I had to investigate.

In March, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a massive, 27-ft-tall bronze lion statue at its entryway, and in June, the Oakland Zoo opened the 56-acre California Trail Expansion, featuring a soaring gondola ride over lush, hilltop habitats.

The new landmark lion at San Diego Zoo is known as Rex. The statue was designed in honor of Rex, the lion that inspired the creation of the Zoo in 1916. Legend has it that Rex arrived in San Diego as part of the Panama-California International Exposition. After the Exposition ended, Rex and other animals were left in cages near Balboa Park. One day a man named Dr. Harry Wegeforth and his brother Paul were driving past the area when they heard a loud roar and spotted the lion. It was then that the idea for a zoo in San Diego was born and soon founded by Wegeforth.

Standing nearly 30 ft-tall and weighing more than 20,000 pounds, Rex is the largest cantilever bronze animal statue in the world, according to Artworks Foundry in Berkeley, California, the company that cast him.

The lion’s unique pose—standing on a single paw at a 30-degree angle —was accomplished thanks to an impressive feat of engineering by the firm of Thornton Tomasetti. To support the cantilevered structure the engineers and contractors welded a large steel tube to the inside of the lion and attached it to a 50-ton footing built deep into the ground.

It took thousands of hours of craftsmanship to create Rex, based on an original sketch from former San Diego Zoo Global illustrator Tim Reamer. Once recreated, the sketch was turned into a three-dimensional model, which was later enlarged to its current size through a revolutionary 3-D printing process.

“Rex is more than an engineering marvel,” said Rick Schwartz, San Diego Zoo Global ambassador. “He’s a huge reminder of where we came from a century ago, and a symbol showcasing that Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth’s dream of uniting people with wildlife lives on.”

Rex is surrounded by multiple bronze animals such as flamingos, turtles, meerkats, and even an alligator. These animals are embedded in architectural concrete with colorful glass aggregate.

The 100-acre San Diego Zoo according to the latest data*, is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 680 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. For more information, visit: www.zoo.sandiegozoo.org

*For your reference and to verify the new statistics, please visit: https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/animal-captivity-statistics/

In Northern California, the Oakland Zoo’s much-anticipated California Trail opened to the public last month after three years of construction and two decades of planning. The $72-million expansion more than doubles the Zoo’s current size from 45 acres to 100 acres and adds six (soon to be eight) new native California animal species in natural habitats, which are among the largest in the world and designed under the collaboration of animal behavior experts, wildlife experts, and notable habitat design experts.

The animals were selected for their historical significance to California and status in the wild. The species are American buffalo, black bears, grizzly bears, brown bears, mountain lions, jaguars, California condors, gray wolves and bald eagles.

Highlighting the California Trail are the open-air gondolas, where were custom-made by Austrian-Swiss Company, Doppelmayer. The, 24 all-electric, aerial trams transport passengers on a four-minute ride up and over the rolling hills of Knowland Park to the California Trail site from the main Zoo. There, at 650 ft above sea-level, the gondolas arrive at the 3-story Kaiser Permanente Visitor Center, which houses The Landing Cafe, a floor-to-ceiling glass-walled, 176-seat restaurant. An observation deck at the restaurant provides panoramic views of six Bay Area counties.

The California Trail also includes the interactive California Conservation Habitarium; the California Wilds! Playground, which is based on California’s diverse eco-zones; and an overnight “safari-styled” campground.

The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 700 native and exotic animals and is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC). For more information, visit: www.oaklandzoo.org

Funko Debuts New Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Products

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 13, 2018

“What’s this!?!”

It’s been 25 years since Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas took us into the magical world of Halloween Town. After all these years, fans couldn’t be more in love with the Pumpkin King, Sally, and all his friends. To help celebrate the beloved film, Funko is releasing new anniversary products, sure to bring a ghoulish smile to your face, ranging from one of a kind exclusives, to fun twists on the classic tale.

In sync with Jack’s holiday vision, Funko has produced a series of snow globes featuring Lock, Shock, Barrel, Vampire Teddy, Oogie Boogie, the Mayor, Jack Skellington, Jack Skellington dressed as Sandy Claws, Sally and Zero. They will be available exclusively at Hot Topic stores this fall.

BoxLunch will also have exclusive figure sets from the Pop! Movie Moments collection. The set will feature Zero by his gravestone with a glow in the dark chase. The set will be joined by Jack and Sally’s iconic duet at the top of the snowbank that has become one of the film’s most memorable moments.

Collectors will also get the opportunity to collect multiple Pop! Figure additions, including Snowman Jack complete with candy cane umbrella, Sally with her basket of provisions, and the sneaky Doctor Finkelstein in his wheelchair. For the rare collectors, Jack Skelington will be getting the sugar skull treatment for Dia De Los Muertos as well as two other finishes that can only be found at Hot Topic Stores. A glow in the dark Harlequin Demon Pop! is available exclusively through Barnes & Noble and a Devil Pop! is available as a Walgreens exclusive.

There’s so much more to see, so make sure to stop by Funko’s Official Blog to see all the fun and spooky products coming your way this Fall!

Coming Soon: Exclusive Disney Theme Park’s Splash Mountain Pop!

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 13, 2018

If you’re still looking for your Laughing Place, Funko has you covered with a brand new Disney Parks Exclusive Funko Pop! Figure. You can now take the magic of Splash Mountain home with you, featuring Brer Bear and Brer Rabbit in their very own log.

The exclusive Disney Parks item will be available August 25^th, 2018. It joins a list of very popular Funko figures that include various attractions such as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, and the Haunted Mansion.

You will be able to find the items at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The full location list can be found below!

Disneyland Resort
WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney,
Disneyana on Main Street and Pooh’s Corner in
Critter Country in Disneyland

Walt Disney World
Pin Traders at Disney Springs,
Frontier Trading Post in Magic Kingdom

Purchasing limits apply. Available while supplies last. Information subject to change without notice.

Production Begins on Disney’s Live-Action “Mulan”

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 13, 2018

Production on Disney’s “Mulan,” a live-action adaptation of the studio’s 1998 animated feature, has begun. The film will shoot on locations in New Zealand and China and will open in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2020.

Liu Yifei (“The Forbidden Kingdom,” “Once Upon a Time”) was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search. Joining her in the film are: Donnie Yen (“Star Wars: Rogue One”); Jason Scott Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny”); Yoson An (“The Meg”); Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Pitch Perfect”); Ron Yuan (“Marco Polo”); Tzi Ma (“Arrival”); Rosalind Chao (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”); Cheng Pei-Pei (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”); Nelson Lee; Chum Ehelepola; with Gong Li (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Raise the Red Lantern”) and Jet Li (“Shaolin Temple,” “Lethal Weapon 4”).

“Mulan” is the epic adventure of a fearless young woman who masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Hua Mulan is spirited, determined and quick on her feet. When the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in to take the place of her ailing father as Hua Jun, becoming one of China’s greatest warriors ever.

“Mulan” is directed by Niki Caro (“Whale Rider,” “McFarland USA”) from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (“Jurassic World,” “In the Heart of the Sea”) and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Jason T. Reed (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), Chris Bender (“A History of Violence”) and Jake Weiner (“Criminal”) with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King“), Bill Kong (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Monster Hunt”) and Tim Coddington (“Crazy Rich Asians”) serving as executive producers.

Disney’s animated feature, which was released in 1998, starred Ming-Na Wen, Miguel Ferrer and Eddie Murphy and was nominated for an Oscar® and two Golden Globe® Awards.

The story of the legendary warrior is one of China’s most popular folktales, and is still a part of the curriculum in Chinese schools today.

‘Under The Sea: A Descendants Story’ Premieres Friday, September 28

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

“Descendants” arch-nemeses Mal and Uma will face-off in an epic underwater showdown when “Under the Sea: A Descendants Story” premieres FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (7:50-8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel. Dove Cameron and China Anne McClain reprise their roles as fan-favorite characters Mal and Uma, respectively, in this live-action short-form special filled with dazzling visual effects and high-energy music and dance. Immediately following the Disney Channel premiere, “Under the Sea: A Descendants Story” will be available on the DisneyNOW app (www.DisneyNOW.com) and Disney Channel VOD.

In the story, Mal emerges from the shadows of a mystical forest onto a dark coastline where she crosses paths with Dizzy, played by Anna Cathcart. “Descendants 2” stars Thomas Doherty and Dylan Playfair will appear in their roles of Harry and Gil, respectively, as part of Uma’s wicked pirate gang.

“Descendants” has impressive franchise extensions that have engaged kids worldwide. “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” music videos have garnered over two billion global views, and both movie soundtracks are certified gold and hit #1 on iTunes and Billboard charts. In the U.S., “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” costumes were the top-selling Halloween costumes at Disney Stores and Party City. More than three million “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” dolls and over five million “Descendants”-related books in print, including three popular young adult novels that were featured on the New York Times Best Sellers List, have been sold. “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” were #1 Cable Movies in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” A New Sneak Peek

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

Check out this new 60-second sneak peek of “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which introduces Gal Gadot (“Justice League,” “Wonder Woman”) as the voice of Shank, the tough and talented driver in an intense online racing game called Slaughter Race, plus new footage of the Disney princesses and more.

Ralph and Vanellope encounter Shank when they venture into the internet in search of a replacement part for Vanellope’s game, Sugar Rush. Shank’s approach to racing—and life in general—opens Vanellope’s eyes to the limitless possibilities of the internet and the excitement of a new world that feels like home to her.

Directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston and featuring the voices of John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.

Tron Attraction Update Now Loading …at Walt Disney World

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

Last summer plans were unveiled for a thrilling Tron coaster-style attraction to be added in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom® Park. Today, we’re sharing a first look at a new Tron-themed billboard at Magic Kingdom Park that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.

The new attraction will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain, and now, as we prepare to welcome Tron into the park, a few modifications will be made to nearby attractions as construction kicks into gear.

First, the Walt Disney World® Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station starting in December 2018, pausing its grand-circle tours of Magic Kingdom Park. During this time, you will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the attraction’s track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction our Guests know and love in the summer of 2019.

Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, which is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland (pictured above). This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

We look forward to sharing more updates with you on the thrilling new addition of Tron as work progresses. Stay tuned to Socalthrills for updates!

Enjoy the Spirit of Día de los Muertos This Fall at Disneyland Resort

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

This fall, you are invited to visit Disneyland® Resort for the return of special seasonal experiences in both parks inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos.

At Disney California Adventure® Park, Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning hit film “Coco” is at the heart of Plaza de la Familia, a limited-time festivity at Paradise Gardens. Families visiting Plaza de la Familia can share meaningful memories of loved ones at the interactive Memory Wall, enjoy the iconic Mexican Árbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) photo location and take part in a new mask-making craft that depicts an alejibre (spirit guide) from the film “Coco.” You will find yourself drawn to the immersive art exhibit The World of “Coco,” the emotional Mariachi music performed on the bandstand and the delicious Mexican food menu at Paradise Gardens Grill.

Several times daily, the uplifting show A Musical Celebration of Coco brings together the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia and the Grammy-award winning Mariachi Divas for a festive show of music and dance that tells the incredible story of young Miguel’s journey as seen in “Coco.” New this year, this charming troupe of singers and authentic Folklórico dancers is joined by Miguel, brought to life in a whimsical, hand-crafted style inspired by traditional Mexican folk art.

Also at Disney California Adventure park, you can visit Cars Land, where an ofrenda (a remembrance altar) pays tribute to Doc Hudson (aka, the Fabulous Hudson Hornet). Look for it at Ramone’s House of Body Art, just down Route 66!

Over at Disneyland Park, Zócalo Park in Frontierland is decked out with an elaborate and colorful display in honor of Día de los Muertos. This immersive setting features beautiful marigolds and papel picado throughout the installation, along with a traditional ofrenda, calaveras (sugar skulls), an iconic figure of La Catrina and delicious food at the nearby Rancho del Zócalo.

These special experiences inspired by Día de los Muertos take place Sept. 7-Nov. 2, 2018 at Disneyland Park.

Ready for a magical vacation experience at The Disneyland Resort? CLICK HERE FOR A FREE TRAVEL QUOTE!

Magical Disney Storytelling Aboard Alaska Cruises

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

When you sail on one of the Disney Cruise Line Alaska sailings, not only will you see some of the world’s most beautiful sights, but you also get to experience immersive Disney storytelling onboard. In addition to the Disney Wonder’s signature entertainment — including dinner and a show at Tiana’s Place and Broadway-style musicals like “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” — Alaska sailings feature even more ways to step into the worlds of favorite Disney stories.

Whether you are a Mickey Mouse fan, a Pixar aficionados or prefer to just “Let it Go” with Elsa and friends, there is something special for everyone aboard these one-of-a-kind cruises. Here are just a few favorites …CLICK HERE FOR A FREE VACATION QUOTE!

Disney Pals Embrace the Spirit of The Last Frontier

Only on these itineraries can you find Mickey and friends in their best northern-themed finery. Mickey is decked out in Alaskan fisherman’s gear, Minnie dons a stylish parka, Goofy is geared up to explore a glacier and Donald is dressed to pan for gold… Everyone gets in on the fun!

Favorite Pixar Friends Join the Party

Exclusive to the Disney Wonder, the Pixar Pals Party gives guests the chance to hang out with all of their favorite Pixar characters in one spot! Hosted in the lobby atrium, this musical celebration includes friends from “Up,” “Toy Story” and “Ratatouille.”

A Full Day of “Frozen” Festivities

One day during every Alaska cruise, you are transported to the land of “Frozen” for a day of fun with Anna, Elsa and friends. Highlights include a magical freeze that overtakes the atrium, exciting “Frozen”-themed activities and a dining experience inspired by traditional Nordic fare. The day culminates in a high-energy deck party where our friends from Arendelle take you along for a fun night of singing, dancing and games.

While the current Alaska season is nearly complete, the Disney Wonder will return to America’s Last Frontier next year with a variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries departing from Vancouver, Canada.

Are you ready to take a Magical Disney Cruise Vacation? CLICK HERE FOR A FREE VACATION QUOTE from our Travel Partner Agency, World of Magic Travel.

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights Announces Cult Classic Poltergeist

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

They’re Here. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will bring guests “into the light” as part of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights events featuring terrifying new mazes inspired by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures’ (MGM) iconic supernatural horror film, Poltergeist, beginning September 14.

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist garnered critical and consumer success when it first premiered in 1982. Characterized as one of the scariest films of all time, this groundbreaking movie paved the way for a new era of supernatural ghost stories that will come to life for the first time ever at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. This living representation of the film will take guests into some of its most iconic scenes and encounter memorable characters that spawned their first true nightmares.

The mazes will lure guests to the Freeling family house built atop a cemetery where malicious ghosts threaten the lives within. From the underground graveyard to ghostly apparitions, guests will come face to face with infamous scenes from the film, including the iconic flickering TV screen, menacing Beast from beyond and pool filled with floating corpses. As guests cross into the ‘light,’ they will find themselves surrounded by a surreal landscape of vanishing walls, floating furniture and a creepy clown with a menacing smile. In a rush against time, guests will be forced to make it back to the world of the living or forever be trapped…

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando to become victims inside their own horror film. Multiple movie-quality mazes based on iconic horror television shows, films and original stories come to life season after season. And, the streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing scare-actors lunge from every darkened corner.

Additional details about Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights will be revealed soon. All tickets and vacation packages are on sale now. For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Gal Gadot Joins “Ralph Breaks the Internet” Voice Cast

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 10, 2018

Gal Gadot (“Justice League,” “Wonder Woman”) has revealed that she is voicing the character Shank, a tough and talented driver in an intense and gritty online racing game called Slaughter Race, in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which hits theaters this Thanksgiving.

Ralph and Vanellope encounter Shank and her unusual cohorts when they venture to the internet in search of a replacement part for Vanellope’s game, Sugar Rush. Shank, a tough-as-nails street racer, takes her role and her tricked-out car very seriously and doesn’t like to lose. When Vanellope finds herself in a street race with Shank, her Sugar Rush driving skills are put to the test—and Shank is impressed. “She is the coolest character in this world of Slaughter Race,” said director Rich Moore. “Shank’s lived a lot, she’s seen a lot, yet she’s got nothing but kindness in her heart—that’s the duality of that character.”

Said Gadot, “Shank is amazing at driving cars and has this bad-girl vibe to her. But as the movie goes on you realize how fun, wise and warm she really is on the inside, which is what I like most about her.”

According to director/writer Phil Johnston, Gadot adds extraordinary dimension to the character. “There’s so much texture to her voice and so much living in her voice,” he said. “If Ralph is Vanellope’s big-brother figure, we wanted a big-sister figure. We wanted someone that Vanellope would look up to, and Gal is definitely someone kids—and a lot of adults I know—aspire to emulate. I can’t imagine anyone else embodying that part.”

Shank’s approach to racing—and life in general—opens Vanellope’s eyes to the limitless possibilities of the internet and the excitement of a new world that feels like home to her. Featuring the voices of John C. Reilly as Ralph, and Sarah Silverman as Vanellope, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.

Socalthrills.com

Dive into the Movies at the all new ScreenX Theatre

Lions, Tigers and Gondolas at Two California Zoos

Funko Debuts New Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Products

Coming Soon: Exclusive Disney Theme Park’s Splash Mountain Pop!

Production Begins on Disney’s Live-Action “Mulan”

‘Under The Sea: A Descendants Story’ Premieres Friday, September 28

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” A New Sneak Peek

Tron Attraction Update Now Loading …at Walt Disney World

Enjoy the Spirit of Día de los Muertos This Fall at Disneyland Resort

Magical Disney Storytelling Aboard Alaska Cruises

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights Announces Cult Classic Poltergeist

Gal Gadot Joins “Ralph Breaks the Internet” Voice Cast

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