The Walt Disney Studios Presents Upcoming Film Slate And More At D23 Expo 2015

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July 24, 2015

The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slates via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter
Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm – Hall D23
After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.

Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios
Saturday, August 15, 10:30 am – Hall D23
Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!
Sunday, August 16, 3:00 pm – Hall D23
Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa––with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out
Friday, August 14, 11:30 am – Stage 28
Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Welcome to Zootopia!
Saturday, August 15, 1:30 pm – Stage 28
Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!
Saturday, August 15, 3:00 pm – Stage 28
Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15, 4:30 pm – Stage 23
From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

Aladdin – The Making of a Classic
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 pm – Stage 28
Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever
Sunday, August 16, 11:30 am – Stage 28
When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A
Sunday, August 16, 6:00 pm, Stage 28
D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

The Walt Disney Studios – Show Floor Exhibition
Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:

– For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.
– Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite
Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts
Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg
D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing
With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 am.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Disney Store to Unveil All-New Product Collections at D23 Expo 2015!

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 24, 2015

Disney Store has announced the all-new collections and Limited Editions set to launch at this year’s D23 EXPO 2015, Disney’s ultimate fan event held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 14–16. Located within the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion at D23 EXPO, the Disney Store shop will feature new and exclusive products showcased throughout more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space. New items celebrating everyone’s favorite characters will be unveiled each day throughout the weekend.

In addition to offering attendees the chance to shop special products not yet available to the general public, fans will also have the chance to meet the artists and designers who created these exciting new collections and be treated to the official Disney Store opening ceremony on Friday, August 14. During the ceremony, a special attendee will be chosen to “unlock imagination” at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney’s most famous characters.

D23 EXPO attendees will get a first look at collections making their debut at the event, including the next installment of the popular Disney Fairytale Designer Collection; a Limited Edition Doll Collection from ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time; Toy Story 20th Anniversary; and Disney Tsum Tsum.

Highlights of the new collections include:

Disney Fairytale Designer Collection – Happily ever after meets happily evil in Disney Store’s newest series of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection being previewed at D23 EXPO. Featuring five sets of Limited Edition pairs, these collector doll sets were designed by Disney Store artists and carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romance of fairytale friends and foes.
Available for the first time at D23 EXPO, guests can pre-purchase the complete set of five Hero/Villain pairs prior to the general public pre-sale beginning online Monday, September 14.
Following the preview at D23 EXPO, the doll sets will be released and available for purchase in stores and online starting September 29, with a new pair released each week. Each set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
This line expands into a collection of apparel, mugs, journals, home décor and more, available to the general public in stores and online on September 14.
Once Upon a Time – Continuing the ‘heroes and villains’ theme, Disney Store will introduce the Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection, available exclusively at D23 EXPO. Limited to an edition of 300, the doll collection, inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, brings to life the beauty, magic and charm of the iconic fairytale characters from the show.
Exclusively for guests who purchase the doll set at D23 EXPO, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) will be available for an autograph signing at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO floor from 4 – 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. This special opportunity will be followed by the Once Upon a Time panel taking place in Stage 23 from 6 – 7 p.m.
Star Wars – Disney Store will launch an exclusive collection of Star Wars items at the EXPO on Friday, August 14. The collection will feature apparel, collectibles, and toys, including the Star Wars Elite Series, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures, representing characters from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The action figures will be sold individually at Disney Store locations beginning later this year; however, EXPO attendees have the opportunity to purchase the full set of Star Wars Elite Series action figures, which includes D23 EXPO-exclusive versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Additionally at D23 EXPO, Disney Store will introduce Star Wars Legion Helmets, a series of eight vinyl collectible helmets inspired by the Star Wars Legion Helmet project launched in early 2014. Celebrating creativity and Star Wars, the project pulled together artists from across The Walt Disney Company, resulting in 300 stormtrooper helmets being transformed into diverse pieces of art, which inspired these collectible recreations – epic additions to every Empire.
Toy Story 20th Anniversary – In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Disney∙Pixar’s Toy Story, Disney Store gleaned art from the adored film’s archives to illustrate the evolution of the beloved characters, Buzz and Woody. Featuring toys, collectibles, apparel and more, this collection will be released at the Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14.
Disney Tsum Tsum – All-new collections of everyone’s favorite stackable plush will be unveiled at D23 EXPO, with one releasing each day in limited quantities in mini, medium and large sizes. In addition, limited-edition mini box series – exclusive to D23 EXPO – will be released along with each collection, and a Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum mini vinyl figure will be available for $5 with any purchase, while supplies last.

Also launching at D23 EXPO is Disney Store’s “Disney 3D Print Studio,” which offers fans the chance to personalize figures, including Marvel’s Iron Man, with their likeness through the use of facial-scanning kiosks. The figures ordered at the event will feature packaging unique to D23 EXPO.

New this year, in an effort to minimize wait times for guests, D23 is introducing StorePass at select D23 EXPO shopping locations, including the Disney Store shop. A limited quantity of StorePass tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, and while they last, at the StorePass desk located adjacent to the StagePass distribution area in Hall A.

The Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO can be found in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion.

To find a local Disney Store, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798.

A Picture Perfect Getaway to Hotel Laguna

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Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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July 22, 2015

Sometimes the pieces come together perfectly and a great getaway is formed without much planning. Such was the case last week when a friend and I drove down to Laguna Beach for the annual Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts extravaganza and were pleasently surprised when we discovered the historic Hotel Laguna in the process.

Set on the sand, steps from the ocean, the Hotel Laguna was built in 1888 as the first hotel in Laguna Beach. Today, after more than 125 years, the hotel is still welcoming guests to beach-front luxury, with lots of old fashioned charm.

Our getaway to the hotel began when we checked into an quaint 2nd floor room overlooking the beach. To get to our quarters we strolled through a bright and stately lobby with marble flooring, vintage photography on the walls and a piano in the corner. We then past the elevator and opted for the old wooden stairs to absorb more of the hotel’s historic allure.

Our room at Hotel Laguna came with great beach views

In our room we found cozy, minimalist comfort with a king bed, large TV, bright bathroom with tub/shower, and an incredible view of the ocean. It was a beautiful July day, so the beach below us was bustling with colorful sunbathers and swimmers. The sight was so tempting, we quickly unpacked and changed into our swimsuits and then found our own spot on the sand.

To get to the beach, we walked out the back of the hotel, through its lush Rose Garden with gazebo and lawn, and down the steps of its signature restaurant, The Ocean View Bar and Grill. While laying on the beach we got a good look at the “Laguna Beach Riviera,” a stretch of beach lined with hotels. And standing out amongst these structures is Hotel Laguna with its classic early Californian and Spanish architecture.

The beach is only steps from the hotel

The hotel, which was originally constructed during the California travel boom of the 1880s, was demolished and rebuilt and reopened in 1930 with fresh white paint, side Spanish arches and a bell tower that never had a bell! The hotel used to sport a huge neon sign on the top of the hotel that read “Hotel Laguna” to all those traveling north and south on the Coast Highway. It was a beacon of rest and relaxation, but was removed thanks to a 1996 ordinance law. In 1985 the hotel was refurbished with “an award winning establishment with a European flair.”

Hotel Laguna was originally built in the 1880s and then rebuilt in 1930s

One of my favorite pieces of history at the hotel is the actual Guest Registry Book from 1931 that is on display in the lobby in a hand-crafted glass case. The opened page of the book shows many travels who came from Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Los Angeles to sleep by the beach.

After relaxing on the sand, we walked directly across the street from the hotel for lunch at The Pizza Lounge (www.pizzalounges.com), where I had one of the best pepperoni and sausage pizza’s I’ve ever had. While enjoying pizza and a calamari salad, with tomatoes with honey mustard dressing, we watched an interesting array of locals and tourist walk by, along busy South Coast Highway.

We also admired the town’s colorful red and blue trolleys as they drove past the front of Hotel Laguna. Running free through summer, the trolleys take riders across town to all the art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, beach areas, and to the world-famous Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts which is going on now through August 31 and is located a few blocks from the hotel.

Free city trolleys run past the hotel

Hotel Laguna is located at 425 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. For more information and reservations, call (949) 494-1151 or visit: www.hotellaguna.com

Costume Up For Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

By

Lake Sprenkle

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July 21, 2015

This fall, the Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a home for happy haunts at “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.” This special ticket event returns this year for 25 nights of boo-tiful festivities at Magic Kingdom park. Guests are invited to dress up in favorite Halloween costumes for this “not-so-scary” occasion, where there is an assortment of trick-or-treat sweets waiting to be found.

Entertainment features the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” a bone-rattling spectacle featuring Disney characters donning Halloween costumes. Also, for the first time ever, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus will throw an evil Halloween party for the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular.” This new show is a not-to-be-missed Halloween production and features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects. For the fiendish finale, “Happy HalloWishes,” a green and orange fireworks display complete with Disney villains, will creep across the sky.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with Disney characters in their festive Halloween costumes and Halloween treats and eats unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are available throughout the evening. For guests’ ghostly pleasure, a barbershop quartet of dead cowboys also will be serenading Frontierland with their chilling musical arrangements. Listen if you dare!

Party dates are September: 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; November: 1.

DISNEY/PIXAR'S THE GOOD DINOSAUR New Trailer!

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 21, 2015

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

ABC Family's Young & Hungry, The Fosters, Switched at Birth, Baby Daddy and More Coming to D23 EXPO

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 18, 2015

Fans can meet their favorite ABC Family stars and collect exclusive pin sets at D23 EXPO 2015, the ultimate Disney fan event, August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

ABC Family will give away exclusive pin sets each day at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, from our much anticipated new series “Shadowhunters” on Friday, August 14, from the network’s hit series “Pretty Little Liars” on Saturday, August 15 and from the network’s annual event 25 Days of Christmas on Sunday, August 16.

Fans can also meet some of their favorite network stars throughout the weekend in the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

11:00 – 11:50am

“Young & Hungry” stars Jonathan Sadowski and Aimee Carrero

1:00 – 1:50pm

“The Fosters” stars Sherri Saum and Hayden Byerly

5:00 – 5:50pm

“Switched at Birth” stars Constance Marie and Lea Thompson

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
12:00 – 12:50pm
“Stitchers” stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Allison Scagliotti

6:00 – 6:50pm
“Baby Daddy” stars Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Chelsea Kane and Melissa Peterman

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour expands with Stage 48: Script to Screen

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 18, 2015

On Tuesday July 14, guests celebrated the launch of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood’s new 25,000 sq ft expansion, Stage 48: Script to Screen, ahead of its official opening on July 16th. Based on the studio lot, which is home to more than 90 years of much-loved entertainment, drama and action, Stage 48 gives guests unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world of film and TV production.

Guests experience an insider’s view of Hollywood as they design their own Batmobiles and movie costumes, step onto original sets, try out green screen technology, and follow the journey through post-production and into the glory of awards season.

At the red carpet preview of Stage 48, guests had the opportunity to get up close to sets, props and costumes from some of Warner Bros.’ most beloved movies and TV shows.

Celebrated Actor and Director Clint Eastwood joined invited guests last night for the exclusive preview, declaring Stage 48 “a terrific tour.”

Talent was spotted testing out the orange couch on the original Central Perk set from “Friends” and seen riding a Bat-Pod from “The Dark Knight” series at the green screen experience.

Celebrities also enjoyed a coffee from the Studio Tour’s brand new Central Perk Café before exploring an authentic space capsule from Oscar®-winning epic “Gravity.” Guests also appeared to shrink as they took a seat at a recreation of the table used in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings,” which relies on an optical illusion to make cast members appear significantly smaller or larger than they actually are.

Special appearances by stars from TV shows featured on Stage 48 included Jon Cryer, who starred as Alan Harper in all 12 seasons of “Two and a Half Men” and was spotted at the show’s famous living room set.

Stage 48 offers “a window into how we actually work,” said Cryer.

Along with the launch of Stage 48, which includes a shop themed with props from Warner Bros.’ film and TV classics, newly enhanced elements have been added throughout other areas of the experience including specially recorded messages from the stars of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and the wildly successful “Pretty Little Liars”.

Stage 48: Script to Screen is now open and entrance is included in the standard ticket price.

Enjoy our Photo Gallery from the VIP Night.
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Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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July 16, 2015

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how can one describe the spectacle of the Pageant of the Masters? The answer is that it can’t truly be described; it must be seen in person to fully appreciate its magnificence.

In a nutshell, the Pageant of the Masters is a world-renown stage show that incredibly recreates and brings to life famous paintings with a group of live, motionless models and beautiful backdrops, set within huge picture frames on a massive outdoor stage, with a professional orchestra, live narration, and sophisticated lighting.

The Pageant of the Masters recreates classic paintings, such as Homer’s, “The Country School”

The pageant is part of the larger Festival of Arts, a summer-long celebration of art and artists. This year’s festival showcases the works of 140 of Orange County’s best original painters, sculptors, ceramists, jewelers, and photographers.

Now in its 82nd season, the festival is located in Laguna Beach, two blocks from the ocean, in a rustic canyon setting. In addition to the art, the event offers free daily art workshops for the whole family, live Jazz and blues, wine tastings, cooking classes, restaurants and more.

The Festival of Arts also offers fine food, local art and live music in a park-like setting

But the highlight of the festival has to be the Pageant of the Masters, where each night a 90-minute show of tableaux vivants or living pictures take the 2,000-seat Irvine Bowl Park stage in the corner of the festival grounds. The “pictures” are remarkable re-creations of classical and contemporary masterpieces, “painted” with real people (including a bunch of adorable kids), who are painstakingly made-up with costumes and makeup to look exactly like images in classic paintings. The painting are then filled with authentic backdrops and wrapped by giant picture frames.

The “pictures” are “painted” with real people

When the curtain is lifted, each 90-second-long picture is accompanied by an orchestra, with an original score; a live narration; and sophisticated lighting. The theme of the “paintings” at this year’s Pageant of the Masters is “The Pursuit of Happiness,” and it explores the many sources of happiness, both ancient and modern.

I attended opening night on July 7 and was left breathless at the artistry of it all.

The first “painting” of the night was an amazing recreation of Winslow Homer’s 1871 oil classic, “The Country School.” This work depicts a small, rural country school house with barefooted kids reading books and listening to a beautiful young teacher.

Another fabulous work on display is 1891’s “The Moon at a Vacation House” by Japanese artist Chikanobu, which shows colorful geisha’s girls strolling beneath a full moon, past bonsai trees and a bamboo house. Then there was the playful “Snap the Whip,” by Homer, which depicts a group of children playing a game in a field in front of an old red schoolhouse.

My favorite masterpieces of the night was “Betsy Ross Presenting Flag” by American painter Edward P. Moran. Painted on oil in 1917, this beautifully detailed piece shows Betsy Ross and two children presenting the US flag to George Washington.

The Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters runs July 8 through August 31. The address is 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, 92651. The festival is open daily, 10 am – 11:30 pm. Festival admission is $4 – $10. Pageant of the Masters has performances nightly at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices range from about $20 for the least expensive to about $225 for premium Saturday night seats. For more information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit: www.foapom.com

ABC Announces Exclusive Q&As and Autograph Sessions At D23 Expo 2015

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 16, 2015

Be among the first to learn the secrets of what’s ahead on ABC’s most anticipated new and returning fall series; hear from some of the fairy tale residents of “Once Upon a Time” and the very talented performers from the new series “The Muppets”; and meet some of your favorite ABC stars in person during special signing sessions at D23 EXPO: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where all the worlds of Disney come together, August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Panels and Presentations

The Magic Behind The Muppets
Friday, August 14, 10:00 a.m., Stage 23
Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.

Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 p.m., Stage 23
“Once Upon a Time’s” savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from “Brave,” as “Once Upon a Time” introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (“LOST”) and Adam Horowitz (“LOST”) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

On The Show Floor

Autograph Signings
Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

Friday, August 14
12:00-12:50 p.m.
“Dancing with the Stars” pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)

Saturday, August 15
4:00-4:50 p.m.
“black-ish” stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown and Marsai Martin

5:00-5:40 p.m.
“Once Upon a Time” stars to be announced

Sunday, August 16
10:00-10:50 a.m.
“Fresh Off the Boat” stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen

5:00-5:50 p.m.
“The Goldbergs” stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia

“Once Upon a Time” Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection
Limited Edition of 300, $129.95
Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series “Once Upon a Time,” this collection brings to life the beauty, magic and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.

Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen)
Ginnifer and Lana will sign the “Once Upon a Time” Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Tom Cruise Gets Scared Sh*tless Shooting the Plane Stunt for Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation!

By

Robbie Bulus

-

July 13, 2015

With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.

Why do the Stunts Look Real? Because They ARE Real!

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION In Theaters July 31, 2015

'Crimson Peak' Maze Coming to Universal Halloween Horror Nights

By

Robbie Bulus

-

July 13, 2015

Legendary and Universal Pictures’ much-anticipated Crimson Peak, directed, co-written and produced by celebrated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, will come to life in a terrifying new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze beginning Friday, September 18, 2015, at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Crimson Peak opens in theaters on October 16.

“Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness” will be unearthed as a three-dimensional living representation of the film, designed to send guests spiraling through the chilling world and in the footsteps of Crimson Peak’s lead character, Edith Cushing, first as they venture from her home in America, then to the decaying and haunted Allerdale Hall mansion in a remote English countryside. With a foreboding “Beware of Crimson Peak” message that echos from Edith’s past, guests will navigate a labyrinth of paranormal tortured souls who have born witness to the estate’s dark history of unspeakable acts …and who continue to reside in vengeful, ghostly forms.

“I am a devoted fan of Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’ and I am honored to partner with them to create a real-life version of my Gothic Romance, Crimson Peak,” said Guillermo del Toro. “It’s a thrill to work with the movie studio that gave birth to the modern horror movie genre. I can’t wait for movie-goers to enter the haunting world of Crimson Peak as they navigate this haunting maze. I can assure you, I will be first in line to experience the scares of it myself.”

“Guillermo del Toro is a leading visionary in film, and Crimson Peak provides endless opportunities to immerse guests into the terrifying world that he created,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “From the haunting score by Fernando Velázquez to the incredibly detailed set design and scream-inducing ghosts, we will recreate an authentic experience that will have guests feeling as trapped in our ‘Crimson Peak’ maze as the film’s lead character.”

About Crimson Peak: When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place ﬁlled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.
From the imagination of director Guillermo del Toro comes a gothic romance starring Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam. www.crimsonpeakmovie.com

20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Announces Future World Marketplace Expansion

By

Robbie Bulus

-

July 13, 2015

Walt Disney World Resort announced that four new food and beverage marketplaces will open in Future World during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015. It’s the first time in the festival’s 20-year-history that global marketplace experiences, now numbering more than 30, have expanded from the park’s World Showcase into Future World.

During the 53-day festival, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area featuring the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces will evoke the ambiance of Napa Valley with grape vines and welcoming pergolas along the walkway to Future World West.

At the Cheese Studio, a cheese sample platter will be served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines.
The Wine Studio will serve premium wines on tap and showcase palate-pleasing wine varietals organized by color in artful displays.

At the new Next Eats area near the Epcot Character Spot, Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces will be inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award® winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. “The Chew” announced July 2 that the show will broadcast from Epcot during the festival.

At Sustainable Chew Marketplace, guests can taste delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” co-hosts.
At Chew Lab, food science meets the hottest culinary tech trends to present innovative dishes like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

“The Future World festival marketplace expansion gives our guests more reasons than ever to help us celebrate 20 delicious festival years,” says Jens Dahlmann, general manager of Epcot Food & Beverage. “Adding even more sizzle, our collaboration with ABC’s ‘The Chew’ brings the cachet of a major daytime network television series and its celebrity hosts.”

More news to celebrate:

One of a series of popular Party for the Senses premium events will be the first-time Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses 31, an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food. Guests will be encouraged to masquerade in chic yellow and black. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for festival premium events also to include the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Japanese Craft Beer Tasting, French Family Meal Traditions and dozens of events including Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining.
“The Chew” cast will host a new premium event: the Rockin’ Burger Block Party 8, with specialty burgers and sliders inspired by top names in the music industry such as Dave Matthews and his Dreaming Tree Wines and Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila. Two additional Burger Block Parties are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.
The Dominican Republic Marketplace will return with fresh flair, serving new dishes including Pescado con Coco – seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce. And at the Festival Center, the new Monday-through-Thursday “Spotlight on Dominican Republic” will showcase the country’s culture, crafts and culinary delights with artists and chefs at the Festival Center.
Two 20th-year celebratory wines were created just for this fall’s festival: a Napa Valley Festival Chardonnay and a Paso Robles Festival Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will be able to purchase tastes of both wines at the Sustainable Chew marketplace, and the Festival Center Wine Shop will carry bottles.

At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story.

Included with Epcot Admission:
Back to Basics series, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, and other special beverage and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for all premium events including the new Rockin’ Burger Block Party. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com beginning July 15.

Socalthrills.com

The Walt Disney Studios Presents Upcoming Film Slate And More At D23 Expo 2015

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ABC Family's Young & Hungry, The Fosters, Switched at Birth, Baby Daddy and More Coming to D23 EXPO

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Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach

ABC Announces Exclusive Q&As and Autograph Sessions At D23 Expo 2015

Tom Cruise Gets Scared Sh*tless Shooting the Plane Stunt for Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation!

'Crimson Peak' Maze Coming to Universal Halloween Horror Nights

20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Announces Future World Marketplace Expansion

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