Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Announcements
If you’ve been living under a rock and just poked your head out, hello! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening sooner than expected… but with only one of its two attractions. Disneyland guests will get to set foot on Batuu as early as May 31, while the folks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can experience it on August 29. Guests wanting to visit the land will need to have valid park admission, and will need to make a no cost reservation. Reservations will be offered at least for the first several weeks the land is open, and Disney is stressing that space is limited.
Disneyland After Dark 90s Nite
Disneyland’s latest After Dark event turned the clock back to the way cool decade of the 1990s. From colorful credentials to zazzy pins and a retro fanny pack, guests celebrated a nostalgic evening full of characters and fun surprises. Prior to the event, Disney announced the character lineup for the evening that included Disney Afternoon characters as well as film favorites such as Hercules and Meg, and Esmeralda. A special one night only fireworks show lit up the night sky and, all in all, it was like, totally awesome!
International Women’s Day
Friday March 8th was International Women’s Day and Disney Parks on both coasts were in on the celebration. Over at Walt Disney World the parks offered special treats and Magic Kingdom even had an exclusive Sisters Soiree dance party featuring Judy Hopps and Joy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomed the Women of the Green Army Patrol, and Disney Springs featured gourmet goodies at Amorette’s Patisserie and the Ganachery. On the west coast, Disney California Adventure welcomed Captain Marvel for her first official meet and greet at the Disneyland Resort (and just in time for her film’s debut)!
Disney Shareholder Meeting
The annual meeting of the shareholders took place on Thursday, March 7th in St. Louis, Missouri. Following the business portion of the meeting, Disney CEO, Bob Iger, shared big news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that had fans losing their minds. When the Star Wars excitement died down, Iger talked Disney+ noting that the company’s entire film library will be available through the streaming service. Iger also expressed that he was glad people were showing interest in the upcoming offering. He also announced that Disney Cruise Line would be adding a new private island in the Bahamas as all-day destination for guests, and that the company will continue making films under the Fox banner. Additional questions arose about whether something would be done on the Main Street windows to honor Dave Smith, and would Tomorrowland be getting more updates? Check out Mack’s comprehensive recap of the meeting.
New WDW Resort Offerings
Over at Walt Disney World, several new recreational activities will be available to guests this spring. A Mermaid School will be hosted at select resorts where guests 4 and older will learn how to swim like a mermaid. Young buccaneers can learn the pirate code and search for treasure when they join Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew. Designed for children 4-12, this new experience is available at the Beach Club Resort. Also new to the Yacht and Beach Club resorts are private cabana rentals. Guests with upcoming stays at Yacht and Beach can make reservations now for the cabanas. Cabanas will be available starting March 17.
Other Stories of Note
Tim Burton surprises guests at Disneyland. The Dumbo director stopped by the “happiest place on Earth” to say hello to guests, sign autographs, and pose for pictures by the Dumbo attraction.
Captain Marvel press junket. Actresses Brie Larson and Lashana Lynch discuss their characters, empowerment, and lesson learned from their experience. Bouns: The cast and directors share their 90s obsessions.
Analysts project Disney+ eventually besting Netflix in overall subscriptions. JP Morgan analysts feel strongly that Disney’s streaming service will perform well against competitors.
Maleficent II gets new name, release date, and poster. Disney’s live action sequel to the 2014 hit will now be called Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and will premiere on October 18, 2019.
Laughing Place Staff shares best places in Disney Parks to relive the 90s. Thanks to 90s Nite and Captain Marvel throwing things back a couple of decades, we started thinking about areas in the parks that instantly take us back to our childhoods.