KA-CHOW! Just in from Radiator Springs is this brand-new “Cars” themed character bus, featuring none other than Lightning McQueen and Mater racing down a canyon.
The all-red bus features a flashy Lightning McQueen with his best friend Mater trailing behind. The initials “RS”, for Radiator Springs, are located right by the doors to the bus. (Which is somewhat appropriate, given that the bus is making rounds at Disney Springs.)
Similar to the buses featuring the sensational six, these buses have new blue seats and laminate floors throughout. Some of the buses also have their very own free Wi-Fi networks, plus USB charging ports conveniently located between seats, so you can re-charge your devices and not miss a moment of capturing and sharing your Disney vacation memories.
Hail to the (future) chief! The Disney+ original series “Diary of a Future President” is set to premiere on the streaming service on Friday, January 17th.
The Disney+ original series, “Diary of a Future President,” from I Can and I Will Productions and CBS Television Studios, will premiere on Friday, January 17. Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin,” “Someone Great”) and Emily Gipson (“Someone Great”) serve as executive producers on the 10-episode series, along with creator Ilana Peña (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), on whose childhood the show was inspired, showrunner Robin Shorr (“The Carmichael Show”) and Brad Silberling (“Jane the Virgin”).
Told from the narration of her diary, “Diary of a Future President” follows Elena, a Cuban-American 12-year-old girl as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school and begins her journey to become the future president of the United States.
Formerly titled “Diary of a Female President,” the series stars up-and-coming actor Tess Romero (“Blind Spot,” “Alternatino”) who portrays young Elena, an unabashed, ultra-observant, 12-year-old with a strong point of view, who walks through the world with purpose and confidence. Charlie Bushnell, who makes his acting debut in the series, plays Bobby, Elena’s sweet and mischievous older brother. Selenis Leyva (“Orange Is the New Black,” “Murphy Brown,” “Maniac”) stars as Gabi, Elena and Bobby’s sharp and loving mom. Michael Weaver (“Here and Now,” “The Real O’Neals,” “Notes from the Underbelly”) plays Sam, a lawyer at Gabi’s firm who is in the beginnings of a relationship with her. Gina Rodriguez has a guest-starring role as adult Elena, the president of the United States. Rodriguez also directed the first episode of the series.
We also have a new poster for the series, where Elena and her family in some familiar poses.
New, permanent signage for the film “Awesome Planet” has been installed outside the old Harvest Theater in The Land pavilion at EPCOT ahead of the show’s big debut this upcoming January during the Festival of the Arts. A temporary “Coming Soon” sign has acted as a placeholder for the past few weeks, but with just a month left before the festival, final touches are being added to the space.
While the sign does have a removable “COMING SOON” note beneath it, it’s beautifully 3-D printed, with the bold letters coming out against silver-blue backing.
“Awesome Planet” will be an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcasing the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of Earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect. With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise), “Awesome Planet” will stir EPCOT guests and deliver an environmental message that will resonate far beyond its final scenes.
Based on the popularity of Maleficent dragon’s journey through the park, the experience is being enhanced to include even more villainous fun. New this year, the Villains’ Cursed Caravan will join Maleficent the dragon as she creeps through the park twice nightly. The wicked procession will feature Gaston, Oogie Boogie, Cruella DeVil, Captain Hook and more! As a reminder, this event does not include character greetings.
There is more villainous action at the event of course!
Hades and Meg from “Hercules” will set the castle stage ablaze in “Villains Unite the Night,” featuring appearances by Jafar, The Queen, Dr. Facilier and Maleficent.
During this sinister soiree, guests can dance the night away as a party DJ spins monstrous music on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage.
Guests can also experience the surprising, villain-inspired enhancements at Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.
As they make their way through each land, guests can strike a pose as they come across sharable photo opportunities scattered throughout the park.
Disney Villains After Hours also includes wickedly good food and beverage selections. A few of the new treats this year are Painting the Roses Red (Available at Cheshire Café), a cheesecake mousse with raspberry gelée, red cocoa butter, and buttercream leaves; Body Language (Available at Storybook Treats), a cookies and cream mousse with chocolate cake, glaçage, and meringue tentacles garnished with a chocolate shell; and Five Dozen Eggs Slush (Available at Gaston’s Tavern). A frozen custard with brown sugar topped with whipped cream and garnished with a cinnamon stick. Be sure to check back on Disney Parks Blog for the Foodie Guide to Disney Villain After Hours – a complete listing of all the delicious food and beverage offerings!
Across the park guests can enjoy access to more than 25 attractions and experiences.
Guests can also purchase new event merchandise, as well as items from a curated collection of the best Disney villain merchandise available.
You can purchase tickets for Disney Villains After Hours in advance for $145 plus tax or $155 plus tax on the event night. That’s at $10 savings if you buy early! Plus, Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $30 discount. Event tickets allow entry as early as 7 p.m., which gives you time to enjoy fireworks before heading off to the attractions. Select complimentary snacks and beverages are also included in the cost of admission.
Last week, the Art of Disney location in EPCOT’s Future World closed its doors and moved into The American Adventure.
We heard about this change in location back in October, when Heritage Manor was announced that it would be the new permanent location for Art of Disney in EPCOT.
The closure and relocation is all a part of the Project Gamma expansion for a new Future World.
However, back in World Showcase, Heritage Manor has been transformed into an all-new Art of Disney location.
The entire shop has been modified with new displays and shelving units to hold all of the various artwork.
