DLP Update: Disneyland Paris Christmas Season Begins !

Disneyland Paris Christmas season started this weekend and we have the first pictures from Robert, D&M faithful reader who is there this week-end!

I have another good news which is about the Disneyland Paris book "From Sketch to Reality". As i told you the publishing company stopped its activities but i managed to save 50 copies of the english edition and i'm doing a Christmas special offer on them, just like in the good old days. The French edition is totally out of stock but if you're french, and wish to purchase the book in its english edition i will send you a PDF file of the full French text of the French edition. All details to order the book are at the end of this article.

And now, let's have a look to Robert pictures of the opening of DLP Christmas season - a longer pictorial update will also come next week.












Here is a video of DLP Christmas parade filmed by Alusio.




There is more parades at DLP as the Disney Stars on Parade is now happening at night, at the end of the afternoon!




I also remind you the  great Goofy's Incredible Christmas projection show at the Walt Disney Studios, full video below, filmed by Max.




Let's move to DLP Disney Village to have a quick look to the Christmas Village.

Watch more videos of DLP Christmas shows on D&M Facebook page HERE. Also, a few days ago the Disney Magical Fireworks & Bonfire also happened on Lake Disney near DLP Hotels, and here is a 4K video of it filmed by Max.





D&M will have a longer pictorial update on DLP Christmas season next week but in the meantime here is all you need to know to order a copy of the "Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality" book and have it in time for Christmas. First, it's a 320 pages book with 750 pictures of the park including 250 WDI artworks! It's also probably the best Christmas gift you can find for a Disney Parks fan - and it is true! Read below how to place your order.









To place your order for the DLP book, please send me an email at: amplittaye@gmail.com with your shipping address. The price during the Christmas special offer is 65€ ( instead of 75€ ) and shipping worldwide is 22€ ( except Belgium and Italy for which it is 29€ ).

For French readers a PDF file of the full French text of the French edition will be sent.
Lecteurs Français: Etant donné que l'édition française est épuisée, un fichier du texte complet original en Français sera envoyé aux acheteurs Français ne comprenant pas l'anglais.

Also, each order will receive two GREAT surprise gifts!

You can pay with Paypal, credit card or bank transfer. For Paypal payments please send directly the full amount  including shipping ( 87€ worldwide, except for Belgium and Italy for which it is 104€ ) at: nme4@wanadoo.fr  If you wish to pay by credit card and bank transfer, let me know in your email and i'll tell you how to do.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Shipping usually takes around two weeks for countries outside France but can take up to 3-4 weeks sometime, so to make sure you'll get the book for Christmas please place your order as soon as possible, thanks!

If you've never see the book before, please watch the video below showing the full 320 pages of the book!



Pictures; copyright Rober Stallard, Disney, D&M

Jessie & Rex Arrive in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Jessie and Rex became the first “Toy Story” characters to be installed in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, earlier this week. According to their storyline, Rex and Jessie decided to help Andy build a rollercoaster using his Mega Coaster Play Kit in his backyard by stringing up the lights on towers of blocks. Rex, of course, has got tangled up in the lights, but Jessie is nearby to help. Watch the video of their installation below!




Picture and video: copyright Disney

Look Where Lucasfilm Hide the Millennium Falcon When a Star Wars Production is Over

Where does Lucasfilm put the giant real size Millenium Falcon when a Star Wars shooting is over? Well, they hide it behind containers near Longcross Studios in the U.K and someone found it thanks to Google Maps satellite views!

On the first picture below Longcross Studios, located at 25 miles from London, are on the left, the Millenium Falcon hidden by containers is on the right. Enlarge the picture to see it.



A zoom in the satellite view reveal the Millennium Falcon well hidden behind containers.



If we go down the satellite view it seems there are others props wrapped and also hidden outside, look specially to the white one on the left, does anyone identify anymore Star Wars props?



Pictures: copyright Google Maps

Watch a 30 Minutes Sneak Peek of the New Beauty and the Beast Musical Live from the Disney Dream Ship

Be immersed in a fresh take on a tale as old as time with the special sneak peek of “Beauty and the Beast”. It shows a portion of the brand-new musical production inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic, live from the Disney Dream ship. Jump directly in the video to 4.30min as it don't starts before.




Picture and video: copyright Disney

Breaking News: Bob Iger Announces New Star Wars Trilogy Directed by Ryan Johnson, Star Wars TV Series, more...

Big "Breaking News" tonight as Bob Iger revealed during the company’s quarterly earnings call that Disney has closed a deal with director Rian Johnson to develop a NEW “Star Wars” trilogy ( so it'll be Star Wars Episodes 10, 11 and 12 ), and is also planning a live-action “Star Wars” TV series to air on Disney entertainment streaming service expected to launch at the end of 2019. Ryan Johnson who directed “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” to be released on Dec. 15will write and direct another trio of “Star Wars” movies with his longtime collaborator Ram Bergman.

Bob Iger announced that, in addition to the “Star Wars” TV series, Disney is working on TV series adaptations of Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.,” the Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” franchise and an original series from Marvel.

Disney’s streaming service won’t launch until late 2019, but CEO Bob Iger is planning on making it cheaper than its rival Netflix. “Our plan on the Disney side is to price this substantially below where Netflix is AND it will be advertisement-free.” said Iger (Netflix currently cost between $7.99 and $13.99 per month). “That is in part reflective of the fact it’ll have less volume”. Iger said the service will launch with “a lot of high quality,” and will increase its price as the platform adds titles over time. He added that there’s a “gigantic opportunity for Disney to pull in customers, pointing to potential deals for Disney credit card holders or theme park passes".

“The launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands,” said Iger when Disney decided to pull its content from Netflix.

Here is the statement posted by Lucasfilm about the new trilogy developed by Ryan Johnson:

RIAN JOHNSON, WRITER-DIRECTOR OF STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, TO CREATE ALL-NEW STAR WARS TRILOGY



For director Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was just the beginning of his journey in a galaxy far, far away.

Lucasfilm is excited to announce that Johnson will create a brand-new Star Wars trilogy, the first of which he is also set to write and direct, with longtime collaborator Ram Bergman onboard to produce.

As writer-director of The Last Jedi, Johnson conceived and realized a powerful film of which Lucasfilm and Disney are immensely proud. In shepherding this new trilogy, which is separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored.

“We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “He’s a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy.”

“We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi,” Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. “Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can’t wait to continue with this new series of films.”

Johnson’s upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in U.S. theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.

No release dates have been set for the new films, and no porgs were available for comment.

Pictures: copyright Lucasfilm

D&M Exclusive: DLP WDS "Goofy's Incredible Christmas" Projection Show - Full Show 4K Video !

The awaited "Goofy's Incredible Christmas" projection show on DLP Walt Disney Studios Tower of Terror facade is starting officially this Saturday with the launch of DLP Christmas season, but a "soft-opening" happened this Thursday evening, and Disney and more has for you the video of the FULL show, thanks to Max, D&M Contributor and DLPWelcome webmaster.



As you'll see, the show, in addition to the projections on the TOT facade includes a stage with Goofy and others dancers, and two giant screens.



Here is the video, make sure to choose the higher definition to watch it in 4K and enjoy the show!




Video: copyright DLP Welcome

Special Star Wars News: Star Wars Projection on WDW DHS Tower of Terror, Details Coming on Star Wars Land, Star Wars Jedi Challenge AR Game, more...

Here is a special "Star Wars news" today, and we'll start by the news that we didn't see coming, i.e the Star Wars projection show which will happen on WDW Tower of Terror facade during the one night only “Star Wars: Galactic Nights” at Hollywood Studios on December 16th!



In addition, guests will enjoy meet and greet with Star Wars characters...



...as well as the Star Wars night show on the Chinese theater, AND panels with discussion with Lucasfilm Doug Chang as well as Star Wars land Imagineers who will tell us more about Star Wars : Galaxy Edge!






We also learn during the Star Wars show - video below - the reissue on Dec 1st of the original soundtrack of Star Wars : A New Hope on vinyl. The set include three vinyls plus a 48 color pages book, the 50th logo on one of the vinyl AND a very cool Hologram of he Dath Star on another one! For more infos check disneymusicemporium.com





Here is the video of the full Star Wars show.




We're not done yet as there is more with the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges Augmented Reality game now available, which let you fight with your own lightsaber as it brings the Star Wars universe to life at home. Star Wars: Jedi Challenges comes complete with a Lenovo augmented reality headset, lightsaber designed controller and a tracking beacon for $199.99 and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, as you need to place your mobile in the top of the headset.



According to Star Wars.com - full article HERE - "the resulting lightsaber battles feel authentic and surprisingly intense. When a holographic opponent — first Darth Maul, then Darth Vader, followed by Kylo Ren, and then maybe someone else — inches closer, you’ll find yourself going into a combat stance and stepping back. You know when you’ve clashed lightsabers. You know where to block thanks to some smart visual cues. Landing a hit is satisfying and energizing. In all, it’s a powerful illusion. And it bears mentioning that the controller itself is beautifully designed, with a rubber grip, chrome finish, and even a belt clip — nicely adding to the experience. Adventure? Excitement? Sometimes a Jedi craves these things."



"Not to be left out are holochess — Jedi Challenges‘ version of dejarik, the aforementioned game seen in A New Hope in which you’d be advised to “Let the Wookiee win” — and strategic combat. They are far from afterthoughts, both featuring the same graphical quality and attention to detail as the lightsaber battles. Holochess is a true, rule-based game, and yes, you can have your creatures body slam your opponents’" 



"The strategic combat game, in which you command the forces of the Rebellion, Republic, or Resistance in a tower-defense clash with the Empire, Separatists, or First Order, requires that you experiment, learn from your mistakes, and develop a sense of military know-how. Victories are rewarding, and the experience itself benefits from the AR presentation and motion-controls: want to move that gun turret? Just pick it up and drop it where you want on the 3D playfield before you."



Below, the official commercial presenting Star Wars : Jedi Challenges augmented reality game ( and not "virtual reality", the difference is important ). Looks pretty cool to me, the $199.99 price is quite reasonable, may be i'll buy one... 


The whole thing works with your mobile phone, here is the list of those who can work with Jedi Challenges, as listed on the official website: "Compatible with select Android and iOS devices. For use with: iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel, Moto Z² Force Edition, LG G6." Additional devices will be added to the above list soon. Check back HERE for updates.




Here is another video in which someone test the AR game and watch it till the end as the battle in the middle of your living room looks pretty cool as well as the Holochess, the third game with fight between the gamer and Darth Vader or others looks cool too though more predictable.




Variety also did a review of Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Augmented Reality Headset and in their first Impressions we learn an important point: "...There’s another key difference to mobile VR headsets: The phone actually gets placed above one’s field of view, with the display facing downward. The picture is then mirrored on a transparent plane, allowing you to see the environment around you, and combining that view with various “Star Wars” games."

I suppose that the fact to be able to see your environment is because Disney was aware of the risk to be sued by any customers buying this and who would have destroyed their furniture if the mobile phone was placed in front of the eyes, not allowing them to see the room... Also, "The lightsaber consists of a realistic replica of the handle with a small LED propped on top. After putting on the headset, this LED gets magically extended with that signature glowing blade." Full Variety article HERE.

And that's it for today's Star Wars news, more coming soon for sure!

Pictures and video: copyright Lucasfilm, Lenovo

First Trailer for "Sherlock Gnomes", Directed by John Stevenson, the Director of Kung-Fu Panda

Here is the first trailer for Sherlock Gnomes, produced by Paramount Pictures and MGM. This action-packed sequel from John Stevenson the director of Kung-Fu Panda features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, AND Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene. Music is by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. So, plenty of big names worked on it.

Here is the official synopsis: "The beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back in the first Official Trailer for SHERLOCK GNOMES! When Gnomeo and Juliet return home one day to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… Sherlock Gnomes. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city."




Picture and video: copyright Paramount Pictures

Universal Confirms Plans to Open Two New Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando confirms plans to open two new hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. Below, press release and artworks:

"Not one, but TWO new hotels are coming to Universal Orlando Resort. And here’s the best part… Both hotels will offer our lowest price tag yet, with nightly rates starting at less than $100.

Of course, when you stay at the new hotels you’ll enjoy the awesome benefits that come with staying at a Universal Orlando hotel. Early Park Admission to our three theme parks, complimentary transportation across the destination and resort-wide charging privileges are included.Universal's Aventura HotelBut don’t let that price tag fool you. This new hotel complex will be a destination unto itself. Guests will enjoy the sun, surf and sand with a laid-back coastal feel. Vibrant and natural colors will set a free-spirited and beachy tone, inviting you to hang loose and enjoy your family vacation. Not to mention three pools, poolside bars, two food courts, coffee bars and fitness centers, just to name a few of the amenities.



So to recap, that’s theme park thrills, exclusive benefits and a seamless Universal Orlando experience with nightly rates starting below Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

The new hotels will be located at the intersection of Universal Blvd. and International Drive, just minutes away from Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk’s dining and entertainment options."

Universal will begin accepting reservations in early 2018.

Pictures: copyright Universal Studios

Breaking News: Disney in Talks to Buy 20th Century Fox ?

And here comes the big breaking news of the day as, according to CNBC, 21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Disney!

From CNBC: "21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Walt Disney Co., leaving behind a media company tightly focused on news and sports, according to people familiar with the situation.

The talks have taken place over the last few weeks and there is no certainty they will lead to a deal. The two sides are not currently talking at this very moment, but given the on again, off again nature of the talks, they could be revisited.

For Fox, the willingness to engage in sale talks with Disney stems from a growing belief among its senior management that scale in media is of immediate importance and there is not a path to gain that scale in entertainment through acquisition. The company is said to believe that a more tightly focused group of properties around news and sports could compete more effectively in the current marketplace.

For Disney, the opportunity to take control of another movie studio and significant TV production assets as it readies a direct-to-consumer entertainment streaming offering is attractive as is Fox's significant exposure to international markets, such as the U.K., Germany and Italy — both through its networks and 39 percent ownership of Sky.

Disney would not purchase all of Fox, according to people with knowledge of the talks. The company could not own two broadcast networks and would therefore not buy the Fox broadcast network. It would not buy Fox's sports programming assets in the belief that combining them with ESPN could be seen as anti-competitive from an antitrust standpoint and it would not buy the Fox News or Business channel. Disney would also not purchase Fox's local broadcasting affiliates, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

In addition to the movie studio, TV production and international assets such as Star and Sky, Disney would also add entertainment networks such as FX and National Geographic.

Officials at Disney and Fox declined to comment. "

But there is more in the purchasing of the Fox movie studio that could interest Disney as Fox also hold the movie rights for Marvel X-Men and Fantastic Four that Disney is trying to get back since a long time. So, will the deal happen? Time will tell!

Rea the full CNBC article with news video HERE.

Disney - Pixar "Coco" Final Trailer ! Now Edited With New Clip "Anything to Declare?"

Disney Pixar released the final trailer for Coco and with tons of new footage! Look more great than ever, and on November 22, it’s showtime! Above and below, two new posters for "Coco".









And here is a brand new clip from "Coco" titled "Anything to Declare?".




Pictures and video: copyright Disney

Holiday Season Start Soon at Disney Parks, See How the Magic Happens

The holiday season will start soon at Disney Parks! But before it all begins, the “Inside Disney Parks” show is taking you backstage for a special look at how the magic happens, including a rare “after park hours” peek at some of the millions of lights, miles of garland and hundreds of wreaths you’ll see in Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships...




Picture and video: copyright Disney

New Adventure of Mickey " Mickey and the Lost Ocean" to be Released in January !

Here is the beautiful - and quite "steampunk" - cover and one page of Mickey et l'Océan Perdu ( Mickey and the Lost Ocean ) which i think is part of the NEW adventures of Mickey released by french publisher Glenat Editions. Artist is Silvio Camboni, and it will be released in January.
You can discover more of the artist Silvio Camboni on his website HERE.


Pictures: copyright Glenat Editions, Silvio Camboni