Friday, December 6, 2019

The London Resort Release New Artworks and Lands Description, Will Open in 2024 !



The London Resort the theme park project that will be located at just 18 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station has revealed new concept artwork for the six lands that will be created as the first phase of the 535-acre site, the equivalent of 136 Wembley Stadiums. The visuals are the first to be revealed since The London Resort announced its partnerships with the BBC, ITV Studios and, most recently, Paramount Pictures.

It follows hot on the heels of a partnership announcement with EDF Energy that aims to make The London Resort the most sustainable, major theme park destination in the world. In what is believed to be a first for the global tourism industry, the deal will see The London Resort pursue a Net Zero emissions goal.

Four visuals have been released, hinting at the “next generation” rides and unique experiences people can expect when the park opens in 2024. The artworks shows the six lands that will form the first phase of what is described as a “next generation” theme park. They hint at just some of the potential “next generation” rides and unique experiences that guests can expect to live when the park will open in 2024.

The rides include multiple rollercoasters, including one with Dragons which seems to interact with an impressive British castle and the idea reminds me a bit the roller-coaster project for the mythical Beastly Kingdom that never was for Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park will also include multiple flat rides, including what seems to be a gyro swing, as well as water rides and other attractions to be located undercover.

“We are creating a first-class theme park. A destination that maximises all the new, immersive and interactive technologies and experiences in the world,” said PY Gerbeau, Chief Executive of London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH). “But we won’t just be creating a world class leisure destination, it will also be one of the most sustainable theme parks on the planet.”

“We have three guidelines we work to when it comes to developing attractions,” continues Gerbeau. “Number one is innovation. We’re not here to copy what’s been done before even if it has been successful. Number two is relevance. We need to consider that the customers of today will not be the customers of 2024. And the third is flexibility. We need to create a park that can evolve and adapt easily.”

Billed as one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe, the London Resort will be the first European development of its kind to be built from scratch since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992. It will eventually be a two-park resort – the first ‘gate’ will open in 2024 and the second within five years (2029) and it is expected that around 70% of attractions will be undercover.


The six lands 
The entrance to The London Resort will be via a grand plaza that leads visitors and hotel guests through ‘The High Street’. Full of shops, restaurants, hotels, a Convention Centre and a first-class waterpark.

The Studios 
Visitors can start their journey in The Studios, a gritty, modern-day warehouse district that practically roars with the exhilarating thrills of big, blockbuster features. A winning combination of explosive action, high-octane car chases and high-stakes espionage.



The Woods 
Just to the north lies The Woods, an enchanted realm where springtime reigns eternal and the boundary between reality and fantasy dissolves. Here, the young and young-at-heart will be invited to step through the pages of a storybook and embark on adventures that put a fresh spin on beloved bedtime stories, fables and fairy tales.

The Kingdom 
From the Woods, the journey continues through the ages into The Kingdom, an immersive realm of swords, sorcery, dragons & legend. This is England as a dark and ancient land, a place of threatening and imposing castles and mystical Arthurian legends.

The Isles 
To the north lay The Isles, a land of giant creatures, mythical beasts and adventures at the crossroads of imagination and reality. Fantastic jaw dropping architecture will combine with magnificent rides and 21st century technology.

The Jungle 
The past begins to blend with the future in The Jungle. Ancient ruins of a mysterious long-lost Mesoamerican civilisation are seen pushing up through treetops. Here, an overgrown environment, brimming with ancient secrets, surprising discoveries and strange mystical artefacts will be transported to the present by inquisitive explorers – young and old.



The Starport 
The final land, dedicated to futuristic experiences, alien encounters and big thrill rides, The Starport is a bustling 23rd century landing zone. It will launch visitors into thrilling science-fiction adventures that are out of this world, leaving them mesmerised at things that should be impossible but are not.

So, will this time be the good one for The London Resort? Let's wish it, but for Disneyland Paris which has a lot of visitors from the U.K, if confirmed, the opening of The London Resort in 2024 is potentially not a good news as British will probably be attracted by a new park, specially in London.

Arworks: copyright The London Resort

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Media Event Mini Show Shows Kylo Ren and Rey in an Epic Lighsaber Battle !



A cool mini-show happened on Dec 4 on the roofs of Black Spire Outpost during the media event for the Grand Opening of  Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Holyywood Studios. Resistance soldiers, a Stormtrooper, and a First Order soldier fought during a few minutes before Kylo Ren and Rey face off during an epic lightsaber battle with Chewbacca joining at the end. The show also had pyrotechnic effects.

This is the kind of mini shows that is missing at Galaxy's Edge and it would be welcome if Disney could have it playing every day, but i wouldn't bet on that and i have the feeling that this small show was cut for budget reasons, although the infrastructure to have it happen is built.

Check the video below posted by ThrillGeek.


More News About Rides, Shows and Restaurants Opening This Winter at WDW !



More news about what's opening very soon at WDW! First, at Epcot, the Space 220 Restaurant will open this winter! Space 220 is a new table-service restaurant at Epcot next to Mission: SPACE. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll step into a special space elevator that will take you 220 miles above the earth’s surface and offer incredible celestial views.  You’ll feel as if you’re traveling straight up into space to dock next to the Centauri Space Station suspended just beyond the orbit of Mission: SPACE.



Upon arrival, you will be guided to your seats past the grow zone, a spinning wall of produce that mimics Earth’s gravity and represents some of the fresh ingredients used by the restaurant’s culinary team

Always at Epcot, Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is the new fast-casual restaurant that’ll open also this winter at The American Adventure ( where the Liberty Inn restaurant was previously ) serving classic barbecue and home-style craft brews. Regal Eagle will celebrate American backyard barbecue with flavors from different regions around the United States.


And, believe it or not, but THREE new films will debut Jan. 17, 2020 at Epcot,  in less than six weeks from now!

“Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning® composer Steven Price.

“Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. The new sing-along will run in rotation with the original “Impressions de France,” which will receive avery welcome upgrade to 4K projection!



Always at Epcot, Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is coming to Epcot! Guests are invited to join Scrooge McDuck, Donald, Launchpad, Webby and the nephews in search of priceless treasure. Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app, guests take a trip around World Showcase discovering exotic destinations, exciting mysteries, and maybe even a few thieves, villains and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts.


At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Shorts Theater will show an original short film in the style of the popular Disney Channel animated series “Mickey Mouse,” and will feature photo-opportunity locations for guests. Today’s new rendering shows the interior of the theater, including fun Mickey Mouse-themed seats.


...and i remind you that the next BIG ride, the awaited Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is opening March 4, 2020, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! On Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey, Minnie and friends like never before – bursting into a world where mouse rules apply.


Pictures: copyright Disney

Thursday, December 5, 2019

New Poster and Trailer for Disney’s Mulan !



New poster and trailer for Disney’s Mulan. Looks not bad at all to me. I still find a little problem of credibility when we see a young teen leaving alone her family home to go to war, but if it is in the original legend/story, then let’s do it...




Photo and video: copyright Disney

Watch the Excitement of the Opening Day of Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios !




Watch the excitement of the opening day of the Rise of the Resistance ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios - including ride breakdown moment - thanks to this video of Mickey Views.

Brayden, a really cool vlogger who looks like Leonardo Di Caprio when he was young, shot footage of the opening day in Hollywood Studios, arriving at 3:52AM and covering the official opening of the groundbreaking new attraction. From the insane crowds, to the virtual-only queue, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride POV footage, flying X-wings and more, see everything that unfolded on this historic opening in this Disney Vlog! Please note that the video include footage of the ride.




Video: copyright Disney Views

What I Think About Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance Ride


Some asked me my opinion about Rise of the Resistance. I thought i had been clear already but, as a picture worth a thousand words, i did this little picture above. There is NO WAY that this ride won't get a THEA Award ( the equivalent of the Oscars for theme parks and entertainment industry ) next year, so consider it done. The other ride which will also probably get a 2020 THEA Award is not open yet and it will be the Super Mario ride at Universal ( the new Super Nintendo World land will probably get a THEA Award too ).

About Rise of the Resistance, I think it's an awesome ride, and i need to find something to improve I just think that the army of Stormtroopers in the hangar sequence and the two standing when guests are waiting for the jail scene could have had a bit more - just a little bit more - movements, specially in the hangar scene where just a very few of them are moving heads. But for all the rest WDI Imagineers did a splendid job, the storyline, decors and lighting are perfect and the Animatronics of the Mon Calamari and Kylo Ren are fantastic, as well as the ones of Finn. And it is also great that you don't see totally the same things depending if your vehicle goes left or right - for instance in the AT&T Walkers scene there is two different Animatronics of Finn and you see First Order soldiers either in the front or on the side of the AT&T, there is also two different appearance of Kylo Ren ( before the scene when he cut a hole in the ceiling with his lightsaber ), and different footage as well in the movie when you're falling with the escape pod, which, like the first one in the troop transport vehicle at the start, also have day or night scenes depending at what time you do the ride.

The whole attraction was extremely intelligently thought. For instance, there is an effect not noticed but very well done during the jail scene with Kylo Ren and a guy from the First Order. Both of course are not AAs but a movie on a hyper high-def screen. If you watch the scene in one of the videos uploaded on Youtube, when Kylo Ren comes and exit you can see on the ceiling his shadow moving with him like a real shadow, just like if he was here in real and not just an image on a screen. It's all these little detais which makes the greatness of an attraction. Technically the ride is an outstanding achievement, and my opinion is that Rise of the Resistance became an instant "classic".

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Ride Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance With Full Ride POV Videos as well as of Queue Decor, Pre-Show, and more!


That's it, Galaxy's Edge Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance, the most awaited ride of the year, had its Grand Opening at WDW Disney's Hollywood Studios and we have great videos of the full ride as well as of the queue decor and pre-show! Don't miss also the other D&M article with ALL Star Wars Rise of the Resistance official pictures in High-Def Wallpaper Size HERE.

Let's start by the beginning, i.e the Grand Opening with Bob Chapek, a cast of Resistance soldiers as well as two X-Wing fighters flying above Galaxy's Edge. As usual the ceremony was not too long and ended by a fireworks. The flying X-Wings drones looked awesome in the night, it's just a pity that they were afraid to have them flying over the guests and back. They wanted probably to avoid that one of the  X-Wings drones fell on the VIP and medias guests in case of technical problem, and of eventual lawsuits. I can understand but, still, it's a pity they didn't had the guts to do it - except if the wind conditions last night would have make the overhead flight too dangerous.

Anyway, the attraction looks absolutely fantastic, and let's start by the dedication ceremony below, which starts at 3.00 Min.




Now, on with the show BUT as you know the full attraction has different parts, and no video shows the full experience perfectly from start to the end. So, if you want to see it the best way, follow my advice. and watch the videos in the order below.

EDITING: Thanks to Attractions Magazine we have now an excellent video showing all in one the full attraction experience of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The only thing missing, that you don't see is the Audio-Animatronics of Finn which was off-frame but you can see them in the others excellent videos posted below.




This next video below filmed by Undercover Tourist is quite a good one and it will show you the entrance queue decor, the pre-show, the part in the troop transport vehicle, the arrival on the Star Destroyer and the jail sequence. It stops just before boarding the ride vehicle. Then, jump to the next video below.




Now, here are two videos of the part in the ride vehicle. Why? Because guests don't see the same thing during some scenes, depending if the ride vehicle moves on the left or on the right. Also, in the scene with the AT&T Walkers there is an Audio-Animatronic of Finn. Depending if you're on the left or on the right you won't see him at the same place. Also what you see during your escape at the end of the ride in the escape pod is not totally the same, so keep your eyes open!

The first POV video below was filmed by Mouse Steps and shows what guests see when the vehicle move on the left, and goes till the end of the ride.




The second POV video below was filmed by Laughing Place and shows what guests experience when the vehicle move on the right, and goes till the end of the ride.




Now, there is more for those who wish with two excellent videos filmed by Attractions Magazine and the first one below which will show you only the Pre-Show, before boarding the troop transport vehicle.




This next video also filmed by Attractions Magazine shows the next scene, from the moment you get out of the pre-show and board inside the troop transport vehicle. The reason why you should see that part again is because there is two point of views inside. The one in the front shows two Audio-Animatronics and the one of Mon Calamari is incredible. They used for him the same principle than for the R2D2 Animatronic as the pilot of the Starspeeder is Star Tours, i.e Mon Calamari is sit on a revolving chair, but here the Animatronic is even more impressive, not to mention that he talks and moves during several minutes. The other point of view inside is looking at the back where you can see what happens and the view of the outside through a rear window. Most of the others videos uploaded on Youtube shows only the front view with the AAs but this one will show you the two point of views, one after the other, which is great.




If you've watched all the videos i think you will agree with me that WDI Imagineer sdid an awesome job on this attraction, which will be a classic from day one!

Picture: copyright Disney

ALL Galaxy's Edge Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Official Pictures High-Def Wallpaper Size and Full Official Press Release



Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance had its Grand Opening, here are all Disney's official pictures, plus two more screen captures from a video, and they're all here in high-def "wallpaper size" 4000px large for your computer screen if you wish! Make sure to click on each of them to get them in big size. And scroll down this article as you have Disney's official press release for Rise of the Resistance after the pictures!

Also: don't miss the latest article with videos of the full Rise of the Resistance ride, with ride POV videos, pre-show and queue decor videos, and much more! It's right HERE.















































And now here is Disney's official press release for Rise of the Resistance, with attraction facts!

Opening Dec. 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance sets a new standard for what a Disney theme park experience can be, as guests become heroes of the Resistance in a climactic battle with the First Order. In one of the most immersive, ambitious and technologically advanced attractions ever created for a Disney park, guests launch into space aboard a transport shuttle, only to be captured by a Star Destroyer and pursued by Supreme Leader Kylo Ren as they frantically search for a way to escape the clutches of the First Order.

This new attraction inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge draws guests into a sprawling Star Wars narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, as jaw-dropping sights brimming with vivid detail create surprises around every turn. In one of the longest Disney attraction experiences ever, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance delivers thrilling action driven by cutting-edge technology and innovative design that gives guests the feeling of stepping inside a Star Wars film.

Join the Resistance

Guests exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge find the Resistance’s temporary encampment in the forested area along the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.

The gateway to the encampment is marked by a large turret. From there, a pathway leads deeper into the forest toward towering cliffs and the crumbling remains of an ancient civilization. Guests weave through low stone walls, timeworn pillars and tight corridors as they progress farther into the base, hearing military communications chatter along the way.

In a makeshift briefing room, Rey – a hero of the cause – appears via holo-transmission alongside dutiful droid BB-8 to welcome the new Resistance recruits. She shares a plan to reunite with General Leia Organa at an off-planet location that must be kept secret from the First Order.

Guests then board a nearby Intersystem Transport Ship (I-TS) and have to make their rendezvous quickly to avoid a First Order Star Destroyer on its way to Batuu. They should have a bad feeling about this …

An All-Encompassing Attraction Experience

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance throws out the rulebook for traditional attraction design, eschewing and/or blending industry notions such as “queue,” “preshow” and “ride” to create a seamless, holistic experience full of rich details and breathtaking excitement on a cinematic scale.

When guests board the I-TS, they’ll feel as if they’re lifting off the surface of Batuu and blasting into space alongside Poe Dameron in his signature black-painted X-wing starfighter, Black One.

Before the I-TS can make the jump to lightspeed, it’s caught in the tractor beam of a Star Destroyer and pulled into a massive hangar bay.

Guests make their escape from the Star Destroyer aboard eight-passenger First Order Fleet Transports piloted by reprogrammed R5-series astromech droids.

The attraction features grand set pieces – including the hangar bay that is filled with 50 menacing stormtroopers and a docked TIE fighter. At various points, guests dodge blaster bolts from stormtroopers and AT-AT walkers, scurry past huge turbolaser cannons, and stumble into the Star Destroyer’s bridge.

Throughout their journey, guests are hunted by Kylo Ren, who uses the Force in an attempt to pry from their minds the location of General Organa’s secret base. Guests feel Ren’s tremendous malevolent power as they narrowly avoid his attacks.

Authentically Star Wars

Actors from the current Star Wars film trilogy reprise their roles for new scenes and dialogue in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, including Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux). Many scenes were filmed at the same time “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” were in production.

Poe Dameron’s X-wing is one of several vehicles from the Star Wars galaxy appearing in the attraction.

Disney cast members adopt personalities of First Order and Resistance troops throughout the attraction to further deepen the immersive experience for guests.

Walt Disney Imagineering worked hand in hand with Lucasfilm in writing the attraction’s script, ensuring characters and storylines were properly integrated into the broader Star Wars.

The attraction introduces a new featured character: Lieutenant Bek is a Mon Calamari Resistance officer who helps guide the Resistance recruits through their harrowing journey.

Cutting-Edge Technology Powers Immersive Storytelling

Walt Disney Imagineering combined multiple ride systems to tell the story of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In one sequence, a new simulator experience gives the sensation of falling from space to crash land on Batuu.

The trackless ride vehicles in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are some of the most advanced ever used in a Disney attraction, with a sleek, low profile and the ability to move in all directions.

Disney A-1000 Audio-Animatronics figures appearing in the attraction provide a deep level of immersive storytelling through their lifelike and dynamic movements.

To fully realize this Star Wars story, Imagineers created thousands of special effects, from slashing lightsabers and whizzing blaster bolts to exploding walls and massive star fields – just to name a few.

All pictures: copyright Disney

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Will Open March 4, 2020 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios !


As it is often the case during a media event with hundred of invited medias, Disney released new renderings on others things coming next year at Disney's Hollywood Studios, starting by this new poster for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and this one announces the date of the attraction opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: it will be March 4, 2020, in just four months from now!

Also released, this artwork below about the opening in 2020 in Toy Story Land of the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ table-service restaurant, in which guests will be immersed with toy pals in the western atmosphere of Woody’s Roundup, providing a fun, family-friendly dining experience for Toy Story Land.



With the opening of Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance ride, DIsney couldn't miss this media event to announce again the Star Wars Hotel also called Galactic Starcruises which will open in 2021. Below, a new rendering of the entrance and one of the Galactic Starcruiser.






Always about the Star Wars Hotel, this other new rendering below shows the shuttle that will transport the hotel guests between Batuu / Galaxy's Edge and the Galactic Starcruiser / Star Wars Hotel.



Last but not least, a first picture showing the inside of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure opening Summer 2020 at Epcot World Showcase France pavilion has been released! Those who know the ride at DLP WDS will spot some differences in the set below, specially on the left side.





Pictures: copyright Disney

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Watch LIVE the Grand Opening Ceremony of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Rise of the Resistance Ride Today at 7 pm EST



It's the big day for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: Rise of the Resistance ride with the Grand Opening happening tonight and Disney Parks will livestream the dedication ceremony at Disney's Hollywood Studios today December 4th at 7pm EST in Orlando ( around 1am Paris time ).

You'll be able to follow it on this Yotube video below or if it doesn't work jump HERE.




In the meantime, to keep you waiting until 6.55pm, here are some latest pictures of the ride entrance and the platform from where opening speech will happen. Also, i 've just been told an interesting fun fact: there is 36 ride vehicles in Rise of the Resistance. We can expect to have the first videos of the ride either later tonight U.S time, or tomorrow evening the latest as the ride open tomorrow Dec 5 for all WDW Guests.



















Pictures: copyright Disney, Disney and more