I really thought this was one of the better Hyperspace Hoopla versions I’ve seen. So I went back through my footage and editted together a highlight reel from the 2013 show.

I apologize for the sound distortion during parts of it. I’ll have to figure out how to reduce the bass when recording from right in front of the stage.

There are still three weekends left at Star Wars Weekends. Here are the remaining celebrity lineups:

May 24-26

• Ray Park (Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace”)
• Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”)
• Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

May 31 – June 2

• Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”)
• Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar, “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”)
• Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

June 7-9

• Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian, “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back,” “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”)
• Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca, “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope,” “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back,” “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi,” “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith”
• Tom Kane (voice of Yoda, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

What is your favorite part of Star Wars Weekends?

Hyperspace Hoopla Highlights from Star Wars Weekends originally posted on
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A new TV spot for The Lone Ranger plays on the Masked Man story.

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, “The Lone Ranger” is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. ‘The Lone Ranger” releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.

New TV Spot for The Lone Ranger – The Masked Man originally posted on
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Brad Bird’s next film has been announced as “Tomorrowland,” but there’s a shroud of mystery surrounding the films plot and the ideas behind it. The film;s writer Damon Lindelof just gave a long interview to Grantland in which he talks about the multitude of projects he’s connected to. One of those is Tomorrowland, which was originally called “1954,” a very time specific title.

The rumor is that Bra Bird turned down an offer to direct “Episode VII” to make “Tomorrowland,” must be an interesting story:

I’ve always been fascinated by Disneyland and Disney World, and my favorite part of the park was always Tomorrowland. But there’s no story there. Like, if you go into Fantasyland, there’s just story happening all around you everywhere, whether it’s sort of a direct kind of connection to a movie that you know or a fairy tale that you know, and the same with, like, Frontierland, or when you go in the Haunted Mansion. My son, who’s 6, when he went on Pirates of the Caribbean for the first time, Jack Sparrow is a part of that ride. He’s going to see the movies in two years, when he’s old enough, and he’s going to think that the movies were the inspiration for the ride, versus the other way around. I would love to do that for Tomorrowland, you know? I would love to give Tomorrowland a story, because right now, Tomorrowland is kind of being taken over by Star Wars — which is great, but it’s called Tomorrowland. Star Wars is a galaxy a long time ago, far, far away. Star Wars is not about our future.

And there’s this Neil deGrasse Tyson speech — you can YouTube it — and he gave an eloquent and beautiful talk about how the abandonment of the space program after we landed on the moon is responsible for the fact that we no longer have an optimistic view of our future. I just said, “There’s a movie in there somewhere.” And that was the beginning of me curating this rather fascinating “is it or isn’t it?” Disney history in this kind of Dan Brown, Da Vinci Code way. Like, all these things that I didn’t know about, the history of Tomorrowland in the park, and could that be the basis of something? Even though the movie is not about the park — I will say this exclusively to you, that none of the movie takes place in a Disneyland park. It doesn’t, but that history became the inspiration for this amazing story. I brought Jeff Jensen in, who had come up with all these amazing theories about Lost while it was on, some of which were just so much better than what we were coming up with in the room. I said, “Come in and look at this stuff and talk to me about it,” and then we started coming up with the germs of a really cool story, and then at the same time, I was hanging out with Bird, because we were both in the Bad Robot universe; he was posting Ghost Protocol as we were working on Into Darkness. I kind of got my hooks in him because I started asking him all these questions about Disney, because he worked there for a number of years and was basically trained by a couple of the original Imagineers, and he was like, “Why are you asking me these questions?” and I said, “I’m working on this project regarding Tomorrowland,” and then he was in. And then we went and picked up George Clooney, and we were off to the races.

Now I’m even more intrigued. Anything that combines Disney, Futurism, and Mystery sounds great to me.

Hat Tip to BSD.

Damon Lindelof Dishes on Tomorrowland, Next Film from Brad Bird originally posted on
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Ralph McQuarrie concept art for Star Wars episode IV

We’re learning a few details about the animated TV show that will replace Star Wars Clone Wars animated series. Star Wars Rebels will be set between Episode III and IV and tell the story of the rise of the rebellion, a two decade period that’s remained mostly untouched in the expanded Star Wars Universe. While we do have a few details as to the production team, casting has yet to be announced, or even which characters will be a part of the show.

Leading the development of the series is a creative team of exceptional talent. Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) is an executive producer on Star Wars Rebels and will write the premiere episode. He is joined by Dave Filoni as executive producer, who served as supervising director of the Emmy nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars since 2008. Executive producer Greg Weisman brings with him a wealth of animation experience with credits such as Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD’s viewers.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm. “I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”

Design for the series is expected to be similar to The Clone Wars, but will also harken back to the original Ralph McQuarrie concept art for Star Wars episode IV.

Star Wars Rebels is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

Star Wars Rebels – New Animated Series coming to DisneyXD in Fall 2014 originally posted on
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I’ve stated before that I was unhappy with Disney for making their official fan club pay membership only. If you’re a fan, you’re a fan. You shouldn’t have to pay to get access to the information, events, and discounts that the company should want its best customers to enjoy. For that reason, I’ve only paid scant attention to the goings on at D23, Disney’s official fan club. But that’s all about to change.

D23 will finally be launching a new free level of membership that will include access to incredible content on the new D23.com, which debuts on June 17. The new website will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future.

“We’re creating a unique destination that celebrates, in all respects, the essence of Disney,” says Steven Clark, head of D23. “We believe the new site will offer one of the most engaging Disney experiences yet—with even more to come in the future. We look forward to debuting the new D23.com to our current members as well as to new ones from around the world.”

In addition to its existing gold and silver levels, this new free level includes:

• Access to all exclusive content on D23.com
• Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles
• Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers
• Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
• Access to the Members Only content on D23.com
• An array of discounts and special offers

D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.

This is the move they should have made from day one. Offer the basic level of participation & discounts that fans normally get for free, then upcharge for events where there will be either limited access or special merchandise. Feel free to charge for a subsription to a printed magazine, but you should be giving it away digitally for free with a custom app for iOS and Android. It made absolutely no sense for the company to put a wall between itself and its fans.

I look forward to increasing my coverage of D23 now that this matter has been resolved. For those who are already members, how do you feel about the change?

Official Disney Fan Club D23 to Offer New Free Membership, Finally originally posted on
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The location, formerly host to the Beastly Bazaar, is an air conditioned indoor retreat with a globetrotting theme that’s the perfect place for guests to great the big cheese and his main squeeze before setting off on their next big adventure. While not operational now, the location is set up for Fastpass+ once Disney’s MyMobile Magic rolls out.

Previously: Photo Update from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Adventurers Outpost is New Home for Mickey & Minnie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom originally posted on
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The 18th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return to Walt Disney World this fall with exciting new flavors and entertainment options. This year your culinary trip around the world will include tastes from the Scotland marketplace and a return trip to Brazil as part of more than 25 total marketplaces around the world showcase. Five new acts have also been added to the Eat to the Beat Concerts.

Fresh for 2013:

• New marketplace debuts; favorites return – Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival. The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus. Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.
• Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts. Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29. Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
• Celebrity chefs cook and dish – Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.
• Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars. Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.
• Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Other festival highlights include:

• More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
• Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
• Premium events including “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.

Here’s the (near) complete line up for Eat to the Beat concerts:

Sep 27-29: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sep 30-Oct 1: The Go-Go’s
Oct 2-4: Air Supply
Oct 5-6; Sister Hazel
Oct 7-9: Sugar Ray
Oct 10-11: Edwin McCain
Oct 12-13: The Manhattan Transfer
Oct 14-15: TBA
Oct 16-17: The Pointer Sisters
Oct 18-20: Night Ranger
Oct 21-23: Boyz II Men
Oct 24-25: Survivor
Oct 26-27: .38 Special
Oct 28-30: Smash Mouth
Oct 31-Nov 1: Spin Doctors
Nov 2-3: Christopher Cross
Nov 4-5: Hanson
Nov 6-8: Dennis DeYoung
Nov 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to trying some Scottish Mead while listening to The Manhattan Transfer or The Go-Go’s and trying not to feel really old, since both those groups pretty much defined my teenage years.

18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11 Early Details Announced originally posted on
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Walt Disney World is rolling out another one of its social media efforts. This time is the beta version of the long rumored user generated content review and question site. Fans with a free account at Disney.com can review Resort Hotels, Attractions, and Dining options they experienced on their last trip to the resort. If they’re planning a future trip, they can ask a question of the community and have it answered by fans.

Both options appear to be moderated. Check out Walt Disney World Ratings & Reviews and let us know what you think? Does this replace your favorite Disney fan website or is it just another website you’ll consider visiting when planning your next trip?

Walt Disney World Questions and Review Site originally posted on
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One of the cool new additions to the Darth’s Mall photo opportunity section at the 2013 Star Wars Weekends is this huge model of the Rancor that Luke Skywalker fought in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Here’s a fun timelapse video of the assembly required to set it up:

The detailed, fan-created beast was sculpted from 2,000 square-feet of expanded polystyrene foam and is ready for posing with on your visit.

Star Wars Weekends Rancor Photo-Op Assembly Timelapse Video originally posted on
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Well hey howdy hey everyone! I have recently been a stranger around these parts, but now that my AP exams are done, I am ready to get back into the swing of things! So expect an announcement for the next Live Tweet soon, but right now, we are in the midst of new TV shows being announced, and ABC has put together a very interesting line-up for the 2013-14 season! I just wanted to give my thoughts on what I am looking forward to for the new season and reminiscing on this past one. Let’s get started!

• Scandal…WHAT THE WHAT?! The show has been known to push the boundaries of crazy (in the best way possible), but that cliffhanger was a doozy. The show did just what us loyal Gladiators want, amazing tension, fantastic characters, and plot points that are so crazy, they make you rewind on the DVR. What were your thoughts on the finale…cause it was BONKERS!
• First season of Revenge was superb, crazy dramatics mixed in with some Emily Thorne badassery and Victoria Grayson awfulness made the show a guilty pleasure that was more pleasure then guilt. Then the 2nd season came and it made a small nosedive. The Initiative?! HUH!? I dropped the show right around January, not only because of school work (the reason I dropped Nashville, though I intend to catch up this summer!), but because the show skewed TOO cuckoo for me. I have heard the season finale was fantastic, so let me know your thoughts, but I’m not sure if I should catch up or leave it dead in the water, like an Amanda Clarke imposter. (HEY-OOO!)
• Once Upon A Time…In Wonderland is a very enticing pilot from the writers of Once Upon A Time (I know…SHOCKER) that takes a semi-dark look at the story of Alice, this time with her being convinced it is a vision as she is put through the ringer to get it abolished via an insane asylum’s tactics. The spin on the story and the actors/effects look great, but I am hesitant only because it is a OUAT spin-off. I dropped the show at the beginning of season 2 due to its flip-flopping nature of 1 great episode, then 2 awful and boring ones, continuing the cycle throughout the season. I will still give the show a try, but I won’t be sticking around long if it has the OUAT curse.

• Mid-season shows this year are my most anticipated, with Mixology looking not only funny, but also really new and interesting (for those who don’t know, 1 bar, 10 people, 1 night. The entire season is about these people hooking up and breaking up over the course of one night.). Resurrection is my most anticipated drama of the season (A boy missing for 30 years wakes up from death in a Chinese rice field, brought back to his parents in Missouri who are now in their 60s and the craziness that follows).

• The scheduling announcement is the best news to come out of the upfront event, as they have decided to do larger groupings of the shows to allow for less repeats. Grey’s Anatomy, for example, has been know to have 4 new episodes, then a break, then 3 episodes, then a break, and so on. Now, they will group 12 new episodes in a row for the show to not only show less repeats, but to also make viewers happier!
• On the brink shows The Neighbors and Suburgatory received new seasons (with The Neighbors being moved to Friday and paired with Last Man Standing) while Body of Proof and Happy Endings got canned (though talks are being made to move the latter to cable, just as Cougar Town did recently). I am a huge Neighbors fan, so I am hoping it can shine on Fridays.

• The most promising comedy ratings and public acceptance wise though, is Rebel Wilson’s Super Fun Night, about 3 semi-awkward and nerdy friends who have spent every night together at their homes for years and are finally trying to break the mold. Rebel’s name will attract many viewers as her fans from Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids are very loyal. Having the post-Modern Family spot isn’t too shabby either. I will definitely be checking this one out.

What are you most excited about seeing this fall? What were your favorite shows this season? Did you see the finale of Scandal!? Let me know in the comments below! I plan on doing some ABC Live Tweets in the near future, so be on the look out for those. Until next time…Have a Magical Day!

(Side Note- I am really digging the new look of the ABC logo! Loving the yellow tint!)

Thoughts on ABC Upfronts, How the Fall Season is Shaping Up originally posted on
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