Loaded Couch Potatoes

They tried it out for a few days to gauge the guest response.

This is probably the best video I’ve seen of Disney testing out their fountains for the World of Color.  Still no word on an opening date from Disney.

If you didn’t see the behind the scenes look video posted last month, click here.

The Disney Parks Blog just released this video with a great look at all the effects that go into the new World of Color show at Disney’s California Adventure.

There’s just so much information here I gave up on trying to write a summary of all this.
Everything you need to know is in this video from the D23 Expo:

Just as I had speculated earlier, Jay Rasulo (chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts) announced during his keynote speech that Star Tours 2 will be coming to Disneyland in California and Disney Hollywood Studios at Disney World in Florida.  This project has been rumored to be on the back burner since 2002, and now it’s finally OFFICIAL

The current version of Star Tours will close down in October of 2010, and the new version will open sometime in 2011.  They’ve released piece of concept artwork and a short video.

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The new tequila bar in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila, started it’s “soft opening” over the weekend.  The bar features 74 varieties of tequila.  They serve it in both shots (both full and half shots) and in margaritas.  Overall I thought the atmosphere was perfect for a tequila bar, but the price of the drinks could be a little lower (lowest priced shot is $7). I’ve included pictures below.

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A few weeks ago several Star Wars fan sites noticed Disney was inviting the 501st legion to be at the D23 expo in September (the first convention for Disney’s official fan club, D23).  After several of the sites started asking questions, Disney posted the following on their D23 official website.

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According to Variety, the Walt Disney Co. has purchased Marvel Entertainment in a $4 billion deal.

Assuming that the deal is approved by Marvel shareholders, Disney will now own popular characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, and the Fantastic Four, amongst many, many others.

It is not immediately clear how this move would affect the various film franchises Marvel has in the works (such as the Iron Man films and the upcoming Thor and Captain America movies) or the licenses to Marvel-based movies owned by other studios (such as Spider-Man and the X-Men).

It is also unclear how this would affect the theme park license Universal owns on the Marvel characters.

Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion in the World Showcase will be home to a new Tequila bar.  La Cava del Tequila will be in a soft opening in late August or early September, with an official opening by September 25th (the beginning date of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival).  The 46-seat venue will be located inside the pavilion’s main building, next to San Angel Inn restaurant.  I believe that location is the site of the former La Familia Fashions - a clothing and jewelry/silver shop.

The Tequila bar will offer an impressive collection of 70 varieties of tequilas.  The authentic agava-based spirits will range from the major brands, to the smaller and more rare varieties.  A “Tequila Ambassador” will inform guests on the process of making tequila and the history of its Mexican heritage.  La Cava del Tequila will use its décor and art work to celebrate the history of the most famous (or infamous) spirit from Mexico.  The drinks will be offered both straight and in margaritas.

I’ll be checking in on the Mexico pavilion frequently to find out when the soft opening has started.

Epcot’s annual Christmas event, the Candlelight Processional, tells the story of Christmas in words and music with a mass choir, a 50-piece live orchestra, and a celebrity narrator.  Performances are held at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.  The lineup of celebrity narrators is listed below.

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