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Images of food and drink to be sold at Disney's Animal Kingdom when Pandora - the World of Avatar opens in May 2017. View the full article

Another new restaurant is coming to Disney Springs! Portobello in Disney Springs closed its doors on April 24, and the space will reopen later this year as a new restaurant. Artist rendering of new restaurant in Disney Springs ©Disney The space is set to undergo a multi-million dollar, large-scale renovation before the new eatery opens this fall. James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano is heading the development of the new restaurant. When it reopens this fall the restaurant’s menu will feature “dishes inspired by Chef Tony’s adventures across the many regions of Italy.” Regarding the closure, Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy Restaurants said, “We’ve been grateful to serve our loyal guests at Portobello for the last seven years. We look forward to welcoming our guests back to the location early this fall when we unveil a new concept at Disney Springs.” There is no word on an official opening date for the new restaurant. What do you think about Portobello closing to make room for a new restaurant? Leave a comment and let us know. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Beer Dinner at Downtown Disney’s Portobello Restaurant News! Walt’s Restaurant, and the Neverland Tunnels, Slated for Disney Springs News: Chef Art Smith Restaurant in Disney Springs Confirmed View the full article

More glimpses into the out-of-this-world cuisine expected in Disney’s Avatar-themed Pandora have been released. Pandora – The World of Avatar and its restaurants will open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27. A drink stand, Pongu Pongu, is also planned for the area. Photos and information on... View the full article

For those looking to plan their souvenir shopping early, Disney has revealed the look of some of the merchandise that will be available when Pandora — The World of Avatar opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom next month. What’s coming is a lot of products that embrace the story of Avatar, and not shoehorning... View the full article

Images of merchandise to be sold at Disney's Animal Kingdom when Pandora - the World of Avatar opens in May 2017. View the full article

Images of merchandise to be sold at Disney's Animal Kingdom when Pandora - the World of Avatar opens in May 2017. View the full article

Celebrate mom with a meal out this Mother’s Day (May 14 this year). There are plenty of restaurants offering specials for brunch and dinner. I’ll be updating this article until Mother’s Day: 4 Rivers Smokehouse: 4 Rivers Smokehouse is celebrating Mom with strawberry champagne cupcakes ($3.25) topped... View the full article

Celebrate mom with a meal out this Mother’s Day (May 14 this year). There are plenty of restaurants offering specials for brunch and dinner. I’ll be updating this article until Mother’s Day: BRAVO! Cucina Italiana: Bravo will feature a special menu with dishes such as berries and cream french toast,... View the full article

For more than a year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing a fun variety of new nighttime experiences, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris after sunset, fine dining at Tiffins, vibrant entertainment at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, and Tree of Life Awakenings. Earlier this year, the park also welcomed the new nighttime show “Rivers of Light” to the park’s Discovery River. The show combines live performance and floating set pieces with a soaring musical score, and fountains in a celebration of animals and nature. iNside Disney Parks recently went behind-the-scenes with Mark Renfrow, one of the creators of the show, for a special iNside Disney Parks Red Couch interview. And don’t forget – Disney’s Animal Kingdom will add even more day-to-night fun when Pandora – The World of Avatar comes to life May 27, 2017. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has an all-new musical show debuting on May 26 – The Music of Pixar Live! The nightly show celebrates 20 years of Pixar films with music, characters, and a movie montage. Today Disney announced two new Music of Pixar Live Dining Packages! ©Disney The Music of Pixar Live Dining Packages allow guests to make a dining package reservation at a select restaurant and the package includes reserved seating for the show. There are two dining packages for The Music of Pixar Live! – one package includes reserved seating at The Music of Pixar Live!, and the other includes reserved seating at BOTH The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic! Participating restaurants for both packages are Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and The Hollywood Brown Derby. Hollywood Brown Derby The Music of Pixar Live Dining Package prices and inclusions at Hollywood & Vine are: A Music of Pixar Live Package for Breakfast includes the full buffet for $39 for adults and $25 for children ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan), and guaranteed seating for one showing of The Music of Pixar Live! on the same day. A Music of Pixar Live Dining Package for Lunch includes the full buffet for $52 per adult and $32 per child. Dinner includes the full buffet for $57 per adult and $35 for kids ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan) along with guaranteed seating for one showing of The Music of Pixar Live! on the same day. The Music of Pixar Live Dining Package prices and inclusions at Mama Melrose’s are: A Music of Pixar Live Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage at a cost of $45 for adults and $18 per child for kids ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan), along with guaranteed seating for one showing of The Music of Pixar Live! on the same day. The Music of Pixar Live Dining Package prices and inclusions at The Hollywood Brown Derby are: A Music of Pixar Live Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner includes includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for $65 for adults and $22 per child for kids ages 3 to 9 (or two Table Service Credits on the Disney Dining Plan), and guaranteed seating for one showing of The Music of Pixar Live! on the same day. Strip Steak and Mac and Cheese at Mama Melrose’s If you want to see The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic! on the same night, you can book a dining package that includes guaranteed seating at both shows! Guests who book this package can enjoy a meal at one of the participating restaurants, one showing of The Music of Pixar Live! plus the one nightly showing of Fantasmic! The Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Dining Package prices and inclusions at Hollywood & Vine are: A Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Package for Breakfast includes the full buffet for $44 for adults and $28 for children ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan) and guaranteed seating for The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic on the same day. A Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Dining Package for Lunch includes the full buffet for $57 per adult and $35 per child for children ages 3 to 9. Dinner includes the full buffet for $62 per adult and $38 for kids ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan) along with guaranteed seating for The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic! on the same day. Hollywood and Vine The Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Dining Package prices and inclusion at Mama Melrose’s are: A Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage at a cost of $50 for adults and $21 per child for kids ages 3 to 9 (or one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan), along with guaranteed seating for The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic! the same day. The Music of Pixar Live and Fantasmic Dining Package prices and inclusions at The Hollywood Brown Derby are: A Music of Pixar Live Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner includes includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for $70 for adults and $25 per child for kids ages 3 to 9 (or two Table Service Credits on the Disney Dining Plan), and guaranteed seating for The Music of Pixar Live! and Fantasmic! on the same day. Prices do not include gratuity or taxes. Per the Disney website, if you are dining before the shows, you will receive your vouchers for reserved seating at the restaurant. If you are dining after the concert you can pick up your seating vouchers at the Theater of the Stars. Guests must dine no later than two-and-a-half hours prior to or one-hour-and-15 minutes after available showtimes for The Music of Pixar Live!, and at least two-and-a-half hours prior to Fantasmic! Reservations can be made online here for The Music of Pixar Live, or here for both shows, or by calling (407) 939-3463. Are you excited about these new dining packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Please let us know with a comment. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light Dining Packages Now Available for Booking Fantasmic! Lunch Dining Packages Announced World of Color Dining Packages Announced View the full article

#DisneyKids Butterfly Garden | Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival View the full article

All the world’s a stage for Johnny Depp, or at least Disneyland. The actor donned his Jack Sparrow garb to surprise guests at the California theme park on Wednesday. He appeared as Captain Jack to park goers riding Pirates of the Caribbean, and later from a balcony outside ahead of the debut next... View the full article

The countdown to the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar continues today with a closer look at merchandise artwork created for this new exotic land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Casey Jones, Senior Character Artist with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, recently gave me a sneak peek at some of the designs brought to life through collaboration. The results are stunning and will immerse guests in a brand-new world unlike any they have ever experienced before. “I was responsible for illustrations and toy designs while serving as gatekeeper for all the art used on merchandise,” explained Casey. “The most exciting aspect of my role was partnering with talented and creative individuals at Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment. Together, we designed products that complement a visually stunning world filled with floating mountains, bioluminescent plants, and all kinds of immersive adventure.” Guests visiting Windtraders, the primary merchandise location on Pandora, will discover several distinct art styles found on merchandise. Dylan Cole, Co-Production Designer for the upcoming “Avatar” motion picture sequels, captured the bioluminescent world of Pandora at night with two new pieces. One image was inspired by the Na’vi River Journey while the other pictures the beautiful Valley of Mo’ara. In addition to being available as prints, elements from his nighttime artwork were added to apparel, home décor, accessories and other products. More of Dylan’s work is found on the Countdown to Pandora pin collection we released this spring. The cave painting art was based on sketches by Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde for the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. Casey worked with Joe to finish out his sketches, which were then applied to select products. Casey explored different stylizations of the Shaman of Songs from the Na’vi River Journey attraction. “[The Shaman of Songs] embodies the Na’vi’s connection to nature which is displayed through music and light, so we wanted a graphic that was evocative of those ideas,” said Casey. Artist Daphne Yap, a member of the “Avatar” film production team, created gorgeous digital renderings of Na’vi weavings and Banshee totems for Walt Disney Imagineering. These images have a hand-drawn feel and will appear on select apparel and accessories. Finally, the art team created patch designs representing different experiences guests will have while visiting Pandora. In addition to other products, guests will find select patch designs in the Intergalactic Passport Kit from Alpha Centauri Expeditions. The kit includes a passport, three sticker pages, a button, and a photo ID badge. This item, along with the Na’vi Translator Device, are perfect for exploring Pandora. Look for these products and more in Windtraders when Pandora – The World of Avatar opens this May. Don’t forget we have the final, limited edition Countdown to Pandora pin being released on May 4 at Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I hope to see you there. View the full article

Earlier this year, our Disney Parks Blog readers “unlocked” a first listen to the theme song for the soon-to-debut fireworks show “Happily Ever After,” which opens at Magic Kingdom Park May 12. Today, we’re happy to share a full inside look at the recording session for the “Happily Ever After” theme song, in which country music artist Angie Keilhauer and singer Jordan Fisher happily describe how being a part of this project has truly been a dream-come-true moment in their careers. This emotional song encourages people to find the courage to reach for their own “happily ever afters” and in addition to the duo of Angie and Jordan, also features the talents of a full orchestra and 90-voice gospel choir – combining into the perfect recipe for an amazing finale song. “It’s so big and it’s so beautiful, and I think the sentiment behind it makes it even more special,” Jordan said. “Then add the fireworks and the amazing animation – I think that’s a moment people are going to remember and that’s really exciting.” Check out the video above to hear more. View the full article

Recently, I stopped by Disney Springs on a little gift-buying errand. While the item I was after was located at the World of Disney store, I popped in the Marketplace Co-op to see what was new (or, rather, new to me, since it had been some time since my last visit). Marketplace Co-op in Disney Springs Immediately I knew it was a bad decision… for my wallet. Because this retail center (which is known as a test location for tons of Disney merch, with a lot of it eventually making its way into the parks) always has some seriously cool stuff tucked inside its individual shops. Take, for instance, the place we’re starting: Twenty Eight & Main. Twenty Eight & Main Since I typically associate Twenty Eight & Main with men’s clothing and accessories, I was surprised to find so much glass and kitchenware. But it’s not your usual Mickey-emblazoned mugs we’re talking about (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). We’re starting our tour with the King Louie’s Swing Club growler. King Louie’s Club growler And remember that Adventurer’s Club sign we spotted awhile back? You can now find it in mug form. Adventurer’s Club Mug Adventurer’s Club Mug I’ve been on the hunt for this Big Thunder Mountain Railroad mug, and finally found it here. Big Thunder Mountain Mug Big Thunder Mountain Mug Check out this Shrunken Ned glass, Disneylanders… Shrunken Ned glass Shrunken Ned glass A collection of coasters includes Liberty Tree Tavern and Casey’s Corner coasters, among others (the package has 24 heavy paper coasters featuring these six designs). This is awesome!! Coaster Pack And the Walt’s Tropical Hideaway Karaoke Hut glass pays tribute to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Tropical Hideaway glass You can also find several items from the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room line that came out at Epcot a few years ago, so it’s a mix of new and not-so-much. Rose & Crown glassware Rose & Crown t-shirt Now, for those specifically seeking only kitchenware and home decor, your stop is Disney Centerpiece (this is the spot we explored when the Co-op opened a few years ago). From what I understand, this Peter Pan Neverland Mug has been flying off shelves, so I was surprised to find as many as I did. AJ loved finding this line in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort, too!! Peter Pan Neverland Mug Peter Pan Neverland Mug They were placed with the decorative Flight over London mugs and the Neverland glasses and shot glasses. Flight Over London Mug Neverland glassware Now, you may have already seen the awesome Ghost Host aprons at the Haunted Mansion souvenir shop, Memento Mori. Ghost Host Aprons But this was the first time I’d noticed these Stretching Room Napkins, featuring all four portraits (two portraits each are printed on two napkins). Stretching Room Napkin Stretching Room Napkin The $19.99 price tag for two napkins is steep (I wish each portrait had its own napkin), but I did get a kick out of them. Stretching Room Napkin Stretching Room Napkin Better yet… get a load of this Star Wars Cantina glass! (I found it just near the WonderGround Gallery.) Cantina glass You gotta check out every side… Cantina glass Cantina glass I also stopped in D-Tag. And while this has nothing to do with food… D-TAG MONORAIL TOILETRY TRAVEL CASES!! Monorail Toiletry Case Since I was snapping pics anyway, I figured some of you might like to see some of the dresses in Cherry Tree Lane. The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane In keeping with the FOOD blog, I was looking for the Orange Bird dress (our little friend from Sunshine Tree Terrace). Alas, no luck. I’m thinking it was sold out (at least for that day), because it has created quite the buzz ’round these parts. Below on the right, at least, is the pattern for you to check out in case you haven’t seen it. ©Disney But, hey, while we’re here, I grabbed a few more shots since all of the dresses really are adorable. Dresses at The Dress Shop Mad Tea Party Dress Teacup Pattern Haunted Mansion dress Tower of Terror dress Small World dress Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dress Well, I hope you had a bit of fun on this little Marketplace Co-op shopping spree! Remember to keep your eyes peeled, since several of these items have made their way into the parks. Or just make your own trip to the Co-op in Disney Springs if you get a chance. As we’ve learned, you never know what fun treasures you’ll find! Would you pick up any of these items? If so, please let us know which one with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Spotted: Adventurers Club Sign at Disney World Merchandise Locations News! Disney Food Merchandise Coming to Downtown Disney’s Marketplace Co-op Spotted! Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room Merchandise in Epcot’s UK Pavilion View the full article

Remain seated please … Today, Disney’s official fan club revealed that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, will be on hand Saturday, July 15, at D23 Expo 2017 to show guests what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe! Chapek joins the line-up of exciting presenters and presentations taking place in Hall D23 at D23 Expo, July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition to thrilling news from the world of Parks, Walt Disney Studios will once again hold two spectacular panels; Friday at 2:30 p.m., fans will discover what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm will showcase the Studio’s exciting slate of live-action films. These join the already announced Disney Legends Awards and A Whole New World of Alan Menken concert that will be taking place in the 6,800-seat venue. For all the D23 Expo news and announcements, check out D23expo.com. Complete Hall D23 Presentation Schedule (all events subject to change): Friday, July 14 10 a.m. Disney Legends Awards Ceremony 2:30 p.m. Walt Disney Studios Animation Saturday, July 15 10:30 a.m. Walt Disney Studios Live-Action 3 p.m. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Sunday, July 16 1:30 p.m. A Whole New World of Alan Menken 5 p.m. A Whole New World of Alan Menken View the full article

A visit to the Disneyland Resort is a time to reconnect with family and friends – especially when you are a Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimmer! After competing in Mesa, Ariz., just days before, seven-time medalist Dana Vollmer took some quality time with her husband and toddler here at the Happiest Place on Earth – all while pregnant with her second child! In the video below, Dana talks about getting a workout while visiting the Disneyland Resort as well as the importance of balancing family time with a demanding athletic schedule. View the full article

ESPN is cutting about 100 jobs, most of them on-air TV and radio personalities, as the cable sports giant struggles to adjust to profound changes in how viewers consume sports news and entertainment. Unlike past rounds of cutbacks, Wednesday’s layoffs targeted prominent on-air personalities, including... View the full article

Fresh Epcot With Eric Darden - Horticulture Manager | Walt Disney World View the full article

Are you a Disney movie buff? If so, there’s never been a better time to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The live-action “Beauty and the Beast” released earlier this spring was a smash success, while discussion around Star Wars: The Last Jedi (December 2017) and even “Frozen 2” (November 2019) are already buzzing online! Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers movie-themed entertainment experiences and attractions based on guest favorite films. Check out our suggestions for your summer visit below. 1. “The Music of Pixar Live!” – Set to debut May 26, this brand-new, limited-time concert event will showcase memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios films, complete with a live orchestra and appearances by beloved Disney•Pixar characters. The show will be presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check the park’s Times Guide for more. 2. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks – Excited for the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in December 2017? Celebrate the Star Wars saga in this state-of-the-art show that features fireworks, projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics that light up the night with an unforgettable finale. 3. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along – Did you catch this week’s news that “Frozen 2” will be released in theaters November 27, 2019? Celebrate the heart (and songs) of the original “Frozen” film by checking out the park’s For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along. 4. “Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage” – Did you catch the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” in theaters this spring? If you loved the film, don’t miss Belle and Beast’s love story played out live on stage at the park. “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” is performed multiple times each day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 5. Classic Attractions – Of course, many must-do guest favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been inspired by beloved films, including Toy Story Mania!, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. View the full article

Earlier this week we shared the news that Disney had announced the 2017 Free Dining Offer for Disney World resorts, and now we’re hearing a rumor about a Quick Service Dine Gift Card offer for select “good neighbor” hotels. Are Swan and Dolphin guests getting a free Quick Service Dining offer? Maybe. According to wdwinfo.com, guests who book a Walt Disney World vacation package that includes a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs area hotels, or select good neighbor hotels with a minimum 3-day theme park ticket will receive a pre-paid, discounted Quick Service Dining card. The Quick Service Dining Cards can be used at select quick service dining locations at Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resort hotels. Grab a quick service meal at Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom! The pre-paid dining card works like this: for every day of theme park admission, adult guests will receive $40 on their Quick Service dining card and kids ages 3-9 will receive $15. But, guests will only be charged $35 per adult, per day and $12.50 per child, per day. As an example,iIf you’re booking a 3-day vacation with theme park tickets you’ll have $120 of Quick Service dining for just $105 per adult and a $45 Quick Service dining card per child for just $37.50. So, it’s not FREE, but it’s pre-paid just like the Quick Service Dining Plan, and slightly discounted. We contacted the Swan and Dolphin about this offer today and we were told the offer can only be booked via the Disney World website, however the offer is not currently listed on the site’s “Special Offers” page. When it does become available the offer must be booked by December 1. What do you think about this rumored offer? Let us know in the comments. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Get a FREE Quick Service Meal Each Day With a Returning WDW Package Offer News! 2016 Disney World Free Dining Offer Now Available! 5 Best Quick-Service Dining Plan Values View the full article

ESPN is cutting about 100 jobs, most of them on-air TV and radio personalities, as the cable sports giant struggles to adjust to dramatic changes in how fans consume sports news and entertainment. So far, several people have announced on Twitter that they have been laid off. The cuts include NFL... View the full article

Summer is approaching, and it’s nearing the end of the school year, but there’s still time for a pop quiz! We have added some new profiles to DisneyAnimals.com of species you can visit at Walt Disney World Resort. Explore fun animal information while learning more about Disney’s commitment to conservation and how you can help support these animals in the wild, and – of course – where you can find these animals in our parks or resorts! And don’t forget to get outdoors this summer and explore your own neighborhood to see what local wildlife might share the area around your home. Match the facts below with the species, and let us know how well you do in the comments! Be careful, some information may describe more than one animal, but no species should be repeated. All of the answers can be found on DisneyAnimals.com. As an added treat, check out the Disney Conservation Fund’s new video about Disney’s commitment to conservation and the magic of nature (… and some beautiful, beloved animals). Answer Key: A. African birds B. Zebras C. Reef fish D. Vultures E. Flamingos F. Gibbons G. Horses H. Invertebrates 1. These animals tend to live in shallow coastal waters. As part of their camouflage, they may have bright colors or lumpy protrusions. 2. These animals prey upon the pests that bother people most, including biting flies and mosquitos. 3. Thanks to special tendons and ligaments in their legs, collectively known as a stay apparatus, these animals can remain standing even when they doze off. They can lie down to take a nap but sleeping upright allows them to make a quick escape if a predator stumbles across them. 4. The stomach acids of these animals have about the same pH as battery acid. They can even dissolve metals in their stomachs! 5. The pattern of this animal’s coat is believed to deter flies by disorienting them. 6. This animal builds a nest of mud that is about 12 inches high to protect its offspring from flood waters and the intense heat at ground level. 7. To evade predators, some of these animals can dive deep into the water, while others stay submerged for long periods of time by “snorkeling.” Others release a musky odor. 8. These animals have a throat sac, an inflatable flap of skin on their neck, that can fill with air to amplify their calls. View the full article

Just like Star-Lord crosses the cosmos to the beat of vintage pop songs from his awesome mix tape, guests aboard the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure park will rise and fall to the tune of six famous pop favorites throughout their epic adventure. Each time guests board a gantry lift to rescue the Guardians of the Galaxy from The Collector’s Fortress, they will experience one of the six randomized scenarios created for the attraction. Each ride profile will utilize the attraction’s hair-raising ascend-and-drop sensation, as Rocket hotwires the lift to play one of these awesome songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s or early ‘80s: “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980) “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament (1975) “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968) “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969) “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winters Group (1973) “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972) The songs and drop sequences aren’t the only things that will vary among these randomized scenarios – each one shows a different version of the escape, with different action sequences playing out before your rising and falling gantry lift. The multiple ride experiences are the result of extensive research, experimentation and ride testing by the creative team at Walt Disney Imagineering. The team worked from a list of nearly 100 fun, high-energy songs, narrowing the list down to the final six by testing each one in action. Boarding a gantry lift, they donned their own headsets – just like Star-Lord – and played each track to see which songs worked best with potential ride profiles. “A strong identifiable rhythm and a memorable hook were key points,” explained John Dennis, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “For example, ‘Free Ride’ has an iconic guitar hook, a killer bass line in the verse and, in the chorus, the backing vocals have a great ascending line. The rock n roll music playing on board the ride is just plain fun. The songs, each paired with its own ride profile, give us six unique experiences.” The songs enhancing the adventure of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! aren’t the only ways in which the attraction acknowledges the importance of music in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. “Guardians of the Galaxy” film composer Tyler Bates wrote the music for The Collector’s Fortress lobby and office scenes, as well as for the attraction exit. Come rock to the beat of these favorites when Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure park! View the full article

ESPN is cutting about 100 jobs, most of them on-air TV and radio personalities, as the cable sports giant searches for more efficient ways to engage viewers. So far, several people have announced on Twitter that they have been laid off. The cuts include NFL reporter Ed Werder, who is losing his... View the full article