It’s been a busy week in the world of Disney, and here we’re diving into the latest headlines from the House of Mouse.
Prince Harry to bring the Invictus Games to Walt Disney World.
After a visit to the U.S.-based Warrior Games, Prince Harry was inspired to create an international event for injured military members. Called the Invictus Games, the first one was held in London in 2014 and as the Orlando Sentinel reports, the 2016 games will be brought to the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, May 8-12.
With upwards of 400 competitors, the games include sports like archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis.
Is an expansion in the works for Disneyland?
After the Anaheim City Council voted to extend a long-standing ban on admission tax at Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks, the complex is expected to set in motion a 10-year, $1 billion expansion plan.
TravelPulse reports that Disney will enjoy a 30-year ban on ticket taxes in exchange for new attractions and expansion, which would result in economic growth, and ultimately benefit the city.
Should Disney fail to begin on any new projects by the end of 2017, the ban will expire.
It’s all in the details for Shanghai Disneyland.
The unveiling of some designs for the soon-to-open Shanghai Disneyland have left us in awe. Two of the coolest attractions are a Tron roller coaster in place of the usual Space Mountain and a Pirates of the Caribbean attraction with boats that can turn sideways and go backwards. Guests can meet Mickey and friends, along with those from Star Wars and even superheroes like Spiderman and Iron Man.
The centerpiece castle will be Disney’s biggest one yet and will be home to not just one princess, but all of them. Beyond the park, there’s the 420-room Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the 800-room Toy Story Hotel, plus a shopping, dining, and entertainment district called Disneytown. The resort opens in the spring.
