Star Wars Episode VII Starts Production in 2014

I am a bit of a JJ Abrams geek. In fact, I'm currently obsessed with an older Abrams series, Alias, which I'm watching on Netflix. So when I heard that he would be at the helm of the first Star Wars film since Disney purchased Lucasfilm, I was almost giddy. And now we have an idea of when production will start: early 2014! If you want the full details, check out this story. Expect to see the film in theatres in 2015.

Disney News Roundup

Here are a few recent news items for all things Disney:

• There are, once again, rumors of a re-vamp of Downtown Disney. This time, the area is being dubbed "Disney Springs." Plans would include a new multi-level parking facility, and existing parking would be transformed into green space and more stores. At this point, it seems to be mostly speculation with nothing confirmed by Disney.


• There is a new Oz, The Great and Powerful play area in Epcot. Features include a downed hot air balloon, handmade glass poppies, Baum Brothers Circus Midway, and a yellow brick road. It will remain through the Flower & Garden Festival.


• It would appear that all remaining Segway tours have been cancelled in Epcot, with no indication that they will return.


• The Tangled-themed restrooms in Fantasyland are near completion. Expect them to open any day!


• Rosetta will be joining her fairy friends once again in Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, beginning Friday. Periwinkle will likely be the fairy who departs at this time.


• The Good Year Blimp made its appearance in the skies over WDW yesterday and today, in correlation with the filming of Live! with Kelly and Michael. The blimp is used to acquire aerial footage.


• It is rumored that Harrison Ford is on board for Star Wars VII, the first film in the franchise since Disney acquired the rights.

Those are the highlights for now. Exciting stuff in the air!