Walt Disney Company executive chairman Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay are donating $5 million to help Los Angeles small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti made the announcement on Thursday. https://twitter.com/MayorOfLA/status/1349887845662486530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1349887845662486530%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxbusiness.com%2Fbusiness-leaders%2Fdisneys-bob-iger-donates-5-million-to-los-angeles-small-businesses-strugglign-in-pandemic Iger and Bay, the dean of USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, previously donated $500,000 to the... Continue Reading →
Clarabelle Cow to Make Shanghai Disney Resort Debut for Lunar New Year Event
Clarabelle Cow isn't part of the fab five, but she is one of the original characters dating back to 1930's. Now, she's set to make her debut at Shanghai Disney Resort. Clarabelle will be taking part in the park's annual Lunar New Year celebration and this year happens to be the year of the cow.... Continue Reading →
PHOTOS: Characters Ready for Lunar New Year Celebration at Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort is preparing for the park's Lunar New Year celebration this year, which is the year of the cow. The event will run from January 19, 2021 through February 26, 2021. As always at Shanghai Disney Resort, characters will have new & special overlays for the annual celebration. Here's a closer look at... Continue Reading →
BREAKING: Disneyland Cancels Annual Passholder Programs
Disneyland is cancelling its annual passholder program due to the pandemic. Once the California Parks reopen, there's concern the demand by fans could overwhelm the company's capacity guidelines. Therefore, annual passes will be ruled out. According to OC Register, Disneyland will start issuing prorated refunds to annual passholders starting Thursday, Jan. 14. A new Disneyland... Continue Reading →
Blizzard Beach to Reopen March 7, 2021
Blizzard Beach is set to reopen March 7, 2021 after closing in Spring 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disney has not released safety guidelines or capacity restrictions for the planned opening, which is still months away. This will be the 25th year of operation for the water park, after opening April 1, 1995. Disney... Continue Reading →
Pixar Working on Buzz Lightyear Origin Film Dubbed “Lightyear”
Pixar is working on a new animated original tied to the "Toy Story" franchise. Every toy has it's own story, and Buzz Lightyear's is extremely interesting. It's so interesting that he is getting his own origin story. https://twitter.com/Pixar/status/1337195228797661184 Chris Evans star in "Lightyear", which shows the backstory behind the character Buzz Lighter is modeled after.... Continue Reading →
WATCH: First Trailer for “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Series
Marvel is giving fans new looks at a number of projects in the works, some for theatrical release and some for Disney+. One of the first pieces of work created specifically Disney+ is "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" series, which is set to debut in March. Marvel released the first trailer for the series... Continue Reading →
Pixar Announces “Turning Red” Original Film
Pixar is working on a number of animated original features that will debut over the next few years. One of those films was just announced, "Turning Red". The film is directed by Domee Shi, who led the Academy Award-winning short "Bao". The film will follow the life of Mei, who experiences the awkwardness of being... Continue Reading →
Live-Action “Beauty and the Beast” Prequel Series Coming to Disney+
"Beauty and the Beast" starring Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Josh Gad and company is one of Disney's most successful live-action films ever. Now, a live-action prequel series is in the work. Disney made the announcement during the Disney Investor Day 2020. According to Disney, the series will feature the original cast.
Star Wars Announces Next Feature Film: Rogue Squadron
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy wrapped up her jam-packed Star Wars segment of the Disney Investor Day 2020 with the announcement of the brand's next feature film. The film, "Rogue Squadron", will be directed by Patty Jenkins. She will be the first female to direct a Star Wars film. https://twitter.com/PattyJenks/status/1337177394625478656 Jenkins says the film will be... Continue Reading →
Disney+ Announces Mandalorian Spinoff Series: “Rangers of the New Republic” & “Ahsoka”
The success of "The Mandalorian" has been a key component in the early success of Disney+. After just two seasons, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced two new spinoffs during Disney Investor Day 2020. Those new series are: "Rangers of the New Republic" and "Ashoka". Both are expected to debut on Disney+ Christmas 2021.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” Will Debut on Disney+ With Premier Access in March 2021
A big decision by Disney regarding an upcoming animated original feature. "Raya and the Last Dragon" will bypass a theatrical debut and instead will head straight to Disney+ with premier access on March 5, 2021. The company announced it during Disney Investor Day 2020. https://twitter.com/DisneyAnimation/status/1337152644050087936/photo/1 The animated original movie features Kelly Marie Tran who lends... Continue Reading →
Disney Investor Day 2020: Disney+ Reaches 86.8M Subscribers
Disney Investor Day 2020 is upon us and executives are making a number of announcements. The first announcement was to comment on the growth of the company's streaming service. CEO Bob Chapek opened the meeting by saying Disney+ has reached 86.8M subscribers. Much of the success is thanks to the vast movie catalog that's been... Continue Reading →
Champagne-Colored Minnie Ears Coming to Disney Parks
Disney fans will soon be able to ring in the new year with new champagne-colored Minnie Ears. Disney says the new ears are expected to drop sometime in December at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Julianne Hough, host of ABC’s Disney Holiday Celebration, wore the ears for a promo shoot. The ears will also be... Continue Reading →
Walt Disney Television CFO & President Of Business Operations Ravi Ahuja Steps Down
Ravi Ahuja, president of business operations and chief financial officer at Walt Disney Television, is stepping down. Ahuja, who was formerly CFO of Fox Networks Group, took the position after Disney’s acquisition of Fox. “I regrettably am writing to you today to share that Ravi Ahuja has decided to leave the Company to seek out... Continue Reading →
BREAKING: Brightline Reaches Deal to Build Station at Disney Springs
The rail company did not provide an estimation as to when construction may begin, or how the project is specifically being funded, although it is expected to take at least 2 to 3 years to complete once construction begins. Brightline, a high-speed rail service, has reached an agreement to build a train station near Disney... Continue Reading →
Park Hopping Returns to Walt Disney World in January 2021
Walt Disney World delivering good news to fans this Friday morning: park hopping will return in January 2021. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of Walt Disney World's... Continue Reading →
Walt Disney World Updates Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue Process
Walt Disney World is rolling out a new virtual queue process for its top attraction. Starting November 3, 2020, Walt Disney World will be introducing a new process for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To try to maximize the number of boarding groups we’re able to accommodate while adhering to current health and safety... Continue Reading →
Disneyland Paris to Close October 30th Due to France COVID-19 Restrictions
Disneyland Paris is forced to close its gates once again due to coronavirus in France. French President Emmanuel Macron officially announced lockdown measures for the entire country starting this Friday October 30. https://twitter.com/emmanuelmacron/status/1321549055785377793?s=21 This decision will force closures at Disneyland Paris starting October 30th. There is currently no end date for these new restrictions put... Continue Reading →
Disney to Release Animated Short Showing the Importance of Voting
Disney is working to show children the importance of voting. The company is set to debut a new musical animated short called “Everybody Gets a Vote” featuring beloved characters from Disney Junior like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mira, Vampirina and more. It will be part of the Disney Junior YouTube channel’s “Ready for Preschool” series.... Continue Reading →
Disney Blasts California Reopening Guidelines in Letter to Annual Passholders
Disneyland officials are clearly unhappy with the COVID-19 reopening guidelines released by California earlier this week. Disneyland just sent a scathing email to Annual Passholders, showing their displeasure with the guidelines coming from state. There is still no reopening date for Disneyland and the state’s guidelines make it seem as if they won’t be able... Continue Reading →
Disney to Take Over Morocco Pavilion Operations By End of 2020
Walt Disney World is set to take over operations of the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT. Disney Food Blog first posted a statement from Jacquee Wahler, VP Communications Walt Disney World Resort, and Rashid Choufani and Rachid Lyazidi, Operating Participants Morocco Pavilion: “After many years of working together, we have a mutually agreed arrangement to begin... Continue Reading →
Walt Disney Studios Releases First Trailer for “Raya and the Last Dragon”
With Pixar's "Soul" set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ this Christmas, Walt Disney Studios is giving a sneak peek at their next release planned for theaters. Today on Good Morning America, Walt Disney Studios released the first official trailer for "Raya and the Last Dragon". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BPMTr-NS9s The Asian-pacific film follows Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie... Continue Reading →
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Begins January 8, 2021
As Disney works through its "new normal" during the pandemic, Epcot is continuing to offer small sample-sizes of the park's beloved festivals. Disney has announced Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is scheduled to kick off January 8, 2021 and will run through February 22, 2021. The festival highlighting Broadway. the arts and... Continue Reading →
Disneyland President Responds to State’s Theme Park Reopening Guidelines
California’s newly-released, strict guidelines show a dark future for large theme parks like Disneyland and Universal. Those parks have been closed since the spring, and according to the new guidelines released by the state’s health department, it’s not known when they’ll be able to reopen. Disneyland President Pen Potrock released a statement following the health... Continue Reading →
ESPN Airs Exclusive Trailer for Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” During Monday Night Football
“Wherever I go, he goes.” Star Wars isn’t holding back when it comes to building hype around season 2 of “The Mandalorian”. ESPN aired a special look at the upcoming season during Monday Night Football during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. https://twitter.com/i/moments/1318340873935966208 The action-packed trailer shows new settings as Mando... Continue Reading →
Disney Reveals End Date for Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The long-running Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is coming to an end. Disney has just shared an end date to the festival, which was a sample size of the typical International Food & Wine Festival. According to the company, the festival will end November 22nd. There will then be a 4 day... Continue Reading →
Disney+ Releases Official “Soul” Trailer for Streaming Service
Pixar’s “Soul” is no longer headed straight to theaters, instead it will go to Disney+, and now the streaming service has just dropped a new trailer. The gist of the story is that Joe Gardner, an aspiring musician, goes on a journey to find his true soul and purpose in life. Here’s the new 2+... Continue Reading →
Star Wars Drops 30-Second TV Spot for Season 2 of “The Mandalorian”
The Star Wars universe is counting down the days until season 2 of “The Mandalorian” debuts on Disney+ later this month. The company has just dropped a new 30-second TV spot for the series. https://twitter.com/themandalorian/status/1316166831900516352?s=21 New episodes for the second season will drop every Friday, only on Disney+. Here’s the lineup: Chapter 1 — Oct.... Continue Reading →
Disney Reorganizing Entertainment Operations
The Walt Disney Company is reorganizing its operations to give priority to its streaming video businesses and create new units that will produce content for digital and traditional platforms. Under the new structure, Disney is creating content groups for its major film franchises, general entertainment and sports, as well as a distribution arm that will... Continue Reading →
Disney Junior’s Mira Makes Walt Disney World Debut
Mira, from Disney Junior’s “Mira Royal Detective” is making her Disney Parks debut this weekend at Hollywood Studios. https://twitter.com/waltdisneyworld/status/1314955099031121927?s=21 Mira, the royal detective of Jalpur, is appearing in a special cavalcade this weekend only at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World has not detailed other appearances by the new Disney Junior Character.
BREAKING: Pixar’s “Soul” to Debut on Disney+ December 25th
Disney dropping a bombshell when it comes to movie releases Thursday night. The company says Pixar’s “Soul”, the first Pixar original film with a black lead, will debut exclusively on Disney+ on December 25th. This comes after the theatrical release was moved multiple times during the coronavirus pandemic. The newest date for theaters was November.... Continue Reading →
California Attractions and Parks Association Asks State to Seek Feedback on Reopening Guidelines
The California Attractions and Parks Association, which represents Disneyland and other parks, is asking state officials to listen to theme park operators’ recommendations and modify some protocols before issuing reopening guidelines. The Orange County Register acquired this quote from the group: “We ask the governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the... Continue Reading →
Bob Iger Steps Down From California Economic Recovery Task Force
Walt Disney Company chairman Bob Iger has stepped down from California’s economic recovery task force. According to the Sacramento Bee, a Disney Spokesman confirmed the news Thursday evening. The spokesperson would not say why or precisely when Iger left the task force, but the news comes as theme parks pressure state to allow the industry... Continue Reading →
2,600+ Non-Union Disneyland Cast Members Impacter by Company Layoffs
Nearly 2,7900 non-Union Disneyland cast members will be impacted by the mass layoffs coming to Disney. According to a WARN notice filed with the state of California, 2,691 non-union Disneyland cast members will be laid off starting December 4, 2020. This is part of the company’s 28,000 layoff announcement from Tuesday. The company cited the... Continue Reading →
Nearly 6,700 Walt Disney World Workers Impacted by Mass Layoff Announcement
Nearly 6,700 Walt Disney World employees are being laid off as part of the 28,000 announced by Disney Parks on Tuesday. According to a filing with the state, the layoffs will begin December 4th and will impact nonunion workers. The cuts are expected to impact numerous locations, such as Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Walt Disney... Continue Reading →
“Pete’s Dragon” Actress Helen Reddy Dies at 78
Helen Reddy, who played the role of Nora in "Pete's Dragon", has passed away at the age of 78. Reddy’s children Traci and Jordan announced that the actor-singer died Tuesday in Los Angeles. “She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a truly formidable woman,” they said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken. But we... Continue Reading →
Union on Layoffs: We Have Begun Negotiations with Disney
Disney unions are reacting to the unprecedented news of 28,000 cast members being laid off by the company. In an earlier post today, we showed you Disney decided to move forward with the cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Services Trade Council Union released the statement below: The 6 unions of the STCU represent... Continue Reading →
BREAKING: Disney Parks Announces 28,000 Layoffs
Disney Parks announced 28,000 layoffs, citing hardships from the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the massive amount of layoffs, Disney directed some of the blame at California’s government, saying in part “the state’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen, we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of... Continue Reading →
Aulani to Begin Phased Reopening November 1, 2020
Paradise is preparing to reopen. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is working towards a phased reopening beginning November 1, 2020. Disney says safety measures upon reopening will be similar to those in place at Walt Disney World and other parks around the world. Our gradual, phased approach to reopening considers the guidance of local... Continue Reading →
Disney Adds 5th Key, Inclusion, to Cast Member Training
For more than 60 decades, Disney has trained cast members to follow four keys in order to be a successful employee. Those keys included: SafetyCourtesyShowEfficiency Now, Disney has added a fifth key in what seems to be a landmark addition: inclusion. The Four Keys were described as an integral part of cast members’ professions across... Continue Reading →
Disney Provides Update About Enhancements Coming to Polynesian Village Resort
Last month we learned Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would undergo a major overhaul starting this fall. Now, we’re learning what the updates at the resort will entail. Disney says the updates will be complete in time for the resort’s 50th anniversary in October 2021. “One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front... Continue Reading →
Big Thunder Mountain Merchandise Rolls into Magic Kingdom for 40th Birthday
The wildest ride in the wilderness has been rolling through Magic Kingdom for 40 years now. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain, new merchandise has debuted in Frontierland. At Frontierland Trading Post, there are new Big Thunder Mountain MagicBands, pins and shirts. The shirt and the MagicBand are branded... Continue Reading →
Adidas Releasing “Toy Story” Collection October 1st
Adidas is hopping on the Pixar Fest promotion along with Disney, by dropping “Toy Story”-themed merchandise in October. The footwear collection features styles from the most popular characters from the franchise. There is also a Pixar-themed basketball in the new collection. The new collaboration drops October 1, 2020.
Marvel Slides Back Release Dares for Three Films
The coronavirus pandemic had put Hollywood on hold during the spring of 2020, and lasting impacts are still being felt as we enter the holiday season. Marvel is pushing back release dates for three upcoming films, including the long-awaited “Black Widow” origin story. “Black Widow” was originally slated to hit theaters in May 2020. It... Continue Reading →
ESPN: College Basketball Events to Take Place at Walt Disney World in 2020
ESPN is reportedly planning to move several NCAA basketball events to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in 2020. According to an NCAA source cited by ESPN, the company is running 10 nonconference events in November and December, and at least eight of them are expected to take place in Orlando this... Continue Reading →
runDisney Cancels 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon & Princess Half-Marathon
runDisney has cancelled two of its in-person races for 2021. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will not be happening due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The races were scheduled for January and February respectively. Participants who registered through runDisney.com will be able to get a full refund for... Continue Reading →
BREAKING: Hong Kong Disneyland to Reopen September 25
Hong Kong Disneyland is set to reopen September 25th after two COVID-19 closures. Hong Kong Disneyland was the second park to reopen in the spring, following Shanghai Disney Resort, and closed in July due to a rise in cases in the nation. Disney will now reopen the park once again on September 25th with safety... Continue Reading →
Star Wars Announces “Mando Mondays”
Star Wars is kicking it into high gear for the premiere of season 2 of “The Mandalorian”. The brand just announced “Mando Mondays”, which will unveil merchandise and digital content on a weekly basis starting October 26. https://twitter.com/starwars/status/1308028890049204227?s=21 The new offering can be found on MandoMondays.com or accessed through StarWars.com. Season 2 of “The Mandalorian”... Continue Reading →
Tokyo Disney Resort Shares Photo & Video of Beauty and the Beast Expansion
Tokyo Disney Resort’s Fantasyland expansion is set to open to the public September 28th. As we’ve posted in the past, the new land features a Beauty and the Beast area and a new daily show. As Tokyo Disneyland prepares to officially open the land, they are sharing photos of what it looks like. Two Imagineers... Continue Reading →
“Ms. Marvel” Introduces Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan
Ms. Marvel, a newer character to Marvel Comics, is coming to the MCU. During Disney's Investor Day presentation, Marvel President Kevin Feige announced newcomer Iman Vellani will star as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel in the series, "Ms. Marvel", set to arrive on Disney+ in late 2021. The Marvel Studios original series centers on fan-favorite... Continue Reading →
Amy Adams Returning for “Enchanted” Sequel
The long-awaited sequel for "Enchanted" has officially been announced. According to Disney, Amy Adams is reprising her role as Giselle for "Disenchanted". https://twitter.com/Disney/status/1337186827686522880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1337186827686522880%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Few.com%2Fmovies%2Famy-adams-returning-enchanted-sequel-disney-plus%2F The original film stars Adams as Giselle, a princess from the animated fantasy world of Andalasia, who finds her life turned upside down when she accidentally lands in modern-day New York and... Continue Reading →