Disney News

Author: Deanna

  • Disneyland Paris Is An Experience You Can’t Miss

    Disneyland Paris Is An Experience You Can’t Miss

    If you always wanted to visit Disneyland Paris, now is a great time to do it!

    If you’ve never been to Disneyland Paris—or maybe you even still call it EuroDisney—there’s plenty more at the French park than what you might realize. If you’re wondering if it is worth the trip? Let’s just say it’s the only place in the world you can eat dinner at a Mickey Mouse rodeo and experience “Ratatouille” in real life.

    Photo: Tora Sirdorf

    The two parks are so close together, you can easily visit both in one day, the tickets you can use all day, jumping from park to park, as you wish. I recommend at least three days though, two in Disneyland Park and one in Walt Disney Studios. The ideal vacation, if you want to see the shows, try most of the rides, and meet characters, is six days (In my opinion). If you are staying in a Disney hotel, you of course have the extra magic hours, which you should really use! You also want have time to see Disney Village, which is a lovely place to relax before and/or after going to the parks.

    At Disneyland Paris transportation is a breeze and very accessible! There is a train that takes you from Paris, straight to the parks. If you are traveling by air then getting to the magic from Paris has never been easier with your choice of shuttle buses, rental cars, train services and private chauffeur. ‘Magical Shuttle’ Airport Bus takes you from the Paris airports straight to the heart of the magic. Magical Shuttle airport bus is only available as an option and is not included in a package.

    The park, which is in the middle of celebrating its 25th anniversary keeps the celebration going strong. The celebration includes:

    Disneyland Park:

    • Disney characters in special anniversary outfits
    • New parade, called “Stars on parade”, which is every day at 17:30
    • New castle show at nighttime, called “Disney Illuminations”, which features new songs, pictures, and even has Live action Disney movies, Star Wars and Marvel included
    • All new amazing merchandise featuring 25 anniversary, and stars on parade
    • New decorations with 25 years anniversary theme
    • A show at the Royal Castle stage called “Mickey presents: Happy Anniversary Disneyland Paris”
    • A show at the Royal Castle stage called “The Starlit Princess Waltz”

    In Walt Disney Studios:

    • A new show called “Mickey and the magician”
    • New decorations with 25 years anniversary

     

  • 9 of the Most Instagram Worthy “Disney Walls” At The Parks

    9 of the Most Instagram Worthy “Disney Walls” At The Parks

    By now most Disney fans have heard about the picture perfect Purple Wall trend, especially with the release of the “Meet Me at the Purple Wall” Limited Release MagicBands. But there are quite a few other popular Insta-worthy “Disney Walls” out there located throughout Disney Parks.

    They’ve got color and quirky style, which is why “Disney Walls” have become unofficial fan-favorite photo locations for many guests visiting a Disney theme park. Photos with vibrant or multicolored “Disney Walls” as a backdrop have been a growing trend on Instagram and Twitter this year – some walls even have their own guest-created hashtags!

    Snapping a picture in front of a Disney Wall is a must-do during a visit for some and for others it’s a fun sort of photo scavenger hunt just to find these walls in the parks. Finding the perfect wall to show off your Disney Parks #OOTD is the latest Instagram and Twitter trend at the moment and here are 9 of the top Disney Walls to get you started.

    Disney Walls

    1.Magic Kingdom Park #PurpleWall – Walk down the ramp from Tomorrowland Terrace toward the entrance to Tomorrowland. Right when you hit the turn into the land, you’ll see the #PurpleWall on your right.

    Disney Walls

    2. Epcot’s #BubbleGumWall – Guests will find this wall by simply turning right or left just outside of the exit of Spaceship Earth.

    Disney Walls

    3. Epcot’s #BlueberryWall – Leave the #BubbleGumWall and take two more steps to find the bright #BlueberryWall.

    Disney Walls

    4. Epcot’s #ToothPasteWall – While at Epcot, head to The Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion. You’ll find the #ToothPasteWall upon exiting the pavilion.

    Disney Walls

    5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom #MossWall – Head into Pandora – The World of Avatar and walk towards Satu’li Canteen. Just opposite the restaurant’s front door is the newest popular “Disney Wall,” which you can spot on social channels under the hashtag #MossWall. Tip: The Flight of Passage attraction’s exterior queue also offers some very Instagrammable backdrops.

    Disney Walls

    6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom “You Are Most Beautiful” Wall – No hashtag for this one yet, but it’s still a super popular stop for guests visiting Harambe Marketplace in the Africa section of the park. Look for it on the park-side of a cast members-only doorway.

    Disney Walls

    7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market – Just outside Harambe Market, look for a wall that sports quotes and a painting of Mickey Mouse.

    Disney Walls

    8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market – Harambe Market, located in the Africa section of the park, serves up soulful street food and fun photo opps.

    Disney Walls

    9. Mission Space Wall – Mission Space, located in Future World at Epcot.

    There are quite a few other picturesque walls out there.  Which “wall” do you love at Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below.

  • BREAKING: Hollywood Studios Name Will NOT Change In The Foreseeable Future

    BREAKING: Hollywood Studios Name Will NOT Change In The Foreseeable Future

    With rumors swirling around about the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a possible name change, Disney finally addressed the issue in a recent statement. Disney put the rumors to rest stating that the parks name will not be changing.

    “In response to questions we have been receiving, we also want to let fans know that the Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will remain the same for the foreseeable future since we are immersing our guests in a place where imagined worlds of Hollywood unfold around them from movies and music, to television and theater”, the company said in a statement.

    Rumors of a name change for Disney’s Hollywood studios have persisted since Disney CEO Bob Iger, not so subtly, hinted about it at a shareholder meeting back in 2015.

    “It’s not announced. We used to be MGM Studios, we changed to Hollywood Studios and we’re doing some significant work there right now that I guess will result in a name change,” Iger said at the meeting. “We’ll announce that we’re changing the name, but we won’t announce what we’re changing it to. How’s that?” he continued.

    So the “foreseeable future” still doesn’t mean they won’t be changing the name one day.  We still know that with the evolving nature of the park a name change may still be the park’s future.

    Toy Story Land is scheduled to open this summer at Hollywood Studios, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in 2019 and neither of those projects had been announced when Iger made his off the cuff statement.

    We know that the idea has been seriously considered by Disney, because back in August several Disney fans had received a survey asking their opinions of several potential new names for the park. The internet blew up last week with speculation that “Cinemagine Park” had been settled on, from that list, as the parks new name. Perhaps Disney didn’t like the survey results or maybe it was the reaction to the possible name choice that was floating around. In either case it’s clear that Disney doesn’t want possible name change to be a distraction to all of the upcoming changes.

    If Disney really wanted to make it clear the name would remain the same indefinitely, they might have chosen different language for their statement. But for now everyone can rest easy that “Cinemagine Park” is not the new name of the Park. Perhaps Disney feels the Hollywood name does fit the future of the park, but only time will tell.

     

  • Disneyland Resort Is Opening Its First Brewery

    Disneyland Resort Is Opening Its First Brewery

    Disneyland Resort is opening its first-ever brewery in 2018. Ballast Point Brewing Company announced earlier this week that it will be launching its next location in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

    The Happiest Place on Earth just go a little happier. Well actually Disneyland Park is still alcohol free, but the 7,300-square-foot location with a three-barrel “research and development” brewery, restaurant, and an outdoor beer garden is located right outside the park.

    Ballast-Point downtown disney breweryThe San Diego-based Ballast Point, a pioneer in the craft beer industry and one of the nation’s leading craft breweries is known for high-quality, award-winning and innovative beers has been dedicated to the craft of brewing for more than 20 years.

     

    Known for its unrelenting commitment to quality, unique flavor profiles and a desire to bring great tasting beer to consumers across the country, this will be Ballast Point’s first location in Orange County and seventh in Southern California.

    “As one of Southern California’s premier brewers, for the team at Ballast Point, we couldn’t be more honored to work with such an icon in our great state and become the first brewer at Downtown Disney,” said Marty Birkel, president of Ballast Point Brewing Company. “We hope SoCal locals and visitors alike will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, seasonal cuisine, and good cheer (and beer) of our signature tap room experience that we plan to bring to Disney.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Ballast Point to Downtown Disney,” said Patrick Finnegan, vice president of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. “Our guests are constantly asking for new and innovative dining experiences, and Ballast Point’s selection of award-winning beers, locally inspired cuisine and friendly atmosphere make them a perfect fit.”

    Along with its beers, the restaurant’s menu will also offer a taste of San Diego with some of its most popular dishes from its brew pubs. Similar to Ballast Point’s brewing philosophy, the kitchen will only source the best possible ingredients, including steroid and antibiotic-free proteins, line-caught fish and local produce when available. The kitchen will feature a seasonally inspired menu, with a focus on cuisine that not only pairs well with the vast selection of beers, but incorporates them in the recipes. The location will also offer a children’s menu, along with gluten-free and vegetarian options for guests.

    The location will be family friendly, offering an outdoor patio and large-party, cabana style seating, and visitors 21+ can enjoy many of Ballast Point’s iconic beers, as well as exclusive, custom, limited-edition beers available only at the Downtown Disney location.

    The new Downtown Disney location further extends Ballast Point’s brand presence in Southern California and will introduce its quality, great-tasting beer to visitors from around the country and the world.

  • New Minnie Mouse Inspired Dooney & Bourke Collection

    New Minnie Mouse Inspired Dooney & Bourke Collection

    Rocking her iconic polka dots, Minnie Mouse inspires Disney fans around the globe with her timeless fun-loving, positive spirit. And now she has inspired Dooney & Bourke once again with this Polka Dot Infused Minnie Mouse Collection.

    Minnie Mouse is getting all the attention this week. Fans will “Rock the Dots” with her this weekend, in celebration of National Polka Dot Day on January 22 and she is also being presented a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. in honor of her 90th anniversary. Minnie is everyone’s favorite fashionista so it’s no wonder retailers are eager to get in on the action.

    The collection has “squeaky” clean design that really stands out with its simple yet elegant Red and White polka dot pattern inspired by everyone’s favorite glamour girl, Minnie Mouse!

    The bags are made from vinyl with a nice leather trim and is perfect for rocking your dots year round. Look for three silhouettes in this collection including a Wallet, a Pouchette, and a Tote$228.


    The Tote retails for $228 and has plenty of room for everything you need to carry.


    The Pouchette is medium-sized with a leather strap and will run you $138.


    The Wallet also sells for $138 and is perfect for when you are on the go and don’t want to be weighed down with a heavier bag.

    There is no word on when these polka dot beauties will be available in stores and the shopDisney app, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as they are available.

     

  • Newest MagicBands Are A Must Have

    Newest MagicBands Are A Must Have

    ‘Oh boy!’ Several new MagicBands have just been released and they are my new favorite thing! The Mickey Mouse inspired one is my favorite, but they are all super cute!

    With the debut of the I Am Mickey MagicBand, Disney has taken care of the customization for Guests. This item pays homage to Mickey Mouse in a new and sleek way with a black MagicBand and yellow center icon. This first ever pre-customized MagicBand is currently available for $22.99 wherever MagicBands are sold. You can already Find this one on the shopDisney website.

    101 dalmatians magicband

    You may have noticed over the past year some of your favorite attractions now have their very own MagicBand such as The Pirates of the Caribbean and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Beginning Jan. 15, 2018, thrill seekers and fans of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be able to purchase a red MagicBand complete with icons and patches representative of this train ride through the Himalayan Mountains. This Limited Release MagicBand will retail for $27.99.

    Also, this month, in honor of the theatrical release of 101 Dalmatians in 1961, they are releasing the first-ever MagicBand to feature Pongo, Perdita and a few of those famous paw prints. This white MagicBand will be available Jan. 22 online and in select retail locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort on Jan. 26, 2018 and retail for $22.99.

    MagicBands

    And don’t forget about this years Valentine’s Day Limited Edition Release. For the Aladdin and Jasmine admirers out there, the latest LE MagicBand for the upcoming holiday depicts the couple on their moonlit carpet ride over Agrabah. This teal MagicBand is now available with an edition size of 2,400 and retails for $32.99.

    Magicband Magickeeper

    One last bit of exciting news is they have launched three new colors to their current MagicKeeper line.  They have added blue, pink and purple. These MagicKeepers allow even more customization as you can swap icon colors to create new, fun looks.

    As always, these MagicBands and MagicKeepers continue to allow guests to connect the vacation choices they make in My Disney Experience – from effortless theme-park entry, to Online Check-In, Disney PhotoPass association and more.

  • Buying Additional FastPass+ Being Tested at Disney World

    Buying Additional FastPass+ Being Tested at Disney World

    One of the many benefits of Disney World has always been their free FastPass+ system for their rides and attractions, but Disney may be testing out a pilot program that would allow guests to purchase additional FastPasses.

    WFTV’s Chip Skambis reports that, according to his sources, Club Level Guests at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts will be able to buy three additional FastPasses for $50 per day per person.

    According to multiple online reports Disney could be rolling out this pilot test program as early as this Friday for guests staying in eligible rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

    Here are some of the details that have been reported so far on the possible new option.

    For $50 plus tax per guest per day, guests staying in eligible rooms with a minimum three-day stay will receive three additional FastPass+ selections per day, a booking window of up to 90 days in advance and preferred viewing location for nighttime spectaculars.

    This is a great option for those who are willing to pay for it, but where Disney guests who can’t afford the extra charge will suffer most, is when there are fewer fast passes available to them because they have all already been booked up.  A 90 day window is unprecedented, and with guest collecting as many as 6 fast passes, the people it will hurt the most is those who buy their tickets at the window with expectations of booking FastPasses once they enter the park.

    Free FastPasses aren’t much good when there isn’t any available. According to one media outlet, Disney had confirmed the information, but until Disney officially confirms it we’ll just keep this complied in the long list of rumors.

  • Google Home Brings Disney Interactive Hands-Free Family Fun

    Google Home Brings Disney Interactive Hands-Free Family Fun

    Oh, boy! Gather up your pals for a Mickey Mouse Adventure on Google Home. Now you can invite Mickey Mouse right into your home!

    Help Mickey make all the choices as he navigates across a busy city to get to his magic show performance on time. Should he take a taxi or the subway? Ride a moped or surf the tunnels? Go left or right? If he makes it on time, you may even get to assist him in the magic show! The fun never stops with Mickey Mouse Adventure.

    To play with Mickey Mouse on Google Home, just say “Hey Google, play Mickey Mouse Adventure”. Check out the video below.

    Google Home is a Wi-Fi speaker that also works as a smarthome control centre and an assistant for the whole family. You can use it to playback entertainment throughout your entire home, effortlessly manage everyday tasks, and ask Google things you want to know.

    You can also play along with a “Cars Adventure,” feature with favorites Mater and Lightning McQueen.

    In Cars Adventure, players can play “drive-and-seek” through Radiator Springs with Lightning and Mater. The story can take you to either Flo’s V8 Cafe or Sarge’s Surplus Hut. Choices in this game are made through voice commands as with Mickey Mouse Adventure, and can lead to possibilities like racing with Cruz Ramirez, driving through Carburetor Canyon, or even tractor tipping!

    Yes it can set appointments for you and turn on your lights, but its got plenty of Disney Magic integrated into it perfect for the ultimate Disney Dork.  The speaker is great story teller too and it can now be asked to retell classic fairy tales, including “Snow White” and “Cinderella”.

    Children under 13 can also have their own personalized Google Assistant experience when they log in with their own account, powered by Family Link.

  • Disney Releases 2018 Movie Schedule

    Disney Releases 2018 Movie Schedule

    The Walt Disney Studio has released their release calendar for the coming year’s biggest blockbusters, including three Marvel movies and a Star Wars film.

  • VIDEO: Union Workers Reject Disney’s Latest Wage Proposal

    VIDEO: Union Workers Reject Disney’s Latest Wage Proposal

    Chanting turned to cheering Wednesday as Walt Disney World union members overwhelmingly voted ‘No’ on a contract that would have given employees a raise of at least 50 cents an hour. Disney says “they are disappointed”, and they believe the 6 to 10 percent wage increase was fair but they will continue to work with the union on negotiations.

    New Disney employees earn $10 an hour currently, but the union wants to raise average worker pay to $15 an hour in an effort to reduce poverty among their represented members.

    Almost 10,000 votes were cast, the highest turnout ever for the Service Trades Council Union and approximately 93 percent of dues-paying members voted to turned down the two-year contract. The STCU has been negotiating wages with Disney and is a coalition of six unions representing nearly 36,000 Walt Disney World cast members.

    The rejected offer would have seen full and part-time cast members receive a 50 cent or 3 percent raise per year for two years, whichever was higher for the cast member, retroactive to Sept. 24. They also would have seen a $200 bonus. Cast members who receive tips would not be eligible for the wage increase, but would qualify for the $200 payout.

    Disney says they already pay $2-per-hour more than the federally required minimum wage and it seems unlikely the workers will actually see $15 an hour. The final outcome effects employers throughout the Orlando area as their employee wages usually follow Disney’s very closely. In 2014 Disney agreed to raise the minimum wage to $10-per-hour by 2016 and other unionized and non-unionized companies followed suit, including Universal Orlando.

    The next step for the unions appears to be in February, where they will regroup for further negotiations.