Disney News

Author: Deanna

  • ‘Mulan’ Release Date Postponed Again Due To Surge In Coronavirus Cases

    ‘Mulan’ Release Date Postponed Again Due To Surge In Coronavirus Cases

    The release Disney’s live-action Mulan remake is once again being pushed back due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

    The film’s release was previously delayed due to theater closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and had been scheduled for July 24.

    On Friday, Disney announced the film would now be released on Aug. 21. This is the second time “Mulan” has been pushed from its release date. The film was originally set to debut in March.

    “While the pandemic has changed our release plans for Mulan and we will continue to be flexible as conditions require, it has not changed our belief in the power of this film and its message of hope and perseverance,” said Alan Horn, co-chairman and chief creative officer at Walt Disney Studios, and Alan Bergman, co-chairman, in a statement. “Director Niki Caro and our cast and crew have created a beautiful, epic, and moving film that is everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs — on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.”

    The film, which tells the tale of the eponymous Chinese warrior of legend, stars Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, Gong Li, and Jet Li.

  • OFFICAL: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be Re-Themed to the ‘Princess and the Frog’

    OFFICAL: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be Re-Themed to the ‘Princess and the Frog’

    Splash Mountain will be getting a makeover at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Central Florida and Disneyland in California.

    Splash Mountain currently stars the animated characters from “Song of the South,” the 1946 film long criticized for stereotypes of “spiritual” black men and its seemingly nostalgic view of the antebellum South.

    The new theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” The story picks up after the final kiss where guests will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

    According to the Disney Parks Blog, the idea for re-theming the 1989 thrill ride started over a year ago but the change also comes at a time when racial tensions are at a high.

    A petition calling for the re-theme went viral earlier this month.

    “Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race, age, whatever your background may be,” the petition said.

  • Pearl Factory at Disney Springs Permanently Closing Shop

    Pearl Factory at Disney Springs Permanently Closing Shop

    Disney Springs closed due to the coronavirus back in March and recently began a phased reopening, but it seems not every business survived the closure. The Pearl Factory Kiosk has permanently closed up shop according to multiple reports.

    The kiosk allowed guests to choose an oyster and have a pearl made into a ring or necklace from over 135 settings and watch them build your unique jewelry. The kiosk is located in the Marketplace across from TREN-D.

    Disney Springs opened on May 20 to limited capacity, requiring masks of guests. Disney-owned locations like the World of Disney store followed on May 27.

    The theme parks will open in July with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom scheduled to open July 11, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios following July 15.

  • Air Force Thunderbirds Soar Over Disneyland in Salute to Healthcare Workers

    Air Force Thunderbirds Soar Over Disneyland in Salute to Healthcare Workers

    The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soared over the Disneyland Resort on Friday.

    Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons flew in formation over Disneyland Resort as a salute to frontline COVID-19 responders in California.

    A spectacular image captured the fighter jets flying over the castle. Take a look below:

    Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds planned low-flying flight paths over Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland as their flashy way of saying thanks. Earlier in the day they buzzed the San Diego area.

    Even though the parks are temporarily closed, Disney still continues to salute those who serve.

  • Disney Presents Virtual Viewing of ‘Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular’ at Disney World

    Disney Presents Virtual Viewing of ‘Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular’ at Disney World

    As part of the Halfway2Halloween event, Disney Parks is streaming it’s Halloween fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at Disney World tonight and it’s spook-tacular.

    For tonight’s pre-recorded viewing of “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular,” you’ve got the best seat in the house to experience the show’s state-of-the-art projections and dazzling fireworks.  Watch as host Jack Skellington delights with a not so scary-tale that proves anything can happen at Halloween!

    Watch the magic below:

    You’ve got the best seat in the house to experience the show’s state-of-the-art projections and dazzling fireworks.

  • Disney World FastPasses Now Available for June

    Disney World FastPasses Now Available for June

    With no idea when Disney World will finally reopen, many fans are looking for a little magical news and they may have just gotten some. It appears that you can now book Fastpasses for June on the My Disney Experience App.

    If you take a look at the app, guests with a valid park ticket – including Annual Passholders – can select FastPasses 30-days in advance beginning in June. This goes for guests with or without a Disney Resort room reservation.

    Take a look below at the FastPass availability we were able to find:

    There has been no official word from Disney on when they plan to reopen, but a task force referred to as the Orlando County Economic Recovery Task Force, made up of appointed officials, met up virtually last week to develop a preliminary set of guidelines that will be implemented when the parks eventually get the green-light to resume operations.

    Some analysts suggest the the parks may not reopen until Jan. 1, 2021. Stating that, “all aspects of Disney are at risk because of COVID-19, from their movie releases to their theme parks.”

    Again there is no official word from Disney so we’ll just have to wait and see.

  • Sneak Peek Epic Disney Family Singalong Coming to ABC

    Sneak Peek Epic Disney Family Singalong Coming to ABC

    Disney is committed to bringing magic into homes right now during these uncertain times and now they are bringing more musical magic to your household with The Disney Family Singalong, an all-star variety event that sees celebrities and their families singing classics from their homes.

    This hour-long television special, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will air Thursday, April 16, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC. It’s going to be a nationwide event featuring celebrities and their families singing their favorite Disney tunes from home … and encouraging you to join in the fun with them.

    Take a look below of a preview of what you can expect:

    Special guests will be singing plenty of songs that will make you feel as if you magically transported into a Disney park, including:

    • “I Won’t Say I’m In Love,” Ariana Grande
    • “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes,” Demi Lovato and Michael Bublé
    • “Be Our Guest,” Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, with a special appearance by Julianne Hough
    • “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” Christina Aguilera
    • “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” Thomas Rhett
    • “Friend Like Me,” James Monroe Iglehart with Broadway Company of Disney’s “ALADDIN”
    • “Gaston,” Josh Gad, Luke Evans and Alan Menken
    • ‘it’s a small world,” John Stamos
    • “Let It Go,” Amber Riley
    • “Under the Sea,” Jordan Fisher
    • “I Wan’na Be Like You,” Darren Criss
    • “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” Josh Groban
    • An epic performance of “We’re All in This Together” with Kenny Ortega and his friends from “High School Musical,” “Descendants,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “Zombies” and more including Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, KayCee Stroh, Raven-Symoné, Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, Sarah Jeffery, Meg Donelly, Milo Manheim, Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Larry Saperstein, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, TikTok Sensations Charli D’Amelio and Dixie D’Amelio, Chucky Klapow, Jared Murillo, Ro Malaga, Britt Stewart, Kim Klapow and Bayli Baker Thompson.
    • And many more from across The Walt Disney Company and beyond! 

    An animated character will be your guide as you sing along with well-known melodies from these beloved Disney stories. The broadcast will also feature special messages from Walt Disney Television, sharing information about the United States’ largest domestic hunger-relief organization, Feeding America, and how to support those experiencing hunger in these unprecedented times.

  • Disney World Operations Could Take Years to Return to Normal

    Disney World Operations Could Take Years to Return to Normal

    A securities analyst from Wells Fargo said it could take years for theme-park operations to get back to normal.

    Analyst Steven Cahall has downgraded the Walt Disney company mostly because of the impact COVID-19 has had on theme parks.

    He said this is not a demand-driven downturn like the parks saw in 2008 and 2009. However, the impact will still be big, according to WFTV.

    He said he expects no attendance for the rest of the fiscal year, and parks working at a 50% capacity in fiscal 2021.

    “Until the time at which there is significantly improved testing and/or a widely available vaccine it’s tough for us to imagine long lines for Rise of the Resistance, no matter how much folks might want to go to [Walt Disney World] deep down,” Cahall wrote.

    He also said that with no attendance at the parks, that means significantly lower occupancy at hotels and resorts, and almost no revenue coming in for the cruise line industry in the foreseeable future.

  • Disney’s Broadway Anniversary Concert To Stream For COVID-19 Assistance Fund

    Disney’s Broadway Anniversary Concert To Stream For COVID-19 Assistance Fund

    November 2019 Celebrating 25 Magical Years of Disney on Broadway concert will be live streamed April 13 at 7 PM ET to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.

    Ryan McCartan (Frozen, Liv and Maddie) will host the event from his family’s basement and will interview Disney on Broadway stars from their respective homes throughout the evening. The stream will be available online at Playbill and on BroadwayCares.org.

    “The event last November was such an unforgettable evening of Disney on Broadway magic,” Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola said in a statement. “We are so grateful to all our friends at Disney Theatrical Productions for generously joining us in sharing this evening again, supporting our entertainment industry friends and colleagues who are out of work and facing serious health and personal challenges due to this devastating coronavirus pandemic.”

    The show marks a reunion of 18 Newsies from the show’s Broadway and national touring productions and a performance from Broadway Inspirational Voices. Celebrating 25 Magical Years of Disney on Broadway was held at the New Amsterdam Theatre and raised $570,426 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

    The concert also featured 79 performers, including Jelani Alladin (Hercules), Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid, School of Rock), Christian Borle (Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Kerry Butler (Beetlejuice, Beauty and the Beast), Lauryn Ciardullo (Aladdin), Gavin Creel (Hello, Dolly!, Waitress), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan, Aida), Lindiwe Dlamini (The Lion King), Bongi Duma (The Lion King), Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast), Andrew Barth Feldman (Dear Evan Hansen), Bradley Gibson (The Lion King), Whoopi Goldberg (The View), Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton, Aida), April Holloway (Aladdin), James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton), Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Ramona Keller (Hercules), Nina LaFarga (Frozen), Tamika Lawrence (Hercules, Come From Away), Norm Lewis (Once on This Island, The Little Mermaid), Kara Lindsay (Newsies, Beautiful), Tshidi Manye (The Lion King), Sbusiso Ngema (The Lion King), Ashley Park (Mean Girls), Adam Pascal (Rent, Aida), Krysta Rodriguez (Hercules), Michael James Scott (Aladdin), Sherie Rene Scott (The Little Mermaid, Aida), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), Katie Terza (Aladdin), Marisha Wallace (Aladdin, Something Rotten!), Rema Webb (Hercules, The Lion King), Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), and Syndee Winters (Hamilton, The Lion King).

    Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, administered by The Actors Fund, is helping those onstage, backstage, and behind the scenes impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Rosario Dawson Cast as Ahsoka Tano in ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2

    Rosario Dawson Cast as Ahsoka Tano in ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2

    The Mandalorian‘s second season will feature Rosario Dawson as a live-action Ahsoka Tano!

    The “Briarpatch” star has been cast in the guest starring role of Ahsoka Tano, Variety has confirmed.

    Tano is Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice and one of the central characters in the popular animated “Star Wars” series. This will mark the character’s first live-action appearance, after being voiced by Ashley Eckstein on all seven seasons of “Clone Wars,” the final season of which is currently airing on Disney Plus.

    Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” is slated to drop on Disney Plus this Fall, after showrunner and creator Jon Favreau confirmed that a second season was on the way late last year. Favreau also previously revealed that Carl Weathers, who plays Greef Carga in the series, is set to direct an episode of its sophomore season.

    The series is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, following the travails of Mando (Pedro Pascal) in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Season 1 ended with Mando flying off in search of Baby Yoda’s home planet. Precisely how Dawson’s Tano fits into the equation will be interesting to see, especially given all the events that take place between the end of the Clone Wars and the fall of the Empire.

    “The Mandalorian” is the first “Star Wars” series to air on Disney Plus, and the Mouse House also has two others series from a Galaxy far, far away in the works, namely a Cassian Andor series starring Diego Luna reprising his role from “Rogue One,” and an Obi-Wan Kenobi series with Ewan McGregor reprising the iconic role.

    The series is executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist serves as co-executive producer. Directors on season 1 included Filoni, Taika Waititi, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa, and Deborah Chow, who has been tapped to direct the Obi-Wan series as well.