Disney News

Author: Nate

  • BREAKING: John Lasseter Out at Disney at the End of This Year

    BREAKING: John Lasseter Out at Disney at the End of This Year

    John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studio and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, will exit the company at year’s end, the Walt Disney Corporation announced Friday, after accusations of repeated misconduct that led to a six-month leave of absence last fall.

    Disney CEO Bob Iger gave Lasseter a glowing review in a statement released today and announced that he will assume a consulting role at Disney until December 31, 2018, at which time he will depart.

    “John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever,” Iger said in the statement. “We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John’s greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come.”

    Lasseter also released a statement with some parting thoughts as he looks toward the future. “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities,” said John Lasseter. “While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”

    Disney did not announce a replacement for Lasseter at either studio. Jennifer Lee, the writer-director of “Frozen,” is rumored to be the frontrunner at Walt Disney Animation Studios, while Pete Docter, the director of “Inside Out” and “Up,” is the top contender at Pixar.

  • Star Wars Father’s Day Gift Guide 2018

    Star Wars Father’s Day Gift Guide 2018

    Father’s Day is approaching Sunday, June 17! And if you were thinking of heading to Tosche Station to pick up some power converters as a gift for Dad, you may want to consider some of the other out of this galaxy Star Wars merchandise out there.

    Below you find a stellar guide to all you’re Father’s Day needs for those Star Wars loving Dads.

    Kessel Run Socks

    They’re the socks that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. (Sort of.) The unstoppable team of Han and Chewie is here to save our skins by keeping dad’s feet warm, dry, and ready for adventure. Available at Stance.

    Han Solo Faux Suede Replica Jacket

    When Han strides in to the cantina, you know he means business. This faux suede jacket, a replica of Alden Ehrenreich’s from Solo: A Star Wars Story, evokes that same sense of bravado (and all without the bounty on dad’s head). Available at ThinkGeek.

    Yoda ”Best Dad Ever” T-Shirt

    Honor one of the smartest people you know with Master Yoda and a dad-approved pun. Available at shopDisney.

    Darth Vader Sentry SS SW, 42mm Watch

    This watch is impressive. Most impressive. And perfect for your modern Sith lord. Available at Nixon.

    Camp Shirt for Men

    Blast off in a Disney Parks exclusive shirt in a playful pattern featuring the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, the Empire’s elite TIE fighters, a squad of X-wing fighters, and…is that a moon? Available at shopDisney.

    Solo: A Star Wars Story Dice Cufflinks

    He won’t need any tricks up his sleeve with Han’s lucky dice right on his cuffs. They’re as classy as a special occasion cape, but a little more subtle. Available at shopDisney.

    Darth Vader Ice Mold Set

    If Darth Vader were throwing a dance party, we imagine he might chill the refreshments with ice cubes created in his powerful image. Available at Williams-Sonoma.

    Star Wars Bluetooth Item Finders

    For the dad who tends to lose things — like maybe his beloved ship, wagered in a game of Sabacc? — comes the ideal counterpart. In the image of our favorite droids, Wookiee, other characters, these handy bluetooth-enabled buddies mean he can always locate his most prized possessions after he misplaces them. Available at Amazon.

    Chewbacca RARRRGGHH! 3D card

    Raise your arms in triumph and let loose a Wookiee roar (you know, assuming you speak a little Shyriiwook). You’ve found the perfect co-pilot in this adorable, 3D card, complete with a flock of friendly porgs. Available at Lovepop.

     

    Stormtrooper Lounge Pants

    When dad gets off duty, after a long day patrolling Mos Eisley for missing droids or wherever his work may take him, he deserves to get comfortable in some patterned lounge pants. Available at shopDisney.

     

    Darth Vader Lightsaber Lamp

    An elegant lamp for a more civilized home or office. Just be careful when you’re flipping the switch — people have been known to lose a hand when lightsabers are involved. Available at shopDisney.

    Han Solo Baseball Cap

    You love him. He knows. Available at shopDisney.

    LEGO Star Wars Kessel Run Millennium Falcon

    Together, you can build your own Corellian freighter with the style of Lando’s Millennium Falcon in Solo: A Star Wars Story, featuring exquisite yellow accents, a cozy bunk, and a Dejarik table. Don’t forget to repair the hyperdrive before you take it for a spin. Available at shopDisney.

     

    Star Wars: Jedi Challenges Augmented Reality Experience

    This will be a day long remembered. Challenge your father to a lightsaber duel with some of the most skilled warriors in the galaxy. Available at Best Buy.

    Hasbro Star Wars: The Black Series 6-inch Figures

    Even the most serious mind enjoys a few action figures — for collecting in a display, desk decoration, or defending the rebel base. Capture your favorite characters from Solo: A Star Wars Story (including an exclusive Chewbacca complete with snazzy goggles!) and beyond. Available at Target.

  • Disney World Passholders Get Exclusive Access To Toy Story Land This September

    Disney World Passholders Get Exclusive Access To Toy Story Land This September

    Walt Disney World has some exciting news for Florida annual passholders. They announced in an email to passholders that select gold, platinum, platinum plus and premier passholders will receive exclusive access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in September.

    Attendees will get exclusive access to 2 new attractions and one favorite at Toy Story Land—including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Plus, hungry Passholders can chow down on tasty vittles available for purchase at Woody’s Lunch Box.

    Advance registration is required—so be on the lookout for an event invitation with registration details in your email. If an eligible Passholder would like to register a Guest to accompany them, that Guest must also have a valid Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus or Premier annual pass, be listed on your Family & Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.

    Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders must pre-register by making an online reservation for ONE event. There is no additional charge for this event. Valid annual pass and photo ID required at check-in. Activities and attractions are subject to change without notice.

    Event capacity is limited and is subject to availability. Toy Story Land opens to the public on June 30.

  • Grand Floridian Greeter Richard Gerth Has Passed Away

    Grand Floridian Greeter Richard Gerth Has Passed Away

    Some very saddening news is hitting the Disney Community today that will break the hearts of countless Cast Members and guest alike. Richard Gerth, the Grand Floridian Greeter, passed away at the age of 92 last night due to complications from pneumonia.

    On Tuesday morning reports that Richard had fallen ill surfaced. He had been taken to hospice and according to a Facebook page that has contact with the family, Richard passed in the early morning hours.

    Starting his career at Walt Disney World in 1991, Richard Gerth, has been welcoming guests with his smile and happy disposition for generations. Gerth had become so well-known that many families make getting a picture with him an annual tradition.

    Guests loved Richard and he loved meeting them too. “I think just about every day is a good day…To be acknowledged by another person is the greatest feeling that anyone could get out of a job,” Gerth said during a 2014 interview.

    Gerth was recognized in 2013 by Disney when they awarded him the Walt Disney Legacy Award. This is the highest honor that Cast Members can achieve at Disney Parks and Resorts and those who have been honored with it wear a blue name tag rather than the traditional white name tag.

    Richard was everything you would want a cast member to be.  He was warm and friendly and it is a great loss for the Disney community.  Our thoughts, prayers and condolences and thoughts go out to his family. He was a Disney Legend and he will be greatly missed.

  • Find Dad That Perfect Father’s Day Gift at Disney Springs

    Find Dad That Perfect Father’s Day Gift at Disney Springs

    Father’s Day is June 17 so there’s still plenty of time to pick out the perfect present for the deserving dads in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your own father or for the man your children call “dad,” you’re bound to find something that suits his signature style at Disney Springs. Below are a few suggestions that are sure to make dad one happy guy!

    Disney Springs Fathers Day

    Socks from Stance: With designs featuring teams from the NFL, MLB, NBA and top Collegiate teams, plus options that showcase characters ranging from classic Disney to Star Wars, there’s sure to be a pair he’ll love. Bonus: he’ll think of you every time the playful pattern peeks out from below his pants leg.

    Disney Springs Fathers Day

    Athlete Recovery Sleepwear from Under Armour: For fitness fanatic dads who love the latest in technology, this collection from Under Armour may be just the thing they never knew they wanted. Using a Far Infrared print inside each piece, the assortment is designed to help dad recover, even when he’s resting.

    Disney Springs Fathers Day

    Dad-Approved Bling: If watches are his thing, then a visit to Luxury of Time by Diamonds International is in order; here, you’ll discover brands including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Bulgari, Movado, Citizen, Hublot and many more. If jewelry is more his style, check out UNOde50’s genderless jewelry pieces, or, invest in a piece from the new MAN Collection from Alex and Ani.

    Disney Springs Fathers Day

    Beard and Skin Care Supplies: Fathers with facial hair will appreciate grooming essentials for the modern man available at The Art of Shaving where you’ll find razors, brushes, gift sets and more. At Kiehl’s Since 1851, ask one of their super-helpful experts for personalized recommendations – from cleansers to anti-aging solutions and everything in between, they’ll have advice on the best gifts.

    Disney Springs Fathers Day

    A Use-It-Anywhere Gift Card: Did you know that Disney Gift cards can be used at any of the 150+ locations at Disney Springs? A “Meet Me at the People Mover” t-shirt from DisneyStyle, an over-the-top meal at STK Orlando, tickets to “The Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres, Camp Shirts from Tommy Bahama, reservations to experience The VOID: Secrets of the Empire, a Disney attraction-inspired tie from Twenty-Eight & Main…the list is practically endless. Pick up a card and load it with funds at any Disney retailer or at the Disney Springs Welcome Center – I’m partial to the version with the Disney Springs design on the front, but a classic Mickey card will do, too!

    Father’s Day is an important date because dads deserve their due, but this year, it’s also the very last day to experience “Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs” – if you haven’t come out yet to sample their array of bourbon-based beverages and food pairings, you may want to plan a visit ASAP.

  • The Redhead’s Debut at Disneyland Now Has an Official Date

    The Redhead’s Debut at Disneyland Now Has an Official Date

    You wanted the redhead, well now you got her! As we reported back in may, a brassy buccaneer known as Redd will be arriving at Disneyland. Well mateys, this fierce and independent pirate will be sailing into New Orleans Square on Friday, June 8!

    Redd_Pirates_of_the_caribbean

    The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney announced that it would be reimagining that section of the ride. The attraction has already opened in Disney World with its new scene and refurbishment for the attraction at Disneyland is currently underway. The attraction is schedued to reopen with fastpasses the same day Redd starts making her apperances.

    Pirates Red Head

    In Disney World’s new version the famed redhead is no longer being auctioned off. She has a new look and a new attitude! Now she sports a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

    A bit mysterious by nature, Redd travels to various ports throughout the Caribbean—selling rum and collecting coin.  She has been given a full back story and even told Disney when asked if she knew Captain Jack Sparrow, “That Sparrow owes me a new ship. Wouldn’t be surprised if he found himself in irons once more. If you see Mister Sparrow, I’m lookin’ for ‘em!”

    Keep an eye out for Redd—you may encounter this mysterious pirate as she travels from port to port throughout the Caribbean!

  • RUMOR: Baby Swap Passes are Going Digital at Walt Disney World

    RUMOR: Baby Swap Passes are Going Digital at Walt Disney World

    If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, you don’t have to miss out! Disney World offers a Rider switch which many guest refer to as a baby swap pass and it’s going completely digital starting this June.

    Disney has been on the forefront of converting systems digitally.  From the My Disney Experience app you can make FastPass and dining reservations and link them to your MagicBand, a change which has made carrying around paper passes a thing of the past.

    According to multiple online reports, the Rider Swap will be the newest addition to Disney World’s digital offerings. This will make guest experience much more convenient, but it will also help Disney cut down of fraud.

    With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

    There are a few changes with the new system. First, cast members will need to scan a guest’s MagicBand or park ticket and add the rider switch to their entitlements. Previously rider switch passes were valid up to a month, however with the new system there will much smaller length of time.  Some reports saying even as little as one hour. Also the entire participating party will need to be present to receive a Rider Switch and guests will now only be able to hold one rider switch pass at time.

    Rider Switch is available at select attractions at all 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Here is how it currently works.

    To Use Rider Switch:

    1. First check with a Cast member to see if Rider Switch is offered at the attraction in question.

    2. Once at the attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire party. At least one adult member of your party and the Guests who are not riding will be given a Ride Switch pass and asked to wait in a designated area (usually outside of the attraction). This group is “Party 2.”

    3. The other party members (“Party 1”) ride the attraction.

    4. After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2 and gives the Rider Switch pass to the adult member who will be riding. Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests.

    5. Party 2 enters and boards the attraction without having to wait in the regular queue a second time. The Rider Switch Pass must be presented to a Cast Member at this time.

    If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring one other Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass.

    As always there are just online reports and nothing is official until Disney announces it.

  • Newest Disney Vacation Club Resort Named ‘Best of the Best’

    Newest Disney Vacation Club Resort Named ‘Best of the Best’

    Sometimes, what happens in Vegas shouldn’t stay in Vegas. I’m pleased to report that Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge took home the biggest prize at the recent ARDY Awards at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

    Presented by the American Resort Development Association, the annual ARDY Awards honor outstanding achievements in the resort industry. Chief among those honors are ACE (ARDA Circle of Excellence) Awards recognizing those who “have attained the very highest level of excellence in the resort industry, and whose accomplishments and dedication spur the industry to new heights.”

    Copper Creek Villas & Cabins took home the prestigious ACE Project of Excellence Award, recognizing the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort as the “best of the best” in a variety of disciplines, from resort design and sustainability to community impact, to sales and marketing (the resort also took home an ARDY Award for best Multimedia Marketing Campaign) to day-to-day operations.

    Aside from being a matter of pride for the Disney Vacation Club Cast and every Disney Vacation Club Member who calls this rustically elegant resort “home,” the award demonstrates an unexpected power of Disney magic…allowing one to leave Las Vegas feeling like a winner.

  • New ‘Wreck-It Ralph 2’ Trailer is Full of Disney Princesses

    New ‘Wreck-It Ralph 2’ Trailer is Full of Disney Princesses

    Disney dropped the newest trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2″ today and for some it’s a dream come true!  This is not your ordinary fairytale, but all the Disney Princesses make an appearance in the trailer.

    The highly-anticipated animated sequel picks up six years after the original. This time around, after their old-fashioned arcade is connected to a Wi-Fi router, they find themselves on an adventure that takes them across the world wide web.

    Check out the new trailer below!

    The trailer is highlighted by Vanellope meeting all the Disney Princesses including Auli‘i Cravalho (“Moana”), Kristen Bell (Anna in “Frozen”), Kelly Macdonald (Merida in “Brave”), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in “Tangled”), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in “Aladdin”), Paige O’Hara (Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”).

    “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” leaves Litwak’s video arcade behind, venturing into the uncharted, expansive and thrilling world of the internet—which may or may not survive Ralph’s wrecking. Video game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) must risk it all by traveling to the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet—the netizens—to help navigate their way, including a webite entrepreneur named Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site “BuzzzTube.” Directed by Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) and Phil Johnston (co-writer “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Cedar Rapids,” co-writer “Zootopia,”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt”).

    The original film made $471.2 million worldwide. “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” the follow-up to the 2012 hit, hits theaters on Nov. 21.

  • New ‘Disney Junior Dance Party!’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Fall

    New ‘Disney Junior Dance Party!’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Fall

    This fall, there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV, including “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” “Doc McStuffins,” “The Lion Guard” and the newest hit series “Vampirina.”

    The new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a musically infused, interactive concert, hosted by Finn Fiesta and a DJ – named Deejay, of course – who involve you in all the fun, including live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.

    Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the opening of “Disney Junior Dance Party!” later this fall.