Disney News

Author: Nate

  • ‘Roseanne’ Canceled By ABC After Star’s Racist Tweets

    ‘Roseanne’ Canceled By ABC After Star’s Racist Tweets

    “Roseanne,” ABC’s hit revival sitcom, was canceled today just hours after the show’s star Roseanne Barr’s posted a racist tweet about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett.

    Barr’s post early Tuesday morning, which has since been deleted, said that Jarrett, who is African-American, was a product of the Muslim Brotherhood and “Planet of the Apes” — “muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj.” She has since apologized.

    Barr’s comparison of Jarrett, a longtime Obama family confidant, to an ape and claiming that she has a connection to the organization Muslim Brotherhood drew immediate backlash on social media. You can see the deleted tweet below.

    roseanne-barr-tweet

    The tweet also immediately brought criticism from “Roseanne” star Sara Gilbert. It also prompted Wanda Sykes, a consulting producer, to quit the show in the lead up to the cancellation.

    “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” said Channing Dungey, the president of ABC Entertainment, in a statement.

    In a tweet, Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney, said there was “only one thing to do.”


    Iger called Jarrett before publicly announcing that the show was canceled. Barr deleted the initial tweet and apologized hours after the original comment.

    In her apology, Barr called the tweet a “bad joke about her politics and her looks.” She also said she was “leaving Twitter,” but didn’t specify if that meant deleting her account.

  • Today In Disney History: ‘it’s a small world’ Opens 52 Years Ago at Disneyland Park

    Today In Disney History: ‘it’s a small world’ Opens 52 Years Ago at Disneyland Park

    52 years ago today, It’s A Small World opened in Fantasyland at Disneyland. Also stylized as “it’s a small world,” the interior boat ride features 297 animated children, 256 toys, a canal filled with 233,000 gallons of water, and the 30-foot tall kinetic clock tower centerpiece, which puts on a show every 15 minutes as a parade of characters mark the time with pomp and fanfare.

    Following its run as one of the four Walt Disney-developed attractions at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York, “it’s a small world” was shipped piece by piece to Disneyland, where it debuted in Fantasyland on May 28, 1966.

    Walt was joined at the opening ceremonies that day by over 50 foreign consulate representatives along with children wearing the traditional dress of many countries. Some of these children helped Walt pour water collected from every ocean plus major rivers and bodies of water from around the world into the flume, truly symbolizing the attraction’s theme of global unity.

    it’s a small world

    It was the park’s first continually loading high-capacity ride. The day was marked by special ceremonies attended by Walt Disney himself in which water from all over the world is poured into the attraction’s moat.

    Showcasing the classic work of Disney Legends including art director Mary Blair and costume designer Alice Davis, with an unforgettable theme song by the Sherman Brothers, the Disneyland version of “it’s a small world” famously introduced the gleaming white and gold-tinged facade, incorporating legendary international landmarks.

    Disneyland threw another grand opening celebration for the attraction two days later. It’s A Small World proved to be so popular that versions were later added at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

  • Get a Sneak Peek of ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’ Starting June 8 at Disneyland Park

    Get a Sneak Peek of ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’ Starting June 8 at Disneyland Park

    “Ant-Man and The Wasp” is the next big Super Hero action-adventure to hit theaters this summer, and Disney is shrinking it down to give you a preview of scenes from the new film in a special sneak peek planned for Disneyland park.

    For a limited time from June 8 – July 15, Disneyland guests can get an advance look at scenes from “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” presented at the Tomorrowland Theater.

    “Ant-Man and The Wasp” brings a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

    Here’s a look at the latest trailer for the film:

    Team up with a partner – or your whole family – and catch this sneak peek, starting June 8 at Disneyland park, and look for “Ant-Man and The Wasp” when it buzzes into theaters nationwide on July 6.

  • Guest Sues Disney After Being Run Over By Scooter At Hollywood Studios

    Guest Sues Disney After Being Run Over By Scooter At Hollywood Studios

    If you’ve been to a Disney Park then you know getting the occasional hit and run by a stroller or a scooter is common pace. Well now yet another Disney World guest is suing the company after she says she was injured after being run over by another park guest on a motorized scooter at Hollywood studios.

    The action was filed earlier this month in Orange Circuit Court against Walt Disney Parks seeking more than $15,000 in damages. The lawsuit states that while on vacation from Ohio, Vicki Denton perused browsing in a Hollywood Studios’ gift shop when the alleged incident occurred in 2016.

    According to Denton’s attorney Michael Sanchez, the woman on the scooter tried to go in reverse but mistakenly moved forward instead. She hit Denton, pinning her against a checkout counter, and Denton fell over the scooter.

    Denton was taken to the hospital, said Sanchez, who declined to release details about her injuries, although the lawsuit said they were permanent in nature.

    “This happens a lot. It’s becoming more of a problem as Disney gets crowded,” he said about scooters running into pedestrians. “When they hit someone, they do damage.” said Sanchez in an Orlando Sentinel report.

    Sanchez pointed to a 2015 lawsuit filed by his Orlando firm where a guest was allegedly hit by a scooter in the line for Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain ride in 2013. In the still pending lawsuit it states the alleged incident broke the man’s femur, the lawsuit said.

    “Our focus is on providing a safe environment for our guests and cast members,” a statement released by Disney said. “Both of these lawsuits center on incidents from several years ago between guests, and both involved personally owned motorized scooters. We will respond to the allegations as appropriate in court.

  • Disney Reveals The Name of Village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Disney Reveals The Name of Village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Those who attended the panel discussions at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last Sunday, were among the first to hear some exciting news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney revealed for the first time that the name of the village is called Black Spire Outpost.

    Story editor, Margaret Kerrison also shared some of the history behind the name and how this village is closely associated with the geological formations that surround it.

    The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

    Galaxy's Edge

    The addition to both parks is the largest expansion of any theme park Disney has ever undertaken. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 or at Walt Disney World Resort in late fall 2019.

  • Celebrate The Dads This Father’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort

    Celebrate The Dads This Father’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort

    Walt Disney World Resort is the place to give Dad the special treatment this Father’s Day. Day or night, it’s all about celebrating Dads, husbands and all the special guys who deserve the very best on their special day.

    DAYTIME WITH DAD
    If Dad’s an adrenaline junkie, start the day with exhilarating rides and shows at any of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks:

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    • For the ultimate out-of-this-world adventure, take Dad to Pandora – The World of Avatar to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. Fly on the back of a banshee and soar between floating mountains in this one-of-a-kind journey.
    • After returning to Earth, guests can grab their passports and head to Asia for a thrilling, high-speed climb into the Himalayas on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.

    Fathers_Day

    Epcot

    • Car aficionados will get their fix on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, where guests design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-octane spin. Afterwards, Dad can pose for a picture with a Chevrolet dream car.
    • Head over to Soarin’ Around the World for a breezy, airborne adventure above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer.

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    • Only a boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! In this show, viewers can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. Dad can even volunteer to be part of the action.
    • Take a trip down memory lane on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, where Dad can relive his rock star days in a super-stretch limo featuring songs by Aerosmith. 

    SPORTS AND SNACKS
    If sports are Dad’s thing, head over to the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. With nearly 100 video monitors, each featuring global satellite feeds, families can watch virtually any televised game while enjoying a pub-style menu that includes popular items such as wings, loaded tots and craft-beer batter fish & chips. Dad can relax with delicious specialty cocktails and craft beers on tap, while surrounded by the best in televised sports entertainment—including a 108-square-foot video wall!

    A Round of (Foot) Golf with Dad
    What’s better than hitting the course with Dad?  This Father’s Day, golfers 18 years-old and under play for free with Dad at all Walt Disney World Golf courses.

    And for the very first time, Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, is proud to offer the game of FootGolf on Disney’s Oak Trail golf course. The 18-Hole FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States.

    SUMMER NIGHT DELIGHTS  
    After a day of park-hopping and sports, head to Disney Springs and treat Dad to specialty shops, amazing dining and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:

    • The Boathouse is the only place in the world where Dads can thrill to a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar that drives on land and enter the waters of Lake Buena Vista with a splash. The Boathouse is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of fully restored Dream Boats from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s – from classic Chris-Crafts to a one-of-a-kind jet boat that once reached speeds of over 200mph.
    • Live Entertainment – Treat Dad to great music and entertainment with any of the 25 live performers and acts that appear nightly at Disney Springs.
    • Tommy Bahama, the retail location known for its island flair and garden-grove ambiance, is celebrating Dads and the “Boys of Summer” with MLB® With its new MLB Collection, on the field or in the stands, Dads can be game-ready in ball club gear.
    • The Art of Shaving serves up high-end grooming greatness for the modern man. Fathers can choose from essentials that go from brushes and creams to razors and travel kits.

    With over 50 food and beverage locations, including five restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Disney Springs is the go-to place for a lunch or dinner date with Dad.

    • Start with a meal fit for a champ at Paddlefish. This on-the-water restaurant will serve a special “T-Bone & Tail” Father’s Day meal – a 20oz T-Bone and cold water lobster tail with a classic béarnaise sauce for $59.
    • Families can treat Dads to tasty drinks carefully paired with delicious dishes in the new Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs experience. Whether Dad is a bourbon aficionado or just enjoys sipping and savoring new drinks, this experience is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening out with family.
    • For a sweet snack, Amorette’s Patisserie will offer dipped “Tuxedo” strawberries and special treats honoring a beloved Disney Dad – Geppetto from “Pinocchio.” The treats will be available June 14-17, 2018.
  • Comcast Challenging Disney For Fox Assets With Estimated $60 Billion Bid

    Comcast Challenging Disney For Fox Assets With Estimated $60 Billion Bid

    You may want to get some pop corn and get ready to watch the show, because the battle for Fox isn’t over. Comcast is jumping back into the race for Fox with Estimated $60 Billion offer.

    On Wednesday, Comcast confirmed that it’s in the “advanced stages” of making an offer. The company provided very few details other than it would it be an all-cash offer. Disney offered Fox a $52.4 billion all-stock deal late last year, and shareholders are expected to vote on the offer this summer. Comcast is hoping to sneak in with this all-cash offer ahead of that vote.

    Last year, even though it exceeded Disney’s offer, Fox’s board rejected Comcast’s original bid, because they believed it was more risky with regulators to get approval. Now it seems that another major deal — Time Warner and AT&T — might actually go through. If it does, Comcast could potentially acquire parts of Fox without alarming regulators.

    The Fox assets — which range from international pay-TV distribution to cable networks and a stake in streaming giant Hulu — are some of the most-prized entertainment properties likely to come on the market for some time, and the Murdoch family’s willingness to sell these assets has come as a surprise to many in the media industry.

    The rare acquisition opportunity, combined with the need to significantly expand overseas and acquire new distribution and content, is adding a dimension of urgency for both Comcast and Disney.

  • 6 ‘Incredible’ New AR Emojis Revealed by Samsung and Disney

    6 ‘Incredible’ New AR Emojis Revealed by Samsung and Disney

    Samsung and Disney recently teamed up to make messaging a little more incredible by bringing six new classic Disney characters to life as AR Emojis.

    The companies have revealed that the already available characters of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck have been joined by all five members of Pixar’s beloved Super family, the Incredibles, and their friend, Frozone.

    AR-Emoji-Incredibles

     

    Galaxy S9 and S9+ users may now personalize their messages with augmented-reality avatars of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack, as well as fellow Super Frozone.

    “By extending our characters and stories to new digital platforms, we are creating daily Disney experiences everywhere our audience goes, and we are able to draw in new generations of fans,” said John Love, Vice President, Apps at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The Disney AR Emojis offer an innovative approach to content for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ and a fun way to bring magic to messages.”

    To add them, simply access the camera’s AR Emoji mode, tap the plus icon on the right-hand side, and select the Incredibles AR Emoji pack from the Galaxy Apps Store.

    Characters from favorite Disney films including Zootopia and Frozen are expected to roll out throughout the year.

  • Hocus Pocus And The All-New Sequel is a Novel Idea and It’s Happening

    Hocus Pocus And The All-New Sequel is a Novel Idea and It’s Happening

    “Hocus Pocus” fans have been clamoring for a sequel for years and now they are finally getting one…  Just not in the way you think! This sequel is coming in the form of a book. It may not be a feature film, but it still has many running amok, amok, amok with anticipation!

    The new book is coming out just in time for the 25th anniversary of the iconic film and it’s going to be a two-parter. Part one is a fresh retelling of the original film, and part two is a sequel that continues the story of your favorite characters and the next generation of Salem teens.

    In part two you’ll get to hear the story of a grown-up Max Dennison, who ended up marrying Allison, of course! We’ll also get to catch up with Dani Dennison, and meet Max and Allison’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Poppy. The story takes place on a blood moon and the group will face a challenge when they accidentally release a coven of witches from the afterlife and have to save Salem and everyone in it. Sounds very intriguing! Take a look at the cover art for Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel:

    Hocus-Pocus-Cover

    It’s already been reported that Disney Channel is in early stages of development on a “Hocus Pocus” TV movie, a reimagining of the 1993 cult classic Walt Disney feature, which starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. It’s not exactly clear at this point how these plans will factor into the made for TV movie, if at all.

    Disney didn’t say whether or not the sequel will be adapted to film, but where there is a will there is a way, and where there is a book there is a possibility. Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel will be available for purchase on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 and you can pre-order the book here.

  • First Look: First Official ‘Christopher Robin’ Trailer Released Online

    First Look: First Official ‘Christopher Robin’ Trailer Released Online

    The Hundred Acre Wood is opening up to our world and the first official trailer for Disney’s live-action Christopher Robin trailer has finally been released online!

    In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin — played by Ewan McGregor — remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

    This means that Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and many other characters from the animated franchise will be making their way to our world in the film. Instead of bringing the cartoon versions into the real world, these characters will be walking, talking stuffed animals when they appear to Christopher. Take a look at the amazing new trailer below!

    The poster released by Disney yesterday features McGregor’s Christopher Robin, surrounded by the real life versions of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore.

    Christopher Robin

    Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh; Chris O’Dowd as Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

    Winnie the Pooh is coming back to the big screen this summer and the film is set to hit theaters on August 3.