Disney News

Author: Nate

  • Rumor: New Name For Hollywood Studios Has Been Decided

    Rumor: New Name For Hollywood Studios Has Been Decided

    Disney may have finally settled on a new name for Disney Hollywood Studios.  Several “Disney insiders” have reported that Disney has chosen “Disney Cinemagine Park” as the new name for the park. The possible new name isn’t one of the more popular choices, but here’s what we know so far.

    Rumors of a name change for Disney’s Hollywood studios have been swirling around 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.

    With the new direction the park is heading the idea of a name change wasn’t that far-fetched. There wasn’t really any more news on the topic until reports surfaced back in August that several Disney fans had received a survey asking their opinions of several potential new names for the park. Here is a list of the names they had to ponder:

    • Disney Kaleidoscope Park
    • Disney Storyverse Park
    • Disney Hyperia Park
    • Disney Beyond Park
    • Disney Cinemagic Park
    • Disney Legends Park
    • Disney XL Park
    • Disney Cinemagine Park

    Now the rumor mills are in full swing again with reports that the company has decided on “Disney Cinemagine Park” as the new name for Disney-MGM 3.0. Co Author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World Len Testa, posted on the WDWMagic forums about the change. “I also hear that Disney has settled on ‘Disney Cinemagine Park’ for the DHS rename.”

    We should point out that Len Testa and his podcast co-host Jim Hill both were among those who said Disney had decided on “Hollywood Adventure” as the name before the surveys were passed out. Quite frankly I still hope that is true.  Too bad it wasn’t on the survey.

    Already many fans are not happy with the new possibility, and are complaining that its hard to pronounce and to spell. There are just as many changes happening at Hollywood Studios as there are rumors, and nothing is official until Disney says it is. So like all rumors, take it for what it’s worth.

    For now we’ll hope it’s just a rumor, but a name change is most certainly coming.  Many speculating that change will come before the opening of Galaxy’s Edge or at least right after. Regardless, we should see the name change within the next three years.

  • Man Accused Of Groping Boy On Disney Ride

    Man Accused Of Groping Boy On Disney Ride

    A man was arrested at Disney’s Epcot after he allegedly groped a child on a ride Saturday.

    He was in line for Test Track when a group of people let him get in front of them, the victim told deputies.

    The suspect is 20 year-old Arturo Benitez-Pita and according to deputies he told the child, “I’m riding with you” and the child assumed he was just being friendly. Benitez-Pita was continually asking the victim questions about the ride, deputies said.

    The victim said Benitez-Pita touched him inappropriately on the ride and the child told deputies he pushed Benitez-Pita’s hand away.

    Benitez-Pit admitted to going on the ride with the child, but denied that there was any touching.  He initially said he got scared on the ride and his hand moved toward the boy out of reflex, according to an arrest affidavit.

    He was arrested and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 years old.

  • Dark Horse Releasing Original Comics Featuring Disney’s “Frozen”

    Dark Horse Releasing Original Comics Featuring Disney’s “Frozen”

    Dark Horse Comics announced Monday that they will be  teaming up with Disney and creating a new three-issue miniseries to release this August titled Disney Frozen. Founded in 1986, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic publisher in the United States.

    Disney-Dark-Horse-Frozen-Comic

    Disney Zootopia Comics and Disney DuckTales: Treasure Trove writer Joe Caramagna and artists from the Kawaii Creative Studio both return to bring some fan-favorite Disney characters to the world of comics.

    Disney Frozen #1 finds Queen Elsa and Princess Anna trying to get to the bottom of things when the peace of their beloved kingdom is disrupted. There’s a wild animal loose in the village, destruction in the forest, and unrest brewing in a nearby kingdom. Luckily, Elsa and Anna will have the help of Olaf, Kristoff . . . and a mysterious, adventurous young woman to restore peace in their kingdom.

    “We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Disney on this great project,” Mike Richardson, Dark Horse president and founder, said in a press release. “Frozen has legions of fans, many of whom are here at Dark Horse. I’ve personally enjoyed repeated viewings with my granddaughter, and I look forward to sharing this new series with her.”

    The first issue of Disney Frozen is scheduled for a summer 2018 release. Dark Horse and Disney will announce additional comics in the coming months.

  • First Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer Just Released By Marvel

    First Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer Just Released By Marvel

    The first trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has landed and we’ve got your first official look right here, True Believers! Check out the official trailer below and make sure to check out the film in theaters July 6!

    From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes “Ant Man and the Wasp,” 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.

  • VIDEO: Disney Animatronic With Missing Head Gives Guests Unexpected Shock

    VIDEO: Disney Animatronic With Missing Head Gives Guests Unexpected Shock

    The poor unfortunate souls riding The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disneyland got an unexpected shock while on the attraction Sunday. The ride’s Ursula animatronic literally lost its head in plain sight of park guests.

    You would think The Queen of Hearts had been screaming, “off with her head!” but instead a few shrill shrieks were probably heard from park-goers as the figure continued to move and sing with its head dangling.

    In the words of The Sea Witch herself, “Don’t underestimate the importance of body language.” Take a look at the horrifying video below.

    “Immediately after we got off we were ushered out along with everyone else, and the employees looked very concerned,” the poster wrote. “Many people had seen Ursula decapitated, including kids who understandably were upset.”

    This was just one of a multitude of videos and pics of the horrifying event that have been plastered all over social media.

    In an odd coincidence, this isn’t the only attraction to lose its head in recent days. Social media also was buzzing when the auctioneer from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland Paris also malfunctioned and lost his head too.

    These type of malfunctions are bound to happen, but it still can be rather horrifying for the young ones even if the adults (big kids) find it a little funny. Very soon after both rides were temporarily closed for repairs.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

    Alright Star Wars Addicts, it’s back – the Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

    In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

    Here’s a look at other event offerings:

    • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
    • Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
    • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
    • Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
    • Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
    • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
  • The Last Jedi Blasts Into The Top 10 Highest Grossing Films All Time

    The Last Jedi Blasts Into The Top 10 Highest Grossing Films All Time

    Although Star Wars: The Last Jedi was met with mixed reviews and probably won’t come close to the box office earnings of The Force Awakens, it is still a huge financial success for Disney. The most recent installment to the Star Wars saga is now one of the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.

    The film cracked the top 10 and is now sits as the ninth highest grossing film of all time. It passed Frozen which now holds the 10 spot and it pushed Beauty and the Beast out completely, dropping it to 11th. It’s not likely, but it’s possible it could still gain a spot or two before it’s all said and done. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 sits at number eight with $1.34 billion.

    With Disney now owning 7 of the Top 10 highest grossing films of all time — everytime a Star Wars, Marvel or Disney movie starts breaking records — they are basically just rearranging the top 10 with their own movies and will eventually just end up controlling a majority of the top 20 highest grossers. One small sad bit of news that comes with all this is that Toy Story 3 has now been pushed out of that top 20.

    The film has now officially crossed the $1.31 billion mark at the global box office, which includes $700 million from the overseas market. The film is nearing the end of its box office run after 49 days in theaters. The film has brought in more than $600 billion domestically and brought in $4.2 million this weekend. The Last Jedi is also the sixth-biggest grosser ever in North America.

    It’s not all about breaking records, but the film has already set several. Disney-Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi brought in more than $220 Million during its opening weekend making it the second biggest opening day total behind only Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($247M).

    Those numbers make it the fourth film in domestic box office history to cross the $200 million threshold in its opening weekend.  It is also had the second highest opening day total bringing in $104 million. It’s the second highest opening day for a film in U.S. history and once again second only to The Force Awakens.

    The film fell 35% from The Force Awakens in the U.S. and globally even more, down around $750 million from The Force Awakens. But when a film with a $225 million production budget brings in $1.3 billion in global sales, Disney isn’t losing any sleep.

  • VIDEO: Ellen Comes Face To Face With Her Disney World Animatronic

    VIDEO: Ellen Comes Face To Face With Her Disney World Animatronic

    Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot closed last August and when Ellen DeGeneres found out, she made a plea on “The Ellen Show” for the return of her Audio-Animatronic double.

    Well for her 60th Birthday Ellen received some Disney magic as she was reunited with remains of the former attractions Ellen Audio-Animatronic.

    Wrapped in a large box, a figure dressed like her animatronic, was rolled out as part of the shows birthday festivities. It came with a note that called this a “heart-warming reunion with all that remains.”

    When the box was opened it revealed a figure with a red T-shirt and blue shirt and brown pants. The head she found a bit disturbing and at one point she said the figure “could star in a horror movie.”

    Still a bit awestruck Ellen continued.

    “Is this real? This is … me? This is not real. This is the robot they used for Ellen’s Energy Adventure? … That is so offensive.”

    The audience erupted with laughter and as she questioned the likeness, a voice from off-screen said the pants and T-shirt were real. They were donated by a private collector who picked them up after the attraction closed.

    What Ellen may not have known was that the audio-animatronic figure was destroyed by Walt Disney Imagineering and used for parts. She has actually been missing from the attraction for several years. There are reports that it was removed due to some technical difficulties, but it may not have ever made it back to the attraction as Disney has had a plan in the works to create a new attraction for some time.

    Ellen’s Energy Adventure is being replaced at Epcot by the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy” rollercoaster.

  • Tokyo Disneyland Gets Covered In Snow

    Tokyo Disneyland Gets Covered In Snow

    Though it’s not common for Tokyo Disneyland during this time of year, Elsa must have been using her Frozen powers, as guests were treated to the rare sight of snow in the park. A Tokyo Disneyland snow covered castle is a beautiful sight indeed.


    Snow at Tokyo Disneyland is a definitely rare, but not completely unheard of sight. In this part of Japan, the average temperature in the month of January is 41°F – but January is also typically the city’s driest month of the year, so snow is a big deal. Fellow cast members in the park were able to grab this lovely shot of the snowfall on the park’s iconic Cinderella Castle to share with all of you.

    Several guests in the park even celebrated the seasonal surprise by engaging in a good-natured snowball fight in front of the castle.

    And speaking of special moments at Tokyo Disneyland, the park is just a few weeks away from kicking off it’s 35th anniversary. Read more about what to expect from the park’s yearlong celebration.

  • Former Disney Star Charged With Multiple Armed Robberies

    Former Disney Star Charged With Multiple Armed Robberies

    In connection with a string of armed robberies, former Disney star, Adam Hicks, was arrested and on Wednesday.

    The 25 year-old is accused of robbing several people on the street on Wednesday morning. According to the Burbank Police Department in California he committed three robberies over a two-hour period with the help of his girlfriend. His girlfriend is also in police custody.

    According to reports, Hicks and his girlfriend went up to several people and put a gun in their face, demanding money. Two of the victims were women in their 70s and another was a 52-year-old man.

    Police were able to locate the car used during the robberies and detained a female said to be connected to one of the suspects.  Some of the stolen property was recovered by police at the scene. Hicks was found and arrested at his home after a SWAT team showed up to serve a search warrant.

    Hicks starred as Luther on the Disney XD show from 2009 to 2012. He also appeared in Hulu’s “Freakish,” in 2016-2017, and the 2015 film “The Boy Next Door.”

    Hicks is set to appear in the movie “Shifting Gears,” due out in March, and is currently starring in the show “Freakish” on Hulu.

    Jail records show that Hicks was also arrested in both July and September of 2017. The arrest happened about 2 p.m and he is due to appear in court on Friday. According to court records he is being held in jail on $350,000 bail.