Disney News

Author: Nate

  • Watch Disney Parks New Year’s Eve Fireworks LIVE Streamed Right Here

    Watch Disney Parks New Year’s Eve Fireworks LIVE Streamed Right Here

    It’s New Year’s Eve and the clock is quickly counting down to 2018. If you’re looking for fireworks to ring in the New Year with then you no one does fireworks better that Disney.  You can watch the amazing New Year’s Eve fireworks display right from the comfort of your own home and we will be streaming it right here on Disney Dorks live from Magic Kingdom.

    The #DisneyParksLIVE stream will take place New Year’s Eve at 11:45 p.m. and you can watch it below.

    They will begin the countdown to 2018 with a special performance of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks live from Magic Kingdom Park. You won’t want to miss this so don’t be late.

    Where in the world are you watch the show from? Tell us in the comments section below.

  • Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    New Years Eve is one of the busiest days of the year at Magic Kingdom. And as expected the park has temporarily closed after reaching capacity as crowds descend on the most magical place on earth to ring in the 2018.

    With the announcement coming thirty minutes before noon, Magic Kingdom is currently at a Phase B capacity closure.

    Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom all remained open to additional guests and those are always a great place to ring in the new year also, but they can reach capacity as well so you might want to get there quickly before they fill up too.

    “We are experiencing a very busy day at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is not accepting new Guests at this time,” Disney said on its Twitter feed.

    UPDATE: Magic Kingdom has now reopened to all Guests.

    For details on closures, check out our complete list and breakdown of Walt Disney World’s Capacity Closing Procedures.

     

  • Disney Parks Food & Beverage 2017 Year in Review

    Disney Parks Food & Beverage 2017 Year in Review

    2017 was a food frenzy for year for Disney Parks! From new restaurants to incredible culinary creations, they had so much to offer. Here are just a few highlights of the Food & Beverage from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this past year.

    Disney Food

    At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrated the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Inside this incredible immersive land sit Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu, which offer some delicious items that have become must-try experiences for visitors to the Valley of Mo’ara. At Satu’li Canteen, the Build-Your-Own Bowl and the blueberry cream cheese mousse have become two of the most popular offerings. And at Pongu Pongu, the Pineapple Lumpia has been a hit among guests.

    Disney Food

    At Magic Kingdom Park, Casey’s Corner introduced the popular All-Beef Hot Dog of the Month. Among the 12 hot dogs created this year, the Buffalo Chicken Hot Dog, Cheeseburger Hot Dog, and Taco Dogs were guest favorites! On the sweet side, Cheshire Café introduced Cheshire Cat Tails – delicious chocolate pastry twists decorated with purple striped icing. And over at Aloha Isle, the popular pineapple Dole Whip® was given a new “twist” and can now be served atop a delicious pineapple upside-down cake!

    In addition to all the new year-round items at Magic Kingdom Park, guests also enjoyed special holiday treats like the new cake push pops and the seasonal cinnamon rolls offered during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Our pastry chefs definitely outdid themselves in creating brand new offerings to make these annual holiday events even sweeter.

    Disney Food

    Speaking of special events, Epcot definitely had a year to remember with the inaugural International Festival of the Arts as well as the 35th Anniversary of the opening of the park! With these events came yummy treats like the Almond Frangipane Cake from the International Festival of the Arts and returning once again for this year’s festival; and the return of the classic Handwich, a popular on-the-go snack that originally debuted in the park in late 1980’s, at this year’s International Food and Wine Festival.

    Disney Food

    For the holiday season this year, Epcot introduced the International Festival of the Holidays, which showcased 15 unique Holiday Kitchens. One of the highlights of this festival was the yummy Cheese Fondue, which was found at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in Germany. Epcot also saw the opening of Choza de Margarita this fall in the Mexico pavilion. Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Mexico pyramid, this outdoor venue serves hand-crafted margaritas and non-alcoholic Mexican fruit punch as well as tacos and empanadas.

    New locations at the Walt Disney World Resort this year include BaseLine Tap House, a cheerful corner pub with small bites and California brews and wines, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Geyser Point Bar and Grill, a lakeside bar and grill with delicious American cuisine, at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort; and Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge, a signature New England gastropub, at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

    Disney Food

    Over in California, Disneyland Resort had quite a year with fun new creations, holiday treats and a couple new openings. One of the most popular items this year was at Boudin Bakery at Disney California Adventure park: Groot-shaped bread! Throughout the year, the bakery offered bread in the shape of popular characters like Mickey, Mater, Groot and Darth Vader. Who know what they’ll come up with next year?

    Disney Food

    Specialty churros also took center stage as guests flocked to try the sour watermelon, s’mores, pumpkin spice, and peppermint hot chocolate churros offered throughout the year at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. Mint Julep Bar also got in on the fun with specialty Mickey-shaped beignets, like the Blackberry Beignets that celebrated the return of “Fantasmic!”

    Disney Food

    New openings this year included Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland park. With a dash of French flair, this “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired quick-service tavern serves up unique dishes like the Enchanted Cauli-Flower Sandwich. You can even try the Grey Stuff (it’s delicious) for a fun dessert! Another popular location that opened this year is the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, where guests can escape the crowds and relax while enjoying desserts and spectacular fireworks.

    Disney Food

    This past Spring, the popular Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival boasted over a dozen marketplaces featuring California-inspired cuisine, and will be returning in 2018 for an expanded length of time! Other amazing events this year included Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, which introduced the spooky holiday to Cars Land with fun snacks like the Mini Candy Cone Pie; and the Holidays at Disneyland Resort brought festive treats like gingerbread man cookies, pumpkin spice bread pudding and hand-pulled candy canes!

    Disney Food

    Overall, Disney gave us tons of fun tastes and sips at the Disney Parks in 2017, and we can’t wait to see what 2018 will have in store! Comment below and let us know your favorites.

  • Former ESPN President Allegedly Out Drinking After Resignation Over Substance Abuse

    Former ESPN President Allegedly Out Drinking After Resignation Over Substance Abuse

    Only eleven days ago President of ESPN and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks John Skipper resigned citing substance addiction and already he has been spotted out at a bar allegedly having cocktails with ESPN radio host Dan LeBatard.

    According to a report from Outkick who obtained these photos from a tipster, the bartender confirmed that “both Skipper and LeBatard had ordered and consumed martinis — Beefeater Gin was the alcohol to be exact — at the bar.”

    Take a look at the photos from inside the bar. According the report LeBatard is in a Made in Miami hat and Skipper is the grey haired man beside the martini glass at the bar.

    This comes after his shocking resignation where he claimed he had a substance abuse problem, and in a statement said, “I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.” He continued, “I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem.”

    Perhaps this is just bad optics as he could just be sitting at the bar and not drinking. But this report also calls into question the substance abuse reason given for his departure stating “they were told by multiple trusted sources inside ESPN that the reason for Skipper’s resignation was because of sexual harassment issues inside the company.”

    None of those claims have been substantiated, but the events surrounding his resignation are rather surprising considering he just signed a new multi-year contract extension less than a month ago.

     

  • Emily Blunt Goes for a Joy Ride in New ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Photo

    Emily Blunt Goes for a Joy Ride in New ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Photo

    A recently released new production photo from the upcoming sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, is practically perfect in every way. Just less than a year away from the film’s Christmas 2018 release date Mary Poppins fans are feeling supercalifragilisticexpialidocious about seeing the upcoming sequel.

    The production still, posted on Twitter, shows Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt having fun while on a joyride with Georgie (Joel Dawson). Blunt takes on Julie Andrews’ renowned role as the magical nanny Poppins, with Miranda playing Poppins’ lamplighter friend, Jack.

    Taking place 25 years after the events of the original Mary Poppins film, Mary Poppins Returns follows the adult children Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer). The sequel is set in 1930s London, which is the time period of the original novels by P.L. Travers.

    Michael is living with his three children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson) and housekeeper Ellen (Julie Walters), in the house on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael has a personal loss, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) comes back into the lives of the Banks family. She is joined by a street lamplighter named Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), and an eccentric cousin named Topsy (Meryl Streep). Dick Van Dyke will also play a role in the film as Mr. Dawes Jr., the chairman of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, which is now run by William Weatherall Wilkins (Colin Firth). Angela Lansbury is also in the cast as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins books. What an amazing cast!

    In March, Disney offered a first look at the anticipated musical, releasing a still of Blunt in character as Poppins standing outside the beloved Banks family home.
    Mary Poppins Returns

    Also starring in the sequel is Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury. Directed by Rob Marshall the film and Marc Platt and John DeLuca are serving as producers. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman have teamed up to compose original songs and an original score for the musical sequel.

    Mary Poppins Returns is set to hit theaters on Dec. 25, 2018.

  • VIDEO: ‘Mimi Kaboom’ of Hollywood Studios Passes Away

    VIDEO: ‘Mimi Kaboom’ of Hollywood Studios Passes Away

    In the same week that The Mayor of Main Street USA passes away, the Disney family is now mourning the loss of yet another cast member.  Stacy Fulford, who played Mimi Kaboom in Streetmosphere at Hollywood Studios, has passed away.

    So many guests enjoyed her street antics and she bought so much joy to the park.  Check out the video below as one guest tries to help her with her Husband Auditions.

    She worked full-time at Walt Disney World as a Citizen of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as various other venues around the parks. Specializing in improvisation, she was also skilled in and passionate about both Shakespeare and musical theatre. Outside of Disney, Stacy could be seen onstage at various theatres around the greater Orlando area.

    In march Stacy had just signed her 5th contract for her 5th year as a member of the Citizens of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. She became of member of the Citizens of Hollywood in spring of 2013, and loved bringing Mimi Kaboom to life every day in the whimsical world of 1940’s Hollywood.

    She was a tremendous singer and she touched the lives of so many people both inside and outside of the park.

    Our sympathies go out to her family, friends and to all the Citizens of Hollywood who worked with her.

  • 2017 Walt Disney World Year In Review

    2017 Walt Disney World Year In Review

    It’s been an exciting year to be a Disney fan with so many changes happening at Walt Disney World and we would like to take a moment to look back on some of the biggest debuts, events and stories of 2017. With the New Year just days away now is the perfect time for a Disney Year in Review looking back at some of the most amazing things Disney has brought us during 2017.

    Here is a look at our Disney Year in Review highlighting 15 of the biggest developments from 2017 at Walt Disney World.

    Epcot Festival of Arts
    Festival of Arts
    The Festival of the Arts made its debut January 13th at Epcot and featured pieces from Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests weren’t only surrounded by incredible visions, they were able to watch the creative process happen live. New art was created and revealed each weekend, so guests could look forward to a new experience every time they visited.

    Disney Skyliner Gondola System
    Disney Gondolas Skyliner
    Permits were filed for a proposed gondola system, February 15, at Walt Disney World.  The now confirmed Skyliner will transport guests between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s new Riviera Resort

    Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular
    rivers of light
    “Rivers of Light” opened February 17th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story magically unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.

    Miss Adventure Falls
    misadventure falls
    Opened March 2nd at Typhoon Lagoon. The new family raft attraction now open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a fast-paced waterslide takes you on a journey where you are sure to spot some of Captain Mary Oceaneer’s prized finds, have a blast and of course, get wet!

    Galactic Nights
    Star Wars: A Galactic Night
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted the first Star Wars: Galactic Nights hard ticket event . A new Hollywood-inspired special event debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on April 14. Guests came dressed as their favorite character and to celebrate forty years of Star Wars milestones.

    Goodbye “Wishes”, hello “Happily Ever After”
    happily ever after
    “Wishes” makes its final run concluding its 13 year run at Magic Kingdom the evening prior only just, and a brand new nighttime spectacular titled “Happily Ever After” made its debut on Friday, May 12th to a packed crowd. This breathtaking show not only features awe-inspiring fireworks, but also has more lights, lasers and projections than any show at the park before it. “Happily Ever After” takes guests on the Disney journeys that they know and love, facing all of the challenges and adversity with their favorite characters on their path toward their own happy ending.

    Pandora – The World of Avatar
    Pandora - The World of Avatar The Na’vi Rive
    On May 27th the highly anticipated land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, officially opened to guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the moon of Pandora, where they can explore floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests. They can also enjoy unforgettable experiences, like sailing down a mystical river to encounter a Na’vi shaman at Na’vi River Journey, or experiencing what it’s like to soar over Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee at Avatar Flight of Passage.

    We Wants The RedHead
    Pirates Red Head
    On June 29th Disney Parks, confirmed that the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride will be swapping out a scene in which a pirate buys his wife at auction. The scene, appears in the “Pirates” rides at Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, and depicts a group of bound women on an auction block, with a banner reading “Auction, take a wench for a bride” hanging above their heads.

    DisneyQuest
    disney quest
    After 19 years of operation at Disney Springs DisneyQuest closed its doors for the last time on July 2nd. The interactive indoor theme park first opened on June 19,1998. DisneyQuest was designed as a way for guests to experience the Disney Parks without having to be at the actual theme park destination. Only two locations were built, despite plans to expand to other cities in the U.S.: Chicago and the then-called Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

    Minnie Van Service

    Disney launched a new transportation pilot called Minnie Van service in July. This new transportation service is now available for guests staying at select Disney Resorts. Through a collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort.

    Hurricane Irma
    irma-8am-10sep17-radar
    September 10th the storm strikes shutting down the parks for two days. The storm only caused cosmetic damage to the parks. However, Irma was part of a 1-2-3 punch of Cat 5 hurricanes which affected Disney Cruise itineraries for months.

    Epcot’s 35th Anniversary
    Epcot 35th Anniversary Oct. 1, 2017
    Epcot marked it’s 35th anniversary, this October 1st, with an epic in-park celebration. Thousands of Disney fans gathered at Epcot to celebrate the park’s 35th anniversary by watching a special ceremony that was highlighted with Disney characters, fun performances by the park’s most beloved musical acts and more. During the ceremony, George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, spoke, honoring the park’s past and sharing excitement for its future.

    Dogs Welcome at Select Resorts
    Resort Dogs
    Walt Disney World began allowing dogs at select resort hotels as of October 15. For the first time ever, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome guests – and their dogs – to select resort properties as part of this new dog-friendly pilot program.

    Galactic Nights
    Star Wars Galactic Nights Projections
    Following a sold-out event last April Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted another Star Wars: Galactic Nights on December 16. The gala evening was filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score filled the park all evening long.

    Hall Of Presidents Reopens
    Hall of Presidents
    After months of speculation about the opening date, Donald Trump finally makes his presidential debut in the Hall of Presidents on December 16th. He stands front and slightly off-center on the stage next to a seated Abraham Lincoln and his animatronic figure indeed has a speaking role.

    2017 was an amazing year for Walt Disney World with so many things debuting or in the works.  While this was a year to remember we can’t wait to see what 2018 brings as there is so much more ahead in 2018 and beyond.

     

     

  • Alcoholic Beverages Now Included In 2018 Disney Dining Plan

    Alcoholic Beverages Now Included In 2018 Disney Dining Plan

    Alcoholic Beverages are now offered with the Disney Dining plan and you don’t need to add any additional packages to get them. This long-awaited perk now gives adult guests the option of getting an alcoholic beverage on the dining plan, but the prices for the packages have gone up a little to compensate.

    New for 2018 vacation packages, guests have several new beverage options available.

    Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement. There are also new beverage options available to guests of all ages.  You can also choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered).

    Single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

    • Artisanal Milkshakes
    • Fresh Smoothies
    • Premium Hot Chocolate
    • Soda, Coffee or Tea

    Single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

    • Beer or Cider
    • Wine or Sangria
    • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

    Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests must be age 21 or older and present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement. Meaning you can’t just walk up to a bar and use a credit of a drink.  It would be selected as your drink choice when you are ordering a meal.

    For a detailed explanation on the various Disney Dining options you can find more information here.

  • AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    One of the most anticipated openings for 2018 is Toy Story Land and now we have a look at some of the latest aerial construction photos at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These aerial pictures give a fantastic view of the progress being made on the transformation of the former “Hollywood East” park.

    Slinky Dog Dash Scaffolding

    Overviews of Toy Story Land

    Woody’s Lunch Box Area

    These photos from Bioreconstruct give us a great birds eye view on the developments. Still plenty of work left to do, but we will keep you up to date as Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newest toy box progresses.

    The 11-acre land will be themed around toys from the “Toy Story” movie series, like the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and Woody’s Lunch Box, a quick-service window serving soda floats and more. Another ride will be Alien Swirling Saucers, where aliens circling in flying saucers pull along rocket ships full of guests.

  • Mark Hamill Pays Tribute to Carrie Fisher on the Anniversary of Her Death

    Mark Hamill Pays Tribute to Carrie Fisher on the Anniversary of Her Death

    On the one year anniversary of beloved Carrie Fisher’s death, Mark Hamill is remembering his Star Wars costar with a very some very touching words.

    Quoting a piece of dialogue from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Fisher’s final film in the franchise, Hamill wrote on Instagram “No one’s ever really gone” followed by the hashtags #AlwaysWithUs and #CarrieOnForever.

    No one’s ever really gone… #AlwaysWithUs #CarrieOnForever

    A post shared by Mark Hamill (@hamillhimself) on

    The post was accompanied by photos of Hamill and Fisher as well as a sketch of Fisher famously flipping the bird as she holds her beloved dog Gary.

    Hamill and Fisher became close when they were both rising stars after meeting on the first Star Wars in 1977.

    Hamill and Fisher starred in the original three Star Wars films in the 1970s and 1980s, and they finally reunited in the latest movies, 2015’s The Force Awakens and the latest film The Last Jedi, which is dedicated to her memory.

    Fisher had several poignant moments with the whole cast, including her daughter Billie Lourd. The young actress made her debut in the 2015 Star Wars movie The Force Awakens alongside her mother.

    Lourd also remembered the actress on Instagram, revealing that she traveled to Norway to honor her mother.

    “Star Trek” icon William Shatner, who often engaged in playful public battles with Fisher about whose franchise was better, also shared a photo on Twitter of him and Fisher.


    Many celebrities and fans shared heartfelt messages about Fisher, best known for her role as Princess Leia in “Star Wars.” Fisher died at age 60 just two days after Christmas in 2016, following a heart attack she had on a flight from London to Los Angeles.