Disney News

Author: Nate

  • The Walt Disney Company Pledges $5 Million To Support Social Justice Organizations

    The Walt Disney Company Pledges $5 Million To Support Social Justice Organizations

    The Walt Disney Company has pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice.

    That commitment includes a $2 million donation to the NAACP to further their longstanding work promoting social justice by eliminating disparities and racial discrimination through their advocacy and education programs.

    “The killing of George Floyd has forced our nation to once again confront the long history of injustice that black people in America have suffered, and it is critical that we stand together, speak out and do everything in our power to ensure that acts of racism and violence are never tolerated,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This $5 million pledge will continue to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP that have worked tirelessly to ensure equality and justice.”

    Today’s pledge is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to support organizations that advance social justice. For many years, Disney has worked closely with groups that advocate for and empower communities of color, including the NAACP, whose mission is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.  The Company has also previously provided millions of dollars in grants to help students from underrepresented groups make the dream of higher education a reality, including $2.5 million to the United Negro College Fund.

    In addition, through the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, employees are able to increase their impact in their communities by donating to eligible organizations, with the Company matching those gifts.

    Disney has used its creative resources and platforms to address issues of race and inequality. On Tuesday night, the Company aired a slate of special programming on a number of its TV networks to encourage a discussion of racism and oppression in America. The programming included an ABC News primetime special, “America in Pain: What Comes Next?,” that examined the protests and outrage across the country in response to the killing of Mr. Floyd. The special was preceded by the re-airing of two monumental and timely episodes of black-ish: “Hope,” which explores the issue of police brutality and flaws in the judicial system, and “Juneteenth,” which examines the lack of accurate representation of African Americans in our nation’s history.

    For more information about the important work of the NAACP, click here.

  • Disney Unveils Rainbow Collection 2020 for Pride Month

    Disney Unveils Rainbow Collection 2020 for Pride Month

    This summer, show your love and celebrate Pride month with the Rainbow Disney Collection!

    The Rainbow Disney Collection 2020 is here with an array of over 20 products to choose from. Items include ear headbands, T-shirts, tanks, plush toys, accessories and pins — just to name a few.

    Get the first look at the collection of colorful products below and head over to shopDisney.com to shop your favorites.

    In recognition of Pride Month 2020 and in honor of the Rainbow Disney Collection, Disney is donating $100,000 to GLSEN, a leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ+ students.

  • Disney Denounces Killing of George Floyd in Letter to Employees

    Disney Denounces Killing of George Floyd in Letter to Employees

    Disney executives Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Latondra Newton denounced the death of George Floyd while he was detained by a white police officer in a message to employees this weekend.

    The statement is posted below in it’s entirety:

    “Dear Fellow Employee,

    The recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of lethal attacks and harassment of unarmed black citizens in our nation continue to drive outrage and calls for action by people of all cultural backgrounds, including many of our employees. Feelings of grief and anger cause us to confront the inscrutable idea that the lives of some are deemed less valuable – and less worthy of dignity, care and protection – than the lives of others.

    While these devastating incidents are not new, there’s something unique about what’s happening in this moment. The pandemic coupled with these recent injustices have pushed the issues of racial disparity into the open.

    We, too, are struggling to make sense of the recent tragedies that leave us feeling overcome with sorrow. While we don’t have all the answers, we resolve to use our compassion, our creative ideas and our collective sense of humanity to ensure we are fostering a culture that acknowledges our people’s feelings and their pain. We also realize that now more than ever is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere.

    We intend to focus our efforts and resources to compassionately and constructively talk about these matters openly and honestly as we seek solutions. We intend to keep the conversation going, not just today, but for as long as it takes to bring about real change.”

    Bob Chapek, Bob Iger & Latondra Newton

  • EPCOT’s World Showcase May be Staffed Without Cultural Representatives During Reopening

    EPCOT’s World Showcase May be Staffed Without Cultural Representatives During Reopening

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen it’s four Orlando theme parks and along with the the new saftey measures you may notice some staffing changes in World Showcase at EPCOT.

    The cultural representatives who staff EPCOT’s World Showcase may not return to the parks right away, according to a reported agreement between labor unions representing Disney World employees and Walt Disney Company.

    Until Disney World is able to resume normal staffing, Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming at EPCOT may be temporarily assigned to work in positions which are otherwise reserved for Cultural Representatives,” according to the agreement.

    Disney suspended it’s cultural representative program April 18 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as you can see in the tweet below:

    Disney also said that it will invite back its Cultural Representative to complete their program at “a later date.”

  • Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen it’s four Orlando theme parks starting July 11.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open first, on July 11. Then, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15.

    The plans were reportedly approved Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in a memo sent to Orange County officials, according to multiple news reports. Disney reps weren’t immediately available for comment.

    Disney submitted its reopening plans on Wednesday to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force and received an endorsement from Orange County Mayor Jerry Dennings shortly after the meeting.

    In Disney’s presentation, Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort, described plans for temperature checks of guests and staff, face masks and social distancing, frequent signage, numerous hand washing stations throughout the park and backstage and use of plexiglass barriers at retail and food and beverage locations.

    Capacity will be reduced at park attractions, restaurants, retail stores and transportation connecting the parks. Fireworks, character-meet and-greets, water displays and other events that might create crowds or make social distancing difficult will be temporarily suspended. The park will expand mobile ordering platforms at its restaurants. It will clean ‘high touch areas frequently.

    MacPhee said Disney’s strategy will focus around three keywords — “education, communication and engagement.”

  • Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its theme parks and to help control the crowds, Disney World has canceled Fireworks Displays and Parades until further notice during their phased reopening.

    “This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing” Disney said. “That means certain experiences we know draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.”

    In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests. 

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its four Orlando-based theme parks starting July 11.

  • The Walt Disney Company Receives 102 Daytime Emmy Nominations Across its Platforms

    The Walt Disney Company Receives 102 Daytime Emmy Nominations Across its Platforms

    The Walt Disney Company’s networks and brands combined to earn a total of 102 nominations for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

    The awards will be presented in a two-hour special airing Friday, June 26. Awards will be presented in leading categories during the telecast, with recipients and other special guests appearing from their homes. 

    Take a look below at the complete list of nominees from across The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of brands:

    WALT DISNEY TELEVISION

    ABC

    General Hospital (23 nominations)

    • Outstanding Drama Series
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Finola Hughes
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Maura West
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Steve Burton
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Jon Lindstrom
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Tamara Braun
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Rebecca Budig
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: James Patrick Stuart
    • Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series: Katelyn MacMullen
    • Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series: Eden McCoy
    • Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series: Michael E. Knight
    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Directing Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Original Song: “North Star”
    • Outstanding Casting for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Drama or Digital Series
    • Outstanding Technical Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Live and Direct to Tape Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Costume Design for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Hair Styling for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Makeup for a Drama Series

    The View (8 nominations)

    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show
    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host: Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Meghan McCain, Abby Huntsman & Ana Navarro
    • Outstanding Lighting Direction
    • Outstanding Technical Team
    • Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing
    • Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
    • Outstanding Hair Styling
    • Outstanding Makeup

    GMA3 Strahan, Sara & Keke (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host: Michael Strahan, Sara Haines & Keke Palmer
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program

    Good Morning America (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Morning Show
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program

    Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

    • Outstanding Technical Team

    Disney Team of Heroes (ABC)

    • Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement—Brand Image Campaign—Network or Program

    DISNEY JUNIOR

    Elena of Avalor (7 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Never Leave”
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    The Rocketeer (5 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Maurice LaMarche—The Rocketeer
    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Main Title for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Muppet Babies (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Eric Bauza
    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Matt Danner
    • Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Puppy Dog Pals (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Kevin Michael Richardson
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Vampirina (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “The Vamp Opera”

    Doc McStuffins

    • Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series

    Elena of Avalor: The Magic Within

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    The Lion Guard

    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “As You Move Forward”

    Muppet Babies: Play Date

    • Outstanding Short Format Children’s Program

    T.O.T.S.

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Christian Simon

    DISNEY CHANNEL

    Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (7 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Waiting in the Wings”
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Main Title for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program

    DuckTales (4 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Paget Brewster
    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for an Animated Program

    Big City Greens (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Marieve Herington
    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Chris Houghton
    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program

    Big Hero 6 The Series (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Gonna Go Good”

    Disney Mickey Mouse (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program

    Big City Greens: Green Christmas

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    BUNK’D

    • Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series

    Milo Murphy’s Law

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    Pup Academy

    • Outstanding Directing for a Children’s or Young Adult Program

    Shook

    • Outstanding Young Adult Program: Shook

    SYNDICATION

    Live with Kelly and Ryan (4 nominations)

    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host: Kelly Ripa & Ryan Seacrest
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program
    • Outstanding Hair Styling

    Tamron Hall (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host: Tamron Hall
    • Outstanding Costume Design/Styling
    • Outstanding Makeup

    HULU

    Light as a Feather (6 nominations)

    • Outstanding Young Adult Program
    • Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Liana Liberato
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Jordan Rodrigues
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Brianne Tju
    • Outstanding Directing for a Children’s or Young Adult Program

    Holly Hobbie

    • Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series

    LUCASFILM

    The Star Wars Show

    • Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement—Topical

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

    Rewind Nature

    • Outstanding Special Class—Short Form Daytime Program
  • Disney Launches Free Online Activities with Frozen, Star Wars and More

    Disney Launches Free Online Activities with Frozen, Star Wars and More

    Disney is introducing a new online platform called The Disney Destiny of Imagination that brings together a collection of your favorite characters in themed activities and it’s being made available to families for free.

    The activites are Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars themed and are sure to keep all ages entertained.

    The freebies are aimed at helping children to play, stay active and continue learning while having fun with everything from Frozen to Captain America.

    They include storytelling sessions so that young ones can listen to classic and magical Disney tales and Art of Animation workshops with Disney artists so that they can learn to draw characters such as Captain America and Olaf.

    Other Frozen treats include boardgames and trivia quizzes to test fans’ movie knowledge while other trivia movie themes include Star Wars and among the games is Marvel top trumps.

    There are plenty arts and crafts activities, such as join-the-dots and colouring-in of favourite characters, with activity books covering everything from Mickey and Minnie to The Hulk and Spider-Man.

    Star Wars activity packs, for instance, enable fans to create their own Darth Vader masks while young ones will no doubt enjoy Mickey Mouse drawing tutorials.

    New activities will be going live every week and those due to be added soon include Keep Active ideas with exercise sheets encouraging children to expend a bit of energy alongside their favourite characters, according to ChronicleLive.

    All the activities are available for free at the Disney shop here.

  • Mobile Order Adds Apple Pay and Arrival Times at Disney World Ahead of Reopening

    Mobile Order Adds Apple Pay and Arrival Times at Disney World Ahead of Reopening

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its theme parks and now they are adding some new changes to mobile ordering that you may want to hear.

    Previously guests would place a Mobile Order and you would receive a notification when the order was ready to be picked up, but now guests will have to select an arrival time and pick up their orders within a thirty minute window.

    Another new feature added to Mobile Order is the addition of new payment method options. You can now pay for your order with Apple Pay and Disney Gift Cards and well as with Disney Dining Catds and Disney Reward Redemption cards.

    Disney World is making a number of changes to make reopening safe for it’s guests and the new additions to the Mobile Order service will make cashless transactions even easier.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open first, on July 11. Then, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15.

  • Passholder Preview Announced for Disney World Reopening

    Passholder Preview Announced for Disney World Reopening

    Disney World unveiled it’s reopening plans and now an email has gone out to Annual Passholders about a Passholder Preview for the occasion.

    Take a look at the details of the email below:

    Dear Valued Passholder,

    In case you missed it, this week we shared some big news about Walt Disney World Resort, including plans to welcome Guests back to the Theme Parks as part of a phased reopening beginning July 11.

    We truly can’t wait to welcome our Passholders back! And we will do it with a great deal of thought. As we reopen, our phased approach will be a deliberate one with limits on attendance and density controls that align with expert guidance.

    And so, to foster recommended physical distancing during this unprecedented time, we will soon be introducing a new Park reservation system and requiring all our Guests to make advance reservations for their Park visits.

    We’ve put together some of the details of what this new system will mean to Passholders on our website. So please take the time to read this important update.

    We truly value the role our Passholders play in making the Walt Disney World Resort experience so magical. And as our re-opening progresses, we are planning a special Passholder preview opportunity to access the magic.

    Walt Disney World has gotten the go-ahead from the state of Florida to open its four Orlando theme parks starting July 11 along the lines of plan executives presented to Orange County officials on Wednesday.

    The phased reopening starts with the Magic Kingdom and Disney Animal Kingdom on Saturday, July 11 and Epcott and Disney Hollywood Studios on Wednesday, July 15.

    The plans were reportedly approved Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in a memo sent to Orange County officials, according to multiple news reports.