Author: Nate

New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Merchandise Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4
All aboard! When the attraction debuts on March 4, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can head to the Chinese Theatre to experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Along with this new attraction opening, guests will be able to purchase new merchandise inspired by Mickey and Minnie’s wacky cartoon world!

One of the cutest pieces from this collection is this wacky attraction-inspired headband featuring engineer Goofy, along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Along the side of this headband, guests can find an embroidery of the attraction’s theme song: “Nothing Can Stop Us Now!”
Within this collection guests can purchase an array of items inspired by the attraction train locomotive including a whistle, ornament, pull back toy, MagicBand and sculpted mug!
Attraction-inspired tees will be available featuring Mickey, Minnie and Goofy showcasing the zaniness featured in this attraction. New plush featuring Mickey and Minnie with Chuuby perched on her shoulder will also be available.
Match your new Mickey and Minnie plush with these classic sequined headbands – perfect for any adventurous duo!
Just in time to hop on board for opening day, one of the new #DisneyParksWishables collections for this month, inspired by the attraction is available on March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and online at shopDisney! This collection offers the open-chase edition of engineer Goofy, with Mickey and Minnie in a car, Daisy, Chuuby and the train locomotive in the blind bags
Walt Disney World Passholders can celebrate Mickey and Minnie’s first-ever-ride through attraction with all-new Passholder exclusive attraction merchandise including a T-shirt, limited edition pin and limited edition MagicBand. Plus, they can use their 20% discount on all this featured merchandise!
Looking to commemorate the opening day for this attraction? Be sure to check out this 2020 dated limited edition pin.

Find all these wacky treasures across Disney’s Hollywood Studios and select items on shopDisney.com on March 4. All merchandise available while supplies last. Share all your looks with the #MouseRulesApply hashtag and keep checking back to Disney Parks Blog for more excitement surrounding Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!
March 2, 2020
Spaceship Earth at Epcot to get Updated as Reimagining Begins May 26

Spaceship Earth is more than just the physical icon of EPCOT – it’s a symbol of how the park continues to evolve. The attraction is a crucial piece of the historic transformation already underway at EPCOT, and beginning May 26, Walt Disney Imagineering is getting ready to start implementing a new vision for Spaceship Earth.

The next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following the long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.

Tuesday, Disney shared a few additional details of what you can expect when this icon returns. You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.

Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together.

Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming,” and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982.

February 27, 2020
BREAKING: . Bob Iger Stepping Down as Disney CEO Effective Immediately

Disney CEO Bob Iger, who steered the company through successful purchases of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox’s entertainment businesses, is stepping down immediately, the company said in a surprise announcement Tuesday.

The Walt Disney Co. named as his replacement Bob Chapek, most recently chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Iger will remain executive chairman through the end of his contract Dec. 31, 2021.

Iger said it was an “optimal time” for him to step down following Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets and the launch of Disney Plus streaming service in November.

Iger became chief executive of the home of Mickey Mouse in 2005 after a shareholder revolt by Roy E. Disney led to the ouster of longtime chief Michael Eisner. Iger steered Disney through successful acquisitions of Lucasfilms, Marvel, Pixar and other brands that became big moneymakers for Disney.

He was the No. 2 highest paid CEO in 2018, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an executive data firm. He earned $65.6 million. The top earner was Discovery’s David Zaslav who earned $129.5 million.

Susan Arnold, the independent lead director of the Disney board said succession planning had been ongoing for several years.

Chapek is only the seventh CEO in Disney history.

Chapek was head of the parks, experiences and products division since it was created in 2018. Before that he was chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts since 2015. Before that, he was president of the Disney Consumer Products segment from 2011 to 2015.

February 25, 2020
New Reversible Sequin ‘The Little Mermaid’ Minnie Ears Making a Splash at Disney Parks
Disney is releasing new pair of Minnie Ears inspired by “The Little Mermaid” as part of a collection by Betsey Johnson set to debut this Friday and you may have whozits and whatzits galore, but your going to want these to be part of your world!

The sequin-filled Minnie Mouse ear headband from the Disney Parks Designer Collection features reversible sequins and a bedazzled Flounder and Sebastian along with my favorite hair styling tool, a dinglehopper! Which sequined look will you pick, teal or coral?!

Now, over 30 years after the film’s release, Betsey Johnson has collaborated with Disney Parks blending these beloved characters with her whimsical and bold aesthetic to create a splash-tastic collection inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid.” Take a look below at the rest of the collection:
Want to be the girl who has everything? Then check out the matching jewelry collection featuring bedazzled characters including Flounder and Sebastian along with thingamabobs aplenty! Whether you are looking for a nautical necklace or bold bracelet, you’re sure to find something you like.

Life truly is the bubbles under the sea, and you can celebrate the collection in the world above by meeting Betsey Johnson herself at the Disneyland Resort this Friday, Feb. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet Betsey and have her sign some of your favorite products from the collection at The Disney Dress Shop at Downtown Disney District.
From a variety of jewelry in the Disney Parks Collection x Betsey Johnson to an all-new headband in the Disney Parks Designer Collection as seen above, you won’t want to miss out on these limited release items coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this Friday, Feb. 21 and coming in March to shopDisney.com!
February 20, 2020
First Look: Disney and Pixar’s ‘Onward’ Character Meet & Greet Coming to Disney Parks

In Disney and Pixar’s original adventure, “Onward,” teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot embark on an extraordinary quest after being given the chance to spend one more day with their late father and soon, they’ll be making another epic journey to see you at their new meet and greet!

On March 5, Ian and Barley will make their Disney Parks debut as part of the Disneyland After Dark: Pixar Nite special event, and beginning the next day – the same day “Onward” hits theaters – you’ll be able to meet them daily at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park. Soon, the elf brothers will also make their way to Hong Kong Disneyland, to meet guests and then join in the fun with the return of the Pixar Water Play Street Party!

Set in a suburban fantasy world, “Onward” introduces us to Ian Lightfoot, a 16-year-old elf who yearns for the father he lost before he was born. Ian is sweet and determined with the best of intentions, but his lack of confidence and nervous energy trips him up more often than not. Ian is convinced that if only he had his father’s guidance, his life wouldn’t be so complicated and messy.

Ian’s older brother Barley Lightfoot is a big, boisterous 19-year-old elf who loves magic and immerses himself in fantasy role-playing games. He’s a free spirit who may be slightly more passionate about the past than the present. When their late father inadvertently sends Barley and Ian on an epic quest together – one highlighted by mystery and magic – Barley fires up his beloved and mostly dependable van Guinevere and never looks back.

Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” releases in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020, so make plans to see the movie and then head to Disney Parks to say “Hail, fellows!” to Ian and Barley! Before you go, be sure to check out the latest products inspired by the film, available now at shopDisney.com and at Disney Parks around the world.

February 18, 2020
‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Zootopia 3’ Reportedly in the Works at Disney

Disney is planning on returning to the metropolis of Zootopia for more adventures with two sequels reportedly in the works.

Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister – who voiced fennec fox Finnick in the animation – has claimed that the movie, which won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars in 2017, is set to become a trilogy with Walt Disney’s Animated Studios reportedly throwing millions at the franchise.

Lister spoke at a fan event in Ontario, Canada, recently, where he claimed: “I can tell you for sure I’m doing another ‘Zootopia’ with Disney. We doing three of them.”

Lister continued, “We are the biggest film that Disney is producing. The last one was 240 million. This one I’m hearing will be 300 million. That’s what they spent on the budget, not the advertising. But the movie made 2.6 billion, with merchandising and the box office.”

The first movie was directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore and raked in over a billion dollars at the box office.

The original movie reimagines a world in which humans have never existed, and starred Jason Bateman as friendly fox Nick Wilde and ‘Once Upon A Time’ actress Ginnifer Goodwin as Lieutenant Judy Hopps.

The all-star cast also featured the likes of Shakira, Idris Elba, Kristen Bell and Octavia Spencer.

A Zootopia land was recently announced for the Shanghai Disneyland in China, proving that the much-loved animation is still popular.

February 17, 2020
BREAKING: Cinderella Castle at Disney World to Receive Golden Makeover

Disney World’s park’s iconic, awe-inspiring centerpiece—Cinderella Castle—is about to get even more magical. Disney shared today that Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World will be getting a golden make-over!

Cinderella first transformed into a princess 70 years ago this week when the animated classic was released—and ever since, her courage and kindness have been inspiring guests and cast members alike. Now Cinderella’s story has inspired a bold, shimmering and royal makeover of her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.

Take a look at this concept image of what the newly-enhanced Cinderella Castle will look like when work is completed:

You may notice this exciting work taking place as these stunning enhancements begin in the coming weeks, continuing through summer. But you’ll still get to catch all of the castle favorites like “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” and “Happily Ever After.”

February 17, 2020
New Disney Wedding Dresses are Coming in 2020
A new Disney wedding dress collection is coming this year. Allure Bridals announced Friday its first Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection, turning fairy tale dreams into reality for brides.

The elegant collection includes 16 total styles in a variety of silhouettes and fabrications that capture the style and spirit of Disney Princess characters such as Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana and Snow White.

Allure Bridals will unveil the entire collection during New York Bridal Fashion Week in April 2020, and gowns will arrive in stores shortly thereafter. Take a look below at some of the designs:
“So many brides grow up admiring their favorite Disney Princess characters and are inspired by their journeys, gowns and stories of the classic films,” says Allure Bridals CEO Kelly Crum. “Our design team worked tirelessly on each of these incredible gowns, as each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless characters known and loved by all of us at Allure and Kleinfeld, as well as our brides. We are honored to work with Disney on this collection and see the romance of it come to life.”

The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection includes nine fantasy gowns highlighting a wide variety of timeless bridal silhouettes. Romantic ball gowns, mermaid trains and fit-and-flare hemlines are featured throughout the collection. Fabrications include soft mikado, ethereal tulle and flowing chiffon, balanced by the dramatic structure of ruffled organza and unique, dimensional laces. With singular design and detailing available in each princess-inspired gown, every bride will have the chance to showcase their personal style through the collection. The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will be available at select bridal boutiques across the country. Prices range from $1,200 to $2,500.

Seven of the 16 styles will be featured exclusively at Kleinfeld Bridal stores in New York and Toronto as the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $10,000. The initial release will include the gorgeous Tiana Platinum gown, which embodies both Tiana’s practicality and creativity in an elegant ballgown design covered in bayou-inspired shimmering vines and blossoms. The collection features extensive crystal beading, pearls and hand-embroidered appliques and delicate sparkle tulle. In addition, Kleinfeld will offer the complete Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection.

“We are thrilled that we will carry the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection, said Kleinfeld Co-Owner, Mara Urshel. “This magical line of gowns features exclusive designs perfect for the Disney-inspired bride.”

All gowns will be available in sizes 0 to 30 for both the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings collections.
February 15, 2020
New Patent Filing Could Shake Up Disney Parks Attractions in a Big Way

According to a patent filed by Disney Enterprises, Inc. in October with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Disney Parks may be looking to shake things up on their attractions in a big way with a new invention that would create momentary earthquakes under the feet of park guests, whenever a character stomped or pounded on the ground.

The patent, dubbed “Haptic Floor System with Quake Plate Assemblies Producing Large Vibration Effects,” appears to be looking at how these large-scale earth-trembling features can be simulated in a setting to add another level of immersion for a viewer.

A drawing included in the filing shows a person pounding on the floor with what appear to be Hulk hands as you can see in the picture below:

“There are many applications where it is desirable to provide people with new and surprising entertainment experiences,” says the patent application. “For example, there is a demand for a physical world environment to be designed and built that can selectively provide people in that environment with haptic feedback in the form of a vibrating floor or ground.”

“The special effect delivered by the haptic floor system,” says the application, can create “ground trembling and vibrations similar to that felt in an earthquake or when a super strong fictional character strikes the floor nearby or a large animal or robot walks or runs by the person.”

February 13, 2020
First Look: Mickey Mouse Leading ‘Magic Happens’ Parade, Debuting Feb. 28 at Disneyland Park

In just a few weeks, the all-new “Magic Happens” parade will delight guests at Disneyland park, revealing its stunning floats, beloved Disney characters, artistic costumes and energetic musical score and Disney has released a first look of Mickey Mouse leading the parade!

In the parade’s whimsical opening sequence, Mickey Mouse sports an all-new sorcerer-inspired costume and leads the way, gliding along on glistening swirls of magic that emerge from a giant, 15-foot tall iridescent magical hat.

This incredible daytime spectacular celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. To learn more about this show-stopping introduction, watch the video below!

To help Mickey open this stunning parade are Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n Dale, along with a group of eclectic and contemporary dancers. These performers, known as “magic makers,” represent stylized aspects of “Disney magic” – from beauty to strength and everything in between. Magic is there any time a pumpkin becomes a carriage, or a sword is plucked from a stone.

For more details on this exciting, new parade, check out our “sneak peek” story on Disney Dorks. Stay tuned for a few more exciting details to share before “Magic Happens” debuts on February 28!

February 13, 2020