At the D23 Expo 2019 today, Disney announced plans for its first-ever attraction inspired by Walt Disney’s 1960 classic Mary Poppins, part of the Walt Disney World Resort’s extensive Epcot transformation.
In World Showcase, Epcot will welcome the attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, which will join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood!
To help make the announcement, several dancers came out and performed a “Step In Time” dance number on stage – including Disney legend Dick Van Dyke, who is 93 years young and still has moves.
Very few details were offered, but a description released by Disney says guests will “step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your adventure will begin.”
At the D23 Expo 2019 today, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek announced the highly anticipated name of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship!
Disney Wish was revealed as the name of the company’s fifth ship and they also revealed the iconic Disney character that will adorn the ship’s stern.
Chapek also gave us a first glance of the ship’s elegant atrium which you can see in the picture below:
The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of Disney ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Your favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal.
The Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery in late 2021 and will set sail in January 2022. The vessel will join Disney Cruise Line’s award-winning fleet where guests experience the magic of Disney entertainment combined with the relaxation of tropical, sun-drenched beaches and the adventure of ocean cruising. All three new ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Chapek was joined by Imagineer Joe Rohde to share a first look at the plans for Disney’s second island destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.
Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of The Bahamas. With local artists and cultural experts, he has explored cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.
Joe points out that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment and will be working with local artists to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic.
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
With three new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, there’s so much to look forward to on the high seas and at the new Disney tropical destination experience in The Bahamas.
Friday, During Marvel Animation & Family Entertainment’s panel at Disney’s D23 Expo, Marvel announced a new original preschool animated Spider-Man series for Disney Junior.
Marvel’s “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” marks the first full-length Marvel series for Disney Junior.
“Preschool kids already love Spidey, so they’ll be delighted to have Peter Parker thwipping across their screens in this new series” Cort Lane, SVP, Marvel Animation & Family Entertainment, said in the announcement of the new series.
In Marvel’s “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” Peter Parker, who is used to working solo, must discover what it takes to become a truly amazing super hero: being a spider friend who works well with others. Together with his friends Miles Morales and Gwen AKA Ghost-Spider, they will team up with heroes such as Hulk, Black Panther and Ms. Marvel, to defeat evil foes and learn that teamwork is the best way to save the day.
The new Disney Junior Spider-Man series is set to debut in 2021.
After years of speculation, Ewan McGregor officially announced that he will be reprising his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in an upcoming Disney+ series during an appearance at the end of Friday’s panel at the D23 Expo.
McGregor — who played the Jedi Knight in three “Star Wars” movies — appeared onstage with Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy to confirm that he will be reprising the role, saying the scripts were written and that production will take place next year.
The studio took to Twitter right after the announcement to share the news as you can see in the post below:
“After secrets and fibs and not being able to talk about it, I am thrilled to bring out a beloved member of the star wars family…” Kennedy said as Ewan McGregor walked onstage.
If you’re a Tiki mug fan, you’ll definitely want to know about this next announcement! A new limited-edition mug coming to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland.
Just in time for D23 this weekend, there will be a special limited release of a new Golden Piranha Tiki Mug exclusively at the Disneyland Hotel.
If you’re looking to purchase the mug by itself, you’ll be able to find it in the Mark Twain Room on Friday, August 23 from 7am to 6pm while supplies last. You’ll also be able to find it at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for purchase with the Piranha Pool specialty cocktail, starting Saturday, August 24.
The cocktail features strawberry vodka blended with pineapple juice, cream of coconut, strawberry purée, and blue curaçao. Remember, this mug will only be available while supplies last. The mug by itself will be $30 plus tax or $45 plus tax and gratuity with the beverage (non-alcoholic beverage available upon request). Mugs are limited to two (2) per guest and are non-discountable.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is losing its friendly neighborhood Spider-Man as recent reports have revealed that Sony Pictures and Disney will not be working together on upcoming MCU projects.
According to a report by Deadline, Feige’s exit was about money; it was about Disney seeking the 50/50 co-fi stake as the price for Marvel and Feige’s continued involvement. Sony declined to meet those terms.
It was an aggressive stance, but these talks had been going on for some time. Had Sony agreed to Disney’s ask, Marvel and Feige would not have withdrawn from the Spider-Man films, sources said. Sony took to Twitter with a differnt take on the break up as you can see in the tweet below:
Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise. We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film. (1/3)
One source said that a deal might still be reached between Disney and Sony but there are no talks currently going on. Disney is believed to have expressed concerns that Feige was spread too thin due to other Marvel projects plus original projects for Disney Plus, according to a report from Variety.
Sony has controlled the rights to the web-slinger since 1999, but the two studios have been sharing Spider-Man across numerous films since 2015, including major roles in the latest “Avengers” movies. As part of the previous agreement, Marvel had also been acting as a producer on the 2017 and 2019 standalone Sony “Spider-Man” movies starring Tom Holland, which were both box-office blockbusters.
Two spooktacular new Halloween Loungefly Backpacks have shown up at Disney Parks this holiday season and they look amazing!
First up, there is a new Halloween Loungefly Backpack that is designed to go perfectly with the new Candy Corn Minnie Ears! The backpack is all black and covered in sequins and adorned with Minnie ears and bow that resembles candy corn.
Next, there is the Mickey Pumpkin Loungefly Backpack. It features a Jack-O-Lantern version of Mickey Mouse, complete with a bright green stem. Take a closer look at both below:
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Haunted Mansion, Disneyland has released souvenir collectibles inspired by the Hitchhiking Ghosts and you’re going to want these ghosts to follow you home.
The set of Hitchhiking Ghosts souvenir collectibles includes a Phineas popcorn bucket, Ezra beverage sipper and Gus dessert vessel.
This popcorn bucket has a tombstone that tilts out to hold the standard-issue cardboard carton of popcorn. His tombstone reads: “Rest in Peace, Professor Phineas Plump, His travel plans have hit a bump.” The popcorn bucket plays the “Grim Grinning Ghosts” Haunted Mansion theme song.
The Ezra sipper – $18.99
This cute little sipper has a foldable straw that extends from his top hat. His tombstone reads: Ezra Bean, “Unluckiest hitchhiker we’ve ever seen.”
The Gus dessert vessel – $21.99
This one holds a bag of beignets (Mint Julep Bar) or fritters (Royal Street Veranda) in the extendable tombstone. His tombstone reads: “Here lies Good Ol’ Gus | Hitchhiking because he missed his bus | RIP.”
The Hitchhiking Ghosts collectibles illuminate with the push of a button and come with a purple strap featuring the Haunted Mansion wallpaper design.
High school students can apply now for the 2020 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine.
This annual life-changing mentoring program will take place March 12-15, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The application window is open now through Oct. 31, 2019.
With celebrity speakers, out-of-the-classroom learning and countless emotional moments, the program helps 100 select students, ages 13-19, from across the United States jump-start their life goals and pursue their dreams.
Disney Dreamers Academy turns the entire magical setting of Walt Disney World into a vibrant classroom. Students participate in a series of sessions and workshops designed to help them imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their goals into action. Disney Dreamers engage in a wide variety of experiences at Walt Disney World while working side by side with celebrities, community and industry leaders and Disney cast members.
For more than a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired young people from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Students learn how to improve their communication skills, discover what it means to be a leader and acquire networking strategies, among other skills. They are also inspired by celebrity speakers and other special guests who share their stories and provide insights on how to achieve their life goals.
Disney Dreamers Academy is focused on challenging young people to relentlessly pursue their dreams through the “Be 100” campaign. This aspirational initiative is inspired by the powerful impact Disney Dreamers Academy has made on graduates, who have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more. Some have started their own public relations firms, while others have worked with national political leaders.
Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. A parent or guardian accompanies each student on the trip.
This four-day, all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World will continue to help change the lives of young people in 2020. For more information or to apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com
Tuesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the studio was “re-imagining” the 1990s classic Christmas movie Home Alone for its new streaming service, Disney+ and now Macaulay Culkin has taken to the internet to give his thoughts on the reboot.
The child star, now 38, shared a photo on Twitter on Wednesday, one day after Disney announced plans to reboot the franchise. The pic pays homage to the infamous scene from the film, in which Kevin gorges himself on junk food while his entire family is in Paris for the holiday.
“This is what an updated Home Alone would actually look like,” the actor captioned a photo of himself, as you can see in the post below, followed by a reply saying “Hey Disney, call me!”
