Disney News

Author: Nate

  • Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Halle Bailey will be part of Disney’s world. Disney announced today, the R&B singer and actress has been cast as Ariel in Disney’s next live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”

    “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall said in a statement.

    Bailey, best known for her work on Freeform’s Grown-ish and as one half of the singing duo Chloe x Halle took to Twitter immediately after the news broke to share her excitement as you can see in the post below:

    Bailey is joining a cast that includes Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, while Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula.

    The story centers on the mermaid Ariel who yearns to live among humans and finds her wish granted when she trades her voice for legs from the sea witch, Ursula.

    “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall is helming. The film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee wrote the script.

    David Magee wrote the latest script for the reboot after Jane Goldman. Marc Platt, Marshall, Miranda and John DeLuca are producers. No release date has been set yet.

  • BREAKING: Electric Umbrella Restaurant Closing This Winter at Epcot

    BREAKING: Electric Umbrella Restaurant Closing This Winter at Epcot

    As part of the exciting transformation of Epcot, Disney has confirmed that Electric Umbrella Restaurant is scheduled to close this winter.

    The popular quick service restaurant is located next to Innovations East in Future World and serves classic fare like burgers, chicken breast nuggets, desserts and soft drinks.

    Right now you can dine outdoors under the cool shade of a canopy—or enjoy indoor seating amid colorful ambiance, but whether the quick service restaurant is being reimagined during the transformation or relocated elsewhere is still not clear.

    According to Disney, “New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.”

    Though the exact date of the closure is yet to be officially announced, the last day that operating hours are listed is Saturday, November 23, 2019.

    Additional information about Epcot’s future will be announced during the upcoming D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.

  • Mouse Gear Closing This Winter at Epcot for Park Transformation

    Mouse Gear Closing This Winter at Epcot for Park Transformation

    As we previously reported, a multi-year transformation of Epcot is underway and Disney has confirmed that Mouse Gear Souvenir Shop is on the list of closures coming to the park this fall and winter.

    According to Disney’s website, “As part of the ongoing transformation of Epcot, Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.”

    Mouse Gear, located in Future World, is currently Epcot’s go to shopping destination for “gifts with real character,” including souvenirs, apparel, plush toys, candy and pins.

    More details on Future World closings and the plans for Epcot’s transformation will be revealed at D23 Expo 2019 next month in Anaheim.

  • BREAKING: Epcot Character Spot and More Set to Close this Fall

    BREAKING: Epcot Character Spot and More Set to Close this Fall

    As we previously reported, a multi-year transformation of Epcot is underway and today, Disney announced that Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot and other locations will temporarily close as part of the massive multi-year overhaul.

    On September 8, 2019, refurbishment will begin on the core of Future World, including the area between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Promenade. While this work is underway, offerings at and around the Fountain of Nations will be temporarily relocated or closed. 

    New Locations for Character Experiences – Coming Soon
    Take a look below to find out where you can meet some of your favorite Disney Characters during the refurbishment period.

    • Minnie Mouse will move into the World Showcase Gazebo.
    • Daisy Duck will move to The American Adventure.
    • While new locations are being developed for Mickey Mouse and Goofy, they will temporarily appear in Innoventions West.
    • In the near future, Mickey Mouse will move to an all-new location in the Imagination! Pavilion. 
    • Goofy will venture out into the park—and soon will find a new home.
    • Joy will move soon too—to a joyous new home.
    • And a silly old bear will return to the United Kingdom pavilion—welcome back Winnie the Pooh, who will greet Guests at Christopher Robin’s bedroom beginning in September 2019!

    Other locations closing as to make way for the transformation include: Club Cool, Fountain View Starbucks, Colortopia, and Camera Center.

  • New Alex & Ani Minnie Ears Coming to Disney Parks are Golden & Gorgeous

    New Alex & Ani Minnie Ears Coming to Disney Parks are Golden & Gorgeous

    As part of the Disney Parks Designer Collection, Disney is releasing new Alex & Ani’s Minnie ears this month and they are golden and gorgeous.

    The new Alex & Ani Disney ears features the classic Minnie Mouse bow and ears in a headband style with a comb to keep it in place. The ears feature an intricate damask-like pattern that’s gold and in the center of the design is Minnie’s iconic bow complete with a golden heart.

    The new Alex & Ani golden Minnie ear headband will set you back $178 and will be available beginning this Friday, July 5, online on shopDisney and at select merchandise locations throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

    If you aren’t familiar with the Disney Parks Designer Collection, the classic animation studio had teamed up with celebrities, designers, artists, and brands to create limited edition Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears for the Disney theme parks.

    The Disney Parks Designer Collection launched on May 24 with the first collaboration with Harvey’s. Disney is launching a new set of ears designed by a new collaborator from now until Summer 2020. Now it’s Alex and Ani’s turn to lend its designing skills to the famous Disney head gear.

    Alex and Ani is known for its for creating jewelry with meaning to it. From self-care reminders to spiritually-centered pieces and even character driven styles, Alex & Ani creates jewelry that speaks to who its customers are. Now, the brand is working with Disney to create a pair of limited edition Mickey ears that are are golden, gorgeous, and have a special message.

  • New Wine Pops Now Avalaible in Disney World Are All the Buzz

    New Wine Pops Now Avalaible in Disney World Are All the Buzz

    Adult frozen treats have been all the buzz lately at Disney World and now Disney is bringing back the nostalgia and whimsy of summer vacation with the addition of Pop Fusion Fruit and Wine Pops.

    The newest alcoholic dessert on the block at Disney invites guests to cool down this summer and enjoy your wine one bite at a time with a refreshing collection of gourmet cocktail and ice pops.

    These hand-crafted and colorful goodies are made with fresh and locally-sourced fruit. Unique choices range from zero-proof fruit-flavored pops like Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry and Florida Orange to buzz-worthy White Sangria and Mango Mimosa wine pops. Take a look at all the flavors below:

    Alcoholic Flavors: $9

    • White Sangria
    • Berry Sangria
    • Mango Mimosa
    • Back Porch Peach
    • Sparkling Strawberry

    Non-Alcoholic Flavors: $5

    • Strawberry Lemonade
    • Pineapple Mango
    • Florida Orange
    • Strawberry
    • Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
    • Watermelon

    All of the Instagram-worthy pops are made with 100% real fruit, and are gluten, dairy, nut, and soy free. Adult beverage meets childhood frozen snack in this marriage of fruity sensations that can be eaten straight up or dipped in a guest’s favorite glass of wine. These delightful handheld treats are available at Pizza Ponte in Disney Springs and the Italy Pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort.

  • BREAKING: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Disneyland in August

    BREAKING: Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Disneyland in August

    Disney has announced, that Disneyland is bringing back the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade this August.

    That’s right! The all-time fan favorite, “spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination,” is coming back to Disneyland park for a limited-time encore engagement along with its half-million sparkling lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds”.

    The dazzling nighttime parade premiered at Disneyland in 1972 and ended its run there in November 1996, but also appeared at California Adventure, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and at other and at other parks around the world. The parade returned again to Anaheim in January 2017 for a limited time.

    This limited-time encore engagement is set to begin on Aug. 2 with nightly performances through Sept. 30

  • Liberty Inn Closing at Disney World to be Replaced By BBQ And Craft Beer Restuarant

    Liberty Inn Closing at Disney World to be Replaced By BBQ And Craft Beer Restuarant

    Disney has announced that next month it is closing the Liberty Inn restaurant at Epcot’s America pavilion.

    Liberty Inn is a staple of the American Adventure pavilion in the theme park’s World Showcase, but it will be replaced with a new eatery that serves barbecue and craft beers.

    Prepare your taste buds for something special, because a new fast-casual barbecue restaurant featuring craft brews on tap will debut at The American Adventure pavilion in Epcot later this year.

    Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will take the place of Liberty Inn, which will close July 8 to make way for this mouth-watering experience in World Showcase.

    The new location will be a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There will also be a redesigned patio for you to enjoy, so get ready to grab a brew, some barbecue, and relax inside Epcot.

    Many more details to come, so keep checking Disney Dorks for updates on what is sure to be a new favorite spot to find some tasty and tangy bites at Epcot!

  • Disney World Celebrates 626 Day with Stitch Inspired Ice Cream Cone

    Disney World Celebrates 626 Day with Stitch Inspired Ice Cream Cone

    Today only, the Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Disney World is offering a special ice cream cone in honor of Stitch called the Experiment 626 cone!

    Before Lilo named him Stitch, everyone’s favorite mischievous alien had another name, Experiment 626. That laboratory moniker happens to provide a perfect calendar date, 6/26 or June 26, which Lilo & Stitch fans have embraced as an opportunity to celebrate the film.

    Although it is blue in color, it is made with vanilla soft serve. It comes in a blue cone and is topped with white chocolate Stitch ears.

    There’s no better way to celebrate 626 Day than with a cool tastey treat on a summer day in Disney World.

  • The Simpsons are Coming to D23 Expo 2019

    The Simpsons are Coming to D23 Expo 2019

    Disney just announced, Springfield’s number one family will be making their way to Anaheim this August when The Simpsons comes to D23 Expo for the first time ever.

    Now that the Disney/Fox merger is complete, the longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, The Simpsons, is now part of the family and will be headed to D23 Expo this year. They’ll be talking all about the upcoming season in a panel on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena.

    Creator Matt Groening, Executive Producer Al Jean, Executive Producer Matt Selman, Supervising Director Mike B. Anderson, and stars Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith will all be in attendance, and you can expect lots of surprises, including an exclusive Simpsons collectible item for everyone in attendance.

    If you head over to the convention floor during D23 Expo 2019, you’ll have the opportunity to get close and personal with Bart, Lisa, and the rest of The Simpsons family. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Matt Groening and the rest of the panelists during a one-hour autograph signing session of an exclusive The Simpsons mini-poster right after the panel.

    For fans of the long running series this is news that’ll make you say, “Ay caramba!,” and run all the way from Moe’s to D23 Expo 2019!