Author: Nate

Fifteen Fun Facts For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday
As the famous Walt Disney quote says, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.” – and today we’re celebrating that Mouse!

Mickey Mouse made his official film debut on November 18, 1928, in the film “Steamboat Willie,” and has since become a famous face at Disney Parks around the world.

In honor of today’s milestone, below are 15 fun facts about Mickey Mouse you may not know:
1. Walt Disney wrote the first script for “Plane Crazy,” the first short created to star Mickey Mouse, while traveling on a train from Chicago to Los Angeles.
2. Walt initially named Mickey Mouse “Mortimer,” until Walt’s wife, Lily, suggested “Mickey” was a better choice.
1. Disney Legend Ub Iwerks was the sole animator for Mickey Mouse in “Plane Crazy,” and produced an estimated 700 drawings per day for the film, some during the day (as a part of a secret project for Walt) and others after hours in Walt’s garage.
2. The short film “Steamboat Willie” was the first short starring Mickey Mouse released, but was actually the third created. The first two, “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho,” initially failed to find distributors, but were picked up and released later.
3. When penning Mickey’s movements, early animators drew inspiration from popular comedic film stars of the day – like Charlie Chaplin.
4. The first Mickey Mouse Club was formed by theater owner Harry Woodin in Ocean Park, California. On his own accord, Woodin devoted Saturday afternoons in his theater to showing only Mickey Mouse shorts and led children in a Mickey Mouse pledge. Walt later partnered with Woodin and spread the idea of Mickey Mouse Clubs to movie theaters across the nation.
5. The first Mickey short in which Mickey spoke was “The Karnival Kid,” the ninth Mickey short, which was released in July 1929. His first words: “Hot dog!”
6. Walt Disney wasn’t satisfied with the first few actors chosen to provide a voice for Mickey Mouse, so he did it, and continued to do so through about 1947.
7. A Mickey Mouse comic strip, penned by Ub Iwerks, launched in January 1930, and at its height was printed in 40 newspapers in 22 countries.
8. The first piece of Mickey Mouse merchandise was a tablet of paper that featured the mouse, designed for children. The first Mickey Mouse doll was designed in 1930.
1. Mickey Mouse made his debut appearance in the “Macy’s Santa Claus Parade” (now “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”) in 1934. Measuring 40-feet-tall, the balloon was handpainted and guided by men and women dressed in Mickey/Minnie Mouse costumes.
2. When Walt was contemplating a name for his first theme park (Disneyland park), he once considered calling it “Mickey Mouse Village.”
3. Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which was given on his birthday (November 18) in 1978.
4. Mickey Mouse has been a prominent feature at Disney Parks since Disneyland park opened its doors in 1955, with guests interacting with him in character meet and greets, viewing him in parades or snapping up Mickey Mouse merchandise.
1. The Partners Statue, a sculpture of Walt and Mickey holding hands, debuted at Disneyland park on Mickey’s birthday in 1993. A second Partners Statue debuted at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1995.
November 18, 2018
Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse! Iconic Character Turns 90 Today

Everyone’s favorite pal Mickey Mouse has been entertaining families for generations. Millions flock to California, Florida and around the world to be with him and his friends every year, and today we’re celebrating his 90th birthday.

On this day in 1928, Mickey Mouse starred in Steamboat Willie, the first commercially successful animated cartoon to use synchronized sound.

It was Disney’s third Mickey short, but the first with sound. It debuted as a sneak preview at Universal’s Colony Theatre – located at Broadway & 53rd Street in New York City. It is shown before the feature film Gang War.

Steamboat Willie is co-directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and features the first appearance of Minnie Mouse. It is animated by Ub Iwerks, Wilfred Jackson and Dick Lundy. The short also features the work of in between artist Les Clark (who will go on to be one of “Walt’s Nine Old Men”). Walt himself supplies the voices for all the characters – although there isn’t any real spoken dialogue just whistling, grunts, laughter and other vocal sounds.

During the premiere Walt sat nervously at the rear of the theater to gage the audience’s reaction. To his delight, the Colony echoed with laughs and giggles throughout the short! Steamboat Willie was shown every night for two weeks.

Disney’s imagination created Mickey Mouse, but he drew inspiration from real-life characters. The mouse’s movements were modeled after comedic film stars in the 1920s, including Charlie Chaplin. Mickey’s creator wasn’t only responsible for dreaming the mouse up, he was also responsible for voicing the character. From July 1929, when Mickey said his first words, “Hot Dog!” until about 1947, Disney, himself, was the voice behind the mouse.

Despite the fact that this is not the first Mickey cartoon made or released, this date is still considered Mickey Mouse’s true debut … and birthday!

November 18, 2018
First Look: Disney Skyliner Gondola Revealed at Walt Disney World Resort

Earlier this week, we shared the exciting update that Disney’s new Skyliner gondola system will begin operating at the Walt Disney World Resort in fall of 2019. Today, we finally get a first look at one of the actual finished gondolas up close!

Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled the gondola to Disney fans during D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouseevent.

Once operating, the gondola system will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resortas well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort. You can take a look at the reveal below.

As you can see, Disney Skyliner will be fun and offer a new way to experience Walt Disney World Resort with amazing views only available from the sky.

Select gondolas will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

November 17, 2018
Details on New Mickey Mouse Experiences Coming To Disney Parks Revealed

At this morning’s D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse event, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared details of exciting new guest offerings inspired by none other than the legendary Mickey Mouse.

Here’s a roundup of what to expect:

Enjoy the New “Wonderful World of Animation” Nighttime Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bob unveiled news of an all-new cinematic nighttime experience, “Wonderful World of Animation,” which will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May 2019 as part of the park’s 30th Anniversary celebration. The show will use state-of-the-art projection technology. to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey himself. (See rendering above).

Experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Imagineers have been hard at work creating Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, using breakthrough technology to transform a two-dimensional cartoon into an amazing real-world experience. The first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse will feature a new original story and lovable theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

Enjoy New Mickey Mouse Offerings at Disneyland park – The festivities will continue at the Disneyland Resort with Get Your Ears On: A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, which will feature new entertainment, food and merchandise. On January 18, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will light up the night at Disneyland park with all-new music, projections and lasers that set the scene for an epic dance party that takes over almost the entire park. The party will get even bigger when the fan-favorite Mickey’s Soundsational Parade returns to the resort in January 2019 featuring a new float with Mickey himself, who will lead the celebration down Main Street, U.S.A.

Join in on the Fun of Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park – From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, 2019, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will feature new food, merchandise and entertainment, including a new dance party with Mickey, Minnie and their friends.

Celebrate Your Favorite Mouse with Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Party at Sea Aboard Disney Cruise Line – Guests will enjoy an all-new high-energy deck party on the Disney Fantasy next summer.

In addition to new Mickey Mouse-inspired experiences at Disney Parks, Bob also shared a look at the recently opened Mickey: The True Original Exhibition in New York City. The exhibition provides visitors with an interactive experience inspired by Mickey’s impact on popular culture, from Instagram-worthy design elements to larger-than-life multimedia installations. That exhibition runs through Feb. 10, 2019, and tickets can be purchased at Disney.com/MickeyTrueOriginal.

November 17, 2018
RUMOR: ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Reboot To Star Female Pirate Redd as Sparrow Replacement

As we previously reported, Disney might be considering rebooting their billion dollar Pirates of the Caribbean franchise without Johnny Depp and now rumor has it that the lead role may go to a female pirate that many Disney fans already know.

According to a report today from Hybrid News, the studio is looking to center the franchise on Redd, the recently revamped character in the popular Disney Parks attraction.

The character is well known to Disney fans and has been around for quite some time. The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney reimagined that section of the ride in both Disneyland and Disney World.

In Disney World’s new version the famed redhead is no longer being auctioned off. She has a new look and a new attitude! Now she sports a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

A bit mysterious by nature, Redd travels to various ports throughout the Caribbean—selling rum and collecting coin. She has been given a full back story and it could be just what Disney is looking for. After all, the ride inspired the first set of movies, why not let it inspire the reboot as well.

There is no script as of yet, but what we do know at this point is that Disney has had early talks with Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick about writing the reboot.

November 16, 2018
Disney Skyliner to Begin Transporting Guests in Fall 2019 at Walt Disney World

Earlier this week, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, announced that Disney Skyliner will be ready to begin transporting guests at the Walt Disney World Resort beginning fall of 2019!

This new state-of-the-art gondola system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort.

And next fall, Disney Skyliner will not only efficiently move you to your location, it’ll also offer a whole new way to experience Walt Disney World with amazing views only available from the sky – with great photo opportunities! For example, guests arriving at the International Gateway station will travel through the trees and be welcomed into Epcot with remarkable, never before-seen views across World Showcase.

The innovative transportation system is quickly coming to life! Workers just installed the last support tower at the Resort and are beginning to thread the series of reinforced cables to carry guests in stylish themed gondolas.

November 16, 2018
Disney Sued For Bed Bugs at Disneyland Hotel

You might think Disney’s next live-action adaptation is “A Bug’s Life” according to a new lawsuit filed by a woman claiming the Disneyland Hotel is infested by bed bugs.

In a lawsuit filed earlier this week, Ivy Eldridge claims she suffered both physical and emotional damage after waking up at Anaheim’s Disneyland Hotel covered in bedbug bites while visiting the park with her family in April 2018, according to a L.A. Times report.

Eldridge’s attorney Brian Virag – of My Bed Bug Lawyer, Inc. – filed the lawsuit on Eldridge’s behalf, and named Walt Disney Co. and Disney Parks and Resorts as defendants in addition to Disneyland Hotel.

“People put trust in the Disney name and pay top dollar to stay at Disneyland Hotel. In this case, Ms. Eldridge’s trust was betrayed,” said Virag, per an article posted to the My Bed Bug Lawyer website.

“This was not a situation where a person sustained one or two bites. Ms. Eldridge was bitten throughout her body, including, but not limited to her face, ears, neck, arms, and back. She was absolutely butchered,” he added.

The lawsuit further claims that Disneyland was aware of the bedbug infestation, but did not take the appropriate steps to rectify it.

According to the L.A. Times Report, Disneyland spokeswoman Liz Jaeger said the company hasn’t seen the lawsuit but said in a statement that “these occurrences are extremely rare.”

“We take extensive preventative measures so that our guests are comfortable and safe during their hotel stays and when needed take aggressive steps to rectify,” Jaeger said.

November 15, 2018
Disney Reveals Guardians of the Galaxy ‘Storytelling’ Roller Coaster Ride Vehicle

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired attraction at Epcot is going to be an out of this galaxy experience like no other. Earlier this week, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared the first details on the innovative new ride system planned to bring the adventurous attraction to life.

According to Bob, building an adventure this big will require a ride system and ride vehicles unlike anything our guests have experienced before. What guests will encounter on the Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction can best be described as a one-of-a-kind storytelling coaster that connects the adventure of a storyline with the thrills of a coaster.

“On most coasters, the vehicles point straight ahead throughout the ride,” Bob explained. “But on this attraction, each individual cab will be programmed to direct your eye to the story happening around you.

That means instead of whizzing by the action, you’ll be fully immersed in the story from the minute you launch.”

The attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it opens in Future World at Epcot. Earlier this year, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete poured the foundation of this mammoth attraction, which will be housed inside a building so large that the volume of four Spaceship Earth attractions could fit inside it!

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

November 15, 2018
New Live-Action Dumbo Trailer Will Warm Your Heart

A new for trailer for Tim Burton’s live-action “Dumbo” remake just aired during the 52nd Annual CMA Awards and it will warm your heart.

The reimagined story expands on the beloved classic story where, as Disney puts it, “differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight.”

The story begins when circus owner Max Medici played by Danny DeVito who enlists former star Holt Farrier played Colin Farrell and his children to care for a newborn elephant. “We’re all family here,” they tell a frightened Dumbo. “No matter how small.” Take a look at the trailer below:

The trailer, which features Norwegian popstar Aurora singing Baby Mine, features clips of Dreamland as well as Dumbo taking flight for the first time.

Tim Burton helms the live action “Dumbo” which is inspired by the 1941 animated film. It’s written by Ehren Kruger and has an all-star cast including Eva Green, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Alan Arkin, and Danny Devito.

Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

Tim Burton’s Dumbo flies into theaters March 29, 2019.

November 14, 2018
Man Banned from Disney World After Holding Trump 2020 Sign on Splash Mountain

A man who several weeks ago was banned from Disney World after hanging a huge Donald Trump 2020 banner in the Magic Kingdom has been banned — for a second time.

Disney officials took away Don Cini’s annual pass back in September, after he posted a video of him waving a Trump 2020 banner over the Main Street Train Station. Disney reconsidered the position and allowed him to come back to the parks with the stipulation that he would not hang anymore flags.

Now his latest political antics have gotten him banned — again. And this time permanently. Cini was captured holding a Trump 2020 banner on Splash Mountain. After, the ride picture came with more than the usual decorative boarder. This one came with a note from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office saying that Cini trespassed and his conduct is not welcomed on Disney property.

Cini says that after taking the picture, he was escorted off property and he is now banned from all Disney World properties, including the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.

A picture of Don Cini’s latest guerilla style political support shows him riding down Splash Mountain with a “Trump 2020” sign and on Expedition Everest, he held a “Keep America Great” sign.

We spoke with Cini and asked him if he thought it was worth it. He said, “Yes, because I shouldn’t have been trespassed.” Cini is currently meeting with attorneys to find out what options are available to him. “I didn’t expect them to trespass I just wanted to get the picture,” Cini said.

Disney has now permanently revoked his annual pass, which he says he had for 24 years. Disney’s park rules state that, “the usage of any flag, banner or sign to incite a crowd” is prohibited.

November 13, 2018