Author: Nate

  • Disney Restores Princess Tiana To Her Former Look In ‘Wreck-It Ralph 2’ After Backlash

    Disney Restores Princess Tiana To Her Former Look In ‘Wreck-It Ralph 2’ After Backlash

    The trailers for “Ralph Breaks The Internet” was a huge success and fans went wild for the new 3D animated versions of all the Disney princesses the film introduced. Some changes were made to some of the princesses, but when people saw the difference between the new and old Tiana, many accused the company of whitewashing the character.

    After the social media backlash, Disney went straight back to the drawing board to redesign Disney princess Tiana whose skin had been lightened and facial features changed in trailers for “Ralph Breaks The Internet.”

    The studio darkened her skin and widened her nose so she looks more like the animated character appeared in 2009′s “The Princess and the Frog,” The Wall Street Journal reported last week.

    Back in August, fans noticed that in a scene with other Disney princesses in the “Wreck-It Ralph” sequel, Tiana’s features appeared more Eurocentric than in previous promos. Some accused Disney of whitewashing the character.

    Disney met with Anika Noni Rose, who voices the princess, as well as other animators and black advocacy group Color of Change to collaborate on what changes Tiana needed. The result shows a darker princess in the latest teaser, who looks more like the original character with similar features.

    “Disney’s decision to restore Princess Tiana’s image to that of an unapologetically Black princess with full lips, dark skin and dark hair in ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2’ is a victory for Color Of Change members, black children and their parents, and black audiences who want to see the variety of shades, shapes and sizes of black characters accurately represented in the arts,” Collins-Dexter, of Color of Change, said in a statement to WSJ.

    “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is in theaters Nov. 21.

  • runDisney Reveals 2019 Medals For Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

    runDisney Reveals 2019 Medals For Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

    Today, Disney revealed the runDisney finisher medals for the 2019 Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World, so lace up your sneakers and get ready for the most magical race weekend on Earth during the 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna!

    With a new friend joining, new “bling” and lots of exciting surprises and entertainment, now more than ever is the time to join runDisney for their biggest race weekend of the season! Here is a first look at this year’s finisher medals:

    Walt Disney World Marathon Medals

    New to this year, luck will be on your side for the Walt Disney World 5K as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit makes his race debut! Participants can look forward to picking up this finisher medal which prominently features the classic Disney character.

    Walt Disney World Marathon Medals

    More miles, more medals. Whether you’re feeling Goofy for 39.3 miles or Dopey for 48.6, runners taking on one of the weekend’s challenges will earn this extra “bling.” For some added magic, this year’s medal for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge features our favorite Goof in “spinning” form! Celebrating its 5th anniversary, Disney Castaway Cay Challenge returns for runners who want to accomplish the ultimate running adventure when they set sail with Disney Cruise Line.

    Walt Disney World Marathon Medals

    Exciting news for the runDisney Kids Races: Beginning in 2019, participants in the runDisney Kids Dashes and One Mile Run will earn a unique medallion for each event! This year’s designs feature your pals Mickey and Pluto.

    Walt Disney World Marathon Medals

    Earning a medal for your 26.2 miles of hard work? Our Walt Disney World Marathon medal will also feature our host, Mickey Mouse, “spinning” in the middle.

    Walt Disney World Marathon Medals

    There are still spaces remaining in select race events so if you want to join in this four park race celebration, then check out the runDisney website to see how you can earn this exciting “bling”!

  • Walt Disney World Introduces New Date-Based Pricing System For Tickets

    Walt Disney World Introduces New Date-Based Pricing System For Tickets

    Walt Disney World announced on Monday that it’s launching a new date-based pricing system for theme park tickets. Beginning Oct. 16, guests will be able to access our Disney’s new online vacation-planning destination and purchase tickets priced by the date of visit.

    When guests are ready to purchase tickets online, they may use an interactive online calendar, which displays different prices based on the dates guests choose to visit and states tickets will need to be used during a specific time period. The calendar also allows guests to quickly see the lowest-priced days within a month. For example, prices may be lower during off-peak travel periods.

    These changes are designed to simplify the booking experience, give guests an enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets and help them more easily plan the Disney vacation of their dreams.

    The new online vacation-planning destination features park offering overviews, travel tips from Disney Parks Moms Panelists and customized suggestions based on each guest’s personal preferences – helping guests make more informed decisions.

    Under the new plan, prices will vary based on the particular day. Single-day tickets will range from $109 to $129, depending on how popular the day is expected to be. Disney states that this will help them “better distribute attendance throughout the year.”  The prices are preset for each day and will not change, the company says.

     

  • VIDEO: Trump Re-Election Banner Hung In Magic Kingdom By Trump Supporter

    VIDEO: Trump Re-Election Banner Hung In Magic Kingdom By Trump Supporter

    When you’re in Disney World, politics is the last thing you want to think about. Most people go there to unwind, escape and unplug, but one man this weekend took it upon himself to make a political statement on Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

    Dion Cini, a New York man, snuck in a very large Tump Re-Election banner and hung it over the railing of the train station near the entrance to the park. According to Cini, there were hundreds of people taking pictures. “take pictures baby,” Cini shouted to onlookers. “Did you get pictures, he asks a guest. “Good I expect them to go viral tonight.”

    The banner reads, ‘Re-Elect Trump’ and ‘Keep America Great 2020.’ He claims the first time he has done this in Disney World and you can see him rolling out the banner in the video below:

    UPDATE: The Video has been removed from his Facebook Profile, but we were able to find it posted elsewhere on the internet.

    Trying to be a discrete as possible, Cini tells a man helping him to “Put it down, don’t let people see this.” Then when he feels the timing is right, he unveils the banner, telling his helper, who appears to be a random nearby guest that he just asked for help, “Throw it over and up” he says. “High as you can.”

    “I have a feeling security’s coming soon,” said Cini.  Moments later security approached. In all, the banner was hanging for about 60 seconds before Cini was asked to take it down.  Pictures of the incident aren’t exactly viral yet, but you can find a few posted on social media like the one below.

    We spoke with Cini about his display and found out that the mouse hasn’t been his only target. He has done it in many places including, Yankee Stadium, multiple broadway shows and all around Manhattan. When asked why he did it, “Viral advertising for my president.” he replied.

    Though he said security only asked him to take it down, he still made a quick exit and started actively hiding from them. He even made a pit stop in the restroom to change hats as he exited the park, claiming at the end of the video that, “we’ll pick it up again tonight, were going to do it one more time.”

    To those who might say Magic Kingdom isn’t the right forum for this type for message, Cini says, “Disney does not have a monopoly on political viewpoints. Should I have done it somewhere else? After all that’s their Flagship product.” he said. “I support my President and the liberal left does not have a monopoly on embedding their political viewpoints into our daily lives.”

    He said that the last time he did this at Disney World, security escorted him out of the park, yet he still keeps coming back. It seems they aren’t much of a deterrent for him. “I’ve done this so many times,” he states.

    It’s unknown if he will make another attempt later or ever.  According to our sources, the man was banned for 60 days and his annual pass was revoked.  This has till not yet been confirmed by Disney and when we asked Cini about it, he stated he knew nothing about it and said, “Will find out in a few hours.”

  • Disney CEO on Fox’s X-Men: ‘There Shouldn’t Be Two Marvels’

    Disney CEO on Fox’s X-Men: ‘There Shouldn’t Be Two Marvels’

    Disney recently acquired Fox and its assets, including X-Men and various other Marvel titles, raising questions about how Disney plans to integrate the franchises into the MCU. In a recent interview, Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his own ideas on the future Fox’s “X-Men” franchise, and it doesn’t exactly involve Fox

    Iger has said, he’d like Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to oversee the franchise after Disney’s acquisition of Fox, but didn’t want to make any definitive statements because of what has already been communicated to Fox.

    “I think it only makes sense,” Iger said. “I want to be careful here because of what’s been communicated to the Fox folks, but I think they know. It only makes sense for Marvel to be supervised by one entity. There shouldn’t be two Marvels.”

    At this point it’s clear the “X-Men” franchise in its current iteration are at an end and a reboot into the MCU seems like a strong possibility.

    Disney is developing a TV series spinning off of the MCU that would star Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, and characters that haven’t been introduced yet, according to a report from Variery. Feige would have a “hands-on role” in the making of them.

    A Scarlet Witch TV series being in the works could mean Disney is already thinking of ways it can include X-Men characters into the MCU. In the comics, Scarlet Witch is the daughter of X-Men villain Magneto.

    Iger’s comments have added a little fuel to the fire for fans who would love to see Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, and others fighting side-by-side with the likes of the MCU’s Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, and more.

  • OFFICIAL: Replacement Announced For ‘Move It! Shake It! Dance And Play It! Street Party’ at Magic Kingdom

    OFFICIAL: Replacement Announced For ‘Move It! Shake It! Dance And Play It! Street Party’ at Magic Kingdom

    Some changes are taking place on Main Street U.S.A. in Walt Disney World. The daytime celebration known as “Move It! Shake It! Dance And Play It! Street Party” is coming to an end next year.

    Disney announced Thursday, that “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” will replace the celebration and will debut in the Magic Kingdom on January 18 2019.

    Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party

    The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom Park will invite guests to dance with Mickey, Minnie and their pals in front of Cinderella Castle. Shake it along with live singers belting out new arrangements of classic “Mickey Mouse Club” songs.

    “Move It! Shake It! Dance And Play It! Street Party” debuted on October 24, 2014 and is an updated version of the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party which made its official debut in February 2009.

    The current version of thee parade is 35 minutes long, but it isn’t really a parade at all.  The floats all stop in a circle around the hub and continue with lots of songs and dancing to get the crowd pumped up and let you sing and dance along with a grouping of some of your favorite characters.  After the party is over, the floats go back down Main Street, U.S.A. the same way they came in.

    “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” is expected to have its final show on December 1, 2018.

  • Guests Will Get A Chance To Touch A Rhino At Animal Kingdom Starting Nov. 1

    Guests Will Get A Chance To Touch A Rhino At Animal Kingdom Starting Nov. 1

    As the second largest-land animal on Earth, the rhinoceros is a massive sight to behold – from their horns to their hoofs and thick armored skin – all of it. Disney announced today, that guests will have a chance to make a real connection with white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom through an exciting new backstage animal experience called “Up Close with Rhinos.”

    Starting Nov. 1, this 60-minute guided adventure will give guests a behind-the-scenes look at how our dedicated animal team cares for the white rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris and how Disney is helping save endangered rhinos in the wild.

    As part of this intimate experience, guests may even get a chance to touch a rhino. It is an appreciation like no other, and Disney hope it will inspire guests to aid in their conservation.

    The keepers are as excited about “Up Close with Rhinos” experience! “I love talking to guests about how unique each individual rhino’s personality is. I know once guests come and meet the rhinos, they are going to see just how amazing they are and will want to help us secure a future for them,” said rhino care team member Caitlin Miller.

    Rhinos in the wild are found in bush country and open grassy flatlands in Africa and Southeast Asia. They are among the most endangered animals in the world due largely in part to poaching. Disney is proud to support rhino conservation efforts around the world, including those of Sumatran rhinos, which are found only in Indonesia and are critically endangered. To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2 million to support rhino conservation efforts around the world.

    The tour of “Up Close with Rhinos” will be offered each day. The booking window for the one-hour experience opens Sept. 22, which is World Rhino Day. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate, and the cost is $40 (plus tax). Discounts are available to select passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

  • First Look: Disney Reveals First ‘Captain Marvel’ Trailer

    First Look: Disney Reveals First ‘Captain Marvel’ Trailer

    Disney debuted the first trailer of Brie Larson’s “Captain Marvel” earlier today during the Oscar winner’s appearance on “Good Morning America.”

    The footage opens up with Carol Danvers in her Starforce uniform crash landing in a Blockbuster, pulling S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury into a world of possibility. Fury tells Danvers he was “ready to hang it up until I met you today.” What does Carol’s arrival mean for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Earth, at large? From the looks of it, a war between the Kree and the Skrulls.

    Danvers reveals she’s not entirely sure what her connection to Earth is; however, she has memories and flashes of her previous life as a child, a cadet, an Air Force pilot. What makes a hero? The powerful montage of witnessing Danvers getting right back up again every time she falls gives viewers a glimpse of who Carol Danvers has always been. Take a look at the full trailer below!

    We’re 170 days away from cosmic hero Carol Danvers’ Marvel Cinematic Universe debut when “Captain Marvel” lands in theaters next year, March 8, 2019. If the trailer is any indication, we’re in for a mighty blockbuster full of space invasions, big car chases, and seeing our lead go full binary!

  • OFFICIAL: New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations At Epcot

    OFFICIAL: New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations At Epcot

    Rumors of a big change coming to Epcot’s nighttime spectacular have been going around for quite some time and now after nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, Disney has announced that “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be ending next year.

    The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is already busy creating new thrills to debut immediately following the conclusion of “IllumiNations,” continuing the tradition of nightly entertainment on the World Showcase Lagoon.

    “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which is currently planned to run to the end of summer 2019, has entertained millions of guests gathered around World Showcase Lagoon sharing the light and a story since it debuted in October 1999 as part of the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration. During the coming year, Epcot will be celebrating this classic show, so there is plenty of time to experience it again and again, as excitement builds for what’s next.

    There are big plans for Epcot’s multi-year transformation of Epcot, with new experiences that will “Wow!” guests while keeping true to the original vision of the park. And the all-new nighttime fireworks spectacular coming to Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon will be part of the park’s exciting evolution.

    The new show joins several previously announced experiences coming to Epcot, including the highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster attraction, a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction in World Showcase, a new table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE and much more!

    Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for updates on the new nighttime spectacular and everything else coming to Epcot!

  • NEW ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Trailer Just Released and It’s Practically Perfect In Every Way

    NEW ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Trailer Just Released and It’s Practically Perfect In Every Way

    It must be a Jolly Holiday today, because Disney has just drop a new trailer for Mary Poppins Returns and it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! More than five decades after Julie Andrews won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in the original Mary Poppins, a follow-up sequel is finally here!

    The footage opens with Mary descending from the clouds and visiting the grown-up Banks kids. Michael marvels, “You seem hardly to have aged at all.” Aghast, Mary replies, “Really? One never discusses a woman’s age, Michael. Would have hoped I taught you better.”

    “Mary Poppins Returns” picks up 25 years after the events of the first film, during the mid-1930s in London. But by now Michael is all grown up with a wife and three children who are all living in his parents’ old house on No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Take a look at the trailer below:

    This new trailer dives fully into the sequel’s plot and offers a sneak peek of its various musical numbers. There’s also a gorgeous animated sequence in the style of the original film, and what sounds like a delightfully questionable Cockney accent from Miranda. It wouldn’t be a Mary Poppins movie without one.

    “Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen.

    The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books.  In addition to Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury, the film also sees the return of Dick Van Dyke, playing the son of Mr. Dawes, a character he portrayed in the original movie. Van Dyke is the only actor from the first film who’s reprising a role in the sequel

    The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

    Mary Poppins Returns will hit theaters Christmas 2018.