Disney News

Author: Nate

  • Smoking Section Now Relocated at Magic Kingdom

    Smoking Section Now Relocated at Magic Kingdom

    Designated smoking areas have once again undergone some changes at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

    The smoking section located along the pathway between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland has been closed. The section has been relocated to the area between Space Mountain and the restrooms.

    The location near Thunder Mountain in Frontierland and the one located outside the main entrance remain unchanged as you can see in the updated map photo below.

    Magic-Kingdom_Full_Map

    For the comfort of all Guests, smoking is only permitted in appointed places throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Smoking is permitted in clearly marked, specially selected areas only. Check the theme park Guidemaps for specific locations.

    The changes are effective as of Sept. 4, 2018.

  • Walt Disney Co. Partners With University of Florida Online To Provide Free Tuition Disney Employees

    Walt Disney Co. Partners With University of Florida Online To Provide Free Tuition Disney Employees

    The Walt Disney Company is partnering with University of Florida Online to expand access to high quality online bachelor’s degrees.

    Disney Aspire, recently launched by The Walt Disney Company, is a comprehensive education benefits program focused on the career development of Disney’s workforce. With the Disney Aspire initiative, more than 80,000 full-time and part-time hourly employees, who have more than 90 days of service, will be eligible to have 100 percent of their tuition, required textbooks and course materials, plus application and program fees paid up front by the company.

    As part of this relationship, Disney employees may apply to one of several fully online bachelor’s degrees – the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in business administration from the Warrington College of Business; the Bachelor of Science in sport management from the College of Health and Human Performance; and the Bachelor of Science in public relations, and the Bachelor of Science in telecommunication from the College of Journalism and Communications. If granted admission by the University of Florida, Disney cast members could begin UF Online classes in January 2019 as part of the University’s spring semester. Disney employees and Cast Members can learn more and sign up at aspire.disney.com. As part of the enrollment process a coach from Guild Education will be available to determine their eligibility to receive educational benefits, review their academic background, and provide qualified prospective students with a unique link to the UF Online admissions application.

    “Expanding access to high quality education and career development is a core value for the University of Florida and we look forward to working with Disney,” said UF Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Joe Glover.

    The Florida Chamber of Commerce projects that by 2021, 64 percent of Florida jobs will require a post-secondary degree.

    “Disney sets the standard for customer experience and we are happy to partner with them to set the standard for education programs as well,” Glover added.

    Disney is the third employer in UF Online’s growing Employer Pathways program, which launched in June. Walmart and Discover Financial Services are the two other major corporate partners that have also introduced generous education benefits for students that are qualified to gain admissions into UF Online.

    “This UF Online and Disney partnership is another great step forward for future Gators. Able to enroll and complete their UF degree at no cost, and in a versatile online format, qualified Disney cast members now have an amazing opportunity to earn a UF degree and join the ranks of Gator grads across the state and around the world,” said Evangeline Tsibris Cummings, Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online.

    “At The Walt Disney Company we strive to empower and support employees in their professional and personal lives,” said Jayne Parker, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for The Walt Disney Company.  “We are constantly looking at ways to help people realize their ambitions and fulfill their dreams, and, as part of that, we are proud to offer Disney Aspire, the most comprehensive program of its kind.

    UF Online is the University of Florida’s online undergraduate experience. A highly selective and engaging online pathway to a UF degree, UF Online academic programs are all designed and taught by the very same faculty that teach on the University’s main Gainesville campus. Welcoming applications into 20 fully online bachelor’s degrees, UF Online currently serves over 3,000 students. And as of summer 2018, UF Online has celebrated the graduation of over 1,500 Gators through the UF Online pathway.

  • BREAKING: Spaceship Earth Shutdown Due To Leak at Epcot

    BREAKING: Spaceship Earth Shutdown Due To Leak at Epcot

    At Epcot today, a “minor water leak” forced Spaceship Earth to shutdown, according to Walt Disney World.

    The leak occurred in the morning — inside the theme park’s icon — and the ride was temporarily shut down but is expected to reopen by Monday, said a Disney spokesperson.

    Visitors posted video footage on social media of water dripping down from underneath the ride into large puddles surrounded by yellow cones.

    The leak is slightly ironic since the geodesic sphere was designed to funnel rain where they want it to go. The cladding was designed so that when it rains, no water pours off the sides onto the ground. All water is collected through one-inch gaps in the facets into a gutter system, and finally channeled into the World Showcase Lagoon.

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Poses With An Anaconda On The Set Of ‘Disney’s Jungle Cruise’

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Poses With An Anaconda On The Set Of ‘Disney’s Jungle Cruise’

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a new friend while filming on the set of the upcoming “Jungle Cruise” movie. The wrestling super star turned actor took to Instagram yesterday to share a photo of himself holding an anaconda with the hugest smile on his face.

    “On set of our DISNEY’S JUNGLE CRUISE and I made friends with a big ‘ol hungry Anaconda. ” he said in the post.

    Johnson, who appears to be having the time of his life in the Amazon, is seen alongside co-star Jack Whitehall who looks terrified as you can see in the picture below. Johnson praised Whitehall in the post, stating he “did his best to smile thru his fear of snakes.”

    A post shared by therock (@therock) on

    Johnson said he signed the biggest contact of his career in a video posted on social media back in May. The film is a live-action adaptation of Disneyland’s iconic theme park ride which takes guests on a guided tour through Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers to South America’s Amazon. Disney hopes to develop the film as a possible franchise much like its billion-dollar “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

    Jungle Cruise the movie takes place in the early 20th century and follows riverboat captain Frank (Johnson) as he takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) and her brother (Jack Whitehall) on a journey to find a mystical tree in South America. Edgar Ramírez and Jesse Plemons costar as a pair of villains who, naturally, want the film’s magical MacGuffin for themselves and compete with Frank in the race to find the tree first.

    Jaume Collet-Serra is directing the movie based on the classic theme park attraction and “Logan” writer Michael Green penned the most recent draft of the script, rewritten from screenplay by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

    Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” is slated to hit theaters October 2019.

  • New Character Dining Experience Coming to Disney World This WInter

    New Character Dining Experience Coming to Disney World This WInter

    Disney has just announced that a new character dining experience will be coming to Walt Disney World this winter!

    The all-new character dining experience will feature Snow White and friends and will be making its home at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

    Storybook Dining at Artist Point will invite guests to venture into an Enchanted Forest-like setting inspired by Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” There, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal of fantastic fare with visits from Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy. Delightful music and activities will help bring the classic fairytale to life, and you’ll even have an opportunity for an encounter with The Queen.

    Evil Queen

    This immersive character dinner takes place amidst the rustic elegance and exceptional dining that Artist Point is known for. You’ll enjoy a uniquely themed prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees and ‘sweet spells’ to finish the meal.

    We’ll keep you updated as more details become available, including menu offerings, an opening date and when you can book reservations, as well as where you might be able to find select fan-favorite Artist Point menu items in the future.

    Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is slated to begin this winter.

  • Disney Reveals Details of Oga’s Cantina Coming To Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Disney Reveals Details of Oga’s Cantina Coming To Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    No matter how far far away the galaxy’s newest outpost might be, it wouldn’t be complete with out a cantina! Today, Disney revealed details on a watering hole fit for a smuggler that is set to open at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

    Black Spire Outpost at Galaxy’s edge will be home to Oga’s Cantina, which will be serving pilots, bounty hunters, smugglers, locals and galactic travelers alike, when it opens in 2019.

    Visitors come to this notorious local cantina, conduct shady business, and maybe even encounter a friend…or a foe. Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, the cantina adheres to a strict code of conduct that tries to keep its unruly patrons in check. But with a history of being a smugglers’ safe haven and a popular stopping point for those seeking to avoid the authorities, you can bet that the cantina has a story or two to tell.

    Oga’s Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

    Musical entertainment is provided courtesy of RX-24, the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid we first met in Star Tours, who has re-envisioned himself as the cantina’s DJ. As quirky and talkative as ever, he’s still trying to do his best on the job.

    Get ready to listen to some unique music, taste the best drinks in the galaxy, and surround yourself with a colorful cast of characters. You never know what will happen at the cantina!

    Oga’s Cantina opens its doors at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

  • 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Opens TODAY!

    23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Opens TODAY!

    The 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts today! That’s right – you can now eat your way around the world and enjoy over 30 destinations located throughout the park, each offering unique dishes and beverages inspired by cultures from around the world.

    In addition, there’s celebrity chefs, pairing seminars, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, cheese seminars, and tons of other tasty experiences that you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The 2018 line-up is AMAZING and what better way to enjoy good food than while listening to live music?

    Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! also returns this year where you can work side-by-side with chefs, beverage experts, and other kitchen wizards during a hands-on lesson that teaches one of many different culinary and beverage skills.

    While you’re enjoying the festival, you can commemorate your visit with a magical array of limited-edition special event merchandise? This year, specially-designed merchandise will let you recreate the tasting-around-the-world experience at home. From cookbooks and apparel to tabletop and kitchen goods, new artwork shows Chef Mickey Mouse exploring the Festival. New merchandise includes a ceramic pie plate, wooden pepper mill, bottle-shaped cutting board, and a serving dish that gives a nod to the one and only Mouse. Look for these items and more, including the fan-favorite Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt at the Festival Center located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, and in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

    The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 12, 2018. And when you get there, don’t forget to grab a Festival Passport to help you find all of the eats your hungry heart desires. Not only will it tell you where to find anything and everything this year’s festival has to offer, you get to take it home as a memento to remember your trip by.

  • RUMOR: Disney’s Streaming Service May Have Finally Found a Name

    RUMOR: Disney’s Streaming Service May Have Finally Found a Name

    Disney’s new DTC (direct to consumer) streaming service is meant to be a direct competitor with Netflix and hopefully give the company a serious foothold in the streaming market.  Well now details have emerged and Disney’s upcoming streaming service may finally have a name and no it’s not “Disneyflix”.

    According to Variety, Disney CEO Bob Iger has referred to the service as Disney Play. At this point it’s unclear if this will in fact be the final name for the video platform or if it’s more of a working title.

    Once ties are severed with Netflix for good, Disney will be losing an estimated $300 million in annual revenue from Netflix for pay-TV rights.

    Beginning in 2019, Captain Marvel and every Disney film released in theaters will no longer Netflix and instead will make their way to Disney Play. Ant-Man and the Wasp will also now be the last Marvel movie to come to Netflix.

    Regardless of the final name Disney’s steaming service is set to launch sometime in 2019.

  • New Vault By Vans Disney Collection Celebrates 90 Years of Mickey Mouse

    New Vault By Vans Disney Collection Celebrates 90 Years of Mickey Mouse

    Mickey Mouse is an icon and over the past 90 years, he has left his mark on entertainment, pop culture, and fashion. Everyone’s favorite mouse is turning 90 this year and to celebrate this milestone, Vault by Vans and Disney have teamed up once again for a new collection that combines artists and Mickey Mouse.

    The new line showcases one-of-a-kind artwork from four artists, including John Van Hamersveld, Mr. Cartoon, Geoff McFetridge, and Taka Hayashi. The designs will be featured on Vans’ OG Sk8-Hi LX, as well as a short-sleeved tee. Each artist brings their own unique interpretation of Mickey, all while celebrating the things we love about this iconic character.

    Vault by Vans Mickey Mouse

    With a mutual passion for California culture, renowned illustrator and graphic designer
, John Van Hamersveld is continuously recognized 
for his influential graphics and images that are quintessential markers of Southern California culture. Best known for his psychedelic patterns and vibrant color schemes, he is a pioneer in the worlds of art, music, and surf—blending these genres perfectly into his extensive repertoire. For this collection, Van Hamersveld produces bright, punchy graphics featuring the one and only Mickey Mouse.

    Vault by Vans Mickey Mouse

    Legendary tattoo artist Mark Machado, more famously known as Mister Cartoon, is a Mexican-American artist born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Mister Cartoon is recognized and sought after for his richly detailed hand-rendered style of fine line tattooing—a technique that uses diluted black ink to create shadows and depth. What sets his work apart is the textural intricacy and stunning details of his three-dimensional- appearing works. His contribution to the collection depicts a black and grey illustration of the iconic “True Original” mouse driving a vintage car.

    Vault by Vans Mickey Mouse

    To bring a minimalistic and surreal illustrative style to the collection, Vault by Vans and Disney worked with Geoff McFetridge, Canadian designer, illustrator, and animator based in Los Angeles. McFetridge’s work intuitively ignores creative boundaries and spans a broad range of art media. The versatility and simplicity in his work is balanced by the use of elegant line drawings and paintings. His design captures Mickey Mouse in a unique pattern, highlighting his iconic colors – black, red and yellow.

    Vault by Vans mainstay, Taka Hayashi, completes the collection with his commitment to detailed craftsmanship and unique design approach. Hayashi’s design features an unexpected hit of pink, conveying a Mickey Mouse inspired hot air balloon.

    Vault by Vans Mickey Mouse

    The Disney x Vans collaboration retails from $78 to $100 and launches globally on August 25, 2018 at select Vault by Vans accounts. Learn more about this special project at vans.com/vault.

  • Disney Offers Free Tuition For 80,000 Hourly Workers

    Disney Offers Free Tuition For 80,000 Hourly Workers

    The Walt Disney Co. is offering to pay full tuition for hourly workers who want to earn a college degree, finish a high school diploma or learn a new skill, the entertainment giant said Wednesday.

    As many as 80,000 hourly workers in the United States could be eligible for the program, which pays upfront tuition for employees taking online classes starting this fall.

    Disney initially will invest $50 million into the “Disney Aspire” program and up to $25 million a year after that, the company said.

    “We can’t wait to see what paths our cast members take with Disney Aspire,” the company said in a blog post.

    Disney joins other large corporations that have begun paying tuition for workers in a job market with historically low unemployment. In May, Walmart said it will offer workers the chance to get a college degree at three universities with online programs.

    Starbucks partnered with Arizona State University to offer tuition coverage for U.S. workers earning a bachelor’s degree.

    Disney is rolling out its program in phases, with the first limited to online classes. In-classroom courses could be added if there’s demand for them, a spokeswoman said.

    Disney’s program is being administered by Guild Education, the same Denver-based firm operating Walmart’s program.