Author: Nate

V.I.PASSHOLDER Nights Coming to Disney World In August
Beginning in August, Disney World is introducing V.I.Passholder Nights which will give Annual Passholders exclusive access to Magic Kingdom or Epcot for two hours after each parks closes.

Gold, Platinum, Platnum Plus and Premier Passholders will enjoy access to select attractions, shops and dining locations.

The events will take place on the following dates/times:
- August 5 at Magic Kingdom from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- September 6 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- October 25 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Check your email regularly for future event invitations and registration detail. If you receive and email invitation, be sure to register soon; event capacity is limited and subject to availability.

Other new V.I.Passholder offerings include:
- Passholder-exclusive in-park offerings: Passholders can enjoy special V.I.Passholder perks during some of the seasonal events throughout the year, like special giveaways and exclusive offerings.
- Special surprises in the parks: Experience sneak peeks of new park offerings!
- Merchandise events: Take advantage of the passholder merchandise discount at special events like Super Saturdays at Disney Springs.
July 23, 2018
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Now Open in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff — the delightful, whimsical merchandise and confectionery location—is now open along Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park!

Upon entering, you’ll notice Bing Bong, the fluffy pink, imaginary friend from the Disney•Pixar film “Inside Out,” bursting out of the marquee, welcoming you to his treasure trove of sweets!

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff offers guests a scrumptious selection candies, saltwater taffy, rainbow cotton candy, caramel apples, as well as fun Pixar souvenirs, apparel and accessories!

Jangles the Clown serves up Memory Refreshers—frozen drinks available in all colors and flavors. There’s also Rainbow Unicorn, who oversees a colorful corner of the shop.

The newly reimagined Pixar Pier features the beloved stories of Pixar through exciting attractions, imaginative neighborhoods and food locations all inspired by Pixar films.

For more details on all the must-try sweets, check out our story here. What sweet treat are you most excited to try at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff?

July 23, 2018
ʻOlu, Duffy’s Newest Friend, Makes Your Heart Sing at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Duffy the Disney Bears circle of friends is growing yet again! Duffy’s new friend ‘Olu is making his global debut at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.

ʻOlu the Turtle will join Duffy and his friends ShellieMay the bear and Gelatoni the cat, as well as and StellaLou the bunny and Cookie, a yellow dog and expert of the culinary arts, who just debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland earlier this month.

The debut will come with an exclusive new line of merchandise on July 27! Now here’s how they met:

As Mickey and Duffy sailed the islands on a quest to find the perfect birthday present for ShellieMay, rhythmic sounds of an ‘ukulele called to them over the ocean, leading them to a cozy cove and to ‘Olu, a kindhearted turtle playing happy music.

‘Olu smiled and shyly greeted Duffy, “I play my ‘ukulele to make songs of love. Want to sing with me?” ‘Olu strummed a beautiful song for his new friends. “That will be the perfect present for ShellieMay!” said Duffy excitedly. Off to the party they went, singing the special song together for their birthday friend.

July 23, 2018
Pixar Shorts Film Festival Now Playing At Disney California Adventure

The second program of the Pixar Shorts Film Festival has resumed in Disney California Adventure park!

Head to the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land for an entertaining treat. Three heartwarming Pixar Shorts are featured in 3D on the silver screen—“Bao,” “La Luna” and “Sanjay’s Super Team.”

Known for innovative storytelling, Pixar’s animated short films will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh. Don’t miss these Pixar Shorts, part of the limited time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort!

July 22, 2018
New Haunted Mansion Ears Materializing At Disney Parks

Disney has been stepping up their ear game lately and if you’re a Haunted mansion fan then the newest Haunted mansion inspired Mickey ears and Minnie headbands appearing at Disney Parks will have you screaming with ghoulish delight.

The new headwear has three different designs. The first is a Mickey ear hat inspired by the Hatbox Ghost complete with his iconic white hair, gold tooth and top hat.

There are also a couple of Minnie Ear head bands that are to die for. There is a perfect pair that features the Haunted Mansion wallpaper pattern on the ears with a bow made from the same pattern as the Cast Member costumes complete with a lace lining and a gargoyle.

Another pair draws inspiration from Ally Gal herself. The ears are subtle and classy and share the same pattern as the Tightrope Girls dress with a pink sheer bow.

July 21, 2018
Disney Sued By Dog Trainer Who Brings Service Dogs to Parks

Disney is being sued by a dog trainer who brings service dogs to the parks. If you’ve been to Disney Parks, then you’ve probably seen plenty of service dogs as many trainers bring them to the parks to expose them to crowds. One trainer however, has filed a lawsuit in Orlando federal court this week alleging discrimination and retaliation by Walt Disney Parks and Resort.

Susan Grill claims that the cast members, Disney security, and managers harass her when she brings her dogs to the parks. Grill, who has epilepsy and migraines filed a complaint in May 2017 with the Florida Commission on Human Rights, and she believes Disney is retaliating against her for filing it, the lawsuit said.

Disney allows service animals — a dog or a miniature horse trained to help their owners with disabilities, according to Disney’s definition — at most places within its Orlando theme parks and hotels, according to its website.

“This person’s complaints were already reviewed by the Florida Commission on Human Rights, which found that no unlawful practice occurred,” a Disney spokeswoman said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, in February 2017, Grill took a stroll around Disney Springs with three poodles. Grill often trains her dogs at Disney to adjust them to crowds. “All three were well-behaved and were wearing clearly labeled gear identifying them as ‘service dogs,’” the lawsuit said.

Two Disney security guards stopped her and told her she could not train her dogs on Disney property, the suit said. An Orange County deputy sheriff who also approached her demanded to see the dogs’ certification papers and said the poodles were “fake,” the suit says.

Disney security told Grill she couldn’t leave until their case was closed — which made her feel intimidated, she said in the lawsuit. A Disney Springs manager allowed Grill to stay but warned she was forbidden from returning with the dogs. Grill tried to argue, and the manager told her to leave immediately, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit alleged Disney’s head of security told Grill “…If she did not want people to grab her service dog and scream curse words at her, then she should not bring her service dog to the Disney Parks,” the lawsuit said.

July 20, 2018
Cold Treats To Keep You Cool This Summer at Disneyland Resort

When you’re at Disneyland, a cold, sweet treat is the best way beat the heat and there are plenty of treats to cool off with around every corner. Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Sandwiches, Frozen Bananas, and Strawberry Fruit Bars can be found at ice cream carts and various other locations across the property, and if that’s not enough, I’ve got a whole list of some of my favorite frozen snacks!

Disney California Adventure Park

Drive on down to Radiator Springs to Flo’s V8 Cafe to grab one of Flo’s Classic Shakes available in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry with “Road Gravel” cookies and cream crumble topping. There’s also the Supercharged Creamy Orange Shake available for the limited-time Pixar Fest. What’s even better? You can even get any of these shakes in a cool souvenir mug!

If you’re over at Pixar Pier, you have to stop by Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, where you can get non-dairy “It’s Lemon!” soft-serve in a cone! Get it “Snowcapped” with white chocolate topping or try the Pixar Pier Parfait with “It’s Lemon!” soft-serve and blue raspberry swirl.

In Hollywood Land, treat yourself to a delicious fruit smoothie at Schmoozies! Try the Mango Madness, the Berry Schmoozie, or the Strawberry Banana Sensation – YUM! There’s also the Lavender Lemonade Extreme Refresher beverage.

Disneyland Park

Take a trip to Maurice’s Treats in Fantasyland to try the Boysen Apple Freeze or the Red Rose Lemonade Freeze and you’ll be cooled down in no time!

If you’re taking a break in New Orleans Square, stop by the Mint Julep Bar for one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks at Disneyland – the New Orleans Mint Julep!

Over in Adventureland, who could pass up that classic Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve or Dole Whip Float served at the Tiki Juice Bar? Or if you head over to Bengal Barbecue, you can try the Jungle Julep – a refreshing slush of pineapple, orange, grape, and lemon juices. It’ll make your taste buds roar!

Taking a taxi ride through Toontown? Stop by Clarabelle’s for some soft-serve frozen yogurt. You can even get Mickey and Minnie Sundaes or an Olaf Frozen Lemonade Bar.

Take a rocket to Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland, and you’ll discover Alien Ice slushes, available in sour apple or strawberry – ooooooooooooo that sounds refreshing!

Downtown Disney District

Feelin’ the heat on that shopping spree? Jamba Juice is offering refreshing fruit smoothies with a yummy seasonal favorites like watermelon. Basically, there are TONS of flavors to choose from! You definitely can’t go wrong here as there’s something for everyone.

Stop by the Diggity Dog Cart to cool down with a Frozen Kiwi Strawberry or Blue Raspberry Granita Slush. The Wetzel’s Pretzels Cart next door is serving Frozen Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade as well!

And finally, jazz up your hot afternoon with a cool non-alcoholic Mint Julep or an Icee at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express.

July 20, 2018
No, Disney Is NOT Making Fortnite TV Show for Disney XD

Recently, rumors of a Fortnite TV show in the works for Disney have gained a lot of attention, but the hopes of Fortnite fans have been “knocked” as they find out the announcement made by a fake Twitter account isn’t real.

If you’ve never heard of Fortnite, it’s a co-op fantasy ‘Battle Royale’-style survival game that was first released in July 2017. Earlier this year, it became the most-viewed game in YouTube history and the free-to-play game has attracted more than 125 million players globally. The games massive success made it easy for some to believe that a TV show was a real possibility.

The rumors started after a Disney XD parody account tweeted the fake announcement of a Fortnite TV show leading many to believe a show was in the works as you can see in the post below.

Fortnite: The TV Show will premier on August the 12, 2019! pic.twitter.com/sR4M4VFffV

— Disney XD 🌐 (@DisnayXD) July 15, 2018

The fake announcement stated the show would premiere on August 12, 2019 and teased upcoming sneak peeks throughout the week and has been retweeted more than three thousand times.

The parody account goes by the Twitter handle @DisnayXD and even uses a globe icon at the end of the username to convince users that it’s a verified account.

The tweet gained enough attention to get addressed by an employee of Epic.

Are you actually reporting on a story based on a fake/parody account’s tweet as if it’s a fact? This can’t actually be a thing you’re doing, right? Because that would be irresponsible and NME would absolutely never do that.

Is *this* a parody account? *checks NME spelling*

— Nick Chester (@nickchester) July 17, 2018

Nick Chester tweeted condemned the tweet and anyone reporting it as fact, eliminating any question that a TV show is being made.

July 19, 2018
Disney Wins Bidding War Over Fox As Comcast Drops Out Of Battle

Disney and Comcast have been battling for months for control of Twenty-First Century Fox’s entertainment business, but today Comcast dropped out of the fight leaving Disney the winner of one of the highest-stakes duels in media history.

“Comcast does not intend to pursue further the acquisition of the Twenty-First Century Fox assets and, instead, will focus on our recommended offer for Sky,” the company said in a statement Thursday.

Comcast had been locked in a battle with the Walt Disney Company for the bulk of Mr. Murdoch’s Fox empire, with the cable company submitting a $65 billion offer for the assets last month topping Disney’s initial $52 billion offer. Disney quickly pushed back on Comcast’s offer with a higher bid of $71.3 billion, which Mr. Murdoch and his board quickly accepted. Shareholders for both Disney and Fox will vote on the proposed merger on July 27.

CEO Brian Roberts, who had sought to outdo Disney given Comcast’s history with the company, which dates to an unsolicited takeover bid rebuffed by Disney in 2004, delivered a sporting statement. “I’d like to congratulate Bob Iger and the team at Disney and commend the Murdoch family and Fox for creating such a desirable and respected company,” he said. The Department of Justice has already given the green light to Disney’s bid as long as it sells 22 regional sports networks.

Comcast Corp. and Fox have been battling for Fox and Sky in order to amass more programming as they compete for viewers with both traditional TV networks and technology companies such as Netflix and Amazon.

Comcast’s stock rose more than 2.5 percent today in premarket trading. Shares of Disney climbed 1.2 percent, while Fox’s stock dipped 1 percent before the opening bell.

July 19, 2018
Disneyland Resort Cast Members Annual Canoe Races Tradition Returns

After a two-year hiatus to accommodate work on the Rivers of America, the annual Cast Member Canoe Races have returned! Nearly 70 teams from around the Walt Disney Company rising early for the pre-park opening dash around the river participated in the event.

The canoe races began in 1963 when a challenge was set forth between the Frontierland cast and Adventureland cast, igniting a tradition that has spread to the Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Being a cast member at the Disneyland Resort is a special experience with a long and rich history of traditions and exclusive opportunities that are unlike anything else. However, ask any cast member who’s worked here for several decades what the must-do cast-exclusive event is, and nearly all will tell you without hesitation, it’s the Canoe Races.

“This brings the cast together in a way no other event can,” said Cast Activities Program Manager Rick Henson, who began his Disney career as a merchandise host at the Disneyland Hotel 37 years ago, and has helped oversee the Canoe Races for the last 16 years. “I’ve had cast members tell me how they heard about the races before they started working here, and it was so special once they became a cast member to be able to form a team. I’m honored to be the person who gets to put on these races and keep the tradition alive.”

While Canoe Races represent the long legacy of cast traditions, newer cast-exclusive opportunities that promote wellness and healthy living have also become popular annual events, including Sunrise Yoga at Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Cast Member, Friends and Family 5K, which took place Saturday, July 14.

Tim Sullivan is the Fitness Program Manager in charge of coordinating the early morning run through the parks, and says these events serve as a kind of family reunion for cast members.

“We have so many cast members that have been working here for a number of years,” says Tim, who himself is a 22-year Disneyland Resort veteran, starting his career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper. “It’s so fun to see them run into each other and talk about where they are now in their professional Disney careers, introduce their families and reminisce about their time together working in the parks. This place means a lot to so many of us, and to be able to have these events in the park, before or after hours is really special.”

Cast members pride themselves on creating happiness – for the guests and for each other – and having opportunities to enjoy the Disneyland Resort in unique and exclusive ways is one longstanding tradition that will always be a special part of being a cast member.

July 18, 2018