Disney News

Category: Disney Channel

  • ‘Disney Holiday Magic Quest’ Special Coming to The Disney Channel

    ‘Disney Holiday Magic Quest’ Special Coming to The Disney Channel

    This holiday season, Disney Channel will transport the magic of Disney World during the holidays to viewers with a holiday special called Disney Holiday Magic Quest.

    Disney Channel is celebrating the holidays for kids and families in some special ways this year, including bringing more holiday magic to Walt Disney World Resort! Disney Channel’s first of three holiday specials is “Disney Holiday Magic Quest,” a high-stakes challenge that navigates Magic Kingdom Park.

    Raven-Symoné virtually hosts the challenge, which features “ZOMBIES 2” stars Milo Manheim, Kylee Russell, Ariel Martin, and Pearce Joza competing in a holiday adventure through Magic Kingdom Park.

    After iconic Disney villains Maleficent and Evil Queen steal holiday magic, the stars must overcome obstacles and complete challenges to restore the joy of the season. The challenges take place throughout Magic Kingdom Park and include iconic attractions and locations like Haunted Mansion and Cinderella Castle.

    The four stars are also competing for a grand prize that will benefit Toys for Tots, a nonprofit organization that delivers hope and the magic of the holidays to less fortunate children.

    Tune in for the premiere of “Disney Holiday Magic Quest” on Disney Channel, Friday, Dec. 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT to see if the stars successfully restore the holiday magic throughout their Magic Kingdom Park adventure! 

  • Disney Closing Down Disney Channel Stations Around the World Due to Disney Plus Success

    Disney Closing Down Disney Channel Stations Around the World Due to Disney Plus Success

    Disney’s streaming service Disney Plus launched in November giving fans a new outlet for their favorite Disney content, but it also left many wondering what the future of the long-running Disney Channel and its subsidiaries, Disney Junior and DisneyXD would be.

    With Disney+ rolling out around the globe, it’s having an impact on the delivery of Disney content and in some countries a number of Disney Channels have closed down.

    According to What’s on Disney Plus, over the past few days several Disney Channels have had to close down due to the success of Disney+:

    • Disney Channel (Italy)
    • Disney Junior (Italy)
    • Disney Channel (Australia)
    • Disney Junior (Australia)
    • Disney XD (Germany)
    • Disney XD (France)
    • Disney XD (Spain)
    • Disney XD+ (UK)

    Disney has been closing down multiple Disney themed channels in different countries, including New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Australia and the UK.   Content was also slowly being removed from many video on demand platforms such as Sky and Foxtel, ahead of the Disney+ launch.

    This is one of the big reasons why Disney+ is being offered through set top boxes like Sky Q, to allow traditional satellite and cable viewers to continue to get access to Disney content.

    Children’s TV has been suffering from a massive shift as viewers embracing video on demand, with viewing figures dropping drastically, year on year.  Which is why Disney+ has become so important to the Walt Disney Company.

    As Disney+ continues to pull in more subscribers, its likely more Disney Channels are likely to close.

  • Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Actor Cameron Boyce, best known for his role as the teenage son of Cruella de Vil in the Disney Channel franchise “Descendants,” has died at the age of 20.

    Boyce, who played Carlos de Vil in the “Descendants” movies, died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his spokesperson.

    An official cause of death has not been announced, but his family released a statement Sunday saying Boyce “passed away in his sleep due to a seizure that was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.

    “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken,” the family statement said.

    According to his bio on the Disney Channel, Boyce was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was a dancer who got his acting start in commercials, then television and film. Boyce starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups” and “Grown Ups 2,” and other film credits include “Mirrors,” ”Eagle Eye” and the indie feature “Runt.” He also starred in the upcoming HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher.”

    A Disney Channel spokesperson released a statement Sunday saying that from a young age, Boyce dreamed of sharing his artistic talents with the world and was fueled by a desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives through his humanitarian work.

    “He was an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person and, above all else, he was a loving and dedicated son, brother, grandson and friend,” the statement said. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family, castmates and colleagues and join his many millions of fans in grieving his untimely passing. He will be dearly missed.”

    “Descendants 3” is scheduled for release in August.

  • Disney Releases Live-Action Kim Possible Movie Trailer and Premiere Date

    Disney Releases Live-Action Kim Possible Movie Trailer and Premiere Date

    Call and beep everyone you know because Disney has just released the new live-action Kim Possible trailer and it looks amazing!

    Start planning your viewing parties and get your punny-themed snacks ready now because it’s mission time! Kim Possible airs on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW on February 15, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. 

    For those who don’t know, Kim Possible is a cheerleader and she saves the world, even on school nights. With her sidekick, Ron Stoppable and his naked mole rat Rufus they go through normal teenage life while saving the world.

    The original series which ran for 87 episodes was launched in 2002.  In 2003 it was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding animated program and it also inspired two animated Disney Channel movies.

    “Mark and Bob created an enduring character and kids all over the world found a friend in her, an average girl who just happens to spend her off-school hours thwarting evil villains,” said Adam Bonnett, executive VP of original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide, in a statement. “Although Kim Possible ‘can do anything,’ kids and tweens found that this animated redhead was just like them. As we embark on the fun challenge of making Kim and Ron fully dimensional, I’m thrilled to be working again with Mark and Bob and to welcome the addition of a dynamic creative team—Josh, Zanne, Adam and Zach—into a world where anything is indeed possible.”

    It’s executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley, and Zanne Devine, and co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky.


  • Three Magical Disney Holiday Specials are Coming To ABC and Disney Channel

    Three Magical Disney Holiday Specials are Coming To ABC and Disney Channel

    Mark your calendars, Disney fans! This holiday season Disney Parks around the world bring the magic of the most wonderful time of the year to your living room with three magical Disney Holiday specials on ABC and Disney Channel.

    Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line will transform into magical winter wonderlands filled with seasonal attractions and joyful entertainment. During the specials, viewers will also get exclusive looks at upcoming attractions and experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

    Check out the line-up of musical performances and special moments across ABC and Disney Channel:

    Disney Castle Holidays

    “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres Thursday, Nov. 29, from 9–11 p.m. EST on The ABC Television Network and on the ABC app. Join singer, songwriter and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” host Jordan Fisher and “Modern Family” actress Sarah Hyland as they host the magical two-hour event from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Joined by Disneyland host Jesse Palmer, Disney Parks and ABC will kick off the holiday season with a star-studded prime-time celebration showcasing incredible musical performances, special appearances and Disney magical moments including an extraordinary castle lighting spectacular from Disney Parks around the world – traveling the globe from Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Anaheim, California, to Paris, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

    Musical performances include the following stars:

    • Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning superstar, Gwen Stefani lights up the night with “Feliz Navidad.”
    • GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter Meghan Trainor performs a medley of her hits.
    • CMA Award-winning country artist Brett Eldredge, joined by Meghan Trainor, sing the classic holiday duet “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from Eldredge’s album “Glow.”
    • Andrea Bocelli shares his unmistakable voice, singing a Christmas classic; then Andrea is joined by his son, Matteo Bocelli, to perform their beautiful new duet, “Fall on Me” from Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.”
    • Jordan Fisher performs his Christmas hit, “Come December.”
    • GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Aloe Blacc performs his debut single, “I Got Your Christmas Right Here,” from his first-ever holiday album, “Christmas Funk,” out Nov. 9.
    • American Idol winner Maddie Poppe sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
    • Chart-topping, breakout music group Why Don’t We performs a medley of the classic “Silent Night” and their original holiday song “Hey Good Lookin.”

    “Disney Parks Presents a 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Party” kicks off Friday, Nov. 23 in the DisneyNOW app and Saturday, Dec. 1, from 8-8:30 p.m. EST on Disney Channel. Hosted by Jordan Fisher and Disney Channel’s “Coop & Cami Ask the World” stars Ruby Rose Turner and Dakota Lotus, this festive half-hour special will feature star-studded musical performances and special appearances by Disney Channel stars Booboo Stewart (Disney’s “Descendants 3”), Kylee Russell(Disney Channel Original Movie “ZOMBIES”), Sadie Stanley (Disney Channel Original Movie “Kim Possible”) and Sean Giambrone (Disney Channel Original Movie “Kim Possible,” ABC’s “The Goldbergs”). Stanley and Giambrone will take viewers behind the scenes of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, where guests will experience the world of Pixar’s “Cars” films and come face-to-face with Lightning McQueen. The experience rolls into Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2019.

    Musical performances include:

    • Gwen Stefani sings the holiday classic “Let It Snow.”
    • Brett Eldredge performs “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.”
    • Disney Channel’s “Andi Mack” star Asher Angel rocks out to “Last Christmas.”
    • Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES” star Meg Donnelly brings tropical cheer with her performance of “Mele Kalikimaka.”

    Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

    “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airs on Tuesday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. EST, 9-11 a.m. CST/MST/PST on The ABC Television Network and on the ABC app. Airtimes vary, so be sure to check local listings.

    This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the season as hosts Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland share this magical holiday tradition with families around the globe. Co-hosted by Jesse Palmer, the Christmas Day celebration will be merrier than ever before, bringing together the adored Christmas Day parade, special musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Joining the festivities as parade correspondents are Freeform’s “grown-ish” actor Trevor Jackson and star of Freeform’s upcoming series “Good Trouble,” Cierra Ramirez.

    Musical performances include the following:

    • Gwen Stefani performs “Winter Wonderland” from her Christmas album, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.”
    • Brett Eldredge sings the holiday classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
    • Andrea Bocelli sings the incredibly moving “Ave Maria”; then Andrea is joined by his son, Matteo Bocelli, to perform “White Christmas.”
    • Host Jordan Fisher performs “This Christmas.”
    • Aloe Blacc performs “Tell Your Mama” from his first holiday album, “Christmas Funk,” out Nov. 9.
    • Freeform’s “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” star and Hollywood Records artist Olivia Holt sings a holiday tune.
    • American Idol winner Maddie Poppe celebrates the season with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
    • Disney’s dynamic a cappella group DCappella performs the popular Christmas hit “Last Christmas.”
    • Why Don’t We performs “Kiss You This Christmas” from their holiday album, “A Why Don’t We Christmas.”
  • ‘Sofia The First’ Show Ending Its Run In September with Special Extended Series Finale

    ‘Sofia The First’ Show Ending Its Run In September with Special Extended Series Finale

    Some sad news for fans of Disney Junior’s “Sofia the First”. Disney announced this week that the Emmy Award winning show will be ending after nearly six years, four season and two record-breaking specials.

    Sofia the First is an animated television series that premiered on November 18, 2012. The show follows the adventures of Sofia, played by Ariel Winter. Sofia becomes a princess when her mother, Miranda, marries King Roland II of Enchancia. The show features songs by John Kavanaugh and Erica Rothschild and a musical score by Kevin Kliesch.

    In the finale episode, as Sofia, and siblings Amber and James, prepare for their graduation from Royal Prep Academy, Sofia is called back to the Mystic Isles to face an evil witch named Vor, who is trying to take over the kingdom of Enchancia. Presented with her biggest challenge yet, Sofia must figure out a way to defeat Vor and save her family and the people of Enchancia. Sofia the First: Forever Royal features recurring guest stars Eric Stonestreet as Minimus, Bonnie Hunt as Aunt Tilly, Andrew Rannells as Skye, Megan Hilty as Prisma, Ellie Kemper as Crackle, Ming-Na Wen as Vega, Colin Salmon as Orion, Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Chrysta, Paty Lombard as Vor and Hugh Bonneville as the Voice of the Secret Library.

    “Sofia the First” has more that 100 episodes and continue to air on Disney Junior and Disney Channel platforms around the world. The special extended finale of “Sofia the First”, titled “Sofia the First: Forever Royal,” debuts on Disney Junior on September 8th at 11 a.m. EST.

  • Disney Unveils First Image From Live-Action ‘Kim Possible’ Movie

    Disney Unveils First Image From Live-Action ‘Kim Possible’ Movie

    If you’re wondering “what’s the sitch” with the New live-action “Kim Possible” movie, then we have the details for you.

    The Disney Channel released promotional images for the forthcoming live-action motion picture this past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con showing Sadie Stanley, 16, in the titular role of the high schooler with an alter ego that has global implications.


    For those who don’t know, Kim Possible is a cheerleader and she saves the world, even on school nights. With her sidekick, Ron Stoppable and his naked mole rat Rufus they go through normal teenage life while saving the world.

    The original series which ran for 87 episodes was launched in 2002.  In 2003 it was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding animated program and it also inspired two animated Disney Channel movies.

    The “Kim Possible” movie also stars Sean Giambrone — who leads sibling network ABC’s The Goldbergs — as Kim’s loyal bestie Ron Stoppable. It’s executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley, and Zanne Devine, and co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky.

  • Nintendo And Disney Team Up For Switch Family Showdown Competition TV Show

    Nintendo And Disney Team Up For Switch Family Showdown Competition TV Show

    Nintendo and Disney have announced that the two companies will be teaming up together to create a Switch-focused competitive game show, titled Nintendo Switch Family Showdown.

    Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, hosted by the Disney Channel, will pit families against each other in a fun and friendly competition, according to a release. On a colorful Nintendo-themed set, families will compete in a series of challenges in Nintendo Switch games, like searching for collectibles in Super Mario Odyssey, competing in head-to-head matchups in Mario Tennis Aces and participating in dance-offs in Just Dance 2018.

    Families can apply for the contest by submitting an original video, up to one minute in length, explaining why they are the ultimate Nintendo fans. Selected families will win a trip to Los Angeles to meet their favorite Disney Channel stars and compete in the Nintendo Switch Family Showdown for a chance to win even more prizes.

    Nintendo_Disney

    Entries are open until July 1, and the competition will be held in August. The competition will be aired on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, and streamed on the DisneyNOW app.

    For more information about and to enter for a chance to be a part of the Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, visit http://nintendoswitchshowdown.com/.

  • Disney Officially Announces “Descendants 3” And Releases Teaser Trailer

    Disney Officially Announces “Descendants 3” And Releases Teaser Trailer

    If you’re a fan of the Disney Channel Descendants series then you will be excited to know that Disney just announced that Descendants 3 will be released Summer of 2019!

    The news came during a programming event for Disney Channel’s Zombies and fans of the show could not be more excited.

    There are new characters and cast members. During the announcement given by Dove Cameron, who plays Mal, she alluded to a new villain entering the story who just might be Mal’s father. Take a look at the epic teaser below:

    “By adding a modern twist to Disney’s most treasured heritage properties, the world of ‘Descendants’ has become an instant classic. We’re thrilled that the creative team that conceived and launched this global phenomenon is back to dive deeper into these characters and the imaginative world from which they come,” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, in a statement.

    Descendants 3 will begin production in Vancouver, Canada this summer for next year’s debut. Reprising their roles are: Dove Cameron as Mal, Cameron Boyce as Carlos, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Mitchell Hope as King Ben and China Anne McClain as Uma. Also known as our fave VKs. Additional casting for Descendants 3 will be announced at a later date.

    Writers and producers Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon, who won a 2016 Writers Guild Award for “Descendants,” will also return.

    Director Kenny Ortega who directed the first two films will also return to the franchise. He will also be an executive producer and serve as choreographer. Ortega directed all three installments of “High School Musical,” another popular Disney Channel film series and choreographed those as well.

    Until then, just keep be chillin’ like a villain. And counting the days until Descendants 3.

     

     

     

     

  • “Kim Possible” Is Getting a Live-Action Movie

    “Kim Possible” Is Getting a Live-Action Movie

    So for those of you wondering “What’s the sitch” with Kim Possible, you be excited to learn that Disney Channel is making a live-action version of award-winning Disney Channel animated series.

    Disney announced Wednesday that casting has begun for the movie which is being penned by Kim Possible creators Mark McCorkle and Robert Schooley.

    For those who don’t know, Kim Possible is a cheerleader and she saves the world, even on school nights. With her sidekick, Ron Stoppable and his naked mole rat Rufus they go through normal teenage life while saving the world.

    The original series which ran for 87 episodes was launched in 2002.  In 2003 it was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding animated program and it also inspired two animated Disney Channel movies.

    “Mark and Bob created an enduring character and kids all over the world found a friend in her, an average girl who just happens to spend her off-school hours thwarting evil villains,” said Adam Bonnett, executive VP of original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide, in a statement. “Although Kim Possible ‘can do anything,’ kids and tweens found that this animated redhead was just like them. As we embark on the fun challenge of making Kim and Ron fully dimensional, I’m thrilled to be working again with Mark and Bob and to welcome the addition of a dynamic creative team—Josh, Zanne, Adam and Zach—into a world where anything is indeed possible.”

    It’s executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley, and Zanne Devine, and co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky.

    This comes as Disney’s film studio continues to find success with live-action adaptations of beloved animated classics, including last year’s Beauty and the Beast and the upcoming Mulan.