Disney News

Category: Disney

  • Disney Parks Will Require Face Masks for Guests and Cast Members When Reopening According to CEO Bob Chapek

    Disney Parks Will Require Face Masks for Guests and Cast Members When Reopening According to CEO Bob Chapek

    The reopening of Shanghai Disneyland in China showed the world a very different theme park experience — and Disney CEO Bob Chapek says guests should expect for guests and cast members to be wearing masks when US parks reopens.

    In a recent interview with CNBC, Chapek said that as Disney looks to begin reopening other locations across the world and in the U.S., they plan to be “very conservative,” and enact new rules to ensure the safety of their guests and staff.

    “Along with social distancing, one of the things that we are likely going to require is masks for both the cast and the guests,” Chapek told the outlet. “And I think the masks for the guests will be something that, culturally, is different.” Take a look at the interview below:

    “In Asia, as you know, it’s fairly commonplace, even before COVID-19, for folks to walk around in public with masks on,” he said. “That is not the case in the U.S. So that will be something that will be a little trying for some of our guests, particularly in hot, humid summers that we tend to have.”

    On Monday, Shanghai Disneyland opened for the first time in over three months. Tickets for the first few days sold out immediately on the Friday morning before opening.

    Guests at the Chinese park are required to wear face coverings, and undergo temperature screenings at the entrance. Per the city’s orders, the park is also limited to operating at 30 percent of its normal capacity.

    Chapek said that it will be mostly up to Disney guests whether Disney parks will be able to get back up to 100 percent.

    “Right now, a lot of that depends on the guests, and our [Shanghai] guests have been extraordinarily diligent in maintaining that social distancing so far,” he said. “So if the guests continue to behave in the way that they have, I think we might be able to approach that.”

    Chapek was unable to give a specific date for when any of the U.S. parks will begin reopening, though he said they are “very encouraged by what we see in Shanghai,” and are hopeful for a smooth reopening of Disney Springs in Orlando.

    The shopping and dining destination will be the first Disney attraction in the U.S. to open back up to the public after Disneyland and Walt Disney World closed indefinitely in March.

    Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening on May 20, though the rest of Walt Disney World — including theme parks and resort hotels — will remain closed for now.

  • VIDEO: New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Augmented Reality Game Now Available in DisneyNOW App

    VIDEO: New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Augmented Reality Game Now Available in DisneyNOW App

    You can now bring the magic of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to life in your home with Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway: Adventure Kit, an all-new free game in the DisneyNOW app!

    Control Mickey and friends’ cars, trains, and more through a series of scenic adventures in this delightfully surprising, off-the-rails sandbox game, based off the newest attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  

    Using augmented reality, this game brings the magic of Disney Parks into your home and you’ll never know what you’ll find! Choose from three characters (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy) and three worlds (Runnamuck Park, Big City Snarl, and Carnival Chaos). Take a look at the video below where you can see how each setting is taken directly from the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, so you can truly relive the attraction at home and see how Mouse rules apply!

    DisneyNOW is a kids-safe app with the newest episodes and current seasons of your favorite Disney Channel shows, DCOMs and dozens of games. Click here to access the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Adventure Kit in DisneyNOW!

  • ‘The Wonderful World of Disney’ Returns to ABC With Broadcast Debut of ‘Moana’

    ‘The Wonderful World of Disney’ Returns to ABC With Broadcast Debut of ‘Moana’

    ABC has announced, “The Wonderful World of Disney” is returning to ABC to bring some of that iconic Disney magic back to your movie nights.

    Across four consecutive Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET, you and your loved ones can cuddle up on the couch to watch four beloved family films from the Disney library — all of which are currently available on Disney+. The fun begins May 20 when “Moana” hits the small screen.

    The following Wednesday nights will feature Marvel Studios’ “Thor: The Dark World” (airing May 27), Disney and Pixar’s “Up” (airing June 3) and Disney’s “Big Hero 6” (airing June 10).

    With the networks’ original series’ production halted and people looking for comfort-food entertainment while sheltering at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, blockbuster theatrical movies are becoming a viable programming option.

    While The Wonderful World of Disney originally aired on Sundays, its new installment is slated for Wednesdays so it does not clash with CBS’ theatrical movie showcase. Once a weekly staple, over the past decade or so The Wonderful World of Disney has become a brand occasionally used by ABC for special programming, most recently The Little Mermaid Live! and The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration.

    Fans can also find more entertainment from Disney brands — including “Star Wars” and “National Geographic” in addition to those mentioned above — at DisneyMagicMoments.com.

  • Disney Shares Tonga Toast Recipe Used at One of it’s Resorts and it’s Delicious

    Disney Shares Tonga Toast Recipe Used at One of it’s Resorts and it’s Delicious

    When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Today, Disney shared the recipe for the breakfast favorite and now you can make it at home!

    Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.

    This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect is a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic. Take a look at the ingredients and instructions below:

    Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 
    Serves 4 

    Ingredients: 

    Sugar-Cinnamon 

    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon 

    Batter 

    • 4 large eggs 
    • 1 1/3 cup whole milk 
    • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

    Tonga Toast 

    • 1 quart canola oil, for frying 
    • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long) 
    • 2 large bananas, peeled 

    Directions: 

    For Sugar-Cinnamon: 

    Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside. 

    For Batter: 

    Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.   

    For Tonga Toast: 

    1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.) 
    2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. 
    3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. 
    4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice. 
    5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. 
    6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil. 
    7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. 
  • Rumor: Disney Rebooting “Pirates Of The Caribbean” with A Female, Eyeing Karen Gillan For Lead

    Rumor: Disney Rebooting “Pirates Of The Caribbean” with A Female, Eyeing Karen Gillan For Lead

    The sixth installment to the Pirates of the Carribean franchise is unlikely to see the return of Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow as Disney is now eyeing a female lead for the reboot.

    Late last year, it was announced that Disney is planning to reboot its Pirates of the Caribbean franchise without Johnny Deep. Now, according to insider Daniel Richtman, Disney is looking at Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Karen Gillan to star in the project.

    With Gillan’s name being thrown into the mix, this would tie-in with previous rumours that a reboot will be focused on Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland ride character Redd – a red-headed female swashbuckler.

    The long-running franchise has tapped Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin to develop a story for the planned reboot alongside veteran writer Ted Elliott.

    Deadpool writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are no longer on board the project.

  • Live-Action Hercules in the Works at Disney

    Live-Action Hercules in the Works at Disney

    Disney is once again going from zero to hero with another live-action remake. The studio is in early development of a live-action remake of its 1997 animated movie “Hercules.”

    No director has been attached yet, and casting is still a ways off, but Hercules seems like an obvious choice to join Disney’s ever-growing list of live-action remakes.

    There have also been casting rumors in recent weeks, partially spurred on by Ariana Grande’s performance of the movie’s “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” during The Disney Family Singalong, which engendered a petition on Change.org for her to play Megara, the female lead. Also, Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling’s names have also been floated by enthusiasts.

    Anthony and Joe Russo are producing and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings screenwriter David Callaham tapped to write.

    The original “Hercules” followed the title demigod as a youngster (voiced by Tate Donovan) who has to prove he’s worthy of hanging with the gods on Mount Olympus and runs afoul of the evil fast-talking king of the underworld, Hades (James Woods).

    “Hercules” was Disney’s prime 1997 summer animated toon grossing $99.1M domestic, and over $153M world wide.

  • Disney Introduces Cloth Face Masks with Your Favorite Characters

    Disney Introduces Cloth Face Masks with Your Favorite Characters

    Following the CDC’s recent recommendation to wear cloth face coverings in public settings, Disney is introducing non-medical, reusable cloth face masks featuring favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters in the U.S., available for pre-order now on shopDisney.com. 

    The cloth face masks are available for $19.99 for a four-pack, and feature a wide range of fan favorite characters, including: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Anna and Elsa, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, The Avengers, the Child – affectionately known as Baby Yoda – and more!

    Take a look at some of the cute designs below:

    To further help those in need, Disney is donating one million cloth face masks for children and families in underserved and vulnerable communities across the U.S., including California and Florida, that will be distributed by MedShare.

    Disney will also donate all profits from the sales in the U.S. of Disney’s cloth face masks to Medshare, up to $1 million, now through September 30, 2020. 

    “Disney’s donations will make a tremendous impact in the communities we serve,” says Charles Redding, CEO and president of MedShare. “Their contribution of one million Disney cloth face masks will be provided to families in underserved communities and organizations working to limit the spread of COVID-19, while their monetary donation will be used to support the medical community’s ongoing efforts to provide lifesaving care to those who need it most.”

  • ‘The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II’ to Air this Mother’s Day on ABC

    ‘The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II’ to Air this Mother’s Day on ABC

    Earlier this month, millions of people across the United States joined together in spirit and song for ABC’s “The Disney Family Singalong,” and today, Disney announced an enchanting reprise will air this Mother’s Day with even more celebrities bringing Disney magic directly into your home once again.

    ABC will broadcast “The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” on Sunday, May 10, at 7 p.m. EDT, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host. “Volume II” will feature new star-studded performances, inventive at-home choreography and even more Disney magic.

    The animated Mickey also returns, guiding you through on-screen lyrics so you can follow along in perfect harmony with celebrities performing beloved Disney tunes. The special will then be followed by a new episode of “American Idol,” following in the innovative remote format that debuted this past Sunday when audiences voted for the Top 10 finalists.

    The new singalong special will also continue to raise awareness about Feeding America’s vast network and resources for people across the United States who are finding themselves in unfamiliar circumstances and facing hunger for the first time.

    Performers for “The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” will be announced soon, and we’ll share the highly anticipated lineup with you as soon as we can. In the meantime, if you’re looking for some more Disney magic, visit DisneyMagicMoments.com to discover entertaining stories, videos and activities from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic.

  • Disney Heiress Slams Disney’s Decision to Furlough Workers: ‘What the actual f—?’

    Disney Heiress Slams Disney’s Decision to Furlough Workers: ‘What the actual f—?’

    Abigail Disney — the granddaughter of Walt Disney’s brother, Roy Disney is attacking Disney over the company’s decision to furlough hundreds of thousands low-paid workers after paying its executives millions of dollars.

    In a Twitter thread Tuesday, the outspoken family heiress slammed Disney’s decision to furlough theme park employees after the company supposedly paid dividends to shareholders and gave executives big bonuses.

    “WHAT THE ACTUAL F***?????” tweeted the Disney heiress, on Tueaday. Take a look at the thread below:

    “THIS COMPANY MUST DO BETTER,” she wrote in all-caps, asking Disney executives to give up some of their “already ample compensation” so the company can keep paying hourly employees. She called out former Disney CEO Bob Iger in particular, noting that his $47 million salary last year is more than 900 times the median Disney worker’s pay.

    Disney hasn’t revealed dividend plans for 2020, and the company’s top executives took substantial pay cuts because of Covid-19.

  • Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson sings ‘Moana’ song to daughter for ‘937th time today’

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson sings ‘Moana’ song to daughter for ‘937th time today’

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a sweet video of himself singing along to “Moana” with his nearly 2-year-old daughter Tiana and it’s adorable!

    “And for the 937th time today she wants daddy to sing along with Maui,” Johnson, 47, captioned a video of him mouthing along the words to “You’re Welcome” from Disney’s “Moana” as his 1-year-old Tiana Gia sits complacently on his lap.

    Take a look at the adorable video below:

    “She has no idea, we’re the same person,” Johnson, 47, captioned the cute clip, in which Tia looks mostly unaffected at the beginning but smiles widely near the end, as her dad starts bouncing her up and down. “And I have no idea what day it is anymore, but I am sure it’s one that ends with Y.”

    Johnson went on to address his fans who were also social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, writing, “To all the mama and papa bears out there going thru it — we understand. 24hr parenting.”