Disney News

Category: Disney

  • Dennis Day Missing Mousketeer Body Found at Oregon House

    Dennis Day Missing Mousketeer Body Found at Oregon House

    Police have confirmed that a body found in April at an Oregon home is that of missing man Dennis Day, who was an original member of Disney’s “The Mickey Mouse Club.”

    Day, who was 76, was a Mouseketeer with Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club for two years in the mid-1950s. He vanished in July 2018 from Phoenix in rural central Oregon.

    An Oregon state police press release states they were unable to use DNA or dental records due to the condition of the body.

    There is no word yet on the cause of death, nor whether it was the result of foul play or accident. The state police investigation remains ongoing, the press release said.

    The family had set up a Facebook page called “Help Us Find Dennis Day!” That is where his niece confirmed the news of his death.

    “Our family would like to take this time to share with you that the remains found in Dennis and (husband) Ernie’s home have been officially identified as our beloved Brother and Uncle, Dennis Day. The cause of death is under investigation by the Oregon State Police so we will not be making any comments or answering any questions at this time,”

    “Our family is truly thankful to the Oregon State Police for helping to bring closure to our family so that we can finally lay Dennis to rest. We love you Brother & Uncle Dennis!”

    Day left behind his beloved cat and dog and his partner of more than 45 years, Ernest Caswell, who suffers from dementia-related memory problems and had been hospitalized after a fall and then transferred to assisted care. Mr. Caswell’s health issue may have contributed to a two-week delay in reporting Day’s disappearance to police. Sadly, his family was not notified he was missing until six months later and only heard about it on local news reports.

    The body was found April 5th, 2019, but police have not given any information about how long it had been there, or how it was missed in previous searches

  • Disney Offers Free Tuition For 35,000 Workers to Attend University of Central Florida

    Disney Offers Free Tuition For 35,000 Workers to Attend University of Central Florida

    Disney announced Thursday that the University of Central Florida is now included in the Disney Aspire education investment program that offers 100 percent tuition for cast members.

    The program, which launched in August 2018 to create educational opportunities for Disney’s hourly workforce, currently counts among its participants approximately 40 percent of the Company’s 85,000 full-time and part-time hourly employees with 90 days of service. The addition of UCF to the Disney Aspire network of schools gives eligible employees even greater choice and flexibility as they pursue their dreams and fulfill their career ambitions.

    Disney Aspire launched with an investment of $150 million and has been designed to enable Disney employees to gain confidence and grow their careers, either in potential new roles at Disney or in new fields outside of the Company. It is the most comprehensive program of its kind, covering 100 percent of tuition at in-network schools, as well as reimbursing application fees and required books and course materials—removing the worry of paying to start or continue school. Through Disney’s partnership with Guild Education, which administers the program, Disney Aspire participants receive individual coaching throughout their educational journey, from application to graduation and every step along the way. The Disney Aspire network of schools enables eligible employees and cast members to pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees, high school completion, English-language and Spanish-language learning, vocational training and more.

    “Since its launch, Disney Aspire has enabled thousands of Cast Members to dream bigger and reach higher,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort and a UCF alumnus. “Adding UCF to this prestigious network of schools will provide our Cast Members with even more options to create the futures they imagine.”

    The UCF offerings are currently available to more than 53,000 eligible Florida-based Disney employees, with the plan to expand to those outside Florida in early 2020. The 34 undergraduate and master’s degree programs include a bachelor’s degree in entertainment management, making UCF the first school within the Disney Aspire network to offer such a program. The university is also among the first to offer a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management, which is available through the Disney Aspire program as an online course of study.

    The partnership between Disney and UCF, both powerful economic engines in Orlando and across Florida, stands to benefit not just students but the regional and state economy through the continued development of a talented, educated workforce for employers. UCF, recognized as one of the nation’s most affordable and best-value universities, awards more bachelor’s degrees annually—and more degrees overall—than any other public university in the U.S.

    “We could not be more excited to be working with Disney to make a high-quality college degree even more accessible,” UCF Interim President Thad Seymour Jr. said. “Many of our students already are Disney employees who will immediately benefit, and this program has the potential to change lives in our community for generations.”

  • New Rainbow Minnie Ears Now at Disney Parks and shopDisney

    New Rainbow Minnie Ears Now at Disney Parks and shopDisney

    Disney Parks has just released these new Rainbow Minnie ears and they are really adding some color to the parks! Now Disney fans can show off their pride and their love of Minnie Mouse with ears from the Rainbow Disney Collection.

    Somewhere under the rainbow you will be all smiles when wearing this colorful ear headband which features Minnie’s signature bow which has been created in a rainbow of padded colored satin and stands out against the black sequin headband. The ears retail for $27.99 and can be found at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and shopDisney online.

    The rest of the Rainbow Disney Collection has some really awesome offerings as well. Take a look below:

    The collection includes more than fifty vibrant products, all inspired by the incredible diversity of Disney fans around the world. In celebration of Pride month, purchase any item from the Rainbow Disney Collection from now through June 30, 2019, and Disney will donate 10% of the proceeds to GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ students.

    You will find the Rainbow Disney Collection throughout the year at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, including colorful T-shirts, pins, and jewelry – and of course, rainbow Mickey Mouse ear hats and Minnie Mouse ear headbands.

    Add a little more color to your visit to the park with Rainbow Disney Collection styles at Disney Showcase, Gag Factory, World of Disney, and other locations at Disneyland Resort in California, and Emporium, Mouse Gear, Island Mercantile, and more at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Keep your eye out for Parks-exclusive items, like the D-Tech Phone Case above!

  • New Holiday Decor Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    New Holiday Decor Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    The magic of the holidays meets the magic of nature in a whole new way this year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land!

    It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area. And during the day, Discovery Island springs to life with a holiday gathering of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.

    As day becomes night, the rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns all around Discovery Island bring a warm and festive glow to the entire village. At the center of everything, the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life continues to shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

    Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.

    In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have decorated the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, home to authentic cultural performances.

    The village of Harambe in Africa welcomes visitors with a unique holiday presentation, blending the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations. The various groups appearing throughout Harambe introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, including costume additions and new music, to their performances. The holiday fun continues inside Tusker House for dining with Disney friends, where Mickey and his pals spread holiday cheer throughout the meal.

    The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

    It’s going to be an extra magical holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across Walt Disney World Resort, filled with wonder and delight in all four parks! The festivities begin November 8, 2019.

  • New ‘Toy Story 4′ Trailer Reveals Keanu Reeves’ Character, Duke Caboom

    New ‘Toy Story 4′ Trailer Reveals Keanu Reeves’ Character, Duke Caboom

    The newest trailer for ‘Toy Story 4” was released today and Sporky isn’t the only new face in the movie. The movie also introduces Duke Caboom, Canada’s greatest stuntman, voice by Keanu Reeves.

    Duke Caboom is a real “poser,” according to Bo Peep, but he’s the perfect toy to help track down a missing toy.

    Take a look at the trailer below:

    “Toy Story 4”, written by Stephany Folsom and Andrew Stanton and directed by Josh Cooley, opens June 21, 2019.

  • Sneak Peek of ‘Toy Story 4’ Coming Soon to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line

    Sneak Peek of ‘Toy Story 4’ Coming Soon to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line

    For a limited time this summer, a preview of scenes from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” will be presented in sneak peeks coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line.

    At Disneyland park, the preview of “Toy Story 4” will be presented at the Tomorrowland Theater beginning May 24, and starting the same day Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include this advance look at a portion of the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction. Guests aboard Disney Cruise Line can catch the sneak peek during sailings between May 24 and June 20, and Disneyland Paris will offer this unique opportunity in the Studio Theater at Walt Disney Studios Park from June 18 – 28.

    Here’s Tony Hale, who provides the voice of Forky in the film, to tell you more below:

    When we catch up with him in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

  • Disney Gains Full Control Of Hulu In Deal With Comcast

    Disney Gains Full Control Of Hulu In Deal With Comcast

    Disney and Comcast announced today that, effective immediately, Disney will assume full operational control of Hulu.

    NBCUniversal owns 33% of Hulu right now. According to the agreement, Disney can demand Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, sell the remaining stake to Disney for its fair market value in the future. Disney has guaranteed a sale price that represents a minimum total equity value of $27.5 billion.

    And Comcast can require Disney to buy its stake in early 2024.

    Walt Disney Co. and Comcast Corp. also agreed to fund Hulu’s recent purchase of AT&T Inc.’s 9.5% interest in Hulu. When Hulu make that deal in April, it was rumored that Comcast would allow Disney to acquire whatever part of Hulu it still owned.

    Disney may bundle Hulu with its upcoming kids-focused streaming service, Disney Plus, and its sports service, ESPN Plus, executives said last week.

    Hulu’s $6-a-month service lets users watch original series and network TV episodes after they air on TV. It has a newer live-TV service that costs $45 a month.

    AT&T came by its Hulu stake after buying Time Warner, which invested $583 million in Hulu in 2016. Now the company, known as WarnerMedia, is launching its own streaming service this year, which will focus on HBO and other shows and movies owned by the company.

    NBCUniversal, too, will debut a streaming service in 2020.

    Comcast, as part of the deal announced Tuesday, will extend the Hulu license of NBCUniversal content and the Hulu Live carriage agreement for NBCUniversal channels until late 2024. NBCUniversal can cut off its content for Hulu within three years, if no new agreement exists.

  • Disney Releases First ‘Maleficent 2’ Teaser-Trailer

    Disney Releases First ‘Maleficent 2’ Teaser-Trailer

    Today, Disney released the first teaser-trailer for “Maleficent 2” and Angelina Jolie is back to her wicked ways!

    “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, the follow-up sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent”, sees the return of Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora.

    Take a look at the teaser-trailer below:

    The sequel is described as “a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent”, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.”

    Joachim Rønning directs from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster. Film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

    Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits theaters nationwide October 18.

  • DIY Pixar Graduation Cap Ideas

    DIY Pixar Graduation Cap Ideas

    The end of the school year is near and if you’re graduating this year, figuring out how to decorate your graduation cap, with that Disney·Pixar flare, is at the top of your to do list.

    These DIY grad caps inspired by UP, Edna Mode, and Finding Nemo are simple to create and with one of these designs, you’ll be sure to be crowned the most creative of your class!

    Take a look at the video below to see just how to make them:

    You just kept swimming and it’s time to graduate!

  • Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ Dies at 74

    Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ Dies at 74

    Peter Mayhew, who is known to fans worldwide as the lovable Wookiee Chewbacca from “Star Wars”, has died at the age of 74, according to his agent.

    The London actor played Chewbacca in “Star Wars” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), “Return of the Jedi” (1983), “Revenge of the Sith” (2005) and “The Force Awakens” (2015). He also consulted on “The Last Jedi” to help teach his successor.

    Mayhew died on April 30 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children. His official Twitter account shared the news Thursday, as you can see in the post below:

    “He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock-kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth,” his family said. “But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”

    He established the Peter Mayhew Foundation to provide funds for those in need, and suported the 501st Legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish and other non-profits. Donations may be made to the Peter Mayhew Foundation.

    “His kindness, generosity and care will live on in the Peter Mayhew Foundation with Angie taking the helm as his voice,” his family said.

    There will be a memorial service for friends and family on June 29, with a memorial for fans in Los Angeles in early December at EmpireCon. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.