Disney News

Category: News

  • Disney and Regal Owner Cineworld Reach Theatrical Release Deal

    Disney and Regal Owner Cineworld Reach Theatrical Release Deal

    Disney just signed a deal with Cineworld to guarantee the placement of Disney movies in Regal Cinemas across the country as they reopen.

    The deal also means that Cineworld’s cinemas will be showing Disney’s upcoming Cruella, Black Widow and Jungle Cruise, even despite their day-and-date Disney+ Premier releases. On Thursday, Disney said it will be sticking to a purely theatrical window for some of its upcoming features, including a 45-day period for 20th Century Studios’ Ryan Reynolds-starrer Free Guy (which starts global rollout in early August) and Marvel’s Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (which begins in early September). That 45-day window would apply to both the U.S. and the UK, we understand.

    In comparison, Cineworld’s deal with Universal that was reported on Thursday will be for a 17-day exclusive window in theaters in the U.S., after which Universal will have the option to make a film available as a premium video on-demand offering. If a film earns an opening weekend of more than $50 million, the theatrical exclusivity period will be extended to 31 days. In the U.K. however, theatrical exclusivity will be guaranteed for all films for 31 days, with that window extending to 45 days if the film reaches an agreed-upon opening weekend benchmark.

    Cineworld now has deals in place with Disney, Universal and Warner Bros, with which they have 45 days of theatrical exclusivity in Regal locations starting in 2022. The company is also in talks with other studios about their own windowing terms.

    Cineworld’s Regal chain began reopening in April in the U.S., and its UK cinemas will resume operations from next week.

  • Disney World Drops Outdoor Mask Requirement

    Disney World Drops Outdoor Mask Requirement

    Face coverings for guests at Walt Disney World Resort will no longer be required when outdoors beginning on Saturday.

    “Starting May 15, face coverings for guests will be optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort,” Disney said in a statement. “With the exception that guests must wear face coverings from the entrances at all attractions, theaters or transportation and throughout those experiences.”

    Based on these updates, guests are still expected to bring a face covering with them for their visit.  Social distancing guidelines still apply.

    If a guest is stationary while eating food or drinking a beverage, the guest is allowed to be maskless.

    When it comes to temperature checks to allow visitors to enter, all three major parks, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, either have already eliminated them or are planning to do so soon.

    Disney announced on its website that it would be phasing out on-site temperature screenings for cast members starting May 8 and for guests on May 16.

  • The Rock’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Movie Will Git Disney+ the Same Day as Theaters

    The Rock’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ Movie Will Git Disney+ the Same Day as Theaters

    Disney’s Jungle Cruise will debut in theaters and Disney+ Premier on July 30.

    Disney+ Premier means that the movie will be available for in-home purchase to Disney+ subscribers for $29.99 in those territories which have the streaming service. Previously, it looked like the Jaume Collet-Serra directed movie was destined strictly for theaters.

    “Join my ace Emily Blunt (the female Indiana Jones) and myself on the adventure of a lifetime as our Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ hits theaters and your living rooms on the same day,” Johnson posted on Instagram as you can see below:

    “The most important thing with our movie was to always take care of families around the world by giving you options to watch it,” he continued.

    The Dwayne Johnson-Emily Blunt movie based on the Disney theme park attraction is a big tentpole and franchise starter for the studio.

  • Disney World Cutting Back on Physical Distancing

    Disney World Cutting Back on Physical Distancing

    Restrictions designed to fight spread of Covid-19 are loosening up at Disney World as more Americans get vaccinated and coronavirus cases fall.

    The latest update came Wednesday from Disney on physical distancing.

    Disney disclosed in a message on its app that it plans to start limiting physical distancing to three feet in some areas of the parks, although six feet of space would still be maintained in restaurants and shops. The message, which said the changes were “gradual,” did not mention ride lines.

    Disney’s move comes after both Universal and SeaWorld have already cut physical distancing from six to three feet in some areas.

    When it comes to temperature checks to allow visitors to enter, all three major parks, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, either have already eliminated them or are planning to do so soon.

    The company has announced on its website that it would be phasing out on-site temperature screenings for cast members starting May 8 and for guests on May 16.

    “Since reopening, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and update health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” Disney said in a statement.

  • Over 200 Alligators Removed From Disney World Since Child’s death 5 years ago

    Over 200 Alligators Removed From Disney World Since Child’s death 5 years ago

    At least 226 nuisance alligators have been captured and removed from from Walt Disney World by wildlife trappers since a toddler was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort nearly five years ago, according to state records.

    Two year-old Lane Graves, was making sand castles near the water’s edge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort about 8:30 p.m. on June 14, 2016 when an alligator bit the boy’s head and dragged him into the water, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s final investigative report on the incident.

    State-contracted wildlife trappers removed an average of 23 alligators from Disney property, Over the eight years prior to the child’s death according to records from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    “In keeping with our strong commitment to safety, we continue to reinforce procedures related to reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife, and work closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove or relocate certain wildlife from our property in accordance with state regulations,” a Walt Disney World spokesperson said.

    The removal of nuisance alligators does not have a significant impact on Florida’s population of about 1.3 million alligators, according to FWC.

  • New Rainbow Mickey Ears Adding An Extra Flash of Colors to Disney Parks

    New Rainbow Mickey Ears Adding An Extra Flash of Colors to Disney Parks

    Disney Parks is releasing these new Rainbow Mickey ears and they will be really adding some color to the parks!

    The latest Mickey Mouse ear hat features a classic look. This souvenir topper features rainbow striped ears and a Mickey patch to make you beam with pride!

    The new ears are now available for pre-order, take a look below:

    Mickey Mouse Ear Hat for Adults – Rainbow Disney Collection – Pre-Order – $19.99

    “We will continue to provide authentic products and experiences and create storytelling moments that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year. Stay tuned; more Pride products will roll out globally at various locations and retailers in June and all year long as we continue to celebrate the community,” Disney Parks said in a post.

    In celebration of Pride Month 2021 and the company’s Pride collection, The Walt Disney Company is giving funds as part of our ongoing commitment to organizations around the world that support LGBTQ+ communities. Guests can learn more on RainbowDisneyCollection.com.

  • Disney Releases Rainbow Collection for Pride Month

    Disney Releases Rainbow Collection for Pride Month

    Disney has announced they have a line of clothing and accessories for Pride Month 2021.

    The Rainbow Collection will give parts of the funds collected to organizations around the world that support LGBTQ+ communities.

    Take a look at the post below:

    Get ready for Pride Month in style with a colorful array of Pride products available now! 🌈 The Walt Disney Company is…

    Posted by Disney on Wednesday, May 5, 2021

    From apparel to accessories to pins and plush and so much more, there are more items in this collection than there are colors in the rainbow! Better yet, in celebration of Pride Month 2021 and the company’s Pride collection, The Walt Disney Company is donating funds as part of our ongoing commitment to organizations around the world that support LGBTQ+ communities. To learn more, visit RainbowDisneyCollection.com.

    Here’s a first look at this vibrant new collection with select products available now at shopDisney.com and Disney stores in North America and Japan, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This collection is coming later this month to Disney stores in Europe and shopDisney.co.uk as well so keep an eye out across the pond! 

  • New BOO BASH! After Hours Event Coming to Disney World This Fall

    New BOO BASH! After Hours Event Coming to Disney World This Fall

    A new special event is brewing this Halloween season at Magic Kingdom park—Disney After Hours BOO BASH! Join this ghostly gathering offering music, decorations, attractions and oh-so-eerie entertainment.

    In case you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours, it’s a special event that’s open to a limited number of guests, after normal park operating hours. The experience offers low wait times at more than 20 attractions from classics like the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, to newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a ghostly good time for all!

    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

    Get in the spooky spirit with Halloween-themed cavalcades. Indulge your sweet tooth at candy stops throughout the park. See some of your favorite and fiendish Disney friends as they lurk about, from Dr. Facilier and Captain Barbosa, to Goofy and Chip ‘n’ Dale. Stop and listen to the Cadaver Dans during their special comeback (from the dead) performance. And enjoy themed offerings, from sweet treats to savory delights.

    Disney After Hours BOO BASH will take place on select nights from August 10 through October 31. Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Disney After Hours BOO BASH tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00 PM without the need for a day park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation, giving you time to enjoy even more fun.

    Event Highlights

    This hauntingly happy Halloween event is sure to be spook-tacular! Highlights include:

    • Halloween-themed cavalcades
    • Candy stops, with plenty of sweet surprises
    • Character sightings throughout the park
    • Special performances by the Cadaver Dans
    • Attractions, including favorites like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain
    • Themed food and beverages available for purchase
    • Special décor, lighting, music and more!

    Plus, Disney After Hours BOO BASH offers low wait times at some of your favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom park.

    Dress in Your Boo-tiful Best

    Guests young, old and immortal can dress in costume for the occasion and get their fill of Halloween candy. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; they can only be worn by children younger than 14. In addition, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during the event. Before you arrive, check our Know Before You Go page and Costume Guidelines.

    Contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for a Free vacation quote today!

  • Disney World Finally Ending Temperature Checks for Guests

    Disney World Finally Ending Temperature Checks for Guests

    Disney World has announced that it will start dropping temperature checks this weekend.

    The company has announced on its website that it’ll be phasing out on-site temperature screenings for cast members starting May 8 and for guests on May 16.

    “Since reopening, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and update health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” Disney said in a statement.

    “We will continue to follow the guidance of health and safety leaders going forward and most importantly encourage people to get vaccinated,” it said.

    Tickets still need to be bought in advance via the reservation system and face coverings are required for cast members and all guests aged 2 years old and over.

    Social distancing must still be observed and parades and fireworks have been put on hold indefinitely in a bid to keep guests safely apart.

    Capacity has also been cut, with numbers further limited in restaurants and in queues to prevent overcrowding.

    Despite this, guests can still dine in at their favorite restaurants and enjoy the rides, though character meet-and-greets have been replaced by socially distanced character processions.

  • VIDEO: Disney Unveils a Real-Life Lightsaber

    VIDEO: Disney Unveils a Real-Life Lightsaber

    To help celebrate Star Wars Day, Disney is giving the public its first look at a “real”, retractable lightsaber.

    Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro first teased the famed weapon during a virtual news conference in April.

    Rey can be heard in a 14-second teaser video saying “Light. Darkness. A balance,” a reference to the character’s quote from The Last Jedi, as the lightsaber is ignited. Take a look below:

    The saber isn’t for sale, at least not yet. But fans can soon see it in action at Disney’s new “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser,” an immersive Disney hotel that will open in 2022 and allow guests to live out adventures from the lucrative franchise.

    The company said in a blog post that the popular weapon will be seen in action beginning in 2022, when guests are transported from the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida to a galaxy far, far away for a two-night experience at the theme park’s new Galactic Starcruiser hotel.