Category: News

PhotoPass Day Is Returning To Walt Disney World Resort On August 19
Preserving the highlights from your Walt Disney World Resort trip is easy with PhotoPass and it’s so popular it gets it’s own day! Disney PhotoPass Day is returning to Walt Disney World Resort on August 19.

Below are all of the special photos you can take during the event with Disney PhotoPass photographers.

Disney Springs
- Peter Pan Shadow Magic Shot: between the LEGO Store and World of Disney
- Original Selfie Magic Shot: outside of the Disney PhotoPass Studio
- Special balloons virtual background: at the Disney PhotoPass Studio
Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Character Experiences:
- Meet Bolt: Discovery Island Trails from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Meet Baloo and King Louie: Upcountry Landing in Asia from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Additional photo opportunities:
- Huey, Dewey and Louie Magic Shot: DinoLand U.S.A.
- Kevin Magic Shot: near “UP! A Great Bird Adventure”
- Russell’s grape soda bottlecap pin prop: near “UP! A Great Bird Adventure”
- Finding Nemo prop: near “Finding Nemo – The Musical”
- Kilimanjaro Safaris prop: near the attraction entrance
Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Character Experience:
- Meet Jawas: Star Wars Launch Bay Cantina from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional photo opportunities:
- Rizzo Magic Shot: near Muppet Vision 3D
- Green Army Man Magic Shot: near the entrance to Slinky Dog Dash
- Hollywood Tower Hotel luggage prop: Sunset Boulevard
- Beauty and the Beast light painting next to Theater of the Stars (available from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Epcot

Character Experiences:
- Meet Cruella de Vil: United Kingdom Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Meet Jafar: Morocco Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Additional photo opportunities:
- Original Selfie Magic Shot: France Pavilion (available from noon to 8 p.m.)
- World Traveler Magic Shots: available at all 11 countries in World Showcase (available from noon to 8 p.m.)
- Baby Groot Magic Shot: Future World East at the galaxy-themed wall
- Finding Nemo prop: near The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth prop: near the attraction entrance
Magic Kingdom Park

Character Experience:
- Meet Pinocchio and Geppetto: near Pinocchio Village Haus from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Additional photo opportunities:
- Dole Whip Magic Shot: across from Sunshine Tree Terrace
- Dumbo Magic Shot: near Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mickey Mouse Magic Shot: on the bridge near Fairytale Garden
- Jungle Cruise prop: near the attraction entrance
- Pretzel prop: Purple Wall near Tomorrowland Terrace (available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
And here’s the grand finale: You can take home digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos from the day for one price with Memory Maker One Day! Memory Maker One Day will be available at the Disney PhotoPass Centers located in each of the four parks and at Disney Springs for the special price of $39, only on August 19, 2018, and only at these five locations.

Whether you’re celebrating on August 19 at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, smile big and be sure to share your photos using #DisneyPhotoPassDay!
August 8, 2018
Mickey Mouse Is Getting His Own Prime-Time Special On ABC Celebrating 90 Years

Mickey Mouse is turning 90 this year and Tuesday, ABC announced the iconic character will be getting his own prime-time TV special.

“Mickey’s 90th Spectacular,” is a two-hour prime-time special that will air Sunday, November 4 at 8:00p.m. EST! The program will feature tributes and never-before-seen short films of The Walt Disney Company’s global ambassador.

The list of performers participating in the celebration will be released at a later date.

Mickey’s birthday is celebrated in honor of the release of his first theatrical film, Steamboat Willie, on November 18, 1928, at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Since then, he has starred in more than 100 cartoons and can currently be seen on Disney Channel in the Mickey Mouse cartoon series and on Disney Junior in Mickey and the Roadster Racers.

August 7, 2018
Add Some Disney Magic To Your Kids Bedtime Routine With a Call From Mickey Mouse and Friends

Oh boy! Do you want to help you add a touch of Disney magic to your kid’s bedtime routine? Well now you can with a special good night phone call from some of their favorite Disney characters.

For a limited time you can call 1-877-7-MICKEY to hear a special good-night message from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy or Goofy.

The Disney store is launching a new “Sleep Shop Hotline” to add some Disney magic to bedtime. Minnie Mouse will ask your kids if they brushed their teeth yet and Goofy will tell you about his day with Mickey.

The goal is to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime and a call from Mickey and friends will definitely do the trick. Messages will be available from August 6 – 31. So make sure to schedule one while there is time.

August 6, 2018
Church Sends Children of Mother Killed on Facebook Live To Disney World

A church in Shreveport is attempting to bring some magic to a family still in mourning after the tragic murder of a Louisiana woman, that was captured on Facebook Live, by sending the family to Walt Disney World.

Rannita “NuNu” Williams was allegedly shot and killed by Johnathan Robinson in April and his trial is currently underway. The trial could be lengthy, but it will take even longer for Williams’ family to cope with the loss and Praise Temple Church is trying to ease this difficult time for them in any way they can.

Williams’ mother and three children are currently in Walt Disney World thanks to Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon and Praise Temple. The church raised enough money for the trip and the family took to the skies on Thursday morning headed to Disney World and is expected to return Sunday.

Bishop Brandon and Praise Temple wanted to make an impact in the life of that family to bring about positive memories moving forward.

Bishop Brandon said, “This will be their first time returning to school without their mother. So other than the church, what better place to go to, to experience happiness, then one of the happiest places in the world? Disney World!” according to KTBS.

“When vile and malicious incidents happen in our communities people often ask where is the church? Most of the support I give to people is given in private, and some of it is done in public to answer the question. The church is still here doing as the Bible commanded us to do as Christians; we are yet feeding the hungry, praying for the sick and heavy burden, and standing in the gap for those that seem to have lost all hope.” Bishop Brandon said.

August 3, 2018
Primark Launches New Mickey Mouse Homeware Collection and Its a Must Have

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more Mickey Mouse trinkets, Primark comes out with a magical collection that is perfect for a Mickey interior make-over. To celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday, Primark has launched their House of Mouse homeware collection and you’re going to want it al!

Primark has released quite a but of Disney inspired merch recently. Its Beauty and the Beast-inspired teapots were a hot seller in stores, and now Primark fans are going crazy over their new Mickey Mouse-themed homeware.

The True Original collection offers everything from desktop must-haves for Disney scholars, to cute and collectible mugs for ‘mouse-ive’ Mickey fans. Set the scene with ambient fairy lights, and keep busy schedules in check with a noticeboard and stationery staples. Take a look at what the range has to offer!

Magic Mirror on the wall who has the fairest Mickey Mouse collection of them all? Primark is of course and this Mickey shipped mirror not only shows you how amazing you look, but it looks amazing on the wall too. You can also get Mickey Mouse wire lights that can be draped over almost anything fo the perfect accent.

They have a Mickey Mouse cage lamp that is subtle in design, but will still brighten any room with bit of Mickey style. Primark’s is also serving some pixie lighting with this Mickey Mouse fairy light bell jar that is super cute.

You can enjoy a morning cup o’ joe in one of these cute mouse mugs snuggled up with a comfy fleecy throw, which would make an ideal addition to a sofa or bed.

If you need to jot down some notes they offer a stationary set as well as pens that’s perfect for back to school or college and a stylish wire noticeboard to hang your memos or maybe a few magical pics from your last trip to Disney World.

The range is in stores now so if you want to celebrate Mickey’s birthday in Disney style then scurry down as quickly as you can, because this collection is sure to be a fast sell out.

August 3, 2018
Disney Junior Star Vampirina Is Coming to Disney Parks for Halloween Time

If you have little ones who love Disney Junior then you know who Vampirina is and now she is making her way to Disney Parks, just in time for Halloween!

After debuting last fall on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, “Vampirina” has become one of the newest hit series for kids and families, ranking among the top five series on TV among girls ages 2 – 5.

Starting September 30, Vampirina will begin making visits to Walt Disney World Resort, where she’ll join her pals for breakfast at Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine. Later this fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll have a chance to meet her in the Animation Courtyard, and of course, she’ll be part of the fun at the all-new “Disney Junior Dance Party!”

Vampirina will be arriving at Disneyland Resort this fall for Halloween Time as well. You’ll get to meet her at Disney California Adventure park starting September 7, and Vee will also be making special appearances during the Frightfully Fun Parade at Mickey’s Halloween Party, offered select nights September 19 through October 31. Later this year, she will also join the high-energy cast of “Disney Junior Dance Party!”

“Vampirina” blends spooky fun, heartfelt storytelling and Broadway-caliber music in stories that follow Vampirina (aka “Vee”) as she faces the joys and trials of being the new kid in town, including making friends and attending a new school in the human world. Along the way, Vee learns that it may be easier to blend in with her peers, but it’s more valuable to celebrate the qualities that make each individual unique.

August 3, 2018
Disney Villains Collection From Alex and Ani Coming To Disney Parks

The Alex and Ani Disney collection is getting a little more devious. A new set of bangles inspired by Disney Villains is coming to Disney Parks and they are absolute fire!

This cruel new set which features four of the most evil Disney villains, will make their debut at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Disney Springs during the Alex & Ani Jewelry Showcase and normally I would say they are “totes adorbs,” but these are just plain wickedly cool!

You can see the villainous bracelets in the photo above thanks to a heads up from The Disney Fashionista. The Alex & Ani Jewelry Showcase takes place on August 10 and 11, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and these wicked beauties will be on full display.

The collection features some of your favorite villains including the Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, and Ursula.

Created with the perfect combination of pixie dust and positive energy, the Disney Collection by ALEX AND ANI features beloved Disney characters, icons, and more. If you’re not a Alex and Ani bangle stacking fanatic then here is a little more information on them.

Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alex and Ani, hails from a family of jewelers where mastering their craft was not only an aspiration, but a family tradition. For more than 15 years, the lifestyle company, named after her first two daughters, has helped spread positive energy across the globe with its hand-crafted, eco-conscious and Made in America products. The Alex and Ani Disney Collection, featuring signature expandable (yes, they are adjustable for the perfect fit) wire bangles with Disney icons and characters.

August 2, 2018
Samsung and Disney Release New Frozen AR Emojis

Samsung Electronics has revealed the latest set of popular Disney characters to be brought to life by the Galaxy S9 series as AR Emojis – users are now able to transform themselves into characters from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The beloved animated singing stars are the latest fan favorites to join the line-up, which features classic Disney characters Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy. This is the second movie franchise to be a part of AR Emoji, with the first being The Incredibles.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ users can create AR (augmented reality) avatars of Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. To start animating messages as one of your favorite Disney Frozen characters, just open the Galaxy S9/S9+’s AR Emoji mode, tap the plus icon on the right-hand side to access the Galaxy Apps Store and download the Disney Frozen pack.

AR Emojis are a fun and versatile way to personalize communications with friends, harnessing expressions through facial recognition technology, and are shareable across all platforms. The Disney Frozen AR Emoji pack is now available for download on the Galaxy Apps Store. Be sure to stay tuned for more AR Emoji releases from the collaboration coming soon.

August 2, 2018
ABC’s ‘American Idol’ Nationwide Bus Tour Auditions Kickoff at Walt Disney World

The groundbreaking series, “American Idol,” debuted on its new home at ABC in last year. The show is coming back once again and for the second year in a row, the ‘Idol’ bus will kick off open auditions at the Walt Disney World Resort.

On Saturday, August 25, ABC’s “American Idol” will begin its 20-plus city search for the next singing sensation when the Idol bus arrives at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. And during auditions at the complex, ABC’s “American Idol” Season 1 winner Maddie Poppe, runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and finalist Catie Turner will make special appearances.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is located at: 700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747

Early arrival is encouraged. Parking will be available as early as 4 a.m., but not before. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. with auditions starting at 9 a.m. Overnight camping will not be allowed. Celebrity judges will not be on site. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a hat to stay in top shape for your audition.

All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To Pre-register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions. If you’re auditioning, you can bring one guest to accompany you, and the guest must be over 5 years old.

“American Idol” bus tour auditions will begin on the same day in San Diego, California, as a second Idol Bus joins the nationwide quest for talent.

In addition to appearing in person, hopefuls can submit audition videos online via www.americanidol.com/auditions or by showing off their talents via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

American Idol” returns for its second season on ABC for the 2018-2019 season with all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy®-winning producer Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

Can’t make it to the auditions at Walt Disney World Resort? Check out www.americanidol.com/auditions for other cities around the United States.

August 2, 2018
Disney Developing African Princess Live-Action Fairytale

Disney is developing a live-action fairytale film centered on an African princess currently title “Sadé.”

The project was picked up based on a pitch by Ola Shokunbi and Lindsey Reed Palmer who will co-write the screenplay. The story follows a young heroine, named Sadé, as she attempts to save her kingdom from mysterious evil forces using her newly discovered magical powers, according to Deadline.

The film marks the first-time that a female African character will lead an original Disney princess fairytale. Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” featured the studios first Black princess when it was released in 2009.

Marvel’s “Black Panther,” set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda brought Disney massive success this year grossing $1.35 billion worldwide and is the third-highest domestic performer of all time at $700 million. Disney recognizes the popularity of underrepresented minority narratives in blockbuster films and is looking to continue that trend.

A director has yet to be named. “Dope” director Rick Famuyiwa is attached to produce, while Scott Falconer will serve as exec producer.

August 1, 2018