Category: News

Disney Launching New Digital Food Network Called Disney Eats

Disney is cooking up some new digital entertainment for the foodies out there.

At its annual Newfront presentation this morning, Disney Digital Network executives announced the launch of a new digital brand called Disney Eats. The online channel and editorial site features culinary shows and products aimed at families.

The company has partnered with online food network Tastemade to develop original content that will take viewers on a culinary adventure inspired by Disney’s characters and its theme parks around the world.

The company is making an effort to attract young families and reach a generation of viewers who grew up watching videos on platforms like YouTube, and now are looking for content for their children on online mediums.

Upcoming Disney Eats shows include seasons of “Kitchen Little,” which will showcase kids working with celebrity chefs, and “Tiny Kitchen,” with chefs creating small replicas of Disney food. Both were co-created with global entertainment company Tastemade.

In 2012, Disney made efforts to ensure that food products advertised on its television networks fit specific nutritional standards and Disney’s new the food channel will also uphold the same health standards that the company has already imposed on advertisers.

Disney Eats will be part of the Disney Digital Network, which was previously known as Maker Studios and was acquired by Disney in 2014 for $500 million.

May 1, 2018
Unions at Disneyland Are Putting ‘Living Wage Ordinance’ On Anaheim Ballot

Unions representing Disneyland have band together in an effort to gather enough signatures to put a ballot measure before Anaheim voters that would require Disneyland to pay the resort workers a “living wage.”

The coalition is made up of 11 labor unions and they have been pushing for higher wages at Disneyland Resort and nearby hotels. They says they plan to present a petition with about 20,000 signatures to the Anaheim city clerk’s office this morning.

The measure would end up on the November ballot if enough signatures are verified and would ask voters to require Disney and other large Anaheim employers that accept city subsidies to pay workers a minimum of $15 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2019. Salaries would then rise $1 an hour every Jan. 1 through 2022. Once the wages reach $18 an hour, annual raises would then be based on the cost of living.

The petition drive was launched by a coalition of employee unions shortly after a survey — that found that 73% of Disney employees who were questioned said they don’t earn enough to pay for such basic expenses as rent, food and gas — was released in February. It also found that 11% of resort employees have been homeless or have not had a place of their own in the last two years.

The survey was conducted by the Economic Roundtable, a nonprofit research organization in Los Angeles, and the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College.

To qualify for the November ballot, the unions needed to collect the signatures of 10%, or 13,150, of the voters in Anaheim. The coalition of unions says it deployed at least 50 volunteers each day since April 12 to collect the 20,000 signatures.

Disney officials have said that the average annual pay for hourly workers at the resort is $37,000, which calculates to about $17.80 an hour.

May 1, 2018
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Smashes ‘Star Wars: Force Awakens’ Opening Weekend Record

Superheros win battles and the battle for box office records has just begun for “Avengers: Infinity War”. Since its release on Friday, the film soared passed predictions and expectations as “Infinity War” broke both the domestic opening-weekend box office record and the worldwide opening record.

Marvel’s newest superhero flick raked in an estimated total of $258.2 million at the US box office over the weekend, blasting past “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” by almost $11 million with the snap of a finger.

Hulk smash! And even though the green guy barely made an appearance in the movie, “Infinity War” smashes too! More records that is… The newest addition to the MCU franchise brought in $640.9 million worldwide over the weekend making it the highest grossing global opening of all time, beating out “Fate of the Furious” by almost $90 million.

The film was perfectly positioned to have an opening weekend of galactic proportions when you factor in the fact that the movie is 10 years in the making and the culmination of 18 films previously released by Marvel Studios, all tied together for this latest film against the galaxy’s biggest threat yet, the mad titan, Thanos.

“Marvel spent 10 years methodically and carefully creating a universe of characters, worlds and stories that all led to this and, in doing so, created an event unlike anything the business has ever seen,” said Dave Hollis, Disney’s distribution chief.

The tentpole cost close to $300 million to produce and the money has already been well worth it. Infinity War’s box-office box office win was helped by the biggest Saturday of all time in North America ($83m), as well as the biggest Sunday ($69m).

In 2009, Walt Disney Co. chief Bob Iger paid $4 billion to acquire Marvel Entertainment, even though many of the superhero characters in Marvel’s stable were unproven. Debuting with $207.4 million in 2012, the original “Avengers”, had the highest opening to date for a Marvel film.

“Avengers: Infinity War” will next set its sights on records like the fastest film to reach $1 billion and the highest gross ever. With opening box office numbers like this, it’s not hard to imagine this film sitting at number one as the highest grossing of all time, taking yet another record from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”.

The film stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman, and Zoe Saldana just to name a few. They reunite two years after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” for “Infinity War,” which also stars Josh Brolin as Thanos, the intergalactic force bent on destruction. Joe and Anthony Russo directed the film which was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

April 30, 2018
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Powers Passed $240 Million At Box Office In Opening Weekend

“Avengers: Infinity War,” had an amazing opening weekend at the box office! The latest instalment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is expected to finish the weekend with at least $240 million in sales from more that four thousand North American venues.

The highly anticipated film made $106 million at the domestic box office on its opening day Friday, making it the second biggest opening day in history right behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” which came it at $119 million.

If the box office sales for the film finish where they are predicted to, then the film will become the second-highest domestic opening weekend of all time. That would land it once again right behind 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with $248 million. The film will most definitely pass “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and passing “The Force Awakens” to take the number one spot is still a real possibility.

This will make “Avengers: Infinity War” the sixth film in history to top the $200 million during its opening weekend. The film will join a top six that also includes, “The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Jurassic World,” “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”

Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana and many more, reunite two years after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” for “Infinity War,” which also stars Josh Brolin as Thanos, the intergalactic force bent on destruction. Joe and Anthony Russo directed the film which was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

Debuting with $207.4 million in 2012, the original “Avengers”, had the highest opening to date for a Marvel film.

April 28, 2018
Woody Arrives in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort
Toy Story Land is nearing completion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Tuesday Imagineers put the proverbial icing on the cake when they installed Woody at his permanent place in the land.

Standing nearly 20 feet tall, Woody will appear as a part of the new Toy Story Land marquee, which sits just in front of one of the land’s most anticipated attractions, the Slinky Dog Dash coaster. He’s tipping his hat (which measures 7’ feet, brim to brim!), next to the marquee, which is made out of blocks and a 4-foot-tall yo-yo – just a few of the many toys that make up Toy Story Land.

When Toy Story Land debuts on June 30, guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

Want more Toy Story excitement? Check out the list below for updates on new Pixar experiences coming to Hollywood Studios.
April 25, 2018
First Look: New Incredicoaster Trains at Disney California Adventure Park

When Pixar Pier opens this summer California Screamin’ will be permanently transformed into Incredicoaster! The attraction is already closed for construction and today Disney gives us a first glimpse of the new Incredicoaster trains that will ride the rails of the newly redesigned high-speed wooden roller coaster.

Disney Imagineers have been putting the final details on the new trains, which will take you on a thrilling race alongside “The Incredibles.” The superhero family, each with special gifts, will race alongside guests during the attraction, trying to catch their baby Jack-Jack.

The Incredicoaster will glide around Pixar Pier on steel tracks that cover a distance of almost 1-1/8 miles—the longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort. The attraction will feature a super combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects, bringing all the action of “The Incredibles” to life!

The coaster’s existing tunnels will be fully enclosed, and the character of Mrs. Incredible, also known as Elastigirl, will stretch inside, over the heads of coaster riders, trying to catch her baby.

The new loading area for the ride will be a soaring glass mid-century-modern building inspired by the Parr family home in the movie. Music will be provided that hypes the new “Incredibles 2” movie slated to open July 14.

There has been a 13-year wait for The Incredibles 2, finally coming to theaters next year, but the anticipation is even higher as we wait for Incredicoaster’s debut this summer. You can enter for a chance to win a Pixar Pier getaway here! The new area opens June 23 at Disney California Adventure park.

April 23, 2018
First Look: Toy Story Land Entrance Sign Installed at Hollywood Studios

With less than one hundred days until the opening of Toy Story Land the excitement is hard to bear, but today we got to see just how close we really are. In new images revealed by Disney today, we get a first look at the Toy Story Land marquee that will adorn the entrance into the new land.

The signage features the Toy Story logo on a wooden yo-yo toy atop the word “Land” spelled out in alphabet blocks. The only thing missing is the Woody figure that will tower over guests as he leans against the sign.

When it opens, guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard.

Guests will be also be able to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, or take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet.

Toy Story Land guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

You can see the new marquee when Toy Story land opens up on June 30!

April 23, 2018
Girl Looking For Lost Teddy Bear After Family Trip To Walt Disney World

A New York family driving home from a trip to Disney World is now desperately trying to find their 3-year-old little girl’s teddy bear. They think the bear was possibly lost in South Carolina and they are offering a $500 reward for its safe return.

The girl’s mother, Amy Earley, posted on Facebook that the teddy bear went missing while the family was heading home from Orlando last week.

“We lost a stuffed bear traveling home from vacation 4/13,” she wrote in her post. “Stayed at Comfort Suites in Rock Hill and then started north on I77. We think he may have made his way out the window between the hotel and exit 30ish (when we realized he was no longer with us.)”

Earley said her daughter and the stuffed animal have never been apart since the day she was born. “My three-year-old daughter has never been a day without this bear and is completely heartbroken and breaking mine!” she wrote.

The internet has reacted with heartbreak as well and people have even been out scouring the area looking for it. “Drove I77 today to 485,” one comment said, “I’ll keep looking!”

Early thinks that the bear made his way out of the truck when her husband let the windows down to help with the kids’ car sickness. They have called and checked with the hotel they stayed at and had no luck.

April 20, 2018
New Solar Facilities Will Power Two Theme Parks at Walt Disney World

Disney has announced a new milestone in the company’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship. A massive new solar farm project is planned for Walt Disney World that will generate enough energy to power two of its four theme parks.

Walt Disney World Resort recently embarked on a new initiative in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar project developer Origis Energy USA to bring a new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility online by the end of the year that will generate renewable clean energy.

This solar facility will include half a million solar panels and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 57,000 tons per year. That’s the annual equivalent of removing 9,300 automobiles from the roads. More broadly, this initiative will join the numerous efforts The Walt Disney Company has launched to deliver its 2020 goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

The facility will be located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with construction beginning in the coming months. Just last week, Origis Energy delivered the first of many solar panels to come as part of the project (pictured above while posed in front of the Tree of Life).

Disney recently unveiled a five-megawatt solar facility near Epcot that was developed in conjunction with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. During the sun’s peak hours when it is shining brightest, these two facilities together will generate enough renewable clean energy to provide up to 25 percent of the power needs at Walt Disney World Resort.

All of this builds on the company’s longtime commitment to environmental stewardship, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself and has continued to grow with tremendous support and passion from the cast members.

Cast members will be bringing their unique skills and expertise to this next project, including representatives from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Horticulture teams. Working together, they are exploring ways to make the new solar facility pollinator friendly, with rich wildflowers and vegetation, creating a safe and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects, including endangered and at-risk species. This important work aligns perfectly with the Disney Conservation Fund’s “Reverse the Decline” initiative, which aims to reverse the decline of 10 threatened species, including butterflies.

April 20, 2018
RUMOR: Possible Dates For Free Dining Offer Returning To Disney World For 2018
Every year people wait with anticipation to find out about free dining offers that are typically announced around this time of year for Walt Disney World. Dates and details have not been released to the public as of yet, but multiple sources are reporting that free dining offers will be returning to Disney World for 2018 and could be announced as early as April 23rd.

Free dining packages are typically offered with a Disney World Resort hotel and ticket package. Last year the offer came when guests purchased a 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way package with the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option and the package had to be booked by July 7, 2017. You can look for a similar deal this year, but the amount of days required for the package could vary.

Last year the free dining offer included quick service for guests staying at Disney’s value resorts, moderate resorts, and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and regular free dining for guests staying at Disney’s deluxe resorts. The 2018 offer will also most likely be similar to last years options as well. It’s always subject to change, but you can bet it will be an attractive offer for guests looking to save some money on their trip.

Here are some possible expected dates:
- - August 2 – September 29, 2018
  - November 24 – 27, 2018
  - December 7 – 23, 2018
The news often breaks from international travel agents from non-US markets who often receive early indication of what the offer will be in their respective markets, so the dates are also subject to change, but they are usually a pretty good indicator for dates and offer details.

Well be sure to let you know as soon as Disney makes an official announcement.
April 18, 2018