Disney News

Category: News

  • New Tron Coaster Permits at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

    New Tron Coaster Permits at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

    Walt Disney World is always moving forward and recently filed permit applications show they are doing just that with their Tron Coaster plans for the Magic Kingdom. The Park will get its version of the “Tron” ride next to Space Mountain, said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, during D23, the official Disney fan club, in July in Anaheim, Calif.

    Days after filing permits for a Ratatouille ride, Disney has some more attraction plans on the books. New permit documents filed Nov. 20 show the location of a planned Tron coaster in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

    A concept map for MK2 — the working title for Walt Disney World’s Tron coaster — shows it will be adjacent Space Mountain on its north side.

    The coaster will be modeled after Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. The coaster-style attraction invites guests to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a ride through Tron’s high-tech universe.

    Tron Lightcycle Power Run

    Orlando-based design firm Heery International Inc. is listed on the designs. Illinois-based engineering firm Professional Service Industries Inc. is conducting geotechnical work on the site.

    In a letter to Walt Disney Imagineering, an engineer from Professional Service Industries noted,

    “At this time, we have no information on the building size and column/foundation loads. Additionally, there is no information on the finished grades of the floor slab. We would expect foundation loads to be moderately heavy and similar to other attractions in the area.”

    The permit for the Tron coaster is bundled into a permit for The Main Street Theater (labeled “MK1”) that will occupy most of what is now a parking lot southwest of the Carousel of Progress and behind the shuttered Galaxy Palace Theater.

    This falls in with Walt Disney Co.’s plans to invest in more projects around its Orlando theme parks in the coming year.

  • Black Friday Deals at Disney Springs

    Black Friday Deals at Disney Springs

    The “official” start of the holiday shopping season is back for its second year at Disney Springs, Black Friday, November 24, 2017, marks the onset of three full days featuring fantastic finds and prominent promotions throughout the property. With over 80 retailers planning to take part in the festivities, it would be impossible to list everything here, so below, in no particular order, are a few of the offerings to get most excited about. Here’s the complete list of the Black Friday offerings.

    Special Product Releases at Disney retail locations, available while supplies last:

    • Cast Costume Collection: A limited-release collection created by the Disney Parks Costuming team, this special assortment of bags transforms fabric from authentic cast costumes from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Attraction, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Restaurant, Haunted Mansion Attraction, and the The Great Movie Ride Attraction into collectible items that can be used and enjoyed in a new form. Totes, cosmetic cases and zip cases are the perfect gifts for those who want to own a piece of Disney Parks Magic! (Products will be available at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op according to the following release schedule: 11/24/17 – The Great Movie Ride Attraction and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Attraction; 11/25/17 – Haunted Mansion Attraction; 11/26/17 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Restaurant. Purchase limits apply.)
    • New MagicBands: Fittingly for a Black Friday weekend, we will debut the much-anticipated solid black MagicBand, with a “first release” at Disney Springs before expanding to additional merchandise locations at Walt Disney World the following Monday. In addition, a limited-release Disney Springs Holiday MagicBand will be available while supplies last, enabling guests to unlock the magic of their Disney vacation with a festive new design. Both items will be released at World of Disney store on 11/24/17.

    Disney Springs Holiday MagicBand

    • Making its grand debut, the Woodland Winter Holiday Dress will be available for purchase at The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane located inside Marketplace Co-Op, starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, 11/24/17. If you love holiday patterns, the Winter Wonderland design from Dooney & Bourke will also debut on select bag styles – same place, same time, same date. (The bag will also be available for purchase that day at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories.)

    Woodland Winter Holiday DressDooney & Bourke

     

    PANDORA Jewelry Mickey & Minnie

    • Love dogs? And purses? Dooney & Bourke will release a new “Disney Dogs” pattern on Sunday, 11/26/17, also at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories.
    • Limited Edition Pins at Disney’s Pin Traders:
      • Walt Disney World Resort Limited Edition Pin; Annual Passholder Pin and Ornament Set (11/24/17)
      • Christmas Stitch Limited Edition Pin (11/25/17)
      • Christmas Chip ‘n’ Dale Limited Edition Pin (11/26/17)
    • “Weekend Only” offers at World of Disney store:
      • Select Kids T-Shirts: $15 each when you purchase two
      • Select Disney Mugs: $15 each when you purchase two
      • Classic Princess Dolls: $15 each when you purchase two

    Offers from World-Class Brands and Niche Boutiques:

    • Alex and Ani – 20% off total purchase, plus debut of limited-edition snowflake bangle (offer valid Nov. 22 – Nov. 27, 2017)
    • Johnston & Murphy – multiple promotions including 40% off select men’s sweaters; buy one, get one free on select men’s scarves; $100 off leather briefcases and backpacks and more (see store for full details)
    • Kiehl’s Since 1851 – $20 off purchases of $65 or more (exclusions apply, see store for full details)
    • LACOSTE – Save 40% off entire store (exclusions apply)
    • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – All seats, except Golden Circle, are $39 each when tickets are purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (Up to 6 tickets per guest at the Black Friday rate, valid for shows Nov. 24, 2017 through Dec. 16, 2017.)
    • The LEGO Store – Get a complimentary nutcracker LEGO set with any purchase of $99 or ore, plus special doorbuster items
    • Levi’s – 40% off entire purchase (see store for full details)
    • Lilly Pulitzer – exclusive “Colorful Weekend” gift with purchase with $75 and $150 spends
    • Origins – Pick up the Origins Super Stars set for $70 ($170 value) or the Origins Superstar Minis (a collection of best-selling products) for $25 ($90 value). (Origins Superstar Minis offer only valid Nov. 23-24, 2017).
    • PANDORA Jewelry – 20% off gift sets (Nov. 24, 2017 only); buy two full-priced items, get one free (see store for full details)
    • UGG – Save 30% off select women’s, men’s and kid’s styles
    • Vera Bradley – Save 50% off select patterns and styles and 30% off top gifts for the season! Plus, Grand Totes are only $44 (MSRP $88) (Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.)
    • Plus Many More!
  • Frozen, Avatar attractions win Thea Awards

    Frozen, Avatar attractions win Thea Awards

    Three Walt Disney World attractions inspired by the films “Avatar” and “Frozen” have won TEA Thea Awards.

    Pandora — The World of Avatar, which opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, was recognized for outstanding achievement in “theme-park area development” and the Pandora ride called Flight of Passage was also recognized for its achievement.

    Frozen, Avatar attractions win Thea Awards

    Frozen Ever After, an Epcot ride in the Norway pavilion, won for outstanding achievement in “attraction reimagining.” The water ride, featuring the latest in animatronics, is a refurbishment of the old Maelstrom ride.

    The announcement, made Tuesday by the Themed Entertainment Association, called Pandora “a tour de force in placemaking” and said that Flight was “flawlessly executed.”

    Guardians of the Galaxy Ride

    Disney also had a winner out west. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout, a revamp of Disney California Adventure’s Tower of Terror ride, also was recognized in the “attraction reimagining” category.

  • The Hottest Souvenir at Disney Parks This Christmas – Pluto Christmas Popcorn Bucket

    The Hottest Souvenir at Disney Parks This Christmas – Pluto Christmas Popcorn Bucket

    The Pluto Christmas Popcorn Bucket is the new must have item! If you’re an avid souvenir popcorn bucket collector then things just got a lot more dog gone cool this holiday season.

    This years Christmas popcorn bucket is modeled after none other than Mickey’s good old pal Pluto. It’s a hot seller at $13.50 and guests are already hounding cast members about where they can get one.

    It’s quickly become the hottest item of holiday merchandise at Walt Disney World and it makes a great gift even if your not part of the souvenir popcorn bucket super fandom. This festive popcorn bucket has Pluto all dressed up in an ugly Christmas sweater and a Santa hat. This design does not open from the top, but instead through the back, keeping the whole thing intact while still allowing for a carrying strap that includes small designs of dog bones printed throughout.

    So if you’re on the look out for one of these puppies it could be kind of rough to find one, but they are sold in both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort so get yours before they are all gone!

  • ‘Likes for Lights’: Help Light the Disneyland Park Christmas Tree on Facebook Live this Friday, Nov. 17

    ‘Likes for Lights’: Help Light the Disneyland Park Christmas Tree on Facebook Live this Friday, Nov. 17

    The holidays are beginning at the Disneyland Resort, and you can help them light up Disneyland park in a new way this Friday, Nov. 17, from the comfort of your own home! Be part of the holiday magic by helping Disneyland light the Main Street Christmas Tree on Facebook Live with “Likes for Lights.” They are using your likes to help light the tree – that’s right, your Facebook reactions will light up the spectacular 60-foot tree in real time. The more you like, love, laugh and share, the more fun and magical the celebration will be!

    To watch tune in at 5 p.m. PST this Friday, Nov. 17, on Disneyland Facebook to turn your likes into lights on our Main Street Christmas Tree, and help us make the season even more magical!

    Guests can enjoy the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, now through January 7, 2018.

  • New Disneyland After Dark Event Series Kicks Off January 18 with Celebration of Vintage Disneyland

    New Disneyland After Dark Event Series Kicks Off January 18 with Celebration of Vintage Disneyland

    When night falls, the Disneyland Resort lights up with even more magic – and beginning next year, you will be able to experience this enchanting time with a new series of events. Disneyland After Dark kicks off January 18 with its first after-hours event – Throwback Nite!

    Step back in time to the ‘50s and ‘60s for a taste of the classic after-dark experience at Disneyland. Come dressed in your best to enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth under a million twinkling lights, swinging to the tune of the bands and enjoying your favorite rides in the cool moonlight ‘till the clock strikes 1 a.m.!

    Original attraction posters of Disneyland experiences from yesteryear welcome you as you commemorate the evening with special photo locations – and unlimited digital downloads are included with your event admission! Live music and dancing bring the bygone era to life throughout the park, and the sky lights up with an exclusive showing of “Fantasy in The Sky” fireworks. Guests will receive a commemorative lanyard and a vintage-inspired park map that will highlight the special experiences taking place throughout the evening.

    This trip down memory lane will truly be one for the ages! Tickets for Throwback Nite will be available on Disneyland.com for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders beginning Nov. 30 and for general public beginning Dec. 7.

    And this is just the first in an ongoing series of unique events! Each Disneyland After Dark “nite” will be a can’t-miss experience featuring specialty entertainment, themed food, collectible merchandise and more. Keep an eye on Disneyland.com to learn about this and future Disneyland After Dark events.

  • These 4 TV Shows Could Make Disney Streaming a Must Have

    These 4 TV Shows Could Make Disney Streaming a Must Have

    In the wake of lower than expected earnings reports, Disney has announced a slew of new programs in the works intended to help jump start their the new Disney streaming service.

    Disney is developing a new Marvel television series, a live-action Star Wars television series and a new trilogy of live-action films from a galaxy far, far away under Star Wars: The Last Jedi writer and director Rian Johnson.

    The Marvel and Star Wars television series will make their exclusive debut on Disney’s forthcoming streaming service, set to launch in 2019, with the service also poised to offer television series based on Disney/Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. franchise and Disney Channel’s tween-aimed High School Musical franchise. Disney CEO-chairman Bob Iger announced the news Thursday.

    Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. grossed $577 million worldwide in 2001, with its prequel, Monsters University, scaring up $744 million worldwide in 2013. Both movies starred John Goodman and Billy Crystal as blue-furred James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and one-eyed Mike Wazowski, respectively, best friends and work partners who work as top employees at Monsters, Inc., Monstropolis’ energy-producing company. One of the most popular franchises under the Pixar brand, Monsters, Inc. has a presence in several of Disney’s theme parks across the globe, including Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland.

    Disney launched the High School Musical franchise in 2006, with the rom-com Disney Channel Original Movie giving way to a 2007 TV-movie sequel and a second sequel, 2008’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year, the first installment of the tween musical series to be released theatrically. The franchise will return to the small screen with High School Musical 4 under Jeffrey Hornaday, whI directed Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach 2 — Disney Channel’s newest craze teen musicals.

    These shows already come with a huge fan base and will now be around to attract new generations of audiences. What Disney Movies would you like to turned into a TV series?

  • Walt Disney Travel Company Packs More than 10,000 Military Care Packages in Anaheim, Calif., for Troops Overseas

    Walt Disney Travel Company Packs More than 10,000 Military Care Packages in Anaheim, Calif., for Troops Overseas

     

    What started out as 40 military care packages, packed by a small team at the Walt Disney Travel Company, has turned into an office-wide, biannual military care package drive that has reached more than 10,000 troops overseas.

    “Our packing events have flourished in a wonderful way,” said Ivy Goodman, a team leader of travel reservation agents at the Walt Disney Travel Company. “Our latest drive generated more than 3,000 care packages to show the brave men and women of our Armed Forces that they are appreciated.”

    For each packing event, Ivy and Cheryl Evans, a sales agent, offer colleagues a chance to sponsor a care package or create their own. Cast members hand-write messages on postcards to include in the care packages, which are shipped to troops overseas in partnership with Operation Interdependence.

    In addition to postcards, the care packages include a protein like beef jerky, a small treat like a granola bar, candy left over from Mickey’s Halloween Party, and personal care items like lip balm and dental floss. Disney-related items like luggage tags or Mickey Mouse lapel pins also are included.

    VoluntEARS

    The packages are small in size, but huge in gratitude. Ivy is motivated by her stepfather, Bob, who served three tours in Vietnam, and retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, after 23 years of service. When Bob returned from Vietnam, he eventually married Ivy’s mom, who was the love of Bob’s life.

    “With every postcard I write, I think of the brave servicemen and women who may read it, and thank them for their strength of character and sense of duty,” said Ivy. “In my heart, I say a prayer that they will make it home to their loved ones, too.”

  • Live Action Star Wars Series to Air On Disney’s Streaming Service

    Live Action Star Wars Series to Air On Disney’s Streaming Service

    Star Wars - Fin and Rey

    Star Wars is getting the TV treatment with a forthcoming live-action series set to debut on Disney’s digital streaming service. The still-untitled service is set to launch in 2019.

    Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger confirmed the project Thursday while on a quarterly earnings call with investors.

    Additionally, Iger revealed that new TV series based on the 2001 Pixar film Monsters Inc. (which also spawned the 2013 sequel Monsters University) and the Disney Channel film franchise High School Musical also will debut on the service.

    It also was announced that the Star Wars franchise will expand with the launch of a new trilogy of films fromLast Jedi director Rian Johnson. The new movies will be separate from the continuing Skywalker saga and “Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored,” according to an official announcement made by LucasFilm, which is owned by Disney. Johnson will write and direct the first film in the trilogy.

    That new trilogy comes as Lucasfilm also has Solo: A Star Wars Story due out May 25, 2018, and director J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode IX, which is set to bow Dec. 20, 2019. The Last Jedi is slated for release Dec. 15.

    In addition to original programming on the streaming service, Iger said on the call that Disney will consider licensing programming from third parties. The exec also noted that ABC Studios could end up producing for the new service. ‘We’ve talked about that a bit,” he said.

    Although pricing is still being worked out, the plan is to offer the service for less than the price of Netflix, which currently costs $11 per month for its standard plan.

    On the topic of Netflix, Iger noted that he doesn’t necessarily see the streaming service as a competitor but as a means of helping Disney become “a viable player in the direct-to-consumer space, a space that we all know is a very compelling space to be in.”

    Disney’s ESPN service, meanwhile, will launch in spring 2018 and will be called ESPN Plus, Iger confirmed Thursday. The service will exclude sports that currently air on ESPN.

    While this will mark the first live-action Star Wars TV series, George Lucas’ franchise has spawned five animated series, going all the way back to 1985’s Star Wars: Droids, which aired on ABC (long before ABC and LucasFilm were under the same corporate umbrella), as did the second series, Star Wars: Ewoks. The most recent animated entry, Star Wars Rebels, airs on Disney XD, a sister network of Disney Channel. Next up is Star Wars: Force of Destiny, which will debut on YouTube. Both Rebels and Forces of Destiny are produced by LucasFilm Animation.

    Over the years, there have also been three live-action TV specials, most famously the widely lampooned Star Wars: Holiday Special that aired on CBS shortly after the original 1977 film’s release.

    News that a Star Wars live-action series will be premiering on Disney’s streaming service has to be disappointing for ABC, which is also owned by Disney. Network president Channing Dungey expressed her optimism about ABC possibly airing a new Star Wars series at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour in 2016 and said talks about that possibility were ongoing.