Disney News

Category: News

  • Disneyland Unveils Theme Park Expansion Plans

    Disneyland Unveils Theme Park Expansion Plans

    In a press briefing given on Thursday, Disneyland has revealed its plans for a major expansion of its theme parks.

    The DisneylandForward project updates the blueprint of the resort area and reimagines the area, growing the Disneyland resort and adding a mix of hotels, retail, dining and entertainment to the eastern and western edges of the property.

    On the west side of the resort, near Downtown Disney and the Lilo and Stitch parking lots, there are plans for a possible third theme park that would weave around the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel.

    During a media briefing, officials noted that this would be more an expansion of the current theme parks rather than a “third gate.”

    The east side expansion included theme park experiences, hotels, retail, dining and entertainment in what is currently the Toy Story parking lot next to the Anaheim Convention Center. The plans also call for new parking on Disney Way.

    “What we do know today is that guests need and want more,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Jeanette Lomboy. “In order to give guests what they want, we need more flexibility here in Anaheim. Guests are demanding immersive integrated experiences that are not singular in their uses. We no longer think of uses as separate. Retail, dining, entertainment, theme parks and hotels are all part of the same experiences in the same place. And we need the space in our lands to create story-rich environments.”

    Disneyland is hoping for flexibility from the city of Anaheim. The project would need to be approved by city leaders and a back-and-forth planning phase is expected to last two years before any decisions are made.

  • First-Ever Disney World Resort License Plate Design Revealed

    First-Ever Disney World Resort License Plate Design Revealed

    Disney on Tuesday unveiled the design of the new specialty license plate that Florida registered car-owners can pre-order.

    Inspired by the color scheme of Cinderella Castle, this magical plate is currently available for presale and will also help make even more dreams true, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida and their work granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

    Interested drivers can purchase a presale voucher now for $25 plus applicable state administration fees exclusively through their local County Tax Collector’s Office, license plate agencies (DMVs) across the State of Florida, or online through the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office at https://www.octaxcol.com/specialty-license-plate-vouchers/.

    Disney has a longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980, and since then, more than 140,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted, including thousands taking place at Walt Disney World Resort. This license plate is a unique opportunity to commemorate 50 years of Central Florida magic.

    For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort specialty license plate, visit www.flhsmv.gov, and learn more about The World’s Most Magical Celebration at www.DisneyWorld.com/50.

  • Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    New facial recognition technology is now being tested at Magic Kingdom theme park in Disney World.

    “At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience – especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19,” Disney said on its website. “With the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences, we’re conducting a limited 30-day test using facial recognition technology.”

    The new technology captures an image of a guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry. Disney said on its website that the test is completely optional, and limited, as guests with reservations make their way through the turnstiles at the park. Disney put out a series of steps on its website alerting guests of the test and what to expect. Take a look below:

    Step 1: Enter the Facial Recognition Technology Test Lane

    When you’re ready to enter the park, simply enter the lane designated for the test program.

    Step 2: Remove Accessories, But Keep Your Face Covering in Place

    Please take off any hats, visors or sunglasses before you approach the facial recognition test zone. Your face covering must remain on at all times.

    Step 3: Face the Camera

    Once in the facial recognition test zone, stand facing the camera and then position your valid park admission or MagicBand close to the scanner to activate the technology. The technology will capture an image, which will be converted into a unique number that will be associated with your valid ticket media.

    Disney is encouraging guests that use the technology, and return back to the theme park, to use it again upon re-entry.

    Officials said the process helps them see how the technology is progressing and works during the guest experience.

    Officials said during the testing they have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification. Officials stressed that the security, integrity, and confidentiality of guest information is extremely important. Disney said all information and photos taken during testing will be discarded after 30 days when the test is over.

    Children under the age of 18 can participate but only with parental consent. The testing is happening now through April 23.

  • Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Joey Bada$$ says he’ll never to return to Disney World after the theme park turned away his autistic cousin because he wasn’t wearing a mask.

    On Saturday, the Pro Era rapper took to Instagram to share his tense interaction with theme park employees, after his relative was allegedly denied entry due to COVID-19 safety policies.

    Joey claimed that his autistic cousin wasn’t allowed into Disney World because he refused to wear a mask. He explained that the child doesn’t like wearing a protective face-covering because it makes him feel as though he is suffocating. Take a look at the video below:

    “… The child also has no idea why it is even a requirement. Not to mention that, kids under 2, doesn’t have to wear a mask,” Joey captioned the video, which showed three employees. “These guys have completely ruined my family’s trip.”

    Disney World currently requires face masks for everyone aged two and older. The only carveouts are for when someone is “actively eating or drinking,” and there is nothing in the policy about people with disabilities.

  • Disney’s Live-Action Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers Begins Filming

    Disney’s Live-Action Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers Begins Filming

    Filming for Disney’s highly-anticipated Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers is underway.

    Combining live-action and animation, the film revives the premise of a pair of chipmunk detectives from the beloved 1989-1990 Disney Channel series.

    In a post to The Lonely Island’s Instagram feed Tuesday, director Akiva Schaffer revealed a photo of a clapperboard with the film’s title and, intriguingly, “Take 5” written on it as you can see below:

    Disney revealed a few details about the project in their Investor Day presentation back in December. Disney unveiled some key plot elements, as well as hinting that some animated characters may use traditional animation, while others will be CGI. They also confirmed that Seth Rogen will make a cameo appearance, though further details are unknown.

    Joining Schaffer is fellow Lonely Island alum Andy Samberg as the voice of Dale, the laid-back, free-spirited co-founder of the titular Rescue Rangers. John Mulaney will voice Chip, Dale’s Hawaiian shirt-wearing counterpart. Think The Odd Couple, but with chipmunks. Samberg and Mulaney previously worked together on Saturday Night Live, as Mulaney used to be a writer on the sketch comedy show during Samberg’s tenure.

    Developed by Tad Stones and Alan Zaslove, the animated Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers TV series premiered on the Disney Channel in 1989 and ran for three seasons. The show follows the iconic Disney chipmunks Chip and Dale as they form the Rescue Rangers detective agency, solving crimes with the assistance of an adventurous, cheese-loving Australian mouse named Monterey Jack, a brilliant inventor mouse named Gadget Hackwrench and Monterey’s faithful housefly sidekick Zipper. Rescue Rangers later became part of the famous 1990s Disney animation lineup known as the Disney Afternoon, along with Darkwing Duck, Talespin and the original DuckTales.

    Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers will be a Disney+ exclusive in the spring of 2022. Check out the on-set photo below.

  • New Character Being Added to Jungle Cruise Updated Backstory at Disney World and Disneyland

    New Character Being Added to Jungle Cruise Updated Backstory at Disney World and Disneyland

    As we previously reported, Disney is building on the original story of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park and now they have revealed new details on a new character being added to the backstory.

    “We’re adding more humor, wildlife and skipper heart to the classic attraction, and as part of a much larger effort, this updated experience will welcome new characters from around the world,” Disney said.

    The enhancements include several new scenes guests will experience along the river, all interconnected. The world-famous skippers will continue to share the unique adventure and interactions guests expect on the Jungle Cruise.

    The new scenes will heighten the skippers’ legendary comedic tone, beginning with a trapped safari party that finds itself up a tree after their journey goes awry. Unexpected scenarios along the way will give the jungle and animals the last laugh!

    Now in addition to adding the skippers into the story, they’re also expanding the attraction’s backstory, centered around Alberta Falls, granddaughter of world-renowned Dr. Albert Falls, as the proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd.

    Jungle Cruise fans might be familiar with her name; however, wouldn’t you know it, Disney “recently uncovered” a copy of an interview with Alberta Falls that was featured in a 1938 issue of The Daily Gnus about her and the World-Famous Jungle Cruise. Take a look below:

    Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for more details coming later this year!

  • No screaming on roller coasters under California’s COVID-19 plan

    No screaming on roller coasters under California’s COVID-19 plan

    As of April, you may be able to finally return to Southern California’s theme parks, but a new rule may tamp down on the fun — no screaming allowed.

    In a new plan to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors at Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags and Knott’s Berry Farm will be asked not to shout or scream while on rollercoasters and limit singing and loud breathing while enjoying the park.

    “Face covering usage and/or modifications to seat loading patterns will be required on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of shouting,” the California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), a trade group that represents theme parks statewide wrote in its responsible reopening plan.

    “Additionally, on rides, guests generally face in one direction.”

    Both Los Angeles and Orange counties moved into the red tier of the state’s reopening blueprint Monday, which allows for theme parks to reopen beginning April 1. Under the guidelines, they will be allowed to reopen at 15% capacity, but with in-state visitors only.

    Guidelines also include physical distancing from groups of different households; ride seating will group families/household units together and not mix with other guests.

  • Disneyland Sets Reopening Date with Limited Capacity

    Disneyland Sets Reopening Date with Limited Capacity

    After being closed for more than one year, magic is finally returning to the Disneyland Resort theme parks! Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, with limited capacity.

    You’ll soon be welcomed back to enjoy unforgettable attractions, see beloved Disney friends, shop for the latest merchandise, savor the world-famous food and drinks, capture fun photos and cherish special magical moments.

    “The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort said in a statement. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”

    Michael Ramirez, Disneyland’s Public Relations Director, confirmed on the Disney Parks Blog that both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure will be reopening with limited capacity, as well as several other major changes in line with the state’s Covid guidelines.

    For example, a new theme park reservation system will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance, in order to keep numbers in check and promote social distancing. A similar system is already in place at Disney World in Orlando, which reopened with limited capacity in July 2020.

    California first announced its reopening guidelines for theme parks in early March, stipulating that operations would be able to commence as of April 1, provided the surrounding county falls within an acceptable tier for decreased case numbers, and that specific risk-mitigating criteria were met. According to the state’s guidelines, theme parks that are located in counties that are in the red tier (the second-highest tier on the state’s coronavirus threat blueprint) can reopen with 15% capacity. If the county moves to the orange tier, the capacity bumps to 25%, and increases to 35% at the yellow tier (the lowest level on the state’s threat blueprint).

  • All-New Gay Captain America Is Coming To Marvel Comics

    All-New Gay Captain America Is Coming To Marvel Comics

    Marvel Comics is launching a new limited series this summer that will introduce readers to the first gay character to take up the Captain America mantle.

    The publishing company said in a press release that its newest hero, Aaron Fischer, is making his debut on June 2. He’ll be featured in a new limited series titled “The United States of Captain America.”

    The series will feature the original Captain America Steve Rogers teaming up with Captain Americas of the past — including Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson and John Walker — traveling across America to find his stolen shield. Take a oser look at the new Cap below:

    In each issue, the pair will be joined by additional creative teams who will help introduce new characters in the Captain America role from across the United States. The series will see Captain America’s shield being stolen and him having to travel the country in order to find the culprit. Along the way, he’ll encounter a group called the “Captains,” people who take up the iconic hero’s role.

    Future issues of The United States of Captain America will continue to include backup stories from different creative teams that flesh out new heroes introduced in the main story. Look for issue #1 to be released digitally and in print on June 2.

  • Disney Sending Passholders Exclusive Orange Bird Magnet

    Disney Sending Passholders Exclusive Orange Bird Magnet

    Walt Disney World will soon be sending an exclusive Orange Bird magnet to its annual passholders, the resort said on its website.

    The resort says it plans to mail out an exclusive Orange Bird magnet to active passholders as a “thank you” for being a passholder.

    The Orange Bird magnet was originally set to be distributed to passholders last year as part of the Flower and Garden festival, which was cut short because of the pandemic.

    When Disney World’s theme parks reopened in the summer, Disney mailed passholders a special Tinker Bell magnet as a way of saying “welcome back.” But many wondered about the Orange Bird magnet.

    Well passholders can look for to the magnet this summer, when Disney begins mailing them out. Each household will receive two magnets, according to Disney. Passholders should make sure their address information is correct or updated by March 31.

    The magnet also comes in celebration of this year’s Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival which runs through July 5. The festival has features Orange Bird-themed merchandise.