Disneyland has canceled its annual passholder program.
The company updated its current annual passport page online to alert customers that it will, “be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current Annual Passport program.”
“We want to thank our Annual Passholders for their understanding during this closure period,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock wrote in a statement published on Disney Parks’ Twitter as you can see below:
The move was made out of concern that demand by fans using the popular membership program could overwhelm Disney’s capacity-constrained Anaheim theme parks once an extended coronavirus closure eventually comes to an end.
“Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of our California theme parks, we will be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current program. We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility, and value for our biggest fans,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement.
Disneyland will offer a pro rata refund, which is the total value of the passport minus the usable value left, to eligible customers. Customers can check online for more information on how to get and calculate their refund.
It’s time for the world to meet Disney nuiMOs featuring miniature plush, outfits and accessories with a fashionable twist – and these little friends don’t skimp on style. The Micro-Plush craze is now going global and is now expanding to North America and Europe.
Since originally launching at Disney stores in Japan, followed by Disney stores in China, Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disney nuiMOs quickly gained popularity on social media as fans styled and took their plush on adventures during everyday life; be it to a Disney theme park, the beach, a shopping trip or anything in between.
To help kick off the launch in style, celebrity stylist Maeve Reilly created four signature Disney nuiMOs looks for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse by mixing and matching clothing and accessories from the new lines. Check them out below:
Now, Disney nuiMOs plush characters will be available for the first time in North America and Europe beginning Jan. 19 on shopDisney.com and shopDisney.co.uk, Disney stores in North America and Europe, as well as select Disney Parks around the world.
The first release includes Disney nuiMOs plush of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Stitch and Angel, along with an assortment of fashionable outfits and accessories for fans to mix and match to create their own unique styles.
“Disney is unique in its ability to create a phenomenon in one region and expand the excitement to other parts of the world,” said Stephanie Young, president, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. “Bringing Disney nuiMOs to North America and Europe, while maintaining the authenticity that made these plush so beloved in Asia, will enable millions of additional fans to express their love for our characters and stories while celebrating their own individuality by creating personalized looks.”
The name nuiMOs is a blend of the Japanese words nuigurumi, meaning plush, and moderu, meaning model. Disney nuiMOs are meant to be an extension of one’s self, with the flexibility to change their looks to suit one’s unique personality and taste. Disney nuiMOs are flexible and can do a wide variety of poses. Adding along their pocket-sized and portable characteristics, they are the perfect companions and models.
On the first Monday of each month, beginning Feb. 1, new accessories, outfits or plush will be released to keep up with the latest trends, including co-brands with Loungefly, Spirit Jersey, Ashley Eckstein and more. Disney nuiMOs plush retail for $17.99 USD each, with outfits and accessories starting at $12.99 USD.
After Chris Evans was thought to be finished with the role of Captain America following Avengers: Endgame there are now reports that he may reprise the role in the MCU in some form.
Evans is expected to return in at least one Marvel property with the deal leaving thee door open for him to appear in another movie later, according to a Deadline report.
Sources add it’s unlikely to be a new Captain America installment and more likely to be like what Robert Downey Jr. did after Iron Man 3, appearing in films like Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Evans had previously indicated he was finished playing Captain America after the character’s arc had seemingly been fulfilled by the end of Avengers: Endgame. “It was a great run and we went out on such a high note that it would be risky to revisit it in my opinion. It was such a good experience and I think it’s better left that way,” Evans said in May.
In his last appearance, Evans portrayed a version of Captain America who was handing over shield (and mantle) to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. Mackie brings Sam Wilson to The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+ in March, a production which has already wrapped.
The Walt Disney Co joined other major companies in indefinitely suspending donations to U.S. lawmakers who voted against President-elect Joe Biden’s election certification.
Disney, the entertainment company, said in a statement that in the “immediate aftermath of that appalling siege, members of Congress had an opportunity to unite — an opportunity that some sadly refused to embrace. In light of these events, we have decided we will not make political contributions in 2021 to lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of the Electoral College votes.”
Disney CEO Bob Chapek condemned the violent act of rioters at the U.S. Capitol, noting that Wednesday’s unprecedented fatal events marked “a sad and tragic day for our country, one unlike any other in our history,” as you can see in the tweet below:
That’s significant news in Florida, where the Walt Disney Company operates its largest theme park and resort property. Florisa Sen. Rick Scott objected to Pennsylvania’s slate of electors and 12 members of the House objected to both Pennsylvania and Arizona.
The Center for Responsive Politics reports the Walt Disney Company made more than $19 million in federal political donations in the 2020 cycle alone. The corporation wrote checks for candidates on both sides of the aisle, donating nearly $1.2 million to Biden’s Presidential campaign but also almost $656,000 to the Republican National Committee and nearly $627,000 to the DNC Services Corp.
AT&T, parent company of WarnerMedia, and Comcast, parent of NBCUniversal, announced on Monday that they would be suspending contributions, joining a host of other companies including Marriott, Blue Cross Blue Shield and American Express.
Disney World’s Magical Express bus service, which takes guests from Orlando International Airport to Disney resort hotels, is coming to an end, the company announced Monday.
The service will no longer be available starting with arrivals on January 1, 2022. However, the complimentary service will still be available for new and existing reservations through the rest of the year.
Disney said the change was due to a “shift” in consumer options. They also said they are “looking at how needs and preferences are changing across the travel industry, particularly in the way people want to get places faster, at their convenience.
“Vacationers have more options to choose from that ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want,” Disney said.
Other transportation option at Disney World, such as buses, monorails and the Disney Skyliner, will still be available to visitors. In its announcement, Disney didn’t provided an update for its Minnie Van shuttle service, which was suspended in March when the parks closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Johnny Depp lost his libel case in the UK, Disney and other studios began to back away from the famed Pirates of the Caribbean actor, but rumour has that long time friend Tim Burton might be the one to give the actor another shot with a role in Beetlejuice 2.
“Depp has had talks with his old friend to team up once again for a new project. He can’t say for sure right now what it might be, but he notes that one possibility is the long-awaited Beetlejuice 2,” insider Daniel Richtman claims.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have a longstanding successful relationship when it comes to movies. This shared history might be one reason the director is willing to consider Depp in an upcoming film in spite of the latter’s recent woes. Through the years they’ve worked together on a total of eight films.
“If he manages to get one more good part, he could ostensibly come back,” indie producer Orian Williams said. “I would consider hiring him for the right role. You can question a lot, but you can’t ever question his talent.”
Disney had distanced itself from the 57-year-old actor even before his ‘wife beater’ libel trial in the UK, despite never formally severing ties according to The Hollywood Reporter.
THR reveals Disney blocked Depp’s return to Pirate’s of the Caribbean. Citing producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s desire to include Depp in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, even if just in a cameo role to hand over the reins of the franchise to Robbie, the report says “Disney balked,” refusing to entertain the idea due to the reputation risk it would pose for the family-friendly media giant.
Disney has confirmed that Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will be coming to an end later this month.
“With the changes in how our Guests use mobile technology in mind and decreased demand for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, we will be retiring this interactive experience,” Disney said in a statement.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Is an interactive scavenger hunt where, Hades has an evil plan to make Magic Kingdom park his new summer home. He’s enlisted a brigade of Disney baddies—Cruella, Scar, Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula, Yzma, Ratcliffe and Dr. Facilier—to help track down 4 enchanted crystal shards, which are hidden throughout the park and it’s up to you to foil their plans and save the day.
Disney also said, “Our mobile devices continue to play a vital role in the Disney theme park experience, and we are constantly innovating with new, on-the-go digital experiences, such as Magic Mobile, Play Disney Parks app and additional enhancements to My Disney Experience.” So perhaps the game will return at some point in a virtual format.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card game experience is set to close on Sunday, Jan. 24th, 2021
In a recent D23 fan club email, Disney confirmed that Avengers Campus, the upcoming Marvel-themed attraction at Disney’s California Adventure park, is expected to open in this year.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Disneyland had to alter or delay many of its plans for 2020. While the park has been closed since March of last year and still has no confirmed date for reopening, the company is apparently planning to get back on schedule and Avengers Campus will debut in 2021 in California Adventure at Disneyland Resort.
Avengers Campus invites you to team up with the Avengers and their allies in a fully immersive land at Disney California Adventure park. Avengers Campus is comprised of several heroic locations—each hosted by a different Super Hero or their ally—to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits. Take a look below at all the details:
Sling webs with Spider-Man
The first key location, the Worldwide Engineering Brigade—also known as WEB—is home to the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature a favorite neighborhood her: Spider-Man. This new family-friendly attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, invites guests to put their web-slinging skills to the test.
The innovative technology adapted specifically for this attraction includes a seamless blend of 3D and new interface, which allows guests to go on a mission and experience what it’s like to have super powers and sling webs alongside Spider-Man.
WEB is all about how bright young innovators like Peter Parker are inventing new technologies that let all of us become Super Heroes. Being able to authentically represent Peter’s character was a critical element to our story, and thanks to our Studio partners, I’m excited to share that Tom Holland will reprise his role as part of this attraction experience. It was an honor to get to work with Tom, and I can’t wait for guests to experience the amazing talent, humor, and heart he’s bringing to this attraction when it opens this summer.
“Suit up” with the latest gear, including Spider-Bots from WEB
The WEB Suppliers store is where you will find the latest WEB inventions, including interactive Spider-Bots much like the ones you will see in the new attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Each Spider-Bot has a remote control, and all eight articulated legs move forward and backward. Best of all, you can tap into your inner WEB inventor by customizing your Spider-Bot with tactical upgrades to harness the powers and styles of favorite Super Heroes, including Black Panther, Iron Man and Black Widow, as well as Ant-Man and The Wasp.
Other must-have items at WEB Suppliers include a specially-designed backpack to carry Spider-Bots when they are not in action, Spider-Man light goggles, a take-home spider web kit and Funko Pop! vinyl figurines of Spider-Man and Iron Man.
Nearby, the Campus Supply Pod is the place to power up with official Avengers Campus gear, including performance fleece hoodies and tees, headwear, drinkware and other Super Hero supplies.
Enjoy tiny treats and big bites
When it’s time to take a break from the heroics, three new dining spots at Avengers Campus will offer dishes that are rich in both flavor and storytelling.
Pym Test Kitchen is a food innovation science lab where the food and drinks tell a story. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies applies this innovative science to the creation of shareable bites, inventive-sized entrees and sweet treats. You will be able to taste-test such items as the Impossible™ plant-based large and micro meatballs with pasta, or the “Pym-ini,” a panini served by the slice or as a long, multi-portion sandwich.
Adjacent to the Pym Test Kitchen, an oversized beer can overhead signals that grown-up beverage tastings are available at Pym Tasting Lab. Adults can order a craft beer, ranging from a blood orange hefeweizen to an amber lager or try one of the Pym Research Staff’s Pym Particle-infused cocktail experiments.
Next, the Avengers have invited the crew of their favorite “shawarma joint” in New York, the Shawarma Palace, to open a second location at the Campus. Enjoy favorite shawarma-inspired snacks at this food cart, which is decked out with memorabilia since the Shawarma Palace owners are huge Avenger fans. Lastly, Taneleer Tivan did not limit his collection to lovable misfits; he is also curating a weird and wonderful menu of intergalactic eats at the Terran Treats food cart near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy
Speaking of, we will continue to celebrate Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, the fan-favorite attraction that opened in 2017, as one of the anchor attractions of Avengers Campus. This rockin’ adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, you will experience raucous mayhem, music inspired by the soundtracks from the movies and thrilling free-fall drop sequences!
Encounter a formidable villain in a land full of heroes
Last but certainly not least, throughout Avengers Campus, Super Heroes will come to life in ways that are more exciting than ever. You may have heroic encounters with Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, Thor and even villains like Loki. We’re excited to also share that Ant-Man and The Wasp will be making their first appearances in the park, and Iron Man himself will be debuting his new armor in Avengers Campus: the Mark 80.
You may even have the chance to witness Spider-Man swinging into action high above Avengers Campus with gravity-defying, acrobatic feats never seen before in a Disney theme park.
At a nearby ancient sanctum, Doctor Strange will train recruits in the mystic arts by bringing this ancient sanctum to life with powerful spells. At night, the area glows even more vividly with majestic colors and lights, pulsating with mystic energy.
Finally, every hero needs a formidable villain to fight… the villainous Taskmaster, who will have a role in the upcoming film “Black Widow,” will be seen for the first time at a Disney park at Avengers Campus. Taskmaster’s abilities include photographic reflexes. Taskmaster can replicate Super Hero moves, making this new villain a balanced foe for the Campus heroes.
New year, new Florida Resident ticket deal! Disney World has announced a new four-day ticket offer to Florida residents that comes out to just $50 per ticket.
This special offer invites you to visit all four parks now through June 18, 2021 (subject to blockout dates), for just under $50 per day (plus tax). You can choose your parks and choose your days for a total of $199 (plus tax).
The Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket is a great way to experience the fun and excitement happening across the Walt Disney World parks in early 2021. The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins this Friday and runs through Feb. 22. That will be followed by the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which blooms to life March 3.
You can also step inside the cartoon world in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or check out the royal makeover of Cinderella Castle while experiencing classic attractions at Magic Kingdom Park. With new character interactions across all four parks, as well, now is the time for Florida residents to discover some Disney magic all your own.
As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system.
New Year, new you… And a new Florida resident ticket deal! Disney World has brought back its Florida resident deal on theme park tickets and its the perfect way to start 2021.
The Discover Disney Ticket will be available starting January 4, according to Disney.
With the offer, Florida residents can purchase a 4-day Discover Disney Ticket for $199 ($50 per day). Other options include a 2-day ticket for $149 or 3-day for $179.
The Discover Disney Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park per day, and a park pass reservation is required to enter any of the parks. A Discover Disney Ticket that includes the Park Hopper option will also be available.
The tickets can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days but do come with blockout dates.
The 2-day ticket expires on March 11, while the 3-day and 4-day tickets expire on June 18.
With Disney World’s enhanced health and safety measures in place, park reservations are limited and subject to availability. To check if park passes are still available on certain days, visitors can check Disney’s availability calendar.
