Disney has released an exclusive sneak peek of two of their ride engineers as they prep some of the ride vehicles for the new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster coming to EPCOT at Disney World.
Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly “storytelling coaster” that will feature a groundbreaking ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees and can even do a reverse launch.
The attraction boasts a brand new ride system, and now we have a new look at the ride vehicles themselves, which have been designed with the same color scheme as the Milano, Peter Quill’s ship from the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Check them out below:
If you look closely at the colorful paint design on the ride vehicles (called coaches in roller coaster engineering parlance), each one is unique with different wear patterns and impact marks. Imagineers were inspired by markings that appear on NASA Space Shuttles and other spacecraft upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Keep check back on Disney Dorks as we share more on this truly out-of-this-world, awesome attraction as they make progress on construction and put these coaches on the track!
Disney is backing away from Johnny Depp and is no longer considering him for any part of a potential “Pirates of the Caribbean” reboot after the actor lost lost his libel court case against a British newspaper that called him a “wife beater”, according to reports.
On Monday, the UK’s High Court ruled in the publisher’s favor which claimed there was “overwhelming evidence” that he had assaulted the actress Amber Heard repeatedly during their marriage.
“The House of Mouse is reportedly no longer interested in bringing back the embattled actor in any capacity when it comes to the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise,” according to WGTC.
Depp sued News Group Newspapers and Dan Wootton — The Sun’s executive editor — over an article that claimed the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star was violent toward Heard while they were together.
Citing evidence, including photos, audio recordings and Depp’s own text messages, lawyers for the newspaper group argued in court filings that Depp “beat his wife Amber Heard, causing her to suffer significant injury, and on occasion leading to her fearing for her life.”
Depp had admitted long-term problems with drugs and alcohol during the trial but said the tabloid’s claims that he was violent toward Heard were “completely untrue.”
However, Judge Andrew Nicol said in his 129-page judgment Monday that the paper’s claims had been shown to be “substantially true.”
In a statement, Depp’s law firm, Schillings, indicated he would contest the ruling, saying “the judgment is so flawed that it would be ridiculous for Mr Depp not to appeal this decision.”
Adidas has released a new line of Star Wars sneakers inspired by Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and it is strong with the force.
The Mandalorian x adidas Originals collection ranges from $70 to $150 USD and releases on November 4 at the adidas website.
The collection includes designs based on The Mandalorian’s armor, the Darksaber, and, of course, Baby Yoda. As you’ll see in the images below, several of the designs reference key moments from Season 1.
NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes
“Upgrade your armor just like the Mandalorian with these beskar steel Mandalore inspired NMD shoes. Part of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, where iconic adidas silhouettes are transformed into the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments. Designed with silver details and tongue logo, reflecting his durable armor. Inside, see the sockliner show off a special print to celebrate the series.”
The NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes will be available here at adidas for $140.
NMD_R1 The Mandalorian Shoes #2
“The Mandalore is a creed, a way of life when you decide to put the uniform on. A collaboration with Star Wars and Lucasfilm that brings together a collection from Star Wars: The Mandalorian. These NMD_R1 shoes are based on the galaxy’s most formidable bounty hunter, Mando. The heel tab confirms this is the way of life, with a helmet inspired design and all-over armor print.”
The NMD_R1 Mando shoes will be available here at adidas for $120.
ZX 2K Boost Mudhorn Shoes
“The symbolic creature that paved the way, the Mudhorn proved to be a mighty challenge for the Mandalorian. This ZX 2K Boost takes inspiration from the Child and Mandalorian’s epic battle and a story so true to finding the way. Shades of brown, green and speckled print bring these characters together and symbolize the bond between the clan of the two. Made with a unique sockliner that tributes the iconic scene. Bestow the Mudhorn signet, just like Mando with the tongue logo.”
ZX 2K Boost Mudhorn Shoes will be available here at adidas for $150.
Gazelle Darksaber Shoes
“From the Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, debuting nine shoes tributed to the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments from the series, see the Gazelle shoes appear as if they are the Darksaber. Making an unexpected return, the Darksaber is a one of a kind black bladed lightsaber. Designed with glowing 3-Stripes that honor the sword. If you know, you know.”
The Gazelle Darksaber shoes will be available here at adidas for $100.
The Child Superstar Shoes
“From Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, these Superstar shoes join a collection of nine silhouettes dedicated to the galaxy’s greatest characters and moments. Though 50 years old, the cutest bounty in the galaxy brings curiosity and mystery to the galaxy. Now, not all species or shoes age the same. This Superstar celebrates 50 years of it’s iconic design with inspiration from the most adorable 50 year old you’ll ever see and says “The Child, 50th anniversary” in Aurebesh.”
The Child Superstar shoes will be available here at adidas for $90.
Top Ten The Child Shoes
“As part of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection, these Top Ten shoes are transformed into the galaxy’s cutest bounty, the Child. Undoubtedly the most adorable, mysterious and sought after with his new-found force powers. Designed with a suede upper and canvas heel collar, inspired by the Child’s outfit. His picture on the tongue and iconic line “The force is strong with this little one” remind us, just how much of an impact the Child has on everyone that encounters him. Walk a similar path in the Top Ten shoes.”
Top Ten The Child shoes will be available here at adidas for $90.
Top Ten The Child Shoes
“Feel the force as much as the Child does. The Top Ten shoes are all about the galaxy’s cutest and cheekiest creature. Joining the Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™ Collection, debuting nine shoes celebrating the series greatest characters and moments. See the Child’s little face printed on the tongue logo. These shoes are designed with a colorway inspired by it’s favorite place, his pod. Look inside and see a special sockliner print that gives a nod to the starting point of the duo’s journey.”
Top Ten The Child shoes will be available here at adidas for $80.
The holiday season is fast approaching and today a guest favorite holiday offering – Jingle Cruise – has returned to Magic Kingdom Park.
Jingle Cruise is again themed as if the Skippers are homesick for the holidays and to add cheer, they decorated the attraction queue and boathouse with homemade decorations, gifts and items from back home.
Many fans of the festive overlay to the classic attraction have already taken to the internet to share the transformation as you can see in the post below:
Boats have temporarily been renamed with holiday monikers and the Skippers are armed with seasonal jokes. (Listen carefully in the queue, too – you may hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background).
An endangered white male rhino calf was born earlier this week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney had shared a sneak peek of the newborn.
The yet to be named beautiful baby boy white rhino was born to mom Kendi. He is curious, loves his afternoon naps and has started sparring with his mom.
The video below features endearing moments as mother Kendi bonds with her playful new baby:
Kendi was paired with dad Dugan through one of the Species Survival Plans, which are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered species. White rhinos are an endangered species with a near-threatened status.
Typically, a rhino calf can weigh up to 140 pounds at birth, and as expected, this baby was nursing, standing and walking around right by mom within the first hour of being born. The two will spend the next several weeks bonding backstage before joining the rest of the herd.
As the second largest-land animal on Earth, the rhinoceros is a massive sight to behold – from their horns to their hoofs and thick armored skin – all of it.
Rhinos in the wild are found in bush country and open grassy flatlands in Africa and Southeast Asia. They are among the most endangered animals in the world due largely in part to poaching. Disney is proud to support rhino conservation efforts around the world, including those of Sumatran rhinos, which are found only in Indonesia and are critically endangered. To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2 million to support rhino conservation efforts around the world.
This is the first of several rhino births on the horizon. Two other rhinos at the park are also expecting; Jao is due fall 2021, and Lola will likely give birth in fall/winter 2021.
Disney Cruise Line could soon be returning to the high seas and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that it will let the current no-sail order expire at the end of the month and it will be replaced with a “Conditional Sailing Order.”
The no-sail order expires Saturday. The new conditional order will remain in effect until either Nov. 1, 2021, the expiration of the Department of Health and Human Services’ declaration of a public health emergency or when CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield decides to end it.
Disney officials announced that all cruises would be canceled through at least Dec. 6 which gives them time as cruise lines will have to prove to the CDC that its COVID-19 protocols are effective before they will be allowed to sail with passengers.
The new order establishes a framework that will help the industry implement safety measures that will enable it to resume operations in U.S. waters in a phased approach, the CDC said in a statement. Before restarting passenger operations in any commercial form, the companies will face tests from the CDC on how safe their protocols are, the agency said.
The first phase will include virus testing for all crew members and ensuring operators have safety measures in place for testing locations on ships. Later phases will include simulated voyages to test safety measures and the risk of COVID-19.
“This framework provides a pathway to resume safe and responsible sailing,” Redfield said in a statement. “It will mitigate the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks on ships and prevent passengers and crew from seeding outbreaks at ports and in the communities where they live.”
The CDC originally issued a no-sail order for cruise ships in U.S. waters on March 14 after hundreds of coronavirus infections and several Covid-19 deaths were reported onboard ships with outbreaks across the world. The CDC previously said “that cruise ship travel exacerbates the global spread of Covid-19” in justifying the order.
Port Canaveral recently reported a $18 million loss for this budget year due to halted cruise operations.
Disneyland Paris is temporarily closing again as France enters a second nationwide lockdown to curb a surge in coronavirus infections.
In Europe, health experts have seen a surge in new COVID-19 cases, prompting elected officials to take immediate action. The closure is “in line with the latest direction from the French authorities,” Disneyland Paris said in a statement.
The park will be closing its gates at the end of the day Thursday and it will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted as you can see in the post below:
In line with latest direction from the French authorities, Disneyland Paris will be closing end of day on October 29th. If you have a booking with us during the above-mentioned periods, please check our website for our latest commercial conditions : https://t.co/dQpr0tU5Y9pic.twitter.com/sXGjSdglTg
It hopes to open for the holiday season and will be taking reservations from December 19 through January 3 “based on prevailing conditions and government guidance at that time,” it added. The theme park will be shut from January 4 through February 12.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced a new nationwide lockdown on Wednesday that he said will last until December 1 “at minimum.” Non-essential businesses, restaurants and bars will be closed starting Monday as the country battles a surge in coronavirus cases that hospitals warn could cause capacity issues.
The shutdown will come as a fresh blow to Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products business, which suffered a $6.2 billion decline in revenue in the first half of the calendar year, compared to the same period in 2019. All 12 of its parks in North America, Asia and Europe were closed between March and May.
While Disney has since reopened theme parks in Shanghai and Florida, Disneyland remains closed in California. The company said last month that it is laying off 28,000 people, or more than a quarter of workers in its parks and resorts business.
Earlier this month, Disney unveiled a major reorganization of its media and entertainment business, highlighting the company’s focus on growing its streaming service Disney+.
Since its debut last year, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has proven to be one of the most popular attractions at Disney World and to to help alleviate wait times and shorten lines Disney to created a virtual queue that could only be accessed while inside Hollywood Studios. Now Disney has changed the procedure and you can access the virtual queue outside the park.
To better help guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios plan ahead for their day at the park, they’re piloting a new approach to the virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Starting Nov. 3, 2020, here’s how it will work:
Guests with a valid ticket or annual pass and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to access the virtual queue system and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before you leave your Disney resort hotel, or wherever else nearby you might be at that time.
Just as we do today, the virtual queue will reopen daily at 2 p.m. for anyone who wasn’t already able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Note: Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access this second virtual queue opportunity, and access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Disney is hoping this new approach will make a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios more enjoyable and relaxing, as guests no longer need to be inside the park each morning to request a boarding group for the first virtual queue opportunity. As a reminder, you need to be inside the park to request the 2 p.m. boarding groups.
To try to maximize the number of boarding groups Disney’s able to accommodate while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, they recently added a clear barrier between the two rows of seats on each First Order Fleet Transport vehicle inside the attraction. This enables them to invite more guests to board Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance each day.
The attraction’s virtual queue is only accessible via the My Disney Experience mobile app. To maximize your opportunity to secure a boarding group, here are some tips we recommend you check off your list prior to your day at the park:
Register an account in My Disney Experience
Download the My Disney Experience mobile app on your smart device or ensure you’re using the most updated version of the app before you arrive at the park.
Link and assign all park tickets in your party to a My Disney Experience account
Have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the day you’re visiting
Select one member of your party to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group; if multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may complicate your ability to secure a boarding group
Remember, virtual queue boarding groups are limited and subject to availability
This new pilot approach to the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue is designed to give guests the best possible experience during a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Tuesday, at a press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for international travel restrictions to be lifted and cruises to resume and said he’s been in touch with the White House about how to do it.
The statement from the governor comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s no-sail order is set to expire this weekend, however the CDC has not given any indication as to whether it will extend the order.
DeSantis acknowledged that it is more high risk than attending other outdoor gatherings, but said he thinks cruising can be done safely.
“Obviously, that is going to be an environment that is a different level of risk than going to an outdoor football game or some of these other things,” DeSantis said. “It has all kinds of impacts throughout different parts of Florida where the ships leave. Central Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay. And we want to see that resume. So, I’ve worked with the White House on that. I do believe the president is supportive of it.”
With advances in rapid testing and airline cleaning protocols, DeSantis said relaxing rules about travelers would help Central Florida, particularly entertainment venues that have also stepped up efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.
DeSantis said he thinks rapid tests could be helpful in getting the cruise industry back into business and said if a cruise line wanted to test everyone on board, they could.
The governor pointed to the economic value the industry brings to the state as the reason why he has been working to get cruises going again.
DeSantis said he’s worked with the White House on the issue and believes the president is supportive of it.
The “no sail” order, initially issued in March, has been extended three times. Currently, no major cruise lines are selling departures for November out of U.S. ports.
When Disney+ released ‘The Mandalorian’ last year, there wasn’t much merchandise ready to go due to the level of secrecy surrounding creature affectionately known as ”Baby Yoda,” but as season 2 gets ready to premiere, Mattel has unveiled a new Baby Yoda remote control plush and this is the toy you’re looking for…
Now you can embrace your guardian skills when you assume control of “The Child” from Star Wars: The Mandalorian. The new Mattel Baby Yoda is an animatronic RC toy that is controlled with a wrist strap remote control unit with its joystick and you can also enable a “Follow Me” mode.
The 11 inch toy has the ability to waddle on the ground, turn its head from side to side, look up and down and wiggle its ears, play hide and seek, make sounds, and more as you can see in the video below:
The animatronics aren’t just restricted to Baby Yoda’s head though—his arms can move up and down as he attempts to use the Force, or reach for a control knob to use as a play toy.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Real Moves Plush is now available for pre-order here at shopDisney for $69.99 and will be available for this fall.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 2 debuts on Disney+ this Friday, October 30th. During a recent interview, executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni teased what fans can expect from the upcoming season – including details about Baby Yoda.
“The new season is about introducing a larger story in the world,” Favreau explained. “The stories become less isolated, yet each episode has its own flavor, and hopefully we’re bringing a lot more scope to the show.” Adds Filoni, “Everything gets bigger, the stakes get higher, but also the personal story between the Child and the Mandalorian develops in a way I think people will enjoy.”
