Shortly after a petition hit the internet, Disney announced back in June that it was re-themeing Spash Mountain to the 2009 Disney Princess animated movie The Princess and the Frog and now another petition is gaining traction asking for the classic attraction to be themed to Black Panther, in honor of the late Chadwick Boseman.
Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman passed away in September following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
Titled “Redesign Splash Mountain to Black Panther in honor of Chadwick Boseman,” the petition has gained more than 3000 signatures. You can read the petition’s official description below:
This is to petition to change Splash Mountain to Black Panther. Disney has announced to change Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog, but in recent news encourage them to redesign splash mountain to Black Panther theme in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
Splash Mountain currently stars the animated characters from Song of the South, the 1946 film long criticized for stereotypes of “spiritual” black men and its seemingly nostalgic view of the antebellum South.
The current re-themeing plan is inspired by the all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” The story picks up after the final kiss where guests will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the idea for re-theming the 1989 thrill ride started over a year before the announcement and quite a bit of planning has gone into the reimagining so it’s not clear how much Disney will listen to the call.
Christmas Day moviegoers may be disappointed with a lack of theater options this year, but Disney Plus subscribers have something to look forward to. Disney announced that Pixar’s Soul is skipping theaters and will debut exclusively on Disney Plus in time for Christmas.
Unlike Mulan, which required subscribers to pay an additional $29.99 on top of their monthly fee to access the movie, Pixar’s Soul will exclusively join the Disney+ library starting December 25.
The comedy, which was previously scheduled for a June release before being postponed to November amid the coronavirus pandemic, stars the voice talents of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs, as well as, original jazz music by globally renowned musician Jon Batiste. Take a look at the tweet from Disney Plus below:
“We are thrilled to share Pixar’s spectacular and moving ‘Soul’ with audiences direct to Disney+ in December,” said Bob Chapek, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “A new original Pixar film is always a special occasion, and this truly heartwarming and humorous story about human connection and finding one’s place in the world will be a treat for families to enjoy together this holiday season.”
“Soul” concerns Joe, a middle-school band teacher, whose true passion is playing jazz, and who gets his dream gig moments before he dies. Take a look at the trailer below:
The trailer opens with Joe asking, “What would you want to be known for on Earth?” A montage follows that shows people in their everyday lives, including commuting in a busy city and working jobs like a doctor, barber and hedge fund manager. “We only have a short time on this planet. You wanna become the person that you were born to be? Don’t waste your time on all the junk of life,” Joe continues in a voiceover.
On his journey to get back to his own body, Joe meets Tina Fey‘s 22, a soul who can’t stand humans but helps Joe on his mission across the cosmos. Other characters are voiced by Blindspotting‘s Daveed Diggs, The Cosby Show‘s Phylicia Rashad, and The Roots drummer Questlove.
“The world can be an exhausting and frustrating place – but it’s also full of unexpected joys, even in seemingly mundane things,” said Pete Docter, director of Soul and Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios. “Soul investigates what’s really important in our lives, a question we’re all asking these days. I hope it will bring some humor and fun to people at a time when everyone can surely use that.”
Soul will get a theatrical release in those foreign territories where Disney+ isn’t available.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said at a press conference Wednesday that Disneyland and other large theme parks in California won’t be reopening anytime soon.
In recent weeks, Disney officials and Orange County lawmakers have stepped up pressure on the state to release guidelines that would pave the way for operations to resume.
Newsom’s administration had been expected to release the guidance last Friday, but scrapped the plan after the proposal came under criticism from industry leaders.
“We feel there’s no hurry to put out guidelines, and we continue to work with the industry,” said Newsom.
“We don’t anticipate in the immediate term any of these larger parks opening until we see more stability in terms of the data,” he added.
Disney later issued a statement from Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products that read in part, “We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a ‘health-first’ approach.”
The California Attractions and Parks Association also responded saying in part:
We find it disconcerting that Governor Newsom has no planned timeline for issuing guidance for theme parks, and of great concern that he does not anticipate theme parks opening soon. Each day that parks are closed further decimates the amusement park industry. The Governor’s “no big rush” approach is ruining businesses and livelihoods for thousands who could responsibly be back at work.
Disneyland has been shuttered since March, when businesses across the country shut down in response to the pandemic. While Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, reopened with reduced capacity in July, Anaheim’s Disneyland has remained closed even as California has seen a gradual reduction in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths.
The chefs have at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been been cooking up some delicious new dishes and we’re here to give you the latest new offerings and restaurant updates.
Starting today, ABC Commissary is offering a terrific new menu. From sandwiches and rice bowls to tasty tacos and returning favorites, this menu has it all!
Take a look at the yummy new additions below:
Sandwiches/Salads
California Burger (Plant-based) – Seared farm-fresh plant-based burger with Sriracha mustard, balsamic-glazed grilled peppers and onions, a “mayonnaise”-ketchup blend, lettuce, and tomato and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
NEW Chicken Club Sandwich – Marinated chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with bacon, provolone cheese, guacamole, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
NEW Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled sourdough toasted with buffalo chicken, Monterey, provolone, cheddar, cream cheese, side of buffalo sauce, and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices
Mediterranean Salad with Chicken – Chicken breast served over mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed in Mediterranean vinaigrette served with hummus and flatbread
Tacos
NEW Pork Carnitas Tacos – Pork carnitas on flour tortillas with salsa verde, pickled onion, and radish served with Mexican rice and black beans
NEW Shrimp Tacos – Sautéed shrimp on flour tortillas with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and mango salsa served with Mexican rice and black beans
Rice Bowls
NEW Curry Rice Bowl with Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp and vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice
NEW Plant-based Curry Rice Bowl with Tofu – Pineapple-marinated tofu and sautéed vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice
Kid’s Options
NEW Kid’s Pork Taco – Pork carnitas on a flour tortilla served with Mexican rice and black beans
NEW Kid’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled American cheese on sourdough served with choice of two sides.
NEW Kid’s Turkey Sandwich – Turkey sandwich served with choice of two sides.
Kid’s Uncrustable – Uncrustable served with choice of two sides.
There is Halloween fun for everyone at Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, what hasn’t changed is our chefs’ scary good food! Minnie’s Halloween Dine offers a three-course meal served at your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and their friends. Check out this monster of a feast!
Appetizers
Served with Warm Pull-apart Rolls and Butter
Farmhouse Tossed Salad Bowl – Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Cornbread Croutons, and Homemade Smokehouse Ranch Dressing.
Plant-based Chopped Salad – Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Focaccia Croutons, and Plant-based Ranch Dressing.
Entrées
Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Prime Rib of Beef – Sour Cream-Chive Whipped Potatoes, Fried Brussels Sprouts, and Pearl Onions with Red Wine Jus.
Carved Herb-roasted Turkey Breast – Garlic-Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Sautéed Green Beans, Turkey Gravy, and Cranberry-Orange Relish.
Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp – Cavatappi Pasta, Four-Cheese Sauce, Shrimp, Crispy Bacon, and Buttered Panko Crust with Fennel and Arugula.
Seared Fresh Salmon – with Grain Mustard Beurre Blanc Olive Oil-crushed Fingerling Potatoes and Garlic-Lemon Broccolini.
Plant-based Pan-seared King Trumpet Mushrooms – Braised Lentils, Blistered Grape Tomatoes, Mushroom Ragù, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Marsala Mushroom Sauce.
Pork Osso Bucco – with Boursin Cheese Hominy Grits, Caramelized Apples, Lemon Gremolata, and Pork Reduction Gravy.
Desserts (Choose One)
Apple-Blueberry Pie – Baked Apples, Blueberries, Caramel, and Streuse.
Banana Cream Pie – Bananas, Cream, and Caramel Sauce.
Plant-based Cherry-Lemon Pie – Cherries with Lemon Drizzle.
Vanilla Crème Brûlée – Rich Custard with Caramelized Sugar.
Chocolate S’mores Pie – Dark Chocolate Mousse with Toasted Marshmallow Fluff and Graham Cracker Streusel.
Kid’s Menu Create-Your-Own Meal For Guests Ages 9 and Under
Winter is coming and Disney has announced that Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will reopen to guests beginning Nov. 6 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf offers two uniquely themed 18-hole courses, each with their own distinct musical soundtrack.
As the name suggests, the first course draws inspiration from the winter season, including snow castles and ice hockey rinks. The second course represents all things summer. Guests navigate surf boards, sand sculptures and even a melted snowman.
As Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf reopens next month, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close for the season on Nov. 5 and reopen on Jan. 31, 2021.
The spooky season is upon us and Disney has released some eerily awesome templates you can cut out and use to create your own expressive pumpkin.
With these Disney inspired pumpkin-carving templates, each varies in level of difficulty, from an easy Skeleton Mickey, to a moderate Princess Anna, to a complex Dr. Facilier.
Disney’s other Halloween pumpkin-carving templates feature favorite Disney characters for everyone at home. Take a closer look below for instructions and templates:
For templates on each of these designs, click here. And for step-by-step instructions, click here. Be sure to check out the terms of use before you download it.
Give any of the Disney-themed pumpkins a try – and show your Halloween masterpiece using the hashtags #DisneyMagicMoments and #DisneyHallowMoments.
Breakfast is returning at Chef Mickey’s restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on December 16, and Mickey Mouse and his best pals are bringing some new items to the menu inspired by their favorite dishes.
Along with traditional breakfast favorites, you will be able to try the new Mickey’s “Celebration” Pancake, featuring whipped cream, celebration sprinkles, shimmering pixie dust and more.
For something a bit more savory, we’re adding a new “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole topped with smoked bacon crumbles and chives.
Last but not least, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast will combine unique flavors of banana bread baked in zesty orange-scented French toast batter, topped with Espresso-mascarpone cream, toasted bananas and chocolate crumbles.
If you can’t decide on which new item to try, you’ll be able to taste all three as part of an all-you-care-to-eat family style feast with other traditional breakfast favorites.
When Mickey and friends return, the experience may look a little different than the last time you visited, but you can still expect to smile, wave and make unforgettable memories with some of your favorite characters as they parade through the restaurant in their chef’s best.
Reservations for Chef Mickey’s character breakfast will open on October 17, based on availability. In addition, Disney Resort hotel guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).
Oh boy! Disney Junior has announced that production has begun on new series called Mickey Mouse Funhouse.
Mickey Mouse Funhouse is described as “a whimsical animated series for preschoolers and their families” that features Mickey along with classic characters Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. The series, set to debut in 2021, also introduces Funny, an “enchanted talking playhouse who leads the Sensational Six” on imaginative adventures.”
The show, geared to kids ages 2-7 and their families, will feature two 11-minute stories along with dance break separating the two stories. The series aims to teach “imaginative play, encourage wish fulfillment and impart age-appropriate social and emotional lessons about friendship, creativity and ingenuity.”
“Preschoolers around the world love Mickey Mouse and friends, and we are eager to showcase these beloved characters as they are transported to magical new destinations in each episode, encouraging kids to expand their own worlds using their imaginations,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vp original programming, and general manager at Disney Junior. “We can’t wait for our young audience to meet Funny, who is a dynamic and playful addition to the treasured world of Mickey Mouse.”
The show follows other animated adventures with Mickey on Disney Junior that have included Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Disney World has laid off thousands this week and one cast member has taken it upon herself to help fellow cast members in need by creating a pantry.
Disney cast member Emily Lartigue created The Cast Member Pantry, which has been set up in a storage unit and is exclusively for Disney workers. It’s stocked with items for ranging from groceries and toiletries to pet food.
“Cast Member Pantry makes it quick and easy to receive free food essentials once a month per Cast Member,” Lartigue says in a post on Facebook as you can see below:
Are you or a fellow cast member you know in need of groceries during this difficult time?
Cast Member Pantry makes it…
“To be able to give back to them and to help out our fellow cast is really special,” said Lartigue, who has been collecting food since March.
Disney workers who want to visit the pantry to pick up food will need to schedule an appointment and can do so by sending an email to castmemberpantry@gmail.com. The pantry is doing appointment times in 15-minute increments to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Even though the pantry is just for Disney workers, others can still help. People have shown their support by donating money and non-perishable food.
California was poised to release its theme park reopening guidelines amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, but now Disneyland and other theme parks are asking Gov. Gavin Newsomnot to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines without first working with the industry.
Disneyland was originally slated to reopen July 17, a week after Disney World, but that plan was scuttled after coronavirus cases began spiking in California, labor groups argued it was too soon to reopen and California theme parks waited for state guidance.
But Disneyland, which has learned from the reopening of Disney World in Florida and its other parks around the world, and other California parks have indicated they’re ready to reopen as soon as they get the green light from the state.
Though California theme parks have urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to “expeditiously” let them reopen after closures of more than six months, the expected guidance from the state –based on seeing it in draft form – isn’t fully in line with what they had in mind, according to Erin Guerrero, executive director of California Attractions and Parks Association, which represents popular theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland.
“We ask the Governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise, and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority,” Guerrero said in a statement.
Guerrero said theme park leaders saw an initial draft of state guidance Thursday.
“While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan,” she said.
But state officials say they’re seeking input from stakeholders while making sure the plans keep safety front and center.
“Our Blueprint for a Safer Economy is driven by data and science to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission low, and this upcoming guidance will be no exception,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a statement. “Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework – all leading with science and safety.”
