Category: News

  • ‘Moana’ Star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, family all test positive for COVID-19

    ‘Moana’ Star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, family all test positive for COVID-19

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, star of Disney’s Moana, and his family have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the star revealed Wednesday.

    Johnson says that he and his wife, and his two daughters tested positive for COVID-19 and have been battling the virus for the past two to three weeks.

    Now Disney’s upcoming Jungle Cruise star and one of the most popular entertainers on earth is urging fans to wear a mask and protect each other from this disease as you can see in the Instagram post below:

    “I wish it was only me who tested positive, but it wasn’t, it was my entire family,” the star said in an Instagram video Wednesday.

    “I wanted to give you guys a little helpful update on things that have been going on on my end for the past two-and-a-half to three weeks now. So the update is this: my wife Lauren as well as my two baby girls and myself, we have all tested positive for COVID-19,” Johnson began his video message.

    “I could tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family, and for me, too, personally as well,” he continued. “And I’ve gone through some doozies in the past.”

  • Up to $500 Off 4-Night, 4-Day Room-and-Ticket Package now Available for Fall

    Up to $500 Off 4-Night, 4-Day Room-and-Ticket Package now Available for Fall

    As summer winds down, many now start to make their getaway plans for the fall and holiday season and Disney is now offering a special room and ticket package offer at Walt Disney World Resort that could save you quite a bit.

    For stays most nights Sept. 4-Dec. 25, 2020, you can save up to $500 on a 4-night/4-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels with the Magic is Here Vacation Package Offer. This offer is available for booking through Dec. 25, 2020.

    As a reminder, Disney is using the new Disney Park Pass system to manage attendance during this period while they’re limiting capacity, so be sure to check the park reservation availability calendar first before booking your package by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DisneyParkPass.

    It is also recommend that you make your park reservation immediately after you book your stay as reservations are limited and subject to availability. Guests with valid admission are required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry. 

    Other offers are also available including for residents of Florida, as well as Annual Passholders. For more information, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Offers.

    Of course, we realize that flexibility is important right now when planning any trip. Please know that, when booking, you’ll also enjoy added peace of mind, as we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through Dec. 31, 2020.

    Visit DisneyWorld.com/Updates to learn more about the safety measures put into place – from required face coverings and temperature screenings to reduced contact and limiting attendance.

    While they’re doing some things differently, as always, you’ll discover that special Disney magic you know and love – from special new character cavalcades and motorcades that come to life throughout the day, to beloved attractions and can’t-miss experiences, including the recently opened Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. If you’re planning on visiting from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, be sure to enjoy all of the fall fun at Magic Kingdom Park.  

  • BREAKING: Disney World Resident Offer Extended to Nearby States, Save up to 30%

    BREAKING: Disney World Resident Offer Extended to Nearby States, Save up to 30%

    Florida Resident deals are always among the best and now nearby out of state guests can also get swept up in seasonal fun—and save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.

    This offer is valid for residents of the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia for stays most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020 when you book through December 25, 2020.

    This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below:

    Resort CategoryResort Savings
    Select Disney Deluxe VillasFor stays most nights 9/4/20 – 12/25/20 when you book by 12/25/20Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary ResortBoulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness LodgeCopper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness LodgeDisney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani VillageDisney’s Beach Club VillasDisney’s BoardWalk VillasDisney’s Old Key West ResortDisney’s Polynesian Villas & BungalowsDisney’s Riviera ResortDisney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaSave Up to 30%
    Select Disney Deluxe ResortsFor stays most nights 9/4/20 – 12/25/20 when you book by 12/25/20Disney’s Contemporary ResortDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – reopening 9/21/20Disney’s Yacht Club ResortSave Up to 30%
    Select Disney Moderate ResortsFor stays most nights 9/4/20 – 12/25/20 when you book by 12/25/20Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortDisney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening 10/14/20The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness ResortSave Up to 25%
    Select Disney Value Resort HotelsFor stays most nights 9/4/20 – 12/25/20 when you book by 12/25/20Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – reopening 11/1/20Disney’s Pop Century ResortSave Up to 20%
    CampgroundsFor stays most nights 9/4/20 – 12/25/20 when you book by 12/25/20The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness ResortSave Up to 15%

    The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Disney Resort hotel reopening dates are subject to change. See Important Details.

    Important Details

    • Residency validated at time of reservation through credit card billing address.
    • Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Advance reservations required.
    • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
    • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
    • Valid admission and a park reservation are required to enjoy theme parks and special events and are not included in this offer.

    The health and well-being of Disney Guests and Cast Members continues to be a top priority and they’ve implemented new measures to promote enhanced cleaning, physical distancing and reduced contact.

  • New ‘Hocus Pocus’ Cookie Dough from Toll House Will Put a Spell on You

    New ‘Hocus Pocus’ Cookie Dough from Toll House Will Put a Spell on You

    With Halloween right around the corner its time to start streaming Hocus Pocus on a loop and to help celebrate, Nestle Toll House has released some Sanderson Sister’s inspired cookies that will have you running “Amok Amok Amok!”

    You can now find ready-to-bake Hocus Pocus cookie dough in your grocer’s freezer in 14-oz. packages. Inside is oatmeal peanut butter cookie dough with chocolate morsels and candy-coated gems.

    The gems come in three colors—orange, purple, and yellow—in an apparent nod to the immortal Sanderson sisters: Winifred, Sarah, and Mary as you can see in the post below:

    Each package comes with enough dough to make 20 cookies, and each cookie has only 90 calories. So not only is there enough dough to last you through repeat viewings but also you don’t have to feel guilty by the time you finish the whole package.

  • OFFICIAL: The Mandalorian: Season 2 Release Date Revealed

    OFFICIAL: The Mandalorian: Season 2 Release Date Revealed

    Disney Plus has finally announced an official release date for the second season of “The Mandalorian.”

    New episodes of “The Mandalorian” will debut on the streaming service on Oct. 30!

    The announcement was made on “The Mandalorian’s” official Twitter account on Wednesday as you can see in the tweet below:

    No new trailer has dropped for the Star Wars live action series starring Pedro Pascal (and Baby Yoda, technically named The Child), but Season 2 will include Timothy Olyphant in some fashion, Rosario Dawson as “Clone Wars” character Ahsoka Tano, and Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett.

    And fans can expect even more of “The Mandalorian” in the future. The series is in pre-production for a third season, and creator and showrunner Jon Favreau has been “writing season 3 for a while,” as sources close to the production said in the spring.

    The series, centered on Pascal as the titular Mandalorian bounty hunter who becomes caretaker to The Child, was Disney Plus’ first original hit upon launch last November.

    The streamer attracted over 60.5 million paying subscribers globally in the first nine months of its existence, proving to be a huge draw, even amid competition from a number of other new direct-to-consumer competitors that have launched in the last year.

    Disney Plus is now premiering Disney’s live-action version of “Mulan” on Friday, Sept. 4 for an additional $30. The ongoing coronavirus has meant mass closures of movie theaters nationwide, prompting the company to nix a theatrical release of the tentpole film in favor of releasing it directly on the streamer. The additional fee will keep “Mulan” in consumers’ accounts so long as they continue to subscribe to Disney Plus.

  • Celebrate 25 Years of Pixar All Month Long with Disney+ Watch Parties and More

    Celebrate 25 Years of Pixar All Month Long with Disney+ Watch Parties and More

    During September, Pixar Fest will honor the animation studio that has brought fans around the world together, with some of the most iconic moments in filmmaking history.

    Twenty five years ago, Pixar revolutionized the art of animation with the release of Toy Story, and has since continued to inspire curiosity, creativity, and imagination through its beloved characters and emotive stories that are cherished by families everywhere.

    A month-long celebration of all things Pixar includes weekly activities, digital activations, Disney+ watchalongs, new product launches, and more.

    Whether you are a hero, adventurer, or dreamer, Disney has something Pixar-perfect for you! Keep reading for a few ways you can join the fun this month.

    Beginning September 5th, every Saturday throughout the month, join fans around the nation to watch some of your favorite Pixar movies. Check out the Pixar Fest film schedule below, and get ready for a new adventure each week, right from the comfort of your own couch!

    Disney is also sharing an exciting lineup of Pixar Fest products for the ultimate Pixar fan, including an epic Buzz Lightyear Limited Edition Citizen Watch, Pixar Alien Remix plush from Mattel, and more!

    And, what’s a good movie night without movie-inspired snacks? Not to fret, we have you covered! Show off your culinary skills with the following tasty – and adorable – original recipes inspired by Pixar films. Right click on each recipe image to save!

    Edna A La Mode “Party Style”

    Frozen Banana Joy Pops

    Popcorn Balloons

    Sheriff Woody’s Star Ravioli

    Wizard Staff Pretzels

    Be sure to follow along the Pixar social handles and join the conversation using #PixarFest

  • First Look At A Younger Yoda From Star Wars: The High Republic

    First Look At A Younger Yoda From Star Wars: The High Republic

    Star Wars: The High Republic launches in January 2021 with original stories spanning a variety of books, comics, and beyond and now Lucasfilm has confirmed that Yoda will be part of these stories and released new concept art showing a younger Yoda.

    Yoda has trained jedi for 800 years, but he’s only known him through his final act — in the last days of the Republic and Jedi Order, and during the training of Luke Skywalker. In Star Wars: The High Republic, we’ll encounter the Jedi Master centuries prior.

    Yoda will feature prominently in Daniel José Older’s Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures comic, coming 2021 from IDW Publishing; the Jedi Master that Older depicts in his series, however, won’t be quite the same sage-like being you’ve known. Take a look at the concept art below:

    “It’s especially exciting to be able to introduce him in the era of the High Republic,” Older said in an interview with StarWars.com. “The High Republic Yoda is a journeyman out in the galaxy.” According to Older, the Emperor’s “little green friend” will still be treading somewhat familiar ground — that of teacher.

    “While he’s already a respected member of the Jedi Council at this point, we meet Yoda in IDW’s The High Republic Adventures series doing what he loves best: looking out for the young folks — in this case, a group of Padawans traveling around the galaxy to learn the ways of the Jedi with a hands-on approach,” Older says. “The Force study abroad program, basically.”

    Ultimately for Older, depicting Yoda during a previously unseen era is an opportunity he doesn’t take for granted.

    “The only reason writing Yoda wasn’t on my Star Wars writing bucket list is because I didn’t think it would ever be possible!” he says. “It’s an incredible honor to give words to one of my all-time favorite Star Wars characters.”

    With an appearance in a visual medium, that would mean a new design for the iconic character. It was a challenge not to be taken lightly. “The goal was to update Yoda, but to be careful and be true to the Yoda that we all know and love,” says Troy Alders, Lucasfilm art director. “Also, to really make sure that the new look was believable, as this is really the first time that there has been an opportunity to update his look and his clothing. It felt like a daunting and enormous responsibility to embark on and get right.”

    Once design work began, Lucasfilm didn’t want to fix what wasn’t broken. At the same time, there was an obvious need to show that these were earlier days. “Well, Yoda is not that much younger — around 700 years old instead of about 900. But we thought that with it being hundreds of years earlier, he would definitely have a different outfit, maybe even more than one,” says Alders. “His age, as far as the way that his hair and face look, is maybe just slightly younger, but fairly close to his look in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” And since the thinking was his appearance wouldn’t be radically different from that of Episode I, Alders went to one of the talents who visually defined that film.

    “Right away, concept artist Iain McCaig felt like the go-to artist to help us start to explore this new look for Yoda,” says Alders, “so we called him up and started to talk about what directions to explore.” Other artists contributed, as well, with Disney Publishing illustration manager Jeff R. Thomas and Star Wars: Dark Legends artist Grant Griffin playing key roles in defining the final look. Griffin’s concept art, revealed here exclusively, shows a Yoda with slightly less mileage in terms of wrinkles, as well as fresh outfits; note the previously established High Republic-era lightsaber holster, more layered tunics, and cloaks reflecting the era. “This mission outfit, with just tonal markings on the robe, are inspired by the Jedi Temple architectural details. Many new fans may not even notice these very subtle additions,” Alders says. “The temple attire, however, from this special time of the golden age of the Jedi, feels so right with its elegance, and we are all extremely grateful for the artists that helped us arrive at such a beautiful solution for this important milestone in the Star Wars timeline.”

    Alders and his team of artists took great care in getting these designs right — making sure they were worthy of the story, and a character loved across the world.

    “I do not think that I, or anyone on our team, fully realized what a huge task this was,” Alders says. “But looking at where we arrived, after many countless explorations and iterations with various creative minds and artists, it feels authentic to what this noble Jedi would wear. Dressing Yoda for this epic time period, and creating designs adorned with gold, using beautiful fabrics and details, is something that he and all of the Jedi very much deserve, and the end result, I think, is gorgeous, and really celebrates this exciting and visually rich, gilded era.”

  • Body Camera Video shows Deputies Searching Abandoned Disney Park for Trespasser

    Body Camera Video shows Deputies Searching Abandoned Disney Park for Trespasser

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage involving the search for a man who was reported to be camping out at the abandoned Disney theme park Discovery Island.

    Discovery Island has been closed to the public since 1999, having been used as a Disney wildlife park for the previous 25 years. The company left all of the original buildings on the island and back in April, 42-year-old, Richard McGuire decided to set up camp there to quarantine during the coronavirus outbreak.

    According to an arrest affidavit, McGuire was spotted by a wildlife camera on the island, which is only accessible by boat, and which used to house animal exhibits. Disney security called in the sheriff’s office. Take a look at the video below:

    They eventually gave up their search, but were called back later when McGuire was seen crossing the lake on a boat. He was arrested and charged with trespassing and is out on bail.

  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort to Receive ‘Moana’ Inspired Re-Theming

    Disney’s Polynesian Resort to Receive ‘Moana’ Inspired Re-Theming

    The reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been pushed backed to the summer 2021 and the resort will received a make-over inspired by the recent Disney hit Moana.

    The extended closure is not only due to the coronavirus pandemic as the company will use the time to complete an extensive refurbishment to the resort in order to complete the re-theming.

    A Disney World spokeswoman on Monday said changes to the rooms will include a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disney’s “Moana,” an animated film that takes place partly on the Polynesian island of Motunui. Take a look at the release from Disney below:

    As we continue to reopen additional Disney Resort hotels to Guests, we are modifying the reopening date for As we continue to reopen additional Disney Resort hotels to Guests, we are modifying the reopening date for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which will reopen next summer. This schedule adjustment also allows us to complete some refurbishment work at the Resort hotel, including enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and Guest rooms. We expect work to begin in early October and look forward to sharing more about these changes in the future. The Villas and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will remain open during this refurbishment.

    The hotel, along with others on Disney property, has been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Disney Vacation Club units at the Polynesian, including the on-water bungalows and villas, will remain open.

  • Whoopi Goldberg Urges Disney to Build Wakanda Theme Park to Honor Chadwick Boseman

    Whoopi Goldberg Urges Disney to Build Wakanda Theme Park to Honor Chadwick Boseman

    “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg is calling on Disney to build a Wakanda theme park in honor of the late actor Chadwick Boseman.

    The actor’s 4-year battle with colon cancer ended Friday, his family said in a statement. Boseman portrayed King T’Challa in the Marvel blockbuster superhero movie “Black Panther.”

    On Sunday, “The View” co-host posted on Twitter to call on Disney to not build “another Frozen land BUT what we could use is Wakonda,” as you can see in the post below:

    “Dear People in charge of building NEW experiences Disney Land and World we don’t really need another Frozen land BUT what we could use is Wakonda,” she tweeted. “Please Disneyworld Disneyland PLEASE build in Chadwick Boseman’s name WAKONDA (Sic).”

    Last year, Disney announced that the “Avengers” Campus would open in 2022 at Disney California Adventure park.

    While Disney hasn’t mentioned anything about a Wakanda theme park, visitors at the “Avengers” park will find “heroic encounters throughout the campus, including Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Heroes from Wakanda and Asgard, and Iron Man.”