Disney News

Category: News

  • Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans and Date Next Week

    Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans and Date Next Week

    Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings shared that Disney World be submitting their proposed reopening plan and date next week, in an interview with CNBC.

    “Disney has given an indication that next week, they will submit their plans” Demings said. “At this time it’s an undefined time or date but we do look forward to seeing that sometime next week.”

    Once the plans have been submitted they will schedule a full briefing with the Orange County Task Force, and then Mayor Demings and Governor DeSantis, must sign-off their approval.

    Universal presented their plans to the Orange County Task Force on Thursday, saying they would like to begin reopening in phases starting on June 1st. They said the opening would be gradual and would manage capacity across the entire resort, including within attractions, restaurants, and stores.

    Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has approved Universal Orlando Resort’s reopening plans and has sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis for the final signature.

  • ‘The Simpsons’ to Stream in Original Aspect Ratio on Disney Plus Beginning May 28

    ‘The Simpsons’ to Stream in Original Aspect Ratio on Disney Plus Beginning May 28

    “The Simpsons” fans are finally getting what they want from Disney+ as most of the animated sitcom’s older episodes will be available in the original 4-by-3 aspect ratio starting May 28.

    When the streaming service launched last November, it presented the full batch of “Simpsons” episodes in 16-by-9 format. That cropped out key details from older episodes — literally destroying some of the sight gags. After a backlash, Disney said it would restore the first 19 seasons and some of Season 20 in the original pre-HD aspect ratio.

    Now, months later, the archived episodes of “The Simpsons” in their original glory are nearly ready to come to Disney Plus. Al Jean, the show’s longtime showrunner, writer and executive producer, announced the release date for the 4:3 episodes on Twitter. Take a look below:

    After Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Disney Plus became the exclusive subscription VOD home of “The Simpsons.”

    “The Simpsons,” from creator and executive producer Matt Groening, last year was renewed for Seasons 31 and 32 by Fox Corp.’s Fox broadcast network. The show remains the longest-running primetime scripted TV show in history after surpassing “Gunsmoke” with season 29.

  • Babirusa Piglet Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    Babirusa Piglet Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating a first for the park: the birth of a babirusa piglet.

    It’s a girl and the Disney animal care team has chosen to name her Kirana, which translates to “sunbeam” in Indonesian. 

    Babirusas are part of the hog family, native to the swamps and rainforests of the Indonesian Islands. They’re known for their unique snouts and magnificent tusks that can grow up to almost 17 inches! Close relatives of the babirusa also live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, such as the warthogs on Kilimanjaro Safaris and the KuneKune pigs at Affection Section. 

    This birth is another success story for the dedicated team of Disney animal care experts, as parents Betty and Mentari were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The SSP assures responsible breeding for endangered species, such as the babirusa pigs and Asha, the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra foal recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  

    Over the last 15 years, Disney animal care experts partnered with reproductive biologists and the SSP to “crack the code” on breeding a babirusa pair. The piglet is making an important contribution toward the worldwide conservation and understanding of the species, which will help ensure a future generation for these vulnerable animals. 

    The Disney Conservation Fund has supported projects in Africa for more than 20 years to inspire grassroots conservation and improve livelihoods. These projects can help protect Africa’s amazing wildlife and benefit the hogs – such as babirusas – living in these habitats. 

  • New Pastel Minnie Mouse Sequined Loungefly Mini-Backpack & Wristlet Now Available on shopDisney

    New Pastel Minnie Mouse Sequined Loungefly Mini-Backpack & Wristlet Now Available on shopDisney

    Disney Springs has begun it’s phased re-opening today, but that’s not the only good news. Disney and Loungefly have released a new pastel Minnie Mouse sequined mini backpack and wristlet and they are too cute!

    The mini back pack is the standard size and design, but the wristlet which is shaped like the full size “mini backpack” is small enough to wear on your wrist and includes a detachable wrist strap.

    Take a closer look at the designs below:

    Minnie Mouse Sequined Mini Backpack with Bow by Loungefly – $90.00

    Mouse ears and a Minnie bow top this sequined mini backpack by Loungefly in shimmering pastel colors.

    The interior of both the mini backpack and the wristlet is lined with rainbow colored bows. Take a closer look atthe wristlet below:

    Minnie Mouse Sequined Mini Backpack Wristlet by Loungefly – $40.00

    Minnie’s ears and bow are ever in style on this metallic simulated leather wristlet with a pastel rainbow sequined bow and pouch pocket. ”Mini backpack” styling with a whimsical flair make this clutch sparkle in more ways than one.

  • New Disney Princess and Marvel Goldfish Coming Soon From Pepperidge Farm

    New Disney Princess and Marvel Goldfish Coming Soon From Pepperidge Farm

    The snack that smiles back is teaming up with Disney once again and now Pepperidge Farm is releasing new additions to their lineup that feature a few iconic Disney princesses as well as Marvel superheroes.

    Goldfish announced the launch of these special-edition crackers this week and they filled with the same cheesy flavor, but instead of the classic Goldfish shape, the crackers are shaped like Jasmine, Moana, and Cinderella.

    You can find these royal shapes in one of three sparkly collectible packages that are available in pink, purple, or blue. Each package features two favorite princesses including Jasmine and Rapunzel, Tiana and Cinderella, and Moana and Ariel. Take a look at the different packaging below:

    Teaming up with Marvel for the first time, Goldfish is also releasing three different packages with the Avengers on them. Inside you’ll find special-edition crackers shaped like Iron Man, Black Widow, Black Panther, and the Avengers symbol.

    These special-edition crackers will be available exclusively at Target starting in June.

  • DIY Recipe for Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake from 50’s Prime Time Café Released by Disney

    DIY Recipe for Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake from 50’s Prime Time Café Released by Disney

    Be sure to clean up your dinner plate before you tackle this yummy Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake from 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    This recipe is quick and easy and sure to please! We even have a handy dandy video to show you how to make it. Just be sure to mind your manners and behave yourself at the dinner table…and save room for dessert!

    Take a look below at the ingredients and instructions:

    Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake from 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Serves 1

    Ingredients:

    • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons jelly (strawberry or grape)
    • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
    • 1/4 cup milk

    Directions:

    1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
    2. Add additional peanut butter or jelly to taste.

    Cook’s Notes: Two cups sliced strawberries can be substituted for jelly.

  • Disney Names Josh D’Amaro as Bob Chapek’s Successor in Theme Park Division

    Disney Names Josh D’Amaro as Bob Chapek’s Successor in Theme Park Division

    The Walt Disney Company on Monday announced that Josh D’Amaro has been named Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

    D’Amaro, who most recently served as President, Walt Disney World Resort, succeeds Mr. Chapek as Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

    “Our company is very fortunate to have a deep bench of talent and we’re extremely pleased to welcome these two exceptionally qualified Disney veterans to our senior management team,” Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company said. “Both Josh and Rebecca have more than two decades of leadership experience with the Company, a keen understanding of our brands and businesses, and a shared passion and vision for delivering extraordinary entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences.”

    In his new role, D’Amaro will oversee Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business.

    Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

    D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998 and has held various positions in the Parks business, including Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Walt Disney World Resort, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and others.

    D’Amaro and Campbell will report to Chapek.

  • Disney Issues COVID-19 Disclaimer Ahead of Reopening

    Disney Issues COVID-19 Disclaimer Ahead of Reopening

    Ahead of Disney Spring’s reopening on Wednesday, Disney has put out a disclaimer about the coronavirus.

    while Disney has made it clear that “enhanced health and safety measures” will be the utmost importance — guests still assume all the risk. 

    “An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death,” reads a disclaimer on the Disney World website.

    It concludes: “By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.” 

    On Wednesday, shops will be open at Disney Springs. The next phase will start seven days later when Disney retail shops, such as World of Disney Store, and Disney eateries reopen.

    Among the new safety measures include all guests and employees being required to wear masks. Guests will have their temperatures checked, and plexiglass dividers have been installed at registers.

  • New Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Set Coming Soon

    New Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Set Coming Soon

    This directive is no longer classified as Loungefly has announced that a new Wall-E and Eve set is coming soon!

    The new set includes a Wall-E backpack and a wristlet that depicts the scene with Wall-E giving Eve “the plant.”

    Loungefly took to Instagram to share the exciting news today. Take a look below:

    “We put all our love in making this Wall-E and Eve set come to life and we cannot wait to see them find their way into your hands!” Loungefly said in the post.

  • Live-Action ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ Remake Reportedly in the Works Starring Tom Holland

    Live-Action ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ Remake Reportedly in the Works Starring Tom Holland

    A live-action remake of Disney’s 2001 animated classic, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, is in the early stages of development by The Walt Disney Pictures according to reports.

    Evidently, Disney intends to “stick fairly close to the animated film,” and it seems that Holland is being eyed to play the role of geeky Smithsonian cartographer Milo Thatch, initially voiced by Michael J. Fox in the 2001 animated version, according to MovieWeb.

    The movie is in the early stages of development by Walt Disney Pictures, according to a source at The Illuminerdi. There are not many details about the movie and there is no report on who is being considered as the director and who will be cast in the film.

    Atlantis: The Lost Empire follows an inexperienced young adventurer becomes the key to unraveling an ancient mystery when he joins up with a group of daredevil explorers to find the legendary lost empire of Atlantis. A naive-but-determined museum cartographer Milo Thatch dreams of completing the quest begun by his late grandfather, a famous explorer. When a journal surfaces, an eccentric billionaire funds an expedition, and the action shifts to high gear.

    Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a 2001 American animated science-fantasy action-adventure film created by Walt Disney Feature Animation, marking the 41st entry in Disney’s animated features canon and its first science-fiction film.

    Disney is now developing 101 Dalmatians prequel Cruella, starring Emma Stone and set for release in 2021, and The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey and directed by Rob Marshall (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Into the Woods). Disney first releases its Angelina Jolie-starring Maleficent sequel, Mistress of Evil, Oct. 18 before debuting the live-action Mulan March 27, 2020.