Disney News

Category: News

  • Disney Parks is ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Coronavirus Outbreak

    Disney Parks is ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Coronavirus Outbreak

    Walt Disney World and Disneyland currently remain open for business, however; the chief medical officer for Disney Parks has confirmed that officials are “carefully monitoring” the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, commonly known as coronavirus.

    Theme park authorities are closely following the viral outbreak and remain in communication with health agencies as COVID-19 becomes a more “widespread concern,” according to Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer for Disney Parks’ Experiences and Products.

    “As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast, guests and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance,” Hymel said in a statement shared by Disney Parks Blog. “Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.”

    Walt Disney World, Disneyland and their parks and resorts around the world have high standards of cleanliness, which assists with illness prevention, and they have health and safety protocols in place, such as:

    • Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
    • Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
    • Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
    • Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
    • End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
    • Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

    In addition, onsite health teams and officials at various Disney properties will continue to keep cast members updated with the latest in illness prevention, per guidance from the CDC, Hymel said.

    On Monday, the Associated Press reported that face masks will be distributed to both patient and paramedic if a Disney visitor appears symptomatic or a first responder suspects they have the flu, said Tim Stromsnes, president of the local union for firefighters at Disney World.

    Moving forward, extra hand sanitizers are also being placed throughout Disney World’s four parks and two dozen-plus hotels, officials said.

  • ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Prequel Series With Josh Gad, Luke Evans in the works at Disney+

    ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Prequel Series With Josh Gad, Luke Evans in the works at Disney+

    No one’s got a swell cleft in his chin like Gaston and no one gets a new tv series like Gaston either. That’s right! A new Beauty & The Beast prequel series to the 2017 Disney live-action feature film, with stars Josh Gad and Luke Evans set to reprise their roles, could be coming to Disney+.

    Streaming service Disney+ is teaming with Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz as well as stars Josh Gad and Luke Evans for a Beauty and the Beast prequel limited series to the 2017 feature film in which the latter pair starred.

    The untitled limited series will be a six-episode musical event, with composer Alan Menken in talks to return as well. Sources say the project, which is currently in the early development stage, will take place well before the events of the film and also expand the Beauty and the Beast universe. No other stars from the film — like Emma Watson and Dan Stevens — are currently attached, though sources say there is a possibility that they could pop in for a guest spot.

    The 2017 Beauty and the Beast film, directed by Bill Condon, grossed more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Kevin Kline also starred.

    The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.

  • New Plant-Based Cookie Fries Available at Disney World

    New Plant-Based Cookie Fries Available at Disney World

    In the past few years, Walt Disney World Resort Chefs have been transforming their menus with more plant-based options now you can find the new plant-based cookie fries at the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. 

    The plant-based cookie fries are unique and yummy treat to end your meal with. Similar to biscotti, these chocolate chip cookie sticks come with several plant-based dipping sauces: marshmallow cream, chocolate, and strawberry.

    This recipe makes 32 cookie fries and is the perfect serving size for a small gathering of friends or a family dinner. They’re so good, you have to take a look at the recipe below:

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
    • 1/2 cup plus one tablespoon plant-based margarine, softened
    • 7 tablespoons warm water
    • 5 tablespoons liquid egg substitute
    • 1 tablespoon molasses
    • 1/2 cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and plant-based margarine in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth. 
    2. In small bowl, combine warm water and egg substitute. Add egg substitute and molasses to mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth. 
    3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
    4. Place in an 8×8-inch pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
    5. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. 
    6. Cut into 32 strips that are 1/4-inch wide and 4 inches long. Place 16 strips on each baking sheet. 
    7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until crunchy.

    Currently, at Walt Disney World Resort, you can find these items by looking for the new green leaf menu icon during your visit.

  • Woman Jumps to Her Death from Disney World Resort in Suspected Suicide

    Woman Jumps to Her Death from Disney World Resort in Suspected Suicide

    A woman apparently died by suicide Wednesday after she jumped off Disney’s Contemporary Resort building, according to Orange County sheriff’s deputies.

    Rumours on social media claimed a guest had been seen falling from an unknown floor  – but deputies received reports at around 4pm EST that someone “may have jumped from the building”.

    Deputies found the woman, who was unresponsive and pronounced dead on scene, a Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said. No other details were released.

  • New Mickey Mouse Attraction Now Open at Disney World

    New Mickey Mouse Attraction Now Open at Disney World

    Last night, Disney’s Hollywood Studios threw a red-carpet premiere nearly a century in the making with a special dedication ceremony for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and today the attraction has officially opened to the public at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the first ride-through attraction in Disney history starring Mickey and Minnie. You’re invited inside the park’s re-creation of the Chinese Theatre to see the premiere of “Perfect Picnic,” a new “Mickey Mouse” cartoon short written by Walt Disney Imagineering and produced by Disney Television Animation.

    With a little Disney magic, suddenly you’re taken through the movie screen and into the “Mickey Mouse” cartoon world, where “mouse rules apply” and anything can – and does! – happen. Engineer Goofy invites you aboard Runnamuck Railroad to join Mickey and Minnie on their search for the perfect picnic spot in Runnamuck Park. And with Goofy at the controls, what could possibly go wrong?

    “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a crowning achievement in the multiyear transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” said Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro, who participated in the ceremony along with Mickey, Minnie and lots of other Disney pals. “What was once a theme park that took you behind the scenes, now puts you in the center of your favorite stories.”

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a vibrant, joyous adventure the whole family will enjoy – from grandparents to grandchildren and everyone in between. Tonight’s celebration featured song, dance, fireworks and a bit of Disney magic worthy of this historic new attraction.

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Light Up Ear Hat Coming to Disney World

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Light Up Ear Hat Coming to Disney World

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is opening on March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney has announced the latest Mickey Ear hat will be themed to this all-new attraction as part of the Disney Parks Designer Collection.

    Designed by Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty, Executive Creative Director for the attraction, this ear hat will be released on March 5 at Walt Disney World Resort and online at shopDisney.com.

    This colorful ear hat features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the setting of “Perfect Picnic,” the cartoon featured in the finale of the attraction, and continues to delight as it lights up with bursting fireworks by the flip of a switch! Take a look below:

    The back of the ear hat features the saying “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” from the attraction’s loveable theme song and displays a picturesque car ride inside the hat itself! 

    Want to add this zany ear hat to your collection? Be sure to visit shopDisney.com or purchase it at various locations at Walt Disney World Resort including:

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

    • Stage 1 Company Store
    • Legends of Hollywood
    • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway kiosk

    Disney Springs:

    • Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Available on March 6):

    • Discovery Trading Company

    EPCOT (Available on March 6):

    • Art of Disney
    • MouseGear

    Magic Kingdom Park (Available on March 6):

    • Uptown Jewelers

    Celebrating the opening of his latest project, Kevin Rafferty will appear at Stage 1 Company Store in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to sign the newest ear hat and his book, Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career, on March 5 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    Opening March 4, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will take guests of all ages on a whirlwind ride through a world where the rules of physics don’t apply! Inspired by the award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, the ride-through attraction is the first at any Disney park to star Mickey, Minnie and their friends.

    Get ready for even more releases in the Disney Parks Designer Collection coming throughout the year, including:

    • John Coulter – March 14, 2020 (Available Disneyland Resort & shopDisney.com)
    • Her Universe – April 2020
    • Joe Rohde – April 2020
    • Her Universe – May 2020
    • Cupcakes and Cashmere – Summer 2020
    • Lily Aldridge – Summer 2020
    • Bret Iwan – Summer 2020
    • Alex Maher – Summer 2020
    • Karlie Kloss – Fall 2020
    • Vera Wang – Fall 2020
  • New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Merchandise Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4

    New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Merchandise Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4

    All aboard! When the attraction debuts on March 4, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can head to the Chinese Theatre to experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Along with this new attraction opening, guests will be able to purchase new merchandise inspired by Mickey and Minnie’s wacky cartoon world!

    One of the cutest pieces from this collection is this wacky attraction-inspired headband featuring engineer Goofy, along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Along the side of this headband, guests can find an embroidery of the attraction’s theme song: “Nothing Can Stop Us Now!”

    Within this collection guests can purchase an array of items inspired by the attraction train locomotive including a whistle, ornament, pull back toy, MagicBand and sculpted mug!

    Attraction-inspired tees will be available featuring Mickey, Minnie and Goofy showcasing the zaniness featured in this attraction. New plush featuring Mickey and Minnie with Chuuby perched on her shoulder will also be available.

    Match your new Mickey and Minnie plush with these classic sequined headbands – perfect for any adventurous duo!

    Just in time to hop on board for opening day, one of the new #DisneyParksWishables collections for this month, inspired by the attraction is available on March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and online at shopDisney! This collection offers the open-chase edition of engineer Goofy, with Mickey and Minnie in a car, Daisy, Chuuby and the train locomotive in the blind bags

    Walt Disney World Passholders can celebrate Mickey and Minnie’s first-ever-ride through attraction with all-new Passholder exclusive attraction merchandise including a T-shirt, limited edition pin and limited edition MagicBand. Plus, they can use their 20% discount on all this featured merchandise!

    Looking to commemorate the opening day for this attraction? Be sure to check out this 2020 dated limited edition pin. 

    Find all these wacky treasures across Disney’s Hollywood Studios and select items on shopDisney.com on March 4. All merchandise available while supplies last. Share all your looks with the #MouseRulesApply hashtag and keep checking back to Disney Parks Blog for more excitement surrounding Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!

  • BREAKING: People Mover Trains Collide at Disney World

    BREAKING: People Mover Trains Collide at Disney World

    It’s been a rough couple of days at Disney World as trains collided on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom earlier today.

    This is the second accident at the theme park in as many days as a Jungle Cruise boat with guests on it sank yesterday.

    Posts immediately began showing up on social media and Sorcerer Radio posted a photo to Instagram stating that their “train slammed into the train in front” of them. Take a look below:

    There haven’t been any reports of injuries as of yet, but well keep you up to date as this story develops.

  • BREAKING: Jungle Cruise Boat With Guests Aboard Sinks at Disney World

    BREAKING: Jungle Cruise Boat With Guests Aboard Sinks at Disney World

    Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom is known for it’s funny jokes and whitty puns, but it was no laughing matter today when one of the boats with guest on board sank during the ride.

    Pictures of one of the boats taking on water started to pop up on social media around noon. And the skipper quote “I get paid for the number of people I take out… not the number I bring back!”, hit a little too close to home today.

    Matthew Vince posted two pictures on Twitter of the boat taking on water. The first shows guests standing on benches and railings trying to not get their feet wet. In the second, a cast member wades around waist-deep water as the seats on the boats are almost fully submerged. Take a look below to see for your self:

    As of 2:40 p.m., the Disney World app showed wait times steadily climbing from 35 minutes to 105 minutes for the Jungle Cruise ride. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has the park’s longest wait time Thursday at 140 minutes.

    Disney World has yet to comment on the incident, but there have been no reports of injuries.

  • Spaceship Earth at Epcot to get Updated as Reimagining Begins May 26

    Spaceship Earth at Epcot to get Updated as Reimagining Begins May 26

    Spaceship Earth is more than just the physical icon of EPCOT – it’s a symbol of how the park continues to evolve. The attraction is a crucial piece of the historic transformation already underway at EPCOT, and beginning May 26, Walt Disney Imagineering is getting ready to start implementing a new vision for Spaceship Earth. 

    The next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following the long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.

    Tuesday, Disney shared a few additional details of what you can expect when this icon returns. You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.

    Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together. 

    Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming,” and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982.