Disney News

Category: News

  • ‘Frozen 2’ Sets Record as Disney’s Sixth Movie to Hit $1 Billion in 2019

    ‘Frozen 2’ Sets Record as Disney’s Sixth Movie to Hit $1 Billion in 2019

    After an already dominating year at the box office Disney’s “Frozen 2” is the companies sixth movie this year to hit $1 billion globally.

    Those ticket sales extend the benchmark Disney set over summer, with five other films — “Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Lion King” and “Captain Marvel” — joining the billion-dollar club in a single year. “Frozen 2” is Disney Animation’s third movie to cross $1 billion and now stands as the seventh-biggest animated film ever.

    Earlier in December, Disney became the first studio in history to surpass $10 billion worldwide, and that’s before “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” arrives in theaters Dec. 20.

    “Frozen 2” is already the eighth-highest grossing movie of the year. In North America, the fantasy follow-up has generated $367 million. The film crossed $600 million overseas, powered by especially strong showings in China ($111.5 million), Korea ($85.4 million), Japan ($67.3 million) and the United Kingdom ($49.6 million).

    “Frozen 2” debuted to $130 million at the domestic box office ahead of Thanksgiving, setting a November record for an animated movie. It also become the first cartooned film outside of summer to hit triple digits in its inaugural weekend. The film continued its dominance through Turkey Day, cementing a new industry high-water mark with $123 million over the five-day holiday frame.

    Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, “Frozen 2” continues the adventures of Princesses Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell), who reunite with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Olaf (Josh Gad) and embark on an adventure beyond Arendelle to find out why Elsa was born with magical powers.

  • VIDEO: First Look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

    VIDEO: First Look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

    During the Disney Channel holiday special, “Disney Channel Holiday Party @Walt Disney World,” viewers got a special look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway rolling into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on March 4, 2020.

    As we’ve previously shared, this will be the first Disney ride-through attraction featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse that will draw guests inside a Mickey cartoon for a fun-filled adventure where “Mouse rules apply” and anything can happen.

    Check out a first-look video below, hosted by Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES 2” stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim.

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens at Disneyland park in California in 2022.

  • Disney Warns New Star Wars Movie May Pose Seizure Risk

    Disney Warns New Star Wars Movie May Pose Seizure Risk

    According to Walt Disney Studios, the highly anticipated film, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” could trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

    In a statement with the Epilepsy Foundation, the company warned viewers that the film contains “several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights.” The company said the features could affect people with photosensitive epilepsy.

    Disney has sent a letter to theater owners and operators worldwide with a recommendation that special steps should be taken to alert moviegoers about the visual effects and  flashing lights in the J.J. Abrams-directed interstellar adventure.

    Out of an abundance of caution,” the letter opens, “we recommend that you provide at your venue box office and online, and at other appropriate places where your customers will see it, a notice containing the following information: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker contains several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.”

    Flashing lights at certain intensities and patterns can trigger seizures in nearly 3 percent of people with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

    The foundation said the warning does not mean people with epilepsy cannot see the film. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends those impacted to ask a friend to watch the film first, then take the friend to see the film again to warn about the scenes before they happen.

    “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is not the first Disney film to come with the warning. “Incredibles II,” contained a sequence of flashing lights that also could have triggered seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Notices were posted in theaters for that premiere after people on Twitter shared concerns.

  • Oogie Boogie Bash Returns to Disneyland Resort for 2020

    Oogie Boogie Bash Returns to Disneyland Resort for 2020

    “Well well well. What have we here?” After an incredibly popular first year, Oogie Boogie Bash is returning to Disney’s California Adventure in 2020.

    The spell’s been cast! In September and October, Disney California Adventure Park presents a separately ticketed, after-hours event hosted by Oogie Boogie (from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) and the Disney Villains.

    The wonderfully wicked “monster of scare-e-monies” has rallied his pals for a Halloween spooktacular unlike any other, including access to some otherworldly attractions and new entertainment experiences (as well as a few old favorites) sure to wake the dread. Take a look below for costume guidelines:

    COSTUME GUIDELINES

    • All Guests may dress as their favorite character during the event, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
    • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
    • Costumes may not contain any items that resemble (or could easily be mistaken for) an actual weapon.
    • Costumes may not contain sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
    • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
    • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses).

    For Guests Ages 13 and Under

    • Costumes and some masks may be worn as long as the entire face isn’t covered and eyes are visible.

    For Guests Ages 14 and Older

    • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
    • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are permitted.
    • Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus.
    • Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
    • Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes.

    Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry and/or removed from the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

  • Drawn to Life: New Cirque du Soleil Production to Open at Disney Springs in 2020

    Drawn to Life: New Cirque du Soleil Production to Open at Disney Springs in 2020

    Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks are thrilled to announce Drawn to Life, the highly anticipated, new family friendly show coming to Disney Springs at Disney World Resort.

    Drawn to Life will transport guests of all ages into the world of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature style. This entirely new experience will wow Walt Disney World guests and Cirque du Soleil fans, while bringing timeless Disney stories to life in an unforgettable new way.

    Written and directed by Michel Laprise and with Fabrice Becker as Director of creation, this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering will open for previews March 20, 2020, and officially premiere April 17, 2020. The show will take residency at Disney Springs.

    Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group President and CEO Daniel Lamarre, says, “For Cirque du Soleil, this is a beautiful way of celebrating Disney’s legacy in the art of animation. This new and exciting production is most certainly the best way to highlight the privileged relationship we have with our colleagues at Walt Disney World and our joint commitment to continually bring audiences new experiences that surpass their expectations.”

    The show is a result of years of research and extraordinary collaboration that included extensive visits to Disney theme parks, Walt Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, The Walt Disney Family Museum, as well as hands-on work between Disney animators and Cirque du Soleil. In fact, the Cirque du Soleil teams collaborated extensively with legacy animators to create the show.

    ‘’What fascinates us is that moment when life appears in drawings. Just like in an acrobat’s body, the visceral physicality of animation. The way they perform, the way they create the illusion of life,’’ says Michel Laprise Writer and Show Director.

    ”In creating this show, we’ve brought to life an extraordinary new entertainment experience for the whole family,” said Josh, D’Amaro, president, Walt Disney World Resort, “It blends all the heart, humor and joy of Disney storytelling with new acrobatic performances and effects never before seen in a Cirque du Soleil production.”

    This new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.

  • Hasbro Unveils New Line of Baby Yoda Toys Now Available for Preorder

    Hasbro Unveils New Line of Baby Yoda Toys Now Available for Preorder

    Hasbro on Thursday unveiled its line of “Baby Yoda” toys and they are strong with the force!

    The new toy line-up includes the Hasbro Black Series high-quality collectible (comes with a small bone broth cup, ball toy and Sorgan frog) $9.99; a talking plush Child, $25; a 6.5 inch figure for $20; a Bounty Collection including six different figures for $8 each.

    Take a look below at some of the Baby Yoda toys now available for pre-order:

    A plush version of Baby Yoda ($24.99 at Walmart) has the ability to talk and make sounds, like the coos and meeps he’s vocalized in the show.

    Baby Yoda strikes six different poses in the 2.2-inch figures being sold in sets of two for $15.99 at Walmart.

    Star Wars The Child 6.5-inch Figure – $19.99 at Waltmart.

    “We’ve been so enamored with the conversation and fan reaction surrounding The Mandalorian’s The Child,” Samantha Lomow, president of Hasbro’s Entertainment Brands, said in a statement, “and we know Star Wars fans around the world will be thrilled to see this beloved character incorporated into the Hasbro Star Wars collection of products.”

    While you can pre-order these now, they are all coming out in May 2020.

  • New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland

    New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland

    The all-new “Magic Happens” parade will make its debut at Disneyland park, beginning Feb. 28, 2020.

    “Magic Happens” celebrates awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime spectacular down Main Street, U.S.A., revealing a parade of stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. “Magic Happens” will also feature an energetic musical score and a new song, co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall.

    Take a look below at some highlights of the new parade, including a few more sneak peeks:

    From Walt Disney Animation Studios’ record-breaking hit “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of an enchanted forest protected by Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf tag along.

    On her voyager canoe, Moana journeys forth on the crest of a towering wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings and inset with dazzling, animated glimpses into the magic the ocean holds.

    Joining Moana on her journey is legendary demigod, Maui, making his Disneyland Resort debut on his own magical island, along with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua.

    Miguel appears in person for the first time, celebrating the magic that happens when he strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco.” This spectacular float bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.

    The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” celebrates magical moments from several classic Disney stories, including the happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty” with a trio of fairies and Princess Aurora’s gown shimmering between hues of pink and blue.

    “Magic Happens” will remind us we don’t need wings to fly, that shooting stars were made to wish upon, and that magic doesn’t stop at midnight. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more fun details about this extraordinary parade, as we get closer to opening day on February 28!

  • Zootopia Land has Officially Begun Construction

    Zootopia Land has Officially Begun Construction

    Shanghai Disney Resort has announced that construction is now underway at Shanghai Disneyland’s immersive Zootopia expansion which will be the park’s eighth themed land.

    When Zootopia opens, guests will experience a new major attraction that seamlessly blends Disney’s storytelling and state-of-the-art technologies, as well as new entertainment, merchandise and food and beverage offerings that provide them with more to experience at Shanghai Disneyland than ever before.

    “This is an immensely exciting time for Shanghai Disney Resort and Zootopia fans alike,” said Joe Schott, president and general manager, Shanghai Disney Resort.

    The first-ever Zootopia-themed land will immerse guests in the world of the Academy Award-winning film, “where anyone can be anything.” The film was a global success that broke box office records in China to become the country’s No. 1 all-time highest grossing animated feature film. The film’s characters and stories have resonated strongly with Chinese guests, which has led to the success of Zootopia-themed merchandise, digital interactive games and more throughout the Chinese market.

    The film’s beloved characters Judy and Nick currently greet guests in Disney parks around the world and they will be joined by other favorites from the film in Shanghai Disneyland when the new land opens.

  • VIDEO: Coca-Cola Releases Bottles With Lightsabers That Light Up When You Touch Them

    VIDEO: Coca-Cola Releases Bottles With Lightsabers That Light Up When You Touch Them

    This is the Coke bottle you’re looking for! With the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in just ten days Coca-Cola has released a coke bottle that features Lightsabers that actually light up when you touch them!

    With the latest addition to the Star Wars marketing machine, Coca-Cola has created a bottle with a label that features Rey and Kylo Ren’s sabers and they actually light up blue and red. This illuminating effect comes from a specific type of battery-operated LED.

    Coca-Cola has wrapped its bottles in a thin flexible OLED panel and electronics, including a battery, allowing images to actually glow. Take a look at the instagram post below:

    On the down side, the bottles are only being made available in Singapore. Only 8,000 of them are being produced for Coca-Cola’s “No Sugar” drinks, and they’re being randomly distributed to 45 secret locations across the country to avoid long lines building up.

  • Igloo Releases New Mickey & Friends Cooler Collection

    Igloo Releases New Mickey & Friends Cooler Collection

    Igloo has partnered with Disney once again, this time to create special edition Mickey & Friends inspired Playmates perfect for you and all of your friends.

    Now you can keep your snacks and drinks chilled and handy with a new Disney Pal Playmate and it will only set you back $39.99.

    A tried-and-true favorite around the world, this versatile 9-can cooler features Igloo iconic tent-top design in a go-anywhere size perfect for average-sized lunch appetites at work or at play. Take a look below at all the designs:

    The Donald, Daisy and Pluto designs are already available, but the Goofy design will be released soon.

    With thes new additions the sensational six is complete, as Igloo already recently released a Playmate collection for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse fans alike as you can see below:

    “Mickey Mouse’s pet dog, Pluto, and his friends are always there for him much like the Playmate is for the serious cooler enthusiast so expanding this collection was a no brainer,” says Brian Garofalow, vice president, marketing and ecommerce, Igloo.