A petition calling for the removal of the principal at Walt Disney Magnet School on Chicago’s North Side has gained attention online.
Walt Disney Magnet School is an eleven-acre site located on Chicago’s lakefront. It opened in the 1970’s and was the first magnet school in the City of Chicago. There are approximately 1600 students in Pre-K through 8th grades.
The petition, posted online by Kathy Haggard, has gathered more than 1,100 signatures. In the petition, the principal, Dr. Kathleen Hagstrom, is accused of harassment, making inappropriate and racist comments and retaliating against people who’ve voiced concerns about her conduct.
According to the online pentition, Dr. Hagstrom has repeatedly called the police on African American and Latino students, which the writer described as a “scare tactic to force families to transfer from Disney.”
The mother of a student, who chose not to identify herself, said her fifth grade son has been severely bullied ever since he started at the school.
“It’s the person getting bullied. It’s their fault. That’s kind of the message I got,” the mother said.
Police reports filed on behalf of the boy outline numerous incidents involving doctor visits after every attack. The mother said Dr. Hagstrom suggested in an email that her son transfer schools.
“Very vulgar. Very intimidating,” the boy’s mother added. “Cut you off. You don’t get to say what you need to say. Not an open, fair conversation. This is the way it’s gonna go, and that’s it.”
The petition also included dozens of comments from alumni, parents and graduates who outlined their negative experiences with Dr. Hagstrom. A handful of commenters came to the principal’s defense.
Guests who purchase the Memory Maker option at Walt Disney World Resort can now purchase a Disney PhotoPass Archive USB Drive.
With this new product, all of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos viewable in your Disney account at the time of purchase are loaded onto a USB drive that’s easy to store and share.
So when you get home from vacation, you won’t have to worry about downloading your photos before they expire or trying to figure out where to store them. No copying and pasting or dragging and dropping! All you have to do is plug in your USB and relive the magic. There’s no easier way to preserve and enjoy your treasured Disney PhotoPass memories.
Unless you have a Disney World Annual Pass you should make final arrangements to purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to your vacation at the advance purchase price of $169 or you can purchase Memory Maker after your vacation for $199.
The Disney PhotoPass Archive USB is available for $34.95, plus applicable taxes and shipping fees, only at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass and only for guests with Memory Maker or a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit.
Did you know there’s a room hidden away at the back of the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot? It’s Christopher Robin’s room! And you’ll also find that a silly, willy, nilly old bear named Winnie-the-Pooh is now back to meet guests!
If you happen to stumble upon this room, which has been closed for about three years, you’ll find it filled with all kinds of items that might come in handy for fun adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s in the back of “The Toy Soldier,” which is filled with toys, and also serves as the Kidcot Fun Stop in the UK.
When we were there on October 2nd, Pooh was meeting twice a day from 1:30 – 3:30pm, and 5:30 – 7:30pm, but make sure you check the current Epcot ‘Times Guide’ on your visit to plan accordingly, as times can change.
Target wants to bring the magic of Disney to you! Today, The Walt Disney Company and Target Corporation launched the Disney store at Target in 25 select Target locations and a complementary online experience to help bring the magic of Disney to the joy of shopping at Target.
Guests can now access items previously only available at Disney retail locations, along with select Target exclusive Frozen 2 and Star Wars merchandise, just in time for Triple Force Friday and Frozen Fan Fest.
These new “shop-in-shop” locations have launched at 25 select Target stores, with 40 more opening by October 2020. The fun is also be available in a new digital experience at Target.com/Disneystore. Prices range from $2–$200, with many items under $20.
The Disney store at Target features more than 450 items including toys, games, apparel and accessories—with more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations. Guests will find favorites like Disney Princess, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Junior characters, Classic Disney plush, apparel, home and holiday products, along with collectibles like the Disney Animators’ Collection.
Target teams worked closely with Disney to co-develop and design the store experience with features like music, interactive displays, photo ops and a seating area where families can watch Disney movie clips.
Adding to the excitement, They are also open a new Target store near the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in 2021, to bring visiting families a little extra convenience.
Target CEO Brian Cornell joined Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, onstage at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, to announce this big news in front of a cheering crowd.
Best of all, the news means guests will be able to take advantage of all of their favorite Target benefits and services as they shop these in-store and online experiences. Use your Target REDcard to save 5% on every purchase, and choose from their same-day pickup, same-day delivery and free two-day shipping options to get your products in a snap.
Here’s a look at some of the merchandise Disney has released to commemorate the brand new nighttime spectacular now showing at Epcot.
‘Epcot Forever‘ is filled with fun elements like color changing kites that celebrate the fun-loving personality of everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! He’s featured on most of the new items, reminding us that all it takes is One Little Spark of Imagination!
Youth Shirt
Adult Shirt
There are two shirts available to all guests.
Passholder Hoodie
A raglan style hoodie only available to Passholders.
There’s an insulated coffee mug so you can take Figment with you on your commute, and an ornament so he can brighten your Christmas tree. All these items are available exclusively at Epcot, and ‘Epcot Forever’ won’t be around forever, so make sure you get yours soon!
These are the Minnie Ears you’re looking for! This Princess Leia Bun-inspired design from Ashley Eckstein is the newest edition to the Disney Parks Designer Collection and it’s landing in a galaxy near you on October 4.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, Eckstein will be on hand at Launch Bay Cargo in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to sign the newest Minnie ear headband on October 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Known to Star Wars fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, actress and entrepreneur, Ashley Eckstein, also founded Her Universe – the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand.
Wristbands will be distributed to guests at store open on the day of the signing with the purchase of the ear headband designed by Ashley. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet Ashley Eckstein and allows the guest to get two items signed. A limited number of wristbands will be available the day of the signing. Once the wristbands have been distributed, the line to meet Ashley Eckstein will close.
Merchandise available while supplies last. Only two (2) items will be signed per guest, per time in line. No personal items will be signed. Valid Walt Disney World Resort receipt may be required. Artist signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Theme park admission is required. Event information subject to change without notice.
Epcot is going to be seeing some out of this world changes in the next couple years! So, to help showcase these changes, the Odyssey building has been transformed into ‘Walt Disney Imagineering presents The Epcot Experience,’ which opened October 1st.
This new space is a must-see! Inside the Epcot Experience, which is on your left as you enter the World Showcase from Future World, you’ll find a 360 degree screen that plays a 12 minute movie that will completely immerse you in all the details – such as swirling cherry blossoms, a night sky full of floating lanterns, and booming fireworks. In the middle of this space is a 3-D model of all the areas in Epcot that will be effected. As the movie progresses thru all the changes that area of the map lights up and the entire model changes depending on what attraction they’re focusing on. For example, during the Ratatouille portion the whole map reflects that theme. The glass pyramid and Spaceship Earth both look like giant pieces of cheese, and little mouse shaped ride vehicles move through the map.
The movie begins with vintage footage of Walt reminding us that “the heart of everything we’ll be doing at Disneyworld will be…” Epcot. EPCOT will soon be labeled with four new neighborhoods. Each one will speak to important aspects of the world and it’s people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.
World Nature: Dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of Nature
This is the area that includes The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite you to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
World Discovery: Where Science , technology, and Space come to life
This is the area that includes Test Track
The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, you’ll discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, you’ll have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewindwill be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
World Celebration: Will offer new experiences that connect us to one another and the world around us
The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story. You will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
The narration during this part of the show is very vague, only saying it’s “A journey you may know well.” The only imagery during this portion is a night sky full of lanterns and floating faces of different ethnicities. The music and faces made me feel like I was riding through the ending of ‘Living With The Land.” All of this leads me to believe that Spaceship Earth is certainly going to be completely re-themed – so die hard Spaceship Earth fans should start preparing themselves for that now.
World Showcase: Will remain a celebration of culture, cuisine, and traditions – infused with new magic
In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more for you to discover, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where you’ll shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.
The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. You will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your adventure will begin.
In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
Watching this part of the show gave me goosebumps. I am SO excited for HarmonioUS! Expect a change from the message of Illuminations, as it seems like the new show will be centered around Disney movie music.
Before you leave the Epcot Experience make sure that you check out all the ride posters and Photo Ops! There are old attractions that aren’t around any more, current, and upcoming attractions to see. The Photo Ops put you in the middle of all four new rides – Ratatouille, Guardian’s of the Galaxy, Mary Poppins, and the re-imagined Spaceship Earth.
If you want to check out all the new experiences coming to Epcot make sure you contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to book your next Disney trip!
The brand new fireworks show, ‘Epcot Forever‘ was unveiled last night, and we can report that this nighttime spectacular is a Showstopper! Get ready, because this show is packed with new special effects and plenty of nostalgic music for long time Epcot fans.
The music in Epcot Forever will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of this amazing theme park. There are new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes threaded throughout the show, such as “One Little Spark” and “Tomorrow’s Child.” The music was performed by a talented choir of singers from across Central Florida, and recorded by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.
I was blown away by the new special effects kites! As the music from Soarin’ plays you see individual kites being pulled around World Showcase Lagoon with beautiful, color changing tails. Later in the show you see groups of 5 white kites that shoot sparklers as they glide though the air. The kites are impressive in size – you can even hear the tails rippling in the air as they pass! Epcot Forever also has a lot of fireworks than the previous show, Illuminations.
Epcot Forever runs about 12 minutes long, and you can view it anywhere throughout Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. My favorite spot is La Cantina de San Angel, the quick service restaurant in Mexico. If you can snag a seat next to railing you’ll have a great view of the show, and you can enjoy a delicious margarita while you watch!
Epcot Forever will only be shown for a limited-time before “HarmonioUS” starts in May of 2020, so make sure you plan a trip to see it soon! Contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for a Free quote for your next Disney vacation!
Across the canvas of a darkened sky, the new “Epcot Forever” nighttime spectacular debuting today at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the past, present and future of Epcot.
The new show is a showcase of soaring fireworks, inspiring music, lasers and colorful glowing kites flying above and around the park’s World Showcase Lagoon.
As the dramatic curtain-closer to each theme park day, the show takes guests on an emotional journey set to stirring renditions of Epcot music that guests will know and love. It will stoke fond memories from the park’s history and spur excitement for the bright future of Epcot – a future filled with new attractions and experiences as part of a multiyear transformation already underway.
“Epcot Forever” exemplifies the park’s founding principles – innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration. Children sing of “one little spark of inspiration” as guests marvel at fireworks that pinwheel, corkscrew and explode in giant aerial starbursts. As colorful pyrotechnics dance across the heavens, the Epcot story plays out to a grand orchestral soundtrack. Noted conductor and composer Don Harper produced new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to thread through the show.
Future World pavilions past and present inspire familiar themes, building to Epcot’s grandest moments. In one sequence, uplifting music from Soarin’ Around the World cues dazzling LED kites to crisscross the sky in a kaleidoscopic effect. Guests also will recognize cherished music from Epcot spectacles of the past, including the “Tapestry of Nations” parade.
Approaching its dramatic conclusion, the show pivots from the park’s familiar music to a new verse of “One Little Spark” celebrating the future of Epcot yet to come. As the music and fireworks build, “One Little Spark” transitions to a spectacular finale that brightens the sky one last time with fireworks and special effects.
“Epcot Forever” is set to perform into 2020, leading to the park’s next nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS.”
Disney has been turning out live-action remakes like a machine and now the company will reportedly begin production on an updated version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the spring.
Disney will go into production on its latest animated to live-action remakenext March in Vancouver, Canada, according to TheDisInsider.
News of a Disney live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dates back to 2016 when the project was first confirmed by Disney. Updates were scarce until earlier this year, when it was reported The Amazing Spider-Man helmer Marc Webb was being eyed to direct the project using a screenplay from The Girl on the Train screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson.
The report says Disney is now seeking actors for its central roles, including the titular princess, the Prince, the seven dwarfs and the Evil Queen, who doubles as an Old Hag.
Also possibly on board are Academy Award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), who created new music for Aladdin with Alan Menken. That film won Disney a magical $1.048 billion globally, making it the sixth highest-grossing film of the year. Disney followed Aladdin with another winning remake — the Jon Favreau-directed The Lion King — that roared to $1.63 billion worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2019 behind only Disney’s own Marvel Studios blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.
Disney’s president of production Sean Bailey — who has led the charge on mining Disney’s treasure trove of cherished animated films and translating them into modern reinterpretations that almost always go on to score big at the box office — has credited Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn with Disney’s decision to re-imagine its animated library.
“We were given an incredible opportunity to discover what we wanted to be as a live-action team. We were given a lot of latitude to think about what that was,” Bailey told Vulture in 2017. “We thought if Iron Man and Thor and Captain America are Marvel superheroes, then maybe Alice, Cinderella, Mowgli, and Belle are our superheroes, and Cruella and Maleficent are our supervillains. Maybe if there’s a way to reconnect with that affinity for what those characters mean to people in a way that gets the best talent and uses the best technology, that could become something really exciting. It feels very Disney, playing to the competitive advantages of this label.”
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.
