Disney News

Category: News

  • Oswald the Lucky Rabbit TV Series in the Works for Disney+

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit TV Series in the Works for Disney+

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit may be getting his own series on, Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+.

    Disney hasn’t made an announcement about the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series, but writer Christopher Painter (SpongeBob SquarePants) seems to have confirmed the new project.

    His online resume lists a new series called Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in the “Animated Television” section. Painter lists himself as a writer on the series for “multiple episodes.”

    Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is an anthropomorphic rabbit and animated cartoon character created by Walt Disney for cartoon animal films and distributed by Universal Studios in the 1920s and 1930s, serving as the Disney studio’s first animated character to feature in their own series. A total of 27 animated Oswald one-reelers were produced at Walt Disney Animation Studios (the Walt Disney Studio at the time).

    In 1928, Charles Mintz took the rights of Oswald from Walt Disney and claimed Oswald as an official Universal Studios character. In November 1928, as a replacement to compete with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Mickey Mouse for the Walt Disney Studio.

    It wasn’t until 2006 that The Walt Disney Company was able to re-acquired the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back from NBC Universal. ESPN’s parent company traded the contract of NFL play-by-play analyst Al Michaels to NBC Universal in exchange for various sports considerations and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

    Disney says its new streaming service, Disney+, will cost $6.99 per month when it launches in the U.S. on November 12.

  • Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dead at 20

    Actor Cameron Boyce, best known for his role as the teenage son of Cruella de Vil in the Disney Channel franchise “Descendants,” has died at the age of 20.

    Boyce, who played Carlos de Vil in the “Descendants” movies, died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his spokesperson.

    An official cause of death has not been announced, but his family released a statement Sunday saying Boyce “passed away in his sleep due to a seizure that was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.

    “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken,” the family statement said.

    According to his bio on the Disney Channel, Boyce was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was a dancer who got his acting start in commercials, then television and film. Boyce starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups” and “Grown Ups 2,” and other film credits include “Mirrors,” ”Eagle Eye” and the indie feature “Runt.” He also starred in the upcoming HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher.”

    A Disney Channel spokesperson released a statement Sunday saying that from a young age, Boyce dreamed of sharing his artistic talents with the world and was fueled by a desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives through his humanitarian work.

    “He was an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person and, above all else, he was a loving and dedicated son, brother, grandson and friend,” the statement said. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family, castmates and colleagues and join his many millions of fans in grieving his untimely passing. He will be dearly missed.”

    “Descendants 3” is scheduled for release in August.

  • Disneyland Shuts Down Rides After Earthquakes Hit Southern California

    Disneyland Shuts Down Rides After Earthquakes Hit Southern California

    Friday, after a large earthquake shook Southern California for a second day in row, Disneyland Resort temporarily shut down rides once again.

    The Friday night quake, with a magnitude of 7.1, jolted much of California was preceded by Thursday’s 6.4-magnitude temblor in the Mojave Desert.

    Although Disneyland is located about 160 miles southwest of Ridgecrest, where the epicenter was located, the quake was felt throughout the Anaheim theme park.

    Following Thursday’s magnitude 6.4 temblor in Kern County, a Disneyland spokesperson said earthquakes typically prompt the closure and inspection of the park’s rides before they are reopened.

    Seismologists warned that large aftershocks were expected to continue for days, if not weeks.

  • Today in Disney History: Walt Purchases Disney Studios on Hyperion Ave

    Today in Disney History: Walt Purchases Disney Studios on Hyperion Ave

    On this day in 1926, Walt and Roy Disney put down a $400 deposit on a lot at 2719 Hyperion Ave., where they plan to build a new animation studio in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles, California.

    Their neighbors were a gas station and an organ factory. The new studio included two small offices for Walt and Roy Disney, a camera room, and a large partitioned work area for the animators and ink and paint staff. The building will serve as the Disney’s base for the next fifteen years.

    The original Disney Studio had been in the back half of a real estate office on Kingswell Avenue in Hollywood, but soon Walt had enough money to move next door and rent a whole store for his studio. That small studio was sufficient for a couple of years, but the company eventually outgrew it, and Walt had to look elsewhere. He found an ideal piece of property on Hyperion Avenue in Hollywood, built a studio, and in 1926, moved his staff to the new facility.

    It was at the Hyperion Studio, after the loss of Oswald, that Walt had to come up with a new character, and that character was Mickey Mouse. With his chief animator, Ub Iwerks, Walt designed the famous mouse and gave him a personality that endeared him to all. Ub animated two Mickey Mouse cartoons, but Walt was unable to sell them because they were silent films, and sound was revolutionizing the movie industry. So, they made a third Mickey Mouse cartoon, this time with fully synchronized sound, and Steamboat Willie opened to rave reviews at the Colony Theater in New York November 18, 1928. A cartoon star, Mickey Mouse, was born. The new character was immediately popular, and, a lengthy series of Mickey Mouse cartoons followed.

    As Walt and his animators became more creative and innovative technically and artistically, the studio had to grow to meet the demands of Walt’s vision. During the next four years the original studio building went through several renovations and additions until a two-story building called “Animator’s Building # 1” and a sound stage were added in 1931. Walt and Roy purchased additional plots of land surrounding the studio and built the “Animator’s Building #2/Shorts Building”in 1934, Ink and Paint and Annex buildings in 1935, and a “Features Building” in 1937. Several other smaller buildings were constructed on the property, including a Wurlitzer Organ building, warehouse, film vaults, sound stage monitor room, camera room, and a garage for Mickey Mouse’s car.

  • Disney World Buses Get a New Design and USB Charging Ports

    Disney World Buses Get a New Design and USB Charging Ports

    Today, Disney announced that Disney Transportation buses at Disney World are beginning a major make over including a new design and some with USB charging ports.

    The next time you are at a Walt Disney World Resort bus loop, be on the lookout for Mickey and his friends!

    This month, Walt Disney World buses are taking on a new look, adorned with the sensational six: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. From the red and yellow colors of Mickey’s attire, to the iconic Minnie polka dots and the pastel hues of Daisy, you will now arrive at your favorite destinations in full Disney style, riding along with these beloved Disney characters. Take an up close look at some of the new designs below:

    And as if boarding a colorful bus worthy of a selfie isn’t enough, you will also enjoy refreshed interiors that include brand new blue seats and laminate floors.

    Some Walt Disney World buses will also have USB charging ports conveniently located between seats throughout, so you can stay in touch with family and friends and keep your cameras ready to capture every minute of your dream vacation. 

    The new buses sure do bring a fun look to the complimentary Walt Disney World transportation that resort guests can enjoy throughout their vacations!

  • New Little Mermaid Minnie Ears at Disney Parks are Too Flippin Cute

    New Little Mermaid Minnie Ears at Disney Parks are Too Flippin Cute

    Disney has released a new pair of Minnie Ears inspired by Aerial and “The Little Mermaid” and you may have whozits and whatzits galore, but your going to want these to be part of your world!

    The ears are designed from a pair of purple clamshells embroidered with gold stripes and a large, seafoam-sequined bow adorns the middle of the ears. The blue velvet headband features a swimming mermaid on one side and the phrase, “Mermaid Hair Don’t Care” on the other.

    This thingamabob is from a new collection celebrating the 30th anniversary of “The Little Mermaid.” Take a look below:

    These new amazing Minnie ears will set you back $27.99, but will make the perfect edition to your ever growing collection of thingamabobs.

    You can find the new Minnie Ears at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and on shopDisney.com on July 8th.

    You want Minnie Ears? I got twenty! (okay, a lot more than 20) But who cares? No big deal I want more!

  • Watch 4th of July Fireworks From Magic Kingdom Park LIVE Streamed Right Here

    Watch 4th of July Fireworks From Magic Kingdom Park LIVE Streamed Right Here

    If you’re looking for the best fireworks display to watch this Independence Day, then look no further, because no one does fireworks better than Disney! Tonight Magic Kingdom Park will offer a special July 4 live stream of their dazzling fireworks display and you can watch it right here.

    The Independence Day display is called “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” and will offer booming fireworks orchestrated to patriotic melodies at Magic Kingdom Park.

    The partiotic fireworks spectacular will begin at 9:10 p.m. ET, live from Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort and you can watch it below:

    Disney Parks will be celebrating the fun of summer before and after the show. You can take a look at the complete guide to celebrating the 4th of July at Disney parks here.

    In the meantime, tell us in the comments where in the world you’re watching from and who you’re watching with!

  • Complete Guide to Celebrating the Fourth of July at Disney Parks

    Complete Guide to Celebrating the Fourth of July at Disney Parks

    The Fourth of July is here and Disney Parks is celebrating our nation’s birthday with entertainment, scrumptious treats and patriotic pageantry at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

    Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July and Disney Parks, and on Independence Day 2019, Disney theme parks will offer guests a bevy of booming delights painting the sky Red, White and Blue, but also so much more.

    Take a look below at what’s going on today at Disney Parks, including LIVE coverage from Magic Kingdom Park:

    Walt Disney World

    Magic Kingdom Park – “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will offer booming fireworks orchestrated to patriotic melodies at Magic Kingdom Park on both July 3 and July 4 at 9:15 p.m. Fans who are not able to join in the Independence Day celebration at the park can view a special July 4 live stream of the dazzling fireworks display right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Here’s more entertainment planned at Magic Kingdom Park: 

    • A fuzzy cast of Muppets – Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends will reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way during “The Muppets Present … Great Moments in History.” The live show is performed several times daily near the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square.
    • Guests can dance the night away with DJs spinning tunes at a Hoedown Throwdown in Frontierland and an out-of-this-world Galactic Gathering in Tomorrowland. 

    Epcot –   “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will end its nearly 20-year run on September 30, 2019. So this will be the last chance to experience the patriotic Fourth of July grand finale of this beloved nighttime spectacular. “The Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks extravaganza will begin immediately following the 9 p.m. “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” display.  Here’s more entertainment planned at Epcot: 

    • The Voices of Liberty will perform great American tunes during a Fourth of July concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. on July 4. The group also will perform in the rotunda inside The American Adventure pavilion at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
    • Guests can meet favorite Disney characters donning their “Spirit of 76” patriotic attire at The American Adventure throughout the day on July 4.
    • And guests can indulge in themed eats and sips honoring Independence Day throughout the park – everything from patriotic cupcakes and special dining packages to red, white, and blue sangria and a Boom Berry Lemonade.

    Also, be on the lookout for special Fourth of July decor at Disney Springs and specialty Food and Beverage items at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and at select Walt Disney World Resorts. 

    Disneyland Resort  

    For America’s Birthday at Disneyland park on July 4only, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will animate the night with star-spangled spirit to the sounds of patriotic songs.

    From Disneyland Railroad, to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, to Frontierland and Mark Twain Riverboat, to the flag retreat ceremony saluting visiting members of the armed forces, America is celebrated daily throughout Disneyland. 

    But wait… There’s more! Here’s what else guests will find throughout the resort:

    At Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on July 4 only, from 3-10 p.m., guests will discover a Fourth of July family BBQ at the rooftop The Sand Bar, with live music starting at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks from Disneyland park at 9:30 p.m. A special a la carte menu will feature short rib brisket burgers, all-beef hot dogs, street corn on the cob and specialty drinks. Complimentary family activities and face painting are also in store. Subject to availability. This offering is open to the public and does not require a hotel reservation.

    At Disneyland Hotel, on July 4 only, from 12-4 p.m., hotel guests of all ages can get in the patriotic spirit with family activities, live music, complimentary face painting, caricatures and tasty delights on the hotel’s Magic Kingdom Lawn. Subject to availability.

  • Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Disney’s Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel

    Halle Bailey will be part of Disney’s world. Disney announced today, the R&B singer and actress has been cast as Ariel in Disney’s next live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”

    “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall said in a statement.

    Bailey, best known for her work on Freeform’s Grown-ish and as one half of the singing duo Chloe x Halle took to Twitter immediately after the news broke to share her excitement as you can see in the post below:

    Bailey is joining a cast that includes Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, while Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula.

    The story centers on the mermaid Ariel who yearns to live among humans and finds her wish granted when she trades her voice for legs from the sea witch, Ursula.

    “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall is helming. The film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee wrote the script.

    David Magee wrote the latest script for the reboot after Jane Goldman. Marc Platt, Marshall, Miranda and John DeLuca are producers. No release date has been set yet.

  • BREAKING: Electric Umbrella Restaurant Closing This Winter at Epcot

    BREAKING: Electric Umbrella Restaurant Closing This Winter at Epcot

    As part of the exciting transformation of Epcot, Disney has confirmed that Electric Umbrella Restaurant is scheduled to close this winter.

    The popular quick service restaurant is located next to Innovations East in Future World and serves classic fare like burgers, chicken breast nuggets, desserts and soft drinks.

    Right now you can dine outdoors under the cool shade of a canopy—or enjoy indoor seating amid colorful ambiance, but whether the quick service restaurant is being reimagined during the transformation or relocated elsewhere is still not clear.

    According to Disney, “New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.”

    Though the exact date of the closure is yet to be officially announced, the last day that operating hours are listed is Saturday, November 23, 2019.

    Additional information about Epcot’s future will be announced during the upcoming D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.