Disney News

Category: News

  • First Mickey Mouse-Themed Ride-Attraction Coming to Disneyland in 2022

    First Mickey Mouse-Themed Ride-Attraction Coming to Disneyland in 2022

    Oh boy! Friday, Disney announced that the first major Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction, called Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is coming to Disneyland park.

    Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, also planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2020 is coming to Mickey’s Toontown in 2022!

    On this new attraction, guests step through the movie screen and join Mickey and friends on a railway adventure as they take part in the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short.

    Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads you to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

    As you can see below, Disneyland Resort President Josh D’Amaro shared a fun photo of him getting a sneak peek of the plans!

    With an original story and lovable theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multi-dimensional experience.

  • Captain Minnie Mouse Set to Debut on Disney Cruise Line in April

    Captain Minnie Mouse Set to Debut on Disney Cruise Line in April

    Disney Cruise Line is making a splash with a new promotion for one of their crew members. Captain Minnie Mouse will make her debut this April to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry.

    Captain Minnie Mouse will be introduced along with new nautical youth programs and new scholarships designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry and chart a course for success.I

    Captain Minnie Mouse, in her crisp new uniform with smart white trousers or skirt and a bold red jacket emblazoned with captain’s insignia, will spread the message of exploring new horizons, both by land and by sea. Take a look below at the full details:

    Empowering Women through Maritime Scholarships

    This year, Disney Cruise Line will sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who aspire to be ship captains and shipboard leaders.The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, include two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.

    Nautical Fun for Children at Sea

    Onboard Disney Cruise Line ships later this year, Captain Minnie Mouse will appear in an all-new youth activity where young captain hopefuls practice STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in a fun maritime-themed activity. Children will hone their STEM and problem-solving abilities – skills that play an important role in the maritime industry – in a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

    The interactive experience will be a journey of discovery, exploration and imagination that will be offered in Disney’s Oceaneer Lab aboard all Disney ships.

    Why Knot – Taking Nautical Fun Ashore

    As part of a commitment to encourage future generations to pursue careers in the maritime industry, Captain Minnie Mouse will visit children in some of Disney Cruise Line’s homeports and ports of call. Children will have an opportunity to meet Captain Minnie Mouse and be inspired by her “can do” qualities and ability to tackle any goal she sets her mind to.

    As part of these local community visits, Captain Minnie Mouse will be accompanied by a female Disney Cruise Line officer or crew member to showcase their roles in the maritime industry and raise awareness about career choices for women aboard a cruise ship.

    Exclusive Captain Minnie Mouse Merchandise

    To celebrate the excitement of Captain Minnie Mouse at the helm, Disney Cruise Line is unveiling a special line of merchandise, exclusive to the Disney fleet. Items in the nautical-themed collection of apparel and gifts tout the tagline, “You Can Call Me Captain.” A brand-new Captain Minnie Mouse plush will be introduced this summer.

    In the future, girls will get to dress the part with a Captain Minnie Mouse makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, available exclusively on Disney ships. At this special salon, children can transform into seafaring captains, inspired by their favorite mouse.

  • VIDEO: Disney Reveals Inside Look at New Skyliner Cabins at Disney World

    VIDEO: Disney Reveals Inside Look at New Skyliner Cabins at Disney World

    Magic is definitely in the air as testing of Disney Skyliner cabins and other elements is well underway, and today Disney shared new details about this innovative transportation system including an inside look at the cabins.

    Disney Skyliner will offer guests sweeping views while whisking them between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and four Disney resort hotels. Each cabin can accommodate up to 10 guests, including those traveling with wheelchairs or assistive devices. And with the system constantly in motion, guests will arrive at their selected destinations in minutes while enjoying the comfort of cabins specifically tailored for the Florida climate.

    Check out the video below for a peek inside a Disney Skyliner cabin and to hear Walt Disney World Resort Senior Vice President Thomas Mazloum and Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Architect Dean Huspen tell you more about this unique transportation system.

    The nearly 300 guest cabin system is an all-new transportation experience set to debut this fall at Walt Disney World Resort.

  • Disney Pledges $5 Million to Support Rebuilding of Notre-Dame Cathedral

    Disney Pledges $5 Million to Support Rebuilding of Notre-Dame Cathedral

    The Walt Disney Company today announced it is committing $5 million to aid in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire that severely damaged the historic landmark this week.

    “Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

    In 1996, Disney released “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” an animated movie based on a novel written by Victor Hugo. Disney’s movie was nominated for an Academy Award for best music, original musical or comedy score.

    The Associated Press reported nearly $1 billion has been raised from “ordinary worshippers” to “high-powered magnates around the world” to reconstruct the beloved cathedral.

  • First International Food & Drink Fest Spices Up Shanghai Disney Resort

    First International Food & Drink Fest Spices Up Shanghai Disney Resort

    The first-ever International Food & Drink Fest is taking over Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort, now until May 4!

    Guests can take in fantastic flavors from around the world, join a cooking class and enjoy festival entertainment during this limited-time event surrounded by an abundance of beautiful blooms at the height of the spring season.

    Thirteen international food market booths feature regional cuisine from around the world: Spice Oasis, Slider Grill, Latin Cantina, Mushu House, Tribal Cottage, Hamm Hut, Italian Terrace, Ocean Grill, Seoul Snack, Manila Market, Tex-Mex, Berkshire House and Hawaii Sweet. Menus boast unique dishes created using fresh, healthy ingredients and a range of tasty beverages.

    The daily Disney · Chef Cooking Show at Disneytown’s Lakeshore Lawn extends the experience as guests watch and learn from local Disney chefs and culinary experts who showcase their techniques, insider tricks and helpful tips for a whole range of recipes. Hands-on masterclasses from professional chefs are also available in the fun signature Disney · Chef Studio. Free classes are open to guests of all ages several times a day from Monday through Friday, with paid tasting and cooking classes on the weekends.

    Throughout the festival, an impressive assortment of talented artists and live bands will be available to entertain guests in addition to live music, entertainment offerings and special activities. Guests can immerse themselves in the joy of the festival at the Open-Air Show held daily on the Disneytown stage.

    For a taste of the magic at home, guests can choose from more than 20 exclusive merchandise items from the Delicious Collection, including kitchenware, stationery, apparel and Mickey-shaped snack pins perfectly suited for foodies and Disney fans alike.

    Tickets are on sale now via the official Shanghai Disney Resort WeChat account and through the resort’s travel trade partner Meituan Dianping. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind foodie celebration only at Shanghai Disney Resort!

  • Specially Designed Coca-Cola Products Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Specially Designed Coca-Cola Products Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been carefully crafted to ensure an immersive experience that has never been seen before. To help bring the galaxy far far away to life, Disney had specially designed Coca-Cola bottles that are designed to fit authentically within the Star Wars universe.

    “As we were developing the incredible experiences that guests will explore when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, we knew that we wanted to create something truly special – something that will bring your own Star Wars adventure to life in a whole new way,” according to Disney Parks. “We reached out to our friends at Coca-Cola, and along with Lucasfilm Ltd. came up with the designs.

    Disney has a long history with Coca-Cola, dating back to the opening of Disneyland Park and the “Refreshment Corner” on Main Street, U.S.A. in 1955. These unique Coca-Cola products were created with storytelling in mind and are unlike anything we’ve done before – take a look below:

    You’ll have to see this cool packaging for yourself – it’s sure to be in high demand throughout the galaxy!

    Stay tuned to the Disney Dorks for more details and updates as we look forward to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on May 31 at Disneyland Park and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

  • BREAKING: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ First Teaser Trailer Released

    BREAKING: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ First Teaser Trailer Released

    Now this is the trailer you have been waiting for! Today Disney released the long anticipated teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode IX and they also revealed the name!

    The name of the film is “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams returns to helm the final chapter in the Skywalker saga.

    Lucasfilm debuted the first teaser trailer for the film during a panel today at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago. Take a look at the full teaser below:

    According to Abrams, the new installment takes place sometime after Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” in which Leia Organa’s Resistance movement was forced on the run and battered by the First Order.

    Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will also see the debut of Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. Franchise veterans Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels will reprise their roles of Luke Skywalker and C-3PO, respectively, with the new film also seeing the return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian for the first time since 1983’s “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”.

    Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on Dec. 20, 2019.

  • Disney Announces Disney+ will launch November 12, at $6.99 a Month

    Disney Announces Disney+ will launch November 12, at $6.99 a Month

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

    That is cheaper than rival Netflix, which charges $13 per month for its most popular streaming plan. But the Disney service has a narrower focus on family-friendly shows and movies.

    The company is announcing details of its long-awaited streaming service at an event in Burbank, California, on Thursday.

    The streaming service is expected to take on rivals Netflix, HBO Go and Showtime Anytime. Disney also owns a controlling stake in streaming service Hulu.

    Disney ended a lucrative licensing relationship with Netflix in order to create the streaming service and faces challenges as it builds a service to compete with the entrenched streaming leaders.

  • Disney Reveals Test Footage of New Nighttime Spectacular Replacing Illuminations at Epcot

    Disney Reveals Test Footage of New Nighttime Spectacular Replacing Illuminations at Epcot

    As we previously reported, Disney is ending the nearly 20 year run of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth as Epcot’s nighttime spectacular and they have now released test footage of some of the new technology that will be featured in the shows replacement as well as premiere dates.

    We will bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot on September 30, 2019 and the new show “Epcot Forever” will debut in it’s place the following night on October 1, 2019. The all-new, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites.

    The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot. Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come. Take as look at the video below:

    Disney Parks Live Entertainment is busy getting “Epcot Forever” ready for its opening day. Show Director Alan Bruun recently shared some details about the concept behind the show and the team’s collaboration with noted conductor and composer Don Harper, who is producing new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to weave into the soundtrack of “Epcot Forever.”

    “Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when the next epic nighttime extravaganza makes its debut.

  • BREAKING: Disney Releases First Full Trailer for ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Remake

    BREAKING: Disney Releases First Full Trailer for ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Remake

    Disney has just released the first full length trailer for Jon Favreau’s upcoming live-action “Lion King” adaptation and it’s a thing of pride!

    The new clip, featuring amazingly realistic footage of the African savannah filled with giraffes, antelopes, and zebras, begins with Simba getting some advice from his wicked uncle Scar.

    Get your first look at the entire trailer below:

    “Life’s not fair is it, my little friend?” Scar asks a timid Simba. “While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps.”

    Mufasa then offers some sage wisdom, telling Simba: “You must take your place in the circle of life.”

    “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance,” Mufasa says. “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.”

    The trailer also features the first, albeit brief, taste of a musical number. The clip ends with Timbon and Pumbaa singing “A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh” from “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

    Donald Glover leads the cast as young Lion Simba who loses his dad, while Beyonce — who is credited in the trailer with her last name, Knowles — voices Nala, a childhood friend and later love interest to Simba. The cast includes James Earl Jones reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Simba’s father Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother Sarabi, with child actor JD McCrary playing the young version of Simba. Shahadi Wright Joseph is voicing the young Nala, while John Kani voices the baboon Rafiki and John Oliver playing Mufasa’s confidant, the hornbill Zazu.

    The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019. Favreau previously had huge success with his remake of The Jungle Book, which grossed $966 million globally.

    The original Lion King grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice. Favreau’s Lion King is set to open July 19, 2019.