Category: Uncategorized

Rumor: New Name For Hollywood Studios Has Been Decided
Disney may have finally settled on a new name for Disney Hollywood Studios. Several “Disney insiders” have reported that Disney has chosen “Disney Cinemagine Park” as the new name for the park. The possible new name isn’t one of the more popular choices, but here’s what we know so far.

Rumors of a name change for Disney’s Hollywood studios have been swirling around since Disney CEO Bob Iger, not so subtly, hinted about it at a shareholder meeting back in 2015.

“It’s not announced. We used to be MGM Studios, we changed to Hollywood Studios and we’re doing some significant work there right now that I guess will result in a name change,” Iger said at the meeting. “We’ll announce that we’re changing the name, but we won’t announce what we’re changing it to. How’s that?” he continued.

With the new direction the park is heading the idea of a name change wasn’t that far-fetched. There wasn’t really any more news on the topic until reports surfaced back in August that several Disney fans had received a survey asking their opinions of several potential new names for the park. Here is a list of the names they had to ponder:
- Disney Kaleidoscope Park
- Disney Storyverse Park
- Disney Hyperia Park
- Disney Beyond Park
- Disney Cinemagic Park
- Disney Legends Park
- Disney XL Park
- Disney Cinemagine Park
Now the rumor mills are in full swing again with reports that the company has decided on “Disney Cinemagine Park” as the new name for Disney-MGM 3.0. Co Author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World Len Testa, posted on the WDWMagic forums about the change. “I also hear that Disney has settled on ‘Disney Cinemagine Park’ for the DHS rename.”

Rumor Update courtesy of @lentesta: Disney’s Hollywood Studios new name to be Disney Cinemagine Park? Full Rumor Tracker here: https://t.co/7JrHjp7GF6

— WDW Theme Parks (@WDWThemeParks) January 25, 2018

We should point out that Len Testa and his podcast co-host Jim Hill both were among those who said Disney had decided on “Hollywood Adventure” as the name before the surveys were passed out. Quite frankly I still hope that is true. Too bad it wasn’t on the survey.

Already many fans are not happy with the new possibility, and are complaining that its hard to pronounce and to spell. There are just as many changes happening at Hollywood Studios as there are rumors, and nothing is official until Disney says it is. So like all rumors, take it for what it’s worth.

For now we’ll hope it’s just a rumor, but a name change is most certainly coming. Many speculating that change will come before the opening of Galaxy’s Edge or at least right after. Regardless, we should see the name change within the next three years.
January 30, 2018
Disney Launches A Nationwide Filmmaking Competition

Nissan and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures have created a nationwide filmmaking competition for the upcoming release of “A Wrinkle in Time,” directed by Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Ava DuVernay.

A contest created just for those who are looking to be the next big filmmaker. “Searching for the Next Visionary Filmmaker” contest will be sponsored by Nissan. Essentially, those aged 18 and up can submit a two-minute video that discusses their journey as a filmmaker. The more imaginative, the better. The only criteria other than age is that the key dialogue from the film, “Be a Warrior,” must be included.

Director Ava DuVernay has this to say about the contest in a statement.

“I’m thrilled to stand with Nissan and Disney to launch this dynamic contest with the goal of supporting an emerging filmmaker to think big, be bold and move forward bravely.”

Why participate? Because you can win a $100,000 prize and a trip to Hollywood to attend the premiere of A Wrinkle in Time. And just as icing on the cake, you also win an all-new Nissan Leaf.

THE “SEARCH FOR THE NEXT VISIONARY FILMMAKER” WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

The chance to meet “A Wrinkle in Time” director Ava DuVernay at the world premiere

$100,000 to create their own film

An all-new zero emissions 2018 Nissan LEAF

A paid trip to Hollywood for the film’s premiere including airfare and accommodation

A computer to assist in their future filmmaking

Official contest rules are available at AWITFilmChallenge.com.

January 27, 2018
Coast Guard Medevacs Disney Dream Passenger Due To Medical Complications

The Disney Dream had just set sail Thursday when the Coast Guard had to be called to medevac a 46-year-old man due to medical complications.

The ship was 78 miles southeast of West Palm Beach when the Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received a medevac request. One of the ships passengers was experiencing medical complications and needed higher care than was available aboard the ship. They quickly directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist.

‘This was one of those times where every second counted, and I’m very grateful for the professionalism of the Disney crew and the hospital staff in their efforts to transport the patient as safely and efficiently as possible,’ said Lt. Michael Wightman, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander. ‘The entire flight crew wishes for the patient’s speedy recovery and a safe return home.’

The helicopter crew arrived on scene with the vessel, hoisted the patient and flew him to Saint Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach for further medical care.

January 26, 2018
Dad Who Wore T-Shirt Asking For A Kidney to Disney World Finds A Donor

Father of five, Robert Leibowitz, was in need of a life saving organ transplant and he went to Walt Disney World in Orlando hoping for a little magic. He turned himself into a walking billboard wearing a T-Shirt advertising his need for a kidney around the park.

Leibowitz walked around the park, for a week, wearing a T-shirt that read: “In Need of Kidney. O Positive.” The message had his cell phone number written below it and after park-goers snapped photos and videos of the shirt and shared them on social media the story quickly went viral. One post saw 90,000 shares with in the first week.
That was about 5 months ago, but he has finally found the Disney magic he was hoping for and now he has found a donor. Leibowitz, 60, had suffered from chronic kidney disease for 15 years.

Richie Sully from Fort Wayne, Indiana saw the photo and decided to take action, according to the report from WPIX.

Sully left a voicemail after calling the number saying simply, “Hi, my name is Richie. I saw your post. I have an extra kidney. I’m O-positive. You’re more than welcome to have it.”

Also a single dad, Sully who has two girls, took off from work and went to New York where he stayed in a hotel for two weeks on his own dime. He was able to meet Liebowitz and he spent time with him everyday.

“We walked around Manhattan for, like, six hours and we had sushi and he took me to Times Square and we talked about music and about being dads and things like that and really hit it off,” he said.

Thursday, Sully underwent surgery beside his new friend at New York Presbyterian Hospital according to the report.

“It’s not a big deal,” Sully said of the procedure, but for Rob Liebowitz and his family, it’s a very big deal.

“I keep saying, ‘Thank you,’” Liebowitz said. “But you can’t put into words what he did for me, so I’ll have to figure out how to do the best I can for the rest of my life.”

January 25, 2018
NFL Pro Bowl Week at Walt Disney World Resort

The Super Bowl teams are set for the biggest game of the year and that means the Pro Bowl isn’t too far away. Walt Disney World Resort will be kicking off NFL Pro Bowl Week and there are plenty of ways to catch the action.

All of the key Pro Bowl Week activities take place at our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and many are free and open to the public, including the team practices. The AFC and NFC teams are training Wednesday starting at 10:30 and Thursday-Saturday starting at 11:30 am.

Fans can also cheer on their favorite players from the AFC and NFC as they go against each other in unique competitions at the 2018 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown. Tickets are limited – register here.

In addition to watching the players practice, fans can test their own football skills the NFL Pro Bowl Experience – a free, interactive fan zone with fun activities for the whole family. Open daily at 10 a.m. starting Wednesday, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience gives fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action with new football-related activities, immersive exhibits and sponsor activations.

After watching the pros, fans can get a look at the future at one of the NFL’s premier youth football events – the NFL FLAG Championships on Friday and Saturday. Fans interested in exclusive access to NFL-themed games and activities, youth football clinics and more, must register for the NFL Fan Mobile Pass.

The Pro Bowl fun extends beyond the field, too. There’s a Pro Bowl Fun Run Series at the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday at 1 pm. The event features distances for runners of all ages and abilities, and participants will receive a finisher medallion, a race bib and a commemorative item, plus post-race refreshments. Runners can also expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots along the way. Spots are still available here.

With complimentary parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, fans can partake in all of the exciting Pro Bowl action all week long! Fans can also head over to Disney Springs to catch the NFL Pro Bowl All-Star Pep Rally starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. The Pep Rally will feature special entertainment, games, NFL Cheerleaders and Mascot appearances, and more!

Those are just some of the many Pro Bowl Week activities here. To learn more ways to get in on the action or to purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Camping World Stadium, visit http://www.nfl.com/probowl.

January 22, 2018
Rock The Dots With Minnie Mouse Send-Off Celebration at Disney Parks

Minnie Mouse is finally getting the recognition she deserves as she will soon be honored with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate, Disney Springs in Florida and Downtown Disney District in California will once again host a special event to honor Minnie’s iconic polka dot infused style where you too can ‘Rock the Dots’!

Taking place the day prior to National Polka Dot Day, on Sunday, January 21, guests will be invited to participate in a variety of fun offerings where you can rock your dots!

Minnie will receive the star during a special unveiling ceremony on Monday, January 22 – but before she leaves on her grand Hollywood adventure, we’re going to give her a special send-off live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida this Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. ET! Minnie hopes to see as many guests as possible dressed in her signature red, white and black polka dots at the park that day!

Commemorative buttons will be given out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort while supplies last.

Here is what you can expect when you rock the dots:

IN FLORIDA:
Guests can discover over fifteen retail offers from Jan 18 – Jan 22, including savings at American Threads, Basin, Arribas Brothers, JOHNNY WAS, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International, Sperry, Sugarboo & Co. and Volcom. At Alex and Ani, the first 100 guests each day will receive a free gift along with daily in-store surprises. At Coach, a free gift with any purchase is in the bag for all event guests. M.A.C. Cosmetics is also participating with a complimentary “mini” Minnie-inspired demo. A handful of food and beverage locations (Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, Paddlefish, D-Luxe Burger, The Ganachery and Sprinkles) will feature discounts and/or Minnie-themed products as well, so bring your appetite, too.

On January 21, the main event showcases a DJ Dance Party in the heart of Town Center from 1 – 6 p.m. where Minnie Mouse will make frequent appearances. I’ve been told to expect a few wardrobe changes, and can’t wait to see which of her many signature looks she’ll sport. Keep an eye out for a photo backdrop sponsored by PANDORA Jewelry; Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames to ensure you strike your most stylish pose. If you want to start the party early, Paddlefish will offer a “polka dot brunch” from 12 – 3 p.m. that infuses a bit of pampering to the meal: complimentary hand massages from L’Occitane and make-up applications from Sephora are on the menu.

IN CALIFORNIA:
Guests at Downtown Disney District in California can also look forward to Minnie Mouse-inspired activations throughout the day on Sunday, January 21. Shoppers will be treated to polka dot and event specific product, including exclusive Minnie Rocks the Dots product at World of Disney, Minnie Mouse-inspired makeovers at Sephora, and polka dot TOMS shoes at Curl Surf. For foodies, adorable Minnie Mouse specialty apples have been created, the popular polka dot milkshake makes a return visit at Uva Bar, and fun polka dot pepperoni pizzas are available at Wetzel’s Pretzels. That’s just a small sampling of what’s in store. You’ll want to pick up a brochure starting January 18, 2018 for full discount and product details.

A DJ Dance Party will keep thing rockin’ in Downtown Disney District on January 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. As in Florida, PANDORA Jewelry has also sponsored a photo opportunity with Disney PhotoPass photographers on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames. Plus, you never know who may stop by!

Can’t make it to the send-off in person? Tune in for a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of this milestone in Disney history. And share your Minnie photos with us on Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE.

January 18, 2018
Monorail Doors Open While In Motion With Guests On Board

Please stand clear of the doors… In this case, that’s a warning that shouldn’t be taken lightly as Monorail Red took off with passengers inside and the doors still open. Several days ago the monorail doors malfunctioned on its way to Epcot at Walt Disney World.

We all know that love is an open door, of course that’s only as long as it’s not a monorail door. A video posted to social media recently is quite concerning as a door on one of the Disney World monorails was open while the train was in motion.

Monorail red is not having a good day and I’m having a panic attack. #disney #monorail #thisisfine #callmaintenance

A post shared by abbieprimeknits (@abbieprimeknits) on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:45am PST

As you can see in the video, guests were on board the monorail at the time of the incident and though they may be giggling at the mishap this was clearly an unsafe situation.

The person who posted the video wrote in the post, “Monorail red is not having a good day and I’m having a panic attack.”

A second video uploaded by the same user showed the door remained open as it arrived at the Epcot station.

I need a drink. @disney, guys, you gotta get on this, what if somebody had fallen?

A post shared by abbieprimeknits (@abbieprimeknits) on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:56am PST

It’s unclear, at this point, how the doors opened in the first place, but no injuries were reported.

To make sure this doesn’t happen the doors of each monorail car are equipped with sensors that alert the driver if any doors are still open before they depart. Obviously this system must have malfunctioned in this case. Lucky no one was hurt during the incident.

Stickers were recently placed on the monorail doors by Disney that read: “Caution: Do not lean against door.” It’s not clear if the warning signs were in response to the incident.

January 9, 2018
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Disney Sea & Shore Week

Wouldn’t it be great if buying a Disney Cruise was as simple as Buying a vowel on Wheel of Fortune? Well now it just might be! Tune into Wheel of Fortune for Disney Sea & Shore week for your chance to win right from home.

It’s the fourth annual Disney Sea & Shore Week, and you’ll get to preview all of the amazing Disney Destinations you can find on a Disney cruise or Adventures by Disney. And you can play along, as fantastic contestants solve challenging puzzles.

And here’s the best part of all! Watching could even win you a pretty amazing Disney Cruise Line Vacation, as well – but, you’ll have to tune in to win!

Over the past few years, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the whole “Wheel” have traveled with us on Adventures by Disney trips, to Aulani, and on our cruise Ships – and you’ll get to experience some of those adventures during the week, too.

Disney had a fantastic time taping these episodes at the “Wheel of Fortune” Sound Stage in Culver City, California. “We wanted to share a couple of pictures, including this pretty cool behind-the-scenes shot of a slightly oversized Disney Cruise Line Life Preserver”, Disney said on its Parks Blog.

There’s even more Disney excitement on “Wheel” this season – stay tuned for more info on that soon. In the meantime, check your local listings for time and channel.

January 9, 2018
Disney Patent Hints at Possible Lightsaber Experience

Disney is constantly exploring new technologies to help immerse their guests into the worlds they bring to life and a recently published patent reveals possible new plans for “Star Wars” lightsabers. If you are a Star Wars fan then this is the technology you’re looking for.

The application from Disney Enterprises hints at a possible “Star Wars” lightsaber experience. Filed in September 2017, the patent is, not so simply titled, “systems and methods for augmenting an appearance of a hilt to simulate a bladed weapon.”

Included in the document summary it describes, “an overlay image” being used to create the blade portion of the weapon which would give the appearance that the “blade of the bladed weapon is attached to the hilt.” The most likely scenario is that an overlay image would likely be seen through an augmented reality headset of some sort.

“In some implementations, the display may include one or more of a head-mounted display, an optical head-mounted display, a see-through display, an optical see-through display, a video see-through display, a visor, eyeglasses, and/or other display,” the document states.

The hilt could be configured for a vast array of experiences with this technology. The weapon could be “broadsword, an axe, or a katana,” the document states. This leaves open the option for Disney to be able to use the tech in a variety of different attractions beyond the Star Wars universe.

The new patent comes after what seems to be a related patent was published in 2016, which suggested plans for an “audience interaction projection system” with real-life lightsabers that actually allows guests operate them via a projection system.

“An entertainment environment has a user with a faux light saber that interacts with a drone flying through the air or operated with hidden rods to appear as if it is flying through the air,” according to the patent.

Disney files hundreds of patents and many never come to fruition, but it gives us a peek into what Disney’s creative team is working on to raise the bar on theme park experiences.

It’s not a far stretch to imagine Disney bringing this technology to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge if they do move forward with the technology. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019.

There is no official word on whether this technology will be brought to the theme parks at this time, but it’s really exciting to think about.

January 8, 2018
runDisney Announces First Ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon

If you love to run this is the marathon you’re looking for. runDisney is giving runners everywhere the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon and earn an out of this galaxy Star Wars-themed medal.

Starting January 3 – February 28, you can register for the new virtual race at runDisney.com or at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 3-6. Complete 13.1 miles in your neighborhood, on a treadmill or wherever you enjoy running by March 31 to earn your one-of-a-kind Star Wars hardware.

This new virtual run experience also includes the 2018 runDisney Kessel Run Challenge, offering runners the chance to earn a special challenge medal for completing both the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon from home and the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon on April 22 at Walt Disney World Resort.

As part of the registration process participants will have the opportunity to make a donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change. Starlight Children’s Foundation brings joy and comfort to hospitalized children and their families through programs at children’s hospitals around the world.

runDisney will also be making an independent donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation in honor of the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon.

January 4, 2018