Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    New facial recognition technology is now being tested at Magic Kingdom theme park in Disney World.

    “At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience – especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19,” Disney said on its website. “With the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences, we’re conducting a limited 30-day test using facial recognition technology.”

    The new technology captures an image of a guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry. Disney said on its website that the test is completely optional, and limited, as guests with reservations make their way through the turnstiles at the park. Disney put out a series of steps on its website alerting guests of the test and what to expect. Take a look below:

    Step 1: Enter the Facial Recognition Technology Test Lane

    When you’re ready to enter the park, simply enter the lane designated for the test program.

    Step 2: Remove Accessories, But Keep Your Face Covering in Place

    Please take off any hats, visors or sunglasses before you approach the facial recognition test zone. Your face covering must remain on at all times.

    Step 3: Face the Camera

    Once in the facial recognition test zone, stand facing the camera and then position your valid park admission or MagicBand close to the scanner to activate the technology. The technology will capture an image, which will be converted into a unique number that will be associated with your valid ticket media.

    Disney is encouraging guests that use the technology, and return back to the theme park, to use it again upon re-entry.

    Officials said the process helps them see how the technology is progressing and works during the guest experience.

    Officials said during the testing they have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification. Officials stressed that the security, integrity, and confidentiality of guest information is extremely important. Disney said all information and photos taken during testing will be discarded after 30 days when the test is over.

    Children under the age of 18 can participate but only with parental consent. The testing is happening now through April 23.

  • Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Joey Bada$$ says he’ll never to return to Disney World after the theme park turned away his autistic cousin because he wasn’t wearing a mask.

    On Saturday, the Pro Era rapper took to Instagram to share his tense interaction with theme park employees, after his relative was allegedly denied entry due to COVID-19 safety policies.

    Joey claimed that his autistic cousin wasn’t allowed into Disney World because he refused to wear a mask. He explained that the child doesn’t like wearing a protective face-covering because it makes him feel as though he is suffocating. Take a look at the video below:

    “… The child also has no idea why it is even a requirement. Not to mention that, kids under 2, doesn’t have to wear a mask,” Joey captioned the video, which showed three employees. “These guys have completely ruined my family’s trip.”

    Disney World currently requires face masks for everyone aged two and older. The only carveouts are for when someone is “actively eating or drinking,” and there is nothing in the policy about people with disabilities.

  • Disney’s Live-Action Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers Begins Filming

    Disney’s Live-Action Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers Begins Filming

    Filming for Disney’s highly-anticipated Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers is underway.

    Combining live-action and animation, the film revives the premise of a pair of chipmunk detectives from the beloved 1989-1990 Disney Channel series.

    In a post to The Lonely Island’s Instagram feed Tuesday, director Akiva Schaffer revealed a photo of a clapperboard with the film’s title and, intriguingly, “Take 5” written on it as you can see below:

    Disney revealed a few details about the project in their Investor Day presentation back in December. Disney unveiled some key plot elements, as well as hinting that some animated characters may use traditional animation, while others will be CGI. They also confirmed that Seth Rogen will make a cameo appearance, though further details are unknown.

    Joining Schaffer is fellow Lonely Island alum Andy Samberg as the voice of Dale, the laid-back, free-spirited co-founder of the titular Rescue Rangers. John Mulaney will voice Chip, Dale’s Hawaiian shirt-wearing counterpart. Think The Odd Couple, but with chipmunks. Samberg and Mulaney previously worked together on Saturday Night Live, as Mulaney used to be a writer on the sketch comedy show during Samberg’s tenure.

    Developed by Tad Stones and Alan Zaslove, the animated Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers TV series premiered on the Disney Channel in 1989 and ran for three seasons. The show follows the iconic Disney chipmunks Chip and Dale as they form the Rescue Rangers detective agency, solving crimes with the assistance of an adventurous, cheese-loving Australian mouse named Monterey Jack, a brilliant inventor mouse named Gadget Hackwrench and Monterey’s faithful housefly sidekick Zipper. Rescue Rangers later became part of the famous 1990s Disney animation lineup known as the Disney Afternoon, along with Darkwing Duck, Talespin and the original DuckTales.

    Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers will be a Disney+ exclusive in the spring of 2022. Check out the on-set photo below.

  • New Character Being Added to Jungle Cruise Updated Backstory at Disney World and Disneyland

    New Character Being Added to Jungle Cruise Updated Backstory at Disney World and Disneyland

    As we previously reported, Disney is building on the original story of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park and now they have revealed new details on a new character being added to the backstory.

    “We’re adding more humor, wildlife and skipper heart to the classic attraction, and as part of a much larger effort, this updated experience will welcome new characters from around the world,” Disney said.

    The enhancements include several new scenes guests will experience along the river, all interconnected. The world-famous skippers will continue to share the unique adventure and interactions guests expect on the Jungle Cruise.

    The new scenes will heighten the skippers’ legendary comedic tone, beginning with a trapped safari party that finds itself up a tree after their journey goes awry. Unexpected scenarios along the way will give the jungle and animals the last laugh!

    Now in addition to adding the skippers into the story, they’re also expanding the attraction’s backstory, centered around Alberta Falls, granddaughter of world-renowned Dr. Albert Falls, as the proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd.

    Jungle Cruise fans might be familiar with her name; however, wouldn’t you know it, Disney “recently uncovered” a copy of an interview with Alberta Falls that was featured in a 1938 issue of The Daily Gnus about her and the World-Famous Jungle Cruise. Take a look below:

    Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for more details coming later this year!

  • Disney Sending Passholders Exclusive Orange Bird Magnet

    Disney Sending Passholders Exclusive Orange Bird Magnet

    Walt Disney World will soon be sending an exclusive Orange Bird magnet to its annual passholders, the resort said on its website.

    The resort says it plans to mail out an exclusive Orange Bird magnet to active passholders as a “thank you” for being a passholder.

    The Orange Bird magnet was originally set to be distributed to passholders last year as part of the Flower and Garden festival, which was cut short because of the pandemic.

    When Disney World’s theme parks reopened in the summer, Disney mailed passholders a special Tinker Bell magnet as a way of saying “welcome back.” But many wondered about the Orange Bird magnet.

    Well passholders can look for to the magnet this summer, when Disney begins mailing them out. Each household will receive two magnets, according to Disney. Passholders should make sure their address information is correct or updated by March 31.

    The magnet also comes in celebration of this year’s Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival which runs through July 5. The festival has features Orange Bird-themed merchandise.

  • New Lucky Charms Donut Coming to Disney Springs

    New Lucky Charms Donut Coming to Disney Springs

    If you’re lucky enough to be at Disney Springs around St. Patrick’s Day then you’re going to want to try the new the new Shamrock Supreme Donut coming to Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.

    This festive snack is a glazed donut with vanilla icing topped with green shamrock sprinkles, Lucky Charms marshmallows, Sour Patch crumbles, a gummy rainbow strip, vanilla buttercream, and a chocolate gold coin.

    The donut-maker took to social media to share a sneak peak of the tasty new treat and it looks Sham-𝙍𝙊𝘾𝙆’ingly delicious as you can see below:

    The Shamrock Supreme Donut will only be available at Everglazed from March 15th through March 17th.

  • Disney World Reveals MagicMobile Service as MagicBand Alternative

    Disney World Reveals MagicMobile Service as MagicBand Alternative

    The MagicBand at Disney World makes each visit even simpler and more seamless and now Disney is introducing MagicMobile service which will effectively turn your mobile device into a MagicBand.

    Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of your iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device.

    Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet. It works like magic – most features will be available by just holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand. Disney MagicMobile service and its features will roll out first on Apple devices.

    Guests may choose to use Disney MagicMobile service or a MagicBand – pick whichever option works best for you during your visit. You can even use both and alternate between the two for added flexibility. They’ll also soon be introducing more MagicBands in trendy new colors and fun designs featuring favorite Disney characters and stories.

    The existing digital room key feature will continue to be available specifically within the My Disney Experience app, which helps guests expedite their arrival by using online check-in service, going directly to their Disney Resort hotel room and using their phone to unlock their door. Disney Resort hotel guests may also still pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience by visiting the front desk.

  • Cinderella’s Castle Gets First Piece of 50th Anniversary Decor at Disney World

    Cinderella’s Castle Gets First Piece of 50th Anniversary Decor at Disney World

    Preparations for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration are underway and the first bit of celebratory decorations have begun to appear on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom!

    The park’s iconic centerpiece received its first piece of decor ahead of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” which is planned to begin on October 1.

    Take a closer look below:

    Walt Disney Imagineering developed new colors, gold detailing and vibrant hues for this makeover, drawing inspiration from Disney Legend Mary Blair’s vision of the classic film, “Cinderella.”

    The overall Cinderella Castle makeover will continue in the coming months, as the turrets and towers receive shimmering pearls, jewels and ribbons in royal blues and iridescent golds. At night, this royal landmark will be a vision to behold, as it becomes one of the shining Beacons of Magic, shimmering with EARidescence.

  • BREAKING: Ratatouille Ride Grand Opening at EPCOT Set for Oct. 1, 2021

    BREAKING: Ratatouille Ride Grand Opening at EPCOT Set for Oct. 1, 2021

    Disney has just announced the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT is set for Oct. 1 2021 in time for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration!

    That date may sound familiar, as it will also mark exactly 50 years since Walt Disney World officially opened for the first time. So Chef Remy will help us kick off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in Parisian style.

    In this delicious new attraction, you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy as you scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant on a wild adventure for the whole family (no height requirement!). Based on Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Ratatouille,” the experience will be part of a newly expanded France pavilion inside EPCOT that will also open Oct. 1.

    When you round the corner into this new portion of the pavilion, you’ll be transported into a fanciful version of Paris that feels straight out of the animated film. As you can see in this beautiful nighttime photo we’re sharing today, it’s easy to understand why little Remy fell so head-over-heels in love with the “city of lights.”

    Also opening Oct. 1 will be La Crêperie de Paris, a new restaurant offering both table- and quick-service options. The menu will feature sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten friendly) and authentic French hard cider. The attraction, restaurant and pavilion expansion are all part of the historic transformation of EPCOT currently underway, celebrating how the impossible becomes possible through the power of imagination … and a little Disney magic. This amazing time in the park’s history has already brought us a reimagined main entrance with new entrance fountain, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” exhibit and new films in three different pavilions, with much more on the way.

    Remy will be joining Disney World for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” an 18-month event that will feature new experiences at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will appear as if by magic.

  • Disney World Parks Sold Out for Spring Break

    Disney World Parks Sold Out for Spring Break

    Walt Disney World is sold out of tickets to all four parks next week, according to the theme park’s website.

    There are available spots for some of the parks starting March 20, but the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are booked for the rest of the month.

    Park Pass reservations are unavailable for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for both theme park guests and Disney resort guests until at least March 20.

    Although Disney is a popular destination this spring break, the park is still operating at a limited capacity and enhancing cleaning and safety measures. Guests are still required to wear masks and remain socially distant.

    As for the West Coast, California health officials announced last week that beginning April 1, theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, may be eligible to reopen at a reduced capacity.

    Soon after the announcement, the Walt Disney Company said that California residents can expect Disneyland and California Adventure to open very soon.

    “We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighborhood businesses and our entire community,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement. “With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”