Tag: disney

First Look at the New Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic

Dining on the Disney Magic just got a little more magical! The ships newest dining experience transports you to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and fun! As the first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment, Rapunzel’s Royal Table is a dining experience unlike any other.

When you enter the restaurant, it’s as if you’re stepping inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom.

Throughout dinner, the live entertainment includes spirited singing and dancing led by a merry band of musicians, the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs and of course, Princess Rapunzel herself. In true Disney fashion, a lively parade caps off your evening in Corona!

So, what’s on the menu? From the Snuggly Duckling charcuterie platter to the Tangled Pasta and the Birthday Cupcake Sundae, your night at Rapunzel’s Royal Table is quite the feast! Take a look some of the delicious dishes from the “Tangled” themed menu…

March 15, 2018
A First Look at Pixar Pier Experiences at Disney California Adventure Park

Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure Park is getting a Pixar make-over and it will open this summer as Pixar Pier. In addition to the newly reimagined Incredicoaster and all-new Lamplight Lounge, guests will discover new experiences – both big and small – throughout the newly reimagined Pixar Pier.

In 2019, Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel. Inspired by Jessie’s wilderness friends in the “Woody’s Roundup” television show from “Toy Story 2,” this newly reimagined attraction is a classic boardwalk carousel with a whimsical spin. Saddle up on one of 56 adorable friends, choosing from a turtle, snake, buzzard, armadillo, bunny, deer, raccoon, ram, skunk and two cozy logs inhabited by a family of owls.

And when Pixar Pier opens June 23 at Disney California Adventure park, guests will find transformation around every corner.

Just past Lamplight Lounge, you will find Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. Inspired by the lovable and not-at-all-abominable monster from “Monsters, Inc.,” this will be your go-to for frozen treats.

In the “Toy Story” neighborhood of Pixar Pier, big appetites and small fries alike will love the Poultry Palace. This giant fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry,” even comes with a Fun Meal Zurg!

¿Quieres un churro? Stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this quintessential Disneyland Resort treat.

Further down Pixar Pier, Angry Dogs will be serving up some hot items – which is the perfect place for Anger from “Inside Out.” The more he burns with rage, the hotter the dogs get!

You can check out these and many more newly themed experiences throughout Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park!

March 12, 2018
Live-Action Aladdin Features 2 New Songs By Oscar Winning La La Land Writing Duo

The Academy Awards last Sunday had all the glitz and glamour you would expect, but it also had some news coming off the red carpet that’s really stands out like a shiny gold statuette. La La Land and The Greatest Showman songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul announced before the show that they’re developing two new songs for Disney’s live-action Aladdin remake with longtime Disney composer and songwriter Alan Menken.

After losing an Oscar to a Disney movie, Benj Pasek and Justin are now working with the mouse. If you can’t beat ’em… join ’em. They came close though, with their Greatest Showman smash hit “This Is Me”, but ending up losing out to “Remember Me,” from Disney’s Coco. Beyond this year the songwriting duo is already quite accomplished having picked up an Oscar last year for writing lyrics to the La La Land tune “City of Stars.”

During their red carpet interview with Variety they talked about their excitement to be a part of the Disney Family and to get to work with Menken. “We’re really thrilled that we got to collaborate with one of our heroes, Alan Menken, and we collaborated with him and wrote the lyrics for two new songs for Aladdin that’s coming out next year,” Pasek said.

“The Greatest Showman” songwriters Benj Pasek & Justin Paul are working on new music for Disney’s #Aladdin (Watch) pic.twitter.com/ChjfFssMi6

— Variety (@Variety) March 5, 2018

Scoring several prominent Disney animated features, composer Alan Menken is best known for films including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules and Tangled.

Based on a tale from The Arabian Nights, the film is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated hit. The Guy Ritchie film stars Egypt-born Canadian actor Mena Massoud as Aladdin, alongside Will Smith as the Genie. It hits theaters on May 24, 2019.

March 10, 2018
Disney Opens StudioLAB to build ‘Entertainment Experiences’ of the Future

For what seems like ‘Imagineers’ for movies, Disney has created a research and development lab that will drive entertainment experiences of the future. Accenture has been appointed by The Walt Disney Studios as a founding member and Innovation Partner of StudioLAB, an initiative dedicated to reimagining, designing and prototyping the entertainment experiences and production capabilities of the future using innovative technologies.

The Walt Disney Studios produces feature films from Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios; Pixar Animation Studios; Marvel Studios; and Lucasfilm. It also brings music and stage plays to consumers via The Disney Music Group and Disney Theatrical Group.

Accenture Interactive and its design and innovation unit, Fjord, will play a lead role in helping to establish StudioLAB, as well as define and develop cutting-edge entertainment technology. They will also draw upon the extensive R&D expertise of Accenture Labs to help Disney Studios apply emerging technologies in innovative ways. Initial areas of focus include: immersive entertainment; artificial intelligence; IoT; the future of movie production; and next-generation cinematic platforms.

In addition to collaborating on R&D, Accenture will partner with the Studios to support the operations of the StudioLAB as part of a 3-year agreement. This includes co-crafting the StudioLAB’s charter and governance, physical lab design, and business operations. In a co-located setup, Accenture personnel will work alongside StudioLAB personnel to incubate and prototype new concepts expected to impact the entertainment industry, advancing the way stories are told.

“Accenture Interactive is thrilled to collaborate with the imaginative minds at The Walt Disney Studios on entertainment R&D to reimagine how people experience storytelling,” said Baiju Shah, chief strategist for Accenture Interactive and global lead, Fjord. “Our partnership demonstrates the true purpose of Accenture Interactive – to create truly remarkable experiences. Accenture is uniquely positioned to bring together the full set of diverse skills – from strategy, design and technology innovation, across emerging technologies like immersive entertainment, artificial intelligence, and IoT — needed to run a first-class innovation lab and deliver the next generation of entertainment experiences.”

“As we thought about key partners to deliver our vision for StudioLAB, the decision to collaborate with Accenture Interactive was clear,” said Jamie Voris, CTO of The Walt Disney Studios. “Their ability to combine the design and innovation capabilities of a leading digital agency with the applied R&D capabilities of the Accenture Labs and deep industry expertise in media and entertainment makes them an ideal partner to innovate on the future of entertainment experiences. Technology is an essential component of how we make characters, stories and worlds come alive at Disney, and we’re looking forward to the possibilities of what we can imagine and build together.”

StudioLAB teams will apply emerging technologies to create new entertainment experiences. The StudioLAB environment will also provide a unique space for Accenture to host tours and lead innovation workshops with clients to help inspire them on their own innovation journeys.

Accenture has a 25-year history working with The Walt Disney Company, supporting some of its most innovative initiatives – ranging from myMagic+, Disney Movies Anywhere and Marvel Unlimited to Disney’s Enterprise Cloud Program and advanced marketing analytics at ABC. For this initiative, Accenture Interactive will also tap into support from Accenture’s other main businesses — Accenture Consulting, Accenture Strategy and Accenture Technology – to bring a complete set of transformation skills to co-innovate with The Walt Disney Studios.

March 9, 2018
American Idol Returns To Airwaves This Sunday, March 11th

This… Is American Idol! The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music-competition genre, will return to airwaves on This Sunday, March 11th at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, at its new home on the ABC Television Network. Ryan Seacrest will return as host along with a panel of new judges.

The nationwide search for the next superstar kicked off in August, as the Idol Bus traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida in its pursuit for talent, covering 23 cities across the country. Auditioning was made easier than ever as hopefuls also had the opportunity to submit audition videos online, as well as via select social media platforms using an official tag, #TheNextIdol, cultivating over 300,000 posts. Also, for the first time in American Idol history, hopefuls had the opportunity to audition through a livestream platform.

Back in August thousands descended upon Disney Springs to audition to become the next American Idol. Former Idol-winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard were on hand to greet lucky audition participants during the kickoff celebration and we have been anticipating the start of the show ever since.

Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest will return as host of the beloved series.

American Idol judge Katy Perry recently visited Walt Disney World Resort in between her concerts during Witness: The Tour, and gave us a little preview on how amazing this season will be. Check out the video below:

We can’t wait to see how some of the Disney Springs auditioners do with Katy and her fellow judges.

Follow American Idol’s Facebook and #AmericanIdol on Instagram and Twitter to be a part of the journey.

March 9, 2018
Mickey Mouse Ray-Ban Sunglasses Are Back With A Cool New Design

Mickey Mouse and Ray-Ban have teamed again to make a super cool pair of sun glasses that feature Mickey Mouse himself.

The new Mickey Ray-Ban Limited-Edition Sunglasses are available exclusively at Sunglass Icon by Sunglass Hut at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney.

You may recall that Sunglass Hut released a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses featuring Mickey Mouse back in December. The product was such a hit that the company has developed a NEW design, set to debut to the general public this month on March 15, 2018.

Early access to the limited-Edition Ray-Ban Sunglasses is available to D23 members from March 7–14, 2018. This early access offer is only available for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members and you will be required to show your D23 Membership card.

The Limited-Edition glasses feature Mickey Mouse on the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer, have a retail price of $193, and are etched with “M18” to commemorate their release date. No discounts apply and there is a purchase limit of five pairs per guest.

Spring time is here and as the sun gets brighter each day you may want to sport some Mickey Mouse inspired sunglasses. Luckily you can, as once again, Mickey Mouse and Ray-Ban have teamed up to throw some shade on your eyes.

The new Mickey Ray-Ban Limited-Edition Sunglasses are available exclusively at Sunglass Icon by Sunglass Hut at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney.

You may recall that Sunglass Hut released a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses featuring Mickey Mouse back in December. The product was such a hit that the company has developed a NEW design, set to debut to the general public this month on March 15, 2018.

Early access to the limited-Edition Ray-Ban Sunglasses is available to D23 members from March 7–14, 2018. This early access offer is only available for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members and you will be required to show your D23 Membership card.

The Limited-Edition glasses feature Mickey Mouse on the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer, have a retail price of $193, and are etched with “M18” to commemorate their release date. No discounts apply and there is a purchase limit of five pairs per guest

March 7, 2018
Google Maps Adds Disney Theme Parks to Street View
You can now take a self-guided tour of Disney World and Disneyland right from the comfort of your smart phone and with out all of the long lines. Beginning today, you can now explore Disney Parks on Google Street View. Disney just launched a series of 360-degree panoramas featuring Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort locations you’ll want to check out to help plan your next vacation.

The new Disney Parks imagery on Google Street View includes Disney’s theme parks, water parks as well as a variety of areas at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. Take a look below at Epcot from every angle.

To create the 360-degree imagery at Disney Parks, Google used Street View Trekker, a wearable backpack with a camera system on top. The Trekker is worn by an operator and is moved through walkways and structures, automatically gathering images. Imagery is then stitched together to create the 360-degree panoramas you see today.

Here’s a list of the locations that the Trekker’s captured:
- Disneyland park, Disneyland Resort
- Disney California Adventure park
- Downtown Disney District
- Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort
- Disney Springs – Dining, Retail Locations
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Epcot
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney Parks imagery is also being featured on Google’s Street View gallery page along with breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below.
March 6, 2018
First Look: Disney’s Christopher Robin Official Teaser Trailer

The Hundred Acre Wood is opening up to our world. The first teaser trailer for Disney’s live-action Christopher Robin has finally arrived! The film based on characters from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh book series.

In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin — played by Ewan McGregor — remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Now grown up, Christopher Robin is stuck in a job where he is overworked, underpaid and facing an uncertain future. He has a family of his own, but his work has become his life, leaving little time for his wife and daughter. Christopher has all but forgotten his idyllic childhood spent with a simple-minded, honey-loving stuffed bear and his friends. But when he is reunited with Winnie the Pooh, now tattered and soiled from years of hugs and play, their friendship is rekindled, reminding Christopher of the endless days of childlike wonder and make-believe that defined his youth, when doing nothing was considered the very best something. Following an unfortunate mishap with Christopher Robin’s briefcase, Pooh and the rest of the gang including Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger, step out of the forest and venture into London to return the crucial possessions…because best friends will always be there for you.

Christopher Robin was based on Pooh creator Milne’s own son, Christopher Robin Milne. The character appeared in two books Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and The House at Pooh Corner (1928), as well as in poems. Disney first adapted the character in animation in 1966’s Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.

Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh; Chris O’Dowd as Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.

March 6, 2018
Celebrating National Women’s History Month With Disney’s Women of Food & Beverage

March is National Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the contribution and achievements of women throughout history … and in our day-to-day lives. With over 22,000 cast members in Food & Beverage at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, it’s time to shine the spotlight on just a few of the many talented and passionate women that make a difference each and every day for guests and fellow cast members.

All of these ladies perform different roles within Disney, and have varied life journeys – personally, educationally, and professionally. But they all have one thing in common: a dedication to excellence. Whether that be one plate/glass at a time in their restaurant, mentoring/teaching fellow cast members behind the scenes, or making Disney magic for our guests.

Let’s introduce you to the Disney Women of Food & Beverage!

Aimée Rivera

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 23 years
Year Started with Disney: 2002
Current Role: Chef de Cuisine, Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Johnson & Wales University; Aimée is at the helm of the celebrated Victoria & Albert’s kitchen – the only restaurant in Florida to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award

Delicious Details: Culinary style is classic with modern influences; her mother is her biggest inspiration and taught her to make the best buñuelos; tweezers are her favorite kitchen gadget; has a passion for lipstick; black pepper is her favorite spice (it enhances almost any dish); described as energetic, passionate, and detail-oriented.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Food & Beverage is a challenging industry that is very demanding. You need to be firm in what you believe and work with integrity.

Alison Moore

Hometown: Howell, Mich.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: Since she was 16 … many years!
Year Started with Disney: 1995
Current Role: Senior Production Manager, Food & Beverage at Disney California Adventure Park West, Disneyland Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Community college; industry and operational training and experience; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level Two; Spirit of Disneyland Award

Delicious Details: LOVES her kitchen gadgets and always has a really sharp knife – well actually 10 sharp knives; makes a mean lasagna and her sons are partial to her stuffed shells; feels a perfect wine list has something for everyone but is not overwhelming; avid reader and a fan of murder or police mysteries; described as passionate, positive, and authentic.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
First of all, eat out often. Then, jump in with both feet! It’s an amazing business and there is so much potential to do so many things. Always start at the bottom and work every role so you can truly understand what you ask of others as you become the leader. Don’t let others derail you – go after what you want.

Debbi Sacleux

Hometown: Summerville, S.C.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 35 years
Year Started with Disney: 1993
Current Role: Proprietor, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: University of South Carolina; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level One; Walt Disney World Legacy Award

Delicious Details: Started in Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris); Cherries Jubilee is her fondest food memory; creating new memories through food and beverage is her favorite part of the job; loves a bold cabernet sauvignon; best advice from mom: 99% of what we do in life is just breathing so don’t stress over things you cannot control; described as diva, funny, and energetic.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
It is not for everyone. It is very demanding and if you are not a person who likes to “serve” you will not be successful. You have to enjoy being a “foodie.” My advice to anyone who comes into the service industry is to be true to who you are and work hard. Hard work does pay off and really, it’s not hard work if you have fun doing what you do.

Julia Thrash

Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 9 years
Year Started with Disney: 2009 on the Disney College Program
Current Role: Chef, Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Le Cordon Blue (Pittsburgh)

Delicious Details: Started as a music major in college but realized culinary was her passion and transferred to culinary school; Julia Child is her inspiration as she never let rejection discourage her and proved you can have success at any point in life; loves antique shopping and collecting books; described as creative, passionate, and organized.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Work hard and focus on even the small task that may seem meaningless. There is always something to learn from each situation. Try to gain as much knowledge from everyone you meet and most importantly never give up. The journey will not be easy, but it is worth it.

Mechelle Miller

Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 17 years
Year Started with Disney: 1999
Current Role: Production Manager, Ventures and Festivals, Disneyland Resort, leading a Cast of over 250
Education/Accomplishments: Cal State Fullerton; Cicerone® Program Certified Beer Server Level One

Delicious Details: Started working at Disneyland at 16 years old; daughter, Ava, is the inspiration behind everything Mechelle does – teaching her the importance of balance in life; surfer; loves red wine, pizza, and making her mom’s lasagna; described as ambitious, driven, and caring.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Educate yourself as much as possible and never stop learning. You can learn so much from your peers and fellow Cast Members about the industry and the latest trends. Surround yourself with mentors that push you outside of your comfort zone and that you can learn from. And lastly, be very passionate about what you do as it will show with your Cast and with the guests.

March 5, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns First Trailer is Practically Perfect

It must be a Jolly Holiday because the first teaser trailer for Mary Poppins Returns just dropped! More than five decades after Julie Andrews won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in the original Mary Poppins, a follow-up sequel is finally here!

The first teaser footage from the upcoming Mary Poppins Returns debuted during Sunday’s Oscars ceremony and the footage gives us our first detailed look at Emily Blunt in the title role. This is one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day for sure!

Mary Poppins Returns picks up 25 years after the events of the first film, during the mid-1930s in London. But by now Michael is all grown up with a wife and three children who are all living in his parents’ old house on No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Take a look at the trailer below:

The trailer also introduces Lin-Manuel Miranda as a London lamplighter named Jack, who, like Dick Van Dyke all those years ago, appears to have an affinity for flying kites.

Though her famous umbrella made it into some shots, it appears that this time the nanny magically flies down hanging from a kite this time.

“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character. The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and screen story by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca based upon The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are Marshall, DeLuca and Marc Platt with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman with songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Mary Poppins Returns will hit theaters Christmas 2018.

March 4, 2018