Tag: disney

Disney Buys 21st Century Fox for $52 Billion

Walt Disney Co. will purchase 21st Century Fox in deal that brings an end to era of the ‘Big Six’ studios. Disney Now takes ownership of one of the United States’ largest movie studios in a deal that solidifies their position as media super giant. With this deal Disney now owns seven of the top ten worldwide highest grossing movies of all time.

Founded in 1935 with the merger of Twentieth Century Pictures and Fox Films, the studio was in its earlier years known for stars like Henry Fonda and Shirley Temple and films including “Gentleman’s Agreement,” “The Sound of Music” and the Liz Taylor-Richard Burton epic “Cleopatra,” which became a cinematic icon but nearly bankrupted the studio during its troubled production. In 1977 it released “Star Wars,” the beginning of a relationship with George Lucas that would span six films and generate $4.6 billion at the box office.

There was so much more at stake here for Disney than the obvious rights to the X-Men and Fantastic Four brands. They now finally have the distribution rights for the original Star Wars trilogy and prequel trilogy. Most of those rights reverted back to Disney in 2020, but the original 1977 film’s rights would have remained at Fox.

Another bonus is the Avatar franchise. With an entire land devoted to the franchise holding ownership over it was of great importance to the company. James Cameron’s Avatar is a potentially massive film franchise that Disney already has a vested interest in seeing succeed. It means potentially huge business not just at the movie theater, but also when it comes to merchandise and theme park success.

Disney now get its hands on the FX channel. And of course the vast, impressive, lucrative library of Fox movies and TV series from past and present, to add to their upcoming streaming service and, probably, to deny those movies and series to Netflix, along with the Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm properties.

Disney also gets Fox’s 30 percent stake in Hulu. Disney already has a 30 percent stake in Hulu, so that arrangement now gives the company majority ownership of the streaming platform. And as Disney prepares to launch its own streaming services in 2019, it could become an actual contender against Netflix by combining its existing content with Fox’s movie, television and sports content.

The Murdoch family will continue to maintain ownership over the sports and news divisions while Disney would get the studio rights to everything on the film side according to the report.

Only time will tell, but it seems Bob Iger has positioned Disney once again in a pivotal position in the market.

December 14, 2017
Dress Up Your Holiday Hot Cocoa Disney Style
When it seem like Queen Elsa herself is trying her hardest to show up Jack Frost and you can’t seem to escape the chill in the air, there’s nothing better than cozying up and sharing a warm drink with the ones you love. Just in time for this holiday season, here are three magical hot chocolate recipes featuring delectable delights all served in the perfect Disney Store Mug. Dig out the marshmallows, shake up the cream, and get ready to brew some hot cocoa the Disney way!

Star Wars: The Dark Side of Hot Chocolate

You won’t find rebel scum anywhere near this Imperial Scout Trooper Mug or this Stormtrooper Mug with a crack squadron of marshmallow TIE fighters on patrol. Being bad sure tastes ever so good.

1. Use icing to adhere thin chocolate wafer cookies and marshmallows to create bite-size TIE fighters.

2. Split a full size cookie and use a toothpick to etch a matching trooper helmet design.

3. Succumb to the dark side by making your favorite dark hot chocolate recipe.

4. Add finishing touches including a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of dark chocolate, and a burst of star sprinkles with cookie crumbs. Remember to send your troopers and TIE fighters out on patrol.

Icy Blue Frozen Hot Chocolate

If you can’t beat the cold, you might as well join it. This frozen hot chocolate recipe flips traditional hot cocoa on its head. You’ll have Queen Elsa Proud and wanting to join you.
1. Chill your Elsa Glass Mug and Anna Glass Mug in the freezer.
2. While you wait, bake snowflake sugar cookies and pipe snowflake detail with white icing.
3. Make your favorite white hot chocolate recipe, then add a drop of turquoise food coloring. After it cools, blend with ice.
4. Pull your Frozen mugs out of the freezer and pour in the iced cocoa.
5. Add a mountain of whipped cream capped with an icy blast of sprinkles, iridescent edible glitter, and snowflake cookies. The cold never bothered you anyway!
“it’s a small world”: International Confetti Hot Cocoa

¡Delicioso! Läcker! Délicieuse! If you like your cocoa to warm not only your tummy, but also your heart, the “it’s a small world” mug is perfect for you. Just add a little international flavor!

1. Find a new-to-you international hot chocolate recipe such as chai, Mayan, or Italian.

2. Top it with a snowy-white glob of whipped cream, then add rainbow marshmallows and confetti sprinkles.

3. Garnish with toothpick flags from countries around the world. It’s a small world after all!

A Mug for Every Cocoa

Whether you like your cocoa hot, cold, plain or overflowing with added goodies, Disney Store’s selection of themed mugs makes it easy to find one to warm up with. That means everyone on your couch can find the perfect mug and still have enough left for a matching blanket. What a perfect way to spend those cozy chilly holiday nights.
December 13, 2017
Avatar Very Important Piece to Disney Fox Deal

As what could be considered one of the largest media deals of all time, with Disney buying up assets from Fox, could be announced as early as tomorrow, so many fans are focused on the multiple Marvel titles and characters that could be brought home to the company who purchased Marvel for $4 Billion in 2009. But another possible acquisition that deserves a deeper look, if the deal goes through, is that of Avatar and the four sequels that are being directed by James Cameron.

With an entire land devoted to Avatar at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Disney already has a vested interest the film franchise, but it means more than another blockbuster at the theater. It also gives them licensing and merchandise rights. Disney’s theme parks and retail stores will be filled with little ‘plush banshees’ and every other merchandising opportunity they can come up with.

Avatar is still the highest grossing movie of all-time and with multiple sequels on the way, Avatar gives Disney yet more chances to continue its streak of smashing worldwide box office records. If this deal goes through you could count Disney as owning seven of the top ten worldwide highest grossing movies of all time. Worldwide Avatar is still extremely popular, but If the sequels don’t rival the success of the original, it will still be a win even if they bring in just a small fraction of the money that the first film did.

During a recent interview, director James Cameron was asked what it would mean to him if the movie studio was sold to Disney. “Probably not that much,” answered Cameron. He says he’s “always had a good relationship with Fox,” so any sale to Disney “wouldn’t be bad,” he explains. He says Disney “actually at this point in time has a bigger investment” in the franchise than Fox.

Disney and Avatar have been working together on their joint theme park venture for some time and the relationship has been mutually beneficial. The newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar has been a huge success, but the chance to bring the entire franchise into the Disney fold makes the possibilities limitless for the company.

How they will integrate the various Fox assets if the deal goes through has been a big question, but integrating this into their portfolio will be as easy as bringing the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Bringing home the rights to the original Star Wars film along with several key Marvel titles are extremely important, but if you consider the total revenue that adding Avatar to the mix could bring in, this could end up being the most important piece of the pie.

December 13, 2017
Disney Parks & Resorts Honored for Allergy-Friendly Food Options

Disney’s dining experience is out of this world, and they go above and beyond to make sure they have options for people of all dietary needs. Earlier this month, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recognized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as an industry leader in providing safe, quality dining experiences to guests with allergies and special diets at the 20th annual Food Allergy Ball in New York City.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by FARE for our efforts to make our dining experiences enjoyable for all our Guests,” said Mandy Bond, Director of Food & Beverage Strategies and Standards, who accepted the award on behalf of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We truly appreciate having FARE as a partner to educate and inform us as we evolve our allergy efforts and resources so we can continue to deliver excellent offerings for our guests with food allergies.”

Disney Parks is proud to serve up magical meals for every guest, whether they are enjoying a five-star dining experience or a quick-service option. Each year, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts serves more than 700,000 meals at over 650 Disney dining locations to guests with food allergies and special diets. Guests from all over the world, including those with food allergies, can dine with confidence at Disney dining locations across our Parks and Resorts with allergy-friendly menus and snack options, as well as easy to note special dietary needs during the booking and ordering process.

FARE works to improve the health and quality of life for the 15 million Americans with food allergies and gives them hope through research and treatment options.

December 12, 2017
Coach Store at Disney Springs Opens Today

Coach fans have been patiently awaiting the opening of a new retail location at Walt Disney World and today that patience paid off. That’s right! The Coach store at Disney Springs is now open.

Disney Springs took to their twitter account today to announce their newest retail addition.

American modern luxury brand, @Coach, is now open at @DisneySprings offering high-quality leather handbags, apparel and accessories with a modern twist!👜 #ShopDisneySprings pic.twitter.com/cqlXyhH1Vj

— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) December 11, 2017

Coach is a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections for women and men. Product offerings include bags, small leather goods, footwear, ready-to-wear, outerwear, watches, weekend and travel accessories, scarves, sunwear, fragrance, jewelry, and related accessories.

Coach will offer a selection of accessories and leather goods for both women and men, presumably including their very popular Disney collection. Coach and Disney have worked together in the past to create various lines of bags and accessories, so many Disney enthusiasts are extremely excited to see the new store showing up at Disney Springs.

The store is located in Town Center, where the recently closed Vince Camuto store was near MAC Cosmetics. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 11pm and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 11:30pm.

December 11, 2017
Disney Parks Are Among The ‘Most Instagrammed Locations’ In 2017

Instagram has announced their “Top 10 Most-Instagrammed Locations” around the globe for 2017 – and four Disney Parks have made the list.

The Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland park – earned the title of the #1 Most Instagrammed Location in 2017. Three other Disney theme parks also ranked in the top ten, with Tokyo Disneyland coming in at #5, Magic Kingdom Park landing at #6, and Disney California Adventure park earning the #9 spot.

And this isn’t the first time Disney Parks has landed at the top of Instagram’s list. In 2016, “Disney Properties” ranked #1 as Instagram’s most photographed location around the world.

New to Instagram? Following official Disney Parks Instagram accounts – Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and the Disney Parks Blog – is a great way to start.

December 11, 2017
‘Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic’ Airs December 11 on Freeform

Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” is in full swing and if you love wedding your going to want to ‘save the date’ for this special. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is returning to Freeform for a brand new TV special highlighting gorgeous holiday weddings at Disney Parks.

Tune in to see unforgettable celebrations during the most spirited time of the year. Hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss, resident DJ for “The Ellen Show” and Allison Holker, “Dancing With the Stars” pro, this one-hour special follows two couples as they plan their dream weddings and make their way down the aisle.

New York couple, Dominique and Joe say “I Do” with a winter wonderland wedding at Walt Disney World Resort.

Their large Italian families are coming together to watch as the couple begins their happily ever after. Be a guest at their heartfelt ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion followed by a Frozen-inspired reception at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Ballrooms. You won’t want to miss their surprise musical performance in the Italy Pavilion in Epcot!

Airing during Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” event, you’ll see holiday wedding magic come to life. Mark your calendar for December 11th at 8/7c

December 10, 2017
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure to Debut on ABC

The Disney Pixar short Olaf’s Frozen Adventure makes its broadcast television debut on Thursday, December 14 at 8p.m. (EST), on The ABC Television Network.

The special is a part of ABC’s “25 Days of Christmas” festivities. “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” just completed a limited theatrical run in front of Disney Pixar’s hit feature “Coco.” The featurette includes four new original Frozen songs and welcomes back the beloved characters who won over audiences worldwide in the 2013 Oscar-winning feature, Frozen, the top-grossing animated film of all time.

In Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Olaf (voice of Josh Gad) teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”

“We are thrilled to be part of ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas festivities. While making the film, our crew was so inspired by all of the great television holiday specials of the past. It’s a dream come true for all of us,” said producer Roy Conli.

The ABC special will help keep Frozen fans occupied as they continue the long countdown towards Frozen 2, which will hit theaters on November 27, 2019.

December 9, 2017
Disney Music Exec Suspended For Child Sex Abuse Charges

Disney suspended, 58-year-old Jon Heely, the director of music publishing late on Friday, The move came after the company was informed he has been charged with three felony counts of child sexual abuse.

“Immediately upon learning of this situation tonight, he has been suspended without pay until the matter is resolved by the courts,” a Disney spokesperson said.

He was arrested and charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child, Variety reported. Heeley is accused of abusing two underage girls approximately ten years ago. One alleged victim was 15. The other was abused for four years starting at the age of 11, according to the charges.

He was arrested on Nov. 16 and six days later he was released on $150,000 bail. Heely pleaded not guilty at his arraignment at the San Fernando courthouse on Thursday. He is due back in court on Jan. 10. If convicted, he faces up to nine years and three months in prison.

Heely’s attorney, Robert Helfend, denied the charges. “He vehemently denies these allegations and we will be fighting until the end to clear his name,” Helfend said. “It’s a shame, that’s all I’ve got to say.”

Heely, who oversees the licensing of music from Disney films, pleaded not guilty on Thursday. He faces up to nine years and three months in prison if convicted.
He was suspended from Disney late Friday, with a spokesperson telling Variety, “Immediately upon learning of this situation tonight, he has been suspended without pay until the matter is resolved by the courts.”

Heely’s Twitter bio reads, “Disney Concerts and living to glorify God in all things.”

December 9, 2017
Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

The new gondola system known as The Disney Skyliner isn’t running yet, but is still flying high today with some really exciting new details and visuals. Today Disney unveiled concept art and elaborated on new the gondolas that will connect A few of the theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

December 8, 2017