Disney News

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  • ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    Disney and The VOID are partnering once again — This time to develop a slate of five new VR experiences based on material from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Marvel Studios. The company revealed that the first Hyper-Reality Experience, which will debut this fall, will be based on the upcoming Disney animated movie “Ralph Breaks The Internet”.

    The VOID, an entertainment company that uses a mix of virtual reality, augmented reality, and sensory elements like wind and temperature to create interactive experiences, has partnered with ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division, to develop The new VR experiences.

    This past winter, the groundbreaking hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID launched to rave reviews at both Disney Springs and Downtown Disney District.

    When it debuts, Ralph Breaks VR will put you inside a new multi-sensory Disney adventure where you’ll be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope. To create Ralph Breaks VR and future hyper-reality experiences that allow you to explore amazing worlds and engage with favorite characters, The Walt Disney Company and ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s award-winning immersive entertainment division) are again collaborating with the team at The VOID.

    “Our filmmakers and the terrific people at ILMxLAB have collaborated to bring an incredible hyper-real experience, for all ages, to The VOID,” said Oscar-winning “Ralph Breaks the Internet” producer, Clark Spencer. “We can’t wait for people to be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope.”

    “At ILMxLAB, we are truly excited for fans to ‘Step Inside Our Stories’ by extending our award-winning creative collaboration with The VOID across The Walt Disney Company. Together, we will soon invite guests into other beloved Disney franchises where they can explore rich worlds, engage with compelling characters, embark upon heart-pounding adventures, and indulge the senses — experiencing the magic as never before,” said Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge.

    Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for more details, including the launch date for Ralph Breaks VR and details about future Disney-inspired hyper-reality experiences – as well as locations, trailers and ticket availability.

  • Today in Disney History: September 11, 2001 – Disney Parks Close

    Today in Disney History: September 11, 2001 – Disney Parks Close

    On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m., the world changed forever when four hijacked planes were used to attack The United States. On this day we remember the thousands who died in the terror attacks as well as the heroic actions of the first responders who risked their lives to save others.

    As news of the horrific attacks spread across the world Disney officials took action. At Walt Disney World an announcement was made over the public address system:” … Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Magic Kingdom is now closed. Please follow the direction of the nearest Cast Member.” It took less than 30 minutes to evacuate thousands of guests from the theme parks.

    At Disney World, Cast Members in all 4 parks are instructed to hold hands and form a human wall and gently (without touching guests) walk towards the hub of each park and eventually towards the exit. This calmly forced all guests out of the parks. Security followed each human wall to make sure no one gets past.

    Disney September 11

    Almost instantly the government moved to secure the airspace over this potential terrorism target. Gunships flew above the park armed with military personnel, ready to defend if necessary.

    “In an abundance of caution, Walt Disney World resort has made the decision to close its theme parks, water parks, shopping, entertainment and recreation complexes,” a Disney statement said.

    The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida closed without incident. Disneyland Resort, which had not yet opened when the attacks occurred and thus was able to remain closed for the day.

    Disney September 11

    All the resort hotels remained open and provided accommodations to guests who are unable to leave. Phone charges were suspended so that guests could reach family. The closures marked only the second time Disneyland had locked its gates in its 56-year history due to a national tragedy. The first time followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Walt Disney World had previously only closed for Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

    Michael Eisner released a statement to Cast Members explaining the Disney closings. “Finally let me say our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world in which we live, offering products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation.” the statement read.

    Like hundreds of other families around the world, Disney also lost one of its own when John Beug, a former vice president at Walt Disney Records, lost his life as a passenger on the plane that struck 1 World Trade Center.

    Each year, to commemorate Patriot’s Day, a special Flag Retreat ceremony is held on Main Street. 2,983 people were killed in the horrific attacks as well as hundreds more who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks and we will never forget!

  • Barack Obama Says He Was Booted From Disneyland For Smoking Cigarettes

    Barack Obama Says He Was Booted From Disneyland For Smoking Cigarettes

    Former President Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Anaheim, California, on Saturday afternoon to support seven Democratic congressional candidates, but he had the audience laughing as he recanted a story about how he was kicked out of Disneyland for smoking with his friends.

    Dating himself a little bit, Obama stated he was in college at the time and was attending a Kool and the Gang concert at the park. When the concert was over he and his friends decided to take a ride on the gondolas and were smoking on the ride. “These were cigarettes, people,” he added, as the crowd laughed.

    He recalled two large officers meeting them at the end of the ride who proceeded to escort Obama and his friends out of the park for breaking the rules. “This is a true story, everybody,” he said. “I was booted from the Magic Kingdom.”

    Obama remembers that the guards told him he could come back to the park at any time.  The company’s policy hasn’t changed much over the years it seems as Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger got in on the fun and took to Twitter Saturday backing up securities statement.

    Take look at video below to hear Obamas story in his own words.

    The 44th president made his Disneyland comments at a campaign rally intended to help the Democrats take back the House of Representatives in the November election. Obama has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving office, but he’s been more active on the political scene over the past couple days.

    At Saturday’s event in Anaheim, Obama encouraged voters to take off their “bedroom slippers” and put on their “marching boots.”

  • Construction on Marvel-Themed Area Begins at Disneyland Resort

    Construction on Marvel-Themed Area Begins at Disneyland Resort

    Disneyland Resort has officially begun construction the Marvel-themed area expansion coming to Disney California Adventure Park!

    The new area will be located in the area that was formerly home to A Bug’s Land which closed September 4.

    The Marvel-inspired area will neighbor the popular Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction, the first Marvel-themed Disney ride to reach the west coast since the company purchased Marvel in 2009. As you can see in the photos below, construction is being handled by the perfect company!

    The new Marvel-themed area at Disney California Adventure is officially under construction now! from r/marvelstudios

    The public is now blocked off from the area by a Stark Industries gate, Stark Industries is a multinational industrial company owned by Tony Stark a.k.a  Iron Man!

    Though it’s been rumored for quite some time, Disney made the official announcement of a Marvel-themed land earlier this year.

    The new Super Hero-themed land will begin recruiting guests in 2020, with even more new experiences to follow. The Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe, furthering the evolution of Disney California Adventure park.

    Little details have been offered on how Marvel characters will be incorporated into the new land or it’s name, referring to it simply as a “Super Hero-themed land” because of contractual obligations with Universal Studios that prevents Disney from using the word “Marvel” in its name.

    Other new Marvel experiences based on character like Iron Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp are also being developed for Disney’s international parks and will be debuting at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland

    Disneyland Resort’s Marvel-inspired land debuts at Disney California Adventure Park in 2020.

  • New Details on Disney Cruise Lines Plans For Second Private Destination in Bahamas

    New Details on Disney Cruise Lines Plans For Second Private Destination in Bahamas

    Disney Cruise Line’s Plans for a second private port destination in the Bahamas is still moving full steam ahead.

    The company met recently with The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation as the company continues to seek support for a proposed development at Lighthouse Point, a 700-acre property in South Eleuthera.

    Disney currently has one private island in The Bahamas called Castaway Cay, but it is already used full-time by .Disney’s current fleet and with a new fleet of ships coming in 2021, 2022, and 2023, another private island would a necessity.

    In a statement, the BCCEC’s explained that Disney Cruise Line President Jeff Vahle; Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment Mark R. Penning; and Vice President of Public Affairs Kim Prunty all presented at the meeting.

    “Disney Cruise Line President Jeff Vahle presented chamber directors with a preliminary overview of the company’s intentions. The meeting included discussions on the project’s design and development, the economic and environmental impact on South Eleuthera, public access and conservation objectives,” according to a statement.

    The One Eleuthera Foundation is opposed to the development and wants to see the area turned into a national park. They have been lobbying for the government to not allow any large development to happen at Lighthouse Point and plan to help settlements in South Eleuthera build businesses around the Lighthouse Point attraction.

    The BCCEC is still opened minded about the options and plans to engage those on all sides of the argument for and against the development of the property.

    “The chamber hopes to engage in further dialogue with Disney as well as other stakeholders and organizations in The Bahamas, in particular on Eleuthera, to learn more about their perspectives regarding Disney’s proposal for Lighthouse Point,” the statement said.

  • New Dates Announced for ‘Disney After Hours’ at Magic Kingdom Park

    New Dates Announced for ‘Disney After Hours’ at Magic Kingdom Park

    Ever wish you could enjoy even more magic in less time? Disney After Hours gives a limited number of Guests access to dozens of unforgettable experiences in Magic Kingdom park and Disney has just announced new dates available for purchase from December 3, 2018 to March 7, 2019.

    Disney After Hours has been a huge hit with guests looking to maximize their time at Magic Kingdom Park when the sun goes down. During this special ticketed event guests can get in as early as 7 p.m. to experience the fireworks before hitting more than 25 attractions.

    Oh yeah and did we mention you get free ice cream? That’s right! In the midst of the laughs and thrills, be sure to chill out with ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages—included in the cost of admission—available at carts stationed throughout the park. Take a look at the new dates below:

    • 12/3: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • 12/10: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
    • 1/7: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 1/17: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 1/24: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 1/28: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 2/7: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 2/28: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    • 2/14: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
    • 3/7: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

    Advanced purchase price is $125 plus tax. The day-of price is $129 plus tax. For more information and to book Disney After Hours, please contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • New Jersey Man Arrested For Telling Disney Greeters Al-Qaida Sent Him ‘to blow the place up’

    New Jersey Man Arrested For Telling Disney Greeters Al-Qaida Sent Him ‘to blow the place up’

    A New Jersey man was arrested Tuesday after the tourist told greeters at Disney World that al-Qaida sent him to “blow the place up.” according to investigators.

    Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 56-year-old Gregory Lazarchick on Tuesday on a charge of making a false bomb threat.

    Lazarchick made the threat at Saratoga Springs Resort as employees were asking guests about their day, and then told them he wasn’t joking, an arrest report says.

    Deputies said that, on July 21, a greeter at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa told Gregory Lazarchick, “Have a great day,” to which he replied, “I don’t want to have a great day.”

    After making the threat, Lazarchick turned around while walking away and told the greeter, “You think I am joking? I’m not,” the arrest report said.

    Lazarchick later admitted to saying something about al-Qaida when deputies spoke to him, but he said he didn’t remember exactly what he said. He was remorseful and apologetic. No bomb-making materials were found in his room.

    Lazarchick’s sister told investigators he suffered a head injury and sometimes says inappropriate things.

  • ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Getting 25th Anniversary Live Show at Hollywood Bowl

    ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Getting 25th Anniversary Live Show at Hollywood Bowl

    Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year and in honor of the occasion the Hollywood Bowl will host a special two-night concert.

    The show will feature two performances led by Danny Elfman and as well as other cast members and guest artists.

    Elfman will reprise his role as Jack Skellington along with Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page as Sally and Oogie Boogie. The live show will include living scenery projected onto the facade of the Hollywood Bowl in what is being touted as a “fully immersive digital” visual.

    The concert also invites audience members to participate in a costume contest.  “Tim Burton-inspired costumes are encouraged,” according to a release.  You’ll also find a “Halloween Town” experience that includes photo opportunities and trick-or-treating stations.

    Tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. via all Ticketmaster outlets, with a special American Express presale starting Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. and ending Sept. 7 at 10 p.m.

  • Smoking Section Now Relocated at Magic Kingdom

    Smoking Section Now Relocated at Magic Kingdom

    Designated smoking areas have once again undergone some changes at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

    The smoking section located along the pathway between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland has been closed. The section has been relocated to the area between Space Mountain and the restrooms.

    The location near Thunder Mountain in Frontierland and the one located outside the main entrance remain unchanged as you can see in the updated map photo below.

    Magic-Kingdom_Full_Map

    For the comfort of all Guests, smoking is only permitted in appointed places throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Smoking is permitted in clearly marked, specially selected areas only. Check the theme park Guidemaps for specific locations.

    The changes are effective as of Sept. 4, 2018.

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Poses With An Anaconda On The Set Of ‘Disney’s Jungle Cruise’

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Poses With An Anaconda On The Set Of ‘Disney’s Jungle Cruise’

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a new friend while filming on the set of the upcoming “Jungle Cruise” movie. The wrestling super star turned actor took to Instagram yesterday to share a photo of himself holding an anaconda with the hugest smile on his face.

    “On set of our DISNEY’S JUNGLE CRUISE and I made friends with a big ‘ol hungry Anaconda. ” he said in the post.

    Johnson, who appears to be having the time of his life in the Amazon, is seen alongside co-star Jack Whitehall who looks terrified as you can see in the picture below. Johnson praised Whitehall in the post, stating he “did his best to smile thru his fear of snakes.”

    A post shared by therock (@therock) on

    Johnson said he signed the biggest contact of his career in a video posted on social media back in May. The film is a live-action adaptation of Disneyland’s iconic theme park ride which takes guests on a guided tour through Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers to South America’s Amazon. Disney hopes to develop the film as a possible franchise much like its billion-dollar “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

    Jungle Cruise the movie takes place in the early 20th century and follows riverboat captain Frank (Johnson) as he takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) and her brother (Jack Whitehall) on a journey to find a mystical tree in South America. Edgar Ramírez and Jesse Plemons costar as a pair of villains who, naturally, want the film’s magical MacGuffin for themselves and compete with Frank in the race to find the tree first.

    Jaume Collet-Serra is directing the movie based on the classic theme park attraction and “Logan” writer Michael Green penned the most recent draft of the script, rewritten from screenplay by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

    Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” is slated to hit theaters October 2019.