Tag: news

Man Killed In Disney World Industrial Accident Was Run Over By Cart

More details have been released about the Walt Disney World cast member who was killed Monday morning in an industrial accident. According to Orange County officials, the man was a vehicle technician who somehow became trapped under the cart he was working on.

The man, identified by deputies as Juan Alberto Ojeda, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene of an industrial area near the Pop Century Resort and Waldorf Astoria golf course. Ojeda leaves behind a wife and son.

Witnesses said they were about 20 yards away and saw Ojeda was working on the battery for a Toro motorized utility vehicle then they heard a screeching sound and saw the vehicle drive up onto a curb and into a fence, according to a report.

One witness said that it appeared that Ojeda’s arm was caught on the steering wheel at one point during the incident. The cart climbed about six feet up the fence before it came back down on the ground and landed on top of Ojeda, deputies said.

Two witnesses rushed over to help Ojeda, who was trapped under the motorized vehicle. Deputies said Ojeda asked them to back the cart up off of him, but they worried they would cause further injury to him. Ojeda was unconscious moments later, witnesses said. Deputies are still investigating.

In a statement, Walt Disney World President George A. Kalogridis called Ojeda’s death a tragedy. “All of us at Walt Disney World Resort are deeply saddened today by the loss of one of our cast members. Our thoughts and concerns are with his family, friends, and fellow co-workers. This is a tragic accident, and we are providing resources and care for those impacted and are working closely with the proper authorities to understand how this happened,” Kalogridis said.

July 11, 2018
Disney Employee Killed in Accident Near Pop Century Resort Gondola Construction

An employee at Walt Disney World died in an apparent industrial accident today near Pop Century Resort.

The accident happened in an industrial area near the Pop Century Resort and Waldorf Astoria golf course. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 9:15 a.m. to respond to a guard gate next to the Pop Century Resort at Disney, officials said.

The man who was in his late 30s was found unconscious, deputies said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

“All of us at Walt Disney World Resort are deeply saddened today by the loss of one of our Cast Members. Our thoughts and concerns are with his family, friends, and fellow co-workers. This is a tragic accident, and we are providing resources and care for those impacted and working closely with the proper authorities to understand how this happened,” George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort said in a release.

Officials have not identified the employee and no other information was immediately available. What we do know is that crews have been working in the area on a Skyliner gondola transit system meant to link the theme park Epcot to a slew of Disney resorts, including Pop Century.

July 9, 2018
Amy Adams Confirms ‘Enchanted’ Sequel Is Still In The Works

Fans of Disney’s 2007 hit “Enchanted” starring Amy Adams as Giselle, the singing animated Disney princess who crosses over into the real world, just got some exciting news. During an appearance recently on The Talk, Adams gave an update on the status on Enchanted 2 confirming the long-in-the-works sequel is still in the works.

“I am absolutely up for that,” Adams said when asked by co-host Sara Gilbert about reprising her role in a sequel. “We’re working on it — so hopefully.”

While Adams was on The Talk panel promoting her HBO series Sharp Objects, she discussed “Enchanted” and where they are at with the sequel entitled “Disenchanted”. Take a look at the exchange below:

Enchanted 2 has been in the works since 2014, but there has been no recent movement on the project at Disney; however, the sequel is still currently in development. Anne Fletcher was was originally set to helm a script written by J. David Stem and David N. Weiss.

Now Adam Shankman is attached to direct and while Adams is ready to return to reprise her role, it’s still not clear if co-stars Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, and Susan Sarandon are also on board.

Back in 2007 Enchanted brought in $340 million worldwide for Disney and $127 million domestically.

July 8, 2018
Complete Guide To Fall Season Experiences This Year at Walt Disney World Resort
Fall into the magic this year with parties, races, culinary delights and more during the upcoming fall season. Tastes, toys, treats and more are all on the menu this fall at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s your complete guide to all the Fall Season Experiences this year, both in the theme parks and all across the resort.

23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Offers New Tastes

The aromas and flavors of more than 30 global food and beverage marketplaces, plus a full menu of new offerings such as “Sunday Brunch with the Chef,” welcome guests during the 23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Nov. 12. One of America’s top food festivals since 1996, the 75-day Epcot dine-around extravaganza will surprise guests with new and inspiring sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and several Future World venues. Highlights include:
- The grandest of the festival’s don’t-miss tasting events, Party for the Senses in World ShowPlace, will welcome acclaimed chefs and vintners Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and Nov. 10. They will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips with sensational live entertainment.
- “Eat to the Beat” concerts – 225 in all – will rev up the America Gardens Theatre stage three times nightly with new musical acts including Vertical Horizon, 98 Degrees, Sheila E. and others. Selections span a broad range of eras and genres from rock and pop to rhythm and blues.
- “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops Wednesdays and Thursdays provide new opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs, mixologists and other pros.
Throughout the festival, guests will find something for everyone in the family:
- A Ratatouille-inspired adventure is back as Chef Remy encourages families to play together during Remy’s Ratatouille Hid ‘n’ Squeak scavenger hunt.
- On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy an interactive Character Dance Party.
- In the new Junior Chef Kitchen, children become the chefs and eat what they make in this complimentary experience each Sunday in the Festival Center.
This is just an appetizer for what’s to come this fall. The 23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included with theme park admission, but certain programs require a separate ticket and/or reservation; for full details, visit TasteEpcot.com.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Starts Sooner than Ever

Let’s boo this! There are even more nights to celebrate the spooky season this year during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This special-ticket event runs select nights Aug. 17-Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom Park – the earliest in the calendar year it’s ever started. It’s also the 25^th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Hocus Pocus,” so what better way to celebrate the film than the spellbinding Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular at Cinderella Castle, where the Sanderson Sisters take “stage fright” to another level.

Guests should keep their eyes open for dancing ghosts, the Headless Horseman, plus Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan and many more beloved Disney Characters in the Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade. There will also be plenty of sweets for all trick-or-treaters around the park, including allergy-friendly options. And each night during the party, the skies above an eerily lit Cinderella Castle come alive during Happy HalloWishes, a magical fireworks extravaganza that definitely goes bump in the night!

Advance tickets start at $75 for adults and $70 for ages 3-9 (plus tax). For a full list of event dates, visit MickeyHalloween.com. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space each night is limited. For more information, call (407) WDISNEY (934-7639).

New Toy Story Land: A Perfect Place for Fall Fun

Where better to spend a beautiful fall day than playing in Andy’s backyard, the young toy owner from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Storyfilms. In this extraordinary new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests are “honorary toys” surrounded by Andy’s favorites – Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and many more.

Across 11 fun-filled acres, guests can hop on the all-new Slinky Dog Dash for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin and enjoy some interstellar beats on Alien Swirling Saucers and go for the high score playing midway games inside the 4D world of Toy Story Mania! When toys get hungry, there’s no better place to grab a bite than Woody’s Lunch Box, a walk-up window featuring a bevy of nostalgic delights – from a grilled three-cheese sandwich to a Lunch Box Tart and much more.

Toy Story Land also offers a collection of new merchandise items, allowing guests to take their special memories home with them. Among the many highlights: a Buzz Lightyear Bubble Blower and a Slinky Dog headband.

Disney Junior Dance Party Shimmies into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Later in fall, the new Disney Junior Dance Party premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This live performance will feature high-energy music, a vibrant party atmosphere, special effects and characters from popular Disney Junior TV shows. Guests are invited to join all the fun with the stars of “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” “Doc McStuffins,” “The Lion Guard” and the newest hit series, “Vampirina.”

Two New Restaurants, Reimagined World of Disney Opening at Disney Springs
- James Beard Award-winning Chef José Andrés – one of “The 100 Most Influential People of 2018” according to Time.com – will open a new location of his popular Jaleo this fall. It will offer an extensive menu of tapas that reflects the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Designed by renowned Spanish designer Juli Capella, the new multi-level restaurant will feature breathtaking exterior architecture and a vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful, dynamic culture of Spain. Andrés’ Disney Springs venue will be his largest and most ambitious location to date.
- A new restaurant by James Beard Award-winning Chef Wolfgang Puck will also open this fall. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses – with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck’s Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles.
- In late fall, Disney Springs will reveal the newly reimagined World of Disney store, where guests will discover the products they love from Disney Parks in a dynamic and distinctly Disney environment. The flagship store remains open throughout the enhancement process.
Ready, Set, Go for Wine & Dine Half Marathon

The runDisney race season begins Nov. 1-4 with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, featuring a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. It includes the Disney Two Course Challenge – a 10K and half marathon on consecutive days. This is one of five runDisney events scheduled for this race season, which stretches into early 2019. Register at www.runDisney.com.

New Hotel and Ticket Package Available Labor Day Week

The “Ultimate Disney Fall into Magic Package” is available this year for the week of Labor Day. The limited-time offer, available for booking through Aug. 19, includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort hotel for arrival Sept. 3 and departure Sept. 8, 2018. The package also features four-day Magic Your Way tickets and an itinerary full of special experiences in all four parks – including access to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and two hours of exclusive evening access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Packages start at $149 per person, per night for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. If you need help booking your magical vacation, 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!
July 7, 2018
‘Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package’ Now Available for Booking
Fall is considered by many to be the best time of the year to go to Walt Disney World and you can kick off fall this year in the most exciting way of all with the ‘Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package’.

The limited-time deal, available for booking through Aug. 19, includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort hotel for guest arrival on Sept. 3 and departure on Sept. 8, plus four-day Magic Your Way tickets and an itinerary full of magical experiences in all four Theme Parks.

Here’s a peek at what your incredible itinerary includes:
- Tuesday, September 4, 2018: an exclusive “Welcome to Fall” dinner at Epcot inspired by the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Wednesday, September 5, 2018: a nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris tour followed by an exclusive showing of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park after park closing
- Thursday, September 6, 2018: two hours of exclusive evening access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Friday, September 7, 2018: tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
Packages start at $149 per person, per night for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, for a total package price of $2,980.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, 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!
July 7, 2018
Passholders With Blackout Dates Can Purchase Summer Add-On Option

If you’re a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder with summer blackout dates and were wishing you could find a way to get to the parks this summer, then this news is the Disney magic you’ve been waiting for. Disney World will be offering a special summer add-on for select Annual Passholders with Blackout Dates.

For an additional fee you’ll receive admission to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the entire summer! The offer does not include access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Details have not yet been released as of yet and the offer isn’t available to guests until July 9. The add-on ticket is available for Silver, Weekday Select and Theme Park Select Passholders.

For those Passholders with summer blackout dates this is really exciting news! For less than the prices of a one day ticket you can go all summer long. The add-on costs $89 and will give guest access the three parks any day of the week from July 9 through August 9, 2018. And yes you can park hop!

This summer is an amazing time to go with Disney World with their ‘Incredible Summer‘ in full swing and this offer will give Passholders with summer black out days a chance to check out many of the new experiences.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, 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!

July 7, 2018
Felicity Star Keri Russell In Talks To Join Cast of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

Actress Keri Russell may be headed to a galaxy far far away as she is reportedly in talks to join Disney and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Episode IX.

The actress, who is well-known for playing the title role in Felicity, just wrapped the six seasons of The Americans and has reportedly been cast for an action-oriented role in J.J. Abrams’s Star Wars Episode IX, according to Variety.

Abrams and Lucasfilm execs met with several actresses for the role in the past two months and settled on Russell right before the Fourth of July holiday. Abrams will likely cast two more actors by the time the film begins production at the end of the month.

Star Wars: Episode IX is set to start production this summer ahead of its December 2019 release. The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams is returning to the director’s chair and is already turning to familiar faces to fill new roles in the film.

Abrams and Russell have a long history of working together. They first teamed on The WB drama series Felicity way back in 1998, and then reunited for Mission: Impossible III, which served as Abrams’ feature directorial debut. When Abrams was prepping what would become Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Russell made it clear that she’d do anything to be a part of his take on the Star Wars universe and now it looks like she may get her chance.

Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Kelly Marie Tran are all expected to reprise their roles as the heroes of the Resistance, facing down the First Order now under the command of Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren. But a full cast list has not yet been confirmed.

July 6, 2018
New Permits Reveal Star Wars Hotel Scope and Connection to Hollywood Studios

Disney recently filed permits with the South Florida Water Management District that reveal new details about the size and scope of the Star Wars Hotel as well as how guests will be entering Hollywood Studios directly from the resort.

Walt Disney World confirmed back in may that the hotel will be located just east of World Drive, on the south side of Hollywood Studios, but now with these construction plans we get real sense of exactly how the hotel will fit in to the surrounding area.

Disney has said that hotel will be “seamlessly connected” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. According to the recently filed permits, guests staying at Walt Disney World’s Star Wars hotel will drive from Hollywood Studios’ parking lot over a drainage canal to get to the main hotel entrance.

Guests staying at the resort will use a special pathway to enter the theme park that will take them between the two attractions in the new land.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Disney has not released details on the new resort will open, but we do know the Star Wars-themed land at Hollywood Studios will open in late fall 2019.

July 5, 2018
Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear Reunited at Disney World’s Toy Story Land

Buzz Lightyear was reunited with the man who voices the beloved character this week, as Tim Allen helped his animated counterpart open Disney World’s newest addition, Toy Story Land. Tim Allen and Buzz Lightyear… Excuse me, I think the word you’re searching for is “Space Ranger”.

The press was invited to attend the opening celebration of new land at Hollywood Studios Friday and the crowd of about 100 journalists got an amazing surprise when Allen came out on stage during the dedication.

Of course, in addition to the opening ceremony duties, Allen had to spend some family time in the new land. Allen and his daughter Elizabeth even took a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers during the special preview as you can see in the photo below.

It’s the largest expansion in the parks 29 year history. In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for Toy Story Mania!. Guests can hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys.

Toy Story Land is now open at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land Is Officially Open in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
The new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort officially opens today! Inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, the new land turns guests of all ages into “honorary toys” and allows them to PLAY BIG in the whimsical world of a child’s imagination.

In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for an enduring favorite. Guests hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin with the little green Aliens from Pizza Planet and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys. Guests will also love to chow down on tasty vittles available for purchase at Woody’s Lunch Box

Toy Story Land also celebrates what defines entertainment for kids of all ages. Crayola crayons, a Rubik’s Cube, Cooties, and other toys and games pour on the nostalgia for park-goers – and fascinate young ones. With building blocks around every corner, there are lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys and benches built from Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces. A balsa-wood glider, a Barrel of Monkeys, giant playing cards and jacks add to the visual tapestry of the new land. Sheriff Woody, standing nearly 20 feet tall, welcomes all to Toy Story Land by jauntily leaning on a tall assemblage of colorful wooden blocks, tipping his wide-brimmed hat to guests while holding onto his trusty lasso.

“With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences, Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals – and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!
June 30, 2018