Disney News

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  • Character Dining Returning to Chef Mickey’s in December

    Character Dining Returning to Chef Mickey’s in December

    Breakfast is returning at Chef Mickey’s restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on December 16, and Mickey Mouse and his best pals are bringing some new items to the menu inspired by their favorite dishes.

    Along with traditional breakfast favorites, you will be able to try the new Mickey’s “Celebration” Pancake, featuring whipped cream, celebration sprinkles, shimmering pixie dust and more. 

    For something a bit more savory, we’re adding a new “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole topped with smoked bacon crumbles and chives.

    Last but not least, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast will combine unique flavors of banana bread baked in zesty orange-scented French toast batter, topped with Espresso-mascarpone cream, toasted bananas and chocolate crumbles.

    If you can’t decide on which new item to try, you’ll be able to taste all three as part of an all-you-care-to-eat family style feast with other traditional breakfast favorites. 

    When Mickey and friends return, the experience may look a little different than the last time you visited, but you can still expect to smile, wave and make unforgettable memories with some of your favorite characters as they parade through the restaurant in their chef’s best.

    Reservations for Chef Mickey’s character breakfast will open on October 17, based on availability. In addition, Disney Resort hotel guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).

  • New Mickey Mouse Series Announced for Disney Junior

    New Mickey Mouse Series Announced for Disney Junior

    Oh boy! Disney Junior has announced that production has begun on new series called Mickey Mouse Funhouse.

    Mickey Mouse Funhouse is described as “a whimsical animated series for preschoolers and their families” that features Mickey along with classic characters Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. The series, set to debut in 2021, also introduces Funny, an “enchanted talking playhouse who leads the Sensational Six” on imaginative adventures.”

    The show, geared to kids ages 2-7 and their families, will feature two 11-minute stories along with dance break separating the two stories. The series aims to teach “imaginative play, encourage wish fulfillment and impart age-appropriate social and emotional lessons about friendship, creativity and ingenuity.”

    “Preschoolers around the world love Mickey Mouse and friends, and we are eager to showcase these beloved characters as they are transported to magical new destinations in each episode, encouraging kids to expand their own worlds using their imaginations,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vp original programming, and general manager at Disney Junior. “We can’t wait for our young audience to meet Funny, who is a dynamic and playful addition to the treasured world of Mickey Mouse.”

    The show follows other animated adventures with Mickey on Disney Junior that have included Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

  • Disney Cast Member Starts Food Pantry for Laid off Coworkers

    Disney Cast Member Starts Food Pantry for Laid off Coworkers

    Disney World has laid off thousands this week and one cast member has taken it upon herself to help fellow cast members in need by creating a pantry.

    Disney cast member Emily Lartigue created The Cast Member Pantry, which has been set up in a storage unit and is exclusively for Disney workers. It’s stocked with items for ranging from groceries and toiletries to pet food.

    “Cast Member Pantry makes it quick and easy to receive free food essentials once a month per Cast Member,” Lartigue says in a post on Facebook as you can see below:

    Are you or a fellow cast member you know in need of groceries during this difficult time? Cast Member Pantry makes it…

    Posted by Cast Member Pantry on Saturday, July 25, 2020

    “To be able to give back to them and to help out our fellow cast is really special,” said Lartigue, who has been collecting food since March.

    Disney workers who want to visit the pantry to pick up food will need to schedule an appointment and can do so by sending an email to castmemberpantry@gmail.com. The pantry is doing appointment times in 15-minute increments to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

    Even though the pantry is just for Disney workers, others can still help. People have shown their support by donating money and non-perishable food.

  • Disneyland asks Gov. Newsom not to Finalize Theme Park Reopening Plans Yet

    Disneyland asks Gov. Newsom not to Finalize Theme Park Reopening Plans Yet

    California was poised to release its theme park reopening guidelines amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, but now Disneyland and other theme parks are asking Gov. Gavin Newsomnot to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines without first working with the industry.

    Disneyland was originally slated to reopen July 17, a week after Disney World, but that plan was scuttled after coronavirus cases began spiking in California, labor groups argued it was too soon to reopen and California theme parks waited for state guidance. 

    But Disneyland, which has learned from the reopening of Disney World in Florida and its other parks around the world, and other California parks have indicated they’re ready to reopen as soon as they get the green light from the state. 

    Though California theme parks have urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to “expeditiously” let them reopen after closures of more than six months, the expected guidance from the state –based on seeing it in draft form – isn’t fully in line with what they had in mind, according to Erin Guerrero, executive director of California Attractions and Parks Association, which represents popular theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland. 

    “We ask the Governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise, and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority,” Guerrero said in a statement. 

    Guerrero said theme park leaders saw an initial draft of state guidance Thursday.

    “While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan,” she said.    

    But state officials say they’re seeking input from stakeholders while making sure the plans keep safety front and center. 

    “Our Blueprint for a Safer Economy is driven by data and science to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission low, and this upcoming guidance will be no exception,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a statement. “Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework – all leading with science and safety.”

  • Disney’s The Haunted Mansion Board Game Materializing in Time for Halloween

    Disney’s The Haunted Mansion Board Game Materializing in Time for Halloween

    Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still it may be family game night and Funko has just released a new board game called The Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits that is perfect for foolish mortals.

    The haunted new game allows you to explore all the classic rooms of the ghost-infested manor, from the festivities-filled Ballroom to the Attic and out to the Graveyard and beyond in search of spirits. Beware, though, of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, who are notorious for “following you home” as that may spell your doom in the end!

    Take a look at the features and details below:

    • Socialize with the Happy Haunts by collecting matching sets of ghost cards.
    • Explore all the classic rooms of the ghost-infested manor, from the festivities-filled Ballroom to the Attic and out to the Graveyard and beyond in search of spirits.
    • Beware of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, who are notorious for “following you home” as that may spell your doom in the end!
    • Move around the mansion by rotating the Endless Hallway around Madame Leota’s Séance Room, collecting Ghost cards in front of them in sets, each of which are worth different point values.

    The Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits board game launched September 30th on Amazon and at Walmart for $24.97.

  • New Coca-Cola and Disney World Collection Now Available at Disney Springs

    New Coca-Cola and Disney World Collection Now Available at Disney Springs

    The Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs has a new exclusive collection that blends Coca-Cola and Disney World together in a refreshing new way.

    The product developers were inspired by the timeless appeal and youthful optimism both brands represent and the design approach is all about bold simplicity—celebrating the iconic Mickey Mouse icon with the Coca-Cola script logo – where the world’s favorite soft drink meets the happiest place on earth.

    You’ll find just about anything you might be looking for in the collection including a wide variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, drinkware, hats, keychains, and more as you can see below:

    From the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955, Disney and Coca-Cola began their partnership on Main Street, U.S.A when Coca-Cola sponsored the Refreshment Corner. The partnership continued to expand to Walt Disney World Resort at Magic Kingdom Park with their own Refreshment Corner (now Casey’s Corner). A few years later in 1982, Coca-Cola became the exclusive supplier of carbonated beverages at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and now the partnership has only continued to grow to other Disney Parks around the world.

    Fast-forward to 2020 and the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs has become a guest-favorite destination and one of my favorite spots on property. If you haven’t stopped in before, this store is a must-stop for any shopper! The building is modeled after a 1920’s bottling plant and is filled with unique branded gear including their eco-conscious 5by20 collection, which includes handcrafted items from female artisans around the world.

    You’ll also find merchandise that pays homage to other popular Coca-Cola drinks including Sprite and Fanta just to name a few and even a new line of exclusive Coca-Cola Loungefly bags and wallets.

  • Yara Shahidi Cast as Tinkerbell in New Live-action ‘Peter Pan’ Movie

    Yara Shahidi Cast as Tinkerbell in New Live-action ‘Peter Pan’ Movie

    Disney reportedly cast “Grown-ish” star Yara Shahidi to play Tinker Bell in its upcoming live-action adaptation of “Peter Pan.”

    Shahidi will be the first woman of colour to take on the iconic role of the character, previously assumed by Julia Roberts in 1991’s Hook and Ludivine Sagnier in 2003’s Peter Pan.

    The 20-year-old actress seemingly confirmed the news on Instagram Friday, sharing a picture of Tinker Bell drawn as a Black woman as you can see in th post below:

    “Thank you for all of the love. It, truly, means so much to me,” she wrote in the caption. “I’m excited for this next adventure!”

    She also shared a photo of herself dressed in green and wrote, “lettssssgooooo #Tinkerbell.”

    Shahidi is best known for her starring role on ABC’s “Black-ish,” as well as being a star and producer of Freeform’s “Grown-ish.” The actor and activist recently signed an overall deal with ABC Studios. On the film side, Shahidi recently led the YA drama “The Sun Is Also a Star.”

    Alexander Molony and Ever Anderson are set to take flight with Shahidi’s Tinker Bell as the two titular children in Peter Pan and Wendy, while Jude Law has been tapped to play Captain Hook in the upcoming movie, which will be directed by David Lowery and produced by Jim Whitaker from a script co-written by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks.

  • Frozen Sing-Along Returning to Hollywood Studios

    Frozen Sing-Along Returning to Hollywood Studios

    “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

    For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a musical show based on Disney’s 2013 animated film Frozen and the songs from the film, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Shanghai Disneyland Park. It was also formerly hosted at Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park in Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

    Beginning Monday, October 5, you can once again join Erik and Aria, the Royal Historians of Arendelle, for their comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from Disney’s “Frozen” and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.

    Disney said is a blog post that the Frozen Sing-Along “will be the same incredible show guests have loved for the past six years, with some adjustments to staging and audience seating to allow for appropriate physical distancing.”

    The show originally premiered at the Premiere Theater in the Streets of America section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the 2014 Frozen Summer Fun on July 5, 2014. The show moved into its current location at the Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake on June 17, 2015, the former home of The American Idol Experience.

  • Disney World Shares First Look at Polyneisan Village Resort Make-Over

    Disney World Shares First Look at Polyneisan Village Resort Make-Over

    Walt Disney World has shared a first look of the upgrades coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and it looks amazing!

    That arrival experience is about to take on a whole new look with an enhanced entryway that will debut just in time for the resort hotel’s 50th anniversary. 

    One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front – a new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for.

    The team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort. This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of color complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort.

    Along the Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors that complete an exciting new composition that will greet you when you arrive.

    Enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day. 

    The open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces.  

    While work is underway over the coming months, guests can still enjoy access to the Great Ceremonial House and its operating dining and retail outlets. 

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been a favorite destination of guests and cast members since its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, this beloved resort hotel immerses you in an oasis straight out of the South Seas with a sense of aloha that embraces you from the moment you arrive. 

    The new arrival experience is just the beginning of what guests will discover when the resort reopens in summer 2021. All of the resort’s guest rooms are being beautifully redone too. 

  • Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Reopening on September 25

    Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Reopening on September 25

    Tuesday, Disney announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will officially reopen on September 25, 2020!

    The park was closed between Jan. 23- June 18 due to precautions against the coronavirus outbreak. It reopened with some fanfare, but it was forced to close again on July 15 when Hong Kong suffered a third wave of virus infections.

    In alignment with the latest guidance from health and government authorities, the resort will continue its measured approach with health and safety measures implemented as a top priority, including capacity control, health screenings, temperature checks, requiring face masks, social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting.

    “We thank all of our Cast Members for their dedication efforts in preparation for our reopening, and we hope to see you real soon,” Disney said in a blog post.

    Beyond running at a reduced capacity and promoting social distancing, Hong Kong Disneyland will also be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (with the exception of public holidays and special designated days) until further notice.