Disney News

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  • The Walt Disney Company Pledges $5 Million To Support Social Justice Organizations

    The Walt Disney Company Pledges $5 Million To Support Social Justice Organizations

    The Walt Disney Company has pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice.

    That commitment includes a $2 million donation to the NAACP to further their longstanding work promoting social justice by eliminating disparities and racial discrimination through their advocacy and education programs.

    “The killing of George Floyd has forced our nation to once again confront the long history of injustice that black people in America have suffered, and it is critical that we stand together, speak out and do everything in our power to ensure that acts of racism and violence are never tolerated,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This $5 million pledge will continue to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP that have worked tirelessly to ensure equality and justice.”

    Today’s pledge is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to support organizations that advance social justice. For many years, Disney has worked closely with groups that advocate for and empower communities of color, including the NAACP, whose mission is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.  The Company has also previously provided millions of dollars in grants to help students from underrepresented groups make the dream of higher education a reality, including $2.5 million to the United Negro College Fund.

    In addition, through the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, employees are able to increase their impact in their communities by donating to eligible organizations, with the Company matching those gifts.

    Disney has used its creative resources and platforms to address issues of race and inequality. On Tuesday night, the Company aired a slate of special programming on a number of its TV networks to encourage a discussion of racism and oppression in America. The programming included an ABC News primetime special, “America in Pain: What Comes Next?,” that examined the protests and outrage across the country in response to the killing of Mr. Floyd. The special was preceded by the re-airing of two monumental and timely episodes of black-ish: “Hope,” which explores the issue of police brutality and flaws in the judicial system, and “Juneteenth,” which examines the lack of accurate representation of African Americans in our nation’s history.

    For more information about the important work of the NAACP, click here.

  • Disneyland Opens Reservations Beginning July 15

    Disneyland Opens Reservations Beginning July 15

    Disneyland hasn’t yet announced a reopening date, but their website has been updated to reflect reservations are available beginning July 15, 2020.

    Disneyland has been pushing back their available reservation dates month by month and previously opened reservations beginning July 1, but with Disney World officially reopening July 11, hopefully the new reservation availability reflects that a reopening is not too far away.

    New reservations for the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel are currently available for travel dates on July 15 and later, according to Disneyland website. Take a look below:

    The Disneyland website states:

    • For Guests who are interested in modifying their existing travel dates or making a new reservation for a future vacation, reservations are currently available for travel dates July 15, 2020 and later. As always, Guests are able to modify these bookings if the Disneyland Resort opens before or after that time. Please contact the Walt Disney Travel Company for questions and modifications at (714) 520-5050.

    Under “Room-Only Hotel Reservations” the July 15th date is mentioned again:

    • Disneyland Resort will work with Guests who have Disneyland Resort hotel room reservations that may be impacted by our temporary closure. To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through July 15, 2020. If you are unable to reach us before your check-in date, you will not be penalized or assessed fees for modifying or canceling your Disneyland Resort hotel room reservation after your check-in date.

    The Disneyland website shows all three Disneyland hotels sold out on July 15, but rooms available on July 16 for $428 per night at the Paradise Pier Hotel, $586 at the Disneyland Hotel and $766 at the Grand Californian Hotel.

  • Disney Unveils Rainbow Collection 2020 for Pride Month

    Disney Unveils Rainbow Collection 2020 for Pride Month

    This summer, show your love and celebrate Pride month with the Rainbow Disney Collection!

    The Rainbow Disney Collection 2020 is here with an array of over 20 products to choose from. Items include ear headbands, T-shirts, tanks, plush toys, accessories and pins — just to name a few.

    Get the first look at the collection of colorful products below and head over to shopDisney.com to shop your favorites.

    In recognition of Pride Month 2020 and in honor of the Rainbow Disney Collection, Disney is donating $100,000 to GLSEN, a leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ+ students.

  • Refunds for Disney World Annual Passes are Starting to Appear for Passholders

    Refunds for Disney World Annual Passes are Starting to Appear for Passholders

    After Disney World closed on March 12 due to the coronavirus, Disney announced that Annual Passholders could recieve refund if they wanted and Passholders are now finally starting to see those refunds showing up in their accounts.

    In April, Disney announced that as an alternative to extending annual passes the number of days the parks are closed, “Passholders who have paid in full may choose to receive a partial refund for the park closure period.”

    A Disney World Annual Passholder who finally received their refund took to Twitter to share the news as you can see below:

    For those not choosing to recieve a refund, the website states: “All active Walt Disney World Resort theme park and water park Annual Passes will be extended for the number of days the parks are closed. The new expiration date will be reflected on the Annual Passholder’s account prior to the reopening of the parks.”

    Back in April, Disney world stated on thier website that if you’re on the monthly payment plan, “We automatically stopped and will waive monthly payments due while the theme parks are closed. We will also retroactively refund payments made between March 14 through April 4, 2020. Payments will resume on the Passholder’s regularly scheduled payment dates once the parks reopen. Please note, pass expiration dates will not be extended and passes will expire upon their originally scheduled expiration dates.”

    As an alternative, Guests who are paying for Walt Disney World Annual Passes using the monthly payment program may choose to have their monthly payments postponed starting with payments due April 5, 2020 through the park closure period, and then resumed on the Passholder’s regularly scheduled payment date once the parks reopen. Postponed payments will be collected in the months following the end of the Passholder’s currently scheduled payment term. The pass will be extended the number of days the parks are closed. The new expiration date will be reflected on your Annual Passholder account prior to the reopening of the theme parks.

  • Disney Denounces Killing of George Floyd in Letter to Employees

    Disney Denounces Killing of George Floyd in Letter to Employees

    Disney executives Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Latondra Newton denounced the death of George Floyd while he was detained by a white police officer in a message to employees this weekend.

    The statement is posted below in it’s entirety:

    “Dear Fellow Employee,

    The recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of lethal attacks and harassment of unarmed black citizens in our nation continue to drive outrage and calls for action by people of all cultural backgrounds, including many of our employees. Feelings of grief and anger cause us to confront the inscrutable idea that the lives of some are deemed less valuable – and less worthy of dignity, care and protection – than the lives of others.

    While these devastating incidents are not new, there’s something unique about what’s happening in this moment. The pandemic coupled with these recent injustices have pushed the issues of racial disparity into the open.

    We, too, are struggling to make sense of the recent tragedies that leave us feeling overcome with sorrow. While we don’t have all the answers, we resolve to use our compassion, our creative ideas and our collective sense of humanity to ensure we are fostering a culture that acknowledges our people’s feelings and their pain. We also realize that now more than ever is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere.

    We intend to focus our efforts and resources to compassionately and constructively talk about these matters openly and honestly as we seek solutions. We intend to keep the conversation going, not just today, but for as long as it takes to bring about real change.”

    Bob Chapek, Bob Iger & Latondra Newton

  • EPCOT’s World Showcase May be Staffed Without Cultural Representatives During Reopening

    EPCOT’s World Showcase May be Staffed Without Cultural Representatives During Reopening

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen it’s four Orlando theme parks and along with the the new saftey measures you may notice some staffing changes in World Showcase at EPCOT.

    The cultural representatives who staff EPCOT’s World Showcase may not return to the parks right away, according to a reported agreement between labor unions representing Disney World employees and Walt Disney Company.

    Until Disney World is able to resume normal staffing, Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming at EPCOT may be temporarily assigned to work in positions which are otherwise reserved for Cultural Representatives,” according to the agreement.

    Disney suspended it’s cultural representative program April 18 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as you can see in the tweet below:

    Disney also said that it will invite back its Cultural Representative to complete their program at “a later date.”

  • Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen it’s four Orlando theme parks starting July 11.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open first, on July 11. Then, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15.

    The plans were reportedly approved Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in a memo sent to Orange County officials, according to multiple news reports. Disney reps weren’t immediately available for comment.

    Disney submitted its reopening plans on Wednesday to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force and received an endorsement from Orange County Mayor Jerry Dennings shortly after the meeting.

    In Disney’s presentation, Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort, described plans for temperature checks of guests and staff, face masks and social distancing, frequent signage, numerous hand washing stations throughout the park and backstage and use of plexiglass barriers at retail and food and beverage locations.

    Capacity will be reduced at park attractions, restaurants, retail stores and transportation connecting the parks. Fireworks, character-meet and-greets, water displays and other events that might create crowds or make social distancing difficult will be temporarily suspended. The park will expand mobile ordering platforms at its restaurants. It will clean ‘high touch areas frequently.

    MacPhee said Disney’s strategy will focus around three keywords — “education, communication and engagement.”

  • Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its theme parks and to help control the crowds, Disney World has canceled Fireworks Displays and Parades until further notice during their phased reopening.

    “This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing” Disney said. “That means certain experiences we know draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.”

    In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests. 

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its four Orlando-based theme parks starting July 11.

  • The Walt Disney Company Receives 102 Daytime Emmy Nominations Across its Platforms

    The Walt Disney Company Receives 102 Daytime Emmy Nominations Across its Platforms

    The Walt Disney Company’s networks and brands combined to earn a total of 102 nominations for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

    The awards will be presented in a two-hour special airing Friday, June 26. Awards will be presented in leading categories during the telecast, with recipients and other special guests appearing from their homes. 

    Take a look below at the complete list of nominees from across The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of brands:

    WALT DISNEY TELEVISION

    ABC

    General Hospital (23 nominations)

    • Outstanding Drama Series
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Finola Hughes
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Maura West
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Steve Burton
    • Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Jon Lindstrom
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Tamara Braun
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Rebecca Budig
    • Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: James Patrick Stuart
    • Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series: Katelyn MacMullen
    • Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series: Eden McCoy
    • Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series: Michael E. Knight
    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Directing Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Original Song: “North Star”
    • Outstanding Casting for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Drama or Digital Series
    • Outstanding Technical Team for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Live and Direct to Tape Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Costume Design for a Drama or Digital Drama Series
    • Outstanding Hair Styling for a Drama Series
    • Outstanding Makeup for a Drama Series

    The View (8 nominations)

    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show
    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host: Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Meghan McCain, Abby Huntsman & Ana Navarro
    • Outstanding Lighting Direction
    • Outstanding Technical Team
    • Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing
    • Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
    • Outstanding Hair Styling
    • Outstanding Makeup

    GMA3 Strahan, Sara & Keke (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host: Michael Strahan, Sara Haines & Keke Palmer
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program

    Good Morning America (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Morning Show
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program

    Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

    • Outstanding Technical Team

    Disney Team of Heroes (ABC)

    • Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement—Brand Image Campaign—Network or Program

    DISNEY JUNIOR

    Elena of Avalor (7 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Never Leave”
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    The Rocketeer (5 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Maurice LaMarche—The Rocketeer
    • Outstanding Writing Team for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Main Title for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Preschool Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Muppet Babies (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Eric Bauza
    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Matt Danner
    • Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Puppy Dog Pals (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Kevin Michael Richardson
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program

    Vampirina (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “The Vamp Opera”

    Doc McStuffins

    • Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Series

    Elena of Avalor: The Magic Within

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    The Lion Guard

    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “As You Move Forward”

    Muppet Babies: Play Date

    • Outstanding Short Format Children’s Program

    T.O.T.S.

    • Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program: Christian Simon

    DISNEY CHANNEL

    Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (7 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Waiting in the Wings”
    • Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special
    • Outstanding Main Title for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program

    DuckTales (4 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Paget Brewster
    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Sound Editing for an Animated Program

    Big City Greens (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Marieve Herington
    • Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: Chris Houghton
    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program

    Big Hero 6 The Series (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s, Young Adult or Animated Program: “Gonna Go Good”

    Disney Mickey Mouse (2 nominations)

    • Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program
    • Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program

    Big City Greens: Green Christmas

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    BUNK’D

    • Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series

    Milo Murphy’s Law

    • Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

    Pup Academy

    • Outstanding Directing for a Children’s or Young Adult Program

    Shook

    • Outstanding Young Adult Program: Shook

    SYNDICATION

    Live with Kelly and Ryan (4 nominations)

    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
    • Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host: Kelly Ripa & Ryan Seacrest
    • Outstanding Directing for a Talk, Entertainment News or Morning Program
    • Outstanding Hair Styling

    Tamron Hall (3 nominations)

    • Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host: Tamron Hall
    • Outstanding Costume Design/Styling
    • Outstanding Makeup

    HULU

    Light as a Feather (6 nominations)

    • Outstanding Young Adult Program
    • Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Liana Liberato
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Jordan Rodrigues
    • Outstanding Principal Performance in a Daytime Program: Brianne Tju
    • Outstanding Directing for a Children’s or Young Adult Program

    Holly Hobbie

    • Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series

    LUCASFILM

    The Star Wars Show

    • Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement—Topical

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

    Rewind Nature

    • Outstanding Special Class—Short Form Daytime Program
  • Disney Launches Free Online Activities with Frozen, Star Wars and More

    Disney Launches Free Online Activities with Frozen, Star Wars and More

    Disney is introducing a new online platform called The Disney Destiny of Imagination that brings together a collection of your favorite characters in themed activities and it’s being made available to families for free.

    The activites are Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars themed and are sure to keep all ages entertained.

    The freebies are aimed at helping children to play, stay active and continue learning while having fun with everything from Frozen to Captain America.

    They include storytelling sessions so that young ones can listen to classic and magical Disney tales and Art of Animation workshops with Disney artists so that they can learn to draw characters such as Captain America and Olaf.

    Other Frozen treats include boardgames and trivia quizzes to test fans’ movie knowledge while other trivia movie themes include Star Wars and among the games is Marvel top trumps.

    There are plenty arts and crafts activities, such as join-the-dots and colouring-in of favourite characters, with activity books covering everything from Mickey and Minnie to The Hulk and Spider-Man.

    Star Wars activity packs, for instance, enable fans to create their own Darth Vader masks while young ones will no doubt enjoy Mickey Mouse drawing tutorials.

    New activities will be going live every week and those due to be added soon include Keep Active ideas with exercise sheets encouraging children to expend a bit of energy alongside their favourite characters, according to ChronicleLive.

    All the activities are available for free at the Disney shop here.