A look at plans for new rides and more at Disney parks
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disney is calling upon the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and a cohort of blockbuster movies to help modernize its amusement parks.Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled the upcoming attractions at both international and domestic Disney parks during its D23 fan expo in Anaheim, California, on July 15.Most of the upcoming projects are expected to be completed by Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disney is calling upon the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and a cohort of blockbuster movies to help modernize its amusement parks.Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled the upcoming attractions at both international and domestic Disney parks during its D23 fan expo in Anaheim, California, on July 15.Most of the upcoming projects are expected to be completed by Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.
War of words between fired voice of Kermit the Frog, Disney and Henson family
NEW YORK — Puppeteer Steve Whitmire, who was fired from his 27-year gig as the voice of Kermit the Frog, and Disney representatives are breaking their silence about the split, which is proving to be anything but amicable.Whitmire, 58, has voiced the beloved green Muppet for much of his life, working with Jim Henson since he was a teenager and replacing Henson as Kermit after his death in 1990.
NEW YORK — Puppeteer Steve Whitmire, who was fired from his 27-year gig as the voice of Kermit the Frog, and Disney representatives are breaking their silence about the split, which is proving to be anything but amicable.Whitmire, 58, has voiced the beloved green Muppet for much of his life, working with Jim Henson since he was a teenager and replacing Henson as Kermit after his death in 1990.
Disney fans get look at 'Incredibles 2,' 'Wreck-It Ralph 2'
ANAHEIM, Calif. — When it comes to Disney, they like to keep it in the family, whether it's getting a football team's worth of original Disney princesses to cameo in "Wreck-It Ralph 2," reuniting "The Incredibles" fourteen years after the original film hit theaters, or securing a new director for "Toy Story 4."John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, led a confetti, joke and song-filled presentation of the upcoming animation slate for the studio Friday at the star-studded biannual fan convention D23 in Anaheim, just steps from Disneyland with appearances of people from Kristen Bell to Samuel L.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — When it comes to Disney, they like to keep it in the family, whether it's getting a football team's worth of original Disney princesses to cameo in "Wreck-It Ralph 2," reuniting "The Incredibles" fourteen years after the original film hit theaters, or securing a new director for "Toy Story 4."John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, led a confetti, joke and song-filled presentation of the upcoming animation slate for the studio Friday at the star-studded biannual fan convention D23 in Anaheim, just steps from Disneyland with appearances of people from Kristen Bell to Samuel L.
13 stunning photos of Disney's 'Pandora: The World of Avatar' at night
ORLANDO -- "Pandora: The World of Avatar" officially opened to huge crowds last week at Walt Disney World in Florida.The Avatar-themed land's feature attraction, Flight of Passage, is already being called one of the best rides at Walt Disney World.
ORLANDO -- "Pandora: The World of Avatar" officially opened to huge crowds last week at Walt Disney World in Florida.The Avatar-themed land's feature attraction, Flight of Passage, is already being called one of the best rides at Walt Disney World.
'Flight of Passage' Avatar ride is Disney's best new attraction in years
ORLANDO -- Disney's Pandora: The World of Avatar officially opened this past weekend to huge crowds, with some guests waiting up to four hours to experience the land's premiere attraction Flight of Passage.And believe it or not, the ride is actually worth the wait.The 12-acre Avatar-themed land is located at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando and includes two major attractions: Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey.When you "leave" Animal Kingdom Park by walking across a bridge into Pandora, the storyline suggests you are “transferred light-years away” to Pandora.
ORLANDO -- Disney's Pandora: The World of Avatar officially opened this past weekend to huge crowds, with some guests waiting up to four hours to experience the land's premiere attraction Flight of Passage.And believe it or not, the ride is actually worth the wait.The 12-acre Avatar-themed land is located at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando and includes two major attractions: Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey.When you "leave" Animal Kingdom Park by walking across a bridge into Pandora, the storyline suggests you are “transferred light-years away” to Pandora.
Walt Disney’s hand-drawn map of Disneyland could sell for $1 million
LOS ANGELES -- A rediscovered hand-drawn map of Disneyland, co-created by Walt Disney himself when the park was still in its earliest days of inception, is up for auction and is estimated to sell for up to $1 million, according to KSWB.The map was pivotal in obtaining the finances Walt and his brother Roy needed to make their dream a reality.In late 1953, Walt’s brother Roy Disney scheduled meetings in New York with leading banks and the three television networks; CBS, NBC, and ABC, to try to obtain financing for Disneyland.Realizing that words alone would not be enough to convey the images he had in his head, Walt called on his friend and former employee Herb Ryman to draw what would become one of the most important drawings in Disney history.In what would be remembered as the “Lost Weekend,” Walt spent two days narrating in fine detail every aspect of his park that he could muster.
LOS ANGELES -- A rediscovered hand-drawn map of Disneyland, co-created by Walt Disney himself when the park was still in its earliest days of inception, is up for auction and is estimated to sell for up to $1 million, according to KSWB.The map was pivotal in obtaining the finances Walt and his brother Roy needed to make their dream a reality.In late 1953, Walt’s brother Roy Disney scheduled meetings in New York with leading banks and the three television networks; CBS, NBC, and ABC, to try to obtain financing for Disneyland.Realizing that words alone would not be enough to convey the images he had in his head, Walt called on his friend and former employee Herb Ryman to draw what would become one of the most important drawings in Disney history.In what would be remembered as the “Lost Weekend,” Walt spent two days narrating in fine detail every aspect of his park that he could muster.
Disney sets May 2019 release date for new 'Star Wars' film
LOS ANGELES — "Star Wars: Episode IX" is coming to theaters on May 24, 2019.The Walt Disney Co.
LOS ANGELES — "Star Wars: Episode IX" is coming to theaters on May 24, 2019.The Walt Disney Co.
Disney reveals new details about Star Wars Land -- and it sounds incredible
ORLANDO -- Is it 2019 yet?During a Star Wars event in Orlando on Saturday, Disney revealed new details about the Star Wars lands coming to Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.During a panel at the Star Wars Celebration event, Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm representatives said guests will be able to control their theme park experience by choosing to work for the Resistance or the First Order.
ORLANDO -- Is it 2019 yet?During a Star Wars event in Orlando on Saturday, Disney revealed new details about the Star Wars lands coming to Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.During a panel at the Star Wars Celebration event, Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm representatives said guests will be able to control their theme park experience by choosing to work for the Resistance or the First Order.
Disney moves Magic Kingdom metal detectors to ticket center
ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World is moving its metal detectors to an earlier entry point at its most popular park, Magic Kingdom.The Orlando Sentinel reports that the detectors will now be located at the Transportation and Ticket Center starting next Monday.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World is moving its metal detectors to an earlier entry point at its most popular park, Magic Kingdom.The Orlando Sentinel reports that the detectors will now be located at the Transportation and Ticket Center starting next Monday.
Writer alleges Disney copied his plans for 'Zootopia'
LOS ANGELES — A screenwriter and producer is suing Walt Disney Pictures claiming the studio copied his ideas for the Oscar-winning animated film "Zootopia."Gary L.
LOS ANGELES — A screenwriter and producer is suing Walt Disney Pictures claiming the studio copied his ideas for the Oscar-winning animated film "Zootopia."Gary L.
Disney announces opening dates for 'Avatar,' 'Star Wars' lands; new fireworks show
ORLANDO -- Disney Parks announced this week the opening date for its new Avatar-themed land, revealed a new fireworks show coming to Walt Disney World, and announced the opening date (well, actually it's just the opening year) for its new Star Wars-themed lands coming to both coasts."Pandora – The World of Avatar" will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida on May 27, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced this week.
ORLANDO -- Disney Parks announced this week the opening date for its new Avatar-themed land, revealed a new fireworks show coming to Walt Disney World, and announced the opening date (well, actually it's just the opening year) for its new Star Wars-themed lands coming to both coasts."Pandora – The World of Avatar" will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida on May 27, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced this week.
Star Wars-themed lands to open at Disney parks in 2019
LOS ANGELES — Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company will open its Star Wars-themed lands at California's Disneyland and Florida's Walt Disney World in 2019.The 14-acre attractions were announced in 2015 and are under construction at the parks.
LOS ANGELES — Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company will open its Star Wars-themed lands at California's Disneyland and Florida's Walt Disney World in 2019.The 14-acre attractions were announced in 2015 and are under construction at the parks.
Happy 88th Birthday Mickey Mouse!
Happy Birthday to the world's most famous mouse!
Happy Birthday to the world's most famous mouse!
Tennessee man dies after riding Disney's Star Tours
ORLANDO, Fla. — Authorities say a 67-year-old Tennessee tourist died after riding Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios.The September death of the Memphis, Tennessee, man was recorded in a list of serious ride-related injuries and illnesses that the major theme parks provide the state of Florida on a quarterly basis.The Orlando Sentinel (http://bit.ly/2enVVqK ) reports the man had a pre-existing heart condition, and that the cause of death was listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with contributing factors including obesity.The latest report included five other incidents of adults complaining of dizziness, stomach and chest pain and back pain on various rides at Disney and Universal.While parks are not subject to state inspections, they're required to report ride-related injuries and illnesses that send someone to the hospital for at least 24 hours.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Authorities say a 67-year-old Tennessee tourist died after riding Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios.The September death of the Memphis, Tennessee, man was recorded in a list of serious ride-related injuries and illnesses that the major theme parks provide the state of Florida on a quarterly basis.The Orlando Sentinel (http://bit.ly/2enVVqK ) reports the man had a pre-existing heart condition, and that the cause of death was listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with contributing factors including obesity.The latest report included five other incidents of adults complaining of dizziness, stomach and chest pain and back pain on various rides at Disney and Universal.While parks are not subject to state inspections, they're required to report ride-related injuries and illnesses that send someone to the hospital for at least 24 hours.
Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld shut down as Hurricane Matthew approaches; Pres. Obama declares state of emergency
FLORIDA -- With dangerous Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida's coastline, officials at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld say they'll be shutting down until the storm passes.Disney officials said on the company's website Thursday afternoon, October 6th that theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, the miniature golf course and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex would close at 5 p.m. The theme park will remain closed through Friday.Alyson Lundell is director of public relations for Universal Orlando.
FLORIDA -- With dangerous Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida's coastline, officials at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld say they'll be shutting down until the storm passes.Disney officials said on the company's website Thursday afternoon, October 6th that theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, the miniature golf course and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex would close at 5 p.m. The theme park will remain closed through Friday.Alyson Lundell is director of public relations for Universal Orlando.
"Their kids were their world:" Couple killed in tragic crash during Disney World vacation
ORLANDO, Florida – A Missouri family's trip to Disney World and the beach ended in tragedy Sunday, September 25th when they were involved in a car crash that killed both parents and injured their two daughters, police said.Greg Moyers, 40, and his wife Sarah, 39, had saved up for months to be able to bring their daughters – 13-year-old Hailey and 8-year-old Sophia – to Orlando, according to the Orlando Sentinel.After a trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, they were driving to the beach when a Ford Focus drifted into their lane, forcing the Moyers off the road and into a tree.
ORLANDO, Florida – A Missouri family's trip to Disney World and the beach ended in tragedy Sunday, September 25th when they were involved in a car crash that killed both parents and injured their two daughters, police said.Greg Moyers, 40, and his wife Sarah, 39, had saved up for months to be able to bring their daughters – 13-year-old Hailey and 8-year-old Sophia – to Orlando, according to the Orlando Sentinel.After a trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, they were driving to the beach when a Ford Focus drifted into their lane, forcing the Moyers off the road and into a tree.
Some Polynesians happy Disney pulls Maui costume
Some Polynesians critical of a new Disney's costume are welcoming the company's move to stop selling it.The costume depicts Maui, a legendary Polynesian figure featured in the upcoming animated movie "Moana." The brown outfit has long-sleeves and pants and full-body tattoos.Critics say it's offputting to have a child wear the skin color of another race, likening the costume to a form of blackface.Brigham Young University-Hawaii professor Tevita Kaili says he's happy Disney is responding.Chelsie Haunani Fairchild says the company only pulled the costume because critical voices were heard.The Native Hawaiian college student studying in Texas says it doesn't change what Disney did, though she accepts the company's apology.Disney apologized in a statement Wednesday and said it regrets offending some with the outfit.
Some Polynesians critical of a new Disney's costume are welcoming the company's move to stop selling it.The costume depicts Maui, a legendary Polynesian figure featured in the upcoming animated movie "Moana." The brown outfit has long-sleeves and pants and full-body tattoos.Critics say it's offputting to have a child wear the skin color of another race, likening the costume to a form of blackface.Brigham Young University-Hawaii professor Tevita Kaili says he's happy Disney is responding.Chelsie Haunani Fairchild says the company only pulled the costume because critical voices were heard.The Native Hawaiian college student studying in Texas says it doesn't change what Disney did, though she accepts the company's apology.Disney apologized in a statement Wednesday and said it regrets offending some with the outfit.
Love Disney's 'Dory' fish? Soon, you could get your own
RUSKIN, Fla. — Someday soon, you might be able to find Disney's beloved "Dory" in your own aquarium — and the beautiful blue tang fish will be bred in Florida, not the Pacific Ocean.After six years of study, a team of researchers at the University of Florida, along with the Rising Tide Conservation, have figured out how to breed the saltwater fish in tanks for the first time.
RUSKIN, Fla. — Someday soon, you might be able to find Disney's beloved "Dory" in your own aquarium — and the beautiful blue tang fish will be bred in Florida, not the Pacific Ocean.After six years of study, a team of researchers at the University of Florida, along with the Rising Tide Conservation, have figured out how to breed the saltwater fish in tanks for the first time.
Popular Main Street Electrical Parade at Disney coming to an end, nearly 40 years after its debut
ORLANDO, Florida -- The Main Street Electrical Parade will soon end its run at Walt Disney World this fall, according to the Disney Parks Blog.Visitors will have until October 9th to see the glowing, spinning floats one last time.After that, the parade will head to Disneyland Resort for a limited-time engagement.The parade has been a favorite with visitors since it first debuted in 1977.In its announcement Wednesday, August 10th, Disney didn't say what would replace the parade.
ORLANDO, Florida -- The Main Street Electrical Parade will soon end its run at Walt Disney World this fall, according to the Disney Parks Blog.Visitors will have until October 9th to see the glowing, spinning floats one last time.After that, the parade will head to Disneyland Resort for a limited-time engagement.The parade has been a favorite with visitors since it first debuted in 1977.In its announcement Wednesday, August 10th, Disney didn't say what would replace the parade.
Family of 2-year-old boy killed by alligator will not sue Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. — The family of Lane Graves, the 2-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in June, will not sue Disney.“Melissa and I are broken.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The family of Lane Graves, the 2-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in June, will not sue Disney.“Melissa and I are broken.