Despite the blazing-hot California sunshine, The Walt Disney Studios lot never felt so Frozen. On Friday, September 12, the Disney film that became a global sensation and the No. 1 animated movie of all time was honored at the Company’s headquarters.
Disney’s Planes are back in the high-flying comedy adventure “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE,” landing on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand platforms Nov. 4, 2014. In this heart-pumping, laugh-filled follow-up to last year’s smash hit “PLANES,” world famous racer Dusty Crophopper joins an elite fire and rescue unit and learns what it takes to be a true hero. Featuring non-stop action, memorable characters and never-before-seen bonus features, “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE” is this fall’s must-own animated family film!
Spreading a little extra pixie dust, dozens of dedicated Disney VoluntEARS meet nearly everyday putting their hands and hearts together to knit, crochet and stitch handmade baby caps, scarves, pillowcases and blankets for newborns, children and others in Central Florida.
Also known as BlanketEARs, the close-knit group of Cast Members banded together in 2007, as a small group that would get together once a week to knit caps for soldiers deployed overseas. Over the years the group grew into a sizable organization and expanded their efforts to include baby caps, afghans and pet mats. They gather their items each month to work on various projects and learn new skills like new stitches, different patterns and quilting techniques.
“I like being able to see all the things that are made,” said Cast Member Debbie Weber who works in the animal nutrition center at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “All these items are made with love, giving hope to the recipients regardless of the situation they are in. It’s really great to add some spark to their day.”
Euro Disney, the theme park complex on the outskirts of Paris is planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2017 by making major investments including the installation of a new attraction themed to the Star Wars movie series.
Walt Disney World is expensive. No two ways about it. Thirty years ago, when I was a kid, you could get into the Magic Kingdom for just $18. Now, tickets cost $99 and up. But if you want to take the plunge, you might find that a few splurges are worth it.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is a one-of-a-kind celebration of chilling, family friendly fun. From Friday, Sept. 12, through Friday, Oct. 31, guests will explore their spooky Disney Side with special Halloween transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain; encounter Disney villains conjured by a magic cauldron; dance to the Mad T Party band and meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes.
An additional Halloween Time highlight is the separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, where adults and children show their Disney Side by dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating at Disneyland Park and enjoying an array of special entertainment, including the exclusive “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular.
New to Halloween Time at Disneyland this year are the latest twists at Haunted Mansion Holiday and additional entertainment experiences at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch, with more mysterious fun joining the Astounding Cauldron of Magic.
Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is one of the guest favorites during Halloween Time. The unique Halloween-themed experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.
Jack Skellington returns to Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and brings Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Transformed with a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Guests now have even more ways to enjoy and experience the world of “Frozen,” Disney’s instant classic film, across Walt Disney World® Resort! “Frozen” has been a part of the Guest experience in a number of ways already and our Guests have both loved them and asked for more. We are pleased to share with you our latest plans to bring more “Frozen”-inspired experiences to the Disney theme parks.
Disney is starting construction on a brand new “Frozen” attraction at the Norway Pavilion at Epcot®. The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take Guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location with Anna and Elsa. These “Frozen” elements are great additions to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.
In order for work to begin on the attraction and character greeting area, the last day Guests can enjoy the Maelstrom attraction is Oct. 5, 2014. The project is anticipated to be complete by early 2016, and the Norway pavilion will remain open through construction.
The wintry wonder and magic of “Frozen” will also enchant Magic Kingdom® Park this holiday season. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf join the festive holiday procession, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” along with a flurry of skaters, skiiers, and ice cutters from the Kingdom of Arendelle. This parade is offered during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select nights Nov. 7-Dec. 19, 2014. The parade will also be presented daily Dec. 20-31, 2014.
Each evening beginning Nov. 5, 2014, Anna and Elsa will appear in a new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park, as Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.
And, if Guests haven’t experienced “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® yet, they are in for a special treat. Due to its popularity, two elements of this special event are now set to continue.
Guests can enjoy “For the First Time in Forever: A ‘Frozen’ Sing-Along Celebration,” a hilarious and interactive presentation of the “Frozen” story – extended indefinitely! The show is presented up to 10 times per day in the park’s Premiere Theater on Streets of America, and Disney Fastpass+ service is now available.
Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Frozen Funland will be moving on Sept. 28, 2014 from Soundstage One to a new space, in Streets of America near the exit of the Studio Backlot Tour. The new Wandering Oaken’s, expected to operate through the holiday season, will feature a larger-than-ever play area with real snow, plenty of “Frozen” merchandise, character cupcakes, and other treats.
ESPN and SEC Network Analyst Tim Tebow is joining “Good Morning America” as a contributor beginning Monday, September 15, ABC News announced today. The first-ever college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy will help launch GMA’s “Motivate Me Monday” series, featuring individuals and their amazing stories of triumph. Tebow will appear in studio and live on location in towns across America with a wide-range of reports that motivate and inspire.
Emmy Award-winning “Good Morning America” is a two-hour, live program anchored by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Lara Spencer. Amy Robach is the news anchor and Ginger Zee is chief meteorologist. Tom Cibrowski is the senior executive producer. The morning news program airs MONDAY-FRIDAY (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Guests can show their Disney Side with retail MagicBands and accessories.
Retail MagicBands are now available for purchase – a great option for guests who may not be staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort owned-and-operated hotel during their visit. Guests who book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation already receive a MagicBand in their choice of select colors.
Guests can show their Disney Side with seven different colored MagicBands, special graphic MagicBands at special events, and fun accessories. They can personalize their MagicBands before or during their visit with “Magic Bandits” – small characters or icons that attach to the side of a MagicBand – or “Magic Sliders” and “CoverBands” – decorative elements that slide over a MagicBand.
The seven solid-color retail MagicBands are $12.95 each plus tax. Retail costs for other MagicBand accessories vary.
At the time of purchase, Guests must present one of the following for retail MagicBands to be linked: valid theme park admission, Memory Maker card or an active MagicBand. If the item linked to is already connected with the Guests My Disney Experience account, all existing plans – such as tickets, dining reservations, Disney PhotoPass Service, and FastPass+ selections – will seamlessly link and automatically be accessible via the new MagicBand. Guests who don’t have an established My Disney Experience account prior to purchasing a retail MagicBand can create one by visiting StartYourDisneyExperience.com. It is important to note that the touch to pay option will only work for Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort owned-and-operated hotels who have established charging privileges on their resort accounts.
Retail MagicBands and accessories are available in several merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Parks online store also carries select MagicBand accessories.
Coming soon, we will be providing details of opportunities to develop MagicBand accessories using a Disney approved vendor. Please look out for more information coming later this year.
