Lin-Manuel Miranda Shares Goal For Live-Action Little Mermaid Remake

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April 19, 2023

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Lin-Manuel Miranda Shares Goal For Live-Action Little Mermaid Remake

In an interview with Empire Magazine, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda shared his ultimate goal for his collaboration on the upcoming Little Mermaid Live Action remake. “Don’t f*** it up,” said Miranda bluntly. The Little Mermaid is an essential film in the history of the Walt Disney Company, sparking what many called a “Disney Renaissance” in 1989.

Miranda collaborated with the animated film’s composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken on brand-new songs developed for this new project. While excited to work on the new movie, Miranda stated that he was “Happy to write new lyrics if they need them. And if they don’t, I won’t. I do not want to shoehorn [in] a song that no one wants to sit through because they want to get to ‘Under The Sea’ already. I’m that person!”

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Fans of the original film can expect some changes to the original score. Menken and Miranda are updating some lyrics in ‘Kiss the Girl’ and ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ that have become slightly outdated. Additionally, new songs for Ariel, Prince Eric, and Scuttle were a part of Miranda’s role on the creative side. Miranda wanted to stay true to the original film’s intentions by stating clearly, “I will sign on as a producer. But really the hat I’m wearing is Chairman of the ‘Don’t F*** It Up’ committee,” Miranda smiled. “And I will weigh in when I think you’re f******’ it up!”

The Little Mermaid stars Halle Bailey as Ariel and is released in theaters worldwide on May 26, 2023. Are you excited about the new songs in this upcoming movie? Let us know your thoughts on The Little Mermaid in a comment.

Galaxy Quest Series Now in Development for Paramount+

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Chris B

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April 19, 2023

A Paramount+ series adaptation of the 1999 Galaxy Quest film is under development

Galaxy Quest, the 1999 cult-classic Sci-Fi film starring Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, and Sigourney Weaver, is being re-imagined as a Paramount+ series according to reporting from Deadline. Details on the series are scarce, with Paramount+ and Paramount TV Studios reps declining to comment.

Attempts to develop the film as a TV series have been ongoing for the past 8 years. Initial plans for the series, which included a continuation of the film starring the original cast, were put on hold due to the death of Alan Rickman.

The Hollywood Reporter previously reported a bungled marketing campaign impacted the film’s box office revenue. The original film is a cult favorite among sci-fi fans and has generated $90 million in box-office revenue with a budget of $45 million. How, or if, the original film’s plot, characters, or actors will be incorporated into the Paramount+ series remains to be seen.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Pixar’s Elemental Selected as Closing Film For Cannes Film Festival

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Chip

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April 19, 2023

Pixar’s Elemental Selected as Closing Film For Cannes Film Festival

Pixar Animation Studios returns to the globally revered Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of its all-new feature film “Elemental” on May 27, ahead of its theatrical release on June 16. Debuting out of competition as the closing film of the 76th edition of the festival, “Elemental” is the fourth film from the storied studio to be selected for the event and joins previous favorites “Up,” “Inside Out” and “Soul.”

Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, said this year’s return to Cannes is particularly special for the studio. “As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it’s a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” said Docter. “Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, ‘Elemental’ is so funny, full of heart and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and I love that it’ll make its world premiere at Cannes.”

Docter, Sohn and producer Denise Ream will join members of the film’s voice cast at the event. Cannes has hosted the international competition since 1946. “For many years, the Cannes Film Festival has welcomed animated films from around the world,” said Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, Cannes Film Festival. “Pixar Animation Studios, with ‘Up’—directed by Pete Docter—made Cannes history by opening the 62nd edition of the Festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event! This is another great opportunity to present the amazing ‘Elemental’ on the closing of this 76th Cannes Film Festival and to think about our lives in such a powerful way.”

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The voice cast includes Leah Lewis as the fiery Ember; Mamoudou Athie as the water-guy Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Ember’s soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember’s love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember’s admiring neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. “Elemental” opens with Pixar’s all new short, “Carl’s Date,” in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2023.

Next Round of Disney Layoffs to Include 15% of Staff in Entertainment Divisions

By

Chip

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April 19, 2023

Walt Disney Company Fourth Quarter Earnings

Next Round of Disney layoffs will include 15% of Staff in Entertainment Divisions

Next week the Walt Disney Company is expected to layoff thousands of Cast Members focusing in on their Entertainment Divisions according to sources at Bloomberg.

The cuts will span Television, Movies, and Corporate Teams, affecting every region where Disney operates, said sources who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t yet public.

Some affected workers will be notified as early as April 24th.

Back in February it was announced that Disney planned to eliminate 7,000 positions in 3 rounds of layoffs. These layoffs are not set to affect regular theme park Cast Members.

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in ‘Deadpool 3’ will be a Divergence According to Ryan Reynolds

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2023

The appearance of Wolverine in Deadpool 3 will not impact the events of Logan

Wolverine fans have enjoyed a long and consistent Wolverine storyline throughout the run of the X-Men series. In a recent interview with ET Canada, shown below, Ryan Reynolds assured fans the appearance of Wolverine in the new Deadpool movie will be “enough of a divergence from the character” to ensure the settled Wolverine timeline will not be altered.

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Variety reports Jackman has stated previously that the appearance of Wolverine in Deadpool 3 was contingent on the movie not impacting the character’s fate in Logan, stating “I don’t have to screw with the ‘Logan’ timeline, which was important to me. And I think probably to the fans too.”

This recent interview is not the first time Reynalds has commented in the Logan timeline will not be impacted by Deadpool 3, previously stating “‘Logan’ takes place in 2029. Totally separate thing. Logan died in ‘Logan.’ Not touching that.”

Deadpool 3 is set to release in November 2024, with production starting in May 2023. The film is a joint collaboration between Ryan Reynolds and Marvel Studios.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Disney Celebrates 20 Years of Sea Turtle Conservation at Vero Beach Resort

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2023

Celebrating the 20^th year of sea turtle conservation efforts at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

The Sea Turtle Conservation Program at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since the program started 20 years ago, the sea turtle conservation program at Vero Beach has recorded more than 20,000 sea turtle nests, resulting in over 1.5 million sea turtle hatchlings.

Vero Beach is an important breeding ground for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, with female turtles returning to the beach every 30 years to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle population in Florida comprises 40 percent of the global population, with the worldwide in decline due to fisheries bycatch, direct harvest, and impacts from climate change. The sea turtle conservation program at Vero Beach aims to stabilize and grow the loggerhead turtle population in Florida to help ensure the continued survival of the species.

The Disney Conservation Fund continues to support innovative sea turtle research, such as Arizona State University’s solar-powered fishing net to minimize sea turtle bycatch in fisheries. Other Disney Conservation Fund efforts include Team BEACH – a global human behavior change network to save sea turtles – in collaboration with The Oceanic Society and State of the World’s Turtles, and the conservation efforts that are ongoing at Vero Beach.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

New Disney100 Decorations Added to Creations Shop in EPCOT

By

Chip

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April 19, 2023

New Disney100 Decorations Added to Creations Shop in EPCOT

Creations Shop in EPCOT celebrates Disney100 with NEW 100 Years of Wonder Decorations and Merchandise.

Related – New Disney100 Merchandise Now At Target!

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A BIG 100 Years of Wonder marquee similar to the one now on display at the Magic Kingdom can be seen in the Creations Shop just above the Disney100 Merchandise.

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In the Disney100 Section, you will find all of the new merchandise that has been popping up all over Walt Disney World. They even have a platinum faceless mannequin inside the 100 Years of Wonder area.

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EPCOT will host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort to commemorate this monumental milestone later this year! Along with new attractions and experiences at the park, there will be even more magic.

Enjoy all-new experiences as Disney celebrates this momentous anniversary and the culmination of the EPCOT transformation – from meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum attire to snapping a selfie with a platinum sculpture of the one who started it (Walt) all and watching Spaceship Earth illuminates the evenings with a special lighting design.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Expected To Pass $1 Billion at the Box Office

By

Greg Gately

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April 19, 2023

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Expected To Pass $1 Billion at the Box Office. Critics panned the film so thoroughly that SMB currently sits at a 58% critics’ approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But the movie netted a 98% audience score. The audience is what is driving this movie to have better numbers than initially expected.

The film hit a new record-setting sales benchmark during the weekend of April 15 and 16 and is expected to surpass $1 billion while it’s in theaters. Not too bad for a movie that cast Chris Pratt as its leading man.

Deadline recently reported that The Super Mario Bros. Movie made $678 million in sales so far, with $330 million coming from the international market. It’s currently the number-one release in 26 countries.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Expected To Pass $1 Billion at the Box Office

From Illumination and Nintendo comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. The film will be released in North America on April 5, 2023 and in Japan on April 28, 2023.

For the first time, the iconic global entertainment brands Illumination and Nintendo join forces to create The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a new, big-screen adventure starring one of pop culture’s most prominent plumbers of the past four decades.

Based on the world of Nintendo’s Mario games, the film invites audiences into a vibrant, thrilling new universe unlike any created before in an action-packed, exuberant cinematic comedy event.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie features an extraordinary comedic cast, including Jack Black (Jumanji films) as Bowser, Seth Rogen (Neighbors franchise) as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live) as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson (American Dad!, Family Guy) as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco (Green Book) as Spike, plus a special voice appearance by Charles Martinet, who has voiced the characters of Mario and Luigi in the Super Mario games for more than 30 years.

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Dug & Russell Float Spotted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations

By

Greg Gately

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April 19, 2023

Dug & Russell Float Spotted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations. Discover the fun of watching Disney Characters and more romp around the Park! Dug & Russell started showing up on Floatilla’s last month, and now they are listed under special characters that will be part of the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

We got a chance to see them, along with Tinkerbell & Fawn, Baloo & King Louie, and Terk & Jane. Now we are on the hunt for any other rare Disney Character that may show up this week at Animal Kingdom.

Adventure Flotilla – Up. Wave to Russell and Dug as they sail along the Discovery River—in true Wilderness Explorer style. Help them find the elusive giant bird, Kevin, who may be walking around Discovery Island.

Character Experiences and Entertainment

Mickey, Minnie, and Scrooge McDuck are just some of the Disney Characters to be found on flotillas along the Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Plus, from April 16 through 23, there will be unique Character appearances on the Discovery River Character Cruise—so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these and additional Character experiences and sightings.

You also won’t want to miss a very special moment in front of the Tree of Life on April 22, honoring Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Dug & Russell Float Spotted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations

Jungle Book Baloo and King Louis Meet & Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Greg Gately

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April 19, 2023

Jungle Book Baloo and King Louis Meet & Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Celebrate Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park! Join us throughout the month of April as we honor the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings.

During this past week, rare Disney Characters have been showing up for meet and greets at the Tree of Life. So far we have been able to meet, Tinkerbell & Fawn. We have seen Koda and Kenai floating down the Discovery River, and yesterday Terk and Jane made an appearance.

We did not pass up the opportunity to meet Baloo and King Louie from Disney’s The Jungle Book. In fact, if you are at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 25th anniversary this week, make sure you do not miss the chance to see a rare Disney character. We have been very happy with the characters seen so far.

Jungle Book Baloo and King Louis Meet & Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Character Experiences and Entertainment

Mickey, Minnie and Scrooge McDuck are just some of the Disney Characters to be found on flotillas along the Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Plus, from April 16 through 23, there will be unique Character appearances on the Discovery River Character Cruise—so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these and additional Character experiences and sightings.

You also won’t want to miss a very special moment in front of the Tree of Life on April 22, honoring Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Disney News Highlights: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary Characters and More, Main Street Cinema Showing Shorts Again, Florida Gov. Going at Disney Round 3

By

Greg Gately

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April 19, 2023

Disney News Highlights: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary Characters and More, Main Street Cinema Showing Shorts Again, Florida Gov. Going at Disney Round 3.

Tinkerbell & Fawn Now Greeting Guests in the Animal Kingdom for the 25th Anniversary Tinkerbell & Fawn Now Greeting Guests in the Animal Kingdom for the 25th Anniversary. Mickey and Minnie, and Scrooge McDuck are just some of the Disney Characters to be found on flotillas along the Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Disney College Program Cast Members to Receive Pay Increase Good news for college students seeking to participate in the Disney College Program: Disney College Program cast members are set to receive a pay bump! Currently, Disney College Program cast members are paid a salary of $14.00/hour. Beginning June 4, this salary will be increasing by $2.00/hour.

Crews Start Removing the Bunting from Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom Crews Start Removing the Bunting from Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. While waiting for the moat that surrounds Cinderella Castle to finish draining crews have removed some of the buntings from the back half of the Castle.

Earth Day Character & Food Celebrations Announced for Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary Celebrate Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park! Join Disney throughout the month of April as they honor the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings.

Bring The Adventure Home With This Dug Cuddleez Plush! Adventure might be out there but you can also bring it home with this Dug Cuddleez Plush! The adorable puppy is ready to snuggle up with you and stay cozy everyday, you can find it at retail stores around Walt Disney World, as well as, online at shopDisney for $39.99.

Brother Bear Float Spotted in the Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations Brother Bear Float Spotted in the Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations. It is rare character sighting time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as they kick off the 25th Anniversary of the Park. We got a chance to see Tinkerbell & Fawn the Disney Fairies, along with Baloo and King Louie from Disney’s Jungle Book.

Disney News Highlights

Gov DeSantis Fight with Disney Heats Up as Legislation is Filed with Florida The fight between Disney and Governor Ron DeSantis is starting to heat up in the State of Florida.

3 Disney Treasure Updates from Disney Cruise Line The Disney Treasure will be joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet next year! It will be the sixth Disney ship and Disney has shared 3 updates recently.

Hand Soap Dispensers Now on Sale at Walt Disney World The Mickey foaming hand soap dispensers are now on sale at Walt Disney World! There are three different designs and all are discounted.

Crews Begin Patching Holes Made in Splash Mountain Demolition Crews Begin Patching Holes Made in Splash Mountain Demolition. Disney World’s version of Splash Mountain has been closed since January, and crews are moving fast to remove old theming elements. Including the tree that graced the top. Also, some of the first demolition of the ride is already being patched up and fixed.

New Disney100 Blend from Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club, has released a new blend in celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary.

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ‘Holes’ with these 7 Facts Holes, released on April 18th, 2003, became an instant hit. Since the film is based on the popular 1998 book of the same name, the film was always destined for greatness.

Vault Store is Now Gone from the Magic Kingdom The Vault store in the Main St. Cinema is now gone in Magic Kingdom. Now that the 50th anniversary celebration is over, the merchandise location has a new look!

Disney Vacation Club Announces Sales Dates for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will go on sale next month! Disney Vacation Club members can book the new tower beginning May 2 while the general public will be able to book starting May 30.

Guardians of the Galaxy ‘Screen & Scream’ Event for DVC Members DVC Members can be among the first to screen the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie via the new Screen and Scream event. The event will afford eligible members an advanced screening of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 as well as after-hours access to EPCOT.

Disney Security Cast Members Getting $8 an Hour Raise

By

Sara

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April 18, 2023

Disney Security Cast Members Getting $8 an Hour Raise

Disneyland security cast members received a $6 an hour raise on April 1, 2023, and will be getting an additional $2 an hour phased in over the next 2 years.

The Orange County Register is reporting that more than 1,300 Disneyland security cast members are getting this $8 an hour raise. This includes security officers, lead officers, sergeants, bag checkers and canine handlers.

The first $6 was applied on April 1, 2023. $1 will be added April 1, 2024, and another $1 hourly raise on April 1, 2025. The total raise will increase the cast members’ hourly wage to $26 an hour.

Disney released a statement saying they are “glad to have reached an agreement with the union.”

This news comes after Disney World cast members’ unions also reached an agreement with Disney for wage increases.

What do you think of the raises for cast members?

Lin-Manuel Miranda Shares Goal For Live-Action Little Mermaid Remake

A Paramount+ series adaptation of the 1999 Galaxy Quest film is under development

Pixar’s Elemental Selected as Closing Film For Cannes Film Festival

Next Round of Disney layoffs will include 15% of Staff in Entertainment Divisions

The appearance of Wolverine in Deadpool 3 will not impact the events of Logan

Celebrating the 20th year of sea turtle conservation efforts at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

New Disney100 Decorations Added to Creations Shop in EPCOT

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Expected To Pass $1 Billion at the Box Office

Dug & Russell Float Spotted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Month Celebrations

Jungle Book Baloo and King Louis Meet & Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney News Highlights

Disney Security Cast Members Getting $8 an Hour Raise

Celebrating the 20^th year of sea turtle conservation efforts at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort