You can own this Roger Rabbit Artwork for only $1,400. January 22, 2023, was the Chinese New year and ushered in the Year of the Rabbit. In celebration of the new year, Walt Disney Animation artist Jason Peltz released a new 3D Shadowbox Painting available for $1400 in the World Showcase at the Art of Disney in Epcot.
Jason Peltz recently posted on his Instagram account “Just finished painting Roger, Happy year of the Rabbit! Off to the gallery tonight!”
This stunning work of art features Roger Rabbit breaking out from behind a brick wall. The bricks are both painted in the background, and also look like they have broken out of the painting and are flying at you.
Jason Peltz is known for his artwork on Disney’s Princess and the Frog, Hercules, Lilo & Stitch, among many other Disney animation Studio works.
Tim Allen Confirms Buzz Lightyear Will Return for Toy Story 5. During the First-Quarter Earnings Report for The Walt Disney Company, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that we will see a sequel to Toy Story. This would make the 4th sequel and 5th movie overall.
This news from Mr. Iger was later followed up by the voice of Buzz Lightyear (the animated version) Tim Allen Tweeting “See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity. And off we go to number 5! To infinity and beyond!”
“To Infinity and Beyond” we go for round 5 of the Pixar Animated hit Toy Story franchise.
See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity. And off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond! pic.twitter.com/bwRzE487Vi
Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho Rumored to Return for Moana. Disney CEO, Bob Iger, announced yesterday that Disney/Pixar was working on Toy Story 5, later confirmed by a post by of all people Tim Allen, the actor who plays Buzz Lightyear. Mr. Iger also confirmed another sequel for Frozen and a first sequel for Zootopia.
What we know right now is David G. Derrick Jr. will direct Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” series for @DisneyPlus. Derrick first joined Disney Animation to work on 2016’s Moana, which deepened his connection with his family’s Samoan roots.
Both Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are rumored to be returning, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs in the first Moana movie according to Totally the Bomb.
Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho Rumored to Return for Moana
We have not seen any new updates from thedisneymoana IG account in a little while. The last post was back in 2022. We do know the series is being worked on, and have not heard an update.
Latest look at CommuniCore Hall construction from EPCOT. The steel structure has been completed, and now work begins on the inside of what will become the new CommuniCore Hall. CommuniCore Hall will be a flexible exhibition and gallery space, offering a wide variety of experiences that highlight art, live music, food – complete with a demonstration kitchen – and more.
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, a multi-use facility and outdoor event space, respectively, bring the park’s international festivals to the center of EPCOT. CommuniCore Plaza will have the flexibility to host intimate musical performances that extend out into the nearby gardens, as you can see in the rendering above, as well as large-scale concerts.
In addition, adjacent to CommuniCore Hall will be a new Mickey & Friends location where you can meet some of your favorite Disney pals.
This new facility is inspired by the original EPCOT aesthetic apparent throughout the park’s transformation, including the timeless triangular geometry most prominently featured in Spaceship Earth. Even the CommuniCore name reaches back to the origins of EPCOT while also emphasizing the park’s central idea of community.
Minion Blast construction is still ongoing. We stopped by the other day to check on the progress.
The new attraction is taking place in what was formerly the location of the Shrek 4-D experience.
Universal announced a retheming of the area into a newly re-imagined Minions Land. Minion Land will be located on Florida theme park’s Illumination Avenue and will have a new ride, Villain-Con Minion Blast.
The attraction is slated as a family-friendly ride.
“This interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.”
Guests will utilize a blaster to cause destruction and earn points in an attempt to become members of The Vicious 6. The Vicious 6 are supervillain characters from the latest Minions The Rise of Gru movie.
Let’s take a look at what construction we can see going on.
The first thing we notice is the big blue construction wall with lots of adorable Minions hard at work. We can also see some scaffolding peaking over the top. There are some scrims covering one area of the scaffolding.
Here we can see one of the Villan Con Posters on the construction wall. We can even some patchwork has been done on the building above and it appears it’s being prepped for some paintwork.
Universal Orlando already has a Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction already in place. The new Villian-Con Minion Blast will be the second ride attraction in the upcoming Minions-themed land.
Opening Soon
The Minion Land is slated to open sometime this summer.
I love that Univeral Orlando is adding even more family-friendly attractions that everyone can enjoy. I can’t wait to check out the new Minions Land and new ride once it opens.
Are you a Minions fan? Let us know if you’re excited to experience the new upcoming Villian-Con Minion Blast in the comments below.
Mardi Gras is happening now at Universal Studios. During the Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval guests can sample dishes inspired by carnival cuisine from around the globe. The parks are all decked out with festive flair. Entertainment is around every corner from parade performers to live concerts. Guests will be letting the good times roll at Universal Orlando theme parks and resorts during the Mardi Gras season with so much to see, do, and eat!
During the Mardi Gras event, Universal is putting on a show with a party in the streets. The lively carnival parade has guests dancing along and catching beads from the sidelines while colorful and imaginative floats featuring mythological creatures roll past.
Costumed performers interact with guests shouting “Happy Mardi Gras” creating an energetic environment that brings smiles to the guest’s faces.
The floats are fantastically and elaborately themed. Confetti canons shoot out colorful confetti while lighting and smoke effects really bring the floats to life.
“Catch beads by the handful during this year’s dazzling “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade – featuring six new floats inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, and more that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator.”
If there is one thing you don’t want to miss during the Mardi Gras festivities it’s the parade.
If you really want a fun experience you can sign up to ride on the floats and throw beads to guests below. There is even a special package you can book that includes a dining reservation and one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation.
“Guests can take the celebration to the next level and be part of the festivities by tossing beads to fellow partygoers by purchasing the new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a 3-course meal at one of four participating restaurants and one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation.”
If you haven’t been to Universal Orlando during Mardi Gras I highly recommend planning a visit around that time. The weather is moderate and there is so much to do. The Mardi Gras festivities can be found not just in the parks but also in the resorts and at CityWalk as well. Special Mardi Gras-themed dishes and merchandise can be found throughout the property.
What’s your favorite part about Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!
Disney Issues Statement on Strategic Restructuring of Company
The Walt Disney Company announced details of its strategic restructuring that will refocus the organization on creativity, empower creative leaders and ensure they are accountable for all aspects of their businesses globally and put the company’s streaming business on a path to sustained growth and profitability. Effective immediately, the company will be organized into three core, collaborative business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The leaders of each business segment will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business efficiencies globally.
“For nearly 100 years, storytelling and creativity have fueled The Walt Disney Company, with virtually every interaction we have with our consumers emanating from something creative,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, of The Walt Disney Company. “I am committed to positioning this company for a new era of growth. Our strategic restructuring will return creativity to the center of the company, increase accountability, improve results, and ensure the quality of our content and experiences.”
Disney Entertainment will be co-chaired by Alan Bergman and Dana Walden who will be responsible for the company’s full portfolio of entertainment media and content businesses globally, including streaming.
ESPN will include ESPN networks and ESPN+ and will be led by Jimmy Pitaro. Pitaro will also be responsible for the management and supervision of the company’s full portfolio of sports content, products and experiences across all of Disney’s platforms worldwide, including its international sports channels.
The streaming business remains a top priority for the company. Disney’s unparalleled collection of renowned and trusted franchises and brands, combined with the reach of the streaming portfolio (consisting of Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Star+ and Hotstar) creates rich and direct connections between the consumer and the company’s stories and characters, powering growth across the entire company.
“Every day, I am reminded of what incredible talent we have leading the many facets of this company,” Iger said. “Thanks to my management team and our exceptional business leaders, who have acted quickly and strategically on the important changes we are undertaking today, I am as encouraged as ever by what the future holds for The Walt Disney Company.”
Disney Entertainment co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden will oversee the company’s global entertainment streaming businesses and manage all content decisions for those services, including Disney+ and Hulu.
Bergman will also have primary oversight of the following businesses and content brands: Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures as well as Disney Music Group and Disney Theatrical Group.
Walden will also have primary oversight of the following businesses and content brands: ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Televisions Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and Onyx Collective.
Pitaro will continue to oversee eight linear networks, including ESPN and ESPN2; sports content across all Disney domestic and, going forward, international platforms; ESPN+; ESPN Audio; ESPN Digital; ESPN Social; ESPN Fantasy and a variety of owned sports events.
Effective immediately, several shared-service organizations across the company will support both Disney Entertainment and ESPN, facilitating company-wide efficiencies and creating a more cost-effective, coordinated, and streamlined approach to operations. These include Product and Technology, led by Aaron LaBerge; Advertising Sales, led by Rita Ferro; and Platform Distribution led by Justin Connolly excluding Theatrical Distribution and Music, which will be overseen by Bergman.
Outside of North America, the company’s media, entertainment, and sports content and operations will continue to be managed regionally by Luke Kang, President Asia Pacific; Jan Koeppen, President EMEA; Diego Lerner, President LATAM; and K Madhavan, President India. These leaders will report to Bergman, Walden, and Pitaro as part of their global responsibilities. As a result of the changes, Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content and Operations, has decided to leave the Company. An esteemed leader and longtime industry veteran, Campbell will stay on through June to help with the transition.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products — encompassing the company’s award-winning theme parks, cruise line, resort destinations and Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions, as well as Disney’s global consumer products, games, and publishing businesses — will continue under the leadership of Chairman Josh D’Amaro.
The organizational changes will be implemented immediately, and the company will begin reporting financial results under the new business structure by the end of the fiscal year.
New 2023 Year Of The Rabbit Spirit Jersey Available At Magic Kingdom!
Bounce into the new year with this 2023 Year of the Rabbit spirit jersey! We found this gorgeous piece at Magic Kingdom for $79.99, and features just the right amount of Disney magic.
This spirit jersey is different than the regular year of the rabbit collection featuring Disney rabbit characters, this one features a lovely bunny with flowers on the front and “Happy New Year” lettering in puffy gold letters across the back.
It also features Chip & Dale having a fun time with a bunny shaped car and surrounded by flowers, so cute! You can take a closer look at this spirit jersey in our Instagram post:
New Retro Neon Walt Disney World Collection Available Now!
If you love bright colors and retro style, this neon Walt Disney World collection is perfect for you! We spotted it at World of Disney in Disney Springs and it features apparel like the guest favorite spirit jersey, accessories and home decor, take a look:
This spirit jersey features a combination of blue and neon green colors with a repeating “D” logo on the front and Walt Disney World logo in puffy letters across the bag.
NEON T-SHIRT
If you love neon colors, than this Walt Disney World t-shirt is perfect for you! It’s so bright, your party will be able to find you anywhere you go.
DISNEY WORLD JOGGERS
These joggers are a great for a comfy style at the parks or to stay cozy at home. They are black with a stacked “Mickey” Disney World logo in different colors on one leg, so cute.
Sleek and stylish, this bag features a repeat pattern of the Disney World logo on the front and adjustable straps with the Walt Disney World as well. It’s a small and great bag for your adventures around the parks!
Put the magic on repeat with this Disney World stacked logo baseball logo on this black cap with bold embroidery contrasting stitching. A great accessory for those sunny Florida days.
Sip in happy memories of your time at Walt Disney World with this stainless steel tumbler featuring a stacked Disney World logo in different neon colors and a “D” straw topper!
DISNEY WORLD MUG
Start your morning with this blue mug featuring an all over pattern of the Walt Disney World logo in neon colors.
Cozy up on the couch and dream of your next visit to the most magical place on Earth under this Walt Disney World quilted throw with Cinderella Castle silhouette and quilted Mickey icon pattern. So cute!
You can take a closer look at this neon merchandise collection in our Instagram post:
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval
Universal Orlando is getting the Mardi started with fun festive foods that will have you dancing in the streets.
You can’t have a good party without great food and Universal is bringing guests dishes inspired by global Carnaval celebrations around the world. From festival treats and sweets to delicious dishes there is something for everyone.
Universal Orlando recently invited us out to sample some of the new foods being served up at this year’s Mardi Gras festival. We got to try some new flavors and enjoy some of the classics as well.
Chicken Coxinha
I enjoyed the Chicken Coxinha which is tear-drop chicken fritters served up in a paper cone. It’s the perfect finger food for walking around the parks. It’s not spicy but it’s still flavorful. Even the pickiest eaters will approve. You can find these over at the Brazil food booth.
Fried Green Tomato PoBoy
This classic New Orleans-style sandwich is light and fresh. Fried green tomatoes, pickles, onion, lettuce, and cajun remoulade make for a tasty treat that’s not too heavy on your stomach after riding Rip Ride Rockit. You can find this in the French Quarter food booth section of the park.
Mofongo
This Puerto Rican-inspired dish is a mix of green plantains, bacon, and chicharrones. It is being sold as a trio in the parks. You will find Shrimp Criolla, Traditional, and Chicken Chicharron with mayo ketchup being sold at the Puerto Rico booth. It’s a fun way to try out all the different flavors.
Beignets
Light and fluffy and coated with a good amount of powdered sugar these beignets are a traditional Mardi Gras treat. You can’t properly celebrate without picking up some of these sugary treats. Make sure you grab plenty of napkins. It’s totally worth the mess. You can grab these over in the Central City area.
Liege Waffle with Berries and Cream
Speaking of sweet snacks the Liege Waffles can be found over at the Belgium booth. This light, crispy, crunchy thick waffle is dusted with pearled sugar and strawberries, and cream.
Everyone knows Mardi Gras is all about King Cake and this one is huge. Big enough for sharing but no one says you have to! You can find this classic cake over in the French Quarter food booth section. It even comes complete with the little plastic baby on top.
Dishes From All Over The World
There are so many great dishes inspired by global Carnaval celebrations around the world. I have a lot of fun trying new things and discovering new flavors.
There are so many food booths throughout the park that offer both classic Mardi Gras dishes as well as newly inspired takes on Carnaval cuisine. It’s nice to just take your time walking around and perusing them all but you can also check out Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras website for more information about everything happening in the park during the festival.
Mardi Gras Menus
The Fun Continues
The party continues outside the parks! “Keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras menu items at select restaurants, including a new Masquerade Milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, along with food kiosks located throughout the complex featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands, and popular Mardi Gras fare. Plus, guests can attend a Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s on select nights and enjoy special entertainment and theming at the Red Coconut Club – which will transform into the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season”
Be sure to pick up a map before entering the park so you don’t miss anything. There is so much to see and do you will want to get a good idea of each booth’s location.
I really enjoyed visiting Universal Orlando during their Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carvaval celebrations. The atmosphere is lively and entertaining. I loved the decorated areas around the park as well. There are plenty of fun-themed areas to sit and enjoy that beignet or grab that selfie.
What are some of your favorite dishes at this year’s Mardi Gras celebration? Let us know in the comments below.
Josh D’Amaro Confirms Disney Job Cuts Will Not Affect Hourly Cast Members
In an email to Disney Cast Members about the 7000 Job Cuts that were announced by Bob Iger yesterday in the 1st Quarter Earnings Call. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro confirmed that these job cuts would not affect hourly frontline Cast Members at the Disney Theme Parks.
These job cuts amount to about 3% of Disney’s global workforce. Bob Iger, said the job cuts are necessary to “address challenges” the company is facing right now.
Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced a hiring freeze and job cuts before he was replaced by Bob Iger. Many were hopeful that these job cuts would not happen considering Disney saw an increase in revenue for the 1st quarter of 2023.
New Disney100 Merchandise Spotted At Walt Disney World!
More Disney100 merchandise keeps showing up at Walt Disney World, this time we found tech accessories like phone case and airpod cases plus new magnets! They are a great way to keep a little piece of this wonderful celebration and you can find them at Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom, take a look:
Add a touch of platinum magic to your phone with these Disney100 phone cases featuring Mickey or Minnie in their 100th anniversary attire. They are so cute!
We also found two magnet designs, one in purple featuring Pluto, Mickey, Goofy and Donald in their platinum outfits and a Disney100 logo at the bottom.
The second magnet features a more subtle design in silver and white with the Disney100 logo in a Mickey shaped design.
Finally, if you use airpods, this Disney100 case is a great option to keep them safe! Is purple with Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Pluto, the Disney100 logo and fireworks!
You can take a closer look at this merchandise in our Instagram post:
