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Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head Set to Premiere at Festival

SS from Walt's Frozen Head

SS from Walt's Frozen Head

The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head is a new comedy about the afterlife of the acclaimed animator and media mogul. Playing off the urban legend that Walt Disney had himself cryogenically preserved, this upcoming film, produced and shot in the Orlando area, is premiering this week. The movie was made without the knowledge or permission of the Walt Disney Company or family.

The film’s world premiere will be held at the Santa Cruz Film Festival on October 4 at 9:15pm  An additional screening at the festival will be on on October 6 at 2:30pm. The film’s producers will be on hand for a Q&A at both screenings. Tickets are available on their website: www.santacruzfilmfestival.org.

A week later, the film will screen in Orlando at the Marshall Ellis Theater on October 13 at 7pm. Many of the cast and crew are expected to attend. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director and cast. Tickets are available at waltsfrozenheadscreening.eventbrite.com.

The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head is a quirky comedy about the unlikely friendship between the frozen head of Walt and Peter, a low level theme park employee. During his yearly dethaw to oversee the direction of his company and guard his creative legacy, Walt demands to be finally allowed up to see his final dream, Walt Disney World. When management scoffs, he recruits Peter, a low level cast member, to kidnap him for a day in the Magic Kingdom.

The film stars Ron Schneider as Walt and Daniel Cooksley as Peter. Schneider is known for his long history performing and writing for theme parks across America, including EPCOT Center, where he originated the strolling character of Dreamfinder for the much beloved Journey into Imagination pavilion.

“I’ve been a passionate fan of Walt Disney’s since the 1950s, I never could have imagined I could have been a part of anything like this,” says Schneider. “It’s a wild story told with respect,
humor and a lot of love.”

Significant portions of the film were shot on Walt Disney World property without the knowledge of the Walt Disney Company. It is the first feature film about the urban legend of Walt Disney’s cryogenic preservation.

Publicity for the film began almost five years ago, long before any official announcement, with the creation of the popular Twitter parody account @waltsfrzenhead. The account tweets humorous commentary on the parks, films, and general news from the perspective of the cryogenically preserved head of Walt.

The producers are anticipating announcing more screenings at film festivals across the country soon. For more information, visit the film’s website: www.waltsfrozenhead.com.

Dreams Really Do Come True for Two Disney Cast Members

Disney Ambassadors pose with Mickey and Minnie

Dreams Really Do Come True for Two Disney Cast Members

Dreams really do come true for two Disney cast members!  Disney has announced that 2 Disney Cast Members Marilyn West and Stephen Lim have been selected as the newest members of the coveted Walt Disney World Ambassador Team.

During their two year term, the pair will represent the ideals and values of the Walt Disney World Resort and it’s cast members. They will also head up the VoluntEARS program, a cast member service project initiative.

“Being a member of the Walt Disney World Ambassador team is an extraordinary honor—as well as a tremendous responsibility,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “It takes very special people to represent America’s largest single-site workplace and, on behalf of all their fellow Cast members, I congratulate Marilyn and Stephen on their selection.”

The program began by Walt Disney himself in 1964 during the 10th anniversary of Disneyland. He found himself overwhelmed by the number of public and media appearances required of him and initiated the program to help alleviate some of those demands. Just as when the program began, the pair will make appearances on behalf of the Walt Disney Company.

Marilyn West began visiting the resort as a child and her love for Disney was instantaneous.  She became fascinated by theme parks and roller coasters. An infatuation that only continued to grow into adulthood. When she attained an Engineering degree from the University of Kentucky, she knew just what to do with it! She moved south and sought employment with Walt Disney Parks. After completing three internships she found a permanent position with Worldwide Satey Operations for Disney Parks and Resorts.

Likewise, Stephen Lim’s passion for Disney began as a child. Growing up in Southern California he was a frequent visitor to Disneyland in Anaheim.  His passion for the park was so intense that he chose to attend the University of Southern California due to its proximity to Disneyland. Upon graduation Lim did the only logical thing in his mind: he began a career at Disneyland. Shortly after, however, his journey brought him East to the Walt Disney World resort. He currently serves at Front Desk Service Advisor at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. He also facilitates Traditions classes welcoming new cast members into their new roles.

West and Lim find themselves chosen at a very exciting time for the Walt Disney Company. The duo will represent the 74,000 cast members during the opening of Star Wars Galaxies Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and during the resorts 50th Anniversary celebration!

“Tiny Big Feet” Collection at shopDisney and Disney Store

Tiny Big Feet

I am such a sucker for all things tiny and cute! Of course shopDisney and the Disney Store is always coming up with the most adorable little things like Tsum Tsums, Ufufys, and now there is the “Tiny Big Feet”! These extra cute new plush toys are micro-plush Disney characters, with oversized feet!

"Tiny Big Feet" Collection at shopDisney and Disney Store

These little micro-plush cuties make a big impact with their oversized feet and collectability. The first wave of characters – Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Pluto, Marie, Pooh, Eeyore, Sully, Dumbo and Thumper will launch this Sunday, September 30 in-store and online. There will also be a limited-edition black and white Mickey plush launching on Sunday. More adorable characters will be coming soon.

"Tiny Big Feet" Collection at shopDisney and Disney Store

On Sunday, shopDisney will be updated with Tiny Big Feet here: https://www.shopdisney.com/toys/plush-and-stuffed-animals/novelty-plush. The new Tiny Big Feet characters will retail for $5.95 each.

I for one can’t wait to collect them all, what about you? If you want to share your adventures with these whimsical new friends be sure to use the hashtag #DisneyTinyBigFeet and tag @shopDisney!

Disney World Joffrey’s Kiosks Serving Coffee for a Dollar today for National Coffee Day

coffee

Today is National Coffee Day and thanks to our friends at Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, there are numerous ways to celebrate National Coffee Day at Walt Disney World!

To celebrate all day today on September 29th, Joffrey’s is offering hot (16 oz.) or iced (24 oz.) coffee for just $1.00!

Here’s a full list of Joffrey’s locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

And of course, no National Coffee Day is complete without the perfect picture to feature on your social pages. Head over to Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company at Disney Springs or Disney’s Contemporary Resort to top off your drink with some fun, foam art.

If you are home like me don’t forget to pick up your Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary blend too!

Mickey Mouse Joins Golic & Wingo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

(Sept. 27, 2018): ESPN Radio personalities Mike Golic, Trey Wingo and Mike Golic Jr., met with Mickey Mouse on the set of their national radio broadcast for the Golic and Wingo show on Thursday at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Mickey, decked out in his football uniform, spent some time with the radio trio on the set. A throng of fans converged on the sports complex to watch the live show as the hosts discussed the biggest stories in college football and the NFL, among other topics, as part of their seven-top radio remote tour. (Taylor Regulski, photographer)
Mickey Mouse Joins Golic & Wingo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Taylor Regulski, photographer

Mickey Mouse was in the house for ESPN’s Golic & Wingo on Thursday.  The ESPN Wide World of Sports complex hosted the group as they filmed their morning show, and the big mouse made an appearance.  The show is a four-hour long tv/radio sports talk show which airs on ESPN News and ESPN Radio.

Sporting his football uniform, Mickey hung out with the guys on the set. Fans were able to watch the show at the sports complex. Hosts Mike Golic, Trey Wingo, and Mike Golic Jr. talked about a variety of topics from the world of sports, including the upcoming Major League Baseball playoffs and the NFL.  

Golic & Wingo airs weekdays from 6-10 am Eastern on ESPN Radio, 6-8 on ESPN 2 and 8-10 on ESPNEWS.

Mickey Mouse Joins Golic & Wingo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Club Penguin Island to Shutting Down by year end

Club Penguin Island to Shutting Down by year end

In a statement released on their website Disney’s Club Penguin Island will be shutting down by the end of the year.

Here are the details:

To our Club Penguin Fans and Family:

There’s no easy way to say this but after 13 incredible years, Club Penguin will be sunsetting at the end of this year. We’ll be providing players with all the necessary information in the coming weeks via in-game messages and updates here on Island News.

Thanks to you, Club Penguin has been more than a game; it’s been a global community where you have gathered to socialize and express yourselves. In a time when games come and go within months, it was one of the longest-running kids’ games of all time and at its height, had over 200 million accounts. Players from countries around the world showed their commitment to the game by adopting 25 million Puffles and creating over 200,000 videos.

When we replaced the original Club Penguin game a year and a half ago, we always strived to make Club Penguin Island the best mobile successor to the original game. From day one of development, Club Penguin Island has been a true passion project for everyone here at Disney but, the time has come for the party to end.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued dedication to the Club Penguin and Club Penguin Island games and for being a member of our family. We are so grateful to have shared in this journey with you. We’re excited to bring you more new experiences around all of Disney’s beloved characters and stories across all platforms.

Please look out for more information soon and as always, waddle on.

– Club Penguin Team

According to Kotaku on Tuesday, dozens of employees at the game’s Kelowna, British Columbia studio were informed that Club Penguin Island, the mobile continuation of the long-running browser-based children’s MMO Club Penguin, is shutting down and they would be let go.

Disney released Club Penguin Island immediately after shutting down Club Penguin.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch Closing next month in the Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Disney has just confirmed in a statement that Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing on October 21st, 2018. Originally we reported this as gossip but it is now a done deal…

But there is good news… Disney anticipates the reopening of Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Wildlife Express for Guests in Spring 2019!

While it is closed Disney will be taking a closer look at the area to determine what would be most meaningful to their Guests as well as what fits best within the overall park experience.

So as soon as we hear what that means we will share the news here.

Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Celebrate Mickey Mouse on Mickey’s 90th Spectacular Sunday Nov. 4th on ABC

mickey

ABC announced today a star-studded lineup of music, film and television stars who will join the celebration of Mickey Mouse on “Mickey’s 90th Spectacular,” airing SUNDAY, NOV. 4 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. The two-hour television event honoring 90 years of the internationally beloved character will feature appearances by actress, activist and mom Kristen Bell (Disney’s “Frozen”), actress and Hollywood Records/Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson (Disney’s “Descendants,” Freeform’s upcoming “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionist”), two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Tony Hale (“Veep,” “Arrested Development”), and actress Sarah Hyland (ABC’s “Modern Family”), as well as special musical performances by Josh Groban, NCT 127, Leslie Odom Jr., Meghan Trainor and Zac Brown Band. Mr. Iger will make a special appearance during the Mickey’s 90th Spectacular.

More names and details on the exciting performances will be announced soon.

GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and TV, film and Broadway actor Josh Groban will be singing his new hit song, “Granted,” from his recently released eighth studio album, “Bridges.”  Groban has sold more than 30 million records over his illustrious music career and has entertained fans across the globe with his electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. In 2017, he concluded his Broadway run as Pierre in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” which was described as “one of the best musicals of the decade.” He is currently starring on “The Good Cop,” opposite Tony Danza. Groban is an arts education advocate. Through his own foundation, Find Your Light, he raises millions to help enrich the lives of young people through arts, education and cultural awareness.

Seoul-based global K-Pop powerhouse NCT 127 will perform their popular hit, “Regular.” With 3.3 million Instagram followers and a fanbase that won’t quit, NCT 127 has shaken up the K-Pop world since their 2016 arrival with their unique and conceptually progressive artistry. The breakout boy band of 10 (Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Mark, Haechan and newly added Jungwoo), has found a unique way to connect with their growing fanbase outside of their Seoul home. Known for mixing genres, NCT 127 combines sounds in pop, R&B, hip-hop and Latin trap. Their first full-length studio album, “NCT #127 Regular-Irregular,” is out everywhere Oct. 12.

Tony® and GRAMMY Award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr. will perform the classic “When You Wish Upon A Star” from the 1940 Disney adaptation of “Pinnochio.” Best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the smash-hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” Odom Jr. won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. He also won a GRAMMY Award as a principal soloist on the original cast recording.

GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Meghan Trainor will perform the Randy Newman hit and “Toy Story” franchise theme song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Trainor emerged with her 2014 breakout single “All About That Bass” and has cemented her rising status as one of the most prominent artists in popular music by charting seven multiplatinum singles, releasing two platinum albums, selling out three headline tours, writing multiplatinum hits for top pop and country artists, and receiving countless industry awards and nominations worldwide.  She is one of only five female artists to receive a diamond certification for her hit single “All About That Bass,” which shares the RIAA Gold & Platinum Awards top honor with only 15 other singles in history. Trainor released her first single, “No Excuses,” from her highly anticipated third studio album, “Treat Myself,” in spring 2018.

Three-time GRAMMY-winning multiplatinum artists Zac Brown Band will perform “Bare Necessities” from the classic Disney film “The Jungle Book.” Zac Brown Band have had five consecutive albums reach the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and four consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has sold more than 25 million singles and eight million albums. They have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. They have developed a reputation with critics and fans alike for a live show marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries.

Since his big-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on Nov. 18, 1928, Mickey has been the global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company. From the beloved Mickey Mouse Club to today’s Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, Mickey’s optimistic outlook and endearing personality continue to delight fans around the world every day.

“Mickey’s 90th Spectacular” is produced by Don Mischer Productions. Don Mischer, Charlie Haykel and Juliane Hare are executive producers. Don Mischer will direct.

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are Wonderfall

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are Wonderfall

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are Wonderfall

Pumpkin lovers (like me) rejoice, the Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are now at Disney Springs. There is no surprise that churros have always been one of the top Disney park snacks because how can you not love a churro?! Well now, Disney Springs has combined the love of fall with the churro to create the new Pumpkin Cream Filled Churro.

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are a Wonderfall Delight at Disney Springs

I have been on an epic quest for the new Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros since the Wonderfall event began. Finally, this past Thursday (9/27) they had arrived at the snack and cocktail cart in front of Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian.

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are Wonderfall

A freshly fried churro is rolled in cinnamon – sugar and filled to the brim with scrumptious pumpkin cream filling. At $5.50 or one Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit, the Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are the ultimate fall delight.

Pumpkin Cream Filled Churros are Wonderfall

Tis’ the season for all things pumpkin flavored, and the Pumpkin Cream Filled Churro is a delectable addition. Wonderfall at Disney Springs has added another new hit to the long list of amazing fall-inspired treats. Fall is for foodies, and Disney Springs is the place to be.  Are you excited to try the newest churro at Disney Springs or will you stick with the traditional?  Post in the comments below.  Stay hungry Disney friends!

Mouse Party parade float is dancing its way to the Shanghai Disney Resort

Mouse Party

Mickey Mouse and company are dancing their way into the Shanghai Tourism Festival on an all-new parade float called Mouse Party.

This newly themed float marks the launch of the World’s Biggest Mouse Party at the Shanghai Disney Resort, celebrating 90 years of Mickey Mouse. The Mouse Party float features Mickey and company, including Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale.

“Mouse Party” will dance its way across the city of Shanghai, sharing Disney magic with local residents and tourists alike. Along the way, Mickey and the gang invite everyone to celebrate Shanghai Disney Resort’s fifth consecutive year participating in the Shanghai Tourism Festival.

The float’s final day of celebration will be on October 6th and will mark the closing of the Shanghai Tourism Festival at Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown – a first for the event and the resort.

Play Disney Parks New Spooky Halloween Features

Play Disney Parks New Spooky Halloween Features

Play Disney Parks app has fantastic new spooky Halloween features!  There is a new spell cast over the Play Disney Parks app with new treats and gameboards with pumpkins and fun surprises.  Guests at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resorts can play with these new features through October 31st of this year.

If you look at the park maps you can spot a few of our “not so scary” friends like Oogie Boogie, Zero, and Jack Skellington himself. You can download the new game boards through the app allowing you to upload directly to your desktop as well.

Play Disney Parks New Spooky Halloween Features

“Don’t miss a chance to collect all-new achievements on your next visit to Disney parks! Guests at the Disneyland Resort can earn new ride achievements at Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday for a limited time throughout the Halloween season. Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort can also find a special Halloween achievement at the Haunted Mansion! And what’s Halloween without some terror-iffic tunes? Guests have been enjoying special Apple Music®* playlists since Play Disney Parks’ official debut in June, and now our ghostly friends have curated brand new playlists to bring the Halloween festivities to life. Guests visiting Sandy Claws at Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park can access Apple Music® from within the app to listen to a devilishly delightful “Disney Villains” playlist, while visitors at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park may find a “Halloween Trick or Treat Tunes” playlist featuring classic Halloween songs like “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and newer favorites like “Everybody Scream, Everybody Howl” from the hit Disney Junior series “Vampirina.” Apple Music® subscribers will be able to add these eerily exciting new playlists direct to their Apple Music® library. Many new users can sign up for a free three-month trial within the app and listen to the playlists in full!”-Disney Parks Blog

Check out all the fun on the Play Disney Parks app while you visit the parks!  It is a fun way to have an adventure or keep those busy while waiting in long ride lines.

 

 

Autumn Backdrops are now available at Disney Springs Photo Pass Studio

Halloween at the MK

Can you believe it is fall already? To celebrate the Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Disney Springs Marketplace is ready with all new autumn-themed backdrops!

Autumn Backdrops are now available at Disney Springs Photo Pass Studio

You can choose from 8 different Fall/Halloween themed digital backdrops Disney Springs Photo Pass Studio to celebrate all things autumn!

Autumn Backdrops are now available at Disney Springs Photo Pass Studio

Reservations are not required at the Disney Springs Photo Pass Studio, so you can visit whenever is most convenient for you. Just be sure to visit soon, as many of these backdrops are only available for a limited time.

You can download photos individually for $16.95 each at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, or you can purchase Memory Maker One Day for $69 to get digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos linked to your account that were taken at Walt Disney World Resort on that day!*

Memory Maker One Day is available in the My Disney Experience app once you’ve linked at least one photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement. You can also purchase Memory Maker One Day at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.

Disney PhotoPass Service at Walt Disney World Resort is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy available here. Online registration required. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here.

Source Disney Parks Blog