New runDisney 2024 Mickey And Friends Merch Revealed For The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!

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December 26, 2023

New runDisney 2024 Mickey And Friends Merch Revealed For The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!

The runDisney 2024 Mickey And Friends Merch preview is here! One of the largest runDisney race weekend of the season with just a few weeks to go until the 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, taking place Jan. 3-7, 2024.

Celebrating Mickey Mouse and friends, participants will go the distance during the unforgettable race weekend filled with four different races, two challenges, and inspiration at every turn.

Check out this year’s event merchandise collection which showcases the race weekend artwork featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Dopey in a variety of logo performance apparel and “I Did It!” finisher products including shirts in multiple styles and jackets.

Whether you’re taking on 3.1 or 48.6 miles, we are sure you will find something worth taking home and remember this big accomplishment!

Carry your race weekend medals in one of the varieties of themed bag styles from Lug or the Loungefly mini backpack. Or take home one of the other exciting products including matching ear headband, CORKCICLE drinkware, a weekend-themed Spirit Jersey and more.

Be on the lookout for these commemorative items and more during the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. All Guests are invited to attend during the following dates and times:

Wednesday, January 3, 2024: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, January 4, 2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, January 5, 2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 6, 2024: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend participants looking to access the first day of the runDisney Merchandise Shop can do so from the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel or home by joining our virtual queue!

Keep in mind, the virtual queue will be the only way to access the shop on the first day of the Expo and will be implemented as needed on the following expo days. For more information on the virtual queue process, please visit here.

Have fun!

Credit: Disney Parks

New Minnie Mouse Rock The Dots Collection Coming Soon!

By

Ana Leal

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December 26, 2023

New Minnie Mouse Rock The Dots Collection Coming Soon!

National Polka Dot Day is coming on January 22, so get ready to treat yourself with this new Minnie Mouse Rock The Dots Collection from Loungefly coming soon! Everything looks so cute! Take a look:

BACKPACK

The backpack feature a white dot pattern, against a black background, sides, and back. The front pocket, and characteristic 3D bow at the top, offer pops of red color with white polka dots and even a super cute drawing of Minnie Mouse freshening up her look on the front pocket! The back also features Minnie ears, we love it!

SHERPA TOTE BAG

This year Loungefly is releasing a sherpa bag with an all over pattern of black and white polka dots with a little red polka dot Minnie bow on the front. It also features adjustable straps, a Minnie Mouse keychain and gold hardware.

CROSSBODY BAG

This bag is a statement piece! Is shaped like Disney’s Minnie Mouse’s characteristic bow in red with white polka dots, Minnie Mouse artwork and black handle and an adjustable black shoulder strap with a gold chain add complementary colors and versatility.

PASSPORT CROSSBODY BAG

The passport crossbody bad features a black background pops with white dots all over, including the front pocket, ears, and a Minnie Mouse bow that adds a splash of complementary colors. On the back, a vintage printed image of Minnie Mouse appears, as she kicks up her heels and celebrates. This handy passport bag, with versatile straps, is perfect for securing necessities during day trips.

WALLETS

Two matching wallets are also available in this collection, depending if you prefer a big or small one!

MINNIE EARS

The ear headband in this collection is super cute with soft sherpa fabric in white with black dots and red 3D bow, with white polka dots appears between the ears. Disney’s Minnie Mouse makes a starring appearance as an embossed, printed vintage image, dancing across the bow, which is removable. The sherpa fabric extends to the band, and on the side, you’ll find the embroidered Loungefly logo.

There’s no set date when this collection will be released but considering the National Polka Dot Day on January 22, it has to be next month!

Credit: Loungefly

Haunted Mansion Inspired Ghostly Retreat Available Near Disneyland

By

Chris B

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December 26, 2023

Attention Foolish Mortals: Grim Grinning Ghosts have materialized outside of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World, and are now residing in a home in Fullerton, California.

Located less than 5 miles from Disneyland Resort, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sleeps up to 8 guests. The home can be rented via airbnb, which highlights the home as ‘one of the most beloved homes’ on the site. For a fun twist, the home includes a wide array of Haunted Mansion replicas as well as interactive elements of illusion, sights, and sounds that you are actually staying in the Haunted Mansion!

The rental includes the entire house, as well as access to the backyard that contains a 6-person hot tub. The bedroom layout is as follows:

Master Gracey Room- 1 Cal King Bed
Madame Leota Room – 1 Queen Bed
Hatbox Ghost Room – 1 Queen Bed
The Raven Room – 2 twin beds

From a stretching room-themed room to the Haunted Mansion wallpaper in the hallways, the details in this home are impeccable. Considering the interactive elements that add an extra spooky touch, are you brave enough to stay here?

You can rent this Spooktacular Haunted Mansion Home Near Walt Disney World

By

Chris B

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December 26, 2023

Heading to Walt Disney World and looking for a fun and unique place to stay? This Haunted Mansion-themed home may be just what you have been looking for! Located less than 10 miles from Walt Disney World, this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo will provide a fun and unique twist to your next Disney vacation.

The condo, which is available on airbnb, features 3 themed bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, 2 balconies, and a washer and dryer in unit. 2 of the bedrooms have queen size beds, with the third containing two twin beds, allowing up to 6 guests to stay in the space.

The condo does provide access to 4 heated pools, a hot tub, playgrounds, a splash pad, outdoor grills, and free parking. The unit contains a full kitchen that will provide plenty of space to prepare meals. The Haunted Mansion touches are evident throughout the unit, from the dining room to the ‘stretching room’ themed bedroom. The Hitchhiking Ghosts are even waiting by the door, hoping to catch a ride back to Walt Disney World.

Duffy the Disney Bear Greeting Guests in Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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December 26, 2023

Duffy the Disney Bear Greeting Guests in Hollywood Studios

Disney sprinkled some holiday magic on guests with the surprise introduction of Santa Duffy yesterday morning, you can see him spreading Holiday cheer at It’s a Wonderful Shop in Hollywood Studios for a limited time!

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Previously, this exclusive meet and greet was reserved for Disney Jollywood Nights, the special holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios requiring a separate upcharge.

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For a limited time, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Duffy is delighting visitors in his holiday best at It’s a Wonderful Shop in the Grand Avenue area, the designated spot for this seasonal Santa encounter.

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Frozen Ever After Closing for Refurbishment in Early 2024

By

Chris B

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December 26, 2023

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in January 2024, we have another refurbishment you will want to keep your eye on. It looks like Frozen Ever After, the popular boat ride in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, will be closing briefly next month for a scheduled refurbishment.

Refurbishments are necessary to allow routine maintenance on rides. During refurbishments, paint and effects are touched up and any issues with the ride are addressed. Frozen Ever After will be closing for a single-day refurbishment on January 24, 2024.

Note the refurbishments can be extended if needed, so while the ride is slated to reopen on January 25 guests will want to keep an eye on the MyDisneyExpereince app to ensure the refurbishment has not been extended.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel Celebrating New Year’s Eve with Unlimited Eats, Fireworks Views and More

By

Chris B

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December 26, 2023

Still trying to decide what to do on New Year’s Eve? Universal’s Aventura Hotel may have the party you have been looking for! With rooftop views, unlimited eats, a DJ, and party favors, the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Adventura Hotel is shaping up to be the hottest property in town!

The Adventure Hotel is located within Universal Orlando Resort within walking distance of Volcano Bay. The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Aventura are being offered in two packages:

$175* Standing Room
Enjoy the celebration beginning at 8 pm. Includes food, beer, wine, and featured specialty cocktails until 10 pm (cash bar from 10 pm – 1 am), along with a DJ, party favors, midnight prosecco toast, and self-parking.

$1,350* VIP Package
Includes all the benefits of a Standing Room ticket for up to six people in your party, PLUS couch seating and two bottles of champagne.

*Gratuity included. Tax and ticketing fees will apply. Complimentary parking not valid for overnight hotel guests. Parking validation will be provided when checking in for the event.

The all-you-care-to-enjoy menu is expansive and includes the following:

Beef Sliders | Aged white cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon, Secret Sauce #17
Fried Chicken Sliders | Spicy cucumber slaw, F.C. Sauce
Caprese Skewers | Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, balsamic reduction, basil chiffonade
Marinated Chicken Satay | House-made chimichurri
Braised Short Rib Bao | Toasted pistachios, micro cilantro
Crispy Pork Belly Bao | Spicy onion salad, gochujang sauce
Jackfruit Bao | Korean BBQ sauce, toasted pistachios, micro cilantro
Chef’s Selection of Assorted Cheeses and Desserts
AND MORE!

Click here for tickets and more information. Note the event is for adults 21+ years of age only.

Disney Fined for Copyright Infringement Over Stolen VFX Tech in Live-Action ‘Beauty and the Beast’

By

Chip

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December 26, 2023

Disney Fined for Copyright Infringement Over Stolen VFX Tech in Live-Action ‘Beauty and the Beast’

A jury in Oakland ruled in favor of Rearden, a VFX company, concluding that Disney violated the company’s intellectual property by utilizing copyrighted technology in the animation of CG characters in Beauty and the Beast. The jury awarded Rearden approximately $600,000, recognizing that Disney knowingly engaged in potential copyright infringement by using VFX software known as MOVA Contour. This technology has been employed in various major Hollywood productions. The verdict, including nearly $350,000, aims to recover profits linked to the use of the technology.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the awarded figure represents only a fraction of the potential damages Disney faced in the case, which posed a threat to Beauty and the Beast’s profits. Rearden initially sought over $100 million, contending that the film’s box office success was significantly influenced by the VFX work executed by MOVA.

The legal dispute arose five months after Beauty and the Beast premiered, leading to a lawsuit by Rearden against Disney for the improper use of its technology in three movies, including Guardians of the Galaxy and multiple Avengers installments. The core issue revolved around whether DD3, the company Disney collaborated with on the project, possessed the technology attributed to the film’s success. The intricate chain of title, involving bankruptcy and a fraudulent sale, created confusion regarding the ownership and licensing of MOVA.

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The trial focused on whether Disney should be held vicariously liable for DD3’s alleged infringement of MOVA, indicating that the company was aware of potential licensing issues but continued to use and benefit from the technology.

The jury’s decision implies that a significant portion of Beauty and the Beast’s box office earnings may not be directly credited to the VFX work performed by MOVA. Of Disney’s $255 million in profits from the film, the jury attributed approximately $345,000 to the use of the contested technology.

Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk Now Hiring Culinary Leaders Ahead of 2024 Opening

By

Chris B

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December 26, 2023

Do you have a love for Disney and a passion for baking? We may have a lead on the perfect job for you! The Cake Bake Shop Bakery, opening at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort soon, is currently hiring culinary leaders!

The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers will offer up an array of delectable treats upon opening, including cakes, cookies, pies, macarons, coffee, and croissants. The shop is being built in the area that formally housed the ESPN Zone. The shop is attached to the Cake Bake Shop Restaurant which will offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, desserts, and cocktails when open.

Gwendolyn Rogers posted the culinary leader’s position on Linked In, with postings for both Executive Chef and Sous Chef included. Qualifications for the position, as well as application instructions, can be found on the job posting.

2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise Available to Day Guests at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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December 26, 2023

2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise Available to Day Guests at Magic Kingdom

The curtain has fallen on the last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the 2023 season, and now the exclusive merchandise from the festivities is open for all Magic Kingdom day guests to enjoy.

Head over to the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., where you’ll find a treasure trove of this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise, including the coveted Spirit Jersey and the Passholder-exclusive shirt.

For the next few days, day guests exploring the Magic Kingdom will have the special opportunity to witness a rare daytime performance of “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at both 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Don’t miss the chance to extend the holiday magic with this festive parade, adding an extra dash of cheer to your daytime visit at the park.

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Where can You watch the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Parade 2023?

By

Chip

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December 24, 2023

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Where can You watch the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Parade 2023?

Tune in for the enchanting Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airing on ABC this Monday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. E.T. ABC has unveiled a dazzling lineup of musical performances for the parade, featuring the following:

Julianne Hough and Derek Hough – “Good Morning” and “Deck the Halls” Medley
Meg Donnelly – “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)”
Chrissy Metz – “Silver Bells”
The Smashing Pumpkins – “Evergreen”
Iam Tongi – “Mele Kalikimaka”
The Broadway and North American Tour Cast of Disney’s “Aladdin” – “Friend Like Me”

40TH ANNIVERSARY DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE – Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with endearing stories and magical celebrity performances, plus the Christmas Day Parade celebrates its 40th year. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks Programming along with Film 45 Live. MONDAY, DEC. 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST), on ABC. (ABC/Disney Parks) 40TH ANNIVERSARY DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE

In addition to these magical performances, the special will take a nostalgic look back at some of the most iconic moments from past years.

For those eager to catch the Disney Christmas Parade but without access to basic cable, fear not! You can live stream the parade on Christmas morning through FuboTV or DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services offer the ABC channel with a subscription, and new subscribers can enjoy a free trial to watch the Disney parade without any cost commitment.

40TH ANNIVERSARY DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE – Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with endearing stories and magical celebrity performances, plus the Christmas Day Parade celebrates its 40th year. The holiday special is executive produced by Disney Parks Programming along with Film 45 Live. MONDAY, DEC. 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST), on ABC. (ABC/Disney Parks) MICHAEL JAMES SCOTT, CASEY NICHOLAW, ADI ROY

If you miss the live broadcast, fret not! The special will be available for on-demand streaming the day after Christmas on Disney+ or Hulu. So, whether you prefer to catch the festive magic live or at your leisure, there’s a viewing option for everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit with the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

David Oyelowo Gives Update On Upcoming “The Rocketeer” Disney+ Sequel

By

Chip

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December 24, 2023

David Oyelowo Gives Update On Upcoming “The Rocketeer” Disney+ Sequel

In a recent conversation with David Oyelowo about his upcoming Paramount+ streaming series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” TheWrap couldn’t resist delving into another exciting project on the actor’s horizon—the sequel to Disney’s cult classic, “The Rocketeer.”

The good news? Oyelowo shares, “We have forward momentum.”

Initially announced in 2021, the sequel to the 1991 beloved film is not only being produced by Oyelowo and his wife, Jessica Oyelowo, but David may also take on a starring role in the film. The original “Rocketeer” was set in pre-World War II Hollywood, and the sequel is poised to unfold its narrative after the war. It will follow a former Tuskegee airman—a distinguished unit of Black army air force pilots from World War II—who finds himself in possession of the iconic Rocketeer suit.

“We have forward momentum. I know you guys hear this stuff all the time, but we are in the script development stage, and if you’re going to reinvigorate that beloved franchise, you better come with the goods,” Oyelowo shared. “Eugene Ashe is currently writing away, and we were talking about it only this week. We’re all very committed to that. But it’s going to have to be great, and we will not rest until it is.

This ambitious project led by Oyelowo aims to be a worthy follow-up to the 1991 live-action feature released by Disney, which was based on the more mature-themed comic book property created by Dave Stevens. While J.D. Dillard was initially attached to direct the sequel, he is no longer part of the project. However, TheWrap exclusively reported earlier this year that Eugene Ashe had been brought on board to pen the script.

As the script development stage progresses, Oyelowo and the team are dedicated to delivering an exceptional continuation of “The Rocketeer” legacy. Fans of the original and newcomers alike can anticipate an exciting chapter that pays homage to the beloved franchise while introducing fresh and compelling elements. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling project takes flight into the world of cinematic adventure.