Latest news with #DisneyCharacters
Daily Mail
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney slammed over alleged character rule after performer faints at theme park and doesn't take off costume
Disney has been fiercely slammed over an alleged rule that characters may never take off their costumes... after one dramatically fainted during a parade at the theme park and still stayed in character. Earlier this week, a video that showed someone dressed up as Winnie the Pooh's Tigger suffering from what appeared to be a medical emergency at Shanghai Disneyland Resort went viral on social media. The clip showed the character laying on the floor seemingly passed out, as hoards of people stood around them using fans to try to cool them off. Later, the character was seen attempting to stand as they loose their balance and fall back again, before one final clip showed them leaning on a fellow staffer as they slowly walked off. Throughout the entire terrifying ordeal, even when the character seemed to lose consciousness, their mask was never removed. It was reported that the incident had occurred during the parade at the theme park in China last weekend, and that the employee had collapsed after suffering from 'heatstroke.' It occurred on a particularly scorching hot day, where temperatures soared to the mid-90s, and it can get even hotter inside the thick costumes. After the video began circulating on TikTok and X, formerly Twitter, many viewers were left outraged that the other workers assisting didn't take off the mask to give the person inside some air and help them cool off. 'Couldn't they remove the helmet to make him get enough air? Why did they leave the helmet?' one alarmed user asked on TikTok. 'I think they can't do that in Disneyland? I mean there's probably rule about not showing your face in front of kids and etc. or you'll get fired or something,' someone else replied. 'It's a man's life, I don't think rules are that important right now,' another person fired back. 'The fact they kept the head on just to keep the kids believing is crazy,' read a fourth comment. A fifth said, 'Sorry but I think we shouldn't be risking someone's life to keep the magic of Disneyland. Get that costume off the poor person! Kids will get over it.' 'For those wondering "why not take of the mask" they can't. If they did, the person in the suit would most likely get fired,' a different user chimed in. 'Why? Because Disney is extremely strict with their mascots, and 'cause they need to keep the magic alive for the kids. I know dumb rule...' 'Disney values their brand more than their cast members,' scathed someone else. After the video began circulating online, many viewers were left outraged that the other workers didn't take off the mask to give the person inside some air and help them cool off The Daily Mail has reached out to Disney for comment. Shanghai Disney Resort said in a statement afterwards that the performer 'was immediately taken to the nearest infirmary,' where 'staff and park nurses were quick to attend' to them, per Inside the Magic. 'The cast member is now recovering, and their health is being closely monitored,' the site added. One TikToker who goes by Mouselets online previously claimed that Disney workers portraying characters will indeed be fired if they take off their heads at any time, even in an emergency. An 'insider from the world of Disney' also previously told that the same applies to characters on Disney cruises. 'As one of the most tightly controlled brands on the planet, Disney has some very strict protocols aboard their cruises – especially regarding emergency evacuations,' the source said. 'For instance, if a Disney cruise is to be abandoned, any employee who is in costume at the time of the alarm sounding must stay in costume. 'They are not permitted to remove their heads and ruin the illusion for guests, so therefore have to navigate the deck dressed as a giant Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, etc. 'Elsewhere on the ship, it's somebody's job to head to the costume store and firmly lock it up. This is to ensure that if the ship does go down, the costumes go with it. 'They don't want to risk the empty costumes getting loose and floating up to the top – leaving children traumatized by seeing Goofy's lifeless body bobbing about on the surface.'
Forbes
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Disney Cruise Line Is Enhancing Entertainment Through Storytelling And Technology
Later this year, Disney Cruise Line will launch its seventh cruise ship, the Disney Destiny. The vessel is themed around the stories of heroes and villains. One story that will be performed inside the Walt Disney Theater is Disney Hercules, a Broadway-style retelling of the classic animated film. The show will feature larger-than-life musical numbers, puppets, cutting-edge technology and more to bring new energy to the stage adaptation of Hercules. For Disney Cruise Line, the ship's crown jewel is the Walt Disney Theater, where each night guests onboard will see performances featuring Disney characters and retelling Disney stories. What makes the Disney Destiny stand out among its other Wish-class ships (the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure) is the immense level of storytelling and technology that is blended together to make each stage performance top-notch. Although shows don't just appear onstage overnight, and Disney Hercules is no exception, new technology and storytelling techniques have enabled Disney to enhance its entertainment offerings onboard its new ships. A massive team of performers, choreographers, musicians and more has worked for nearly three years to bring Disney Hercules to life for the Disney Destiny, which will take its maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Designing theater, the Disney Cruise Line way 'We're so proud that we get to make theater that, for many people, is their first exposure to this art form that we're all so incredibly passionate about,' says Jenny Weinbloom, Vice President of Live Entertainment at Disney Signature Experiences. 'We're always incredibly thoughtful as we're developing these shows that we're making them for everybody.' Disney Cruise Line mainly draws nuclear and extended families who want to cruise together. Adults without children is also a growing segment for the brand, which makes sense since this is a booming guest segment at Disney Parks as adults look to tap into the nostalgia of their childhood. Why Disney Cruise Line chose Hercules for the Disney Destiny Disney has a deep vault of intellectual property to choose from for live performances. When it was announced that the Disney Destiny would be themed to heroes and villains, the theater creatives knew Hercules had to be the premier show inside the Walt Disney Theater. Not only was it already a musical with a classic score and soundtrack by Alan Menken, it was also one of the ultimate hero and villain stories from Disney's Renaissance era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. 'Hercules is kind of having a moment right now,' explains Weinbloom. 'Hercules is on the West End too, which is a delightful coincidence, but it's because this music is so incredible, the story is so incredible and it's kind of a perfect time to tap into the nostalgia of this amazing source material and to build upon it.' The new show, while telling the same story as the West End rendition, will be exclusive to the Disney Destiny. 'Our task is to take that story, take that music and reimagine it through the lens of a theatrical vocabulary,' says Weinbloom. '[We are] taking what's inherently animated about this story, stripping that away, and taking the story to its core and rebuilding it again for the stage.' Cutting-edge technology will bring Disney Hercules from Mount Olympus to the Disney Destiny This isn't the first time the Greek god has made its way to a Disney Cruise Line ship. Hercules: The Muse-ical could be seen on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder from 1998 through 2008, and was earmarked as a musical comedy. While these two smaller ships have fantastic shows inside The Walt Disney Theater, the Disney Destiny has some major upgrades that have allowed the Disney Hercules production team to enhance the story through technology that was just not possible in the early 2000s. One of the biggest jumps in technology is the theater itself. 'Not all of our ships have the same theater. The Destiny is in the Wish-class of ships, so the Wish, the Treasure and the Destiny. They have significantly larger Walt Disney Theater venues than the smaller, older ships in the fleet. So they have different capabilities attached based on that scale and also based on the technology embedded within those venues,' explains Weinbloom. Another leap forward in technology is the on-stage puppets. Disney Hercules will have eight total puppets, including two towering Titan puppets. But these Titans aren't going to be manned behind a curtain like a marionette. The puppets are actually Exo-frames that were developed in partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering's research and development team. The puppet style was play-tested at the Disneyland Resort as an Incredible Hulk figure. For the show, there will be an earth Titan and a frost Titan that tower 9 feet and 13 feet tall, respectively, with actual performers inside the puppet. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line's rehearsal facility in Toronto, Canada, is a technological marvel. The facility's multiple rehearsal rooms are designed and marked just like the stage inside the Walt Disney Theater on each of Disney's cruise ships. There are also dedicated rooms for stunts and flying rigs, which are exactly the same systems used onboard each cruise ship, just in a different space, so performers can get plenty of practice in before heading to the ship. 'From a new show development standpoint, having the facility here has been integral to our process. We did a workshop on the ship and had all of these ideas about what we were going to do, but when we got here and into the actual space, lots of things changed,' explains Arin Dale, the Producer of 'Disney Hercules.' For Disney Cruise Line and Disney Live Entertainment, the goal for Disney Hercules, or any show inside The Walt Disney Theater, is for guests to be truly immersed in Hercules, going from zero to hero as he fights Titans and Hydras. As 'wow' moments come to life on stage, the idea that this may be Disney Cruise Line's most advanced stage show yet should fade into the background, as storytelling is the prime reason theater exists after all.
Travel Weekly
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Disney animation coming to life in new Hollywood Studios attraction
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is creating a new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is expected to open in 2026. The experience is based on the 2023 short film "Once Upon a Studio," in which Disney characters step into the halls of the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., for a group photo. At Hollywood Studios, "guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play," Disney said in a release. A new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios next year. Photo Credit: Disney The Magic of Disney Animation will be located in the building currently housing Star Wars: Launch Bay. To make way for the new experience, the Launch Bay, as well as Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, will close on Sept. 25. However, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will still be open. When The Magic of Disney Animation opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Inside, guests will visit different animation studio departments, like the Production Gallery. There, portraits will come to life like they do in the short film. The Screening Theater will feature a short film. An indoor playground, Drawn to Wonderland, will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, an area inspired by Tulgey Wood and a Mad Tea Party playset. The area was inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's concept art for "Alice in Wonderland" The space will also feature character meet-and-greets as well as the opportunity to learn how to draw favorite characters. A rendering of The Walt Disney Studios space and the building housing The Magic of Disney Animation. When the attraction opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Photo Credit: Disney Animation Courtyard itself will also undergo renovations. The new outdoor space will be called The Walt Disney Studios, featuring seating, landscaping and some surprises. Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, directors of "Once Upon a Studio," are working on the project. "Working on this film was the highlight of my career — the most fun I've ever had," Abraham said. "And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams."
Thrill Geek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
All Aglow: What to Expect from 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' at Magic Kingdom
Get ready to dream big—'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' is set to make its dazzling debut at Magic Kingdom on July 20, 2025, bringing a whole new level of sparkle to Walt Disney World's nighttime entertainment lineup. First announced at D23 Expo 2023, this all-new nighttime parade blends tradition and innovation, weaving together classic characters, contemporary favorites, immersive lighting technology, and a brand-new soundtrack designed to 'touch every heart.' A Parade of Magic and Light 'Disney Starlight' invites guests into a glowing dreamscape brought to life through the Blue Fairy's magic. The parade opens with a shimmer and ends in spectacular style—with a finale float inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade, reimagined for a new generation. You'll spot Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and Mickey & Minnie as they ride through the stars in glittering fashion. Characters to Watch For This radiant procession features a lineup of beloved characters including: The Blue Fairy Peter Pan & Wendy Asha The Madrigal Family (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno) Elsa, Aurora, Tiana, Belle, and Cinderella with their princes Miguel & Pepita Moana Each float becomes a moving canvas of light and music, using cutting-edge LED technology and curved video panels to animate the parade in ways never seen before. Soundtrack & Performance The parade features an original theme song, explicitly crafted to match the emotion of watching the parade glide past Cinderella Castle. The score will include subtle nods to past Disney Parks favorites, and the choreography is timed down to the beat, combining influences from the stories represented. Must-Have Merch and Tasty Treats To mark the launch, guests can pick up themed merch, including: Light-up Mickey Ears A logo tee and collectible pin A bubble wand synced to the show's soundtrack And a cozy 'Starlight' blanket Plus, don't miss the new exclusive popcorn mix debuting at Main Street Confectionery on July 20: a sweet and crunchy blend of Bubble Gum & Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&M's®, and white chocolate drizzle. The Dream Begins July 20 With nods to classics like 'SpectroMagic' and 'Main Street Electrical Parade,' 'Disney Starlight' is poised to become the next great chapter in Disney's legacy of nighttime parades. Follow @ThrillGeek on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube for full coverage when the parade lights up Magic Kingdom this summer. Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Disney Cruise Line testing new system to eliminate pain point
As demand for cruises continues to surge, most cruise ships are sailing at full capacity these days, which at times can make your cruise vacation feel a little too crowded. Finding an open lounge chair by the pool can feel almost impossible at peak times, and popular activities can sometimes require arriving early to secure a spot or wasting some of your vacation day waiting in long Disney Cruise Line ships, long lines often form for popular onboard waterslides as well as Disney character meet-and-greets, which can put a bit of a damper on a magical day at sea. To help improve the onboard experience for passengers, Disney Cruise Line is working on a fix for this common cruise frustration. Recently, the cruise line started testing a new system that has the potential to work like a magic wand to make these frustrating wait times aboard the April 21 sailing of the Disney Wish have reported that the cruise line conducted a limited-time test during their sailing to help reduce wait times for popular activities like the AquaMouse water attraction and Disney character meet-and-greets. During the test, passengers were instructed to use the DCL Navigator app while on board to reserve available times for these activities. For the AquaMouse water ride, additional reservation times were added every hour during the test other times when the test was not underway, the ride did not require a reservation and passengers could line up as usual. The reservation system was free for passengers to use during the test, just like riding the onboard water attraction does not come with any additional cost. Although WiFi is required to make onboard reservations, there is no cost to connect to the ship's WiFi network when used exclusively for the DCL Navigator Facebook group discussions about the test, Disney cruisers shared mixed opinions about onboard activity reservations. Some cruisers think implementing a system to cut down on wait times would significantly enhance their onboard experiences. During peak times, wait times for the cruise line's AquaMouse and AquaDuck waterslides can be 45 minutes or longer. A fleetwide reservation system for onboard activities would be a welcome addition to many cruisers who want to cut down on these wait every Disney cruiser loves the idea, however. Some parents worry that their kids who want to ride multiple times in a row might get less time on the ship's water attraction if a reservation system is introduced. Some cruisers also expressed concerns that WiFi connections at sea, which can sometimes be unreliable, could make it difficult to secure activity reservations. Others don't like the idea of having to use their phones during their vacations or feeling like they need to schedule every minute of their days. Some passengers appreciate that Disney cruises give them more freedom to be spontaneous during their vacations, unlike the experience at Disney Parks, where meticulous planning feels like a must to make the most of your magical day. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
