Latest news with #DisneyParks
Gizmodo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Disney Parks Animatronics, Rated Yearbook-Style
Walt Disney is just the latest animatronic to be featured in Disney Parks' experiences and attractions. The figure debuted for Disneyland's 70th birthday at the Main Street Opera House, headlining a new show. In Walt Disney – A Magical Life, you can come face-to-face with the man behind the name, programmed to present his history as Imagineering's latest tech feat. The figure joins the legacy of Disney's contribution to theme park advancements, combining animation and robotics for his animatronics, which started with a bird and now bears the face of its creator. And he's not the only memorable animatronic to grace Disney Parks with his presence. Here are some other notable entries, with yearbook-style superlatives to explain the impressions they make. He's always getting unsuspecting tourists to do coaxium runs for him on the Millennium Falcon. If you're not careful, you'll land on the First Order's suspect list. And unfortunately, if that happens, Hondo might be MIA, just as his animatronic so often is. And only after they try to follow you home first, like the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Dr. Jones spends the entire ride complaining that he has to save our skins; it's glorious. Plus he's the original stuntronic, always having to dangle in front of that incoming boulder. The lore behind her soft-serve-ice-cream-looking hair of yesteryear haunts the internet; we're glad she was able to get her look fixed. Seeing Tiana in her mother's fashions and iconic 1920s New Orleans textiles and textures makes this our pick for best dressed. That goes for the rest of the characters too, especially once the ride gets to its showstopping finale. That Figment, always up to some nonsense, but at least he's full of imagination and lots of surprising sights and smells to discover. It's no contest; being able to meet and greet an interactive Baby Yoda who makes the noises makes us want to protect him at all costs too. Yeah—more like succeeding in leading the animatronic uprising for having to sing that earworm of a song for 70 years. Geoffrey Rush's iconic performance as Captain Barbossa also got its own animatronic inside Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean and fits right in so well, many don't realize he's being featured. The real pirate's pirate, our apple-a-day king—he's just missing the monkey, Jack. That's one very realistic animatronic. And like in the Avatar movies, it sees you. They're the OG blueprint of the animatronics, so we'll allow it for another 70 years at least. Spidey does the flips in one of the most thrilling moments at Avengers Campus, where the 'struntronic' flies through the sky before an actor takes over the performance! Even more excitingly, sometimes the robot webslinger misses. This goat is the 'GOAT' 🐐 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #BigThunderMountain #GoatTrick #Goat #Rollercoaster #Coaster #Disney100 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks Not only is it still proudly perched in its spot, it provides the distraction to make the coaster all the more thrilling. Never forget to look at the goat and lock in. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Travel Weekly
17 hours ago
- 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."
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Behold the Distressingly Blue Mozzarella Stick Disneyland Will Sell You to Celebrate ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps'
A new movie inevitably means new tie-in food, especially at a theme park operated by a studio hoping to cash in on its latest release. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters this week and is therefore in its prime time for this kind of marketing. We've all seen and/or shuddered at the blue Pop-Tarts, the questionable Little Caesars pizza, and the blue milk—but Disney Parks has just entered the chat with its own color-coordinated munchies. The top image seen here is the most startling item by far. Disney Parks Blog offers a description much milder than the visual. Behold the 'Fantastic Elastic Mozzarella Stick,' an edible homage to Reed Richards' stretchy powers. There's no mention of which ingredient goes into making its exterior that particular hue, but Mister Fantastic's severed limb does come with a side of sour cream and onion ranch. You can find the mozzarella stick at Pym's Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure's Avengers Campus, which also happens to be home to the other notable menu item: 'Invisible Indulgence,' a nod to Sue Storm, described as 'clear lemon pie with a shortbread crust, whipped cream, and meringue pieces.' Would you call this clear? Close enough? You'll have to head to Disneyland Paris to get a Johnny Storm-specific item: a mocktail (one of many new, specialty Fantastic Four drinks) called the 'Flame On' (what else?) that's made with 'mango nectar, lime drink, Paragon Timur Berry flavor cordial, cinnamon roll flavor, blood orange syrup, and Sprite.' But back in Disneyland, you can salute the Thing at multiple food outlets by picking up the 'Clobberin' Sipper' to efficiently clobber your thirst and maybe your little brother if he gets out of line: These limited-time offerings arrive July 24 to ride the wave of Fantastic Four: First Steps hype; head to the Disney Parks Blog to see what's coming to Disneyland Resort (other than the above, nothing notably blue or invisible), Disneyland Paris (mostly drinks), and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (just a popcorn cup). Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is EPCOT's Reserved Fireworks Viewing Worth the Price? We Tried It to Find Out
EPCOT at Walt Disney World offers a nightly fireworks spectacular that is a must see experience for the end of your day at one of my favorite theme parks. Luminous The Symphony of Us is a mix of fireworks, fountains, music, and lights that incorporates songs from the Disney catalog. EPCOT offers paid reserved viewing for this popular show and we just experienced it at Rose & Crown in the World Showcase. Is this paid upcharge worth it? Let's get into our experience. READ MORE – Rose & Crown Dining Room Fireworks Viewing Price EPCOT offers three reserved fireworks viewing which includes Rose & Crown, Spice Road Table, and the extravagant GEO-82 adult-only viewing. Your dining package at Rose & Crown in the UK Pavilion is a pre fix menu where you can choose: One appetizer One entrée One dessert Selection of unlimited beverages The selection of unlimited beverages does include beer and a specialty cocktail for adults which is a nice perk. The cost per adult is $92 per person and children ages 3 to 9 are $41 per person. Is Reserved Fireworks Viewing for EPCOT Worth It? As always, answering this question can be so subjective. For me, it's worth the cost to have a guaranteed place to sit and enjoy a nice meal while watching a nighttime spectacular like the EPCOT fireworks. Our visit was during one of the hottest days of the year and we were exhausted by the time fireworks rolled around. My group was extremely happy I booked this package when it came time to attend. Otherwise I don't think we would have lasted for the fireworks! But do you need to purchase paid firework viewing to see the EPCOT fireworks? Absolutely not. Since the show takes place in the World Showcase Lagoon, it is quite easy to get a good view for the show with minimal time to prepare. You can read more about our favorite spots to watch the EPCOT fireworks in our guide. Paid firework viewing is a luxury expense but it's one you might be glad you splurged on after a long day at EPCOT. The Rose & Crown is also a good value because of the unlimited alcohol adults can enjoy. Let's go over the menu, the experience, and the fireworks view so you know what to expect if you decide to splurge on EPCOT reserved fireworks viewing. Rose & Crown Food Review- Fish and Chips and Unlimited Beer! You can check in 15 minutes before your reservation but we noticed some guests checked in even earlier. You can view the pre-fix menu above which includes the Rose & Crown famous fish and chips. We made use of the unlimited alcoholic beverages during our dining package. Considering most drinks at EPCOT are around $10 and up, this is a good value to take advantage of. For my appetizer, I ordered the Coronation Salad. My partner ordered the Scotch Egg. The menu at the Rose & Crown is known for their British fare so if you're interested in dining here anyways, this could also make the fireworks package worth it! Here are the famous Rose & Crown Fish and Chips. According to my partner, these are worth the hype. He was excited to try these anyways so it's just another way the Rose & Crown fireworks package made sense for us. I was thrilled to see they offered a vegetarian version of the Hot Pot. Unfortunately, my excitement was short lived as this was definitely one of the worst Impossible items I've had at Walt Disney World. My family also tried it and agreed, this is not one of the best. The Impossible meat seemed undercooked and more chewy than usual. Overall, the flavor was not great. The Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert was a favorite though amongst my group. We all ordered it and finished it very quickly! Is the Rose & Crown Firework View Good? When we checked in, there was a chance of rain coming soon so cast members seated us all on the top patio. Right before the show started, we were moved to the bottom patio. This is where they typically sit you so keep that in mind. This was an amazing view, we had direct eyeshot of the fountains in World Showcase lagoon. This was our view from the viewing area with barely any zooming in on my camera. Our waitress kept refilling our drinks during the show as well so that was appreciated. This was a great way to end our day at EPCOT especially when our group was tired and worn out from the heat. READ MORE – While it is never necessary to paid for reserved seating for EPCOT fireworks, it can be a nice splurge after a long day especially if you were already planning on a table service reservation for that evening. Don't Miss the Latest Disney News Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post Is EPCOT's Reserved Fireworks Viewing Worth the Price? We Tried It to Find Out appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips. Solve the daily Crossword
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘It's a Small World' ride gets update to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday
A classic Disneyland ride has been updated for the 70th anniversary of the iconic theme park's opening, Disney officials announced. A new verse to the 'It's a Small World' song will debut on the ride Thursday, July 17, the official Disney Parks blog announced in February. The updated lyrics will also be included the same day in Florida's Walt Disney World. The new lyrics were written by original composer Richard Sherman for the song's 60th anniversary, the blog said. Sherman died in 2024. The new lyrics are, 'Mother earth unites us in heart and mind, And the love we give makes us humankind, Through our vast wondrous land, When we stand hand in hand, It's a small world after all.' A film about the creation of the new lyrics also will play at the Main Street Cinema in Disneyland, the blog said. The ride debuted at the 1964 World's Fair in New York as a tribute to the United Nations Children's Fund and can now be found at multiple Disney parks, according to Walt Disney World News Today. It opened at Disneyland in 1966 as part of Fantasyland. Visitors ride slow-moving boats through a pavilion populated with audio-animatronic children from around the world singing 'It's a Small World' in a variety of languages. A new audio-animatronic exhibit featuring Walt Disney himself also debuts at the Main Street Opera House as part of the anniversary of the park, which opened in 1955, Disney said.
