DizNews - Official Disney News!

The Latest Official News From The Universe Of Disney As Announced By The Mouse Himself.

Refer to “The Grape Vine” Rumors page For Information Which Is Close To Confirmed Or Far Fetched From Various Sources.

  

   08/16/2015  **Disney Officially Announces STAR WARS LAND and TOY STORY LAND and More!  To roaring cheers at the D23 convention in Anaheim, CA, Bob Iger announced that the long rumored Star Ward Land will be coming to both Disneyland California and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!  And surprisingly added that Toy Story Land will also be coming to Hollywood Studios.  While so many people suspected and the rumors flied around about Star Wars Land and other lands such as Cars Land among others, the 11 acre Toy Story Land featuring a family friendly coaster and LGM ride set in Andy’s back yard was a surprise.  The 14 acre Star Wars Land(s) will add 2 major attractions, update Star Tours and the Jedi Training Academy and add character, shopping and dining experiences in the fully immersive land.  A scale model and more details were revealed about “Pandora” the land of Avatar and Rivers of Light in Disney’s Animal Kingdom as  some concept art for EPCOT’s expanded Norway Pavilion’s Frozen ride and area.  Tons of Shanghai Disneyland information was shared.  So it’s safe to assume that the “Billions in park investments” rumor has some real bite to it!  Click on the links within the text above for more details.  Finally, the long rumored Soarin’ Over the Word will be introduced to the Soarin’ attractions in the EPCOT and California Adventure utilizing newly created film techniques and technology created by Disney Imagineering!  This will also be introduced in  when the newest Disney theme park opens.

 01/23/2015  **The 5th Pirates of the Caribbean Movie is now Filmins in Australia! “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”   From Disney: “Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow and will be joined by Javier Bardem, Kayla Scodelario, Brenton Thwaites, and Golshifteh Farahani. Geoffrey Rush, Kevin R. McNally, and Stephen Graham are rejoining the action as Barbossa, Gibbs, and Scrum, respectively.  Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea… including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.”  **Star Wars Cruise! Beginning in January 2016, Star Wars heroes and villains will be making their first-ever Disney Cruise Line appearances during a new event called Star Wars Day at Sea, aboard the Disney Fantasy.  The celebration will take place for one full day across eight special sailings, and includes a deck party, meet and greets, Star Wars themed kids’ activities, and special food, beverage, and merchandise offerings. Screenings of the Star Wars films and Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels will also take place throughout the day.  January 9, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 16.

 

   01/29/2015  **Disney announces Diamond 60th Anniversary was events including a new fireworks show “Disneyland Forever” that includes Disneys largest ever projection mapping system, they confirmed the rumored “Paint the Night” parade and a new World of Color show!  Read all of the details of the Diamond Celebration here with concept art and announcement video!

 

  01/13/2015  **An AvatarLand Construction Photo was submitted to us from high above the sight showing off the scale of the buildings in construction.  You can see the steel and concrete growth on the Avatar Page.  **EPCOT World Showcase Addition! OAfter so many years, permits for an addition to world showcase hve been filed!  Although not a new country that we’ve all been dreaming of, a large building will be added between Mexico and Norway, as part of the latter, and titled “Frozen Meet & Greet attraction.  Check out the Frozen Site Plans here.

 

  01/05/2015  **Check out the exciting AvatarLand update with new ride details on the Avatar Page.  **WDW Wilderness Lodge opens new children’s’ water playground adjacent to the refurbished Silver Creek Springs pool for kids 48” and under. The area houses plenty of splashy fun with 2 slides, fountains and a dumping water bucket!  **Demolition of the Sorcerer Hat @ Disney Hollywood Studios begins Jan. 7 as another step in an upcoming major rehab/expansion to the park.  **Disney Springs will get a new 2-story Steak House, “STK Orlando” as recently announced to be built in the Landings section and will include rooftop dining, plus there will be a new location for the popular vegan bakery, BabyCakes NYC, and will be called Bakery Valentine.  **The Star Wars contdown is well underway, and to promote it, Disney has teamed up with their recently purchased Maker Studios to create a short web series based on the new film starting this spring.  **Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature 20 Bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon and 360 Deluxe Studios, the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. The Bungalows will be the first of this type of accommodation at Disney, sleep up to eight guests, and feature a plunge pool where guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom Park. This resort will also be the first to have connecting Deluxe Studios. The first phase of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is scheduled to open in 2015.  **Disney Parks Nutcrackers coming late 2015 themed to lands and attractions!!!   **Frozen Fever, a new short featuring your favorite characters will be showing in theaters with the new live action Cinderella in March 2015. The plot is said to be that Elsa’s icey powers overshadow her sister Anna’s Birthday party.  **Disney’s exciting theatrical releses schedule for 2015 includes:

January 23: ‘Strange Magic’ (Lucasfilm)
February 20: ‘McFarland, USA’ (Disney)
March 13: ‘Cinderella’ (Disney)
April 17: ‘Monkey Kingdom’ (Disneynature)
May 1: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (Marvel)
May 22: ‘Tomorrowland’ (Disney)
June 19: ‘Inside Out’ (Pixar)
July 17: ‘Ant-Man’ (Marvel)
October 9: ‘The Jungle Book’ (Disney)
November 25: ‘The Good Dinosaur’ (Pixar)
December 18: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (Lucasfilm)

 

11/28/2014  Disney and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) annouced a strategic alliance which will place classic Disney programming on the cable channel beginning on December 21st with the recurring “Treasures from the Disney Vault”.  And in Disney Hollywood Studios, The Great Movie Ride will recieve a new pre-show movie narrated by TCM’s Robert Osborn and the ride will be branded “presented by TCM”  

 

 11/24/2014  We’ve been away for quite some time, so here are some of the recent official announcements to hit the airwaves.

Film:  **Toy Story 4 coming in 2017 with much of the original cast. (not extremely new, but real hot!)  **More details are emerging about Disney’s November 2016 CG animated feature, Mona, directed by John Musker & Ron Clements who brought us the Little Mermaid,  Aladdin, Princess & the Frog and Treasure Planet.  Promised to be a comical action adventure with emotion, this feature will be set in the South Pacific.  **A new animated short “Frozen Fever,” will welcome back to the big screen Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf in spring 2015. Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, with an all-new original song by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, “Frozen Fever” marks the first project reuniting the Oscar®-winning original team from Disney’s “Frozen.”  **Upcoming Marvel film schedule recently announced:

• 5/1/15 - AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
• 7/17/15 - ANT-MAN
• 5/6/16 - CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR
• 11/4/16 - DOCTOR STRANGE
• 5/5/17 - GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (previously dated 7/28/17)
• 7/28/17 - THOR: RAGNAROK
• 11/3/17 - BLACK PANTHER
• 5/4/18 - AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART I
• 7/6/18 - CAPTAIN MARVEL
• 11/2/18 - INHUMANS
• 5/3/19 - AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART II

Parks:  **Tokyo Disneyland (Oriental Land Co.) recently announced a $4.5 expansion plan for the property. Included are a Fantasyland redevelopment & expansion plus a “new port” (land) for Tokyo Disney Sea. It was stated that both parks would receive several major attractions,  restaurants and shops. **Although not “announced”, Disney has pulled the permits for the Sorcerer Mickey Hat in Disney Hollywood Studios after years of rumors.

  

 07/23/2014  *Disney has recently begun testing on a new FastPass+ dining system for quick serve locations  This system allows you to pre-order your food in advance through the My Disney Experience website or app.  You will soon have an option to either select just a seating reservation, or your entire meal. Read more about the FastPass+ Dining System here with screen shots of the ordering process.

 

 07/16/2014  *Disney has released some concept art and a debut date for the upcoming night time parade at Hog Kong Disneyland called “paint the Night!  We’ll have more info as it becomes available.

 

03/31/2014  *Today Walt Disney’s original characther “Oswald” made his debut at Tokyo DIsney Sea.  No word on if he will be making appearances at other Disney parks.

  

 03/18/2014  *Disney announced more details about Shanghai Disneyland and the new “Treasure Cove” pirates land and E-Ticket ride! *Disney also announced that Pixar will create a sequel to The Incredibles and a Cars 3!    

  

 03/10/2014  *Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade  Debuts! *Yesterday Magic Kingdom’s all new parade kicked off with a ton of fanfare, rave reviews and a fire breathing dragon!  Read the details and check out the photos and video of the parade’s first run here!

  

 02/28/2014  *140 Disney characters gathered at Walt Disney World Resort today creating the Ultimate Tweet to announce the latest Disney Parks bi-coastal, all-night extravaganza; and guests are invited to show their “Disney Side” by dressing as their favorite Disney hero or villain. this Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season, when guests of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California can enjoy select parks for 24 hours nonstop. The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California will be filled with great Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, local time** marking the beginning of a summer of fun at Disney Parks.

 

 02/24/2014  *Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade to Debut March 9th!  *Disney released a new side by side video of Magic Kingdom’s new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster today. The video shows parallel footage of the computer generated rendering along side of a new on-ride POV video taken during testing.  You’ll notice that props and animatronics are not yet installed within the indoor “mine” section of the ride, but you can see the intent on the CGI versoin.

 

  02/13/2014  *Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade Preview At a press event, Disney showed off a few of the brand new floats and held a fashoin show for the elaborate new costumes for Walt Disney World’s new parade set to debut in March 2014. See the Festival Of Fantasy page for photos and information.  

 

 01/23/2014  *Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First Join Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Hollywood & Vine. Guests will get the chance to meet Doc and Sofia and dance along with them during an exciting, new musical number. The duo joins Handy Manny, Jake from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and the hosts, Disney Junior Pals, for fun-filled breakfasts and lunches at the buffet-style restaurant, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

  01/20/2014  *Disney’s Spice Road Table now open in EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion. Inspired by the outdoor cafes along the Mediterranean, Spice Road Table in EPCOT World Showcase features a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks. Boasting 120 outdoor terrace seats and 60 seats inside with cozy booths, the waterfront eatery showcases light fixtures, tilework, tapestries and art representing Morocco's indigenous Berber tribes. A collection of shops in the colorful style of a Moroccan "souk," or marketplace, also stretches along the front of the building. Spice Road Table is the third dining location in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort.  

  

 01/10/2014  *Disney’s Avatar Land Construction Has officially Begun in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park! With the release of the iconic executive shovel scoop photo, Disney has “officially announced the begin construction on the new land.  We’re sure that more details will slowly roll out in the coming months.

10/28/2013  *Disney’s Lion King on Broadway recently passed the $1 Billion in ticket sales mark making it the first nNew York show to reach that milestone.  The Lion King opened in 1997 in the New Amsterdam Theater and currently runs in the Minskof Theater. Last year ithe award winning show surpassed the Phantom of the Opera as the highest grossing Broadway show in history.  *After 2.3.1Billion servings since 2006, Disney Consumer Products is expanding their branded friut and veggie packages to include Marvel superheros and more Disney characters. Expect to see new apple slice and mangos in the new packaging.  *Walt Disney Japan and Toei Animation are teaming for a new Marvel animated series that will be targeted towards Japanese boys. “Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers” features Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and The Wasp alongside Spider-Man and “a group of teens” who join forces to oppose Loki after several Marvel heroes and villains are imprisoned in disks that were designed to hold the villains. It is set to premiere Spring 2014 in Japan. There isn’t currently an announced timeframe to bring “Marvel Disk Wars” to America, but it seems likely to hit Disney XD at some point in the future.  From the description, “Marvel Disk Wars” seems to be geared towards the fans of “Pokemon,” “Beyblade,” “Digimon” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!”  A full line of merchandise will also be created around the series.  *Michelle Obama will be at Walt Disney World on November 14th to give the keynote address on Disney’s first Veterans Institute designed to inspire corporations to train and hire service men & women returning from duty. You can read more here.

 

  10/21/2013  *Joe Rohde recently had a discussion with the theme park editor of About.com where he “kind of” confirmed the ride system rumor for Avatar Land that we reported on in August . He stated that the ride system for

The Banshee flight ride will have a ride system patterned after Soarin’ but will be “considerably more thrilling.” He said that there will be groundbreaking new features and imagineering has not yet decided if the attraction will be in 3D or not. Besides at least 2 major attractions we can also expect dining and shopping offerings as well as avatar characters and some form of entertainment.  While the opening is still a solid 3-4 years away (2017) it will be a totally immersive experience where guests will remain in the world of Pandora, similar to DCA’s Carsland.  More to come…

  

10/12/2013  *Disney finally provided some updates on Avatar Land - (Today Disney gave us a glimps into the world of Avatar Land at the Animal Kingdom Park. With a confimed opening in 2017, it expected to be a grand and well planned expansion. Along with this announcement, Disney confirmed some long rumored plans to keep the park open later by offering some nightime entertainment, a water spectacular and nightime safari experience. Check out our Avatar Land Official News Page for details and concept art.

10/08/2013  *Iron Man Attraction Coming! - Disney announced the First Marvel based attraction, Iron Man Experience will be coming to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016! Here’s their brief description:  Upon entering the ride vehicle our guests will be able to take flight with Iron Man on an epic adventure that not surprisingly pits Iron Man, and our guests, against the forces of evil. This adventure will take place in the streets and skies of Hong Kong, which will make an even more unique and special experience for our Hong Kong Disneyland guests. In addition, guests will be able to meet and take photos with Iron Man.

   

  

09/17/2013  *Disney Vacation Club at the Polynesion Resort Confirmed! - Today in a quick announcement, Disney confirmed that construction will begin at the Polynesian Resort to add a DVC wing. No details have been offered except for an opening date of 2015.  Check out our Rumors Page for unofficial information that has been floating around for some time now.  We’ll keep you posted.

 

08/05/2013  *ABC in talks to develop TV shows based on 'Star Wars' characters - (Reuters) - ABC television executives are talking with George Lucas' Lucasfilm studio about making TV shows based on characters developed by the studio that created the "Star Wars" franchise, according to the president of Disney's ABC Entertainment Group. "We've started conversations with them," Paul Lee told a gathering of TV critics meeting Sunday in Beverly Hills. "I have an inkling in my mind, but they have a lot on their plate."  Disney bought Lucasfilm in October for $4.1 billion and has said it intends to make a seventh "Star Wars" film in 2015 and a new one every two or three years thereafter.  This autumn, ABC will begin airing "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," its first network program based on Marvel comic book characters. *Ready for more Roger Rabbit? While this is not Disney, many would love to see a good sequel.  If you enjoy reading then this may be some good news for you.  Musa Publishing Announced a deal with Author Gary K. Wolf for a Third Roger Rabbit novel “Who Wacked Roger Rabbit?”, featuring Wolf's iconic character, Roger Rabbit, and the denizens of Toontown.  *Free Dining and Room Discounts were announced on 8/1 as rumored. (Contact Kingdom Konsultants for all of the details)

 

07/15/2013 *We recently saw the Teaser trailer for “Frozen” but here is a Japanese trailer featuring some actual film footage.  *Two more Disney live actions films coming down the line is the Dec. 2014 release of “Into the Woods” featuing a baker and his wife who make a dealc with the devilvin order to have a child. The plot winds through several Brothers Grimm tales including Red Riding Hood (With Depp as the wolf), Rapunzel, Jack & the Bean Stalk & Cinderella. Summer 2014, Melificent will hit the big screen with the story of sleeping beauty as told by the evil queen.  And the live action version of Cinderella is in pre-production, on track for 2015 and will be directed by Kenneth Branagh.  *Playing at Broadway’s Minskoff Theater since 2002, Disney’s Lion King has been seen by over 15 million people and ticket sales have grossed over $1 Billion and comes in second to the Phantom of the Opera which has been running since 1989.

07/03/2013 *Teaser trailers are starting to show up for Disney's "Frozen" set to hit the big screen Nov. 27, 2013.  *Although no longer owned by the Disney family, Walt's original Carolwood estate is up for sale with a $90 Million price tag. His railroad and asbestos filled home have since been removed, but the original train tunnel is still on the property along with the 2001 vintage 35,000 sq. foot home with 8 bed rooms & 17 Bathrooms.  *2014 Disney Channel is set to air "I Didn't Do It"; a sitcom featuring Olivia Holt & Austin North as high school twins. Each show will begin with a "what just happened" sequence and will show each of the twins stories from their points of view.  *Ranbir Kapoor is set to star in a multi film franchise, "Jagga Jasoos", as part of Disney's deep commitment to growing its entertainment empire in India.  *The upcoming Muppet sequel is now officially titled "Muppets Most Wanted" and Disney owned Marvel studios announced a slew of movie release dates: 11/8/13 - Thor The Dark World, 4/4/14 - Captain America The Winter Soldier, 2014- The Amazing Spider Man 2, 5/1/2015 - Avengers 2, 11/15 - Ant Man, and 2 "unnamed" films 5/6/16 & 5/5/17 (rumors are on Dr. Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme & the Black Panther). Marvel's first animated feature will debut 11/7/15 - Big Hero.  *Upcoming big screen features for Pixar are: 5/14/14 - The Good Dinosaur, 6/15/15 - Inside Out & 11/25/15 - Finding Dory.  *Senses Spa at WDW Saratoga Springs Resort is now taking reservations for dates beginning 7/25/13.  *Pirates of the Caribbean 5 is scheduled for 7/15/15 with script by Jeff Nathanson, directors Joachim Ronning & Espen Sandberg with Bruckheimer & Depp on board.  *New 2D animated Mickey & friends shorts began to air on the Disney Channel 6/28 with new episodes airing on Fridays this summer.  *With all of the enhanced recently exploding DHS Star Wars Land rumors, WDW spokesman Bryan Malenthius stated "For more than 25 years our partnership with LucasFilm has helped bring the imaginative universe of Star Wars to life to our parks and resorts across the globe. We remain excited to explore new ways to bring these stories to life and have nothing to announce at this time." Well of course, they will announce it when they're good and ready!  *Disney & Harmonix showed off "Fantasia: Music Evolved" at E3 last week.  Coming in 2014 exclusively for XBox Kinect, you will use your body motions as the controller in a "rock band" like experience to enhance, shape and stylize the music and atmosphere as you advance in the game.  *Disney's executive board extended Bob Iger's term from 4/15 to "mid 2016." Financial experts expect his successor to be current Presidents of Parks & Resort Tom Staggs or CFO Jay Rassulo who recently swapped roles. *Disney Imagineers accepted delivery of the first 7 Dwarfs Mine Coaster rail car. The swinging 4 passenger car is well themed.  *Disney channel has decided to eliminate all junk food advertising from their channels by 2015 to help promote a healthy lifestyle.  *The new Festival of the Lion King show building in DAK is moving along with its new home behind Tusker House.

 05/16/2013 *Coming this October to ABC television is a 30 minute Halloween special, “Toy Story of Terror”, featuring the original voice cast.  The story is places after TS3 and will show what life is like with their new owner, Bonnie.  Jessie will have a larger role as one of the toys goes missing and the others must get to the bottom of it. (I’m thinking Scooby Doo style).  Bonnie’s toys Mr. Prickly Pants & Trixie, from TS3, will also have a role.  Although not specific to Halloween, it will have a horror theme and will be well balanced for kids & adults alike.  *Yesterday Disney’s ABC TV stations in NY & Philly became the first networks to offer live TV streaming through an ongoing service  *Disney’s popular PhotoPass service is now available in Disneyland Paris.  *Feld Entertainment, Producers of Disney on Ice has created a brand new show “Disney Jr. Live on Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure” based on Sofia the First & Jake and the Neverland Pirates. The show is scheduled for a 90 city tour kicking off this July and will feature an interactive pre-show featuring Doc McStuffins.  *Many of us were surprised when Disney shut down the LucasArts gaming division but they have just signed an licensing deal with Electronic Arts (EA) enabling EA to be the exclusive Star Wars video game producer. *Walt Disney Animation Studios is producing its first Marvel film, Big Hero 6. This action comedy set in the high tech city of Sanfransokyo is set to hit the big screen Nov. 7, 2014.

 04/27/2013 *At a the second day of a press event hosted at Walt Disney World yesterday, Disney announced (the previously rumored) refurbishment of the Disney Cruise Line Magic, which was Disney’s first ship.  At 15 years old, it will be in dry dock in Spain this fall for an exciting set of upgrades and refurbishments. Read the complete story with tons of exciting concept art for the Disney Magic Here!  *Disney also announced that a new parade for WDW’s Magic Kingdom is in development and will debut in 2014. Read all about the new “Festival of Fantasy Parade” here with a first look at some concept art.

 04/26/2013 *Hong Kong’s government may have spilt the beans too soon in February when it stated that HKDL will build a “Marvel Land” in the park. Disney has yet to confirm this. (So is this news or a rumor??) Read the full story here.   *Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor is in soft opening and looks absolutely amazing! Check out the ride through video here.  *Just in time for a monstrous summer at Walt Disney World Resort, a special themed monorail featuring Mike, Sulley and a few of their classmates from Disney-Pixar’s new movie “Monsters University” made its debut April 24 on the Magic Kingdom Park/Resorts loop. The new movie, in theaters in 3D June 21, takes a fun look back at how mismatched monsters Mike and Sulley met during college and eventually became the best of friends.  *Check out this video of the 7 Dwarfs Mine Coaster model and behind the wall construction video!!  *A rendering was leaked for the Disneyland Paris Rataoulle ride which appears to be the came style accessible car as the HKDL Mystic Manor car (except shaped as a rat)  *And finally, last night Disney made a new 24 hour park day this memorial day weekend to kick off the “Monstrous Summer”  Read all the details of the announcement and watch the video including a Mike Wizowski projection on Spaceship Earth!

  04/01/2013 Disney announced a New Eatery for EPCOT! A new waterfront eatery will be opening by the end of this year at the Morocco Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT. Spice Road Table will feature various small plates and refreshments inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean. With seating both indoors and out along World Showcase Lagoon.  Disney stated that other “enhancements” to the pavilion and more news on Spice Road will be announced in the near future. (Just please don't take away Tangerine Cafe!!)

 03/14/2013

**Disney officially announces the Rumored expansion and transformation of Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney into “DISNEY SPRINGS”! We have full details and concept art as well as a first look at the model.

 

 03/12/2013

**Disneyland California officially opened Enchanted Village today. Click the link to read all of the details and upcoming shows. **Also, joining the Disney Jr. Stage in Disney California Adventure on March 22nd will be Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins! This will be a popular addition to this favorite among preschoolers to the already popular puppet style Disney Jr. Shows in both DCA and Disney Hollywood Studios in WDW. **If you haven’t yet seen, a model of Shanghai Disneyland was unveiled a few days ago. Holding close to the concept art that we’ve seen to this point, it does display distinct differences to all other Disneylands (Magic Kingdoms) around the world. **Set for a debut on June 28th is a brand new series of Mickey Mouse 2D short cartoons. They can be seen on Disney Channel, Disney online or the Watch Disney Channel app. These shorts will bring back the classic Walt Disney style Mickey comical light hearted cartoons but with a contemporary viewpoint. The first will feature Mickey & Minnie as shop keepers in Paris. Other classic characters will make appearances in the shorts as well.

    

 03/11/2013

**Despite mixed “critic” reviews, Disney’s OZ opened in the #1 position last weekend grossing over $79 Million domestically and a total of $150 Million globally. **To the shock of many fans, Disney announced that they will be ending the successful and popular Clone Wars cartoon series which airs on Cartoon Network. As part of the announcement, they also announced that the comedy series based on Star Wars, Detours, will be postponed. **Scheduled to debut on the Disney Channel fall 2014 is a new animated comedy series, code name “Star and the Forces of Evil”, based on a teen princess from another dimension with magical powers. Created by Daron Nefcy who has worked on the upcoming animated series Wander Over Yonder, and is reported to be in production.  **Imangi Studios recently released a new twist on their Temple Run games themed to Disney’s Oz. Fans of the runner style games can get this new app from the Apple app store or Google Play for $0.99.  **The unannounced but closely watched Rapunzel restroom area in WDW’s Magic Kingdom has opened and looks stunning. Restrooms are wonderfully themed, outdoor rest areas overlook gorgeous landscaping with a stream and waterfall. This should make way for the closing of the old restrooms at the Peter Pan ride to make way for a new interactive queue.

 01/23/2013

**Today Disney announced a yet another new interactive game! This one takes place at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Park and seems to be the incarnation of the pirate adventure that we reported on back in August of 2011.  Called “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” See the update in DizTech #12 for more details and larger concept art.

 

01/22/2013

**As previously rumored, Disney will be bringing the stage production of Aladdin to Broadway after Mary Poppins goes dark this spring.  Aladdin will be arriving on Broadway in the Spring of 2014. Read the full press release and watch for updates here!

   

 01/15/2013

**Today Disney announced a new interactive game to begin at Disney Animal Kingdom based on the “Wilderness Explorers” from UP! See the update in DizTech #12 for more details.

  

01/07/2013

**After following this story since mid 2011, Disney announced today their new guest program called “MyMagic+” which incorporates the RFID “MagicBand” Wristbands that we uncovered way back when. As a refresher, this is an electronic wristband that will serve as your room key, room charge card, park ticket, PhotoPass card and FastPass tickets.  It will also activate special guest interactions with rides & attractions in the parks! It will be linked to your MyMagic+ account where you can manage your Disney vacation from home or even your smart phone.  See the DizTech article #12 for lots of cool details and tons of photos.  The wristbands will be available this spring!