News From the World of Disney - August 29

Written by Sue Nowicki

August 28 – The Disney Channel is at it again. The next Disney Channel original movie is Invisible Sister. This will be the story of a science experiment gone wrong and will coincide with the Disney Channel’s “Monstober” Halloween programming. (Link)

August 29 – Put the Force in your wallet with a Star Wars Chase Visa card. (Link)

August 31 – Marvel movie guru Kevin Feige will be stepping out from the ominous shadow of Marvel CEO Isaac Perlmutter and will now be reporting Disney’s studio head Alan Horn. (Link)

September 1 – Sephora and Disney are teaming up again to offer specially designed Disney princess-themed compacts for a limited time. They will be available at both Downtown Disney locations beginning on September 15 through March 2016. (Link)

September 1 – A new breakfast is being offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. This meal will begin November 1 and culminate January 23. The cost will be $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages 3-9. (Link)

September 1 – Merida is getting a lot of press lately. Last week it was reported that Merida was coming to ‘Once Upon a Time’. It was reported today that our favorite feisty red-head is coming to “Sofia the First”. (Link)

September 2 – It’s rumored that Steven Spielberg is shopping Dreamworks’ distribution rights to Universal in advanced on the deal with Walt Disney Co. ending in August 2016. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) will likely be the last distributed by Disney when it is released on July 1, 2016. (Link)

September 2 – Morimoto Asia is set to open in Disney Springs on September 30. Fans of the ‘Iron Chef America’ TV show on Food Network will recognize the creative force behind the restaurant, Masaharu Morimoto. (Link)

September 3 – The Happiest Place on Earth is preparing to become the Merriest Place on Earth. Disneyland Resort will celebrate the holidays November 13 through January 6, 2016. (Link)

September 3 – Disney Legend Dean Jones passed away at the age of 84. Most well-known for his roles in That Darn Cat, The Love Bug and The Shaggy D.A., Jones was the face of the Disney movies in the 1960’s and 1970’s. (Link)

September 4 – The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast is debuting at Disneyland Resort. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Here’s your chance. At $300 per person you will enjoy breakfast before heading out private Jungle Cruise journey. (Link)

September 4 – Disney, known for their ability to hype upcoming movie project, just pushed it to the next level with ‘Force Friday’. Starting in Australia and moving across the world time zone-by-time zone, Star Wars merchandise was released to the public. Items include clothes at Kohl’s to toys at Toys ‘R’ Us to a $4,000 Millennium Falcon bed at Pottery Barn. Other retailers who clearly have the Force with them are Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, WalMart and Amazon.com. (Link)

September 4 – As always several permits have been filed for different locations around Walt Disney World including upgraded electrical, several upgrades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and building a retaining wall at Blizzard Beach. (Link)

September 8 – There is a new dessert party on the block… or on the Seven Seas Lagoon as the case may be. The Ferrytale Wishes Dessert Cruise debuts on October 3rd and will cost $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9. The cruise will take place on one of the large ferryboats which will depart from and return to the Ticket & Transportation Center. (Link)

September 8 – Holiday activities at the Disney Springs have been announced. These activities include street performers, special food offerings and, of course, amazing décor. Santa will also be greeting good little boys and girls across from Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. (Link)

September 8 – As part of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary, they are offering an incredible opportunity for Orange County high school students. Dreamers & Doers, which has been recognizing students around the Orlando area for more than 30 years, is accepting applications for those students making a difference by conserving nature, inspiring other to be creative, living heathfully and bring hope and happiness to the community. (Link)

September 9 – A new ‘Frozen’-inspired stage show is coming to Disneyland Resort. Premiering in the summer of 2016 at the Hyperion Theater at Disney’s California Adventure, the musical will re-tell the story of ‘Frozen’. This means “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will sunset on January 10, 2016. (Link)

September 9 – Have you ever strolled through the World Showcase during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival tasting all the delectable creations and wanted to replicate it at home. Now you have that chance as a new cookbook featuring recipes from the last 20 years of the festival is being released. (Link)

September 9 – All I can say is: IT’S ABOUT TIME! Disney is finally looking into the reservation services which have popped up in the last couple of months offering hard-to-get Advanced Dining Reservations for a fee. (Link)

September 9 – A small fire happened in the Norway pavilion at Epcot. The fire was extinguished quickly. It’s rumored that Elsa was brought in to cool the situation down. (Link)

September 10 – Night of Joy, which we reported on in the last issue, is now sold out. (Link)

September 11 – On September 14-15 your local PBS channel will premiere “American Experience” which will delve into the life story of Walt Disney. Shown in two 2-hour episodes over the two nights, the biography starts with Walt’s life in Marceline, MO and follows his incredible life and legacy through his death. (Link)

September 11 – Sad news out of Walt Disney World today: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will only light up the night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for one more holiday season. To celebrate this final year they are adding a new dessert party, the Merry & Bright Dessert Party which will take place high above the display. (Link)

September 11 – In late breaking news, several rumors sites are reporting that Mulch, Sweat & Shears will sadly be ending their run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Their rumored end date is October 10. (Link)

September 11 – Get out your hankies! Disneyland just released this touching video of a gentleman recalling the time his family won a trip to Disneyland. (Link)