Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway opens today at WDW DHS, the dedication ceremony happened live from Disney's Hollywood Studios last night. Neither Bob Iger or Bob Chapek were there, only WDW President Josh d'Amaro.
Thanks to Attractions Magazine, and Mouse Steps we have the first FULL RIDE POV and PRE-SHOW videos of the new attraction, watch them below.
What do i think about it. I hate to give an opinion on a ride that i've never ride, and technically it looks impressive no doubt, let's just say that my feeling is that the ride will find a perfect home at Disneyland Toon Town. The kids of all ages will love it, and it's for sure a family attraction. Also do i regret The Great Movie Ride which had to be removed to build Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway? Hmmm, personally i'd say that the answer is "probably" but tell us in the comments your opinion and what you think of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway!
Another video showing a bit more of the ride as sometime filmed by Mouse Steps on different angles…
We're less than a week from the anticipated opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! And to celebrate it, Disney Parks has released a new poster in the countdown series with special art inspired by the “Wonders of the Deep” short.
The new “Wonders of the Deep” poster features Mickey and friends – as well as a surprise visitor from the depths of the ocean! In the video short, a submarine voyage turns wild when Mickey and friends have to rescue Professor Von Drake from a giant sea creature.
Next week, WDW DHS guests will be able to experience Mickey’s wild cartoon universe like never before at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction. During each adventure, you’ll enter the NEW Mickey Mouse cartoon short “Perfect Picnic” for an one-of-a-kind adventure where anything can happen. Why? Because there, mouse rules apply!
And before experiencing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll see posters of these existing award-winning shorts that might have previously premiered at the Chinese Theatre – all created specifically for the attraction by Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Television Animation.
In the meantime you can watch below the Mickey Mouse cartoon “Wonders of the Deep”!
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will close from tomorrow Saturday March 1st through March 15 over coronavirus outbreak in Japan. This makes four Disney theme parks - though the ones of TDR are not owned by Disney - who are now closed in Asia. All of them will reopen some day, hopefully soon, but no dates were announced, even the March 15 date for the two TDR parks might be changed in one month, if necessary.
The operator of Tokyo’s two Disney resorts, Disneyland and DisneySea, said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks on fears over the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The Ikspiari shopping mall of Tokyo Disney Resort will also be closed.
“Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have decided to proceed with an extraordinary closure from Saturday February 29, 2020, through Sunday March 15” after the government urged measures to limit the spread of the virus, the operator said in a statement.
The Oriental Land Co. said it currently hoped to resume operations from March 16.
“Currently, we plan to reopen on March 16. But we’ll decide when to open by looking at the situation and developments. We’ll also consult (official) agencies concerned,” a spokesman said.
More than 30 million visitors flood into the two parks per year, and they are among the most popular destinations for tourists coming to Tokyo.
The move comes as the government steps up measures to tackle the outbreak of the virus, which has been linked to at least four deaths in the country and nearly 200 infections.
According to en exclusive report from Variety, Steven Spielberg will not direct ‘Indiana Jones 5,’ and director James Mangold is in talks to direct the long awaited sequel. That's not good news, really, and in addition it seems that the movie won't get into production in two months as Harrison Ford said it in an interview two weeks ago, but at a later date.
From Variety: After a long development process, Steven Spielberg is handing the directing reins on “Indiana Jones 5” to another filmmaker for the first time in the franchise’s 39-year history, Variety has learned.
Sources say, while a deal hasn’t closed, “Ford v Ferrari” director James Mangold is in talks to take the job. Mangold has been put in this situation before when he took over the “Wolverine” franchise; 2017’s “Logan” was a blockbuster, grossing $619 million globally, and earning Mangold an Oscar nomination for adapted screenplay.
Spielberg will remain as a hands-on producer on “Indy 5.” According to a source close to the filmmaker, the decision to leave the director’s chair was entirely Spielberg’s, in a desire to pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story.
Harrison Ford, meanwhile, is still on the project. The actor recently made headlines speaking about the future of the franchise while promoting his latest film, “The Call of the Wild.” He told “CBS Sunday Morning” this month that he was “going to start doing ‘Indiana Jones’ in about two months,” and then days later told HeyUGuys that the project is still facing “scheduling issues and a few script things” and that “we’re determined to get it right before we get it made.”
When Disney first announced the new “Indiana Jones” film in 2016, with Spielberg directing and Ford starring, the studio originally slated the film to open on July 19, 2019. Then it was pushed a year to July 10, 2020, and then delayed again to July 9, 2021, when Jonathan Kasdan (son of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” scribe Lawrence Kasdan) was brought on to take a pass on the script after original screenwriter David Koepp left the project.
With a new director coming on board, the possibility that “Indy 5” will be pushed once more from its 2021 release date seems likely. Spokespeople for Spielberg and Disney declined to comment.
Remember that Disney gave recently his agreement to Hong Kong Government to build a quarantine centre on the unused land kept for HKDL second theme park? Well, apparently Hong Kong Government directly hired China Harbor Engineering as contractor to build the quarantine centre at Penny's bay on the site adjacent to Disneyland parking lot. Construction of the Penny's Bay quarantine center began on February 17th with the goal to complete the first batch of 100 quarantine facilities in May 2020.
Below, Google translation of an article in Chinese, so far to be a perfect translation:
"The news was announced last week on HK mainland website and the board was asked for details, reasons and the cost of the direct appointment. It was replied two days later, saying the project was commissioned by the civil engineering development department in accordance with government purchasing procedures. The Engineering co. Ltd, is responsible for land formation and infrastructure construction at the quarantine centre, but they failed to respond about the cost of the project, the reasons why it directly hired the company and why no invitation for tenders were done.
Public opinion criticizes the government for having commissioned contractors to build quarantine camps without calling for tenders. Government officials have revealed that the government will use the lottery fund to allocate 190 million yuan for the construction of a quarantine center at Penny's Bay, on the land planned for the construction of a second park in Hong Kong Disneyland and the engineering project was approved by the members of the public works group. The company "China Harbor Engineering" is responsible for the construction."
BREAKING NEWS ( again! ) : MAY 26th will be the LAST DAY OF SPACESHIP EARTH before it enters a long renovation:
The Reimagining of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Begins May 26:
From The Disney Parks Blog, by Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
Spaceship Earth is more than just the physical icon of EPCOT – it’s a symbol of how the park continues to evolve. The attraction is a crucial piece of the historic transformation already underway at EPCOT, and our team here at Walt Disney Imagineering is excited to start implementing our new vision for Spaceship Earth beginning May 26.
This means Spaceship Earth in its current form will close for a time starting that day, and the ideas we are working on inside that geosphere will be well worth the wait. As we shared at last year’s D23 Expo, the next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following our long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.
Today we’re excited to share a few additional details of what you can expect when this icon returns. You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.
Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together.
Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming,” and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982.
BREAKING NEWS!!! Bob Iger to step down as Disney CEO, effective immediately, will be replaced by Bob Chapek as Disney CEO.
Iger will remain as chairman through 2021.
Disney CEO Bob Iger will be replaced by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Bob Chapek as CEO effective immediately. Iger will stay on as executive chairman through the end of 2021.
Chapek assumed leadership of the new job in March 2018. Chapek was one of the leading candidates to replace Iger, who announced his retirement in 2018. Chapek beat out other top candidates, like direct-to-consumer head Kevin Mayer for the role.
“With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Iger said in a press release. “I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global businesses and operations, while I continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavors.”
Below the official WDC Statement and a CNBC interview of Bob Iger and Bob Chapek, discussing Iger's decision to focus on creative decisions and give over the operation of the day-to-day business to Chapek.
Hint: The great thing with Iger is that he can't hide what he thinks, so when Bob Chapek is talking, look instead at Bob Iger listening to Chapek, it tells a lot.
OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY COMPANY STATEMENT :
Bob Chapek Named Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company
Robert A. Iger Assumes Role of Executive Chairman through 2021
Mr. Iger Will Direct the Company’s Creative Endeavors
Mr. Chapek Brings 27 Years of Successful Leadership Experience across Disney’s Parks, Consumer Products and Studio Businesses
BURBANK, Calif., February 25, 2020—The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors announced today that Bob Chapek has been named Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, effective immediately. Mr. Chapek most recently served as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
Robert A. Iger assumes the role of Executive Chairman and will direct the Company’s creative endeavors, while leading the Board and providing the full benefit of his experience, leadership and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful transition through the end of his contract on Dec. 31, 2021.
“With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global businesses and operations, while I continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavors.”
Mr. Iger added: “Bob will be the seventh CEO in Disney’s nearly 100-year history, and he has proven himself exceptionally qualified to lead the Company into its next century. Throughout his career, Bob has led with integrity and conviction, always respecting Disney’s rich legacy while at the same time taking smart, innovative risks for the future. His success over the past 27 years reflects his visionary leadership and the strong business growth and stellar results he has consistently achieved in his roles at Parks, Consumer Products and the Studio. Under Bob’s leadership as CEO, our portfolio of great businesses and our amazing and talented people will continue to serve the Company and its shareholders well for years to come.”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CEO of what I truly believe is the greatest company in the world, and to lead our exceptionally talented and dedicated cast members and employees,” Mr. Chapek said. “Bob Iger has built Disney into the most admired and successful media and entertainment company, and I have been lucky to enjoy a front-row seat as a member of his leadership team. I share his commitment to creative excellence, technological innovation and international expansion, and I will continue to embrace these same strategic pillars going forward. Everything we have achieved thus far serves as a solid foundation for further creative storytelling, bold innovation and thoughtful risk-taking.”
Susan Arnold, independent Lead Director of the Disney Board, said, “The Board has been actively engaged in succession planning for the past several years, and after consideration of internal and external candidates, we unanimously elected Bob Chapek as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Mr. Chapek has shown outstanding leadership and a proven ability to deliver strong results across a wide array of businesses, and his tremendous understanding of the breadth and depth of the Company and appreciation for the special connection between Disney and its consumers makes him the perfect choice as the next CEO.
“Mr. Chapek will also benefit from the guidance of one of the world’s most esteemed and successful business leaders, Bob Iger,” Ms. Arnold continued. “Over the past 15-plus years as CEO, Mr. Iger has transformed The Walt Disney Company, building on the Company’s history of great storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Twenty-First Century Fox and increasing the Company’s market capitalization fivefold. Disney has reached unparalleled financial and creative heights thanks to Mr. Iger’s strong leadership and clear strategic vision. We believe Mr. Chapek’s leadership and commitment to this strategy will ensure that the Company continues to create significant value for our shareholders in the years ahead.”
In Mr. Chapek’s new role as CEO, he will directly oversee all of the Company’s business segments and corporate functions. Mr. Chapek will report to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Iger, and the Board of Directors. He will be appointed to the Board at a later date. A new head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be named at a future time.
Mr. Chapek served as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products since the segment’s creation in 2018, and prior to that was Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts since 2015.
As Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Mr. Chapek oversaw the Company’s largest business segment, with operations around the globe and more than 170,000 employees worldwide. The segment includes Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, encompassing six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps, the world’s largest children’s print publisher, Disney store locations around the world, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
During his tenure at the Parks segment, Mr. Chapek oversaw the opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort; the addition of numerous guest offerings across Disney’s six resort destinations in the U.S., Europe and Asia, including the creation of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and the addition of Marvel-inspired attractions around the globe; and the expansion of Disney Cruise Line with the announced construction of three new ships.
From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Chapek was President of the former Disney Consumer Products segment, where he drove the technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that, he served as President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios and was responsible for overseeing the Studios’ overall content distribution strategy across multiple platforms including theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, pay TV, digital entertainment and new media. He also served as President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, where he spearheaded the successful “vault strategy” for the Company’s iconic films and transformed the primary format of home entertainment from DVD to Blu-ray.
Before joining Disney in 1993, Mr. Chapek worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Company and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson.
Mr. Chapek earned a B.S. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington and an MBA from Michigan State University.
Investor Conference Call:
Disney will conduct an investor conference call at approximately 4:30 p.m. EST / 1:30 p.m. PST today, Tuesday, February 25, 2020. To listen to the live webcast, please visit disney.com/investors. The webcast presentation will be archived.
LAST COPIES of the acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality 320 pages book in its ENGLISH edition. Only TWO copies are left, in perfect “new” condition and price for each is 250€ ( + 28€ shipping worldwide ). To place your order, send me an email at: amplittaye@gmail.com with your name and shipping address and i'll tell you how to proceed to the payment. Paypal or credit card payments are accepted. Click on the book cover above for more infos. Le livre Disneyland Paris, De l’Esquisse à la Création n'est plus disponible en édition Française. Si vous ètes Français et souhaitez commander un exemplaire du livre en version imprimée anglaise je joindrais un PDF du texte original en Français. Il reste deux ex en anglais, en état neuf, et le prix est de 250€ ( +26€ de frais d'envois ). Pour placer votre commande il faut m'envoyer un email à amplittaye@gmail.com avec le nom et l’adresse d’expédition. Les paiements par Paypal ou carte bancaire sont acceptés. Cliquez sur la couverture du livre ci-dessus pour plus d’infos.
Discover the full DLP Book!
Discover Disney News Central !
Important Note: The URL of Disney News Central, the website designed to make your Disney fan life easier, has changed. The site is always here and as always you will find all the latest posts of your favorite websites in one click but you need to CHANGE the site url in your bookmarks and from now you will find it at: http://disneynewscentral.blogspot.com
SEARCH ARTICLES in the D&M Archives !
The Disney and more archives are a gold mine of rare artwork, pictures, and videos. Just enter your key word, choose a search on Disney and more, click, and you're on the road to heaven!
Thanks to "Like" and "Share" the Disney and more Facebook page!
Support Disney and more!
May be it doesn't looks like, but posting daily articles on Disney and more is always a lot of work. If you're a Disney and more fan, a Paypal donation will be highly appreciated.
DLP BOOK IN ENGLISH EBOOK EDITION !!!
The acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book is now released in ENGLISH eBook edition on Apple iBooks Store and Google Play Books, and you'll be able to have the book all the time with you and read it on your mobile, tablet or computer, and inside the park! This is a fantastic update with all the pages of the original English edition, plus 40 new pages and 116 pictures more! And, yes, just like the French eBook edition, it includes a selection of 60 best videos about the park, Imagineering, hotels, and more! Don’t miss it! Link Apple iBooks Store: https://books.apple.com/us/book/disneyland-paris-from-sketch-to-reality-special-updated/id1463385723 Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alain_Littaye_Disneyland_Paris_From_Sketch_to_Real?id=3SyXDwAAQBAJ
LIVRE DLP VERSION FRANCAISE eBook!
Le Livre Disneyland Paris de l’Esquisse à la Création est disponible en Edition Française Digitale eBook avec téléchargement immédiat sur votre ordi, tablette ou mobile sur ces trois ebook stores: Pour appareils Apple sur l'Apple iBooks store: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/book/id1419399320 - Pour Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.fr/Disneyland-Paris-lEsquisse-à-Création-ebook/dp/B07FYRWKVT/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1533002730&sr=8-10&keywords=disneyland+paris+de+l%27esquisse+a+la+creation - Pour mobiles Android sur Google Store: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alain_Littaye_Disneyland_Paris_de_l_Esquisse_à_la?id=EsdmDwAAQBAJ - Il est le moins cher sur les book stores d'Apple ou Google Android.
NEW "Walt Disney's Disneyland" Book!
Taschen finally release the awaited 352 pages "Walt Disney's Disneyland" hardcover book by Author Chris Nichols. The not-to-be-missed book is already available for pre-order on Amazon for $39.98 only! Click on the link below to order it on Amazon at unbeatable price!
VERY Important message: Folks, you couldn’t know it because i succeeded to keep posting each day and D&M looks as usual, but in fact t...
NEW! Theme Park Design Book!
David Younger's Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment Is the Awesome Book About "Imagineering" that theme parks fans have always dreamed about! Don't miss this fantastic 570 pages book that you can order in one click with the Paypal button below! The Paypal button menu also include an option to buy both the Theme Park Design book AND the Disneyland Paris book if you wish! To learn more about the book, click on the above cover picture.
CONTACT ME
For an important message, or infos about the DLP book, or if you have pictures who will be great for an article on Disney and more you can contact me at: nme4@wanadoo.fr
Disney and more Artwork
Discover the fantastic D&M Artwork section! All the original Artwork articles of Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Hong Kong Disneyland are now on Disney and more Artwork! Others Artwork articles are below.
Discover the new D&M sections!
Don't miss the new Tom Scherman Site !
Star Tours 2 website !
All about ST2 Grand Openings, High-Res pictures, videos of the ride, and more!
Discover A Real Adventureland !
Discover Bagan, The Ancient city with 2000 Temples and download my iPhone - iPad Application now available on the Appstore!
The placemaking of Disney California Adventure comes to an end June 15 with the opening of Buena vista Blvd, the Carthay Circle Theater, Cars Land, and much more!
HKDL new land includes the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars ride and the town of Grizzly Gulch and it's the first new land with a Frontierland style built by WDI Imagineers since 20 years!
