Earth Week: Celebrate The magic of Nature With Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney+

Wednesday, April 22, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the annual, global event and environmental movement dedicated to protecting our planet. During this Earth Week, Disney is sharing the #DisneyMagicofNature! Check out the details below from DisneyParksBlog:

Even during these unprecedented times, we know Disney fans, animal lovers and those who are environmentally friendly are searching for ways to bring the magic of nature into your lives. This week is the perfect opportunity for a moment of reflection on our planet, appreciating all of its natural wonders as we consider actions we can take to ensure a positive future.

This Earth Week, we’ll be showing you how Disney cares for animals the world over through our parks and the Disney Conservation Fund, which celebrates its 25th anniversary on Earth Day. You’ll hear from Disney experts and learn more about these animals – including a couple new additions to the family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

Starting Tuesday, April 21, you’ll be able to experience a new Wilderness Explorers at Home short-form video series, showcasing fun and easy ways to explore the magic of nature from your own backyard. Be sure to log in to the MyDisneyExperience mobile app and have push notifications turned on to receive these and other exciting updates.

In addition, our friends at National Geographic are bringing the wonder of the wild world directly to your homes and neighborhoods through their educational, storytelling and media platforms. To tap into your inner explorer, Nat Geo is offering an Earth Day Neighborhood Safari activity for families on NatGeo@Home, a new virtual base camp keeping the spirit of exploration and adventure strong for families and kids that also offers daily talks with real-life Nat Geo Explorers.

Nat Geo will also debut two new awe-inspiring television specials that will transport you around the globe: “Jane Goodall: The Hope” and “Born Wild: The Next Generation,” produced in tandem with ABC News, as well as a daylong marathon of best-in-class natural history programming. On social media platforms, @NatGeo is showcasing stunning imagery and live talks with renowned Nat Geo photographers, and in its iconic National Geographic magazine, you can find inspirational and informative stories from the first flip-cover special issue, tackling what the planet can look like in 50 years based on the choices we make today. Dive in at NatGeo.com and NatGeoAtHome.com.

For Earth Day, National Geographic collaborated with Disney Channel on several short programs – known as interstitials – highlighting the animal care and wildlife conservation efforts led by cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These short programs will air this Wednesday on Disney Channel as part of a full slate of Earth Day programming, joining environmental-themed movies and TV shows such as “Bunk’d,” “Big City Greens” and Disneynature’s “Penguins.” In the videos, hosts Christian J. Simon and Ava Kolker (“Sydney to the Max”) take you on a fun and educational adventure where you’ll encounter animals such as elephants, tigers and gorillas, plus learn about the importance of protecting wildlife. You can visit the DisneyNOW app for a dedicated Earth Day Collection and a 10-minute extended version of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom interstitials.

Earth Day is very special to The Walt Disney Company, and while this one may be different from any we’ve experienced before, we hope it brings you inspiration, joy and the #DisneyMagicofNature!

New Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Takes a Look At The Making of The Series, Debuts May 4th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

This May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, a brand-new series debuting on Disney+ will take us behind-the-scenes of the first Star Wars live-action series, The Mandalorian. What started as a fan-generated grassroots holiday, Star WarsDay has become a full-fledged celebration of the Star Wars saga embraced by the entire galaxy. This year, fans can look forward to the highly-anticipated conclusion of Star Wars: The Clone Wars alongside the global premiere of the new eight-episode documentary series, Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian.

In Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, executive producer Jon Favreau invites the cast and crew to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series that quickly became a pop culture phenomenon after premiering last November. Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Favreau himself.

“Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian is an opportunity for fans of the show to take a look inside and get to see a different perspective, and perhaps a greater understanding, of how The Mandalorian came together and some of the incredibly talented contributors throughout Season One,” said Favreau. “We had a great experience making the show and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you.”

Topics this season include the filmmaking process, the legacy of George Lucas’s Star Wars, how the cast brought the characters to life, the series’ groundbreaking technology, the artistry behind the show’s practical models, effects, and creatures, plus the creative influences, the iconic score, and connections to Star Wars characters and props from across the galaxy.

Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian will premiere on Monday, May 4, with new episodes every Friday on Disney+.

And, after seven seasons, one of the most critically acclaimed chapters in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will come to a close the same day, giving fans around the world the chance to watch the finale together for Star Wars Day.

The Emmy award-winning continuation of the greatest space fantasy of all time, Star Wars: The Clone Wars was created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation with Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian) serving as executive producer/supervising director. With ambitious, ground-breaking computer animation, classic characters, astounding action, and the timeless battle between good and evil, Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the Star Wars story with all-new adventures set in a galaxy far, far away. The series finale explores the events leading up to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, and will premiere on Monday, May 4, on Disney+.

Sam Raimi Confirmed As New Director Of “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Earlier this year, it was announced that Scott Derrickson, Director of the 2016 film, Doctor Strange, was stepping down from directing the film’s sequel. In a joint statement to Variety, Marvel stated that they and Derrickson “…have amicably parted ways on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences.”

Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.

Scott Derrickson echoed that same statement on his Twitter account while also confirming that he would stay on as Executive Producer for the film. A few days later, he would also tweet his approval of the choice of Sam Raimi as his replacement on the film.

I’ve worked with Sam Raimi. One of the nicest people I’ve known in the film business, and as a director, a true living legend. What a great choice to take over Doctor Strange.

Up until this point, this was the only acknowledgment of Raimi taking the reigns on the project, that is, until now. While promoting his new Quibi series, 50 States of Fright, Sam Raimi went on to discuss his involvement with the Doctor Strange sequel and the coincidental tie it had to his previous superhero film.

For those who are unfamiliar, Raimi was at the helm of all three Spider-Man films in the early 2000s, and there was even a mention of Doctor Strange in the film’s sequel. In an interview with ComingSoon.com, Raimi spoke about this reference as well as his admiration for Doctor Strange:

“I loved Doctor Strange as a kid, but he was always after Spider-Man and Batman for me, he was probably at number five for me of great comic book characters,” Raimi described. “He was so original, but when we had that moment in Spider-Man 2 I had no idea that we would ever be making a Doctor Strange movie, so it was really funny to me that coincidentally that line was in the movie. I gotta say I wish we had the foresight to know that I was going to be involved in the project.”

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is said to hit theaters on November 5, 2021.

California Governor: Mass Gatherings Unlikely Through August; Disneyland Summer In Jeopardy

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

With summer quickly upon us, many eager Disneyland Resort guests and Annual Passholders are searching for answers regarding when the parks will reopen, but it seems California Governor Gavin Newsom is putting a lid on any potential summer reopenings. During a press conference today, the governor stated that the chances of mass gatherings of any kind taking place are low. Without a vaccine in place, the prospect of allowing such gatherings would be considered negligible at best.

Gavin Newsom said the chances of mass gatherings in California for sporting events this summer was low. “The prospect of mass gatherings is negligible at best until we get to herd immunity and a vaccine,” he said. He said large gatherings in June, July and August were “unlikely.”

Along with restricting mass gatherings, the governor outlined a plan comprising of six parameters that are needed before the state can lift any stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 interventions:

1. A widespread expansion of coronavirus testing;
2. “Vigilant” protection of California’s most vulnerable residents;
3. Focus on hospital care infrastructure and personal protective equipment, or PPE;
4. Engage researchers in academia, incuding the University of California, and at health and technology companies on the front lines of the pandemic;
5. “Redraw floor plans” at business locations with physical distancing in mind;
6. Determining when to re-institute certain measures, such as stay-at-home orders.

Is Gavin Newsom the most underrated governor in the country right now?

To view the full clip of the press conference, click here.

Disneyland Resort remains closed, along with the rest of the Disney Parks, “until further notice.” In a recent interview with Barron’s, former Disney CEO Bob Iger commented on the possibility of temperature checks for guests, but no confirmation of this being implemented at the other Disney Parks (besides Shanghai Disney Resort) has been issued.

Runners Who Inspire Us – Hannah Herman

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Looking to get inspired? Look no further! Over the next few weeks Disney has decided to share stories about runners who have inspired them. First up, DisneyParksBlog shares the story of Hannah Herman:

During these challenging times, many have found comfort, relief and hope in getting outside for some social-distanced exercise. We have often seen such hope, inspiration, and #DisneyMagicMoments at our runDisney events, meeting runners with incredible stories. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to highlight some of those courageous stories here on the Disney Parks Blog, starting with … 

Hannah Herman

For Erin and Hannah Herman, Feb. 21 is affectionately known as the “Hannahversary,” marking the day when Erin adopted Hannah from an orphanage in Kazakhstan. That day was extra special this year, not only because it was the 10th Hannahversary, but because together they ran the Disney Princess 5K even though a decade ago, doctors doubted Hannah would ever walk. 

Here’s a look at Hannah’s magical experience. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog in the weeks to come as we look back at more amazing, inspirational #DisneyMagicMoments from runDisney events!

As an infant, Hannah was left in a maternity hospital in Kazakhstan. She was also born with a severe club foot, and the adoption agency told Erin that Hannah would likely never walk. Despite this challenge, Erin brought Hannah back to the United States, where they immediately began treatments. More than one year later, at the age of 2, Hannah walked for the first time – and has been unstoppable since, running and swimming competitively. Finishing the Disney Princess 5K was one step toward Hannah’s ultimate goal of completing a triathlon.