Disney has released a sneak peek of Cruella before its May 28th theatrical and digital release. The new footage also featured a song from the upcoming film’s soundtrack by Florence + the Machine called “Call me Cruella.”
Watch the sneak peek here:
The new film focuses on Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, before we knew her as the puppy thief who “ought to be locked up and never released.” Like Maleficent, the new movie seeks to fill in Cruella’s origin story. For more, check out the full trailer here.
While Tokyo Disney Resort generally has a very strict “no refunds” policy regarding ticket purchases, the continuous changes in capacity and risks of visiting the parks during States of Emergency has lead to many Guests foregoing visits after purchasing tickets. And with the latest round of quasi-emergency measures keeping capacity at 5000 Guests per day, those holding as-of-yet unused dated tickets are currently unable to schedule a potential revisit day. As such, the Oriental Land Company will introduce refunds for Guests holding unused dated tickets since the parks reopened last July.
Guests holding tickets dated July 1st, 2020 through June 11th, 2021 will be able to request a refund online starting sometime in late June, according to the Tokyo Disney Resort official website. Tickets must be unused and have passed their designated date of visit. Additionally, tickets will not be eligible for refund if they are purchased or have their date changed after May 11th, 2021.
It’s the first time in forever that we’ve seen Frozen Fractal Gifts open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the second shop to reopen today after closing with the park last spring.
The adjacent For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration reopened in October 2020 without its neighboring gift shop in Echo Lake. Luckily, Frozen merchandise is never hard to find at Walt Disney World.
Physical distancing markers are in place outside the shop for guests waiting in line to make a purchase. A Cast Member was providing some “Merchentainment” with a Little Mermaid bubble wand.
The registers have been outfitted with plexiglass barriers, and both are numbered so guests can be directed to the next available station.
In addition to bubble wand, the shop is home to plush, dolls, apparel, and other Frozen-themed souvenirs.
Walt Disney World has a job posting for a seasonal fireworks and special effects designer. Though no announcements have been made, this may point to the return of fireworks shows to Walt Disney World theme parks. Nighttime spectaculars, including fireworks, have been suspended due to COVID-19 since the parks reopened.
Walt Disney World to Stream Its Magic Kingdom Fireworks Display
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Credit: Walt Disney World
EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” was set to open later this year, although the designer could be working on any number of projects. A 50th anniversary fireworks show is rumored for Magic Kingdom, dubbed “Project Nugget” in construction permits. Fireworks were tested at Magic Kingdom late last year.
The job description for the fireworks and special effects designer is below.
Job Summary:
The Fireworks & Special Effects Designer develops/executes pyrotechnic and special effects designs for live shows across property, including Parks, Resorts, Special Events and DISNEY CRUISE LINE®.
Responsibilities:
Oversees ordering of pyrotechnic and special effect equipment and product
Provides updates to Show Directors, Producers, and Production Managers about confetti, pyrotechnics and other special effect development and availability
Interfaces with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by WDW
Supervises effects crews for special events, road shows, and permanent installations
Provides ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations of existing shows
Manages and provide proper documentation of all live show effects plots at WDW
Develops and realizes the design intent through the effective execution of the creative process
Participate in project’s creative development
Develops and executes special effects/pyrotechnics designs for live shows and facility infrastructure as assigned
Develops and/or provides input to project special effects budgets and labor requirements
Stays current with special effects technology research and development efforts within industry
Partners with Consultant Special Effects/Pyrotechnics Designers and vendors to ensure Disney quality, compatibility, training and proper documentation of all audio/video services delivered
Functions as a resource to maintain the proper training of operating area special effects/pyrotechnics Technicians
Conducts on-going “Entertainment Show Quality” evaluations of existing offerings at Walt Disney World and provide support to maintain their original show intent
Maintains a strong relationship with fireworks compound, safety, purchasing, vendors and interface with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by Walt Disney World
Maintains up-to-date show documentation and special effects R&D lab
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry working in show development and operation of live shows
Working knowledge of current technology and industry standards for all aspects of, special effects/pyrotechnics design, presentation styles, (theatrical, industrial, concert, touring, etc.) as applied to live show and facility systems
Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other Designers, Directors, Writers and Producers
Proven leadership abilities to work closely with the special effects crew to prioritize, organize, instruct and problem-solve during installation, test & adjust and cueing throughout delivery of project
Proven ability to deliver on a project’s established scope, schedule and budget
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to express creative ideas
Ability to work flexible hours – nights, weekends, holidays – including occasional travel
General computer skills including basic Microsoft Office products and industry specific software
Demonstrated commitment to on-going personal education
Preferred Qualifications:
2 years experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture
Required Education
College degree or equivalent experience in theatre with focus on special effects/pyrotechnics design or equivalent experience
Walt Disney World is currently casting internally for “signature services” Cast Members for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel.
The position is casting out of the Disney Reservation Center. These “white glove service” Cast Members would help ensure guests have everything they need for the perfect vacation (which will be important give the cost to stay at this luxury experience). The service can help with anything from tickets and dining reservations, to recreation and more, perhaps offering what typical guests may not have access to booking.
Earlier this month, Disney began casting actors, stunt performers, and musicians for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The hotel will offer a two-day, two-night immersive experience in which guests participate in their own “story” within the Star Wars universe and visit Batuu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
