Disney announced via press release that Hocus Pocus 2 will star the original three witches: Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson.
The return of the Sanderson Sisters was already known, but the scale of their role was uncertain. Disney has confirmed the three will play starring roles in the new film, alongside three yet-to-be-announced younger stars, who “accidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on the world.”
The film was previously thought to be directed by Adam Shankman. However, due to scheduling conflicts with Disenchanted, Shankman has stepped into the Executive Producer role, and the directorship has gone to Anne Fletcher (The Proposal, 27 Dresses).
“As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica, and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney+ due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work,” Shankman said.
Earlier this year, Disney discontinued the complimentary Magic Band for Walt Disney World resort guests. Now, Disney is also discontinuing the complimentary Magic Band for annual passholders.
Here is the email communication sent to Walt Disney World annual passholders:
Dear Valued Passholder,
In March, we introduced Disney MagicMobile service, an easy, more contactless new way to enter the Walt Disney World® theme parks through the power of eligible iPhones, Apple Watch or Google Pay enabled Android phones!
As part of this new service, guests can choose from several Disney-themed MagicMobile Pass designs in the My Disney Experience app—and coming soon be on the lookout for new exclusive designs featuring Orange Bird and Figment just for Annual Passholders. As a reminder, valid park admission and a park reservation are required for park entry.
As more Passholders continue to discover this new option, we will no longer be offering complimentary MagicBands with Annual Pass purchases and renewals made August 16, 2021, and beyond. Annual Passholders will continue to receive a special discount on MagicBands purchased, with even more designs to choose from in the future.
Annual Passholders can continue to use current or newly purchased MagicBands, their Annual Pass Card or Disney MagicMobile pass during their visits. As a reminder, your Annual Pass Card and valid photo ID are required to receive your Annual Passholder discount at participating locations, whether using a MagicBand or Disney MagicMobile service.
As always, we thank you for being part of the Passholder family!
Get those kiddos ready to make a SPLASH! Disney’s newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Wish, will be a next level cruise experience. We previously shared several details Disney revealed for the Disney Wish, but Disney is now revealing details about their water playground on the Disney Wish… the “Toy Story Splash Zone”!
As shared by Disney: “Children will have a tub-full of fun in the Toy Story Splash Zone, a water playground where Woody, Buzz and friends will be adorably reimagined as larger-than-life rubber bath toys that move and spray water at kids’ whim. This concept art gives you a glimpse behind the scenes at what characters will be featured in this fantastical new space. Inspired by the Disney and Pixar short “Partysaurus Rex,” this bathtub-themed splash zone will combine the Old West of Woody’s Roundup with the intergalactic world of Buzz Lightyear, featuring two toddler-sized slides and pop jets, geysers and bubblers galore. To complete the splish-splashing antics, everyone in the family will enjoy a trip down Slide-a-saurus Rex – a double-looping waterslide that sends guests plunging “down the drain” with the rest of the toys when the metaphorical bathtub overflows. Other features of this playful pool district will include Trixie’s Falls — a six-inch-deep wading pool with a small fountain and waterfall — and Wheezy’s Freezies, a smoothie bar serving up refreshing fruit blends for the perfect cool-down treat.”
The Maiden Voyage of the Disney Wish will take place on June 9, 2022. Guests will be able to start booking this month, on May 27. Both three and four night itineraries will be available. The Maiden Voyage will be five nights and the ship will sail out of Port Canaveral, with stops in The Bahamas and Castaway Cay.
As Avengers Campus located at Disney California Adventure Parks gears up for it’s grand opening on June 4, 2021, guests are getting a look at the tasty food options being served out of this new land. One of the dining options is called the “Pym Test Kitchen”. This new quick-service restaurant is made for hero-style dining, so we hope you come with an appetite! In looking over the menu however, you’ll notice one epic sandwich that stands out above the rest. Why? Because it’s $99!
As shown on the Pym Test Kitchen menu, the Quantum-sized Pym-ini Sandwich includes Salami, Rosemary Ham, Provolone and Sun-dried Tomato Spread on Toasted Focaccia, served with Marinara Dipping Sauce and Arugula Salad. Sounds amazing right?! But why is it listed for $99? Well, it serves 6-8 guests! While yes, we typically don’t see prices like that at Disney’s quick-service restaurants, when you break $100 down by 8 people, you’re spending $12.50 per person which isn’t bad.
Not bringing 6-8 people with you? No worries, you can order the regular (non-Quantum) sized Pym-ini Sandwich for $14.49.
Why the large sized and regular sized menu items? Disney is keeping with the Avengers Campus theme! The Pym Test Kitchen is utilizing the shrink-and-grow technology of Pym Particles, as Ant-Man and The Wasp lead a team of research chefs as they pioneer a menu packed with inventive-sized entrees, tiny treats and shareable bites. Bring your appetite, Disney fans!
Disney Cruise Line will take fun in the sun to the next level on the Disney Wish with the debut of AquaMouse, a brand-new family water attraction that will bring to life the adventures of “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts like never before. Additionally, three uniquely themed districts will offer fun water features, quick and casual dining options, and dedicated space for families, children and adults to relax and soak up the sun.
“Disney Cruise Line has pioneered many industry firsts through the years, including the first onboard water coaster and the first and only fireworks at sea,” said Danny Handke, senior creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “For the Disney Wish, we wanted to continue that tradition of innovation in a big way. With AquaMouse, we’re combining theme park thrills, iconic Disney animation and the magic of ocean cruising to create a one-of-a-kind water attraction unlike anything we’ve done before.”
AquaMouse – The First Disney Attraction at Sea
Families will be immersed in “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts aboardAquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. Complete with show scenes, lighting and special effects, and splashtacular surprises, this first-of-its-kind water ride will send guests on a fun family adventure through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks.
As the story goes, Mickey and Minnie are starting their very own seaside excursion company — aptly named “Port Misadventures” — on board the Disney Wish, and adventuresome cruisers will join them on an undersea excursion to Mermaid Lagoon that will inevitably (and hilariously) go awry.
The journey will begin when guests board their two-seater ride vehicles and ascend into a magical tunnel that will teleport them into the cartoon world of “Scuba Scramble,” a new animated short that plays out through oversized virtual portholes. Along the way, they’ll encounter curious sea creatures, familiar Disney friends, and more than 60 water effects that bring the subaquatic hijinks to life – all perfectly synched to an original musical score by Emmy-nominated composer Christopher Willis (“The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse”).
At the height of the show, guests will blast out of the tunnel and embark on a wild water ride around the upper decks. First, they’ll zip into the forward funnel through an enclosed tube surrounded by dazzling lighting effects, followed by a quick dash through a dark tunnel that opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the ocean.
They’ll then jet up and down a series of speed blasters as they are propelled toward the grand finale: a soaring loop over the edge of the ship, with clear views down to the deep blue sea. With that, they’ll splash down for a sendoff message from Mickey and Minnie – another successful tour in the books!
Fun in the Sun for the Whole Family
In addition to AquaMouse, families will have more pools, more deck space, and more dining than ever before in an expansive pool district themed to Mickey and friends.
Located on decks 11 and 12 midship, this area will include six pools of various sizes and depths, spaciously staggered among tiered decks and surrounded by lounge chairs to provide families with space to stretch out and soak up the sunshine. Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a variety of poolside entertainment on Funnel Vision, a jumbo LED display that screens Disney movies, TV shows, live sporting events and more. For guests seeking a laid-back environment, another family pool will be available on deck 14 forward.
The Disney Wish will feature brand-new food and beverage offerings on the upper decks, including relaxed indoor dining and a fresh take on quick and casual fare with a festive character twist. More details on these experiences will be released at a later date.
A Whimsical Water Wonderland for Kids
Little ones will go to “swim”-finity and beyond in a new Toy Story-themed waterplay district designed especially for families with toddlers and young children.
Children will have a tub-full of fun in the Toy Story Splash Zone, a fantastical water playground where Woody, Buzz and friends will be adorably reimagined as larger-than-life rubber bath toys that move and spray water at kids’ whim. Inspired by the Disney and Pixar short “Partysaurus Rex,” this bathtub-themed splash zone will combine the Old West of Woody’s Roundup with the intergalactic world of Buzz Lightyear, featuring two toddler-sized slides and pop jets, geysers and bubblers galore.
To complete the splish-splashing antics, everyone in the family will enjoy a trip downSlide-a-saurus Rex – a double-looping waterslide that sends guests plunging “down the drain” with the rest of the toys when the metaphorical bathtub overflows.
Other features of this playful pool district will include Trixie’s Falls — a six-inch-deep wading pool with a small fountain and waterfall — and Wheezy’s Freezies, a smoothie bar serving up refreshing fruit blends for the perfect cool-down treat.
Sun-Drenched Serenity for Adults
At Quiet Cove, guests ages 18 and older will find a secluded adults-only district dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking. Set away from the bustle of family activities, this relaxing refuge at the back of the ship will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from a luxurious infinity pool.
While kids are hanging out with Disney characters in the coolest kids’ clubs at sea, parents will be able to enjoy some much-needed “me time” with an escape to Quiet Cove. Here, they’ll take a dip in the pool, unwind in a whirlpool spa, relax in a chaise lounge and indulge in a cool beverage from Cove Bar – an open-air watering hole offering beer, wine and cocktails.
A Disney Cruise Line guest favorite, Cove Cafe is a chic poolside lounge that will offer gourmet coffees, teas, specialty drinks and treats throughout the day. For the Disney Wish, the sophisticated yet casual spot will get a fresh new look that reflects the Oceania-inspired artistry of Disney’s “Moana.”
Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season
The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021.
