‘Frozen’ Voice Actress Found Dead at 35 Years Old

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Sad news to report as we have learned that Sayaka Kanda, the Frozen actress who voiced Anna in the Japanese dubbed version of Disney’s Frozen has died.

The Japanese actress, Sayaka Kanda is known for many voice-over roles including Idoly Pride, Star Blazers 2202, and Convenience Store Boyfriends. She recently voiced Princess Anna in the Japanese dubbed version of Disney’s Frozen and was to appear in the upcoming April 2022 production of Galaxy Express 999.

According to a report by People, Sayaka was found unconscious on Saturday afternoon, lying in an outdoor space at the hotel she was staying at. The voice-actress/singer died after being transported to the hospital. Police are investigating her death as a “probable suicide” but are not ruling out foul play. 

A message was posted on Sayaka’s website by Mitsuhisa Kamoike, CEO of L’aube Inc. which translates to:

Thank you for your continued support of us and Sayaka Kanda. We would like to express our deep gratitude to Kanda for his warm words since the last report, including his support so far.

Today, I would like to report that the family held a funeral in the form of a secret burial at the request of relatives.

As a result of detailed examination by the police, it was reported that there was no incident and that the cause of death was polytrauma shock due to the fall. Regarding the cause of the fall, we would like to refrain from disclosing it in consideration of the honor of Kanda himself and the influence on the people around him, and we would appreciate it if you could include it.

Although we are confused by the sudden farewell to Kanda, we face that fact and take the responsibility of not being able to protect Kanda seriously.

At the same time as various reports have been made regarding the death of Kanda, we have received some concerns. We apologize for this situation.

In addition, please refrain from posting articles related to the privacy of relatives and friends, excessive coverage, and unfounded slander on the Internet.

Mitsuhisa Kamoike, CEO of L’aube Inc.

Anna in Frozen

Sayaka was currently performing in the musical My Fair Lady in which she attended Friday’s rehearsal but did not show up for the Saturday performance. She was 35 years old.

Toys for Tots Foundation Recognizes Disney for Support

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

One of the things we really appreciate about the Walt Disney Company and the hard working cast members is how active they are in charities here in central Florida and beyond. We’re glad to see Disney being recognized by the Toys for Tots Foundation and encourage you to help spread the magic by getting involved as well.

From a Disney Cast Member;

National leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation paid a special visit to meet with Disney VoluntEARS Dec. 18 as they prepared to greet hundreds of families in need who lined their cars up on a warm Orlando morning outside a toy distribution center. The surprise visit was planned to allow the Foundation leadership to officially recognize Disney’s enduring support for Toys for Tots that dates back to the beginning of the iconic nonprofit.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 in Hollywood as the brain child of Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks and his wife Diane. Maj. Hendricks, an executive in the entertainment industry, was friends with many celebrities who he approached to help support the newly created Marine Toys for Tots program. As a personal friend, Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster which included a miniature three-car train that was subsequently adopted as the Toys for Tots logo that is still in use today.

In recognition of this decade-long relationship, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and members of his leadership team joined Mickey Mouse to thank Disney cast members during a special recognition ceremony held inside the distribution warehouse.

“Disney has been our foundation’s longest and most loyal supporter for more than 70 years,” Lt. Gen. Laster said. “Our foundation is built upon the dream of one Marine to make a difference for families in need during the holidays and the unwavering support we received from legends like Walt Disney and the company he founded.”

Ongoing support for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has been part of Disney’s legacy of support for the U.S. military dating back to the earliest days of The Walt Disney Company. And, in gratitude for the incredible work Toys for Tots has done for families across the nation and in Central Florida, members of the Disney SALUTE veteran affinity group presented Lt. Gen Laster and his team with SALUTE military challenge coins which are offered in recognition of a job well done.

This year, Disney’s longstanding relationship with Toys for Tots continued with the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive – now extended through Dec. 24 on shopDisney.com. The company kicked off the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive with a $500,000 donation to Toys for Tots to help provide toys to children and inspire hope where it’s needed most this holiday season. As part of this donation, $50,000 directly supported efforts for the Central Florida community. This year, more than 10,000 toys were donated at Walt Disney World Resort, making a world of difference for children and families in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

Walt Disney World Resort has supported the 2021 drive in many ways including in-person donation drop-boxes at Disney Springs, in backstage locations and at special cast events throughout the entirety of the drive. Hundreds of Disney VoluntEARS also helped by taking shifts to sort & distribute the donated toys at local Toys for Tots warehouses for the past several weeks, collectively volunteering more than 2,000 hours.

Many of the VoluntEARS working during the Toys for Tots Foundation leadership visit were members of Disney”s SALUTE Veteran affinity group.

“It was a great day, supporting Toys for Tots and helping make this time of year special for everyone in our Central Florida community,” said Lisa Arney, Senior Manager with Disney Signature Experiences Communications and veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. “I’m glad I could share this experience with my daughters who could see the benefits of volunteering and its positive impact of on our community first hand.”

These efforts are among the many ways Walt Disney World Resort gives back to the community, joining the recent $3 million in grant donations to important causes in the community made in honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration.

Disney Shuts Down Park For One Day During Holiday Rush as Temperatures Drop

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If you are planning on being at Walt Disney World Resort during the Christmas season, there are a few things you should be keeping your eye on to ensure that your schedule does not have any surprise closures that arise!

This week and the following will undoubtedly be some of the busiest that Disney World has seen this past year. The Christmas season is always a busy time for the Parks, and now that school is out for many, vacationing to the Most Magical Place on Earth seems like the most logical thing to do! Although Disney Park Pass Reservations are still required, and Disney still has a capacity limit in place, lines are being seen to extend past their provided queue line, and crowds are here.

With that being said, this time of year can also have very varying weather temperatures that do not affect the theme parks but the water parks. Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently open to Guests at Walt Disney World, but when the temperature dips too low, Disney may decide to shut down the Park so that they are not operating what would likely be an empty Park. This past December has been quite warm in Orlando, but we have seen Disney shut down the Park a few times. Now, Disney’s website notes that on December 22, 2021, Blizzard Beach will be closed.

blizzard beach overview shot

The website does not denote why the Park will be shut down, but after looking at the 66-degree weather forecast for this upcoming Wednesday, it is easy to understand why. Of course, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain open this week; however, Disney Park Passes are selling fast, so be sure to make your reservation and check on the Park availability before making plans. 

If you are looking for other water park or sport options to do on Disney World property, you can look into the following:

Enjoy a theme park a day plus more chances to play—with admission to water parks, golf courses and other sensational sports experiences!

For each day of your theme park tickets, adding the Water Park and Sports Option lets you visit one theme park and gives you one admission to select Walt Disney World experiences including:

  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Currently Unavailable
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Currently Unavailable
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
  • FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail
  • Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
  • Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)

Come share the magic of our theme parks, make a splash in our water parks and get your game on—as you score the perfect family vacation!

blizzard beach

At the moment, it seems that the rest of the week is wide open for Blizzard Beach Guests to enjoy Summit Plummet, Runoff Rapids, Toboggan Racers, Tike’s Peak, Mount Gushmore, and more. At the moment, Walt Disney World has not yet reopened Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Disney Park Brings Back Meal Plan with Huge Changes

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

After the pandemic closed every Disney Park across the globe, things were not the same once they were all individually able to reopen. Slowly, we are starting to see all the Parks return to their own version of normal. At Walt Disney World, just yesterday, we saw Magic Kingdom trams return as well as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Parades are set to come back in 2022, along with other entertainment. One thing that is still missing, however, is the Dining Plan. 

Now, Disneyland Paris is taking some forward action on this. Starting on March 21, 2022, Guests arriving to Disneyland Paris Resort can purchase an updated and more expansive Meal Plan!

Disney notes that you should choose their Meal Plan for the following reasons:

  • A culinary adventure – Savor a variety of delicious cuisines in a Disney-themed setting for the ultimate Disney dining experience!
  • Choice and flexibility – Opt for 1, 2, or 3 meals a day, or add extra treats. There are options for all tastes and budgets!
  • A well-managed budget – With a Meal Plan paid in advance, you’ll know what’s included and how much you’ll spend ahead of time.
  • Peace of mind – With your Meal Plan already paid for, you can focus on enjoying every moment of your stay. Head to our official app to book tables at the restaurants of your choice!
Disneyland Paris Guests wearing masks speaking with a Cast Member

The three Meal Plan options can include:

  • Breakfast only – Start your day right with a Disneylicious all-you-can-eat breakfast at your hotel, complete with drinks.
  • Half board – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by lunch or dinner in the restaurant of your choice.*
  • Full board – With an option that includes three meals a day, you don’t have to worry about anything; simply enjoy!

Below are the three options that will be available this March:

Standard Option: 

Restaurant type:
✔ Table service restaurants (with a dedicated Meal Plan menu)
✔ All-you-can-eat buffets
✔ Quick service restaurants

Includes:
✔ Soft drink at every meal

With Full Board:
✔ 1 meal per day for a table service restaurant
✔ 1 meal (lunch or dinner) on your last day for a quick service restaurant

From £26.86 per child
From £43.88 per adult
per night for Half Board

plaza garden disneyland paris

Plus Option: 

Restaurant type:
✔ Table service restaurants (with a dedicated Meal Plan menu)
✔ All-you-can-eat buffets
✔ Quick service restaurants

Includes:
✔ Soft drink at every meal

With Full Board:
✔ 1 meal (lunch or dinner) on your last day for the restaurant of your choice

From £35.82 per child
From £52.84 per adult
per night for Half Board

plaza garden disneyland paris

Extra Plus Option:

Restaurant type:
✔ Restaurants with Disney Characters for 1 meal per stay
✔ Table service restaurants (with a dedicated Meal Plan menu)
✔ All-you-can-eat buffets
✔ Quick service restaurants

Includes:
✔ Soft drink at every meal
✔ 1 meal (lunch or dinner) on your last day in the restaurant of your choice

Your extra treats:
✔ Extra Plus Snack and Drink
✔ Extra Plus Drink

From £67.15 per child
From £106.56 per adult
per night for Full Board

plaza garden disneyland paris

Here is how the Meal Plan works!

  1. Book your Hotel+Ticket package directly on our website or by phone with our holiday experts.
  2. Select your Meal Plan according to the level of flexibility you want.
  3. Book your restaurant tables in advance via the official Disneyland Paris app (they go like hot cakes!).
  4. During your stay, use the Meal Plan on your MagicPass. Bon appétit !

The first two Meal Plan options allow Guests to pick between Half Board and Full Board dining plans; however, the Extra Plus must only be for the Full Board Plan. Considering the 30th anniversary celebrations at Disneyland Paris begin in March, it makes sense that this is when Disneyland Paris is choosing to roll out their new Meal Plan.