Yah-hoo, let’s eat! Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along, as the beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue returns this summer to Walt Disney World Resort! Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.
The Pioneer Hall Players and Cast Members will be welcoming back Guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer Guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany vaudeville comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and of course, strawberry shortcake!
Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight our Guests, and as Disney grows we look for new ways to elevate and enhance our classic experiences. Hoop-Dee-Doo will return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy – with the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years.
Hoop-Dee-Doo holds a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans and Cast Members and has been creating special memories for generations. We’ve heard from so many Guests who are excited about the show’s return and we look forward to seeing the curtain rise once again!
The return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is just the latest to make its grand return, joining other recent entertainment offerings like the “Festival of Fantasy” Parade, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular”, “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and even “Adventure Friends Cavalcade”! Other shows will be coming back later this year – including “Fantasmic!” and a fresh spin on a Guest favorite, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
A teenager died last Thursday evening after falling from a drop tower amusement park ride at an Orlando theme park on International Drive.
This week was spring break for 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who had come to Orlando from Missouri and was visiting the ICON Park theme park with friends. Late in the evening on March 24, Sampson and his friends took their seats aboard the new Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON Park and prepared for the rise to a height of more than 400 feet and the thrilling freefall drop that would follow.
Shortly after 11:00 p.m., 911 calls began to come in to dispatchers, asking for emergency help after someone had fallen from the attraction. That someone was 14-year-old Sampson. The young man was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
According to CNN, Sampson was visiting Orlando from his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, with his football team.
“He was a very good young man,” the boy’s father, Yarnell Sampson said of his son. “He was a big teddy bear, a gentle giant.”
Video from that evening appears to show a person falling from the attraction seat about 5 seconds into the drop as the ring of riders around the tower free-falls toward the ground. Mr. Sampson told CNN he saw the video. “My life stopped,” he said.
“At first we thought it was a piece of the ride or whatever until we got a little closer, and it was a person laying on the ground,” said Montrey Williams, who said he witnessed the tragedy. “Everyone was just panicking and screaming.”
“I want to know what really happened,” the young boy’s father said. “You know what, you know, why a 14-year-old young man with a bright future has been taken away from us.”
Friday morning, investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs arrived to begin their investigation into the fall that led to Sampson’s death, closing the attraction until further notice. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation as well to determine whether the fall was an accident or if intentional actions led to the fall.
On Friday during a press conference, Orange County Sheriff Mina said the fall looks like an accidental and “terrible tragedy.”
The attraction from which Sampson fell, the Orlando FreeFall attraction, is touted by its owners at the Slingshot Group as “the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower.” It stands 430 feet tall and can accommodate 30 riders at a time. The ride was inspected, approved, and permitted on the same day it opened, December 20, 2021, along with two other attractions at Orlando’s ICON Park: the Orlando Slingshot and the Starflyer.
According to Florida law, because the three attractions are permanent, they were not due for another inspection until June 2022. Attractions like these are required to be inspected twice per year, but this only applies to theme parks with fewer than 1,000 employees.
Photos and video taken that evening appears to show a problem with the restraint on the chair in which Sampson was seated for the ride, but this hasn’t been confirmed at this time.
“Our harnesses have to lock in, and they have to lock or else the ride will not operate, so this is what we are looking into,” said John Stine, a spokesman for the Slingshot Group who owns the Orlando FreeFall attraction.
ICON Park posted a statement on its website, responding to the tragedy. It reads:
A tragedy occurred last night at the Orlando FreeFall and our hearts are heavy with sadness.
The owner of the attraction is fully cooperating with authorities and ICON Park is doing everything we can to assist. Statements from the Orlando FreeFall and Orange County Sheriff’s Office are below:
The Orlando FreeFall will be closed pending a full investigation. Other businesses at ICON Park are scheduled to be open during their normal business hours.
On the Orlando ICON Park website, there is also a statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which reads:
“On March 24, 2022, at 11:12 p.m., deputies responded to 8433 International Drive (Orlando Free Fall) for a 911 emergency. Witnesses on scene reported that someone had fallen from the ride. A 14-year-old male was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. This death investigation is in its very early stages. This is all the information we have for release at this time. We will send updates when they become available.”
In addition to these statements, the Slingshot Group also released a statement that is posted on the ICON Park website:
“We are heartbroken with the incident that took the life of one of our guests. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We are working with the Sheriff’s Office and ride officials on a full investigation. The Orlando FreeFall will be closed until further notice.”
When Guests visit the Disney Parks, there is so much to see and do. One of the best things about each Disney Resort is that not only are the theme parks something to marvel at but so are the Resorts.
At Walt Disney World Resort, Guests can choose from over 25 differently-themed Resorts, all varying in price points. You can live in luxury at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, jump into the movies at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and so much more. When we go internationally, the amount of Resorts will shrink, but the theming does not.
According to their website, Tokyo Disneyland (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) has announced that their newest Resort, the Toy Story Hotel, will open on April 5, 2022, after having been delayed due to the pandemic.
Thankfully, we now have a sneak peek at what to expect once Andy’s bedroom comes to life next month! 東京ディズニーリゾートPR【公式】(@TDR_PR) took to Twitter to post a video of the hotel, which looks like a color-filled masterpiece. There has never been a better place to feel like Woody or Buzz Lightyear!
Translated, the Tweet reads:
Explore the hotel with toy size! Fun movie release / We have released a video of a hotel tour that goes around #東京ディズニーリゾートトイストーリーホテル in the size of a toy. Let’s become a toy and infiltrate! ＞＞ http://tdr.eng.mg/64f5a
From the moment a guest arrives at this hotel, the view spreads as if it had shrunk to the size of a toy. Buzz Lightyear and Jesse in the square in front of the hotel entrance, and Woody and Bo-Peep in the courtyard Toy Friends Square, each with a character statue of about 4 meters, guests You can enjoy the experience as if you were in the world of toys.
The lobby is full of colorful toy motifs, with floor patterns that imitate large puzzle pieces and ceilings with game boards. The guest rooms are inspired by Andy’s room, which appears in the first movie of the “Toy Story” series, and are reminiscent of toys, such as wallpaper of blue sky and white clouds and a large Mickey Mouse watch hung on the wall. And furnishings are placed here.
“Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel” is positioned as a moderate type between the deluxe type and the value type, and has unified the design of 595 guest rooms. By specializing in the facilities and simple services required for accommodation, you can enjoy your stay more easily than a deluxe type Disney hotel.
At Disney Hotels, we will provide a richer resort stay and offer new options for experiencing the enjoyment of Disney by enriching hotels that meet the various needs of many guests.
In total, there will be 595 rooms for Guests to enjoy, with some of those rooms being a “superior” room for those who would prefer an upgrade. On top of the stunning theming, there will also be a Lozzo Garden Cafe, Gift Planet (Disney Shop), Slinky Dog Park, Toy Friends Square, and so much more.
A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is coming to the Disney Wish and Disney has shared a first look at some of the offerings and makeovers the salon will offer.
From a Disney Cruise Director;
Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Can you tell I’m excited that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is coming to the Disney Wish? Today, I am thrilled to share a special first look with you. This magical experience provides pixie-dusted makeovers for kids ages 3 to 12, complete with hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories — it is truly beloved by Disney Cruise Line guests.
The team at Walt Disney Imagineering has created a storybook salon for our newest ship, which sets sail this summer. The venue will feature beautiful wood detailing, chandeliers with candle lights and design elements inspired by Cinderella. There will also be a mural featuring a majestic wooded landscape and Cinderella Castle sparkling in the distance – perfect to capture photos of each precious moment.
In addition to the guest-favorite princess, pirate and knight transformations already available, the Disney Wish will offer a selection of brand-new looks coming soon to the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet!
For the first time ever, young cruisers will be able to become Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse with these adorable makeovers inspired by the characters’ signature Disney Cruise Line looks. And children wishing to trade in their legs for fins can soon choose this new Ariel look – the perfect outfit for watching our original “The Little Mermaid” stage show aboard the Disney Wish!
Of course, an outfit is not complete without accessories! A nautical headband or captain’s hat will complete the new Minnie and Mickey makeovers, while little Ariels can sparkle head to toe with the matching necklace and tiara.
We’re so excited to see all of the captains and mermaids aboard our ships when these new offerings are introduced across the fleet this summer. For more information about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or to make a reservation, visit disneycruise.com.
In the coming months, I’ll share more details about exclusive products and packages you’ll find aboard our newest ship. Stay tuned!
It’s hard to believe that the month of April is only one week away. Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s anniversary, is now under one month away. Celebrations for Earth Week have been announced at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Is there something special that you are doing to help the planet? Earth Day is the moment when the world wraps a big symbolic hug around the bright blue world that we call home.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, come join in the fun of our annual Earth Day Celebration, as the park spends not just the day but an entire week honoring our planet and how we can all come together to create a healthier home for people and wildlife. That’s right, a whole week – April 18-24 – connecting with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and special offerings.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom delivers an Earth Day Celebration like no other. Share in the spirit of wildlife conservation and learn more about animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working to protect. At Conservation Station, try your hand at drawing as Disney artists at The Animation Experience guide you step by step to bring your favorite Disney characters to life using real animals for inspiration. Each animal represents some of the amazing stories of conservation work Disney is doing around the world.
You can also check out a limited-time Wilderness Explorer activity that rewards you with an Earth Day Nature badge.
You’ll also want to make tracks to Discovery Island where you can spot a special Disney Character Cruise on Discovery River. And throughout the park you can find Disney PhotoPass magic that frames you with Wall-E and Eve from Disney and Pixar’s animated feature “Wall-E.” Of course, as you stroll through the park, take time to marvel at its heart and soul – the majestic animals in our care.
And, lastly, don’t forget to pick up a limited-edition Earth Day 2022 trading pin to commemorate the celebration! You’ll also find specialty merchandise and custom food and beverages at the park during this exciting week.
Remember the ways big and small we can all do our part to create a happier, healthier planet – from planting a tree to picking up litter, recycling or turning off lights to conserve energy. We can help keep our planet healthy and make every day Earth Day.
I hope to see you at the park for our Earth Week Celebration April 18-24. And Happy 24th Birthday on Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
