March 2023 – Page 16 – A Walk With The Mouse

TikTok Family Apologizes After They Were Shamed for Viral Disney ‘Hack’

Posted on March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisDining.com

The TikTok family ‘The Kelly Fam’ has made a public apology after receiving an overwhelming amount of backlash online. Parents Ty and Haley have been under intense scrutiny for their ‘Disney Hack’ that they shared a couple of weeks ago. In their apology, the couple claims to be deeply sorry and regretful for their actions.

The Kelly Fam used to be known as a wholesome social media family. Their reputation changed dramatically when they posted a video showing a potentially dangerous shoe stunt they had come up with for their son Kannon. In the TikTok video, Ty Kelly explained that their child Kannon loves rollercoasters, but he is too short to ride some of the Disney World rides. To remedy the situation, he and his wife, Haley Kelly, designed and made some platform shoes for Kannon so he could ride the rides anyway. In the family’s YouTube video, they show Kannon riding two 38inch+ Disney World rides, Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash while wearing the modified shoes.

The video went completely viral, and immediately there was public outrage. People slammed the Kelly Fam for being so reckless with their child’s safety. Many were calling for the family to be permanently banned from Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. In response to the backlash, the family released an apology video which basically was them saying the ‘ultimate theme park hack’ video was a joke. Fans were not satisfied by this answer and continued to call out the irresponsible behavior of the parents.

After all of the hate, the Kelly family finally apologized in a formal manner. The couple sat down with TODAY.com to explain their side of the story.

In their interview, the couple explains, “We are truly sorry about the whole situation… I want my kids to know that parents follow the rules and we are trying to raise them right. In this situation, we bent the rules and I don’t want that to be my legacy.”

He goes on to explain that they never expected the video to blow up as it did and that the whole hack was meant to be clickbait for their YouTube channel. They knew things had gone too far when the fans started trying to interfere with their livelihoods. He explained, “People were trying to get my wife fired from her (nursing) job or saying they would call CPS (Child Protective Services) to get our kids taken away from us or hoping we’d get banned from Disney World.”

@the.kelly.fam
With influence comes responsibility, and we take that seriously. It’s a privilege to have the platforms we do, and we’d NEVER want someone else to get hurt from an idea from one of our videos. With that being said, we’ve decided to take anything down related to the Disney shoe video. We hope that in time, you’ll see that we are serious about the content we put out for the public to see, and we’re committed to being more careful and intentional with our posts moving forward. We want our platforms to feel like home, and a safe place for you to come and unwind, be uplifted, inspired and hopefully entertained. We love you all. #thekellyfam
♬ original sound – The Kelly Fam

While some people feel bad for how out of hand this situation became, others think that this apology is still not genuine. Regardless of if the video was clickbait or not, the Kelly family was still definitely promoting dangerous behavior. It is not likely that the family will ever restore the trust that was lost between them and their fans.

Disney’s “The Mandalorian” Returns After More Than Two Years

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney+

For some Disney fans, March 1 means everything, as it marks the long-awaited, highly-anticipated return of what some have deemed a “global phenomenon” after a more than two-year absence.

Every Disney fan has his or her favorite Disney “thing”: a favorite classic film, a favorite live-action movie, a favorite Disney Park, a favorite ride at a favorite Disney Park . . . the list goes on. And when that favorite something disappears, is unavailable, or simply cannot be found, it can turn a fan’s world upside-down. We’re all used to the occasional ride refurbishments and reimagining of attractions, but the coronavirus pandemic propelled us–Disney fans included–into a whirlwind of unprecedented times and unprecedented scenarios–, and at one point, there were very few things the pandemic didn’t affect.

Such is the case with a fan-favorite experience that you can’t find in the parks or amongst the volumes of Disney classic films. That’s because this experience is one that just became available in 2019 and only to a select number of Disney fans–namely, those with a subscription to Disney’s first-ever premier streaming service, Disney+.

When The Walt Disney Company first announced its plans to roll out a streaming platform, fans were excited–no, elated. Finally! There would be one place where Disney fans of all ages could find and watch their favorite films, whether Walt-era classics or PIXAR favorites or . . . but as streaming was in its infancy, it didn’t occur to most that Disney would be in the business of creating series and films solely for the platform on a continual basis.

(Look, I’m just thrilled that I can watch Sleeping Beauty anytime of the day or night–and as many times as I want!)

Disney: What Is Sleeping Beauty's Actual Name?

But when November of 2019 rolled around, it was evident that fans were in for so much more. Disney’s live-action Lady and the Tramp stole hearts from day one, but nothing could have prepared fans for the platform’s most-streamed offering: The Mandalorian.

From the mind of Jon Favreau and showcasing the work of directors like Bryce Dallas Howard, Taika Waititi, Deborah Chow, and Dave Filoni, the series follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter from Mandalore.

The series begins five years after the storyline in Return of the Jedi (1983) and the fall of the Galactic Empire. The Mandalorian follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter from Mandalore, who is hired what’s left of the Imperial forces to retrieve “the child” named Grogu, who resembles a youthful Master Yoda. Instead, however, “Mando” finds himself on the run in an effort to protect Grogu. During their journey, they are constantly being pursued by Moff Gideon, a villain who needs Grogu because of the child’s connection to the Jedi Force. Mandalorians are never to remove their helmets, but Din Djarin ends up doing just that and must travel to redeem himself after doing so.

Season 1 of The Mandalorian drew millions of viewers across an audience comprised of lifelong diehard Star Wars fans–as well as those who loved them. And the series had the power to make fans out of those who previously had no interest in the galaxy far, far away. Season 2 had the same effect, but since the end of the second season in December 18, 2020, there’s been no new content. Though fans were told a third season would be released, the coronavirus pandemic rendered filming nearly non-existent. When production resumed, it was evident that Season 3 would be a long time coming.

The wait is over, though, as of March 1, as Epidode One of Season 3 of The Mandalorian is available for streaming. If you’ve never watched it, give it a try! The series, referred to by critics as a “global phenomenon” might just make a Mando fan out of you. (And by the way, you can be a Mandalorian fan and still not be down with the rest of the Star Wars galaxy.)

Disney’s Entertainment CO-Chair Announces Changes

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Some massive shifts are happening at the Walt Disney Company. Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden shook things up as she solidified her Senior Team. This change was big for Walden, marking her most significant move yet.

Since being promoted to co-chair of Disney Entertainment, the public has eagerly awaited Dana Walden’s first big move. It finally happened this week in the form of a memo where Walden announced some big shakeups within the company. Walden addressed her colleagues with a well-informed plan of how she would best reorganize her team to suit her needs as a leader.

In the memo, she breaks down that she will be shifting responsibilities for many of her colleagues. The memo makes it clear that Onyx Collective, a content brand now owned and operated by Disney Entertainment, is a massive focus for Walden. Tara Duncan will now focus solely on Onyx, which means Walden is relinquishing her previous responsibilities that she had for Freeform. Simran Sethi will take on Duncan’s duties at Freeform while also still holding on to her role at ABC Entertainment.

Courtney Monroe will now oversee all aspects of National Geographic, which Walden seems excited about. Monroe and Duncan will now report directly to John Landgraf. This restructuring is a massive boost for both Landgraf and Sethi, as they both have been given a lot more responsibility.

The full letter from Walden reads:

Dear Colleagues,

Since the announcement of Disney Entertainment, I’ve spent time thinking about how to organize my team in a way that will enable me to focus on my newly expanded role in partnership with Alan. I will continue to rely on the same incredible leaders who have delivered hit after hit onto our platforms and into our rich library, but I have made some changes to our structure, which are outlined below:

Onyx Collective remains a huge priority, and as its impressive roster of creators and series continues to grow, Tara Duncan will now focus exclusively on Onyx.
National Geographic Content recently earned its third Oscar nomination and has attracted some of the biggest stars to its impressive series and doc films slate. Courteney Monroe will now oversee all aspects of the brand, including its digital footprint and iconic magazine, along with its original content strategy.
Tara and Courteney will now report directly to John Landgraf, combining the strength of three prestigious brands.
As Tara’s focus shifts to Onyx, Freeform programming and development will be combined with ABC Entertainment, and Simran Sethi will oversee both. This represents Simran’s return to a brand she helped launch. She will continue to report to Craig Erwich.
Over the past six months, Ayo Davis and Craig have worked together very successfully on Disney Branded Television streaming originals. Ayo will continue to report to Craig for streaming, and now that structure will expand to also include the development and programming of Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
Debra OConnell, who recently joined my leadership team, will continue to oversee networks and ABC Owned Television Stations, and will add research, labor relations and TV business operations to her purview.
Disney Television Studios will remain under Eric Schrier, who will expand his responsibilities to include our global original television strategy, working closely with our talented regional leaders.

Great stories are the lifeblood of our company, and I will remain deeply connected to the creative side of our business. As we begin our new chapter together, I have the utmost confidence in this team of proven and formidable leaders. I am very grateful to Bob for reuniting and realigning our company in such a meaningful way.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate your passion and your pursuit of excellence, which will be key to our success in the months and years ahead.

Warmest regards,

Dana

Walden’s restructuring is a big first move for the new co-chair. These changes could likely be a determining factor in how she succeeds in this position moving forward. Fans of the Walt Disney Company will be eager to see how these changes pan out for Walden and her new Senior Team.

Disneyland Reveals New Dining and Merchandise Options

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Mickey’s Toontown will debut new and delicious dining options when it reopens later this month and will have some exclusive Runaway Railway-themed merchandise too!

Mickey’s Toontown has been a Disney Park staple for Guests of all ages since the 1990s, offering visitors the chance to live like a Disney cartoon character, exploring the homes of the Fab Five and whirling around in a taxi cab through scenes from 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The themed space features hilarious cartoon gags and characters from franchises like Disney Afternoon’s Rescue Rangers.

Today, Disney has expanded the land, creating two new spaces, the El CapiTOON Theatre, and CenTOONial Park, as well as opening the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The Toontown additions come as part of the Disney100 Anniversary Celebration and the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort’s 100 Years of Wonder festivities.

In fact, Toontown will reopen with more sensory-friendly spaces for play, such as Goofy’s How To Play Yard and Donald’s Duck Pond, along with more green spaces for relaxation… and nothing’s better for that than the Perfect Picnic in the Park! Disney fans will soon be able to purchase exclusive merchandise items, such as the Perfect Picnic Blanket featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and the Perfect Picnic Basket, a novelty item that comes with three snack items.

For instance, choose from applesauce, a yogurt smoothie, granola bars, Cuties Mandarin Oranges, or a gluten-free fig bar for those with allergy restrictions, plus a Minute Maid juice box or small DASANI water. Moreover, a new quick-service location, Good Boy! Grocers will offer even more tasty treats to make your picnic perfect.

With fast grab-and-go options, this “friendly roadside stand” at the Toontown Farmer’s Market provides yummy bites such as whole fruit, Mini Babybel cheese, Coca-Cola beverage products, Topo Chico Sparkling Water, bottled water, gluten-free cookies, fruit bars, and the classic Disney Parks pickles. In addition, the second new location opening this month will allow Guests to experience Daisy Duck’s “expert culinary skills” at Café Daisy.

cafe daisy drinks watermelon lemonade and cold brew coffee

Choose from a yummy selection of different flavors, such as the Daisy Dog all-beef foot-long hotdog, the Cheesy Pizza Flop-Pver or Pepperoni Pizza Flop-Over, and even the plant-based Spring Garden Wrap, which mixes quinoa and romaine lettuce with creamy lemon dressing and toasted pumpkin seeds. Plus, Daisy’s Dressed-up Dogm, which features chili-cheese sauce, mac & cheese, and parmesan potato crispies, is something more adventurous to pair with your Picnic Time Watermelon Lemonade or Specialty Cold Brrr-ew with Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Caramel Mudslide Cold Brew!

What’s more, all meals come with a side of house-made Toontown ‘Tater Chips and you can even add chili-cheese sauce and finish it all off with cinnamon sugar Daisy’s Goody-Goody Donuts. Of course, Café Daisy will offer both onsite service as well as mobile order accommodation.

Disneyland Park Guests can enjoy all these goodies and more when Mickey’s Toontown expansion is finally complete on March 19, 2023.

Disney Actor on Classic Attraction as He Lives Out His Lifelong Dream

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney really does make dreams come true–and not just in the classic Disney films, as a beloved actor found out recently.

Before 2013, the world knew nothing about Sven the Reindeer, Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, or Kristoff the Ice Harvester. But late that year, fans, young and old, were introduced to these characters and to the storyline of Disney’s Frozen. Not only were the characters and the story engaging, but the actors and actresses behind those iconic characters became household names, especially Idina Menzel (voice of Elsa), Kristen Bell (voice of Anna), and Josh Gad (voice of Olaf the Snowman).

The second installment of the Frozen franchise debuted in November 2019, and fans were once again smitten by the storyline, the lyrics to the music, and the characters.

In September 2022, four of the franchise’s characters were named Disney Legends at the D23 Expo held in Anaheim, California. Each of the stars was honored individually–Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff.

When Josh Gad took to the stage at the D23 Expo, he shared a story of being rejected by Disney when he was much younger. It had been his dream to work as a Jungle Cruise skipper at the iconic classic Disney attraction, but he didn’t make the cut. But recently, Disney made Gad’s dream come true, and he finally got his wish–to work as a skipper at the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland.

(And his Cast Member tag even shows that he’s from Arendelle.)

The Frozen star referred to himself as the “moderately famous” Josh Gad as he served as skipper on the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland. He hosted a boat full of Guests who were visibly excited to have the famous voice of Olaf as their skipper, and–truth be told–no skipper has ever introduced the “backside of water” with more excitement than Josh Gad. He even warned Guests aboard the boat that since he was the skipper, it would be good for them to call their loved ones and say goodbye.

josh gad jungle cruise backside of water

You can see the entire hilarious spectacle of Gad “skippering” at the Jungle Cruise ride here: