The number one rule of Fight Club? You don’t talk about fight club. The number one rule of the Madrigal family from Encanto? You don’t talk about Bruno. The Madrigals are so insistent on it that they even sang a whole song about it! It’s always fun to sing about why we don’t talk about Bruno (poor Bruno), but sometimes people want to know more about why we don’t talk about him. One of those people was a young boy who visited Disney California Adventure and figured there was one person he could ask — the sea turtle Crush.
Located in the Animation Building, Turtle Talk With Crush allows fans to get up close and personal with their favorite turtle from the hit film, Finding Nemo. Crush teaches kids about the ocean area he lives in, and they can ask him questions. One young Guest decided to ask why no one talks about Bruno. While each member of the Madrigal family had their own complicated reason for not talking about him, Crush had a simple reason — he doesn’t know who Bruno is.
The young boy explained to Crush that Bruno was from Encanto, which led to Crush asking what Encanto was. From there, the boy had to explain that it was a movie, then he had to explain what a movie was. When Crush asked if a movie worked with electricity, he said that they once tried to use electricity in the ocean, and the results were…shocking.
Here is more information on the fun attraction, Turtle Talk With Crush — which can also be found in the World Nature area of EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort:
Got a burning question for Crush? During this live 15-minute chat, you may get to ask it.
Take a seat at Turtle Talk theater and watch as the turtle from Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo swims up close. Through the amazing technology of the hydrophone, he can communicate directly with land-based dudes and dudettes about almost anything that’s on their minds.
Ask him about marine biology, his friends from the sea, his favorite foods, life on the East Australian Current—it’s totally up to you!
He may also introduce you to his pals Marlin, Nemo and Squirt—plus new friends from Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory.
The show is improvised, so it’s different every time. It’s an ocean full of laughs for all ages!
For all the grumbling in the atmosphere from Disney Parks fans who have had their fill with The Walt Disney Company‘s affinity for price hikes at each theme park, Guests sure are spending more while on their Disney vacations.
During The Walt Disney Company‘s Fiscal Year 2022 Quarter 2 earnings call on Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Disney CFO Christine McCarthy had lots to share about the good things happening inside the House of Mouse, including an increase in theme park operating income, better-than-expected Disney+ subscriber growth, and perhaps not quite as earth-shattering losses due to Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland being closed for part or all of the quarter.
“Our strong results in the second quarter, including fantastic performance at our domestic parks and continued growth of our streaming services, with 7.9 million Disney+ subscribers added in the quarter and total subscriptions across all our DTC offerings exceeding 205 million, once again proved that we are in a league of our own,” said CEO Bob Chapek during the call.
When it came to theme park operating income for The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Parks, Product, and Experiences division reported impressive numbers–numbers that suggest that despite months of unrest over Disney’s newly-revamped (and newly re-priced) Annual Passholder programs at Disney World and Disneyland Resort, increases in food prices in the parks (and smaller portions reportedly being served), and in other prices, Disney Guests are still showing up and still spending cash.
A press release from The Walt Disney Company ahead of Wednesday’s earnings call said it all:
“Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revenues for the quarter increased to $6.7 billion compared to $3.2 billion in the prior-yearquarter. Segment operating results increased by $2.2 billion to an income of $1.8 billion compared to a loss of $0.4 billion in the prior-yearquarter. Higher operating results for the quarter reflected increases at our domestic parks and experiences businesses and, to a lesser extent, at our international parks and resorts and merchandise licensing businesses.”
And there was seemingly no attempt to cover the fact that Disney has indeed raised prices for many things across the board, leading to increased profits.
“Operating incomegrowth at our domestic parks and experiences was due to higher volumes and increased Guest spending, partially offset by higher costs. Higher volumes were due to increases in attendance, occupied room nights, and cruise ship sailings. Cruise ships operated at reduced capacities in the current quarter while sailings were suspended in the prior-yearquarter. Guest spending growth was due to an increase in average per capita ticket revenue, higher average daily hotel room rates, and an increase in food, beverage, and merchandise spending. The increase in average per capita ticket revenue was due to a favorable attendance mix and the introduction of Genie+ and Lightning Lane in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Higher costs were primarily due to volume growth, cost inflation, and higher marketing spending.”
It may be the last time the Disney executives can be so chipper on an earnings call for a while, thanks to even more upset about CEO Bob Chapek‘s recent statement about Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, followed by the Company’s admitted determination to see the bill repealed. Many Disney Parks fans feel that Disney is attempting to “indoctrinate” children with some of its recent content, leading many to “boycott Disney,” even if only verbally.
However, the recent events involving Disney, DeSantis, and Reedy Creek didn’t transpire until the current quarter, meaning the bad news can be pushed aside for a little bit longer. The third-quarter earnings call might have a completely different tone to it.
Fans were heartbroken at the removal of one of their favorite EPCOT Future World elements during the overhaul construction at the Disney Park for the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. But on Friday, Imagineer Zach Riddley announced that it’s officially coming back!
The fiber optic sidewalk lights embedded in the pavement near Spaceship Earth at EPCOT greeted you as you headed out of the Disney Park after viewing of the now retired, late-night Illuminations or taking one last ride on Soarin’. So it was no surprise when fans begged for Disney to bring them back after construction.
The lights were teased in concept art that Disney posted 0n Thursday. But until Zach Riddley confirmed, fans were left wondering if their favorite shimmering sidewalk was truly returning. According to the Imagineer, the sidewalk lights are coming back in a new way. He wrote on Instagram:
We know our guests loved the fiber optics embedded in the pavement at EPCOT, and we’re excited to share that we’re bringing back new illuminated paving designs in World Celebration. These features pay homage to EPCOT’s past, while incorporating updated technology and controllability to deliver some fun new lighting capabilities. As you can see in this image, at the central planter in the heart of World Celebration, the rings of the EPCOT logo will come to life with light and color in an inviting and dynamic celebration of unity.
Much like the reference to Horizons, Universe of Energy, and Kitchen Kabaret at EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Riddley reports that the new lights will pay homage to the Disney Park’s beloved past.
The lights will be a part of a new neighborhood at EPCOT titled World Celebration, which aims to tie the World Showcase with the other sections of the Park and, according to Riddley’s Instagram post, is “Designed with over 12,000 individually controllable lighting fixtures” He continues, “The reimagined nighttime experiences in this new park neighborhood will create a dynamic environment that will transform the area every night.”
Although they’re paying tribute to EPCOT’s past, the new lights will look to the future with updated technology and controllability. Not only will the sidewalk “come to life” with light, but the rings of the new EPCOT logo in the center of World Celebration will also glow colorfully at night, celebrating unity and the themes of the beloved Disney Park’s different lands – World Showcase, Future World, The Land, and, of course, World Celebration.
Whether it’s the smooth harmonies of the Dapper Dans performing on Main Street, U.S.A., the action-packed thrills of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” or a warm hug from Anna and Elsa, live entertainment is filling every corner of Walt Disney World Resort these days.
New shows and experiences that debuted at the start of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continue to dazzle guests. These include two new nighttime spectaculars – “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT – and “Disney KiteTails,” which is performed multiple times throughout the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. As “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” continues throughout 2022, welcoming back fan-favorite entertainment is one of the many ways Disney is continuing to add even more magic to the guest experience. Keep reading for an overview of new, returning and soon-to-debut entertainment.
‘Fantasmic!’ Set to Dazzle Audiences Again Later This Year
The iconic “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make its much-anticipated return later in 2022 with a new show sequence featuring Disney characters – Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana – in heroic moments, as well as new technical enhancements. Guests won’t want to miss this spectacle set on a canvas of water where the forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The extravagant, open-air nighttime musical boasts more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics.
Revisiting the Big Blue World
This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” marking the freshly reimagined return of one of its most popular musical entertainment experiences. This fully updated, 25-minute stage show incorporates live performers and puppets, along with many favorite production numbers from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces with a fresh look, and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage – such as a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a 15-foot-tall fish tank volcano.
Frontier-Style Fun Family Feast
On June 23, 2022, a classic Walt Disney World dinner show, “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, returns to once again offer rousing performances. Since its opening in 1974, this popular family experience has continued to surprise and delight guests with singing, zany comedy and an unforgettable country feast of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, savory sides, and, of course, strawberry shortcake!
Along with the much-anticipated return of the Pioneer Hall Players and cast members, the show will feature new updates to its script and scenery while staying true to the hilarious, high-spirited family entertainment adored by generations of guests. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and will be available on DisneyWorld.com starting May 26.
What’s New and Next: Shows, Parades, and Cavalcades
At Magic Kingdom, three exciting experiences recently made their return or debut:
“Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” now winds its way through the park twice daily, offering guests double the chance to see enchanting floats like the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” features favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and finale with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy in their sparkling 50th Anniversary EARidescent fashions.
“Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” stars nearly 30 favorite Disney and Pixar friends such as Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, Pocahontas and more.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Festival of the Lion King” inspires guests with its larger-than-life musical production filled with pageantry and puppetry. And this summer, two popular performances are set to make their much-anticipated return to the show:
Tumble Monkeys, a group of high-flying primates, will soon resume their acrobatic hijinks.
The show’s iconic birds will once again soar above the stage.
Later this year, Magic Kingdom Park will welcome back Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Offered on select dates August through October, this special event haunts the park after normal operating hours (separate admission is required) with a lineup of frightfully fun entertainment:
“Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” showcases floats filled with villains, Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best, and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.
“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show stars the wicked Sanderson Sisters.
As part of the recent phased return of traditional character greetings across Walt Disney World, guests can now hug Mickey Mouse, share a laugh with Goofy, and get autographs from their favorite Disney princesses. Here are just a few of the available character greeting opportunities:
Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Tiana at Magic Kingdom
Anna, Elsa, Mulan and Jasmine at EPCOT
Minnie Mouse, Sulley and Doc McStuffins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Kevin from Disney and Pixar’s “Up!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck at various Disney Resort hotels
Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming” as a place that changes with the times. The theme park is delivering on that promise in a whole new way as it continues the biggest transformation in its history. As we near the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in the World Discovery neighborhood, we can now look forward to the next stage of the transformation of EPCOT, the new projects yet to come in World Celebration and World Nature. Disney has released new concept art and details on what’s to come.
From a Disney Cast Member;
As international festivals continue to become more of an integral part of the EPCOT experience, Disney Imagineers are creating new spaces that will bring these events into the heart of the park in the new World Celebration neighborhood. In several new artist concept renderings released today, you can see how the transformation of EPCOT will take shape as you walk past Spaceship Earth and begin your journey through the park.
World Celebration will offer a beautiful hub divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. Filled with ample seating and shade, you’ll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area. Each of these gardens will have their own identities, and they’ll change along with the festivals throughout the year.
At night, the gardens will take on a whole new life, as you can see here. They’re designed to be enjoyed in the round, where lighting immerses you in the nighttime experience that will evolve through the seasons.
This all surrounds CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, a multi-use facility and outdoor event space, respectively, that bring the park’s international festivals to the center of EPCOT. CommuniCore Plaza will have the flexibility to host intimate musical performances that extend out into the nearby gardens, as you can see in the rendering above, as well as large-scale concerts.
CommuniCore Hall will be a flexible exhibition and gallery space, offering a wide variety of experiences that highlight art, live music, food – complete with a demonstration kitchen – and more. In addition, adjacent to CommuniCore Hall will be a new Mickey & Friends location where you can meet some of your favorite Disney pals.
This new facility, which you can see in the upper-right side of this rendering, is inspired by the original EPCOT aesthetic apparent throughout the park’s transformation, including the timeless triangular geometry most prominently featured in Spaceship Earth. Even the CommuniCore name reaches back to the origins of EPCOT while also emphasizing the park’s central idea of community.
We’ll have much more to share on the transformation of EPCOT here on the Disney Parks Blog as the center of the park continues to develop, so be sure to keep checking back to learn more. And also head over to Instagram where Imagineer Zach Riddley @thezachriddley provides more insight into the work Walt Disney Imagineering is doing at this park we love.
