Uncategorized – Page 12 – A Walk With The Mouse

Massive Change in Leadership Announced for the Walt Disney Company

Posted on October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

A massive change in leadership has just taken place at the Walt Disney Company.

Disney, the beloved entertainment company known for its magical stories, has recently appointed Tinisha Agramonte as its Chief Diversity Officer. This is a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the organization. With her extensive expertise and experience in the diversity and inclusion space, Agramonte is well-equipped to lead Disney’s efforts in creating a welcoming environment for employees from all backgrounds.

As the Chief Diversity Officer, Agramonte will play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the company. This appointment showcases Disney’s commitment to cultivating a diverse workforce and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all its employees.

Agramonte’s appointment comes at a time when organizations across various industries are recognizing the importance of DEI in creating successful and sustainable environments. By leveraging her vast knowledge and understanding of diversity issues, she will work towards strengthening Disney’s position as a leader in fostering inclusivity and representing a wide range of voices and experiences.

Having served in DEI positions in the past, Agramonte brings a wealth of experience in driving DEI initiatives. Her deep understanding of the importance of DEI in creating impactful storytelling will undoubtedly contribute to the expansion of Disney’s creative and cultural reach. Through her leadership, Agramonte will ensure that Disney’s content continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing the collective strengths of diverse talent.

Just last year, Agranonte joined the Walt Disney Company as vice president of DEI talent outreach & development for the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division. Her success in this role made her a perfect fit for this promotion.

She will replace Latondra Newton, who left the position in June.

Furthermore, Agramonte’s appointment aligns with Disney’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. By championing diversity and inclusion, Disney aims to not only reflect the diverse experiences of its audience but also set an example for other organizations in the entertainment industry.

In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Agramonte will collaborate with various departments across Disney, including the senior leadership team, human resources, and talent outreach. Together, they will work towards fostering environments that prioritize diversity and inclusion, which will ultimately contribute to the continued success of the company.

This appointment highlights the importance of diversity in senior leadership positions. By appointing Agramonte as the Chief Diversity Officer, Disney demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive workplace from top to bottom. Agramonte’s expertise and commitment to equity will undoubtedly drive positive change within the organization, making Disney an even more welcoming and diverse company.

Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Takes Over ABC’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney’s Encanto took over Dancing With the Stars, and Guests were left in tears. Last night, October 17, 2013, ABC’s hit television show Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with a special tribute.

Disney 100

On October 16, 2023, the Walt Disney Company celebrated 100 years of entertainment, storytelling, and magic. Throughout Disney Parks and entertainment, huge celebrations have been entertaining Guests. Celebrations have stretched across the globe from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, to Shanghai Disneyland and everywhere in between.

Once Upon a Studio was released on Disney+ and Hulu as one of the most notable Disney 100 tributes. This Disney short film celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Studios Animation and storytelling. The 13-minute film encapsulates the magic, featuring 543 Disney characters from over 85 feature-length and short films released over the past 100 years.

Across the Disney Parks, Guests have experienced once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for Disney’s 100th anniversary. In Disneyland Paris, Guests cheered as 100 Disney characters, and Disney VoluntEARS paraded down Main Street, U.S.A. Even Disney entertainment is celebrating, as celebrated films, including Moana and The Lion King, are back in select theaters for a limited time to celebrate the anniversary.

Dancing With the Stars Celebrates Disney 100

Last night on ABC, Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s centenary with Disney 100 Night. The episode featured Disney-inspired dances and a special showcase featuring Encanto, that left fans speechless. The showcase also unveiled Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 Disney 100 Platinum Edition.

Starting out, some audience members weren’t quite sure if they were watching a dance or a commercial for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. After entering the Hyundai, iconic Disney characters joined the dancers, including Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Wendy, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and even Sorcerer Mickey himself!

Once the stars arrived on the Dancing With the Stars stage, Guests were instantly thrilled when they heard the recognizable start to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from Disney’s Encanto. The dancer’s beautiful dresses referenced the traditional Columbian clothing worn by the films characters Mirabel, Isabella, Luisa, and more. Additionally, many dancers donned Bruno’s green poncho as a note to the Encanto character’s iconic look.

In addition to the beautiful costumes and set design, the dance even featured Bruno giving a prophesy. But you may be wondering, how do we avoid talking about Bruno with the show’s infamous judge Bruno Tonioli on set? Well Tonioli has a silent Bruno cameo during the number, but when the dance ended, he couldn’t help but shout his praise.

During the show, contestants celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with Disney-themed dances. American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan and her partner Sasha Farber danced to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater performed “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia. Mira Sorvino and partner Gleb Savchenko waltz to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Disney’s Cinderella.

The quickstep was performed by Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold to “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” from Toy Story. Jason Mraz danced the foxtrot with Daniella Karagach to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev waltzed to “Part of Your World” from Disney’s newest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid.

Earning the highest scores of the night, Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy stole the show with the Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco. Following close behind in high scores were partners Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov, dancing to Frozen 2’s “Into the Unknown.”

The Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams and his partner Peta Murgatroyd performed a jazz dance to “He’s a Tramp” from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, earning the lowest score of the night. Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong joined them in the bottom three and danced the rumba to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King. However, NFL Star Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart waltzed to “Baby Mine” from Dumbo and were eliminated by fans.

Disney Files Subpoena for Former Reedy Creek District Administrator John Classe

Posted on October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Walt Disney World has issued a subpoena for former Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) Administrator John Classe seeking various documents and information from his tenure with the District.

John Classe was the District Administrator for almost a decade. When RCID became the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), Classe stayed on for the transition.

The new Board of Supervisors chose Glen Gilzean Jr. to replace Classe. When Gilzean took over the position in May, Disney added him as a defendant in their lawsuit against the District and Florida Governor Ron Desantis.

Classe signed a 1-year contract to stay on as a Special Advisor but it was later terminated and he ceased work with the District by July. He was removed from Disney’s lawsuit.

Now Disney is seeking documents from Classe concerning the preparation and any analysis of the 2022 Comprehensive Plan, 2023 Development Agreement, 2023 Restrictive Covenants, and the Land Development Regulation Amendments, as well as documents related to the District’s authority to enter into those agreements, any decision to provide or not provide public notices for the Agreements, whether the Development Agreement impacted property owners, and communications with property owners about the Development Agreement.

The CFTOD Board attempted to declare these agreements null and void, which is what led Disney to file their federal lawsuit against DeSantis and the District.

Disney is also looking for documents about the financial impact of their future development activities, concerning the appointment of the District Board of Supervisors, and various communications between Classe, CFTOD, and third parties.

The subpoena calls for John Classe to appear with the documents and testimony on October 31, 2023.

Disney Releasing ‘Wish’ Songs Every Wednesday Until November 22, Tickets On Sale Now

Posted on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Walt Disney Animation Studios will release “This Wish” from their upcoming film “Wish” on Wednesday, October 18. They shared a clip of the song on X, embedded below.

🎵 So I make this wish… ✨ Listen to a clip of "This Wish" from Disney's #Wish coming only to theaters November 22 and get tickets now! https://t.co/qT8DYSauPy pic.twitter.com/fKfVborMlC
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) October 16, 2023

“This Wish” is performed by Ariana DeBose as Asha. Disney will release a new song from “Wish” on every Wednesday until the film’s release on November 22, 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for “Wish.”

Wish

“Wish” uses a mix of 2D and 3D animation as an homage to Disney’s animation history. It features original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, and a score by David Metzger (“Tarzan,” “Frozen,” “Frozen II”).

It’s directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, from a script by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore. Buck and Lee previously directed both “Frozen” films. It will be Veerasunthorn feature directorial debut. It’s produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes.

Buck said of the film, “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes. People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”

Asha will appear at Disney Parks after the film’s release. She made her live-action debut at Destination D23.

Veerasunthorn added, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

Buck and Veerasunthorn said the film will feature many “legacy nods” to classic Disney films. “Wish” seeks to answer the question, “How did the wishing star upon which so many of our beloved characters wish come to be?”

20 minutes of “Wish” was played at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June. “Once Upon a Studio” also premiered at the festival, receiving a standing ovation. The animated short also uses a combination of 2D and 3D animation, along with live-action footage. Disney brought back more than 40 voice actors to reprise their roles and pulled from the archives to use dialogue from past actors like Robin Williams as the Genie. “Once Upon a Studio” will play in front of “Wish” when the movie opens in theaters.

Walt Disney’s Childhood Home Opens to the Public

Posted on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

In today’s world, the Walt Disney Company is a name synonymous with magic. After creating the Walt Disney Company 100 years ago, Walt Disney went on to create magic for millions of fans all over the world.

Because of his influence, many fans feel emotionally attached to Walt’s legacy. His history is fascinating, and his story is incredibly inspiring. Now, fans can go back and see where it indeed started by visiting his childhood home.

Walt Disney’s childhood home, located in Chicago, Illinois, has recently opened its doors to the public, allowing fans and enthusiasts to step into the early years of this iconic figure’s life. This momentous occasion marks an opportunity for visitors to explore the place where Walt Disney’s passion for animation and storytelling was ignited.

The opening of his childhood home not only provides a unique glimpse into the humble beginnings of a visionary but also serves as a tribute to the man who brought magic and joy to the world. As you step through the front door, you are immediately transported back in time.

From the charming wooden exterior to the authentic furnishings inside, every detail has been carefully preserved to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era. It’s a truly immersive experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world that shaped the imagination of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. The home was built by Walt’s father for just $800. Who would have guessed that in 1901, this humble home would become the birthplace of a legend and innovator?

The tour takes you through various rooms of the house, each with its own story to tell. As you walk through the rooms, you can imagine young Walt Disney spending his days here, dreaming and creating. The unassuming bedroom where he slept, the cozy kitchen where his family gathered for meals, and the modest living room where they entertained guests all hold a sense of history and nostalgia. It’s as if time has stood still, allowing visitors to witness the roots of Walt Disney’s creative genius.

Walt was homeschooled, so this home served as his classroom growing up. It was in this humble environment that the seeds of Walt Disney’s imagination were sown, and the foundation for his future success was laid. As visitors explore the backyard, they can envision the young Disney brothers diligently working on their early animated creations, a testament to the determination and passion that would propel Walt Disney to greatness.

Rey Colon, the Walt Disney Birthplace project director, says,

“Walt Disney was an example that, you know, if you come from humble beginnings, if you work hard, you follow your dreams. You could change the world.”

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For fans and admirers of Walt Disney, visiting his childhood home is a pilgrimage of sorts. It allows them to connect with the man behind the magic to understand the roots of his boundless imagination. It’s a chance to pay homage to a visionary whose creations continue to touch the lives of millions worldwide.

The opening of Walt Disney’s childhood home to the public is an invitation to step into the past, to witness the origins of a legend, and to be inspired by the enduring legacy of Walt Disney.