New Horizons for Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Treasure

At D23 Expo, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a first look at exciting news for Disney Cruise Line, including unveiling the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, and an update on Lighthouse Point, the new beautiful new island destination in the Bahamas.

The sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will set sail in 2024. Imagineers have dreamed up a new design concept inspired by the theme of adventure, celebrating Walt Disney’s lifelong love of exploration. The Grand Hall — the magnificent three-deck-tall atrium that welcomes guests on board — is inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, drawing on real-world influences from Asia and Africa, and paying homage to the far-off land of Agrabah. At the center, the signature statue will feature Aladdin, Jasmine and their Magic Carpet.

In the Bahamas, progress continues on a beautiful new island destination at Lighthouse Point, which will bring the natural beauty and rich culture of the Bahamas to life for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Disney Reveals Details of ‘Lion King’ Prequel, ‘Mufasa’

One of Disney’s most classic — and successful — films of all time is the 1994 animated film The Lion King. The Lion King told the story of lion cub Simba, who had to go on a journey of self-discovery after his father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s evil uncle, Scar. After years of being away from his pride, Simba sees a vision of his father and returns to his family, ready to take over the throne from his vicious uncle.

The Lion King was so successful that Disney made it into a live-action remake, which was released in 2019. And now, we have more Lion King news to share. At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney shared that a new prequel called Mufasa: The Lion King will premiere sometime in 2024.

Barry Jenkins — director of the new movie — gave the audience more details about what the film will be about.

‘Mufasa’ is the origin story of one of the greatest kings in the history of pride lions… Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa — we all know and love — are relaying the story of Mufasa…

What viewers may find most surprising is that Mufasa was not born into royalty. Even though he seems as though leading is in his blood, he was actually orphaned as a cub.

“Mufasa was actually an orphaned cub who had to navigate the world alone, by himself. In telling this story, we get to experience the real journey of how Mufasa found his place in the Circle of Life. It is pretty awesome.”

During the D23 panel, Disney shared an exclusive clip of the film, but it has not been made public yet. In the preview, a young Mufasa is seen hanging precariously onto a log as it is swept away during a flood. Mufasa must then make his way to a new pride and find a new family.

While it was confirmed that Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa will be in the prequel, Jenkins did not mention Mufasa’s brother, Scar. Scar was such a large part of the original Lion King — and the one responsible for Scar’s death — it would seem inevitable that he make an appearance in the prequel.

Jenkins would also not confirm if James Earl Jones would return to voice adult Mufasa.

ALL-NEW Details About ‘Snow White’ Live-Action

In May, fans first saw West Side Story (2021) star Rachel Zegler as the Fairest of them All, Snow White. At D23 Expo Friday night, Zegler took the stage with her villainous costar Gal Gadot to share all-new details about the live-action remake of Snow White (2024), produced by Marc Platt and directed by Marc Webb.

In front of the newly-released Snow White logo, Zegler said it was an “honor” to bring the Disney Princess to the “modern age.” She explained it’s a story about “finding a sense of agency so she can be a just ruler and wonderful queen.”

Wonder Woman (2017) star Gadot said playing the Evil Queen was “very different than what I had done before. I am used to playing the other end of where the heart should be.”

Gadot called Evil Queen “so not me,” but said the character is an “iconic villain” and “getting under her skin was so delightful.”

With original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of La La Land (2016) fame and a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White will premiere in 2024. Andrew Burnap is set to portray the film’s all-new male lead, Jonathan.

America Ferrera to Star In ‘ELIO,’ A Brand-New Disney and Pixar Film!

A brand-new story from Disney and Pixar was just announced! Join Elio on an intergalactic adventure coming soon!

Disney D23 Expo, which took place in Anaheim, California last week surprised Disney fans worldwide with exciting new stories coming soon!

Some of the announcements included the long-awaited Hocus Pocus (1993) sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), coming to Disney+ later this month, and the popular sequel Disenchanted (2022), also making its way into Disney’s streaming platform later this year. Fans were also able to get a first look at so many exciting new projects like Win or Lose, Pixar’s first full-length series, IwájúWalt Disney Animation Studios’ first-ever collaboration with Kugali Media, and a breathtaking original story to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Wish.

Yet another upcoming story is Elio. Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) posted a first look at the upcoming project, with stunning visuals that will surely enchant viewers.

Disney and Pixar’s newest adventure will take viewers on an intergalactic journey with Elio. Per Disney:

Meet Elio: A boy who finds himself transported across the galaxy & mistaken for the intergalactic Ambassador for our planet Earth.

This brand-new project will star America Ferrera as Olga Solis and Yonas Kibreab as Elio. Disney and Pixar’s ELIO will be Directed by Adrian Molina & Produced by Mary Alice Drumm. This intergalactic adventure lands in Spring 2024.

First Look at Upcoming ‘Haunted Mansion’ Film Starring Jamie Lee Curtis

Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2023) will bring the spooks and scares you know and love from The Haunted Mansion at the Disney Parks to your hometown!

Jamie Lee Curtis stars Madam Leota alongside Jared Leto, confirmed at D23 Expo last night to portray The Hatbox Ghost! D23 attendees got a new-for-the-room only look at a trailer for the film, described by Deadline:

“A car pulls up to a mansion in the depths of night. The mansion, our narrator says, was discovered fully built after a fire in 1788. ‘That’s when things started to get weird,’ he continues, ‘[with] a string of dramatic events, paranormal attacks, yellow fever, explosions. There’s no records, only stories.’ We then follow a character played by Tiffany Haddish and a priest portrayed by Owen Wilson as they explore hidden areas of the darkly historic house with a group of kids, finding, behind a painting, a room that had ‘not been touched in centuries.’ The trailer also introduces us to a tour guide played by Lakeith Stanfield, with further flashes to characters played by Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito and more.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Cameos from Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, Hasan Minaj, and more were also announced.

Curtis appeared at D23 in a Doombuggy from The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park, silently whisking away director Justin Simien:

Simien shared a photo of his old Cast Member ID from Disneyland, where he loved to ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.