Disney Plus’ new animated anthology series is gaining a ton of praise, and it hasn’t even premiered yet! Fans of the upcoming Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire are inspired by its groundbreaking storytelling and unprecedented global portrayal. These science fiction stories glimpse into a futuristic Africa and are crafted by African filmmakers themselves! Here’s what you need to know.
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire isDisney Plus’ new original anthology series, set to premiere July 5th. Ten stand-alone yet thematically connected episodes will feature futuristic sci-fi elements, action, and adventure inspired by African history and culture. The episodes will be like short films and are expected to appeal to families and lovers of anime.
Famed director Peter Ramsey is an executive producer, and the various anthology directors hail from African countries like Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt. The series will highlight the underrepresented African perspective in sci-fi worlds of the next level. Variety reports that the pan-African series will “blend of mythology, science fiction, and Afrofuturism, presenting 10 bold, wholly original visions of the future.”
“Kizazi Moto” is a Swahili phrase that translates to “Fire Generation” and refers to the proactive younger generation who want to inspire positive change in their communities or society as a whole. Kizazi Moto individuals are usually seen as passionate, driven, and committed to making a difference in various aspects of life, such as politics, activism, entrepreneurship, or social justice.
With this in mind, viewers can expect animators to combine their culture with advanced technology to create epic stories told through African animation. Disney Plus revealed the names of the ten episodes and the cultures they are connected to.
“Stardust” – Egypt
“Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer” – South Africa
“Hatima” – South Africa
“Enkai” – Kenya
“Moremi” – Nigeria
“Surf Sangoma” – South Africa
“Mukudzei” – Zimbabwe
“First Totem Problems” – South Africa
“Herderboy” – Uganda
“You Give Me Heart” – South Africa
See what everyone’s talking about when Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire starts streaming on July 5th!
For the millions of fans who visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort every year, meeting your favorite Disney characters in real life is an essential part of the vacation. Getting to meet your heroes in a place as immersive as Disney is something that genuinely cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Of all of the Disney characters you can meet, the Disney Princesses are likely the most popular. These kind, heroic, and beautiful women are a massive draw for many theme Park fans.
When you meet a Disney Princess at a Disney Park, you will likely be expecting to see the outfit they wear in their feature film. However, that is all about to change for one princess: Tiana!
Princess Tiana, the beloved character from Disney’s Princess and the Frog, has been enchanting Guests at Disney Parks around the world for years. The parks have gone above and beyond to bring the magic of Tiana’s world to life, immersing Guests in her story and the charm of New Orleans.
One of the most exciting additions featuring Princess Tiana will be the “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” attraction. This thrilling water ride will take Guests through the lush landscapes of the Bayou, allowing them to experience the beauty of nature and the excitement of Tiana’s journey. With animatronic characters and stunning visuals, this new ride is expected to be incredible.
In preparation for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney has announced an all-new costume that the Princess will be rocking. A first glimpse of her new outfit, which is styled in the theme of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, was given to those attending ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans.
Disney has shared a first look at Tiana's new costume. The outfit is the same look for Tiana in Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is set to open at Disney World and Disneyland next year.
It is so cool to see the Parks styling Tiana in a brand-new look. Fans will have a lot to look forward to once the retheming of Splash Mountain is complete.
Deep within the rustic confines of Frontierland at Walt Disney World, a musical extravaganza awaits, bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of bear-filled entertainment. The Country Bears Jamboree is a beloved attraction that has been captivating audiences since its debut in 1971. Join us as we dive into the heartwarming world of these singing, strumming, and foot-stomping bears.
The Country Bears Jamboree invites guests to enter Grizzly Hall, a rustic theater adorned with wood paneling and a warm, inviting ambiance. As the show begins, an assortment of animatronic bears takes the stage, each with their own unique personality and musical style. From Henry, the lovable host, to Big Al, the endearingly off-key performer, the show is a lively and humorous revue that will have audiences clapping and singing along in no time.
What sets the Country Bears Jamboree apart is its infectious and memorable music. From classic country and bluegrass tunes to catchy original songs, the performances are a delightful mix of foot-tapping melodies and witty lyrics. The bears’ harmonies, accompanied by banjos, fiddles, and guitars, create a lively atmosphere that transports guests to a quaint country hoedown.
Each bear in the jamboree has a distinct personality that shines through their performances. Whether it’s Liver Lips McGrowl’s soulful ballad or the Three Charming Sisters’ sassy rendition, these furry entertainers bring laughter and joy to all. The humor and warmth exuded by the bears make them endearing characters that guests can’t help but root for.
The Country Bears Jamboree has become a cherished classic at Walt Disney World, enchanting audiences for generations. Its nostalgic appeal lies in its simplicity and authenticity, capturing the spirit of an old-fashioned country music revue. The attraction’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm and the universal appeal of its heartwarming performances.
The Country Bears Jamboree at Walt Disney World’s Frontierland is a toe-tapping, smile-inducing experience that has charmed visitors for decades. With its unforgettable musical numbers, lovable bear characters, and nostalgic atmosphere, it offers a delightful escape into a simpler time. So, grab your hat, stomp your feet, and join the bears in Grizzly Hall for an unforgettable country jamboree that will leave you singing and laughing along with the music.
“Goonies never say DIE!” It would seem that is an accurate assessment as it was recently announced that the 1985 film The Goonies, starring newcomers Corey Feldman (Stand By Me, Gremlins, The Lost Boys), Josh Brolin (Deadpool 2, Avengers: Infinity War and End Game), Sean Austin (Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things), among others would be getting a make-over. The Goonies is a loveable tale about a misfit group of friends trying to save their town from corporate America and greedy banks. Throughout their exploits and misadventures, they mistakingly find themselves in the sights of a murderous, yet dimwitted, crime family. Full of adventure, ill-timed comedy, and pirate lore, Steven Spielberg’s story resonated well with fans and has amassed a loyal following.
It seems that in their attempt to remake everything that we Gen X’ers hold dear, Disney has now shifted their focus to The Goonies, and the remake is set to happen in the form of a new story told as a series. This could go one of two ways, really well or considerably poor. There’s reason to be hopeful, however, as Amblin Entertainment, the group that produced the original film, is back on board for this new series which will air on Disney+. Affectionately called “Our Time,” the new series was reportedly passed on by Fox as it was too kid-central. Their loss, Disney’s gain.
There aren’t many details yet, but we have a plot foundation as the show’s producer Gail Berman spilled the beans with Variety. “This is a partnership between me, Amblin, and Lauren Shuler Donner. When I was at Paramount, there were these young boys doing this movie about “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” a shot-by-shot remake. It got some press at the time, and the studio was very upset about it. I thought it was an amazing idea, and it always stood in my head of — how can you take an idea like that and turn it into a TV series? … We needed a terrific writer and great partners, so we brought the idea to Amblin and those guys loved it. Sarah Watson is our creator. The series is a story of a town and a family in the lens of “Friday Night Lights,” and within that they tell a story of a shot-by-shot remake of “The Goonies.” We had to go to Warner Bros., to Toby Emmerich, and ask if we could have rights to “The Goonies”. They said yes, obviously, because of Mr. Spielberg and the Donners. We’re now doing this for Disney Plus.”
Berman’s statements are exciting as they tell us they plan to stay within the original story. It seems the setting, Astoria, Oregon, and the general premise of the series will be the same as the ode to Raiders of the Lost Ark. Berman wanted to tell the story through a new lens, and we can get behind that. The problem, however, becomes what level of story do they want to tell. We can’t have the original pirate-laden tale of One-Eyed Willy and his hidden treasure, right? I’d argue, why not?
The original story’s foundation of kids searching for a hidden treasure navigating their way through treacherous terrain and booby-trapped caverns is perfect; why change it? It doesn’t seem that Berman plans to. The story works so well as is, filled with cringy one-liners, ridiculous gags, and great sets (for the 1980’s anyhow), they don’t have to stray far from the original formula for the series to have a chance at success.
This is where we come to a concerning conundrum. The Goonies wouldn’t be the same without Sloth, Chunk, Mouth, Data, Mikey, or even the Fratelli family. We have yet to hear about who could return and what their role would be. Producers could likely attempt to recast, but I fear that would not go over well with fans. Personally, I’m not sure how I’d feel about it. Although the original Goonies weren’t top-class actors (they were just a bunch of kids), that’s part of its everlasting charm. The terrible timing of jokes, over-the-top delivery of dialogue, and excessive stereotyping of kids make that movie perfect in its own way. They can’t reproduce that with a new cast.
The other likely possibility is that The Goonies gets a modern take. Maybe the kids are all grown-up and still searching for the ship full of treasure that sailed away at the original movie’s end. This is the most likely case for me, but it would still struggle to possess the same charm that made the original film so memorable. When we look at other productions that have been brought into the new age of movie-making, they’re only successful if they maintain their original essence.
No matter what they decide to do, a new series based on The Goonies is coming. It will be interesting to see how the show is written and produced, as it is made solely for Disney+. As Fox passed on the project, it might lose some of its gravitas in the joke-making department, but we shall see. As for the original, however, you can stream it on Amazon!
July is almost here, with it lots of unique and limited-time treats at Disney Parks that celebrate Independence Day! Some of these items are available the entire month of July, and some just for a few days, so take a look below to see what you can enjoy at Disney Parks in July!
From a Disney Cast Member;
Get ready to get patriotic! Fourth of July is just around the corner and here at Disney Parks, the culinary teams have been bursting with delicious ideas to fill your stomach. From Walt Disney World Resort to Disneyland Resort, there are plenty of tasty ways to celebrate Independence Day this year.
If you’re looking for sweet or savory selections to satisfy your taste buds, you’ll be happy to indulge in new items like the Fourth of July Shake from Sunshine Seasons and the Red, White & Blue Sundae from Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream. There’s also a variety of returning favorites to get a taste of, including the Lemon Mousse Cake at Roaring Fork. I think it’s time we light up your appetite with the full list of can’t-miss items coming to Disney Parks this Fourth of July. Let’s get to the Foodie Guide!
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
Connections Cafe (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar
Fife & Drum (Currently available)
The American Dream: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, vanilla ice cream, and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Currently available; mobile order available)
Celebrate the regions of American backyard barbecue with classic dishes (Some plant-based items available on the menu)
Sunshine Seasons (Available July 1 through 31)
Fourth of July Shake: Red velvet shake with whipped cream and red velvet cake pieces
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Backlot Express (Available July 1 through 31)
Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with an apple pie filling, topped with a salted caramel buttercream, cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey Ears
Woody’s Lunchbox (Available July 1 through 31)
4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling, vanilla fondant, and star sprinkles
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available through August 31; mobile order available)
Sweet Summertime Favorites: Hot dog éclair with chocolate buttercream, iced sugar cookie ‘fries’, and raspberry dipping sauce
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee (Available June 27 through July 4)
Independence Day Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake, apple pie filling, and vanilla mascarpone cream
Freedom Cheesecake: Red velvet brownie base, vanilla cheesecake, sweet cream, crisp pearls, and white chocolate garnish
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available July 1 through 8; mobile order available) Fourth of July Fruit Tart: Blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available July 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Star-spangled Brownie Bar: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available June 27 through July 4; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)
Fourth of July Layer Cake: Layers of red velvet cake with white and blue buttercream filled with a patriotic sprinkle surprise
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Riverside Mill Food Court (Available July 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Star-spangled Brownie Bar: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Bar Riva (Available June 30 through July 14)
Patriotic Wave: The Mediterranean Wave with the addition of blue curaçao and hibiscus to celebrate both Independence Day and Bastille Day
Le Petit Café (Available June 27 through July 4)
Patriotic Top Hat: Vanilla bean cheesecake with morello cherries on a Riviera brownie (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (Available June 27 through July 4; mobile order available)
Lemon Mousse Cake: Lemon cake and white chocolate lemon mousse with a blueberry compote center and chocolate star décor
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available June 30 through July 9)
Red, White, and Blue Colada: Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry purée topped with a float of Bols Blue Curaçao
Red, White, and Blue Gin and Tonic: Empress 1908 Gin, tonic water, and cranberry and pomegranate juices (New)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available July 1 through 4; mobile order available)
Fourth of July Donut: Cotton candy icing donut filled with strawberry compote, red, white, and blue whipped topping and sprinkles (New)
Plaza Inn (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Dining Package: Slow roasted BBQ pork, fried chicken thigh, smoked sausage, watermelon wedge, small corn on the cob, broccoli salad, sharp cheddar mac & cheese, bread roll, specialty dessert, and specialty beverage (New) (Reservations strongly encouraged) (Kids version available)
Disney California Adventure Park
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available June 30 through July 5; mobile order available)
Red, White & Blue Sundae: Strawberry and blueberry sorbets topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and sprinkles in a waffle bowl (New)
Disneyland Hotel
The Coffee House (Available June 30 through July 9; mobile order available) Red, White, and Blue Cupcake (New)
Downtown Disney District
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available June 30 through July 4)
Red, White, and Blue CakeShake: Vanilla shake featuring a vanilla frosted rim with red, white, and blue sprinkles topped with red, white, and blue cake, whipped cream, more sprinkles, and a cherry
Blue Ribbon Corn Dog (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Mozzarella Dog: Red, white, and blue mozzarella cheese, dipped in batter, rolled in panko crumbs, fried, rolled in sugar, and served with a side of sriracha dipping sauce (New)
Available at Various Locations at Disneyland Resort including Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Marceline’s Confectionery (Available June 30 through July 4)
Fourth of July Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears, enrobed in blue-colored white chocolate and red-colored white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallows dipped in caramel, enrobed in blue, white chocolate and red, white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat enrobed in blue, white chocolate and red, white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Cake Pop
No matter the time of year, there are endless possibilities for foodie fun at Disney Parks.
I hope you have a lovely (and tasty) Fourth of July!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
