We have been reporting on the Lizzie McGuire Disney+ reboot for nearly 18 months. News of the series was first reported in August 2019. By October 2019, the cast and crew were preparing for the first episodes. Things began to fall apart in January 2020 when show creator Terri Minsky left after just two episodes.
Star Hillary Duff took to Instagram in January 2020 to announce the show’s cancellation. Now other stars are sounding off regarding the circumstances around the reboot’s demise.
In an interview with Vice, actor Robert Carradine questioned why Disney approved the show’s more adult themes.
When we did the read-through of the first two scripts, there were literally three rows of chairs and in each chair was some kind of a Disney executive. I mean, there were 25 of them in there. And they were laughing their asses off. Every single step of that trajectory had to be greenlit by somebody who’s high up in the organization. So, you go to all that trouble and they decide at the last minute, out of the blue, that it needs to be more kid-friendly? I don’t get that.
Robert Carradine to Vice
Carradine seems confused as to why the project even made it to the table read. Hallie Todd, who played Lizzie’s mom, enjoyed the brief reunion. She did not directly comment on Disney leadership.
I’m sad. We had the best time when we got together for those two episodes. It felt like no time had passed, except that all of a sudden these kids were adults. It just seems ridiculous. There’s always more to it than you hear, and I certainly am not privy to those conversations in the back room.
Hallie Todd to Vice
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother, Matt, feels that the original series’ fans have been let down.
Fans always tell me how watching the show was a staple of their childhood, and honestly, I was right there with them running to the TV every week to watch the latest episode. When I walked onto the set of the rebuilt McGuire house for the reboot, it felt like such an unreal homecoming, an overwhelming childhood nostalgia. It saddens me greatly that the fans don’t get to share in that feeling.
Jake Thomas to Vice
Disney has not officially announced the reboot’s cancellation. In a statement, Disney wrote that Lizzie McGuire fans have “high expectations.” The reboot won’t move forward “unless and until we are confident we can meet those expectations,” Disney stated.
runDisney has cancelled 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Weekend. Virtual events will be held in their place.
As shared on the runDisney website: During this unusual time, race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds. As we look at the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, we will convert both of these races to virtual events, similar to our offering for the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be running together in person, we have based this decision on the unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.
Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.
Eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt, in addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.
For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend virtual events, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. These race events may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.
Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.
2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Refund Option
Runners registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by October 7, 2021 to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:
Commemorative merchandise (automatic refund – no virtual option)
Processing fee
Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, participants without a valid U.S. shipping address are not eligible for the virtual option.
Refund Timing: Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.
2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Virtual Race Options All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):
Race distance medal(s)
Option of event tech shirt(s)
Digital Bib and finisher certificate
Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
Digital Goody Bag
Virtual playlist
A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races
Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning September 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
Digital Disney Gift Cards for Select Races: Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:
Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge
Digital Disney Gift Card Timing: Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your Digital Disney Gift Card by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.
Charitable Donations: Donations made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will not be refunded and will be delivered to those organizations as originally planned.
Castaway Cay Challenge: The 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will transition to a virtual event. However, the January 11, 2021 Disney Dream cruise is currently still scheduled to sail. If you need to make adjustments to your sailing, please contact Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 or your Travel Professional.
Club runDisney Charter Membership: Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership will receive a second year of membership at no charge.
Future Races: We’re looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of our planning. At this time, we have no updates regarding future runDisney events. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Walt Disney World has extended its Flexible Cancellation Policy through December 31. Previously, risk-free booking was only available through October 3.
To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through December 31, 2020. If Guests need further assistance, they can reach us at the Disney Reservation Center through our online chat feature or by calling our reservation line.
Disneyland Paris has announced the cancellation of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run, which was set to take place from May 8 to May 10 due to concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic.
With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe, we are making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from French authorities. In an abundance of caution, Disneyland Paris Princess Run (May 8 – 10) will no longer take place.
All bookings of bib only or hotel stays with bibs will be cancelled and refunded for all participants of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run.
Our Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th Edition is still scheduled for September 24-27, and we look forward to welcoming run participants this fall.
How can I get a refund for this event? If you have booked your bibs or stay on Disneyland Paris’ website or with our Central Reservation Office you will be fully refunded on the credit card you used to settle your deposit/reservation. If you paid by bank transfer or check, we will contact you for your IBAN and your BIC in order to refund by bank transfer. If you didn’t book with Disneyland Paris directly, we invite you to contact your point of sale.
When will I receive the refund of my booking? We anticipate heavy volume of demand over the next several days and appreciate your patience.
Is it possible to exchange my booking for another event at Disneyland Paris? All bookings of bib only or hotel stays with bibs will be cancelled and refunded for all participants of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run. If you wish to book another live event, our Central Reservation Office is available to give you advice and organize your stay. Please get in touch with our holiday experts or find more information on our website.
Will the Disneyland Paris Run weekend 5th Edition still happen? Yes, Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th edition on September 24-27 is maintained.
Another day, another “technical difficulty” at Walt Disney World for a new offering. October 9th’s Epcot Forever performance, scheduled for 9 PM, was finally canceled at around 10:45 PM due to Epcot being open until 11 PM for Extra Magic Hours.
No specific reason for the cancellation was given, but the show was delayed by almost two hours before being canceled. Guests at the park described that the torches that surround World Showcase Lagoon never went on at 8:30 PM, and neither did the pre-show music.
There is no word if the cancellation of this performance means anything for the upcoming planned performances. Epcot Forever debuted October 1, 2019, with new pyrotechnics and light-up kites as a temporary show before HarmonioUS debuts in Spring/Summer of 2020.
This isn’t the first technical difficulty for a new offering to hit Walt Disney World recently, as there was an accident on the Disney Skyliner this past weekend.
