Disney Halloween Merchandise Now Available at Disney Parks and shopDisney.com

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

The Halloween season is in full gear at Walt Disney World and now Halloween merchandise is here for the spooky season. New items are available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort and shopDisney.com.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I don’t know about you, but once summer is over, I am officially in spooky prep mode! It’s hard to believe that Halloween is only a couple months away, so it’s not too early to start getting your closet ready with some spooktacular new looks to get into the spirit! Check out what’s available now and what to be on the lookout for at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and shopDisney.com.

Oh my gourd, you guys. Everyone knows that pumpkins belong with Halloween just like Minnie Mouse belongs with Mickey Mouse. That’s why this new Minnie Mouse Halloween Mini Loungefly backpack and Mickey and Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Spirit Jersey are the perfect combo to wear in the months leading up to our favorite October holiday- and beyond! To further accessorize, this sweet and spooky Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern ear headband is perfectly haunting. All of these items are available on shopDisney, with many rolling out soon at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. You can get the cute and festive checkered Minnie Mouse Halloween ear headband at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, too!

If you want to brighten up your fun evening of trick or treating, you’ll want to snag a Happy Halloween Light-Up necklace, so you’ll glow wherever you go! Mickey Mouse has gone batty with this Halloween flannel shirt, which features a skull topped with a Mickey ear hat and surrounded by bats. It’s “Wicked Spooky!” This gourd-eous collection is available NOW at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and shopDisney.com.

“Hocus Pocus” has been my favorite Halloween movie since I was a little kid, so I am totally spellbound by this new “Hocus Pocus” Mini Loungefly backpack and “Hocus Pocus” Spirit Jersey. The Sanderson sisters have never looked this good! Gobble up these items now on shopDisney.com, and soon at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The Haunted Mansion is pretty synonymous with Halloween, right? Well, it’s almost scary how wicked this Haunted Mansion Loungefly Crossbody Bag is, covered in ghoulish artwork and warnings inspired by the attraction. Tricked out in a Haunted Mansion Minnie Mouse Ear Headband (the ears are covered in the attraction’s signature wallpaper, accented with metal studs), Haunted Mansion jacket, and Haunted Mansion T-shirt, you’ll be treated to admiring glances everywhere you go. You don’t have to visit a “boo”-tique to add these hauntingly stylish items to add to your closet. They are already available at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and later this month they’ll be on shopDisney.com too!

Available now on shopDisney.com and select stores at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are wheelchair cover sets. Transform your chair and channel your inner royalty with a magical Cinderella’s Coach Wheelchair Cover Set. Or rev up your chair by transforming it into the Incredimobile! If you’d rather travel to infinity and beyond, you’ll want the Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Wheelchair Cover Set.

Keep all of your favorite Halloween Disney characters on hand—literally—with some wickedly gorgeous Pandora charms featuring Madame Leota from Disney’s Haunted Mansion, “Hocus Pocus,” Maleficent & Dragon, and Mickey Mouse pumpkin. Get one of these charms, or collect them all, coming soon to Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and shopDisney.com.

Coming next month to Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and shopDisney.com:

Does Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” tug at your heartstrings like it does mine? Well, starting next month, you can wear the film’s art on your sleeves! You’ll want to “remember” to buy this colorful long-sleeved shirt, vibrant leggings, and Mini Loungefly backpack. The stitching on the sleeve of the character Miguel with his guitar is just too cute.

Fans of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” rejoice! This new frightfully fabulous collection from the film favorite releases next month and includes an Oogie Boogie Mini Loungefly backpack, a ghoulish, glittering, Oogie Boogie Spirit Jersey, a “Nightmare Before Christmas” Denim Jacket with Jack Skellington decal, a “Nightmare Before Christmas” Minnie ear headband with translucent bow, and a “Nightmare Before Christmas” Mini Loungefly backpack with all-over print.

While you’re figuring out your own Halloween costume, don’t forget your Disney nuiMOs! Dress up your favorite little plush in these fabulous new Halloween outfits, and prepare to be obsessed with the new Jack Skellington and Sally Disney nuiMOs.

Go ahead and trick or treat yourself to some of these latest products from Disney parks. I think it’s going to be a great Halloween. I can feel it in my bones!

Disney CEO Says “Guests Will Spend Less Time in Line” with Disney Genie

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

In yesterday’s Q3 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “Guests will spend less time in line and more time having fun.” Chapek discussed the “guest-centric services” that Disney has been developing for years, including the new Magic Key pass program for Disneyland and the upcoming Disney Genie app.

Specifically, Chapek noted a significant investment into Disney Genie to enable guests to “more easily and efficiently navigate everything [the] parks have to offer” and promised more details soon.

The company hopes to provide a user-friendly app allowing for a more personalized and customized experience for guests, putting them in control with more flexibility and choice. Chapek said Disney Genie is “transformational,” calling it the MyMagic+ program “on steroids.”

It will use “consumer preferences, given what we know from them, blended with industrial engineering data based on how our park is operating that day to make suggestions on the fly.” He also noted it will lead to substantial commercial opportunities.

It has been long rumored that Disney Genie will recommend rides with shorter wait times or paid opportunities, possibly like the new Premier Access program at Disneyland Paris. Premier Access is a replacement for the free FastPass program, offering guests the chance to pay for access to shorter wait times.

Disney Lists ALL Dole Whips & Where To Find Them

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Disney is celebrating their first ever “DOLE Whip Day”! It’s no surprise that Dole Whips have that enticing taste that tends to draw in a Disney foodie following! And now, Disney has made our love for all things Dole Whip even easier by sharing a list of all their current Dole Whip offerings and where to find them. And yes, Dole Whips are fat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free with no cholesterol… so what’s not to love?

First up, in celebration of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney has launched the limited-time “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. From July 19 through 21 you can order the “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar.

Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park

  • Dole Whip pineapple, lemon, mango, and raspberry (can be swirled)
  • Dole Whip Floats
    • Dole Whip pineapple-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
    • Dole Whip pineapple-raspberry swirl with Dole pineapple juice
    • Dole Whip raspberry-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
    • Dole Whip raspberry-lemon with passionfruit, orange, and guava juice
  • Loaded Dole Whips
    • Jungle Cruise Dessert Bowl – Dole Whip with blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges topped with coconut caramel sauce, crushed plantains, dried hibiscus, and toasted coconut
    • Dole Whip chile-mango with chamoy, mango, and chile-lime

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at Disneyland Hotel

  • Dole Whip
  • Dole Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
  • Dole Whip topped with rum

Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom Park

  • Dole Whip
  • Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice

Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom Park

  • Dole Whip orange
  • Orange Cream Cup – Dole Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve
  • I Lava You Float –  Dole Whip orange topped with Fanta Strawberry and red passion fruit syrup topped with popping candy

Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs

  • Dole Whip
  • Dole Whip lime (through Labor Day)
  • Fresh Dole Whip Watermelon Slice – Dole Whip watermelon served in a fresh watermelon slice topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)
  • Dole Whip Watermelon Parfait – Dole Whip watermelon and Key lime custard with a Mickey-shaped watermelon piece topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)

Tamu Tamu at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Dole Whip
  • Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
  • Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
  • Simba Sunset – Dole Whip topped with flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)
  • King’s Cooler – Dole Whip topped with coconut rum and flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)

Trilo-Bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Trilo-Bites Twist – Dole Whip orange with vanilla soft-serve

Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Frosty Pineapple – Dole Whip blended with rum
  • Frozen Margarita Dole Whip lime blended with tequila blended and chili-lime seasoning

Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Dole Whip (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
  • Dole Whip lemon, lime, strawberry, raspberry, and mango (rotates as “Today’s Flavors”)
  • Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
  • Exclusive for Dole Whip Day – “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar (available July 19- 21)

Warming Hut at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

  • Dole Whip cone or cup (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)

Refreshment Outpost at EPCOT

  • Dole Whip pineapple, watermelon, or swirl (July 15-Nov. 20)

Little ‘Opihi’s at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

  • Dole Whip pineapple, mango, watermelon, and vanilla soft-serve
  • Dole Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae with sprinkles in a waffle bowl topped with fresh pineapple (Moana-themed) or watermelon fruit (Stitch-themed)
  • Mickey and Minnie Waffle Bowl featuring Dole Whip with sprinkles

Ulu Cafe at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

  • Dole Whip mango (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
  • Psst … we have been told the popular Dole Whip Pumpkin Spice will again be offered this fall at Ulu Café – YES!

How about THAT list?! Looks like a rather delicious list in our opinion! Take note that the above Dole Whip offerings are subject to availability. Your best bet is to get out and try them sooner rather than later so you’ll have a chance to taste your desired Dole Whip.

80% of Cast Members Recalled Have Returned to Jobs at Disney Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Alongside the news that capacity at Walt Disney World has already been increased from 35% and will be increased again “immediately,” CEO Bob Chapek brought up the return of Cast Members to the parks.

In an interview with CNBC, Chapek said, “80% of the Cast Members, that we called back who unfortunately we had to furlough,” showed a “willingness and zealotry” to bring magic back to the parks.

Since the parks’ closure for the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, more than 32,000 Cast Members were laid off or furloughed. Many struggled with unemployment and relied on local food banks for support. Furloughs continued to be extended even after Walt Disney World Resort reopened in July 2020.

Disneyland Resort didn’t reopen until last month, but Cast Member recalls will likely continue when California allows for increased capacity at theme parks.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said that Cast Members would be “at the heart” of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the resort. That statement was released shortly after another round of layoffs and came under critique on Twitter. The return of many Cast Members may help back up that promise.

Walt Disney World Hiring Seasonal Fireworks & Special Effects Designer

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World has a job posting for a seasonal fireworks and special effects designer. Though no announcements have been made, this may point to the return of fireworks shows to Walt Disney World theme parks. Nighttime spectaculars, including fireworks, have been suspended due to COVID-19 since the parks reopened.

Walt Disney World to Stream Its Magic Kingdom Fireworks Display https://app.asana.com/0/1135954362417873/1172825916323514/f Credit: Walt Disney World

EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” was set to open later this year, although the designer could be working on any number of projects. A 50th anniversary fireworks show is rumored for Magic Kingdom, dubbed “Project Nugget” in construction permits. Fireworks were tested at Magic Kingdom late last year.

The job description for the fireworks and special effects designer is below.

Job Summary:

The Fireworks & Special Effects Designer develops/executes pyrotechnic and special effects designs for live shows across property, including Parks, Resorts, Special Events and DISNEY CRUISE LINE®.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversees ordering of pyrotechnic and special effect equipment and product
  • Provides updates to Show Directors, Producers, and Production Managers about confetti, pyrotechnics and other special effect development and availability
  • Interfaces with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by WDW
  • Supervises effects crews for special events, road shows, and permanent installations
  • Provides ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations of existing shows
  • Manages and provide proper documentation of all live show effects plots at WDW
  • Develops and realizes the design intent through the effective execution of the creative process
  • Participate in project’s creative development
  • Develops and executes special effects/pyrotechnics designs for live shows and facility infrastructure as assigned
  • Develops and/or provides input to project special effects budgets and labor requirements
  • Stays current with special effects technology research and development efforts within industry
  • Partners with Consultant Special Effects/Pyrotechnics Designers and vendors to ensure Disney quality, compatibility, training and proper documentation of all audio/video services delivered
  • Functions as a resource to maintain the proper training of operating area special effects/pyrotechnics Technicians
  • Conducts on-going “Entertainment Show Quality” evaluations of existing offerings at Walt Disney World and provide support to maintain their original show intent
  • Maintains a strong relationship with fireworks compound, safety, purchasing, vendors and interface with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by Walt Disney World
  • Maintains up-to-date show documentation and special effects R&D lab

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry working in show development and operation of live shows
  • Working knowledge of current technology and industry standards for all aspects of, special effects/pyrotechnics design, presentation styles, (theatrical, industrial, concert, touring, etc.) as applied to live show and facility systems
  • Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other Designers, Directors, Writers and Producers
  • Proven leadership abilities to work closely with the special effects crew to prioritize, organize, instruct and problem-solve during installation, test & adjust and cueing throughout delivery of project
  • Proven ability to deliver on a project’s established scope, schedule and budget
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to express creative ideas
  • Ability to work flexible hours – nights, weekends, holidays – including occasional travel
  • General computer skills including basic Microsoft Office products and industry specific software
  • Demonstrated commitment to on-going personal education

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2 years experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture

Required Education

  • College degree or equivalent experience in theatre with focus on special effects/pyrotechnics design or equivalent experience