Disney Actor on Classic Attraction as He Lives Out His Lifelong Dream

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney really does make dreams come true–and not just in the classic Disney films, as a beloved actor found out recently.

Before 2013, the world knew nothing about Sven the Reindeer, Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, or Kristoff the Ice Harvester. But late that year, fans, young and old, were introduced to these characters and to the storyline of Disney’s Frozen. Not only were the characters and the story engaging, but the actors and actresses behind those iconic characters became household names, especially Idina Menzel (voice of Elsa), Kristen Bell (voice of Anna), and Josh Gad (voice of Olaf the Snowman).

The second installment of the Frozen franchise debuted in November 2019, and fans were once again smitten by the storyline, the lyrics to the music, and the characters.

In September 2022, four of the franchise’s characters were named Disney Legends at the D23 Expo held in Anaheim, California. Each of the stars was honored individually–Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff.

When Josh Gad took to the stage at the D23 Expo, he shared a story of being rejected by Disney when he was much younger. It had been his dream to work as a Jungle Cruise skipper at the iconic classic Disney attraction, but he didn’t make the cut. But recently, Disney made Gad’s dream come true, and he finally got his wish–to work as a skipper at the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland.

(And his Cast Member tag even shows that he’s from Arendelle.)

josh gad jungle cruise

The Frozen star referred to himself as the “moderately famous” Josh Gad as he served as skipper on the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland. He hosted a boat full of Guests who were visibly excited to have the famous voice of Olaf as their skipper, and–truth be told–no skipper has ever introduced the “backside of water” with more excitement than Josh Gad. He even warned Guests aboard the boat that since he was the skipper, it would be good for them to call their loved ones and say goodbye.

josh gad jungle cruise backside of water

You can see the entire hilarious spectacle of Gad “skippering” at the Jungle Cruise ride here:

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Disney+ Prequel Postponed Indefinitely

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

In March 2020, Variety magazine confirmed that a Beauty and the Beast prequel would be coming to Disney+. The prequel would be based on the 2017 live-action remake and would focus on the story of Gaston and LeFou before they came to Belle’s provincial town. The series would be called Little Town, and Alan Menken later shared that he would be returning to do the music for the show.

Unfortunately, we are now learning that the series has been put on indefinite hold. Filming was set to begin filming this summer, but Variety is now reporting that that will not be happening. Per Variety:

According to sources, the live-action musical show is being postponed for an undetermined amount of time due to creative and scheduling issues. The show was meant to begin shooting this summer in Europe, but certain creative elements were not yet ready, which would have delayed shooting. Given the scheduling issues this would cause with the show’s cast as well as weather constraints, it was decided to hold off and revisit the show at a later date.

News of the postponement comes just days after it was announced that Rita Ora was set to join the cast of the show, while Variety exclusively reported that “Hawkeye” alum Fra Fee was joining back in January….

Disney Plus had given the “Beauty and the Beast” series an eight-episode order. It was developed, executive produced and written by Gad, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz with each serving as a co-showrunner. Evans was also meant to executive produce in addition to starring. Liesl Tommy would executive produce and direct the first episode. The project was also to feature an original soundtrack from the legendary composer Alan Menken, who served as executive producer. The lyrics for the first episode were to be by Glenn Slater. ABC Signature was the studio.

Beauty and the Beast

In addition to Josh Gad and Luke Evans returning to reprise their roles as LeFou and Gaston, the series was set to feature a new female lead character. Briana Middleton had been cast to play the role of Tilly — LeFou’s stepsister. Tilly is described as having great poise and an adventurous streak as she tries to write her own story. According to Disney, the series would tell the story of Gaston, LeFou, and Tilly going off on an incredible journey after a surprising revelation is made about Tilly’s past.

It is important to note that, at this time, the series still remains on an eight-episode order. Disney has merely postponed it and has not canceled it. Hopefully, schedules can be figured out, and a filming schedule can be worked out without too much of a delay. The series was developed by Edward Kitsiss and Adam Horowitz, most well-known to Disney fans as the creators of the hit ABC show Once Upon a Time.

‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ Premieres Sept. 25 with Narrator, Josh Gad

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney+

We’re so excited about the upcoming Disney+ series Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We’ve learned that the brand-new series will debut and stream on Disney+ starting September 25 with Narrator, Josh Gad. Check out all the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

“Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” from National Geographic, will provide an all-access pass to explore the magic of nature within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, and it’s the ultimate tribute to the magnificent array of more than 300 species and 5,000-plus animals cared for by our dedicated and highly skilled team at Walt Disney World Resort.

Filmed over the span of five months, the eight-part docu-series introduces viewers to some of our most intriguing animals and incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as custom-built GoPro enclosures, 18-foot cranes and underwater camera systems to highlight the magic found in every corner of the kingdom and the dedication and expertise of our amazing cast members who keep things running day and night. And who better to bring incredible storytelling warmth to these eye-catching visuals than the series award-winning narrator and fan-favorite Josh Gad (“Frozen,” Frozen II”).

Josh Gad

As we eagerly count down the days to the series’ debut on Disney+, I’m pleased to reveal the stunning poster art for the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” which showcases the beauty of the natural world and the passion our team of animal care experts exhibit when caring for the animals who call our parks and resorts home. I’m extremely proud of the work our incredible cast members accomplish each and every day and overjoyed you will soon get to see them in action.

So, mark your calendars for September 25, as we invite you to get an up-close look at the multifaceted aspects of animal care, operations and Imagineering. Be sure to follow my Instagram page (@DrMarkAtDisney) and the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page (@DisneyASE) for more information about the show in the coming weeks.

Title Revealed for Beauty and the Beast Prequel Coming to Disney+

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Back in March, we learned a prequel to the 2017 live action film, Beauty and the Beast, would be coming to Disney+. Now, the composer for the new film, Alan Menken, has revealed the title!

In an interview with Variety Menken shared, “I’m excited about the projects I’m doing. I’m working on “Disenchanted” and a new “Beauty and the Beast” prequel, “The Little Town” I’ve also been working on the new animated picture “Spellbound” with John Lasseter. And I’m doing a bunch of Broadway shows.

Decider shares some insight on what we know so far about the film, and what the name Little Town likely stems from:

The name Little Town likely comes from “Belle,” the opening song in Beauty and the Beast, as Collider points out. The lyrics include the lines “Little town, It’s a quiet village, Every day, Like the one before, Little town, Full of little people, Waking up to say.”

Decider goes on to share: Both Luke Evans and Josh Gad are returning to reprise their roles from the 2017 live action film. Evans will return to his role as Gaston, the arrogant and greedy hunter determined to have Belle all to himself. Gad will play LeFou, Gaston’s loyal sidekick. Neither Watson nor Dan Stevens, who starred as the Beast in the Disney film, are expected to return for Little Town. 

Little Town does not have a release date yet, but it’s likely that whatever tentative premiere the series set was pushed back by the coronavirus pandemic. Since the Beauty and the Beast prequel hasn’t begun production yet, we don’t expect to see it hit streaming any time soon.

Josh Gad Surprises Health Care Worker’s Daughter

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Grab a few tissues and get ready for the feels! Good Morning America (GMA) has been celebrating health care workers regularly throughout this pandemic. They most recently celebrated Ashley, a health care worker and founder of Pittsburgh’s first COVID-19 testing unit. We all know that the struggle of working around the clock must be surreal right now, and Ashley manages to keep it together… even with her sweet 7 year old daughter, Paige.

GMA found out Paige LOVES Olaf (of course, right?!)! So, they reached out to one of our all time favorite actors, Josh Gad (aka Olaf’s voice). Josh was sure to let Olaf share a special message for Paige. Check out the sweet video here:

Right along with Olaf, we too thank Ashley and Paige, and all other health care workers and their families, for their especially important service during these times. Warm hugs all around!