Disney Teases Overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A.

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Today, at Disney’s 2022 D23 expo, it was teased by Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, that DinoLand, U.S.A., could be completely reworked in an upcoming project.

Nothing was confirmed, nor were there any dates or specific themes given, but concept art was revealed from the “blue sky” idea. “Blue sky”  is basically a design process that allows Disney Imagineers to think outside the box and not worry about budgets, not yet at least.

Below is the concept art for a potential DinoLand U.S.A. overhaul:

dinoland

The Dinoland, U.S.A. section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is somewhat divisive among Disney Parks fans. Some love the carnival-themed area, while others feel that it should be rethemed to feature a recent Disney IP, such as Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).

It is worth noting that, at this time, Disney World officials have not confirmed what will replace the Primeval Whirl Wild Mouse-style ride or if Dinoland, U.S.A. will be rethemed at any point in the near future. For now, Guests can continue to visit the area where carnival games, the Restaurantosaurs quick service location, and the Triceratops Spin ride are all available.

DinoLand, U.S.A. features what is possibly Disney World’s scariest attraction with DINOSAUR, a time-traveling adventure. DINOSAUR opened alongside the Animal Kingdom Park in April of 1998, although it had a different name and offered a slightly different experience. DINOSAUR is an intense, exciting, and downright prehistoric trip through time, letting Guests witness the moments just before the dinosaurs were wiped out of existence due to an asteroid impact. As its slogan states, “It’s fast, it’s a blast, It’s in the past!”.

Disney Celebrates Princess Week With a New Princess!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

It’s International Princess Week, and is there a new princess in town!  Raya, the titular character from Raya and the Last Dragon, will officially be crowned as a Disney Princess as part of the weeks celebrations. 

Raya and the Last Dragon was a 2021 Disney film that celebrated the princess’s love for her people, family, and free spirit (following in the tradition of other modern princesses in the franchise). The film takes place in Southeast Asia, and although some have criticized it as stereotypical, it was mostly widely celebrated for its diversity and representation of Southeast Asian culture. 

In the film, Raya must save humanity from the evil Druun spirits with the help of a mythical dragon, Sisu, that had somehow survived for 500 years as the last dragon. She meets a group of new friends (and a rival or two) along the way as she searches for a way to save her people. 

Raya

We hope this means that Raya will begin regularly meeting guests At Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, but no announcement has been made. In the past, she has made brief appearances at Disney’s California Adventure.  She also made her debut at Shanghai Disneyland last September, which makes us very hopeful that she will grace the Stateside Parks soon. 

Raya joins an esteemed lineup of 12 other princesses to represent Disney Royalty. Other Disney Princesses include: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana. In the last, Disney has had an official coronation for princess induction. We’re unsure whether they have plans for all of that pomp and circumstance for Raya or not as no official plans have been announced. 

As an unofficial Disney princess myself (in my own head) I’d like to say “welcome to the team Raya!” In all serious though we are so excited to see Raya become an official Disney Princesss. 

Video Showing Making of a 40-Ton Sand Sculpture at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” releases this Friday and there are many ways to celebrate the new film at Disney Parks and at home! One way Disney is celebrating is with a special 40-ton sand sculpture now at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out the celebration details and video as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, guests can take a photo with a 40-ton sand sculpture at Discovery Island Stage, learn to draw new characters at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station or enjoy several new tasty treats, all inspired by the film. Here’s a look at the making of the sand sculpture that took two artisans three days to carve.

Gear up for adventure with new product available at shopDisney.com, Disney stores, Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.

And coming soon, Downtown Disney District will debut a new art installation designed by Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Designer, Xiao Qing Chen. Qing was born and raised in Malaysia and drew inspiration for this artwork from the film and her heritage. Qing’s design intent for the piece is to celebrate differences by respecting, accepting and embracing everyone’s uniqueness and strengths. Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog for more details.

Cinemark Theatres Will NOT Be Playing ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+, Uncategorized

Raya and the Last Dragon has been mega popular recently in the parks as various experiences have popped up to celebrate the film’s upcoming debut!

However, Deadline has reported that the Cinemark, the 3rd most popular movie theater in the U.S., will not be playing Raya and the Last Dragon as the movie is released on March 5th. Despite the fact that Raya will debuting both in theaters and through Premier Access on Disney+, negotiations to play the film at theaters have been difficult.

According to Deadline, Disney’s terms for playing Raya and the Last Dragon were strictly outlined. And, if theaters weren’t happy with the negotiations, they didn’t have to play the film when it was released. This will affect venues in places like New York City, whose Cinemark theaters in the five boroughs are reopening with 25% capacity.

Cinemark has released the statement that “In the current operating environment, we are making near-term booking decisions on a discrete, film-by-film basis, focusing on the long-term benefit of exhibitors, studios and moviegoers.

While we are having conversations with The Walt Disney Company, we have not yet reached agreeable licensing terms for Raya and the Last Dragon. As we continue to work with our studio partners, we remain optimistic that we will reach mutually beneficial terms that will provide moviegoers the opportunity to see the exciting film lineup in our theatres.”

At this time, Raya and the Last Dragon will open in over 2,000 theaters, including 200 IMAX screens, 360 Premium Large Format screens, 160 3D locations, and 45 D-Box/4D screens. The industry has estimated that the opening should see $6 million to $7 million in the box office.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” Treats Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining

To celebrate the upcoming release of Walt Disney Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon,” I have some very special treats to share. In addition to the experiences coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom announced previously on Disney Parks Blog, three new creative sweet treats inspired by the film debut today in the Park.

  • Baby Tuk Tuk Mousse – 5-spice mousse on top of chocolate cake, milk chocolate cream, chocolate velvet ”shell,” and chocolate crispy pearls (available starting Feb. 22 at Creature Comforts Coffee Shop and Isle of Java).
  • Baby Tuk Tuk Ice Cream Sundae – Chai-spiced caramel cake, chai caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, green tea cake crumbs, salted caramel crispy pearls, and edible image of Baby Tuk Tuk (available starting Feb. 22 at Dino-Bite Snacks).
  • Mighty Mist Soft-Serve – Twist of strawberry and vanilla soft serve with blue-tinted white chocolate- dipped waffle cone rolled in sparkling sugar (available starting Feb. 22 at Anandapur Ice Cream Truck).

And it gets even sweeter! As a Disney Parks Blog exclusive debut, here is a “foodie inspired” clip from the new film introducing Boun, the self-styled “owner, manager, chef, and captain” of his boat, the Shrimporium.

Don’t miss “Raya and the Last Dragon” releasing simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on Mar. 5, 2021.