Time for Academy Award Nominations. Members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted and The Walt Disney Company racked up nominations in 6 categories with 7 overall nods (or 8 depending on how you count them). Best Original Song – Let it… Read More »Disney Scores 8 Oscar Nods
Walt Disney Studios has released their schedule for films to be released on DVD in 2014, and it contains a mixture of classic favorites and new projects.
Here are the dates to mark in your calendar:
February 11 – The Jungle Book: Diamond Edition
For the first time ever, this classic movie will be available on Blu-ray in high definition. The release will also feature new behind-the-scenes bonus features. It will be available in a Blu-ray combo pack, regular DVD, and digital formats. Save up to 30% by pre-ordering today.
March 18 – Frozen
Of course, Disney’s newest animated hit will hit the shelves in Spring 2014. If you pre-order the blu-ray DVD combo box, you can save 49% off the retail price. Can’t beat that deal.Read More »US Release Schedule for Walt Disney Studios Films on DVD in 2014
Normally at this time of year, I write a retrospective piece looking back at the year in Disney, but for personal reasons, I’ve decided now is the time to look forward, not back. Instead of recollections, I’m writing prescriptions.These are the things I believe will help Walt Disney World continue to compete for the hearts and wallets of their fans while fending off challenges from other entertainment options both near (Universal Orlando) and far (changing TV viewing habits at home, for instance)
I’ll try and limit myself to one or two recommendations each and something that can at least get started in 2014. I don’t intend each prescription to solve every woe, but it will at least make a significant difference in one or two major problem areas.
Magic Kingdom
The oldest theme park in Central Florida is showing its age more and more and suffers from serious stagnation in both attractions and entertainment (translation: a serious capacity issue). There is something they can do quickly to make a dent. As part of an overall project to update Tomorrowland, I prescribe for the park an indoor air-conditioned high-capacity theater capable of hosting shows similar to the Hyperion Theater at California Adventure. With multiple shows a day, this adds a lot of capacity, gives guests a place to cool off in the heat and humidity, and allows for a showcase for Disney’s latest animated musicals (Rapunzel Stage show anyone?). This is also something that could be accomplished quickly and with minimal in park disruption by setting the theater outside the berm. Additional revenue can be raised by hosting events in the space, something the Magic Kingdom is currently lacking.
EPCOT
This park has the highest capacity of all four parks. It has two wonderful festivals and an enjoyable Christmas overlay. These are wonderful for what they do to attract guests. However, the mission and vision of EPCOT has been ignored for too long, and many areas of the park are in serious need of rejuvenation. Let’s tackle the two sections of the park separately.Read More »Dr. John’s 2014 Prescriptions for Walt Disney World
How was your New Year’s Eve? If you were out partying or watching fireworks at the parks, you probably missed this cute little video from The Muppets as they counted down the new year to promote the upcoming Muppets Most Wanted movie. It’s easy to… Read More »The Muppets Countdown New Years Eve
Update: 2015 movie slate now available.
Hang on to that popcorn bucket and suck down that soda, the 2014 line of movies from the Mouse House is looking absolutely amazing. Disney’s movie empire has expended greatly (and Lucasfilm still hasn’t been added to the mix) and there are a lot of films on the list. There are three or four potential question marks, but the slate looks very respectable.
I’ve included the full list with a synopsis and trailer video when available. Set your calendar appointments now and let us know which you’re looking most forward to.
February 28, 2014 – The Wind Rises
Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki’s final film.
In “The Wind Rises,” Jiro dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted from a young age and unable to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927 and becomes one of the world’s most innovative and accomplished airplane designers. The film chronicles much of his life, depicting key historical events, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression, the tuberculosis epidemic and Japan’s plunge into war. Jiro meets and falls in love with Nahoko, and grows and cherishes his friendship with his colleague Honjo. Writer/director Hayao Miyazaki pays tribute to engineer Jiro Horikoshi and author Tatsuo Hori in this epic tale of love, perseverance, and the challenges of living and making choices in a turbulent world.
Read More »Release Dates for Disney’s 2014 Movie Slate
It’s that time of year again… the newest Disney calendars are out! The Disney Parks Blog announced their arrival last week, and they are already available at the parks and will be for sale online starting October 21st (That’s today). 2014’s theme will focus on… Read More »2014 Disneyland and Disney World Calendars are Now Available
I know that most families, our included, are barely thinking two weeks ahead most of the time, but if you’ve ever wanted to take a Disney Cruise 2014 is shaping up to be an amazing year for the Disney Cruise Line. The division is realigning its ships so that all four will be departing from Florida at the same time in early 2014.
In the early part of 2014, the Disney Magic will return to Port Canaveral, Fla., joining the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, while the Disney Wonder will homeport in Miami. During this time, guests will have more opportunities than ever to enjoy a Disney cruise that visits Disney’s private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay.
This will mean busy days for the white sand beaches and azure waters of Castaway Cay. Guests will also be tempted to combine a visit to Walt Disney World Resort and experience the expanded Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. At least that’s the plan.
2014 Itinerary Details below the jump:
Read More »Disney Cruise Line Announces New Intineraries and Ports for 2014