Disney Streaming Service Slowing Comes into Focus
This week, we learned a little bit more about Disney’s upcoming streaming service. First, Disney Shareholders were invited to listen in to the Q3 Earnings call, where Bob Iger and Christine McCarthy reported on the company’s performance over the last three months. While Iger was not ready to announce specifics about the service or the number of subscribers to ESPN+, he’s pleased with projected timeline and with current performance. He also teased that the Fox acquisition could be helpful in producing Marvel content for the platform. In terms of price, he once again mentioned that it will be significantly lower than Netflix and the company may offer bundle pricing for customers who want the Disney service, ESPN+, and Hulu.
Elsewhere, the New York Times profiled Ricky Strauss, who will be leading Disney’s direct-to-consumer service. Here we learned that the new Jon Favreau-helmed Star Wars series coming to the streaming service could cost as much as $100 million for 10 episodes!
Finally, with Disney’s big push into streaming, we’re happy to debut our Disney Streaming Services page, where you can browse the latest content coming to ESPN+, Hulu, and (eventually) the Disney-branded platform.
Disneyland Paris Announces Halloween Celebration with Focus on Mickey Mouse
The Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris will serve up a terrifyingly great time! Guests will enjoy “It’s Good to be Bad with the Disney Villains!” show and will have the chance to meet the dastardly troublemakers. Mickey and friends will parade through the park in Mickey’s Halloween Cavalcade and with the Mouse appearing on his own float. Along with the Halloween Festival, Disneyland Paris will celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday and will welcome Mickey and his PhillharMagic Orchestra to the Discoveryland Theater.
Magic Kingdom’s Tron Coaster Construction Will Impact Surrounding Attractions
On Friday, the Disney Parks Blog announced the Walt Disney World Railroad and Tomorrowland Speedway will be temporarily closed starting in late 2018 and early 2019 to make way for Tron construction. The new ride is inspired by Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster that debut on the park’s opening day. The Tron coaster is expected to open in 2021, just in time to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
Disney Television Animation Baymax Dreams Shorts Debut This September
Three Big Hero 6 inspired shorts are coming to DisneyNOW app and Disney Channel YouTube this September. The Baymax Dreams shorts star the lovable health care companion, and take viewers along for a fun ride into his dreams. Working with Unity Technologies, Disney Television Animation is experimenting with technology typically used in gaming and applying it to animation.
Oogie Boogie and Halloween Goodies Return to Disney Parks
It might still be summer, but it’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween! Holiday parties and fall theming are making their way to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in celebration of Halloween. Guests visiting the parks during the fall will see the return of the collectable Oogie Boogie popcorn buckets and will have the chance to indulge in hauntingly delicious treats.
Disney Sleep Shop Hotline Debuts
In an attempt to make the bedtime routine a little easier for kids (and mostly parents) Disney has introduced their Sleep Shop and Sleep Shop Hotline. The Sleep Shop is full of adorable bedtime essentials from light-up plushes and routine rewards charts, to pajamas, blankets, and more. Guests calling the hotline can hear a special good night message from a Disney pal. The hotline will be available through the end of the month.
Other Stories of Note
Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary IMAX Movie Marathon. The Festival will run from August 30th to September 6th at select IMAX locations in the U.S. and Canada.The marathon will take place over 7 days and will mark the first time Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Captain America: The First Avenger have screened in IMAX.
2019 Oscars to Receive Several Changes. At their annual meeting this week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences board of governors announced changes to Oscar broadcasts going forward. The biggest take away was the introduction of a new category: Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film.
Gal Gadot Makes Her Disney Debut in Ralph Breaks the Internet. Wonder Woman star, Gal Gadot surprised fans with the announcement of her role in Disney’s upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet. Gadot voices a tough as nails street racer, Shank who tests her skills against Vanelleope. Gadot shared the news on her Facebook and Instagram accounts with a teaser clip and photo.
Disneyland Paris Honors Tivoli Gardens Anniversary With Limited Edition Pin. After a visit to the Danish amusement park in 1950, Walt Disney was inspired to create Disneyland. As a way to say thank you and recognize the impact the park had on Walt and his vision, Disney has created a special collector’s pin.
Disney twenty-three Magazine Fall Issue Celebrates Mickey’s 90th Birthday. The quarterly publication from Disney’s official fan club will honor the cultural icon and will feature a special introduction penned by film critic, Leonard Maltin.