Latest news with #MagicKingdom
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Trump Robot Has Returned to Center Stage at Disney World, With a Facelift
The Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World has officially reopened after a six-month refurbishment, which included moving former President Joe Biden from center stage. The closure encompassed the eventful first half of President Donald Trump's current administration—but now, the animatronic, which debuted with a very eerie countenance during his first term, has returned with a makeover. The Magic Kingdom's attraction always features the country's current leader presiding over the show alongside all of its animatronics depicting former leaders of the free world. As HuffPost shared, Trump's new figure boasts a more articulated resemblance to him and now recites the presidential oath of office. The animatronic robot repeats the sworn commitment to 'faithfully execute the office of President of the United States' and, to the best of his ability, 'preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.' Quite a statement to put on display for park visitors from all over the country and world. The president's former figure was roasted online for the odd placement of the skin over the robot's smaller face frame, which drew conspiratorial comparisons to his political opponent, Hillary Clinton. There's no question the new robotic figure's looming artifice gives a better sense of the real Donald Trump, closely approximating his presence in a theme park world. The Hall of Presidents has been a feature at Walt Disney World for 53 years, alongside outdated park areas that are now on their way out, including Tom Sawyer's Island. The latter is set to be bulldozed to make way for a new Cars Land and E-ticket attraction for the Pixar franchise across the way from the presidential show. It will be followed by a Disney Villains land set to be put adjacent to that side of the Magic Kingdom, and it's not so hard to imagine where cartoon bad guys can go. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Did Elio's Box Office Bomb? Wall Street Analyst Weighs In
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. No one can be certain what's going to hit or not on any cinematic calendar, which is something we're witnessing in real time on the 2025 movie schedule. While 28 Years Later seems to have exceeded last weekend's estimates, Elio's record-low opening for a Pixar film has animation fans wondering why Pixar's latest couldn't soar among the stars. To answer that question requires an expert, and not an astronomer or a xenobiologist. No, for this query, we need to turn to the world of finance; and Deadline did just that. Speaking with TD Cowan analyst Doug Creutz, the publication was able to discuss the most recent example of Disney/Pixar's struggles in the market. In his estimation, Creutz sees the animation industry sitting on the edge of this particular paradox: We expect movie studios to react to this clear trend by greenlighting fewer original IP animated films (don't blame film execs, blame audiences.) The issue, of course, is that without new hit properties, a studio cannot grow its IP portfolio. This could be particularly problematic for Disney, which depends on its animated film/parks/consumer products flywheel to help drive overall company growth. That last segment is something that further analysis presented within the report above. As we've seen through upcoming changes to the Magic Kingdom, properties like Cars are important to help drive innovation at Disney Parks sites around the world. Which also means more opportunities for merchandise sales, and of course more sequels. So if another chapter in Lightning McQueen's saga is announced in the near future don't be too surprised. But one can't merely depend on the hits to push such reinventions; especially since Elio could be a pretty awesome addition to Epcot Center. Provided it gathers some steam before becoming a streaming Disney+ subscription offering. Which circles us back to the core understanding that's existed at the heart of this issue since day one: audiences need to support these sorts of projects, in order to make sure they keep happening. Disney Plus + Hulu Bundle: From $10.99 A MonthSure, you could sign up for a solo Disney+ subscription. But for $10.99 a month, you could upgrade to the Disney+/Hulu Bundle, and vastly expand your streaming world! This is a small but mighty bundle. With the libraries ofStar Wars, Marvel, and Disney/Pixar included, and the option to go ad-free for $19.99 a month, it's an offer that's truly out of this world! View Deal As one would expect, Doug Creutz cited the COVID-19 lockdown as a catalyst for what this report called the 'enormously wide' divide between the performances of original movies and legacy-quels. Which feels somewhat of a natural side effect, as the streaming boom has enhanced the potential of something like the upcoming Pixar movie Toy Story 5 through easy access to the previous films and specials. All of this ultimately ties into Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter's feelings on Elio's opening, which show the balance that needs to be struck between those two halves. While it's not necessarily a bad thing that the adventures of Woody and Buzz continue, there's still a need for original hits to keep creativity - and business dollars - flowing. It will be interesting to see if Elio can play the long game as well as 2023's Elemental did; but of course it's too early to tell. Disney/Pixar's alien epic is currently showing in theaters, for all who are curious to experience its interstellar warmth.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump makes his return to Disney World ride with new speaking role
Donald Trump has made a centerstage return to Disney World's freshly reopened Hall of Presidents - with a new and improved look from his first term. The animatronic political attraction in Magic Kingdom discreetly opened its doors on Sunday morning after being closed for five months. It shuttered on January 20 after Trump was inaugurated into his second term. The display shuts down after every presidential transition so Disney can update the show. Disney World did not announce the well-known display's sudden reopening - leaving both guests and employees confused. Cast members inside the Hall of Presidents' theater on Sunday morning told The Park Place they had no clue the show was returning and only found out when they came to work. Other than Trump's animatronic having a speaking role, no major changes have been made to the mechanized performance. The 20-minute demonstration begins with a narrated history lesson featuring all the country's former commander-in-chiefs, with Joe Biden's robot seen on stage behind Trump. A robotic Abraham Lincoln recites the Gettysburg Address, followed by a speech from George Washington. This time around, those invested in Disney's portrayal of the president have noticed the robotic figure has been upgraded to bear more resemble to the real life Trump The realistic Trump figure, situated in the middle of all the presidents, then gives his oath of office speech while mimicking Trump's hand gestures and mannerisms. He states: 'I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.' When Trump was elected for his first term, people accused the theme park of creating a Hillary Clinton animatronic and sloppily switching it to Trump after she lost the 2016 election. Critics on pointed out how the robot meant to look like Trump looked far more like Clinton. 'Here (sic) me out on this. Clearly Disney had Hilary's (sic) robot ready to go and then had to try to make it look like Trump,' one user wrote on X, which was Twitter at the time. 'Don't hate me. This is just a necessary and painful fact we all need to deal with.' 'The more I see of Disney's 'Hall of Presidents' Trump, the more I'm convinced they made a Hillary one first and had to redo it,' another user agreed. 'Disney was so sure Hillary would win they just made a Hillary robot for their hall of presidents and when Trump won they just put a trump skin over it and it looks like something straight from hell,' someone joked. This time around, those invested in Disney's portrayal of the president have noticed the figure has been upgraded to better resemble to the real life Trump. 'Damn. I will miss Hilary (sic) Trump,' one person joked on X, as another added 'I guess that's an improvement.' 'AA [audio animatronic] was fixed and looks much much better now,' one man agreed. 'Maybe they could update the animatronic to better look like him. The last one they did was poorly done,' a user, who had not yet seen the new version, asserted.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New Disney plans revealed – and they include new ‘major theme park' in the US
DISNEY fans are thrilled to learn a brand new theme park could be set to hit the US. It would mark the creation of the fifth attraction as part of the franchise. Comprehensive Plan 2045, from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, understands plans are already in motion. Documents revealed there's a sprawling 400 to 500 acres ready for construction. It is thought there will be two smaller attractions in the form of water parks, around 147 acres each. Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park. Despite this plans show the park requested permission to build underground networks. These are usually used by staff and cast members to navigate around the site unseen. This news comes as Disney fans threatened to boycott the theme park. Uproar was sparked after the company revealed plans for a Cars land that would replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Fans can mark the last day of Tom Sawyer Island on July 6, 2025. Outraged visitors expressed their frustrations on X, with one penning: "Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again." Disney announces brand new theme park "This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time," added another. A third agreed: "Never going back, I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them." "Huge mistake. Huge," and "Largest downgrade", echoed others. This comes as Disney revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi. The huge new park will be in Yas Island, and a "groundbreaking resort destination" on the huge waterfront. Little-else is known about the theme park including how many lands and what rides it will include. However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed. It states it will combine Disney's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with Abu Dhabi 's culture and architecture. An opening date is yet to be confirmed. Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, said: "As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways." Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. "This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before." Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, once the largest indoor theme park. Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences. Warner Bros Complex is the central land that celebrates the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with shops and restaurants. Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides. Another land is Bedrock, a Flintstones themed land with a river ride and restaurants, along with Dynamite Gulch, and Cartoon Junction which is home to Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo. The last Disney theme park to open was back in 2016 in Shanghai. The very first Disney World opened in 1971, with Disneyland Paris opening in 1992. Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is currently getting a €2billion transformation in 2025, including a glamorous new entrance called World Premiere. The park is also getting new Frozen, Tangled and Lion King rides - here's what you need to know. 1 .
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Travel + Leisure
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Disney Cast Members Say to Never Enter the Parks Without These 12 Essentials—From $7 at Amazon
A trip to a Disney park is pure magic—but let's be honest, it's also a full-on marathon. From rope drop to fireworks, there's sun, miles of walking, long lines, and the occasional surprise (or not-so-surprising) splash. Whether you're planning a day or multiple days at the parks, if you want to keep the magic alive for your entire trip, packing the right travel gear for the parks is non-negotiable. And who better to turn to for advice than the pros? From portable chargers to avoid the panic of your phone dying just as you're picking your next Lightning Lane to personal fans to beat the heat, these go-to cast member picks are all about working smarter, not harder on your trip. Think of this as your ultimate Disney survival kit—with items tested by the people who know the parks best and all conveniently available on Amazon. To help, I spoke to Lexie Bloom, a former Disney World cast member at Magic Kingdom merchandise, as well as Epcot and Animal Kingdom attractions, and researched the most popular recommendations from other former and current cast members. As for a park bag, Bloom prefers a sling bag to a larger backpack. 'Not only is a smaller bag more comfortable for all-day wear,' she says, 'You can flip it around and wear it on your chest for most rides so you don't have to take it all the way off and risk forgetting it!' This best-selling Waterfly sling backpack is the perfect size and has lots of pockets and plenty of room for storing all the essentials. As one reviewer says, it's the perfect bag for Disney, with room for a water bottle, poncho, shoes, and more. There are a few things guaranteed when you go to Disney, and two of those are heat and waiting in line–a combination that can suck the magic out of the best of us. If you don't love the heat, cast members often recommend packing a small, personal fan as a great way to beat the heat. As one reviewer says, this fan is a 'must-have' for Orlando. 'Perfect and compact for the theme parks, and the battery life has been amazing so far.' As a bonus, it can also double as another way to charge your devices. Any Disney fan knows that planning your meals is half the fun of a day at the parks. With countless dining spots and seasonal treats to try, Disney dining is an experience all its own. But there's one insider tip Bloom wants you to know ahead of time: don't pay for water. 'Any quick-service restaurant will give you a free cup of water if you ask,' Bloom, who worked at Disney World from 2018 through 2023, shares. Instead of spending money on bottled water, take advantage of those free cups—or better yet, learn from experienced cast members and bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. These collapsible bottles are perfect for staying hydrated without taking up too much space in your park bag. They're durable, reusable, and collapse to nearly a third of their full size when empty. Fill them up with the free cups of water or at refill stations throughout the parks and resorts. You're bound to get some sun during your day at Disney, and too much of a good thing—like that Florida sun—isn't so great. Cast members recommend compact sun care options like this Supergoop! Glow Stick for quick, mess-free applications. Plus, it won't spill or leak in your bag since it's solid. It's perfect for faces, shoulders, and chests. 'Saved my life in 90-degree Disney lines!' one person wrote. 'I use this on my whole family, it's so easy, just glides on, so easy to use on my kids and no rubbing!' Other cast members suggest packing some travel-size sunscreen lotion or spray, too, for larger areas of your body like your arms and legs to keep the sunburns to a minimum. Just like the Florida sun and heat, a bit of water—planned or not—is practically guaranteed during your Disney day. 'Rain ponchos come in small packaging, and they're light and easy to stick in your park bag,' Bloom says. 'They're perfect for the classic 3:00 p.m. Orlando rain shower or your favorite water ride. I always bring one—it's way more cost-effective than buying one in the park.' This set includes five disposable ponchos, perfect for multiple park days or to keep the whole family dry. They're large enough to fit over a backpack or other park bag to keep your belongings dry, too. Disney's eco-friendly efforts are fantastic, but not everyone loves the paper straws in the parks—and cast members and Disney fans alike agree: if you'd rather skip the soggy straw situation, pack your own reusable straws instead. This straw set comes with 12 straws, cleaning brushes, and four pouches for storing them in your bag. Several reviewers say they take these along on cruises, too, as they're compact and durable, holding up to hot and cold drinks. According to cast members, athletic wear like sporty skorts and dresses is a perfect way to stay comfortable and stylish for your Disney day. This skort romper is perfect for park days and beyond, whether it's errands or a game of pickleball. One reviewer says, 'The fit is fantastic, and the built-in shorts are perfect for preventing any thigh rubbing. It's the perfect blend of comfort and style!' Another who bought it for an upcoming Disney trip notes that it 'fits perfectly.' Whether you're chasing toddlers or chasing the perfect photo op, this romper is a go-to choice. As much as cast members recommend finding the perfect comfortable walking shoe, they also say it's important to have a backup plan if (and when) the rain hits or if your feet need a breather after multiple days in the park. An easy way, according to cast members, to give your feet a rest or avoid soaking your socks on Tiana's Bayou Adventure is packing a pair of comfortable, durable sandals that can hold up to water, including brands like Teva, Crocs, and Reef. Made of vegan leather with plenty of traction and claiming no break-in period, these Reef flip-flops are a great option. Reviewers even say they're comfortable enough for all-day walking (if you're brave), and the brand has lots of fans at Disney. Park days are long, and between checking wait times, booking Lightning Lane reservations, and snapping photos, your phone is going to get a workout. It's almost guaranteed that someone in your group will need a battery boost before the day is over. This portable charger powers an iPhone up to three-quarters full in just an hour, and it features a slim design that easily fits in your bag or pocket; plus, it has three USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. Bloom and other cast members agree: a portable charger (or two) is a must-have to stay connected throughout your Disney day. One reviewer calls this model 'super reliable and lightweight. Great for festivals, camping, or just daily use,' making it the perfect option for a day in the parks. You'll likely want to bring along a few small essentials, such as band-aids, gum (since you can't buy it in the parks), medication, or hair ties. Some cast members suggest putting together an 'everything' bag to keep these items organized and easily accessible. That way, you don't have to waste time rummaging through your bag when you need something quickly. These TSA-approved clear bags are the perfect solution: they're flat and transparent, allowing you to see all your essentials at a glance. Bonus tip, since they're waterproof, these could double as a place to stash wet items (like an umbrella)—a necessity for some cast members. If you're hoping to snag autographs from your favorite Disney characters, Bloom says the autograph books at Disney aren't cheap, so bringing your own from home is a great way to save a little money for other souvenirs or treats. This book is the perfect size to stash in your park bag but has plenty of pages for all your favorite characters to sign. One reviewer says the book was able to hold at least 20 autographs from their trip. Autograph books are fun, but according to Bloom, there's another (more memorable) way to collect those character signatures: bring a picture frame mat instead. It's a creative swap that turns a simple autograph into a keepsake you'll want to display. Simply bring one on your trip (or a few!), then have characters sign the blank space and frame your favorite park photo inside when you get home. It's an easy way to turn vacation magic into a personalized piece of art. This set includes six white mats (8x10 inches with a 4x6-inch opening), backing boards, and protective sleeves to keep them safe in your park bag. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
