Circle of Life at The Land Pavilion to Close for Good in February

After a 22-year run, The Circle of Life - 'An Environmental Fable' inside The Land Pavilion at Epcot will close permanently on February 3. Disney Performing Arts will take over the space shortly after the closure for student workshops and performances beginning February 9th, 2018.

The film which debuted on January 21, 1995 was a 20-minute live action film featuring Timon and Pumbaa telling the story of man's relationship with the land and how we can protect and care for the environment. The show in recent year's has been almost outdated and was closed down for over a year for refurbishment before re-openeing last year.

According to WDW News Today, it seems with the moving of the trailer for the performing arts which was located between the Germany and Italy pavilions it seems that may clear land for a future new country possibly the long rumored Brazil pavilion. Stay tuned for updates.

Source: WDW News Today

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Revealed; Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Remake Revealed:

Disney just revealed the full cast for the live-action remake of "The Lion King." We already knew some of the cast such as Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa, and Beyonce as Nala. Here is the full cast besides these amazing stars.

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar

Alfree Woodard as Sarabi

John Oliver as Zazu

John Kani as Rafiki

Seth Rogen as Pumbaa

Billy Eichner as Timon

Eric Andre as Azizi

Florence Kasumba as Shenzi

Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari

JD McCrary as Young Simba

Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala

"The Lion King" live action film which is being directed by Jon Favreau is due in theaters Summer 2019.

Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks:

Mickey's big day is fast approaching once again as it will be celebrated at Disney Parks around the world. Mickey's Birthday is November 18 as he heads out on another epic adventure around the world. Here is what is in store at Disney Parks:

Walt Disney World:

Will celebrate with special “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, merchandise and Sorcerer Mickey Cake. To commemorate the occasion, guests can sing and dance along with “Happy Birthday” during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!, Cosmic Dance Party in Tomorrowland and performances by the Dapper Dans. Plus, birthday photo props will be available at all four theme parks, and everyone who collects their photos at the parks will receive a folder with a commemorative sticker.

Disneyland:

Will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. There will be plenty of chances to sing “Happy Birthday” along the way, and of course, “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will be distributed to park guests.

Disneyland Paris:

On Main Street, USA is where the party's at. Be prepared to celebrate Mickey’s birthday just before “Disney Magic on Parade,” as well as during the Lucky Nugget Saloon show at Disneyland park and in “Mickey and the Magician” at Walt Disney Studios park. And what’s a birthday without cake? Guests can find plenty to snack on at locations around the resort.

Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland can pick up a special Mickey Birthday pin and a special edition Times Guide in honor of everyone’s favorite mouse. At Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will have the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” and join in unique photo opportunities.

Mickey will also be visiting several places around the world leading up to his big day such as Japan, Chile, Canada, China, England, and the United States on his Instagram and Facebook pages. On November 15 there will be even more surprises when he visits Good Morning America on November 15. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

From The Lion King to Frozen 2 to Cars 3 to Indiana Jones 5 and More Movie News

Today, Walt Disney Studios made a few major announcements considering release dates for future films. "Frozen 2" will be released on November 27, 2019 and that was just the start of the news announced today. They announced that Star Wars 'Episode IX' will be released May 24, 2019 and most notably in 2019, the live-action version of "The Lion King" will be released on July 19, 2019. 

Also in separate news for "The Lion King," Disney is in talks with Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner to play Timon and Pumbaa. Rogen would play Pumbaa while Eichner would voice Timon. They would join the cast that already consists of Donald Glover Jr. (Simba) and James Earl Jones (Mufasa). 

It was also announced that several films have either been pushed up or pushed back with their release dates. "Indiana Jones 5" was supposed to be released on July 19 but now has been pushed back to July 10, 2020. "A Wrinkle in Time" has been moved up from its original date of April 6, 2018 to March 9, 2018. "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2" originally held that March 9 release date and has now been moved to November 21, 2018. Finally, "Gigantic" (the animated retelling of Jack and the Beanstock) originally was supposed to be released on November 25, 2020.

2019 will be a big year for Disney as The Lion King, Episode IX, and Frozen 2 will join Toy Story 4 (June 2019), Captain Marvel (March 2019), and Avengers 4 (May 2019). 

More news came out as a new "Cars 3" trailer will be released tomorrow. Check out the teaser for the trailer below:

Watch out: the new trailer for #Cars3 debuts tomorrow. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/S5DFD81Gi0

— Disney (@Disney) April 25, 2017

Pixar's "Cars 3" is set to race into theaters June 16, 2017.

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released; James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action Lion King

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released by Disney:

It is just a little over three months when Pandora: The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney just keeps on teasing us with excitement as today they released a 15-second clip with footage for the Na'vi River Journey. Take a look at the clip with awe and beauty that Pandora will bring to the park that is already amazing:

The beauty of Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action 'Lion King':

Last year, we learned that Jon Favreau would be directing a live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "The Lion King." Favreau made two major casting announcements on Friday for the film and I couldn't be more excited. 

Donald Glover has signed on to the film in the role and voice of adult Simba. James Earl Jones is set to reprise his role of Mufasa which he voiced in the original animated classic. This is best news ever and it has taken me a few days just to keep my excitement from getting out of hand.

No release date has been announced for the live-action film but with Jon Favreau directing and these two stars already signed on for the film. The live-action remake of "The Lion King" is sure to be a hit at the box office. 

Get Adventurous With Destination D Merchandise; Jon Favreau & Disney Making Re-Imagined "Lion King"

Get Adventurous With Destination D Merchandise:

We are less than 2 months away from Destination D23: Amazing Adventures at Disney World. Today, we got a sneak peak at some of the exclusive merchandise that will be available at the event. The exclusive merchandise will be available at Mickey of Glendale's in their pop-up tent at the event. Here is just some of the merchandise we can look forward:

Jingle Cruise 12 Days of Christmas Mystery Collection: An “all-gnu” pin collection celebrating the holidays as only the wild Jungle Cruise Skippers can! Each box contains one randomly selected pin. (There are 12 different pins in all.)

Jingle Cruise 4th Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange T-Shirt: Arriving just in time for the third fourth annual celebration! Wear this festive 100-percent cotton tee to your office party… or save it for next year’s re-gifting!

Jungle Navigation Company T-Shirt: Official 100-percent cotton company apparel designed and approved by Alberta Falls of the Jungle Navigation Company.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) Pins: Detailed replicas of the actual pins worn by generations of elite members of S.E.A.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) T-Shirt: Proper—100-percent cotton—garb for your own legendary explorations and adventures.

Tickets for Destination D: Amazing Adventures are still available for the event that takes place November 19 and 20. Some of the amazing presenters at the even will include Walt Disney Parks & Resorts President Bob Chapek, James Cameron, Jon Landau, Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, Jared Bush, and Tony Baxter. Also Walt Disney Archives will also have an exhibit sharing the adventures of Walt Disney. Destination D: Amazing Adventures will take place at Disney's Contemporary Resort. 

Jon Favreau & Disney Making Re-Imagined "Lion King":

News broke this morning when Jon Favreau and Disney released they would be making re-imagined (live-action) version of the 1994 Disney animated classic in "The Lion King." I couldn't be more excited for this film. This follows Favreau's groundbreaking technology hit in "The Jungle Book" which made $965.8 million worldwide at the box office. 

"The Lion King builds on Disney’s success of reimagining its classics for a contemporary audience with films like Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. The upcoming Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson as Belle, is already one of the most anticipated movies of 2017. Like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King will include songs from the animated film. Disney and Favreau are also in development on a sequel to The Jungle Book. No release date has been announced for either film." - Walt Disney Company

"The Lion King" is one of Disney's biggest animated film's of all time making $968.8 million at the box office worldwide, including $422.8 million domestically. My excitement this morning was overwhelming as "The Lion King" is my favorite Disney film besides of course "Toy Story." My first favorite character will always be Simba. I can't wait to see this film.

 

Peyton Manning Goes to Disneyland, Skipper Canteen to Accept Same-Day Reservations for Limited Time, and More

Peyton Manning Goes to Disneyland:

Every year a player or two from the winning Super Bowl team will do a spot with Disney shouting, "I'm going to Disney World/Disneyland." Not this year as no ad was created. Have no fear though as Super Bowl-winning QB Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos did make the trip to Disneyland with his family. Manning and his family participated in a ticker-tape parade this afternoon at the park.

Here is the video from Disneyland of Manning at the parade celebration:

It was the first time since 2005 that no "I'm going to Disney" ad was created. Congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on their Super Bowl 50 win. 

Skipper Canteen to Accepted Same-Day Reservations for Limited Time:

For a limited time later this month, from February 12 to February 27, guests at Disney World will be able to make same-day reservations at the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd Skipper Canteen. Guests will be able to make same-day reservations for either lunch or dinner.

Reservations can be made by either visiting jungleskippercanteen.com or by calling 407-993-1933. Will you be taking advantage during this limited time at the newest restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. It seems like this is another test and something more permanent on reservations will be made in the future for Skipper Canteen.

The Circle of Life at Epcot's The Land Pavilion Closed For Good?:

Today it was discovered that the Circle of Life show inside the Land pavilion at Epcot closed for a lengthy refurbishment unexpectedly. The attraction actually closed down yesterday. The show is expected be closed through April 2 and reopen on April 3. 

The question remains though that will the movie based on the Circle of Life and the effects on the environment will return when the attraction reopens. No word has officially been announced of what kind of work is actually being done on the attraction that has been inside the pavilion for 21 years since 1995. 

Speculation is that a new film will debut once the attraction reopens to modernize the film. The Circle of Life was a 20-minute 70 mm movie film that teaches the conservation with Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba from "The Lion King."

New Twenty Eight & Main Store Coming to Disney Springs; "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" Trailer Released

New Twenty Eight & Main Store Coming to Disney Springs:

Just recently we got a sneak peek into the new Twenty Eight & Main clothing line with some limited releases on the Disney Store Online. Now we will be getting a Twenty Eight & Main Store in Disney Springs. The location will be in current Trophy Room at the Marketplace Co-op, the place will be transformed into Twenty Eight & Main and open on November 6.

The all over graphic pattern will be found on lounge pants, boxer shorts, t-shirts, polos, and many more luxurious accessories. Twenty Eight & Main will also be found in other select Disney World locations and in Disneyland. Guests will also find some items on the Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/28&Main. Finally, you'll be able to download the Shop Disney Parks App to order items and have them shipped directly to your home.

Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog caught up with merchandiser Bobby Bongiorno to get an inside scoop on Twenty Eight & Main. Here is the video:

"The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" Trailer Released:

Today, the trailer for Disney Channel and Disney Junior's animated spinoff of The Lion King, "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" was released. The tv movie will premiere on November 22 at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel. An animated series will premiere on Disney Junior in 2016. The show will star Rob Lowe as Simba and Gabrielle Union as Nala. Here is the trailer:

WATCH: Exclusive trailer for The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar with @RobLowe and @itsgabrielleu: https://t.co/60SFphlDKy

— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 16, 2015

First Look at The Lion King Spin-off "The Lion Guard", New Photos for The Force Awakens; and More

First Look at "The Lion King" Spin-Off The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar:

Fans at this weekend's D23 EXPO will get a special sneak peek of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, The Lion King spin-off television film that will be airing in November on The Disney Channel. The movie is a precursor to "The Lion Guard" television series that is set to premier on Disney Junior next year. Have no fear though, as a clip of the film has been released. 

The clip uncannily is similar to the basis of the show in which Kion (voiced by Max Charles) leads a group of his animal friends in The Lion Guard. The group consists of Bunga (voiced by Joshua Rush), a blustery honey badger, Ono (Atticus Shaffer), a smarty pants egret, Fuli (Diamond White), a confident cheetah, and Beshte (Dusan Brown), a friendly hippo.

James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella are reprising their roles of Mufasa and Pumbaa with their voices. While Rob Lowe is the voice of Simba and Gabrielle Union will be the voice of Nala. Kevin Schon will reprise his role of Timon from The Lion King's Timon and Pumbaa television series. Here is the clip.

New Official Photos of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Released:

Entertainment Weekly has gotten Star Wars fans excited as they have released photos from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the seventh film of the famous trilogy due out in December. The photos give a in-depth look at villains Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, and other new and old characters from the latest film. Here they are:

Confirmed: Walt Disney: One Man's Dream Closing at Hollywood Studios:

Late last month it was rumored that Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at Hollywood Studios to be closing at the end of September. Today, it has been confirmed although much sooner than originally thought. One Man's Dream is set to close next week following this weeks D23 EXPO. Yesterday, Walt's office that was in queue before the short film was removed and is set to be moved to the Walt Disney Family Museum.