Month: March 2022

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue to Return June 23

Yah-hoo, let’s eat!

One of my favorites at Walt Disney World is about to return. The beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be returning this summer. Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will again be offering guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and strawberry shortcake.

In the announcement Disney mentioned that the show is being updated but didn’t specify as to what the changes are.

Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight our guests, and as Disney grows we look for new ways to elevate and enhance our classic experiences. Hoop-Dee-Doo will return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy – with the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years.

New Muppet Series Staring The Electric Mayhem Band Coming to Disney+

There’s some exciting news for Muppet fans!  Yesterday Disney announced that an all-new series called “The Muppets Mayhem” will be coming to Disney+. The Disney Branded Television series is being produced by ABC Signature and The Muppets Studio.  The show follows The Electric Mayhem Band as it records its first-ever album. Lilly Singh (“A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” “Dollface”) will play the lead human role of “Nora,” a junior music executive tasked with managing and wrangling the band.

The Electric Mayhem Band first debuted on “The Muppet Show” in the 1970’s and has been an important part of The Muppets ever since.

The band consists of Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on Trumpet.

From David Lightbody, executive producer and senior vice president of Disney Live Entertainment and The Muppet Studio –

We are so excited to bring the story of The Electric Mayhem Band to the front and center of this new series. They’ve been entertaining audiences since ‘The Muppet Show,’ which debuted 45 years ago, so it’s wonderful that these characters are finally getting to play lead rather than supporting roles.

The series was developed by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes based on characters created by Jim Henson. It is written by Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs”), Bill Barretta (“The Muppets,” “Muppets Haunted Mansion”) and Jeff Yorkes, and the executive producers are Goldberg, Barretta, Michael Bostick and Kris Eber.  Yorkes is a co-executive producer. David Lightbody and I from The Muppets Studio are also executive producers.

Disney has not said when “The Muppets Mayhem” will stream on Disney+, but I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that this is good news and hope that this creates a little excitement for the Muppets again at Disney.

Disney+ Plans on Launching Ad-Supported Plan in Late 2022

In an announcement made today, Disney+ said that it will launch an ad-supported subscription plan in the United States later this year, with plans to expand internationally in 2023.

Disney didn’t mention a specific launch date or any pricing in the announcement.

According to Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution –

Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers.  More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.

It has become very popular to add cheaper options with ads among subscription services. Last year HBO Max introduced a $10 per month plan that shaved $5 off the ad-free price, though it must be noted that in addition to adding commercials, the cheaper plan also is limited to HD content (and not 4K). Peacock on the other hand takes a more varied approach, offering a smaller selection of content with ads is completely free, with a $4.99 per month tier that offers the full library with ads, along with a $9.99 per month level that allows customers to download titles to watch offline and gets rid of (most, but not all) of the commercials.

Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution added –

Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory.  Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.

What are your thoughts on this new version of the popular Disney+ service? Personally, I think I’ll stay with the ad-free version…at least for now.