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.

Disney to Launch Disney+ November 12th

Earlier today at Disney’s 2019 Investor Day, Disney announced that they will be launching Disney+ in the United States on November 12, 2019. The subscription VOD service will cost $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year.

The streaming service will represent Disney’s most aggressive move into the video-streaming market. By pricing it well below Netflix’s $12.99 per month Disney is apparently betting that it can drive up its customer base with its mix of content that appeals to multiple demographics which includes Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney brands.

In the announcement Disney CEO Bob Iger stated, “This is our first serious foray in this space, and we want to reach as many people as possible with it.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about this and they basically have my money for Disney+. November cannot come soon enough.

Disney Becomes First Jersey Sponsor for Orlando Magic

Over the years, the relationship between Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando Magic basketball team has been, well, magical. Now it’s about to get even more magical as we expand our relationship as the team’s uniform sponsor.

As part of the NBA’s three-year trial period in which the league welcomes uniform sponsorship partners, Disney will have its logo on the Magic players’ jerseys for all games starting next season.

Disney Making Even More ‘Magic’

Disney became one of the team’s Champion of the Community partners in 2010, and this expanded partnership is another way we are working with the Magic to solidify Central Florida’s presence as a global sports destination. And it’s just cool.

Disney Making Even More ‘Magic’

Disney is also adding a special seating and hospitality area at the Amway Center for annual passholder upgrades during select Orlando Magic games. As part of our expanded partnership, Magic fans can purchase or renew their Walt Disney World Annual Passes at the Amway Center, including the Orlando Magic Team Shop. And doing it there comes with some perks. Throughout the multi-year agreement, fans who renew or purchase their annual pass at the Amway Center will receive one of the new Orlando Magic jerseys with the Disney logo.

“At Walt Disney World Resort, we naturally believe in all things magic and are happy to support our hometown team,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “This long-term relationship symbolizes our shared focus of solidifying Orlando as a world class city for sports.”

When you think about it, this agreement really is a slam-dunk. But don’t take my word for it. Check out this video of Mickey Mouse and Magic star Aaron Gordon playing ball. Now this is “Pure Magic.”

Disney and LuLaRoe Announce Partnership for Official Disney-Themed Leggings and More

The world of LuLaRoe leggings have taken the world by storm over the last year or so, and now, they’re only going to get bigger as they have partnered with Disney. There had been a lot of rumors going around for days when LuLaRoe called for a huge meeting of their consultants in Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. Late on Thursday night, the rumors came true as the partnership announcement was made.

The Disney Collection features leggings, dresses, tops, and more, all in fashionable Disney-inspired prints.

It’s not clear when the new collection will be available to order, but there are reports that order dates will be between May 30 and June 6. The coveted Disney items will reportedly only be available at in-home parties and sales.

LuLaRoe has offered patterns that evoke Disney in the past but this is the first time the two companies are officially partnering.

If you weren’t already a LuLaRoe fan, this Disney Collection might get you hooked. Stay tuned for more updates about ordering and follow LuLaRoe on their Facebook page.

Sources: Danny Cox, Inside the Magic

New LEGO Minifigures Featuring Iconic Disney Characters Debut in May

LEGO will be debuting their first-ever Disney character collection of Minifigures in May. Eighteen new Minifigures will soon be available for purchase at a variety of retailers including World of Disney and The LEGO Store at Disney Springs with a suggested retail price of $3.99 each.

Disney Moms Panel Search Begins September 2nd

disney-moms-panel

The panel, made up of everyday moms and dads from around the globe, have answered hundreds of thousands of questions over the years – covering just about every Disney vacation topic imaginable. Their knowledge of Disney Parks and their passion to help our guests shines in their answers.

The panel became so popular that several years ago it was expanded to include other Disney Parks vacation experiences. The name was officially changed to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.

September has traditionally been a special month for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It’s when we search for new panelists to join the team for the next calendar year. It’s a rigorous and thorough process, consisting of multiple rounds, that determines who will be selected to represent the panel and answer vacation questions from guests around the globe.

Thousands will apply for a small number of spots on the panel. But please, don’t let that be a deterrent. The most recent panelists to join the team include several who have applied every year, a few who applied for the very first time, and those in between. Dreams really can come true.

This year, applications will open at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, and will remain open until noon ET on Friday, September 5, 2014.

If you know a mom, dad or grandparent who is your “go-to” person for advice about a Disney Parks vacation and loves to help others plan their trips, encourage them to apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. (Be sure to check the rules and regulations on the application to insure eligibility.)

More information about becoming a panelist can be found here.

Welcome to Disney News Today

WhistlingMickeyWelcome

Welcome to Disney News Today….The Place to Go for Disney News.  My plan for this site is for it to be a central location for Disney fans to go to for the Disney news that they desire….news from the parks, D23, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel and other areas of the Walt Disney Company.

As a bit of background…I have been a Disney fan for as long as I remember.  As a child I watched all of the Disney movies that came out then and as a family we always managed to catch Walt Disney on Sunday night.  My first trip to a Disney park was in 1970 to Disneyland.  Though continuing to be a fan of Disney I managed to not get back to a Disney park again until 1990 when I, my wife and our first child went to Walt Disney World.  Every year since we’ve managed to make at least one trip to one of the domestic Disney Parks.  We have been Disney Vacation Club members since 1995.  We are also are Charter D23 members and have made it to each of the first three D23 Expos.

For the past six years I’ve been proud to be the person in charge of posting the Disney news stories on The Travelears website.  When the decision was made that the site would no longer be active I decided that produce my own website as an outlet for my passion for Disney news and my love of all things Disney.

I hope that you enjoy what will be posted here and if you like it, please spread the word, tell your friends.

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