Actor and Comedian Gabriel Iglesias is joining the cast of the hit Disney+ series, The Santa Clauses, where he’ll play the optimistic owner of a Santa-themed Theme Park, according to Deadline. What’s Happening: Actor/Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, best known for his “Fluffy” persona, is reportedly joining the cast of the Disney+ series, The Santa Clauses as a series […]
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While Lunar New Year kicked off a while ago, the entirety of 2023 is still dedicated to the Year of the Rabbit and Dooney & Bourke are celebrating with a new Disney collection. If you love Disney rabbits, you’re going to want to bounce over to shopDisney to check the latest 3-piece assortment themed to […]
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This May, Marvel Comics will mark the 700th issue of “Fantastic Four” with a giant-sized spectacular and artist Scott Koblish has created a one-of-a-kind variant cover featuring 700 Marvel characters, and Marvel shared a look at the first half. The wraparound connecting cover that will adorn both May’s “Fantastic Four #7″ and June’s “Fantastic Four #8,” […]
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Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, who worked as an animator, director, producer, and story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios during an unprecedented 70-year career, passed away Monday, February 27th at the age of 87. Mattinson was the longest-serving cast member in the history of The Walt Disney Company and was due to receive his 70th […]
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Disney Legend Burnett “Burny” Mattinson has passed away at age 87 years old following a short illness.
During a 70-year career at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Mattinson worked as an animator, director, producer, and story artist. He was the longest serving Cast Member in the history of The Walt Disney Company and would have received a 70th anniversary service award (the first ever) on June 4.
Mattinson had the idea of “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and was the producer and solo director of the film. He then was producer and co-director of “The Great Mouse Detective.” Before that, he worked as an artist on “Lady and the Tramp,” “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Jungle Book,” and “The Rescuers.” He was a key member of the story team on “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Tarzan,” and “Mulan.” He was the story supervisor on “Winnie the Pooh” (2011).
“Animation is 75 percent thinking and 25 percent drawing,” Mattinson said. “Everything must be carefully thought out first. Our animators not only have to think like actors but also figure out how to get that performance across on paper and on the screen. Our characters pause to think and connive. You can see it in their eyes.”
He continued, “The important thing to remember about good animation is that less is more. Moving the characters too much is the sign of a real amateur. We put our efforts into more subtle, carefully thought out actions that communicate the point clearly and in an entertaining way.”
Mattinson was named a Disney Legend in 2008. Ten years later, he set the record for longest-running Cast Member, surpassing Disney Legend John Hench.
Chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee said in a statement, “Burny’s artistry, generosity, and love of Disney Animation and the generations of storytellers that have come through our doors, for seven decades, has made us better—better artists, better technologists, and better collaborators. All of us who have had the honor to know him and learn from him will ensure his legacy carries on.”
Academy Award-winning Disney director Don Hall said, “For almost 30 years, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Burny Mattinson, from Winnie the Pooh to Big Hero 6 to, most recently, Strange World. I have marveled at his artistry, enjoyed his good humor, and sat enraptured by his stories of Disney history. At 18 years old, he followed his dream of working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, and for almost 70 years he lived that dream every day, inspiring all of us who had the good fortune to follow in his footsteps. I love him dearly.”
“Burny was the Renaissance man of Disney Animation,” said Disney animator Eric Goldberg. “He literally did everything that could be done at the studio—assistant animator, animator, story artist, producer, and director of many films that made an indelible mark on our collective appreciation of the Disney ethos. […] Burny was low-key, charming, inventive, and superbly gifted as a draftsperson and a storyteller. His storyboards were beautifully acted and wonderfully atmospheric, which I first encountered when I joined the studio for Aladdin. The more I saw of his work, the more I became in awe of his breadth of talent. I value his cheerful friendship and lasting inspiration to me and so many other animation artists. He will be missed, but not forgotten.”
Mattinson was still working full-time as a consultant and mentor at Walt Disney Animation Studios when he passed. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Siirola; his son, Brett, and his wife, Kelly, and their two children; his daughter, Genny, and her husband, Larry Ellena, and their two children. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Funeral services will be private and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) in Woodland Hills, California.
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It’s no secret — here at DFB, we love trying new food at Disney.
Fruits Rouge Cheesecake
There have been some amazing fruit-forward treats around Disney World lately, from a new Tinker Bell Waffle Sundae to the Strawbery Cheesecake Brownie of our dreams, and a Fruits Rouge Cheesecake that might have been the creamiest dessert we’ve ever eaten. But TODAY is National Strawberry Day — so there is a new strawberry treat on the menu — and you don’t even need a park ticket to get it!
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs is celebrating this holiday with TWO new items — a Strawberry Shortcake Donut and a Strawberry My Chai.
According to the Instagram post they shared, the first is a traditional glazed donut that’s “halved and filled with a heaping portion of fresh Florida strawberries, piped with housemade whip cream, and dusted with powdered sugar.”
©Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew
There is also a new beverage available, the Strawberry My Chai.
©Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew
Both of these items are only available today, so make sure you hurry over to Disney Springs if you want to try them for yourself!
If you’re looking to make your 2023 Disney world trip extra tasty, make sure you check out this video of The 32 BEST Disney World Snacks for 2023.
Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news!
Will you be heading to Disney Springs today to try this limited-time snack? Let us know in the comments!
The post The PROBLEM With These NEW Treats at Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog.
Disney has really been spoiling us with new merchandise lately! With the 100th Anniversary celebrations underway, there are tons of new items coming out regularly.
EARS!
This hasn’t stopped Disney from their normal schedule of releases, like new ear designs. We just spotted a never-before-seen pair in Animal Kingdom that will make you feel like the king of all you survey!
These new Lion King Minnie Ears are the perfect accessory for a day in Animal Kingdom. They have a beautiful sunset color scheme on the fun tassels around each ear, and the faux suede material is what we imagine a lion’s fur would feel like!
We just can’t wait to be king
Each ear has detailed beading, including a sun design and the iconic Simba art from the cave painting in the film. The bow is in the perfect shade of orange in a jungle-appropriate giraffe print. Be careful wearing this to the Festival of the Lion King — you just might get mistaken for a performer!
New ears!
You can purchase these new ears at Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom — but fair warning, they’re some of the pricier ears we’ve seen recently at $58. But, the beading and embroidery work just might make them worth it! What do you think??
We’re always on the hunt for more ears and the latest merchandise from Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Hakuna Matata!
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If you could design a pair of ears after a Disney film, which one would you like to see? Comment below!
The post An EXPENSIVE New Pair of Minnie Ears Has Arrived in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.
Get excited guys, the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts THIS WEEK!
Buzz Lightyear Topiary
That means we are just days away from taking in all the beautiful topiaries, trying all the delicious food, and seeing all the fun merch the festival has to offer. But did you know there are all kinds of other activities during the festival as well? From strolling through a Butterfly Garden to working your way along the Garden Graze for a free prize, this festival is full of fun things to do. And as of today, another experience was just confirmed to be returning this year — the Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt!
Mark your calendars! Egg-Stravaganza will be returning to the 2o23 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival on March 13th. Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
2022 Egg-Stravaganza map
To take part in this scavenger hunt, you’ll need to pick up your map and stickers at select merchandise locations for $9.99 plus tax. These locations haven’t been released yet, but in the past, we have found them at Gateway Gifts, Creations Shop, and Pin Traders. Once you have your map and stickers, you’ll look for hidden eggs around the park.
Look closely around EPCOT!
Once you find an egg, put the sticker on the appropriate section of your map — and continue until you find them all.
Our 2022 Eggstravaganza prize!
Once you’ve found them all, bring your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler to receive a prize! Last year, we got a fun Figment Tumbler, and we’re excited to see what they give out this year. The Flower and Garden Festival starts on March 1st this year, and this activity isn’t available until March 13th — so keep that in mind if you are hoping to participate.
We’ll be at the festival on opening day to bring you all the details and snack reviews, so stay tuned to DFB for more!
Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 220+ page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!
The Walt Disney Company is turning ONE-HUNDRED in 2023, and Disney has released some exciting merch for us to celebrate.
Lots of 100th Anniversary merch!
From shiny purple and platinum apparel and a fancy Dooney and Burke collection to a whole line of Disney Eras merchandise and the collection of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit fans’ dreams — there’s no shortage of merch to take part in the celebration. Today, we were in Disney World when we got another anniversary surprise — a new popcorn bucket!
We were in Disney’s Hollywood Studios today when we saw a cast member getting these platinum and purple popcorn buckets ready for the day. We found a similar bucket in Disneyland earlier this year, but now Disney World has its own version!
Guests can find a #Disney100 popcorn bucket in Hollywood Studios! A cast member told us this one was “on Mickey!” at a stand near Animation Courtyard!
🥹 pic.twitter.com/2ts5FB00kM
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 27, 2023
This purple bucket features some of our favorite characters all dressed up in their shiny anniversary outfits. We can see Donald and Daisy on one side…
100th anniversary popcorn bucket
…Mickey and Minnie in the center next to Cinderella Castle and Tinker Bell overhead…
Mickey and Minnie!
…and Goofy and Pluto on the right. Pluto is even wearing his “100” collar for the occasion!
Goofy and Pluto
This $13 bucket includes some delicious popcorn, and popcorn refills are only $2.25 for the length of your stay. Grab yours in Hollywood Studios today, and we’ll keep an eye out for this bucket to pop up in other parks as well!
We’ll keep an eye out for any new 100th anniversary details, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW!
Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show
Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary
Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration
Will you be adding this popcorn bucket to your collection? Let us know in the comments!
The post Move Over Figment, a NEW Popcorn Bucket Has Arrived in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.
It’s the time of year when EPCOT is in full bloom! The 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival begins on March 1st.
It’s almost EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival time!
Besides the farm fresh fare at the food kitchens, the Flower and Garden Festival is well-known for its exquisite character topiaries. Cast Members are hard at work preparing these impressive structures, and Disney has given us a sneak peek!
We have already seen the flower tribute to the Three Caballeros and more topiaries, but there are plenty more topiaries receiving final tweaks before they make their debut. There are quite a few Encanto characters on the way, including the sisters Mirabel, Isabella, and Luisa …
© Disney
… as well as their cousin Antonio. He even has a feathered friend!
© Disney
Princess Tiana is also making an appearance. They fittingly chose to portray her in the iconic lily pad gown, a perfect choice when you’re working with greenery!
© Disney
Disney’s Horticulture and Walt Disney Imagineering teams worked together to create these intricate displays, with some of the designs requiring nearly a year of preparation! You can see more about these amazing topiaries in the video below.
We’ve also got a list of all of the topiaries that will appear this year! Here are all of the designs and where to find them:
Donald and Daisy
The 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival will run from March 1st until July 5th so you have plenty of time to check out these topiaries and enjoy all that the festival has to offer. Stay tuned to our site for more Flower and Garden news!
Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 220+ page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!
