This week, see what our team has to say about Disney’s new holiday ad, what Natalie thinks about recognition that the Walt Disney World Resort received for their recycling process, and more.
What We’re Talking About – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors
You might have missed the news (who am I kidding…it was everywhere.) With the announcement of news that Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine was 90% effective in early trials, Disney and Universal stock (as well as just about every other stock) went WAY up! Investors appeared to be betting on the success of the vaccine to help the U.S. and world economies recover, which would help the tourism and restaurant industries rebound as well.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave their Recycling Recognition Award goes to Walt Disney World Resort for their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly recycling practices. Good on Disney for protecting the environment and being recognized for it!
Natalie shared her thoughts on this news: Disney’s environmental efforts continue to impress me as maybe the thing the company gets right more than anything else. Solar farms, recycling, alternative fuels: they set a strong example and don’t let their sheer size get in their way.
I think I have something in my eye. I’m definitely not crying. (Totally crying!) And you’ll probably get something in your eye too after watching this year’s holiday ad from Disney.
Our team here all had thoughts about this ad. Julia shared: That ad — oh, the waterworks were flowing, especially since my daughter hasn’t been able to see her lola (lola = grandmother in Tagalog) for more than a year now because of COVID. Our last time seeing her? Our trip in May 2019 to Disneyland.
John said: Great video. * sniff * We were down with kids to see my Mom in Miami on her 90th 3 years ago, were in Orlando last year about to head down to see her and were chased away by the hurricane. At best we might see her next summer, but at this point I don’t feel too optimistic about our traveling anywhere.
And James said it perfectly: I was an absolute wreck watching that ad 
Disney announced another shake-up to the studio’s release calendar. They have postponed both Ryan Reynolds’ Free Guy and Death on the Nile, the follow-up to The Murder on the Orient Express. Hopefully we can get back to being able to visit movie theaters here soon so these can be released.
A brand new Disney+ film is coming out called Godmothered. It will be a holiday film, which stars Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher and it will premiere exclusively in December. The premise finds Jillian playing an “inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training” but her profession is facing extinction. The film hits the streaming service on December 4 and definitely sounds like it will be interesting. Will you be adding this to your must watch list?
Dani will be. She said: I am all for silly, simple holiday movies. Noelle was cute and fun, hopefully this movie will have a similar feeling.
James also thought: Every year, you can expect the studios to release some new holiday content, and it’s always fun to see what they come up with. Godmothered looks like it has potential to be funny and heartwarming, which is just what the doctor ordered these days, and I’m looking forward to checking it out!
WandaVision – the more I hear about it, the more interesting it sounds. I love the fact that they filmed in front of a live studio audience. It’s going to make the whole thing even more unique. Entertainment Weekly learned more about the show and I get more and more excited about January 15. What about you?
Could Dwayne Johnson be back in the Scorpion King sequel that could be coming. Universal is developing a reboot of the 2002 film, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
This one however, this one….I may be down for. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! is coming to NBC with Glee‘s Matthew Morrison filling the title role. (Ok….I see you NBC.) Unlike previous musicals, The Grinch will not be performed live; instead it will be a two-hour production that will be filmed at the Troubadour Theatre in London and will air on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
In Case We Missed It
What did we miss? Attach your ideas to a Hogwarts Express Ornament and send it to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.
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From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It, What We’re Talking About
Frist off, here it is, the greatest Christmas ornament Disney has ever created. It’s an accurate recreation of the Country Bear Jamboree building in Magic Kingdom. It goes without saying Country Bear Jamboree is the best attraction ever, and each of the bears in the show are worldwide cultural icons, so I’m glad the bears finally have an ornament worthy of their greatness.
Flip the ornament around and the best gets even better. You can see the actual stage and many of the bears in the show. THE ONLY PROBLEM…. Trixie is on the wrong stage, she should be on the far right. But it’s ok, I can forgive them because otherwise it’s 95% perfect. This ornament is worth every penny of the $29.99 price tag.
Before we continue with the merchandise, I stopped by Marcelines Confectionery to see if they had any of the usual Christmas season treats. They did not, but they did have this outrageously priced Pecan Pie Crispy. Look at the photo and you’ll see this is not actually a pie. It’s a gigantic Rice Crispy Treat with some pecan sprinkled on top. I’m sure it tastes great but I’d rather use the money to buy a week’s worth of groceries. Also, am I crazy or does $5.49 for a single slice also seem like a lot of money.
Back to shopping. I stopped by the Disney Home Store, which usually has a long line thanks to its very limited capacity. Today it had no line so I walked right in.
Like World of Disney, Disney Home is also decorated for the holiday season.
Here’s a “it’s a small world” musical nutcracker, which was a new item from last year. I love how they made it look like it came directly from the ride.
Seasonal face masks. How 2020 is that?
This tree with various Disneyland icons is pretty cute. $39.99
Some fun Mickey and Minnie Christmas stockings. These can be yours for $29.99 each.
Another new Disneyland building ornament arrived, this time the Main Street Cinema. The details on this one are really great. You can see two classic Mickey Mouse cartoons playing on the screens inside.
Speaking of ornaments, here’s a Disney character gingerbread cookie ornament set.
Here’s a Mickey and Minnie bell ornament set for $19.99.
For $19.99 you can get this metal wall ornament.
There’s nothing like getting all nice and cozy with a soft blanket on a cold winter night. This fleece and cable knit throw is available for $74.99.
Your good doggies can also get festive with these collars in various sizes.
Moving on to World of Disney, here’s a adorable flannel dog shirt for $34.99.
This Christmas tree lights up and is available for $49.99.
For $95.00 you can have this figure of Mickey and Minnie on ice skates.
Moving on from Christmas items, the popular throwback Disneyland popcorn bucket is available again for $16.99.
Over at Stage 17, the light up Madame Leota sipper cup is also back in stock.