Disney News Round Up - October 17, 2022
A lot has happened in the world of Disney this week! We’ve gathered up some highlights from the amazing teams at Disney Parks Blog and WDW News Today - two amazing resources to keep you up to date on all things Disney!
Photos: Disney Parks Blog, WDW News Today
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a Disney Legend this week. Dame Angela Lansbury passed away peacefully at home at the age of 96. She is noted as having one of the longest careers in the entertainment industry spanning over 80 active years with such credits as the voice of Mrs. Potts in the animated film The Beauty and the Beast; Miss Price in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and of course starring in Murder, She Wrote as Jessica Fletcher. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.
https://wdwnt.com/2022/10/dame-angela-lansbury-voice-of-mrs-potts-passes-away-at-96/
And unfortunately, though this isn’t a piece of Disney news, fans around the world said goodbye to another beloved actor from a story that touched millions. Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films passed away earlier this week at age 72. After news of his passing was shared, fans unofficially gathered at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World raised their wands and umbrellas in his honour (as depicted in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince). He will be very missed by so many.
https://wdwnt.com/2022/10/rubeus-hagrid-actor-robbie-coltrane-passes-away/
We shared previously that the Disneyland Resort will be kicking off Disney 100 of Wonder Celebrations on January 27, 2022 and that passes and reservations were temporarily paused. Well, they are now available for those who want to visit the Disneyland Resort during this time! The Disneyland website currently shows available reservations for both parks through the month of January.
Fan favorite nighttime spectacular, “Fantasmic!” will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in November after a two year closure! The returning show will feature a new sequence and while no official details surrounding it have been released, there has been concept art circulating reflecting elements of Moana, Aladdin and Frozen!
Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds are officially open after a two month long refurbishment! This attraction is a fan favorite that takes guests through the Swiss Alps on a six person bobsled, zooming in and out of caves avoiding the infamous Abominable Snowman! Guests do have to be 42” or taller to ride and those who are prone to motion sickness or are easily bothered by noise should note that there are some drops and loud noises.
https://wdwnt.com/2022/10/matterhorn-bobsleds-reopens-refurbishment-2022/
The runDisney 2023 Princess Half Marathon Weekend is coming up soon in February 2023! This race weekend takes inspiration from our favorite Disney princesses and each race focuses on a different princess as it’s theme. runDisney shared a first look at the finishers medals for this years event earlier this week! While spots for the race weekend are filled, fans can still participate virtually at home with race options from 3.1 miles to 19.3 miles! Visit the runDisney website for more information!
Did you know that the amazing travel agents over at our partner agency People Mover Travel can help you plan your next Disney vacation completely free? That’s right, planning services are totally complimentary! Visit the People Mover Travel website for more information!