Meet The Characters And Voice Cast For Disney’s “Zootopia” np

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Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed the roster of voice talent tapped to help bring a voice, snort and a roar to the animal residents of the modern-day mammal metropolis of “Zootopia,” which opens in theaters March 4, 2016.“We had so much fun casting this film,” said director Byron Howard. “‘Zootopia’ features such a large and diverse range of characters—one of our biggest casts ever for a Disney Animation film. We needed talented actors who could help bring these animals to life.”

Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon A Time”)  provides the voice of Zootopia’s first bunny officer, JUDY HOPPS.

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Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development”)lends his voice to con-artist fox NICK WILDE

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Idris Elba (Netflix’s “Beasts of No Nation,” BBC’s “Luther”) provides the voice of CHIEF BOGO, head of the Zootopia Police Department. A tough cape buffalo with 2,000 lbs of attitude, Bogo is reluctant to add Judy Hopps, Zootopia’s first bunny cop, to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos.

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J.K. Simmons (“Juno,” Oscar® winner for “Whiplash”) lends his voice to MAYOR LEODORE LIONHEART, the noble leader of Zootopia, who coined the city’s mantra that Judy Hopps lives by: “In Zootopia, anyone can be anything.”

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Nate Torrence (HBO’s “Hello Ladies,” Fox’s “Weird Loners”) lends his voice to the Zootopia Police Department’s most charming cheetah, BENJAMIN CLAWHAUSER. Clawhauser loves two things: pop star Gazelleand donuts. From his reception desk, he greets everyone with a warm smile and a helpful paw—covered in sprinkles.

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Jenny Slate (“Obvious Child,” “Marcel the Shell”) provides the voice of ASSISTANT MAYOR BELLWETHER, a sweet sheep with a little voice and a lot of wool, who constantly finds herself under foot of the larger-than-life Mayor Lionheart.

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Tommy Chong(“Up in Smoke,” “That ’70s Show”) lends his iconic voice to YAX THE YAK, the most enlightened, laid-back bovine in Zootopia. When Judy Hopps is on a case, Yax is full of revealing insights.   

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Octavia Spencer (“Insurgent,” Oscar® winner for “The Help”) voices MRS. OTTERTON, a desperate otter who turns to Officer Judy Hopps for help in solving her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

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Bonnie Hunt (“Return to Me,” “Jerry Maguire”) provides the voice of BONNIE HOPPS, mother of Judy—and her 275 brothers and sisters. Mrs. Hoppsloves and supports her daughter, but is a hare nervous about Judy moving to Zootopia to become a big-city police officer.

Don Lake(“Dumb and Dumber To,” “The Bonnie Hunt Show”) voices Judy’s father, STU HOPPS, a carrot farmer from Bunnyburrow. Along with Mrs. Hopps, he is worried about Judy moving to Zootopia and the untrustworthy big-city mammals who live there—especially foxes.

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Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Trumbo”) returns to Disney Animation’s recording studio for his fourth feature in a row as the voice of DUKE WEASELTON, a small-time weasel crook with a big-time weasel mouth, who tries to give Judy the slip during a police chase.

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Tommy “Tiny” Lister (“Friday,” “The Fifth Element”) voices FINNICK, a fennec fox with a big chip on his adorable shoulder.

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Raymond Persi(“Wreck-It Ralph,” WDAS story artist) voices FLASH,the fastest sloth working at the DMV—the Department of Mammal Vehicles.

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Additional voice cast:

  • Katie Lowes (ABC’s “Scandal,” “Big Hero 6”) lends her voice to DR. MADGE HONEY BADGER, who heads up all of City Hall’s most pressing medical cases.
  • Jesse Corti (“Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast”) is the voice of thejaguarMANCHAS, a highly regarded chauffeurwho works for the biggest—and shadiest—limo company in town.
  • John DiMaggio (Fox’s “Futurama,” Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time”) voices JERRY JUMBEAUX JR., the easily annoyed owner of Jumbeaux’s Café, his elephant ice cream parlor.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”),and produced by Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “Lilo & Stitch”) opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

“Zootopia” Character Images:

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Disney Finally Announces “Club Villain” for Hollywood Studios, Special Ticketed Dining Event in 2016

We told you about Disney casting Villains for a new offering at Hollywood Studios several months ago, well the new Sunset Showcase will start hosting the new offering come Saturday evenings in January 2016:

Sunset Showcase loudly presents Club Villain, a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event—debuting January 16, 2016!

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online or by calling (407) 939-3463.

  • Separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required, and is not included in the price of this package.
  • Club Villain will be offered on select evenings only. Please check the booking calendar for specific dates and times, as operating hours may vary.
  • This event will offer banquet style seating, so you may be seated with other parties.
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age.
  • This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.

Thus far, the event is only scheduled for Saturday evenings beginning January 16th, starting at either 7:45PM or 9:15PM, depending on park hours for that day.

Rivers of Light Ditches Disney Characters for an Artistic Answer to the Animal Kingdom Nighttime Show Vacancy

Thanks to the DisneyAuditions.com website, we have some new details to share on the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular debuting at Animal Kingdom Spring 2016:

Disney Creative Entertainment is seeking CONTEMPORARY and BOLLYWOOD-STYLE dancers for featured roles in a new offering at the Walt Disney World® Resort, near Orlando, FL. These silent narrators orchestrate all the action to convey the spirit of an ancient and timeless celebration.  Choreographed by Ulka Simone Mohanty.

“Rivers of Light,” the new immersive nighttime experience coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in spring 2016, will combine live performances with beautiful floating lanterns, water screens and grand theatrical imagery, in a celebration of animals and nature.  The event begins with the arrival of a pair of Shamans, two complimentary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light.  Along with their Acolytes, or assistants, the Shamans set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels, engaging in a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits.

Based on early rumblings about the show, it seems the performance will have little to do with Disney or the Disney characters and will be something using mostly original material, much like IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if some clips and music from The Lion King or the Disney Nature films came into play.

In addition to the lantern vessels mentioned above, there will also be a large number of tiny autonomous lantern floats that will travel along choreographed, pre-programmed patterns through the waterways around Expeditions Everest during the show. Other vessels will carry water fountains, lighting, and fire effects while water screens and the new lighting installation on the Tree of Life paint a colorful backdrop for the show.

It sounds like it will be quite the spectacle when it opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom next year. What do you think?

VIDEO: New Duracell “Star Wars” Commercial features Episode VII Characters and Lots of Fun

Duracell has released a brand new “Star Wars” commercial called “The Battle For Christmas Morning” which shows us  what’s possible when two young Jedi power up their lightsabers with Duracell and enter the Star Wars world of imaginative play to take on Stormtroopers, Tie Fighters, and the rest of the Dark Side.

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VIDEO: “The Good Dinosaur” Reacts To The Halloween Asteroid

It’s official: Asteroid TB145 (“Spooky” or the “Halloween Asteroid”) has officially passed by earth, recalling the idea that launched The Good Dinosaur. To celebrate, Pixar has released a new video showing the dinosaurs from “The Good Dinosaur” reacting to The Halloween Asteroid”:

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Pixar released a An asteroid just passed by Earth today, it was a near miss—if you consider 300,000 miles away a near miss (the moon is 238,900 miles from Earth). According to NASA, the asteroid, TB145, is estimated to be 2,000 feet wide and traveling at 78,000 miles per hour. The object could actually be a dead comet.

Peter Sohn, director of Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur,” says the event reminds filmmakers of the idea that launched the film, which hits theaters—so to speak—on Nov. 25, 2015.  Says Sohn, “This whole thing started off with the idea: What if the asteroid that theoretically wiped out all the dinosaurs 65 million years ago missed? What would have happened? We had a lot of fun evolving the dinosaurs. Herbivores became farmers; carnivores became ranchers.”

New Orange Bird Home Décor and More Landing at Disney Parks This Fall

Walt Disney World fans that have a special place in their heart for the happy little Orange Bird know that he returned to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in 2012, and can now be found in the Sunshine Tree Terrace location. Last year, several Orange Bird-themed products were introduced at Disney Parks. WDWNT is happy to report additional items will be arriving soon.

 

These new home décor items will include two small kitchen towels decorated with Orange Bird graphics. An Orange Bird coffee mug, small dish, and salt and pepper shakers are also planned. These items were designed to complement the previously released bowl, orange juice pitcher and small juice glasses. Now you’ll be able to “Think Orange Thoughts” while enjoying your morning cup of coffee!

Another item will be the new, open edition retail MagicBand coming this December to select Walt Disney World Resort merchandise locations.

 

Once these items are released at Disney Parks, you may find select products using the free Shop Disney Parks app. This video shows you how easy it is to use the app to find favorite Disney Parks merchandise and have those items shipped directly to your home.

 

D23 Offers Exclusive “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Content To Members

JOURNEY TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY AS DISNEY TWENTY-THREE GIVES FANS UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH J.J. ABRAMS, MARK HAMILL, HARRISON FORD, CARRIE FISHER, DAISY RIDLEY, LAWRENCE KASDAN, AND KATHLEEN KENNEDY, DISNEY’S OFFICIAL FAN CLUB CELEBRATES THE EPIC SAGA.

To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney twenty-three unlocks the power of the force to give fans a look behind the making of the newest installment in the Star Wars saga. The issue opens with “guest editor” C-3PO admitting he is unfamiliar with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club (“…although I am very familiar with the R2 series of droid, I am less familiar with the D23 line. Would it be R2-D23?”) and continues with candid interviews with the original Star Wars leads—Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford—looking back (and ahead) at the ongoing strength of these out-of-this-world films.

Director J.J. Abrams—whose long-standing history with Disney goes back to the TV show Felicity—sits down for a revealing Q&A, and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talks about inheriting one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Plus, Imagineer Scott Trowbridge gives fans a peek at what’s in store for guests at the parks, following Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s announcement at D23 EXPO 2015 of Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And the Star Wars adventures continue. Also included in the publication, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members:

  • Stories behind the movie poster artwork for all seven films
  • An exclusive interview with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni, who talks about his first, nerve-wracking meeting with George Lucas
  • The incredible collectibles—past and future—that allow guests to bring the movies into their homes, including the story of the groundbreaking BB-8 toy
  • A salute to George Lucas by Star Wars authority Steve Sansweet

Plus, there’s plenty of Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three including:

  • The story of how the new Disney•Pixar film The Good Dinosaur came to rule the Earth
  • A look back at the creation of Fantasia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary
  • How The Finest Hours went from an unbelievable true story to a gripping new film
  • Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.

REVIEW: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Breakfast An Out-Of-This-World Alternative to Other Studios Offerings np

On Sunday, November 1st, the Sci-Fi Dine-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began testing a breakfast offering. Similar to the Star Wars version offered seasonally in May & June, the breakfast offers pastries, choice of a fruit cup or yogurt parfait, and an entree. The usual video loop of classic sci-fi films and drive-in theater promos play above as guests dine in vintage-style car facsimile tables.

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The pastry tray to share between every pair of guests

 

The fruit cup and the yogurt parfait

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A look at the breakfast menu

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I had the steak and eggs which was really good. The steak was a nice size, the eggs cooked with cheese and bacon were excellent, and the potatoes and tomato were also delicious.

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The brioche french toast was spectacular as well, very filling.

Breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In is $23.99 for adults, $12.99 for children (Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland both accepted). The price point t is pretty good for a sit down restaurant that can get you in the park pre-opening, and I think the value is really there as far as the amount of food you get for that price. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park fairly short on breakfast offerings, so I think this is a great addition that will prove popular enough to remain year-round. If you’re aren’t a fan of Hollywood and Vine, I strongly suggest you give breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater a try on your next trip.

RUMOR: Opening Date Set for Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The new star Wars Launch Bay attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soft-open to guests on November 27th, 2015 if all goes according to plan.

 

This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings.  Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing the Magic of Disney Animation.