Mickey’s Soundsational Parade is getting ready to step off for the last time this year, rocking the house of mouse from now until July 17th. Make sure to head over to Disneyland Park and join the party before it’s all over!
The parade, which made its triumphant return for Mickey and Minnie’s “Get Your Ears On” Celebration, includes two brand new floats, along with plenty of classic Disney films such as The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins.
Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will be making it’s final run to prepare for the return of the fan favorite, Main Street Electrical Parade. The parade will return to the resort for a limited time run this summer from August 2nd to September 30th. You can relive the magic of both parades exclusively at Disneyland Park.
Minnie greets guests during the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates, including continuing coverage of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
This year’s D23 Expo is about to explode in beautiful ballad, as Disney on Broadway is returning with an exclusive 25th anniversary concert. The concert will be held in Hall D23 on Saturday, August 24th, at 3:30PM and will be hosted by Tony Award nominee, Gavin Lee. Known for their work on Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast, Lee will lead the 75 minute concert that will feature some of Disney On Broadway’s biggest stars and moments.
Included in the concert are Heidi Blikcenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, On The Record), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King).
A moment from Disney on Broadway’s production, Aladdin.
The concert will also host a six piece band, led by Jim Abbott, taking the audience on a musical journey through years of award winning performances. The concert will feature songs from Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aida, Tarzan®, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, Freaky Friday and Frozen. (Talent is subject to change).
Once the concert ends, the fun continues over on the D23 Expo Floor with Disney On Broadway’s special VR theatre. The brand new virtual reality experience will bring guests center stage in some of Disney’s biggest Broadway production numbers, including Aladdin, Frozen, and The Lion King.
Make sure to purchase tickets for this year’s expo before they all vanish! Select single day tickets are still available by visiting the official D23 Expo website. Join us in August and see you real soon at the 2019 D23 Expo!
For the 6th year in a row, the highly popular and stylish Her Universe Fashion Show is preparing to take San Diego Comic Con by storm with special announcements being unveiled just in time for kick off of the convention season.
This year’s theme, The Power of Fashion, is promised to inspire, bringing the universe of powerful characters, stories, and themes across popular culture together in celebration of all things geeky, nerdy, and empowering. Presented by Her Universe, Hot Topic, and DreamWorks Animation’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, the show will be held on Thursday, July 18th at 6PM in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.
24 designers will compete, with two winners being chosen. One winner will be an audience choice, while one will be from an expert panel of judges. This year’s panelists have been revealed, which include the Her Universe Fashion Show 2018 winners! See the full list below:
Ed LaBay (VP/GMM at Hot Topic), Liz Munoz (Torrid CEO), Lisa Baldzicki (VP of Parks Merchandise and Products Development for Disney Parks and Resorts), Meghan Camarena (@Strawburry17 Host, Producer, and Actress), Merit Leighton (Voice of Frosta on She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Michaela Dietz (Actress and voice of Amethyst on the Cartoon Network Hit Series, Steven Universe), Kristi Siedow Thompson (Her Universe Fashion Show 2018 Audience Choice Winner), Cynthia Kirkland (Her Universe Fashion Show 2018 Judge’s Choice Winner) and Jane Burson (Her Universe Fashion Show 2018 Singer Sewing Winner).
The show will also bring the return of the Cartoon Network Junior Design Showcase, which will highlight inspired designs from the hit series, Steven Universe. Junior designers between the ages of 6-17 will have the chance to win an opportunity to take part in an exclusive designer Her Universe collection for BoxLunch in 2020.
This year’s sponsor will be The Pop Insider, joined by Espionage Cosmetics, who will return as the official hair and makeup sponsor. Espionage is the leading nerd makeup company on the market, who will be tasked once again with creating the final looks for all Her Universe runway models.
Make sure to join SoCalThrills and the rest of the world at the Manchester Grand Hyatt! Check in will begin at 1PM PST on Thursday, July 18th, with doors opening at 5:15PM PST. As always, the show will be free for all San Diego Comic-Con attendees and open to all ages. See you at San Diego Comic Con 2019!
For the first time, Universal CityWalk joins in dineL.A. Restaurant Week offering guests the opportunity to experience some of CityWalk’s premier eateries, including Vivo Italian Kitchen, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.
Exclusive menus will be served at these three dining locations as part of the dineL.A. program:
Vivo Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will offer a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner menu. The special menus can be viewed here: Vivo Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.
Voodoo Doughnut will offer a Baker’s ½ Dozen and Full Dozen specials in addition to a dineL.A. special bread pudding doughnut only offered at the CityWalk location. The special menu can be viewed here: Voodoo Doughnut.
Diners can also take advantage of special valet parking rates during dineL.A. More information is available at Universal CityWalk.
DineL.A. is a 15-day event that takes place twice a year and showcases Los Angeles’s premier dining destinations along with special menu options.
Nickelodeon has some hot new retail items exclusive to San Diego Comic-Con 2019 that are only available at the Nick booth (#4113).
Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Attendees can grab both new and nostalgic Nick retail items spanning SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rugrats and more.
There’s a party in Bikini Bottom and your head is invited! Dress up as your favorite SpongeBob SquarePants characters with the 20” soft, inflatable headwear! Made to fit most kid and adults heads, SpongeHeads allow fans of all ages to show off their favorite characters in a silly fashion-statement! Let the party begin!
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Exclusive Shredder Figure $30.00
The Shredder is back! Based on Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Shredder figure comes ready to attack! The Turtles’ ultimate nemesis stands nearly 6” tall and features a ball-joint articulated head with a sinister facial expression and glowing red eyes, a body molded in a translucent brown with gray, metallic-sprayed armor, and shredding claw weapon accessories. He also has slide joint neck articulation, waist articulation, ball-joint articulated shoulders, and hips, knee and ankle articulation so you can pose him in hundreds of different ways.
Shredder comes packed out in a highly-collectible, uniquely-styled, five-sided penta-shaped window box placed in a protective white mailer box calling out the “2019 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Shredder” name.
Metallic Green Reptar EEKEEZ $15.00
Exclusive Reptar Eekeez Figurine modeled after your favorite Rugrats character. Hand painted resin figurine featuring realistic wood carved design, measuring approximately 4” tall.
Chuckie Finster Bitty Boomer $20.00
Bitty Boomers are ultra-portable, beyond adorable, wireless licensed Bluetooth speakers. Don’t be fooled, what they lack in size, they make up for with clear, powerful, room filling sound. Tiny Size. Huge Sound. Bitty Boomers are just under 2″ in height and .25 of a lb. in weight so they can easily be carried in a pocket, or strapped to a backpack or gym bag (the strap is included- as is the USB charger) and so they can go wherever you go. They hold a charge for up to five hours. Our coating not only makes them a much more attractive item but it also gives them a water-resistant property that allows them to be taken to the gym, the pool, the beach, or virtually anywhere.
20Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Odd Sox $15.00
The lean, mean, green team is hitting the street – and your feet – with these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles socks!
Nick ‘90s Fanny Pack $20.00
The ’90s may be all that, but with this fanny pack featuring Nickelodeon’s most iconic ’90s series, you’ll be looking all that… and a bag of chips!
Customized T-Shirt Station $20.00
Fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of eight fan-favorite Nick shows: All That, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
Nick Box $50.00
The Nick Box is back with an exclusive 2019 San Diego Comic-Con enamel pin! Each Nick Box comes filled with exclusive collectibles, apparel, accessories, home goods and so much more, featuring all your favorite classic Nickelodeon shows. The Nick Box is a quarterly, subscription service that brings your most memorable Nickelodeon experiences right to your front door, but the Nick Box at SDCC features a SDCC exclusive. This installment features these items and more:
· Exclusive Chokey Chicken Pin: “Yee Haw! You in the mood for chicken that looks good, tastes good, and even smells good? Then come on down to the Chokey Chicken! Commemorate your favorite O-Town original chicken joint along with Rocko and friends with this SDCC exclusive enamel pin!”
· What’s Cookin’?: This tasty Winter box is full of exclusive items that will make your mouth water. Feeling hungry? Let us serve you up some Nick classics!
· Spinning Reptar On Ice Kitchen Timer: What better way to know when your food is done cooking than with this rad Reptar on Ice timer! If only this ice spectacular was playing in a rink near you.
· Mr. Tastee Vinyl Figure: We found Mr. Tastee and he is the coolest Nick Box exclusive vinyl! Can’t get him anywhere else.
· Cookie Stamp Set: Make every batch of cookies perfect for snack time! Featuring Tommy, Chuckie, and the cookie queen herself, Angelica.
· Powdered Toast Man Apron: To be a master chef in the kitchen, one must dress like one! And nothing makes you feel like you have the power than with Powdered Toast Man!
· Jolly Good Sardines Socks: Cover up your feet in the cold with these sweet Wild Thornberrys socks! You’ll make even sardines look smashing.
· Hey Arnold! Refrigerator Magnets: Add these fruit boys to your fridge! The Nick Box is the only place to get these Arnold and Gerald magnets.
· Good Burger Pillow Cover: You know what your pillow is missing? A classic Good Burger look! You will definitely have some sweet dreams.
· Enchanted Up-Chucks Pin Set: This pin set is perfect for any pin collector! You can find these one-of-a-kind pins only in the Nick Box!
· Good Burger Squishy: This Squishy is like having a real Good Burger, but without all the grease! Perfect for poking and squeezing. Order up!
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS TOY LINE:
SpongeBob SquarePants MasterPiece Memes $30.00
Memes in real life! 8” collectible vinyl figures bring to life fan-favorite show and movie moments that have now become some of the most popular viral memes. Featuring exceptional details and window packaging for collector displays, the SDCC figures include Mocking Imaginaaation SpongeBob and Surprised Patrick. These figures will be sold with a 20th Anniversary enamel pin of either SpongeBob or Patrick.
The world of Batuu is known to be unpredictable, with the planetary weather being no exception in Black Spire Outpost. Shortly after Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened to the public, travelers were given a rare opportunity to see the off world destination in a whole new light, thanks to some stormy weather patterns developing on the other side of the galaxy.
The new weather also gives everyone their first look at some of the new outwear accessories for Cast Members who inhabit Black Spire Outpost, which appear to be heavily inspired by the Rebellion camouflage seen in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The Rebellion is remembered in this all weather costume accessory that has made its first appearance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
From what we were able to experience, Galaxy’s Edge looks spectacular in this new element, bringing another layer of realism to the immersive power of the land. From the towering spires near the Millennium Falcon, to the heightened colors brought out in the foliage of the Resistance encampment, every inch pops and dazzles.
The sun peaks through the misty clouds beyond Black Spire Outpost’s Spaceport at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.Travelers venture into the stormy day ahead at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
The weather pattern is unusual for this time of year, no matter what planet you are from. Not to worry for any off world visitors looking for those bright Batuuvian suns, as they will most likely return with lightspeed precision. For now, it’s great to soak in the misty terrain and gain a fresh perspective on what’s quickly becoming home to many of us throughout the galaxy.
Are you looking to get a taste of the Walt Disney World® Resort with the little ones? The My First Disney Getaway Package gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the magic with an affordable getaway package price.
You can discover favorite and classic attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park including the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and TriceraTop Spin. You will also have the opportunity to meet Disney Character friends from beloved movies and TV shows, including Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse, and his friends.
Plus, staying at a Disney Resort hotel immerses you in the magic and gives you access to complimentary benefits to maximize your time, including Extra Magic Hours, access to Disney FastPass+, complimentary transportation and more.
The Details:
For just $999, a family of 3 can enjoy a package that includes:
A 2-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort
A 2-Park Magic Ticket valid for one-day-only admission to Magic Kingdom park and one-day-only admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
One stroller rental per ticket day (subject to availability)
One merchandise bag that includes a plush, autograph book, pen, “My 1st Visit” Mickey ears and a reusable bag (all items are subject to availability and could be replaced with a similar item)
Valid for arrivals most Sunday to Wednesday nights August 11 to September 25, 2019. Book through September 24, 2019.
Price based on 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3 to 9). The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited and the offer is valid only for standard rooms at select Disney’s All-Star Resorts. The ticket is valid for one-day only admission to Magic Kingdom park and one-day-only admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The ticket is valid beginning date of check-in and must be used within 4 days of check-in.
Important Information
One merchandise bag per reservation.
Stroller rental includes two (2) 1-day rentals valid only at Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park during the stay. The initial voucher provided must be presented at Magic Kingdom park or Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park stroller rental location to initiate rental and then a receipt will be provided for the remaining rental day. Type of stroller (single or double) will be provided based on availability.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package
This package can only be booked through a travel agent. Please contact me for more info at [email protected].
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) are gearing up for an exciting weekend of announcements and presentations and sharing never-before-seen footage, plus interactive displays, artist autograph signings, sharable photo opportunities, and giveaways for 2019’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.
This year, Pixar and WDAS will join forces with Disney’s live-action team, creating a thrilling Walt Disney Studios slate presentation that promises to wow Disney fans in Hall D23 with new announcements, surprise talent appearances, and sneak peeks of select scenes from the films.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m., Hall D23
As a part of The Walt Disney Studios presentation, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee and Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter will present never-before-seen footage, surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by all-star voice talent from the studios’ upcoming slate of animated films. Fans will get new looks at WDAS’ highly anticipated follow-up to 2013’s Oscar®-winning feature film Frozen when directors Chris Buck, Lee, and producer Peter Del Vecho reveal new details about Frozen 2. Director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae will introduce fans to the characters in Pixar’s upcoming original feature film Onward, while Docter and producer Dana Murray share details about next summer’s original feature Soul. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.
SHOW FLOOR August 23–25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
On the show floor, the two studios will once again team up for an immersive animation experience at D23 Expo. The studios’ upcoming slate of films, which include WDAS’ much-anticipated Frozen 2 and Pixar’s brand-new original feature film Onward, will be highlighted, including opportunities to meet the teams behind the movies and autograph signings of exclusive art and promotional item giveaways.
Pixar Animation Studios will also introduce fans to a real-life version of Guinevere, the van from their upcoming film Onward. Decked out with crescent moon windows and a “Pegacorn” (part Pegasus, part unicorn) painted on her sides, Guinevere will offer guests a taste of the adventure that two teenage elf brothers will embark upon in the movie.
ANIMATION PANELS
Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m.,D23 Expo Arena.
The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration! – Presented by H2O+
Fans of the classic film are invited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Little Mermaid, recognized around the world as one of the greatest animated films of all time. Hosted by the voice of Ariel herself, Jodi Benson, it will be an unforgettable “Under the Sea” celebration.
Sunday, August 25, 12 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage Hidden Gems of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library: Preserving and Inspiring the Disney Legacy
Fans will discover what it’s like to hold Disney history in their hands in this informative panel. The talented team at Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL) preserves millions of pieces of original Disney Animation art from Steamboat Willie to the films of today. Attendees will learn how the ARL shares these hidden gems, inspiring artists and audiences alike.
Sunday, August 25, 4 p.m., Stage 28. World Premiere: Walt Disney Animation Studios Presents Short Circuit
In this exciting panel, Walt Disney Animation Studios will debut Short Circuit, an experimental short film program that will debut in Spring 2020 on Disney+. Talented artists and filmmakers will share their films for the first time anywhere and give behind-the-scenes insights.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open to the public and ready for an explosive summer that is sure to shatter expectations across the stars and beyond. Yet, with that popularity and demand, it appears that the newest Disney Parks expansion is having a difficult time keeping up in terms of their merchandise.
Since it opened May to limited reservation only crowds, the land has been selling product faster than Anakin can race his pod down the desert sands of Tatooine. Items have been quickly disappearing, such as Han’s lucky dice from Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as his handy card game, Sabacc. Yet, the huge surge of desire from fans for merchandise is finally starting to gain attention in bigger ways, as even more items are finding their way off the shelves and nowhere to be seen throughout Black Spire Outpost.
With limited stocks available, guests are now given the option to purchase Disney Parks brand lightsabers, with the same features as the Galaxy’s Edge legacy collection.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is being hit the hardest, as they have now sold out of all available Kyber Crystals in addition to many of their prized legacy lightsabers. It has gotten to the point where Disney Parks labeled merchandise is being brought in to help relief the depleted stock piles.
Comparing the available legacy lightsaber collection on opening night of Galaxy’s Edge reservation-only previews versus the land’s public debut in June.
As of June 24th’s public debut, guests can choose from Ahsoka Tano’s lightsaber duo, Darth Maul’s single blade, as well as the Jedi Temple Guard saber. All other models are completely sold out, with Cast Members alerting purchasers they are not sure when the popular replicas will be back in stock. For now, Disney Parks branded sabers will be sold for Kylo Ren, Rey, as well as Darth Vader. The models, which were previously available in Tomorrowland, have the same feature and design as their legacy counterparts.
This Porg looks a bit different than the rest!
In addition, some other Disney and Star Wars labeled items are finding their way into Batuu, including plush figures for Chewbacca and Porgs. Though there appear to be plenty of the beloved Last Jedi creatures in stock at the Creature Stall, the Disney branded items may be an indication that more and more items are selling fast. Help is on the way though, as Cast have confirmed that more shipments are being prepared for a trip to Galaxy’s Edge. Eager fans will have to wait in the meantime, which includes the return of Disney’s popular Galaxy’s Edge exclusive Batuuan Spira gift card. The unit was completely sold out prior to the land’s public debut, which demonstrates the full power of the fan base Disney is working to serve.
This Galaxy’s Edge Exclusive Disney Gift Card is out of this world and currently out of stock planet wide!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues to provide plenty of surprises and it will be interesting to see how things play out in the coming weeks. Make sure to stay tuned for even more news from Black Spire Outpost and check out our full Galaxy’s Edge coverage!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has made its public debut at the Disneyland Resort, creating a shocking turn of events as the highly anticipated opening attracted lower than expected crowds. That’s not to say the land wasn’t met with a fervor, as droves of guests made their way to the resort at park opening to be some of the first to step foot in Batuu.
A drove of first entry guests sprinted towards the newly opened, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.
The lines were brought in just before standard opening at 8AM, already to a sold out reservation queue for Oga’s Cantina. Reservations opened up promptly at 7AM, taking less than a half hour to fully book for the day. For those who may not know, there is now a same-day reservation system in place for both Savi’s Workshop and Oga’s Cantina. Each reservation grants guests the ability to enter Galaxy’s Edge an hour earlier than their start time, which may have helped in maintaining the crowds throughout the day, turning what could have been madness into a manageable lull.
Reservations are now required to experience both Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop.
Following into the land, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run was met with a massive line that quickly stretched all the way around towards the Droid Depot, bringing the initial wait time up to 190 minutes. The wait time, which is a massive increase in wait in comparison to the reservation-only previews, did not last long, as the ride steadily made its way back to a manageable 60-90 minute wait. Though the line would surge throughout the day, the line’s newly introduced extended queue was not heavily used. Despite that, it did give fans their first look at the new extension, which is minimalist in design compared to the immersive nature of the land itself. Equipped with a Coke stand and Disney Play App features, the extended queue appears to be much larger, which may or may not be needed in future weeks.
A look at the new extended queue for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.
It will be hard to predict how the crowds will manage leading into the busier holidays and weekend peaks, but if this debut has shown us anything, is that Disney prepared for the worst and managed to pull off a surprise that only Disney could produce. It appears Disney’s past land debut experiences have taught them exactly what was needed to keep things under control, especially with the recent debuts of Toy Story Land in Walt Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout in Disney California Adventure, as well as the legendary wait times produced by Cars Land in the summer of 2012.
With Cast Members being blocked out from the resort, Annual Pass block outs in full effect, as well as the land’s new virtual queue system in place, there are a lot of safeguards that didn’t exist even a year ago. Rather than stand in a general line and hope for the best, guests now are granted the ability to create a virtual place in line, being alerted when it’s their turn to enter the world of Batuu. Thankfully, the system worked without a hitch, making the process smooth and easy leading into the early afternoon.
Yet, all of that proved unnecessary towards the second half of the day. To everyone’s surprise, Disney announced that their virtual queue would be temporarily halted, allowing any and all guests to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Cast Members were given lifted block out dates as well. The effect is astounding, and it definitely creates a ripple that will be felt throughout the Disneyland Resort if this trend continues.
Wait times resort wide were lower than expected. prompting those to ask the question: What comes next?
Wait times everywhere were best described as “a walk on” for many E-Ticket attractions including Hyperspace Mountain, Star Tours, The Incredicoaster, as well as Radiator Springs Racers. Racers was posted at a 25 minute wait towards the later half of the afternoon, leaving some faces stunned in disbelief. The attraction, which is well known for posting 2 hour plus wait times, had finally met its match. The torch has been passed, and it will be interesting to see how it all comes together going into the heat of the summer and holiday seasons. The future, it seems, is just beginning.
There is more Galaxy’s Edge fun to explore. Make sure to check out our full coverage and stay tuned for more exciting content, photos, video, and more. Til the spire!
Tickets are now on sale for “The Lion King,” the Jon Favreau-helmed feature film that brings treasured characters to the big screen in a whole new way. The film, like the original 1994 version, features unforgettable music by an award-winning team, including Oscar and GRAMMY-winning superstar Elton John and Oscar and GRAMMY-winning lyricist Tim Rice, who’ve written an uplifting new song, “Never Too Late,” performed by John, that features an African choir and will appear in the film’s end credits and also on the Walt Disney Records original motion picture soundtrack. The digital soundtrack is set for release at 8 a.m. PDT on July 11, and the physical album is now available for pre-order and set for release on July 19, the same day “The Lion King” opens in U.S. theaters.
“Just hearing that music strikes you deeply,” Favreau said. “Even if you don’t know the film or stage show, there is spiritual strength in it. But if you know the film, and if you grew up with this music now it can suddenly and immediately evoke the story itself, as well as all the connected memories and emotions that you have from your own past experience with ‘The Lion King,’ or from the time of your life that you were in, or your childhood, or the life events it’s connected to.”
Added Mitchell Leib, president of music & soundtracks for The Walt Disney Studios, “The incredible musical talents who came together to contribute to this project are unparalleled. Jon Favreau’s deep love and instinct for a musical collaboration inspired Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Pharrell Williams, Elton John, Tim Rice, Beyoncé, Donald Glover, and the entire music team to an awesome level of generosity, spirit and commitment, resulting in a powerful journey of song, production and performance.”
“The Lion King” original motion picture soundtrack features new recordings of the original songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice, score by Oscar® and GRAMMY®-winning composer Hans Zimmer, plus African vocal and choir arrangements by GRAMMY-winning South African producer and composer Lebo M (Rhythm of the Pride Lands). Oscar-nominated and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter and producer Pharrell Williams (“Hidden Figures”/producer, “Happy”), produced five songs on the soundtrack.
In revisiting the score for “The Lion King,” Zimmer realized the original themes and music were the “emotional spine of the story.” He brought back many who worked on the original film, including Lebo M, orchestrator Bruce Fowler, conductor Nick Glennie-Smith, arranger Mark Mancina, plus several singers from the choir including Carmen Twillie (who performed “Circle of Life” in the 1994 movie).
Zimmer wanted to approach the score differently for the new film and enlisted the Re-Collective Orchestra (led by founders Matt Jones and Stephanie Matthews), along with the Hollywood Studio Symphony (comprised of Los Angeles-based session players), and his band. The goal was to rehearse and record the score like a live concert performance.
Music from the animated film released in 1994 won two Academy Awards® (original song and original score), four GRAMMYS® and two Golden Globes®. The soundtrack was No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart for 10 nonconsecutive weeks and was certified Diamond by the RIAA, for 10 million units sold.
Credit: Disney
“The Lion King” original motion picture soundtrack tracklist follows.
“Circle of Life”/“Nants’ Ingonyama” – Performed by Lindiwe Mkhize; African vocals performed by Lebo M; written and composed by Elton John and Tim Rice; “Nants’ Ingonyama” written by Lebohang Morake and Hans Zimmer; produced by Hans Zimmer; vocals produced by Stephen Lipson
“Life’s Not Fair” – Hans Zimmer
“Rafiki’s Fireflies” – Hans Zimmer
“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Performed by JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph and John Oliver; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
“Elephant Graveyard” – Hans Zimmer
“Be Prepared” (2019 Version) – Performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming
“Stampede” – Hans Zimmer
“Scar Takes the Throne” – Hans Zimmer
“Hakuna Matata” – Performed by Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, JD McCrary and Donald Glover; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
“Simba is Alive!” – Hans Zimmer
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – Performed by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss and Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Performed by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
“Reflections of Mufasa” – Hans Zimmer
TBA
“Battle for Pride Rock” – Hans Zimmer
“Remember” – Hans Zimmer
“Never Too Late” – Performed by Elton John; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Greg Kurstin; additional production by Elton John and Matt Still
“He Lives in You” – Performed by Lebo M; written by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebohang Morake; produced by Lebo M and Mark Mancina
“Mbube” – Performed by Lebo M; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams
“The Lion King” original motion picture soundtrack is produced by Hans Zimmer and Jon Favreau. The physical album is now available for pre-order.
The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, The Simpsons, makes its first appearance at D23 Expo. Get insight on the upcoming all-new season in a lively panel Saturday, August 24 at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena with Creator Matt Groening, Executive Producer Al Jean, Executive Producer Matt Selman, Supervising Director Mike B. Anderson, and stars Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith. Expect lots of surprises, including an exclusive Simpsons collectible item for everyone in attendance.
The Simpsons exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and have remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Recently finishing its historic 30th season, The Simpsons has won 33 Emmy® Awards, 34 Annie Awards, 9 Environmental Media Awards, 7 People’s Choice Awards and 12 Writers Guild of America Awards including the 2019 Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program Award. It was the first animated series to win a Peabody Award and was nominated for an Academy Award® in 2012 for the theatrical short “The Longest Daycare.” The Simpsons Movie was a hit feature film, the mega-attraction The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios has received historic expansion updates with the addition of “Springfield,” and the show was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. It has been named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time magazine and called the “Best TV Show Ever” by Vulture in 2016.
During the D23 Expo, The Simpsons fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Bart, Lisa, and the rest of The Simpsons family on the convention floor. A few lucky fans will even get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Matt Groening and the rest of the panelists during a one-hour autograph signing session of an exclusive TheSimpsons mini-poster following the panel.
