By Courtney Potter
Marvel favorites return to the high seas, and the search for America’s next singing sensation travels to Hawaii… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!
Marvel Day at Sea is Back on Disney Cruise Line in 2019
There’s so much happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we head into 2019 (y’know, like those two little movies called Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame… heard of ’em?), so it stands to reason that Disney Cruise Line wants to take part in the fun, too! Yes, our friends on the high seas are bringing back Marvel Day at Sea—and starting next month, cruise guests on the Disney Magic will be among the first to meet Captain Marvel herself when she makes her big debut on board. Take a look at all the Marvel merriment you can expect in the clip, above.
Marvel Day at Sea is a spectacular day-long celebration that’s set to take place on select five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami in early 2019. For more information, make sure to visit DisneyCruise.com—and don’t forget to bring your best Super Hero gear to wear; you’ll fit right in alongside all your Marvel favorites.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
| D23 and Walt Disney Archives January 25, 2018 Lunch with a Disney Legend: Dave Smith February 16, 2018 D23’s Happily Ever After Brunch February 16, 2018 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty on the Lot February 16, 2018 D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty at Walt Disney World August 23-25, 2019 D23 Expo 2019 Parks January 25-February 17, 2019 Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure March 1-April 23, 2019 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival March 6-June 3, 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Summer 2019 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort Fall 2019 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort |
Studios March 8, 2019 Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel opens in U.S. theaters March 29, 2019 Dumbo opens in U.S. theaters April 19, 2019 Penguins opens in U.S. theaters May 24, 2019 Aladdin opens in U.S. theaters June 21, 2019 Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters July 19, 2019 The Lion King opens in U.S. theaters August 9, 2019 Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters Television December 25, 2018 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airs on ABC (10 a.m.–12 p.m. EST, 9–11 a.m. CST/MST/PST, airtimes vary, check local listings) December 31, 2018 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2019 airs on ABC (8 p.m. ET) |
American Idol Visits Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa for the First Time
With ABC’s American Idol readying a return to the airwaves, that means the hunt for America’s next great singing sensation is officially on! And for the very first time, the show will be heading to paradise to hear some sure-to-be-amazing early contestant performances…
As host Ryan Seacrest revealed on his radio show last week, American Idol will be heading to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii to film its showcase rounds. In a fortuitous turn of events, current Idol winner Maddie Poppe was actually at the Aulani Resort—enjoying the trip she was given as part of her prize package—when Seacrest made his announcement. Naturally, Poppe just had to take a photo with Mickey and Minnie Mouse to celebrate such an auspicious occasion!
Look for American Idol when it returns for its second season—premiering Sunday, March 3, at 8 p.m. EST, only on ABC.
Say Hello to Cousin Topsy in Mary Poppins Returns Featurette
The time is finally here! Mary Poppins Returns has officially flown into cinemas across the world, and we couldn’t be more excited for folks to see the further adventures of that “practically perfect” nanny… who happens to have an eccentric cousin named Topsy, portrayed in the film by none other than Oscar® winner (and theater veteran) Meryl Streep. Meet Topsy and see what kind of shenanigans she’s up to in the featurette, above.
Mary Poppins Returns stars Emily Blunt in the title role and Lin-Manuel Miranda as her lamplighter pal Jack, with Emily Mortimer and Ben Whishaw as the now-grown Jane and Michael Banks; Julie Walters as housekeeper Ellen; and Colin Firth as banker William Weatherall Wilkins… with special appearances by Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke. “Trip a little light fantastic” over to your local movie house now!
ESPN to Launch New Late-Night Shows in 2019
Sports fans, listen up: ESPN has announced that it’ll add two new late-night shows to its line-up late next month. Now or Never on ESPN2 (co-hosted by Steve Covino, Rich Davis, and Janelle Marie Rodriguez) and Ahora o Nunca on ESPN Deportes (co-hosted by ESPN Deportes’ Mauricio Pedroza, Herculez Gomez, and Rodriguez) will be dedicated to covering the intersection of sports and pop culture for young, diverse sports fans… and they’re set to debut on January 28.
Both shows will offer a new take on all things sports, with a fun, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for late-night TV fans. The co-hosts will not only report on the freshest sports headlines, but they’ll also be able to chat about all the latest news in movies, music, “E Sports,” celebrity culture, and so much more. Airing Monday through Friday, the two 30-minute shows will be produced from ESPN studios at L.A. Live in Los Angeles and air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 2 a.m. ET/11 p.m. PT.
ICYMI: The First Avengers: Endgame Trailer is Here!
Okay, so chances are pretty high that you’ve already seen this teaser trailer for the fourth Avengers film—considering it was one of the most anticipated trailers ever released. (Like, ever.) But just in case you missed it the first time ’round, or you want to take another look, check out the clip above.
Not much is known about Avengers: Endgame—outside of some fairly tantalizing clues within the trailer—except that it’s directed once again by Anthony and Joe Russo, and will be unleashed onto movie screens worldwide in April. Mark those calendars!
