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[animationarticles]

Disney Welcomes Bluey to Parks, Cruises, and Theaters in a Global Expansion

Disney has unveiled plans to bring the beloved animated series Bluey to its iconic destinations, including Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and Disney Cruise Line. Starting in January 2025, families aboard Disney cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand will enjoy special Bluey experiences, such as interactive meet-and-greets with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, and a clue-filled adventure culminating in a lively dance party.

“Bluey has captured the hearts of families worldwide, and we’re excited to bring her story to life in new ways,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We look forward to creating unforgettable memories for our youngest guests and their families with Bluey at our parks and on our cruises.”

Ludo Studio, the producers of Bluey, expressed equal enthusiasm. “It’s a beautiful day for a boat ride! We’re thrilled that Bluey and Bingo will be joining Disney Cruises, bringing Bluey’s charm to families at sea,” the studio shared.

Collaborating with BBC Studios and Disney, Ludo Studio is developing unique activations for these experiences. More details on meeting Bluey and her family at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will be revealed in 2024.

Nicki Sheard, CEO of BBC Studios, Brands, and Licensing, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “Bringing the Heeler family to Disney Parks and Cruises marks the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary year for Bluey,” Sheard said. “We are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for fans and can’t wait to welcome families next year.”

This announcement coincides with Disney’s expanded partnership with BBC Studios, which includes acquiring global theatrical rights for a Bluey film. The movie, produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, is set for a 2027 release under the Disney banner. After its theatrical run, the film will stream on Disney+ and air on ABC Kids and ABC iview in Australia.

[animationarticles]

Holiday Box Office Showdown: Mufasa and Sonic 3 Dominate as Year Ends on a High Note

It appears that the holiday box office has two standout performers this Christmas season: Mufasa: The Lion King from Disney and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount. Both films have reasons to celebrate as the year’s box office race comes to an eventful conclusion.

Over the five-day holiday period (Wednesday through Sunday), Mufasa emerged as the leader, earning an estimated $63.8 million, slightly ahead of Sonic 3, which brought in $60.4 million. However, the story shifts when looking at the three-day weekend alone, where Sonic 3 narrowly outpaced Mufasa with $38 million versus $37.1 million.

Opening last weekend, Sonic 3 quickly became a fan favorite, surpassing $100 million domestically by Friday after pulling in $12.6 million that day. By Sunday, its domestic earnings reached $137.6 million, with an additional $74 million internationally, marking a franchise-best overseas debut and bringing its global total to $211.5 million. Paramount’s success with Sonic 3 is particularly noteworthy as the studio transitions to new leadership under David Ellison.

Meanwhile, Mufasa rebounded during the holiday week as more families attended screenings, boosting its domestic total to $113.5 million by Sunday. However, it continues to trail Sonic 3 in North America. Internationally, Mufasa excelled, leading the charts with $77.1 million this weekend and achieving a global tally of $328 million.

These two films are just part of a strong lineup contributing to a festive season for the industry. A24’s awards hopeful Babygirl, featuring Nicole Kidman, debuted with $7 million over five days, while The Brutalist, another A24 title, earned an impressive per-location average of $47,547 during its limited release.

Amazon MGM Studios’ A Fire Inside, directed by Mufasa helmer Barry Jenkins, secured a $4.3 million five-day opening. In the horror genre, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, released by Focus Features, impressed with a $40.3 million five-day debut, including $21.2 million over the weekend, exceeding expectations and setting a record for a Christmas horror release.

Other notable performances include Searchlight Pictures’ A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, which garnered $23.3 million in its first five days. This critically acclaimed film achieved a rare A CinemaScore and became Searchlight’s second-biggest opening ever.

Overall, the year-end has provided a boost to the box office, with the annual revenue decline narrowing significantly. Total earnings for 2023 are projected to reach $8.75 billion–$8.76 billion, a slight drop of around 3.2 percent from the previous year. This holiday success follows a strong Thanksgiving lineup, including Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II, all of which continue to perform well.

Among these, Universal’s Wicked has broken records, becoming the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation globally with $634.4 million, surpassing Mamma Mia! and positioning itself as a major awards contender.

[animationarticles]

Disney's Christmas Parade: A Beloved Tradition Facing Modern Challenges

For over 40 years, Disney has been a cherished part of Christmas morning for families worldwide. Since 1983, the Disney Christmas Day Parade, featuring musical performances, Disney character appearances, and elaborate floats, has been broadcast annually on ABC, becoming a beloved holiday tradition.

This year’s "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade," hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, included performances by artists such as Elton John, John Legend, and K-pop group Seventeen. However, some viewers felt that the event lacked its usual charm. On the social media platform X, critics argued that the parade seemed more like an advertisement for Disney's theme parks than a true celebration.

This criticism comes amid challenges for Disney's theme park segment. In its 2024 fourth-quarter earnings report, Disney revealed a 6% year-over-year decline in operating income within its Experiences division, which includes parks, resorts, and cruises. Earlier in the year, Disney noted a “moderation of consumer demand” at its parks that surpassed expectations. In its third-quarter report, the company stated it was closely monitoring attendance and spending, predicting a mid-single-digit decline in Q4 operating income for its Experiences segment.

The rising costs of Disney vacations have also contributed to consumer frustration. Between 2014 and 2025, the price of Disney World’s lowest-priced 1-Day ticket has increased by approximately 27%, while the highest-priced ticket at Disneyland has surged by about 114%, according to MickeyVisit.com. Recent price hikes for tickets and annual passes at Disney World and Disneyland, announced in October, have left many consumers disappointed.

A LendingTree survey highlighted the financial strain these costs place on visitors. The survey found that 24% of attendees and 45% of parents had gone into debt to afford trips to Disney parks, with unexpected expenses being a major contributor. Among respondents, 65% cited food and beverages as significant costs, while 48% mentioned transportation and 47% pointed to accommodations.

[animationarticles]

Meet LuckyJoy Studio

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the CEO of LuckyJoy Studio, a very passionate and goal-driven individual who is determined to illuminate the world through animation.

LuckyJoy Studio, founded in 2023 by Adam Hayward and Bema Coulibaly, is an animation company with a noble mission. Their primary goal is to bring joy, laughter, and warmth to people’s hearts through their creative works, much like the beloved animation studios Toei Animation and Studio Ghibli have done. These iconic companies have inspired them with masterpieces such as Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Finding Nemo.

In my exploration of some of the content produced by LuckyJoy Studio, I was delighted to discover characters like Reimmy Coachy and Alex the Squirrel. The stories and adventures featuring these two animals are incredibly funny and entertaining, evoking the same kind of charm and humor found in SpongeBob SquarePants. This content has a nostalgic quality that reminds me of Pixar’s early short films, such as The Adventures of André & Wally B., Red’s Dream, and Luxo, Jr. These initial projects showcase the potential and promise of LuckyJoy Studio in the realm of short films.

The team at LuckyJoy Studio is comprised of exceptionally talented directors and writers who have come together to create a bright future for the company. Their collaborative efforts and shared vision are setting the stage for a series of captivating projects, including tales involving apes, feline cops, vampires, and Amazon adventures.

The innovative spirit and dedication of this team indicate a promising trajectory for LuckyJoy Studio. With their creative vision and commitment to storytelling, they are poised to make a significant impact in the world of animation. The sky is indeed looking very bright for LuckyJoy Studio, and I am excited to see how they will continue to enchant and inspire audiences worldwide.

[animationarticles]

Growing Up in a World of Stories: Adam Hayward's Journey from Childhood Dreamer to Founder(LuckyJoy Studio)

In a world saturated with fleeting entertainment, Adam Hayward's childhood was distinctly different. While many kids found solace in the characters and adventures of their favorite cartoons and movies, Adam existed within those narratives, absorbing their lessons and values as if they were part of his own life. Growing up, the living room became more than just a space for snacks and screen time—it transformed into a stage for dreaming, and the stories played out in vivid hues that would eventually shape his future. From the moment he first tuned into "Naruto," Adam discovered a narrative rich in themes of resilience and determination. "Naruto taught me about perseverance — about never giving up no matter how tough things get," he fondly recalls. Each episode painted a picture of hard work and unfaltering spirit, instilling in him an idea that challenges are merely stepping stones on the journey to greatness. As he watched Naruto overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, young Adam found a reflection of his own dreams, fortifying his belief that tenacity could conquer nearly any challenge. On the flip side, the warmth of "Finding Nemo" introduced him to the profound importance of connection and courage. The captivating tale of Marlin and Dory showcased that ventures into the unknown can be daunting, but they are often paved with the bonds of friendship and trust. “Finding Nemo? It showed me the importance of connection, courage, and trusting your instincts," Adam says, noting how this sweet tale of a father searching for his son became a metaphor for seeking one's purpose in a chaotic world. As he sprawled on the couch, the outlines of his dreams became more defined. Each laugh, tear, and moment of triumph from the screen molded the perception of what his future could hold. Adam wasn’t merely a passive observer; as he absorbed the essence of these stories, he transformed into a visionary, eager to weave his own narrative embellished with grit, heart, and layers of meaningful connection. His vision began to take shape during quiet moments of reflection, allowing the seeds of purpose and possibility—planted during those formative years—to germinate in his imagination. With each episode that passed, he envisioned the impact of storytelling in sparking change, moving toward building a future where stories could catalyze resilience, connection, and adventure for others. Years later, as the founder of an innovative media company, Adam channels that same spirit of encouragement and exploration from his childhood favorites. He now curates content that not only entertains but educates, inspires, and unites audiences around shared narratives. The power of storytelling has become a cornerstone of his mission, igniting passion in a new generation much like it did for him. In a world where life can often feel chaotic and unpredictable, Adam Hayward reminds us of the profound lessons hidden in the animated adventures and cinematic journeys of our youth. Those lessons of perseverance, connection, and courage remain timeless, urging individuals to embrace the stories that shape them and to take bold steps toward their dreams. So, whether it's watching a beloved classic or experiencing a brand new tale, each viewer has the potential to find their own place within those narratives—just like Adam did between the comforting confines of his living room, forever steadfast in his belief that every story has the power to change lives.