WDW Daily News

The Walt Disney Company’s highly anticipated Investor Day provided an extensive overview of Disney’s comprehensive direct-to-consumer strategy, and included presentations on Hulu, Hotstar, ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ service, which will launch in the U.S. market on November 12, 2019, at $6.99 a month. The service will offer fans of all ages a new way to experience the unparalleled content from the company’s iconic entertainment brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, and will be available on connected TV and mobile devices.

During today’s event, which took place on the studio lot in Burbank, California, investors heard from Disney’s senior management team, including Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer; Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International; Christine McCarthy, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer; Lowell Singer, senior vice president, Investor Relations; and Jimmy Pitaro, president, ESPN and co-chair, Disney Media Networks. Presentations also came from Michael Paull, president, Disney Streaming Services; Randy Freer, chief executive officer, Hulu; Russell Wolff, executive vice president and general manager, ESPN+; Uday Shankar, president, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and chairman, Star and Disney India; Ricky Strauss, president, Content and Marketing, Disney+; and Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+.

“Disney+ marks a bold step forward in an exciting new era for our company—one in which consumers will have a direct connection to the incredible array of creative content that is The Walt Disney Company’s hallmark. We are confident that the combination of our unrivaled storytelling, beloved brands, iconic franchises, and cutting-edge technology will make Disney+ a standout in the marketplace, and deliver significant value for consumers and shareholders alike,” Iger said.

The Disneyland® Resort is blooming with a variety of new adventures, events, experiences, character interactions and seasonal values. With so much to see and do, there’s something for every member of the family to get excited about. Your Clients can try some of these experiences at the theme parks, on-property hotels and the Downtown Disney® District this spring – and beyond!

• Jessie’s Critter Carousel – Now open in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park, Jessie’s Critter Carousel is a giant toy carousel starring Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl and a friendly bunch of desert critters inspired by the “Toy Story” films and the world of Woody’s Roundup.
• Eggstravaganza – This fun, egg-themed scavenger hunt is happening now through April 21, 2019. Guests can search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney and Pixar characters and record their discoveries on the special themed map, which can be returned to a redemption location for a surprise.*
• Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures – Disney Princesses such as Belle, Tiana, Ariel, Jasmine and others are ready to greet your Clients at this all-new, three-course brunch amid the elegance of Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The morning starts with a welcome reception, followed by story time and activities with the princesses. Advance reservations are highly recommended.**
• Sneak Peek of Disney’s “Aladdin” – For a limited time beginning April 19, 2019, your Clients can watch a special preview of scenes from the upcoming, live-action adaptation of “Aladdin” at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park.
• Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – There is still time to experience this popular festival (now through April 23!). Your Clients can discover the flavors and fare inspired by the Golden State. With experiences happening daily there is always something tasty to try and fun to do as Guests explore the uniquely Disney festival.
• Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration – Honoring 90 years of magicwith the beloved Disney pair, your Clients can discover new and enhanced entertainment, including “Mickey’s Mix Magic” projection show and “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade”, plus limited-time décor, specialty foods and merchandise at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.
• Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration – Opening April 26 in the Downtown Disney District, your Clients can pop into this must-see experience celebrating 90 years of the beloved Mickey Mouse. This is limited-time, separate ticket experience features immersive and imaginatively themed rooms inspired by all things Mickey Mouse.***
• Disney Channel Fan Fest – Returning to Disney California Adventure Park on April 27, today’s biggest young stars will be here for a big fan party. Guests can see and hear from favorite Disney Channel stars and enjoy live, interactive main stage sessions, Q&A, musical performances, and more.
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – The spectacular magic of Disney animation and music will soon come to life in this 3D movie musical at Disney California Adventure Park. Premiering in April at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in this 3D fantasy adventure.
• Fancy Nancy – Nancy Clancy, the high-spirited young girl from Disney Junior’s hit animated series “Fancy Nancy,” is making “une grande entrée” into Disney California Adventure Park this spring. In May, meet Nancy just outside the “Disney Junior Dance Party!” in Hollywood Land.

To top it all off, we have incredible ticket offers available, helping your Clients save while spending more time at the Disneyland Resort! Check out our Featured Offers section out for more information!

*Purchasing limits will apply, while supplies last. One surprise per map. No discounts apply. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland theme parks. The experience is subject to restrictions and may change without notice.

**Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures experience and elements are subject to restrictions and change without notice. Specific characters are not guaranteed. Restaurant seating is subject to availability and reservations are recommended.

***Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration exhibit elements and activities are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

From Disney Parks Blog:

Over the last couple of months, Disney has shared details about bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeto life. Now it’s time to hear directly from the creative forces at Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm about the journey to transporting our guests to the planet of Batuu.

Tune in to the Disney Parks Blog on Saturday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST as they join the biggest Star Wars fans at the Star Wars Celebration in Chicago for “Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life at Disney Parks.” This panel is dedicated to all things Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and features Chris Beatty, Asa Kalama, Margaret Kerrison and Scott Trowbridge from Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang and Matt Martin from Lucasfilm.

This livestream is sure to include some exciting updates about the newest land coming to Disneyland park this May and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this August. You won’t want to miss it!  Also, be sure to check out StarWars.com and YouTube.com/StarWars April 12-15 for streaming panels, exclusive interviews, and other unforgettable segments direct from the show floor.

Disney Plus will launch in November 2019, The Wall Street Journal reports.

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Disney’s upcoming Star Wars land might have presented one of the bigger creative challenges in theme park history.

Obviously, Disney’s Imagineers faced creative and business pressure in dealing with one of the entertainment industry’s most beloved and lucrative franchises. No one wants to screw up Star Wars, after all. But Star Wars presented an especially challenging problem for theme park designers.

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Most of us have fallen victim to “The Target Effect” and overspend while shopping at the retail giant (even celebrities!). But, there is a major money-saving benefit to being a frequent Target shopper: discounts at Disney parks.

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Beginning today, Guests who visit the Disneyland® Resort and choose to purchase Disney MaxPass to maximize their day will now be able to make digital Disney FASTPASS selections for select entertainment in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure® Park, right from their smartphones!

Using the official Disneyland mobile app, Guests who purchase Disney MaxPass can now make FASTPASS selections for the breathtaking nighttime water show, “World of Color,” at Disney California Adventure park and the dazzling “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park. This new ability to make digital Disney FASTPASS selections for these entertainment offerings add to the other benefits of Disney MaxPass, which include the ability to make FASTPASS selections for select attractions right from your smartphone, as well as download an unlimited number of Disney PhotoPass photos from the day.

Available as an add-on to a theme park ticket, Disney MaxPass helps you maximize their day to save time and experience more! Be sure to remind you to download the Disneyland app to have a one-stop shop in the palm of their hand for tons of great planning features, including attraction wait times, character appearance schedules, entertainment show times, and even further saving time by using mobile ordering at more than 20 locations around the resort!

Guests are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass or using a Park ticket with Disney MaxPass as FASTPASS selections for your preferred attractions or entertainment may not be available at the time of purchase or use. FASTPASS selections are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS selections may be made only while you are in the Parks, and valid Park admission required to make FASTPASS selections in the applicable Park. The Disney MaxPass benefit will expire at the end of the day of use. Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash and is subject to other restrictions. Price, terms, entitlements, attractions and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms found in https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy/. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

After a dazzling 20-year run, we will bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot® on Sept. 30, 2019. So come and gather around World Showcase Lagoon this summer to enjoy this breathtaking display of lasers, lights and fireworks, as we get ready to launch two new nighttime spectaculars as part of the park’s unprecedented, multi-year transformation.

Debuting Oct. 1, 2019, “Epcot Forever” will be an all-new, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites. The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot. Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.

Disney Parks Live Entertainment is busy getting “Epcot Forever” ready for its opening day. Show Director Alan Bruun recently shared some details about the concept behind the show and the team’s collaboration with noted conductor and composer Don Harper, who is producing new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to weave into the soundtrack of “EpcotForever.”

“Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when the next epic nighttime extravaganza makes its debut. Stay tuned in the months ahead for more on both those shows and all the other new experiences on the way to “Wow!” your Clients, while keeping true to the original vision of this amazing park.

In just a few weeks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will host its annual Earth Day celebration, Party for the Planet, April 20-22, 2019. During this special three-day event, you are invited to explore, engage and connect with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings.

Party for the Planet kicks off the moment you enter the park, as no Guest will be able to miss a larger-than-life marine debris sculpture celebrating Disneynature Penguins on display in the Oasis. The fun continues throughout the park with unique character appearances, special entertainment, and commemorative photo opportunities available with Disney PhotoPass photographers.

Throughout this special weekend event you can meet some of our amazing animal care experts, animal educators and conservation experts to see first-hand how Disney cares for animals and works to save endangered species worldwide. Guests can watch animal feedings and training experiences, specially planned for Party for the Planet, to learn how our keepers care for the animals.

If you are looking for a unique experience during Party for the Planet, they can take a journey through tales of adventure and cuisine during Tiffins Talks, a special dining experience April 20-22 from 1-3 p.m., featuring the beloved creative force behind the concept, design and buildout of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Executive Joe Rohde. Your Clients can join Joe for a unique conversation as he regales the group with stories from his travels through a delectable 4-course lunch featuring global dishes, desserts and specialty beverages. Space is limited. Pricing for this dining package is $199 plus tax and gratuity and requires separate park admission. Reservations can be made beginning today by calling 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Guests are also invited to meet Joe Rohde at Mombasa Marketplace, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. April 20 and 22, where he’ll be on hand to sign his own unique artwork, a commemorative lion print that will be on sale throughout the event while supplies last. A wristband is required to meet Joe Rohde. A limited number of wristbands will be distributed with purchase of the commemorative lion art at the signing location.

As if all the fun activities happening for Party for the Planet weren’t enough, on Earth Day, April 22, 2019 there will be a full assortment of “The Lion King” merchandise available at Mombasa Marketplace!  Your Clients can feel the love and take home so many fun souvenirs including an adorable Simba mug, Hakuna Matata Spirit Jersey, this “roaringly” cute Simba youth baseball hat or one of the many new items recently added to this collection.  

There are so many incredible ways to celebrate nature and the place we all call home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

What do the Will Smith-led Aladdin remake, opening May 24, the Jon Favreau-directed Lion King redo, starring the voices of Donald Glover and Beyoncé (and due out July 19) and Tim Burton’s floundering Dumbo remake, starring Colin Farrell and Michael Keaton, have in common? They all have to live up to iconic Disney classics.

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