The Walt Disney Company is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including by investing in expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity.
Today, Senior Disney executives, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, gathered with Wall Street analysts and investors at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for an investor summit focused on Disney’s Parks business and its track record of investing aggressively and intelligently in experiences that leverage the powerful and ever-growing library of Disney stories, which has proven incredibly effective.
“We’re incredibly mindful of the financial underpinning of the company, the need to continue to grow in terms of bottom line, the need to invest wisely so that we’re increasing the returns on invested capital, and the need to maintain a balance sheet, for a variety of reasons,” said Bob Iger. “The company is able to absorb those costs and continue to grow the bottom line and look expansively at how we return value and capital to our shareholders.”
Disney Cruise Line is introducing nostalgic stories from beloved Disney theme park attractions to guests at sea for the first time ever with the debut of several Disney Parks-inspired venues onboard the Disney Treasure.
We recently shared new details about three of these dynamic new spaces– the Periscope Pub, inspired by the spellbinding adventure of Walt Disney’s 1954 film and the legacy Disney Parks attraction, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” Skipper Society, which will draw on Jungle Cruise attractions from around the world, and Tomorrow Tower Suite, which will honor EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s a first look at some of the secrets that Disney Imagineers are incorporating into their designs for each space.
At Disneyland Resort, a variety of flora and fauna sprouting around Jungle Cruise gives guests the sense that they are sailing in waterways around the globe. In honor of the original attraction, the plants throughout the Skipper Society on the Disney Treasure will be the same foliage species thriving in Disneyland.
You may notice the vintage-style luggage stacked neatly behind the bar at Skipper Society featured in the artist rendering of the venue. Each suitcase will be plastered with travel stickers that represent locations depicted inside the Jungle Cruise attraction – including the backside of water!
It’s hard to forget the iconic green and red architecture of the attraction building in Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort, which announces to all who see it that they are steps away from a hilarious adventure onboard the Jungle Cruise! As it happens, the green and red tones depicted on the walls of Skipper Society will be exact color matches to the Jungle Cruise attraction marquee at Magic Kingdom.
While sipping cocktails or sampling tasty morsels at Skipper Society, future Disney Treasure guests will hear familiar music playing in the venue, including spiels from the Jungle Cruise attractions around the world! That means you’ll hear Skipper voices from across the globe and in various languages such as English, Dutch, French, Cantonese, and more.
Skipper Society will have a jungle boat name of its own! Imagineers will dub the vessel housing the bar “Ems Empress” after the Ems River where the Disney Treasure will make her first voyage to sea. An “Ems Empress” sign will hang proudly inside the venue when the Disney Treasure sets sail in December 2024.
Throughout the Periscope Pub, guests will discover various artifacts, drawings and books used by Captain Nemo and his brave crew during undersea explorations on the Nautilus.
Only eagle-eyed fans will spot the hidden numbers located behind the bar in Periscope Pub! Disney Imagineers will include numbers on the large submarine pressure gauge decorating the back bar of the venue. These numbers honor the geographical coordinates of Meyer Werft shipyard where the Disney Treasure was built, and the official hull numbers of each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
The Periscope Pub will offer a delicious menu of light bites, undersea-inspired drinks and craft brews, including three exclusive tap beers that will be uniquely themed to the “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” film and celebrated theme park attraction.
Beloved by generations of Disney Parks goers, Figment is the adorable purple dragon who first debuted at the Journey Into Imagination attraction at EPCOT at Walt Disney World. In the Tomorrow Tower Suite, guests will encounter Figment posing in various hiding places.
Imagineers will place a special sculpture at the base of the Tomorrow Tower Suite’s spiral staircase that honors the iconic EPCOT landmark, Spaceship Earth. The sculpture will bring the spirit of EPCOT to life when guests enter the suite through music and lighting effects.
There are even more secrets to uncover onboard the Disney Treasure, which will embark on its inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral in December of 2024. Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members can book a Disney Treasure cruise beginning today, Sept. 12, 2023, and bookings will open to all guests on Sept. 20, 2023.
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At Destination D23 this weekend, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared several new updates and announcements on experiences coming to EPCOT, including a new nighttime spectacular, Figment character meet and greet, reimagined Test Track and more.
Here are five things Guests need to know about what’s coming to EPCOT.
A new nighttime spectacular called “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will debut at EPCOT on Dec. 5, 2023!
“Luminous The Symphony of Us” will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects and music and continue Disney’s long tradition of amazing nighttime entertainment at the park.
Fan-favorite Figment will begin greeting guests at EPCOT on Sept. 10!
Beginning tomorrow, the iconic purple dragon will be at the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT sparking creativity and helping imagination soar.
The World Celebration neighborhood at EPCOT will begin welcoming Guests this December!
World Celebration will unite the front of the park, tying together the other two new EPCOT neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature. The completion of the last of the park’s three neighborhoods is the latest major milestone in EPCOT’s multi-year transformation.
Also, the popular Test Track attraction at EPCOT is being reimagined!
Imagineers along with teams from corporate alliance partner Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of Test Track! More to come in the future.
And Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on Oct. 16, 2023!
Journey of Water is a new walk-through experience located within World Nature – the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
Also on Oct. 16 – Moana will arrive in World Nature and make her first appearance in her own dedicated space near Journey of Water.
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During Destination D23, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared exciting updates on what’s coming to Magic Kingdom Park, including new experiences at the Country Bear Jamboree and Haunted Mansion attractions – as well as something unique for Pirates of the Caribbean fans!
Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act!
Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty told the Destination D23 audience that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles.
Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound. The popular attraction will continue to have the fun and friendly tone and same characters.
In late November, the legendary Hatbox Ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
The iconic grim grinning ghost will appear in the Haunted Mansion attraction as Guests pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at passing Doom Buggies.
Imagineer Daniel Joseph joined Josh on the Destination D23 stage over the weekend for the announcement and shared details about the arrival of Hatbox Ghost.
Also, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.
This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Imagineers are currently in the design process and more details will be coming.
We hope everyone is as excited as we are about the new experiences and plans coming to Magic Kingdom Park!
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Adventure is calling! Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will make its splashing debut at Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 16.
As Guests make their way through this serene trail in EPCOT, get ready to engage with water in magical ways, just like Moana did in the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. From a simple wave “hello” to a high five – and even a crashing wave of fun – engaging opportunities to interact with this important and playful resource greet you around every bend. In this self-guided, walk-through attraction, Guests will explore lush, landscaped trails inspired by the film – the first Disney Parks experience to dive into this tropical world. Keep a lookout along the way for beloved characters sculpted in the rock formations like Hei Hei, Pua and of course, Moana.
Water here has a playful personality of its own – and Guests are invited to play along. Designed with the whole family in mind, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a self-paced experience that offers accessible pathways and the option to see how far you’ll go by choosing the wet or the dry path. It’s up to Guests to decide just how friendly with water they’d like to get, but we hope they’ll walk away with a new pal.
Along the path, they’ll learn all about the water cycle and why it’s important to channel your inner Moana and be a protector of this incredible natural resource. From rain to lakes and oceans, water is a centerpiece of our world, and they’ll be able to see it in many of its forms throughout the trail. Guests may find yourself giggling as water meets their hands for a high five or gazing in awe at a stunning topiary of Te Fiti surrounded by a beautiful landscape and views of Spaceship Earth. And just like Moana teamed up with Maui, Pua and Hei Hei for a big adventure, Guests might find that banding together with friends can make an even bigger splash.
We have one more surprise coming to EPCOT: Starting Oct. 16, Guests will be able to meet Moana herself! The Wayfinder will greet fellow voyagers in a new area across from the attraction. What can we say except “You’re welcome!”
These new additions to World Nature are cornerstones of the multi-year EPCOT Transformation, reimagining the park to foster discovery and connections to nature, as well as to celebrate diversity around the world. Soon, Guests will be able to relax in the vibrant green spaces throughout the World Celebration gardens and connect with loved ones at Dreamers Point, where they can draw inspiration from the new Walt Disney statue called “Walt the Dreamer.”
The debut of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana on Oct. 16 coincides with the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. The attraction opening will be a highlight as Walt Disney World joins the global Disney100 celebration that honors Disney fans and the storytellers who have carried on the Disney legacy over the last century. Guests will discover special offerings throughout EPCOT during the limited-time Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World taking place Sept. 22 through Dec. 31, 2023.
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Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Treasure, will unlock the far-reaching realms of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel and embrace dynamic tales from beloved Disney Parks attractions, through captivating and immersive experiences on the high seas.
A Design Inspired by Adventure
The Disney Treasure will harness a design concept that calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of beloved Disney characters. Adventure will serve as the architectural and thematic foundation of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, in honor of Walt Disney’s legendary passion for travel and exploration. On board, guests will find fan-favorite spaces from the Disney Wish, infused with this theme of adventure and inspired by memorable Disney stories like “Aladdin,” “Coco” and “Zootopia.”
New Culinary Adventures
In addition to the return of two beloved Disney Cruise Line restaurant concepts found on the Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure will introduce a brand-new family entertainment restaurant.
Plaza de Coco will be the world’s first theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco.” The story of Miguel and his familia will continue where it left off on screen as they gather in Mariachi Plaza to take guests on two nights of colorful, music-filled journeys that celebrate family memories and togetherness with festive dinner menus of modern twists on traditional Mexican fare and a lineup of live entertainment
Worlds of Marvel, Disney Cruise Line’s immersive Marvel-themed dining experience, celebrates favorite Avengers characters and stories, including an amazing interaction with Spider-Man. This high-tech venue aboard the Disney Treasure will offer a worldly menu and special entertainment, including two separate nights with distinct shows and dining, all inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1923, named for the founding year of Walt Disney Animation Studios, will celebrate the profound impact of Disney’s animation legacy and bring to life Walt Disney’s love of adventure through a nostalgic collection of exploration-themed artwork from both modern and classic animated films. Steeped in the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, the venue’s upscale
The Disney Treasure will continue Disney Cruise Line’s innovative family dining concept, where guests experience one of three imaginative restaurants each night, accompanied by a dedicated service team that joins them throughout the voyage, adding a level of familiarity to their dining experience.
In addition to three main family restaurants, the new ship will feature quick bites, casual dining, 24-hour room service, specialty treats, gourmet cafes, upscale dining just for adults, and Jumbeaux’s Sweets, inspired by the popular ice cream parlor featured in Disney’s “Zootopia.”
Captivating Family Entertainment
Families will come together to enjoy both new and timeless, beloved Disney Cruise Line entertainment aboard the Disney Treasure, immersing guests in worlds both real and imagined, through interactive storytelling, character encounters and Broadway-style theatrical adaptations of inspiring Disney adventures.
The Grand Hall will be the key to unlocking a trove of captivating new entertainment, including dedicated shows, character encounters and musical performances. As the story unfolds for guests on the Disney Treasure, the “Aladdin”-themed Grand Hall will serve as the ship’s most prominent gathering space, inspiring wonder and exploration during each voyage.
Named for the lioness matriarch from Disney’s “The Lion King,” Sarabi will be a central hub for a multitude of daytime activities and adult-exclusive evening entertainment. The uniquely designed two-story space will evoke the natural beauty and openness of the savanna and will feature cruise line classics such as “Match Your Mate” and “Family Time Game Show,” and new favorites that debuted on the Disney Wish like “Villains Game Night.”
The Walt Disney Theatre is an opulent show palace that will come alive with original Broadway-style productions developed exclusively for Disney Cruise Line – “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure” – both Disney Cruise Line fan-favorites. The former will bring Belle’s enchanting adventure to life on stage by incorporating imaginative elements from the live-action film and the classic animated feature, while the latter will be an original musical spectacular that features beloved characters from Disney and Pixar stories alongside rousing renditions of iconic Disney songs. More details about a third, all-new show coming to the Disney Treasure will be released soon.
Hero Zone and the Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas, popular spaces from the Disney Wish, will provide family entertainment aboard the Disney Treasure. Hero Zone will offer a progressive sports and recreation venue where action-packed physical challenges will blend with game show-style competitions, while the Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas, intimate, luxe screening rooms, will elevate the onboard cinematic experience for guests to watch first-run films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and more.
Fun in the Sun on the Upper Decks
Surrounded by both the open ocean and sky, the adventures will continue on the upper decks of the Disney Treasure with three distinct districts offering fun water activities, quick and casual dining options and plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun.
In an expansive district themed to Mickey and friends, families will discover seven pools staggered among tiered decks, an abundance of luxe lounge chairs, an imaginative take on fast-casual fare with a festive character twist and Disney Cruise Line’s own attraction at sea, AquaMouse.
AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg will plunge guests into the world of Mickey Mouse animated shorts. Suspended high above the upper decks, powerful jets will propel two-person ride vehicles through 760 feet of winding tubes, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the ship below. Onboard the Disney Treasure, AquaMouse will introduce an all-new storyline that follows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany misadventure into an ancient temple. Guests will journey with the pair as they embark on a tour of mysterious ruins for a glimpse of the legendary treasure within and encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and booby traps that take the trek in unexpected directions.
Like aboard the Disney Wish, little ones will delight in a Toy Story-themed district designed especially for families with toddlers and young children that will include a splash zone, wading pool, family waterslide and smoothie bar.
In addition, adults can indulge in sun-drenched serenity at Quiet Cove, a peaceful refuge dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking. Set away from the bustle of family activities, this secluded adults-only district will feature a luxurious infinity pool, poolside bar and chic cafe.
Relaxing Retreats and Exciting Exploration for Adults
Aboard the Disney Treasure, adults will explore, relax, dine and play with venues and entertainment tailored just for them. These adult-only experiences will offer elevated interpretations of Disney adventures and Disney Parks attractions, with sophisticated theming ranging from subtle inspiration to full immersion, allowing guests to customize their vacation according to their interests.
Periscope Pub will be Disney Cruise Line’s first venue inspired by the spellbinding adventure of Walt Disney’s 1954 film, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and the celebrated Disney Parks attraction that was open at Walt Disney World from 1971 to 1994. Guests will dive into the mythical depths of uncharted oceans amidst the submarine-styled interiors and take a look at the watery world below through an intriguing glass ceiling. In addition to watching the latest sports games, explorers at the Periscope Pub will encounter a menu of craft brews and light bites.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will be celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month! The culinary teams have been hard at work drawing inspiration from classic dishes and flavors of Hispanic and Latin American cultures, as well as personal additions from some of our talented culinary Cast Members.
Over the course of the festivities, and all year long, there will be a variety of mouthwatering delights that will transport Guests with each bite and sip, like the delicious Pollo Guisado at various Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort or the (almost) too pretty to eat Cinnamon-Chocolate Mexican Sweet Bread Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café. Guests can even bring home the excitement with the Coco Skull Sipper available at Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.
Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Travel agents can now modify or cancel online for the impacted period and fees will be automatically waived.
