The Walt Disney Company Announces Strategic Reorganization

To capitalize on today’s rapidly changing media landscape and more closely align with the Company’s priorities for future growth–including creating high-quality content, technological innovation, global expansion and direct-to-consumer distribution–The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today announced a strategic reorganization of its businesses into four segments: the newly-formed Direct-to-Consumer and International; the combined Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products; Media Networks; and Studio Entertainment. The reorganization is effective immediately.

“We are strategically positioning our businesses for the future, creating a more effective, global framework to serve consumers worldwide, increase growth, and maximize shareholder value,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “With our unparalleled Studio and Media Networks serving as content engines for the Company, we are combining the management of our direct-to-consumer distribution platforms, technology and international operations to deliver the entertainment and sports content consumers around the world want most, with more choice, personalization and convenience than ever before.”

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First Look at the New Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic

Rapunzel’s Royal Table is now open on the Disney Magic, transporting you to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and fun! As the first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment, Rapunzel’s Royal Table is a dining experience unlike any other.

When guests enter the restaurant, it’s as if you’re stepping inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom.
Throughout dinner, the live entertainment includes spirited singing and dancing led by a merry band of musicians, the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs and of course, Princess Rapunzel herself. In true Disney fashion, a lively parade caps off your evening in Corona!
So, what’s on the menu? From the Snuggly Duckling charcuterie platter to the Tangled Pasta and the Birthday Cupcake Sundae, your night at Rapunzel’s Royal Table is quite the feast! Take a look some of the delicious dishes from the “Tangled” themed menu…

Dinner at Rapunzel’s Royal Table is the perfect pairing to “Tangled: The Musical” – our charming Broadway-style stage production aboard the Disney Magic.

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Incredible Summer Lights Up Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon with Disney H20 Glow Nights

Earlier this month, we shared the exciting details of Incredible Summer – a host of new offerings that will bring beloved Disney stories to life at all four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks this summer.

Today, we’re happy to share that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will also join in on the fun with new Disney H2O Glow Nights!

As part of Incredible Summer, “Toy Story” pals will throw glow parties at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, inspired by the awesome party in the Pixar short, “Partysaurus Rex” (check out a clip of the short below).

On select summer nights starting June 21, 2018, special lighting effects will transform the water park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex. Come join the fun, dance on the beach, play party games, and meet up with Buzz, Woody and Jessie, plus, all attractions are open for guest enjoyment.

Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-Aug. 11, 2018 from 8-11 p.m.

Disney H20 Glow Nights are a separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go sale March 19, 2018 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). For more information and to purchase tickets, call (407) 939-1872.

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Overnight Self-Parking at Disney Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort

Effective for reservations made March 21, 2018 and thereafter, standard overnight self-parking is available to registered Guests for a fee that will be applied to their hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax.

Standard Overnight Parking charges per Resort Category:

Disney Value Resorts: $13 per night
Disney Moderate Resorts: $19 per night
Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night

Complimentary standard parking is available to Guests staying at Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Each campsite provides parking space for one (1) motorized vehicle.

Valet Parking:
Valet Parking is available at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villas for $33 per night (sales tax included).

Guests with Disabilities
Designated parking areas are available throughout Walt Disney World Resort for Guests with disabilities. A valid disability parking permit is required.

Disney Vacation Club:
Members will not be charged for standard overnight self-parking when staying at a DVC Deluxe Villa, regardless of whether they use vacation points or another form of payment. Members also will not be charged to park when using vacation points to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Day Guests:
Complimentary standard self-parking is available while enjoying select dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation experiences at Disney Resort hotels.

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Artist Renderings – Transformation Around Every Corner at Pixar Pier with Jessie’s Critter Carousel and More

In addition to the newly reimagined Incredicoaster and all-new Lamplight Lounge,guests will discover new experiences – both big and small – throughout the newly reimagined Pixar Pier.

In 2019, Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel. Inspired by Jessie’s wilderness friends in the “Woody’s Roundup” television show from “Toy Story 2,” this newly reimagined attraction is a classic boardwalk carousel with a whimsical spin. Saddle up on one of 56 adorable friends, choosing from a turtle, snake, buzzard, armadillo, bunny, deer, raccoon, ram, skunk and two cozy logs inhabited by a family of owls.

And when Pixar Pier opens June 23, 2018 at Disney California Adventure® Park, guests will find transformation around every corner.

Just past Lamplight Lounge, you will find Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. Inspired by the lovable and not-at-all-abominable monster from “Monsters, Inc.,” this will be your go-to for frozen treats.

In the “Toy Story” neighborhood of Pixar Pier, big appetites and small fries alike will love the Poultry Palace. This giant fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry,” even comes with a Fun Meal Zurg!

Guests can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this quintessential Disneyland Resort treat.

Further down Pixar Pier, Angry Dogs will be serving up some hot items – which is the perfect place for Anger from “Inside Out.” The more he burns with rage, the hotter the dogs get!

Make sure you come discover these and many more newly themed experiences throughout Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park!

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The 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Brings 75 Days of Fall Fun August 30 – November 12

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort this fall with 75 days of entertainment, events, wonderful food and tasty beverages.

The festival’s 23rd year runs from August 30 to November 12, 2018.

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s “Eat to the Beat” concerts, dining packages, special events and other fun.

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Broadway Box Office: Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Muscles Into Top 10

Disney has long had two titles that show up regularly in the Top 10 of the Broadway box office. This week it’s got three — thanks to “Frozen,” the adaptation of the animated smash that landed at No. 6 on the chart with a week of just seven previews.

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A Sneak Peek at the Food for Pixar Fest, coming to the Disneyland Resort April 13, 2018

The first-ever Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks, is coming to the Disneyland Resort April 13 through Sept. 3, 2018. Pixar Fest will celebrate friendship and beyond with a new fireworks show, “Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” the return of two favorite parades with all-new Pixar surprises in “Paint the Night” Parade and “Pixar Play Parade,” new décor, atmosphere entertainment, merchandise and, of course, Pixar-themed food and beverage offerings.

Favorite Pixar pals and stories such as “Up,” “Toy Story,” “Coco,” “Ratatouille,” and “Monsters, Inc.” are inspiring delicious treats during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration. The Pixar Fest Food & Beverage photo gallery includes many of the creatively-themed offerings that will be available for guests to enjoy during Pixar Fest.

Charcuterie plate starter –specialty cheese flight at Café Orleans in Disneyland park.(Disneyland Resort)

Shrimp Ratatouille Byaldi at Café Orleans in Disneyland park.(Disneyland Resort)

Coco Churro in Frontierland at Disneyland park. (Disneyland Resort)

Boot Beer Root Beer Float served in a Souvenir Woody’s Boot at Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland park. (Disneyland Resort)

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The Museum of Science and Industry Presents The Science Behind Pixar

Discover the science and technology behind “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Finding Nemo,” and more timeless Pixar films with The Science Behind Pixar, opening at the Museum of Science and IndustryChicago (MSI) on May 24, 2018. This interactive exhibition showcases the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen.

Guests of all ages can experience the filmmaking process through hands-on activities inspired by some of Pixar’s most treasured films, from the first-ever computer animated feature film “Toy Story,” which opened over two decades ago, to Pixar’s 2015 release, “Inside Out.”

“Pixar’s pioneering technology sits at the intersection of art, engineering and science and shows that there are multiple paths to a STEM career,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of MSI. “As an institution dedicated to inspiring the inventive genius in everyone, we are excited to show guests the unexpected ways that the fundamental skills taught in science learning – problem solving, trial and error and iteration – are utilized to bring these beloved characters to life.”

Created by the Museum of Science, Boston and Pixar Animation Studios, The Science Behind Pixar features more than 40 interactive elements demonstrating the technology that supports the creativity and artistry of Pixar’s storytellers. The exhibit is divided into eight sections, each focusing on a step of filmmaking: ModelingRiggingSurfacesSets and CamerasAnimationSimulationLighting, and Rendering. Each section provides guests with a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and the concepts used at Pixar every day:

  • Sets and Cameras: Guests will discover how a bugs-eye view was achieved for “A Bug’s Life,” through camera angles and large-set design within the computer.
  • Modeling: Envision how digital sculptures are created based on sketches from artists.
  • Lighting: Solve challenges similar to what Pixar artists faced in creating animated water in “Finding Nemo.”
  • Rigging: See how models are given a virtual skeleton to enable the animators to add movement.
  • Surfaces: Discover the techniques behind adding color and texture to every surface.

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An All-Star Cast for Disney’s Beauty And The Beast In Concert At The Hollywood Bowl Performed With Orchestra Live-To-Film

The animated classic Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be given new life for two special evenings at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, where Zooey DeschanelKelsey GrammerTaye DiggsRebel WilsonJane Krakowski, and Anthony Evans headline an all-star cast of performers singing the songs from the Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score as the film plays on the Bowl’s movie screen accompanied by a full live orchestra. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 16 at 10:00am Pacific at https://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/90150/960183.

The singing cast includes Zooey Deschanel as Belle, Kelsey Grammer performing “Be Our Guest” as Lumiere, Taye Diggssinging as Gaston, Rebel Wilson singing the role of LeFou, Jane Krakowski performing the title song as Mrs. Potts, and Anthony Evans as Beast singing “Evermore” written for the live-action version of the film.

Enhancing the evening will be breathtaking living scenery projected onto the façade of the iconic Hollywood Bowl, making the event more immersive. This special family event will also include a costume contest, unique photo opportunities, and other surprises.

“Performing ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ one of my favorite movies growing up, in a special concert at the legendary Hollywood Bowl is a dream come true,” said Zooey Deschanel.  “I am looking forward to what I’m sure will be a magical event.”

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