The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported quarterly earnings of $2.1 billion for its second fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016, an increase of $35 million over the prior-year quarter. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter increased 6% to $1.30 from $1.23 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter increased 11% to $1.36. EPS for the six months ended April 2, 2016 increased 22% to $3.04 from $2.50 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the six months increased 20%.
Photos – Fantasia Mickey Topiary Scene at Epcot’s 2016 Flower & Garden Festival
Take a look at photos from the Fantasia Mickey Topiary Scene at Epcot’s 2016 Flower & Garden Festival.
Watch a First Person Video of Disney’s New Tron Roller Coaster
Going to a Disney theme park is all about being transported to the world of your favorite movies. From classic animation to a galaxy far, far away, it’s what Disney does best and at their newest park, Disney is taking attendees to the Grid. And you check it out right now.
Disney becomes fastest studio ever to reach $1billion domestic in one year – smashing previous record by 37 days
The Walt Disney Studios have become the fastest of the industry to ever reach $1 billion at the domestic box office. Disney reached the mark in just 128 days of 2016 after this past weekend, surpassing Universal’s previous record by 37 days.
Why [Spoiler] Wasn’t Killed Off In The End Of ‘Captain America: Civil War’
WARNING: This story contains major spoilers about “Captain America: Civil War.” Do not continue reading unless you watched the film.
“Disney After Hours” Details
This new, late-night ticketed event offers entry into the park at 7 p.m. to enjoy dining, evening entertainment like fireworks, the “Celebrate the Magic” nighttime projection show and the Main Street Electrical Parade. Then, as day Guests leave at the regularly scheduled closing time, Disney After Hours participants are able to enjoy three more hours of little-to-no-wait access at more than 25 attractions.
- Access to attractions with little to no wait – More than 25 attractions remain open during Disney After Hours. A limited number of tickets are sold for each event night, resulting in significantly shorter – or maybe even no lines!
- Park access – While the event begins after regular park closing, Guests with a Disney After Hours ticket have access to the park at 7 p.m. so they can enjoy the evening parade and fireworks.
- Meet Disney Characters – both Mickey Mouse and Disney Princesses are available for photo opportunities – also with shorter lines.
- Amazing photo opportunities – With smaller crowds, your Clients have the chance to snap a perfect photo of their favorite attraction lit up at night.
- Ice cream included – Guests will enjoy Mickey Premium ice cream bars, as well as a beverage.
“Disney After Hours” takes place May 8, 12 and 19, 2016 at Magic Kingdom Park. A separate event ticket is required. Guests can check-in starting at 7 p.m. each night, with the event hours from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Pricing is $149 plus tax for adults and children (ages 3-9). Admission is limited,
Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Kicks Off with Unforgettable Opening Ceremony
A sold-out audience celebrated the commencement of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, with an awe-inspiring Opening Ceremony. At the center of the celebration was a focus on the moving stories and invincible spirit of the almost 500 competitors from 14 nations. The brave service men and women paraded through an interactive 3-D cube that was uniquely designed for the ceremony and emblazoned with the colors of each nation and images of comradery. Competitors were welcomed by their friends, family and caregivers following the procession.
“The creation of the Opening Ceremony is a development,” said Sara Donaldson, Executive Producer of Invictus Games 2016 Orlando Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “It shows a progression of the Games and is a step forward from what we created inLondon and what we will see in Toronto in 2017.”
To celebrate the arrival of servicemen and women from around the world, international singer Laura Wright took the stage and gave a spine tingling performance of her original song, “Invincible,” which she composed for the inaugural Invictus Games inLondon in 2014.
As U.S. Team Captain Will Reynolds discussed the significance of the Invictus Games flag tour, a Pave Hawk helicopter made a dramatic entrance when it dropped down next to Champion Stadium, setting the tone for an inspiring event. Stepping out of the helicopter, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant August O’Neill was greeted by his German shepherd companion, Kai. Reciting the Pararescue motto, The Things We Do. That Others May Live, Captain Will Reynolds and SSGT O’Neill watched as the U.S. Air Force Color Guard raised the Invictus Flag next to the flag of the United States, symbolizing that together they are unconquered.
Invictus Games Organizing Committee Chairman Ken Fisher took the stage to give thanks to those that brought the Games to life and to share his reason for becoming involved. “To me it is about three words – honor, educate and inspire. We will seek to honor service to country and the sacrifices made by the entire military family. We will seek to educate people around the globe about the devastating impact of the unseen wounds of war, and we will seek to inspire those at home who suffer in silence to re-engage with society and seek treatment that is available.”
The Opening Ceremony, co-presented by Jaguar Land Rover and The Walt Disney Company, was filled with unprecedented performances, including the U.S. Army Band, the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, which marked the first time all three bands performed in one central location. Headliner and international star, James Blunt, once an active-duty officer in the British Army, also performed his hit single “You’re Beautiful,” and additional songs from his albums “All the Lost Souls,” “Some Kind of Trouble” and “Moon Landing.”
After Blunt’s electrifying performance, audiences roared as Prince Harry and First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage to greet the competitors and their families and share how the competitors have inspired them.
“I had to create the Invictus Games – to build a platform for all those who have served to prove to the world what they have to offer,” said Prince Harry. “You will be inspired. You will be moved.”
“I am here to honor all of you, our extraordinary service members, veterans and of course our military families,” said Michelle Obama. “You are all truly amazing. I am inspired by your courage. I am inspired by the sacrifices you make every single day.”
Following their remarks, Morgan Freeman had the honor of leading the audience in reciting the Invictus Games pledge and introducing three story tellers, MSgt Israel Del Toro Jr., LCpl John-James Chalmers and Louis Nethercott. The audience rose to their feet, giving a standing ovation as the three servicemen told their Invictus stories and shared how they were able to overcome visible and invisible wounds of war with the support of their caregivers.
“The choices [my wife] had to make were hard on her. When she gave me the ultimatum she didn’t realize why I wanted to stay in [the Air Force]. It was when I got hurt that she understood – she understood the military is a family and that she was never left alone. They had her back. They had my son’s back,” said Israel Del Toro. “I am like the legendary phoenix. I am reborn from these ashes and these flames have made me stronger.”
For the finale, the 150-member Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO) choir, arranged by John Metcalfe, performed the Invictus Anthem. The Invictus Anthem was adapted from William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus,” which reads, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
Images from the Opening Ceremony will be available here. Fans can also purchase tickets for the Closing Ceremony on May 12, 2016 by visiting: http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets.
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies are being produced by continuumLIVE and Donaldson Creative with Christopher Laue and Sara Donaldson jointly performing the roles of Executive Producer and Creative Director.
Magical New Experiences Will Debut This Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In the galactic wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, new Star-Wars-themed experiences shift into light speed.
- The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will premiere this June with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.
- The live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” debuted April 4, celebrating moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.
- First Order Stormtroopers led by Captain Phasma march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, adding menace to the entertainment. Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.
Video – Invictus Athletes Honored in Parade at Magic Kingdom
Take a look at some B-Roll video of Invictus Athletes honored in a parade at Magic Kingdom.
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do At Walt Disney World
For the majority, Walt Disney World is just a theme park and nothing more. It’s about riding the attractions, meeting princesses and eating copious amounts of unhealthy food. But people who view the resort this way are missing out on experiencing the true joys of the happiest place on Earth.
