With a fall release for latest “Disney Infinity” game in sight, a list of figures for the game is starting to trickle out. Previous “Disney Infinity 1.0” and “2.0” figures will work, in addition to the new figures which will include Olaf of “Frozen” fame, Hulkbuster Iron Man, Ultron, “Star Wars” characters and for the first time, classic Mickey Mouse.
Sooner or later, Disney is going to have to address the 800-ton gorilla in the room. Comcast’s Universal Orlando unveiled Wednesday the latest addition to its collection of theme park experiences.
When George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney, he gave them outlines for three new Star Wars sequels — but his ideas apparently ended up in the trash compactor. Vanity Fair’s new cover story on Star Wars: The Force Awakens notes that Star Wars creator Lucas had his own vision for episodes VII, VIII, and IX, which take place decades after the original Star Wars trilogy.
The Walt Disney Co. is pleased that half of its Walt Disney World visitors enter with MyMagic+ wristbands, even as the company hesitates to say how much MyMagic+ factors into its fiscal second quarter domestic growth announced this week.
Well, that didn’t take long. Less than a week after Marvel Studios’ superhero showdown “Avengers: Age of Ultron” hit U.S. theaters, principal photography has begun on “Captain America: Civil War.”
Well, if you’ve seen Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron then you know who we’re talking about here. If you haven’t … why did you click on this?!
Leslie Ferraro has been named President, Disney Consumer Products, effective immediately, it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas O. Staggs, Chief Operating Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).
A 16-year Disney veteran, Ms. Ferraro most recently served as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ Executive Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Travel Operations, where she was responsible for leading the marketing and sales teams in developing numerous highly successful consumer campaigns worldwide.
As President of Disney Consumer Products, Ms. Ferraro will oversee a global operation that delivers innovative and engaging products, from toys and apparel to books and fine art, through its Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store businesses. Ms. Ferraro assumes the role formerly held by Bob Chapek, who became Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in February. She will report directly to both Mr. Iger and Mr. Staggs.
“Leslie is a highly talented, proven executive with a strong track record of creativity and innovation,” Mr. Iger said. “Having managed worldwide marketing and sales for one of our largest businesses, she brings a global perspective and deep knowledge of the company and its brands to her new position.”
“During her tenure at Parks and Resorts, Leslie was known for driving results and inspiring her teams to even greater achievements,” Mr. Staggs said. “She has a deep understanding of our brands and franchises, as well as a solid vision for how they fit into the global consumer marketplace, both of which will serve her extremely well as she leads the Disney Consumer Products team into the future.”
“This is an exciting time at Disney Consumer Products, given the company’s unprecedented array of brands and franchises,” Ms. Ferraro said. “I look forward to leading this dynamic business and our incredibly talented team as we continue to launch new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity.”
Leslie joined Disney in 1999 as Director of Marketing for Theme Parks and Resorts and went on to hold a variety of marketing leadership positions including Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy and New Business Initiatives, and Vice President of Marketing for Disney Regional Entertainment. She has also served on the Hong Kong Disneyland Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Disney, Leslie held various senior-level marketing positions at McCann-Erickson, Johnson & Johnson and SmithKline Beecham.
Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and marketing from George Washington University, a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics, and an MBA in finance from New York University.
As any Magic Kingdom park goer knows if you want that special souvenir, a stop at the Main Street Emporium is a must on your trip to the park.
One of our suggestions is to walk through the shops just as the park opens and it will provide you with a hassle free shopping experience.
Take a look at some of these photos of an empty Main Street Emporium at park opening.
The finale of Disney’s beloved Phineas and Ferb is on the horizon as production for the animated series has officially wrapped. But fans have something to celebrate ahead of that June 12 farewell….
It had been a rumor in all the normal places but Marvel has made it official: Paul Rudd is a part of the cast of Captain America: Civil War, which is starting principal photography today in Atlanta. Rudd of course plays Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Marvel’s Ant-Man, which comes out July 17. That will set him up for Civil War, which has a May 6, 2016 release date.
