Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2022 Edition

[mrsap]

Maleficent Dragon’s Horn Breaks During Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom​

One of the horns on the Maleficent dragon float broke during today’s noon performance of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom.

 

[Nirek]

Has anyone heard if Genie+ is actually selling out since the change in policy on 6/8?

 

[mrsap]

FIRST LOOK: ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As Cast Member previews begin, Disney has released photos of the all-new Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

 

[mrsap]

Special Ticket Offer for Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney​

Florida Residents, Disney Vacation Club Members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can enjoy a special ticket offer. Offer is only valid for performances of Drawn to Life from June 10, 2022 to October 1, 2022 and is subject to blockout dates: 7/1-7/5, 9/2-9/5 and 9/10/22. Tickets may be purchased online from Cirque du Soleil or at the box office at Disney Springs.

For full details, visit here.

 

[Lsdolphin]

FIRST LOOK: ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As Cast Member previews begin, Disney has released photos of the all-new Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

looks Like some of the CMs have returned

 

[shoegal9]

Mine said the same last November. I wouldn’t think anything about it.

My "Your annual pass is about to expire" email from January 31, 2022 had a button to click to renew and language about renewal and new pass types. It does make sense though that if they are not selling any new passes at this time they would leave out language in these emails to incentivize renewals.

 

[MidnightMeeko]

I don't want to dwell long on it here, but another further reason to think they might do away with APs eventually is that there isn't even an AP room discount for the summer, once past July 7. It's June 10 today. Last summer they didn't have them for a couple weeks of the summer either, but it does feel like they care less about keeping APs coming.

 

[mrsap]

VIDEO: Preview ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*click link to view

 

[jpeterson]

I don't want to dwell long on it here, but another further reason to think they might do away with APs eventually is that there isn't even an AP room discount for the summer, once past July 7. It's June 10 today. Last summer they didn't have them for a couple weeks of the summer either, but it does feel like they care less about keeping APs coming.

I always assume that AP and other discounts appear when they need to up their occupancy rate. If everything is full no need to add additional deals.

 

[MidnightMeeko]

I always assume that AP and other discounts appear when they need to up their occupancy rate. If everything is full no need to add additional deals.

That would make sense, but there's quite a bit of availability in July and August.

 

[mrsap]

Disney Publicly Defends Grand Floridian Resort Overhaul, Alludes to Controversial Lobby Remodel Coming Soon​

In the Disney Parks Blog post about the reopening of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney alluded to the upcoming and controversial remodel of the hotel’s iconic lobby.

They defended the ongoing work by writing, “The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance.” They did not show photos of the new look for Victoria & Albert’s.

According to Disney, “The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.” While not offering specifics, this does seem to be a rebuttal to the ill-received rumors.

The ongoing refurbishment began with the Enchanted Rose Lounge, which replaced Mizner’s Lounge, as well as the bandstand for the later budget-cut Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Cítricos followed with a “modernized” look and Mary Poppins theming. Above, you can see the previous design on the left and the new look on the right.

Rooms are currently being redesigned for Disney Vacation Club, and the resort’s standard rooms will get the same design.

 

[OKW Lover]

OK, that post really confused me. We were just at the Grand (dinner at Citrico) earlier this week. Can't say that I've noticed anything that needed "defending". Also can't say I've noticed much that really changed. Yes, Citrico was nice. Was it significantly different? Not that I noticed.

 

[figmentfinesse]

VIDEO: Preview ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*click link to view

I have been really skeptical of changing this show I love, but I have to give it to them, the updated set looks BEAUTIFUL.

 

[mrsap]

Hope you all have a great night & weekend!!

Cheers!!

 

[mrsap]

Report: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Likely to Have Contract Extended This Summer

According to a report from Business Insider, a “high-level Disney insider” said that it is “likely” that Disney CEO Bob Chapek will have his contract extended from its current expiration at the end of February 2023. The insider said that there are two meetings coming up in June and September where Chapek’s contract could be extended. No word on how long of an extension Chapek could receive.

Chapek has had a rough tenure as Disney CEO – starting with a shutdown of all Disney theme parks worldwide to political battles with the Florida Governor. Recently, Chapek received a vote of confidence from the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company. Of course, this public statement was immediately met with skepticism, but if this report from Business Insider proves to be correct, Chapek might get a chance to settle into a more normal cadence and put his stamp on TWDC as CEO.

 

[soniam]

You’ll Be Able to DRINK Out of Buzz Lightyear’s Hand in Disneyland​

The NEW Buzz Lightyear Gauntlet will be arriving in Disneyland SOON! Video HERE


View attachment 675271

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I know that goober

 

[mrsap]

Good Morning All!

 

[mrsap]

Remaining Big Pine Key Rooms Declared Into Grand Floridian Condo Association​

All 202 new Resort Studio rooms which make up the recent addition to Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have now been added to the Disney Vacation Club system.

On June 10, 2022 the Orange County Comptroller recorded Disney Vacation Develpment's amendment to the Grand Floridian's Condominium Association, adding the remainder of the units in the Big Pine Key building. This moves makes all 202 rooms available for booking by members using Disney Vacation Club points. The intial declaration came back in February 2022, about one month before point sales began. At that time, Disney added exactly half of the rooms into the DVC timeshare program. This additional filing--the fifth amendment to the Grand Floridian's condo association--adds the remaining 101 villas.

This staggered approach is commonplace for all Disney Vacation Club developments. Disney's Riviera Resort currently has 180 of its 341 rooms added to the Condo Association and available for member booking. The other 161 Riviera villas are still owned by Disney, and can be rented to cash guests. Additional declarations are typically made as points are needed to support new sales.

This move comes at a curious time for Grand Floridian. As of May 31, more than 495,000 Grand Floridian points remained unsold from the February declaration. In May 2022, DVC sold only 100,178 points at the Grand Floridian. Should that pace continue, DVC had enough points on hand to support its sales activities for nearly 5 months.

Nevertheless, this amendment adds nearly 900,000 additional points to the timeshare system and paves the way for members to book all 202 Resort Studio rooms on a nightly basis. The February declaration included most of the building's third floor, along with all rooms on the fourth and fifth floors. This new filing covers the remaining 12 rooms on the third floor plus all of floors 1 and 2.

 

[mrsap]

Disney Cruise Line Updates Dress Codes For Adult-Exclusive Dining Experiences​

If you’re planning on going on a Disney Cruise this year, take note. Disney Cruise Line has just updated their Guest dress code for adult exclusive restaurants starting today (June 10, 2022.)

This new dress code will apply to the following eateries:

• Remy
• Enchante
• The Meridian
• the Rose
• Palo

Adult-exclusive eateries aboard Disney Cruise Line are elegant dining experiences. With this in mind, guests are requested to dress up for these sophisticated dining experiences. Formal or semi-formal clothing is recommended . As an alternative, guess may choose a dress casual with a polished look. Examples of this would be pants, jeans (in good condition), collared shirts and blouses and lifestyle shoes.

Items that are not permitted includes t-shirts, swimwear and sports attire.

 

[Aprilshack]

Report: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Likely to Have Contract Extended This Summer

According to a report from Business Insider, a “high-level Disney insider” said that it is “likely” that Disney CEO Bob Chapek will have his contract extended from its current expiration at the end of February 2023. The insider said that there are two meetings coming up in June and September where Chapek’s contract could be extended. No word on how long of an extension Chapek could receive.

Chapek has had a rough tenure as Disney CEO – starting with a shutdown of all Disney theme parks worldwide to political battles with the Florida Governor. Recently, Chapek received a vote of confidence from the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company. Of course, this public statement was immediately met with skepticism, but if this report from Business Insider proves to be correct, Chapek might get a chance to settle into a more normal cadence and put his stamp on TWDC as CEO.

Good god I hope not.