Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey joins the Disney Dreamers Academy in a special cavalcade at Magic Kingdom
Bailey is one of several Hollywood stars participating in the annual mentoring program by Walt Disney World Resort that brings 100 students from around the country for an immersive career-inspiring weekend at Walt Disney World. Some of the other celebrities include R&B singer H.E.R., plus actors Marsai Martin (ABC show "black-ish"), and Jalyn Hall (feature film "Till").

As the celebrity ambassador, Bailey headlines the list of celebrities and will be a mentor and advocate during the Thursday through Sunday event, which is designed by Walt Disney World Resort to broaden career awareness and create exclusive enrichment opportunities for high school students from diverse communities around the country.
 
NEW: The union representing Cast Members at Walt Disney World confirm they have reached a tentative agreement with Disney to bring Cast Members to $18/hour by the end of this year. The union will now recommend workers vote to approve the agreement.

The agreement includes retroactive pay and staggered increases that will give all full-time employees an hourly rate of $18/hour by end of year.

Union says all CMs will receive minimum $5.50 increase "over term of agreement."

The vote will happen next Wednesday. If members approve the deal, the hourly increases will go into effect immediately.

Retroactive pay will go back to October 2022.
According to the union:

"For Cast Members that are making the minimum currently, this contract provides over 36% general wage increases over the life of the agreement."

Scott Gustin
 
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NEW: The union representing Cast Members at Walt Disney World confirm they have reached a tentative agreement with Disney to bring Cast Members to $18/hour by the end of this year. The union will now recommend workers vote to approve the agreement.

The agreement includes retroactive pay and staggered increases that will give all full-time employees an hourly rate of $18/hour by end of year.

The union says all Cast Members will receive a minimum $5.50 increase by end of year.

The vote will happen next Wednesday. If members approve the deal, the hourly increases will go into effect immediately.

Retroactive pay will go back to October 2022.
According to the union:

"For Cast Members that are making the minimum currently, this contract provides over 36% general wage increases over the life of the agreement."

Scott Gustin
This sounds like promising news
 
NEW: The union representing Cast Members at Walt Disney World confirm they have reached a tentative agreement with Disney to bring Cast Members to $18/hour by the end of this year. The union will now recommend workers vote to approve the agreement.

The agreement includes retroactive pay and staggered increases that will give all full-time employees an hourly rate of $18/hour by end of year.

The union says all Cast Members will receive a minimum $5.50 increase by end of year.

The vote will happen next Wednesday. If members approve the deal, the hourly increases will go into effect immediately.

Retroactive pay will go back to October 2022.
According to the union:

"For Cast Members that are making the minimum currently, this contract provides over 36% general wage increases over the life of the agreement."

Scott Gustin
I'll be interested to read what the union gave in terms of work rules or non-wage benefits to get the increase
 
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More details from union leaders: Every current theme park worker in the union will receive a raise between $5.50 and $8.60 by the end of the contract, with the first $3 coming this year.

All six STCU unions are unanimous in their support of the agreement.

Here is the path to $18/hour:

For workers in jobs that currently earn $15/hour, retroactive pay to October 2022 will be at $16/hour.

The rate will immediately increase to $17/hour when the deal is ratified.

Rate will increase again to $18/hour in December.

More from union:
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The contract runs through October 2026, according to union leaders.

Per the union: The deal also includes 8 weeks of paid Child Bonding Leave, a benefit that is not included in the current contract.

Scott Gustin
 
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‘Incredible’ Amenities Coming to the First Storyliving by Disney Community
The stunning collection of amenities will be available with voluntary Artisan Club membership.

As the very first Storyliving by Disney community continues to blossom in Rancho Mirage, California, I am excited to share some of the unique elements that will bring Disney adventures to life.

Hmmm … Does that house look familiar to you?

The Cotino community will offer the opportunity for individuals to purchase a membership for the Artisan Club that will unlock a dazzling array of amenities infused with unique Disney and Pixar touches. Highlights include a one-of-a-kind gathering space inspired by an “incredible” location from a fan-favorite Pixar film, part of a vibrant club featuring a diverse range of leisure pursuits.

Nestled along the shoreline of the grand oasis is Parr House, a distinct location inspired by the midcentury home of the famous family of superheroes in Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.”

Parr House is being brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineering as a “super” fun place for special events, celebrations and limited overnight accommodations for Artisan Club members, all subject to availability. This space will immerse club members and their guests in an environment featuring iconic decor, curated art and rich colors from the film. Along Parr House’s exterior, an elevated patio will present spectacular views of the grand oasis and the surrounding mountains. Talk about “super,” am I right?

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In addition to Parr House, Artisan Club members will experience a touch of the Disney lifestyle in a clubhouse complex featuring distinct spaces for dining, wellness, art, recreation and entertainment. All amenities are being thoughtfully inspired by Disney Imagineers to foster community connections and encourage the pursuit of individual passions.

wefyuobhyguf793ru2487y1313.jpg

Voluntary club membership will offer access to the waterfront clubhouse, club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney entertainment and magical events. Separate from the private clubhouse, there will be a beach park, accessible to the public with the purchase of a day pass.

wefyuobhyguf793ru2487y1314.jpg

The story of the Cotino community is just beginning, and we look forward to sharing more.
 
‘Incredible’ Amenities Coming to the First Storyliving by Disney Community
The stunning collection of amenities will be available with voluntary Artisan Club membership.

As the very first Storyliving by Disney community continues to blossom in Rancho Mirage, California, I am excited to share some of the unique elements that will bring Disney adventures to life.

Hmmm … Does that house look familiar to you?

The Cotino community will offer the opportunity for individuals to purchase a membership for the Artisan Club that will unlock a dazzling array of amenities infused with unique Disney and Pixar touches. Highlights include a one-of-a-kind gathering space inspired by an “incredible” location from a fan-favorite Pixar film, part of a vibrant club featuring a diverse range of leisure pursuits.

Nestled along the shoreline of the grand oasis is Parr House, a distinct location inspired by the midcentury home of the famous family of superheroes in Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.”

Parr House is being brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineering as a “super” fun place for special events, celebrations and limited overnight accommodations for Artisan Club members, all subject to availability. This space will immerse club members and their guests in an environment featuring iconic decor, curated art and rich colors from the film. Along Parr House’s exterior, an elevated patio will present spectacular views of the grand oasis and the surrounding mountains. Talk about “super,” am I right?

wefyuobhyguf793ru2487y1311.jpg

In addition to Parr House, Artisan Club members will experience a touch of the Disney lifestyle in a clubhouse complex featuring distinct spaces for dining, wellness, art, recreation and entertainment. All amenities are being thoughtfully inspired by Disney Imagineers to foster community connections and encourage the pursuit of individual passions.

wefyuobhyguf793ru2487y1313.jpg

Voluntary club membership will offer access to the waterfront clubhouse, club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney entertainment and magical events. Separate from the private clubhouse, there will be a beach park, accessible to the public with the purchase of a day pass.

wefyuobhyguf793ru2487y1314.jpg

The story of the Cotino community is just beginning, and we look forward to sharing more.
Still scratching my head on this one. But maybe it will be amazing.
 
I mean, I totally get day dreaming about living in Golden Oak when I win the lottery. I do that all the time.

But not sure about a random community in California...
There is rumor that a similar one will be created in central FL. I'm sure that depends on how well the California one sells. Oh, and Golden Oak is sold out but you can sometimes find resale availability
 
Disney Wish Cruise Ship Debuts New 18+ Oogie Boogie Dance Party
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The Disney Wish has debuted a new Oogie Boogie dance party for adults only. We received the details from Kevin Stone, @bighousecomics on Twitter.

Cast Members said this was the first time this event was hosted on any Disney Cruise Line ship. It was at 10:00 p.m. in the Hero Zone, where the “Incredi-Games” are hosted, on deck 12 of the Disney Wish.

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Guests were first taken into a room next to the Hero Zone with a bar and an Oogie Boogie pumpkin. The room’s screens displayed a full moon. A woman then entered, calling the guests fellow “curiosity seekers.” She’s been looking for “The Boogie Man” for years and the guests in attendance could help her summon him. They called upon other Disney Villains, who appeared on the screens, and drew upon their bad energy to summon Oogie Boogie.

Then Oogie’s face appeared on the full moon and he taunted the Cast Member and guests before everyone was directed into the Hero Zone. It was decorated with Oogie Boogie banners and his roulette wheel on the giant screen. Oogie Boogie himself welcomed guests to the party and a DJ started up music.

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The event then turned into a dance party, with different Disney Villains appearing on screen. Oogie Boogie and his new henchman danced and interacted with guests, including teaching everyone an Electric Boogie-like dance.

We don’t know if this Oogie Boogie event will be available on every cruise going forward. It may have been a test experience that could change in the future or evolve into a Halloween event. Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas events usually includes special meet and greets — like Minnie and friends dressed as the Sanderson Sisters — Halloween craft activities, themed treats, and Mickey’s Mouse-querade deck show/dance party.

Oogie Boogie is the main villain featured during Disneyland Resort Halloween celebrations with Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.
 














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