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

[sdk1231]

Almost cried at the AP news. We already purchased tickets for our trip though and I doubt they will still be available by the time we get there the end of May. Guess I will have to try my luck to upgrade on the phones.

When I first got my AP, I had previously purchased tickets for a trip. I phoned and they were able to upgrade my tix to APs very quickly and easily. Good luck!

 

[kylenne]

I'm almost tempted to keep my vacation package tickets AND purchase an AP. I'm so afraid about them selling out and I have 3 trips planned over the next 12 months. And AP would definitely save me money in the long run. Or, could I have an AP and my husband keep his 10 day ticket to keep the vacation package discount? I'm so confused on what to do right now

Typically I'm the only one of the two of us with an AP because my gf can't go as frequently as I do. I let mine lapse last year because of my work situation at the time, and since we're considering a land and sea trip next year I have been anxious to get mine back.

 

[Ismo]

Typically I'm the only one of the two of us with an AP because my gf can't go as frequently as I do. I let mine lapse last year because of my work situation at the time, and since we're considering a land and sea trip next year I have been anxious to get mine back.

My husband doesn't go as much as me either, so he just gets tickets when we go. I double checked and our current package is a room only discount I think. So I'm wondering if we could still keep the discount then if I get an AP and he has normal tickets? When you have APs, you can still make reservations for the length of your stay (when staying onsite) I think, right?

This is all assuming I can even get an AP, I'm sure the queue will be INSANE and they will sell out before I even get a chance. Anyone one want to place bets on how long they'll be in a virtual queue for on the 20th?

 

[kylenne]

My husband doesn't go as much as me either, so he just gets tickets when we go. I double checked and our current package is a room only discount I think. So I'm wondering if we could still keep the discount then if I get an AP and he has normal tickets? When you have APs, you can still make reservations for the length of your stay (when staying onsite) I think, right?

This is all assuming I can even get an AP, I'm sure the queue will be INSANE and they will sell out before I even get a chance. Anyone one want to place bets on how long they'll be in a virtual queue for on the 20th?

I'm not sure, because we never book packages, just room only. But from my limited understanding everyone in the room usually has to have the tickets bundled for packages. I know it worked that way for free dining and similar promotions that required packages.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1644011143269064716

 

[brockash]

Thanks for clarifying! I've never had a WDW AP and when I had planned on getting one for our last trip, they had "paused" sales just before we left. Now I just need to convince my husband that I need to buy an AP just to have ON TOP of our current ticket package I'm too scared to wait until we're there to upgrade.

I'd really run the numbers first. On a typical year how many days do you go to a Disney park? I guess you could also cancel your current package and rebook as a room only if it really will save you money.

 

[brockash]

My husband doesn't go as much as me either, so he just gets tickets when we go. I double checked and our current package is a room only discount I think. So I'm wondering if we could still keep the discount then if I get an AP and he has normal tickets? When you have APs, you can still make reservations for the length of your stay (when staying onsite) I think, right?

This is all assuming I can even get an AP, I'm sure the queue will be INSANE and they will sell out before I even get a chance. Anyone one want to place bets on how long they'll be in a virtual queue for on the 20th?

Yes, if it's a room only, it's not tied to tix so you can do whatever you want. You should also be able to book your parks with you APs for the duration of your trip assuming you are on the room reservation.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Asad Ayaz Named The Walt Disney Company’s First-Ever Chief Brand Officer

Asad Ayaz has been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective immediately, it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer. In this newly created role reporting to Iger, Ayaz will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences. Ayaz will also continue as President of Marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for the Studios’ films and series as well as for Disney+ globally, reporting to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.

“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories, characters, brands, and franchises.”

As Chief Brand Officer, Ayaz will develop and execute holistic brand marketing campaigns leveraging and synthesizing the company’s full suite of content and consumer experiences, activate the brand internally and externally through partnerships, and provide guidance and alignment for the company’s digital and social media strategy and presence. He will set corporate synergy and franchise priorities in consultation with the CEO and lead a global consumer research and analytics function focused on Disney’s brands and franchises that will inform actionable cross-platform initiatives.

“Throughout both my early life and my time at the company, I’ve marveled at the power of Disney’s storytelling, experiences, and simply the name itself to inspire people and resonate through generations,” said Ayaz. “I am immensely grateful to Bob for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I’m excited to work with the amazing teams around our company to highlight all the things that make Disney exceptional and ensure that we continue to create those meaningful connections with audiences for many more generations to come.”

Among other cross-company brand initiatives, Ayaz will oversee the Disney100 campaign as the company celebrates its 100th year. He recently led the development and creation of the Disney100 Special Look spot that debuted during this year’s Super Bowl, as well as the Studios’ new 100-year logo refresh now appearing on all Disney-branded films.

As President of Marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, a role he has held since 2018, Ayaz will continue to oversee all aspects of marketing for films and series from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios, including strategy, creative advertising, media, digital, research, special events, promotions, international marketing, publicity, and synergy. He was also recently named to lead marketing for Disney+ globally.

An 18-year Disney veteran, Ayaz has developed and led marketing campaigns for some of the most successful film releases in history, including Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, and 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water. Additional campaigns Ayaz has spearheaded include Disney’s live-action hits Aladdin and The Lion King, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 and Encanto, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and Turning Red, and 20th Century Studios’ Free Guyand Prey, along with Disney+ hit series including The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Loki, among many others. In all, Ayaz has led the campaigns for the most-watched films on Disney+ and Hulu, and 13 of the top 15 box office debuts of all time, including six opening weekends over $200 million, as well as the biggest worldwide debut of all time for Avengers: Endgame, which earned over $1.2 billion in five days.

An award-winning marketing leader, Ayaz has been the recipient of multiple industry honors, including Variety’s Marketing Visionaries Award and The Clio Marketing Mastermind Award. He was recently named one of Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs, and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1644018314539040769

 

[Ismo]

I'd really run the numbers first. On a typical year how many days do you go to a Disney park? I guess you could also cancel your current package and rebook as a room only if it really will save you money.

I would go more if I had an AP, but I have 2 big trips (one for 10 days and one for 2 weeks) planned as well as a shorter trip of 5 days all within a 365 period. So, between that and the discounts, it would save money I think. But mostly, I want the AP because we are planning on moving to Orlando in the next few years and I don't want to get stuck NOT being able to get one when we live nearby.

Yes, if it's a room only, it's not tied to tix so you can do whatever you want. You should also be able to book your parks with you APs for the duration of your trip assuming you are on the room reservation.

That makes sense, thanks so much! I'm a Disneyland local so, I understand all of that perfectly. And even though I go to WDW all of the time, when it comes to APs & WDW trips, I'm completely clueless!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Asad Ayaz Named The Walt Disney Company’s First-Ever Chief Brand Officer

Asad Ayaz has been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective immediately, it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer. In this newly created role reporting to Iger, Ayaz will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences. Ayaz will also continue as President of Marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for the Studios’ films and series as well as for Disney+ globally, reporting to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.

“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories, characters, brands, and franchises.”

As Chief Brand Officer, Ayaz will develop and execute holistic brand marketing campaigns leveraging and synthesizing the company’s full suite of content and consumer experiences, activate the brand internally and externally through partnerships, and provide guidance and alignment for the company’s digital and social media strategy and presence. He will set corporate synergy and franchise priorities in consultation with the CEO and lead a global consumer research and analytics function focused on Disney’s brands and franchises that will inform actionable cross-platform initiatives.

“Throughout both my early life and my time at the company, I’ve marveled at the power of Disney’s storytelling, experiences, and simply the name itself to inspire people and resonate through generations,” said Ayaz. “I am immensely grateful to Bob for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I’m excited to work with the amazing teams around our company to highlight all the things that make Disney exceptional and ensure that we continue to create those meaningful connections with audiences for many more generations to come.”

Among other cross-company brand initiatives, Ayaz will oversee the Disney100 campaign as the company celebrates its 100th year. He recently led the development and creation of the Disney100 Special Look spot that debuted during this year’s Super Bowl, as well as the Studios’ new 100-year logo refresh now appearing on all Disney-branded films.

As President of Marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, a role he has held since 2018, Ayaz will continue to oversee all aspects of marketing for films and series from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios, including strategy, creative advertising, media, digital, research, special events, promotions, international marketing, publicity, and synergy. He was also recently named to lead marketing for Disney+ globally.

An 18-year Disney veteran, Ayaz has developed and led marketing campaigns for some of the most successful film releases in history, including Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, and 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water. Additional campaigns Ayaz has spearheaded include Disney’s live-action hits Aladdin and The Lion King, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 and Encanto, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and Turning Red, and 20th Century Studios’ Free Guyand Prey, along with Disney+ hit series including The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Loki, among many others. In all, Ayaz has led the campaigns for the most-watched films on Disney+ and Hulu, and 13 of the top 15 box office debuts of all time, including six opening weekends over $200 million, as well as the biggest worldwide debut of all time for Avengers: Endgame, which earned over $1.2 billion in five days.

An award-winning marketing leader, Ayaz has been the recipient of multiple industry honors, including Variety’s Marketing Visionaries Award and The Clio Marketing Mastermind Award. He was recently named one of Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs, and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business.

Was this really his best picture? Lol. I feel like he's giving me a creepy look and Mona Lisa smile

 

[HokieRaven5]

Update to the Tron VQ:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1644025977872195589

 

[soniam]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643980446232084480

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643981842566242306

I am curious why it says MB+ only for DCL. I understand why it's MB+ only, and not old MB, at DLR. It's because they don't use RFID scanners. Theirs use barcode/QR code and wallet/bluetooth. MB+ has bluetooth, but MB does not. However the cabins on DCL I thought used RFID, which both MB+ and MB have. I have not been on the Wish, so maybe those cabin key readers are different. Anyone else know? I know at one point someone from DCL said that the ship's systems were tied into a different database than the parks, so the same info from the parks would not be available and they had not set up the ship's systems to handle MB data. Seems they could have but chose not to do so. The ship systems would have to handle data now, similar to the parks, but not necessarily the same.

 

[jpeterson]

I am curious why it says MB+ only for DCL. I understand why it's MB+ only, and not old MB, at DLR. It's because they don't use RFID scanners. Theirs use barcode/QR code and wallet/bluetooth. MB+ has bluetooth, but MB does not. However the cabins on DCL I thought used RFID, which both MB+ and MB have. I have not been on the Wish, so maybe those cabin key readers are different. Anyone else know? I know at one point someone from DCL said that the ship's systems were tied into a different database than the parks, so the same info from the parks would not be available and they had not set up the ship's systems to handle MB data. Seems they could have but chose not to do so. The ship systems would have to handle data now, similar to the parks, but not necessarily the same.

Might be as simple as wanting to push everyone to the newer bands.

 

[Gusey]

I am curious why it says MB+ only for DCL. I understand why it's MB+ only, and not old MB, at DLR. It's because they don't use RFID scanners. Theirs use barcode/QR code and wallet/bluetooth. MB+ has bluetooth, but MB does not. However the cabins on DCL I thought used RFID, which both MB+ and MB have. I have not been on the Wish, so maybe those cabin key readers are different. Anyone else know? I know at one point someone from DCL said that the ship's systems were tied into a different database than the parks, so the same info from the parks would not be available and they had not set up the ship's systems to handle MB data. Seems they could have but chose not to do so. The ship systems would have to handle data now, similar to the parks, but not necessarily the same.

I think its a move to make Magic Band+ more worth it if it can work in multiple resorts, and they are marketing it as Disney Band+ to disconnect it from MDE. I reckon they'll eventually try to phase out the original Magic Bands, especially now that you don't get them with your resort stay, so it is just Disney Band + left

 

[starlite_]

I am curious why it says MB+ only for DCL. I understand why it's MB+ only, and not old MB, at DLR. It's because they don't use RFID scanners. Theirs use barcode/QR code and wallet/bluetooth. MB+ has bluetooth, but MB does not. However the cabins on DCL I thought used RFID, which both MB+ and MB have. I have not been on the Wish, so maybe those cabin key readers are different. Anyone else know? I know at one point someone from DCL said that the ship's systems were tied into a different database than the parks, so the same info from the parks would not be available and they had not set up the ship's systems to handle MB data. Seems they could have but chose not to do so. The ship systems would have to handle data now, similar to the parks, but not necessarily the same.

My bet is that they want ppl to buy MB+. Would also bet they are only still selling MB2 because they have the stock already. I'm fully expecting MB+ to be the only one available in the next couple of years.

 

[Gusey]

Just wanted to share the craziest construction update at Disney Village in DLP as Planet Hollywood closed back in January and no plans for this location have been announced

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643942251284840449

 

[soniam]

Might be as simple as wanting to push everyone to the newer bands.

I think its a move to make Magic Band+ more worth it if it can work in multiple resorts, and they are marketing it as Disney Band+ to disconnect it from MDE. I reckon they'll eventually try to phase out the original Magic Bands, especially now that you don't get them with your resort stay, so it is just Disney Band + left

My bet is that they want ppl to buy MB+. Would also bet they are only still selling MB2 because they have the stock already. I'm fully expecting MB+ to be the only one available in the next couple of years.

I agree that they want to move to MB+. However, if MB work, the word will get out once they realize it. It sounds like it might not actually work though. I guess we will see once it's released.

Does anyone actually know what the Wish cabin readers are?

 

[jpeterson]

I agree that they want to move to MB+. However, if MB work, the word will get out once they realize it. It sounds like it might not actually work though. I guess we will see once it's released.

Does anyone actually know what the Wish cabin readers are?

Seems likely something is different on the Wish since it's debuting there first. The others may need a minor retrofit to make the bands work. It can't be very major since none of they are going in for refurbishment.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Cultural Representatives Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for First Time Since COVID-19 Closure