News Round Up 2018

[TheMaxRebo]

News

Talking Mickey is leaving the Town Square theater come May 2018. This is a cost saving move and non talking Mickey will replace him.

Seems odd with them just testing talking Mickey, Minnie, and Donald at DCA

 

[rteetz]

Seems odd with them just testing talking Mickey, Minnie, and Donald at DCA

Disneyland and WDW allocate money differently for these sorts of things.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Disneyland and WDW allocate money differently for these sorts of things.

No, I know that - just seems odd timing .. but guess just another example if differences coast to coast

 

[Sweettears]

I have it confirmed from a very close to the situation source. They are justifying it by saying guests get confused that he only talks at one location and instead of upgrading the other locations they’ll just cut this one.

Still donning my rose colored glasses, could this be a semi concession that the concept isn’t worth the cost/effort versus a straight cost cut.

 

[rteetz]

Still donning my rose colored glasses, could this be a semi concession that the concept isn’t worth the cost/effort versus a straight cost cut.

That’s possible. They’ll still use the concept in parades, shows, TV specials, etc.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Maleficent 2 to start filming soon:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertain...-2-to-start-filming-soon/ar-BBHXdHe?li=AA5a2k

 

[crazy4wdw]

News

Talking Mickey is leaving the Town Square theater come May 2018. This is a cost saving move and non talking Mickey will replace him.

I'm puzzled about this, would it really save that much money by using a non-talking head instead of a talking head? I don't have an engineering degree but it doesn't seem that this change would save that much $.

 

[rteetz]

I'm puzzled about this, would it really save that much money by using a non-talking head instead of a talking head? I don't have an engineering degree but it doesn't seem that this change would save that much $.

It takes roughly 9 CMs to operate the meet and greet not counting management types.

 

[crazy4wdw]

It takes roughly 9 CMs to operate the meet and greet not counting management types.

Thanks for the info, that certainly explains the cost savings!

 

[Rivergirl2005]

News

Talking Mickey is leaving the Town Square theater come May 2018. This is a cost saving move and non talking Mickey will replace him.

Awww this makes me sad...we have never met talking Mickey...bummer.... I didn't realize that there was someone talking. I always figured it was pre recorded.

 

[MommaBerd]

News

Talking Mickey is leaving the Town Square theater come May 2018. This is a cost saving move and non talking Mickey will replace him.

BOO! That is disappointing!!!

 

[vacationer1954]

I’ve read some posts about a ‘possible’ Disney streaming service.

The original plans for a US Disney streaming service are a bit up in the air now that Disney is close to owning a majority stake in Hulu:
http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/hulu-disney-fox-deal-future-tv-streaming-1202640711/

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm puzzled about this, would it really save that much money by using a non-talking head instead of a talking head? I don't have an engineering degree but it doesn't seem that this change would save that much $.

It takes roughly 9 CMs to operate the meet and greet not counting management types.

Thanks for the info, that certainly explains the cost savings!

I'm amazed at the number of CM's it takes to operate that M&G. How many does it take for a non-talking head M&G?

 

[beer dave]

Awww this makes me sad...we have never met talking Mickey...bummer.... I didn't realize that there was someone talking. I always figured it was pre recorded.

Pretty sure it is pre recorded-- there are just so many lines to chose from that it seems to be live. There basically are four routines-- As far as we have determined.... they take groups into the show room sequentially so no one is in there past 4 shows to see a repeat. they modify a bit and seem to have some "specials " they can throw in for special occurrences-- saw him speak japanese to a japanese group..... but the lines are pre recorded. Never heard him say anyones name.

 

[OKW Lover]

Big changes coming to the Disney BOD as 4 directors will be leaving.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...dberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Big changes coming to the Disney BOD as 4 directors will be leaving.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...dberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board

Makes sense as Disney is getting into streaming and Facebook and Twitter are getting more and more into broadcasting live events ... and really makes the move a bit ago when they added two board members make sense

 

[rteetz]

I'm amazed at the number of CM's it takes to operate that M&G. How many does it take for a non-talking head M&G?

I’d have to ask my friend in entertainment.

 

[rteetz]

Big changes coming to the Disney BOD as 4 directors will be leaving.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...dberg-twitter-s-dorsey-to-depart-disney-board

GM has always been a big Disney partner so that addition makes sense.

 

[OKW Lover]

I’d have to ask my friend in entertainment.

That would be a useful bit of information. Otherwise we have nothing to compare how much it costs for the talking Mikey vs the non-speaking one.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

News

Passholders Get Dedicated Seating for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series
We are bringing back our popular dedicated seating for the incredible Disney on BroadwayConcert Series performances at Epcot International Festival of the Arts! If you wish to receive dedicated seating, please pick up wristbands at The American Adventure Pavilion on a first-come, first-served basis at least one hour prior to the show that you wish to attend.

Wristbands are available Friday to Monday from January 12 to February 19. Distribution begins at 11:00 AM and continues while supplies last or:

• Until 4:30 PM for 5:30 PM shows
• Until 5:45 PM for 6:45 PM shows
• Until 7:00 PM for 8:00 PM show

Each Passholder may request a wristband for up to 3 additional Guests. You must show your annual pass and a valid photo ID to receive your wristbands. Wristbands only allow entry for one specific time and date—they cannot be used for other times or dates. Valid theme park admission is required.

Source: WDW website AP page.