Commentary Archive
Governor Ron DeSantis promised new action against Walt Disney World in the escalating battle between Florida and its biggest employer during a sit-down at Hillsdale College in Michigan. This post shares the pertinent part of his statement, plus commentary about what each side stands to gain and lose in this still-ongoing dispute. Earlier this week,
During the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger announced the company’s plan to invest a staggering $17 billion on Walt Disney World over the next decade. This post puts that number into perspective, discusses the possibilities for a 5th gate and other expansion during what could be a bona fide “Walt Disney World
So much for the battle between Disney and Florida being in the rearview mirror! The feud between Governor DeSantis and CEO Bob Iger escalated further today, as the former initiated a criminal investigation and the latter fired back during the company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. For his part, Governor DeSantis sent a letter formally
“When will Walt Disney World Annual Pass sales resume?” is a common reader question. Many WDW fans are itching to purchase passes, especially new Floridians or those who planned on waiting to buy. We’ll share the company’s official position and speculate as to when APs might return. (Updated April 2, 2023.) As a quick recap,
Wage negotiations between Walt Disney World management and unions representing ~45,000 Cast Members are over, as the two sides have finally reached an agreement! This shares the latest news on the compromise, how pay will increase in the next several years, and offer commentary about this great development. (Updated March 23, 2023.) The Service Trades
We love Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. They’re our two favorite Disney theme parks in the world, and we’ve been singing their praises for years. However, we also have to admit that reopening has been excruciatingly slow in Japan, and that’s very apparent at TDR. As such, we’ll be covering whether now is a good time
Disney’s first 2023 earnings call was jam-packed with news about restructuring, cost-cutting, and the future of streaming services. Unsurprising, since those are topics CEO Bob Iger signaled he’d address upon returning. However, he also expressed optimism about Walt Disney World and Disneyland, briefly outlining expansion ideas. This also isn’t a surprise, as the Parks &
I do NOT think Walt Disney World will do a soft opening of TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. It’s highly unlikely and inconsistent with historical precedent. I just want to put that warning up front so you don’t get overly excited by the (highly speculative) prospect of this post. As has been the case
Despite reaching its record high price, Genie+ has sold out for the day at Walt Disney World for the first time ever. This post shares details about the current crowds, Lightning Lane availability, and our commentary on the paid FastPass service selling out despite the date-based pricing scheme…including why this is a good thing! (Updated
During the Walt Disney Company’s first quarter fiscal year 2023 earnings call, Bob Iger shared more details about restructuring and spending reductions, announcing workforce reductions. This post details where layoffs will and won’t occur, including new details from Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro and how Walt Disney World and Disneyland will likely be impacted. One of
Disney has revealed new storyline details for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the reimagined Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. This shares all of the details, ‘company’ concept art, and commentary about the backstory of the attraction and Imagineering’s use of storytelling. As previously shared, the reimagined ride will be named Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and will
