Bob Chapek says there could be more mature content heading to Disney+ in the future if audience demand is strong enough to warrant it.
In an interview with Wall Street Journal, Disney CEO Bob Chapek was asked about how far Disney’s streaming service would extend itself when it comes to adding or producing content that is geared toward more mature audiences.
“I want to respect what this brand is. But at the same time, I know that we may be even more precious about what is ‘Disney’ than the consumer base is,” Chapek told the Journal. “If the consumer base has more elasticity, we probably ought to listen to our audience, which means we have more degrees of freedom than we probably thought.”
Disney+ has been publishing mature content on its international platforms, with password-guarded parental control being the norm. However, in the U.S., the brand Disney has always been seen as a family-oriented entertainment platform where children can safely explore.
The inclusion of parental controls will help Disney expand upon the entertainment offerings for viewers.
Iron Man Suit Now on Display in Marketplace Co-Op. Iron Man Marc II was the suit Tony Stark wore in the first movie until he pushed the suit too far. Almost being the perfect suit, it ended up having issues in high altitude and literally iced over.
“How did you solve the Icing problem?” Well, the answer is the Mark III suit. which is now on full display at the Marketplace Coop in Disney Springs. The suit looks stunning on display. Just head to the back of the store, and you will find a newer store that sells mostly Marvel merchandise.
Discover a shopper’s paradise filled with a variety of unique brands, must-have items and special events—all in one place!
Iron Man Suit Now on Display
Merchandise Mecca
Shop ‘til you drop at this Disney Springs retail emporium! Browse an eclectic array of some of Disney’s most popular brands—from art, apparel and accessories to personalized tech gear and gadgetry, pet items, home décor and more.
Morimoto Asia Hosting Exclusive Holiday Event with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto is known worldwide for his singular interpretations of Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes. His unique culinary perspective and unforgettable cuisine are matched only by his gorgeously-executed locations, including Morimoto Asia.
This December, join Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto when he hosts two exclusive culinary evenings at the highly-acclaimed restaurant, Morimoto Asia. The events, taking place on Dec 2nd and 3rd will feature one of the oldest and rarest Japanese whiskies from the Yamazaki collection — the Yamazaki 55.
Chef Morimoto will host a 12-person, intimate seven-course meal, curated and fully prepared by the notable chef. Each taste will be masterfully designed to pair with rare bottles from House of Suntory’s signature Yamazaki whisky collection, including Yamazaki 18, the Tsukuriwake Selection 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition, Mizunara, Peated Oak, Puncheon, and Spanish Oak. As quantities are limited, this will be the last opportunity for guests of Morimoto Asia to taste the smooth and woody notes of the Yamazaki whisky.
“Only 200 bottles of the 55-year-old Yamasaki whisky were produced, so we are extremely fortunate to have a bottle at Morimoto Asia,” said Patina Restaurant Group Marketing Director, Kyle Collins. “To experience an Omakase tasting hosted by Chef Morimoto is a memorable experience, and we are honored that Chef will be hosting it here at Morimoto Asia.”
There are 12 tickets available for the two exclusive holiday events, and they are $3,000++ per person. Each event will begin at 7 p.m. Purchase your tickets HERE. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Adorable Baby Groot Light Up Holiday Plush Spotted At Hollywood Studios!
Get in the holiday spirit with this adorable Baby Groot plush you need to take home with you. We found it at Hollywood Studios for $24.99, and is also available online at shopDisney!
The plush features a Baby Groot wrapped in Christmas lights inside a pot with a red satin ribbon and a gift tag. It also lights up! You can turn it on/off with a button on the back.
He is also holding the Christmas lights plug in one hand. So adorable and perfect to sprout fond memories of the season for light years to come!
Epcot 40th Anniversary Figment Ornament To Add A Spark Of Magic To Your Tree!
Figment is ready to add a spark of creativity and imagination to your Christmas tree this holiday season with this fun ornament celebrating 40 years of magic at Epcot! You can get it at different stores around the park for $29.99.
It features a white base with the Epcot 40 logo on the front in rainbow colors and the pavilion icons all around. Spaceship Earth shines bright lighting up in different colors just like the real one in the park!
This ornament also features Figment! He is resting on top of Spaceship Earth making sure you have an amazing time this holiday season. You can take a closer look at this fun Epcot 40th Anniversary Figment ornament in our instagram post:
Fuzzy Pixar Christmas Crocs Sandals Spotted At Walt Disney World!
Want to stay comfy and cozy this holiday season? Take a look at these new Pixar Christmas crocs sandals we found at Hollywood Studios for $65! They are a great option for those living in a place with a more tropical weather or that prefer sandals over slippers.
These sandals are white with Christmas icons inspired in Pixar characters! We can see Ham and Boo ornaments, Dug and Carl from Up inspired presents, a Mike Wazowski Christmas wreath and more characters from Toy Story and Wall-E!
They also feature a “Toy To The World” charm on each shoe and gray sherpa to keep your feet warm this season. They are super cute.
Disney World’s Minnie Van transportation service has a great new feature coming soon that will keep guests young and old entertained while on the go.
The animated award-winning cartoon “Mickey Mouse” which features Mickey Mouse and friends up to all sorts of crazy antics will now be available to watch as you are cruising to your next destination on Disney property.
You can’t miss them! The red and white polka dot Minnie Vans are connected by Lyft and are a fun way to get to your next destination in style.
Simply open your LYFT app on your phone from any location on Walt Disney World Property and select the Minnie Van option. Each van accommodates up to 6 guests. Each vehicle is also equipped with 2 car seats which cast members can install for you. car seats are required for children under 6 years of age,
Accessible Minnie Vans are available and include seating for 4, space for 2 wheelchairs, and 1 car seat.
Prices will vary based on the distance traveled from pick-up to destination within Walt Disney World Resort. Hours run from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM every day but are subject to change.
Minnie Vans are a great option for guests to get around quickly without the extra added stress of waiting on bus transportation. This can be a huge help when setting off from a theme park to a dining reservation across a very large Disney property.
I love the idea of providing entertainment for little guests that might get a little antsy from too much excitement.
Have you ever taken the Minnie Van transportation? Let us know if you are loving this cute new addition to Disney’s stylish transportation service!
We love to keep you up to date on everything new happening at Disney. Make sure you follow us on social media and check back often so you don’t miss out on all the latest news.
A few weeks ago we reported that the Fountain near the Lime Garage in Disney Springs broke. A whole chunk of the bottom tier of the fountain fell off. At the time we were uncertain if the Fountain Surfer was the cause of the broken fountain or if the weight of the concrete just made it fall off.
Holiday Season Returns for the Entire Family During SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration is returning this year and it’s bigger and better than ever. Guests will be able to join friends and family at SeaWorld Orlando on select dates from November 11 through January 3 for a memorable holiday experience. Visitors will see the theme park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with more than 3 million beautiful lights and the addition of NEW holiday experiences at Wild Artic Plaza during the event. The main feature of the magical festival is the Sea of Trees – a guest favorite. The wintery, watery wonderland is back immersing guests in a sea of twinkling holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on more than 100 trees, including a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water. During the celebration, guests will also be able to indulge in ALL-NEW delicious holiday treats, experience fabulous holiday shows and entertainment and watch an impressive NEW holiday firework show.
SeaWorld Orlando will be one of the few places Central Floridians can lace up and hit the ice. During the day, park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at Bayside Stadium. Once night falls, they can sit back and relax as the pros show off what they got with “Winter Wonderland on Ice”. Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create an experience the entire family will not want to miss.
More ALL-NEW Magical Holiday Shows & Entertainment
There are even more ways for families to get into the holiday spirit this year at SeaWorld Orlando. At the end of the night during the Christmas Celebration, guests can be dazzled by the impressive “Holiday Reflections” fireworks show that showcases an impressive fireworks display set to the sounds of the season in the sky above the Sea of Trees.
Holiday cheer can also be found throughout the park with stilt walkers at the Waterfront and in Wild Arctic Plaza, jump-roping toy soldiers, and Elf Story Chair Stacking in Sharks Plaza. Guests also cannot miss the opportunity for photos with Santa, Rudolph and Bumble! Rudolph and Bumble have found a new home this year in Wild Arctic, while Santa can be found at his new workshop in the Shoppes at the Waterfront. Guests can also dine with Santa throughout the Christmas Celebration for an additional cost.
The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the popular Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where guests can see all their favorite Sesame Street characters getting into the holiday spirit. For an additional cost, families who come to the park on Saturday mornings can have breakfast with their friends from Sesame Street. Elmo’s Christmas Wish is also back this year on event mornings at SeaPort Theatre. Visitors can join Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe and Rosita as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!
ALL-NEW Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks
Guests to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the holiday season with ALL-NEW food and beverage offerings this year. Traditional flavors like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint can be found all around the park in new and unexpected ways. There will also be a very special holiday doughnut from an Orlando-based doughnut shop. Some of the NEW food offerings guests can taste at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:
Arroz con Dulce – cinnamon dust & Caribbean rum raisin
Fresh Baked Deep-dish cookies – M&M, S’mores & Chocolate chip
Guests will be able to sip NEW seasonal drinks while strolling around the park. They can drink either a hot or frozen hot chocolate, or a frozen eggnog or coquito. There are also several NEW holiday cocktails to try, including:
Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy – Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey, Jack Daniels Winter Cider & chai tea
For even more holiday dining experiences, guests can head to SeaFire Grill where they can watch their favorite holiday movies while tasting delicious holiday treats. They can also share seasonal culinary delights and refreshing Coca-Cola beverages with friends and family in the NEW Christmas Dining Hall at Voyagers Smokehouse.
More to Celebrate at SeaWorld Orlando
Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld! From December 18 through December 26, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.
Kwanzaa Festivities: Guests can be part of SeaWorld’s celebration of Kwanzaa! Taking place from December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the Kinara. Story Time with Big Bird will also feature Kwanzaa stories throughout the celebrations.
New Year’s Eve: Guests can spend the final day of 2021 enjoying SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, then ring in the New Year as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky at midnight on December 31.
One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2023 Fun Card, which offers park admission through December 31, 2023, for one low price of $132.99. Guests will have admission to SeaWorld Orlando for a full calendar year to experience thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and energizing entertainment. For even more unbeatable benefits, guests can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass for as low as $14/month + tax with no down payment. With an Annual Pass, guests will enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.
Are you looking forward to the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration?
Disney News Round-Up: Holiday Decorations, Mr. Toad Popcorn Bucket, USAF Thunderbirds Flyover Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Extended Hours Extended. It was a special day at the Parks yesterday with Holiday decorations returning to Hollywood Studios, the Thunderbirds Flyover, and so much more. Furthermore, Tim Allen returns as Santa Clause, and maybe we will see The Princess Diaries 3.
Universal Theme Parks See Record Highs in 3rd Quarter of 2022
Universal Theme Parks have set a record high for a third quarter with an 88.6% increase in the 3rd quarter of 2022! Universal Parks & Resorts performed extremely well last quarter due to growth at each of the theme parks.
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have both seen attendance and guest spending increasing year-over-year. Revenue from the theme parks has increased by 42.4%.
Comcast and NBCUniversal have seen no negative impact on the parks despite an uncertain economy. It appears investments the company made during the pandemic are paying off.
The overseas Universal parks had a strong quarter as well. Universal Beijing had its first profitable quarter since opening in September 2021 and Universal Japan is continuing to rebound from the pandemic.
If you’d like to visit one of the Universal theme parks, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!
New Tiger debuts at Maharajah Jungle Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new tiger has debuted at the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Meet Conrad, the newest Sumatran tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Dr. Mark Penning shared the following on Instagram:
“Introducing … Conrad, the “paw-some” new addition to Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
🐯 Conrad came to us through a @Zoos_Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation, which helps sustain healthy populations in managed care, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers like Conrad.
Pounce on the opportunity to see this cool cat right “meow” on Maharajah Jungle Trek! 🐾🐅”
Home Away From Home Disney animal care experts have brought the magic of the rainforest to life—creating a natural and stimulating environment for our tigers. Here’s a glimpse inside the life of a tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
A Natural Setting: The tiger habitat features hills, pools, fountains, trees and logs that provide natural opportunities for the animals to communicate, rest, hide and explore.
Veterinary Care and Animal Training: Following a hand signal or verbal cue from an animal care expert, tigers present their tails and paws for a daily check-up, or position themselves for an ultrasound or blood draw.
Animal Enrichment: Enriching items are placed in the tiger habitat—like perfume-scented items and sacks filled with meat—to encourage natural behaviors like foraging, stalking, running and scent-marking.
Disney Conservation: Saving Tigers Tiger populations have suffered a rapid decline due to habitat loss, reduction in large prey and increased poaching.
The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has supported nonprofit organizations working to protect tiger habitats, reduce poaching and collaborate with communities to encourage human-wildlife coexistence.
If you’d like to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see the new tiger, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
