Disney Parks to Take Attendance Hit in Effort to Cut Discounts?

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May 12, 2010

We’re big fans of discounts over here at Chip and Co, so we were disappointed to hear that Disney plans on weaning the public off of them in the very near future. The company announced Tuesday that it is

“determined and confident that we can take our pricing back to normalized levels,” Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said during a conference call with stock analysts.”

While recent discounts have kept resort beds full and people in the parks, revenue is still down. Nonetheless, it appears that Disney is willing to take a short term hit on attendance in order to wean the public off discounts. This, in turn, is expected to gradually increase park revenues, the idea being that fewer people in the parks paying full price is better than more people paying the deep discounts we’ve seen in recent years. Says Disney President and CEO Box Iger,

“We made a decision to reduce the size of the discount. In doing so, we were pretty certain, short-term, that was going to reduce volume,” adding however, that bookings have very recently begun to accelerate, suggesting, he said, “It’s possible that we’re starting to see signs that the consumers are starting to look past” discounts.

One thing I’m wondering is whether or not pin codes (discount codes sent via email that are specific to the individual), bounce back offers, and annual pass discounts will gain in importance as general public discounts are reduced, or will these also become a thing of the past? I certainly would be more willing to buy an annual pass if I knew I could count on an AP discount, which at this point isn’t any better than the general public discounts that are out there right now. What do you think? Will a lack of discounts keep you out of the parks?

Source: The Daily Disney.

Summer Nightastic! Dazzles with After-Dark Excitement at Walt Disney World Resort June 6-Aug. 14

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Summer nights at Walt Disney World Resort will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the entertainment experience at the Vacation Kingdom with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.

Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

“There’s a special energy in the parks at night,” says Chris Oyen, show director for the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.” “It’s all about the magic and the sense of adventure and mystery that nighttime possesses in the Magic Kingdom.”

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new thrills and chills to the mix for anyone who dares to enter the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

At Epcot, live “Sounds Like Summer” tribute-band concerts rock guests each evening from June 12 to July 31 with familiar tunes ranging from “Hotel California” to “Stayin’ Alive.”

The multi-park festivities promise a veritable Cinderella-coach-full of sensory surprises for all who visit during the 10-week-plus summer celebration.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” – This classic pageant of illuminated floats goes all the way back to 1972, when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. With 23 floats, more than half a million tiny colorful lights, 80 performers, synthesizer music based on “Baroque Hoedown,” and Disney theme songs woven in, the parade returns to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time since 2001. A nostalgia trip for many, this “crown jewel of summer” kicks off the season with lighting effects, floats and characters new to Walt Disney World Resort.

Tinker Bell waves her magic wand from the basket of a dazzling balloon float. The Tinker Bell float alone generates more than “25,000 points of light,” says Paul Chychota, the parade’s production manager.

Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade in Magic Kingdom this year, and Snow White appears with the Seven Dwarfs on a Diamond Mine float glittering with colorful gems.

Ten thousand strobes of “pixie-dust” light the parade trail as a treasury of classic Disney stories comes to life. Floats feature enhanced effects and, though the music stays true to the original parade, the score’s dynamics soar to greater heights thanks to state-of-the-art technology, Chychota says.

Beloved floats like the “Honor America” finale display – featuring the American flag and giant American eagle – return, along with costumed characters like Alice in Wonderland, Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

“Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” – Magic Kingdom presents more after-dark magic when the sky explodes with vivid color and visual effects that tell a thrilling story headlined by fairies and pirates.

“With this show, we’re making the skies come alive – we’re not just going to immerse you, we’re going to surprise you, too,” says show director Oyen.

The summer fireworks are accompanied by a whimsical score of classic Disney tunes and theme music from the hit film “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

The Fairy Godmother from “Cinderella” and other famous fairies star in the fireworks spectacular.

The fireworks perimeter around Magic Kingdom will expand by 25 percent for the summer show. No matter where you are in the park, you’ll be surrounded by the spectacle.

Pirate Alert: Captain Hook and his band of buccaneers burst onto the scene to seize the park’s Cinderella Castle.

Disney’s creative entertainment team designed fireworks that tell the story, including a skull-and-crossbones display and other visual effects convincing enough to make you believe the castle is under siege.

“We’re constantly innovating, pushing ourselves to be more creative with the kind of pictures we paint in the sky – we’re trying to make the skies come to life and dance,” Oyen says.

New Frights at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – If you think you’ve been to the “fifth dimension” and survived The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, think again. Surprise enhancements to this headline attraction are programmed to deliver even greater levels of special-effects frights just for the “Summer Nightastic!” celebration.

Rock ‘n Glow Dance Party – Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests are invited to trip the light fantastic at a rockin’ dance party every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. A DJ and a special engagement rock band play sizzling summer sounds beginning three hours before park closing on Hollywood Boulevard. Watch for popular Disney characters to step into the dance party spotlight.

“Sounds Like Summer” — Blasts from the past are in store at Epcot, where the curtain rises on popular rock-band tributes June 12 at the park’s America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Each evening through July 31 at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m., “Sounds Like Summer” tribute-band concerts drum up lots of nostalgia with hot tunes and cool riffs, from “Satisfaction” to “Saturday in the Park.” The lineup (subject to change):

June 12-19: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to The Bee Gees
June 20-26: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones Tribute Band
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 18-24: 2U– A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings – A Tribute to Chicago

Guests can Learn more about “Summer Nightastic!” and check out deals for summer travel by visiting www.disneyworld.com/night or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or a local travel agent. All special summer events are included in regular theme-park admission.

The Screams of Summer is coming at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

THE SCREAMS OF SUMMER: From June 6 to August 14 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring more thrills to those who dare to enter.

From June 6 to August 14 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring more thrills to those who dare to enter. A chilling new drop sequence was created especially for Summer Nightastic! at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The after dark, three-park program includes with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and more.

Disney Cruise Line Fun Facts – Uniquely Disney and Guest Experience

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Uniquely Disney

The Disney ships are painted in Mickey Mouse-inspired colors – black hull, white superstructure, yellow trim and two giant red funnels, each with the Disney Cruise Line Mickey Mouse logo.

– Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line to have yellow lifeboats, instead of the traditional regulation orange. Disney was granted special permission from the U.S. Coast Guard to paint the lifeboats yellow, to keep with the special color theming of the ship.

– The Disney Magic was built in two halves… one hundred miles apart! Part of the ship was constructed in Ancona, Italy then towed 100 miles to meet the stern in Marghera (just outside Venice) to be perfectly joined and welded together.

– Disney Cruise Line ships use the iconic first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” song melody as their horn signals.

– Disney ships are the only cruise ships to have four captains – the ship’s captain, Captain Mickey, Captain Hook and Captain Jack Sparrow.

– Measuring 964 feet in length, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are each longer than Main Street U.S.A at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

– The anchor on the Disney Magic weighs 28,200 pounds – about the same as three full-grown elephants. Each ship weighs 90 million pounds.

– Taking place every cruise onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the “Pirates IN the Caribbean” deck party features the only fireworks display at sea.

Guest Experience

– Seventy-five percent of staterooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are outside, ocean view cabins. Of those, nearly half offer a private verandah.

– In a cruise industry first, most staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships feature a split “bath-and-a-half” design, providing families the added convenience of a sink and tub/shower in one room and a sink and toilet in a separate room.

– Onboard each Disney Cruise Line ship, there are about 950 crew members representing more than 60 different nationalities. That is approximately one crew member for every three guests.

– Disney Cruise Line was named the top large cruise ship experience by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the ninth annual “Reader’s Cruise Poll.” In fact, Disney Cruise Line has won more than 50 different awards and accolades since launching in 1998.

16 Wishes Starring Debby Ryan set for June 25th on Disney Channel

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

The world premiere of “16 Wishes,” starring Debby Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck”), is set for FRIDAY, JUNE 25 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The movie follows Abby Jensen (played by Ryan), a teenager who can’t wait to grow up, and when she’s handed the chance to make all her wishes come true, quickly learns the importance of being careful what you wish for.

Eager to grow up, Abby has been planning for her Sweet 16th birthday ever since she was a little girl. When the big day finally arrives, she excitedly adds her 16th and final wish to the secret wish list she’s been keeping. Then begins the first of many unusual occurrences that day, each including visits from a peculiar woman, Celeste, whose first appearance is to deliver a mysterious box of 16 birthday candles.

Her birthday gets a whole lot brighter when Abby realizes that the candles correspond to her 16 wishes and that they’re each coming true… She lands the attention of her crush, she gets back at her lifelong nemesis, Krista Cook, and is suddenly fashionable, athletic and popular. But when one wish goes horribly awry, it changes everything, even her relationship with best friend Jay; leading Abby to finally understand that being a kid isn’t so bad.

Starring are Debby Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck”) as Abby Jensen; Jean-Luc Bilodeau (“Kyle XY”) as Jay Kepler; Anna Mae Routledge (“Harper’s Island”) as Celeste; and Karissa Tynes (“Aliens in America”) as Krista Cook.

Good Eats – Chef Mickey’s, Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Chef Mickey’s is one of those Disney establishments that is a must for Disney Enthusiasts. An all you can eat Character Breakfast and Dinner spot this open air restaurant packs a mean punch.

There always is a sort of energy in the air, kids seem to pick up on that and almost everyone has a smile on their face. All the main Disney Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald) are decked out in their Chef Attire. Weaving their way through the dining area for hugs and pictures you can see why this is one of the most popular Disney Dining locations at Walt Disney World.

While mostly American food is served you can find some more non traditional goodies, there is something for everyone.

One of my favorite features about this open restaurant is while you are eating you can see the monorails coming and going..Very Cool!

Be sure to get those ADR’s in early and check them out for both breakfast and dinner on your next Disney Vacation. You will leave here with a smile on your face and plenty of food in the tank!

Sam ‘Nick Fury’ Jackson Spills News on Marvel’s Next Big Movie

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

During a recent radio interview, Samuel L. Jackson talked about his excitement being a part of the popular Marvel film series. After revealing that Iron Man 2 was the 737th movie he has acted in, Jackson talked about what is coming next for his character, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here are a few notes from the show:

He is two movies into his nine picture deal portraying Nick Fury for Marvel Studios.
He will definitely be in Captain America: The First Avenger and Iron Man 3, but not in Thor.
The Avengers movie should be filming next year and sometime after that there’s a big S.H.I.E.L.D. movie planned.

Click here for more information from the guys at Comic Book Movie

Disney & SK Telcom to Form Joint Venture to Launch Korean Disney Channel

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

The Walt Disney Company – through its subsidiary Disney Channel International (DCI) – and SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM), a leading telecommunications service provider in Korea, today announced the intent to form a joint venture to launch Korean-language Disney-branded channels in South Korea. These will be the first Disney Channels in the world launched as a joint venture.

As a part of the proposed agreement, the joint venture company plans to launch Korean-language versions of Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel targeted at kids and families in South Korea. These two channels will be available in HD multiplex, as well as SD format over cable, direct-to-home and IPTV platforms and related on-demand digital media services in South Korea. Anchored by Disney’s beloved characters and kid and family-friendly content, the channels will air a significant portion of locally produced, Korean-language programming. The launch of the channels is slated for spring 2011, pending regulatory approval from the Korea Communications Commission.

SK Telecom will be the majority (51 per cent) shareholder in the joint venture company and will bring to the partnership its expertise in mobile, IPTV and digital media platforms, as well as operational experience and business expertise as one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea. In return for its 49 per cent stake in the venture, The Walt Disney Company will provide its globally recognized portfolio of kids and family-targeted content, marketing expertise, and local content production & acquisition support.

SK Telecom President and CEO Man-won Jung said: “The joint venture with Disney carries significant meaning, especially considering the business environment nowadays where customers consume content not only through television, but through an array of devices, including mobile handsets, laptop computers and tablet PCs. In the future, by forging a close strategic alliance with Disney, we hope to create more opportunities between the two parties.”

“South Korea is one of the most exciting digital media markets in the world. Disney’s creativity and innovative content, combined with SK Telecom’s leading global expertise in digital media and telecommunications, present a unique offering that meets the growing consumer appetite for quality family entertainment where and when they want it,” said Andy Bird, Chairman, Walt Disney International.

“The Korea Communications Commission’s visionary digital strategy has driven South Korea’s impressive development as one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world,” added Ben Pyne, President, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks. “SK Telecom has delivered on that vision with an intuitive, diverse yet straightforward and convenient system of connectivity that engages viewers with choice and compelling content. That vision and connectivity will enable the Korean-language Disney Channels to be the perfect medium for bringing together the best of national and international content to serve and grow the interests of kids and families in Korea.”

Based on the establishment of the joint venture, SK Telecom will deepen its strategic alliance with The Walt Disney Company. The combination of SK Telecom’s reach and expertise in the local Korean market and Disney’s award-winning family content will lead to the creation of a robust portfolio of quality family entertainment for South Korean viewers.

DisneyWorld Event Calendar “In the Spotlight” – May 21st – May 28th

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Star Wars Weekends backstage posters darth 400

May 21-23

KICK OFF! Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine once again every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 21-June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. The sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga includes meet-and-greet sessions with Star Wars characters, Jedi Training Academy, parades and more. This year’s event will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.” Event activities are included in theme park admission.

More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends

This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”)
Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

May 28

Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends.

More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends

This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Matthew Wood (voice of General Grevious in “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
Lorne Peterson (model-maker who worked on all six Star Wars live-action films)
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – May 21-28

MAGIC KINGDOM

Daily – “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:40 p.m.
Daily – Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Wishes Fireworks: May 21: 9 p.m.; May 22-24: 10 p.m.; May 25-26: 9 p.m.;May 27: 10 p.m.; May 28: 9 p.m.
Special Presentation – SpectroMagic: May 22-23: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.; May 24: 9 p.m.; May 27: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 22-23: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 24: 9 a.m.- 10 p.m.; May 25-26: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 27: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 28: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Daily – Block Party Bash: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Fantasmic!: May 21, 23, 25 & 26: 9 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 22: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 23: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 24: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.;May 25-26: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 27: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 28: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

EPCOT

Daily – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: 9 p.m.
Park Hours – Future World: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; World Showcase: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Daily – Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade: 3:45 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21-22: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 23-26: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 27-28: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

House of Blues presents . . .
May 21
BK & The Broilers (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.
May 22
Jonny Lang with Alex Band (rock): House of Blues; $23.25 adv/$25.25 day of; 8:30 p.m.
BK & The Broilers (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.
May 23
Madeline Berry (gospel brunch): House of Blues; $32.50 ages 10+/$16.25 ages 3-9; 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
May 28
Jowell y Randy (reggaeton): House of Blues; $33.25 adv/$36.25 day of; 9 p.m.
The Space Coast Playboys (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.

Pixar’s Newt Movie is Cancelled

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

The word from the Pixar Blog is that Disney/Pixar is pulling the plug on the very interesting Newt Movie.

Earlier this evening I received an email response from Walt Disney Company archivist Dave Smith (or a representative) informing me that Pixar’s Newt “has been cancelled”. This confirms the rumors that have been swirling around the film in the past few months.

Newt was originally slated to hit theaters next summer, but was moved back to 2012 to make room for Cars 2. However, with both Brave (formerly The Bear and the Bow) and Monsters, Inc. 2 set for 2012, Newt mysteriously disappeared from the schedule.

Who know maybe we will see this film someday.

Disney Food Confession – Dole Whip Float

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

What is it? Dole Whip Float – Pineapple soft serve (or vanilla) floating in cold, refreshing pineapple juice.

Where to find it: Aloha Isle: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Captain Cook’s Snack Company: WDW Polynesian Resort, Sunshine Seasons: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Tiki Juice Bar: Disneyland Adventureland

Why you want it: Unlike its partner the Dole Whip the Pineapple Juice is very refreshing..You get the best of both worlds something to eat and drink!

Photo credit: aeillill via flickr

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected]. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

If You Could Have A Disney Wish Granted, What Would It Be?

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Jerry at Disney 4 Dad’s ask the mother… err father of all Disney Questions..

If You Could Have A Disney Wish Granted, What Would It Be?

The “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion is now a thing of the past. The year long celebration began on October 1, 2006 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California was extended and ended in December of 2008.

The promotion enabled Disney Cast Members to award a million dreams to randomly chosen guests as part of the”Disney Dreams Giveaway” promotion. Many of these dreams were priceless experiences.

Ever imagine having the Magic Kingdom to yourself? The winners of this prize, the Spangler family from Ohio, did just that. These lucky VIP’s toured each land and enjoyed the attractions as the Disney characters greeted them. The Spangler’s were interviewed on Good Morning America and dined with Disney “royalty”. They also served as the Grand Marshal of the daily parade and concluded their day with a special viewing of Wishes.

No doubt one of the most coveted awards was a one night stay in the royal bedchamber being that it is constructed inside Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World. A comparable Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel had emersed a lucky guest in Mickey decor with spectacular views of the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. These are just a few examples of the fantastic things Disney has done in real life, but my challenge is to let your mind run free. If you could imagineer your own “Disney Dream” , what would it be like?

I know for me I would love to go behind the scenes and take tours of all the various Disney restaurants. Hang out with the Master Chefs learn some new cooking techniques, maybe sample some of the delicious foods, and learn some of the history behind the foods.

I am a Foodie what can I say 🙂

Visit Disney 4 Dad’s and share with us what your Disney Wish..