Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Succession: Insights from Kevin Mayer
In a recent Yahoo Finance interview, Kevin Mayer, a former Disney executive and advisor to Bob Iger, shed light on the ongoing Disney CEO succession process and hinted at the possibility of one final, major move by Iger before his 2026 departure.
Mayer expressed confidence in Disney’s preparedness for a smooth transition this time around, highlighting the company’s “very solid management team.” He mentioned the four internal candidates reportedly vying for the CEO position: Dana Walden and Alan Bergman (co-chiefs of entertainment), Josh D’Amaro (head of parks), and Jimmy Pitaro (chairman of ESPN). While a decision could be made this year, Mayer suggested it might take longer, as Iger still has over two years left in his current term.
Intriguingly, Mayer speculated that Iger might have “one more big thing” planned before leaving Disney. This has fueled speculation about what kind of transformative move Iger might be contemplating, given his track record of major acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
As the Disney community awaits further news on the succession timeline and potential strategic moves, one thing is certain: the company’s future leadership and direction remain a subject of keen interest and anticipation.
Disneyland Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets Go on Sale Next Week
Get ready for more chills and thrills than ever before! Oogie Boogie Bash returns to Disney California Adventure Park, bringing its signature Halloween sights, sounds, and extended hours of spooky fun. Tickets for this spooktacular event go on sale starting next week!
At this limited-capacity, after-hours event, guests of all ages can trick-or-treat their way through the park while wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You’ll also enjoy special offerings including the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villains Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, presented by Citizen, as well as immersive treat trails featuring favorite villains — including some new ones!
Admission to the after-hours event also includes entry to Disney California Adventure park three hours before the party begins and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.
The waiting room to purchase tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash will now open at approximately 8:45 a.m. PT, and sales will begin no earlier than 9 a.m. PT on Disneyland.com beginning on the below dates:
Inspire Magic Key holders (limited amount of tickets available for pre-sale) | June 25, 2024
All Magic Key holders (limited amount of tickets available for pre-sale) | June 26, 2024
All guests | June 27, 2024
As you may know, Oogie Boogie Bash tickets often sell out quickly, so save these dates and times! If you’re waiting in the online queue to purchase tickets, you can be digitally notified when it’s your time to enter the ticket store. Once in the queue, choose the “notify me” option and enter your email address. You’ll receive an email letting you know it’s your turn to enter the ticket store by following the online instructions.
Planning a Disneyland vacation can be exciting, but also overwhelming! Let me be your magic wand – I can help craft your dream Disney getaway. From finding the perfect hotel and park tickets to recommending must-see attractions and delicious dining options, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Just tell me your travel style and preferences, and I’ll create an itinerary that’s practically pixie-dusted!
Din Tai Fung Opening & More Coming to Downtown Disney this Summer
Summer sizzle heats up at Downtown Disney District! Dive into the latest dining experiences, shops, and seasonal fun. It’s the perfect summer escape, offering something for everyone. Take a look at what’s new at the district this summer.
Din Tai Fung Opens Soon! Din Tai Fung, a global restaurant company known for the art of Xiao Long Bao and excellence in hospitality, is opening its first-ever standalone restaurant in the Downtown Disney District. The restaurant will be serving guests a limited menu for its soft opening beginning June 24, 2024, while it prepares for its official grand opening in July. The new restaurant will be the only freestanding Din Tai Fung location built from the ground up, infused with architectural and design elements that pay homage to the company’s Taiwanese heritage.
The new restaurant’s exterior is a dramatic, contemporary take on a traditional Chinese pavilion rooftop structure. A suspended, beaded installation over the circular central bar greets guests upon entering the restaurant, with traditional style Chinese pendants softly illuminating the space. An expo kitchen will serve as a backdrop, inviting guests to witness the artistry behind the dumpling-making process firsthand.
From their signature soup dumplings that are handcrafted with an 18-fold process, to their wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style.
Coming soon for a limited time to celebrate the grand opening, Din Tai Fung will be releasing two new, limited collections of brand apparel and accessories, available for purchase at the Downtown Disney District location while supplies last.
To support the Orange County community, Din Tai Fung will be a proud sponsor of the 2024 CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland Resort. The restaurant is donating $50,000 to the annual event taking place July 21, which brings the community together to raise funds for programs, education and research for patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Reservations Now Available for the New Paseo and Céntrico Have you had a chance to visit the newly opened Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita? Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán’s three distinctive menus and settings are influenced by his homeland in the heart of Mexico, combined with his love of French culinary style and techniques. You can now make reservations for Paseo and Céntrico on Disneyland.com or through the Disneyland app, and Tiendita offers authentic Mexican street food on-the-go from a self-ordering kiosk.
July Brings Bubbles! Bubble fans, there will be even more bubbles to love this summer! The Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney District presented by Disney Jr.’s Ariel will take place from noon-4 p.m. daily from July 1-31, 2024, with a bubble moment every half hour and a DJ hosting at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn. So fun!
Welcome to Downtown Disney, at a New Entrance! When arriving at the west end of the district, you’ll now be greeted at an all-new entrance, with a mid-century modern design that blends with the new Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. The area also features an eye-catching new art wall, which is currently displaying a new mural by Nikkolas Smith. Nearby, Nikkolas also designed a sculptural tower at the stage that pays tribute to pioneering Black architects in Southern California during the mid-20th century.
WonderGround Gallery Reopens in Temporary Space During the transformation of Downtown Disney District, WonderGround Gallery has found a new home near Napolini Pizzeria and Salt & Straw. This boutique is devoted to art, perfect for home or office décor, with distinctive Disney flair.
Celebrate Pixar Fest in Downtown Disney District Happening now is Pixar Fest, a celebration of friendship and beyond at Disneyland Resort! The festivities celebrating fans’ favorite Pixar Animation Studios films extend to Downtown Disney District, with colorful decorations throughout the promenade. You may shop for limited-time merchandise collections, strike a pose in front of a photo opportunity, make crafts for the Friendship Wall or enjoy Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations, now through Aug. 4, 2024.
Future plans for the district include Parkside Market, four diverse culinary concepts under one roof brought to life by Levy, as well as a Porto’s Bakery and Café, a two-story location for Earl of Sandwich, and a steakhouse restaurant and barbecue eatery.
Planning a Disneyland vacation can be exciting, but also overwhelming! Let me be your magic wand – I can help craft your dream Disney getaway. From finding the perfect hotel and park tickets to recommending must-see attractions and delicious dining options, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Just tell me your travel style and preferences, and I’ll create an itinerary that’s practically pixie-dusted!
Hakuna Matata with this Lion King 30th Anniversary Simba Plush from Build-A-Bear!
Remember the heartwarming story of Simba, the courageous lion cub who overcame adversity to become king? Celebrate 30 years of that timeless tale with the adorable Lion King 30th Anniversary Simba plush from Build-A-Bear! This cuddly companion is the perfect addition to any Lion King fan’s collection.
Standing tall (or rather, sitting regally), this Simba plush boasts all the features you know and love. His soft, golden brown fur is perfect for snuggles, while his bright golden eyes sparkle with mischief and future kingly wisdom. Look closely on his paw pad and you’ll find a special commemorative detail – the official Disney The Lion King 30th Anniversary logo!
For just $32, you can bring this future king into your pride. Head to your local Build-A-Bear store or visit them online to give your home a touch of the Pride Lands magic. Don’t wait, Hakuna Matata your way to Simba before he’s gone!
It’s Showtime! Stitch Apparel and Accessories for the Ultimate 626 Day Celebration!
Calling all ‘Ohana! Mark your calendars for June 26th, because it’s 626 Day, a day dedicated to our favorite mischievous yet lovable experiment, Stitch! To celebrate this intergalactic holiday in style, Stitch Apparel and Accessories has everything you need to unleash your inner Stitch.
Channel Stitch’s Hawaiian spirit with the adorable Stitch Disney Hula Earrings by BaubleBar. Featuring colorful plumeria flowers and Stitch’s iconic face, these earrings are the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to any outfit (Price: $58).
Show off your love for Stitch and pineapples with the Stitch Disney Pineapple 2D Bag Charm, also by BaubleBar (Price: $25). This cute charm is perfect for attaching to your backpack, purse, or even a beach tote.
Complete your Stitch look with the beautiful Disney Stitch Birthday Cake Charm by Pandora. This intricate charm captures the essence of Stitch’s birthday celebration, including a miniature Stitch figure and a slice of cake (Price: $85).
Grab the limited edition Stitch 626 Day Loungefly Mini Backpack from the Disney Store. Featuring a vibrant design of Stitch surrounded by celebratory graphics, this backpack is a must-have for any Stitch collector (Price: $99).
Embrace the neon! If you love a touch of the unexpected, check out the Loungefly Disney Lilo & Stitch Blacklight Stitch Mini Backpack, exclusive to FYE. This bag features a cool blacklight design of Stitch that’s sure to turn heads (Price: $79.88).
Dress Like You Mean It (With a Stitch Twist!)
Rep your love for Stitch with the classic Stitch Dad Hat ($24.99). This comfy cap is perfect for everyday wear and adds a touch of Stitch flair to any outfit. For a touch of galactic cuteness on your feet, the Women’s Disney Stitch Low Top Slip On Sneaker ($8.45) is the perfect choice. Featuring an adorable all-over Stitch print, these sneakers are comfy, casual, and bursting with Stitch personality.
Create unforgettable memories with the Disney Stitch Family Matching Floral Plant Print Tee/Ruffle-sleeve Dress. This adorable set comes in sizes for adults and kids, featuring a playful floral print with Stitch peeking out from behind the plants. It’s the perfect outfit for the whole family to celebrate 626 Day together!
Whether you’re a jewelry aficionado, a fashionista, or dressing up your little ones, the Stitch apparel and accessories available now have everything you need to celebrate 626 Day in style. So get ready to unleash your inner Stitch, grab your favorite Stitch gear, and get ready for a day of mischievous fun with your ‘Ohana!
Disney World Cast Members Celebrate International Yoga Day in front of Cinderella Castle
In a global display of wellness and camaraderie, Disney World Cast Members have been partaking in yoga events over the past weeks, culminating in celebrations on International Yoga Day, June 21st.
At Walt Disney World, a cherished tradition of cast-exclusive sunrise yoga has become increasingly popular. This year, over 1,700 cast members gathered before dawn at Cinderella Castle, creating a breathtaking scene of mindfulness and movement as the sun peeked over the horizon.
The event, designed to promote healthy lifestyles within a uniquely Disney environment, offers cast members a chance to recharge and connect with their colleagues.
From downward dog to mountain pose, participants embraced the opportunity to stretch and flex in a picturesque setting, embodying the spirit of Disney Cast Life. This tradition of sunrise yoga, established in 2016, is just one of the many health and wellness initiatives offered to Disney cast members. These programs include walking groups, sports leagues, gym access, and 5K runs, all designed to encourage physical activity and a balanced lifestyle.
The collective enthusiasm for yoga among Disney cast members not only exemplifies the company’s commitment to employee well-being but also showcases the power of shared experiences in fostering a sense of community and connection. As the sun continues to rise on International Yoga Day, Disney’s dedication to promoting a healthy and happy workforce shines brightly.
Celebrate America’s birthday at the Promenade at Sunset Walk’s 4th of July Star Spangled Celebration! This exciting event is packed with live music, spectacular fireworks, and a variety of activities for the whole family.
Live Music: DFALC will headline the event, with special guest DJ Scotty B. and the DFALC Guitar Army on the Main Stage. Bar Fly with DJ Elie-Rok will perform on the South Side Stage, and DJ Rick GZ will entertain on the Promenade Plaza Stage.
Fireworks Spectacular: The evening will culminate in the Sunset Walk Independence Fireworks Spectacular.
Special Effects: Enjoy a laser light show, confetti storm, and LED street performers.
Free Giveaways: Complimentary LED glow sticks and mini American flags will be available while supplies last.
Restrictions: No chairs, outside food, or beverages allowed. The event will proceed rain or shine.
The Promenade at Sunset Walk invites everyone to enjoy a fun-filled day of music, food, and fireworks. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of Independence Day!
During a recent visit to Universal Studios Florida, we were thrilled to spot the latest Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) merchandise featuring everyone’s favorite tiny pumpkin, Lil’ Boo! We found this lineup of gear at the Five and Dime in the Hollywood section of the park (some items are available online), and it’s perfect for fans gearing up for the most terrifying event of the year.
The Lil’ Boo merch includes T-Shirts, Coasters, and Ornaments. The previously released merchandise is also available, with items from the first drop available in both black and bright orange.
Halloween Horror Nights will run on select nights from August 30 through November 3 at Universal Studios Florida. The lineup of houses for this year looks AMAZING, with 7 houses already announced and announcements for the final 3 expected in the coming weeks.
If you haven’t yet secured your tickets, now is the time to do so! Single Night Tickets, RIP Tours, and Express Passes are now on sale, allowing you to plan your perfect night of fright. Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear passes should be released soon.
Looking to create some core memories during your Walt DIsney World vacation? Then allow Disney’s PhotoPass will bring some Joy into your photo albums! If you’re a fan of Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out,” you will definitely be filled with sadness if you miss the limited-time Magic Shots now available at Hollywood Studios.
Joy and Anxiety Magic Shot: Available at the front entrance of the park by the ticket windows.
Embarrassment and Sadness Magic Shot: Available near the Disney’s Hollywood Studios arch.
These delightful Magic Shots are being offered in celebration of the release of “Inside Out 2,” which hit theaters on June 14. The sequel has already made a significant impact, raking in nearly $300 million at the worldwide box office. It’s on track to hit the $600 million mark, showcasing its immense popularity, on track to make over 3 times its estimated $200 million budget.
These new Magic Shots will disappear faster than a Bing Bong powered rocket ship on September 6, so make sure to capture these special moments before they’re gone!
New Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Foal Arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is excited to announce the birth of a healthy Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal on June 13. The newest addition to the Lodge’s animal family is a female, and both mother and baby are thriving.
Guests can anticipate seeing the mother and foal exploring the savanna together in the near future. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the natural behaviors and bonding of these incredible animals.
The Hartmann’s mountain zebra is native to the rocky regions of Namibia and Angola, where they have adapted to the harsh conditions of their environment. The Lodge’s savanna provides a similar habitat, allowing the zebras to roam and graze as they would in the wild.
Nearly 1,000 students from seven Florida nonprofit organizations learned about swim safety on June 20, 2024 at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. After completing swim lessons, participants continued to enjoy the tropical-themed water park, celebrating by interacting with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Stitch. (Olga Thompson, photographer)
(Olga Thompson, photographer)
Disney World Hosts Nearly 1,000 Kids during Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Typhoon Lagoon
Walt Disney World Resort’s Typhoon Lagoon made a splash on Thursday, hosting the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson for nearly 1,000 Florida youth. This annual event promotes safe water practices globally, and the park serves as the largest event site worldwide.
Before the park officially opened, participants enjoyed an exclusive lesson led by over 60 Disney lifeguards, with many experiencing swim safety instruction for the first time.
Grisell Carballido Lamadrid, general manager of Walt Disney World Water Parks, praised the lifeguards’ efforts in organizing the massive event and expressed hope that the lessons learned would have a lasting impact on the participants’ lives.
Adding to the fun, beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Stitch made appearances, and participants enjoyed a full day of Typhoon Lagoon’s watery attractions after the event.
(Olga Thompson, photographer)
“We are surrounded by water in Florida. It’s critical for children in our community to know how to swim,” said Tajiana Ancora–Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World. “We’re taking action to address that need by pairing skills-based learning with the fun of our water parks.”
This is just one of many ways Walt Disney World is giving back during its Summer of Sharing to support communities across Florida.
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) is a global, one-day event focused on teaching families the importance of learning to swim to prevent childhood drowning. Over the years, the event has set five multi-venue and three single-venue Guinness® World Records and holds the current records for both categories. The event took place today at 600 locations in18 different countries on six continents and featured more than 35,000 participants.
Penguin Trek to Open at SeaWorld Orlando on July 7th
SeaWorld Orlando’s highly anticipated family coaster, Penguin Trek, is set to open this summer on July 7th, with annual pass holders getting early access starting July 2nd. Located in the brand-new Antarctica Realm, this immersive attraction promises a thrilling adventure through the icy wilderness, reaching speeds of up to 43 mph in snowmobile-styled ride cars.
Penguin Trek combines exhilarating rides with educational opportunities, allowing guests to learn about the wonders of Antarctica while enjoying family-friendly fun. SeaWorld has also ensured guest comfort with air-conditioned waiting lines.
Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando, expressed his excitement about the new coaster, emphasizing the unique blend of thrills and education it offers. He stated, “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and thrill seekers alike to experience the fun of this incredible coaster.”
Tickets purchased on Thursday will grant guests the opportunity to be among the first to ride Penguin Trek, adding to the anticipation surrounding this exciting new attraction.
