Disney Reportedly in Talks to Move Some California Operations to Orlando

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via DisneyFanatic.com

With Disneyland in California remaining closed since March 14, it looks like The Walt Disney Co. is rethinking some California operations, with the possibility of moving some operations to the Orlando area, near Walt Disney World.

As shared by BizJournals: “The Walt Disney Co., owner and operator of Walt Disney World and the largest employer in Central Florida, is in talks to relocate some of its office divisions from its headquarters in California to Lake Nona, a master-planned community in southeast Orlando, Orlando Business Journal has learned.”

According to the exclusive with BizJournals, a Disney spokesperson has reportedly confirmed that talks are in place by saying “nothing was concrete” at this time but Disney is “always exploring opportunities for additional locations within the vicinity of our theme park”.

While what operations Disney may move remains unknown, we do know that with the pandemic restrictions set in place by the State of California and Governor Gavin Newsom, it seems like there is no reopening date in the near future for Disneyland. Disney’s frustration with the closure has been notable, as Florida’s Walt Disney World reopened with CDC guidelines back in July 2020.

We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about this potential shift in operations. In the meantime, our fingers are crossed for all the west coast Disney fans and Cast Members that Disneyland can reopen safety soon enough.

There’s a Petition To Rehire Johnny Depp For Pirates Of The Caribbean

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via DisDining.com

When you think of Pirates of the Caribbean, we are guessing Captain Jack Sparrow comes to mind right away. This iconic character in the Pirates movies in many ways defined the movies themselves propelling them to greatness. This is why many are surprised that Disney would continue on without the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow.

Following his legal feud with former wife Amber Heard, Disney seems reluctant to continue to work with Depp moving forward if there were to be a Pirates reboot.

As you’d expect, fans of Jack Sparrow took to social media to show their support for the iconic character and they even started a petition to have the Mouse House rehire Depp, which is currently closing in on 400K signatures on Change.org, as it currently sits at just under 370,000 and is gathering steam rather quickly. It is hard to imagine Pirate without Captain Jack’s charm and charisma.

Reduced Walt Disney World Parks Hours Coming

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Planning your 2021 visit to Walt Disney World this January? You’ll want to keep an eye on your My Disney Experience App for the latest update in park hours. The Walt Disney World website currently shows park hours will be reduced for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning this Sunday, January 10. Disney’s Animal Kingdom park hours are reduced beginning Monday, January 11. Disney’s Hollywood Studios park hours aren’t reduced until January 24. As you plan your vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the current posted park hours for January, February and March.

Magic Kingdom:

  • January 7 – 9: 8:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • January 10 – 23: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • January 24 – 31: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • February 1 – 28: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • March 1 – 20: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)

EPCOT:

  • January 7 – 9: 11:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • January 10 – 23: 11:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • January 24 – 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • February 1 – 28: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • March 1 – 20: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • January 7 – 23: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • January 24 – 31: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • February 1 – 28: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • March 1 – 20: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • January 7 – 10: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • January 11 – 15: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • January 16: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • January 17 – 22: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • January 23: 8:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • January 24 – 31: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • February 1 – 28: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • March 1 – 20: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)

EPCOT’s Journey of Water, Likely Won’t Open in 2021

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

As Walt Disney World navigates this 50th Anniversary year after coming off a year of closures and shut downs, the initial list of attractions that were scheduled to open in 2021 is dwindling. We previously shared further confirmation TRON Lightcylce Power Run at Magic Kingdom won’t open in 2021, along with a chance EPCOT’s Cosmic Rewind: Guardians of the Galaxy won’t open in 2021 either. Now, it’s looking like the anticipated EPCOT experience, “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana”, likely won’t open in 2021.

We previously shared an update Disney released regarding their new attractions coming in 2021. The new list of attractions coming for the 50th excluded Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

In a USA Today article that was shared by Disney Parks Twitter, it is noted: “Among other Epcot plans: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, which will probably open after 2021. The walk-through trail will be filled with interactive water effects and displays.”

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products is quoted several times in the article but is not quoted directly on Journey of Water details. It is likely however that if USA Today had this information inaccurate, Disney would not post the article on Twitter. Alas, they did, providing further likelihood we won’t be visiting Journey of Water this year.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more about what this 50th Anniversary may hold for Walt Disney World!