President Biden Meets with Disney CEO Bob Chapek During a Push for Vaccine Mandates

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

President Joe Biden met the other day with business executives and CEOs from major organizations across the country, including CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Chapek to discuss the importance of vaccinations for U.S. workers.

The meeting followed the news of last week’s vaccine mandates for nearly all federal employees and contractors under the Biden administration as well as by a number of larger companies across the country. Disney’s inclusion in the meeting followed the company’s news last month of its own requirement for unionized employees at the Walt Disney World Resort to be fully vaccinated by October 22, 2021 at the latest. (Additional salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members have until the end of this month to get vaccinated under the current requirements.)

Other participants in the meeting included executives from Microsoft, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Kaiser Permanente Healthcare System, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream.

The federal government has been pushing for state and local governments to move toward vaccination requirements to help stop the spread of COVID-19 as the country finds itself in another surge, however without the entire country on the same page, the Biden administration is now looking to larger corporations.

While opinion polls support evidence that the majority of Americans would be in favor of a vaccine mandate in some capacity, the return of mask mandates in many areas and the harsh treatment toward service and hospitality workers by the general public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic may understandably leave some businesses and local governments shaken.

It is the White House’s goal that meetings like the one on Wednesday will inspire other businesses to follow in the footsteps of trusted entities who have successfully worked with vaccine mandates for employees. Some companies are stepping up and requiring workers to either get vaccinated or commit to weekly COVID tests, and following the news earlier this year that the FDA had granted full approval to Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccines, the Biden administration is hopeful that these meetings will have some productive results.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Announces Arrival of Healthy Baby White Rhino

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

There’s been another rhino birth at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park!

From a Disney Cast Member;

It’s always a momentous occasion to share news of a successful animal birth at Walt Disney World Resort. Today, I would like to introduce you to an adorable baby white rhino, born to first-time mom Jao backstage at Disney’s Animal KingdomTheme Park. Mom and baby are doing great under the keepers’ watchful and joyful eyes. I am happy to report that the beautiful calf snuggled up to mom and began nursing right away.

While we give Jao and her baby boy ample time to bond, it will be a little while before we know the calf’s weight. Typically, white rhino calves can weigh as much as 140 pounds at birth. Did you know that the majestic rhinos are the world’s second-largest land animal?

Rhinoceros also have one of the longest gestation periods of any mammal – approximately 16 to 18 months. Our animal care team’s veterinarians, scientists and animal keepers kept a close eye on Jao throughout her pregnancy, conducting regular checkups and ultrasounds to ensure a safe birth.

Jao was paired with dad Dugan, the bull of the herd, through one of the Species Survival Plans, which are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered species. This birth is a true milestone for this endangered species. And our herd continues to grow. This delivery marks the 12th rhino born at Disney, and the second rhino born in the last year. And even more hooves are on the horizon as another first-time mom, Lola, is expected to give birth this fall.

In the coming weeks, Jao and baby are expected to join the “crash” (a group of rhinos), in their habitat on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve where park guests can catch a glimpse of the herd while aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Disney Announces Big Change to Rise of Resistance

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Since its debut, Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been one of the most popular attractions Disney has ever developed with demand significantly exceeding ride capacity. The demand has been so high that Disney employed a virtual queue to manage the flow of guests through the attractions. Today Disney announced upcoming changes that every guest should be aware of.

From Disney:

From bright suns to rising moons, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues to call travelers to the magic of Batuu, especially with the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort’s 18-month anniversary celebration getting closer and closer. As we ramp up to The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring our 50th anniversary, we’re continuing to enhance experiences thanks to the feedback from our Guests.

We know our Guests love choice and flexibility when planning their time in a theme park—which is why, starting September 23, we will pause the use of virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios may experience this incredible attraction using a traditional standby queue for the first time since it opened in 2019.

Virtual queues continue to be helpful with attraction access, merchandise launches, grand openings and more, and Guests should continue to check the My Disney Experience app for the latest on how we’re using virtual queues across Walt Disney World Resort including its potential use at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at a later date, or from time to time.

In addition to virtual queues, we’ve been investing a lot into the Guest experience in other ways, including exciting new attractions on the horizon like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opening soon at EPCOT, and coming this fall, the new Disney Genie complimentary and convenient digital planning service designed to create your best Disney Day.

So, are you ready to rise up with the Resistance like never before? Whether it’s their first time visitng the Black Spire Outpost or their 50th, we can’t wait to welcome our Guests on their next trip to a galaxy far, far away.

Three New Desserts Parties Coming to Disney’s Magic Kingdom!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisDining.com

Fireworks have returned at Walt Disney World Resort! The great news is that with the return of the fireworks, we’re seeing the need for the return of a few heavenly treats to go along with the nighttime spectacular as the fireworks dessert party is coming back… in a 3-part way! Disney has announced they are offering THREE new dessert parties for Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment.”

As shared by Disney Parks Blog: “At Magic Kingdom Park, three dessert party options put you right in the middle of the magic to view Disney Enchantment. Each event includes 50th anniversary-themed delights at different times throughout the evening at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. No matter which party you choose, you’ll discover a host of 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, including chocolate-dipped strawberries and butterscotch pudding, plus a variety of cheeses. Drink selections will also be available, including an assortment of beer and wine for Guests ages 21 and over.”

DESSERT PARTY #1:

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Pre-Party
Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

Sweeten your evening at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park with 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Then, before the show begins, Cast Members will escort you to a reserved standing viewing location in one of the plaza gardens with prime viewing of Disney Enchantment. Admission is $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax included.

DESSERT PARTY #2:

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats
Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

After a day of Magic Kingdom Park fun, enjoy 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses, and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Experience the fireworks views from the comfort of dedicated reserved seating at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Admission is $114 per adult (ages 10 and up); $69 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax included.

DESSERT PARTY #3:

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment After-Party
Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

Like the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party, this experience includes reserved standing viewing of Disney Enchantment in one of the plaza gardens. After taking in the sights and sounds of the spectacular, visit Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for a spread of 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Admission is $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax included.

A host of 50th Anniversary themed desserts prepared by Disney’s pastry chefs will be available including chocolate-dipped strawberries, butterscotch pudding, and a variety of cheeses. Drink selections will also be available, including an assortment of beer and wine for Guests ages 21 and over.

Disney Announces Return of ‘Finding Nemo the Musical’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Rumors have been swirling that “Finding Nemo – The Musical” would be closing permanently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The show has not returned since Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopened in July 2020, due to the pandemic. Thankfully, Disney confirmed that the show will return!

From a Disney Cast Member;

When my twin boys were little, “Nemo” was one of their first words. They loved the movie, and seeing it come to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would always put grins on th

eir faces and a tear in my eye. “Finding Nemo — The Musical” has been delighting our guests since 2007, and I’m excited to tell you a reimagined show, based on the same beloved characters, will debut in 2022.

Although our Disney Live Entertainment team is still in the early stages of development for the show, the musical retelling of this underwater tale of family, friendship and kindness will feature new story material, as well as fan-favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”