Former Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer, Bob Iger, recently said goodbye to his long-time run with the company at the end of 2021. Rumors among the Disney fandom have hoped for Iger’s return but these are now squashed with a recent interview where Iger confirmed the rumors were “ridiculous.”
The Walt Disney Company CEO, Robert Iger arrives for the World premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 22, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Iger passed on the Chief Executive Officer reins to Bob Chapek in February 2020 but made his official exit from the company on December 31, 2021. The current CEO, Bob Chapek, hasn’t had the greatest of reputations as Iger left big shoes to fill.
While Chapek has had to endure the uphill battle the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the company, he has turned some Disney fans’ favorites into negatives such as the complimentary FastPass service into the money-making Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane service. He has also taken away small, but important Disney Resort Guest experiences, such as Disney’s Magical Express and complimentary MagicBands.
But, no two CEOs are the same. And while Disney fans petitioned to fire Bob Chapek, their hopes were that Bob Iger would stay on to continue his positive work with Disney. Well, Iger sat down with New York Times for an interview, squashing any hope of that dream becoming a reality.
Bob Iger’s recent retirement from Disney was discussed among many other things with New York Times interviewer, Kara Swisher, just three weeks into his retirement. A full podcast and transcript are available via NY Times with the comments about return as Disney’s CEO below.
The NY Times interviewer, Kara Swisher mentions to Bob Iger, “There are rumors that you could become Disney’s C.E.O. again.” Iger’s response is, “Well, that’s ridiculous.” With that Swisher says, “Ridiculous.” Iger adds, “I was C.E.O. for a long time. You can’t go home again. I’m gone.” Swisher replies, “Really? It’s happened before. Starbucks?” Iger continues with, “I gave my I.D. up, my name tag up”… “My office, my email address— it’s all gone.” Swisher adds, “Right, and all the headaches that come with it. Would you want to be C.E.O. of any other company? Would you think about doing that?” Iger solidifies his lack of interest in running a company with, “No. I think if I wanted to run a company, I’d still be running Disney. No. No, I did that.”
Well, there you have it Disney fans. Confirmation that any rumors of Bob Iger’s return are completely off the table. Iger has noted in previous interviews that he is “excited about life after Disney“, and honestly we can’t blame him and thank him for all he did for the company during his tenure!
Calling all Disney foodie fans! We previously shared the exciting news that select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants were finally returning to operation. After closing its door in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, this favorite Disney Resort restaurant has officially reopened!
Disney is on a reopening roll and we hope it just keeps coming! Disney Park Trams are back in operation, several Disney Resort restaurants are reopening, spa services at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are returning, and exciting entertainment like the date reveal for Magic Kingdom’s “Festival of Fantasy” Parade are all making a comeback.
If you’re a fan of incredible dining, this Walt Disney World restaurant should be on your must-do list. That’s right, it’s time to head on over to the BoardWalk where you’ll find Flying Fish! From some of the best seafood we’ve ever had to the perfectly good steaks, this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk has opened its doors after well over 650 days of being closed.
Disney Cast Members are celebrating the return as well! Walt Disney World Cast and Community took to Facebook on January 27 to share, “Back on the boardwalk! Cast Members are ready to “sea” you at Flying Fish, which reopens today at Disney’s BoardWalk! Congratulations on bringing back another favorite experience for our Guests.”
Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, took to Instagram to share some photos of the reopening with the note, “Flying Fish is back! I was excited to join Culinary Director Lenny DeGeorge, Executive Chefs Andy Larkin and Tony Deluca, Chef Tim Majoras, and the rest of the team as they welcomed their first Guests today. We’re so excited to be opening this back up for our Guests to enjoy. Thanks to our Food & Beverage Cast Members who made it happen and congrats to everyone involved!”
If you’ve never dined at Flying Fish restaurant before, you’ll want to be aware that reservations 60-days in advance are highly recommended, plus, there is a dress code for the Signature Dining experience. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
In other words, this is a Disney signature restaurant that you’ll want to clean up for after a Disney Park day. Go ahead and leave the tank top, flip-flops, and swimsuits back in the Resort room.
Disney describes Flying Fish as “Seasonal Fare, Perfectly Prepared” with “Savor a sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside meals—our menu exudes pure epicurean genius. Step inside and discover a warm, welcoming ambiance that defines luxury dining. Unexpected details—in our impeccable décor and menu—are sure to impress Guests. Each delicious dish is more mouthwatering and visually stunning than the next… we’ve fire-roasted gourmet seafood into fine art.”
“Peer into the open kitchen from your exquisitely set table and watch our master chefs create one culinary masterpiece after another using the freshest ingredients—choose from a variety of succulent specialties that might include perfectly seared scallops and slow-roasted pork belly.”
During dinner, indulge in a diverse selection of handpicked wines chosen to complement the cuisine, as well as our signature cocktails. Be sure to treat your sweet tooth to an assortment of seasonal desserts for an unforgettable mealtime finale!”
This Feb. marks the return of Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Parks, bringing new culturally rich experiences to Walt Disney World Resort and, for the first time, to Disneyland Resort. Coinciding with Black History Month, Celebrate Soulfully invites families and friends to gather for experiences that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.
Celebrate Soulfully is one of the ways Disney Parks is reimagining tomorrow.
Immerse Yourself in Art, Music and Entertainment
Join us as we celebrate soulfully through song, dance, stories and stirring displays featuring the work of Black artists across Walt Disney World Resort and at Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort
At Disney Springs, Motown favorites return alongside jazz, R&B and pop hits, with a line-up of featured musical acts all month long. Serving as the perfect spot to capture commemorative photos of the celebration, the fun continues with new murals and art displays throughout Disney Springs, several of which have been inspired by favorite characters from “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” series on Disney+. And at House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, guests can discover a permanent collection of Southern Vernacular Art.
Explore the rich and dynamic evolution of jazz at “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” exhibit in The American Adventure at EPCOT through the legacies of famous musicians and stories of how jazz took root in cities across the United States. Since its inaugural debut last year, the exhibit has traveled to museums across the country and expanded to include histories from Kansas City and Harlem.
You can continue to celebrate Black cultural influences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you may encounter the beats of the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe as they bring rhythms from the Congo to Mombasa Marketplace in Africa or attend “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” a Broadway-style show filled with pageantry puppetry and classic songs from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
And at select Walt Disney World Resorts, join us for viewings of films including “Soul,” “Remember the Titans,” and more as a part of Movies Under the Stars.
Disneyland Resort
As part of Celebrate Soulfully, Disneyland Resort will present “Celebrate Gospel” – at Disneyland park for the first time. “Celebrate Gospel” is a Disneyland Resort tradition, previously held in Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure park.
Opening this powerful event, award-winning Gospel singer, actor and fashion designer Kierra Sheard performs on Feb. 19 at Fantasyland Theater, along with a capella Gospel group Sacred Groove. On Feb. 26, Grammy-award winners Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music take the stage, along with The Singers of Soul performing in their unique a capella style. On both weekends, you can hear Southern California community choirs as they also join this beloved tribute to the spirit of Gospel Music from 3-7 p.m. on the Fantasyland Theater stage.
At Downtown Disney District, you can celebrate with nightly outdoor concerts covering genres such as R&B, Gospel, reggae, funk and jazz throughout Feb., plus Saturday afternoon Gospel music. You can also catch live jazz piano nightly at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
Also at Downtown Disney District, discover art displays from emerging Black artists who found inspiration in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.” Originally developed in collaboration with Pixar and HUE Unlimited in a collection of wearable art, the works are from Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter and Cory Van Lew. Plus, chalk muralist Marcella Swett will create a new chalk mural each week in February.
Immerse yourself in Black stories at Disneyland Resort in February and beyond. Join the heroes in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park, where you may see Black Panther and join Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, to learn wisdom from Wakanda. Let your imagination soar during a one-of-a-kind princess experience, which may include sightings of Princess Tiana, with Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose restaurant.
Feed Your Soul with Inspired Flavors
Discover celebratory eats inspired by Black stories and new dishes brought to life by chefs at locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. And make sure to look for “Cooking with Soul” featured menu items, spotlighting authentic dishes and the talented chefs who create them across Walt Disney World Resort, including EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Join us for new and returning favorites at Disneyland Resort.
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Come together with loved ones over a meal that nourishes your soul with brunch and happy hour menus at dining destinations across Disney Springs, including Wine Bar George, House of Blues, City Works Eatery & Pour House, STK and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
Discover the flavors from the Caribbean, Africa and the Southern United States as chefs and culinary cast members draw on their heritage to infuse cultural flavors into mouthwatering new menu items at Polite Pig, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and D-Luxe Burger.
Craving something sweet? Head to The Ganachery to indulge in Soulfully Sweet Pralines inspired by Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.”
Support Black-owned businesses at Vivoli il Gelato by ordering Coffee Pot Gelato, a limited-edition flavor made with coffee stout sourced from Green Bench Brewing Company, a Florida-based Black-owned brewery.
EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort
Available at Refreshment Outpost, the Nairobi Coffee Porter is infused with Kenyan coffee and features subtle berry and stone fruit notes.
Also found at Refreshment Outpost, the Plant-based Bratwurst is inspired by the flavors of Eastern Africa and is served with spicy turmeric aioli, Kachumbari slaw and coffee barbecue jackfruit.
Featuring layers of Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Lemonade, Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy and vanilla ice cream, the Half Note Float at Fife & Drum is named in honor of the jazz club frequented by Joe Gardner in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.”
Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
The Peach Cobbler Rum Cake at Tiffins Restaurant is inspired by a beloved recipe from chef James Hemings, celebrating his lasting creative and culinary legacy.
At Nomad Lounge & Cocktail Bar, guests are invited to satisfy their sweet cravings with Mandazi, a delicious fried dough dessert with Swahili origins.
Available at Creature Comforts Coffee Shop, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus, the Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake is a colorful and delicious homage to the Disney-Pixar film, “Soul.”
Sip on a refreshing Mint Julep, flavored with pineapple and orange to honor the inspirational story of the drinks’ creator, John Dabney. This flavorful craft cocktail will be available at locations around Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including Nomad Lounge, Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge and Thirsty River Bar.
Disneyland Resort
Celebrate Soulfully New Orleans style at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney District, where chefs honor the flavor of Louisiana with creole cuisine including their NOLA BBQ Shrimp & Grits.
Sip from a special menu, enhanced with wines, beer and spirits from Black-owned businesses, at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Live jazz is offered nightly in the hotel lobby throughout February.
Bring Home Treasures Celebrating Black Makers and Creatives
Retail destinations at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort spotlight Black designers, artists and visionaries with celebratory merchandise items.
Walt Disney World Resort
Inside Art of Disney, check out the Artist Spotlight to learn more about Floyd Norman, Bruce Smith, Carole Holliday and others – some of the talented animators who have worked with the Walt Disney Animation Studios in films ranging from “The Jungle Book” to “The Proud Family” and beyond. And on select dates, meet artist, painter and operator of the Three Masks Art Gallery, Timothy Adebule.
In honor of Black History Month, Bowes Signature Candles, will offer special discounts off candle making. Founded by Jamaica native and artisan Dave Bowes, Bowes Candles is located inside Marketplace Co-Op and Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs. And during the month of February, Bowes Candles can also be found on the porch of the Discovery Trading Co. facing the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sephora at Disney Springs will celebrate a company-wide commitment to dedicate substantial shelf space in-store to diverse companies.
Be inspired by the words of modern age trailblazers like Muhammad Ali and historic figures like Maya Angelou at Sugarboo & Co., where you can find an assortment of writings from members of the Black community.
Within some of the most popular Disney-owned locations at Disney Springs, you’ll discover products featuring classic and new characters and films, including “Soul,” “Princess at the Frog” and “Black Panther.”
Under Armour joins the celebration with their Black History Month Collection for men, women and youth in apparel and footwear silhouettes.
Meet the talented African artisans behind unique craftworks near Mombasa Marketplaceat Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Disneyland Resort
Returning to Downtown Disney District on Feb.1, Post 21 features a collection of modern and design-forward merchandise from Black-owned businesses, curated by a local Los Angeles-based mother and daughter team at a kiosk location.
At WonderGround Gallery, guests will discover items with connections to the films “Soul,” “Princess and the Frog,” “The Lion King” and more.
Pelé Soccer will debut a new sweatshirt design that features an iconic image of Pelé and a call to “empower the culture.”
Lovepop honors Black History Month with special “We are Black History” and “Black is Beautiful” cards.
These are some of the ways you can celebrate soulfully at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Keep checking back here for more details about future offerings!
