At this time, we cannot confirm what started the fire but it may have had something to do with the nightly firework show, “Disney Enchantment”, which the Magic Kingdom offers.
We will continue to monitor the situation and update our story as more information comes out.
As you can see, the fire was on top of the show building that houses Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid at the Magic Kingdom. This ride was added as a part of the huge Fantasyland expansion Disney constructed a few years back.
For weeks, the Walt Disney Company has been battling extreme discontent and anger within its ranks. Thousands of Cast Members felt like Disney did not have their backs when it remained silent on the passing of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill. The bill would prohibit educators from talking about things like gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. Critics have dubbed the bill the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and worry that it would target the LGBTQ+ community.
After mounting pressure, Disney made a statement on the bill, but it didn’t hit the mark. Many felt that it didn’t say anything. After that, Disney CEO Bob Chapek sent an email to staff saying that he stood with LGBTQ+ Cast Members. However, he did not condemn the bill, and the email only further upset already let-down Cast Members. Then, Chapek made a firmer statement and denounced the bill at the Annual Shareholders Meeting. He also said that he would be meeting with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis said that a meeting with Chapek had not been scheduled. A spokesperson for the Governor said that his position on the bill had not changed. DeSantis then accused Disney of being “woke” and called the company put for its business dealings with China.
It now seems like Bob Chapek has had enough of the Governor and the controversial bill. On March 11, Chapek announced that Disney would be pausing all political donations to Florida politicians.
And in a move rarely seen in corporate America, Chapek emailed all staff, apologizing for his prior actions. The email, which was shared with The Hollywood Reporter, said:
To my fellow colleagues, but especially our LGBTQ+ community,
Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.
Our employees see the power of this great company as an opportunity to do good. I agree. Yes, we need to use our influence to promote that good by telling inclusive stories, but also by standing up for the rights of all.
Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review. But, I know there is so much more work to be done. I am committed to this work and to you all, and will continue to engage with the LGBTQ+ community so that I can become a better ally. You will hear more about our progress in the coming weeks.
I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community. I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on—and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.
Bob
Prior to this memo, the Disney CEO had repeatedly said that the best thing Disney could do was continue to create inclusive content. However, now the company will be taking a more active role in protecting the rights of its Cast Members. Chapek admitted that he “missed the mark” but wants his staff to know that he is an ally to them and will be working hard to prove that.
During the Shareholders Meeting, Chapek said that the company would be donating $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign. The HRC rejected that offer and said that Disney needed to do more to fight for some of its most vulnerable Cast Members. It looks like Chapek took that message to heart and is now making a more concerted effort to fight for those who make Disney the admired company that it is.
On March 1, Disney announced that it was stopping all planned theatrical releases in Russia. This included its newest Pixar film, Turning Red. The move came less than one week after Russian forces invaded the country of Ukraine. The invasion and subsequent attacks were unprovoked. Following Disney’s move, other major studios stopped their theatrical releases as well. Those studios were Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Warner Bros. At this time, NBCUniversal has not made a statement regarding Russia, and it appears as though all Universal films are still scheduled to be released in the country.
Not long after stopping its film releases, Disney also announced that its cruise line would be removing Russia as one of its ports of call. Well, Disney is now announcing that they are not stopping there. Effective immediately, The Walt Disney Company will be stopping ALL business activity in Russia. A Disney spokesperson spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, which wrote:
The company says that it will be pausing “content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels.
“Some of those business activities we can and will pause immediately. Others—such as linear channels and some content and product licensing—will take time given contractual complexities,” a company spokesperson added.
Disney has a number of linear channels in Russia, and St. Petersburg has long been a port of call for its cruise ships. Likewise, Disney-branded consumer products and National Geographic magazine have long been available around the world, including in Russia.
The Disney spokesperson added that the company’s Russia-based employees will remain employed.
Disney was the first company to stop theatrical releases in Russia. Its move to pause all business entirely is following in the footsteps of other companies, including Netflix, Amazon, WarnerMedia, and others. None of these companies have said how long the stoppage will last, but it will certainly be for at least as long as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. Even if they pull out of the country, there is no guarantee that business will be back to normal soon after.
At the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Guests can now step inside a wonderful garden inspired by the magical Madrigal family from “Encanto,” the new Academy Award®-nominated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
A new “Encanto”-inspired garden will let Guests explore a lush tropical jardín inspired by the movie (streaming on Disney+) and its strong female characters like Julieta, Isabela, Luisa and of course, Mirabel. Guests can also stroll around a path inspired by the youngest member of the Madrigal family, Antonio.
The garden, which debuted last week, will be available through May 22, 2022, and is located near La Isla Fresca Outdoor Kitchen between the Morocco and France pavilions in World Showcase. This year, La Isla Fresca features three arepas dishes: arepas topped with melted queso fresco; arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado ají and tomato sauce; and an arepa topped with chorizo. Delicioso!
This is just one of the recent additions based on “Encanto” that can be enjoyed at Walt Disney World Resort. As part of Celebrate HER Story in honor of Women’s History Month, Guests can also enjoy delicious specialties and treats inspired by the women of the film at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
While visiting EPCOT, Guests can discover two more incredible garden destinations at Mexico pavilion in World Showcase. Extraordinary Orchids offers a breathtakingly beautiful area filled with orquídeas, while the Tropical Rainforest Garden lets Guests discover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and its adaptive species.
For more information on the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival that runs through July 4, click here.
The Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day is here! We’ve put together all the tasty concoctions coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, and the chefs and mixologists from both coasts did not disappoint. From savory dishes to sweet delights, even deliciously crafted cocktails, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
Walt Disney World Resort
Resorts
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court (available March 13 through 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
World Premiere Food Court (available March 13 through 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Drop Off (available March 13 through 19)
Good Luck Charm: Vodka and Irish cream liqueur blended with vanilla ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream and cookie ears
Landscape of Flavors (available March 13 through 19)
Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s BoardWalk
AbracadaBAR (available through March 31)
Irish Magic Trick: Irish whiskey, Italian liqueur, and bitters (New)
Atlantic City Dance Hall (available through March 31)
Shamrock Punch: Apple whisky, vodka, apple sour, lime sour, Granny Smith apple, and Sprite garnished with a glow cube (New)
Bellevue Lounge (available through March 31)
Irish Mule Cocktail: Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice garnished with a lime (New)
BoardWalk Bakery (available March 12 through 17) (Mobile Order available)
Mint Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ‘n cream mousse topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a sugar cookie shamrock
Shamrock Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with green holiday decor
Cannoli: Traditional Cannoli with green holiday decor
Coconut Macaroon: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with green chocolate decor
Mickey Brownie: Ganache brownie with green holiday sprinkles
Boardwalk Joe’s (available through March 31)
Pot O Lucky Gold: Coconut rum, vodka, lime, pineapple juice, and honey-mango flavors garnished with lime and pineapple (New)
Leaping Horse
Fuzzy Leprechaun: Vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry (New)
Trattoria al Forno (available through March 31)
Italian Leprechaun: Limoncello, prosecco brut, and elderflower liqueur garnished with mint (New)
Mimosa Verdi: Prosecco brut, blue curaçao, fruit liqueur, and pineapple juice (New)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market (available March 13 through 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and a shamrock chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (available March 17)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Green cupcake filled with gold crispy pearls topped with buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles, and white chocolate Minnie hat (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available through March 18)
St. Patty’s Day Hat: Caramel Irish cream mousse on a shortbread cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Goods to Go and The Artist’s Palette (available March 17)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Irish dry stout cake with Irish cream liqueur mousse and whiskey caramel finished with vanilla buttercream, gold crisp pearls, and a white chocolate shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s (available March 17)
Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate and vanilla buttercream, chocolate Mickey ears, and a shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining (available March 13 through 19)
Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (available March 13 through March 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Riverside Mill (available March 13 through March 19)
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (New)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café (available March 17)
Caramel Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (available March 17)
Shamrock Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ’n cream (Mobile Order available)
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Market at Ale & Compass (available through March 17)
Irish Cream Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a Irish cream mousse covered in chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate and vanilla crisp pearls and a chocolate clover (Mobile Order available)
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available March 12 through 20)
Luck of the Irish Petit Cake: Layers of praline, whiskey-scented vanilla chiffon cake, and Irish cream liqueur pastry cream (New)
City Works Eatery (available through March 17)
Irish Nachos: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and chips
Take part in the festivities of Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival [Insert link here] this year with classics like fresh-caught fish and chips, Shepherd’s to Die for Pie, and the plant-based take on shephard’s pie, This Shepherd Went Vegan, along with delicious drinks including the new So Berry Les.
So Berry Les: Local Florida strawberry and Key lime-infused hard seltzer (New)
Vivoli il Gelato
Float: Vanilla gelato with an Irish dry stout (available through April 30)
Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Mint chocolate chip gelato, cookies and cream gelato, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips (available through April 5)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Red Rose Taverne (available March 17 through 30)
The Green Stuff: Mint White Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Cake, Mint Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Cookie Crumbs on a Shortbread Cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)
Disney California Adventure Park
Corn Dog Castle (available March 17) (Mobile Order available)
Hot-Link Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Original Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Cheddar Cheese Stick: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
Hollywood Lounge (available March 17)
Strawberry Elderflower Whiskey: Strawberry lemonade mixed with ginger syrup, elderflower, and whiskey (Mobile Order available) (New)
Lamplight Lounge and Boardwalk Dining (available March 17 through 20)
Watermelon Cooler: Irish Whiskey, Muddled Watermelon, Agave and Lemon Juice (New)
Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman’s Grill (available March 17 through 20) (Mobile Order available)
Leprechaun Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with pot of gold and frosted with vanilla buttercream (New)
Leprechaun Mickey-shaped Donut: Vanilla cake donut dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with Leprechaun decor (New)
GCH Holiday Cart (available Mach 17 through 20)
St Patrick’s Day Whoopie Pie: Chocolate whoopie pie filled with vanilla buttercream and rolled in shamrock sprinkles (New)
Mickey-shaped Leprechaun Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with rolled fondant (New)
St Patrick’s Day Double Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)
St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)
Downtown Disney District
Ballast Point Brewing Co. (available March 17 through 20)
The Rueben: Marble rye, thinly sliced corn beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese served with chips or fries & pickle spears (New)
Hair of the Dog: Bratwurst braised in a porter topped with peppers, onions, beer cheese, and bacon bits on a pretzel bun and served with chips or fries (New)
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (available through March 31)
Reuben Burger: Burger with prime beef, swiss cheese, griddled corned beef, sauerkraut, sliced pickles, and special sauce
Lucky Charms Classic Shake: Lucky Charms Shake topped with whipped cream and Lucky Charms (New)
California Churro (available March 17)
Pot of Gold Churro: A churro rolled in Key lime pie sugar drizzled with white chocolate sauce over top, dusted with gold and green sprinkles, and served with a side of whipped cream (New)
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (available March 16 through 20)
The Emerald Breeze: Vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and orange juice (New)
Salt & Straw (available through March 31)
Pots of Gold & Rainbows: A legendary favorite with hand-sorted luck from the charms, steeping the whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow marshmallows
Sprinkles (available March 14 through 20)
Irish Coffee: Chocolate coffee cake and marshmallow core topped with Irish whiskey-infused green and vanilla buttercream frosting (recommended just for adults due to hint of alcohol)
Uva Bar & Café (available through March 31)
Beer Cheese Burger: Corned beef, burger patty, Irish stout beer cheese, pickles, and mustard aïoli on a Brioche bun served with sweet fries
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Wind & Waves Market (available March 16 through 18)
Shamrock Whoopie Pies: Vanilla cake with golden citrus crème
