Disney announces it takes $1 Billion Hit in its Fiscal 2nd Quarter in Licensing

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

During The Walt Disney Company‘s fiscal second-quarter earnings call last week, the company revealed its success in streaming subscriptions to Disney+, but Mickey missed the mark in at least one area, thanks to a more than $1 billion loss related to an early termination of licensing agreements.

The earnings call, in which Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Disney CFO Christine McCarthy participated on Wednesday, was full of the usual for the quarterly call presented by Disney C-level execs against a backdrop of Wall Street‘s finest and listened to by shareholders and interested fans: Chapek referenced “stories” and “storytelling” perhaps more frequently than necessary as he gave an overview of the company’s quarter, and McCarthy followed with scores and scores of figures and numbers.

At least a handful of those figures and numbers stood out to interested parties, the first being the phenomenal growth in numbers of Disney+ subscribers: growth that beat even Wall Street‘s projections. The dynamic C-level Disney duo shared details during the call that painted a picture of Disney’s thriving business, including details about parks attendance on days inside the second quarter, some of which exceeded pre-pandemic demand in the parks.

McCarthy said that Disney continues to “control attendance” to allow for a “quality Guest experience” for everyone.

cinderella castle crowds

In Disney’s Parks division, sales more than doubled from $3.1 billion to $6.7 billion, and the division reported an operations profit of $1.8 billion, a welcome number, especially compared to a $400 million loss in the second quarter of Fiscal year 2021. The Parks division can thank Disney’s domestic parks for the uptick in operating profit; even CEO Bob Chapek referred to the U. S. parks—Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort–as “standout” parks, saying that part of the good news for that division could be attributed to Disney’s new Lightning Lane and Disney Genie offerings for Guests.

Earnings per share of 26 cents saw a decline from 50 cents. EPS was $1.08, an increase from the previous quarter‘s 79 cents.

But Disney’s major loss during the second quarter was in its streaming service, but it wasn’t because of a drop in Disney+ subscriptions. Rather, the company amassed a more than $1.02 billion loss because of an early termination of “license agreements for film and television content delivered in previous years” that it has chosen to use on its direct-to-consumer services.

While Disney’s earnings report didn’t specify which content had been pulled back, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy said during the earnings call with Wall Street that those deals were books as revenue when the agreements were made, so they had to be pulled back from the numbers when Disney terminated the agreements.

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Disney is one of several streamers making the decision to take back their own content. Six of Marvel’s original series for Netflix, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders limited series, as well as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which had been streaming on Netflix only, are set to move to Disney+ beginning May 16.

MORE Disney Genie Changes With How Guests Purchase the Upcharge Service

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

Less than a year after Disney first introduced Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane attractions, we’re seeing more changes unfold specifically for the upcharge service, Disney Genie+.

Just recently, Walt Disney World announced it is making changes at EPCOT to its current individual Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+ attraction set up. Beginning May 31, 2022, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will join EPCOT’s list of Disney Genie+ attractions. This means both Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be individual Lightning Lane attractions from May 27 to May 30. Starting May 31, however, Cosmic Rewind will be the only individual Lightning Lane at EPCOT as Remy’s rolls onto the Disney Genie+ ride options.

Now, we’re learning Disney is also changing how Guests purchase Disney Genie+, the upcharge service (similar to the former Fast Pass system) that allows Guests to select a few attractions a day to skip the standby line at the rate of $15 per person, per day.

Walt Disney World Resort has announced they are making an adjustment to how Disney Guests purchase the Disney Genie+ service by noting:

“Starting June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit – we will no longer offer the option to purchase this service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and in 2023.”

disney-genie

“This means that, moving forward, whether you have an Annual Pass, multi- or single-day ticket, you may only purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit via the app, one day at a time, subject to availability. We’re focused on delivering the best possible guest experience, and this adjustment will help manage the incredibly strong demand our guests have shown for Disney Genie+.”

Disney also reminded Guests of a recent change made to its Disney Genie+ policy that Guests shouldn’t expect to get more than 2 or 3 a day individual attraction selection choices when purchasing Disney Genie+. They go on to note, “We expect that, on average, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ service will continue to enter 2-3 attractions or experiences each day using the Lightning Lane entrance when the first selection is made early in the day.“

Track of Slinky Dog Dash

Keep in mind, that if you have already purchased a Disney Park ticket for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom that includes Disney Genie+ service for dates later in 2022, Disney will still allow you to use the service during your visit. It is also noted that this Disney Genie service purchase change does not apply to Disneyland Resort, only to Walt Disney World Resort.

Former Cast Member arrested by Homeland Security at the U.S.-Canada border for making Bomb Threat at Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

A 22-year-old Canadian man has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for allegedly making a bomb threat at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2019.

Matthew Carney was arrested at the Ogdensburg, New York, Port of Entry, at the United States-Canada border by agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, according to a news release from United States Customs and Border Protection. Border agents confirmed the outstanding warrant for Carney’s arrest out of Florida and transferred him to the Ogdensburg Police Department.

Carney was working as a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Resort when he allegedly made the bomb threat at the Florida parks. He is currently in the custody of the St. Lawrence Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release reads as follows:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Ogdensburg Port of Entry arrested a 22-year-old male, Canadian citizen who had an outstanding felony warrant out of Florida.

On May 16, CBP officers encountered a passenger vehicle occupied by a Canadian Citizen traveling alone. During the inspection process, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Matthew Carney, had an active National Crime Information Center (NCIC) warrant issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, in Florida for issuing a bombthreat to Disney World staff. The warrant stemmed from an incident in 2019, while Carney was employed by Walt Disney World.

“This incident highlights the continued work that CBP does alongside our many law enforcement partners, playing a vital role in maintaining the safety of our communities,” said Ogdensburg Port Director Thomas Trimboli.

In 2019, Carney, age 19 at the time, allegedly told a security guard standing outside Magic Kingdom at Disney World “I have a bomb.” He further told the security guard, “I am going to blow up the castle,” according to a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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The security guard took Carney to her manager at Magic Kingdom, and he made another statement to the manager about his desire to “blow up the castle.” In the Sheriff’s Office report, the Security manager said that Carney “had a straight face, was not laughing, and appeared to be serious while making these statements.”

When Carney was searched by an Orange County deputy, he was found to have two cell phones on his person: one that was on and one that was “not operable.”

Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) Chevy Impala | Flickr

Charges were officially filed by the State Attorney’s Office more than a year after the alleged bomb threat took place, in August 2020 according to court records online.

Late Tuesday afternoon, an attorney representing Carney filed a motion for him to be released on his own recognizance.

The attorney’s motion states that Carney was participating in Disney’s internship program at the time the alleged incident took place and that he was not arrested during that investigation. The attorney also asserts in her motion that Carney had “no knowledge” of any outstanding warrant for his arrest, that he had no knowledge of the delayed filing of charges by the State Attorney’s Office, and that he has graduated from college since the alleged incident took place.

National Geographic Expeditions Announces Full Lineup of 2023 Signature Land Trips

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

National Geographic Expeditions, the leading brand offering travelers unparalleled access to global destinations through the lens of knowledgeable National Geographic Experts, announces more ways to see the world in its Signature Land category with the launch of 2023 itineraries. New to the lineup is the expansion of the Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders expedition, giving travelers an even more in-depth and off-the-beaten-path exploration through the wonders of Southeast Asia. 

Bookings for 2023 Signature Land Itineraries open to the public on May 26. Bookings open early for the following travelers:

  • May 23 – Lifelong Explorers and Grosvenor Council members
  • May 24 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
  • May 25 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
  • May 26 – Bookings open for general public

Venturing to Southeast Asia – A Newly Expanded Itinerary

The redeveloped itinerary, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders, adds two exciting stops to its previous collection of expedition favorites and provides even more behind-the-scenes looks at several Southeast Asian projects funded by the National Geographic Society. Travelers will embark on a 17-day, 16-night excursion across Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Luang Prabang and Siem Reap, with local experts joining itinerary activities. 

Highlights of the expedition include:

  • Brand new experiences, such as a sampan tour along the peaceful canals of Tan Phong Islet followed by a cycle excursion through charming villages and a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market ­— the most famous market of Mekong Delta.
  • Tried-and-true traveler favorite visits to the Angkor Conservation Center — a site rarely open to the general public — to discover thousands of protected statues recovered from the archaeological site, and the Golden Silk Pheach Preservation Center — one of the last silk producers in the world where the silk-making process (raising silkworms to weaving) is fully integrated in one place.
  • An array of bold flavors, as travelers sample everything from authentic Vietnamese iced coffee and street fare to a five-course gala dinner.
  • Must-see sites, including a stop at UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Archeological Park, home to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple.
  • A journey back into history with tours of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Tombs in Hue, as well as a visit to the Purple Forbidden City.
  • An in-depth look at two National Geographic Society conservation initiatives during visits to:
    • Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Rescue Center, where orphaned and injured wildlife are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. There, travelers learn about initiatives spearheaded by National Geographic Explorers and other researchers to protect critically endangered pangolins.
    • Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center, where travelers observe the Asiatic black bears — also known as moon bears given the distinct crescent moon shape on their chest — and hear from a conservationist about the National Geographic-funded research to protect these unique animals.

The expedition’s departure dates begin in late December 2022 and extend to March 2023.

Experiencing Meaningful Travel — Giving Back and Protecting the Wonder of our World

When traveling with National Geographic Expeditions, travelers will not only channel their inner explorer by going deeper into the storytelling of a destination, but wherever possible, they will have opportunities to witness firsthand the impact of the support they give by choosing to travel with National Geographic. Expedition itineraries are custom-designed to grant special access to National Geographic Society-funded initiatives all around the world where travelers will participate in meaningful and enlightening experiences, such as taking part in reforestation efforts alongside researchers in Costa Rica, planting a giant clam in a marine sanctuary in Palau or joining a primatologist in search of chimpanzees in Uganda.

The ability to give back extends well beyond the trip experience, with a portion of the proceeds from every expedition supporting the global community of National Geographic Explorers. Each year, the National Geographic Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, storytellers, conservationists, technologists and many other changemakers who help define some of the critical challenges of our time, drive new knowledge, advance new solutions and inspire positive, transformative change. 

Fulfilling Curiosity and Finding Inspiration — Signature Land Expeditions

Filled with endless opportunities for exploration, the more than 30 National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land trips provide premium, fully planned itineraries that give travelers rare access to places around the globe, paired with unique opportunities to experience a destination through the eyes of the storytellers behind National Geographic. Whether face-to-face with an elephant in the Serengeti, listening to a wildlife biologist explain its every move or gazing at prehistoric cave paintings alongside a paleontologist in France, each Signature Land trip is hosted by a National Geographic Expert who provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. With specialties such as filmmaking, conservation, photography, archaeology, geography and many more, the Experts who travel on Signature Land expeditions are passionate storytellers who have a close connection to National Geographic, and their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.

Click here for more information about National Geographic Expeditions. Travel agents with Guests who are interested in traveling with National Geographic Expeditions, including those who are eligible for early booking, can also call 888-966-8687 directly to book their expedition.

Disney’s “Broken” Top-Tier Attraction Leaves Guests Feeling Ill

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

One of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort is Flight of Passage, located in Pandora in Animal Kingdom. The attraction opened in 2017 to incredible wait times of 4+ hours, and still, years later, we can expect that during busy times of the year, wait times will climb to those large waits once again. Typically, the ride had around a two-hour wait, which is still pretty long for many!

The attraction is a flight simulator that allows us, Guests of Animal Kingdom, to hop on the back of a banshee by linking to someone who is Na’vi. Through this, we are able to deeply explore Pandora, the world of Avatar, through sights, scents, and movement. We recently reported on some Guests complaining about the state of the attraction, and now, those worries continue to grow.

It seems that riders are starting to notice blurriness and double vision when riding. 

Flight of passage blurriness/double vision. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I hadn’t ridden in over a year, but Flight has always been one of the more convincing experiences at WDW (with the exclusion of my ride last night, in which these problems were distracting). Maybe something with the glasses or how I was wearing them?

Flight of Passage utilizes 3-D glasses, but this should not make the attraction’s video footage look distorted in any way, as this Guest is noting that they experienced. It seems other Guests have also experienced similar issues in sections of the ride. One Guest replied stating, “I’ve had similar issues this pastime, but mostly just on the part where it’s in the dark cavern.” Another noted, “It’s the same for me, but it comes into focus as more of the bioluminescence comes on screen in the cave scene.”

The responses of Guests also experiencing this blurry, double vision sensation only continued to grow as the conversation carried on. Some noted that this may just be an issue with one theater, but not all, however, we cannot be sure what the issue is here, if there indeed is something broken with the attraction. One Guest noticed that the seat in which they were given made a huge difference in terms of ride quality, “I rode it twice recently. First time I was on the left side (spots 9-16), 2nd to last spot. Perfect. 2nd time I was on the right side (section for spots 1-8). Spot 1. Horrible double vision for most of the ride.”

pandora 2

Another rider commented in agreement but also hopes that Disney is able to correct the issues as the blurry vision increases motion sickness when riding.

Glad it wasn’t just me! It was definitely amazing when it first opened but I’ve noticed it getting progressively blurrier. I thought it was just the location of where I was sitting but it looks like there are some mechanical wear and tear issues. I hope they fix it up though because I was getting more motion sickness due to it being blurry.

During recent rides, we can attest that there are certain sections that seem to have lost their crispness. Considering Flight of Passage is a separately ticketed Lightning Lane pass, and does not come with the typical Disney Genie+ options, many Guests expect the attraction to ride without flaw. And now, with Avatar: The Way of Water debuting its first trailer, we will likely see a new resurgence in the James Cameron-created franchise.