Disney Offers First-Ever Discount For Its Newest Hotel

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World Resort’s newest hotel has been met with mixed reviews. Even though Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser only just opened in the Spring of 2022, it seems like Disney has decided to start throwing out discounts to draw in Resort Guests.

With much of the Disney news circulating around the big announcement that The Walt Disney Company has removed CEO Bob Chapek and replaced him with Disney’s former CEO Bob Iger as of November 20, 2022, we can’t help but read into this newest Disney Resort discount as a good sign.

Walt Disney World has announced a 30% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members to experience the Star Wars voyage of a lifetime. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) sent the following message via email:

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Dining

“AN ENTIRE GALAXY OF POSSIBILITIES: Step into your own epic Star Wars story and enjoy 30% off original Points Chart values on select 2-night Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser adventures! Eligible Disney Vacation Club® Members can book with Points or a combination of Points and cash. Terms Apply*.”

“Be a part of the most immersive Star Wars story ever created. From wielding a lightsaber to engaging in secret missions alongside new and familiar Characters – there’s something for everyone on this unforgettable journey. Check DisneyVacationClub.com for participating voyage dates and other important offer details.”

Is this a good sign that the new CEO, Mr. Iger, is already hard at work?

Bob Iger

Disney CEO Bob Iger has his plate full as he has arrived into several missteps taken by the former CEO Bob Chapek. Iger has already sent out a heartfelt message to Cast Members, made it clear he is here to work his magic, and has already diagnosed Disney’s issue is that it was losing its “soul.”

Whether or not offering the first-ever discount on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser was already in the works prior to Iger’s arrival, we think it was a decision that needed to be made.

Unfortunately, the newest Disney World Resort Hotel has been met with mixed reviews. The cruise-like itinerary and Star Wars storytelling experience is exceptional, but definitely has a target market audience for Star Wars fans and those willing to pay thousands of dollars for the experience.

Hopefully, this 30% discount for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will help fill the hotel, but only time will tell if Disney Vacation Club Members are interested and willing to spend the Disney vacation budget or DVC points on such an experience.

Interested in booking a stay as a DVC Member on the Starcruiser? Details about the 30% on select voyages in 2023 include:

“Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy 30% off original Points Chart values on select 2-night voyages. This offer can be booked with Points or a combination of Points and cash. Terms Apply*. This offer applies to the following departures in the winter of 2023:”

  • January 11 – 13, 2023
  • January 17 – 19, 2023
  • January 19 – 21, 2023
  • January 21 – 23, 2023
  • January 25 – 27, 2023
  • January 31 – February 2, 2023
  • February 12 – 14, 2023
  • February 28 – March 2, 2023
  • March 2 – 4, 2023

Review important offer details:

  • Members must be eligible for Membership Extras to take advantage of this special offer. Limit one cabin per offer.
  • Points must be used to pay for at least one Member; a combination of Points or cash may be used to book additional Guests. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
  • Activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change.
  • Reservation must be made prior to the last 4 months of your Use Year for stays during that Use Year.
  • Reservation is subject to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Terms and Conditions—which can be found on the Booking Confirmation Email received after booking—and the Disney Vacation Club Cancellation Policy.
  • Offer is only available for standard cabins and not valid for suite accommodations.
  • Offer dates are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.

*A nonrefundable $95 transaction fee applies per confirmed Disney Collection reservation. You will receive a call requesting payment within 72 hours of completing your booking. If payment is not received within 72 hours following this call, Disney Vacation Club reserves the right to cancel the reservation.

Check out all the details about this 30% discount and book on Disney’s website here.

Bob Iger Pens Heartfelt Note to Employees

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

November 20 was certainly a shocking day to be a Disney fan. In a stunning turn of late-night events, it was reported that Bob Chapek was OUT as CEO of The Walt Disney Company and former CEO Bob Iger would be taking over once again, effective immediately.

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)

Chapek didn’t even make it 3 years as CEO, but the news was welcomed by many. Upon his return, Iger penned a heartfelt email to Disney employees. The email reads:

Dear Fellow Employees and Cast Members,

It is with an incredible sense of gratitude and humility—and, I must admit, a bit of amazement—that I write to you this evening with the news that I am returning to The Walt Disney Company as Chief Executive Officer.

When I look at the creative success of our teams across our Studios, Disney General Entertainment, ESPN and International, the rapid growth of our streaming services, the phenomenal reimagining and rebound of our Parks, the continued great work of ABC News, and so many other achievements across our businesses, I am in awe of your accomplishments and I am excited to embark with you on many new endeavors.

I know this company has asked so much of you during the past three years, and these times certainly remain quite challenging, but as you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned one thing from my years at Disney, it is that even in the face of uncertainty—perhaps especially in the face of uncertainty—our employees and Cast Members achieve the impossible.

You will be hearing more from me and your leaders tomorrow and in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, allow me to express my deep gratitude for all that you do. Disney holds a special place in the hearts of people around the globe thanks to you, and your dedication to this company and its mission to bring joy to people through great storytelling is an inspiration to me every single day. 

Bob Iger

Bob Iger and Mickey Mouse

The news of Iger’s return will most likely be welcomed by many Disney fans who never got used to Bob Chapek and the changes he made. Fans turned against Chapek, as he constantly seemed to focus more on profit and less on Guests and that special “Disney magic.”

Guests were vocal during Chapek’s entire tenure, voicing their dissatisfaction with the theme park reservation system, Disney Genie+, cost of admission, rising costs of food, shrinking portion sizes, and more.

Bob Chapek

While the immediate future is uncertain, it will certainly be interesting to see how Iger tries to bring the company back to its former glory.

BOB CHAPEK IS OUT! Bob Iger Is CEO Once Again!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

We have some stunning breaking news, Disney Family!! In a shocking report from The Hollywood Reporter, we are learning that BOB CHAPEK IS OUT AS CEO! And, effective immediately, former CEO Bob Iger will be taking over The Walt Disney Company once again.

Here is more from The Hollywood Reporter: 

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”

Bob Chapek

Bob Chapek took over as CEO of Disney in February 2020 and his tenure has been anything but easy. Aside from dealing with Covid at the start, Chapek made many controversial decisions, and in the less than three years since his tenure began, more than 70% of people have said that Disney has “lost its magic”.

Some of Chapek’s most controversial moves include, his weeks-long silence on Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, getting rid of the popular FastPass system and instituting the paid Genie+ system, and requiring all Guests to make a theme park reservation to visit.

Chapek’s tenure also hasn’t been great for Disney stock, which is down more than 35% this year.

Bob Chapek and Bob Iger

While Chapek has not been popular with fans, it also appears he wasn’t popular with Bob Iger either. In an earlier report, those close to Iger revealed that appointing Chapek as his successor was one of ”his “worst business decisions.”

With the beloved Iger back in as CEOc it will certainly be interesting to see how Disney pivots, what changes Iger might make at the Parks and at Disney+, and what the future holds.

First Look at Cake Bake Shop Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

This week, we shared a first look at the new Cake Bake Shop coming to Disney’s BoardWalk in 2023! This sweet addition is just one of the charming enhancements coming to Disney’s BoardWalk as the location continues to add new offerings, refreshed spaces and more.

We’ve seen things reopening, like restaurants, returning, like popular shows, and even some new stuff, like a new ride! We learned earlier this year that some MAJOR changes would be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, like the new deli that has already opened, and a new look for the lobby. There is also a new restaurant on the way — The Cake Bake Shop! And, we just got a first look at some concept art.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023, and it looks like it’s going to be located where the old ESPN Club was on the BoardWalk, and it’s getting a whole new look! Here’s what the design will look like on the outside, according to The Cake Bake Shop’s Instagram.

We don’t know much about the restaurant yet, except for what we can expect according to the other locations (but nothing is confirmed yet). We have an idea of what the menu could look like, and we’re sure to find out more as the opening draws closer. We DO know that the restaurant will be a table service spot and open sometime in 2023.

Festive PhotoPass Fun

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

The holiday atmosphere here at Walt Disney World Resort is so warm and cozy (and not just because of the weather!), and Disney PhotoPass photographers love making guests’ photos even merrier with some holly-jolly props, Magic Shots, and more! Below, check out some of our favorite photo ops available this holiday season from Disney PhotoPass Service around Walt Disney World Resort, and note where photographers will be capturing each of them. 

After dark in front of the Christmas trees at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs

On the bridge leading from Oasis to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at all World Celebration locations at EPCOT, at theDisney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and at the following locations at Magic Kingdom Park: entrance, the Disney PhotoPass Studio inside Sir Mickey’s, and on Main Street, U.S.A.

At most locations at all four theme parks, the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and select resorts

In front of the Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Sunset Boulevard and Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, near the main entrance to World Showcase at EPCOT, and at the entrance and in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park

In front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and starting November 25 when guests can meet Santa Claus at EPCOT

At all three Disney PhotoPass Studios, which are located at Disney Springs, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park

In the Norway pavilion at EPCOT (starting November 25) and at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

At all World Showcase locations at EPCOT starting November 25, and at Echo Lake and select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If guests want to deck their halls with all these photos, have them consider purchasing Memory Maker. With Memory Maker, guests can download all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from their vacation, including those taken onboard attractions – all for one price.* 

*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.