McDonald’s and Disney are two of the most recognizable brands in the world, so when the two collide, you can bet that magic will happen.
This was the case for numerous McDonald’s restaurant franchisees on April 6, 2022. The lucky group enjoyed a private party at Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park after normal park operations stopped early for the event.
Franchisee Katie C. shared her fabulous experience on Facebook, writing:
Had the best night ever at Hollywood Studios! It was closed to the public, so we got to ride every single ride with virtually no wait times and get all the food and drinks we wanted!
Katie shared with Inside the Magic that she and her family, who are McDonald’s owner-operators from Kentucky and Ohio, are “so happy to be part of a brand that values their franchises, suppliers, and company personnel enough to rent out the entire Park for an evening at the Most Magical Place on Earth!”
As you can see from Katie’s photos, crowds were sparse compared to what they have been lately when the Park is open to the public. This gave the McDonald’s party-goers ample time to enjoy all of the rides that Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have to offer.
For the first time, Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Bookings are now available for visits between July 8 through September 30, 2022.
Save 25% on Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Resort Villas
Save 20% at Moderate Resorts and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Save 15% at Value Resorts (20% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Suites)
Save 10% on the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
This spring will see three new product lines unveiled as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. The new lines will invite guests to commemorate their visit by taking a piece of the magic home. Blending new and nostalgia, the merchandise range will put a fun spin on the latest fashion trends and includes pieces inspired by retro designs and artwork from the 1971 grand opening of Walt Disney World Resort.
50th Anniversary celebration merchandise is available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort including Disney Springs. Select items will be carried at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Disneyland Resort and on shopDisney.com.
Here’s a first look at the collections:
EARidescent Shimmer Collection The EARidescent Shimmer Collection draws inspiration from the iconic gold and blue turrets of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, reflecting the festive décor seen across Walt Disney World Resort as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
EARidescent Shimmer Collection Minnie Mouse Headband glistens with bedazzled gold-toned sequins, the perfect accessory for any 50th anniversary celebration-themed outfit.
EARidescent Shimmer Loungefly Backpack blends a classic royal color scheme with modern design through a unique swirl pattern that marbles blue and gold hues together.
EARidescent Shimmer Collection Spirit Jersey, debuting later in spring, is a premium pullover Spirit Jersey featuring a ribbed crew neck, cuffed sleeves and gleaming EARidescent embellishments.
Disney Vault Balloon Collection Longtime visitors of The Most Magical Place on Earth may recall the colorful balloon-patterned shopping bags used to package souvenirs purchased at Walt Disney World Resort in 1971. The DisneyVault Balloon Collection pays homage to the vintage Mickey Mouse balloon iconography from decades past.
Disney Vault Balloon Collection Spirit Jersey features a bright, whimsical print and heritage Walt Disney World Resort logos.
Disney Vault Balloon Collection Bucket Hat, with a transparent green panel and vintage Walt Disney World logo along the brim, is a fashion-forward item combining current style trends and 1970s flair.
Disney Vault Balloon Collection Loungefly Backpack offers a bold geometric design across the exterior pocket, which makes a statement with its electric blue straps and classic balloon print.
New to the Celebration Collection The Celebration Collection, which launched last fall at the start of the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, will expand to include brand new commemorative merchandise for the whole family.
Celebration Collection Backpack decorated with stylized renderings of Walt Disney World Resort landmarks including Cinderella Castle, Hollywood Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth and the Tree of Life.
Dooney and Bourke Purses and Wallet will be available on two bag styles or a wallet, showcasing favorite characters and iconic Disney Parks locations.
50th Anniversary Character Plush Toys offerings expand with the debut of Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, all sporting 50th Anniversary celebration fashions.
Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection debuting later this spring! The Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection pays tribute to Orange Bird, a favorite Disney character who has come to symbolize Florida and its legacy in the citrus industry. Orange Bird’s spunky personality shines through a range of groovy new products, inspired by the retro flower-power styles that rose in popularity during the early 1970s. The collection will debut later this spring.
Disney Vault Orange Bird Crossbody adds a touch of cuteness to any look as a three-dimensional replica of Orange Bird.
Disney Vault Orange Bird Camp Shirt features a notched collar and muted color palette reminiscent of the 1970s, complemented by a cheerful motif of Orange Bird and various florals.
Disney Vault Orange Bird Denim Jacket brings vintage trends to the 21st century with a funky bubble font, stylized Orange Bird artwork and decorative patches.
Guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth won’t hear the familiar words, “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” anymore. That’s because Disney is scrubbing any references to traditional gender roles at its theme parks, according to Newsweek.
The change comes in the midst of weeks of tension from a culture war amongst the Walt Disney Company, fans of Disney, and the State of Florida legislature related to Florida’s House Bill 1557, the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was signed into law on Monday by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Disney’s inclusion and diversity manager, Vivian Ware, announced the removal of nods to traditional gender roles in a video on Twitter, posted by Christopher Rufo. In the video, Ware is giving a presentation via video call, and the “reimagine tomorrow” can be seen on the upper right-hand side of the screen. Ware explained that last summer, live announcements that Guests hear at attractions at Disney Parks were devoid of the traditional “gendered greetings,” which welcome Guests–“ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”
SCOOP: Disney diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware says the company has eliminated all mentions of "ladies," "gentlemen," "boys," and "girls" in its theme parks in order to create "that magical moment" for children who do not identify with traditional gender roles. pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022
“We don’t want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they want to be called ‘princess,’” Ware said in the video, which is accompanied by an American Sign Language translator.
“So we no longer say ‘ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,’” Ware explained in the video. “We’ve provided trainings for all of our Cast Members and in relationship to that so now they know it’s, ‘hello everyone’ or ‘hello friends.’”
Ware said that Disney is currently in the process of making changes to its recorded messages at its theme parks. During the nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom, Disney Enchantment, the welcome greeting extends to “dreamers of all ages,” rather than “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”
One of the most unpopular lingering impacts of the pandemic on the guest experience at Disney World has been that guests have not been able to enjoy up-close character greetings. For over two years the iconic hug and an autograph from Mickey that for many guests is the quintessential Disney World experience has been strictly off-limits.
When Disney World reopened after the four-month closure at the start of the pandemic, character offerings began with character cavalcades only. Since then, while many characters have returned to their original greeting places, physical distancing measures have remained and there is a strict no contact rule for guests and characters. Obviously, this has meant no hugs, no autographs, and only selfies from a distance. As most things at Disney World have gradually moved back to normal (or some new version of it) the question on a lot of guests’ minds has been — when will “normal” character greetings return (and why has it taken so long)?
From a Disney Cast Member;
It’s been so great to see live entertainment returning to our theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships, and today, I’m thrilled to tell you about another quintessential Disney entertainment experience that’s on the way back. As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. That’s right! Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!
During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.
This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” This spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50th anniversary. And aboard Disney Cruise Line, we’re once again delighting guests with fireworks at sea and magnificent, Broadway-style shows on every ship.
So, with character greetings coming back this spring, who’s at the top of your “must meet” list for your next Disney vacation?
This is a welcome change. Since character greetings returned last fall with “individual time” physical distancing measures such as a barrier (rope, fence, planters, etc) have been used to keep guests distanced from the characters. Also, no autographs have been allowed.
Guest interest in when the policy would be updated spiked recently when guests noticed that there are no physical distancing measures in place at the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Guests have seen videos of characters hugging and mixing with guests with no precautions, which begged the question if it’s okay in the trendy hotel where guests pay thousands for a two-day experience, why is it not okay in the parks?
Thankfully, the measures will be dropped and we’ll be able to hug Mickey and other characters again!
