As the Walt Disney Company and Parks find themselves surrounded by seemingly endless controversy, CEO Bob Chapek maintains the helm of the ship, either successfully making it through the treacherous waves of backlash or going down with the ship.
If you have visited the Disney Parks and Resorts in the last few years or been a part of the Disney community in general you will surely know the name, Bob Chapek. Chapek serves as the company’s current CEO, taking over Bob Iger’s multi-decade tenure in early 2020, perhaps the worst time to take over one o the largest corporations in the world.
The exchange of power between Iger and Chapek was swift and came as a bit of a surprise, especially since Bob Chapek ended his position with the company earlier than expected. Now, as reported by CNBC, the relationship between Chapek and Iger is strained after the two had a falling out.
Of course, some of this can be attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties it caused. Normal times would have most likely allowed Iger and Chapek to work more closely. Iger and Chapek seemed to be ready for the difficult challenge of dealing with a global pandemic together. Back in 2020 during the Walt Disney Company’s Annual Shareholder meeting, Iger said “I can’t think of a better person to succeed me in this role”. Chapek returned the same optimistic view of the future.
One month after these positive comments, then-New York Times columnist Ben Smith published a story after reaching Iger by email where Iger told Smith he would stick around to help run the company, saying “A crisis of this magnitude, and its impact on Disney would necessarily result in my actively helping Bob [Chapek] and the company contend with it, particularly since I ran the company for 15 years!”
Allegedly Chapek was furious when he saw the story and comments. He had not expressed a need or desire for extra help and had not asked for any. At this point, Iger had postponed his retirement as Disney CEO three times already and Chapek felt he was essentially doing it again.
Although a joint effort in running a company during a pandemic would certainly help, “the two executives barely spoke to each other” after this. Apparently, Chapek has a small circle of close confidants with whom he makes and discusses major decisions including longtime right-hand man Kareem Daniel, chief of staff Arthur Bochner, and, to some degree, Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy, whom Iger promoted to the role in 2015, according to people familiar with the situation.
Former CEO Bob Iger was not so lucky as to be included in this circle. Back in December, Iger threw a little “going away” type of party, inviting over 50 people to his Brentwood home in suburban Los Angeles. Iger spoke about and discussed his time at the company among other matters. Also in attendance was Chapek, but according to sources, there was little interaction between the two men during the event.
Guests, including veteran Disney executives and television talents such as broadcasters Robin Roberts, David Muir, and Al Michaels were in attendance with Iger and Chapek reportedly sitting at opposite tables. Chapek sat near several of his direct reports, including Daniel. Iger sat next to film director and mogul Steven Spielberg. While Iger spent about 10 minutes publicly praising former colleagues, he barely mentioned Chapek, said the people.
“It was extremely awkward,” said one of the guests, asking to remain anonymous. “The tension was palpable.” According to CNBC, both Iger and Chapek declined to comment on their relationship with each other.
Bob Iger had an accomplished time at the company and any replacement was surely going to have a difficult time replacing him. Iger was beloved by Hollywood and highly respected as a CEO, both by higher-ups and the Disney community in general. Leading the company during the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm also helped solidify Iger as the leader Disney needed at the time.
Chapek, meanwhile, has a harder exterior and at times, according to colleagues, struggles with emotional intelligence — which happens to be Iger’s strength.
Beginning tomorrow, March 16, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner. Face coverings will also be optional for fully vaccinated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Guests on the transport while traveling to and from the Halcyon starcruiser and Batuu.
At this time, face coverings remain required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on monorails and Disney buses.
Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders are given much more than access to booking reservations to the Disney Parks.
Throughout the year, Disney offers exclusive discounts and perks that are only available to those who hold the Annual Passes.
At this point, the selling of Annual Passes has not returned at Walt Disney World Resort. While the Disney World Annual Pass Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass, Disney Pirate Pass, and Disney Pixie Dust passes are all still noted on the website, they are all listed as “unavailable” and have not been available for purchase since November of last year.
Current Annual Passholders can still renew their passes online, meaning that they are in a select group when it comes to accessing massive benefits and perks that come with being a passholder.
That’s why, if you are a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder, you need to get to shopDisney quick!
Through March 17, Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders can now get 25% off their purchases of $75.00 or more.
To take advantage of this perk, you’ll have to link your Disney Annual Pass to your shopDisney account, if you haven’t done so already. From there, just sign into your shopDisney account and place all the items you want to purchase in your bag. Enter the code “WDW25” at checkout and you’re all set! Please keep in mind that select merchandise, including non-Disney branded items, are not eligible for this discount.
shopDisney is the official home of all Disney merchandise. The online store carries just about anything Disney-themed you could imagine, including Park collections, Ears, as well as Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar merchandise, and much more.
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
At both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, one of the most beloved aspects for many Guests who visit often is the ability to purchase an Annual Pass, or, a Magic Key Pass, depending on what coast you are on. Before COVID-19 hit the Parks, Guests were able to also purchase a Premier Pass, this allowed Guests to have the option to own an Annual Pass that would allow them to go between both Disneyland and Disney World. After COVID-19, that pass disappeared, but now, it may return.
During the question and answer portion of today’s shareholder meeting with The Walt Disney Company, one Disney fan and long-time Guest asked when the Premier Pass would return. The speaker in question was the same one who was able to tell previous CEO Bob Iger that this pass should be created over 10 years ago, and now returned after noticing it was no longer available with no return in sight.
When hearing the passion that this Disney Guest had from the Premier Pass, noting how Guests and Cast Members loved it, Disney CEO Bob Chapek responded with the intention to do something about it. Chapek noted, “I can check the possibility on bringing back the possibility of bringing back the Pass.” He also assumed that the Guests who wanted this Pass were “in a small unique club” however he wants to eliminate friction for Guests and will try and reinstate the Annual Pass for both coasts.
