According to experts weighing in on the subject, shareholders have their proverbial carts before their proverbial horses.
There’s been a lot of talk this week about a shareholder coup of sorts that aims to oust Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek from his post amid a growing distaste for changes across a wide assortment of Disney’s offerings. Disney’s theme park fans are especially angered by price increases across the parks for things like annual passes and the removal of once-upon-a-time freebies like Memory Maker (with an Annual Pass purchase) and Fastpasses.
Just how do shareholders plan to overthrow King Chapek?
Disney’s annual shareholder meeting is only a month away, and a proxy vote is on the agenda. Shareholders are planning to vote against Chapek in the election, ousting him from his ivory tower and restoring peace and magic to all the lands of the Disney Parks. There’s just one problem with that. Actually, there are several problems with this.
It’s no secret that many Disney fans do not double as Chapek fans. Chapek has been seated comfortably at the helm of The Walt Disney Company since early 2020, and many fans–especially Disney Parks fans–feel that Chapek’s is an administration of demise, of destruction–an administration that, to some, seeks to undo what it took Walt Disney, his team, the Imagineers, and thousands of others years and years to build.
And they don’t like it.
Now, a growing number of Disney’s fans who are also shareholders in The Walt Disney Company plan to make their voices heard by voting not to keep Chapek on the Board of Directors. That’s problem #1. The vote isn’t about keeping or ousting Chapek as it relates to his role as CEO. Next month’s shareholders’ vote is strictly about the Board of Directors, and it’s not just Chapek on the vote, but all 11 Board members. Removing Chapek from the Board won’t necessarily bring about the change that angry shareholders are seeking. Chapek’s CEO post has no “for sale” sign in the driveway.
Problem #2 becomes evident when you consider that most fans who are shareholders don’t hold the number of those shares necessary to bring about a massive change in the makeup of Disney’s Board. So even if ridding the Board of Chapek would satisfy shareholders, it isn’t probable.
Another Disney exec faced a similar fate in 2004 when 43% of the shareholders used those shares to give a strong voice to the growing unrest over then-CEO Michael Eisner. Incidentally, that 43% was thanks to many of Disney’s large shareholders, including Walt’s nephew Roy and PIXAR’s head Steve Jobs. It wasn’t a large enough vote to boot Eisner from his seat, but Disney read the message from shareholders loud and clear. Eisner was demoted as Chairman of the Board and then resigned as CEO only 12 months later.
And Problem #3 might even be the biggest problem of all. The congregation of Chapek-booters is largely comprised of theme park fans angry about change. They’re also frustrated by long lines at the parks and higher prices for annual passes. But many of Disney’s shareholders are investment giants. They aren’t buying shares for the perk of claiming ownership in the House of Mouse; they’re buying shares anticipating a return–a hefty return. So to those shareholders, word of longer lines in the midst of an increase in ticket prices creates a resounding “cha-ching” in their ears. Why would those shareholders vote to make any big change when it’s all good news for them?
Investment giants know about Genie+ and Lightning Lane too, and they don’t have nearly the problem with those so-called “inflated” costs as individual shareholders might. After all, they stand to gain sizable ROIs because of them.
A Long Island, New York family has won a trip for 50 to the Walt Disney World Resort in Visit Orlando’s “Most Magical Gathering” Contest. Jennifer Young of Bayport, New York, got the exciting news that she had won the trip of a lifetime for herself and 49 of her closest family members and friends.
According to VisitOrlando.com, the grand prize trip includes so much more than just a couple of days at Disney with the family:
“The grand prize celebration for 50 people includes a three-night, four-day stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, two private catered group celebrations produced by a Disney event specialist from Disney Meetings & Events and theme park tickets. In early March, Young and her family will celebrate three special events – a shared 50th birthday party with her husband and her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary – and will be visiting during the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. The contest prize also includes roundtrip airfare to Orlando provided by Spirit Airlines.”
“It’s been such a long time since all of us have been in the same place at the same time and we’re looking forward to having a lot of fun together,” Jennifer said. “There is a lot to celebrate!”
Jennifer Young submitted a story about her amazing circle of family and friends who consider themselves a pretty tight-knit bunch. In the story, Jennifer says that they believe laughing together makes life so much better. Her story also described the impact that the global pandemic has had on her and her family and friends personally. Jennifer chose to enter the contest because she hoped that she could win and then share the amazing prize with that close-knit group to make up for time lost due to the pandemic.
When it came to milestones, Jennifer mentioned that she and her husband would be celebrating their 50th birthdays (just like Disney World), and her parents were celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. But that’s not all.
Jennifer’s mother-in-law is celebrating her 80th birthday, and other family members’ celebrations included special events like high school graduations, college graduations, and even a sweet 16th.
Jennifer and her family were surprised with the news that she was the grand prize winner in a Zoom call last month. Representatives from Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World, and Spirit Airlines were online for the call and made the announcement to the family. Upon hearing the news, those members of Jennifer’s circle who participated in the Zoom call began cheering, clapping, and crying tears of joy–and they were spread out between New York, Delaware, and South Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Young family to our destination this spring and help them celebrate some huge milestones events with their beloved friends and family members,” said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. “There’s no better place than Orlando for Jennifer and her family to finally reunite, enjoy magical experiences, and create incredible memories they will cherish for a lifetime.”
Maryann Smith, Vice President of Sales, Services, and Events at Disney Destinations was on hand for the call as well.
“What a joy to get to host Jennifer and her family at Walt Disney World Resort during our magical 50th anniversary celebration,” Smith said. “Memories are made here every day, and we can’t wait to see what magical memories Jennifer’s family makes and brings home.”
Write and submit a story in 250 words or less, about why they and their loved ones needed a Magical Gathering, including what milestones they’d be celebrating.
Submit the story with a family photo
Send in submissions no later than November 29, 2021.
Once top finalists were chosen, they were then asked to submit a two-minute video, describing why their family deserved a Magical Gathering at Disney World.
Surely for Jennifer and her entire circle of family and friends, “magical” doesn’t even begin to describe the trip of a lifetime they’re about to enjoy! Congratulations to them all!
For Guests planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the next few months, we recently discovered some sad news about one of the four Parks at the Resort.
Out of all the four Disney World Parks, none are quite like Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Featuring thrilling attractions like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror as well as the new Toy Story land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansions, Holywood Studios is the place to go if you’re looking for intense and exciting rides and attractions.
However, according to the official Walt Disney World calendar, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to mysteriously close several hours early in April. When looking at the calendar, the Park’s hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on April 6th. Usually, Hollywood Studios is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and as of now, it is unknown why the Park will close four hours early on this day.
Besides Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios can also experience the amazing Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the iconic Star Tours, the hilarious Muppet Vision 3D as well as dine in some fun restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Cafe and The Hollywood Brown Derby. Disney fans are also eagerly anticipating the return of Fantasmic! which is expected to return this year.
Romance is in the air with endless goodies from Disney Parks across the globe and we’re excited to share the tasty items Guests can enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
As Feb. 14 approaches, there is no shortage of delightful eats and sips to enjoy for an extra touch of l’amour at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Prepare to be captivated by your tastebuds as you eat your way through this heart-filled day because these bites and drinks aren’t just adorable, they’re delicious too. And the fun doesn’t stop at just the treats. Guests can take the heartfelt vibes home with you with this Disney Love Songs playlist [insert link here] filled with all your favorite ballads!
All Guest need is love, an appetite, and this guide to check out the many Valentine’s Day delights awaiting them!
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
Coral Reef Restaurant (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Le Cellier Steakhouse (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake for Two: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Engagement Ring Cake: Chocolate cake filled with raspberry sauce atop a shortbread cookie complete with a white chocolate engagement ring (Plant-based) (New)
The Hollywood Brown Derby (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet White Chocolate Mousse: Red velvet white chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie (New)
The Trolley Car Café (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream (New)
Resorts
Available at Multiple Resorts Feb. 9 through Feb. 20
Sweetheart Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with hazelnut cream topped with chocolate hazelnut and strawberry buttercream, a white chocolate heart, and strawberry crisp pearls. (New) Available at the following:
Landscapes of Flavor at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Mickey and Minnie Bouquet: Mickey and Minnie red velvet cake with chocolate topped sugar cookies (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14) (New)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Candy Bar: Coconut, apricot, caramel, pistachio, and cashew bar coated with milk chocolate and topped with chai cream, red velvet crumbs, and raspberry gel
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Bakery (available Feb.7 through Feb. 14)
Marshmallow Mountain Cookie: Sugar cookie with a mountain of vanilla marshmallow dipped in white chocolate and finished with Valentine’s sprinkles (New)
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Available individually or in a pack of six (New)
Cannoli, Coconut Macaron, Sugar Cookies, and Mickey Cinnamon Rolls in pink and red colors (New)
Flying Fish (available Feb.11 through Feb. 13)
Cocoa Breach Vanilla Custard: Cocoa breach vanilla custard with milk chocolate bavarois and feuilletine crunch topped with a heart-shaped under a red chocolate disk (New)
Trattoria al Forno (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Porterhouse Beefsteak for Two: Garlic butter, truffled gnocchi gratin, and pancetta brussels sprouts (New)
Cherry Cordial Brownie: Cherry cordial brownie base, chocolate crunch mousse, cherry filling, and amaretto panna cotta (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Steakhouse 71 (available through Feb. 28)
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake: Chocolate chip pancake with a raspberry cream cheese icing, fresh strawberries, and a chocolate strawberry sauce (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available through Feb. 15)
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cherry Blondie Pop: Chocolate cherry blondie pop dipped in dark chocolate (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Scat Cat’s Club (available Feb.1 through Feb. 28)
Mickey Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet drizzled with cinnamon candy drizzle and Valentine’s Day quins with crushed cinnamon candies
Baton Rouge Beignets: Two traditional beignets with cinnamon candy drizzle, Valentine’s Day quins, and crushed cinnamon candies with a pipette of cinnamon whisky
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Cupcake: Strawberry cupcake with chocolate custard filling topped with buttercream, white chocolate hearts, and heart sprinkles (New)
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available Feb. 10 through Feb. 24)
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Hearts of Romance Cake: Strawberry short cake (New)
Marketplace Snacks (available through Feb. 26)
DOLE Whip Chocolate and Strawberry: Chocolate soft-serve swirled with DOLE Whip strawberry garnished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry
The Ganachery (available through Feb. 14)
Sweetheart Minnie Piñata: Chocolate sphere filled with marshmallow and chocolate (New)
Ruby Kiss Bon Bons: Kiss-shaped bonbon made from ruby chocolate (New)
Gorgeous Grey Stuff: Red shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies & cream mousse, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Heart-shaped Butter Cookie: Heart-shaped shortbread cookie with strawberry glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Strawberry Sweet Tea: Black Tea with lemon and sweetened with strawberries (available through Mar. 28) (New)
Galactic Grill (available through Mar. 1)
Spicy Nash Chicken Sandwich: Fried breaded chicken breast smothered in house-made Nashville hot-inspired sauce, with bread-and-butter pickle chips, and mayo on a toasted bun served with choice of Greek yogurt or french fries (New)
Galactic Sunrise Slush: Strawberry limeade with a mix of sliced strawberries and purée served with a light-up glow cube (New)
Sweetheart Sundae: Strawberry, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, strawberry sauce, caramel and chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and red sugar sprinkles topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry (New)
Alien Pizza Planet (available through Mar. 1)
SpaceDip Pizza Slice topped with spinach & artichoke dip, chicken, capicola, and assorted cheeses
Tomorrowland Churro and Pretzel Stands (available through Mar. 1)
Valentine Macaron: Red and white macaron and strawberry buttercream filled with strawberry jam and brownie (New)
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
True Love Sundae: Scoops of vanilla and strawberry ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with strawberry sauce, cherry whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered strawberry
Town Square Churro Stand (available Feb. 1 through Mar. 1)
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite (SOLD OUT)
For those Guests visiting for one of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite events, make sure to bring your appetite! Guests will fall in love with these delicious options like the brand-new My answer is…Churro! or the delicious Star-Berry Cheesecake Shake at Galactic Grill. Make sure to add the Ham and Straw-Brie Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to the list to try this unique twist packed with flavor. For a sweet finish, indulge in the Sweetheart Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café.
Disney California Adventure Park
Lamplight Lounge (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
The Love That Lasts a Life Time Sweet Cocktail: Raspberry rum, liqueur, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice, and raspberry purée (New)
The Flame Spicy Cocktail: Raspberry rum, peach schnapps, mango, and raspberry purées with lime juice and firewater bitters (New)
The Ex Sour & Bitter Cocktail: Citron vodka, lemonade, blackberries, agave, and angostura bitters (New)
Valentine Cocktail Flight: The Ex, The Flame & The Love (New)
Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (available through Feb. 14)
“Bee Mine” Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with cute little chocolate bee
Strawberry Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in pink strawberry-flavored chocolate and drizzled with red chocolate
“Bee Mine” Cereal Treat: Heart-shaped cereal treat dipped in red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with a cute little chocolate bee
Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow wand dipped in caramel and dark chocolate drizzled with red and pink chocolate
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled in white chocolate
Milk Chocolate Swirl Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry swirled in milk, white, and dark chocolate
Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa
GCH Holiday Cart (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Mickey Mouse-shaped Valentine’s Cookies
Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Minnie Mouse-shaped Crisped Rice Treats
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Ombre Macarons
Craftsman Bar (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Tuxedo Strawberry: Raspberry rum, dark crème de cacao, strawberry purée, and half and half served “up” in a chocolate-coated martini glass with strawberry garnish
California Crush: Apple whiskey, strawberry purée, lemon, and agave served with a mint sprig and strawberry heart garnish
Love’s Lantern: Citrus vodka, raspberry Liqueur, and lime garnished with edible flowers and a glow cube
Disneyland Hotel
Coffee House (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Red Velvet Cupcake (New)
Sablé Heart Cookie with raspberry filing (New)
Raspberry Mocha (New)
Iced Raspberry Mocha (New)
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Walt Disney World Resort Guests have been getting used to a brand new system over the course of the last few months.
Disney unveiled Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane services as its new fast pass system last fall, meaning that Guests could pay an extra $15 per person to book reservations for attractions and use the ‘lightning lane’ instead of waiting in the regular queue.
However, the latest feature should prove to be one that is both convenient and necessary for groups traveling to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort alike.
Theme Park Reporter Scott Gustin shared on Twitter that the Walt Disney World app had been updated to now include a linking code feature. This means that Guests who travel with a party, whether that be family or friends, can now easily link their accounts to book Disney Genie+, lightning lane, and dining reservations using a simple QR code.
The Walt Disney World app has been updated and now includes a “linking code” feature to make it easier to connect with family and friends. After you open your QR linking code under My Profile, a friend can scan and link your accounts to book Genie+, Lightning Lane, etc.
The Walt Disney World app has been updated and now includes a “linking code” feature to make it easier to connect with family and friends.
After you open your QR linking code under My Profile, a friend can scan and link your accounts to book Genie+, Lightning Lane, etc. pic.twitter.com/IJWuu8MD1o
If you’ve ever attempted to add family or friends in the previous way, you know that the app can be difficult and locations can be spotty at best. This new feature will make connecting a breeze!
