Disney has received a multi-billion-dollar offer from a media tycoon with a long history of successful acquisitions, and it’s not the tycoon’s first successful business venture with The Walt Disney Company.
Media tycoon Byron Allen, owner of Allen Media Group and Entertainment Studios and a leader in the media industry with a lucrative portfolio of assets and acquisitions, has made a bid to purchase a sector of The Walt Disney Company’s assets.
When Bob Iger returned to the helm at Disney in November 2022, replacing then-CEO Bob Chapek, he did so with a huge mission: to right the financial ship at the company.
Though Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division, which includes Disney’s theme park resorts, has seen continued growth, the pressure is on as Disney’s streaming service–once forecast to be one of the company’s most lucrative and successful ventures–is tanking. Since the streamer first went live on November 12, 2019, Disney+ has yet to turn a profit, having lost more than $11 billion since its debut. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, The Walt Disney Company showed a loss of $512 million.
In July, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the company is willing to sell some of its linear television assets in response to consumers’ growing trend of embracing streaming networks over the more traditional television and cable networks, and, in what Bloomberg described–fittingly–as a “Disney yard sale,” Iger reportedly listed approximately one-third of The Walt Disney Company’s intellectual properties, including some of Disney’s linear television assets, deemed noncore, or not essential for Disney’s growth, by the veteran CEO, such as ABC, FX, and Freeform.
As confirmed by his representative on CBS MoneyWatch, Byron Allen has offered to purchase Disney’s ABC television network, as well as the Disney-owned cable networks FX and National Geographic, for $10 billion. According to Bloomberg, the bid is only a “preliminary” offer and is subject to change at any time.
In 1993, Allen, a comedian, producer, media mogul, and philanthropist, founded the Los Angeles, California-based Entertainment Studios, a division of the Allen Media Group, a global media company. Allen’s enterprise has grown over the years, expanding to encompass offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Entertainment Studios currently owns one of the largest cable network portfolios industry-wide, as Allen has built a highly lucrative empire by adding to his portfolio with a series of acquisitions.
Allen’s company is the owner of ten of the country’s 24-hour HD television networks, including The Weather Channel, Justice Central, Comedy TV, Pets TV, and more. The group also sells advertising for 43 different broadcast and cable television programs and, per the company’s website, has “one of the largest libraries of family and advertiser-friendly lifestyle content in the world.”
In August 2019, Allen partnered personally with the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns and operates–or provides services for–nearly 200 television stations across 86 markets, to strike a deal with Disney. The $10.6 billion deal resulted in Allen’s acquisition of 21 regional sports networks from the Walt Disney/FOX group.
As of the time of this publication, Disney has not released a statement regarding the deal proposed by Byron Allen and Allen Media Group. But the company did respond to news that a definitive deal is in the works between Disney and Nexstar Media Group regarding linear television assets owned by the House of Mouse, with a statement that reads in part:
“While we are open to considering a variety of strategic options for our linear businesses, at this time, The Walt Disney Company has made no decision with respect to the divestiture of ABC or any other property, and any report to that effect is unfounded.”
The previously-announced Figment Little Golden Book has revealed its cover ahead of its January 2024 publication. The book can be preordered now on Amazon.
Figment Little Golden Book
Written and illustrated by Jason Grandt, “Figment” includes lyrics from the Sherman Brothers-penned song “One Little Spark,” and explores the ideas of creativity and imagination.
The cover features the purple dragon in his yellow and red shirt, paintbrush in hand. Dreamfinder on his Dream Mobile can be seen in the background along the top right. The Imagination Pavilion is below, with guests standing around outside it.
While this is Figment’s first Little Golden Book, there have been others released in the past that are related to Disney attractions — including a box set with books based on the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Orange Bird, the Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” Each of these Little Golden Books are also sold individually.
A set of 12 Little Golden Books commemorating the 100th anniversary of Disney as a company was also released in December last year.
Figment has been a staple of EPCOT since 1983, cherished and beloved by guests from past and present. Imagineers Tony Baxter and Steve Kirk led the development of a new, elaborate, adventurous dark ride for all ages at a time in which many visitors felt the park was lacking an experience children could appreciate as much as adults. Journey Into Imagination was born, and a little purple dragon became the central figure, along with the mystical Dreamfinder, who would help riders learn to explore and appreciate the limitless power and potential of their own creative minds.
Our indigo friend has had a rough go of it over the years, enduring three immensely different iterations of the ride to varying degrees of success, failure, love, and pure, loathsome hatred. Generally, the public regards the original version as overwhelmingly superior, the second as one of the worst attractions of all time, with the third and current design somewhere in between. Our full and in-depth Figment history is available here, in honor of Imagination’s 40th anniversary.
As the major overhaul of EPCOT began, it was rumored that a new attraction in the space would feature characters from Pixar’s “Inside Out” alongside Figment, who was featured briefly in an Easter egg in the film; however, no ride change was ever announced. Joy from “Inside Out” does now meet guests in ImageWorks.
While his home attraction continues to see its popularity wane and fade over time, the character continues to expand in popularity and presence across EPCOT and general media. In September 2022, Deadline broke the news that Disney is developing a movie based on Figment. The feature film will be produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures, with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”) serving as writers.
Guests can now meet Figment in person at EPCOT. A new meet and greet featuring the fan-favorite character debuted inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT on September 10.
The Little Golden Book starring the little purple dragon full of imagination will release on January 2, 2024. You can pre-order it now on Amazon.
Over Labor Day weekend, millions of cable viewers suddenly lost access to Disney-owned channels such as ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel. This is where Disney and Charter Spectrum’s dispute began.
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)
This blackout was caused when the Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications couldn’t reach an agreement, refusing to renew their deal regarding the distribution of content.
Customers subscribed to Charter Spectrum’s cable TV service found themselves unable to watch some highly impactful moments, such as the first weekend of this year’s college football season, which is typically regarded as one of the most-watched live TV events.
Many Charter Spectrum customers raced to cancel their subscriptions, finding only inconveniences and wait times of up to three hours, according to one report.
As the dispute continued, the Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications were seemingly at an impasse, each company blaming the other for the situation.
Meanwhile, millions of consumers found themselves unable to watch channels and events (such as upcoming Monday Night Football and Disney entertainment) that they had already paid for.
It’s easy to forget that Disney channels extend farther than the children’s Disney Channel programming; nowadays, the Walt Disney Company owns everything from National Geographic to ABC.
The two relayed in their joint statement:
Our collective goal has always been to build an innovative model for the future. This deal recognizes both the continued value of linear television and the growing popularity of streaming services while addressing the evolving needs of our consumers. We also want to thank our mutual customers for their patience this past week and are pleased that Spectrum viewers once again have access to Disney’s high-quality sports, news and entertainment programming, in time for Monday Night Football.
Now that the Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications have finally reached a new deal, some changes will be made in the coming months.
One of the most notable changes includes a new bundle: customers who purchase the Spectrum TV Select Package will earn the Disney+ Basic ad-supported option.
Not only that, but ESPN+ will also be provided to customers subscribing to Spectrum TV Select Plus.
Immediate changes include restored access to nearly 20 different Disney networks, including the Disney Channel, FX, the Nat Geo Channel, and “the full suite of ESPN networks.” However, some networks will no longer be available for Spectrum TV subscribers, such as Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, and Baby TV.
Disney Cruise Line has revealed its newest ship, the Disney Treasure, with the world premiere of “Unlocking the Disney Treasure.” The ship will embark on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 21, 2024, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral with stops at Castaway Cay. The Treasure, the sister ship to the Disney Wish, will debut with new venues as well as reimagined familiar spaces. Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members can book a Disney Treasure cruise as early as September 12, 2023, and bookings will open to all guests on September 20, 2023.
I recently enjoyed learning about the Disney Treasure aboard the Disney Wish, where Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering Cast Members shared their excitement about what’s coming to the new ship.
Walt Disney had a passion for traveling. For Walt, exploring the world and keeping that spark of curiosity in his spirit was essential.” ~ Grandma Quinn, the narrator from “Unlocking the Disney Treasure.”
1 –Adventure Awaits
The inspiration for Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship is the theme of adventure. Pam Rawlins, Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering, shared that they were inspired by Walt Disney’s love of traveling all around the world. Walt’s spirit of adventure – that’s what’s on the Disney Treasure. While cruising, not only does the ship take you to amazing real-world beautiful places, but also into “fantastical stories [Disney] brings to life on the Disney Treasure.”
“The Disney Treasure will bring brand-new stories to life, blending one-of-a-kind experiences with the extraordinary entertainment, world-class dining and unparalleled hospitality that make every sailing so memorable,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “As we chart a course for adventure, we’re so excited for families to discover the excitement and exploration that awaits onboard the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.”
“Adventure awaits!” ~ Captain Minnie
2 – Sister Ship to the Disney Wish
Since the Disney Treasure is the sister ship to the Disney Wish, which debuted in 2022, guests will find many fan-favorite familiar spaces of the Wish, now themed to adventure. From bow to stem, the entire ship immerses guests in Disney storytelling inspired by beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar and Disney Parks adventures to life like never before. The spaces onboard the Disney Treasure will invite guests to step into colorful plazas in Mexico, navigate the many winding rivers of the world, dive below the ocean’s surface, and more. Adventure awaits guests on the Disney Treasure.
Brand New Dining & Entertainment
Adventures from the vibrant, heartfelt worlds of Disney and Pixar will lend inspiration for two venues onboard the Disney Treasure. Marvel Fans will enjoy a new exclusive show aboard the Disney Treasure.
3 – Plaza de Coco
When it was announced that a new and first-of-its-kind theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco” was coming to the Disney Treasure, there were many cheers in our theater! It’s so exciting to see “Coco” get some serious love from Disney and guests aboard the Treasure will be able to enjoy two unique dining experiences during their seven-night cruises at Plaza de Coco.
This theater-in-the-round entertainment venue will feature dining tables surrounding a central stage, with performances and show effects that will spread throughout the room. The story of Miguel and his familia will continue where it left off on screen as they gather in Mariachi Plaza to take guests on a colorful, music-filled journey that celebrates family memories and togetherness with a dinner menu of modern twists on traditional Mexican fare and a lineup of live entertainment. Families will be invited to join Miguel, his parents, Enrique and Luisa, and Abuelita Elena for a festive gathering that honors the heritage of music and love that runs deep in the Rivera family.
Families will also gather for a second night of food and entertainment at Plaza de Coco, where Miguel will reunite with his great-great grandparents, Hector and Mama Imelda, by transporting them to the town square in Santa Cecilia with the help of his magic guitar. Together, Miguel and his ancestors will celebrate Día de los Muertos – Rivera family style, with a unique lineup of memorable songs from the film.
4 – Jumbeaux’s Sweets
Next, the sweetshop, Jumbeaux’s Sweets, will be reminiscent of the popular ice cream parlor, Jumbeaux Café, from the bustling mammal metropolis featured in Disney’s “Zootopia.” Surrounded by playful pink interiors, Victorian-style architecture and an endearing sculpture of Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, guests will be served humor and heart by the cone full. From bunnies and elephants to sloths and foxes, all are welcome to indulge in more than 20 flavors of handmade gelato, 16 flavors of ice cream and sorbets, specialty treats, candies and more.
5 – Worlds of Marvel – New Exclusive 2nd Show on the Disney Treasure
Another exciting dining adventure on the Disney Treasure will be Worlds of Marvel, Disney Cruise Line’s immersive Marvel-themed dining experience. This fan-favorite show, which debuted on the Disney Wish, celebrates favorite Avengers characters and stories, including an amazing interaction with Spider-Man. Because of the seven-night itineraries, the Disney Treasure will offer an exclusive second show, menu, and special entertainment, all inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We loved our time at Worlds of Marvel on the Disney Wish and are very excited to check out the second show on the Disney Treasure.
Disney Theme Park Adventures on the High Seas
For the first time, the nostalgia and lore from beloved theme park attractions will come to Disney Cruise Line with a unique lineup of Disney Parks-inspired venues aboard the Disney Treasure.
6 – Skipper Society
Fans of Disney Parks’ iconic Jungle Cruise will be thrilled to learn that a new themed lounge near the Grand Hall, Skipper Society, is coming to the Disney Treasure. Nothing says adventure more than the Jungle Cruise and its trusty, dry-witted skippers who lead world-famous tours across treacherous waterways. It’s the first time Disney will bring the attraction to sea. The Skipper Society will offer natural colorways and camp-style furnishings, paired with sly tributes to the Skippers, which will offer an elevated yet playful atmosphere. Guests will discover references to the famous attraction throughout the space, from a whimsical monkey-shaped chandelier to postcards and luggage tags brought back from travels abroad. Beneath a canopy of untamed jungle foliage, guests will indulge in themed cocktails and light snacks and enjoy live entertainment.
We heard from Daniel Cowan, Senior Manager, Dining Standards and Service Excellence, Disney Cruise Line, who shared they have exciting food and beverages planned, including a hand-held waffle that looks amazing. It will be a different experience than, say, Trader Sam’s at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
7 – Periscope Pub
Another announcement that brought cheers was that Disney Cruise Line will debut the Periscope Pub. The lounge will become Disney Cruise Line’s first venue inspired by the spellbinding adventure of Walt Disney’s 1954 film, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and the celebrated Disney Parks attraction that was open at Walt Disney World from 1971 to 1994.
During our time on the Wish, we had the chance to experience this space and see what it would be like on the Disney Treasure with a Virtual Reality headset. The design of the submarine-style interiors will call upon 19th-century steampunk influences with polished metals and industrial touches throughout. The colors and design of the space are fantastic all the way down to the rug, which will be embroidered with a bold print to honor Captain Nemo’s fabled nemesis, the giant squid. The coolest spot in the space is the entire ceiling, where you can look out and see the ocean since you’ve been transported under the sea! This casual venue will be the ideal onboard locale for guests to unwind and watch live sports, news, and major broadcast events while ordering from a menu of craft brews and light bites.
8 – Paging Mr. Morrow
The last space on the Disney Treasure is inspired not by a theme park attraction but an entire theme park! The Tomorrow Tower Suite is inspired by the Walt Disney World Resort theme park, EPCOT, with an energetic design that embraces the adventures of the future. Throughout the suite, dynamic art pieces, molten metal accents, and futuristic, colorful glass accents will evoke the distinct atmosphere of EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood. Set high in the ship’s forward funnel, and this one-of-a-kind suite will overlook the top deck of the Disney Treasure and glimpse the unbounded open horizon through an expansive two-story window. With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, the Tomorrow Tower Suite will comfortably sleep eight guests and feature designated areas for eating, sleeping, and playing, as well as other perks like a full kitchen and private ensuite elevator.
“Every adventure holds its own special kind of treasure.” ~ Grandma Quinn, the narrator of “Unlocking the Disney Treasure.”
Classic Disney Adventures in Familiar Spaces
There’s more adventure on the Disney Treasure with reimagined areas from classic Disney adventures.
9 – The Grand Hall
The Grand Hall is the heart of a Disney Cruise Line ship, and every space is unique. The Grand Hall of the Disney Treasure will embody the ship’s theme of adventure, with statues and décor that call on the gilded palace and wonder of Agrabah from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic tale, “Aladdin.” The space will serve as the ship’s most prominent gathering space and will offer its own dedicated entertainment moments and surprises.
The Grand Hall is another area where we were able to view what the Grand Hall will look like on the Disney Treasure. The colors are so rich and deep. We’re especially excited for the statue of Aladdin, Jasmine, and Magic Carpet that appears to float in the air. There are always great activities in the Grand Hall, and this “Aladdin” themed area is perfect for the Disney Treasure.
New Casual Walk-Up Cafes
Just off the Grand Hall, two casual walk-up cafes will serve a selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and snacks. With brand-new themes, these elevated environments draw inspiration from two brave Disney Princesses – Moana and Mulan – and celebrate their adventures in all-new ways.
11 – Jake Cricket Café
Jade Cricket Café, inspired by the classic Disney film “Mulan,” will honor the Fa Family’s “lucky” cricket, Cri-Kee, who will be represented by a jade sculpture on the bar top. From the central moon gate to the plum blossom flowers adorning the walls, symbols of Mulan’s strength, beauty, and heritage can be found throughout the café’s design. The striking blue walls and glimmering metallic counters will also be reminiscent of Mulan’s armor.
12 – Heihei Cafe
Named for Moana’s trusty sidekick, Heihei Café will echo the scalloped seashells and reflective blue waters of the storied Southern Pacific Isle of Motunui as it’s portrayed in Disney’s animated feature “Moana.” The venue will feature furniture stylings that pay homage to a traditional construction technique used by the Polynesian people to craft seafaring vessels and offer an idyllic place for guests to energize their morning, regardless of how far they go during their next adventure.
10 – AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg
The AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line’s attraction at sea, debuted on the Disney Wish. Disney Cruise Line is bringing the AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg to the Disney Treasure. Guests will experience an all-new adventure that follows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany misadventure into an ancient temple. Guests will journey with the pair as they embark on a tour of mysterious ruins for a glimpse of the legendary treasure within and encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and booby traps that take the trek in unexpected directions. Suspended high above the upper decks, powerful jets will propel two-person ride vehicles through 760 feet of winding tubes, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the ship below.
11 – Sarabi
Fans of the Disney Wish’s Luna will love the redesigned space on the Disney Treasure. Sarabi will be the central hub for a multitude of daytime activities and adult-exclusive evening entertainment and will evoke the natural beauty and openness of the savanna where its namesake, the lioness matriarch from Disney’s “The Lion King,” lived.
12 – Adventurous Accommodations
Finally, the artful accommodations aboard the Disney Treasure will be inspired by classic Disney tales of adventure. The 1,256 staterooms onboard will feature custom artwork and design elements that evoke the exploratory spirit of beloved Disney and Pixar films including “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” “Up” and “Encanto,” while the concierge and royal suites will bring to life the incredible character journeys – and some beloved feline sidekicks – from “The Lion King,” “The Jungle Book” and “Aladdin.”
Actor and funny man Dick Van Dyke, best known for breathing life into the roles of Bert the chimney sweep in Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964) alongside actress Julie Andrews and Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) alongside the talented Mary Tyler Moore, has spent the majority of his lifetime in front of a camera.
Beginning in 1947, Van Dyke and his partner performed a comedy pantomime act. The duo called themselves the Merry Mutes. Throughout much of the 1950s, he appeared on game shows and variety shows on television, but in 1959, his Broadway debut took him to the next step in his career, ultimately serving as his springboard to success. Van Dyke was cast in the Broadway revue The Girls Against the Boys before finally winning the lead role as Albert Peterson in the musical Bye Bye Birdie–a role he played from 1960 to 1961.
Van Dyke’s success with Bye Bye Birdie led to his being cast as comedy writer Rob Petrie in the comedy series The Dick Van Dyke Show, created by Carl Reiner. The show received 15 Emmy Awards, and Van Dyke’s performance garnered three of them (1964–66). It remained popular in syndication, and the character of Rob Petrie is perhaps the role with which Van Dyke is most associated.
Dick Van Dyke’s career only continued to grow from there. Today, the beloved actor is 97 years old and has a huge following among fans, both young and old. Earlier this year, Van Dyke made a special appearance on The Masked Singer, delighting fans and bringing one judge to tears.
For all his talents and abilities, Van Dyke has amassed a massive $50 million fortune. And he has no plans to try to take it with him. Instead, he’s blowing the money as fast as he can in the time he still has left.
Van Dyke is the patriarch of a big family that includes his much younger wife, Arlene, who’s 46 years his junior–something that really worried him in the months before he married her. He also has four children from his 36-year marriage to his first wife, Margie, who passed away nearly 40 years ago. He also boasts eight grandkids and eight great-grandkids. And those who know him best say Dick Van Dyke is doling out his dough–his $50 million nest egg–among them all.
“All it takes is for them to say they want anything, and it’s theirs,” said an insider during an interview.
But Van Dyke, who will turn 100 years old in 2025, isn’t reserving his funds for family only. His “geriatric generosity” has been witnessed by others as well who say Van Dyke has a benevolent heart for others.
In 2022, the famed funny man was seen handing out cash to the homeless in California near his Malibu home.
“He’s got more than enough money and he’d rather share it while he’s alive,” the insider added.
In March 2023, news of Van Dyke’s involvement in a car crash in Malibu, California, made the rounds–but not until nearly one week after the accident. Officers were reportedly called to the scene of the crash, and when they arrived, they discovered a silver Lexus had collided with a gate. Behind the wheel was the veteran Mary Poppins (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) actor Dick Van Dyke.
A spokesperson with the Malibu Police Department confirmed that Van Dyke suffered injuries as a result of the accident, though they were reportedly minor. Following the crash, the famed actor’s wife of more than a decade, Arlene Silver, was reportedly forced to make the difficult decision to take the beloved actors’ keys from him for good.
But the award-winning actor hasn’t let his age stop him, and according to RadarOnline, Van Dyke continually ignores others’ warnings about taking it easy and slowing down at his age.
Van Dyke is “determined to maintain his independence,” snitched the source, who also claimed the actor is allegedly saying that “everyone needs to butt out and leave him to enjoy the time he has left however he wants,” and, apparently, the actor feels the same way about blowing his fortune.
