Disney’s Wyoming Ranch Can’t Find a Buyer

Earlier this year, a ranch owned by Walt Disney came up on the market for sale and was listed for $71 million.  Pocket change, right? It seems no one else agrees, either. It’s been months, and the ranch hasn’t been sold. To put it in context, Real Estate News says that the average home in the United States is on the market for just 22 days before it sells. With the market the way it is currently, usually, a seller has their pick of multiple offers to choose from. Not so with the Disney Wyoming Ranch. 

The property just lowered its price by $10 million. It’s now on the market for a cool $61 million. If you’ve got the cash, you could own a piece of Disney history! From Architectural Digest, “About 90 minutes from Jackson Hole and half an hour from Yellowstone National Park, Diamond G Ranch outside Dubois, Wyoming, is surrounded by national forestland, with 11,000-foot-high mountain peaks framing it on three sides. The 5,000-acre property includes a main lodge with five bedrooms and a huge stone fireplace, as well as two log cabins, a barn with a second-floor office, and a 1,500-square-foot manager’s house with three bedrooms.” 

Disney ranch

The property, which has been called the most secluded property in the lower 48 states, was held by Retlaw Enterprises, a holdings entity  Walt established to oversee the rights to his name and to manage Disneyland attractions. Does the holdings company’s name give you Yensid vibes? It should. “Retlaw” is Walter spelled backward.

Disney ranch

The property’s inability to sell is puzzling, given how absolutely gorgeous it is. We know there’s a Disney lover out there somewhere that would love to own this piece of Disney history. This would be the perfect piece of land to live out your John Dutton dreams, too (ok, that’s not a Disney reference but… if you know, you know). We just have one request- remember who told you about it and invite us for a visit after you buy it! 

Disney Stock Tanks After Bob Chapek Touts “Record Results”

On November 8, The Walt Disney Company held its 4th Quarter Earnings Call. During the call, Disney CEO Bob Chapek offered a very positive outlook on the numbers, calling this year some of Disney’s “best storytelling yet” and reports revealed that Disney had made a mind-boggling $28 billion profit. Chapek also revealed that Disney added more than 12 million subscribers to its Disney+ and streaming platforms worldwide and that the streamer was still on target to be profitable by 2024.

Disney Parks, Products, and Experiences were some of the most profitable areas for Disney, but that could simply be because Disney is charging sky-high prices and offering less, so, naturally, Guest spending will be up.

Even though Disney+ added millions of subscribers, the “revenue-per-user” came in under what analysts were predicting. Disney also shared that Disney+ subscriber growth is expected to fall in the next quarter. Disney’s consumer products numbers also came in below expectations, which caused Disney’s stock to take a massive hit after the Earnings call. The stock market as a whole took a slight hit, but Disney seemed to get hammered.

Here’s more on Disney’s underperformance and what could have caused it, via MarketWatch:

Disney executives blamed a number of factors for the revenue miss, including lower content sales because they had fewer theatrical films on the calendar; underperformance of the parks and media divisions; and seasonality of its fourth quarter, which tends to be the lowest for margins.

In a conference call Tuesday afternoon, though, Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy suggested that revenue and profit growth will slow to single digits on a percentage basis in the current fiscal year, missing Wall Street’s expectations. Analysts’ average revenue projection for Disney in the new fiscal year suggested revenue growth of about 13.9% and operating-income growth of roughly 17.4%, according to FactSet.

After-hours trading saw Disney’s stock take a 10% drop before finally closing down 6.8%. When regular trading ended, the stock was only down .5%, so the Earnings call is most likely responsible for the hard hit.

It has been a rough year for Disney, whose stocks are down more than 35% from last year’s numbers.

UPDATE: Tropical Storm Nicole

As of last night:

Update: Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

We are continuing to closely monitor Hurricane Nicole. While this schedule could change, we are planning for a phased reopening beginning tomorrow, Nov. 10, based on current projections.

THEME PARKS

  • Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will reopen in a phased approach beginning at noon tomorrow, Nov. 10. Planned theme park operating hours for tomorrow, Nov. 10, are:
    • Magic Kingdom Park: Noon to 6 p.m. (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled for 7 p.m. to midnight.)
    • EPCOT: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fantasmic! will not be presented tomorrow, Nov. 10, due to the production setup.)
  • Transportation to theme parks will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled reopening time.
  • Reservations for bookable experiences within the theme parks will resume at the scheduled park reopening time.

DISNEY SPRINGS

  • Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening at noon tomorrow, Nov. 10.
  • Disney Bus transportation to Disney Springs will resume at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 10.

WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF

  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf remain closed tomorrow, Nov. 10, and may reopen Friday, Nov. 11.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Nov. 10, and may reopen Friday, Nov. 11 (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed).

RESORTS

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is anticipated to reopen tomorrow, Nov. 10, following an assessment of storm impacts. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be canceled tomorrow, Nov. 10.
  • The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will reopen for Guests checking in tomorrow, Nov. 10.
  • At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
  • As previously shared, character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.

Update: Nov. 9 at 11 a.m.

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Walt Disney World is planning to make the following operational adjustments as we continue to prioritize the safety of our cast members and guests during the storm:

THEME PARKS

  • Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will have a phased closure today, Nov. 9, beginning at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10. Resort Guests are encouraged to enjoy food and beverage options at the theme parks prior to returning to their Disney Resort hotel. Theme parks will likely not reopen at their regularly scheduled time tomorrow, Nov. 10.
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with last dining reservations at 5 p.m.
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. with last dining reservations at 6 p.m.
    • Magic Kingdom Park: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Be Our Guest Restaurant, The Diamond Horseshoe, Liberty Tree Tavern and Cinderella’s Royal Table will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
    • EPCOT: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Monsieur Paul, Space 220 Restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill Restaurant will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.

WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed.)
  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10.

STAR WARS: GALACTIC STARCRUISER

  • The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin tomorrow, Nov. 10, will be canceled. We are contacting Guests with reservations.

RESORTS

  • Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be required to depart by 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternate accommodations. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be canceled tonight, Nov. 9.
  • Guests staying at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be required to depart by today, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternative accommodations.
  • At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
  • Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10, so we can accommodate more Resort Guests staying at these locations for breakfast.

DISNEY SPRINGS

  • Disney Springs will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations at 6:30 p.m. Disney Springs will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.
  • Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will operate until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 9.

EVENTS & SPECTACULARS

  • As previously shared, extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be canceled today, Nov. 9.
  • To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be canceled today, Nov. 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise will be canceled tonight, Nov. 9.

Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Travel agents can now modify or cancel online for the impacted period and fees will be automatically waived.

For the most up-to-date information about the weather, visit the Weather Updates and Information page on DisneyWorld.com.

More than 30 Super Heroes and Villains assemble for Marvel Day at Sea in 2023

Whether our guests are a lifelong fan or newcomer to the Marvel Universe, they’ll be sure to embark on an epic vacation when fan-favorite Super Heroes and Villains assemble in all-new ways aboard Marvel Day at Sea sailings in early 2023.

Setting sail January through March from Miami, Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series with the excitement of a Disney cruise.

Disney Cruise Line guests will assemble on the Disney Magic to celebrate the epic adventures of the Marvel Universe’s mightiest Super Heroes and Super Villains in a brand-new, day-long event: Marvel Day at Sea. The event kicks off on seven special sailings from New York City in the fall of 2017, followed by eight special voyages from Miami departing January through April 2018. The celebration combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of Disney Cruise Line entertainment to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for the adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

During this one action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, guests will get to experience all-day entertainment including meet-and-greets, stage shows, film and TV screenings, special merchandise, themed food and beverage offerings, and activities for every member of the family.

For the first time ever, more than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters andlive entertainment throughout the event:

  • Guests can interact with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, including the debut of Captain America Sam WilsonMighty ThorShang-ChiMarvelAnt-Man and the WaspKate Bishop and more. Returning fan-favorites include Spider-ManIron ManBlack PantherCaptain MarvelThorLoki and Black Widow.
  • A brand-new take on “Heroes Unite” — the signature nighttime spectacular featuring special effects, stunts and pyrotechnics — will assemble an unprecedented line-up of Marvel characters for a time-warping, multiverse-spanning adventure. The action will culminate in an epic battle with never-before-seen villains on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
  • New in the Walt Disney Theatre, “Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular” will keep guests and their families on the edge of their seats with demonstrations of the power of the mystic arts. The show will feature Doctor Strange, the powerful witch Agatha Harkness and the first-ever appearance of Sorcerer Supreme Wong.
  • Young recruits will sharpen their super hero skills during an all-new, interactive training experience with Captain America Steve Rogers, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Kate Bishop held on the upper decks and in the kids’ club.

Returning to Marvel Day at Sea, families are invited to suit up as their favorite Marvel Super Hero or Villain for an exciting costume bash; join favorite Disney friends for a high-energy party on the upper decks during Mickey and Minnie’s Super Hero Celebration; dance the night away with Star-Lord and Gamora at the adult-exclusive Ravagers Dance Party; and more. 

Disney Cruise Ships Forced to Alter Course Due to Strong Subtropical Storm

On Wednesday, November 9, Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to hit Florida, with near hurricane-strength winds. While the term “subtropical” may not sound as bad as tropical, a subtropical storm can be just as dangerous — with the term meaning that the strongest winds are not located close to the center of the storm and the storm has less symmetry. Currently, Subtropical Storm Nicole is making her way through the Caribbean and the state of Florida is under a Hurricane watch.

Nicole sitting in the Caribbean is causing some major problems for the Disney Cruise Line. All the ships in Disney’s fleet — the Disney Magic, the Disney Dream, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Fantasy, and its newest ship, the Disney Wish — sail through the Caribbean and stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, some sailings have to be altered and Guests will no longer be able to spend time on the gorgeous Castaway Cay beaches.

Castaway Cay

Guests aboard the Disney Dream were set to leave port on Monday, November 7, and head through the tropics for a 5-night voyage. However, when Guests boarded the ship, they were given the following notice.

Dear Disney Dream Guest, 

We are glad that you have joined us aboard the Disney Dream. 

As you may be aware, Subtropical Storm Nicole is currently located in the Eastern Caribbean and is forecasted to move through the Bahamas later this week. We have been closely monitoring the storm system to ensure our Guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises.

While we plan to sail from PortMiami today as scheduled, it is necessary to make some changes to your sailing to make certain out ships steer clear of the storm. Below is the revised itinerary of your sailing. 

  • Monday – Miami, Florida
  • Tuesday – Day at Sea (previously Castaway Cay)
  • Wednesday – Day at Sea
  • Thursday – Cozumel, Mexico
  • Friday – Day at Sea
  • Saturday – Miami, Florida

Any pre-reserved Port Adventures in Castaway Cay will be automatically removed from your stateroom account. If you are interested in reserving additional experiences ashore in Cozumel, you may do so once on-board the ship through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

We appreciate your understanding regarding this necessary itinerary change and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable sailing. 

Sincerely, 

The Cast & Crew