Disney-Apple Partnership Officially Goes Into Effect February 2

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

A Disney-Apple partnership more than six months in the making will officially go into effect in just a few days, on February 2, per an announcement from Apple Inc. via press release this week.

Since November 2022, just days after The Walt Disney Company’s board of directors removed then-CEO Bob Chapek, replacing him with veteran CEO Bob Iger, media outlets began to overflow with news about a potential merger of The Walt Disney Company, purveyor of theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TV shows, and films, and Apple, tech purveyor and creator of the Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple TV+, and the iPhone.

Iger’s return was an attempt by Disney’s board to stop the bleed at the company that started in the months following one of the most challenging times in Mouse House history–one that began in early 2020 when unexpected global pandemic that rendered Disney Parks non-operational, and hasn’t let up since that time.

empty magic kingdom

But Iger’s reinstatement didn’t bring about instant change–not by a long shot.

Challenges presented by the parks’ extended closures, combined with poor box office returns, less-than-optimal revenue across various divisions of The Walt Disney Company, and a major upheaval between Disney and the State of Florida’s legislature created the perfect storm for Walt’s beloved company, as well as for the Disney CEO–perfect for spelling near-disaster.

And while most Disney fans applauded the board’s decision to remove Chapek from his post and reinstall Iger, they also knew that such a move on the part of Disney’s board meant that things at the House of Disney were likely far more dire than anyone realized.

Perhaps that understanding is what gave way to the instant interest in a buyout of Disney by Apple. One analyst’s claims that Iger had spoken of selling the company, only adding fuel to the fire.

In the days following Chapek’s removal, the media frenzy centered largely on the speculation about plans by the reinstated Disney CEO Bob Iger for Disney going forward. Gone were the days of “business as usual,” of that much, fans were assured. But more questions–followed by even more speculation–followed:

If things are so bad at Disney that the board brought back the tried-and-true Iger, what happens next?

The claims of that anonymous outspoken “insider” seemed like a well-fitting piece of the puzzle.

Shortly after the world ushered in 2023, talk of a potential Apple takeover of Disney was silenced by the events of the time, namely a Disney Company earnings call on February 8 that took even Wall Street’s finest by surprise.

In his first earnings call since his return, Iger took charge of the Wednesday afternoon meeting alongside then-CFO Christine McCarthy. Following Iger’s run-through of Disney’s financials, including information about revenue categorized by divisions at the company, the extent of Disney’s dire straits became glaringly more obvious.

Iger announced a complete overhaul and restructuring at Disney, effective immediately, before delving into the specifics of a cost-cutting initiative, also effective immediately, aimed at trimming $5.5 billion in expenditures at the company. The plan included the layoffs of 7,000 employees, and according to upper management, no one knew who would be let go, and no one was safe.

Only weeks later, Disney’s up-tops were told to compile a list of their “useless” and “replaceable” employees in preparation for the layoffs.

Then, in three lashes of layoffs, one that was referred to as a bloodbath, The Walt Disney Company purged itself of those worthless employees once and for all.

Never did the company seem so ripe for a buyout, and news about Apple’s interest in Disney slowly began to infiltrate the headlines yet again.

In June 2023, Apple and Disney announced an upcoming partnership. It’s the first time a representative from either company had spoken publicly about such a proposition. But the announcement had nothing to do with an Apple buyout of Disney. Instead, Disney had something that Apple needed.

Apple introduced its first virtual reality (VR) project, called Apple Vision Pro, which the company describes as a “spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment.”

apple vision pro disney plus

Disney would be instrumental to the way people “enjoy entertainment,” per a partnership that would see Disney’s best content available on Apple’s newest $3500 gadget. According to announcements from both companies, Disney+ would be available on the new VR headset from Apple.

For some, the announcement served to peacefully quell the “wonder-ifs” about Apple taking over Disney. But for others, the Apple Vision Pro announcement only bolstered speculation about a takeover, even giving credence to it.

In a press release on Monday, Apple announced the rollout of its Apple Vision Pro VR headset, setting the availability date as February 2, 2024. Pre-orders began on January 19, 2024.

Per the announcement from Apple:

apple vision pro

Apple today announced Apple Vision Pro will be available beginning Friday, February 2, at all U.S. Apple Store locations and the U.S. Apple Store online.

Vision Pro is a revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment. Vision Pro seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial experiences in visionOS, controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.

An all-new App Store provides users with access to more than 1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS, as well as new experiences that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Vision Pro. Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro begin Friday, January 19, at 5:00 a.m. PST.

mickey mouse apple vision pro

“The era of spatial computing has arrived,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

Ah ha! There’s the Disney keyword: magical. Could it be that this Disney-Apple partnership is only the first leg of the journey toward a full acquisition of The Walt Disney Company by Apple? After all, Apple owns the Vision Pro, and Disney’s content will stream on an Apple-owned device, thanks to the new partnership, not the other way around.

For the answer to that question, fans and Wall Street analysts alike will simply have to wait and watch. Things that transpire after February 2, 2024, may tell more of the story, assuming there’s one to tell in the first place.

Tony Award-Winning Singer, Broadway Star & Frequent Disney Parks Guest Dead at Age 91

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

The crown of Broadway has lost one of its most cherished jewels, as Tony Award-winning singer, dancer, and Broadway star Chita Rivera has died. The dancing pioneer was 91.

Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 1933, the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera, as she would come to be known professionally, began taking ballet classes at the age of 11 at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet. Four years later, an instructor from the George Balanchine School of American Ballet visited the Haywood School, and 15-year-old Rivera was one of only two students chosen to audition in New York City.

Her audition was successful, and she was accepted into the school and awarded a scholarship.

Between 1951 and 1956, Rivera auditioned and landed numerous roles in popular Broadway shows, including Call Me Madam, Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Mr. Wonderful, and Seventh Heaven. But in 1957, Rivera was cast in West Side Story as Anita, and her performance served as the springboard for her career as a Broadway star.

chita rivera in west side story on broadway

Later, Rivera played the role of Rose in Bye Bye Birdie alongside actor Dick Van Dyke, a performance that would land her a Tony Award nomination. Ms. Rivera also appeared in Bajour on Broadway before landing a television role in The Outer Limits. Following those roles, Rivera was approached by Norman Petty, a legendary music producer in New York who saw Rivera’s performance in Bajour and wanted the actress to sign with Dot Records.

Petty was persuasive, and in 1965, Chita Rivera released her first single with the label. One year later, a second single followed.

chita rivera dick van dyke bye bye birdie

In 1988, Rivera was in a near-fatal car accident that crushed her right leg, but she rebounded quickly and got back to Broadway as though the accident had never happened.

Rivera continued her Broadway and acting career over the years, and her credits, accolades, and awards were many, not the least of which was among her highest achievements: receiving a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom bestowed on her by then-President Barack Obama in 2009, and receiving the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018.

Rivera was the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor.

In 2015, at the age of 82, Rivera was still dancing on Broadway in The Visit. At the time, she was quoted as saying, “I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t moving or telling a story to you or singing a song. That’s the spirit of my life, and I’m really so lucky to be able to do what I love, even at this time in my life.”

Chita Rivera was a Celebrity Narrator at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional at the Walt Disney World Resort several times with her most recent appearances being in 2021 and 2022.

chita rivera candlelight processional

The Broadway star’s death was first announced by her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who said her mother died in New York following a brief illness. She is survived by her daughter and her siblings. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends at this time.

Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser is Coming Back in a Huge Way

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World Resort was undoubtedly one of Disney’s most ambitious and groundbreaking ventures. With its innovative concept and immersive offerings, this boutique hotel captured the hearts and imaginations of Star Wars fans from around the world. However, much to the dismay of enthusiasts, the doors of this extraordinary establishment were regrettably closed last year, leaving a void in the hearts of Star Wars lovers everywhere.

Now, months after the Halcyon Starcruiser’s final voyage, the experience is being revived in a huge way.

From the moment it was announced, the Galactic Starcruiser had enticed fans with the promise of an unparalleled journey into the Star Wars universe. Disney’s vision for the Galactic Starcruiser experience was to create an otherworldly immersive entertainment escape where guests could truly find themselves in the story and feel like they were part of an epic space adventure. The level of detail and craftsmanship Walt Disney Imagineering put into every aspect of the hotel was truly commendable, showcasing the Disney Parks commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

One of the highlights of the Galactic Starcruiser was undoubtedly the interactive experiences it offered to each guest. Guests had the opportunity to embark on missions, interact with iconic Star Wars characters, and participate in thrilling adventures on the ship and at the Galaxys Edge theme park. Whether it was learning the ways of the Force from a Jedi Master or engaging in a lightsaber battle, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder.

Now, despite the ride being closed, fans will once again be able to experience these phenomenons.

guests on the galactic starcruiser

A new fan event called Halcy-Con is coming to the Orlando Florida area this year. The website describes it as “a new fan experience,” saying:

“Make no mistake, this is no traditional convention event. Halcy-Con will be a boutique playground of various fun and informative activities, all created and hosted BY Galactic Starcruiser superfans FOR Galactic Starcruiser superfans. And just like a cruise aboard Galactic Starcruiser, this special fan celebration is designed for less than 500 attendees, so be sure to purchase your event badges right away! Gather your crew, bring your characters back to life once more and we’ll see you at Halcy-Con 2024, a Galactic Starcruiser superfans celebration!”

Just four hours after tickets went on sale, Halcy-Con sold out.

For those fans lucky enough to snag a spot, this event is looking to be a once in a lifetime experience for Star Wars lovers. 

Walt Disney World Resort Significantly Reduces Park Operation Hours

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort is renowned for its four extraordinary theme parks that offer a magical experience to visitors of all ages. These enchanting parks usually open their gates bright and early in the morning, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a day of whimsical adventures. The magic also doesn’t stop when the sun sets, as the theme park hours extend into the late hours of the night, ensuring that visitors maximize their time and create unforgettable memories.

All four parks are open for at least 10 hours a day, ensuring a long day of play for guests visiting. While the standard operating hours of the theme parks provide ample opportunity for exploration, it’s worth noting that there are occasions when these hours may deviate from the norm.

Whether it’s an early theme park entry or extended evening hours, there are plenty of reasons why park hours might change. One such instance is when special events take place within the resort that require theme park ticket holders to leave earlier than normal.

Best snack at Disney World Kernel Kitchen

Tonight, for instance, the parks will be closing their gates earlier than usual to accommodate a special event dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the remarkable efforts of the cast members. This event serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the magical atmosphere that Disney is known for.

By giving the cast members a chance to be celebrated and acknowledged, Disney reinforces its commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its employees.

It’s important for visitors to be aware that these occasional alterations in park hours are temporary and are done with the intention of ensuring the best experience for everyone involved. While it may mean that a particular day’s theme park hours are slightly shorter than usual, it allows for a meaningful celebration of the incredible individuals who bring the magic to life.

The park’s operating hours for today, January 29, 2024, are as follows:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park

8:30 am to 9:00 pm

EPCOT

9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Magic Kingdom Park

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

big thunder mountain at magic kingdom

Beyond these temporary changes, guests can typically expect the theme parks to provide a delightful escapade from morning to night. Each park offers a unique and captivating atmosphere, brimming with thrilling rides, enchanting shows, and beloved Disney characters. These modified park hours should return to normal as the week continues.

Ultimately, Walt Disney World Resort ensures that there are ample opportunities to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime, regardless of the changed hours. The occasional alteration of park hours for special events only serves to underscore the commitment to excellence and create an atmosphere where both guests and cast members can genuinely feel the magic of the Disney experience.

U.S. State Department Issues New Warning Against Certain Disney Vacations

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent warning for Americans that will have some guests rescheduling or completely canceling their dream Disney vacations.

Some fans find room in their schedules and their budgets to take Disney vacations more than once a year. Others only enjoy a Disney vacation every few years, and some plan and save for years to be able to take a magical Disney trip for the very first time.

But whether they book a Disney vacation once a month, once a year, or once in a lifetime, discovering that circumstances beyond their control will keep them from enjoying everything they’ve looked forward to in a Disney vacation can be extremely disappointing. It might be the closure of a favorite attraction because of routine scheduled maintenance or the forever closure of a ride experience to make way for a new attraction.

Sometimes, the closure is across an entire Disney theme park resort or a Disney Cruise Line experience in response to an active hurricane in the Atlantic basin. And though Disney works with guests to assist them in rescheduling their dream vacations, finding out that a Disney trip must be postponed or canceled entirely can be very upsetting.

Occasionally, a much more serious–and far less understood–situation can lead to the cancellation of a Disney vacation.

In October 2023, the federal government issued a Level 4 travel warning for Disney Parks guests and other Americans traveling outside the United States. Those affected by the warning included Disney Parks fans traveling to Disney’s international parks, including Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disney Resort.

hong kong disneyland castle of magical dreams

The warning was initially issued by the U.S. State Department on October 19, 2023, in response to escalating tensions across the globe, especially in light of the Hamas-Israel conflict that had begun just 13 days earlier.

Now, a new warning has been issued by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs against travel to another popular Disney vacation destination.

The State Department has just issued a serious warning for Americans traveling to The Bahamas, which affects Disney fans boarding a Disney Cruise Line ship bound for the island country–and more specifically, to Disney’s private island destination, Castaway Cay. Per the advisory, travelers who proceed to The Bahamas despite the situation should practice extreme caution.

Castaway Cay

Per the State Department, the new warning against travel to The Bahamas is in response to violent crimes that have taken place since the beginning of the new year. In the month of January 2024 alone, according to law enforcement, 18 murders involving “gang-on-gang violence” have taken place in The Bahamas, but the risk of other violent crimes is present as well.

The warning from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reads as follows:

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.

In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street), where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crimes, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.   

The State Department includes helpful tips and travel advice useful for any United States citizen who decide to proceed with travel plans that include The Bahamas:

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:  

As of the time of this publication, Disney Cruise Line has 275 cruise offerings that include travel to The Bahamas.

Because the State Department’s advisory was issued in response to violent crime in the country, it’s not known how long it will remain in place or whether the risk level involved will increase, leading to stronger warnings or travel restrictions. It’s also unclear how many of the 275 Bahamas cruises currently offered by Disney Cruise Line will be affected by this travel warning.

Disney’s Bahamian cruises include stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that serves as an exclusive port for Disney Cruise Line’s ships and is located approximately 73 miles north of Nassau. Disney Cruise Line’s newest privately-owned island destination, Lighthouse Point, which is slated to open later this summer, is located on the southernmost part of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, approximately 81 miles southeast of Nassau.

As of the time of this post, the State Department’s travel advisory is still in effect for travelers to The Bahamas, but the warning can be updated at any time to include more information, a change in the severity of the threat level in The Bahamas, and other changes, should they arise.