Bob Iger Fixes Another Major Chapek Era Problem

For nearly three years, Disney fans had almost nothing positive to say about now-fired CEO Bob Chapek. Guests were not happy with Chapek prioritizing profits over everything else. During that time, nearly everything seemed to go downhill at Disney theme parks, including food quality, merchandise quality, cleanliness of the Parks, and functionality of attractions. At the same time, prices for everything from hotels to food and Park tickets continued to climb and reach all-time highs.

Disney Parks were not the only part of The Walt Disney Company that suffered under Chapek’s tenure. Chapek was also unable to secure the release of major films in the world’s second-largest market — China. One of Disney’s biggest moneymakers is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the films bringing in more than $26 billion in 2022 alone. However, Disney lost out on billions more because those films did not release in China.

The last Marvel movie released in China was Avengers: Endgame, which came out in 2019 — admittedly while Bob Iger was CEO. During Chapek’s tenure, a number of other Marvel films were released, but missed the Chinese market — Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love & Thunder, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Now, it appears that Bob Iger has been able to make another massive move — re-securing Marvel Studios releases in China. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Beijing has lifted its ban on Marvel films and will be showing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — which premiered worldwide in early November — and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Black Panther 2, which released across the rest of the world in November, will unfurl in China on Feb. 7, followed by Ant-Man 3 on Feb. 17, day-and-date with North America.

Marvel shared the surprise news Tuesday over its official Chinese social media accounts. The two titles will be the very first movies of Marvel’s Phase 4 to screen in China, as the last approved theatrical releases from the studio were Spider-Man: Far From Home and Avengers: Endgame, way back in early/mid-2019. They also will test how the drought of MCU movies over the preceding years has affected fan sentiment around the franchise.

Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Unfortunately, we do not know how long the ban will be lifted or why Chinese censors banned the films in the first place. Chinese officials have never confirmed what issues they had with the films, which has led to widespread speculation. A couple of the films had brief LGBTQ+ moments, and one — Eternals — was directed by a Chinese woman who was openly critical of the Chinese government.

Marvel films are not the only Disney movies that have been banned recently in Chinese theaters. Lightyear was also unable to air in the country, presumably because of the LGBTQ+ couple featured in the film. Things between Disney and China began to move in a positive direction when China agreed to air the highly-anticipated film, Avatar: The Way of Water, in mid-December.

Woman Claims She Sat In “Human Feces” at Disney

When Guests visit the Disneyland Resort, they step into another world and a truly magical experience. At Disneyland Park, Guests can encounter a Yeti on the Matterhorn, ride the teacups with Alice, board a runaway train, and walk through a Castle. Head over to Disney California Adventure, and you can venture into Radiator Springs to meet Lightning McQueen, meet heroes like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Thor, and Black Panther, and even join Goofy at his Sky School.

The placard above Disneyland’s entrance is a true one — “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”

Even though it seems like another world, Disneyland is still in the real world, and real-world — and disgusting — problems can seep into The Happiest Place on Earth. One social media influencer experienced something that was anything but magical.

TikToker Bobbi (@bobbialthoff) recently visited Disneyland, and she and her family went to Disney California Adventure Park. While there, Bobbi decided to sit down on a bench, which ended up being an incredibly bad decision. According to Bobbi, the bench she sat down on had actual human poop on it.

Well, Bobbi wasn’t going to walk around in pants with poop on them. So, she had to go into a merchandise store, buy a pair of new sweatpants, and throw her old pants into the garbage.

Many commenters were grossed out at the fact that a Disney bench had poop on it, but they were torn on whether they would have thrown the pants away. Bobbi said that the pants were made by Lululemon, which means they were expensive. One pair of Lululemon leggings typically will cost more than $100. A lot of people said that they would have purchased a new pair of pants, but would have kept the old ones since they cost so much. Others said they also would have thrown the pants away, regardless of how much they cost.

California Adventure

Now, Bobbi said she wasn’t sure how the poop got on the bench and then onto her pants. However, many people who have visited any Disney Park have surely seen many parents changing their children’s diapers on one of those very benches. We don’t know if that’s what happened, but it’s definitely the most likely possibility.

Jeremy Renner Home After Horrific Accident That Crushed His Leg

More than two weeks ago, Marvel star Jeremy Renner was airlifted to a hospital near Reno, Nevada, after being injured in a snow plow accident near his home. He was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and listed in “critical but stable” condition. We soon learned that Renner had been run over by a large snow plow he owned while trying to help a neighbor. Thankfully, another neighbor of Renner’s was a doctor and was able to help treat Renner’s wound while they waited for medical help to arrive.

Thankfully, Renner is on the mend and has made his way back to the home he loves so much. Renner was speaking about his hit show, Mayor of Kingstown, when he revealed that he was finally home.

Outside my brain fog in recovery, I was very excited to watch episode 201 with my family at home 🙏❤️🙏

The Hawkeye and Avengers star kept Guests updated as he spent a lot of time in the hospital getting better. According to reports, it wasn’t just Renner’s leg that was injured in the accident. He was also treated for blunt chest trauma. The machine that he was run over weighs more than 14,000 pounds, so his leg suffered extensive damage. Renner’s family was by his side the entire time, and he even shared videos of them on social media helping take care of him in the ICU.

Jeremy Renner

At this time, we don’t know just how bad Renner’s injuries are. Reports had indicated that they were so bad he may never be back to 100%, but Renner has not said anything in regard to that. We do know that the doctors were able to save his leg, and he will most likely start intensive physical therapy once he is deemed healed enough to do so.

Renner and his medical team have also not said if any further surgeries will be needed to help fix his severely injured leg. Renner’s Marvel Cinematic Universe family has constantly been sending their support to the Hawkeye star since his first day in the hospital.

New Fireworks Show, A Special Castaway Club Gift Announced for Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Silver Anniversary at Sea’

Disney Cruise Line is turning 25 this summer! From dazzling new entertainment offerings and family activities to inspired menu items and a themed merchandise collection, there is so much to look forward to on board all five ships from May through September of 2023.

With the official celebration beginning in just a few months, we’re excited to reveal more details about the brand-new magic guests can experience during our “Silver Anniversary at Sea.”

Disney Cruise Line is turning 25 this summer! From dazzling new entertainment offerings and family activities to inspired menu items and a themed merchandise collection, there is so much to look forward to on board all five ships from May through September of 2023.

With the official celebration beginning in just a few months, we’re excited to reveal more details about the brand-new magic guests can experience during our “Silver Anniversary at Sea.”

Say “Cheers” During a Shimmering Soiree

A captain’s reception is a well-known cruising tradition that has been enjoyed by Disney Cruise Line guests since the very beginning. In honor of our “Silver Anniversary at Sea,” we are reimagining this time-honored event into a one-of-a-kind celebratory experience, adding an extra dose of magic to sailings this summer.

On one evening each cruise, guests will be invited to join their ship’s captain and cruise director in the atrium for an anniversary toast. The festive affair will feature appearances from Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse — dressed for the occasion in their shimmering new looks, of course! — and a delightful rendition of the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” theme song.

Celebrate with A Limited-Edition Castaway Club Gift

If guests have sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, they can be part of the best club on the high seas – the Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks.

We’re excited to announce that all Castaway Club members who sail during the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” this summer will receive a limited-edition framed art print in their stateroom to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime celebration until supplies last. As shown above, this design was created by Disney artist Joe Kaminski, whose work is featured in The Art of Disney galleries, Disney resort hotels and Disney Cruise Line ships. (One 11×14 framed print will be delivered per stateroom.)

Now is everyone’s chance to take part in a milestone celebration 25 years in the making! Make sure to check back here for even more “Silver Anniversary at Sea” news.

Fun New Additions Coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Sprouting March 1

There is nothing lovelier than springtime at Walt Disney World! The days get longer, the weather warms up, and colorful flowers bloom across the landscape. And one of the best places to experience spring is at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Beginning March 1 and continuing through July 5, this stunning festival features alluring gardens, whimsical topiaries, lively entertainment, beautiful merchandise and delightfully fresh cuisine.

Today, we have exciting news to share. For the first time, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney “Encanto” will make a grand appearance at the festival. Located near the EPCOT main entrance, these new topiaries are sure to be a must-do photo moment. (But remember: We don’t talk about Bruno.)

And that’s not all. A new Princess Tiana topiary will grace The American Adventure. Plus, we also have returning favorites such as Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs; Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc; Figment; Anna and Elsa; and more.

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. More details about the musical lineup will be released soon. Stay tuned here!

Guests better get their taste buds ready; because they’re in for a treat! More than 15 Outdoor Kitchens will offer specialty menus of scrumptious cuisine and beverages. One of our favorites is The Citrus Blossom which will move to a new location at Odyssey. With fresh new menu items, guests will want to sample all the mouth-watering delights.

Of course, guests can commemorate their visit with official ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and much more.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration will have people abuzz again. This springtime scavenger hunt is fun for all ages. Guests can follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. Once guests find him in each garden on their map, they’ll add the corresponding sticker of the plant he is visiting.

On the bridge to World Showcase, guests can enjoy the sights and scents of spring with Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy. Surrounded by vibrant butterfly topiaries, guests will be invited to follow their noses to six scent stations—to form lasting memories with the help of unforgettable aromas.

To experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Keep an eye here for more details!