The Disney Corporate Shakeup Continues: Chairman Arnold Out, Nike Exec In

Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

After Disney fired CEO Bob Chapek and replaced him with his predecessor Bob Iger, everyone knew change was coming. In the days and weeks that followed, heads continued to roll at the Walt Disney Company. Things have slowed down but the Disney corporate shakeup is far from over. Today Disney rejected pressure to install activist investor Nelson Peltz as Chairman of the Board and instead tapped Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker instead.

This news comes in the wake of current Disney Chair Susan Arnold’s announcement that she will be stepping down from the role. Arnold has held the position since Iger stepped away from the company in 2021 (in fact, she was the one who asked him to return). Disney has made it clear that she has not been fired, and that her departure is “consistent with Disney’s 15-year board term limit.”

In a statement following the announcement, Bob Iger said, “Mark Parker’s vision, incredible depth of experience and wise counsel have been invaluable to Disney, and I look forward to continuing working with him in his new role, along with our other directors, as we chart the future course for this amazing company.”

Iger also acknowledged Susan Arnold in his statement saying,“On behalf of my fellow Board members and the entire Disney management team, I also want to thank Susan for her superb leadership as Chairman and for her tireless work over the past 15 years as an exemplary steward of the Disney brand.”

Mark Parker has worked for Nike since 1979 In various roles including product research, design and development, marketing and brand management. This, like other recent announcements, is a hopeful step in the right direction for the Walt Disney Company. In recent years the Board of Executives lacked creatives leading to a stagnation that caused the company’s recent implosion.

In addition to his position as Chairman of the Board, he will also be tasked with a “succession planning” committee dedicated to advising the board on the status of CEO succession planning. This comes as a stipulation of Iger’s return as CEO for a two year period in order to find a suitable replacement.

The snubbing of Nelson Peltz is not surprising given his investment firm, Trian, openly opposed Bob Iger’s return as CEO. Nevertheless the firm invested an $800 million stake in Disney and immediately began campaigning for a seat on the board. Trian said they aimed to reduce costs and improve operations. It remains to be seen whether they will be successful at placing a member on the board but it won’t be as Chairman of the Board.

Daily Housekeeping Service Returning to Select Disney World Hotels!

Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

When Walt Disney World Resort reopened after its forced COVID-19 closure, there were a lot of things that made the Disney experience different. And those changes weren’t just felt at the theme parks. Disney World hotel Guests also felt the changes. The hotels all had phased reopenings; many closed for longer periods of time than others, not all rooms were available, and housekeeping services were not done on a daily basis as they had been. While all Walt Disney World Resort hotels are now open, housekeeping still remains one of the COVID protocols still in place.

However, that will soon be changing for select Resort Guests! According to reports, Guests staying at Deluxe Hotels will once again receive daily “Mousekeeping” services beginning January 15. Deluxe hotels include Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the Yacht and Beach Clubs, BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Here is the updated housekeeping schedule that will be in place:

DELUXE Resorts will receive DAILY full housekeeping service.

MODERATE & VALUE Resorts will receive EVERY OTHER DAY full housekeeping service.

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at a DVC Resort will continue to receive housekeeping service based on their length of stay. Disney Vacation Club Members and their Guests may purchase additional housekeeping service by visiting the front desk or contacting housekeeping via their in-room phone.

Full housekeeping service includes: making the bed, replacing towels and amenities, cleaning the bathroom, emptying the trash and recycling, and tidying the room by dusting, wiping counters, and vacuuming.

At this time, housekeeping services will remain every other day at Disney’s Moderate and Value resorts. Disney has not said when it intends to reinstate daily Mousekeeping services at those Resorts yet. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them return at some point. Daily housekeeping services have already been in place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House.

It should also be noted that Guests can request not to have daily Mousekeeping services should they not want them. All the Guest needs to do is speak with the front desk at their hotel or put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the outside of their hotel room door. If a Guest needs additional services, they can speak to Guest services at their Disney Resort either on the phone or in person.

Tiana’s Palace Coming to Disneyland Later This Year

Posted on January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Tiana fans will be pleased to learn that an all-new restaurant, Tina’s Palace, is coming to Disneyland later this year.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Just as Tiana transformed an old sugar mill into her dream restaurant in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog,” soon the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park will be reimagined into Tiana’s Palace!

As we initially shared at D23 Expo, we are excited for the opportunity to tell even more Tiana stories in New Orleans Square. We recently opened Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, a new retail shop that Tiana opened with her mother, Eudora. Up next will be Tiana’s Palace later this year, followed by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the thrilling attraction that will open in Disneyland park in 2024.

Tiana’s Palace will be the newest restaurant on Orleans Street. Within its peach-colored walls and fancy green wrought-iron balconies, you’ll find elegant fixtures and appointments reminiscent of Tiana’s life and friendships. The new Tiana’s Palace will have much of the same pinch of pizzazz and flair as the restaurant from the film, offering authentic New Orleans flavors inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures in this quick-service style restaurant. While Tiana’s Palace is not a character dining location, guests may find Tiana in New Orleans Square.

The menu at Tiana’s Palace will expand on many of the current favorites served in the location, explore seasonal flavors and, of course, offer some New Orleans classics. Tiana’s Palace is sure to be a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy great food and celebrate together, just like Tiana and her father James dreamed of.

Disney Imagineers are partnering with Disney Animation artists from the original film to bring this story to life at Disneyland park. In fact, the film designers took inspiration from the exterior of the original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square when designing Tiana’s Palace for the movie, so this is a long-dreamt homecoming.

To begin this work, French Market Restaurant (and Mint Julep Bar) will be closed beginning February 17, 2023, and will reopen as Tiana’s Palace (alongside Mint Julep Bar with its famous mint juleps and Mickey beignets) later in the year.

Brand New Transportation Option Available from MCO to Disney World Resorts

Posted on January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Uncategorized

When Disney’s Magical Express ended in 2022, there was a gap in coverage between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World Resort hotels. MEARS Connect seemed to be the frontrunner to replace the service (Disney’s Magical Express was owned and operated by MEARS). However, Sunshine Flyer emerged as a clear stand out.

Neither replacement options are free. Both are comparably priced, with MEARS being a tad cheaper ($32 per supersonic round trip as opposed to Sunshine Flyer at $39 per person round trip). It’s the theming that puts Sunshine Flyer over the top. The motor coaches are themed like Golden Age railroad cars, right down to train conductor uniforms for drivers. It’s just…FUN!

Now, though, they’ve begun a brand new offering: private direct transfers. If group transportation isn’t your thing, you can hire private car transport to and from the airport in advance from Sunshine Flyer. The experience is VIP from start to finish making this an excellent way to splurge on your Disney trip and begin the magic the moment you land.

Rather than traipsing through the airport for a specific meeting location, your driver will meet you at baggage claim and assist with your bags at the airport and your Resort. After that, you’re whisked off to your destination in stylish and modern vehicles that up the wow factor on the entire experience. Unlike with group transfers, your resort is guaranteed to be the one and only stop which cuts down on travel time and starts your fun that much quicker.

There’s also no surprise fees or surge pricing like you typically find with rideshare services. By booking in advance, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that not only is the cost already taken care of (payment is due upon booking), but you’re guaranteed a ride, even if your arrival is during a peak time. With rideshare services, you often run the risk of lengthy wait times if there are no available drivers once you’re ready to go.

The cars aren’t train themed like the buses but kids receive train themed freebies like conductor hats, stickers and games. Safety certified car seats are included at no extra cost which cuts down on the hassle of having to bring your own from home.

Like any VIP experience, pricing is a bit steep:

For reference their website says a sedan will accommodate up to 3 people and 3 suitcases. A luxury SUV will accommodate up to 6 people and 6 suitcases. The Sprinter Van accommodates up to 10 people and 18 suitcases.

The website lists the hotels serviced by private transfer. All Walt Disney World hotels are included, including Fort Wilderness Campground and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Disney World Brings Back Beloved Ticket Offer!

Posted on January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

If there’s one thing that we know about a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, it’s that it is not a cheap experience. Between the hotel, Park tickets, food, and travel expenses, the average Disney World trip will set Guests back thousands of dollars. Over the past few years, it seems that Disney may have out-priced the average family, and even Florida residents are saying that they are planning to vacation elsewhere. Disney wants to show its Florida love and is bringing back a popular resident ticket offer.

On most days between January 10 and mid-April, Florida residents can purchase a two-day ticket for as little as $175 per person with the Florida Resident Weekday Magic Ticket! Considering a one-day Park ticket is typically over $100 per person, this adds up to significant savings. There are also three and four-day Weekday Magic tickets available, and Guests can even add on a Park-Hopper option or Park Hopper Plus option (which includes water parks) for an additional fee.

Here’s some more information on this great ticket offer that applies to all four Disney World theme parks – Disneys Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom Park.

Florida residents can purchase a 2-Day Disney Weekday Magic Ticket for $175 plus tax —or choose from other great Disney Weekday Magic Ticket options. This ticket can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days.

Explore ticket options:

2-Day Disney Weekday Magic Tickets
3-Day Disney Weekday Magic Tickets
4-Day Disney Weekday Magic Tickets
Disney Weekday Magic Tickets are valid Monday through Friday only, from January 10 through April 27, 2023 (subject to blockout dates from March 13 through March 17, 2023; April 3 through April 7, 2023; and April 10 through April 14, 2023)

Tickets are not valid for admission on blockout dates.

There are several important things to note with the Florida Resident Weekday Magic ticket. First and foremost, in addition to their theme park ticket, Guests will also need to make theme park reservations. So, if you decide to purchase the Florida resident ticket, it is best to make sure the Parks you want to visit are available on the days you want to go. Luckily, weekdays are typically not as busy as weekends, so you may have more luck when trying to book the theme parks of your choice.

It is also important to remember that, because this ticket option is for Florida residents only, proof of residency may be required. So, when you get to the parks, be ready to prove that you live in the state should a Cast Member ask you to. Over on the West Coast at Disneyland Resort, Guests must show their California ID when proof of residency is required, so Disney World may do the same.