The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative three-year agreement with Hollywood production studios, which if ratified, will put an end to the union’s near-five-month strike.
WGA Strike to Potentially End After Nearly 5 Months
The deal comes after union representatives met with several production company executives at the AMPTP offices in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday.
The strikes first started in May and intensified in July when SAG-AFTRA members joined the picket lines in July. The SAG-AFTRA strike remains ongoing.
According to the LA Times, “The proposed three-year contract, which would still have to be ratified by the union’s 11,500 members, would boost pay rates and residual payments for streaming shows and impose new rules surrounding the use of artificial intelligence.”
The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger had a seat at the table for the negotiations. Iger became a controversial figure throughout the strike, stealing headlines in mid-July after he described the labor actions as “very disturbing” and the demands of the striking workers as “not realistic.” He later backtracked a bit, stating on The Walt Disney Company’s Q3 2023 earnings call that he is “personally committed” to ending the strikes.
Deadline notes, “The first shows to shut down when the current WGA strike began on May 2 – late-night comedy shows and daytime talk shows – will be able to return to air almost immediately because SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing strike doesn’t include them as struck productions. Films and scripted TV shows that didn’t sign Interim Agreements with SAG-AFTRA will remain dark until that strike is settled as well.”
In a galaxy not so far away, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort offers fans and visitors the ultimate immersive experience into the iconic Star Wars universe through the Star Wars Launch Bay. This attraction is a haven for fans of the epic space saga, offering a variety of interactive experiences, memorabilia, and encounters with beloved characters.
Star Wars Launch Bay serves as a hub for all things Star Wars. As you enter the attraction, you’re immediately greeted by the sights and sounds of the galaxy. The entrance area is adorned with movie posters, concept art, and memorabilia from the entire Star Wars saga, creating an environment that instantly transports you to the world of Jedi, Sith, and droids.
One of the highlights of the Launch Bay is the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters in person. Throughout the day, visitors can have one-on-one encounters with iconic characters like Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and even the lovable BB-8. These meet-and-greets offer the chance to take memorable photos and interact with the characters, making it a must-visit for fans of all ages.
Star Wars Launch Bay also provides an inside look at the making of Star Wars. Guests can explore exhibits that feature concept art, props, and models from the films. There’s even a short film that offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the Star Wars franchise, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the magic of movie making.
For those eager to experience the newest addition to the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Launch Bay offers a sneak peek. You can watch videos and view models that showcase the immersive attractions, themed dining, and unique experiences available in this epic land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Launch Bay features a gift shop filled with exclusive Star Wars merchandise, from clothing and toys to collectibles and lightsabers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to this galaxy-spanning attraction.
In conclusion, Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-visit attraction for fans of the Star Wars franchise. It offers an immersive experience, interactive encounters with beloved characters, behind-the-scenes insights, and a preview of the stunning Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Whether you’re a Jedi, a Sith, or simply a fan of this iconic space opera, the Launch Bay promises a galactic adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of the Star Wars universe. May the Force be with you!
Tucked away in Epcot’s France Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a culinary gem that transports guests to the charming streets of Paris. This delightful bakery and café is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of authentic French pastries, bread, and savory delights that capture the essence of French cuisine.
As you step into Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, you are instantly transported to a quaint Parisian boulangerie. The interior features rustic wooden beams, ornate tilework, and a warm ambiance that evokes the charm of a French bakery. The delightful aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries further enhances the sensory experience.
The star of Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is its extensive menu of French delicacies. Guests can choose from a mouthwatering selection of croissants, quiches, sandwiches, and salads. The Croissant Jambon Fromage (ham and cheese croissant) and the Quiche Lorraine are perennial favorites. For those with a sweet tooth, the bakery offers an exquisite array of pastries, tarts, and éclairs that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
One of the highlights of Les Halles is its exceptional bread selection. The bakery prides itself on offering authentic French baguettes and other traditional bread varieties that are baked fresh daily. The crisp crust and soft, airy interior make these breads a must-try for any visitor.
No visit to a French bakery would be complete without sampling macarons, and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie does not disappoint. The bakery offers a delightful assortment of macarons in a range of flavors, from classic pistachio and raspberry to seasonal specialties. These delicate treats are a perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie also offers a selection of hot and cold beverages, including French press coffee, espresso, and a variety of teas. Pair your pastry with a cappuccino or a café au lait for a true taste of French café culture.
The bakery provides both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining atmosphere. The outdoor seating area overlooks the beautiful World Showcase Lagoon and is a great spot to relax and enjoy your treats while taking in the views.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie at Epcot’s France Pavilion is a culinary oasis that celebrates the beauty and flavors of France. With its diverse menu, authentic atmosphere, and exquisite pastries, it offers a unique dining experience that allows guests to savor the essence of French cuisine and culture. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or simply seeking a memorable snack at Disney, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie promises a delightful culinary journey to the heart of France.
Disney’s new “Once Upon a Studio” short film will have its broadcast premiere on ABC during “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration!” on October 15, 2023, at 8/7c. Disney released a new trailer for the short film, which you can watch below.
ABC is celebrating 100 years of Disney this fall with an evening of magical programming hosted by Kelly Ripa. ABC will begin the evening with an episode of “AFV,” followed by a lineup that will include exclusive moments featuring Kelly Ripa and sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects. Featuring the broadcast world premieres of Walt Disney Animation’s new animated short film “Once Upon a Studio” and the beloved film “Encanto,” “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration” airs SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 (8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. EDT/PDT).
An all-star ensemble of beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios come together in “Once Upon a Studio” for a joyful, entertaining and emotional reunion as they assemble for a spectacular group photo to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary. Featuring 543 Disney characters from more than 85 feature-length and short films, “Once Upon a Studio” welcomes heroes and villains, princes and princesses, sidekicks and sorcerers—in all-new hand-drawn and CG animation—to celebrate 10 decades of storytelling, artistry and technological achievements. Directed by Dan Abraham and Trent Correy and produced by Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen, “Once Upon a Studio” makes it broadcast debut on ABC on Oct. 15, 2023.
“Once Upon a Studio” originally debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. It’s set to also play in front of “Wish” when it’s released in theaters on November 22.
Brightline has announced a partnership with Mears Transportation that will see the latter’s fleet “incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service . . . enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction.” As part of the partnership, Mears Transportation will power “Shared Connect Shuttle” and “Luxury Private Ride,” services that will offer transportation between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming commencement of Brightline services between five South Florida stations and Orlando International Airport. Brightline will start to offer those services on September 22, its new partnership with Mears Transportation offering several ways for those who travel via Brightline to get to their ultimate destination.
rightline launched in 2018 as a rail service connecting Miami and West Palm Beach. The line currently services five South Florida stations and will add Orlando International Airport to its offerings this week. Service will ultimately extend (close to) the borders of Walt Disney World Resort, as the company plans to build a Brightline station near Disney Springs. Plans for a Brightline station near the site of Universal’s forthcoming Epic Universe have also been revealed.
Mears Transportation is an Orlando-based transportation service that has long provided shuttles between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It started offering Mears Connect in 2022 after Disney ended its Disney’s Magical Express Service. Mears Connect formally merged with Sunshine Flyer, a similar service, in August of this year.
Read the full press release from Brightline announcing the partnership below.
Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.
The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers.
“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our Brightline+ service in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”
“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”
BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO
Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando’s exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they’ve come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.
BRIGHTLINE+ IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Fixed Route Shuttles: offer pickup and dropoff service to and from Brightline MiamiCentral and Fort Lauderdale Stations with complimentary shuttles to and from Aventura Mall at Brightline Aventura Station. Shuttles depart 10 minutes after each train arrival.
Airport Shuttles: bi-directional, fixed route shuttles provide pick ups at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at a flat rate of $10 per person and can be paid upon boarding shuttles. Live Airport Connector shuttle status can be tracked here.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles powered by Circuit: complimentary, all-electric, walk-up, first-and-last-mile shuttle with services around stations and nearby downtown areas in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Special Event Shuttles: offer complimentary direct service to select games and events including the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Inter Miami, Miami Dolphins and events at Hard Rock Stadium.
Scooter rentals, BrightBike and CitiBike rentals are available at all south Florida stations.
Avis Car Rentals are now available in Orlando joining MiamiCentral, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura Mall Stations. In Orlando, guests can reserve a rental car available in Terminal C, a short walk from the Train Station. In addition to enjoying BrightLine preferred pricing, guests can manage their rental by downloading the Avis app.
BRIGHTLINE+ UBER ORLANDO AND SOUTH FLORIDA
Riders can utilize private rides powered by Uber and its multiple mobility options in Central and South Florida, which can be reserved during the train booking process on the Brightline app or website. This Brightline+ service includes complimentary private rides available for PREMIUM ticket holders within a five-mile radius of all Brightline South Florida stations (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach).
Brightline+ was launched in South Florida in 2021 to make it seamless for guests to connect to Brightline stations and surrounding destinations. For more information and details on Brightline+ including Orlando connectivity options visit gobrightline.com/mobility.
BRIGHTLINE ORLANDO TICKETS
Tickets between Orlando and Miami are now on sale for travel through March 2024 with one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART fares. One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Purchase tickets now at gobrightline.com.
