Alcohol Crackdown at Disney Hotels

Walt Disney World guests have a lot of options when it comes to alcohol. From theme park restaurants and lounges to Disney Springs pubs and hotel bars if you want to indulge in a “grown-up drink,” you won’t have any trouble finding it. However, Disney has finally cracked down on a policy that allowed some to skirt the rules and created legal challenges.

In the United States, the drinking age is 21. This confuses many international Guests who come from places where the drinking age is much lower. You’ll find many posts on social media from Guests around the world wondering how to circumvent this rule. Many American Guests look for ways around it as well. One of those ways in the past was to have a grocery order containing alcohol delivered to bell services at their resort hotel. As long as the person who accepted the order was 21, the grocery delivery technically didn’t break any laws and this allowed underage guests to skirt the rule.

Now, however, that loophole is closing. Begining immediately,  Bell Services at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels will no longer accept any orders containing alcohol. This means you’ll either need to be present (with a valid ID confirming you are 21 years old or older) or you’ll need to make your alcohol purchases in person. Many grocery stores in the area will even deliver directly to your hotel room.

Drinks at Tune-In Lounge

There’s no question that Disney alcohol is expensive so having your own in your hotel room is an attractive way to save money. However, Disney takes alcohol laws very seriously (the penalties if they don’t are extremely severe) and they work to ensure no one under age can access and consume alcohol. This is a simple way to ensure Guests follow the rules.

Bob Iger Backtracks on Out of Touch Statements

Bob Iger has gotten a lot of flack for his stance on the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strikes. He called them “disturbing” and said that the union demands were “unreasonable.” Fran Drescher, president of the SAG, compared him to a medieval land baron. Memes and statements denouncing Iger took over social media. People felt he was out of touch. It wasn’t a good look for him.

At today’s Earnings Call, he backtracked on those statements. He said the studio’s relationship with the writers and actors is vital. Nothing is more important to the company than its relationship with the talented writers and actors in the industry.” He also vowed that he was “personally committed to doing whatever he can” to aid in coming to a resolution with both the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America.

Bob Iger

This attempt to smooth ruffled feathers comes on the heels of an earnings statement that is lackluster at best. Never before has there been such a loss in so many sectors of the company. It’s a dark time for the Walt Disney Company, but Iger remains confident that it will turn around.

One wonders about whether the comments from Iger are genuine, considering Disney is actively seeking to employ the very technology the strikes are fighting against. The WGA and SAG are currently striking, in part, to protect themselves and their jobs from Artificial Intelligence (AI)  replacement.  News broke recently that Disney is actively hiring AI programmers and platforms to perform writing and acting work.

Disney Places Blame on the ‘Galactic Starcruiser Hotel’ Failure

Today, August 9, marks a significant day for the Walt Disney Company. With the release of the company’s quarter three reports, Disney has revealed some extremely significant information regarding the current situation of the Walt Disney Company.

This previous quarter has been a tumultuous one for the Walt Disney Company. With the announcement of CEO Bob Iger’s contract extension as well as the ongoing strikes happening against the studio in Hollywood, it is clear that the drama is not over for Disney.

The results revealed a massive amount of numbers and percentages that help give investors a good grasp of what exactly the company is dealing with. This data helps illuminate what areas of the Parks are suffering and what areas are thriving.

One of the most significant pieces of data was the lowered domestic results for Disney Parks. Disney explains that “The decrease at Walt Disney World Resort was primarily dye to higher costs and lower volumes.” 

Disney also named the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel as a key contributor to these lower results. This announcement surprised some people due to the fact that the hotel is not set to close until the end of September.

Disney explains;

“The increase in costs was attributable to inflation and accelerated depreciation related to the planned closure of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” On the earning call, Iger revealed that the Starcruiser cost a “$100 million accelerated depreciation charge.”

It was announced earlier this year that Disney’s boutique hotel experience, the Galactic Starcruiser, would be shutting its doors. This star wars-themed hotel has provided fans with an immersive and futuristic experience since its opening in March 2022. However, its final voyage is set for September 28, marking the end of an era for every Star Wars fan.

The Galactic Starcruiser offers a two-night, all-inclusive adventure, giving each Guest the opportunity to live out their Star Wars story. Upon arrival, Guests are immediately immersed in the galactic universe as they are welcomed into the starcruiser by the ship’s crew. This project was completely unique, and unlike anything Disney has ever attempted before.

Unfortunately, the extremely high price point was enough to turn Guests away. From this latest comment by Disney, it seems clear that Disney is ready to see the Galactic Starcruiser close for good.

Disney Finally Confirms What’s Hurting the Bottom Line

There’s been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the crowds at Walt Disney World. Depending on who you’re listening to, you’ve either heard that the crowds have disappeared or are crazier than ever free. You’ve also even heard that it’s not affecting Disney or that it has drastically hurt their bottom line. All of that has been pure conjecture. No one has had a definitive answer… until today. 

Disney has released its third-quarter earnings statement. While they naturally attempt to gloss over the things That make them look bad, if you know where to look. You know where to find the information income at the parks and resorts is up. This is a very good thing. However, a closer look at the earnings report shows that all is not well in Florida.

Earnings call

Credit: The Walt Disney Company

The report states, “Lower operating income at our domestic parks and resorts was attributable to a decrease at Walt Disney World Resort.” That means those thinning crowds? They matter. It is also significant that for the second place in a row, international parks have outlined domestic parks. We wouldn’t go so far as to say that Disney World is in trouble, But it does seem to be on a downward spiral.

Disney’s admission that crowds have thinned is significant as well. It flies in the face of comments that they have made previously. Bob Iger has gone on record in the past saying that the crowds aren’t smaller and that he’s not concerned about Disney World. The earnings report tells a very different story. Iger is an excellent showman, but the numbers are always going to tell the truth.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – A Thrilling Cosmic Adventure at Epcot

Prepare to be catapulted into a thrilling cosmic adventure like never before with the upcoming attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, at Epcot in Walt Disney World. This groundbreaking roller coaster promises to combine the beloved characters of the Guardians of the Galaxy with cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and heart-pounding excitement.

As part of Epcot’s ongoing transformation, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to become a standout attraction within the park’s newly reimagined Future World, now known as World Celebration. Blending the spirit of exploration with the charm of the Guardians characters, this attraction is a pivotal addition to Epcot’s evolution.

One of the most anticipated features of Cosmic Rewind is its innovative roller coaster design. Unlike traditional coasters, this ride incorporates a groundbreaking ride system that allows the ride vehicle to rotate independently, providing an immersive and dynamic experience. The attraction will utilize a reverse launch, propelling guests backward into the story before catapulting them forward at high speeds through a series of thrilling twists, turns, and drops.

But it’s not just the exhilarating ride system that sets Cosmic Rewind apart. The attraction promises a narrative that places guests in the heart of a daring mission alongside Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, Drax, and Groot. The story centers around the Guardians’ efforts to save the powerful and mysterious artifact, the Tivan Collection. The collection is owned by the eccentric and enigmatic character Taneleer Tivan, also known as the Collector, who is a fan-favorite from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As visitors embark on this intergalactic journey, they’ll be immersed in a universe filled with stunning visual effects, captivating audio, and the irreverent humor that the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is known for. The attraction’s queue and pre-show areas are also expected to be a visual feast, giving fans the opportunity to engage with the story and its characters in exciting ways.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind aims to merge the essence of the beloved films with the magic of Disney theme park storytelling. It’s a testament to Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation while staying true to the spirit of adventure that defines Epcot.

In conclusion, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is poised to become a must-visit attraction for Disney and Marvel fans alike. With its revolutionary ride technology, captivating storytelling, and the charm of the Guardians characters, this roller coaster promises an exhilarating journey through space that’s sure to leave guests of all ages thrilled and entertained. As Epcot continues its transformation, Cosmic Rewind stands as a beacon of the park’s evolution, offering a dynamic and unforgettable experience that’s truly out of this world.