Disney’s relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been a strong one which was demonstrated during the height of the pandemic when Disney hosted the “NBA Bubble” within their resorts to keep the sport alive in a safe way while holding NBA games at ESPN Wide World of Sports. We can remember back to special NBA merchandise released by Disney and even one of the NBA players leaving an $8,000 tip for housekeeping (AKA “Mousekeeping”). Prior to the pandemic, Disney closed the former DisneyQuest on the west side of Disney Springs and reopened the space as the NBA Experience. The grand opening was held on August 12, 2019, and we were there for the excitement.
Sad news is being reported today however as it seem the NBA Experience has not survived the pandemic and will be closing permanently. As shared by reporter Scott Gustin via Twitter on August 16: ” BREAKING: The NBA Experience at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World will not reopen and is permanently closed.”
BREAKING: The NBA Experience at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World will not reopen and is permanently closed. pic.twitter.com/c4fZOXNHMh
Gustin continues with: “Disney says this will not impact their other partnerships with the NBA or their business relationship with the Orlando Magic. Disney will share an update about the future of the NBA Experience location at a later date.”
Currently, The NBA Experience webpage is still available through the Walt Disney World website. Most all of the experiences are high-touch which means it likely didn’t make the cut because of the COVID precautions that would need to be in place to reopen the experience. Even though The NBA Experience actually had its doors open for less than a year before they closed due to COVID in March 2020, it never seemed to be a majorly popular Disney experience outside of its initial reopening.
A fashionable new collection from Dooney & Bourke featuring Cruella de Vil from the classic animated film “101 Dalmatians” is coming to Walt Disney World on Monday, August 9.
The new collection will be debuting in Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs.
Ahead of the official premiere of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on July 30, Disney Springs has added a new photo op area near the AMC Dine-In Theatre.
The area includes a large backdrop featuring the story’s main characters Lily Houghton and Skipper Frank Wolff adventuring their way on a boat, as well as a smaller movie poster to the right.
In front of the characters you can also find a cut-out of the film’s logo and premiere date that are placed at the tip of the boat. Guests can stand behind this in their photos to appear as if they are exploring with the main characters.
After several delays due to COVID-19, it looks like Cirque Du Soleil’s new “Drawn to Life” show may finally be able to debut at Disney Springs this fall. The building was recently undergoing refurbishment, and now Cirque Du Soleil is hiring a sales coordinator for the location.
Sales Coordinator – Resident Shows Division (Orlando, FL) Permanent position
Are you ready for a big leap? The last few months have been a real series of acrobatics and contortions for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. But we are ambitious and passionate about our work, and we always know how to get back on our feet, even after superhuman somersaults.
Our hearts are still pounding at the thought of rebuilding our company and dreaming of its wonderful future. Do you have the audacity we need to take up the challenge? By joining us, you’ll be working in uncharted territory, but where you can make a real difference. Hold your breath and dive into the action: you are about to live an extraordinary experience!
The Sales Coordinator will be responsible for providing support for all sales activity as directed by the Senior Sales Manager. You will contribute to ensuring the highest degree of customer service and efficiency in an overall effort to maximize sales.
The Sales Coordinator will:
Support the Senior Sales Manager with ongoing administrative and general sales functions for all sales channels and programs related to assisting in the increase of sales.
Assist in researching, qualifying and setting up all partners for the Drawn to Life production.
Prepare, process and maintain an accurate database of contracts.
Administer the internal financial process including securing accounting codes, requesting and sending invoices, receiving and processing payments, tracking details and generating and sending receipts.
Liaise with various teams to maintain copies of client and partner contracts, commission programs, W-9s, etc.
Connect with various teams to build sales presentations, including monthly activity reports, promotional/offer post mortems and other related materials.
Coordinate all marketing opportunities with online and in-market resellers.
Assist in the creation, production and implementation of all marketing/sales materials and promotional tools.
Support partner training programs that educate and motivate ticket influencers and sellers to keep show top of mind.
Maintain inventory for sales programs, tradeshows and offerings, as well as sourcing giveaways, quotes for print orders and ordering swag.
Organize and coordinate familiarization tours including developing invitation lists, organize receptions, invitations, ticket distribution, etc., at each show on an as-need basis.
Proactively work with internal Ticketing Services team on the coordination of partner set up, price types and other ticketing needs.
Liaise between the Graphics, Marketing and PR teams so that Sales always have all the most up to date assets.
Assist in building solid relationships with all partners and key influencers through ongoing communication.
Being an active team member, working well with a variety of colleagues and clients, providing fair and timely feedback and suggestions.
Execute FIT and group experiences such as backstage tours, theater talkbacks, private meet & greets, etc.
Represent the production at tradeshows, vendor fairs, office visits, mystery shops, partner meetings, industry events and site visits.
Submit and process ticket requests partners.
Audit broker and partner websites from a marketing and sales perspective.
Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
At least two years of previous experience in Sales within the hospitality industry, inclusive of entertainment and attractions, meetings & events, destination management, hotels, etc. or three years of previous administrative support experience.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) & Outbox ticketing software, and Salesforce.
Excellent written and oral communication in English.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to multi-task.
The drive to create and maintain strong professional relationships internally and externally.
Flexible availability for the occasional evening or weekend event.
Disney is celebrating their first ever “DOLE Whip Day”! It’s no surprise that Dole Whips have that enticing taste that tends to draw in a Disney foodie following! And now, Disney has made our love for all things Dole Whip even easier by sharing a list of all their current Dole Whip offerings and where to find them. And yes, Dole Whips are fat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free with no cholesterol… so what’s not to love?
First up, in celebration of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney has launched the limited-time “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. From July 19 through 21 you can order the “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar.
Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park
Dole Whip pineapple, lemon, mango, and raspberry (can be swirled)
Dole Whip Floats
Dole Whip pineapple-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip pineapple-raspberry swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip raspberry-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip raspberry-lemon with passionfruit, orange, and guava juice
Loaded Dole Whips
Jungle Cruise Dessert Bowl – Dole Whip with blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges topped with coconut caramel sauce, crushed plantains, dried hibiscus, and toasted coconut
Dole Whip chile-mango with chamoy, mango, and chile-lime
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at Disneyland Hotel
Dole Whip
Dole Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip topped with rum
Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom Park
Dole Whip
Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom Park
Dole Whip orange
Orange Cream Cup – Dole Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve
I Lava You Float – Dole Whip orange topped with Fanta Strawberry and red passion fruit syrup topped with popping candy
Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs
Dole Whip
Dole Whip lime (through Labor Day)
Fresh Dole Whip Watermelon Slice – Dole Whip watermelon served in a fresh watermelon slice topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)
Dole Whip Watermelon Parfait – Dole Whip watermelon and Key lime custard with a Mickey-shaped watermelon piece topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)
Tamu Tamu at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Dole Whip
Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
Simba Sunset – Dole Whip topped with flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)
King’s Cooler – Dole Whip topped with coconut rum and flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)
Trilo-Bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Trilo-Bites Twist – Dole Whip orange with vanilla soft-serve
Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Frosty Pineapple – Dole Whip blended with rum
Frozen Margarita Dole Whip lime blended with tequila blended and chili-lime seasoning
Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Dole Whip (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Dole Whip lemon, lime, strawberry, raspberry, and mango (rotates as “Today’s Flavors”)
Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
Exclusive for Dole Whip Day – “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar (available July 19- 21)
Warming Hut at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dole Whip cone or cup (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Refreshment Outpost at EPCOT
Dole Whip pineapple, watermelon, or swirl (July 15-Nov. 20)
Little ‘Opihi’s at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Dole Whip pineapple, mango, watermelon, and vanilla soft-serve
Dole Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae with sprinkles in a waffle bowl topped with fresh pineapple (Moana-themed) or watermelon fruit (Stitch-themed)
Mickey and Minnie Waffle Bowl featuring Dole Whip with sprinkles
Ulu Cafe at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Dole Whip mango (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Psst … we have been told the popular Dole Whip Pumpkin Spice will again be offered this fall at Ulu Café – YES!
How about THAT list?! Looks like a rather delicious list in our opinion! Take note that the above Dole Whip offerings are subject to availability. Your best bet is to get out and try them sooner rather than later so you’ll have a chance to taste your desired Dole Whip.
