Category: News

Disney+ Plans on Launching Ad-Supported Plan in Late 2022

In an announcement made today, Disney+ said that it will launch an ad-supported subscription plan in the United States later this year, with plans to expand internationally in 2023.

Disney didn’t mention a specific launch date or any pricing in the announcement.

According to Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution –

Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers.  More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.

It has become very popular to add cheaper options with ads among subscription services. Last year HBO Max introduced a $10 per month plan that shaved $5 off the ad-free price, though it must be noted that in addition to adding commercials, the cheaper plan also is limited to HD content (and not 4K). Peacock on the other hand takes a more varied approach, offering a smaller selection of content with ads is completely free, with a $4.99 per month tier that offers the full library with ads, along with a $9.99 per month level that allows customers to download titles to watch offline and gets rid of (most, but not all) of the commercials.

Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution added –

Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory.  Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.

What are your thoughts on this new version of the popular Disney+ service? Personally, I think I’ll stay with the ad-free version…at least for now.

State Farm and Disney Parks and Resorts Agree to Multi-Year Partnership

Today State Farm and The Walt Disney Company announced a new multi-year relationship covering the Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Advertising Sales businesses.

Starting this year, State Farm will sponsor the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort, Good Neighbor Month celebrations in September, and the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

State Farm will also be sponsoring two venues located at Walt Disney World Resort, State Farm Waterview Park at Disney Springs and State Farm Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

In a statement from Rand Harbert, chief agency, sales & marketing officer at State Farm –

State Farm is honored to team up with Disney on exciting new experiences and opportunities that are only made possible with a good neighbor and a little magic. Both brands strive to help people realize their dreams. Together, we’ll work to do good and spread joy in communities across the country.

State Farm will also be the presenting sponsor of the popular “Five Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend” segment of the weekly D23 Inside Disney podcast and the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Disney Parks planDisney Podcast and.

Disneyland Resort Announces Return Dates for Nighttime Spectaculars

If you recall, Disney announced last November at Destination D23 that Disneyland Resort’s nighttime spectaculars would return this spring.

Today Disney announced that on April 22, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure. The resort also announced that “Fantasmic!” will return to Disneyland on May 28th.

But that’s not all!

In the announcement Disney also announced that upon its return to Disneyland, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will be celebrating its 50thanniversary.

In honor of this milestone, the Disney Live Entertainment team will introduce exciting new elements to the “Main Street Electrical Parade” that will continue to evolve this beloved spectacular.

In honor of the parade’s 50th anniversary, this nighttime spectacular will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.

According to Disney, when the new grand finale passes by, guests along each side of the parade route will see different scenes from classic and contemporary favorite stories such as “Encanto,” “The Jungle Book,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Brave,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” will be shown for a limited time at Disneyland. When “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular comes back on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday). In late spring, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer.

“World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” will return to their regular schedule upon re-opening.

While not a regular visitor to Disneyland, I go often enough that I’m excited by this announcement.  I cannot wait to see all of these in September when I’m there for the D23 Expo.

 

 

Walt Disney World Increases Prices of Multi-Day Theme Park Tickets

It’s that time of year again….Walt Disney World increasing the prices of multi-day theme park tickets.

For example, the cheapest 5 day base ticket is now $484, an increase of just over $20 from $463. On the other end of the spectrum, the 10 day ticket sees the largest price increase, from $553 to $582, a $29 rise.

Right now, one and two day tickets across all types have not seen any price changes.

Date-based pricing means that each ticket type has a range of possible pricing, all summarized below (including tax) –

Walt Disney World Base Ticket Pricing February 2022

For guests that want admission to one theme park per day for each day of their ticket.

1-3 day remain unchanged
4 day was $434.83 – $596.74, now $447.70 – $596.74
5 day was $463.56 – $630.85, now $484.52 – $646.87
6 day was $477.79 – $645.91, now $496.43 – $672.25
7 day was $492.06 – $661.56, now $511.10 – $694.96
8 day was $518.17 – $678.83, now $545.19 – $716.20
9 day was $536.00 – $691.93, now $563.46 – $738.66
10 day was $553.69 – $703.65, now $582.09 – $752.40

Walt Disney World Park Hopper Pricing February 2022

For guests that visit more than one park on the same day. 

1-2 day remain unchanged
3 day was $415.77 – $555.88, now $416.37 – $555.88
4 day was $525.35 – $687.27, now $540.89 – $687.27
5 day was $554.09 – $721.38, now $572.47 – $739.92
6 day was $568.32 – $736.44, now $586.96 – $762.77
7 day was $582.59 – $752.08, now $601.63 – $785.48
8 day was $608.69 – $769.36, now $628.04 – $810.55
9 day was $626.53 – $782.46, now $649.96 – $827.00
10 day was $644.22 – $794.17, now $671.55 – $841.86

Walt Disney World Park Hopper Plus Pricing February 2022

If guests visit more than one park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park. A 1-day ticket allows one visit, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits.

1-2 day remain unchanged
3 day was $437.07 – $577.18, now $437.67 – $577.18
4 day was $546.65 – $708.57, now $559.53 – $708.57
5 day was $575.39 – $742.68, now $593.53 – $761.22
6 day was $589.62 – $757.74, now $612.02 – $784.07
7 day was $603.89 – $773.38, now $622.98 – $806.78
8 day was $629.99 – $790.66, now $653.57 – $828.03
9 day was $647.83 – $803.76, now $678.94 – $844.66
10 day was $665.52 – $815.47, now $698.43 – $863.16

Disney Announces Plans to Develop Residential Communities with new ‘Storyliving by Disney’

The Walt Disney Company announced earlier this week that they plan to introduce ‘Storyliving by Disney’, a new business to develop master-planned, new home communities with the attention to detail and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.

According to Disney’s announcement –

The vibrant new neighborhoods are infused with our special brand of magic. Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.

Disney cast members will operate the community association at each location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+. Through a club membership stated Disney stated that they will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars and much more.

Where will the first community be? None other than a place that has known the footsteps of Walt Disney himself! Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, will be built in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The brilliant mountain-ringed valley in the Greater Palm Spring area was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney!

Disney Drops Mask Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Disney has dropped mask requirements on February 17th  at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort for all fully vaccinated guests.

Disney will no longer require masks to be worn at it’s domestic theme parks and hotels for fully vaccinated guests, except when on transportation systems.

Disney issued a statement addressing the change on both coasts –

Beginning February 17, 2022, Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

Even though technically the change only affects guest who are fully vaccinated, Disney has made no mention of asking for verification of vaccination status.  From a practical and historical standpoint, it’s unlikely that Disney will do so.  Prior to the re-introduction of the mask requirement at Walt Disney World, Disney didn’t ask for or check vaccination status in order to enforce the previous no-mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests.  They will likely continue this policy and operate on the “honor system” with guests.

 

 

Mattel Wins Battle for Disney’s Princess License

In anticipation of the buying power of fans of Disney’s Princess franchise, Mattel shares jumped today after the toy manufacturer said it won the license to make toys based on Disney’s princess lineup, including the very popular “Frozen” franchise.

This announcement marks a significant triumph for Mattel after it lost the license to rival Hasbro in 2016.

Hasbro countered this announcement by stating that it has extended its relationship with Lucasfilm by renewing its long-standing licensing deal for the “Star Wars” franchise. It also struck a new agreement to develop products based on the “Indiana Jones” franchise, which it hasn’t done since 2008.

Mattel’s stock rose more than 6% in premarket trading, While Hasbro was down more than 1%.

Mattel stated that it will start selling the new Disney toys in 2023, and the business will be managed by the same group that oversees its Barbie franchise. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Mattel stated that the new licensing deal builds on its existing licensing relationship with Disney for Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises, as well as the recently announced global licensing agreement for “Lightyear.”

In the announcement Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson said –

As the worldwide leader in dolls, we look forward to bringing our unique Mattel Playbook approach to brand management, product and marketing expertise.

Hasbro, meantime, said the “Indiana Jones” items will be on sale in the U.S. in 2023, aligning with the release of the franchise’s feature film.

Disney Cruise Line Announces ‘Pixar Day at Sea’ on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings in 2023

Previously Disney Cruise Line announced the great destinations that they will sail to in early 2023.  Now they are adding yet another reason to trade in your winter blues for the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean… Pixar Day at Sea!

Beginning in January of 2023, select seven-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy will include a day-long celebration dedicated to the beloved tales of Pixar. Guest on these sailings will be able to dine, play, dance, sing and swim with their favorite Pixar pals.

There will be a Pixar film festival, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities.  Pixar Day at Sea will include a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences, including:

Character Encounters

  • From morning until night, your family will dance, play and interact with your favorite Pixar pals, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from “Toy Story”; Mike, Sulley and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”; Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out”; Dug and Russell from “Up”; and everyone’s favorite supers – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.”

Immersive Entertainment

  • A new nighttime spectacular will call upon your family to help the Incredibles save the day.
  • A first-of-its-kind theatrical experience will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from “Coco” through live music and puppetry.
  • Families will be able to join their favorite characters from the beloved Pixar films for a dance party bash.

Dining Filled with Character

  • A new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jesse and Bullseye will kick-start your day with sing-a-longs, cowboy serenades and all the country breakfast fixins.
  • Enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner with dishes inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios’ California locale.
  • Immerse yourself in undersea magic while dining in Animator’s Palate with visits from some of your favorite “Finding Nemo” friends, including interactive conversations with Crush.

2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival to Begin March 2, 2022

With the official start of winter is still a few days away, spring is already in the air because Walt Disney World has announced that the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will open on March 2, 2022 and run for 125 days and end on July 4th, 2022.

Disney is busy producing topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers along with planning fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.

There will be a new main entrance topiary display that will feature Goofy and a 50th-themed birthday cake since the festival will be taking place during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration.

There will also be other fan-favorite Disney Character topiaries such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Germany pavilion or Lumiere and Cogsworth welcoming you to the recently expanded France pavilion.

It’s important to note that next year’s festival doesn’t carry the “Taste of” tag, so the conjecture is that we can expect a return of the full festival offerings.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series will be returning for the 2022 festival along with 18 Outdoor Kitchens. More details are coming soon on both on both of these.

Guests who attend the festival will also find blooming keepsakes including vibrant apparel, drinkware, accessories and more with new merchandise collections launching just in time for the event.

To experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

Walt Disney World Pauses New Sales of All Non-Florida Resident Annual Passes

According to reports, Walt Disney World is pausing new sales of some of its annual passes.

New sales of the Pirate, Sorcerer and Incredi-Pass have been paused. The Pixie Dust (Florida residents) is the only pass that is available for new purchases.

This does not impact renewals, it only affects new purchases.

Disney has not stated when the sales of these passes will resume, but sources say that the pause will last at least through the end of the year and will resume sales sometime in 2022.

%d bloggers like this: