DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Fly like Iron Man. Join a battle in Wakanda. Here are the major theme park projects Disney has announced
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Artist concept for an attraction at a new “Cars”-themed area coming to Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. To mark the occasion, the company will create the first-ever audio-animatronic version of Walt Disney, with a level of complexity of technology that has yet to be seen in a Disney park. Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure park, Avenger’s Campus will more than double in size, with construction beginning in 2025. Artist concept of Disney’s first theme park ride based on “Coco,” which breaks ground in 2026. In Paris, Disney’s first-ever theme park attraction based on “The Lion King” will be built at the renamed Disney Adventure World park.

Persons: Walt Disney, Josh D’Amaro, Shaboozey, Billy Crystal, Mike Wazowski, Madrigal, Antonio, Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones ”, Disney’s Encanto, Disney Oscar, Ke Huy Quan, “ Indiana Jones, ”, D’Amaro, “ We’re, Lincoln ”, ” D’Amaro, “, Disney’s, King Thanos, “ Coco, What’s, King ”, Simba, Epic Games Disney, Doom, Megan Thomas Organizations: CA CNN, Disney, Honda Center, CNN, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney, Magic, Disney Magic, Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios, Inc, Monsters Inc, Tokyo Disney, Pueblo Esperanza, Indiana Jones, EPCOT, Disneyland, Opera House, Infinity Defense, Stark, Pandora, Disney Cruise, Disney Destiny, Disney Parks Shanghai, Hong Kong Disney, Marvel, Epic Games, Epic, Star Locations: Anaheim, CA, Anaheim , California, Florida, California, Star, Tokyo, Disney’s, “, Pueblo Esperanza, Disney, Imagineering, New York City, Disney California, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tomorrowland, Paris, Fortnite, livestream

☆ Disney World is entering its villain era
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewDisney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro unveiled ambitious plans for Walt Disney World, including new attractions and in-park destinations. Advertisement"As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we're always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love," D'Amaro said. Representatives for Walt Disney World did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Disney beyond FloridaD'Amaro also shared details about how other Disney theme parks would expand. AdvertisementAlthough Disney is investing heavily in its domestic theme parks, it also plans to expand Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disneyland.

Persons: —, Josh D'Amaro, D'Amaro, Araya Doheny, Disney, who've, we're, Joe Burbank, Indiana Jones, Hugh Johnston, Ron DeSantis, Disney hadn't, Florida D'Amaro, James Cameron's Organizations: Service, Walt Disney, Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Business, Walt Disney World, Central Florida . Magic, Magic Kingdom, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty Images, Pueblo Esperanza, Hollywood Studios, Pixar, Inc, The Central, Florida Gov, Marvel, Disney California, Shanghai Disneyland Locations: Anaheim , California, Central Florida, Florida, Animal Kingdom, Pueblo, Disney, The Central Florida, California, Paris, Shanghai

☆ From villains to Indiana Jones: Everything we learned at Disney’s parks panel at the 2024 D23 Expo
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Disney's classic baddies are getting their own theme park land at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. This area will differ from the one at Disney California Adventure, D'Amaro told the audience, and will take place in the wilderness. As part of the Tropical America's land Disney is creating Pueblo Esperanza, which means village of hope. DisneylandThe world of "Avatar" will make its way to Disney's California Adventure, D'Amaro shared Saturday. The Walt Disney World Resort version of the ride opened in June.

Persons: Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Gary Hershorn, Disney, Josh D'Amaro, Parks, Rita Ora, D'Amaro, Shaboozey, Billy Crystal, Mike Wazowski, Crystal, Indiana Jones, Huy Quan, Josh, Quan, Madrigal, Antonio, Ash, Ali Rubinstein, Walt Disney Imagineering, Miguel, Deadpool, King Thanos, King, Scott Trowbridge Organizations: Magic, Walt Disney World, Corbis, Big, Honda Center, Disney, Walt Disney, Disney California, Hollywood Studios, Inc, Pirates, Defense, Stark, Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering, Marvel . Disney Cruises, Disney Cruise Locations: Orlando , Florida, Anaheim , California, California, Florida, Indiana, Orlando, Pueblo Esperanza, New York City, Disneyland Paris, Pride, Shanghai, Hong, Tokyo

☆ Disney falls on concerns about its theme park business. Here's why we'd buy the stock
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Kevin Stankiewicz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Shares of Disney fell Wednesday as concerns about attendance at its theme parks overshadowed streaming profits and better-than-expected headline results. The combined streaming business — encompassing Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ — turned in its first-ever quarterly profit slightly ahead of schedule. Then, about two weeks ago, CNBC parent Comcast issued weak April-to-June results for its Universal theme parks business, which weighed on Disney's stock in that session . And, at this point, getting to profitability in the combined streaming business, which adds ESPN+ into the mix, was the biggest focus. "So, I do believe the parks business is in fundamentally good shape.

Persons: LSEG, —, Jim Cramer, Jim, we're, Hugh Johnston, Johnston, Disney, Bob Iger, Jim Cramer's, Walt, Gary Hershorn Organizations: Disney, Revenue, ESPN, Comcast, Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Global, Hulu, CNBC, PepsiCo, Wall Street, ABC Network, Geographic, Management, Magic, Walt Disney World, Corbis, Getty Locations: U.S, India, Orlando , Florida

☆ Marvel reclaims its mojo with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and the return of Robert Downey Jr.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“Deadpool & Wolverine” clawed through initial analyst expectations, delivering a monster $211 million jolt to the domestic box office. The film’s massive success pushed Marvel past the $30 billion mark at the global office, making it the highest-grossing franchise of all-time. Meanwhile, the box office success coincided with the Disney-owned studio making buzzy announcements at Comic-Con. And, in a stunning announcement, Robert Downey Jr. emerged onstage as Marvel unveiled the one-time “Iron Man” actor as the franchise’s next big supervillain, Doctor Doom. But what happens when Marvel doesn’t have the Russo Brothers and Downey Jr. to lean on?

Persons: Deadpool, Russo, Robert Downey Jr, Doom, Marvel, “ Loki, ” Ryan Reynolds, Wolverine, Downey, Bob Iger’s, It’s, Marvel doesn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, Marvel, Marvel Studios, Disney, Russo Brothers, Bob Iger’s Magic Locations: New York

☆ I visit Disney World 4 times a week. Here are 11 of the most disappointing restaurants across the property.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( Jenna Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewI live a couple of minutes from Disney World and visit the parks about four times a week. I've dined at about 60% of the restaurants at Disney World (both table service and quick service), and there are hits and misses. I usually enjoy a plate of chicken Parmesan or spaghetti, but not from here. I'd recommend visiting Tutto Gusto or Tutto Italia at Epcot if you're wanting some high-quality Italian cuisine at Disney World. I can't express how delicious the food is at Boma — it's some of the best food I've had at Disney World.

Persons: —, I've, Pecos Bill, Jenna Clark, Jenna Clark Tony's, Melrose's, I'd, I'm, Jenna Clark Coral, haven't, Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Dale, Boma Organizations: Service, Disney, Business, Pecos, Pecos Bill, Magic, Disney's, Columbia, Columbia Harbour House, House, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Fish, Rose & Locations: Magic, Pecos, Tony's, Columbia Harbour, Epcot, it's, Southern, Yorkshire, Jenna Clark Yorkshire

☆ Netflix wants to be Disney when it grows up
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The company will unveil its first Netflix House venues in 2025 at two US-based malls: King of Prussia and Galleria Dallas. "We've launched more than 50 experiences in 25 cities, and Netflix House represents the next generation of our distinctive offerings. At a 2019 conference, former Disney CEO Reed Hastings said that Netflix admired Disney. Advertisement"Think of Hollywood Studios," McCoy said, referring to the Walt Disney World theme park. Netflix House and then Netflix World?

Persons: —, of Prussia, We've, Marian Lee, Joe Burbank, Reed Hastings, playbook, Steinberg, Ericka McCoy, there's, King of Prussia, McCoy, Matt Voda, Voda, it's Organizations: Service, Netflix, Galleria Dallas, Business, Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Disney, Zeta Global, . Orlando Sentinel, Sears, Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Studios . Orlando Sentinel, OptiMine Locations: California, Magic, Florida, Lycoming Mall, Pennsylvania

☆ Former Disney World employees share 8 of their favorite places to eat in the theme parks
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Jenna Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Business Insider spoke with former Disney World employees about their favorite places to eat on the property. AdvertisementFlame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom is a must-tryFor former Magic Kingdom employee Kaitlyn Cahalen, Flame Tree Barbecue is the main Animal Kingdom restaurant she frequents. Jenna ClarkIf you're traveling to Disney World with picky eaters, Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios can be a lifesaver. AdvertisementKalyn Breisch, a former Disney College Program participant who worked at Epcot, told Business Insider that she can be picky. First, because it's always delicious, and second because it reminds me of very happy memories of when my parents came to Disney World."

Persons: —, Kaitlyn Cahalen, Jenna Clark, Kalyn, Le Cellier, Josie Maida Aguirre, Matt Stroshane, Walt, Joyce Wingate Boyden, Wingate Boyden, Breisch, Brown, Carly Caramanna, Hollywood Brown Organizations: Service, Business, Disney, Magic, Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney College, Epcot, Disney World, Walt Disney, Vine, Hollywood Brown Derby, Brown Derby, Hollywood Locations: Animal Kingdom, Canada, Magic, California

☆ I was one of the first to ride the Splash Mountain replacement at Disney World. After years of controversy, it's a whole new ride.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Megan Dubois | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I was one of the first to ride the all-new Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction at Magic Kingdom. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIn 2020, Disney announced it would close the popular but controversial Splash Mountain at both Disney World and Disneyland. In its place, Disney created a new "Princess and the Frog"-themed water ride called Tiana's Bayou Adventure, with the company's first Black princess front and center. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Mama Odie, —, Disney Organizations: Magic Kingdom, Service, Disney, Business

☆ DeSantis tourism board approves $17 billion development deal with Disney that could pave the way for a 5th theme park
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewCentral Florida's tourism district unanimously approved a $17 billion development deal with Disney that could mean a new era for the company's profitable theme parks. Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors pushed through the landmark deal on Wednesday evening during a meeting at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters. "This agreement is a big win for central Florida and will lead to numerous jobs and improved guest experiences." It will also permit Disney to build a fifth major theme park and two minor theme parks — something Disney fans have fantasized about for years. The development deal also authorizes Disney to add more rooms to its Central Florida hotel and expand its retail and restaurant space.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, Joe Burbank, Brian Aungst, Charbel Barakat, DeSantis, Bryan Griffin, Disney hasn't, George Miliotes Organizations: Service, Disney, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Business, Florida Gov, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Walt Disney, Communications, Wine Bar Locations: Central Florida, Buena Vista, Disney, Florida, Disney Springs

☆ 15 little-known secrets you probably didn't know about Magic Kingdom
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Jenna Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Here are some little-known secrets even the biggest Disney fans might not know about Magic Kingdom. There's a hidden homage to Walt Disney at the front of the parkWalt Disney Was born in 1901. Kim Renfro/INSIDERAlthough Space Mountain is an iconic attraction that has become synonymous with the park, it was not an opening-day attraction at Magic Kingdom in 1971. There are locations in both Disneyland and Disney World, and the Magic Kingdom Club 33 is located at the entrance to Adventureland near the Adventureland Bazaar. The Walt Disney World Railroad spans 1.5 miles across the parkMagic Kingdom's 20-minute train ride stops on Main Street, in Frontierland, and in Fantasyland.

Persons: —, Walt Disney, Jenna Clark, Walt, isn't, Roberto Machado Noa, it's, Jenna Clark Gaston's, It's, Kim Renfro, Mickey Mouse's, Mickey, Mickey Mouse, ROBERT SULLIVAN, who've, Walter E, Lilly Belle, Walt's, Lillian, Roy O, Roger E, Jenna Clark Just Organizations: Service, Disney, Magic, Business, Walt, Kingdom, Barber, Getty, Magic Kingdom, Kingdom's, Adventureland, Cinderella, Walt Disney World Railroad, Liberty, Hollywood Studios Locations: aren't, Frotierland, USA, New Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Magic, Pinocchio's, Adventureland, There's, AFP, Frontierland, Fantasyland

☆ Everyone wants to go to the Four Seasons Orlando. Take a look inside the luxury Disney hotel, where rooms cost upwards of $1,395 a night.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Amanda Krause | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A baby went viral on TikTok for wanting to visit the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementWho wants to go to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando? If you're on TikTok, you know that the "fully-conscious baby" — or the 1-year-old who went viral for excitedly raising her hand and cheering "me!" The luxury spot offers massive pools, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, a nine-bedroom suite, and more.

Persons: — Organizations: Orlando, Disney, Service, Business

☆ Jenny Nicholson breaks down Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ hotel closure
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Aj Willingham | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Some of her most popular videos cover shows and movies like “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and installments in the “Star Wars” franchise. None of them are nearly as long as her most recent video, “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel.”Over the course of 20 video chapters, Nicholson details her 2022 stay at the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” hotel in Orlando, Florida. The tale is likely familiar to Disney and Star Wars fans, many of whom heard about the high-dollar, high-concept hotel and its closure in 2023. The big draw of the hotel lay in what Disney marketing called an “immersive, customizable Star Wars experience” that Nicholson equated to LARPing, or live-action roleplaying. “I couldn’t care less about some dumb Star Wars hotel, but give me those 4 hours,” one X user said.

Persons: YouTuber Jenny Nicholson, ”, Nicholson, Allen J, Gen, Disney, Bob Iger, CNN’s Natasha Chen Organizations: CNN, Disney, Walt Disney, ” “ Pirates, “, Wars, Star Wars, Los Angeles Times, Star, Google, Magic, Orlando’s Walt Disney, Disney Parks, Galactic, ’ Locations: Caribbean, Orlando , Florida, Walt, Orlando’s, Anaheim, Florida

☆ International Disney parks target U.S. customers with American influencers and bloggers
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Kat Tenbarge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

As they were originally conceived, Disney's international parks were meant to "bring the unforgettable Disney magic to an international audience," according to the company. While the international parks themselves have always taken steps to accommodate diverse audiences — providing shows and attractions in multiple languages — Disney appears to be marketing the international parks to American audiences in more direct ways. In addition to the content creator efforts, Disney has begun to include its international parks in its own content consumed by Americans. In the Disney+ show "Behind the Attraction," which premiered in 2021, numerous variations on American rides at international parks were discussed and digested for American audiences. Disney creators around the world grew their followings, and demand for content from international Disney parks rose alongside them.

Persons: Peter Pan, Disney, Quincy Stanford, AllEars, Stanford, Emma Kenner, Kenner, Taylor Swift, Rolling Stone Organizations: Disney, Tokyo Disney, YouTube, Disney Parks, NBC, Tokyo Disneyland, Magic, Tokyo Disney Resort, Stanford, Walt Disney Co, Paris La Défense, Rolling, Swift Locations: China, Japan, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, U.S, California, Florida, Tokyo ., Paris

☆ Americans are shopping less but they’re still spending on flights, hotels and Disneyland
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Consumers may be fed up with high prices at the store, but they’re still willing to splurge on travel. Other key players in the travel industry have reported a similar trend this earnings season. Americans, especially lower-income consumers, have pulled back spending at retailers as goods inflation outpaces wage growth. They’ve even become frugal with some experience-based spending like dining out, opting instead to eat at home. “We saw a healthy but more normalized market environment for travel globally,” CEO Peter Kern told analysts on May 2.

Persons: they’re, ”, Hugh Johnston, it’s, Ed Bastian, Kathleen Oberg, “, Peter Kern, ” FTX, FTX, Sam Bankman, Fried, Olesya Dmitracova, Read, Tesla, Anna Cooban, André, Elon Musk’s Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Delta Air, ” United Airlines, Marriott International, Marriott, Disney, Expedia Group, Alameda Research, CNN, RTL Locations: New York, Hong Kong, California, Florida, Alameda, Berlin, Germany, Europe

☆ I always dreamed of working at Disney World. But after 3 months in the parks, I was ready to quit.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Jordyn Bradley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

I quit after working at Disney World for three months through the Disney College Program. AdvertisementIt was always my dream to work at Disney World, and in 2019, it came true when I was hired through the Disney College Program. Most of the College Program employees were reallocated to other parts of the Disney property, even though Epcot's next festival was starting soon. Even though I only had about a month left in my College Program, I quit after a couple of days of training at Magic Kingdom. It's taken me some time to neutralize my feelings toward DisneyMy feelings toward Disney World have shifted a lot since I started working there.

Persons: —, Jordyn Bradley, Epcot's, It's, I've, I'm Organizations: Disney, Disney College Program, Service, Epcot, Wine, College Program, Magic Kingdom, Program Locations: Florida, Michigan

☆ Disney quarterly results are on deck. Here's what to expect
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, photographed Saturday, June 3, 2023. This will also be Disney's first earnings call since it won a proxy fight against Nelson Peltz's Trian Partners. Here is what Wall Street expects Disney to report Tuesday morning, according to LSEG:Earnings per share: $1.10 expectedRevenue: $22.11 billion expectedThe subscriber growth at its flagship streaming service, Disney+, will once again be a top focus. Last quarter Disney's direct-to-consumer unit — which also includes Hulu and ESPN+ — saw its losses narrow to $216 million from $1.05 billion in the same period a year earlier. Visitor traffic to Disney's theme parks in the U.S. will also be in focus.

Persons: Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Bob Iger, Nelson Peltz's Trian, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Reif Ehrlich Organizations: Magic, Walt Disney World, Disney, BofA Securities, Hulu, ESPN, Deutsche Bank, Comcast, Universal, CNBC Locations: Lake Buena Vista , Florida, Hulu, U.S, Orlando, Universal Orlando, NBCUniversal

☆ ABC News president Kim Godwin in hot water as Disney-appointed boss conducts review
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —ABC News President Kim Godwin is skating on thinner and thinner ice. OConnell, according to people familiar with the matter, has been astonished by Godwin’s management — or lack thereof — at the network. “She has to take swift moves,” a person familiar with the inner workings of ABC News candidly told me of OConnell. Those lieutenants include Stacia Deshishku, executive editor and senior vice president; Derek Medina, executive vice president; and Jose Andino, vice president of the office of the president and process management. As OConnell’s not-so-subtle evaluation has played out at ABC News, Godwin has privately voiced displeasure about being layered away from Iger and bemoaned Disney’s micromanagement, CNN was told.

Persons: Kim Godwin, Debra OConnell, OConnell, Godwin, Galen Gordon, Jonathan Greenberger, Bob Iger, tepidly, ”, Stacia, Derek Medina, Jose Andino, OConnell’s, Disney’s micromanagement Organizations: New York CNN, ABC, Disney, ABC News, POLITICO, CBS, “, CNN Locations: New York, Burbank, Washington, Iger

☆ I stayed at Disney World's most expensive hotel that costs $900 a night. Here's what it was like and why it was worth every penny.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Jenna Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I stayed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where rooms cost $900 a night on average. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I was very excited to reserve a stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I booked a one-night stay in a standard room that typically costs about $900 a night. But the resort also has larger suites and villas that range over $4,000 a night.

Persons: I'd, Mary Poppins, — Organizations: Floridian, Magic Kingdom, Disney, Service Locations: Magic

☆ Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy file for union vote at Disneyland
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Chris Isidore | Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The group had announced a union organizing effort in February, but very often such campaigns fall short of filing to hold a vote. Union organizing efforts have picked up in the last year, especially in the wake of a number of high profile contract wins by unions that provided union members with large pay raises. There are more than 21,000 Disneyland “cast member” employees, who are represented by more than a dozen unions. But it doesn’t include the performers who dress up as characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy and interact with visitors. Vo said it’s difficult for cast members to afford living on their own, and many have roommates.

Persons: “, ”, Kate Shindle, Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Disney, Mai Vo, Vo, Zach Elefante, Elefante Organizations: California CNN, Actor’s Equity Association, National Labor Relations Board, Disneyland, Disney, Union, Workers, CNN, showtime, Magic Kingdom Locations: Anaheim, California, Los Angeles, Orlando , Florida, Orlando, Southern California, Vo

☆ Disney's parks are its top money maker — and it plans to spend $60 billion to keep it that way
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

It had been more than a year since the Covid pandemic had forced Disney's domestic parks to shutter, but D'Amaro, chair of Disney's experiences division, was confident guests would flood back in when the gates reopened. Revenues fell 35% in 2020, a nearly $10 billion decrease from the $26.2 billion the experiences division had tallied in the year before the pandemic. The experiences division posted record revenue of $32.5 billion in fiscal 2023, a 16% increase from the prior year. Its innovations, from ride mechanics and animatronics to creature design and immersive architecture, have made Disney's parks a standout in the industry. Storytelling is at the heart of everything across Disney's experiences division.

Persons: Mickey Mouse, Ian Langsdon, Josh D'Amaro, D'Amaro, Bob Chapek, D'Amaro —, Walt Disney, King Arthur Carousel, Christian Thompson, you've, it's, Bob Iger, Nelson, Walt Disney Imagineering, Rey, Kylo Ren, Judy Hopps, Imagineers, CNBC —, Lewis, Disney, Imagineering, Matt Stroshane, Alan Bergman Organizations: Paris, Afp, Getty, Gibson, Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney, Guardians, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Star Wars, California Disneyland's, Walt Disney Imagineering's, Disney Engineers, Force, Southwest, CNBC, Galactic, Marvel Locations: California, Burbank, Disneyland, Hong Kong, Shanghai Disneyland, Florida, Epcot, Magic, Wharf, Disneyland's, Disney's, Edge

☆ Travel news: The world’s best airports for food and drink
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. CNN —This week in travel news: Europe’s highest pedestrian suspension bridge, a groundbreaking “blended wing” plane, North America’s solar eclipse and the world’s best airports to arrive at hungry. Airport diningThere’s no more captive consumer than a traveler caught between airport security and the departure gate, which is why Food & Wine’s 2024 roundup of the world’s best airports for food and drink got our mouths watering. “Like interest on a bank account we never knew we had.”Solar eclipse across North AmericaVideo Ad Feedback A total solar eclipse will darken skies across the US. There won’t be another total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States until 2044, so make sure you’re prepped.

Persons: bartenders, Shakira, Blake Scholl, ”, don’t, CNN’s Chris Isidore, he’s, won’t Organizations: CNN, hawker, Singapore, Narita International, Dubai International, Pathfinder, America, Disney Locations: Changi, Raffles, Tokyo, Dubai, Italy, Umbria, Africa, Kalandula Falls, Angola, South America, American, Costa Rican, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, California, Colorado, vida, Mexico, United States, Spain, “ Andalusia, North America, Alicudi, Bogota

☆ Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Glendale, California CNN —Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California. Disney’s 10-year investment planThe Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a $60 billion investment Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade. But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues. This is really a wild experience.”Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

Persons: “ It’s, ” Michael Hundgen, Walt, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Iger, “ it’s, Disney, ” Iger, ”, Mike Pucher, Walt Disney Imagineering Iger, Imagineers, Darth Vader, Imagineer Lanny Smoot, ” Smoot, Smoot, Christian Thompson, Stella Reese Chase, Leah Chase, Chase, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carter, “ Organizations: California CNN, Railroad, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney, Walt, CNN, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal, Comcast, Anaheim City Council, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Research, Walt Disney Imagineering Research, Disneyland’s Locations: Glendale, California, ”, Central Florida, Disney’s Florida, Florida, Anaheim, New Orleans

☆ How Bob Iger vanquished a corporate raider in Disney’s most consequential boardroom battle in decades
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But over the last several months, the Disney chief made significant moves that took the wind out of those sails. Regardless, the course of action taken by Iger had the same effect, pouring cold water on Peltz’s public grievances. On streaming strategy: Iger moved to take full control of Hulu in a major deal with Comcast. Last week, Disney merged the service into Disney+, putting both libraries into a single app in a move once considered unthinkable. Disney investors overwhelmingly moved to elect Disney’s slate of directors, rejecting Peltz and former company exec Jay Rasulo.

Persons: Bob Iger, Nelson Peltz, shoring, Peltz, “, Iger, ” Iger, Ron DeSantis, ”, Bob Chapek, Morgan Stanley, James Gorman, Jay Rasulo, ” Trian, It’s Organizations: New York CNN, Disney, ESPN, Florida Gov, Hulu, Comcast, CNBC, Google, Partners, Company, Dow Jones Industrial Locations: New York, Magic, —, refocusing

☆ Bob Iger may prevail in Disney’s boardroom showdown, but the battle has not left him unscathed
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —The battle for the future of Disney is about to reach its epic conclusion. Nelson Peltz, founder and chief executive officer of Trian Fund Management, has continually criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger. The forces that have tormented Iger will be banished to the shadows, exiled outside of the Magic Kingdom for now. The "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World. The future of Disney is up for grabs in the proxy-fight between Iger and Peltz.

Persons: Nelson Peltz, Bob Iger, Peltz, Jay Rasulo, Rasulo, Disney’s “, Marco Bello, Iger, Bob Chapek, ” Barton Crockett, CNN’s, Samantha Delouya, George Lucas, Laurene Powell Jobs, Morgan, Jamie Dimon, Walt, Roy Disney, Abigail Disney, Ike Perlmutter, Trian, they’ll, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Joe Burbank, ”, it’s, King, Hollywood, “ Iger Organizations: New York CNN, Disney, Trian, Management, Netflix, Trian Fund Management, Bloomberg, Rosenblatt Securities, “, Former Marvel Entertainment, Services, Magic Kingdom, Magic, Walt Disney World, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Service Locations: New York, Iger

Search resuls for: "Magic Kingdom"

25 mentions found