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In Shanghai, over seven million tourists arrived in the city for the weekend, according to Shanghai Travel Data. Also known as the May Day holiday, the Labor Day break is one of three major annual holidays in China. Tourists visit Nanjing Confucius Temple ahead of the May Day holiday on April 27, 2023 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China. Visitors walk past the Casino Lisboa, operated by SJM Holdings, during Labour Day holiday in Macau, China, April 30, 2023. “The unscrupulous practice of these bed-and-breakfasts is ugly,” said an opinion piece posted on the social media platform by state media People’s Daily.

☆ The park with the most roller coasters in the world
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Impressive collections can be found in many parts of the world, but which park currently holds more roller coasters than any other? With a whopping 20 roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain even rates a mention with Guinness World Records – helping the park justify its “Thrill Capital of the World” slogan. “I think there are a lot of great rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain.” he told CNN Travel recently. “But there are some other more fundamental reasons for why Six Flags Magic Mountain has so many roller coasters.”Location, prosperity and weather all played roles, he said. They’re fast, they’re twisty.”GoliathMartin Lewison said Goliath has the biggest drop of any traditional-style roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

☆ Stew Leonard Sr. Dies at 93; Founded ‘Disneyland of Dairy Stores’
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Sam Roberts | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Stew Leonard Sr., a folkloric retailer who expanded his namesake stores into merchandising meccas replete with petting zoos and mechanical singing farm animals, died on Wednesday at a hospital in Manhattan. Mr. Leonard opened his original store in Norwalk, Conn., in 1969 as a destination that promised fresh milk because it was built around a bottling plant. “You’d have to own a cow to get it sooner,” his advertisements proclaimed. Bryan Miller described it in The New York Times as the “Disneyland of Dairy Stores”; “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” called it the “World’s Largest Dairy Store”; and it earned a place in the Guinness World Records for having the highest dollar sales per square foot of selling space. In 2015, Business Insider praised Kroger’s customer loyalty program and Wegmans’s walk-in beer locker, but it concluded that anyone who had ever set foot in Stew Leonard’s “knows it is miles above the rest.”

CNBC's annual Stock Draft kicked off Thursday on "Power Lunch," with candidates opting for a wide range of stocks from AI to consumer plays. Nvidia WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair bet on artificial intelligence with her first pick: Nvidia. Amazon Olympic swimmer Erica Sullivan picked Amazon, saying she likes the e-commerce giant's service and uses it regularly. General Electric Sullivan chose General Electric for her second pick. General Electric shares are higher by more than 49% in 2023.

☆ Disney's Bob Iger is going nuclear on Ron DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Disney's Bob Iger escalated the conflict between the company and Florida's Ron DeSantis on Wednesday. It's the latest move in a feud that began last year over Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill. Buckle up for a roller coaster ride, because the feud between Disney's CEO Bob Iger and Florida's Ron DeSantis just got bumpier. This is the latest — and most drastic — move in the clash between DeSantis and Iger, who inherited the battle with Disney from his predecessor Bob Chapek. Spokespeople for both Disney and DeSantis declined to give any additional comment.

☆ A huge Disneyland prop burst into flames during a live show in California. 6 workers had to be treated for smoke inhalation, report says.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

At least six workers were treated for smoke inhalation after the fire, The New York Times reported. These workers did not require further evaluation, a spokesperson for the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue told The New York Times. Shortly after, the park told visitors over the loudspeaker that the show was ending. prop fire," a Disneyland spokesperson told The New York Times. Officials are investigating the cause of the fire, McClintock told The New York Times.

☆ Watch: Giant Dragon Catches Fire at Disneyland 'Fantasmic!' Show
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

iPhone Security Feature Helps Criminals Lock Users Out of AccountsThieves in cities across the U.S. who steal iPhone passcodes along with the devices, are also using another Apple security feature to lock victims out of their accounts. The victims say they have no way to regain access to years of photos and other personal data. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how this crime works and why it’s so devastating. Photo: Storyblocks

☆ Dragon at Disneyland’s ‘Fantasmic!’ Performance Catches Fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( April Rubin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

When a fire-breathing dragon caught fire at Disneyland on Saturday night, some spectators thought it was part of the show. But the prop being engulfed in flames was accidental, and officials were investigating the cause, Sgt. Jon McClintock, a spokesman for the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue, said on Sunday. At least six workers were treated for smoke inhalation but did not require further evaluation, he said. The fire was reported at about 11 p.m. local time, 30 minutes after the start of a performance of “Fantasmic!”

April 23 (Reuters) - A 45-foot tall Disneyland dragon burst into flames after catching fire late on Saturday during a show in Anaheim, California, causing those in attendance to flee, local media and officials said, adding no injuries or deaths were reported. "The dragon's head started to glow, and I see fire and kind of smoke coming out," Elaine Gilmer, who was at the event, told ABC News. Videos from the incident showed the dragon fully engulfed in flames, leading to cast members being evacuated from Tom Sawyer Island, where the show was staged. The Anaheim Fire Department said no injuries were reported. The response to the incident went relatively smoothly, according to ABC News.

☆ What it’s like to be a theme park designer
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Kate Springer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“Back then, it definitely wasn’t cool to be into theme parks, but I was obsessed,” Jeffs, 39, tells CNN. Jeffs points to the immersive “Pacific Rim: Shatterdome Strike” ride at Trans Studio Cibubur, part of Indonesia’s largest theme park chain, as an example. “When I was growing up, theme park design was often dismissed as a rinky-dink, second-class artistic discipline simply because it was rarely well done. “That first summer, we drove 10,000 miles and hit up virtually any theme park that had managed to re-open,” he says. Courtesy Taylor JeffsAnd though he’s ridden over 600 roller coasters and explored theme parks worldwide, Disneyland in California remains his all-time favorite park.

☆ Disney and DeSantis have been in a year-long feud that began after the company spoke out against a controversial bill. Here's a timeline of the events.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The feud began after the entertainment giant spoke out last March against a controversial piece of legislation critics have called the Don't Say Gay bill. The state Board of Education voted on Wednesday to expand that law to cover grades 4 to 12. The new district board also is considering more inspection regulations, building workforce affordable housing on land that borders the resort and theme park, and selling the district-owned utilities. It was the first time the board met since the revelation of the agreement between the prior district board members and Disney. On April 19, the state board approved a ban on classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for all grades, including grades 4-12.

☆ Disney and DeSantis have been in a yearlong feud that began after the company spoke out against a controversial bill. Here's a timeline of the events.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Lloyd Lee | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

After a yearlong feud, Disney sued DeSantis on Wednesday, alleging that the Florida governor tried to "weaponize government power" over the company. The state Board of Education voted on Wednesday to expand that law to cover grades four to 12. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, our state has seen record growth in jobs, GDP, and net domestic in-migration. It was the first time the board met since the revelation of the agreement between the prior district board members and Disney. On April 19, the state board approved a ban on classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for all grades, including grades four through 12.

☆ GOP lawmaker leading Florida legislature's effort to rein in Disney was a company stock-holder until the DeSantis feud
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

One key ally, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, previously held Disney stock but said he sold on principle. Ron DeSantis claw back control of Walt Disney World's special tax district was once a Walt Disney Company investor, annual disclosures show. Ingoglia told Insider that he manages his stocks himself, and that they were long-term holds with a retirement or brokerage account. The financial ties to Disney underscore the company's largess and influence in Florida, where it's the state's biggest attraction. Disney CEO Bob Iger told Time he would be willing to sit down with DeSantis over the feud.

☆ 10 fascinating theme parks that have closed forever
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In April, we’re taking a thrilling ride into the world of theme parks. “We think of amusement parks as vibrant, colorful, noisy, cheerful places,” says Jim Futrell of the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Pripyat Amusement Park (Ukraine)The Pripyat Amusement Park was built right before the Chernobyl disaster. Yongma Land (South Korea)Once in a blue moon, abandoned theme parks find new life by adopting totally new functions. Faced with increased competition from Orlando’s modern theme parks, Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 and was eventually absorbed into LEGOLAND Florida.

☆ DeSantis-picked board seeks new taxes and affordable housing at Disney after the company's 'blatant and hostile' grab for control
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

DeSantis' board overseeing Disney is considering new taxes, public transit, and housing. The board met for the first time since Disney's surprise maneuver. The five-member board met Wednesday for the first since Disney stealthily arranged a deal that would allow the theme park and resort to maintain control of its land, virtually in perpetuity. Much of the meeting made the legal case for the new board moving ahead, despite the maneuver Disney pulled last month. Firefighters who work for Disney's district said the previous board failed to give them the resources they needed to do their jobs, including new ambulances, even as Disney grew.

☆ Disney announces first official LGBTQ event at Disneyland right after DeSantis threatens the company
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Shortly after, Disney publicized Disneyland's first official LGBTQ event for Pride Month. DeSantis and Disney have been publicly feuding, including over Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference that he could build a state prison next to Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort. Disney tweeted on Monday afternoon that "Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite" would be coming to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, during Pride Month. The governor, smiling, said that "another state prison" could be a good use of the land.

☆ The Florida legislature swoops in to try to help DeSantis wrestle power back from Disney World
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The GOP-controlled legislature introduced an amendment to take away Disney's control over its land. Ron DeSantis seize back control of the board that oversees Walt Disney World's special tax district. The amendment aims to nullify Disney's actions from February, in which the mega-corporation stealthily rendered toothless a board DeSantis appointed to make decisions about its land. At that time, DeSantis said, the group would also work separately to void the Disney loophole that stripped them of their power. Unlike rival parks Universal Studios and Sea World, Disney doesn't have to run their plans by zoning commissions or building-inspection departments.

☆ I did the Disney College Program 4 times and had years of free access to the parks. Here's how I got in.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Jamie Killin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Keller participated in the Disney College program four times, working at the parks as a student. When I was 12 years old, I learned about the Disney College Program. When I got older, I learned that travel and tourism was a college degree programI went that route for my bachelor's and master's degrees while in the Disney College Program. I was there until the following August, then went back to Florida to do the Disney College Program again while I started graduate school. I had to apply for the Disney College Program each time, so I learned the process wellThe college program application just requests super basic information from you — it's not one of those long, 100-question type things.

☆ Why fans say trips to Disney World are now 'incredibly complicated' to pull off
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

But some travelers aren't thrilled about what it takes to pull off a trip to Walt Disney World these days. He said he goes to Disney World about "once a month." They will leave thinking food at Disney World is a "cheeseburger and a hot dog … which could not be farther from the truth," he said. Walt Disney World comprises four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of themed hotels, plus a shopping and entertainment area called Disney Springs. He called Disney World an "amazing spa destination" and said Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, has shopping, live music and fantastic restaurants.

☆ One of the oldest restaurants at Downtown Disney in California is closing down
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar at Disneyland California's Downtown Disney are closing on 14 April. The restaurant has been in business since the Downtown Disney District opened in 2001. Catal Restaurant and its accompanying outdoor bar – Uva Bar – have been permanent fixtures since the opening of Downtown Disney in 2001. The theme park says that the restaurant and bar are closing "to make way for an exciting new addition to the Downtown Disney District." The change is part of a large redevelopment of the Downtown Disney District, which is home to a number of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

☆ Margaritaville's cruise company just unveiled a $900 pass for nearly unlimited cruises through the end of the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Margaritaville at Sea announced a $900 cruise pass that allows travelers to sail on the majority of its 2023 cruises. Margaritaville launched its cruise brand in 2022 with its Margaritaville at Sea Paradise vessel. The cruise line is currently operating nonstop two-night sailings from Florida's Port of Palm Beach to the Bahama's Freeport, Grand Bahama island. But if there's nowhere you'd rather be than on a Margaritaville cruise ship, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars with its newly announced cruise pass. Before its refresh, the ship was known as the Grand Classica, a 30-year-old flagship vessel owned by budget cruise company Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday is set to hear a trademark clash between Jack Daniel's and a dog accessory company behind a parody chew toy resembling the distiller's widely recognized black-label whiskey bottle. The dispute pits the whiskey brand's trademark rights against legal protections for creative expression - in this case a send-up by Phoenix-based VIP Products LLC of Jack Daniel's Old No. A 2,300-strong group of authors took the opposite view, saying a win for Jack Daniel's could lead to a "catastrophic chilling effect" over worries that creative expression might spark litigation. The 9th Circuit said the Bad Spaniels toy was an "expressive work" and thus potentially shielded under the First Amendment from Jack Daniel's trademark infringement claim. President Joe Biden's administration supports Jack Daniel's appeal.

☆ Disneyland reopens Toontown, designed to be inclusive of 'every single guest'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Parkgoers at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, will finally be able to return to Mickey's Toontown this weekend after a yearlong closure for refurbishment. The reimagined Toontown honors the space that first opened in 1993, keeping existing structures like Mickey and Minnie's houses in tact, albeit with a paint touch-up. But there's also quite a bit of new infrastructure for kids to explore — with an eye toward inclusivity. "We wanted Toontown to not only be exciting, but also decompressing and relaxing and welcoming." With that in mind, the Imagineers have introduced more green spaces within the land, places to have picnics, sit and unwind, or play freely.

☆ Top 10 things the Club is watching in the stock market Friday: First Republic, semis, energy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Jeff Marks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

JPMorgan keeps FRC as a top pick but lowers price target to $62 per share from $150. No price target at Atlantic Equities. Even after a big run, Morgan Stanley thinks it is not too late to get long Club holding Nvidia (NVDA). Disney (DIS) is a Club holding. Club holding Alphabet 's (GOOGL) Google raises pricing on YouTube TV to $73 per month from $65.

☆ Mask-free Monday comes to Japan as government eases COVID guidelines
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Rocky Swift | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Commuters make their way on the first day of the Japanese government's relaxation of official guidance on masks as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan March 13, 2023. "Mask-wearing was part of our culture even before COVID-19," said Hitoshi Oshitani, a Tohoku University professor who was an architect of Japan's COVID response. "I think many people will be wearing masks even after the rules are relaxed." "As of today, mask wearing is at the discretion of each individual," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters on Monday. Health experts in Japan have pointed to widespread mask use along with an embrace of hygiene and social distancing for the country's relatively lower death toll from COVID.

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