DLW 116: Disney CEO Bob Iger

This week, we discuss another after dark night announced, Magic Happens details, DVC tower concept art, Food and Wine Festival tickets on sale, Haunted Mansion permits found, we discuss Bob Iger, and more!

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News:

There is a disturbance in the force coming to Disneyland After Dark in August! Star Wars Nite has been announced for August 27th, 2020. Tickets have not gone on sale yet, but this is sure going to be a popular one. Not only is it Star Wars, which is popular by itslef, but it is also on the first day of Star Wars Celebration taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center across the street. No specific details have been released, but we will report on it as soon as we know. Keep an eye out for tickets going on sale as this is sure to sell out quickly. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/living-your-star-wars-adventures-at-disneyland-resort/

This week, Disney released more concept art for the upcoming Magic Happens parade that will be debuting on February 28th at Disneyland. The new parade will replace Soundsational that ran from 2011 until July of 2019. Some of the floats that we got a new look at included Cinderella, Sword in the Stone, and Princess and the Frog. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/sneak-peek-of-the-awe-inspiring-magic-happens-parade-debuting-feb-28-at-disneyland-park/ and https://www.micechat.com/245353-new-magic-happens-parade-to-debut-at-disneyland-this-february/

Not only did Disney release the concept art for some more of the floats, but costume concepts have also been released. All of the costumes are very colorful and whimsical. Along with the cosumes, a summary of the parade was also released. – https://blogmickey.com/2020/01/performer-costume-concept-art-released-for-new-magic-happens-parade-coming-to-disneyland

The new Disney Vacation Club tower coming to the Disneyland Hotel had some concept art released this week. The tower is a mix of retro, but modern, taking design elements from the 60s, including warm wood, lots of glass, and stone. The new tower will contain 350 rooms, including two multi-level grand villas. A Mickey shaped spa and outdoor pool bar will also be part of the new building. If permits are approved and construction goes to plan, the new tower will open in 2023. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/24/check-out-the-first-concept-art-for-the-upcoming-disney-vacation-club-tower-in-disneyland/ and https://www.micechat.com/248767-new-disney-vacation-club-tower-could-be-coming-to-disneyland-hotel/

If you are interested in going to any of the special events at the Food and Wine Festival, its time to get your tickets! The Festival will run from February 28th through April 21st. The special events are $25 each, include a tasting, with Beer, Wine, or Mixology to choose from. There is also the Culinary Adventure Tour for $99, and the Winemaker Reception for $110. Tickets can be purchased at Disneyland.com. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/23/its-time-special-event-tickets-now-available-for-disney-california-adventures-2020-food-and-wine-festival/ and https://www.micechat.com/248733-disney-california-adventure-food-wine-festival-experiences-now-available/

Disney has filed a permit for work in the Haunted Mansion during it’s refurbishment. The permit calls for installation of lighted steel panels, and an opening in an existing wall for a picture box. Rumors suggest that this could be an on-ride photo upgrade, or just some new lighting and effects being added to the attraction. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/01/permit-filed-for-lighted-steel-panels-as-part-of-extensive-haunted-mansion-refurbishment-at-disneyland/

A nice touch to the Haunted Mansion refurbishment has appeared on it’s fence. Original concept art and designs for the attraction are on display at the main gate to the mansion’s front yard. Not only is there artwork for what was eventually selected for the attraction, but early concepts for a completely different experience than what we have today. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/23/whats-new-disneyland-a-spooky-exhibit-floral-minnie-ears-and-more/#more-308418

If stuffing yourself at a buffet is how you want to spend Valentines Day, you should like this next bit of news. To celebrate Valentines Day, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will offer an all you can eat buffet. Options include heart shaped pasta, seasonal Valentines Day desserts, and more. Reservations can be made through the Disneyland.com website. No pricing has been announced. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/disney-parks-appetizing-occasions-january-2020/

For Valentines Day this year, the park has brought back the cherry cotton candy from last year. This limited time offering is your standard cotton candy, but with a cherry flavor. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/23/cherry-cotton-candy-is-back-at-disneyland-for-valentines-day/

There are some new treats available at the Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street. The first is a Mickey Mouse Cookies ‘n Cream Macaron, which is red and yellow cookie, with yellow buttons, and filled with a cookies and cream filling. The second is a Mickey Mouse Club Mousse Cake. This treat is decorated with a chocolate Mickey Mouse Club logo on the front of the cake in the shape of Mickey ears. In the center of the chocolate mousse is a vanilla creme brulee center. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/23/whats-new-disneyland-a-spooky-exhibit-floral-minnie-ears-and-more/

For guests wanting to purchase MaxPass on an iPhone, the process got even easier. Apple Pay is now avaialble for purchasing MaxPass from within the Disneyland app. Apple Pay lets you add your bank credit or debit card to your phone for easy use with fingerprint or face verification for payment. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/01/guests-can-now-use-apple-pay-to-purchase-maxpass-on-the-disneyland-app/

Continuing the trend of Instagrammable walls around the resort, a new photo wall has come to Downtown Disney. The new installation features Sleeping Beauty Castle, with Mickey and Minnie on either side. The new display is located by the old ESPN Zone. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/01/23/whats-new-disneyland-a-spooky-exhibit-floral-minnie-ears-and-more/

More details release about Sweethearts Nite – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disneyland/after-dark-sweethearts-nite/

More details released about Villains Nite! – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/after-dark-villains-nite/

Discussion Topic:

Bob Iger: The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company – Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399592091/

WikiPedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Iger

Official Walt Disney Company Profile: https://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/leaders/robert-a-iger/