DLW 132: Creating Disneyland Magic at Home

This week, leadership changes, requirements at Disney Springs, halfway to Halloween, Dapper Dan serenades, we talk with Rachel on ideas to bring Disney magic into your home, and more!

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News:

Monday, Disney announced a couple of leadership changes that affect both US parks. Former Disneyland Resort President and current Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro will be talking over the Disney Parks Experiences and Products position that was left open after Bob Chapek was promoted to CEO of the Walt Disney Company. D’Amaro’s replacement at Disneyland, Rebecca Campbell will also be moving to a new role in the company and will now be the chairman of Direct to Consumer and International. Both D’Amaro and Campbell were in their current roles for about 7 months. – https://www.micechat.com/259770-major-disney-parks-leadership-changes-announced-josh-damaro-takes-top-spot/

With the news that Rebecca Campbell is leaving, who will take over as President of the Disneyland Resort? Ken Potrock who comes from being the head of consumer products will be taking over. He started his career with Disney by helping to launch the Disney Cruise Line, then was Senior Vice President of Disney Vacation Club. Recently, he oversaw the reimagining of Disney Springs out in Walt Disney World. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/05/breaking-corporate-shakeup-continues-as-new-presidents-are-named-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resort/

One of the leading organizations in the theme park industry, The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions or IAAPA (Eye App Ah), released its recommendations for opening theme parks around the world. (Read the steps from MiceChat) – https://www.micechat.com/259384-disneyland-update-embracing-the-spooky-season/

With Disney Springs opening up soon, TheTimTracker on YouTube was invited out to experience the new precautions. There are signs on the ground ensuring that people stay socially distant, masks are required, they are taking temperatures, and more. There are plenty of hand washing stations and stores are setup to have one entrance and one exit, where possible. – https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=RqSUA14UALIvH1CN&u=/watch%3Fv%3DzkLinoSTQqc%26feature%3Dem-uploademail

Rebecca Campbell shared video this week on Instagram of the Thunderbird military flyover the Disneyland Resort to salute essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thunderbirds flew over other major cities as well, but this was a unique look inside the parks with the flyover happening overhead. – https://www.micechat.com/259384-disneyland-update-embracing-the-spooky-season/

On May 15th, the Disney Parks Blog celebrated Halfway to Halloween. The celebration included a lot of fun festivities, including a Dapper Dan performance, some unique merchandise, and more. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/disneymagicmoments-join-us-for-day-of-disney-magic-to-celebrate-halfway2halloween/

We mentioned that the Dapper Dans took part in the Halfway to Halloween event, and they did so in style! They sung their rendition of Grim Grinning Ghosts, and we think it was a spooky good time! – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/video-the-disneyland-dapper-dans-materialize-for-an-at-home-performance-of-grim-grinning-ghosts-from-the-haunted-mansion/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/voicesfromhome-dapper-dans-harmonize-to-grim-grinning-ghosts/

With the Halfway to Halloween event online, some new Haunted Mansion merchandise was released online. The collection includes Disneyland and Disney World versions of a Spirit Jersey (we see what they did there!), a card case, a Loungefly backpack, and more. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photos-new-the-haunted-mansion-spirit-jersey-minnie-ears-loungefly-bags-and-more-materializing-soon-at-disney-parks-and-shopdisney/

The Haunted Mansion has been pretty well represented in Funko Pop figures over the years, but there is a new set to add to the collection. Figures include the organist, a couple of characters from the stretching room, and more. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photos-exclusive-new-the-haunted-mansion-funko-pop-figures-coming-soon-to-disney-parks-and-shopdisney/

Here we are again with even more Disney recipes! This time there is some of the favorite Halloween treats from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/disneymagicmoments-favorite-recipes-for-your-halfway-to-halloween-celebration/

What better way to say Happy Birthday to friends or loved ones than to have the Dapper Dans sing it to them! The Dapper Dans created another Voices from Home video that can be used to wish anyone a happy birthday. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/video-the-disneyland-dapper-dans-harmonize-for-a-happy-birthday-sing-along-at-home/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/voicesfromhome-happy-birthday-from-the-dapper-dans/

Over 140 Parade alumni of “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” re-created the parade from home this week. The parade just celebrated its 15th anniversary on May 5th. The parade was originally created for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary in 2005. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12658/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_May_18__25_2020#news3 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQn8X0qsZxc#action=share

Back in March, Walt Disney Imagineering wanted to create an uplifting song utilizing their talents, and they just released the song. The video features Imagineers, as well as some familiar characters from the Muppets. It is a great song for those of us that need a pick me up from time to time. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/video-the-muppets-join-walt-disney-imagineering-to-sing-uplifting-new-brave-little-spark-song-written-by-kevin-rafferty/

Disney PhotoPass has released some new wallpapers this week including Halloween themed photos, and just some general all around photos like Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photos-new-halloween-photopass-wallpapers-now-available-from-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resort/

The Country Bear Jamboree collection of Wishables is scheduled to be restocked on shopDisney May 20th. If you are a fan of the Country Bears, this should certainly be added to your collection. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/05/shop-new-limited-release-country-bear-jamboree-wishables-blind-bags-getting-restocked-tomorrow-on-shopdisney/

A new collection has come to shopDisney with the theme of Americana. The collection includes the star and stripes on pins, ears, and Minnie and Mickey! – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/05/shop-new-americana-collection-shines-with-the-stars-and-stripes-on-shopdisney/

A new month, a new Minnie the Main Attraction release has come and gone. Once again, there were some issues with the collection and merchandise resellers making the buying process difficult. Even with a virtual waiting room, there were issues. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/05/shopdisney-fails-again-with-another-limited-edition-merchandise-release-allows-bots-placing-hundreds-of-orders-and-refuses-to-address-security-breach/