July 16-22
Entertainment/WD Company
There are a lot of rumors coming out after Bob Iger renewed his contract as CEO for another two years, mostly concerning selling off parts of the company. The most inflammatory of these is rumor that he is considering selling the company altogether to no-other than Apple. Given the two, I agree that selling parts of the company may be the most prudent. WDW parks attendance is lower compared to last year, and while this is expected, if it continues in an era when Hollywood is also shut down, this could prove problematic. I personally think Disney got too greedy with acquiring part of Fox, Hulu, ESPN. Iger came up through the ranks starting at ABC. The rumors also include selling off ABC, the company’s news division. ABC and Disney have had a longstanding relationship since at least the 1980s if not before. While I like to think that Iger has a fondness for ABC and wouldn’t want to see it gone, as a shrewd business move he may be pushed to do so. This is all speculation at this point as the interview that sparked this information was the Squawk Box interview where he gave cryptic remarks. It’s also reported that Iger had a meeting with Disney leaders to help calm nerves.
Last week I mentioned the Haunted Mansion premier and as expected it premiered without the stars of the film. Instead Cast Members from around the world were present along with Disney characters. The final trailer was just released - click here to watch. Speaking of trailers, The Marvels has another trailer that was released too. Click here to watch this one.
Also in movie news, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 will be available for streaming on Disney+ on August 2nd.
Coming to Disney+ August 25th, as part of a Princess Month celebration, Disney is going to release a new 4K restoration of their classic animated film Cinderella. The colors are incredibly vibrant in the image that’s been released online. I cannot wait to see it in all its glory.
Cinderella’s dress transformation before and after the 4K restoration
West Coast
Soarin’ is back open folks! How exciting. Unless you’re terrified of heights. In which case, how terrifying.
Are you ready for inception-level celebrations? Disneyland is celebrating it’s 68th anniversary on July 17th while the Disney100 is happening contemporaneously. While there wasn’t a huge celebration there was at least a cavalcade. Here is a photo courtesy of WDWNT.com.
Cinderella Castle is in the background while a cavalcade commences with a large banner in shades of purple and silver with many balloons is seen in front to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Disneyland Park.
The work continues on Splash/Tiana and now the tree peak on the mountain has been removed.
It is also the biggest time of the year in fandom. San Diego Comic Con is happening and this year Disney has free rides in Doom Buggy Pedicabs to help promote Haunted Mansion.
East Coast
Hollywood Studios will have extended after-hours for resort guests for September and October.
We are but a few weeks away from the start of the Halloween celebrations at Walt Disney World, and here are the dates of the parties times for the festive activities.
Around the world
At Disneyland Paris, they celebrated the 1st anniversary of the Avengers Campus. Meanwhile Hong Kong Disneyland is nearing completion of the Frozen area construction and it looks great.
Cruise News
There are rumors, I repeat, RUMORS, of a Haunted Mansion-themed bar on the new ship Treasure. If so you bet your bottom dollar I’ll be there. It’s my fave ride at the parks. It’s one I must do. Can’t miss. Also it was released that the characters on the stern of the ship will be none other than Captain Hook and Peter Pan. Check it out here.