MickeyBlog News for July 16th, 2023
Bob Iger is staying, which is a relief to Disney fans…for the moment.
Unfortunately, this carefully planned media op didn’t go perfectly for Disney or Iger, though.
I’ll explain Disney’s chaotic week in the latest MickeyBlog News.
A Necessary Extension
The pandemic and the frequent unforced errors of former CEO Bob Chapek caused more damage than anyone realized.
When Bob Iger triumphantly returned to Disney, fans held unreasonable expectations about how quickly Iger would turn around the ship.
Progress doesn’t come that easily, even for an extremely competent leader like Bob Iger.
Then, Disney suffered an unexpected setback when CFO Christine McCarthy, whom Iger had originally promoted to the role, butted heads with him.
McCarthy has since taken family medical leave, thereby ending her tenure with Disney. And she has stressed to reporters that nothing changed in her home life.
So, Disney’s leader and its financial expert weren’t working in tandem during Iger’s first few months on the job.
On July 20th, we will reach the one-third mark on Iger’s previously announced two-year term. Something had to give, and Disney has done the expected.
The Board of Directors has padded Iger’s deal through the last day of 2026, which makes it technically a 25-month extension.
None of this is the least bit surprising, as multiple MickeyBlog writers had discussed the inevitability of the move.
What happened next…did catch us off-guard, though.
Iger Speaks with CNBC
You may know SAG-AFTRA as Hollywood’s actors’ guild. This group decided to strike on July 13th, thereby joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
For the first time since 1960, companies like Disney face a multi-pronged strike, and it happens at the worst possible moment for many media corporations.
Century-old studios like NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney face monetization issues as they pivot from linear television to streaming.
Now, the dual strikes will delay production on all television and film production indefinitely. These delays will cost the economy billions.
Understandably, Iger woke up grumpy the morning after, but in an instance of horrible timing, he performed a live CNBC interview at 8 a.m. EST.
During this interview, Disney’s CEO laid bare all the struggles the company faced, and he acknowledged that hard choices were in the offing.
Iger hinted that Disney intended to sell many of its linear assets and probably a portion (but not all) of ESPN.
In an unexpected declaration, Iger stated in finite terms that Disney would purchase the remaining ownership interest in Hulu from Comcast.
That’s a $9+ billion check right there. So, some of Iger’s sales will pay for the complete acquisition of Hulu…and possibly more.
As I wrote that day, Iger basically declared an Everything Must Go sale on Disney’s linear assets and maybe some other stuff.
Simultaneously, the CEO denied recent reports that Walt Disney World attendance has declined.
In strong terms, Iger rebutted the argument that the Florida Feud had negatively impacted Disney’s business.
Also, Iger stressed that the parks remain strong and the purest Disney experience possible, which is a lovely sentiment.
Iger did mess up badly with one of his replies, but that’s a side discussion for a different time.
A New Kind of Photo Op
Those of you visiting Walt Disney World soon should make a beeline to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.
I mean that whether you’re staying at these hotels or not. It’s worth the effort.
That’s because Disney is trying something new that I sincerely hope becomes a staple of hotel visits.
For a limited time, the hotel lobbies of these two resorts offer character photographs…but not like you’d think.
The resorts have set up kiosks called Disney Character Clicks. From a distance, they look like framed digital monitors, which is what they are.
However, when you approach one, you’ll notice a place where you can tap your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World card.
Once you do, the monitor will spring to life, displaying beloved characters like Minnie Mouse and Pluto.
They will pose in the digital frame while you and your friends pose with them.
The automated system will snap pictures of you with Disney icons. Even better, you can choose which ones you want in the shot!
Disney’s Instagram post describes this as a PhotoPass option. However, it’s currently free to guests as part of a Disney100 sponsorship with ATT 5G.
I presume that Disney is currently testing this idea. Should it prove popular, you can expect it to return at a later date.
Presumably, at that point, Disney would sell the pictures as part of the PhotoPass package. That’s sheer speculation on my part, though.
Whatever the long-term plan is, this idea is brilliant and well worth your time!
Disney Miscellany
Disney corporate news has dominated the headlines this week, but it’s been a busy time at the parks as well.
Disney just revealed the opening date for San Fransokyo, the new themed land at Disney California Adventure.
The repurposed Paradise Pier space will host guests for the first time on August 31st, which is six weeks from now.
Meanwhile, Toy Story Midway Mania! closes for a month starting tomorrow, July 17th.
Also, all tickets have sold out for the 2023 version of the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland.
Walt Disney World fans should take note and grab your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party before it’s too late.
Speaking of Halloween, Magic Kingdom’s version of Haunted Mansion will close from August 7th through August 9th for refurbishment.
This quick fix is probably minor, but it could signal the impending arrival of the Hatbox Ghost, who Disney previously promised would debut in 2023.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, D23 Gold members will receive unique amenities during Disney Jollywood Nights…for a fee.
If you’re in D23 Gold, you can purchase seating at D23 Fa La La La Lounge (at PizzeRizzo), where you’ll find snacks and drinks and a unique photo op.
Also, you can schedule reserved seating for a performance of the delightful Jingle Belle, Jingle BAM!
Finally, I’ve got some Orlando transportation news that could impact your next visit.
Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have merged, creating a “combined entity” that will transport guests from the airport to Walt Disney World and back.
So, this removes one airport transportation option but probably turns Mears Connect into a more themed experience.
Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine debuts on August 1st.
Have a great week, my many loves!
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