Disney Headlines for July 23rd, 2024
What’s happening in the wide world of Disney this week?
We’ve got turnover at the top of the executive food chain, Cast Member dissatisfaction, a dominant Emmys showing, and a cheap bus.
We’ve got a diverse week of Disney Headlines.
Why Dana Walden Is Smiling
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DianaKing_DanaWalden_0288-H-2021.jpg.webp)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DianaKing_DanaWalden_0288-H-2021.jpg.webp)
Holywood Reporter PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIANA KING
We’ll start with the Headline that could have the longest-lasting impact throughout The Walt Disney Company.
I say this because the company’s CEO paves the path for everything that happens across the Disney empire.
![Dana Walden, Bob Iger and Alan Bergman](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/167593_EM109136-scaled.jpg)
![Dana Walden, Bob Iger and Alan Bergman](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/167593_EM109136-scaled.jpg)
Photo: The Walt Disney Company
While MickeyBlog has been chronicling the race to succeed Bob Iger since pretty much the day he returned, it may be over.
I emphasize the word may because, over the last ten days, we’ve had the sitting POTUS end his candidacy and his opponent survive an assassination attempt.
![Central Florida Tourism oversight district](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CentralFloridaTourismoversightdistrict.jpg)
![Central Florida Tourism oversight district](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CentralFloridaTourismoversightdistrict.jpg)
Central Florida Tourism oversight district
Anybody who tells you that they absolutely know what’s coming next is lying to you. The world’s wholly unpredictable lately.
That statement applies to Disney as well, with the recent bonding session between it and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District the latest proof.
![Dana Walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Issue14-Rambling-Dana-Walden-Getty-H-2021-1618334581.jpg.webp)
![Dana Walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Issue14-Rambling-Dana-Walden-Getty-H-2021-1618334581.jpg.webp)
JON KOPALOFF/GETTY IMAGES
Still, we have a good idea right now of who are the top candidates to replace Iger.
Some recent speculation has suggested that Disney might name his successor later in 2024.
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1423229053-612x612-1.jpg)
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1423229053-612x612-1.jpg)
Photo by Phil Faraone/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
So, anybody in this race must be putting their best foot forward right now.
Dana Walden has been considered the slight favorite over Josh D’Amaro for a while now.
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1180475275-612x612-1.jpg)
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1180475275-612x612-1.jpg)
Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage
This past week, Walden took a victory lap in the Hollywood media because she accomplished something unprecedented.
Disney claimed 183 total Emmy nominations, including 69 from just three shows: Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, and Shogun.
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1472207979-612x612-1.jpg)
![dana walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1472207979-612x612-1.jpg)
Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
The next-closest competitor only managed 107 Emmy nods. So, Disney is waaaaaaay out in front.
As the person in charge of Disney’s television division, Walden takes the credit for that achievement.
![Bob Iger Josh D'Amaro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-1-9.png)
![Bob Iger Josh D'Amaro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-1-9.png)
Photo: orlandothemeparkzone.com
She was already way ahead. Now, her lead is getting close to insurmountable.
D’Amaro will have one more chance at a big swing with the 2024 D23 Expo.
![Dana Walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dana-Walden-2.jpg)
![Dana Walden](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dana-Walden-2.jpg)
Photo: The Walt Disney Company
The race isn’t over, but Walden is the big favorite to be Disney’s next CEO.
Board Turnover
![Bob Iger Knight](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-04-at-18-41-45-Disney-CEO-Bob-Iger-Becomes-Honorary-Knight-in-Ceremony-Led-by-Prince-William-e1717546482853.png)
![Bob Iger Knight](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-04-at-18-41-45-Disney-CEO-Bob-Iger-Becomes-Honorary-Knight-in-Ceremony-Led-by-Prince-William-e1717546482853.png)
Photo: Willow Bay on Instagram (via PEOPLE)
The people who will ultimately decide Iger’s successor are Disney’s Board of Directors.
Last week, we also had some behind-the-scenes intrigue with this group as well.
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-sun-valley-summit-bob-iger-1.png)
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-sun-valley-summit-bob-iger-1.png)
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
As a reminder, Bob Iger technically works under the Board of Directors. Since he’s no longer Executive Chairman, they’re his boss.
So, conflicts of interest are problematic here, with people above Iger able to influence his decisions.
![Peltz and Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Nelson-Peltz-Bob-Iger-Split-Getty-H-2023.jpg.webp)
![Peltz and Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Nelson-Peltz-Bob-Iger-Split-Getty-H-2023.jpg.webp)
HEIDI GUTMAN/CNBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVERSAL/GETTY IMAGES; SLAVEN VLASIC/GETTY IMAGES
Last year, Disney added a couple of new Board members to ward off activist investor Nelson Peltz.
For a time, Disney’s Board included 12 members. That way, if Peltz won, he’d only have one or a maximum of two votes.
![Nelson Peltz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gettyimages-94965915-612x612-1.jpg)
![Nelson Peltz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gettyimages-94965915-612x612-1.jpg)
Photo by Kevin Lorenzi/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Board members discuss and ultimately decide Disney’s strategies across divisions.
So, Iger and the Board calculated a strategy to thwart Peltz’s plans, and that tactic proved successful.
![Bob Iger 2024 Shareholder Meeting](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bob-iger-2024-shareholder-meeting-e1720721934362.jpeg)
![Bob Iger 2024 Shareholder Meeting](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bob-iger-2024-shareholder-meeting-e1720721934362.jpeg)
Bob Iger – 2024 Annual Shareholder Meeting
Now, a new bit of awkwardness has emerged, and it’s for an unexpected reason.
Oracle CEO Safra Catz has resigned from her position as a member of Disney’s Board.
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Safra-Catz-2.jpg)
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Safra-Catz-2.jpg)
Photo: yahoo
Unless you’re into corporate news, you may not even know who that is, but the reason for her resignation is unique.
Catz works for her Chairman of the Board at Oracle, Larry Ellison. The divisive Ellison is currently worth $172 billion.
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Safra-Catz.jpg)
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Safra-Catz.jpg)
Photo: Variety
With that much cash to splash around, Ellison financially supported his son, David Ellison, in his latest endeavor.
In case you haven’t heard, Ellison, through Skydance Entertainment, is purchasing Paramount.
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-2.jpeg)
![Safra Catz](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/images-2.jpeg)
Photo: The Walt Disney Company
That deal isn’t finalized yet, but it should be completed next month.
At that point, Catz’s boss, Ellison, will have a vested interest in Disney’s competitor, Paramount.
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/75.webp)
![Bob Iger](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/75.webp)
(Charley Gallay / Getty Images for Disney)
So, rather than lead to future unpleasantness and mistrust, Iger and Catz agreed it was best for her to leave.
That’s probably good news, as I doubt Iger would do this unless he’s confident Peltz won’t return for Round 3.
The Cast Member Strike
![Disneyland Mickey and Minnie Sleeping Beauty Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Disneyland-Mickey-and-Minnie-Sleeping-Beauty-Castle.png)
![Disneyland Mickey and Minnie Sleeping Beauty Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Disneyland-Mickey-and-Minnie-Sleeping-Beauty-Castle.png)
Photo: Disney
As a personal confession, I hate everything about this story.
A few years ago, I happily reported that Disney had settled its labor issues with Disneyland and Walt Disney World unions.
![characters](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/characters-castle-at-disneyland.jpg.webp)
![characters](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/characters-castle-at-disneyland.jpg.webp)
Disney
At the time, the future appeared bright, with wage issues largely negotiated for several years.
Alas, the pandemic and hyperinflation caused the price of, well, everything to increase significantly, those wages suddenly looked low again.
Disney and its unions are currently negotiating over new deals, but those talks aren’t happening fast enough.
You can read this CNN story to learn more on the why of it. Our own Kristin Sabol has added some context here.
![Disneyland California](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/disneyland-california.webp)
![Disneyland California](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/disneyland-california.webp)
AARONP/BAUER-GRIFFIN/GC IMAGES
I’ll quote Kristin’s salient points on the subject:
“A recent union survey found:
- 28% of cast members experienced food insecurity
- 33% faced housing insecurity
- 42% needed to miss work for medical treatment due to insufficient sick leave.”
![A Sweet Surprise](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-dlr-dca-disneyland-resort-choc-walk-in-the-park-characters-7.png)
![A Sweet Surprise](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-dlr-dca-disneyland-resort-choc-walk-in-the-park-characters-7.png)
A Sweet Surprise
I don’t know about you, but it pains me to read that. Cast Members are some of the best people on this planet.
All they do each day is try to bring joy and a little bit of magic into the lives of strangers. It’s a noble calling.
The Nuances of the Strike
![dollars](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gettyimages-157191340-612x612-1.jpg)
![dollars](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gettyimages-157191340-612x612-1.jpg)
Photo: Getty
From Disney’s perspective, the financials of it may surprise you.
Currently, there are an estimated 112,000 Cast Members at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
![Volunt-EARS](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-dlr-dca-disneyland-resort-choc-walk-in-the-park-volunteer-ears.png)
![Volunt-EARS](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-dlr-dca-disneyland-resort-choc-walk-in-the-park-volunteer-ears.png)
Volunt-EARS
If Disney increased each worker’s pay by $5 an hour, it’d lead to an annual salary of $10,400 more per person.
On Disney’s end, the annual cost increase would be $1.165 billion.
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-1-e1719889345358.png)
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-1-e1719889345358.png)
Photo: Orange County Register
Just to be clear, that’s not the total cost. It’s just for the salary increases.
If Disney paid everyone a minimum of $30 per hour as Abigail Disney and others have suggested, that’d be right at $7 billion for salary.
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-2.png)
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-2.png)
Photo: Orange County Register
That’s not counting Disney’s healthcare expenses or the like. The workers in that theory would earn $62,400 annually.
For its part, Disney’s theme parks division had operating income of nearly $9 billion last year.
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-4.png)
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-4.png)
Photo: Orange County Register
So, such a pay increase would wipe out more than half the profit.
That would almost assuredly lead to more cost-cutting measures at the parks, price increases, and less expansion/innovation.
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-5.png)
![2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Disneyland-Cast-Union-Passing-Out-Buttons-5.png)
Photo: Orange County Register
The push-and-pull of capitalism is nuanced and challenging. But if I lived in California, I’d still picket with these Cast Members.
Please find an equitable solution for this mess, Disney. The whole thing bums out even your most loyal fans.
The Cheap Bus
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disneys-Magical-Express.jpg)
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disneys-Magical-Express.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Finally, I want to bring your attention to a Headline making the rounds right now.
A few months ago, LYNX announced that it was getting into the Magical Express replacement business.
![Magical Express](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/magical-Express.jpg)
![Magical Express](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/magical-Express.jpg)
Photo Credit: DVDRentalStore.com
That’s what I call the various transportation vendors trying to claim the former customers of Magical Express.
Some would-be businesses like The Sunshine Flyer didn’t quite make it. That business ultimately merged with Mears Transportation.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mears-Sunshine-Flyer-1.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mears-Sunshine-Flyer-1.png)
Photo:Mears
Now, Mears is probably the most popular option for guests who don’t want to ride-share or rent a car.
However, LYNX noticed that the reviews of Mears weren’t exactly glowing. So, the company has offered a new option.
![Orlando International Airport](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/960x0-2.jpg)
![Orlando International Airport](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/960x0-2.jpg)
Photo: Forbes
You can now take a LYNX shuttle from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs.
At that point, you’ll rely on Disney transportation to get you to your hotel.
![Lynx Bus](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lynx-Bus-2.jpg)
![Lynx Bus](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lynx-Bus-2.jpg)
Photo: Lynx
So, I’d argue that Mears is a bit more convenient…but LYNX is winning on price.
Folks, this new transportation option costs $2 for a one-way trip.
![Lynx Bus](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lynx-Bus.jpg)
![Lynx Bus](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lynx-Bus.jpg)
Photo: Wikipedia
Yeah, that’s ridiculously cheap. You probably paid more for your coffee this morning.
You may wonder what the shuttles look like. Here’s a TikTok of the reporter’s experience:
@meaghanmackeytv Life hack: The is the cheapest way to get to Walt Disney World from the airport #DisneyWorld #WDW #cheaptravel #cheaptraveltips #disneytraveltips
Not bad, right? You definitely can’t beat the price, either. So, keep this option in mind for your next trip.
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