In this edition of the Weekly Disney Round-Up: a major shakeup at Disney just took place, a ton of updates on the business front of Disney, plus a new bakery is headed to the Boardwalk.
This is your Disney news round-up for the week of November 14, 2022.
Business of Disney
Walt Disney World Announces Ticket Price Increase: Ticket prices are on the rise! Walt Disney World has announced park-specific prices for 1-day, 1-park ticket, that will go into effect on December 8. The price of the ticket will vary, depending on the park and the date.
Annual Passes On Hold Through 2022: No Annual Passes in 2022. When Disney announced that the price of a Walt Disney World Annual Pass will increase, speculation was that Annual Passes would be available for purchase once the price increase goes into effect in December. However, there is no indication when those passes will go back on sale. It is being reported that guests wishing to purchase an Annual Pass will not be able to do so until sometime in 2023.
Layoffs and Hiring Freezes Coming to Disney: A memo from Disney CEO Bob Chapek published earlier in the week stated layoffs and a hiring freeze are coming soon within the Walt Disney Company. It is not clear if Walt Disney World will be affected by the cutbacks.
More Information on Disney’s Affordable Housing Released: Affordable Housing is Coming to Central Florida! Earlier this year, we shared the news of plans for a new affordable housing development project that will be built in Central Florida, more specifically, very close to Disney theme parks.
The Cake Bake Shop Coming to the Boardwalk: Sweet Treats Coming to the Boardwalk! As Disney’s Boardwalk continues to add new offerings and refreshed spaces for guests to enjoy, we are excited to share with you that The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to The Boardwalk in 2023!
Food Guide to EPCOT‘s International Festival of the Holidays: The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth will kick off on November 25 and will run through December 30. EPCOT will award us our seasonal fix as we enjoy holidays worldwide with this classic festival.
Daytime Christmas Parade Featured at Magic Kingdom: More Ho Ho Ho! in the Magic Kingdom! From December 23 through December 31, 2022, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom will be treated to viewing “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” twice a day – at noon and 3:00 pm.
Chapek Out, Iger Back In as Disney CEO
Disney has issued the following statement:
“The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.”
Reports Show Iger Knew of Changes on Friday, But Chapek Knew Only Moments Before: No advanced warning for Chapek. CNBC reported that The Walt Disney Board was in discussion with Bob Iger on Friday evening, November 18, about the possibility of returning as CEO. A deal was reached between the two parties Sunday night. Bob Chapek was notified of the decision, but not until moments before the announcement went public.
Disney Cruise Line
DCL Returns to In-Person Assembly Drills: In-person drills are back! As Disney Cruise Line continues to relax some of its last remaining pandemic regulations, the cruise line announced earlier this month that guests will no longer be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (regardless of vaccination status) prior to sailing. Now Disney Cruise line has recently informed travel agents that based on a review of their processes, “all Guests will be required to report to their assigned assembly station in person at the scheduled time on the day they embark.”
Disney Will Purchase Massive Cruise Ship: Disney Cruise Line has announced that it will purchase and complete an unfinished cruise ship previously known as the Global Dream in Wismar, Germany. Disney will rename the ship and add Disney-designed features.
Biggest Disney news this week: Chapek’s firing or daytime Christmas parades at Magic Kingdom?